Here we are again with yet another episode of FirstPlay to digest, and we must say this week’s content is shaping up pretty well with an RPG lover’s dream (or not) in the form of a review of 3D Dot Game Heroes; on top of that is a review of Lost Planet 2 and a sneak peek at the new PSP addition to the MGS series, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. If that doesn’t float your boat, there are screenshots of strategy game R.U.S.E., a brand new Spider-Man game and much more. In the Network Highlights section there’s a How To… guide for Final Fantasy XIII and a round-up of the best content on the store at the moment. Anything else? Only a Kane & Lynch 2 PS3 Theme to add to your collection. Still not sold? Read on…

HD REVIEWS AND PREVIEWS

So this week sees not one but two additions in terms of reviews as well as a Blu-Ray review and a preview to top it all off. This week’s reviews are of Lost Planet 2 and 3D Dot Game Heroes as well as a video review of Ninja Assassin. Lastly in the section we have an exclusive look at the upcoming PSP title, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.

First up, we have the Lost Planet 2 Review. The review itself gives you a glimpse at the various locales in the game including the new-found Forests and Deserts, complimenting the graphics on how lush the jungle environments are but also noting that although the large enemies are incredibly detailed, the textures in scenes including these beasts seem to be a bit ‘bland’. Next on the agenda, is multiplayer. FirstPlay highlights how good the Competitive gameplay is, with all of your generic modes like Deathmatch; however the game seems to lose the plot a bit within the Co-operative modes, stating that it over-simplifies the gameplay and gets a bit repetitive (read: dataposts). Other than that though, FirstPlay seemed pretty impressed with the game overall, which comes a surprise when you see how low a score they give it.

BLERGHHH! Big monsters play a starring role in Lost Planet 2

FirstPlay also have a 3D Dot Game Heroes (3DDGH) review for you to peruse. 3DDGH is a tribute to all of those RPGs in the 80s and early 90s, especially The Legend of Zelda. The story itself is said to be a very self-aware cliché emulating these retro RPGs. In the review you get to see the process of upgrading your weapons, visiting towns and villages, and exploring the various ecosystems of the world. The highlight of the game according to FP though are the temple sections, these bits are full of puzzles and monsters which really bring the game to justice. Again, FirstPlay like the blocky graphics but once again go for a low score.

Next in this section we have the headline feature – the Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker preview. The preview itself shows off the games Stealth heavy gameplay, as well as a look at features old and new. The weapons also make an appearance and you get to have a little look at the new co-operative modes, namely the armour loadouts which play a major role in co-op. In addition to this, you get to see the PSP put through its paces with some of the best graphics that I’ve seen on the console yet.

Lastly in this section we have the Ninja Assasin Blu-Ray review. FirstPlay likes the action packed story but says it can border on to other movies’ storylines with some clichéd lines throughout – namely Alien is mentioned here.

In the adverts portion of this episode, you’ll get your usual ads with Sky TV, Just Cause 2, God of War III and a new addition of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (that’s the movie not the game).

SCREENSHOTS

In the Screenshots section this week is a whole mix of genres including action-packed Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days, the strategic R.U.S.E., a new addition to the Spider-Man franchise with Spider-Man: Shattered Dimension and one for the sports fans with Madden NFL 11.

First in this section we have Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days, with just over ten screenshots. In this pack you’ll get to see some of the gunplay featured in the game as well as as the destructive environments and co-operative gameplay. Also featured are the dark dank alleyways which play a major part in the game’s setting. It’s been promised that preview footage will be featured in a future episode.

Next is Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, which is actually shaping up to be a decent game compared to its predecessors. There are ten screenshots in this pack, which look at features like melee combat, the new ‘Noir Spiderman’ gameplay which will focus on stealth, as well as the various environments which are set throughout time.

Grrrrrrr.... Not another Spider-Man game, at least it's not a movie tie-in.

Our third “collection” is of  Madden NFL 11. Only four screenshots here sadly, but you do get a glimpse of the remastered technology in the game including reconstructed AI, new face technology and a simplified version of the gameplay. It has also been said that the technology featured in the game will be spread across EA’s range of sports games.

Lastly we have R.U.S.E. which is like the game of Risk except electronically. In this pack of twelve screenshots you get to see the strategic gameplay in the Single Player campaign, as well as a few cutscenes. Also featured are shots of the two extremes of view – very high up, and very low down. The last few screenshots are ‘Tactical Deception Cards’ i.e. special power-ups which you can use to get one over on your enemies – think like the God Powers in Age of Mythology.

NETWORK HIGHLIGHTS

For those confused by the Paradigm system in Final Fantasy XIII, look no further, as this week FirstPlay provides help with their latest addition to the How To… series – How To Create The Perfect Party In Final Fantasy XIII. Don’t fret if you don’t own FFXIII though as there’s plenty more content for you including the Best of PSN, a Video Store Round-Up and a trip down memory lane with a look at the best PS One Classics on the Store at the moment.

We’ll start off with the newest addition to the How To… Guides with a look at How To Create The Perfect Party In Final Fantasy XIII. In this feature you’ll get helpful advice on efficient use of techniques as well as tactical timing of attacks and a mention of equipping accessories and using shrouds. The feature focuses mainly on the Paradigm system though, with a variety of suggestions to help you with a range of battles – including how to finish an easy battle quickly, and how to survive a battle with some of the less tame monsters.

Understanding the Paradigm system is imperative to beat the harder enemies in Final Fantasy XIII

Next is another look at some PS One Classics, which features the stealthy Metal Gear Solid as well as its apparent inspiration James Pond 2, Codename Robocod. Lastly on the list we have the colourful Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors’ Dreams.

We also get another round-up of the Best of PSN this week. First off is the strategic Greed Corp, followed by the beautiful expansion pack Zen Pinball: Earth Defense Table, also featured is the addictive Wakeboarding HD and the PS mini This Is Football Management. Lastly you get to see the WipEout HD Fury Dynamic Theme.

Lastly in this section is the Video Store Round-Up. In this installment of the feature you get to see the nonsensical Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, the new-ish Rom-Com Zombieland, the teenage girl’s dream Twilight Saga: New Moon as well as the (kind of) hilarious Invention of Lying, and lastly Moon (which is FirstPlay’s Pick of the Week).

FEATURED DOWNLOADS

In this week’s download section, there is the new addition of the Kane & Lynch Theme as well as the age old Just Cause 2 - yes, you guessed it - Parachute. Below is a screenshot of the new theme, and it has been confirmed that next week will feature a mini.

The new Kane & Lynch FirstPlay Theme

FINAL SUMMARY

Well it seems like we’ve had a fantastic offering from FirstPlay this week with two reviews, a preview of the biggest PSP game this year as well as some awesome screenshots of a variety of games. On top of that, there’s a mass of content to help you decide what to get on the PlayStation Store as well as some top class tips for Final Fantasy XIII. Finally we have the Kane and Lynch Theme, not a bad episode, we think? 9/10

NEXT WEEK

Episode 007 of FirstPlay will feature a review of Skate 3, and, can we emphasise any more that next week’s episode will include a free PS mini. Episode 007 will be ready for download on the Wednesday 19th May.

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