Resident Evil 6 Xbox 360

Released on 02-Oct-2012

• Resident Evil 6 is Capcom's biggest game ever

  The just-announced sixth entry in the core Resident Evil series is the largest project ever undertaken by publisher Capcom, the game's executive producer has revealed.

  Speaking in a video blog posted to the Capcom Unity website, Hiroyuki Kobayashi explained that the game is being created by a vast development team of over 600 people, drawn from Capcom studios around the world. Just 150 of the game's team are based at the company's Osaka headquarters.

  "Our goal with this new chapter in the series was not only to draw from the fundamentals that made previous entries in the Resident Evil series so great, but to also add entirely new breathtaking aspects", he explained, also adding that the game will boast "a larger world and deeper experience than you have played before."

  Resident Evil 6, due on November 20th for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC, will top off a big year for the franchise. This week sees the release of 3DS exclusive Resident Evil: Revelations, while March 23rd brings Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, a US-developed third-person-shooter set in the game's famous zombie-infested streets.

• Dragon's Dogma receives May 2012 launch date

  Capcom has announced that its brand new open-world action game Dragon's Dogma will be hitting stores worldwide in May 2012.

  The new title for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 is being developed by the same team behind the acclaimed Resident Evil 4 and Devil May Cry 4, allowing players to explore a rich fantasy world.

  As they embark on their quest to destroy a powerful dragon, players will interact with hundreds of fully voiced characters, battle mystical creatures and learn to take advantage of an in-depth battle system.

  Uniquely, the game allows players to recruit up to three intelligent AI partners called Pawns, who can be trained up with specific skills and traded with other fans online.

  Capcom has also revealed that people who buy Dragon's Dogma will gain exclusive first access to the demo version of the eagerly awaited Resident Evil 6.

  All copies of the game come with a download token for the demo, which can be redeemed in July 2012 for Xbox 360 and in September for PlayStation 3.

  Published: 02/02/2012

• Capcom releases more Resident Evil 6 details

  Capcom has paused from gnawing at the guts of a dead Raccoon City police officer just long enough to cough up a few more details on the upcoming, and long awaited, Resident Evil 6.

  There will be a third playable character, the publisher has confirmed, joining series regulars Chris Redfield and Leon Kennedy. No name has been given to this mysterious character, but Capcom has said that he's a mercenary and his sections of the game take place in a war torn Eastern European state.

  Other snippets of info include the fact that the game is set in 2013, placing it fifteen years after the events of the first Resident Evil game, and that Chris Redfield will be a grumpy puppy, having been hit with a "personal trauma" some six months before the game begins. Maybe someone made fun of all his belts, holsters and buckles.

  Capcom has also released details of a new enemy type. The J'avo is a new strain of biomutant, capable of understanding human speech and operating in groups. They're able to regenerate lost body parts, replacing limbs with tentacles that lash out and grab weapons from your hand.

  Resident Evil 6 is due for release on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC on November 20th. It tops off a particularly evil year, following 3DS horror hit Resident Evil: Revelations, out now, and the forthcoming Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, due on March 23rd. The fifth movie in the cult film spin-off also lands this summer. You just can't keep a good zombie down.

• New Resident Evil 6 game details break loose

  Capcom has scared up a few new titbits of information pertaining to Resident Evil 6, the newest instalment in its iconic survival horror series.

  Coinciding with the launch of a fresh trailer for the game, the developer revealed that the new story takes place in 2013, several years after Resident Evil 5, in the midst of a massive global zombie outbreak.

  Dotted among the shambling hordes, players will encounter a new breed of enemy called the J'avo, powerful regenerating creatures that are capable of understanding speech and coordinating their attacks.

  However, the game's protagonists will have a few new tricks of their own, as Resident Evil 6 will allow players to move and shoot at the same time, as well as execute rolls and hide behind cover.

  Capcom will unleash its latest bloodcurdling adventure in November 2012 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, with a PC version to follow later.

  Fans who pick up Capcom's forthcoming fantasy RPG Dragon's Dogma will be able to gain early access to a demo of Resi 6 this summer.

  Published: 20/02/2012

• Capcom 'would love to see more 3DS Resident Evil games'

  The success of Resident Evil: Revelations on Nintendo 3DS has left developer Capcom keen on the idea of more Resi games on the handheld in future.

  Producer Masachika Kawata told IGN that the strong sales and positive fan reaction to Revelations has made him keen to make another 3DS Resident Evil, adding that he already has some ideas in mind.

  Although the Capcom man noted that the team is currently busy with other projects, the enthusiasm over the January launch of the game has made him keen to get straight back to making a Revelations follow-up.

  "Game development is always a very taxing process ... and the only thing that gets us through is the belief that at the end of the journey, there are people waiting to enjoy the game," he observed.

  Resident Evil: Revelations has won critical acclaim for its stunning 3D visuals, compelling online mode and its blend of old-school survival horror style with exciting action.

  The success of the game will also help to whet appetites for Resident Evil 6, which will arrive on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC later this year.

  Published: 05/03/2012

• Dragon's Dogma 'to feature intelligent AI partners'

  Capcom has provided details of the innovative new AI partner system for its upcoming fantasy epic Dragon's Dogma for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

  Kento Kinoshita, one of the key designers on the forthcoming release, has explained to the official Capcom Unity blog the ins and outs of the pawn system, which lets players create their own AI companions for their long journey.

  Gamers will tailor their pawn's appearance, job, skills and weapons, but from this point onwards the pawn will learn traits organically, observing the player's own tactics and play style so they can mirror it.

  As the adventure progresses, pawns will learn different characteristics, dialogue options and battle approaches, becoming "comprised of each player's unique feelings", according to Mr Kinoshita.

  Once traded, pawns can then be traded between different players' games, filling the world of Dragon's Dogma with all sorts of unusual characters.

  Developed by the team behind Resident Evil 4 and Devil May Cry 4, Dragon's Dogma launches in May 2012 and will also provide early access to the upcoming demo of the eagerly awaited Resident Evil 6.

  Published: 13/03/2012

• Bring On the Bad Guys!

  
  

  

  This week sees the release of Prototype 2, where the Alex Mercer, hero from the first game seems to have become the new bad guy to beat. So, in celebration of all things vile and villainous, the digital team has once again been gently prodded to share with you our favourite evil-doers. These are the people, who, in the style of Bugsy Malone, are "the very best at being bad"

  
  

  

  Glenn - Mad Mod

  Diablo is the Lord of Terror and a Prime Evil of Hell. That's a job title that alone warrants a spot on our best bad guys list.

  He manipulates his opponents using their innermost fears and then obliterates them with his Demonic strength and incredibly powerful Spells. The strongest Demon in Hell, named after the Devil himself, and seemingly indestructible (Read - he's been destroyed a number of times, even with the Arch Angels helping and he's still keeps ticking, like a malevolent Duracell bunny), devious and able to possess his enemies, Diablo is the Ultimate Bad Guy. And he's back in Diablo 3!
  

  

  Marc - Analyst to the Stars

  The little girl from F.E.A.R. - Alma Wade.

  She was scary. Honest. Like the girl from the Ring (Japanese version, obviously). The first corridor experience with her and the ceiling of blood is one of the scariest scenes ever in a game.

  The Music and Sound was eerie too. It was just all far too scary and Alma was the cause of it all.

  Carl - Design Doodler

  Shao Kahn from Mortal Kombat. Because he is a massive #@+! and I can't kill him!

  

  Ali - Queen of the Internet

  My favourite video game villain is Revolver Ocelot. He started life in Metal Gear Solid as a random gunslinger who you could kill if you (as Solid Snake) waited for him to need to reload his revolver - he really should have named himself something with more than 6 bullets!

  After cutting off his arm you assume that's the end of him, but he's more maniacal than you realise as he replaces his arm with that of your dead clone brother Liquid Snake. In a strange twist of surgery his arm takes over his mind so you have to beat him again in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. Finally the epic family feud of a lifetime is over, but with Metal Gear nothing ever seems to stay dead. Roll on Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance!

  James - Captain Category

  G-Man from Half-Life - not really a villain but still very creepy

  

  Nick - Colonel Category

  Wesker from Resident Evil.
  
  How many times did he die escape get retconned? Nigh on unkillable (until the muddle that was Resident Evil 5), the variety of his super powers (whatever the situation demanded, basically) and his smartass one-liners made him the man (ish?) well all loved to hate.

  Plus, sunglasses in those dark places, yes, THAT's how hard he was!

  Louis - Merchandising Meddler

  Wesker be top of my favourite picks, too. From his humble beginnings in a dual life as a scientist/Umbrella genius/STARS Leader, he goes about sacrificing his entire team in the name of science... and obtaining reliable combat data.

  After he is foiled by Chris and Jill, Wesker fakes his own death, escapes, and, not content with the destruction of Raccoon City, tries to continue his research away from the tenacious and meddling Redfield...

  But, Wesker is a bad guy and is therefore doomed to fail. After failing twice, mutating his body beyond belief and moving to Africa, he becomes nothing short of annoying and impossible to kill. The only way he is stopped is by being tackled by Chris and Eva and hundreds of bullets later, is engulfed in a pool of lava.

  Truly special, I'll always remember him for his rubbish sunglasses (worn at all times) and even worse Matrix-esque coat (RE 5). It was also really weird the way his accent changed too. He went from camp American to indignant English... I guess that cemented the transformation from mildly devious to completely evil!

  My second pick would be The Shredder (many Turtles games, but in particular, the 1989 TMNT Arcade Game). Not content with burning down April's apartment building, he kidnaps her too - forcing the Turtles into action and on a mission to end all missions. To a degree, menacing, but generally just annoying and incessant ; )

  Finally, I'd say my third pick would be Dr. Robotnik from Sonic. Generally, he's also just annoying, but also very devious and innovative. From trying to run Sonic down with a drill machine, to smashing Sonic with a giant wrecking ball, to trying to drown Sonic, to pitting Sonic against Metal Sonic in a race to save Amy Rose. Robotnik never gives up... You gotta love a good villain!

  

  Robyn - In-Yer-Face Interfacer

  Baron von Blubba. You know, the whale in Bubble Bobble! When time runs out it goes ape and super fast... Waaaaaah!!!! (o_o)

  Damien - Good Word Writing Man

  Does 'Dragonforce - Through the Fire and Flames' from Guitar Hero: World Tour count? Talk about an unbeatable enemy... No? Well then there's always the Joker in Arkham Asylum and City - played with delicious glee by Mark Hamill. He won an award for it and everything.

• Resident Evil 6 "over twice as long" as Resident Evil 5

  Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, producer on Capcom's upcoming Resident Evil 6, has spoken with the PlayStation Blog and revealed that the game will be more than double the length of the 2009 hit, Resident Evil 5.

  The expanded length is down to the fact that Resident Evil 6 tells three stories, which overlap. Each story "is probably around 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the volume of the whole game in Resident Evil 5" according to Hirabayashi. "So with three separate storylines, there's plenty to play here," he says.

  The three stories follow different pairs of characters in different locations around the world. Leon Kennedy teams up with new character Helena Harper in the USA, Jake Muller and Sherry Birkin tackle the biohazard in Eastern Europe, while Chris Redfield partners with the unfortunately named Tony Ponce in China.

  Hirabayashi also demonstrated the new Crossover mechanic, which allows for four-player co-op at key points in the story. If you're playing with a friend, and reach a point in the game where two stories overlap, you'll be teamed up with two other partners chosen randomly online, who are also at the same point but as different characters.

  "The concept of this feature is to have people joining you in real time and seamlessly," Hirabayashi explains, "So whenever you happen to be at a point where you get to China as Leon, for example, somebody else in the world who's playing roughly at the same time and they're also about to get at that point or they're already there as Jake, he or she will join you. So the idea is more to have a surprise about who's going to play with you."

  Resident Evil 6 lumbers into life with a blood-curdling moan this October for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.
  

• Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami loves Skyrim

  He may have created one of the creepiest games ever by confining players in a gloomy mansion with flesh-eating zombies, but Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami has fallen in love with the open world game design of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

  "It's a fantastic game. Just amazing," the legendary Japanese designer told PSM3 magazine. "To have such a huge open world and so much freedom is wonderful, and the gameplay too is so varied; all those parameters and details that you can tweak and that affect the game. The characters are great too."

  Mikami last worked on the franchise he created with Resident Evil 5, before moving on to develop cult favourites such as the 2010 shooter Vanquish. He's now heading up Tango Gameworks and working on Project Zwei, a mysterious new game for Skyrim publisher, Bethesda.

  Described as a return to survival horror, it's doubtful that Zwei will be anything like Skyrim, but Mikami is keen to incorporate the same level of freedom into future projects. "We don't have hundreds of staff, so I'd keep it simple", he explained. "I'd introduce one major rule, but within that you'd be free to play it however you like. It would be a game that mixes the best of the old kind of games with this relatively new open-world concept."

  The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is out now for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.
  

• Resident Evil 6 - Preview

  
  

  

  Betting Big

  Capcom has a lot riding on its next Resident Evil title. Having launched in 1996 on PSone, the Resident Evil series has gone on to sell around 50 million units. Its high-point was 2005's universally acclaimed Resident Evil 4, which cemented the series' status as king of the survival horror genre, but the subsequent games haven't quite been able to match that, something that's often attributed to Capcom's efforts to appeal to a broader audience.

  There have been a number of spinoffs in recent years, while 2009's Resident Evil 5 offered an action-focused take on the series that didn't sit well with some fans. Needless to say, everyone's hoping for a return to form with Resident Evil 6, not least Capcom, which has assembled an enormous staff of over 600 people to work on the project.

  Something For Everyone

  Resident Evil 6 will offer three campaign sections, each boasting separate but intertwining storylines and different styles of gameplay. Playable in any order, there's a gothic survival horror game starring Leon Kennedy based in the United States, an all-out action shooter with Chris Redfield in a Chinese coastal town, and a dodge and punch melee adventure featuring Jake Muller set in Eastern Europe.

  

  On opposite sides of the world, Leon and Chris find themselves at twin ground zeroes as targeted bioterrorist attacks rock the US and China, turning those infected with a new C-Virus into gruesome monsters. Mutations take different forms, so players will encounter multiple enemy types, from regular zombies to J'avo - a group of brutes capable of using advanced weaponry, healing themselves, and even interacting with each other to plan attacks.

  Caught in the middle is a mercenary named Jake Muller, who happens to be the son of Albert Wesker, formerly the primary antagonist of the series but now deceased. Muller's blood holds the cure to the C-Virus, which makes him the most valuable man in the world, and a hunted one - Resident Evil 6's director, Eiichiro Sasaki, has described Jake's campaign as "a story of escape". Capcom has said each of the three plotlines will take around ten hours to complete, and there have been plenty of unconfirmed rumours suggesting that a fourth, as-yet-unannounced campaign may also be in the works.

  

  Return to form?

  There's not long to go now until Resident Evil 6's release - the game's launch was recently brought forward from November to October - but Capcom isn't revealing its full hand just yet. Multiplayer is still to be properly revealed, and a drop-in, drop-out co-operative element has been promised too. That said, the game already feels big, highly ambitious, and looks gorgeous to boot.

  Our only real concern is whether Resident Evil 6's different storylines and campaign gameplay styles will all mesh together seamlessly, or if the package as a whole will feel as if it's missing a strong identity. Capcom faces a tricky task in trying to balance the best elements of older survival horror games with more modern action ones, but if it succeeds Resident Evil 6 could set a new standard for the long-running series.

  Published: 18/07/2012

• Agent Hunt mode lets you become the zombies in Resident Evil 6

  Agent Hunt mode lets you become the zombies in Resident Evil 6

  From Japanese gaming site Famitsu comes news of what might be the biggest addition to the Resident Evil saga since it launched back in 1996: player-controlled monsters.

  According to the respected magazine, upcoming sequel Resident Evil 6 will feature a new mode called Agent Hunt. Nothing to do with Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible, this mode will instead allow you to flip the series on its head and play as the mutated creatures trying to sink their fangs and claws into heroes like Chris Redfield and Leon Kennedy.

  Unlike the popular Mercenaries mode, which has been a mainstay of the Resident Evil games, Agent Hunt is integrated into the main story mode. Once you've beaten the game you'll be able to activate Agent Hunt for whatever stages you like. When replayed, online players will then be able to drop into your game and direct the horde against you. Those playing as the monsters will even be able to communicate with each other via voice chat in order to outsmart you.

  This won't be the only new idea at play in Resident Evil 6. The game tells three simultaneous stories, following Redfield, Kennedy and Jake Muller, son of series villain Albert Wesker, as they battle T-virus mayhem around the globe. Each storyline will allow the game to try different gameplay styles, from traditional horror to cover-based shooting to hand-to-hand combat.

  Resident Evil 6 will shuffle into view in October, making sinister moaning noises at the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.

• Resident Evil 6 will feature secret Ada Wong campaign

  We've known for some time that Resident Evil 6 will feature three overlapping story strands, following characters from the previous games as they tackle a global T-virus outbreak so bad that even the President has gone zombie. Now it's been revealed that there'll be a secret fourth story campaign, unlocked once you complete the game.

  While the main game will have partners for the main characters - Leon Kennedy, Chris Redfield and Jake Muller - Ada will face her challenges alone. Playing her missions will allow you to experience moments from the other stories from a different point of view, Capcom has explained.

  Ada is one of the most mysterious characters in the Resident Evil canon. Introduced in 1998's Resident Evil 2, she works for the bad guys but helps Leon Kennedy survive his ordeal in the ruins of Raccoon City. She returned in Resident Evil 4 wearing her iconic red dress and toting a tommy gun. It's what all the best dressed zombie killers are wearing this season, don't you know.

  Resident Evil 6 is already shaping up to be one of the most generous games in the series. This week already saw the announcement of Agent Hunt mode, also unlocked after completing the game, which allows other players online to invade your game and control the zombies and monsters.

  Resident Evil 6 is slowly shambling towards us, and should be within grabbing distance in October. It'll be out for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

• No multiplayer Achievements or Trophies for Resident Evil 6

  The list of Xbox Achievements and PlayStation Trophies for Capcom's upcoming horror epic Resident Evil 6 has been revealed, and it's good news for those who like to max out their score solo. All of the game's Achievements and Trophies can be obtained without playing the online Mercenaries or Agent Hunt modes.

  Instead, all fifty awards are handed out for progression through the games three story strands, as well as for mastering the various combat options. Collecting figurines, customising your dog tags and earning medals and custom titles also unlocks rewards. There are four awards based around completing the game on different difficulty settings.

  Resident Evil 6 shakes up the long-running series with multiple overlapping globe-trotting storylines, as well as varying play styles. Traditional survival horror will rub shoulders with cover-based shooting and even hand-to-hand fighting. Completing the game will unlock the new Agent Hunt mode, which will allow online players to enter your game and take control of monsters to make life harder.

  Resident Evil 6 sinks its teeth into our delicious brain meat from October, for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

  Published: 08/08/2012

• Capcom Announces Stunning Sci-Fi Adventure 'Remember Me'

  
  

  Capcom has announced it will publish Remember Me, an exciting looking science fiction action adventure from French developer Dontnod.

  The game is set in Paris in the year 2084. Technology known as Sensation Engines, or Sen-Sen, allows people to record and share their experiences, but this leads to a black market trade in illegal memories. The game's heroine, Nilin, is naturally gifted at using the technology and uses her gifts to take down the corporation responsible.

  In a demo shown at the German Gamescom fair yesterday, we see Nilin infiltrating a building by using her powers to hack doors and disorientate guards, with some nifty hand-to-hand combat as back up. More interesting still is another scene in which she hacks the memories of another character, to make him believe he tried to murder his wife. Players will be able to replay, rewind and reformat these memories to create the perfect fake memories with which to distract and manipulate other characters.

  The team behind Remember Me is drawn from former employees of Ubisoft, EA and Criterion. The announcement comes as part of what is turning out to be a very successful year for Capcom. Resident Evil 6, Lost Planet 3 and the rebooted Devil May Cry are all on the horizon, along with a sequel to the excellent RPG, Dragon's Dogma.
  

• There can be only one - will you wear the Resident Evil 6 Champion's Belt?

  Capcom has announced that the upcoming Resident Evil 6 will be supported by a browser-based community hub, rather imaginatively known as ResidentEvil.net.

  The free service will keep track of everything you do in the game, counting up how many monsters you've killed, what medals you've earned and other stats, and will also connect to Facebook and Twitter so you can compare your progress against your friends. There'll be associated apps for all the leading smartphones and tablets, so you'll be able to to gauge your gory progress on the move.

  Signing up for ResidentEvil.net will also enable you to earn points that can be cashed in for costumes and items in the game's Mercenaries multiplayer mode. Perhaps most exciting is the news that there will be special contests for members. The prize will be the Champion's Belt, a unique item that can only be held by one player at a time. Whoever holds the belt will be expected to defend it by taking part in more contests, or risk losing it.

  It's yet another inventive online twist added to the game, following on from the recently revealed Agents mode which will allow other players to drop into your game and control the monsters.

  Along with ResidentEvil.net, Capcom has confirmed that development on Resident Evil 6 has now been completed. The game is finished, and ready for its October 2nd launch. Look out for it on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

  Published: 22/08/2012

• Resident Evil 6 - Review

  
  

  

  Bang For Your Buck

  Resident Evil 6 features elements of what began as a horror series but its focus is definitely geared towards a cinematic-style shooter. Utilising the semi-free camera system and third-person over the shoulder perspective that reinvented the action genre with Resident Evil 4, it's a highly generous offering featuring tens of hours of zombie fire-fights interspersed with high-octane action sequences inspired by the likes of the Call of Duty and Uncharted games.

  The title boasts four individual campaigns lasting around seven hours apiece. Set around an overarching plot in which global bioterrorist attacks have turned those infected with a virus into gruesome monsters, each features different characters, unique enemies and settings, plus somewhat distinct atmospheres.

  The storylines begin in different locations around the globe, intertwining in various ways before leading to the game's geographical focal point of China. Three of them, starring returning series protagonists Leon Kennedy and Chris Redfield, as well as new boy Jake Muller, are playable cooperatively with a friend, while the fourth, featuring another established character, Ada Wong, is single-player only and is unlocked after completing the others.

  

  While the style of each campaign varies, there isn't a survival horror one per se. The game will largely be remembered for shootouts and big action set pieces as opposed to the series' past focus on exploration, limited resources and terrifying encounters. Leon's campaign is the creepiest, featuring generally slower zombies that are particularly dangerous up close, with the standout fights set in cramped spaces and winding corridors.

  The Chris and Jake campaigns offer more open environments and range-capable enemies, while Ada's introduces a number of inventive and challenging puzzles. There's a mixture of gameplay on the menu then, but not really of genres, rather it feels like four flavours of zombie shooter dotted with a few nervy moments and tense battles.

  Trigger Happy

  Seeing as there's so much shooting involved it's just as well that the gunplay feels and sounds lovely, although some might begin to tire of the campaign sections after 20 hours or so of play. The cover system can be a bit fiddly at times too, while a two-button dodge mechanic removes some of the challenge found in past Resi games.

  

  There are also a few too many quick time events, which see players tasked with performing actions on the controller shortly after the appearance of on-screen prompts to allow for limited interactivity during cinematic sequences. Planes and other vehicles will be piloted, collapsing/exploding structures will be escaped from, and while it's all very prettily presented, your participation is at times limited to hammering buttons or waggling sticks as quickly as possible or in sequence.

  The game's cooperative and online modes add plenty to the overall Resident Evil 6 package. Joining a friend's session is simple and the addition of a second player invigorates the combat. There's also a split screen option allowing two buddies to play on the same television.

  The fan favourite Mercenaries mode, which can also be played with a partner online, is another great feature that makes a return from previous series entries. Set across a number of maps, the goal is to accumulate a high score by killing as many enemies as possible within a limited amount of time without dying.

  With so much content on the disc, Resident Evil 6 offers value for money. It would be nice if the gameplay styles in the different campaign sections were more distinct and leaned more heavily towards the franchise's survival horror roots, but what's available is largely great fun to play, particularly with a friend. Resident Evil 6 kicks off the end of year blockbuster release season with aplomb and it's a game that's highly recommended for shooter and action fans.

  GAME's Verdict

  The Good:

  • Shooting feels and sounds lovely.
  • A ton of content offers value for money.
  • Strong co-op and online features.

  The Bad:

  • Not as scary as older series entries.
  • Action elements are spectacular but largely unoriginal.
  • Campaign can get a bit repetitive after 20 hours.

  Published: 02/10/2012

• Resident Evil 6 producer on finding the balance between action and horror

  When the Resident Evil series started back in 1996, it was a slow-paced horror game where every bullet had to be counted and gruesome death waited around every corner. With Resident Evil 6, publisher Capcom has set out to balance the scary stuff that long-time fans expect with the sort of fast action that modern players prefer.

  "We're making games and we need to have mass-market appeal in order to survive," producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi told 1UP. "How far do we go into horror before we lose the support of the average player? How far are we going to lessen the horror elements at the risk of losing core fans, including Resident Evil fans?"

  "For instance, if you have multiple scary stages, just one right after another, and you give that to a Resident Evil fan, they'll be happy with it at first. But they'll get accustomed to it after a while. It won't be scary for them anymore. I think they would lose interest at that point."

  "It's the same with casual players. They play this and it's just too scary and they don't want to keep going. It's too much. It overwhelms them. In order to make and experience something that these two groups find enjoyable, you have to take a step back from that."

  Resident Evil 6 is out now for Xbox 360, PC and PlayStation 3. It includes four epic campaigns, all playable co-operatively online, ranging from grisly zombie horror to guns-blazing action and even sneaky stealth sections.

  Published: 03/10/2012

• Bring On The Bad Guys!

  
  

  

  This week sees the release of Prototype 2, where the Alex Mercer, hero from the first game seems to have become the new bad guy to beat. So, in celebration of all things vile and villainous, the digital team has once again been gently prodded to share with you our favourite evil-doers. These are the people, who, in the style of Bugsy Malone, are "the very best at being bad"

  
  

  

  Glenn - Mad Mod

  Diablo is the Lord of Terror and a Prime Evil of Hell. That's a job title that alone warrants a spot on our best bad guys list.

  He manipulates his opponents using their innermost fears and then obliterates them with his Demonic strength and incredibly powerful Spells. The strongest Demon in Hell, named after the Devil himself, and seemingly indestructible (Read - he's been destroyed a number of times, even with the Arch Angels helping and he's still keeps ticking, like a malevolent Duracell bunny), devious and able to possess his enemies, Diablo is the Ultimate Bad Guy. And he's back in Diablo 3!
  

  

  Marc - Analyst to the Stars

  The little girl from F.E.A.R. - Alma Wade.

  She was scary. Honest. Like the girl from the Ring (Japanese version, obviously). The first corridor experience with her and the ceiling of blood is one of the scariest scenes ever in a game.

  The Music and Sound was eerie too. It was just all far too scary and Alma was the cause of it all.

  Carl - Design Doodler

  Shao Kahn from Mortal Kombat. Because he's massive and I can't kill him!

  

  Ali - Queen of the Internet

  My favourite video game villain is Revolver Ocelot. He started life in Metal Gear Solid as a random gunslinger who you could kill if you (as Solid Snake) waited for him to need to reload his revolver - he really should have named himself something with more than 6 bullets!

  After cutting off his arm you assume that's the end of him, but he's more maniacal than you realise as he replaces his arm with that of your dead clone brother Liquid Snake. In a strange twist of surgery his arm takes over his mind so you have to beat him again in Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. Finally the epic family feud of a lifetime is over, but with Metal Gear nothing ever seems to stay dead. Roll on Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance!

  James - Captain Category

  G-Man from Half-Life - not really a villain but still very creepy

  

  Nick - Colonel Category

  Wesker from Resident Evil.
  
  How many times did he die escape get retconned? Nigh on unkillable (until the muddle that was Resident Evil 5), the variety of his super powers (whatever the situation demanded, basically) and his smartass one-liners made him the man (ish?) well all loved to hate.

  Plus, sunglasses in those dark places, yes, THAT's how hard he was!

  Louis - Merchandising Meddler

  Wesker be top of my favourite picks, too. From his humble beginnings in a dual life as a scientist/Umbrella genius/STARS Leader, he goes about sacrificing his entire team in the name of science... and obtaining reliable combat data.

  After he is foiled by Chris and Jill, Wesker fakes his own death, escapes, and, not content with the destruction of Raccoon City, tries to continue his research away from the tenacious and meddling Redfield...

  But, Wesker is a bad guy and is therefore doomed to fail. After failing twice, mutating his body beyond belief and moving to Africa, he becomes nothing short of annoying and impossible to kill. The only way he is stopped is by being tackled by Chris and Eva and hundreds of bullets later, is engulfed in a pool of lava.

  Truly special, I'll always remember him for his rubbish sunglasses (worn at all times) and even worse Matrix-esque coat (RE 5). It was also really weird the way his accent changed too. He went from camp American to indignant English... I guess that cemented the transformation from mildly devious to completely evil!

  My second pick would be The Shredder (many Turtles games, but in particular, the 1989 TMNT Arcade Game). Not content with burning down April's apartment building, he kidnaps her too - forcing the Turtles into action and on a mission to end all missions. To a degree, menacing, but generally just annoying and incessant ; )

  Finally, I'd say my third pick would be Dr. Robotnik from Sonic. Generally, he's also just annoying, but also very devious and innovative. From trying to run Sonic down with a drill machine, to smashing Sonic with a giant wrecking ball, to trying to drown Sonic, to pitting Sonic against Metal Sonic in a race to save Amy Rose. Robotnik never gives up... You gotta love a good villain!

  

  Robyn - In-Yer-Face Interfacer

  Baron von Blubba. You know, the whale in Bubble Bobble! When time runs out it goes ape and super fast... Waaaaaah!!!! (o_o)

  Damien - Good Word Writing Man

  Does 'Dragonforce - Through the Fire and Flames' from Guitar Hero: World Tour count? Talk about an unbeatable enemy... No? Well then there's always the Joker in Arkham Asylum and City - played with delicious glee by Mark Hamill. He won an award for it and everything.

  Published: 22/04/2012

• Time magazine picks the 100 best games ever

  Respected American journal, Time, has ventured into digital waters to list what it considers to be the top hundred video games ever made. The result is a suitably eclectic mix, presented in chronological order stretching from the 1970s all the way up to the 2010s.

  All the retro arcade classics you'd expect are in there - Space Invaders, Frogger, Pac-Man and more - while Nintendo's core franchises dominate the 1980s as consoles made their way into US homes. Mario and Zelda are among the only games to appear in more than one guise. The original Super Mario Bros and Mario 64 both make the grade, as does the original Metroid and its 2002 first-person sequel Metroid Prime.

  Resident Evil and Tomb Raider join the list in the 1990s, and are still going strong today. Resident Evil 6 launched recently, while Lara Croft is being relaunched in 2013.

  More recognisable names also pop up as the list draws closer to 2012. Bioshock, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Guitar Hero, Wii Sports, Portal, Gears of War and The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion are all held up as examples of classic modern gaming.

  Just two games from the last few years have been deemed worthy of a place. Mass Effect 3 and Batman: Arkham City are the lucky pair. Notable by their absence are current big hitters such as Assassin's Creed, Borderlands and Uncharted.

  Is Time placing too much importance on the past? Would you pick any of these for your top 100?

  Published: 16/11/2012

• Resident Evil creator unveils The Evil Within

  Shinji Mikami is best known as the creative force behind the Resident Evil series, but his most recent outing was the slick sci-fi shooter Vanquish. Now he's returning to survival horror with new title The Evil Within, publisher Bethesda has revealed. The game, previously known by the codename Project Zwei, will be the first from Mikami's new studio, Tango Gameworks.

  Little is known about the gameplay, but a teaser trailer promises something warped and bloody. It opens to the comforting strains of Bach's Air on a G String, before a hand bursts through the window of what looks like a padded cell. Cue the grisly stuff, as we see a mysterious man twisting barbed wire with grungy tools followed by someone with broken glass protruding from their skin, a hulking butcher-like figure wielding a meat hammer, burning flowers and a creature with multiple limbs emerging from a puddle of blood. Iconic scenes and images from western horror hits such as A Nightmare on Elm Street and Hellraiser are heavily referenced.

  "We're incredibly proud to announce The Evil Within. My team and I are committed to creating an exciting new franchise, providing fans the perfect blend of horror and action," said Mikami, ever the master of understatement.

  Expect to find out more about this juicy looking game in the next week. The Evil Within is currently slated for release on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC and next generation consoles in 2014.

  Published: 19/04/2013

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