Also, there are attack dogs.
Our final preview look at Dog Days before its release in a few weeks consisted mainly of firefights and dialogue, and I’ve come away with a few things in mind prior to my final verdict on the game.

First, as I mentioned before, the new visual style and presentation quirks are really selling the narrative and subject matter much more successfully than pretty much any game dealing with this subject matter has. By comparison, GTA’s crime infused stories look like kids’ stuff. The language and delivery and camerawork are disturbing, violent, gray stuff, but they’re presented with conviction and confidence, and 3 full chapters in, Dog Days is pretty engrossing.

Second, the story and gameplay are coming together much more fluidly than they ever did in Dead Men, and the pacing feels much better so far. This could change of course; it’s still early in the game. But it’s got me hopeful – by the time the build was over, I wasn’t ready for it to be. That’s a good sign, right?

Finally, my major concern for Dog Days right now is a question of difficulty. Not only is the AI extremely aggressive, most weapons in Kane & Lynch 2 are inaccurate and difficult to score effective shots with, meaning enemies don’t go down easy. Put simply, I died, often and frequently without much warning.

Again, these aren’t final thoughts. Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days releases in a few weeks. However, Dog Days seems to be doing enough right to surpass IO’s previous effort and then some. We’ll just have to wait and see by how much.

Source IGN

Fast forward to now … I am at BestBuy debating which console version to get.  At first I was leaning towards the PS3, since it was built on the PS3 architecture and was initially intended as a console exclusive.   But why not try to see how the first iteration of Tekken on a non Sony console worked out.  Would it meet my expectation or would it fall flat.

The first thing you will notice with this game is load times.  They are tolerable but it seems like you tend to be waiting quite a bit.  *Note: Installing the game to the hard drive helps out tremendously.

Next are the  graphics and they are awesome. Character models are top notch and move fluidly.  With more than 40 characters its surprising the level of detail put into each model.  The backgrounds on the other hand are either hit or miss.  Some of them of them are amazing with great effects other are just mediocre.   With the graphics you can play with a motion blur on or off.  It is on by default, which seems to drops the resolution down a bit.  With the blur off the game will run at higher Resolution but with no AA.  I think it actually looks better with it off but it’s all personal preference.

*Note: The Xbox360 version runs at a higher resolution with blur off and tends look better than PS3.  PS3 people seem to be pretty pissed about this.

Now on to the Controls/Mechanics, they are typical of any Tekken Game.  The controls are smooth and rely heavily on precise button tapping. Coming straight from 2d Fighting, particular Street Fighter 4, I find this game to be an interesting transition.  First off combos don’t seem to have crazy strict timing like SF4.  You can either link a particular punch or you can’t, no need to worry about 1 frame links. On the other hand though learning your timing for air juggling and
other advance techniques is said to be just as strict.  The mechanics of this game are pretty much the same as earlier iterations, the only new items are the ability to bounce enemies off the ground and a rage mode.  The rage is another comeback defense for players like me.  Not that it helps my situation much but it allows the player with lower
life to do more damage and possibly make a comeback.   I personally think it’s a bit cheap, but really shouldn’t complain since it helps keep me in the battle most the time.

For Modes they have plenty but some to be lacking.  Campaign takes its roots from a 3d olds school beat-em up game. A good comparison would be like Die Hard Arcade or 3d version of Streets of Rage.   The campaign is supposedly pretty long.  I have only played though about a couple hours.  So far I enjoy the cut scenes and it’s a nice addition to the one on one killing.  Next are the Original Arcade/Vs/Ghost modes.  They are typical of most every fighter and nothing really more to say about that.  Online mode is there but I personally haven’t touched it much yet.  Supposedly the net code is not all that great. I have only had couple matches and both were a bit laggy.  This seems to a big disappointment for most but hopefully a patch will be made to make the game run a bit better online.  I’m looking to test out this feature more against Tail in Alaska. **editor’s note: Tail is a real person in Alaska, not a euphamism for everyone in AK.

Overall as a fighting game fanatic, I would have to say my initial impressions of the game are good.  The game is fun, with easy entry into the series, but does provide a very deep system for those who want to explore it.  I am not sure I can recommend the game unless you’re a diehard fighting game fanatic or Tekken fan, due to the glaring online lag issues.  My only true complaint about the game so far is the fact that I suck beyond belief at this game.  I am horrible. So if someone needs a virtual punching bag, feel free to hit me up online.

(gamertag: naturemade4u)

By Bryan