Preview: Spider-Man: Edge of Time

Superheroes are everywhere. Between the multiple blockbuster movies released every summer and the powerful momentum of comic books, society has recently acknowledged the significance of the superhero genre again, allowing the theme to completely blow up. The Avengers may be taking the spotlight in 2012, but Marvel has certainly not forgotten their other representatives like Spider-Man.

Spider-Man: Edge of Time, a new game developed by Beenox, features two incarnations of the titular hero, both of whom behave quite differently. While the original, "classic" Spider-Man, Peter Parker, is playable throughout the game, the futuristic Spider-Man 2099, Miguel O'hara, acts as his counterpart (For those who are unfamiliar, Spider-Man 2099 stars in his own line of comics which acts as a futuristic reimagining of the original series).

Spider-Man 2099 in his city of future Nueva York.

Spider-Man: Edge of Time focuses on both "Spider-Men" and their teamwork to prevent the Alchemax corporation from striking the world with its iron fist, which would imminently lead to a dark, dystopian future. A scientist goes into the past to help the Alchemax corporation develop at a much faster pace, killing Peter Parker in the process. Miguel O'Hara, a geneticist, becomes aware of the devastation that would ensue and goes into the past to save Parker from his demise. In order to prevent the grim future from occurring, O'Hara and Parker cooperate between different timelines, applying their abilities, strategy, and teamwork to every situation along the way.

Modern Spider-Man using his speed to confuse enemies.

In Edge of Time, Both incarnations of Spider-Man play similarly, yet have unique specialties in combat. Spider-Man 2099 is melee-oriented, equipped with a battle suit that allows him to fight similar to classic Spider-Man. Additionally, due to this suit, 2099 can both accelerate rapidly and zip around to confuse enemies. On the other hand, classic Spider-Man can use his webs to spin together weapons and grab enemies from afar. Reliant upon his web and speed, his "spider-sense" also gives him an edge when fighting a large number of opponents.

Arguably the most unique feature within Edge of Time is the cooperative actions that can take place between both versions of Spider-Man. For instance, Spider-Man 2099 would be facing a giant robot that he is incapable of taking down. However, classic Spider-Man may be within the factory that created the robot, able to demolish it before its construction is complete. Thus, Spider-Man 2099 can continue on with little trouble.

That situation may not be as hypothetical as I said.

Spider-Man Edge of Time comes out October 4 for Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Wii, PC, DS, and 3DS.

Short Version: Due to the unique gameplay style, Spider-Man: Edge of Time promises to be an enjoyable and exciting experience. Anyone who likes Spider-Man will love this game.

Preview: Dead Island

People cannot seem to get enough zombie killing in their daily regimen. Whether one is trampling them with a horse in Red Dead Redemption, fending off the risen Nazis in Call of Duty: Black Ops, or cooperating with fellow survivors to defeat a colossal tank in Left 4 Dead, zombie-slaying action is frequently accessible in the modern age of gaming. With the diversity of zombie games currently on the market, it may seem virtually impossible for a developer to take this familiar theme to the next level. Yet, Techland Studios aims to bring more originality into the theme than ever with their upcoming project Dead Island.

Dead Island is an open-world action-adventure game centered around an island that has been hit by a zombie pandemic. In both single-player and four-player co-op game modes, a player can control one of four characters who have managed to survive the outbreak, including Xian Mei, a former employee of the island's resort, Sam B, a rapper, Logan, a former football star, and Purna, a bodyguard. Each character in Dead Island has their own, unique gameplay style, similar to the concept of a class in an RPG. Xian Mei behaves like a rogue, able to kill her targets quickly and efficiently. Sam B acts as a tank, capable of taking large amounts of damage while avoiding death. Purna is both the buff and assist character, especially useful in a cooperative game. Lastly, Logan is the balanced character, having no noticeable strengths or weaknesses. Between these four unique characters, the player is almost guaranteed to have a desired playstyle during Dead Island's inviting gameplay.

Dead Island's gameplay is focused on melee-based combat, allowing the player to use virtually whatever make-shift weapon he or she can acquire. Additionally, guns are present; however, due to the lack of ammunition on the island, they are not intended to be the main source of combat. Taking a note from Dead Rising 2, Dead Island also utilizes the ability to combine items to create new, more advanced weapons, although they are generally not as extravagant and visually appealing as some of the craftable items in the game it likely borrowed from. Adding to the game's already large arsenal, several vehicles are operable, giving the player multiple options of transportation. Yet, Dead Island has more to offer than what has already been seen in previous zombie games like Dead Rising, assuring to mix up the gameplay with some fresh elements.

Endurance is incorporated into Dead Island's gameplay, allowing the character to sprint until the recharging bar depletes. Additionally, the characters have a special "mode" which will grant them temporary access to a unique skill. Xian Mei, for instance, enters a frenzy in which her slash attacks become significantly quicker and stronger, whereas Sam B grows furious, allowing him strike down zombies in a single blow with only his bare hands.

What is arguably the most unique aspect in Dead Island is the damage system. Unlike most games in which the player can aimlessly shoot a zombie and consistently deal equal damage, Dead Island makes targeting specific body parts a crucial technique to learn. For example, if a zombie's legs are struck, it will be significantly slower and easier to avoid, yet it will likely continue to live. Carelessly charging into a horde of zombies will also lead to certain death, as the emptier the stamina bar becomes, the slower the player will attack. Additionally, more powerful zombies exist who cannot be defeated when approached by an unprepared player. Thus, elaborate tactics must be utilized, like locating the zombie's weak spot and striking it at the most opportune moment.

Though there is clearly a storyline that must be followed in order to complete the game, the player is free to roam as soon as he or she has completed the tutorial section of the game, giving the game a true open-world feel. Whether the player aims to complete the game as quickly as possible or venture off on his or her own, personal quest, there is always a viable option available.

Between the game's vast arsenal and numerous, unique gameplay elements, Dead Island will surely offer its players a fresh experience, despite its familiar theme. Combining these aspects with an extraordinary open-world environment, Dead Island will certainly be a fun ride.

Dead Island comes to Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 on September 6 in North America and September 9 in all other regions.

Short Version: Dead Island is looking to be the first true sandbox zombie game that uses elements of other, familiar games, yet manages to provide a fresh take on the theme.

Preview: Rusty Hearts

There are a multitude of MMOs currently in our gaming universe. Yet, a great deal of them attempt to be either a mere clone of World of Warcraft and ultimately fall short, or are original, yet simply poorly executed (I'm looking at you APB). One of these unique, yet frequently unsuccessful subcategories of the MMO is the Action genre, and the upcoming game Rusty Hearts looks to finally break this pattern.

Rusty Hearts is an Action MMORPG being developed by Perfect Worlds. This game appears to be quite reminiscent of classic "Beat 'em up" games like Streets of Rage, River City Ransom, or the more recent Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Game. Unlike most MMOs, the player chooses from one of three characters to play as, including Angela, the tank, Tude, the damage-centric melee class, and Franz, a hybrid character. While the selection of different classes may not seem plentiful, Rusty Hearts compensates by expanding the possibilities of other, more riveting areas.

Due to the wide variety of armor and weapons found within Rusty Hearts, the instance in which two unique players share the same in-game appearance would be especially rare. Yet, the uniqueness in Rusty Hearts is not only limited to "visual" aspects. Due to the stunning combat system, numerous combos are accessible by the player, adding great variety to whatever style of gameplay is desired. Additionally, the rather large number of control schemes allows the player to play with the customization he or she may desire. Whether the player aims to use one of the multiple keyboard configurations, combine the keyboard and the mouse for a dual setup, or plug in a console controller for comfort and familiarity, Rusty Hearts ensures an ideal setup.

Although the cel-shaded graphics and anime-style characters may be a turn-off to some people based on their graphical preferences, the gameplay will likely deter any skepticism in this regard. Rusty Hearts seems to draw elements from the Devil May Cry games, yet generally appearing more "sane," differentiating from the franchise that it draws from. Between the game's stirring art style, engaging gameplay elements, and attention automatically drawn in due to its genre, Rusty Hearts will leave its onlookers intrigued.

Judging by early impressions, Rusty Hearts certainly looks like an enjoyable experience, but as with all free-to-play games, there will likely be microtransactions required to access certain content. Following the beta's release later this month, a follow-up "review" will be posted.

Short version: Rusty Hearts is a quirky Action-MMO that aims to break today's current standards of the genre, yet being sure to have fun with its own unique style.

If this sounds like a game you would like to play, email me at Afrodisiac39@gmail.com for a chance to win a beta key. I have two for anyone who would like to try out the beta later this month.