Prototype 2 Developer:Radical Entertainment Publisher:Activision Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3, Windows Release date: Some time in 2012
New York City, stylized NYZ, has been divided into three regions. Each region stands for how affected New York City is by the Blacklight Virus, with the red zone standing for the most infected. James Heller will have missions in each zone and each mission's difficulty will depend on which zone it takes place in.
As stated by Radical Entertainment, Prototype 2 uses a new protagonist, Sergeant James Heller, and takes place 14 months after the original. James had returned to the tattered New York City from the war in Afghanistan to find that his wife and daughter were dead due to Alex Mercer accidentally releasing the virus when questioning Elizabeth Greene. This damages Heller emotionally, who then goes out on military's most dangerous missions, succeeding each time out of his rage, despite hoping to die. Unknown by Heller, he is being watched by Alex Mercer who has taken an interest in him. Alex Mercer is now the ruler of New York City despite having become a ghost, only being seen on rare occasions. During one mission, Heller succeeds in completing the mission but is mortally wounded and appears to be getting everything he wanted, but Alex Mercer shows up. Alex then infects him with the Blacklight Virus, turning Heller into a creature like Alex. For unknown reasons, Alex is now spreading the virus despite previously trying to stop it. Heller then goes on to tap into the Blacknet System to decide where to try and strike Alex, as he believes Alex to be behind the mutants (though it was actually Elizabeth Greene). As stated by Radical, the Heller vs. Mercer revenge story is the game's A-Plot and there is to be a more complex and multithreaded B-Plot.
Being a long time Monster Hunter fan, I was absolutely filled with nerd joy when I heard about the recent HD Remakes of PSP hit titles. Sony plans on releasing a series of remade, hi def, and polished games exclusively for the PS3, starting with Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Ver.The press release states:
"Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that a new "PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) Remaster" title series, PSP titles customized and developed specifically for the PS3 computer entertainment system, will become available as Blue ray Disc™ games starting in the Japanese market.
"PSP Remaster" titles will deliver rich and immersive gaming experience on the PS3 system through stunning high-definition graphics as well as through additional new features for these titles, such as operability on the PS3 Wireless Controller (SIXAXIS® and DUALSHOCK®3), new add-on content or stereoscopic 3D support*1. Users will also be able to utilize the same save data from the original PSP game for the "PSP Remaster" version and enjoy the game on the go with the PSP system and continue the game at home on a large TV screen using PS3. Ad-hoc mode gameplay will also be supported through "adhoc party for PlayStation Portable" application on the PS3 system.
For Japan, the first "PSP Remaster" title to be introduced will be Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD Ver. from Capcom Co., Ltd. Monster Hunter Portable 3rd for the PSP system is the latest installment of the blockbuster Monster Hunter franchise, which has alone shipped over 4.5 million units in Japan since its release in December 2010. The graphics of the PS3 version, including monsters, fields, equipment, as well as Felyne Comrades, are more gorgeous and vibrant than ever, and will deliver dynamic gameplay when played on the large TV screens. SCE, with strong support from software developers and publishers, will deploy various measures to enhance the software title line-up for the PS3 system.
SCE will continue to further expand the PS3 platform and create a new world of computer entertainment with innovative and exciting new titles."
I'm glad they decided to remake Monster Hunter Portable 3rd in Hi Def. It's easily the best one out. The new features have added a huge dynamic of gameplay. My favorite being the addition of the two Felyns to assist you in combat instead of the one from Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G. Also, the Felyn customization is pretty neat. I know they aren't game makers or breakers, but they are pretty nice to have around in a bad situation.
My sister went to Japan in April of 2011, and ended up going to Akiabara and picking me up the Japanese versions of both Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G and Monster Hunter Portable 3rd. I used my Custom FirmWare PSP 1001 (Original "Phat" PSP) to get English Patches for both games, which works surprisingly good. There are, however, a few non-translated parts that can make the game a little frustrating. I'm still in the middle of playing Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, but I'm extremely impressed with the game. Luckily, I get to play the game on my breaks at work, so that's just great. But of course, like everyone, there are times in the games where the 15 minute fights really make you wonder how your PSP is still in one piece, and not a million in a blender.
I'm hoping that the new Monster Hunter game for the PS3 will have online support, or at least 2 players per console. The worst (and I suppose best) thing about the PSP version is having to be within a few of the people you're playing with. Granted, it's a good reason to go out and get lunch, or have a few drinks, or just get together, but it can be pretty inconvenient for a game that is more or less of a "pick up and go" game.
