Hello and welcome to the sixth edition of the VSM, Vizzed's official Sony Article, and your one stop shop for all things Sony news. This edition we cover the usual: Upcoming titles, Console war coverage, and some more. So let's get on into this.


Console War Coverage

Sony ran away with the competition for another month in September, but how are the numbers looking, and have they gone up or down in Sony's favor?

August 24th-30th

PS4 - 152,339 (+10%) 10,203,980
XBox One - 80,352 (+58%) 5,111,415
WiiU - 45,935 (-6%) 7,133,347
PS3 - 45,209 (+15%) 83,228,223
X360 - 26,427 (-1%) 83,139,104
Wii - 7,332 (-2%) 100,778,830

XBox One jumps up an astounding 58% for the week, PS4 rises by 10%, and Wii U drops by 6%. While the PS3 Goes up by 15%, the 360 lowers weekly sales by 1%, and the Wii drops by 2%.

XBox One wins the biggest increase this week, but is topped in sales by the PS4 which nearly doubled it's performance.

August 30th-September 6th

PS4 - 133,226 (-13%) 10,337,206
XOne - 124,736 (+55%) 5,236,151
PS3 - 42,130 (-7%) 83,270,353
WiiU - 40,562 (-12%) 7,173,909
X360 - 26,534 (0%) 83,165,638
Wii - 6,651 (-9%) 100,785,481

PS4 drops a painful 14% behind last weeks percentages, while XBox One gains another 55%, and the Wii U drops 12%. Meanwhile the PS3 drops 7%, the 360 breaks even, and the Wii drops 9%.

XBox One again dominates in sales increases, but is still lagging behind PS4 weekly sales totals, this time however by a mere 8.49 thousand.

Spetember 6th - 13th

PS4 - 472,885 (+255%) 10,810,091
XOne - 171,486 (+37%) 5,407,637
PS3 - 58,212 (+38%) 83,328,565
WiiU - 39,222 (-3%) 7,213,131
X360 - 34,312 (+29%) 83,199,950
Wii - 6,257 (-6%) 100,791,738

PS4 amazes us all with a dramatic increase of 255% this week, followed by the XBox One which increases sales by yet another 37%, and Wii U taking last again with a 3% loss on the week. And in other news the PS3 jumps by 38% more than making up for what it lost the previous week, the 360 also takes a nice leap forward with a 29% jump, and the Wii drops by 6%.

PS4 crushed all competition in increase percentages this week by over 600% in comparison, with a whopping 255% increase. PS4 also outsells second place on the week (XBox One) by over 301,000 units.

September 13th - 20th
PS4 -178,032 (-62%) 10,988,123
XOne - 94,467 (-45%) 5,502,104
PS3 - 46,340 (-20%) 83,374,905
WiiU - 45,070 (+15%) 7,258,201
X360 - 28,909 (-16%) 83,228,859
Wii - 6,067 (-3%) 100,797,805

After it's monstrous week last week, the PS4 drops by 62% (still nearly 200% more than two weeks ago however), while XBox One drops back down by 45%, and the Wii U jumps by 15%. Elsewhere the PS3 drops by 20%, while the 360 drops an almost equally long way with a -16% loss, and the Wii continues to decline slowly with a 3% drop.

Wii U takes the lead in percentage changes this week (that's what happens when you have Hyrule Warriors AND Super Smash Bros releasing on your system, folks), but PS4 remains in the lead in actual system sales total topping the XBox One (which took second) with nearly twice as many sales on the week.


Month totals:

These numbers do not reflect the last week of August, and do include the last week of September, which explains why these numbers may not agree with the previously stated sales totals.

PS4 - 784,143
XBox One - 390,689
Wii U - 124,854
PS3 - 146,682
XBox 360 - 89,755
Wii - 18,975

Vita - 67,536


Upcoming PS3 Releases


Alien: Isolation : This game takes place fifteen years after the events of Alien, and has you in the role of a young woman fighting her way through alien forces, underpowered and outnumbered. What else would you expect from a Survival/Horror game? Maybe the approach has been done too many times to count, it's still fun.

My thoughts : While it's hard to beat a good horror game, Alien: Isolation just doesn't look like a good one to me. When I look at it I see reused ideas and poorly executed gameplay. But who knows? I've never played it, so I can't say for sure that it isn't worth your time.


Alien: Isolation is set to release on the 7th of this month.
Developer: Creative Assembly
Publisher: SEGA
Rated: M


The Evil Within : Playing as Detective Sebastian Castellanos, you begin the game investigating a mass murder, when suddenly an evil unknown force begins fighting against you and your partners, killing them and rendering you unconscious. Waking in a strange world with hideous mutilated creatures. It's your job to survive long enough to figure out just what exactly is going on.

My thoughts : It certainly looks to be a disturbing and frightening experience for fans of the survival/horror genre, but it delves into some stuff that turns me away personally. For those who are more into this type of content, this looks like a great game, and I highly doubt it'll disappoint.
(WARNING: The following trailer contains scenes of intense violence and gore...and this was the least disturbing of the trailers I found)


The Evil Within is scheduled for release on the 14th.
Developer: Tango Gameworks
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Rated: M


Skylanders Trap Team : Kaos is up to no good (still), and this time he has destroyed the Cloudcracker Prison where the most notorious prisoners are kept. It's up to you to recapture them. Once you do so, you can then deploy them and fight as them for good.

My thoughts : I've never found Skylanders appealing, but if ever one were, this one is. It offers some innovations, and I don't see it disappointing fans at all. In fact, I could be tempted to play it myself.


Skylanders Swap Force is set to release on the 5th.
Developer: Toys for Bob
Publisher: Activision
Rated: E10+


NBA 2K15 : What is there to say? Sports games typically aren't big on fluff, so a long winded way of saying "This is the new NBA2kxx game" seems contrary to the entire idea.

My thoughts : It's NBA. What more is there to say? Play it if you like these games.


NBA 2K15 is set to release the 7th of this month.
Publisher: 2K Games


Duck Dynasty : Yes, you read that right: The Robertson family (or at least their digitized counterparts) are invading the Video Game world. Be prepared...and afraid.

My thoughts : This actually looks interesting to me, since it offers more than just hunting. Playing pranks, blowing things up, hunting, and fishing. Sure why not try it? But probably not for a full price tag ($60). Depending on the price, this one will be worth a look probably.


Publisher: Activision
Rated: T


The Legend of Korra : The Nick TV show turned Video game, The Legend of Korra is coming your way this month.


The Legend of Korra is set to release on October 21st
Developer: PlatinumGames
Publisher: Activision
Rated: T


Just Dance 2015 : It's another Just Dance game. Pretty self explanatory, so I'm just going to save you the trouble of reading the details. Play music and dance.

My thoughts : Not even going there. I'll just say it should be about what you'd expect from the series thus far. Nothing here to appeal to new gamers, but those who liked the previous installments? Why not try it?


Just Dance 2015 is set to release on the 23rd
Developer: Ubisoft Paris
Publisher: Ubisoft
Rated: E10+

Assassin's Creed : Birth of a New World – The American Saga Collection: Winner of this month's overly long name, Assassin's Creed: Birth of a New World – The American Saga Collection is a collection of four Assassin's Creed games: Assassin’s Creed 3, Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed: Liberation HD.

My thoughts : If you're interested in Assassin's Creed, but missed these installments --or even a few of them-- it's definitely a good deal. Bundles like this are a good idea, in my opinion. This is one of my good buy's for the month (value-wise).

Assassin's Creed: Birth of a New World – The American Saga Collection is set to release on the 3rd of October
Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Rated: M


Samurai Warriors 4 : The newest installment in the Samurai Warriors series, Samurai Warriors 4 looks to kick the action up another notch this October with more action, smoother Graphics, and more effects.

My thoughts : I know I usually hate on KOEI's approach to game development (DW 8. DW 8 Empires. DW 8 Ultimate. etc), but underneath all of that terrible marketing, lies a pretty decent game for Hack 'n' Slash fans, and it's a nice way to play a well made game without facing frustratingly difficult challenges when you don't want them, or face them when you do want them. And Samurai Warriors 4 looks to continue that legacy. If you're a fan of the series, or of hack 'n' slash in general, you may want to give Samurai Warriors 4 a shot. It looks to be a pretty decent game for it's kind.


Samurai Warriors 4 is scheduled to release on the 24th
Publisher: Tecmo KOEI
Rated T


Costume Quest 2 : You are a trick or treater doing what any trick or treater does...using your costume to transform into a powerful warrior who must save Halloween from the dreaded adults, and maybe a real danger somewhere along the way. Pretty run-of-the-mill stuff, right?

My thoughts : I can't say how excited I am for this game. I'm dying to get my hands on a copy of it (albeit too late for Halloween). And while the idea didn't sound amazing to me, it did sound fun enough...and then I saw the trailer. Must play Costume Quest 2...


Okay, so this is a second trailer, but it was too hilarious to leave out


Costume Quest 2 is set to release later this month. You have been warned.
Developer: Double Fine Productions
Publisher: Midnight City
Rated: E10+


F1 2014 : Race on all new tracks, in new cars in this year's F1.

My thoughts : There isn't much to say. F1 fans rejoice?



F1 2014 is set to release on the 17th of the month
Developer: Codemasters Studios Birmingham
Publisher: Codemasters
Rated: E


Tears to Tiara II : Heir of the Overlord: Play as Hamilcar Barca a humble servant of the Divine Empire, who one day decides he can take no more after seeing an innocent girl burned at the stake. Hamilcar snaps and unleashes his powerful side, embarking on a journey to free his enslaved people.

My thoughts : I'm neutral on this one, having little to judge it by. It's an RPG that tries to have a strong story, even if parts of it confuse me already. It should appeal to it's target audience anyway.


Tears to Tiara II: Heir of the Overlord is set to release on the 14th of the month
Developer: Aquaplus
Publisher: Atlas
Rated: T


MX vs. ATV Supercross : The MX vs. ATV series is back with the new game, MX vs. ATV Supercross. Let's go mudding, everybody.


MX vs. ATV Supercross is set to release on the 28th
Publisher: Nordic Games Publishing
Rated: E


The Voice: I Want You : Based on the television talent show The Voice, this game puts you on the stage, attempting to win the judges' favor, and compete for the ultimate title of The Voice. Can you sing your way to the top?

My thoughts : Don't ask me how this could possibly work as a game. Apparently they think it does. Who knows? Personally I wouldn't recommend spending any money on it unless someone you know just highly recommends it. Maybe it'll shock me.

The Voice: I Want You is scheduled for release this month.


Upcoming PS4 Releases


Alien: Isolation : See Alien: Isolation under upcoming PS3 releases.


Just Dance 2015 : See Just Dance 2015 under Upcioming PS3 releases.


Sleeping Dogs : Definitive Edition: Take the role of undercover cop Wei Shen and take down the Criminal Organization The Hong Kong Triads. But as Murphy dictated, things are never as easy as they should be, and when things start going down the toilet, where will you find yourself standing? Beat up the baddies and try to end up on the good guys' side when the dust settles.


My thoughts : Well we all know where I stand on "Adult" content in games, and this game takes that route. But I'm overlooking that for the most part here, and saying this game looks like a lot of fun. It's more or less a super charged Beat 'em Up, and just looks like a good time overall. Unfortunately, I can't overlook said content enough to actually play it myself. Have fun though.
(WARNING: The following trailer contains scenes of extreme violence and Gore)


Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition is set to release on the 14th
Developer: United Front Games
Publisher: Square Enix
Rated: M (Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs)


Driveclub : It's finally here: that game we were shown at E3 2013. It boasted of amazing graphics, incredible detail, and an immersive experience with your friends, and well, it's still promising that almost a year after it's original release date. Will it be worth the wait? Grab a few friends and find out in a few short days.


My thoughts : Well I'm not much of a racing game fan, but this one at least looks good for fans of the genre. I don't think it'll be a bad game from what I've seen.



Driveclub is set to release on the 7th
Developer: Evolution Studios
Rated: E


The Evil Within : See The Evil Within under Upcoming PS3 Games.


Lords of the Fallen : Enter the world of Lords of the Fallen. A fallen god has taken rule of the earth, and now it is up to you to defeat his generals and their demonic hoards. Fighting gods and demons? Good luck winning that one.

My thoughts : What little gameplay I saw was interesting enough, but I have to question the originality of the story, or even the game itself. I don't look for it to be anything too special, but we all know how wrong I've been on some of my predictions on games in the VSM before.

Lords of the fallen is set to release on the 28th
Developers: Deck 13, CI Games
Publisher: CI Games
Rated: T


WWE 2K15 : It's (almost) always a breath of fresh air when a developer makes significant changes in an installment in a long running game series, and Yuke's Media Creations looks to do just that. WWE 2K15 boldly goes beyond what the fans expect, and overhauls the control system, increases superstar animations by an astounding 500%, offers brand new modes, a chain wrestling system, and more. Look out for this one, fans.

My thoughts : I can't stand wrestling personally, but this game does impress me by offering so much innovation and new life for the fans of the series. It isn't nearly often enough that developers make this much of a change in a running series.



WWE 2K15 is set to release on the 28th
Developer: Yuke's Media Creations
Publisher: Take-Two Interactive
Rated: T (Alcohol Reference, Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Tobacco, Violence)


Skylanders Trap Team : See Skylanders Trap Team under Upcoming PS3 Releases.


Singstar PS4 : The interestingly named Popstar PS4 (adding the System name to the end of a game title? What is this? Nintendo? "Super" "64" "U" Just sayin') brings back the singstar action you've come to know so far, this time adding in a new feature that allows you to use their smartphone app to turn your phone into a microphone.

My thoughts : I'm going to try to stop being so cynical now, and just say nice...er things. So now I'll just say, the phone app is a decent idea, though I'm a little leery of heading down this "Merge your cell phone with your console games" road. If handled right, it could be a good idea. And this game at least uses it well.


Singstar PS4 is set to release on the 28th of this month
Developer: SCE Studios London
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Rated: T (Lyrics, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes, Use of Tobacco)


NBA 2K15 : See NBA 2K15 under Upcoming PS3 Games.


Costume Quest 2 : See Costume Quest 2 under Upcoming PS3 Games.


Peggle 2 : The sequel to the hit puzzle game Peggle, Peggle 2 delivers more of the addicting puzzle action that the original gave you, with many added bonuses such as New power-ups, new levels, and new multiplayer modes, plus more. Keep on the lookout for Peggle 2 later this month.


My thoughts : As puzzle games go, this looks better than what everyone else wants to give us (until I saw Peggle 2 coming out, I was tempted to start a petition to change the "Puzzle" genre name to "Match Three" or maybe "Saga and co."). And as always, I like seeing games take what we're accustomed to, throw it out the window, and offer us something completely different. So while I may not try it myself (or I might), I am glad to see Peggle 2's release.


Peggle 2 is set to release on the 14th of this month
Developer: PopCap Games
Publisher: Electrionic Arts
Rated: E (Comic Mischief)


Pix the Cat : An interesting, fast paced arcade puzzler, Pix the Cat draws inspiration from multiple classics without ever outright copying any one of them.


My thoughts : At first I didn't think this game would be any good really, but then I sat through a three minute video of multiplayer mode...and proceeded to watch two more trailers. My point being, Pix the Cat could be whatever the gamers decide to make it. If they take well to it, Pix could be huge, and if it's overlooked as being too old school and simple, it'll never live up to what it could be.

I personally liked the multiplayer mode a lot, but it was when I saw single player that I decided I had to try this game out sometime. And needless to say, I think this game will be great. it looks to make the perfect arcade game for friends, as well as addicting puzzle/action fun for solo gamers.

It's being said that Pix the Cat could be this generations Pac-Man, and it draws inspiration from that game as well as Snake (and Flicky, if you ask me). Definitely worth a look for those who enjoy games like this (if there is such a thing as other games like this) and maybe even for those who don't.



Pix the Cat is set to release on the 7th
Developer: Pasta Games
Publisher: Pasta Games
Rated: E


Grand Theft Auto Online : An online multiplayer variant of GTA V, GTA online allows you to make your own character, build their stats, participate in various activities (legal or not is for an entirely different discussion), and more.


Grand Theft Auto online is scheduled for release later this month
Developer: Rockstar North
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Rated: M (Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol)


Spelunky : You're an explorer, and it's your goal to obtain all of the treasure that you can while somehow managing to survive. Hunt for treasure in procedurally generated levels, finding your way past the many traps such as acid, lava, spikes, and boulders, as well as enemies including Snakes, Bats, Spiders, Scorpions, Killer Bees, Skeletons, and Vampires. All these dangers and much much more await you in Spelunky.

My thoughts : One of the few games to get my attention without me seeing any gameplay footage or even a teaser trailer, Spelunky looks like a game I would love to play. I'd recommend checking it out, for sure.


Spelunky is set to release on the 7th
Developers: Mossmouth, BlitWorks
Publisher: Mossmouth
Rated: T (Violence, Blood, Crude Humor)


MotoGP 14 : Attempting to go above and beyond what's expected of most racing games, MotoGP 14 offers over 100 riders, all official Manufacturers, and 18 tracks, plus more. The game also allows for character creation as well as a very much in depth career mode.

My thoughts : It packs a lot of content for sure, and for that alone I have to say they did something right.



Styx: Master of Shadows : Play as the very first goblin to exist. You job is to infiltrate the tower of Akenash, Sneaking, Stealing, and Murdering your way through, while trying to remain undetected. Quite a task for a 200 year old.

My thoughts : So we steal, break in, and murder our way to the top? It's GTA with goblins!... and no Vehicles. Seriously though, this looks like an interesting (if not wholesome) game for stealth fans. Maybe it'll be fun, maybe not. I don't have a lot to compare it to after all.



Styx: Master of Shadows is set to release later this month
Developer: Cyanide
Publisher: Focus Home Interactive
Rated: T


NBA Live : Boasting a whopping 500+ improvements in the gameplay itself, NBa Live certainly looks to step up the game later this month.

NBA Live is set to release on the 28th
Publisher: Electronic Arts


Shadow Warrior : Which is cooler: Guns, or swords? How about both? Shadow Warrior lets you wield both, plus magic to boot. Have fun fighting your way through your foes while you try to uncover the secrets of the Nobitsura Kage blade.

My thoughts : So far the game looks mildly entertaining, but has great potential. Depending on the content in this one, I might give it a shot sometime myself. If you like this kind of game, it could be worth a look.


Shadow Warrior is set to release later this month
Developer: Flying Wild Hog
Publisher: Devolver Digital


Samurai Warriors 4 : See Samurai Warriors 4 under Upcoming PS3 Releases.


Duck Dynasty : See Duck Dynasty under Upcoming PS3 Releases.


Upcoming PS Vita Releases


Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus : The newest installment in the series, Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus adds some new twists to the series you're accustomed to thus far. Namely Full 3D gameplay. Don't worry though, the game still contains the other stuff that made it what it is to this day (not that I have any idea what that is).

Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus is set to release on the 14th
Developer: Tamsoft
Publisher: Xseed Games


Run Sackboy, Run! : A platformer/survival game featuring everyone's favorite sack...boy, sackboy! It's free to play, and allows you to unlock new costumes for the little guy...thing in Little Big Planet 3.

My thoughts : I actually find this idea rather creative. Making a stand alone game that allows you to earn rewards in another game. And it's free. Well played Sony.

Should you get it? It's free, so why not? It should be at least fairly entertaining.

Run Sackboy, Run! Is set to release this month
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment


Samurai Warriors 4 : See Samurai Warriors 4 under Upcoming PS3 Releases.


Pix the Cat : See Pix the Cat under Upcoming PS4 Releases.


Poltergeist: A Pixelated Horror : Play as the ghost of Mr. Henry B. Knight and scare off anyone who tries to come into your home (what nerve!). Use your abilities such as possession to have a good old ghost time.


My thoughts : I've been waiting for a game like this since finding Haunting on the Genesis/Megadrive. Finally I have a reason to look into getting a Vita beyond the remote play. I can't wait to try this one out, and if it's half as good as it looks, I'd highly recommend you try it out too!
(last half is in Spanish. Sorry)


Poltergeist: A Pixelated Horror is set to release this month
Developer: Glitchy Pixel
Publisher: Glitchy Pixel


Freedom Wars : Being heralded as the game to revive the Vita, Freedom Wars looks to be an interesting title full of Action, monster fights, and innovative story and gameplay. Look for it at the end of the month.

My thoughts : Yet another Vita game I'm extremely excited about. This one looks incredible, and offers a ton of innovative gameplay as well as an interesting story concept. I highly recommend looking this one over. It could easily be one of the best games so far this year. And this trailer doesn't even come close to doing the game justice.



Freedom Wars is set to release on the 228th
Developers: Shift, Dimps, SCE Studios Japan
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Rated: T


The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly


Well it's that time again; time for me to make a bunch of presumptuous statements, trying to pick out the best and worst games from our upcoming game selection in the article. Are these predictions founded? No, not really! Are they good? Probably not! Are they reliable? Heck no!! But I write it anyway, and some of you read it for whatever reason. You're probably gluttons for bad opinion articles (I see your stash of "Dear Abby" newspaper clippings over there), or maybe you like secretly laughing at me while enjoying a game I said would be terrible. Who knows? Who cares? We just want to do this thing!

The Good

Wow, where to start? There were so many great looking games this month. Well, I guess I'll start with

Costume Quest 2 : Man, this one just looks so upbeat and funny. It's games like this that remind me of why I'm a gamer, why I love the industry, and how much fun gaming can really be. It isn't realistic, it's silly, and it's beyond goofy. And that's why I already love it! We seriously need far more games like this these days.

I could easily see myself dropping $60 on it.


Pix the Cat : Another great game in the lineup this month, Pix the Cat is another example of what gaming was meant to be: good, clean, lighthearted fun. It's simple, it's fast paced, anyone can play, it's silly, and it looks like an extremely addicting game. I fully expect this one to be a blast.


Spelunky : So much greatness this month, and Spelunky does a lot to help me feel that way. Spelunky is another old school style game with tons of fun and surprises, and it looks like a classic game. I'll be spending a lot of time on this one if it's half as good as it looks.


Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor : And now we journey to gaming's darker side.Shadow of Mordor is a dark game with rich lore and a (in my opinion) revolutionary system in that it actually builds your repeat foes depending on who you may fail to kill in a battle, and how you attack them. The rivalry is completely unscripted and develops differently and appearances seem to be randomized. Hopefully future games follow suit on that one. And don't get me started on the gameplay...

Long story short, this is another must buy for me, and it'll definitely be one of the games I get first. $60 is a good deal here.


Freedom Wars : Now this game gives you a reason to own a Vita (almost as much as the next game on my list). It has a unique story and game design, and an in-depth battle system, as well as requiring strategy and fast thinking. I can see this one holding up for multiple playthroughs easily.

A great game for any system, Freedom Wars is a game I'll be sure to add to my Vita collection.


Poltergeist: A Pixelated Horror : Easily one of the best games looking games this month, Poltergeist: A Pixelated Horror is the closest thing to the amazing Genesis/Megadrive game Haunting, which is what caught my eye.

Poltergeist is more than a clone though, it adds a level of puzzle and challenge. This is probably the first Vita game I'll get.

One of the best looking Vita games I've seen to date, and to think, it's an Indie title.


It's a great month to be a Sony gamer, that's for sure.


Now for the other side of gaming...


The Bad

Alien: Isolation : While I don't think the concept is terrible, I just don't see any redeeming qualities to this game, unless it's the graphics. But graphics alone can't make a game good. Who knows? This game may be a blast. I just don't expect it to be.

I could easily list other games that I thought were bad, but I don't want to list games as "bad" just because they don't appeal to me. This is typically more about what games I think will be disappointing to it's intended audience. If I were to make a questionable category though, The Legend of Korra would fall into it.


The Ugly

I'm glad to report, I have no games to put on the ugly list this month.
Yes indeed, it's a good month for Sony gaming.


PlayStation Nostalgia


This month's game: Future Cop L.A.P.D.


This underappreciated little gem from the PSX days was published by Electronic Arts, and --as the name suggests-- took place in the future, in a highly mechanized age. Instead of driving cars, the L.A.P.D. drive something that resembles transformers. These vehicles take two forms: in form one, they walk upright like a Mech. In form two, they become a hovercraft. They also come equipped with multiple weapons, such as machine guns, missles, and the like.


So how's it play?

The game packs two modes of play: Campaign, and precinct assault. In Campaign mode, you take your shiny new Mech into the mean streets of future L.A. and accomplish missions from busting crime lords to rescuing hostages. Don't let that last one fool you though, it's action all the way to it's core. Blasting your way through level after level, squashing your foes mercilessly, and dishing out justice, (future) L.A.P.D. style!

And while that may sound exciting and all that jazz (and it IS fun), where this game really shines is in the "extra" mode Precinct Assault.


Ah, memories

I can remember sinking hours upon hours (days, really) into Precinct Assault. Arena after arena, shooting down countless planes and taking out Sky Captain's hover tanks, all while claiming bases and building my own army of mindless minions to wipe out the blue base.

It's one of those rare combinations in games where you can play the same arena against the same enemy a hundred times and still not get tired of it. Heck, I probably have played it a hundred times, and yet I still love it just as much as I did thirteen years ago when I first put the game into my PlayStation.


Precinct Assault mode explained

So in Precinct Assault mode you control the ever familiar red Mech/hovercraft L.A.P.D. vehicle, only this time you're locked in a smaller area (the Precinct, as it were), and you find yourself engaged in a fierce battle with an enemy known as Sky Captain ("Sky Captain Rulez" Props to anyone who gets the reference. Hint: it's in the game. Bet you didn't see that one coming, did ya?). Here you try to invade the enemy base (or more accurately, get one of your hover tanks into the enemy base) while managing to protect your own base from enemy tanks.

The challenge here being that you and your foe both begin with a whopping zero troops. You can buy tanks and planes in your base by walking up to the box (or weight maybe?) with the corresponding picture on it and pressing the action button. But as the term "buy" implies, these troops come at a cost: points. Each tank and plane costs one point, which is the equivalent of one minion kill (kill Sky Captain and get twenty points, I believe), but then there are the BIG guns...

Enter Juggernaut and big plane whose name I can't remember.

The juggernaut is a massive tank that can take --and deal-- far more damage that the typical hover tank, making it far more likely to actually survive the dangerous journey to the enemy base. But it'll most likely need your support to get past the enemy tanks, planes, Juggernauts, bigger...planes (I really should look up their names before going any further) Sky Captain, and enemy machine guns...oh right, I forgot to mention the machine guns.

There are several stationary automatic machine guns scattered around each arena, and all of them (with exception of the ones attached to your base) start out gray (neutral). To claim them, simply walk up to them and press the action button. The enemy can also claim these however, so be careful. Red guns are friendly, blue are foe. If one gets destroyed it will respawn shortly as a neutral gun and may be reclaimed by either their original owner, or the team that destroyed them.


Enter yet deeper strategy.

You --or your enemy-- may also purchase neutral bases. These cost a lot of points however, and should only be purchased with much consideration; what's the point in purchasing a base if you use all of your points and can't use it to produce more troops? These bases are useful however as they're much closer to the enemy's main base, and so, easier to invade from.

Well, that's about all that you need to know other than planes are for defense and tanks for offense, oh and respawning costs you points. Now you're ready to go grab a controller and kick some Sky Captain butt!

So should you play Futre Cop L.A.P.D.?

Do you like playing fun games? If so, then yes. Plain and simple, now we could move on, but unfortunately good (or at least decent) article writing etiquette demands I actually say something more, so here goes:

Future Cop L.A.P.D. is a game that is simply too good to pass up for most of us. And while I'm sure some people wouldn't like it, if your tastes are anything like mine at all, you'll love this game.

Future Cop's real strength is in it's endless replayability. It's a very special game that manages to capture such addicting levels of entertainment in an essentially endless mode like Precinct Assault, and Future Cop does just that. So while this game is fun in it's main mode, it's the extra mode that is sure to keep you coming back for more (it's kept me coming back for thirteen years). And it's the only game I could honestly say has endless replayability and pick up and play action that ensures plenty of fun every time you touch it, and no need to spend any time at all to get to the real fun.

It's for these very reasons that Future Cop L.A.P.D. has earned a spot as one of my top games of all time. If pressed, I'd say it probably places no lower than third for my all-time favorite...and maybe even second or first.

So the verdict is that Future Cop L.A.P.D. is a must play for any gamer in my opinion. They don't make them any better than this one, folks.

Fun factor: 10/10.


That's All, Folks!

Well it's been fun, but that wraps it up for this month's edition of the VSM. Did you agree with my Good, Bad, and Ugly selections? Do you have any suggestions for next months PlayStation Nostalgia? Any questions or comments? Feel free to tell me in the replies. I always enjoy feedback.

Be sure to drop in next time for more Sony info and updates. I have some special additions planned for next month as well, but until then, keep it real, keep on gaming, and keep it Sony.

I can't recall what your other VSM,. But can i just state one thing

1)The spacing, Why does after each sentence is there between 2-6 lines of blank space. I can understand 1 line to separate them and make it look slightly more presentable, but it kind of looks like you have done one of two things, 
1a) You have wrote this in a word type programme before hand and then simply transferred it to Vizzed, as it has an annoying habit of adding extra spacing.
1b) You have got the information from other sites and have simply pasted it here... 

Now before i get accused of saying a moderator is lying or whatever that is not the case it is just what i have seen in the past with people who have plagiarised stuff before.. It's not an accusation i am just saying it makes it look unprofessional and suspicious,. 

(Honestly i just do not want backlash at the mods because thing1 did something similar with xbox games, but that was blatant)

Besides that , this is cool i guess. I am sure some people like to know what games are coming out soon and what they are about/ how they play. Personally i like to try and wait a month or so after release, especially these days with so many producers rushing out slightly buggy builds of their games.... 

Still it was a good read.. Good job

sonicmcmuffin : No, I understand what you're saying. I have no idea why it turned out that way. I typed it on Vizzed via PM to myself (been spamming my own inbox with drafts), but maybe when I edited the post it did that, or I may have just been too caught up in getting it posted in time that I hit enter too many times and just persisted with it. No idea, but it does look horrible (this is the first time I've seen it since editing). I need to edit that a bit.

And I do have to copy the game list and sales numbers to some extent, but the actual text is all original. I know you weren't accusing me of anything, I just want to clear that up in case anyone tries to look it up and says "Oh my gosh! He got his game list from www.thissiteoverhere.com!" now. lol

Eirinn : If you made multiple drafts in Private messages that explains the spacing problem.. It does that sometimes... 

And of course.. If it is games being released you are bound to find similar lists all over the Internet.. No amount of wording can change that the games being released is simply fact

Either way the sooner you edit the spaces out the better.. It takes forever to scroll to the bottom to see your replies lol 

sonicmcmuffin : Lol I just finished editing. It's far from immaculate, but it's worlds better than it was.

Also, I checked the "Original Post" section while editing and it was spaced properly, so apparently the extra spacing was added after the edit for some reason. Oh well, it beats the random question mark spamming that edits give sometimes.

Eirinn : Wow! Sometimes it is hard for me to believe that game companies can still be selling so much of their product after a certain period of time has gone by since the release of their system. Xbox One seemed to sell a lot during one week when they got over fifty percent of selling the console, but overall I think Xbox game system genre isn't as successful as their predecessors because they don't even let you have rechargeable batteries (at least when I had an Xbox and an Xbox 360) and I think most games go to PS4 game console, or if they were to release a game on Xbox One that it would go multi-platform and go on PS4 too, so it is like what's the point in getting an Xbox One when everything released on Xbox One is also released on PS4. Also that just because they don't have rechargeable batteries, it is hard to play games for al long as your heart desires without having to go buy new batteries and replace your old batteries. Do you know if the Xbox One has rechargeable batteries and wire? If they do, then I might just consider buying an Xbox One.

Also I agree with some of the games on your "Good" and "Bad" sections. I too like how "Costume Quest 2" and "Freedom Wars" looked in their composition of games. Too bad "Freedom Wars" isn't on a console mostly specifically PS4 because that is what I have, but hmm maybe I will try to get a PSP Vita on "Black Friday" (I think that is what it is called when there is a sale on pretty much anything for a day in December), "Cyber Monday" (I think that is the correct saying for this special event of a sale on pretty much anything through online shopping), or maybe for Christmas (I don't know). What do you think between those choices would have the largest sale on a PSP Vita if you participate in those special occasions? Anyways, I also agree with your "Bad" section selection because I think that Alien game will be just as I have said before one of those games I do not like because of no exploration, or to add on to that one specific type of setting of the game that you will be mostly playing throughout the game's entirety makeup f a game. It does NOT seem fun to me to be going through just one environment throughout the whole game, but maybe I shouldn't judge it yet because I haven't exactly looked too deeply into the game and its background, so now I just don't know what to think of it o_0. Well I know I'm not really a fan of horror games (I don't want to get a heart attack during a game), so maybe it belongs in the "Bad" section with me (I'm not sure if I'm doing a sound or educated thing categorizing a game based on its look and feel to me, but that is pretty much how I categorize games. I don't know how to categorize differently), but once it comes out and a few months has passed by then I will look up on how it plays on the console, or in other words an in depth walkthrough or gameplay video of how it is as a game. Do you know other ways of categorizing a game based on different reasons, or more educated reasons of categorizing a game? 

happiness7 : Hey, my number one reader! lol

From what I see, you can get rechargeable battery packs for the XB One, but you have to buy them separately. So it's basically the same as last gen (I assume). I like that the PS4 has built in rechargeable batteries, but I do wonder what will happen when the batteries go out since it seems you can't replace them (can you? Or can you use a USB cable to convert it to a wired controller?). Hopefully that won't be much of an issue though.

But yeah, I feel amazed every time I see that they're still selling so many systems, especially Sony selling 400,000 PS4's in a single week. I didn't think they could keep the sales up that strong for so long, but I don't expect it to die down this year now since Christmas is coming up. In fact, a lot of the sales right now are probably because of Christmas. I just wonder how much the sales will drop next January, or when they'll finally die down (hopefully not for several months. This is great for the game industry).

As for game releases, most exclusive titles for the XBox One don't appeal to me at all. Basically Sony either has exclusivity on all of the Non-Nintendo games that I really want, or they're on both platforms (XBox and PS4).

The best time to get a Vita will almost certainly be Black Friday, and yeah it's the day after Thanksgiving. Cyber Monday could also be pretty good as well, and a lot safer and easier than Black Friday shopping. I expect the Vita to be full price after Black Friday and Cyber Monday though, so if you plan to get one this year, you should probably do so on one of those two days (and Black Friday is the most likely day that you'll find it on sale). Either way, I have to get a Vita now that Poltergeist and Freedom Wars are on it. lol I can run Pix on the PS4.


Honestly, that's how I decide which games I want to play as well, and usually I'm right about which ones I'll like, but I have found some really good games by trying them even though they didn't appeal to me too much (like Sega superstars tennis on the PS2), so I'd say it's a good idea to give them a try if they're cheap, but trust your instincts and don't buy a $30 game that you don't feel fairly certain that you'll like. I think your current approach is smart personally. And I sometimes look at gameplay videos to see if I like a game or not as well.

As for Alien: Isolation, I've seen some gameplay now (besides the E3 demo), and I still don't like it. It's too cramped of an environment for me. Feels really linear, like you only do what the developers wanted you to do.

Eirinn : Oh, I did not know they sold rechargeable batteries for the Xbox One. I thought it was just the non-rechargeable controllers or batteries that you get with an Xbox system and that was all they had to offer for controllers
for the Xbox One. I just thought that Xbox One would follow its predecessors and offer non-rechargeable controllers with no advertising of rechargeable controllers, so no one really knows or is aware of the rechargeable controllers that the Xbox genre sells separately than with the bundle of getting an Xbox system. But just really, why can't they make it easier on the consumer to give them rechargeable controllers or batteries from the start with an Xbox bundle than offering non-rechargeable controllers with the bundle and not even helping the consumers become aware of their rechargeable batteries sold separately. In my opinion, if they just gave rechargeable controllers and batteries from the start with their bundle, or if they won't give rechargeable controllers and batteries out with their bundle than they should just do ways to make apparent to the consumers or buyers that they have rechargeable controllers and batteries for offering separately than with a bundle and I think that would really improve their sales on their console than being anonymous with details and making everyone suffer in the run.

Well I could have sworn you said before in one of your VSM's, but my memory is kind of foggy at the moment, so I can't really recall that you did say it . Oh, nooooo, maybe I have early signs of Alzheimer's! But anyway, didn't you say that you had a PS4 or was it that you said like the PSP Vita, you would get it later in the year? So yeah, if you don't have a PS4, but did research on it or saw pictures on it and did educated guesses on it that the PS4 controllers don't really have anything on them to open up the controller to put other batteries in it. But maybe that is another thing I should be looking at when wanting rechargeable controllers or batteries is that if I misplace and can't remember where I put my rechargeable wire that how will I play my game if my batteries run out through prolong use of the rechargeable controller and if I can temporarily replace my rechargeable batteries and put in other batteries not necessarily being other rechargeable batteries for the controller into the controller to continue playing until I find my rechargeable wire.

Really, so "Black Friday" is the day after Thanksgiving? I could have sworn last year or something, "Black Friday" was in December instead of being in November. I agree with you that "Cyber Monday" would probably be the safest route. Because, did you hear that one "Black Friday", there was a big rush of people getting in a store that other people were pushed to the floor and trampled to death by other people walking on them and running on them? I think it was just one person though, so maybe I over-exaggerated a bit on it. 

Yeah, if I didn't get a game yet and it was already out in stores, I search on walkthroughs of the game (spoiler alert I guess) before I decide to buy the game myself. Do you search on walkthroughs of the game if you don't have it and it is already out in stores, or do you just search up gameplay videos that don't give the story in a sequence that the real game would go in if you played it too or bought it and played it?

 I want to quote you because I foolhardy agree with your statement: "Feels really linear, like you only do what the developers wanted you to do." I agree with this about the Alien: Isolation game because it looked to me like one of those games that were story-based (as I like to say it) where you only go through the events given to you by the story of a game and there is no exploration whatsoever, so to me that is really un-appealing (understatement) and linear. But do you think there could be redeeming qualities of a game like this that would push you to go against your ideal way of getting a game, playing it, and enjoying it despite not having any variability in the gameplay? I think sometimes there are redeeming qualities, but I also think these redeeming qualities that you search for come deep from inside you, so you may not be aware of what you found redeeming of a game to decide ultimately to pick it up and play it, and if you can't think of anything feel free to say "I don't know."

(Totally random and I don't know if anyone already mentioned this, but are you aware that the last quarter of your article is all boldened?)

Alright, so at first I thought I'd just peer in here to look at your work... but then I honestly was surprised. I'm not a hard core gamer, so I'm not going to pretend I read every word. However.... I absolutely guffawed and had to double-read about the Duck Dynasty game.... really?!?!?!

LOL... that seems absolutely silly to me... but my husband ADORES Duck Dynasty.  I think he'd find the idea of a game silly as well, but it'd make a great gift for him nonetheless, I think. Where do you think I can buy one, if it's not too expensive.

(Also, thanks for the warnings on the videos. I didn't want to watch any of them, but I think it's good that you put the warnings there.)

happiness7 : Yeah, it really makes more sense to give the player rechargeable batteries when they buy the system. they're already giving a lot of money, so why make them also buy the rechargeable battery set separately? Doesn't sound like good marketing to me.


And no, I don't have a PS4, sadly. I think you're probably remembering when I said I'd probably make a section for miniature reviews on PS4 games later this year when I (hopefully) do manage to get a PS4. I'll definitely be getting one as soon as I'm able, and I hope it's before year's end. As for the controllers, yeah that could be a big issue. Might be best to always lay it beside the system when you're not using it.


Yeah, I did hear that story, and it's actually a big reason that I don't like the idea of going to Black Friday sales. I'm really hoping to see a good deal on a PS4 (a deal on a site I can use) on Cyber Monday. That would be great. But yeah, Cyber Monday would be safer and easier for you (no fights over who gets the last one), but Black Friday is your best bet of finding the Vita on sale.


I always avoid walkthroughs because I hate knowing how to do something before I play the game. I always like to figure it all out by myself. I have looked at a walkthrough once to see if the game was good or not, but not any real spoilers stuff. I almost always just find LP's on YouTbue or someone streaming the game on Hitbox.tv or Twitch.tv instead. And even then I only watch long enough to get a feel for the gameplay.


And yeah, I think a game can be good even if it's completely linear (like 2D sidescrolling games for example), so in some cases it's okay. I don't like games that handle things the way Alien: Isolation does however. In the long run though, it's okay as long as the story is good enough to make up for it, and the gameplay is still fun.




Singelli : Ahhh! I hadn't noticed that! Thanks for showing me, and I can see what it is now without even opening the edit tab (I will have to fix it though): I left the bold bracket on "The Evil Within" open. *facepalm*


I love Duck Dynasty as well. xD And yes, the idea is silly, but I can't help but want to try it out still. I can't tell if it'll be any good, but it's too silly to pass up. lol And given the game's name (the series is still popular) I fully expect it to be in most stores that carry Video Games. At the very least, I'd look in Game Stop and stores like it. I'd be shocked if it weren't in any given one of them.

As for price (I plan to include the MSRP for each game in the next article) it looks like it'll go for $49.99, so about ten dollars below the bigger titles. That's a little more than I want to pay for it personally, so I'll probably wait until the price drops a bit before trying it myself. I'd go for $29 or maybe even $39....maybe.


And thank you. It's nice knowing that someone appreciates the warnings. Honestly, some of these trailers I wouldn't have watched myself if I didn't have to before posting them. Especially the evil within. Those were just disturbing.

Eirinn : I can only imagine.  XD and yikes.... I wouldn't pay that much either. hopefully jason won't hear of it until then. I'm surprised he hasn't heard of it already, tbh.

I'll point this out, being the sports gamer I am.

Regarding NBA 2k15, from what I've seen so far, my best advice is to hold off for 2-3 months, maybe making this a Christmas purchase if you absolutely have to have it. If you didn't upgrade to PS4 NBA2k last year, this year is a good year to make the jump, but as is usual with the 2k games, the online is suspect and there are a lot of mean bugs early. It looks great, and much more refined than last year's title, but the chief improvements are under the hood things you generally won't see, that help with the flow and consistency of the game.

NBA 2k15 adds a sort of face scan technology you could be seeing in more games soon. Facial scans aren't anything new, mind, eyetoy and other devices have used similar tech to put you in the game before. However, this time, it's a tad different, and tries to get a 3D scan of your face, by taking thousands of reference points from both sides of your face as well as the front. The early returns are terrifying (best advice if you want to use this feature is to take the pictures in NATURAL LIGHTING and to put the camera on a flat surface) but when it works, it is a thing of beauty.

Missing from last year's installment is the half time show, which was many people's favorite feature. There's a chance they roughly patch something in later, but don't hold your breath.

If you own last year's title, this game is "basically" a roster update, although the MyCareer mode has a different story this time around, it doesn't look all that special.

One last note is that 2k apparently hired some engineers to figure out network infrastructure, so online might finally work at some point in the coming year. Fingers crossed!

It's still the best basketball game on the market, but wait for it to drop in price.

-----

As for WWE 2k15, this year looks like the year to believe in wrestling games again.

I don't want to go into too much detail, because I've already gone on a long time about just NBA 2k, but WWE 2k15 will finally add something that people have been clamoring for for years. A career mode. And from what I've heard and seen, it looks like it will be a good first step in a positive direction and have more depth than the Universe mode has (Universe mode is still in though!) the past couple of years.

Also of note is the implementation of NXT, both some of the wrestlers like Sami Zayn and Adrian Neville, and the rings will be usable, and will feature into the Career Mode.

The graphics, as expected from 2k, are just phenominal, and they seem to be getting closer and closer to getting the authentic lighting and game pace that we've wanted for a couple of years now.

They also seemingly got rid of move spam. No more will you go online and have people doing finishing level moves right out of the gate.

If you didn't pick up WWE 2k14, then 2k15 is a must buy if you like the WWE games. However, expect a lot of bugs, especially with the online department. This "is" 2k after all.