The Chimera. First debuting in Russia, this talented species of humanoid aliens took the world by storm. Their second appearance, in the heart of England in the 1940s, propelled the Chimera to worldwide superstardom. Riding on the back of this new success, they continued their fame with a worldwide tour; beginning in the United States, the Chimera enjoyed prolonged radio time and even did hundreds of live events in order to get closer to their audience.

Don't let it fool you. The Chimera are not a band. They do not have any acting ability. They don't know anyone in Hollywood, and they're not related to the Jackson Five. In fact, they are an alien humanoid race who believe themselves to be the original inhabitants of Earth, and are intent on eradicating humanity in order to be the superior race on Earth. Awww, how sweet?

Due to the success of the Resistance series, new PlayStation3 owners sparce on cash have to make the decision between getting either Resistance: Fall of Man (the fantastic series debut at £19.99) or the latest game, Resistance 2. Here's where I step in; in this article, I'll compare the aspects of both so you can decide which one is for you.

Storyline. Resistance: Fall of Man relied heavily on the storyline as a way of giving the player some idea of what had led up to the events in the game. Based in the United Kingdom, R1 followed the story of Nathan Hale and his battle against the Chimeran invasion of the UK. Resistance 2, on the other hand, had a much less prominent storyline, told more through in-game narrative rather than through standalone cut-scenes.

In terms of gameplay, both games are very different. Resistance 1 has a more fun, lightweight feel - the weapons system is 'old school', with the player able to pick any weapon he or she likes, and the lack of an easily accessible ADS stystem encourages more 'run and gun' gameplay. R2, however, is much more tactical; the versatile aiming system, huge numbers of enemies and only two weapons mean that the player can't play it one-man-army style.

Graphically, Resistance 2 is evidently better. Come on, it hasn't been out as long, has it? However, both games impress, with realistic graphics from the start. R2, however, has much more graphical shapow, and are probably more immersive overall.


The online features for both games are strong. Resistance: Fall of Man's online mode is fully old-school, but with a variety of strong game modes such as team deathmatch and capture the flag and many good maps. The gameplay for R1 online is quite run and gun, with a good fun feel to it: great for ten minutes before school or a quick game in a lunch hour. R2's online, however, is much more tactical; XP- and class-based gameplay makes for a diverse match atmosphere, and the amazingly huge games (up to 60p) and spectacular maps make for a jaw-clanching tactical experience.

Overall, if you want a game which you can pick-up and play but still feel you've spent your money wisely, you can't go wrong with Resistance: Fall of Man - particularly as it's now only twenty quid. However, if you prefer a more tactical gaming experience, take your games seriously, want to have the latest stuff or are a fan of intense, arse-cheek-tensing action games - pick Resistance 2.

Linford

Labels: Comparisons, R:Fom, Resistance 2

Ah, 2008. It seems like so long ago; the world's moved on into 2009 without a second thought, hoping that money will get better, the weather more bearable and the games thicker and faster. But, let me cast your memory back to 2008, with my top 5 games of the year.

#5 007: Quantum of Solace

I bought this game after seeing gameplay videos and following the hype surrounding the new Bond film and game, expecting an exciting and bone-numbingly adrenaline-filled gaming experience. I wasn't disappointed. Quantum of Solace has many redeeming features - the excellent Gears-esque cover system, the fantastic shooting, the dual-camera view, and a good storyline that was loyal to the plotlines of both of Craig's Bond films. However, there were some flaws (such as the dreadful online play) which forces it to number 5.


#4 Far Cry 2

Do you love Africa? Are you an amateur arsonist? Do you like shooters? If the answer to any of these answers is yes, then Far Cry 2 is my recommendation to you. This game is brilliant in most senses of the word; the expansive, sandbox play area, fantastic fire and explosion effects and decent online mode gains Far Cry 2 the number 4 spot.

#3 Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty

This PlayStation Network exclusive is exactly what gaming is about: good, clean fun. With a fantastic and funny storyline which picks up from Tools of Destruction, Quest for Booty continues the amazing action and magnificent playability which the R&C series has become synonymous with. Graphically amazing and with some truly hilarious scripting and voice acting, Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty snatches number 3.

#2 LittleBigPlanet


Media Molecule's masterpiece LittleBigPlanet falls into the top five at number 2. A true original, LBP boasts a magnificent online system tied flawlessly into the single player campaign, fantastically narrated by Stephen Fry; brilliant customisation and user-created content and wonderful, regularly-updated DLC. A true work of art.

#1 Resistance 2

But, in the end, it has to be Insomniac's sequel to their PS3 launch title which has to scrape the top spot. Resistance 2 is everything a shooter strives for; taking all the best bits from Resistance: Fall of Man and adding much more, R2 is frantic, fun and realistic in equal measure. However, the number one has to be earned by the online mode - the least laggy I've seen in a very long time, strengthened further by the fantastic online games and party system. I'll be playing this long into 2009.

Linford

Labels: Far Cry 2, Game of the Year 2008, LittleBigPlanet, Quantum of Solace, Rachet and Clank, Resistance 2

I know the original plan was to do this on video, but I decided that it would be little more than me talking to a camera for 5 minutes, holding game boxes if I didn't do it this way. Anyway; 2008 was a great year. Here are my top 5 from it:

#5 Resistance 2


Resistance 2 should be used as an example for all game developers. Easy to pick up and play, hard to master. Great online mode, no lag. Amazing co-op gameplay with classes that actually work together; Resistance 2 does it all. Well maybe not, it has all of the fundamentals of a classic…but at times it feels like that’s all it has, fundamentals.

#4 Mirror’s Edge


Mirror’s Edge is the most unique game I have played all year. Even though combat is a big let down, and at times the missions can be frustrating (see boat level), the times when you run from rooftop to rooftop being chased by the police, are among the best of the year. Just as a note, ME has my favourite art style in a game ever.

#3 Grand Theft Auto 4


GTA 4 represents a more mature GTA series in times to come. I welcome this change. Whilst other games can boast of “amazing” character creation or “ground-breaking” user generated content, GTA 4 is one of the only games in history that have ever captured the feeling of a real city.

#2 Burnout Paradise


This is what racing games should be like. I don’t want to tune a car’s engine; I want to smash it to hell while jumping off a car park roof. I don’t want boring tutorials; I want to smash a car to hell, while jumping off a car park roof. I don’t want to change my car’s tyres, I want to smash it to he- OK, you get the picture. Burnout shows racing at its very best.

#1 Fallout 3



Fallout 3 has a great setting. Sure, at first it looks like a bunch of rocks and debris scattered around a wasteland, but if you dig deeper, what you find is an immersive world full of rich characters with good voice acting (at times), and a fun combat system. However, the thing that made this my game of the year was all of the little finishing touches. Stumbling on an exhibition in a museum that contains a replica vault complete with car salesman-like voiceover? Amazing.

Matt

Labels: Burnout, Fallout, Game of the Year 2008, Grand Theft Auto, Matthew, Matthew Meadows, Mirrors Edge, Resistance 2

Resistance 2 combines all that is good about first person shooters and puts it onto one disc. With great gunplay and fantastic online, you really couldn’t go wrong with this game – so long as you like the FPS genre.

As you may have guessed Resistance 2 is a sequel (no, really!) to the underrated Resistance: Fall of Man. In the first game you played as Nathan Hale, who went through Britain helping the armed forces fight off the mysterious Chimeran threat. The second game is set a number of years after this failed resistance, and focuses on the threat to America. The objective of the game is to cripple the invader’s chances of taking the country. Okay, it’s hardly an original storyline, but it’s executed really well, especially considering the bad taste in the mouth left by most alternate history shooters (I’m looking at you Turning Point: Fall of Liberty).

The main thing that made me love Resistance 1 was its great gunplay. You never felt like a weapon was bad, and that every shot mattered. Things haven’t changed on this front, with the weapon list retaining such classics as the Bullseye and my personal favourite, the Rossmore 236 Shotgun. The quality of these weapons becomes especially clear when you go online. Normally on games, you find everyone online using the same gun (CoD4 being an exception) due to it being classed as the “best”. However, I can report that I have been killed by every type of weapon online, many, many times – which is a good, if depressing, sign of a good weapons roster.

Resistance 2’s multiplayer experience is top notch. With a squad based – 60 player “Skirmish” mode, Insomniac upped its ante. Matches feel like great fun, and actively encourage teamwork, a rare thing in the online FPS world. Another highlight of the online mode is the Co-operative campaign. This mode allows up to 8 players to take part in various missions based on the back-story of the game. The amount of team work needed eclipses other team based online shooters I have played, including the often applauded Team Fortress 2, if everyone on the team picks a solider class, with no medics or special forces; you’re buggered.

Overall, if you want solid shooting, you’ve got it. If you want a great online mode, you’ve got it. If you want replay value (XP offline transfers to online XP), you’ve got it. If you want a great, if hard to follow storyline, you’ve got it. And chances are, if you own a PS3, this review is pointless, because you’ve got it.

9.5/10 

Matt

Labels: Matthew, Matthew Meadows, Resistance 2, Review

Those pesky Chimera. They just don't give up. Not only have they taken over Europe, suffered heavy losses in Great Britain and continued the fight by going over to the US, but now they're flexing their muscles and killing innocent Sackboys. When will they stop?

That's right, my lords, ladies and Sackpeople. More DLC is coming to LittleBigPlanet, one item being a Chimeran Grim costume for your Sackboy to celebrate the release of Resistance 2. The cosume, which you can see in the image above, will be available on the Japanese PSN at a cost of ¥200 which should come in at about £1.50 if the content makes it over here.

Other costumes making their way to the Land of the Rising Sun include a TV head for Sackboy, a MotorStorm riders outfit and a Thanksgiving turkey head (for some reason). Hopefully all these costumes should make it over to the UK. Keep an eye on the PlayStation Store to see.

Linford

Labels: DLC, LBP, LittleBigPlanet, PSN, Resistance 2

Our R2 beta competition is now over, and I am proud to announce Jason Hibbs as the winning designer. His GGTL header will be used on the site on the UK release date of Resistance 2.

Congratulations, Jason. I have sent you an email containing your beta key, and hope you enjoy the exclusive insight into the R2 beta.

Linford

Labels: Beta, Competition, Resistance 2

COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE NOTIFICATION VIA EMAIL.

Thought it was too late to get your hands on one of those rare-as-gold-dust Resistance 2 beta keys? You were wrong. We've got one beta key cluttering up the office here at GGTL, and we want to get rid of it. So, here's your opportunity.

The task: Create a GGTL header for the release of Resistance 2.

The conditions:

1. The header must be of the dimensions 700px by 250px.
2. The header must contain the GGTL logo or the text 'Gamer's Guide to Life' (logo preferable).
   
3. The header must contain the names of all the GGTL writers.
   
4. The header cannot contain content unsuitable for minors.

The other conditions:

1. You must be 18 years old or over.
2. You must own a PLAYSTATION®3 system.
3. You must have a valid North American PLAYSTATION®Network account.

So, if you think your design skills are up to it, get designing! Please send entries to linfordbutler@googlemail.com, along with your name, PSN ID and country of residence. Entries in English only please. Entries must be received by Monday, 27th October 2008 at 4:30pm GMT, although a winner may be drawn earlier.

Linford

Any entries which do not fulfill requirements will not be entered. Any entries received after the closing date will not be entered. The winner will be notified and their code provided via email or PSN. Any fraudulent entries will be followed up with the correct authorities. GGTL accepts no responisbility for any damage or difficulty due to the beta, code or competition.

Labels: Beta, Competition, Resistance 2

The open application process will close today at 11pm GMT (4 pm PDT). If you haven’t applied yet, head to http://beta.myresistance.net/apply.

Today is not your last chance! Much like with the LittleBigPlanet beta, USA Today will be distributing (hundreds of) codes on their site beginning next Tuesday.

The download servers will shut down on Wednesday, October 29 at midnight (5 pm PDT) You won’t be able to download the beta after this.

They'll be shutting down the beta servers on Thursday, October 30 at 6:59am GMT (11:59 pm PDT) After that, you’ll need a retail copy of R2 to continue playing.

Linford

Thanks to Bryan Intihar of Insomniac Games for the information. PDT times are GMT-7hrs. GGTL accepts no responsibility for incorrect dates or times. All GMT times are converted from the original PDT times in the original post.

Labels: Beta, Resistance 2, Writer's note

There's many things people join in a mad rush for. Celebrities autographs, book signings, running away from a massacre. Or, in the case of the game industry, beta keys for upcoming, highly anticipated PS3 exclusives. Like, say... Resistance 2 for example.

Resistance 2 is the sequel to the bestselling PS3-launch title Resistance: Fall of Man. The game follows on where FoM left off, with Nathan Hale taking centre stage again as the main character. R2 is set in America during the 1950s, and focuses on the Chimeran invasion of the east and west coasts of the USA.

I downloaded the beta - which weighs in at 2.2GB - after I became one of 7,000 lucky European PS3 owners to grab a beta key from IGN's giveaway. The beta gives you an insight into the network features of the game, without giving away too much of the storyline.

The 'competitive' portion of the beta includes competitive maps from three different locations in the game. 60, 40 and 20-player maps from Orick, 40 and 20-player maps from Chicago, and a standalone 10-player map called Sub Docks. Two new modes, Skirmish and Core Control, are supported, as well as traditional Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch.

The co-operative part of the beta is entirely focused on the Orick level, and gives beta testers a glance at the new 8-player online co-op mode. This portion supports play-path randomisation, so each time you play is slightly different.

Competitive mode works well, and the squad based gameplay is fantastic. Not only does it enable you to play tactically with friends or strangers, but it also allows you to be given hostile targets to 'take out', as it were. I encountered problems attempting to matchmake games - the beta either responded with 'Network Error' or a similar sort of message. However, this is one thing which is sure to be non-existant in the full game.



Insomniac have evidently been working hard on the co-op side of things. Jumping into a game with a group of friends is easy, and with up to 8-player play and class-based weapon sets, it makes it simple to get a well-rounded team together. The beta, however, only includes three classes - soldier, medic and Spec Ops. Hopefully there will be more options available in the full release.

High-definition really is made worthwhile with this beauty. The beta runs at a solid 720p, 60fps on my HDTV, with almost no gittering or pixelation at all. The renders are spot on, too - there's no square edges to be seen, and the lighting effects look fantastic. There's a good colour range, and that makes for a viewing experience that's full of vibrancy, rather than boring. The one thing which did not look quite how I thought it would, however, is water - it seems to have some unseen foce pulling it about, and looks almost comical.

Gameplay is good, and there was hardly any lag when playing in a 60-player deathmatch. Shooting feels satisfying, although enemies seem to take huge amounts of damage before finally kicking the bucket. Whether this is part of the story - stronger Chimera for a new invasion - is yet to be found out.

The menu system is well implemented, and easy-to-use. I really like the way you can still navigate through main menus and friends lists without leaving the party you're in - it makes navigation much more time-efficient. However, the beta was filled with minor glitches; attempts to view a profile always resulted in a network error and the game could occassionaly freeze and entirely crash the PS3, forcing a hard reset. However, that really couldn't put me off in the slightest.

If the beta is anything to go by, Resistance2 is going to be absolutely fantastic, and will live up to the hype. I'm really glad I got an exclusive insight into the beta, although there's one little thing that's niggling at me.

I desperately want the full game.

Linford

Labels: Beta Impressions, Exclusive, Matthew, Matthew Meadows, R:Fom, Resistance 2

If hype for Insomniac’s upcoming shooter wasn’t high enough already, Sony’s ultra-revealing E3 conference certainly added fuel to the Resistance fire. With a brand-spanking new trailer, new information and an upcoming PSP spin-off title revealed, Sony’s press department have been hard at work to ensure that the latest Resistance games are well advertised before release.

Sony’s couldn’t have started their E3 staging much better than this. Actual in-game footage of Resistance: Fall of Man 2 was displayed to the amazement of watching crowds at the L.A. Shrine Theater – and amazement is the right word. Even at this stage, it looks absolutely fantastic and a definite step up from the original.

The sequel is set in America during the year 1953. Set in an alternate universe where WW2 never happened, the Chimera have broken US borders and are converting villages full of people to Chimeran forces, thus spreading the virus.

You play as Lieutenant Nathan Hale of the US Army, who has been infected with the Chimeran virus and is fighting it – as well as the Chimera themselves. The storyline continues from the plot of the original.

At the moment, the graphics and gameplay look absolutely amazing. Revealed at E3 was a huge monstrous leviathan, taller than most of the buildings. That’s what the original was missing, and what’s going to make this sequel absolutely brilliant. The game looks to play exactly like the original, but with added extras like being able to walk along building constructions. The weapons are similar to the original, but added to and tweaked slightly, so it still feels original.

The graphics look spectacular. Seriously, the explosions and fire effects are really impressive, and the monsters look exactly how they should – huge, frightening and hideous. The buildings look really realistic and the glass effects – as with the original – are amazing. Gun models also look more detailed than in Resistance: Fall of Man.

The multiplayer looks great too – 8 player online co-op and 60p online battles make this multiplayer very attractive. There is also news of squad-based skirmishes online, which should give a much-needed tactical aspect to the game.

I am really looking forward to Resistance 2 – hopefully it will be one of the best games this year graphically, online and gameplay-wise. I only hope Insomniac can deliver on what they have promised.

Linford

Labels: E3, Hype Train, Preview, R:Fom, Resistance 2

New pieces of information were revealed about Insomniac’s upcoming PS3 shooter Resistance 2 on a Eurogamer live text chat (including two questions from yours truly). Here they are:

• Intel will be found lying around the levels (as in the first game) to expand the story of the game


• There will be a mini-gun


• Better lighting


• More detailed textures


• Bigger levels


• Resolution is 720p


• Will run at 30 frames per second (FPS)


• Co-op game is different from 1 player mode
  
• No large cut-scenes in co-op
  
• Co-op mode significantly harder than 1 player (due to increased amount of players)
  
• The game will include Playstation Home and trophy support
  
• Fighting will be more intense from the start (answering criticism of Resistance: FOM's slow start)
  
• Campaign mode will be as long, if not longer than Resistance: FOM
  
• There will be little or no sixaxis use in Resistance 2

Matt (Thanks Eurogamer)

Labels: Matthew Meadows, Resistance 2