science-fiction posts

This is an argument that has raged since the invention of the pulp novel. Which is better, Science Fiction, or Fantasy? And by better, I mean which provides a more engaging experience? Normally, this is purely a matter of personal taste, and to a lesser extent, the actual quality of the story being told. When were talking about video games, however, a new element is introduced: mechanics.

Which genre affords better game mechanics? Is it more fun to sling spells around, or raise hell with heavy machinery? Would you rather be a wizard or an alien? Do you feel more immersion when playing in a universe where magic works, or do you have to have rational physics to believe in a given reality? Let's take a look and see what the real differences are, if any.

CVG reports that an "Infinity Ward insider" let slip that the studio is working on a Sci-Fi game. No specifics about the game were given, apart from the genre. Since Infinity Ward's portfolio exclusively includes Call of Duty games (the first, the second, and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare), the gaming community is buzzing with speculation that this means that the Call of Duty series is going the space marine route after Call of Duty: World at War.

We're skeptical. Why? Because the insider also said that the Sci-Fi game might be unveiled at E3. It would be pretty silly to unveil Call of Duty: Future Warfare only a month after Call of Duty: World at War, even though Infinity Ward isn't helming World at War itself. So maybe Infinity Ward is finally branching out. You knew they had to get sick of Call of Duty sooner or later, right? More likely yet, maybe the barely-sourced quote is just a false rumor.

As unlikely as it is, though, it's still fun to imagine a Call of Duty game in which your squadmates scream: "They're coming out of the walls! They're coming out of the Goddamn walls!"

[Via Joystiq]

Electronic Arts announced today that the PC version of BioWare's Sci-Fi RPG Mass Effect has gone gold. The game will reach store shelves in North America on May 28th. The European release date is June 6th.

The press release notes that customers who pre-order the game from EA's online store will get some free Dead Space merchandise -- "the first issue of the Dead Space comic book and a Dead Space poster while supplies last." It's probably a safe bet that the two sci-fi themed, third-person games appeal to a similar crowd.

Mass Effect, originally released on Microsoft's Xbox 360 console, will include some new features in its PC incarnation -- a revamped user interface, more customizable and powerful combat controls, and 90 minutes of additional storyline content available to 360 users only as a pay-to-play download, called Bring Down the Sky.