Katamari Gaiden
I don't normally record videos or post about game demos, but I just played one that I've been highly anticipating, and another that surprised me with its quality.
I've enjoyed the Katamari Damacy series since it first debuted as a limited release budget title for the PS2, and I've been looking forward to trying out Katamari Forever on the PS3, because its controller makes it the best current gen platform to play it on. The new game, soon to be released exclusively on the Playstation Network, upgrdes the look of the franchise with cel-shading, and in my opinion, it's a perfect fit. Gameplay is enhanced with the new ability to jump your Katamari using either the R2 button or a flick of the SIXAXIS controller. Download the demo now and try it for yourself, or buy the full game when it hits the PS Store this week.
I never got into the Ninja Gaiden franchise when it was reborn on the Xbox, so I didn't really expect to be thrilled with the Ninja Gaiden 2 Sigma demo, but boy was I ever! This PS3 exclusive essentially amounts to a director's cut of the Xbox 360's Ninja Gaiden 2, featuring improved imagery, better camera work, and lots of bonus content. But it was actually directed by a protege of Ninja Gaiden 2's director and former head of Team Ninja, Tomonobu Itagaki.
It runs at a steadier 60fps and is now a full 1280x720p, but gore has been toned down, reportedly for artistic reasons. It's still a violent game, with lots of blood, decapitations, and dismemberment, but you won't see severed limbs scattered everywhere and geysers of blood painting the environment as it did in Ninja Gaiden 2.
Combat is fluid and deep, though novices can button mash their way through the easiest setting. Those who take the time to learn the intracacies of the combo system and strategic use of their weapons will be rewarded with a richer experience when dispatching gangs of foes.
Unfortunately, the demo is currently only available via the Japanese Playstation Store, but don't let that stop you. Create a Japanese PSN account and go download it immediately! I'm sure you'll too be dying to buy the full game when it comes out next week.
Check out the HD videos I captured of the Katamari Forever and Ninja Gaiden 2 Sigma demos after the jump.