DirtyDMan
10-14-2010, 10:57 PM
http://cdn.idg.com.au/gim/id/33447/res/18
Something is rotten in the state of New Austin. Actually, everything is rotten in the state of New Austin. A virulent plague has descended upon the plains of the American West, turning man, beast and Injun into a legion of undead ghouls. Nobody is safe from the curse, and to make matters worse, the afflicted have developed a taste for human flesh. Yep, it's Armageddon time, Ye Old Testament style. Or Dawn of the Red Undead.
Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare is the new DLC for Rockstar Game’s critically acclaimed Western opus. As its name implies, Undead Nightmare tosses a hoard of zombies into the mix, along with fresh weapons, challenges and enemies (actually, ‘fresh’ might not be the right choice of words...). Players once again take on the role of John Marston as he attempts to make sense of this damned and pestilent landscape. If you thought New Austin was a tough place already, prepare for a rude reawakening.
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zoms6.jpg
Earlier in the week, we shambled down to Rockstar’s Sydney offices to get our first taste of Undead Nightmare. Our brief encounter left us amused, creeped out and ravenously hungry for more. This isn’t merely a cowboy version of Call of Duty: Nazi Zombies. Rather, Rockstar has dissected and reassembled the entire game world, producing an experience that is almost as well realised as the original.
Our demo started with Marston riding through a rainy, windswept swampland. It's immediately obvious that something has gone awry. The land is completely deserted. The clouds seem darker and more oppressive than usual. The music is spooky and sinister. Oh yeah, and John’s horse is a rotting zombie-cum-skeleton.
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zoms5.jpg
Your corpulent steed handles very queerly compared to other horses in the game. It reminded us of a badly damaged car in GTA IV, with your 'ride' constantly veering to the side. While this adds a dash of rigor-mortem authenticity to the game, we think it could get frustrating fast. (Thankfully, there are still a few healthy horses inhabiting the game world.)
The zombie horse is just one of many new animals in Undead Nightmare; many of which are zombified riffs on beasts we’ve seen before. However, Rockstar hasn’t just re-skinned — or de-skinned — the same old enemies. Instead, they’re tougher, grislier and far more ferocious than their living counterparts. At one point in the demo we were relentlessly pursued by a pack of undead wolves that eventually dragged us down and tore us to pieces. Pro tip: venturing into the untamed, undead wild is a definite no-no!
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zomsa.jpg
The first cut-scene we witnessed saw Marston crossing paths with a shady acquaintance; the Gollum-esque Seth Briars. If you recall from the first game, Seth is unnaturally fond of dead folk — to the point of obsession. The zombie outbreak has naturally raised the suspicion of the townsfolk, who think Seth may somehow be mixed up in it. (To be fair, we’d probably blame the guy who shacks up with corpses too.)
When Marston comes across Seth, he is playing a game of cards with his old partner-in-crime Moses. Or what used to be Moses. Times have not been kind to Moses, who has shuffled off this mortal coil... only to keep on shuffling. The subsequent exchange between John, Seth and Undead-Moses is hilarious and creepy in equal measure. (It culminates with Seth imploring Moses to attack John like a guard dog: Moses merely grunts.)
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zoms11.jpg
Rockstar Games is keeping typically tight-lipped about the game's plot, but there seems to be a Biblical theme permeating through proceedings. At one point during the demo, we came across one of the Four Horses of the Apocalypse, which we promptly lassoed and mounted (or tried too anyway — our horse galloped off a cliff in the excitement). If this supernatural encounter is anything to go by, Marston may find himself pitted against Old Nick himself. Jeepers.
The tone of Undead Nightmare has an undeniable B-movie flavour, but at the same time it plays things completely straight. The zombies in the game are the real deal — inexorable, gruesome and terrifying. This ain't no Treehouse of Horror-style lark, that's for damn sure.
There are four main types of zombie in the game, each with their own unique powers and abilities. 'Undead' are your regular shuffling variety — while easily avoided, they can overwhelm the player in packs. 'Bolters' are quick 'n' nimble cadavers that pursue the player on all fours (they're fierce, but easy to gun down). 'Bruisers' are tank-like zombies that lumber after the player with huge, club-like arms. And finally, there are the 'Retchers': exploding corpses who attempt to bog the player down with projectile vomit. Charming.
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zoms14.jpg
After visiting Seth, we were charged with clearing the graveyard at Coot's Chapel of zombies. This is one of the new challenges in the game — it involves setting fire to coffins with the undead trailing in cold pursuit. While partaking in this challenge, we got to try out some of the new weapons in the game. The blunderbuss is definitely our favourite: this immensely powerful gun uses hunks of zombie meat for ammo. A single shot can wipe out a handful of cadavers — sweet!
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zoms9.jpg
Other new items in the game include holy water (which sets zombies on fire), zombie bait (which works like regular bait) and boom-bait (a booby-trapped explosive). Your flaming torch also has a mellee attack which sets enemies on fire. Once we had cleansed the graveyard of zombies, the weather became less gloomy. This acts as a visual cue to let you know the area is temporarily safe.
The next challenge that Marston faced involved saving a besieged town from an army of approaching zombies. We were given the option of fetching ammo caches for the beleaguered townsfolk, or eliminating the threat ourselves. We went for the latter approach, natch.
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zoms10.jpg
As you can imagine, the combat is completely different to the original game, which frequently involved taking potshots at hiding enemies. The zombies don't use cover, but they are far more numerous and a lot harder to kill — even when armed with a Gatling gun. Head shots are absolutely essential to success, particularly because ammo is scarce in the game world.
Meanwhile, it only takes a few swipes of a zombie's claws to kill your character, so you need to constantly stay on your toes. Eventually we delivered the town's salvation, but the battle was grim and bloody.
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zoms4.jpg
Marston can also track down stranded survivors in exchange for goods and ammo. Rather cleverly, the bounty posters from the first game have been retconned into 'Missing Persons' notices. The concept remains essentially the same, but instead of killing or hogtying a victim, you invite them onto your horse and lead them to safety. Unlike the bounty missions in Red Dead Redemption, the enemies don't give chase, but getting the survivor out alive is significantly more challenging: take too long and he'll become zombie food.
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zoms8.jpg
If this demo is anything to go by, Rockstar Games has gone to pains to provide an all-new gaming experience. Like a digital Dr. Frankenstein, the company has stitched together the best parts from previous zombie games. You've got the stronghold sieges from Nazi Zombies, the hapless survivors from Dead Rising, the assortment of different zombie types from Left 4 Dead and the ammo conservation from Resident Evil. All these elements are tied to a compelling narrative with the original voice actors in tow: not bad for 15 bucks!
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zomsb.jpg
In our original preview for Red Dead Redemption, we said that if the game wasn't a success, we'd eat our cowboy hats. Well, if Undead Nightmare isn't a success, we're going to eat your brains. Braaaaaaains!
Hands on with Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare - Rockstar Games, Red Dead Redemption, games - Good Gear Guide (http://www.goodgearguide.com.au/article/364324/best_dlc_ever_hands_red_dead_redemption_undead_nig htmare_/)
Rockstar just recently announced that Undead Nightmare is set to drop on Xbox Live and PSN on October 26th. Set for 800MSP and $9.99/£7.99/€9.99 on PSN.
All this sounds awesome and I cant wait!!!!
http://thegamershub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/RDRUN-300x172.jpg
Something is rotten in the state of New Austin. Actually, everything is rotten in the state of New Austin. A virulent plague has descended upon the plains of the American West, turning man, beast and Injun into a legion of undead ghouls. Nobody is safe from the curse, and to make matters worse, the afflicted have developed a taste for human flesh. Yep, it's Armageddon time, Ye Old Testament style. Or Dawn of the Red Undead.
Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare is the new DLC for Rockstar Game’s critically acclaimed Western opus. As its name implies, Undead Nightmare tosses a hoard of zombies into the mix, along with fresh weapons, challenges and enemies (actually, ‘fresh’ might not be the right choice of words...). Players once again take on the role of John Marston as he attempts to make sense of this damned and pestilent landscape. If you thought New Austin was a tough place already, prepare for a rude reawakening.
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zoms6.jpg
Earlier in the week, we shambled down to Rockstar’s Sydney offices to get our first taste of Undead Nightmare. Our brief encounter left us amused, creeped out and ravenously hungry for more. This isn’t merely a cowboy version of Call of Duty: Nazi Zombies. Rather, Rockstar has dissected and reassembled the entire game world, producing an experience that is almost as well realised as the original.
Our demo started with Marston riding through a rainy, windswept swampland. It's immediately obvious that something has gone awry. The land is completely deserted. The clouds seem darker and more oppressive than usual. The music is spooky and sinister. Oh yeah, and John’s horse is a rotting zombie-cum-skeleton.
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zoms5.jpg
Your corpulent steed handles very queerly compared to other horses in the game. It reminded us of a badly damaged car in GTA IV, with your 'ride' constantly veering to the side. While this adds a dash of rigor-mortem authenticity to the game, we think it could get frustrating fast. (Thankfully, there are still a few healthy horses inhabiting the game world.)
The zombie horse is just one of many new animals in Undead Nightmare; many of which are zombified riffs on beasts we’ve seen before. However, Rockstar hasn’t just re-skinned — or de-skinned — the same old enemies. Instead, they’re tougher, grislier and far more ferocious than their living counterparts. At one point in the demo we were relentlessly pursued by a pack of undead wolves that eventually dragged us down and tore us to pieces. Pro tip: venturing into the untamed, undead wild is a definite no-no!
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zomsa.jpg
The first cut-scene we witnessed saw Marston crossing paths with a shady acquaintance; the Gollum-esque Seth Briars. If you recall from the first game, Seth is unnaturally fond of dead folk — to the point of obsession. The zombie outbreak has naturally raised the suspicion of the townsfolk, who think Seth may somehow be mixed up in it. (To be fair, we’d probably blame the guy who shacks up with corpses too.)
When Marston comes across Seth, he is playing a game of cards with his old partner-in-crime Moses. Or what used to be Moses. Times have not been kind to Moses, who has shuffled off this mortal coil... only to keep on shuffling. The subsequent exchange between John, Seth and Undead-Moses is hilarious and creepy in equal measure. (It culminates with Seth imploring Moses to attack John like a guard dog: Moses merely grunts.)
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zoms11.jpg
Rockstar Games is keeping typically tight-lipped about the game's plot, but there seems to be a Biblical theme permeating through proceedings. At one point during the demo, we came across one of the Four Horses of the Apocalypse, which we promptly lassoed and mounted (or tried too anyway — our horse galloped off a cliff in the excitement). If this supernatural encounter is anything to go by, Marston may find himself pitted against Old Nick himself. Jeepers.
The tone of Undead Nightmare has an undeniable B-movie flavour, but at the same time it plays things completely straight. The zombies in the game are the real deal — inexorable, gruesome and terrifying. This ain't no Treehouse of Horror-style lark, that's for damn sure.
There are four main types of zombie in the game, each with their own unique powers and abilities. 'Undead' are your regular shuffling variety — while easily avoided, they can overwhelm the player in packs. 'Bolters' are quick 'n' nimble cadavers that pursue the player on all fours (they're fierce, but easy to gun down). 'Bruisers' are tank-like zombies that lumber after the player with huge, club-like arms. And finally, there are the 'Retchers': exploding corpses who attempt to bog the player down with projectile vomit. Charming.
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zoms14.jpg
After visiting Seth, we were charged with clearing the graveyard at Coot's Chapel of zombies. This is one of the new challenges in the game — it involves setting fire to coffins with the undead trailing in cold pursuit. While partaking in this challenge, we got to try out some of the new weapons in the game. The blunderbuss is definitely our favourite: this immensely powerful gun uses hunks of zombie meat for ammo. A single shot can wipe out a handful of cadavers — sweet!
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zoms9.jpg
Other new items in the game include holy water (which sets zombies on fire), zombie bait (which works like regular bait) and boom-bait (a booby-trapped explosive). Your flaming torch also has a mellee attack which sets enemies on fire. Once we had cleansed the graveyard of zombies, the weather became less gloomy. This acts as a visual cue to let you know the area is temporarily safe.
The next challenge that Marston faced involved saving a besieged town from an army of approaching zombies. We were given the option of fetching ammo caches for the beleaguered townsfolk, or eliminating the threat ourselves. We went for the latter approach, natch.
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zoms10.jpg
As you can imagine, the combat is completely different to the original game, which frequently involved taking potshots at hiding enemies. The zombies don't use cover, but they are far more numerous and a lot harder to kill — even when armed with a Gatling gun. Head shots are absolutely essential to success, particularly because ammo is scarce in the game world.
Meanwhile, it only takes a few swipes of a zombie's claws to kill your character, so you need to constantly stay on your toes. Eventually we delivered the town's salvation, but the battle was grim and bloody.
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zoms4.jpg
Marston can also track down stranded survivors in exchange for goods and ammo. Rather cleverly, the bounty posters from the first game have been retconned into 'Missing Persons' notices. The concept remains essentially the same, but instead of killing or hogtying a victim, you invite them onto your horse and lead them to safety. Unlike the bounty missions in Red Dead Redemption, the enemies don't give chase, but getting the survivor out alive is significantly more challenging: take too long and he'll become zombie food.
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zoms8.jpg
If this demo is anything to go by, Rockstar Games has gone to pains to provide an all-new gaming experience. Like a digital Dr. Frankenstein, the company has stitched together the best parts from previous zombie games. You've got the stronghold sieges from Nazi Zombies, the hapless survivors from Dead Rising, the assortment of different zombie types from Left 4 Dead and the ammo conservation from Resident Evil. All these elements are tied to a compelling narrative with the original voice actors in tow: not bad for 15 bucks!
http://demo.idg.com.au/images/pcw/zomsb.jpg
In our original preview for Red Dead Redemption, we said that if the game wasn't a success, we'd eat our cowboy hats. Well, if Undead Nightmare isn't a success, we're going to eat your brains. Braaaaaaains!
Hands on with Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare - Rockstar Games, Red Dead Redemption, games - Good Gear Guide (http://www.goodgearguide.com.au/article/364324/best_dlc_ever_hands_red_dead_redemption_undead_nig htmare_/)
Rockstar just recently announced that Undead Nightmare is set to drop on Xbox Live and PSN on October 26th. Set for 800MSP and $9.99/£7.99/€9.99 on PSN.
All this sounds awesome and I cant wait!!!!
http://thegamershub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/RDRUN-300x172.jpg