In Sierra’s upcoming action spy game, Bourne Conspiracy, you play as Jason Bourne, a highly-skilled CIA assassin who is being targeted as a big threat to national security after a covert experiment gone wrong. We had a chance to check the latest demo, and our first impression was WOW! This is the first time we had seen a game with a very immersive fighting scenes. It’s like watching a Bourne movie but you control every grueling hand-to-hand combat of the main character. The action is fierce and has its way of working into you that makes you feel that you’re a bona fide CIA operative and must use all martial arts skill to defend against or take out various government forces that get in your way.

The demo features three stages and through these stages it showcased the fighting sequence, the shooting sequence, and the driving sequence. We spent most of our time in close combat using a series of snazzy kicks, punches, and deflections. Performing these tasks are relatively smooth thanks to the simple controls. As you fight, you build up on the adrenaline meter. What’s nice about this rechargeable component is that you can execute some of the most dramatic takedowns! And you should really see how extremely effective and brutal they are in action. If you earned enough adrenaline, you’ll be able to take out a group of enemies at once! These takedowns can be applied to shooting as well. When you unleash takedowns with a weapon, the screen will shift into matrix mode where you’ll need to press the right button quickly. If you get lucky, you’ll take out an enemy with a one-hit kill!

There are two aspects to Bourne Conspiracy’s gameplay: the standard controls and the contextual controls. Most of the time, you’ll use the standard controls for executing basic maneuvers such as punching, kicking, taking covers, accelerating, etc. But there will be times that you’ll be using other techniques, which will require you to think fast on which button to press in certain situations. These are what you call contextual controls. A symbol shows up and you have a couple of seconds to press it. So far we are very impressed with the fighting aspect of the game as well as its driving mechanism. But we hit a snag with the shooting part. It’s a bit sluggish and has an awkward view of what you are shooting. We hope that this would no longer be an issue in the final product. For now, we just remedy this situation by running up to enemies and unleashing a rapid combination of martial arts madness!

Needless to say, the developer is putting a lot of nice choreographies into Bourne’s action. And it really helps that the controls are user-friendly. There are so many things you can do at your disposal such as Bourne Instinct, which is similar to Spiderman’s sixth sense. The fighting sequence is really fun and packs a wallop! The whole action comes to life thanks to the excellent animation. It is most likely the hand-to-hand combat that is going to attract people more than the game’s driving sequence or its shooting aspect. The presentation is great. The audio piece is good. But still, we would like to see more tweaking on the shooting component before the game hits the shelves this June. Anyway, this is one of those titles that you should keep your eyes on, particularly if you’re into this kind of spy game adventure.

This week, we preview Activision’s upcoming action adventure, Kung Fu Panda, for the Xbox 360. And much to our surprise, it’s a well-designed game! The demo we had checked out features a full, multi-stage level that has given us a glimpse of what to expect in the game’s final production. During our testing stage, we have been treated to some incredible fighting sequences against a variety of enemies and our journey has taken us to a number of stunning multi-tiered environments. The action is well executed, where locking onto dozens of wild creatures is spot on. So far, the controls have been relatively responsive but the camera angles need another tweaking as we had some awkward views of the combat.

The selection in martial artistry is nicely diverse, which feels like you have just tuned to the classic kung fu flicks you used to watch on TV. We enjoy the game’s bodacious rumor, which should provide casual gamers a pleasant experience. In the final product, Kung Fu Panda will take you through 13 levels from the movie. And one of the main undertakings of the game is of course mastering the art of kung fu and eventually, that will lead you to becoming the Dragon Warrior in that class. You will need to build up on your skills if you want to defeat the game’s ultimate enemy, Tai Lung. That shouldn’t be too difficult to achieve, considering the game’s arcade nature. Anyway, Kung Fu Panda will include unique co-op and competitive multiplayer modes, collectibles, a host of character upgrades, and many more! That should add some lasting appeal to the masses! Expect the game to ship in stores first week of June 2008.

The battle between the GDF and Strogg begins on next-generation consoles as id Software and Activision release Enemy Territory: Quake Wars in May 2008. This is a team-based first person action title, and already one of the most anticipated new properties of 2008. In this epic multiplayer-focused game, players can choose to defend humanity as a part of the Global Defense Force (GDF) or destroy it as a merciless Strogg alien invader. Each side is outfitted with specialist weapons and combat hardware. In this adrenaline pumping fight for survival, warring forces utilize a variety of different vehicles, deployable structures, and defense systems including quad-bikes, tanks, and alien walkers for epic ground assaults; or helicopters and anti-gravity ships to unleash airborne attacks. Throughout each battle, teams establish bases, deploy defense structures, artillery, radar, and advanced forward-command systems into enemy territory while constructing and demolishing obstacles to speed progress and gain a tactical advantage over the opponent. The game features 16-player battles on the console systems, delivering the ultimate team-and objective-based multiplayer experience. Under the executive production of id Software, Nerve Software is developing Enemy Territory: Quake Wars for Xbox 360, while Z-Axis is the developer for PS3.

I remember back in 2005, Vivendi Universal published a very respectable translation of The Incredible Hulk for the original Xbox and Playstation 2. But this year we have learned that Sega is working on releasing the same green mean Marvel superhero for the Xbox 360. Could this be another repeat? What we know so far is that a motion picture of The Incredible Hulk is coming out in June 13, 2008. Coincidentally, a video game based on the film is also being released just before the movie comes out. It looks like Sega is taking on the Marvel brand to great length as they announced two huge Marvel projects: The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man. At any rate, The Incredible Hulk will feature Unlimited Destruction. Players are given the ability to demolish anything in their path and also use it as a weapon, whether they are pieces of a crumbling building, long lamp posts, or moving cars.

Players can even demolish buildings with their bare hands. Damage is persistent, and gamers can use it to gain access to previously unreachable areas. If those weren’t enough, players can build the Hulk’s rage to learn powerful moves, which amplify his damage attributes and jack up his abilities. The stage of play will be a dynamic open world, representing the verve of Manhattan, where gamers will have immense playground of destruction that also contains sub-quests, mini-games, and a story that reaches beyond the film to include elements from classic Marvel comics. What that last statement means is that while the game has you focusing on parts of the movie, another major storyline takes place in New York City, such as trying to subjugate a terrorist group. In terms of voice acting, the game will feature a list of talent portrayed in the movie, including Edward Norton, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson, and Liv Tyler. The Incredible Hulk looks promising and we hope that the developer will bring in the same exciting gameplay of the last game.

Capcom’s upcoming Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 is looking good so far and the nice thing about is that when you purchase the game on Xbox Live, you automatically become eligible for Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix beta test! What’s more is that it’s multiplayer co-op and that’s where the fun really begins. As fans of multiplayer arcade action, it’s good to know that this title can be enjoyed up to three players on a single console (offline and online), which expands its replay value. That’s a great move on Capcom’s part!

Since this is a shooting game, you’ll have access to several weapons including rocket launchers, grenades, and shotgun. Of course, you’ll be treated to driving vehicles as well, and what’s cool with that is it can be done cooperatively. In terms of gameplay, Battlefield: Commando 3 even compensates for the multiplayer mode by dynamically shifting difficulty levels based on the number of players in the game, ensuring that the game always poses a challenge. The Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 soundtrack is being created by Norihiko Hibino, a well-known composer for the Metal Gear series. Check out the video trailer at http://www.hotwire3d.com/xbox360/battlefieldcommando3/video.html.

Debuting in spring 2008 is 2K Sports’ highly anticipated boxing simulation, Don King Presents: Prizefighter for the Xbox 360. This in-depth, documentary-style title will provide the deepest, most authentic and entertaining experience ever seen in a boxing video game. What will set this game apart from the competition is “the combination of real-life fight scenarios, story-driven gameplay and photo-realistic graphics,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. And who is behind this project? It’s none other than Venom Games, the same team that brought you Rocky and Rocky Legends to the Xbox and PlayStation 2.

The developer is aiming to bring the realism of live action match-ups and the true tactics of the sweet science of boxing. More than just a night at the fights - players will be responsible for building a career by overcoming adversity, avoiding temptation, and balancing their commitments to train and promote, all while focusing on the goal of ultimately winning and defending the title belt. The story will be told by a revolutionary sports documentary-style narrative never before seen in a video game. Legendary boxing promoter Don King said, “It is a glimpse at what life is like in and out of the ring for these incredible athletes.”

Atari has been fairly successful in producing their distinct style of 3D fighting using the Dragon Ball Z brand over the years. We still remember our experiences we had with the last Dragon Ball Z game on the original Xbox. It was like playing an arcade version of Capcom’s Street Fighter – fast and frantic! That’s going to be the same adrenaline grip you’ll be expecting this summer when Atari releases Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit for the Xbox 360. The game features five modes, three of which are confirmed, and the rest are still kept under wraps. Starting with the story mode is the Z Chronicles, which allows gamers to play through the main storyline. You’ll have Goku, Krillin, and Piccolo at your disposal. You change character depending on how the story plays out instead of just one hero for the entire plot. As you progress through the story mode, you’ll unlock a whopping 20 characters!

In Versus mode, it’s basically one-on-one match either against a friend or a computer, or you can take the fight on Xbox Live. The combat will be just like the previous games – one minute on ground, the next minute in the air! It looks like Atari will be sticking with the traditional gameplay, which means that players should feel right at home with this one. Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit is adding a new element in battle, a drama system. This is an aspect of the game where you choose three partners to help you out in your battle. These fighters go in to battle given the specific condition. For example, when you start to stumble, they’ll hop in to perform blocks for you to even up the match. There are many more interesting features in the works. We are excited what’s in store for us when the game comes out July 2008.

Capcom has recently announced that the highly anticipated PC version of Devil May Cry 4 is locked and loaded for release this summer. Devil May Cry 4 is already a certifiable hit in the console world, with over 2 million units sold worldwide since its release in February. A demo of the game will be available for download so that PC players can check it out prior to shipping of the retail version, as well as testing their system’s prowess with the included benchmark mode. The PC version of Devil May Cry 4 will feature new modes, enhanced graphics options and additional content to help improve gamers’ demon-slaying action.

In terms of gameplay options, the game’s Turbo Mode will turn-up the fight scenes to insane speeds, while Legendary Dark Knight Mode will harness the processing power of a PC and fill the screen with an unbelievable number of enemies for extra difficulty. Moreover, familiar enemies from the console versions will show-up in new locations in this version. The high resolution screen settings allow the cut scenes of the game to run at up to 120 frames per second (up from 30 frames per second in the console version). Slider options are available to manage various visual effects seen throughout the game. It’s nice to know we are not just getting a port of Devil May Cry 4 here but a high-definition to say the least.

THQ is back again in the squared circle and this time they are bringing out the sequel to last year’s blockbuster Smackdown game, calling it WWE Smackdown vs RAW 2009. In this latest installment, players can expect a number of great additions to last year’s release with a larger set of roster, more tag-team experiences, and downloadable content. Speaking of tag-team experience, WWE Smackdown vs RAW 2009 will unleash a host of cooperative plays such as “hot tag”, that will allow players to build momentum and attributes, as well as eliminate opponents with high impact double teams and bone-crushing finishers.

For career mode, there will a new Road to Wrestlemania component that pays heed to WWE’s biggest event of the year and lets players experience co-op storylines for the first time – that’s right a career mode where your buddy has your back as you rise to stardom. What’s more is that the game will be including an insane “Create-A-Finisher” option, to go with the interactive entrances and victory scenes. Last year, we had a great time with Smackdown. \With the highly expected release of 2009 version, we can only bite our fingers until THQ hands us a copy. It looks to be another excellent simulation of live WWE programming.

The creators of DiRT are introducing their next line of racing title called GRID. In this latest offering, Codemasters is shifting gears; having conquered the outback landscape with DiRT, the developer is going for a more asphalt mind-set. And that mind-set is taking place on closed circuits. Instead of focusing on customizing cars and collecting them, GRID is going to be all about racing. Your career events will be divided into three major continents: North America, Asia, and Europe. Your races are composed of traditional circuits, both legal and illegal street racing, and muscle-car competition. It’s nice to know that your career mode is non-linear. In terms of career progression, you gain reputation as you win races. You’ll also unlock special invitations, new licenses and vehicles for purchase. If you earn enough respect, you’ll eventually be promoted to team owner, where you have duties of hiring and firing drivers. GRID’s damage modeling will be extensive, more so than DiRT’s, which means your car’s engine and other internal components could stop working completely!

Other feature highlights include flashback mode (which allows players to rewind time back 10 seconds to take another stab at a section of the track over again), and an online multiplayer that holds 12 players at a time. GRID will most likely attract arcade racing fans at least in the aspect where the game won’t give players control over the setup of their cars. Codemasters wants to make sure that game doesn’t get clunker up on the hectic customization process so that players can get on with the racing right away. The game will run at a good 30 frames per second and will feature courses modeled after famous cities such as San Francisco and Long Beach. GRID will make up of powerful cars that range from traditional Ferraris and Le Mans sports cars to GT1, GT2, and crazy prototypes. There are a handful of great racers available for the Xbox 360! Names like Forza and Project Gotham Racing tops the list. Can GRID make the cut? We hope so. The game is expected to come out June 3, 2008.