Over the past few weeks, I have slowly been getting acquainted with the semi-closed beta for Path of Exile, the debut action RPG from New Zealand based developer Grinding Gear Games. I say semi-closed, because Grinding Gear has taken a rather strange approach for what is a free to play game by selling beta keys to the general public. In the interests of full disclosure, it should be noted that I purchased a key myself in order to preview the title. The minimum spend was $10US, granting me one beta key and 100 coins to spend in Path of Exile’s online store. The store allowed the purchase of extra character slots and in-game storage space. The developers have been insistent that the shop will stock many different items in the future, but have stressed that they will only ever be cosmetic in nature and will not affect gameplay in any way. There were a range of tiered payment options offering different incentives. This was a move reminiscent of that made by the developers of similar title Grim Dawn through crowd funding website Kickstarter.

After logging in to the servers, I was presented with a fairly standard character creation screen. However, the options available were seemingly rather limited. There were four classes to choose from: the Marauder (a male warrior/barbarian), the Ranger (a female archer), the Duelist (a male melee/ranged fighter) and the Witch (a female rogue/spell caster). The sex of the characters was unchangeable and there were no further customisation options other than a name. While this seemed restrictive at first, it soon became apparent that Path of Exile’s skill system would allow me complete control over my character’s development. Resembling Final Fantasy X’s grid sphere, Path of Exile’s skill tree was daunting when I levelled up for the first time only to become overwhelming when I zoomed out to find it three times the size I initially thought. Starting from one of three directions, I could move along a path to create any build I wanted. No doubt this aspect of the game will lead to many heated discussions and optimal skill tree paths posted online. Running parallel to the expansive skill tree is the gem system. By socketing gems in weapons and armour, my character was granted new abilities and bonuses. However, the real twist was that they themselves levelled up, meaning that I didn’t have to worry about gems I liked becoming quickly obsolete.

Grinding Gear has implemented an interesting economic system. There was no gold in Path of Exile. None. The only forms of currency were items, weapons and armour, all of which were tradeable with NPC’s or other players. The beauty of this system was that many of the items were useful to players of all skill levels, meaning that lower level characters could have items desired by higher level players, who could in return offer them higher level weapons and armour. One example of this was the Scroll of Wisdom, used to identify the properties of objects. In order to obtain one of these scrolls, I had to trade five pieces of equipment to an NPC vendor. Whether I had identified the armour or weapon made no difference to the amount I received in return, meaning the only time I would cast one of these scrolls was to identify an item I would actually equip. Combined with the need for judicious use was the low rate at which these scrolls dropped, meaning that unless I wished to grind an area repeatedly, I was forced to save the scrolls for when I really needed them. This idea worked well with the overall story, which had me washing up on the shores of Wraeclast, a continent plagued by evil and inhabited by a scarce few friendly characters, all of whom were struggling to survive.

In terms of aesthetics, it was clear that although the developers were heavily influenced by Diablo II, they also paid attention to Planescape: Torment and The Witcher. The environments in Path of Exile were grimy, dank and depressing with excellent ambient sound effects helping to enhance the overall atmosphere. One criticism which could be levelled at the title was the lack of voice acting. Adding such a feature to a future build would increase the level of storytelling dramatically. Combat was consistent with other entries in the genre such as Torchlight and Diablo III although there were a few minor issues which I hope are ironed out before release. Most obvious was the slight lag between attacking an enemy and them taking damage. This often meant that I was attacking already dead enemies for precious seconds better spent on the still living foes flanking me.

Path of Exile’s approach to health and mana restoration was a godsend. No longer was I expected to carry around large stacks of red and blue potions eating up precious loot space in my inventory. Instead, inside the inventory panel were four dedicated slots for equipping health and mana flasks, which recharged over time and as I attacked my enemies. The flasks themselves were another form of loot, as I found larger versions with bonuses attached to them to replace the initial set.

Path of Exile is shaping up to be a solid entry in a genre which will see a large number of high profile releases in the coming weeks and months. Set to transition into open beta in June, its Free to Play model means there is no excuse for fans of similar titles to not at least try it out. Despite a few issues, Path of Exile even had me trying out different classes and kept me moving forward through ‘just one more area’ in my quest to destroy monstrosities and claim their sweet, sweet loot. What more can I ask from a top down action RPG?

MONDAY JUST ANNOUNCED Alan Wake’s American Nightmare > Remedy Entertainment is working on a follow up to Alan Wake, its well received survival horror game from 2010. Alan Wake’s American Nightmare will see the eponymous horror writer come face to face with his evil doppelganger, Mr. Scratch. The plot recalls Stephen King’s 1989 novel The Dark Half. As Karen noted in her review of the original game, Remedy has a habit of drawing inspiration from King’s back catalogue. READ MORE

TUESDAY JUST ANNOUNCED Nexuiz > A new version of indie first person shooter Nexuiz is a step closer to reality. THQ has announced plans to publish the downloadable project, which has received a comprehensive overhaul courtesy of developer IllFonic. The game will utilise Crytek’s much ballyhooed CryEngine 3, the system underpinning alien invasion sequel Crysis 2.  According to the developer, Nexuiz will also boast a “slick ranking system” and other “new features”. READ MORE

WEDNESDAY FEATURE Developer Playlist 7: Andrew Goulding > In the latest instalment of our series on developers and the games that inspire them, Brawsome founder Andrew Goulding talks Quest for Glory, Space Quest and Monkey Island. READ MORE

THURSDAY REVIEW Dead Island > Dead Island caught the gaming world’s attention with the best trailer ever.  I knew I wanted to play a game that took zombies seriously and looked to have character and genuine emotional impact front and centre. So imagine my surprise when the opening cut scene was an unfortunate rap song asking “Who do you Voodoo?  BITCH!” and then the first ten minutes of the game were comprised of looking through people’s luggage. But then came the zombies… READ MORE

FRIDAY PODCAST Episode 41 > In this (very special) Christmas episode of Australia’s grooviest gaming podcast, the team tackle Sadistic Santa, The Year in Review, Reader Recollections and much more! READ MORE

Looking for more of The Black List? View previous instalments here.

Just one of your many mo options.

The Australian gaming community is known to support a cause; wether is be the R18+ debate or a wonderful charity such as “Childs Play”. Now a new cause has struck a chord with a group of the Aussie gaming community. That cause is Movember.

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in Australia and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men.

Australian Gaming Community Team Captain Matt Hewson explains why he decided to get gamers together to support this important cause. “Movember is a charity I have supported for four years now. I have always felt that men’s health issues got swept under the carpet due to the old male attitude of “I don’t need help”. This year however was different for me. My Godfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer. With the issue hitting very close to home I felt I had to do something a little bit extra. What better way to do it than get a group of my fellow writers, developers, journo’s and gamers together and make a real effort towards fundraising for this important cause?”

This little idea has snowballed and gamers from all over Australia have joined the cause. Below is a little sample of the feeling held by the Australian gaming community in regards to Movember.

Firstly games writer/personality from Australian Gamer, Cav shares his thoughts. “Depression can strike any of us, anytime, and sometimes not even gaming will give us the escape we all know and love.  Movember gives me a chance to do my bit for Men’s Health, alongside my gaming ‘Mo-Bros and Sistas”

Next is a gamer that has fought depression and come out the other side, Ash, “I am taking part in the Australian Gaming Community Movember team this year for myself. Still dealing with some depression I know firsthand how important it is us guys start talking about our health. There is a pre-conceived notion among most men that talking about problems, whether it be physical or mental, can be a sign of weakness. I’m really hoping to be part of changing that this year, by showing facing your problems and getting the help you need makes you a stronger, better man.”

It is not only the guys taking part; Female games writer Jenn Christodoulou is also joining the cause. “We all know gamers are more than adept at growing amazing neckbeards, but there has never been an achievement/trophy for disgusting facial hair. Well until now that is. Joining the Australian Gaming Community Movember team means supporting a great cause, and after all there is no greater achievement than curing cancer”

And to prove that while Movember has a serious message, it doesn’t mean that we cannot have fun supporting the cause, Australian Gamer writer Barry McBruce had this to say “Movember gives me an excuse to walk around looking like Burt Reynolds, and what can be better than that?”

The Australian Gaming Community Movember team hopes to have at least 40 members by the beginning of Movember in an attempt to raise $2000 dollars towards the cause. You can join the team by clicking here, join the Facebook group here or follow the conversation on twitter with the hashtag #AGCMovember. So step up to the challenge, grow a mo, raise some money and help change the face of men’s health forever.

MICROSOFT Xbox 360 Ace Combat: Assault Horizon * Dead Rising 2: Off the Record * Forza 4 * Just Dance 3 * Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 * Red Dead Redemption: Game of the Year Edition * Sesame Street: Once Upon A Monster * Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure

NINTENDO Wii Just Dance 3 * Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure 3DS Nothing DS Nothing

SONY PS3 Ace Combat: Assault Horizon * Dead Rising 2: Off the Record * Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 * Red Dead Redemption: Game of the Year Edition * Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure PSP Nothing

VARIOUS PC Might & Magic Heroes VI * Wallabies Rugby Challenge

New Media: Downloadable Digest is your handy reminder of the new downloadable titles released during the past week.

MICROSOFT XBLA NBA Jam: On Fire Edition * Orcs Must Die! * SEGA Bass Fishing * Space Channel 5 Part 2

NINTENDO WiiWare Nothing eShop Nothing DSiWare Extreme Hangman 2

SONY PSN Eufloria * NBA Jam: On Fire Edition * SEGA Bass Fishing Move Edition * Space Channel 5 Part 2 Minis The Marbians * Street Smart

VALVE Steam Glowfish * Iron Grip: Marauders * NBA 2K12 * Patrician IV Gold * Rage

Recent instalments of New Media: 02.10.11 l 25.09.11 l 18.09.11 l 11.09.11 l 04.09.11

It doesn’t get any better than this, folks.

The humble mo is a misunderstood creature. For 11 months of the year, it is often thought of as nothing but a bad taste remnant of the 70s. But for the month of Movember (formally known as November) moustaches are not only hip, stylish and desirable but indicate the wearer of said mo is a fine human philanthropist with the wellbeing of others on his mind.

For those that could never understand why during November half the male population was walking around with furry lip warmers, Movember is a charity event where men from all around the world grow moustaches and get sponsorship to raise money for men’s health programs such as prostate cancer research and male depression. I have been a supporter of Movember for quite a few years and while contemplating which style of face caterpillar I would don this year, I decided to drum up some additional support for the cause.

With this goal in mind, and knowing that my gaming brethren love to support a good cause, I set about organising the Australian Gaming Community Movember Team.  This is a group of games writers/players/developers who not only want to support a great cause but have no fear in showing a hairy upper lip to the world.

So if you would like to join me and many others in raising some money you can join our Facebook Group or join the team directly by visiting our page on the Movember website. The lovely ladies out there are more than welcome to join as a Mo Sista and help the fellas raise some money and provide support during what is likely to be an itchy time.

So wear your mo proudly, whether it be the Magnum PI, the Merv Hughes or the Uncle Chop Chop, and help change the face of men’s health.

Black Panel contributor Jamie Dalzell wrote a fine piece for GameSpy about the iCEnhance mod for Grand Theft Auto IV.

Before You Begin: Blinging Up Grand Theft Auto IV

When GTA IV found its way to the PC back in 08, it was a poster-child for the simple port mentality; it ran poorly on most systems, lacking many of the customization options we’d come to expect. Thankfully, since then new hardware has managed to overcome most of these struggles, and today we’ll be giving this slightly aging game a much needed face-lift. There’s a slight problem though — figuring out how to install these gorgeous mods makes solving a Rubik’s Cube look easy.

Visit GameSpy to read and comment on the article.

Previous instalments of Big Brother: 04.05.11 l 06.04.11 l 18.03.11 l 01.04.11

MICROSOFT Xbox 360 Nothing

NINTENDO Wii Nothing 3DS Nothing DS Nothing

SONY PS3 Nothing PSP Nothing

VARIOUS PC The Sims 3: Town Life Stuff

New Media: Downloadable Digest is your handy reminder of the new downloadable titles released during the past week.

MICROSOFT XBLA Bastion

NINTENDO WiiWare Nothing eShop 3DS Classics: Xevious DSiWare Nothing

SONY PSN Golden Axe * Limbo Minis Dr. Maybe and the Adventures of Scary Girl * JellyCar 2 * Me Monstar! Hear Me Roar * One Epic Game

VALVE Steam Air Conflicts: Secret Wars * ArmA: Cold War Assault * ArmA X: Anniversary Edition * Lucid * Runespell: Overture * Tobe’s Vertical Adventure * Trapped Dead * War Inc. Battlezone

Recent instalments of New Media: 17.07.11 l 10.07.11 l 03.07.11 l 26.06.11 l 19.06.11

Listerine has nothing on this stuff.

Swords & Soldiers developer Ronimo Games has unveiled its latest project, a frantic online adversarial title known as Awesomenauts. Players will take control of one of several oddball combatants (deranged cowboy, monkey with jetpack, brain floating in tank, etc) and fight for supremacy across a variety of 2D environments.

While Awesomenauts appears at first glance to be a fairly typical action platformer, Ronimo is promoting it as a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) title. The real time strategy subgenre, popularised by Warcraft III mod Defence of the Ancients (DoTA), generally involves a clash between two teams, with each player controlling a single character.

While the majority of games in the subgenre are presently found on PC, Awesomenauts will be coming to XBLA and PSN. Its playful 2D art style and side-on perspective should also prove a talking point in a genre dominated by top-down fantasy epics.

Publisher dtp entertainment, a company with a longstanding aversion to capital letters, is yet to announce a release date.

Welcome to The Black List, your one stop shop for the stories published on the site this week.

MONDAY NEW TRAILER Dark Souls > It’s time to dig those broken controllers out of the cupboard and smack them into working condition, because the release of From Software’s Dark Souls is only around the corner! Well, actually it’s not for a while yet, so that’s a perfect amount of time for you to go out and buy all new controllers. Because if the newly released footage is anything to go by, I think you’re definitely going to need them. READ MORE

TUESDAY JUST ANNOUNCED Hitman: Absolution > Known in recent years for its work on the controversial Kane & Lynch titles, Danish developer IO Interactive is returning to the franchise that put it on the map. Hitman: Absolution will be the fifth game in the third person stealth action series. The very brief announcement video reveals little beyond the fact that Agent 47 hasn’t altered his approach, or his hair style, since last we saw him last. READ MORE

WEDNESDAY JUST ANNOUNCED Soul Calibur V > Notwithstanding the lamentable decline of the arcade scene, there has probably never been a better time to be a fighting game fan. The past year alone has seen the release of new versions of Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Dead Or Alive, BlazBlue and Marvel vs Capcom. We can now add Soul Calibur V to the list, with Namco Bandai revealing that work has commenced on a new edition of its popular weapon based fighter. READ MORE

THURSDAY NEWS NanoBITES 42 > Sony has announced an Australian release date for hotly anticipated super hero sequel inFAMOUS 2. Cole will return to shelves on Wednesday 8 June, with original developer Sucker Punch again at the helm. This is just one of the stories in this week’s edition of nanoBITES, our ongoing feature devoted to small but important news items. READ MORE

FRIDAY REVIEW Garshasp: The Monster Slayer > Dead Mage and co have seen fit to serve up a shameless God of War clone that somehow misses everything that made Sony’s trendsetting epic enjoyable. Bad graphics, awful controls and a shocking amount of bugs are the order of the day, with the only positives being some decent sound and okay level design. The best part of Garshasp: The Monster Slayer is its short length. READ MORE

Recent instalments of The Black List: 14.05.11 l 07.05.11 l 30.04.11 l 23.04.11 l 16.04.11

How to make a half baked video game

Ingredients

1 x PC
1 x copy of God of War
1 x random middle eastern legend

Directions

Take your copy of God of War and be careful to remove any element that may be considered fun. This includes the interesting puzzles, great fighting mechanics, awe inspiring graphics and great story. Now replace Kratos with a random figure from Persian mythology. In this case we are using the legend of Garshasp. The next step is to program the game for the PC, a platform wholly unsuited for this sort of game. To add that extra level of frustration, make sure that playing with a gamepad is almost impossible, thus ensuring the precise analogue control needed for the platforming elements will be unavailable to the player. Bake your final creation for half the time of an enjoyable game and serve on a digital distribution service, hoping that the idea of an ‘Indie God of War’ will earn you a quick buck.

Upon loading Garshasp: The Monster Slayer, you’ll immediately be struck by how dated it appears. The options menu is reached from Windows, meaning you cannot change video, control or sound settings from within the game. This is something you probably haven’t seen in a PC title for a long time and not being able to adjust things on the fly will leave a bad taste in your mouth. Once you finally set the game up, you’re presented with a blast from the past, and not in a good way. The graphics are appalling. There were better looking efforts created using the Quake 2 engine and that is now over 15 years old. Jaggies, bland textures, angular enemies and horrendous pop-in are all present within the first 10 minutes of play. As the game progresses things don’t get much better. Scenery is obscured by a bland fog and the action is often shrouded by a horrible bloom effect that does nothing but hurt your eyes.

Speaking of the action, if there was one area that Garshasp needed to get right, the combat was it. Unfortunately there are just as many problems here as in the rest of the game. ‘Click, click, click’ will be the overwhelming sound coming from your computer room and it won’t be because you’re playing Diablo (though you’ll wish you were). Ninety precent of combat situations can be completed by simply clicking the left mouse button repeatedly. The game tries to offer you some variety by giving you two weapons, a heavy and light attack and some basic combos, however these options are all less effective than simply spamming the light attack button. To make the action worse, the controls are woeful. Simply walking in a straight line is nearly impossible due to the poorly implemented dynamic camera system. This makes the various platforming sections nothing but a rage inducing chore.

The level design is among the few competent components and with a decent control system it could have been quite an enjoyable experience to traverse the landscape. The one shining light is the sound design. The narrator gives a nice performance, highlighting your struggles with deep, gravelly tones. The sound effects and enemies are all great. Ambient sounds are also present and they really add some much needed atmosphere to the game.

“But it is only an indie game” I hear you say, “You can’t hold an indie game to the same standards as an AAA release.” This is a fair comment, but in this day and age the best indie titles are no longer simply cheap knock offs, but highly inventive, original and entertaining experiences. It is these standards that you should hold Garshasp too and it fails all three categories dismally. Another disappointing aspect of this game is the price. At $20 it is about $15 too expensive for the experience it gives.

Your time with Garshasp will be brief, but that won’t stop you from wanting it back. If you only have a PC and you only have $20 and you simply have to have a God of War style game, you should put that $20 on a horse paying 40-1 and hopefully win enough money to buy a PS3 and God of War 3. Even if you lose your money, you will probably still have more fun at the races than with this game.