Yep, it's one of those crazy double-post days!
Anyway, I just saw that an interview I did with 1Up around the Co-op Bill of Rights went up recently... thought some of you co-op fans might find it interesting.
Krotus and I swung by Digipen this morning to help judge Penny Arcade's PAX 10 entries. We spent the morning with around 50 industry folks checking out the latest indie games that had been submitted... and I have to say I'm continually astounded by the talent of folks out there. I'm not sure how public many of these titles are, but I'll say that I'll definitely be picking a few of them up when they ship (on whatever platform). One I'll highlight is Schizoid, from Torpex Games (and only because I know it's public). I'm a big fan of co-op gaming, and I have to say that these guys have really nailed an entirely new way of playing cooperatively together. The concept is simple - maneuver your ship into like-colored creatures to destroy them - but the interaction between you, another player, and those creatures really draws you in. (And if you really want a brain-bending time, try controlling the two ships yourself, one per thumbstick!)
Definitely swing by the PAX 10 booth if you make it out to PAX this year - I think you'll be impressed!
I have, and love it. This is the first Grand Theft Auto I've ever enjoyed. Earlier entries in the series just didn't do it for me. The controls were frustrating, and the humor was a bit too sophomoric in my opinion.
Then the reviews came out, and I figured I'd give it another shot. Several things have changed for the better. First, there's a real story that engages you - I'm actually interested in finding out what happens to Niko, and don't see getting bored of the game anytime soon. Controls have been fixed (though driving is still tricky), and multiplayer has been added - and I've had a blast online with friends. The open world has really taken a huge step forward as well. I loved Crackdown, but Liberty City is immense, and really does feel like a living place. Rockstar keeps hinting at an MMO version of GTA, and I can finally see the appeal.
Anyway, I suspect most people have already checked it out if sales are any indication, but if you haven't, because like me, you were turned off by earlier iterations of the series... give it a shot. I suspect you'll be pleasantly surprised!