BitCrunch: Say Goodbye (or Come with me)

It’s all about branding, branding, and more branding these days.  BitCrunch was fun, but alternate engagements have occupied much of my free time.  Unfortunately, the occasional update of this site has proven to be more of a hassle than it was worth.  Don’t take this as a sign of defeat, nor as a sign of waning interest in writing/videogames.  Other, more fruitful, pastimes have made their presence known in my life.  The knowledge of such things obviously warrants not only my attention, but also my effort.  No, I haven’t, and won’t, forget about you, my readers.  You’ve made all the work thus-far worthwhile.

It was a learning experience and, ultimately, I have become a better person for it.  I will continue to write the occasional videogame update in addition to other content I may produce on my new (and hopefully permanent) blog at http://mrhamiltong.wordpress.com.

Find me elsewhere online using the handle MRhamiltong

It’s been real!

Have a good one, Hamilton Greene

Pre-Order Bonus: Dragon Age 2

Update: Important information about the future of BitCrunch.  See BitCrunch says goodbye.

Dragon Age 2 is the sequel to Dragon Age: Origins and yet another installment in the Dragon Age series.  The story is told by Varic, a companion of Hawke (the main character), who is relating Hawke’s adventures to a Chantry Seeker.  Hawke is a refugee from Lothering who is destined to become the Champion of Kirkwall.  Like most Bioware games, your choices impact the world around you.  In Dragon Age 2, these choices impact a decade of history.  It’s up to you to shape your world (and yes, you can import decisions that you made during Dragon Age: Origins).

As always, Amazon.com is offering a pre-order bonus for Dragon Age 2.  This time around, pre-ordering Dragon Age 2 will get you the Fadeshear Sword and the Lion of Orlais Shield.  The sword grants a damage boost when used against demons or the undead and the shield gives you two additional rune slots as well as a health and experience boost.  Don’t waste time, Dragon Age 2 comes out March 8th!

Preview: Dead Island

People are obsessed with zombie apocalypses.  Maybe it’s the sense of adventure, the thrill of death, or the satisfaction that can only be produced by chopping a zombie’s head off.  Whatever it is, the gaming market has embraced the theme and made countless titles, each with their own take on the concept.  Enter Dead Island.

Dead Island is a game that was, apparently, announced four years ago.  Earlier this week, the developers released a moving trailer (it’s good).  The trailer alludes to an intimate storyline with all of the blood and gore we have come to expect from a zombie survival.  You’re given control of one of four characters who has woken to a hangover and an island resort full of zombies.  Intriguing, isn’t it?  It is rumored that the game will feature sand-box game play.  How long will you survive?

Watch the trailer at IGN.  Dead Island is supposed to be released sometime this year for the Xbox 360 and PS3.

Preview: De Blob 2

 

In case you are like me, and have never played de Blob before, here’s a crash course.  You control a small, colorful creature who is on a mission to restore color to his home city of Chroma.  The INKT Corporation, led by Comrade Black, is sucking all of the color out of Chroma, leaving it black and white.  In essence, it is your job to return life to the city, and its inhabitants.  The game is highly-revered for its quality platforming experience and impressive utilization of the Wii remote.

Comrade Black returns in the sequel, this time disguised as Papa Blanc, a mysterious priest.  Once again, it is your job to bring color back to Prisma City and prevent INKT Corporation’s interference in the local election.

The new game, de Blob 2, boasts many new features.  Of them, upgrades and an available two-player option are the most interesting.  Throughout the game, you can earn inspiration points which can then be traded in at the Idea Emporium for upgrades such as increased paint capacity and defensive shields.  The cooperative multiplayer option allows the second player to gain control of another rebellion member named Pinky.  Together, you and your friend will be able to overcome difficult challenges.

No pre-order bonuses have been announced by Amazon.com yet, but I’ll keep you posted.  The game was produced by THQ and is branching off from its original console, the Nintendo Wii, releasing for the DS, Xbox 360, and PS3 on February 22, 2011 in North America.

Pre-Order Bonus: Dead Space 2

Update: News pertaining to the future of BitCrunch.  Read BitCrunch says goodbye.

Dead Space 2, the sequel to critically acclaimed Dead Space, hits shelves on January 25th.  The survival-horror game from Electronic Arts takes place in space where “no one can hear you scream.”  Boasting amazing graphics, a substantial story line and a huge portion of suspense, this game is sure to be on any gamer’s must-play list.

As always, faithful customers are rewarded for pre-ordering their favorite video games, in this case Dead Space 2.  When you pre-order Dead Space 2 from Amazon.com, you get the Dead Space Ignition downloadable game as well as two exclusive downloads.  One of the downloads is the Hacker Suit (pictured below).  It’s still unclear whether or not the suits will benefit the player in any way (other than aesthetically, of course).

Dead Space 2 Hacker Suit