Splinter Cell Conviction/Way of the Samurai 3 - Preview
Feature by Cassam Looch
SO IT’S a new year (well it has been for the last few months, but who’s counting?) and I think it’s about time to get into even better shape.
What’s this I see in the inbox? TWO games related martial arts/combat based events to get myself down to… should be a nice and relaxing introduction right? Erm…. no.
‘Krav-ing a laugh!’
First up, we had an afternoon learning the basics of Krav Maga, the close combat system I mostly remember from the Bourne series of films.
Imagine that, I could take down pesky editors and obnoxious journos with a pen or rolled up magazine! I’m in for some of that… plus I get to check out the new Splinter Cell game, so it’s all good.
Here’s a bit about Krav Maga and the game… then I’ll tell you all about the day itself.
Krav Maga:
Krav Maga means Contact Combat in Hebrew. It’s a proven system of close quarter self-defence. Developed and originating from Israel, this system has been tried and tested in many real life situations.
Krav Maga is the official close quarter combat of Israel’s Armed Forces and many S.W.A.T. Law Enforcement and Military units all over the world.
The system has been developed and adapted appropriately for use in everyday life as a self-defence system by everyday civilians such as you. Krav Maga is becoming very popular all over the world.
It’s easy to learn, practical and extremely effective as self-defence for women, men and children of any age or size. Krav Maga is also a great way to get and keep in shape. Don’t take our word for it… visit your nearest IKMF club and see for yourself.
Well, just look at the instructors! Big units to say the least, and they weren’t pulling any punches. Worryingly first up we had to sign disclaimers, so if any physical harm came to us there would be no quick calls to claims direct… a nervous laughter descends on the room.
Then we get a demonstration as to how Krav Maga works, alongside action from the game… it’s surprisingly well matched. The brutal yet effective takedowns on display do translate well to the game, and it makes the stealth elements involved all the more plausible.
Finally, we get to try some hands on combat… basic moves are relatively straightforward to pick up, but then come the disarming armed assailants section.
Yeah that’s right… guy with a gun or a knife coming at you, and what do you do? Well, I know now… can’t tell you obviously but you can find out when the game comes out on April 16, 2010.
Bruised and battered I think I might not be cut out for this high-octane stuff… oh well I’m sure things will settle down a bit with some gentle Kendo based Samurai action next week…
About Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction:
Sam Fisher returns as a fugitive and enemy of the state. Now Sam is being ruthlessly hunted by the very government he served, and the friends and colleagues he once knew may have masterminded the entire plot.
Working outside Third Echelon puts Sam in the uncomfortable position of having to obtain vital resources via different means (aka the underground black market) as he learns to use the environment around him to his advantage.
Where light and shadows were key to gameplay in the original Splinter Cell, stealth action and improvisation help drive Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction, making it an adrenaline rush of blood-pumping chase sequences, close combat, crowd interaction with real-world dynamics and intense gun battles.
About Tom Clancy
With more than 80 million books sold, Tom Clancy is arguably the world’s most recognised author. His works include fiction such as The Hunt for Red October, Clear and Present Danger, The Sum of All Fears, Rainbow Six, Red Rabbit and The Teeth of the Tiger.
Clancy also writes non-fiction works about weapons and various military units. Four of his books have already been adapted into highly successful feature films.
About Ubisoft:
Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified line-up of products and partnerships.
Ubisoft has teams in 28 countries and distributes games in more than 55 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers.
For the 2009/10 fiscal year, generated sales of 1.058 billion Euros. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com
‘No kendo, i’m afraid’
Bright and early one morning, heading down to a leisure centre somewhere in central London.
Again need to bring some gym equipment… no problem so far. First up we meet our instructor, or Sensei (see I did learn something!).
We go through the basics and history of Kendo, and indeed get a really good insight into the world of Samurais in general. I think I know a lot already having seen a great many films on the subject… but rest assured I don’t!
There’s no charging in like a lunatic… you need very precise and controlled movements.
There are three strikes we learn and then we get changed into full armour and start practicing. At first all seems sedate enough… the movements actually require ‘gliding’ across the floor with only a few steps being taken each time.
These combined with the appropriate yell make for logical attacks which don’t appear to be physically draining. Then slowly your feet start hurting… the pain spreads to the back and then BANG… you get hit on the head by a Kendo stick. Sure the helmet softens the blow… but it doesn’t stop it from making an impact.
Sensei drives us onwards… through the pain barrier. Much like you would in a real situation… soon you forget the pain and start concentrating on the actions again. You can tell that everyone is REALLY concentrating hard on getting this right.
The more skillfully you perform the less pain you find yourself in. Well that is until the session is over and you find yourself with blisters on your feet and having sweated off last nights Donner Kebab and chips.
All things considered though, this was another great event… and indeed a comprehensive look at the world you inhabit in Way of the Samurai 3, the game around which this event was based. Can’t wait to get my hands on it on March 12!
I think I’m going to be taking a break from these for a while now… consider this my ‘Tony Jaa going off into the jungle to contemplate for several weeks’ moment.
Gamebridge’s Way of the Samurai 3 confirmed for March 12 release on next gen platforms
Choose your path to glory in the open world RPG that pushes the boundaries between good and evil to the limit.
Developed by Acquire, Way of the Samurai 3 shows gamers the true consequence of their actions, with each decision further influencing the way the game pans out.
Playing as a samurai during the tumultuous time of the Sengoku era, gamers can join one of two warring factions, side with the neutral villagers, or ignore all and create their own path.
A series which is famous for its high level of freedom and giving players free rein over their gameplay styles, with over 15 different endings, Way of the Samurai 3 doesn’t deviate from the formula known and loved by fans.
In addition to familiar systems new ones add depth to gameplay including, Sudden Battle that allows players to draw swords, Original Blade Creation where players can choose from over 200 different parts and materials to create a wholly original sword, and Companion that allows players to select a woman to set up home with.
Performing different challenges will reward a player with Samurai Points and a title – gamers start as ‘nameless’ – which in turn will unlock new features and authentic characters within the game.
“We’re delighted to announce the release of Gamebridge’s Way of the Samurai 3,” says Martin Defries, managing director, Rising Star Games. “The ultimate choose your own adventure game, no game has used the butterfly effect to such extremes as in this one.”
Way of the Samurai 3 launches on March 12 for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 with two limited edition digital bonus items; a strategy guide, detailing an array of hints and tips, and a stunning artbook.
About Gamebridge
With a history stretching as far back as their involvement in the NEC PC Engine, Tokyo based developer/publisher Intergrow has formed a joint venture with Nordic Nintendo distributor Bergsala. ‘Gamebridge’ will publish games across all platforms focusing on those titles Intergrow has created or licensed from studios in Japan and throughout the world. www.gamebridge.co.uk
About Rising Star Games
Rising Star Games Limited is a video games publisher for Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo DS™ and Wii™, Sony PS3 and PSP™ in the PAL territory.
A joint venture between Japanese video game publisher and content developer Intergrow Inc and long standing Nintendo Nordic distributor Bergsala AB, Rising Star Games is now in its sixth year of trading and has published more than 50 titles including the worldwide hit series Harvest Moon alongside the renowned renegade Nintendo Wii title, No More Heroes.
For more information please go to www.risingstargames.com
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