AJ Glasser, Author at Kotaku

Do I Want To Go As Princess Peach For Halloween?

I resisted going as a video game character for Halloween because cosplayers’ homemade duds invariably put mine to shame. But now video game costumes are commercial — so I should get my Peach on. Option 1 — Actual Cosplay This gown/crown combo with gloves and earrings goes for the sale price of US$159.99 — and…

By AJ Glasser Published October 16, 2009

Are You Ready For Ar Tonelico III?

I certainly hope so, because it’s coming to the PlayStation 3 this January — and it may well make its way West at some point in the future. I’m glad the series is graduating to the PS3. It’s not that I think Japanese role-playing game developer can’t do good things with the PS2; I just…

By AJ Glasser Published October 16, 2009

Which DJ Hero Commercial Convinces You To Buy The Game?

I’d argue game trailers for the Internet and TV commercials are two different beasts. In game trialers, we expect to see actual gameplay, shiny cinematics and a clear statement of both the release date and the platforms. But in TV commercials, there’s also the expectation of amusement and brevity because we want to get back…

By AJ Glasser Published October 15, 2009

Here’s Why LEGO Indiana Jones 2 Needs Your Attention

Sounds like people (e.g. my boss) weren’t excited about a second LEGO Indy game, despite the awesome driving mode they added. Here’s why you should be. 1) Two-Player Split Screen of Awesome You can see the new split screen in action during the vid we posted earlier. But in case you can’t quite tell what’s…

By AJ Glasser Published October 15, 2009

German Activist Group’s “Killer Game” Toss Makes Me Uncomfortable

Game Politics reports that a German advocacy group wants people to bring their “killer games” to the front of an opera house to throw away. One lucky tosser (har, har) will win a signed jersey from a sports team. The site goes on to link the group’s upcoming weekend event to a school shooting that…

By AJ Glasser Published October 15, 2009

Insomniac Throwing Ratchet & Clank Community Day

If you live in Burbank, California — or just happen to be there Friday, October 23 — you should drop in on Insomniac for a Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time party. Last year, the developer threw a similar Community Day to celebrate Resistance 2. Apparently, it was such a success that they’ve…

By AJ Glasser Published October 15, 2009

NPD Groups Says Video Game Gift Sales Down This Holiday

Research group NPD predicts a less techy Christmas in their holiday retail outlook. So don’t act shocked if a book shows up in your stocking instead of a video game. Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst, explains in a press release that “consumers will be looking for the right gift, rather than the most extravagant or…

By AJ Glasser Published October 15, 2009

Looks Like A New Game Mode For Birth By Sleep

I was jealous when I heard Stephen Totilo played Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep at the Tokyo Game Show. But even if he saw it first, it looks like he didn’t see everything. Apparently there’s a board game-type of mode in Birth By Sleep that breaks up the hack ‘n’ slash monotony many non-KH fans…

By AJ Glasser Published October 15, 2009

Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron Preview: I’m A Total Space Case

I’m glad Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron‘s space-to-ground transitions made it into the multiplayer –- there was some initial confusion about whether or not the PSP Infrastructure could handle it. But the final answer is yes. Yes, Elite Squadron can handle all 16 players leaping from space combat to ground battles and back again almost…

By AJ Glasser Published October 14, 2009

Reviews

Ju-on: The Grudge Review: Curse Of The Movie Game

I first saw the original Ju-on movie in Japan on Halloween night 2005. I was doing fine up until the part where the TV in this lady’s apartment goes wonky. I didn’t even bother with the American version after that. The Japanese original was scary enough for me, thank you very much. So when I…

By AJ Glasser Published October 14, 2009

Divinity II: Ego Draconis Impressions: Morality Is For Lesser Mortals

In Divinity II, you are a freaking dragon at least half the time. Why should you care about petty mortal concerns like good and evil? Unlike other fantasy role-playing games with branching plotlines and dialogue trees, you see, Ego Draconis emphasizes choice over morality. Choosing one action over another doesn’t net you any karma or…

By AJ Glasser Published October 14, 2009

Divinity II’s Trailer Ain’t Exactly Divine… But There Are Dragons

Dragons will sell me almost anything — video games, clothing, you name it. I’ve got to say, though, I didn’t think I’d extend that to letter openers until I saw this. You could seriously injure somebody without even unsheathing this thing. The only thing it’s missing is jeweled eyeballs. Now all I need are letters…

By AJ Glasser Published October 14, 2009

6 Days in Call of Duty 4 Going to Film Festival

Machinima film, 6 Days in Call of Duty 4, is going to the Cinemanila International Film Festival alongside prestigious films like Let the Right One In and Inglorious Basterds. The festival is happening in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Philippines and this looks like the first year they’ve ever had a machinima category in the 11…

By AJ Glasser Published October 14, 2009

Five Things To Fill In Your Dark Void

Until yesterday, I’d only just heard of Dark Void. I’d never played it, never seen videos of it — my only attachment to the game at all were the magic words “jet pack.” Well, now I’ve had my Dark Void filled in a bit by gameplay and an interview with Associate Producer Shana T. Bryant.…