Updated impressions of the Hellboy videogame

[SpydaWeb]

Gamespot has posted updated hands-on (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/hellboy/news.html?sid=6192723) impressions of the new videogame, Hellboy: Science of Evil. It's supposed to hit shelves next week, I believe.

Highlights:

* Co-op gameplay is detailed and it sounds like you'll only be able to play as either Abe or Liz (probably also the secret character too). HB will still be needed to unlock certain areas, but it wasn't really clear how that will work.
* PS3 sixaxis motion control support for gameplay.
* Area 51 themed game level will be downloadable post-launch. No pricing was mentioned, but I expect it won't be free. (It would be cool if you could unlock and play as HB Jr.)

[THE REAL kirk]

SWEET! That sounds great! I can't wait to...

Oh yeah - not available for the PC. Rasputin must have had something to do with this as it threatens to destroy the world! (ok...maybe just MY world, but still...)

[E. Spears]

Gahh. I wish I had a 360 or a PS3. Or that it was released on PC.

Hellboy: Science of Evil straddles a line between capturing the artistic style of Mike Mignola's Hellboy animated series and Guillermo del Toro's 2004 film adaptation.

Not Mike Mignola's comic book series?

[jackups]

hmmm while the game isnt terrible by any means doesnt look like it will be amazing, which at the end of the day i dont mind, aslong as the overall game is positive than negative, dont play alot of games now so this should be fun just to play through this.

[SpydaWeb]

I thought you looked scarce online jackups. Where did you slink off to?

[jackups]

hehe-I just finished my yearly exam period hence my lack of online and xbox presence : P
All done now though so have some free time again.

[SpydaWeb]

I'll see you online for some HB co-op when I get back from California.

[Jake Capps]

I want in on that action!

[SpydaWeb]

Ofcourse. We'll probably have to take turns though since it's only 2 players online at a time.

Any of you looking forward to E3 in a few weeks? I'm hoping for some big surprises come July 14th.

[Jake Capps]

Well I'm more than happy to take my turn...I'm an "Achievement Whore". I'm also in awe of Jack Ups gamer score. The man is a machine!

[SpydaWeb]

GDT just posted on the movie boards and said the following:


At the Bonus Level you can play as another character other than Abe, HB and Liz. You knew that-

But- can you guess who is voicing that character?

Yup- that's right-

God willing HBIII will include HIM.

Best

GDt


GDT has always suggested that he'd like to include Lobster Johnson in the movie series and he's always approved of the fan suggested casting of Bruce Campbell. Could this be our first glimpse of the character??

[gdeo]

very cool!

[jackups]

That does sound very cool indeed : D
I have to say im looking forward to this game because I feel its not going to be so big and massive that it feels daunting but it will be a fun game to spend some hours on.



Well I'm more than happy to take my turn...I'm an "Achievement Whore". I'm also in awe of Jack Ups gamer score. The man is a machine!

Cheers Bud, though i have done abit of cheating and got 1000 on games like NBA lol which you can get all the achievs in one 30 min play. lol though Halo 3/Gears of war nearly drained my patience after awhile -hehe

[Jake Capps]

That does sound very cool indeed : D
I have to say im looking forward to this game because I feel its not going to be so big and massive that it feels daunting but it will be a fun game to spend some hours on.





Cheers Bud, though i have done abit of cheating and got 1000 on games like NBA lol which you can get all the achievs in one 30 min play. lol though Halo 3/Gears of war nearly drained my patience after awhile -hehe

Yeah I played King Kong were every level is 100 points. But I did charge through Halo 3 for my 1000. It never felt sweeter!

[jackups]

hehe yeah , it was the more difficult and crazier Multi-player achievs that took the time. I got my last achiev on wwhat i was considering my last Halo match that solely aimed on that achiev

[jimm]

Why no pc?

[Christopher Drake]

GDT just posted on the movie boards and said the following:



GDT has always suggested that he'd like to include Lobster Johnson in the movie series and he's always approved of the fan suggested casting of Bruce Campbell. Could this be our first glimpse of the character??


Ha! I've been holding that one close to the vest for over a year now!! (this is my big geek surprise Spyda)

Those of you going to Hellebration ask me to tell you the story of the ADR session on this... weird and hilarious stuff!

Its going to be pretty surreal playing this.. even though I wrote over an hour and 20 minutes of music for it over a year ago, I hardly saw ANY finished game footage!

[ZINCo Sales Rep]

I just got the official KONAMI press release for the game. Here it is:

KONAMI SHIPS HELLBOY: THE SCIENCE OF EVIL TO RETAIL STORES NATIONWIDE

Featuring Original Storyline and All-Star Voiceover Cast, the Game Hits Stores for the Xbox 360®™, PLAYSTATION®3 system and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) System Coinciding With This Summer's Anticipated Blockbuster Movie "Hellboy II: The Golden Army"

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - June 24, 2008 - Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., today announced that Hellboy:™ The Science of Evil has shipped to retail stores nationwide for the Xbox 360®™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 home entertainment system and the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system.* Following the cult success of the Hellboy comic book series and the commercial success of 2004's "Hellboy" movie, Hellboy: The Science of Evil features an original storyline with creative input from Hellboy creator Mike Mignola and famed movie director Guillermo Del Toro.* The game release coincides with the theatrical release of the highly anticipated "Hellboy II: The Golden Army" this summer.

Featuring stunning next-gen graphics with dynamic lighting throughout, Hellboy: The Science of Evil, lets players experience all-new adventures featuring Hellboy's unmistakable fusion of action, atmosphere and humor.* Taking control of Hellboy's superhuman abilities, players will smash their way through enemies on their quest to prevent Hellboy's nemesis, the crazed Nazi Hermann Von Klempt's plot for world domination.* With Hellboy's unforgettable and indestructible Right Hand of Doom, players will wreak havoc on anyone that stands in their way. Additionally, players can also assume the roles of Abe Sabien and Liz Sherman in the co-op multiplayer mode.* An explosive battle system with contextual grappling commands and fully destructible environments lend to additional adventures within the title.

Hellboy: The Science of Evil also features an all-star voiceover cast from the actors from the motion-picture film.* In addition to Ron Perlman, who portrayed Hellboy in the 2004 feature film, Selma Blair and Doug Jones will reprise their roles as Sherman and Sapien to lend their voices to the game.

"With creative direction from Hellboy creator, Mike Mignola, and movie director, Guillermo del Toro, along with voiceovers from the top talent of the movie, the Hellboy video game captures the essence of the franchise," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing at Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "Both newcomers and longtime fans will enjoy this completely original, action-packed Hellboy experience."

Developed by Krome Studios, Hellboy The Science of Evil is rated "T" (Teen) by the ESRB and is now available on the Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION®3 system and PSP® system. For more information on the game, please visit: www.konami.com.

[Asa]

Finaly got the game!. It is awsome, and really kool.:biggrin:

[Espylacopa]

Started playing the game today. Besides the controls/camera view being just a bit wonky, it seems as though this will be a very fun game!

I just played through the first "level" and i can't wait to get back to it...:biggrin:

[Jake Capps]

Damn it hasn't shipped from Amazon yet!

[SpydaWeb]

I expect I'll be playing it at Typhon's place next week. For those that have played it. Tell me the gun controls are better than I remember them.

[Holden]

Do we know who all the playable characters are?
IE: The secret character ..:smile:

[jackups]

dang, i got a big wait for my copy : (

[Jake Capps]

dang, i got a big wait for my copy : (

Why? Mine is marked as "shipping soon" from Amazon.

[jackups]

Amazon doesnt ship it out till near end of augest for the UK.

[Todd H]

Just picked my copy up on lunch. Can't wait to get home and play till the wee hours of the...evening. Heh.

[manwiththemachinegun]

All I want to know is if Lobster Johnson is in it or not.

It's the difference between a "eventually" buy and "must" buy for me. :tongue:

[Todd H]

All I want to know is if Lobster Johnson is in it or not.

It's the difference between a "eventually" buy and "must" buy for me. :tongue:

Well GDT said the voice actor doing the voice of the hidden character is some one he hopes will play the character in HB3. The takes us to Bruce Campbell playing the Lobster. That's the only character/actor combo I've heard him mention in the past.

Also there is a card with a certain symbol on it found pretty early in the game....

[Jake Capps]

Amazon just emailed me the link to the free digital comic for pre-ordering the game. So I'm gonna share it...

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/00/00/02/05/82/81/205828190.pdf?rw_html_to_wsrp=1&/ref=pe_13910_9704710_hb_comic_image

I'm glad Jawa hooked me up with the hard-copy version from the NYCC!

[Todd H]

Did anyone happen to get the red translucent qee that was being handed out as a promotional item?

[Kees_L]

Tell me the gun controls are better than I remember them.

Gameplay and particularly the gun controls aren't getting exstatic praise.

And Jake *c*e*n*s*o*r*e*d*: thanks for sharing! If Konami had sold the comic with the game, I would have bought it instantaneously, whereas now I may buy it only out of a discount bin. 'Cause of the hinky controls.

It looks swell and the cutscenes are great. It's just that for my $75 / 65 euros I'd like to buy a game, not just nice cutscenes.

[Jake Capps]

Gameplay and particularly the gun controls aren't getting exstatic praise.

And Jake Capps: thanks for sharing! If Konami had sold the comic with the game, I would have bought it instantaneously, whereas now I may buy it only out of a discount bin. 'Cause of the hinky controls.

It looks swell and the cutscenes are great. It's just that for my $75 / 65 euros I'd like to buy a game, not just nice cutscenes.

Your welcome....just call me Jake.

[MarisaSmith]

I just ordered mine from Barnes and Noble (I had gift certificates there). Can't wait!!! And I'm bummed I missed out on the translucent Qee!!!

[Jack Zodiac]

All I want to know is if Lobster Johnson is in it or not.

It's the difference between a "eventually" buy and "must" buy for me. :tongue:

Man... if Lobster's in it, I'm totally keeping this game forever. Especially if Bruce is his voice actor.

Otherwise, this game's pretty terrible. Awful fixed camera, early "Resident Evil" style combat and controls, really unimaginative melee system. Decent plot, though, very close to the animated series and the movies, and the graphics are really good, save the occasional clipping. I just wish you could see them better, but with the camera angle you can only get so much.

Granted, I haven't gotten too far into the game yet. Things could get a whole lot better gameplay wise that I could ignore much of that; but for the most part, it's a really unspectacular game.

[Jack Zodiac]

Alright, nevermind. I don't care if Lobster Johnson's in this game, it's unplayable. It has a frustratingly bad combat system, and coupled with terrible camera angles, it makes fighting even two moderately hard enemies nigh-impossible. I just spent a half an hour trying to get past a single encounter and I asked myself why and I couldn't think of a good enough reason to bother getting past that point. The story's incredibly light and the gameplay's just terrible, so I stopped.

[Jakob Westman]

That comic was nice.
Thanks for sharing!

/ Jakob

[shonokin]

Ditto what Jakob said, very cool comic!
thanks!

[jackups]

tbh i dont think im going to rush out and get this game, even though its a HB game, the feedback on it doesnt justify to me paying the release price for a game that doesnt entertain alot, i may use a discount to purchase it ,if there is nothing else that catches my eye.

[Todd H]

Yeah this game is pretty wretched. I've been trying to beat the Kriegaffe for three days now. It's a miracle I've gotten this far.

[Jake Capps]

Yeah this game is pretty wretched. I've been trying to beat the Kriegaffe for three days now. It's a miracle I've gotten this far.

I just got by the Kriegaffe on the first try. If you need help let me know man. I think they should have worked with Dave on the coloring. I really hated the first level, but the 2nd was pretty cool. I like how they combined some elements from the Animated movies. I just wish you could explore more. If ever there was a game/universe that deserved exploration it's Hellboy's.

[timbolton]

Could someone please confirm - the HB promotional comic, "They that go down to the sea in ships", is not given away with the HB: Science of Evil game?

I live in the UK, so we have a while for the game's release anyways, but I'll search out the comic via other means in the meantime. Ta!

Ps, found this linked to the comic during my searches - http://www.juniperbooks.com/cgi-bin/juniper/1800.html

[Jake Capps]

Could someone please confirm - the HB promotional comic, "They that go down to the sea in ships", is not given away with the HB: Science of Evil game?

I live in the UK, so we have a while for the game's release anyways, but I'll search out the comic via other means in the meantime. Ta!

Ps, found this linked to the comic during my searches - http://www.juniperbooks.com/cgi-bin/juniper/1800.html

It was a free at NYCC 08. But if you pre-ordered from Amazon they gave you a free link to the digital comic. Here you go...
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/00/00/02/05/82/81/205828190.pdf?rw_html_to_wsrp=1&/ref=pe_13910_9704710_hb_comic_image

[Asa]

Could someone please confirm - the HB promotional comic, "They that go down to the sea in ships", is not given away with the HB: Science of Evil game?

I live in the UK, so we have a while for the game's release anyways, but I'll search out the comic via other means in the meantime. Ta!

As Jake mentioned NYCC,and link.
It was only given away if you played the game at NYCC. If you go to a convention near you check out the Games area and see if they are handing them out. Other wise evil EBAY. (just being humorous) Not funny, I know.

[Jake Capps]

Ok I just finished level 4, and it really is getting better. There is a main story line, and Hellboy bounces around to different missions in his past. One thing that is bothering me is the fact that the Nazis don't wear swastikas. They have a cross symbol on there arms. Same coloring; red with a white circle only it's a cross. I mean Medal of Honor shows them? It just looks stupid.

[Jake Capps]

Well the game is over. Was the combat system sloppy, and camera movement hard at times? Yes. Was it the worst game I ever played? Not even close. Then again I'm a Hellboy fan. I would say the best thing about the game is Ron. His voice work in the game is top notch. There were a few surprises as well. Hellboy uses some weapons only seen in the comic, and novels. Not to mention a character in the 5th level that was pretty damn well executed. I'm about 1/2 way through with the achievements. I'm gonna go back through, and snag some easy ones. I'm sure me, and Jackups with give it 2 more turns in co-op mode.

Now I have seen the end credits, and there is a 4th voice actor listed. I'm pretty sure that getting the game up to 100% will unlock this "CLASSIFIED" character?

[Sparky]

One thing that is bothering me is the fact that the Nazis don't wear swastikas. They have a cross symbol on there arms. Same coloring; red with a white circle only it's a cross. I mean Medal of Honor shows them? It just looks stupid.

Games* with swastikas in them are illegal in Germany, so most developers substitute the Iron Cross (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Cross). Some big games, Like MOH, do two versions -- one localized for Germany with swastikas removed, and one for US/rest of Europe etc. with them left in, but that costs extra money and if the game doesn't have a big budget (this game doesn't look like it did), they'll just use the Iron Cross.

You can often find a patch for German versions of big games like MOH that will replace the Iron Cross with the swastika.

*The swastika is allowed in movies and other art that's supposed to be historically accurate, but they don't legally consider games to be art in Germany.

[Jake Capps]

I forgot that was your job. Well it makes sense now.

[Ken O]

Also illegal in Germany: the spork.

[MarisaSmith]

SCREAM! Mine just arrived!!!!
I can't wait!!!
This is going to be great!!!
I'm sure I'll like it as I've been playing Chrono Trigger continuously for the past 13 years....

[MarisaSmith]

Yeah, slight update... The PSP was battery-dead and I just got home... Uh I might have to wait another day as the work-load is going to pick up very soon.
I have a ton of Chinese students to teach beginning next week...

Yeah, the PSP had been off so long, it needed a firmware update... YKES!

The review will follow! I promise!

[MarisaSmith]

mmm... Forget work... I'm playing the game.

And what are the green things in the trees and the boxes with the B.P.R.D. emblem?

And the camera work is a bit awkward, and the fighting is relatively easy, but otherwise good so far. Lots of fun for my PSP! And great to see yourself as big red fighting the demons!

[Todd H]

I finally got past the Kreigaffe. Apparently I had a bugged save. I wondered why the ape was able to grab me from literally across the room and throw me around every two point eight seconds. I started the game over and lo and behold he doesn't do that anymore.

Though it was still frustrating as hell when I was standing behind him getting ready to beat the piss out of him and the game suddenly goes to the throwing cut scene.

[MarisaSmith]

I'm having the exact same problem... Not able to get past him. What exactly did you do to fix it?

[Todd H]

Well originally he was grabbing me from any and every location in the room. After about 40 tries I realized something wasn't right and just started the game over. When I reached him the second time it still took me a good 10-15 tries to get by him but the random grabbing had subsided for the most part (he still grabbed me while I was behind him).

To beat him I mainly just started jumping around like an idiot. I'd try to keep him away from the back stairs on the first and second areas so that I could run up there and let my health regen mid fight. So for the first two floors I did jump attacks. Third floor I just randomly pounded the piss out of him.

Eventually I went to a cut scene which carried me on to the next level. I don't know if it's a timed thing or not but I wasn't hitting nor was I anywhere near the big ape when it happened.

[Jake Capps]

Actually you don't even need to hit him. If you knock down all the support beams in the room on every level of the house it falls down, and kills him.

Lets play some co-op Todd!

[Todd H]

Actually you don't even need to hit him. If you knock down all the support beams in the room on every level of the house it falls down, and kills him.

Lets play some co-op Todd!

Wait...what? Tha...that's it? Support. Son of a <censored for jnapper approval>!!!! :mad: He must have tossed me through each one and beat the levels for me. No wonder lol.

I'm up for co-op. Oliver Twyst is my live tag. I'll probably be online tonight for a bit. Of course the time zone might hurt us a bit. I'll probably play tonight from 5pm est to 9pm est since the Mrs is going into the city with her sister.

[Jake Capps]

Friend request sent.

[MarisaSmith]

Actually you don't even need to hit him. If you knock down all the support beams in the room on every level of the house it falls down, and kills him.

Lets play some co-op Todd!

Yes, I figured this one out late last night! Thanks for the response!

I'm guessing you're all playing on the 360 version... Nice that the version is similar to my PSP version!

[MarisaSmith]

EEK! Help on how to eradicate the witch!!!!????

[timbolton]

Thanks for that link Jake, it was very kind of you :cool:
And ta for the info Asa, it was just disappointing that when it was first announced, they seemed to say the physical comic would be bundled with the game itself, though I wasn't expecting that to happen in the UK tbh. Checking ebay (evil as you say heh), the "buy it now" prices really are silly at the mo (I tend to go for those more, especially with auctions in the US, since we have a little time difference), so I'll keep checking.

One small request for anyone visiting a games shop in the near future - the Prima game guide for "Hellboy: Science of Evil" has the following listed as being within its pages -

"Hellboy Comic"

http://www.primagames.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780761559375

Could someone check and see what it is - I can easily order the game guide and have it delivered from US to the UK, if it's what we have been talking about. I tend to buy game guides for things I am interested in (Star Wars mainly) not to help me play the game, more as a collector.

[LogansRunt]

EEK! Help on how to eradicate the witch!!!!????

The easiest way is to keep picking up the exploding heads that she tosses and throw them right back at her. (Which is kind of difficult with those little creatures swarming you at the same time.) It only takes a few of those. I didn't have much luck just shooting her. When you get all the way up to the bell tower, you can just hit her.

[MarisaSmith]

Thanks, I've still been stuck on that level!

[SpydaWeb]

I have to wait longer it seems. My rental place didn't have the game available. I'm hoping maybe they'll have it by next week.

[jackups]

Think im just going to get this on the release day.
While it might not be the best game ever, i fancy a game that will take tiem to get teh achievs.HB will be the nxt one i aim for full 1000 : P

[Jake Capps]

Think im just going to get this on the release day.
While it might not be the best game ever, i fancy a game that will take tiem to get teh achievs.HB will be the nxt one i aim for full 1000 : P

Well were going to need to work together to get all of them. But there are 4 achievements (DLC) that are not on the disk.

[jackups]

ahh right...who the hidden character?

[rcnmichigan]

ok psp version. I think the green things in the trees are just for lighting. Like random green lamps on trees and walls. Think castlevania and random lamps (candles)in places. Its alot like the first 3d castlevania game.

No voice acting sucks. These games were done before october , and are still unpolished.

I do like the game so far.but its a little off.

[MarisaSmith]

Hey, I don't know if this was mentioned, but I've got the strategy guide if anyone has any questions of that nature...

[elmer]

Hi Marisa
the game guide site has the book listed as containing a comic.Is this something new? Thanks.

[MarisaSmith]

Hi Marisa
the game guide site has the book listed as containing a comic.Is this something new? Thanks.

Elmer! My GB connection!

Yes, the book contains a movie poster and some untitled comic that starts off in my favorite location of Italy! It's part of the book, not a pullout or mini-comic like the one that came with the shoes or the animated DVD's. Somewhere in this thread I think someone posted a link to the comic.

[elmer]

Thanks for the info Marisa.What was the mini comic that came with the shoes?

[MarisaSmith]

Thanks for the info Marisa.What was the mini comic that came with the shoes?

Only the best! The Coffin. It's super cute too!:wink: Sorry, I love all the small things...

[elmer]

Is that The Chained Coffin story?

[MarisaSmith]

Is that The Chained Coffin story?

Sorry! Sorry Elmer! Misread on my part...
I meant:
THE CORPSE...

I'm still woozy from meds...:redface:

[elmer]

Thanks again for putting my mind at rest i'm always paranoid i've missed something.Hope you're feeling better soon.