Comments: 1
prima games podcast, the sixteenth
Console price wars! Madden 10! Movie Trailer! Listen!
The Prima Games Blog is the place to read about new video games, get expert strategy, tips, downloads,
free walkthroughs, and insider game info by gamers for gamers.
All posts tagged with ‘ps3’
Aug
15
2009
Mar
24
2009
Comments: 3
All of the Mafioso action, none of the bloody horse heads
I can think of at least five different ways to take over the gas station down the street. I can cut the telephone lines at the rear, then rush the front counter. If it was a two-man job, I’d send a bruiser through the sliding glass doors, then cut the power so that the proprietor couldn’t escape. Better still, I’d go inside, possibly knock over a few candy bar racks to intimidate the owner, and put the screws to him until he decides to kick up a weekly protection fee to me, Fernando Bueno…Don Fernando Bueno.
While playing The Godfather II, these are the kinds of decisions you’ll have to make. As you grow your empire, you’ll have to take over small businesses, recruit new soldiers, promote crew members, and even knock over a few banks to rake in some extra dough. So before we get to all of the other nuances of becoming a Don, why don’t we start with the very first thing you need to know: How to take over a business.
Tip #1
Always case the joint first. Before rushing into a business with your guns blazing, always stroll around the perimeter first and locate all of the exits, the gas main, and the telephone lines. Whether it’s an electronics store or a swanky gin joint, businesses usually have more than one entry point. If you can’t get in through the front door because there’s too much muscle, get your demolitions expert or engineer to create a new entry point for you.
Tip #2
Vary your crew members’ specialties. Look, there’s no point in bringing three safecrackers to a business that requires a bruiser to bust down the door, you dig? By bringing a bruiser, an engineer, and a demolitions expert, you’ve pretty much guaranteed you can get into any building you want.
Tip #3
A stubborn Don is a dead Don. If the business you’re after is heavily fortified with a rival family’s goons, there’s no point in banging your head against the wall trying to take it over with a weaker crew. Instead, weaken the rival family by blowing up one of its businesses and removing their Crime Ring bonus. If that business was guarded by men wearing bulletproof vests, for example, remove the bulletproof vest bonus to make things easier on you the next time to try to take the joint.
Tip #4
Unmake Made Men. Whenever you try to take over a rival business, chances are the rival Don will send some of his tougher Made Men to provide the business under siege a little backup. You can ensure this doesn’t happen by either removing the rival family’s Made Men for good by meeting their kill conditions, or just send them to the hospital for a bit by whacking them some other way (and not meeting their kill condition). Either way, get them out of your hair before things get messy at a small business takeover.
Tip #5
Your crew is only as good as their leader. If you rush into a warehouse where all of the rival goons are ready and waiting, you’ll lead your men into a massacre. Instead, use your men like you would a military unit. Orchestrate their movements as they take over the business and cover each others’ backs. Use flanking procedures to take out rival soldiers, take cover behind walls, or even send your crew down one route while you take another to split the enemy’s fire. Fight smart.
No matter what method you choose when taking over a new business, always keep in mind that there’s more than one way to skin a cat. If your first attempt doesn’t work perfectly, try an alternate entrance or a different approach.
Jan
28
2009
Comments: 0
lord of the rings conquest: gandalf vs. saruman
It’s the age-old question: Who would win in a fight, the mega-powerful good guy or the ultra-unstoppable bad guy? One the best parts of playing Lord of the Rings Conquest is becoming one of the most commanding heroes in Middle-earth. Here are five heroes from each side that will definitely get the blood flowing.
Good Guy #1: Gandalf
Middle-earth’s greatest wizard, Gandalf, matches up well against any of Sauron’s foes. You Shall Not Pass! destroys enemies next to him, while Lightning and Cleansing Fire burns them at range. In close combat, Gandalf cuts through foes better than you’d expect with his trusty Glamdring in hand. All this power comes in a frame that can handle lots of damage, and even if the forces of evil manage to hurt him, Gandalf is only one Healing Wisdom away from returning to full health.
Good Guy #2: Aragorn
The greatest warrior in the game, Aragorn slices through foes with his magical sword, Andúril, and withstands blow after blow to continue the fight. Dunharrow Dash shoulders foes out of the way and works wonders against overrun situations. Andúril’s Spirit will ruin an opponent if you time it to strike the foe. Your most powerful ability, Wave of Undead, sprays an area-effect blast that annihilates anything in its path. Aragorn can lead any charge, and there’s no better hero for wading into the thick of things to slaughter Sauron’s minions.
Good Guy #3: Legolas
Super deadly Legolas has the same quiver full of tricks that the Archer has and then some. His draw and release is much quicker than the average Archer, allowing him to rapid-fire on one target or several. With added health, his melee combat skills can put Orc Warriors to shame, and anyone that can take down giant Oliphaunts single-handedly deserves high praise indeed.
Good Guy #4: Frodo
Often underestimated, the small Hobbit Frodo can be a big, big threat. Perhaps the most deadly Cloaked Scout, Frodo has all the standard Scout weapons, and his short size helps him blend in even more with the surroundings. Normally on the quest of the Ringbearer, Frodo can be called upon to do battle in multiplayer action.
Good Guy #5: Isildur
The man who cut the One Ring from Sauron’s finger now has more than the Dark Lord to contend with. Isildur’s dazzling fighting techniques–quite literally, as his moves blur together in colorful animation–will avenge his fallen comrades on those unfortunate enough to be caught awestruck. All the standard Warrior abilities, with some extra kick, are at Isildur’s disposal.
Bad Guy #1: Saruman
Saruman may resemble Gandalf with one major difference: He has the potential to deal more damage. Where Gandalf and Mages in general can harm multiple foes with their area-effect flames, Saruman’s Fire Ball has a tighter firing arc and erupts for more damage if you strike your target. His Isengard Blast matches Gandalf’s You Shall Not Pass! ability, and when he loses health, a Heal can bring him back up to full. Also, if he performs melee attacks and launches a Fire Ball, it will target the person he was attacking.
Bad Guy #2: Balrog
The most dangerous creature in the incredibly dangerous Mines of Moria, the Balrog faces off against Gandalf in the “War of the Ring” and returns later in the Shire as a Hero you can control in the “Rise of Sauron.” Its most debilitating attack, its Fire Breath, razes a huge area in front of it and drops even the stoutest defender in seconds should they be unfortunate enough to linger in the flames.
Bad Guy #3: Witch-king
As you might imagine, the leader of the Nazgûl has the same strengths and weaknesses as the Nazgûl. However, his intimidating form packs a little more punch, and attacks like Terror Quake are swifter to execute. The Witch-king commands whatever situation you send him into, offensively or defensively, and the enemy shall bend their knee one way or another.
Bad Guy #4: Mouth of Sauron
The Mouth of Sauron is not like other Mages. His melee attacks are unique, and his Barad-dûr Fury is actually a powerful staff combo. Catch a foe with the full brunt of Barad-dûr Fury and even captains will fall. Of course, he still has the advantage of other Mages with a Fire Wall that can harm multiple enemies at once, and a Heal that can return him to full strength even should he decide to charge into the midst of heated combat.
Bad Guy #5: Sauron
The most powerful figure on the evil side towers over the battlefield. Imposing in size like one of the giants, Sauron fights as well as any Warrior, except he trades in sword for mace. With his long reach, Heart of Horror and Soul Collector can be brutal, while the area-effect Mordor Pound knocks down anyone caught in front of his mace slam. The Dark Lord can power through the entire side of good; he’s that nasty!
For more tips, walkthroughs and hints, check out the Lord of the Rings Conquest Official Game Guide and enter the movie replica contest!
Jan
21
2009
Comments: 1
lord of the rings conquest: tour guide to middle-earth
Want to take a tour, albeit a sometimes bloody tour, down memory lane in Tolkien’s ultimate tale of good versus evil? Here are 10 key places in the game that you may remember from the books.
HELM’S DEEP
You start out defending the Deeping Wall and the good men of Rohan, and end in a battle to save Théoden in his throne room. When the Orcs crush forward against the stone ramparts in Helm’s Deep, you will really feel the press of Sauron’s horde and the delicate balance of despair and salvation that hangs over all of Middle-earth.
ISENGARD
Saruman’s Orcs have ravaged the land, and Wormtongue is a far greater threat than you ever imagined, able to slink into the shadows and slay with more than cruel words. You will gain the aid of Ents here (and play one yourself!) as you smash through to the Tower of Orthanc and play Gandalf against Saruman.
MINES OF MORIA
The dark twists and deadly drops of Moria are far from its greatest perils. The place teems with Orc stink, and the rumble of Trolls in the depths shake even the stoutest Warriors. Should you make it to the final chamber, the direst evil stands in your path—the mighty Balrog!
OSGILIATH
In the dying ruins of Osgiliath, you seek out the aid of Faramir and his Rangers (or slay him when playing through on the side of Sauron). Cut through Orc after Orc as you shepherd the Hobbit, Frodo Baggins, to safety outside the city.
MINAS TIRITH
The greatest city of the West, Minas Tirith, is falling. Join forces with Gandalf to save it against all odds on your first pass through as a good guy, then become a member of Saruman’s team as you dismantle it stone by stone on your second pass under Sauron’s guidance.
PELENNOR FIELDS
Huge siege engines and gigantic Oliphaunts crush the defenders as they crunch toward Théoden’s war camps. Legolas and Éowyn come to you aid, but will they be enough against hundreds of Orcs, Easterling armies, war machines and the Lord of the Nazgûl?
THE BLACK GATE
Aragorn, Gandalf, Gimli and Legolas lead an army into Mordor’s fearsome fortress. You can play all four Heroes as you throw back Orcs, burn Trolls, and duel with the Mouth of Sauron and his deadly Captains. Can you outlast the endless horde long enough for Frodo to destroy the One Ring in Mount Doom?
MOUNT DOOM
You must kill the thieving Hobbit, Frodo Baggins! Yes, once you’ve unlocked the good side, you can play through the evil side as a lieutenant of Sauron. In the fiery caverns of Mount Doom, you race around as the Nazgûl and the Witch-king, cutting through traitorous Orcs who want the One Ring for themselves, in order to stop the Hobbit from destroying the Master’s precious artifact.
WEATHERTOP
The forces of Sauron are on the move. In a massive battle around Weathertop, you play one of the Orc classes (and later Saruman) accomplishing multiple mission objectives. In the end, you must face the imposter king Aragorn atop the rocky precipice.
RIVENDELL
Elrond and the Elves defend their home from your ruthless Orc army. Smash through the Elven swords with your mighty Trolls and powerful Orc classes, and square off against Elrond in a battle to the death. When Legolas joins the Elves, you gain the ultimate ally—the Dark Lord Sauron!
Jan
15
2009
Comments: 1
lord of the rings conquest: what class are you?
In the epic clash for Middle-earth’s salvation or damnation, four classes meet on the field of battle. You can have fun with them all, but in the end, you’ll probably gravitate toward one. Here’s a peek at each one, and why it may be your dream profession…
ARCHER
You can’t say you didn’t admire Legolas in the movies. The speed at which he twangs that bow and takes down Orcs, and to climb up the back of an Oliphaunt, we’re impressed.
You can do everything Legolas did–even play Legolas in the game–and then some. Your quiver has some extra special arrows in it. Fire Arrows deal with groups, Multi-Arrow strikes up to three foes simultaneously, and Poison Arrow slows and weakens opponents.
It’s for you if…you want to be the top assassin from afar. You never have to see the hatred in your foes’ eyes since they’ll never have the chance to get close to you.
MAGE
Admit it. You’ve always harbored a desire to lead the Fellowship, if you were ever given the chance. Other than playing Heroes like Gandalf, the Mage is the closest you’ll come to packing the power of Middle-earth’s wizards. As the Mage, you are a long-range bomber who can deal with large crowds with a single Fire Wall or Lightning blast. You’re also a great support class with a Heal ability to regain health for your allies and a Shield to cancel enemy ranged attacks. You are not, however, made of the sterner stuff of Warriors and shouldn’t just charge headlong into every combat situation.
It’s for you if…you love to rain destruction down on the enemy army, but also enjoy the supporting your fellow allies with a Heal here or there.
SCOUT
You have the power to slip in and out of shadow. As quiet as a whisper, you sneak up behind enemies and draw your blade. You are the master unseen assassin.
The Scout can do it all in close combat. He can dodge and weave through the crowd. Pummel enemies with special Foe Hammer and Foe Hewer attacks. Drop Satchel Bombs with deadly precision. In multiplayer action, the Scout can seize capture points all by himself without lifting a finger.
It’s for you if…you can’t wait to one-shot kill someone from behind. If you also like to show off your nifty combat moves, grab yourself a pair of daggers.
WARRIOR
You are the soldier for your side, strong and resilient. Sword in hand, your mailed body fearlessly races into battle without heed for life or limb. You are the great protector.
As a Warrior, you can play offensively or defensively, and do it well. Your special fire abilities can torch enemies, as large as Ents or as small as Orc Grunts. It takes opponents a long time to drop you in combat, and if you have your way, that will never happen.
It’s for you if…you can’t wait to charge into the heat of battle. You can take more blows than any other class, and a Warrior’s hits hurt hard.
Jan
09
2009
Comments: 1
Lord of the Rings Conquest Tips
Are you ready to defend Middle-earth from the forces of Sauron? Or, maybe, just maybe, you’ve got the urge to play a minion of Sauron and destroy those goody two-shoes Elves and Men folk? (Yep, you can play both good and evil sides in Lord of the Rings Conquest.) Well, we have a few combat tips for you, whether you sling an arrow as the Archer, raise Fire Walls as the Mage, slink around invisible as the Scout, or bash heads as the Warrior. For serious strategy and more tips than tea leaves in a Hobbit pantry, check out Prima’s official Lord of the Rings Conquest Game Guide on sale January 13 here: http://www.primagames.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780761560395.
Archer
- Always think long range first. You have a Kick melee attack for when foes close in on you, but it’s only an emergency move; your bow is definitely the best option.
- As an archer, keep your distance from melee units by firing Poison Arrows to slow them down, or knocking them down with a Fire Arrow or Kick.
- Practice your Zoom. If you have the time, it’s always easier to line up a target with a close-up view.
- The Archer can one-shot kill enemies even better than the Scout! While a Scout has to position himself for a Backstab behind a foe, the Archer only has to line up a headshot.
- Look for sniper points up on high. From above, you can survey the battle, usually out of harm’s way, and home in on your next victim.
- You do not have a healing ability. Look for enemies to drop Health Orbs and pick them up to stay alive.
- Stay in the rear. If you find yourself leading the charge ahead of your allies, you are in the wrong position.
- Slide into the protective Shield of a fellow Mage if you’re under assault from return fire, or seek out a Warrior if you need a bodyguard for some upcoming melee encounters.
- Never stay in one spot too long. Even a great sniper spot will be discovered by an enemy Scout eventually.
Mage
- Certain attacks cannot be interrupted by enemy attacks, such as the Mage’s Shockwave. These moves are generally slower, but inflict heavy damage. However, they are also slow to recover if you miss, providing the enemy a chance to counterattack. Experiment to find more, as these attacks can quickly turn the tide of battle when used properly.
- Think long-range first. The Mage works best when he picks off targets before they reach melee distance.
- Generally, hit a group of enemies with Firewall first. Next, charge up your Lightning and fry the closest remaining target.
- Use Shockwave to repel any enemies that manage to surround you. If you’re feeling daring, you can also wade into enemy groups and scatter them with a Shockwave blast.
- Shield can protect you from enemy ranged attacks. You can walk with Shield up, but you cannot attack (or recharge abilities), so use it only in situations where the enemy attack is overwhelming or when you need to slowly close on a better position.
- Your Heal can keep you in any fight. Whenever you are under 75 percent of your health, activate Heal. Trigger it often to stay at maximum health, and dance around avoiding combat if you need to use it multiple times to climb back to full.
Scout
- Cloak can be used to perfect your offense. Slip it on for just a few seconds to circle behind a foe for the Backstab, or pop up in front of them for several quick surprise strikes.
- Backstab is your main threat. From behind, you can one-shot kill anyone. Remember, though, that it takes a few seconds to pull off the maneuver, and you may be exposed to other enemies during this time.
- Blasting Powder not only hurls an opponent away from you, it also packs that same opponent with an explosive. Aim your hurtling opponent toward more foes and you can blast multiples for the price of one.
- You can be at the forefront of a charge, so long as you’re Cloaked and on your toes.
- Both Warriors and Scouts can string together combo moves, though the Scout can string together the longest sequence: eight attacks in a row!
- With Scouts, try stringing together melee attacks, starting with Light Attacks and ending with Heavy Attacks. Work in a progression, such as Light, Light, Medium, Medium, Heavy.
- Scouts gain energy slowly over time. If you’re in danger, try evading or blocking until you have enough energy to even the odds.
- Cloak can be used to perfect your defense. Use it whenever you leave an area so your enemies never know exactly where you’re going, and, of course, rely on it to drop out of sight whenever the enemy has you targeted for pain.
- Dodging with rolls is your best melee escape mechanism, though you can also block if you don’t think you’re going to get surrounded.
- Satchel Bombs can give you space from melee attackers if you learn to hurl them just right.
Warrior
- Many moves can be extended by hitting the button repeatedly, such as the Warrior’s Whirlwind Sweep.
- The Warrior can block melee attacks. However, certain attacks exist that cannot be blocked. These attacks differ from unit to unit, but every character possesses at least one. The Warrior’s Flame of Fury will still cause damage to blocking enemies.
- Certain attacks cannot be interrupted by enemy attacks, such as the Warrior’s Heavy Attack. These moves are generally slower, but inflict major damage. However, they are also slow to recover if you miss, providing the enemy a chance to counterattack. Experiment to find more, as these attacks can quickly turn the tide of battle when used properly.
- Warriors can string together combo moves to a maximum of six in a row.
- With Warriors, try stringing together melee attacks, starting with Light Attacks and ending with Heavy Attacks. A sequence such as Light, Light, Light, Medium, Medium, Heavy is among the Warrior’s deadliest combos.
- Warriors can also press Jump and Heavy Attack while in the air to perform an acrobatic slash on the target who they’re about to land on.
- Your sweep attacks can drive multiple enemies back. It’s effective for giving yourself more room and clearing areas such as capture circles.
- Throwing Axe is more a defensive action than an offensive one. Sure, it can deal damage, but more often than not you’ll find yourself tossing an axe to distract your foes as you close on them.
