For those of you like me who think Spore just can’t get here soon enough, I have good news! The Spore Creator Creator Demo is out NOW and the full version is released tomorrow June 18th. You can download the demo on many sites, but we also will provide it for you, feel free to download it from us HERE.

Now if you don’t know what Spore is, or for that matter Spore: Creator Creator let me briefly enlighten you. Spore is a SIM game designed to start you out as a single cell organism and let you evolve all the way to exploring different solar systems, not only that, but YOU get to create you’re organism and watch it evolve, control how it evolves and so on. I am literally just skimming over the details, if you want all the good info I would suggest getting it directly from the source.

If you had any doubts if Spore: Creature Creator is worth the current $9.99 digital download price, let me say in my opinion it is well worth it, today alone both Ophilye and I have wasted 3 hours and had to give up due to time constraints and wanting to get this posted, you can be sure we will be back at it tomorrow. What’s the point of this if Spore includes it at release? Simple, it’s a jump start at the game, anything you create can be imported into the full version of Spore. Not only that, but this is the best way to see the basics of Spore and if it would be worth your money, and from what I have seen it is and then some.

You can buy Spore: Creature Creator directly from EA HERE

Want to see what we created? Feel free to visit my youtube page for all of our creations, and I have included both Ophilyes and my first creatures below for you amusement.

Want to share you creature with us? Post it on our forums or link it in a comment! We would LOVE to see them!

First of all.. isn’t that the best title ever? I mean, if you’re going to take a web cartoon with the dark humor that we have all come to know and love and turn it into an episodic game, one that is likely going to be torn apart by every review site and game company PA has ripped apart, it really requires that kind of a title.

If you don’t know Penny Arcade, you probably should start before you play. It’s not that you need to know any of the last 10 years of comics, or the characters and their interactions, but you won’t have the amazement that some of us have when Tycho & Gabe helped us through the hard times, showed us to be different, explained lifes mysteries, On top of that, to understand that they run Childs Play, a company that raises money, via various means, to buy games & consoles for childrens hospitals.

OK, back on track…

PA: E1 allows you to create your own 60s cartoon character, who is then swept up into saving the town from robot fruit-fuckers, hobos, barbershop quartets, and mimes.  That alone is rather humorous, but the writing and response choices are worth the gameplay alone.  My daughter and I were both laughing until tears streamed down our cheeks during one fabulous response (ok, we may have been on sugar highs, but still) and it got a guffaw out of Ymiris & I a number of times.  The writing is obviously the same as Penny-Arcade.com, so if the above comics do turn you off, you will want to look closely at the game play to see if it is something you are looking for.

The gameplay follows a turn-based RPG, complete with nerdy dice roll, and “ok, this character do this now, and wait for this character and that one” continuity, which overall we neglect here at CoupleGaming, mostly because brainiac or fast-paced games seem to be our forte.  That being said, after this game I feel I may be greatly neglecting a genre.  This game shows some of the best parts of TBGs:  a need to plan ahead, as well as reflexes based on past experience with specific characters.   (Yes, you do need to remember to block or you are going to keep dying *cough* Squidpunch *cough*)

The length of the game, about 8 hours of gameplay if you take your time, makes it worth the $20, and the acheivements aren’t too difficult, nor too redundant.   Ymiris & I both played through it, some of it with our 8-year old watching (but don’t be mistaken, you should play through it and then decide if it is suitable for your child), and enjoyed it for the most part.  Your spouses playing style may kill ya’ (BLOCK! OK now your green is up. .Do Green! DO IT!! Use your Orange! Why haven’t you used your Invisible Box? What?? The Cat?? Are you serious?!?!1!1) but it’s a good paced learning curve for your non-gaming spouse to give it a try (before you).

As I stated before, you do not have to know Penny-Arcade to enjoy this game; Ymiris played this entire game and enjoyed a lot of the quips and characters, but I’m fairly sure I enjoyed the nuances and the writing style, knowing what I was in for.

So.. Yes.. I suggest PAE1 for all couple gamers.. it’s on DLCA for XBOX 360 as well as downloadable for the PC (so I am told).

Now to sit back and wait for PAE2…

There’s a new free-roaming game coming,”Mirrors Edge”. After reading the the games site faq, it sounds like something gaming couples would really enjoy:

“Well, this is very much Faith’s story so lets talk about her. She is not a typical video game heroine. She does not have superpowers or magic or even carry a weapon of her own. She is an “ordinary” person put into extraordinary circumstances - and it is how she reacts to that situation that makes her a hero. In the same way Ellen Ripley was just a Warrant Officer on a mining ship in Alien or John McClean was “just” a cop in Die Hard (at least the first one). Faith does not ask for this or seek it – but she does not back down when her family and her life is threatened”

But it’s the new Teaser video that gets your heart pumping…

Mmmm… Yummy.

Since it seems so many of our readers are masochistic I present you with another game that really is just out to punish you, this one is a little more well known, you can download it here

So I have had the pleasure of trying out the new horror MMO Requiem: Bloodymare, as I have stated before, I am trying as many MMO’s as I can because I am very done with World of Warcraft but still love MMO’s,  and lucky me, I get to often test out MMO’s while still in beta.

Why they call it a horror MMO I am not sure, call me a newbie if you will, but really just because you have demons doesn’t mean you’re a horror game.  The classes are pretty typical, tanks, templars, rogues, and soul hunters, shamans and more.  Obviously there are more classes but nothing that screams, horror.  Now bloody is a different story, the game has done what no other MMO that I am aware of will do, and that is show plenty of blood and body parts flying off and twitching while dying, and that my friends is worth trying the game for!

The game is polished, provides plenty of quests, skills and options for your character and is actually pretty impressive for being a beta, the creatures are very well designed and have some unique looks, not your typical giant bat or spider to fight at low levels, you get true demons with their own unique skins.  However the bad things are pretty bad, people can actually KS from you, and you lose experience when you die, and although I kinda missed those days in EQ and you don’t really notice it at lower levels, I can promise you this will be a big issues once you are close to the end levels.

Also, and this is just me ranting, you would think a game that has a +17 age limit would have less of the name calling and stupid chatter about Chuck Norris, but unfortunately I am wrong, there is plenty of it.  So if you’re like me and just want to enjoy the game with some friends, turn off general chat or ignore it if you can.

Since the game will be free to play, with an option for premium play, I would suggest any MMO fan that isn’t afraid of a little blood give it a try once it’s out of beta, it isn’t that much different from the current or past MMO’s, but at the price it’s different enough to hold my interest for a little while.  You can check out some game play on my youtube page as well and if you’re playing the game, tell us if you like it or dislike it  and why.

As I wait for Warhammer online and Age of Conan, I tend to try out every MMO I can get my hands on and usually post some sort of game play video of it on my youtube page, but today I decided to post it here as well, mostly because I wager you all feel the same way I do, World of Warcraft is getting old and you want something new, but you’re not willing to spend money on just any game. So why not try a free one?

Cabal isn’t all that great in my opinion, but it does have great visuals, an easy quest and map system and gives players what they are use to, grinding XP and new gear. But don’t take my word for it, check out my video and judge for yourself.  If you like what you see head over to cabal online and sign up for the beta!

So I was visiting massively this morning and they had a strange video posted of a new MMO called Free Play, after watching it, it became apparent that this could very well be the only MMO that both parents and young children could play together without either side getting completely bored of it, unlike Webkinz or Warhammer.

But then again, it could just be crazy people making MMO’s

First CoD4 and now Portal, you can tell I am a little behind eh?

None the less, I finished portal last night, and I loved that game, I was pretty sad it didn’t have a multi play, but other then that it was one of the best puzzle games I have played, and is one of the most inventive. You acquire a portal gun, that allows you to create an entry portal an and exit portal, which you use to solve various ways of getting out of a room, and they are a ton of different ways! And of course it gets harder and harder as you go, 19 levels in all not including the “extra game”

What made the game was also the robot, who if you defy her you can go and kill her But throught the game she has witty and sarcastic comments for you. and at the end, she sings you a song!! I love the portal song.

Ok ok, enough with the games everyone has played, but I will leave you with the portal song!

 

 Portal Song: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (22)

There were 52 video games released this week. I’m not kidding. 52!!! how do you know what your friends actually want, and what will get you removed from their 360 friends list?

We’ve done a little research… Try finding one of these when you’re out at the stores at 5am tomorrow. Remember, if it’s “Couple Gaming” approved, you can claim it’s for your friend AND their spouse! One less present to buy!

COUPLE GAMINGS CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

Mario Party DS (DS)

This game looks like it was made for the DS. Sure, Single-player Mario Party isn’t as much fun as with friends, but it has always been a put-down-pick-up-when-bored kind of game… and why else do people have DS’s? But it does offer multiplay with other DS’s, and if you have a friend who has a DS, they don’t need to buy the game to play with you!

Rock Band (All Game Consoles)

See Pre-Review.

Guitar Hero III (All consoles)

If your friends do not have this yet, it is your duty as a friend to give it to them.

Ultimate Mortal Kombat (DS)

OK, so this is traditionally a non-couple-oriented game. But I know FAR too many people that viewed the Fatalities as “easter eggs” and were truly rewarded when viewing the unique way of disemboweling your opponent. Add that feeling to the new puzzle-inclusions, and I’m betting this is going to be enjoyed if both spouses have a DS. It looks like you’re also able to play online wirelessly.. so maybe I’ll have something else to do while I’m cooking…errr.. okay, watching Ymiris cook.

Mario Galaxy (Wii)

It seems everyone has been looking forward to this game; so much so, we’re pretty sure there will be bad reviews for months. Still, it’s worth trying..

Scene It (360)

Just like the normal Scene It that your nephew got you 3 years ago and you played only when they came over, there is now one that comes with cool controllers… so you don’t have to hunt around for the DVD Remote to play. But, no online play.. so if you want to play, make sure they live close, and you like going over there. And that they have a large liquor cabinet…

SimCity Societies (PC)

See Ymiris’ Post

The Orange Box (All Consoles)

Sure, this is mostly non-couple-oriented.. HL2 & Team Fortress 2 definitely can cause one spouse to become bored and nauseous while the other plays… but the Portal inclusion means it’s spouse-approved, with both members trying to solve the puzzles.

Bargain Bin Gifts

If you’re out wandering around and happen to see one of those “buy 3 get 2 free” boxes, shuffle around in them a little. If you see any of the following, snatch it up like a tickle-me-elmo doll & hide it in the bottom of your basket. These ones are pure gold!

Ghost Master (PC)
It’s like the sims, only you’re scaring people. Ahhh, I miss this game so much.

Phoenix Wrights (DS)
I will never have enough of it. NEVER!!!!

Movies (PC)
It’s like the sims, only you create your own movies. I loved the movies I made.. with the fires and the heartache and the horrible acting… back when all I had was a western bar set, and I wrote it myself. I want it back!!!

Alien vs predator (PC)
Even though this is more a single-player game, I remember Ophilye screaming with glee after being killed, and of course vomiting from the motion sickness. Good times! (When is the new one coming out!?)

EQ (PC)
yes I know, its still there, and we can’t go back to it now, but you always remember your first! We fired up EQ II the other day. It just isn’t the same.

Warcraft 2 / Starcraft (PC)
Another first for me, and something I spent many a mountain dew indulged night with!  This is always a good game to network and play for hours.

Ymiris Wish List:

It’s just not a list without Ymiris throwing in things that he’s been investigating.  This won’t get you bonus points as being something both members of a spouse will enjoy, but you will be thought of as someone on top of the latest hotness.

Assassin Creed (360)

Remember how much fun thief was? Well think of it made better and updated graphics! Only thing missing is Multiplay. We used to play theif as a couple way back when, and we’re pretty sure we’ll get the same kick out of this one. *Update*  We’ve now been receiving word that this is nothing like thief… more the openness of GTA, but the feeling of

Mass Effect (360)

It’s out, and if you aren’t playing it maybe you need to buy yourself and early gift eh?  If not, pick it up for a friend and plan on “borrowing it” the day after they beat it.

Spore (PC)

This is on a lot of peoples wish list, but without a release date announced this could be on their list next year as well!

OphilyesWish List

Pfft, if Ymiris is going to have a list, I damn well am!

Cooking Mama 2: Dinner with Friends (DS)

No this game isn’t fun because girls like to cook.. cuz I don’t. It’s fun because.. well.. because it isn’t actually cooking. And because cutting things up is fun. Oh, I’m so ashamed for loving this game… and I know about 5 guys that feel the same way. Which means in about a month, you get to catch your male friends playing it & taunt them mercilessly. Ahhh, now that’s the Christmas present that just keeps on giving.

Childrens Wish List

Games that you buy for your child, but you’re okay playing with them after they go to bed…

Petz 2 games (DS)

Catz, horsez, dogz, and evidently dolphinz now. (DS, Wii)

Clue/Mousetrap/Perfection/Aggravation Compilation (DS)

Build-A-Bear (DS)

Hannah Montana World Tour (Wii) -
Okay, so maybe I want this a little too. Okay, a lot.

What about you? What are you writing to Santa for? What are you getting your friends? What do you miss?

I picked up Simcity Societies shortly after announcing that it was being released, and I can say, it’s simcity.

I have always enjoyed the simcity games, they are a perfect game to get away from the usual FPS, MMO, RTS games, they don’t require a lot of time up front, but allow you to sink as much time as you want. This makes simcity a great couple game, not only does it not take you away from the family for hours on end, like other games *cough* wow *cough* but also lets the whole family play, either by each person creating their city and comparing it to other family members cities, or letting each member give input in one city.

Simcity makes you constantly think about what you’re doing, and as your city grows you have a sense of accomplishment, which as a bonus can be given even in a very short time frame of say, 10 minutes. In societies they make the game even more challenging, with each building having a “filter” or multiple filters for instance a vocational school gives you +5 to productivity and +5 to knowledge, and as you progress certain buildings require a certain amount of any given filter, so you must not only balance the normal polution, transportation, crime, etc of a city, but now as you build you must choose each building carefully to allow growth to continue. All of this may seem like a lot, but I have found the addition a nice feature, as it makes the game just a tad more challenging.

The graphics are up to date and of course become a system hog once your city is large enough, there are a lot of settings to turn things down, but I wager even with everything on low, a big city will bring your system to a crawl. But unless you’re a harcore gamer, this should take you awhile and by then I am sure you will want to create a new one.

Overall if you’re a fan of the simcity games, I recommend Simcity Societies, if you aren’t, then there is nothing new that would tempt you.