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Mass Effect 3 Single Player Demo Impressions -- Is It March 6th Yet? (Potential Spoilers)

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:02:00 -0800

The demo for Mass Effect 3 is the ultimate tease. The tease begins by allowing gamers to choose their Shepard. You won't be able to transfer your save file for the demo. I admit clicking new game was painful, but I powered through it.

The first thing you'll notice in ME3's demo is the ability to decide how you want to play: Action, Role-Playing and Story. Before you panic like I did, Action means you want to play this game like Call of Duty. Dialogue choices are cutscenes and the primary focus is combat. If you want to mosey through the game not focusing on actual skill, instead allowing yourself to get caught up in the emotional story, then choose Story mode. If you want to play Mass Effect 3 the way it was intended, with a balance of guns and dialogue wheels, then choose Role-Playing. I obviously chose it.

NEWS: Mass Effect 3 Videos Look At Weapon Customization, Story, Co-op And More

You'll be asked to answer three more questions, one addressing your origins, one allowing you to decide your Shepard's reputation and another deciding who you chose to live and die in Mass Effect 1. Normally in an RPG I would tell you there's no wrong choice. But kids, Ashley Williams in the wrong choice. (Nikole + Kaidan = Love Forever) These questions are supposed to catch you up if you've never played ME1 and ME2. It's certainly not the interactive comic for the PS3 version of ME2, but this is just a demo.

A ship zooms by the screen, but as the camera zooms out you see it's just a toy a child is playing with. The demo starts out with a command station in panic, as shown originally during E3 2011. Captain Anderson's voice is echoing as alliance officers scatter. Shepard walks with Anderson, asking why there was such panic. Word of the impending Reaper invasion has just become accepted, which is good timing since they've actually begun invading Earth.

As we walked down the hallway I noticed a familiar face. (OMG IT'S KAIDAN!) We exchanged a few casual words before going our separate ways. James, Shepard's newest squad mate asked Kaidan, "Do you know her." He replied, "I used to." YOU'RE KILLING ME KAIDAN!

This part of the demo is an on rails cinematic. My only interaction was making choices on my dialogue wheel. The counsel demanded help, a plan, but I told them to shove it. My plan? "Fight or Die." Apparently they chose "die" because as soon as the room was quiet a Reaper descended from the sky as a giant red laser cut through the room. The only obvious survivors were Anderson and Shepard.

VIDEO: Mass Effect 3 Multiplayer Gameplay Trailer -- Galaxy At War "Special Forces" Video

Anderson leads Shepard to a drop ship that was attacked, scaling the outside of the building along the way. If you pan the camera left you'll see at least four massive Reapers terrorizing the city. As Shepard made her way down the building, Husks began to attack. I don't know where the husks came from or why they were there, but neither hindered my ability to shoot them in the face. While inside a building, Shepard runs into the kid from the beginning. He's hiding in an air duct but before Shepard can help him, he slips away.

After the husks, your next enemy is the Cannibal. There wasn't an explanation for these guys either but they looked like the Mass Effect equivalent to a husk who drank too much imulsion (Gears of War). A few headshots later and the SR2 will swoop in to pick Shepard up. As Shepard's ship ascends, you see that same child from earlier climb aboard a ship. Before you have a chance to sigh from relief, a Reaper's laser blasts the ship into millions of pieces. Dramatic fade to black.

Part 2 of the demo is the Krogan female rescue mission from back at Gamescom last year and then again at PAX Prime. This part of the demo takes place later in the game as your character is already level 12. This mission is meant to show off ME3's combat abilities. Shepard has a decent amount of ammo, ample cover and enough Cerberus baddies to familiarize gamers with ME3's combat style.

The best part about this mission is it reunited me with Liara, Wrex, Garrus and Mordin. I do wonder which characters would be there had I let them die in ME2. The only annoying part of this part of the demo was backtracking. You'll have to go back through rooms, which can be a little confusing. The climax of the demo is a mech fight to allow Wrex to land the ship for the Krogan female. Using the d-pad you can direct your squad to distract him, allowing you to focus on red spots on its back. When there are no Cerberus soldiers left, Wrex lands to free the female. End of demo!

Coming up soon, our impressions of the multiplayer co-op game!

Gallery 1988 -- The Raddest Video Game Inspired Art Ever

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:00:00 -0800

You're a sophisticated, classy human being, right? You know what sophisticated people buy, don't you? They buy art. But you're not just any person, you're a gamer, and by golly your art better reflect that.

Gallery 1988 is the hot spot in LA for people who want the latest and greatest in pop art. Their specialty is video games. Check out some of the art currently featured and if you're in Southern California, stop by!

For more information check out

Galley 1988

Battlefield 3 Pro Tips With Tsquared -- Know Your Class And Your Teammates Will Love You Long Time

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:30:00 -0800

X-Play and Tsquared have a few pointers for EA's Battlefield 3. If you don't want to have your ass handed to you, you're going to have to know a thing or two about your class. Before you start crying about the bourgeoisie and the caste system, watch this video and learn a thing or two.

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In Battlefield 3 you can play as the following classes.

Assault
Engineer
Support
Recon

My go-to class is Engineer when I play BF3 or BF:BC2. What's your favorite class?

G4tv.Comedy: Alan Wake & Bake

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:40:00 -0800

It's Monday morning, and we all need a lift, which is why another edition of G4tv.Comedy is here to give you a giggle. This time, we follow the exploits of a writer by the name of Alan Wake who's been hired to write a script for a videogame called American Nightmare, but who needs a little pharmaceutical help to get him in the mood.

Ladies and gentlemen, Alan Wake & Bake.

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Double Fine's Adventure Could Be Coming To iPad, Consoles

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:32:00 -0800

The great Tim Schafer's Kickstarter project to create a point-and-click adventure game has been so wildly successful that Schafer and Double Fine are looking to expand beyond the PC platform to other places. According to Schafer, the time has come to consider creating a broader audience for the as-yet-untitled game.

"I think we're ready to talk about other platforms like iPad and the consoles," Schafer told us at last week's DICE Summit. "We've exceeded our goals on it, so I think definitely you'll be seeing it in a lot of places."

Check out the video below to learn more about Double Fine's adventure game and Schafer's reaction to the veritable flood of money his company raised from Kickstarter.

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PlayStation Vita Video: X-Play Examines Sony's New Handheld

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:46:00 -0800

There's soon to be another handheld in your hands, gamers: The PlayStation Vita. In the video below, X-Play takes a look at the PlayStation Vita, and really puts the machine through its paces... Check it out:

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Is that's not enough Vita for your eyes and mind, check out Dana and Rob's preview of the PlayStation Vita.

World of Warcraft Monopoly & Starcraft Risk Announced

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:43:00 -0800

If you want to spice up your boring, old board games, check this out: Usaopoly announced a partnership with Blizzard Entertainment to release fresh takes on both Monopoly and Risk. Get ready for Monopoly: World of Warcraft and Risk: StarCraft. The idea is to combine tried-and-true foundations with new designs and gameplay elements inspired by Blizzard’s popular gaming universes.

Monopoly: WoW will allow you to fight over iconic locations like Twilight Highlands, Grizzly Hills and the Swamp of Sorrows instead of Boardwalk and Baltic Avenues. Other notable highlights of the Monopoly game include custom sculpted houses (Warcraft towns) and hotels (Warcraft cities) plus a red and blue die representing the Horde and Alliance factions. The game retails for $39.95 and will be available in specialty stores across North America in May.

As for The forthcoming release of Risk: StarCraft, players will choose from the Terran, Protoss or Zerg factions and six unique heroes to bring order to the galaxy. The struggles portrayed in this real time strategy game series are adapted to the classic tabletop Risk gameplay, and the winner is determined by astute deployment of military might and strategic field tactics.

RISK: StarCraft includes 3 play modes and sports over 290 custom playing pieces. More details about the game will be revealed as it moves toward release; it launches this summer and will be available in specialty stores throughout North America with a suggested retail price of $49.45.

So, who wants to get together some Friday night and give these a go?

All of the best people are following Stephen Johnson's twitter feed. Also, email me if you wanna.

Girl Fight Coming To Xbox Live Arcade and PSN

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:30:00 -0800

They say you can't judge a book by its cover, but maybe you can judge a game by its title. If so, you need to know about Girl Fight, a just-announced downloadable game for Xbox Live and PSN that features girls fighting. That's enough of a selling point for me, but if you need more information, here's the official description:

"Choose from an array of sexy fighters to battle their way out of THE FOUNDATION, a shadowy, scientific organization looking to weaponize the psionic fighting abilities of the cast of gorgeous, all-female fighters. With unlimited funding and no moral or ethical compass, THE FOUNDATION collects its test subjects from all around the world, often abducting and plugging women into their virtual construct known as The Mainframe. To make it back to reality, the women must utilize their fighting and psionic abilities in an all-out battle for survival."

Girl Fight is from Majesco, Microprose, and Kung Fu factory. We don't have a release date for Girl Fight, but it is coming out this year. Perhaps you want to check out the Girl Fight's official facebook page.

Risen 2: Dark Waters Preview: An RPG For Scurvy Sea-Dogs

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:42:00 -0800

I was lucky enough to get a look at a bit of pirate-based RPG Risen 2: Dark Waters recently, and this RPG is just the thing for pirate-loving video gamers. There are parrots, monkeys, voodoo and eye-patches. Check out a taste of my Risen 2 preview.

"Risen 2 is packed to the gunnels with all things pirate-y. You want tri-cornered hats with feathers in them? You got ‘em. How about exotic beach-side locations? They’re here in spades. Shady sailors with cutlasses and hoops in their ears? They’re in Risen 2. Even the magic system in Risen 2 is based on Caribbean voodoo. In summary: Pirates, pirates, pirates!"

Here is the rest of my Risen 2 preview.

Lego Star Wars: Lucasfilm Signs On For Another Decade Of Lego Star Wars Games And Toys

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:11:00 -0800

Brace yourself for ten more years of Lego Star Wars video games and toys. Today, Lucasfilm announced they've renewed their licensing deal with Lego Group for another decade. The first Lego Star Wars game came out in 2005 and the series has since sold 30 million copies.

The Lego games have been hit or miss for me but Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga is by far my favorite. Since they've already hit the core movies, Lego and Lucasfilm probably have to think of new ideas for future games. I have some ideas:

Max Rebo's Nalargon Hero
Greedo of Duty: Fist Strike
Salacious B. Crumb: Eye Pet
Darth Meyer's Civilization

What LEGO Star Wars video game ideas do you have?

Source: Gamasutra

Tips? Suggestions? Find me on Twitter.

The Witcher 2 Dev Diary -- Bringing Old School RPG To The Xbox 360

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:42:00 -0800

The developers behind The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings are excited to launch their game on the consoles. Well, a console, the Xbox 360. Listen as the HEROES behind the game discuss how The Witcher 2 pays homage to the world of old-school RPGs. If you thought some of 2011's game didn't offer you enough choices, brace yourself for this title. Story in the name of the game and you are totally in control.

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The Witcher 2 is out now for the PC and will be hitting the X360 on April 17, 2012.

Skyrimball Z Mod -- Skyrim Meets Dragon Ball Z

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:02:00 -0800

The next Skyrim mod to get your knickers in a twist is going to be Skyrimball. The mod adds two of everyone's favorite DBZ characters, Goku and Krillin, to the game. Who am I kidding, no one's favorite character is Kirllin. (I'm partial to Chiaotzu and Tien myself.)

This mod is definitely a work in progress but considering Bethesda's official mod tools have only been out for a week, I'd say they are on the right track. We'll let you know when the mod hits the Steam Workshop.

If this mod is accurate, the final battle with Alduin will last 20 episodes before Alduin reveals he was only using 20% of his power.

Source: RipTen

Grand Theft Auto 4 Mod -- Incredible GTA 4 Graphics Enhancement!

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:25:00 -0800

I know we're all looking forward to Grand Theft Auto 5, but it's time to take a look back at GTA 4, specifically, the amazing ICEnhancer 2.0, the just released graphical enhancement mod that makes GTA 4 look as next-gen as any game I have ever seen.

You can pick up the ICEnhancer 2.0 at the official site.

Rockstar: Max Payne 3 Delayed To Add Epicness

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:39:00 -0800

Rockstar Games this morning answered pressing fan questions about Max Payne 3 on its website, including addressing why the game has been delayed. Here's Rockstar's official answer as to why you'll have to wait to play Max 3:

"We understand it's disappointing to have to wait another couple months for the game, but we hope you know our goal is always to deliver the best games we possibly can. Trust that the delay is all to ensure the game is as epic and highly-polished as possible. Thank you all for your patience and understanding. We believe it will be well worth the wait."

Personally, I've been waiting since 2003 to play this game, so a few more months doesn't matter to me all that much.

NEWS: Max Payne 3 Multiplayer Details: Introducing Gang Wars

Other interesting information from the fan Q & A: The game will have free aim. Rockstar's full description of the shooting system is under the "Read More" tag.

Yes. The Max Payne series was built on its precise and fluid shooting mechanics, and a huge amount of work has been put into ensuring Max's aiming and weapon balance systems not only live up to the reputation of the original but also try to maximize what is possible with modern third and first-person shooters, enabling us to deliver fluid free-aim mechanics on both PC and console. To go more in-depth and see some of it in action, check out our latest Design and Technology series video focusing on targeting and weapons.

We also got some insider info about Max's signature bullet-time mechanic, and how it will work in multiplayer:

"Max Payne’s multiplayer is all about taking the physicality and tech of Max’s movement and shooting abilities and translating that directly into multiplayer in a way that fits with the overall story and the themes of the game, so getting Bullet Time right in the multiplayer experience is a huge priority. Bullet Time in multiplayer works via line of sight rather than applying to the whole level, or to a bubble around the player. While Bullet Time is Max’s special ability, it is just one of a range of special abilities - called Bursts – that you’ll find in multiplayer. Each Burst plays on an aspect of Max Payne 3’s overall themes such as conspiracy, paranoia, heroism, betrayal – and all come into play in our new narrative-based gameplay mode, Gang Wars. You can read more first details about Max Payne 3 multiplayer here and we will be revealing much, much more information very soon."

Also, because I'm sure you're curious: Rockstar revealed no new information on Grand Theft Auto 5 or a potential sequel to L.A. Noire.

Skyrim Made More Awesome With A Pinch Of Bastion In Today's Nugget From The Net

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:17:00 -0800

I'm pretty sure that most of you played Skyrim last year. Even if you didn't, it was next to impossible to avoid features, interviews, lists and amazing "arrow in the knee" and "Fus Ro Dah" video hilarity. You also hopefully played Bastion, the digitally distributed action-RPG from Supergiant Games with a great sense of style and killer voice and music work, with particular props going to the game's narrator, Logan Cunningham.

YouTube user Egger3rd definitely played both games, and used that background to get creative with a cool machinima mash-up (via Destructoid) that you really ought to watch. It's a reinterpreted take on the Skyrim intro, with narration from Bastion voice actor Logan Cunningham. It's a great watch and, even better, it's only part one.

Source: YouTube

Mass Effect 3 Demo Footage Appears Online

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:03:00 -0800

The playable demo for Mass Effect 3 arrives TOMORROW, but for those who simply can't stand to wait just 24 more hours (give or take), salvation comes in the form of streaming videos. YouTube user NinjaDancer (via VG247) scored early access to the demo and captured roughly 50 minutes of footage from the single player portion.

You get to see the very beginning of the game's story and watch as someone who isn't you plays through the first couple of missions as Commander Shepard. I'm going to hold off on watching these myself, since the demo is arriving so soon and all, but I'm sure at least a few of you BioWare fans won't be able to resist the temptation. Look for the second video after the jump.

PlayStation Vita Guide

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:01:00 -0800

The PlayStation Vita is the new handheld console from Sony, which is officially launching in the US on February 22nd, but customers who ordered the First Edition Bundle will get their hands on it February 15th. In this post we'll be laying out all the features including Vita price points, features, launch titles, and more to help you understand the Vita launch.

The Basics

The Vita is Sony's follow up to the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and the now defunct PSP Go. The hallmark new features of the device are the front and rear touch screens, which allow for never before seen types of interactive gameplay. The front OLED screen displays 16 million colors in 16:9 and looks as sharp as the HD gameplay we've become accustomed to on our HDTVs. In addition to the touch screens, the Vita also boasts dual sticks, a d-pad, shoulder buttons, plus the classic Sony action buttons.

There are two versions of the Vita: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi/3G. The Wi-Fi version will only allow you to connect when you are in a place with an active Wi-Fi network, but the 3G version will work like a cell phone, and allow you to go online almost anywhere. AT&T provides the 3G coverage for the Vita, and this service requires a separate contract with them, exactly like a phone.

Games for the Vita will be available both as physical copies that you can buy at the store, and in the form of digital downloads available via the PlayStation Network. The Vita has little native memory, meaning that it requires Sony's proprietary memory card. They are available in different sizes (4GB for $19.99, 8GB for $29.99, 16GB for $59.99, and 32GB for $99.99), but without a memory card, you will not be able to download games from PSN or save your games. Ostensibly, the system will function without a memory card, but without the ability to utilize any game saves, it will make the system hard to use.

Vita Hardware

PlayStation Vita First Edition Bundle
$349.99

If you are the type of person who just can't wait, you might want to pick up the PlayStation Vita First Edition Bundle. Not only do you get access to the system a week early on February 15th, but you also get a case, a 4GB memory card, and a copy of Little Deviants.

3G Launch Bundle
$299.99

The 3G enabled Vita will be available February 22nd, and the bundle comes with an 8GB memory card and a free PSN game. In order to use the 3G, you will need a contract with AT&T, and they have two tiers of service: 250MB for $14.99 per month or 3GB for $30 per month. These are no-contract agreements, so you can cancel anytime you like, but without the 3G service, you'll have to rely on Wi-Fi networks to connect.

Vita Wi-Fi
$249.99

This is the base model of the Vita and offers only the Wi-Fi enabled Vita. You will have to purchase the memory card and any games separately.

Vita Launch Titles

Available February 15th

Escape Plan

Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational

Hustle Kings

Little Deviants

ModNation Racers: Road Trip

Super StarDust Delta

Uncharted: Golden Abyss

wipEout 2048

Asphalt Injection

Dungeon Hunter Alliance

Lumines Electronic Symphony

Michael Jackson: The Experience

Rayman Origins

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

FIFA Soccer

Available February 22nd

Army Corps of Hell

Blazblue: Continuum Shift Extend

Dynasty Warriors Next

F1 2011

Plants vs. Zombies

Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen

Tales of Space: Mutant Blobs

Touch My Katamari

Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus

Available Later During the Launch Window

LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7

Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention

Ridge Racer

Silent Hill: Book of Memories

Unit 13

Gravity Rush

MLB 12: The Show

Reality Fighters

Supremacy MMA: Unrestricted

PlayStation Vita Hands-On Video: Your First Look At Sony's New Handheld

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:01:00 -0800

It's time to get way in-depth about the PlayStation Vita, people. G4's feature editor Rob Manuel and reviews editor Dana Leahy take a long, hard look at the Vita in the video below, showing off the portable's interesting new features, including its dual-cameras, dual touch-screens, dual thumb-sticks and more. That's a lot of "duals" eh?

Along the way, Rob and Dana discuss the machine's price and launch catalog, then answer the big question: Is it worth the price? Check out the video below:

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Uncharted Experience: The Taunt Challenge -- Win A Trip To Naughty Dog Studios

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:00:00 -0800

Uncharted 3 fans, it's time to put your skills to the test in Sony's Uncharted Experience. You could win a trip to Naughty Dog Studios to help design a brand new Uncharted 3 multiplayer character and lucky for you the contest is super fun. Sony has set up three different challenges, and the top two finalists from each challenge will be flown to New York to compete in an Uncharted 3 multiplayer tournament. The winner of that will get the ultimate prize, the Naughty Dog trip mentioned earlier.

The first challenge was called "Deliver your one liner," where you had to choose on of four action sequences in Uncharted 3, Hit and Run, Dark Alley, Cargo Plane, or Sucker Punch, and record a response with your webcam for Drake based on each situation.

The second challenge is called "Show off your taunts". All you've got to do is upload a video of yourself showing off your best victory taunt and you can become immortalized in Uncharted 3. Think along the lines of victory dances, hand gestures, or movements that properly demonstrate how much you just owned your opponent.

The judging for the contest is based on creativity, originality, impactfulness and execution, and likeability and personality. Contestants will be judged on February 21 and Sony will declare 10 finalists. After that, users will vote on their favorite out of the 10 until February 27, and the top two will be sent to New York.

So what are you waiting for? Head over to Sony's Uncharted Experience right now, read all of the official rules, and submit your entry to the contest now!

This is a sponsored editorial post on behalf of Sony's Uncharted 3 Experience.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Given 'Best Game Ending' Honors By Guinness

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:44:00 -0800

Guinness, the standard-bearer for world records, has declared that the 2010 Call of Duty release from Treyarch, Black Ops, ranks at number one on the Top 50 Video Game Endings of All Time list. So that happened. Science wasn't used to determine the winner; instead, the game won in a poll that "13,519 fans of gaming" participated in. Moral of the story? More of you should get out and vote next time.

I'm a definite Call of Duty fan, and Black Ops is one of the series' superior titles in my own book. Best game ending ever though? Ehhhhhh.... Does such an objective judgment even belong in the Guinness record book, especially when it's just decided by a poll with a relatively small turnout?

No, I don't take any of this seriously. Any list that names Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II the best at anything is immediately suspicious. But since we're talking about best game endings, why don't you share some of your favorites in the comments? You can also hit the jump for the full list.

50. Resident Evil 4
49. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
48. Ratchet & Clank: a Crack in Time
47. Crysis 2
46. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
45. Call of Duty: World at War
44. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
43. Half-Life 2: Episode Two
42. Super Metroid
41. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
40. New Super Mario Bros. Wii
39. inFamous
38. Fallout 3
37. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
36. Gears of War 2
35. Bioshock
34. Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty
33. Sonic Adventures 2
32. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
31. Kingdom Hearts II
30. Mass Effect
29. Super Mario Galaxy
28. Sonic the Hedgehog
27. Metal Gear Solid
26. Assassin's Creed II
25. Assassin's Creed
24. Shadow of the Colossus
23. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
22. Kingdom Hearts
21. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
20. Super Mario Galaxy 2
19. Mass Effect 2
18. Grand Theft Auto IV
17. Portal 2
16. Assassins Creed: Brotherhood
15. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
14. Halo: Combat Evolved
13. Halo 3
12. Pokemon Black and White
11. Super Mario Bros
10. Heavy Rain
9. Final Fantasy VII
8. Metal Gear Solid 4
7. Portal
6. Red Dead Redemption
5. God of War
4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
3. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
2. Halo: Reach
1. Call of Duty: Black Ops

Source: Guinness