Angry Birds Space floats to 50 million devices

Description

After a giant claw kidnaps their eggs, the Angry Birds chase it into a wormhole and find themselves floating in a strange new galaxy ' surrounded by space pigs! Luckily the Angry Birds have super powers of their own... Angry Birds Space features 60 interstellar levels on planets and in zero gravity, resulting in spectacular gameplay ranging from slow-motion puzzles to lightspeed destruction. With regular free updates, new in-app purchases, brand new birds, brand new superpowers, and a whole galaxy to explore, the sky is no longer the limit!

Watch the first God of War: Ascension gameplay right here

Description

A prequel to the God of War series, telling the story of Kratos before he became a god.

Halo 4 heading 'Forward Unto Dawn' with new live-action web series

MSRP

59.99 USD

Release Date

Nov 6, 2012

Genre

First Person Shooter

Syfy beings production on TV side of transmedia 'Defiance'

Description

Set in the near future, Defiance introduces players and viewers to a completely transformed planet Earth, inhabited by the disparate survivors of a universal war who endeavor to build a new society among the devastation. The game combines the intense action of a 'AAA' console shooter, with the persistence, scale, and customization of an MMO, while its TV counterpart weaves the rich tapestry of the world into a series with the scope, characters, and drama of a classic sci-fi epic. Because they exist in a single universe, the show and the game will influence each other and evolve together over time, with actions in both mediums driving the overall story of Defiance.

Weekly Webcomic Wrapup has important news for Texans

If you live in the Lone Star State like myself and Joystiq's managing editor JC Fletcher, you have no doubt spent many years enjoying one of our state's most prosperous traits: All Amazon purchases made in Texas are sales-tax free. Well, at least until the first of July.

Amazon and state comptroller Susan Combs have reached an agreement wherein Amazon will create 2,500 jobs, contribute $200 million in capital investment and begin collecting sales tax on all purchases made by Texans effective July 1, according to the Austin-American Statesman. So, if you live in Texas and have been putting off a rather large purchase, maybe think about getting a move on it. Otherwise, check out our favorite webcomics from last week and vote for your favorite after the break.

Peach's Warning (Brawl in the Family)
Horrors of war (VG Cats)
Friendzone (Nerf Now!!)
Lost and Found (Awkward Zombie)
Friendship Is Tragic (Life In Aggro)
BUT I CAN TRY!! (Dinosaur Comics)
Old Dog, New Tricks (Hejibits)

Dave Gross, Nat Jones join Baldur's Gate: Enhanced Edition team

Beamdog has announced the writer for all of that new content coming in the Enhanced Edition of Baldur's Gate: Dave Gross. A very experienced fantasy and D&D writer, Gross has worked for TSR in the past, as well as having written two Forgotten Realms novels. More recently, he says, he was "sitting in a coffee shop complaining about the lack of classic RPGs for the iPad, when [Beamdog's] Trent [Oster] appeared in a sulphurous cloud and said, 'Have I got a job for you.'" Gross will presumably work to update the old game, as well as oversee all the writing on the new content as well.

Elsewhere on that team, artist Nat Jones has also joined up. He's got a background in fantasy and horror comics, and has worked on some story elements in Frank Frazetta's Death Dealer comic series as well. Good to hear there's some substantial talent working on this much-anticipated revival.

Go Right: A cool tribute to 2D

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EA files trademark for 'SimOcean'

While that Atlantis management sim starring Aquaman ' you know, our dream game ' isn't like to be made anytime soon, it seems EA is already laying claim to Sim-themed titles beyond 2013's "SimCity." A new trademark for something called SimOcean was filed earlier this week.

The filing was made in Europe and spotted by Siliconera, and beyond that we don't know much else. Maxis produced a slew of Sim offshoots over the years, including SimHealth, SimTower, SimFarm and many more. We'll have to add SimOcean to that list if it ever becomes more than a trademark.

VVVVVV hits European eShop on May 10

Terry Cavanagh's 2D excursion into the world of gravity control and chiptune excellence, VVVVVV, finally has a release date for its long-belated debut on the European eShop: May 10. The announcement comes to us via Twitter, where publisher Nicalis revealed that VVVVVV has passed Nintendo of Europe's certification process ' implying immediately afterwards that the game will hit virtual store shelves on "MMMMMMay 10th."

VVVVVV's European eShop debut will take place a little over two years after the game's original release in January of 2010, and while that may sound like a long time, fake scientific studies have shown that it takes at least four and a half years to get the game's phenomenal soundtrack out of your head. So, comparatively, the delay isn't really all that bad.

Nintendo predicts combined Wii U and Wii console sales of 10.5 million by March 31, 2013

Nintendo isn't breaking out hardware or software sales predictions for the Wii U just yet, unlike its other consoles. Instead, it's masking said predictions by mixing them in with those of the Wii. Bizarre? Yes, bizarre.

Anyway, Nintendo's looking at a combined total of 10.5 million hardware units moved between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013 for the Wii U and Wii. While we can't parse the numbers, we can speculate based on the last fiscal year's Wii hardware sales. So! Nintendo sold 9.84 million Wii units in fiscal 2012, meaning Japanese console manufacturer either expects a sharp dropoff in Wii sales (likely) or a not-so-hot holiday for the Wii U (less likely).

The same bizarre conflation applies to software sales, with Nintendo predicting approximately 70 million units sold across both the Wii U and Wii consoles. And last year? The Wii moved 102.37 million software units. Not too shabby! So, again, Nintendo either expects a massive dropoff in Wii software sales (likely), or for Wii U software to not do super great between the console's holiday launch and next March.

Crytek: TimeSplitters 4 is not in development

Despite rumors to the contrary, Crytek has shot down the notion that the studio is currently developing TimeSplitters 4. The company joked to CVG it had attempted to employ the infinite monkey theorem to develop the game, but ran over budget after purchasing only seven monkeys. Thus far, said Crytek, the chimps "haven't written any code but just tease the press from time to time." In a more serious response, a Crytek spokesperson said quite plainly, "No, it's not in development."

Rumors of a Crytek-developed TimeSplitters 4 have been swirling for years now, with the most recent story popping up last summer, when PlayStation magazine reported that a new TimeSplitters announcement was imminent.

Ubisoft: Rayman Legends leak is real, 'purely internal demonstrative video'

Metal Gear Rising goes FMV in teaser video

Dishonored screens take a stab at ... well, everything

Description

Under the direction of co-creative directors, Raphael Colantonio, lead designer on Arx Fatalis, and Harvey Smith, lead designer on Deus Ex, Dishonored is set for release on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, and Games for Windows in 2012.

Sakurai: 3DS/Wii U 'dual support' is 'key' for next Super Smash Bros.

The Smash Bros. franchise has remained relatively unchanged for the most part since 1999. Each iteration adds new stages, characters and graphical improvements, but the core gameplay remains effectively identical in almost every way that counts. This strategy has worked well enough over the last 13 years, but apparently its sustainability is on the wane.

"There is a certain dead end we come to if we just expand the volume of the game," said Smash Bros. creator and Nintendo legend Masahiro Sakurai during an interview with IGN. "I intend to change direction a little as we go ... The key to that's going to be its dual support for 3DS/Wii U."

Sakurai corroborated previous statements that the next Smash Bros is still quite a ways away, saying that he's "really just getting started" and that development is still going to take time. "But," he concludes, "I'll come up with something that uses that link as the game's central axis, so I hope you're looking forward to it."

Report: Microsoft readying 'Woodstock' music service for Xbox 360, to debut at E3

When you think modern, digital music, your mind probably immediately jumps to 30-plus-year-old music festivals. Microsoft clearly understands this, as the company is allegedly preparing a relaunch/rebranding of its Xbox 360 Zune music service to be debuted at E3 2012, dubbed "Woodstock." The Verge's report comes from "sources familiar with the company's plans;" said report paints Woodstock as functional across a variety of platforms beyond the 360: Windows 8, iOS, and Android. Despite an E3 introduction, the service isn't planned for launch until this fall when Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 arrive.

iTunes Match-esque functionality is also said to be part of Woodstock which will upload your library and match it with anything you've snagged from Woodstock. The report calls the service, "Spotify-like," with Facebook integration intended to allow collaboration on playlists and let users share tracks between libraries. We've asked Microsoft for a response to the report, but aren't expecting much beyond a wordy "no comment." We'll update this post if we hear anything else.

Total ArKade makes mobile word game 'AbraWordabra' appear

Modern Warfare 3 gets a free Steam weekend, we've never heard of it

The Walking Dead: Episode 1 review: The value of people

In the zombie apocalypse, we'll all be human resources managers. It's true ' we'll all need to make harsh critiques on the value of one human against another in a post-apocalyptic scenario. At least, that's what the first episode of Telltale's The Walking Dead adaptation has taught me.

As someone who's mapped out his strategy for the zombie apocalypse countless times, I always told myself I'd keep my humanity; I wouldn't become the monster I was trying to survive. And then I chose to rescue a grown man over a helpless child.

The first episode of The Walking Dead, titled "A New Day," focuses on Lee, a man who's obviously got some trouble in his rearview mirror. Once the outbreak occurs, he wakes up injured and limps toward a suburban housing development, where he finds Clementine, a little girl with no one to look after her. From there on out, Lee is the adoptive dad, bringing Clementine along with him as he tries to make his way toward family in a suburb of Atlanta.

The majority of The Walking Dead: Episode 1 revolves around making choices. Sometimes it's taking the time to get to know a character. Others, it's lying to cover your tracks. Or it's how you choose to handle a given situation with Clementine. The game logs each choice you make, seemingly impacting future events and how Lee is viewed by others in the game world.
General gameplay should be familiar if you've played other Telltale Games titles in the past. There are light exploratory sequences in which The Walking Dead acts like a traditional adventure game, peppered with quicktime events and conversations. Despite the relatively ho-hum pacing of the first episode ' you will kill a few zombies, but you're mostly just walking around and talking to people between cutscenes ' the excellent writing and voice work more than compensates.

The dialogue system hides a layer of depth in which characters remember your actions and how you choose to react to circumstances. Certain characters may remember that you were once loyal to them in a dispute, while others may remember you sacrificing yourself to save them. It's a fine system on paper, but in the first episode ' of a planned five ' its impact is essentially nonexistent. Over the course of two hours, no decision really had any bearing on what was happening, save for the two times I was forced to choose between saving one person or another.

Alan Wake's American Nightmare scribbled in Steam registry

MSRP

15.00 USD

Release Date

Available Now

Genre

Action, Survival Horror

Truth, honor, and fireballs: Meet Diablo 3's Witch Doctor

Description

Two decades have passed since the demonic lords, Diablo, Mephisto, and Baal, set out across the world of Sanctuary on a vicious rampage, twisting humanity to their unholy will. Yet for those who battled the Prime Evils, the memory fades slowly. When Deckard Cain returns to the ruins of Tristram Cathedral seeking clues to defeat new stirrings of evil, a fiery harbinger of doom falls from the heavens, striking the very ground where Diablo once entered the world. This fire from the sky reawakens ancient evils and calls the heroes of Sanctuary to defend the mortal world against the rising powers of the Burning Hells once again.

Irrational's Levine, BioWare's Gaiter, and Obsidian's Avellone on why story matters in games

I grew up reading and loving fiction. As I've aged and taken up a profession in journalism, I've erred on the side of nonfiction. And these days, most of my storytelling experiences come from film, television, and video games. But I'd be lying if I said that many of those story experiences ' especially in the gaming medium ' left the same impression on me as the works of Marquez or Vonnegut.

In late summer 2007, I played BioShock, and my tune began to change. Six months later, I played Mass Effect, and my stance on games as storytelling devices was altered even further. Somewhere along the line, between Jill sandwiches and lost princesses, game devs started implementing stories that I actually cared about.

Fast-forward to 2011, and the concept of games as storytelling devices is more accepted than ever. But games haven't changed ' they're still mechanically driven constructs, and they still allow player agency to run all over what the game dev set out for you to experience. I found myself having conversations with Kotaku's Jason Schreier over the course of the past year about this seeming duality within games. We felt it was time for a proper discussion.

Enter: "Plot vs. Play: The Duality of Modern Game Design," the panel Schreier and I hosted at PAX East. Our idea was to gather several game developers who've tackled this duality head on, and have them discuss their individual approaches to navigating that issue. Irrational Games creative director Ken Levine, Obsidian Entertainment creative director Chris Avellone, and BioWare lead writer David Gaiter were our first team of game devs to take up the challenge ' something we hope to continue at future PAXes ' and they did a great job.

In our rush to prepare for both the panel and that weekend's coverage plans at our respective outlets, neither Jason nor myself thought to set up a video camera to catch the event on tape. Thankfully, Mash Those Buttons captured the whole hour and put it up on YouTube, which I've dropped above.

Let us know what you think, and please suggest any devs you'd like to see play a part in future versions of "Plot vs Play." We're open to ideas!

Mega64 brings Skyward Sword to Earth

MSRP

49.99 USD

Release Date

Available Now

Genre

Action Adventure

Trendy offering real money for best Dungeon Defenders maps

Description

Dungeon Defenders is an original hybrid of two hot genres: Tower Defense and cooperative online Action-RPG! The game puts players in the role of one of four distinctive hero classes, tasked with fending off hordes of invading beasties by strategically summoning a variety of Defenses and Traps throughout their castle. But as much more than just a strategy game, players directly participate in the action-packed combat with their hero characters, while upgrading their statistics, gathering tons of loot and inventory items, customizing and upgrading equipment, and developing unique class abilities. All of this can be enjoyed in seamless online and split-screen local multiplayer, as players cooperate and compete through the story campaign and challenge missions to build the strongest heroes and achieve the highest scores in the kingdom.

Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is back on schedule

Check it out, everybody! It's 11:30 p.m. Eastern on a Saturday night, and the Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is right here, ready and willing to inject your life with another hot, pulsating batch of artistic goodness. After two weeks of not being particularly punctual, due to PAXes and parties, I can safely say that things should be smooth sailing for the foreseeable future. Well, at least until E3 happens in about six weeks or so.

... Oh my God, is E3 really in six weeks? I suddenly have to go have a panic attack, but you guys feel free to absorb our favorite webcomics from last week, and vote for your favorite after the break!

Swingset (Brawl in the Family)
Machine Made (Virtual Shackles)
"A" and "B" conversation (VG Cats)
How To Balance Your Game (Nerf Now!!)
Cover Story (Awkward Zombie)
Event Horizon (Life in Aggro)
I'm doing it! (Magical Game Time)

Dragon's Dogma digital comic, part 2: Pawns

Description

From the creators behind some of Capcom's best action games, including the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 4 and Devil May Cry 4, comes their next opus, Dragon's Dogma. Set in a huge open world, Dragon's Dogma is a unique action experience that blends exciting and fulfilling combat with the freedom to explore and interact in a rich, living and breathing world. With your party of three you set out on an epic adventure to track down and destroy a mysterious dragon. Along the way you'll encounter some of the biggest and baddest beasts ever to roam the land, and only skilful play and tactical teamwork can save the day.

Kickstarter alternative 'Gambitious' coming to Europe this summer

Kickstarter has, for better or worse, blown up the entire indie gaming scene, with everyone and their dog taking to the service in the hopes of being the next Double Fine. Kickstarter does have one major thing holding it back, however, and that's the fact that U.S. residency is required to enroll on Amazon Payments ' the e-commerce backbone that powers the website.

European indie developers may have an alternative fairly soon, albeit with a few fundamental differences. Dutch company Gambitious seeks to fill the crowdfunding void across the pond with its own service, but rather than donating funds to receive gifts like a pledge drive, Gambitious users actually purchase shares of a game's development. Upon successful completion of the game, the user receives dividends like a traditional investor, rather than a copy of the game or a lunch date with one of its art directors.

The service is scheduled to launch sometime around E3, and while it will initially be limited to European territories, international expansion is part of Gambitious' long-term game plan.

Midway Arcade now compatible with iCade, 100 percent more awesome

Developer

Midway

Publisher

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Rating

E (Everyone)

New map, game mode in next free Gotham City Impostors update

New Super Mario Bros. 2 also hits North America this August

April 21, 2012 13:00 UTC
Nintendo Keeps Fans Smiling with New Mario Adventure and Kirby Anniversary Collection

New Super Mario Bros. 2 Game, Kid Icarus Videos and System Update Headed to Nintendo 3DS; Wii Owners to Celebrate 20 Years of Kirby Fun with Special Compilation Game Disc

NOTE: Multimedia available here

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nintendo fans will have no shortage of reasons to celebrate this year, thanks to a wealth of upcoming games and content for both the Nintendo 3DS hand-held system and the Wii console. Nintendo today revealed plans to launch New Super Mario Bros. 2, a new side-scrolling Mario adventure for Nintendo 3DS, this summer. Later in the year, Nintendo will mark the 20th anniversary of the Kirby game series with a special compilation game disc for the Wii system. Other content on the way includes a system update for Nintendo 3DS, re-runs of the popular Kid Icarus anime videos as well as the May 20 launch of Mario Tennis Open.

New Super Mario Bros. 2 is a traditional side-scrolling adventure game featuring Mario, Luigi and loads of other favorite characters from the popular Mario series. The game was created specifically as a pick-up-and-play experience that can be instantly enjoyed by players of all skill levels on the Nintendo 3DS system. The game will launch across North America in August.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the cute-but-powerful Kirby character, Nintendo will release a special anniversary software disc for Wii later this year. The disc will contain a variety of previously released, fan-favorite Kirby games. Additional Kirby anniversary activities will be revealed at a later date.

"A new Mario game and a big Kirby celebration will help make 2012 an especially great year for Nintendo fans," said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Whether they're playing at home on Wii or using Nintendo 3DS to have fun on the go, players can look forward to experiencing some of our biggest franchises in exciting ways."

On April 25, a system update for Nintendo 3DS will give users new functions to explore. By downloading this update, users can create folders on the system's HOME Menu to organize their content. This new feature is designed to make it easier than ever for players to access their favorite downloadable games, videos and demos. With this update, users will also get helpful recommendations in the Nintendo eShop for titles they may like. Other elements of the system update include the ability to update select software, such as a Mario Kart 7 update coming in mid-May that will resolve shortcut exploits in the game.

Also for Nintendo 3DS, a recent series of Kid Icarus anime videos will return to the Nintendo Video service starting April 28.

For even more hand-held fun, Nintendo fans can look ahead to the May 20 launch of Mario Tennis Open for Nintendo 3DS, which invites players to step onto the court with Mario and his friends for fast-paced tennis action and a mix of remarkable new tennis challenges. Players can play as their own customized Mii characters and choose from approximately 200 special items, including rackets and tennis gear that not only enhance their character's appearance but also modify their abilities. Players can also suit up their Mii characters with outfits that both resemble and offer the skills of popular Nintendo characters. They can also swing into action in local and wireless Internet multiplayer modes that let families and friends play together.

Remember that Nintendo 3DS and Wii feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/3ds or http://www.nintendo.com/wii.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii' home console, Nintendo 3DS' and Nintendo DS' family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System', Nintendo has sold more than 3.9 billion video games and more than 620 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi' and Nintendo DSi XL', as well as the Game Boy', Game Boy Advance, Super NES', Nintendo 64' and Nintendo GameCube' systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario', Donkey Kong', Metroid', Zelda' and Pokémon'. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company's website at http://www.nintendo.com.

Microsoft hiring Xbox Skype engineer

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Marvel vs. Capcom 2 begins a new New Age of Heroes on iOS

New Halo 4 shots reintroduce Grunts, Elites, and ... guns?

Are you sitting down? Are you fully braced? You should probably brace yourself for this shocking news: Halo 4 will have Grunts, Elites, and guns. Yes, it's true, Master Chief will once again be blasting through suicidal Grunts and proud Elites in his battle against ... well, we're not really sure.

But these latest shots, freshly leaked on AllGamesBeta, assure us that at least two of Halo's classic foes will be returning in Halo 4. We're holding out hope that the Flood manage to miss this round. Please, 343 Industries? Pretty please?

Regardless, the screen above also indicates it's been over three years since the Chief's last contact with his former UNSC buddies. That's quite a bit of sleep. Enough to call it hibernation, even! And now we're picturing space bears in hibernation. Thanks, Halo.

NintendoWare Weekly: 3D Classics: Kid Icarus

God of War: Ascension officially revealed

After the teaser trailer leaked last night, Sony has officially announced God of War Ascension. Unfortunately, we don't have much more info beyond the teaser trailer (above), though Sony will be hosting a live streaming event on PlayStation Blog on Monday, April 30 at 8am Pacific (11am Eastern) that promises "a glimpse of what's in store."

In the meantime, the PlayStation Twitter account will accept questions about the game ' using the hashtag #godofwarascension ' until this Friday at 3pm Pacific. Those whose questions are chosen for the live stream will receive a signed God of War Ascension poster. Poster or not, we'll definitely be watching the stream and reporting any news as soon as we get it.

BioWare vets' Kickstarter project is a massive success, one day left to support

"This Kickstarter has renewed my faith in humanity," Stoic Games' John Watson said in the upstart game company's latest video update, addressing the successful funding of Stoic's project, "The Banner Saga." His company just raised well over its original goal, and he's understandably elated. Stoic Games is comprised of three self-described game industry vets (their latest digs were BioWare's Austin studio), though the studio is hiring a few more positions in light of its recent Kickstarter success.

The project, which aimed to raise just $100K, now has over $620K banked with another 32 hours to go (as of this writing). All that extra money means that the Stoic Games trio can give The Banner Saga a fully orchestrated soundtrack composed by Journey songsmith Austin Wintory.

As one last push, Stoic is offering Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network ports of the game should the team reach $650K. If the Kickstarter reaches $700K, Stoic promises to include a feature it had to cut from the game: player run, upgradeable cities. Are you way into being a virtual mayor? Now is the time to donate, then!

Wondering what you're getting into? The project's pitch video is available just below the break.

Vita action game 'Soul Sacrifice' revealed in Famitsu ad

Darksiders 2 launch delayed until August

Description

Awakened by the End of Days, Death, the most feared of the legendary Four Horsemen, embarks upon a quest to restore mankind, and redeem his brother's name. Along the way, the Horseman discovers that there are far worse things than an earthly Apocalypse, and that an ancient grudge may threaten all of Creation . . . Can Death really become mankind's savior?

Nintendo patents handheld game emulation on 'low-capability' systems

Coming to Xbox Live: Deep Black, LEGO deals, more

Major Nelson has posted the upcoming schedule for Xbox Live. This Wednesday brings the return of vehicular madness with Trials Evolution, while next week brings Bloodforge and Deep Black: Episode 1, an underwater action game we haven't heard about since 2010.

On the Deal of the Week front, this week is LEGO themed, with 25 percent off the Games on Demand versions of LEGO Batman, LEGO Indiana Jones and LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga. In the US, that puts LEGO Batman and LEGO Indiana Jones at $15, and LEGO Star Wars at $22.50. Next week, XBLA's NBA Jam: On Fire Edition will be reduced from $15 to $10.

Halo 4 awakens Master Chief on November 6

Microsoft and 343 Industries announced this morning that Halo 4 will launch worldwide on Tuesday, November 6. The news comes one day after teasy tweets from Microsoft's Major Nelson indicated some form of collaboration between Microsoft and everyone's favorite freakishly tall late night host, Conan O'Brien, which sparked rumors of a potential launch date reveal.

Microsoft studios corporate VP Phil Spencer offered lofty goals alongside the launch date announce. "With Halo 4 leading the charge, we're confident 2012 will be the most successful year in Xbox history," Spencer said. He also pointed out that Halo 4 is just the beginning of Microsoft's renewed relationship with the Chief. "We are beginning a new saga with Halo 4 and embarking on a journey that will encompass the next decade of Halo games and experiences." Just no more cat helmets, Phil. That's all we ask.

Additionally, Halo 4 will appear in some form on tonight's episode of "Conan," which Microsoft described as nothing more than a "special segment."

Update: Red vs Blue created the charming short above to announce Halo 4's release date. Enjoy!

Master Chief Returns With Worldwide Launch of "Halo 4" Beginning Nov. 6
Marking the return of gaming's most iconic hero, the first chapter of a brand new "Halo" saga is the year's most anticipated video game release.
REDMOND, Wash. - April 17, 2012 - The countdown has begun for the landmark entertainment event millions of fans worldwide have been anticipating for more than four years. "Halo 4," the hotly anticipated sequel to the iconic franchise that has shaped entertainment history, will launch worldwide on Nov. 6, 2012.
"Halo 4" marks the return of legendary hero Master Chief, named by Fast Company as "one of the most popular characters in gaming history,"1 and aims to set a new standard for blockbuster interactive entertainment with the launch. Set four years after the events in "Halo 3," Master Chief returns to confront his destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe. Developed by 343 Industries, "Halo 4" marks a new beginning for the landmark entertainment franchise that has sold more than 40 million games worldwide and inspired multiple New York Times best-selling novels, live-action shorts, comic books, action figures and apparel.
"We are beginning a new saga with 'Halo 4' and embarking on a journey that will encompass the next decade of 'Halo' games and experiences," said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president of Microsoft Studios. "Millions of fans worldwide have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to step back into the boots of Master Chief, and, with 'Halo 4' leading the charge, we're confident 2012 will be the most successful year in Xbox history."
"Halo 3," the biggest consumer product launch of all time when it released in 2007,2 concluded the original game trilogy, but left many unanswered questions around the fates of the series' beloved hero, the Master Chief, and his artificial intelligence companion, Cortana. On Nov. 6, fans will experience the next chapter of the iconic franchise.
Tonight, Conan O'Brien will help celebrate this fall's launch of "Halo 4" with a special segment on "CONAN" on TBS at 11 p.m. PDT/10 p.m. CDT. Those interested should tune in and check out http://www.teamcoco.com or follow @TeamCoco on Twitter for updates and more details.
Press only: For the latest "Halo 4" assets, please visit: http://press.xbox360.com/product.asp?p=51&grp=
About 343 Industries
343 Industries is the publisher and developer of the blockbuster "Halo" series of videogames and, as part of Microsoft Studios, oversees the "Halo" franchise, including novels, comics, licensed collectibles, apparel and more. 343 Industries is home to world-class developers working on the "Halo" "Reclaimer Saga," which commences with the arrival of "Halo 4" on Nov. 6, 2012, exclusively on Xbox 360.
About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is a premier home entertainment and video game system. Thanks to the addition of Kinect, Xbox 360 will forever transform social gaming and entertainment with a whole new way to play - no controller required. Xbox 360 is also home to the best and broadest games as well as one of the world's largest on-demand libraries of music, standard- and high-definition movies, TV shows and digital games, all in one place. The entertainment center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content with a leading social entertainment network of 40 million Xbox LIVE members to create a limitless entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information about Xbox 360 can be found online at http://www.xbox.com.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
1 Source: Fast Company: Why It Feels Good To Get Inside Master Chief's Helmet
2 "Halo 3" generated $170 million in 24 hours in the U.S., surpassing the $125 million day-one record set by "Halo 2" (2004).

Wasteland 2 Kickstarter raises over $3 million

Dragon's Dogma gets a Dragon's Demo next week

Description

From the creators behind some of Capcom's best action games, including the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 4 and Devil May Cry 4, comes their next opus, Dragon's Dogma. Set in a huge open world, Dragon's Dogma is a unique action experience that blends exciting and fulfilling combat with the freedom to explore and interact in a rich, living and breathing world. With your party of three you set out on an epic adventure to track down and destroy a mysterious dragon. Along the way you'll encounter some of the biggest and baddest beasts ever to roam the land, and only skilful play and tactical teamwork can save the day.

Mass Effect 3 down to $40 at Best Buy

Rumor: FarmVille 2 revealed by resume

A San Francisco copywriter's resume appears to hint that Zynga has given the green light to making a sequel to its popular flagship Farmville title. Writer Alex Harvey, while listing out his work for "communications agency" Isobar, says he participated in the "successful" pitch for Farmville 2. That tells us that Farmville 2 was at one point a suggested thing, and that Zynga has said yes to it becoming a real thing.

For now, that's all we know. It's probably fair to say, however, that there will be cows, and you will click them.

Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown PS3 sticks show up in the US this summer

Description

Virtua Fighter 5, the latest title in its celebrated fighting franchise, will see a grand update and expansion released as a standalone title for both Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation Network. The new game, entitled Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown, will contain a full overhaul of Virtua Fighter 5's mechanics, balance and animations, along with new game modes, new dynamic fighting arenas, a massive collection of customizable character items and new characters added to the roster.

Metareview: Fez

Developer

Polytron Corporation

Publisher

Polytron Corporation

Rating

RP (Rating Pending)

PSA: Vita Facebook app updated to 1.01, adds photo uploading

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Mass Effect 3 'Resurgence Pack' DLC strategies documented

Description

Earth is burning. Striking from beyond known space, a race of terrifying machines have begun their destruction of the human race. As Commander Shepard, an Alliance Marine, your only hope for saving mankind is to rally the civilizations of the galaxy and launch one final mission to take back the Earth.

Good Old Games taking half off Interplay titles this weekend

Good Old Games is hosting an Interplay 50 percent off sale this weekend, cutting the prices of 32 games right in half. Or, as we like to call it, this is GOG's "buy 16 games, get 16 games free" sale.

The sale includes Fallout 2, Earthworm Jim 1 and 2, MDK, Freespace and Invictus: In the Shadow of Olympus, for $3 each. Every title is $3, actually, making the entire bundle $96 -- a savings of $96. Yes, that's what we meant with "buy 16, get 16 free." This could also be the "buy one, get two half off" sale, or the "buy 8, get 16 half off" sale. Take your pick; any way they're all good old games for a great new price.

The sale runs from now until Monday at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

Rock Band Weekly: P!nk

Description

Rock Band 3 is the third main release in the iconic video game series that challenges gamers to live out their Rock and Roll fantasies together in a band situation, both locally and online. The game features an ever expanding song list from every era of Rock and Roll history, easy to pick up yet challenging addictive Note Highway gameplay, compatibility with earlier releases in the series and all platform-specific instrument controllers including most Guitar Hero controllers, extreme in-game character and band customization, and a slew of new features. These new features include: new setlist search functionality, the addition of 3-part harmonies and a keyboard peripheral and expanded play modes, including the advanced Pro Mode.