Following years of development, which made it feel like Fez had become the second-cousin of Duke Nukem Forever, the game finally launched last month to high critical praise ' which is more than we can say for that cousin we mentioned.
Kamis, 31 Mei 2012
Fez sales shift 100,000 copies across XBLA
Next Gears of War graces Game Informer cover, full reveal Monday
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- Massively
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This special edition of Krater costs $10,000
STOCKHOLM, Sweden. May 29, 2012. Fatshark today announced a very special 10.000 Dollar edition of the upcoming game KRATER.
The KRATER 10.000 DOLLAR VICTOR EDITION will not only get you the game, the Game Designer Victor Magnuson will come to your home ' wherever in the world it's located ' and personally deliver the game. He will also cook a meal, and then play the game together with the game connoisseur.
"We wanted to do something extra for the game connoisseur, something different that you wouldn't get with most other games." says Gunnar Johansson, Brand Manager, Fatshark. "And is there anything cooler than having the Game Designer come to your home and play the game with you? Well, perhaps if he also would prepare a superb meal before the gaming session ' so we added that."
If you want to get a visit from Victor, then you'll find the KRATER 10.000 DOLLAR VICTOR EDITION here ' www.kratergame.com/10k
If you don't fancy Victor's cooking, then you can pick up the KRATER COLLECTOR'S EDITION via Steam - http://store.steampowered.com/app/42170/ or the Fatshark Store http://store.fatshark.se ' and get 25% off for a limited time.
To get the latest info on all Fatshark activities; follow us www.twitter.com/fatsharkgames, like us www.facebook.com/fatsharkgames, contact us press@fatshark.se, visit us www.fatshark.se, download us http://press.fatshark.se, and read us www.kratergame.com.
About Fatshark
Fatshark is located in Stockholm, Sweden and is comprised of experienced and skilled developers. The company has been involved as subcontractors in a number of AAA titles for consoles and PC as well as developed their own IP's such as Lead and Gold, and Hamilton's Great Adventure. For more information, visit www.fatshark.se.
Rabu, 30 Mei 2012
New Dead Space video pops up, signs point to Dead Space 3
Like some errant Necromorph, a new video has suddenly popped up on the Dead Space website. Entitled "Dead Space Graphic Novel Short," the video showcases the story of John Carver, an Earthgov Seargent, as he "witnesses an attack on the Marker Site he guards which changes his life forever." There's also a countdown on the site ' coded in Dead Space's alien language ' set to expire in six days. Electronic Arts' E3 press conference, meanwhile, is set to take place on Monday, curiously only five days away.
Despite the video's title, there's reason to believe this is all tied to Dead Space 3. As noticed by fans on the Dead Space Facebook page, the website's source code contains numerous references to "ds3." The site adds that this is "just the start of John Carver's saga in the Dead Space Universe," implying that something grander than merchandising is on the way. Perhaps Carver is a new protagonist? One way or another, we'll find out next week.
Save $5 on Minecraft XBLA through MS Store deal
Developer
Markus Persson
Publisher
Microsoft, Mojang Specifications
Rating
N/A (Not Applicable)
Report: Battlefield 3 'Premium' service costs $50 one time, includes 'all five themed expansion packs'
Reports of Battlefield 3's "Premium" service just got a lot more official looking, with a fact sheet leaking out of Germany containing lots of details. The service apparently costs $50 one time and includes a variety of content, including access to the five released and upcoming Battlefield 3 expansion packs, two weeks of early access to said packs, and "a host of unique in-game items not available anywhere else."
That, however, is where the "interesting" part of this ends, and the "pretty gross" part begins. Beyond the DLC access, Premium members are said to get "access to powerful new features." What features might those be? "The ability to reset stats" is listed, but so is "queue priority into servers," which means exactly what it sounds like. As in, "pay for this service and get into servers faster than the rabble."
The fact sheet reconfirms what we saw leak out of the EU PlayStation Blog earlier today ' Battlefield 3 "Premium" is expected to launch alongside the "Close Quarters" DLC on June 4 across Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Head past the break to see the full sheet.
Selasa, 29 Mei 2012
Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf spotted on retail sites for Xbox, PS3
Over three years since its initial cancellation, it looks like The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf may be rising again. The game has been spotted in Danish retail listings, specifically a PS3 listing at CoolShop and both PS3 and Xbox listings at Blockbuster. Neither site has a release date listed, though each advises eager fans to place pre-orders now. (If you're looking for a deal, go with CoolShop to save a cool 100 krone.)
Witcher fans will remember Rise of the White Wolf as the console-specific version of CD Projekt's first Witcher game. It was slated to feature completely reworked controls for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, though the project was canceled in April of 2009. At the time, developer Widescreen Games complained of missed payments, while publisher CD Projekt claimed that all milestone payments had been made to Widescreen.
CD Projekt Red's Summer Conference is slated to take place tomorrow, and promises a major announcement. That announcement, however, will not be Rise of the White Wolf, reports Eurogamer. CD Projekt told the site that it will instead be announcing its next RPG, which was revealed in recent job listings. That said, the company does have some Witcher-related "surprises" planned for this year and next year.
PSN throws down some Ultimate Editions, slaps a sale on them
The PlayStation Network Ultimate Editions bundle games with all their existing DLC packs, and nine of these titles will be on sale today, May 29, through June 4. The Ultimate Editions are 30 percent off for normal PSN users, and 50 percent off for Plus members.
Titles on sale, bundled and ready to roll, include Red Dead Redemption for $28 ($20 for Plus members), L.A. Noire and BioShock 2 for the same price, Mortal Kombat for $35 ($25 for Plus members) and Black Ops for $66 ($48 for Plus members). Check out the Ultimate sale list on the PlayStation Blog.
Skyrim reference 'Hearth Fire' being trademarked by Bethesda
Description
Developed by Bethesda Game Studios under the direction of Todd Howard, Skyrim will be released on Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, and Games for Windows worldwide on November 11, 2011.
Senin, 28 Mei 2012
Twin-stick shooter Really Big Sky evolves to 'Big Sky Infinity' on PS3 and Vita
BOSS BADDIE, VOOFOO STUDIOS AND RIPSTONE PUBLISHING ANNOUCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Indie game developer Boss Baddie align with development partner VooFoo Studios and publishing partner Ripstone to bring Big Sky Infinity to console
Indie game developers Boss Baddie and VooFoo Studios are pleased to announce the creation of a strategic partnership with Ripstone Publishing that will bring the latest version of the critically acclaimed twin-stick shooter PC game Really Big Sky to console.
The newest iteration in the Big Sky series is Big Sky: Infinity, it will be the first of the Big Sky games to appear on a handheld or home console and will be available on PlayStation®3 and PlayStation® Vita later this year.
Big Sky: Infinity is a procedurally generated, super fast, twin-stick shooter game that will introduce new modes and enemies, and touch controls to its predecessors.
VooFoo Studios will develop the new game in conjunction with Boss Baddie.
The alliance with Ripstone and VooFoo will further advance Boss Baddie's strategy to provide great games for gamers worldwide.
James Whitehead, owner and lead developer of Boss Baddie enthuses: "We're excited about the opportunities now available for the game so we can take it to the next level. It's great to get input and support from industry veterans and the support Ripstone have provided has been invaluable."
Mark Williams, Technology Director at VooFoo states "It is hugely exciting to be able to continue our collaboration with Ripstone, and join forces with the incredibly creative guys at Boss Baddie to bring the Big Sky series to the PlayStation Network. With the passion, enthusiasm and expertise of the three parties combined, we are well placed to deliver a world class game."
Ripstone Ltd is focused on fostering the relationship between publisher and developer to produce great games by understanding what developers want to achieve and what they need to get there.
Phil Gaskell, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Ripstone states: "It's great to be in a position where we can foster talent and enable Boss Baddie to further develop their dreams for the game."
For a taste of things to come, Really Big Sky is currently discounted on Steam to mark the announcement of Big Sky: Infinity.
###
About Boss Baddie
Boss Baddie is a UK-based indie game developer founded in 2007. Gaining inspiration from music and stories, Boss Baddie's gaming portfolio focuses on unique two-stick shooter games with an affinity for surreal narratives. With a list of credentials which include Big Sky; Wake; Lunnye Devitsy - which appeared in the book "250 Indie Games You Must Play"; and Really Big Sky which was nominated for an Indie Arcade Game of the Year Award in 2011.
For more information about Boss Baddie please visit: www.bossbaddie.co.uk
About VooFoo
VooFoo Studios is an independent UK based video games developer, founded in 2007 by a small team of experienced industry professionals. Utilising its own proprietary cutting edge technology, VooFoo's first game, the critically acclaimed Hustle Kings, was released for PlayStation 3 in 2009, reaching the top of the PSN charts and earning VooFoo nominations for two highly coveted Develop Awards. More recently, VooFoo have gone on to release Hustle Kings on PlayStation Vita, and the visually stunning Pure Chess on both platforms.
For more information on VooFoo Studios and its games, please visit the official website at http://www.voofoostudios.com/
About Ripstone
Ripstone is an independent UK based videogames publisher specializing in digital distribution.
Founded in 2011 by two experienced Sony Computer Entertainment producers and the two founders of Optimum Releasing, the company has created a unique business model from which to launch a series of video games by partnering with elite games development teams throughout Europe.
Leveraging over 50 years of market expertise and knowledge, Ripstone relies on a publishing strategy of original IP's and unique licenses to create innovative videogame experiences for digital downloadable consoles. Ripstone publish an eclectic mix of games providing the perfect partner for independent developers who want their product delivered to a worldwide audience in digital form.
The Ripstone ethos is built on honesty, integrity and trust: founded with the knowledge that games are evolving at an ever increasing speed, and that what is a niche market today could easily become tomorrow's key business opportunity.
For more information on RIPSTONE and its games, please visit the official website at http://www.ripstone.com/
Ghost Recon: Future Soldier obtains top UK sales position
Description
In the escalating political climate of the near future -- "where strategies on the battlefield must be delicately balanced with maneuvers at the negotiating table" -- a new breed of soldier has arisen. Trained to be better than the best and outfitted with the most comprehensive array of high-tech gear ever assembled, the future soldier stands apart by his ability to remain undetected. He slips unseen behind enemy lines. He uses the perfect combination of diplomacy and force to achieve his objectives while remaining politically invisible. He is a Ghost. As a member of the elite Ghost Recon, you are among the few who possess the power, the adaptability, and the cognitive fortitude of the future soldier. Specialized in every area of combat, equipped for survival, and trained in absolute discretion, you are entrusted with the missions no other soldier can handle. Armed to the teeth with an arsenal of real-world high-tech weaponry only in prototype today, you are an F-16 on legs, trained to lock-on to your objective even in the world's most complex, high-risk warzones.
Minggu, 27 Mei 2012
New Gungnir screens show off battle scenes, dialogue
MSRP
N/A USD
Release Date
Jun 12, 2012
Genre
RPG, Strategy
Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is a stranger in a strange land
From the news came an unbelievable public outcry. The hashtag "#38jobs" began trending across the United States on Twitter. Facebook pages, websites, and Google docs sprang up, all bellowing support for those in the industry that lost their jobs this week in the form of open job postings.
Meanwhile, I had the privilege of watching the Joystiq team document the entire disaster. In a word, it was humbling. I feel honored to be a part of this team and deliver content to you, the readers. We so easily forget that in the land of video games, there is a significant impact on the well-being of families, and the reporting of news deserves an equal touch of care.
Likewise, a giggle here or there is important. I encourage you to check out last week's webcomics and vote for your favorite after the break to get those giggles in.
Subprime Loans (Virtual Shackles)
You Got It (Nerf NOW!!)
Paynefully Subtle (No Cash Value)
Luigi's Mansion 2 (Game Over Nation)
Track and Field (Blow the Cartridge)
I know what I have to do (Magical Game Time)
THQ planning reverse stock split to avoid NASDAQ delisting
THQ filed plans with the SEC Friday for a June 29 stockholders meeting, where the company will propose a reverse stock split to avoid delisting from NASDAQ.
In the filing, the company describes the need for the stock split to maintain the $1 per share minimum that NASDAQ requires for listing. THQ outlined three options in the process: 1:3, 1:5, and 1:10 reverse stock split ratios. Exercising any of these options results in fewer outstanding shares with an increased apparent value per share. For instance, should THQ perform a 1:3 reverse stock split, each stockholder would own one stock for every three owned prior to the split, even though the total value of the company's stock would not change.
The company's stock is currently trading at 61 cents per share.
THQ first received a delisting warning from Nasdaq on January 31, noting that the company's stock was trading below $1 per share. It has until July 23 to meet-and-maintain that closing standard for ten consecutive business days in order to be eligible for continued listing. THQ recently reported a net loss of $239.9 million for the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2012.
Sabtu, 26 Mei 2012
Street Fighter X Tekken adds costume and gem DLC on June 5
Description
The long awaited dream match-up between the two leaders in the fighting genre becomes a reality. Street Fighter X Tekken delivers the ultimate tag team match up featuring iconic characters from each franchise, and one of the most robust character line ups in fighting game history. With the addition of new gameplay mechanics, the acclaimed fighting engine from Street Fighter IV has been refined to suit the needs of both Street Fighter and Tekken players alike. Street Fighter X Tekken also sees the introduction of the innovative Gem system, a strategic new way to customize and enhance the fighting experience!
Xperia Play will not receive Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade
Sony explained that "after extensive in house testing with our developer teams and working with our partners, we have concluded that a consistent and stable experience, particularly with gaming, cannot be guaranteed for this smartphone on Ice Cream Sandwich." Its decision appears bolstered by feedback from advanced users and game developers that used a beta ROM of the Android version on their Xperia Play devices.
While instability in the software could compromise a "quality gaming experience" on the phone, we secretly want to believe that a patent unveiled in late April indicates a dual-keyboard device is on the way.
Android tablets now available at 1,600 Gamestops, include free games
Experience a new way to game this holiday weekend
GRAPEVINE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May. 25, 2012-- GameStop (NYSE: GME), the world's largest multichannel retailer of video games, now carries a selection of Android' tablets in more than 1,600 U.S. stores, just in time for the holiday weekend. With models like the Acer Iconia Tab A200 (only $299.99 through June 2), ASUS TF300T ($399.99) and Toshiba Excite 10 ($449.99), consumers are sure to find a tablet that's ideal for gaming and more. To find a store near you, visit www.GameStop.com/gs/landing/events/tablets.
Android tablets purchased at GameStop come loaded with valuable extras including a hand-picked selection of free games, like Sonic CD and Riptide, the Kongregate Arcade gaming app and a free issue of Game Informer Digital. As with all products sold by GameStop, these items can be purchased with trades of games, consoles and even an old iPod®, iPhone® or iPad®. Customers wishing to purchase online can take advantage of free shipping on select tablets. Visit www.GameStop.com and search "tablets" for complete details.
Jumat, 25 Mei 2012
WB conjures up Harry Potter for Kinect this fall
COMING THIS AUTUMN, YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY THROUGH THIS EXCLUSIVE GAME ON KINECT
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Eurocom will cast a spell among Harry Potter fans of all ages this autumn with the Harry Potter for Kinect videogame exclusively on Kinect' for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft .
Based on all eight Harry Potter films, Harry Potter for Kinect allows players to join Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger as they embark on an unforgettable journey through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and beyond. With Kinect's scanning technology, for the first time ever in a Harry Potter game, players will be able to scan in their own face to create a unique witch or wizard to journey through the adventures of the film.
In addition, Kinect's hands-free and voice recognition capabilities allow gamers to cast spells using physical manoeuvres and by calling out spell names, offering an extraordinary, immersive Harry Potter experience.
"Harry Potter for Kinect will engage Harry Potter fans old and new by bringing them into the wizarding world as truly active participants," said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Production and Development, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "Kids and parents will enjoy recreating their favourite Harry Potter adventures, from flying a broomstick in a Quidditch match, to battling pixies and duelling other wizards."
Harry Potter for Kinect gives players the opportunity to experience some of the films' most memorable moments, both as the relevant characters or as their own avatars, including visiting Ollivanders, choosing a house at Hogwarts, and confronting He Who Must Not Be Named in a climactic final battle. Players who master their lessons can also take on their opponents in competitive mini-games, or join forces with family and friends in co-op gameplay.
About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including console, handheld and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.
HARRY POTTER FOR KINECT software © 2012 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Developed by Eurocom Developments Ltd. Kinect, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies and are used under license from Microsoft. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.
WBIE GAMES LOGO, WBIE LOGO, WB SHIELD: ' & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
(s12)
Minecraft edges Black Ops out of second spot on XBLA charts
This week, two important things happened to Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition on Xbox 360 ' one, the game topped the Xbox Live activity charts once more, this time beating out the longstanding Call of Duty: Black Ops for the number two spot (Modern Warfare 3 remains lodged in the top position). Second, and more importantly, I finally made a nether portal last night. This is important business, folks!
Regardless, it's likely many of you folks have also done so by this point ' the game's also topping this week's "Top Arcade Titles" list as well, digging under the hills and valleys of big seller Trials Evolution. How about those crazy ghost things, huh? Straight up madness!
Kamis, 24 Mei 2012
The Cave opens up to adventurers in 2013, care of Ron Gilbert and Double Fine
Double Fine and Sega have officially announced The Cave, a side-scrolling, multi-character adventure game coming to Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and PC in 2013. Led by Ron Gilbert, The Cave sees an eclectic cluster of impromptu spelunkers ' including a scientist, a monk, a knight and a time traveler ' finding their fortunes (and perhaps more) in the titular, mysterious and, err, "sultry" subterranean network. That's right: The Cave can speak.
The rest of the protagonists are silent, but up to three can venture into The Cave at a time. After picking your trio, you guide them all deeper into the seamless network of underground rooms, switching control between each to solve puzzles and exploit their unique abilities. The Knight, for instance, can activate a guardian angel that protects him from flames and falls, while the hillbilly can hold his breath underwater forever. (Take that, Guybrush Threepwood!)
The game can be completed with any combination of characters, but certain endings and unique areas are locked to individual characters. Having the knight in your group, for example, will open up the medieval castle and its puzzles for play. And yes, there just happens to be a castle in The Cave. With a New Grog vending machine cropping up in the cave's lower bowels, we think it's safe to say that Ron Gilbert's touch is evident throughout the game.
He also programmed the whole thing himself, we think. Probably.
GameStop holding first public 'EXPO' event two days before PAX Prime
We can't think of many places we'd rather visit during the dog days of summer than San Antonio, Texas. Being a savvy games retailer, GameStop acted on that ubiquitous desire this morning in its announcement of the GameStop Consumer "EXPO," taking place on August 29 in San Antonio.
The event will coincide with GameStop's annual manager meeting, except this time folks who have a PowerUp Rewards card and a spare $35 can also get in (if you have enough PowerUp Rewards points, there's another option). What's that? You'd rather pay more for people to glare in anger as you're whisked past them to play the game they're in line for? A $100 "VIP" option also exists, which nets you "four in-depth sessions with some of the biggest names in gaming, access to VIP-only lines and entrance to the VIP gaming lounge."
And yes, it's on August 29, just two days before PAX Prime kicks off in Seattle.
NPD monthly reports integrate Walmart data starting next month
Every month, the NPD Group releases a report on the previous month's US sales in the game industry, both consoles and software. While that monthly report is already "projected to 100% of the market," according to NPD Group's David Riley, next month, it'll get bolstered by the nation's largest retailer: Walmart. Despite being revealed this past February, the past several months of NPD reports haven't included Walmart's numbers.
"Our enhanced retail coverage, including the addition of several new retailers, begins with May data released on Thursday, June 14," Riley told me in an email yesterday. While he couldn't supply a list of all of the retailers involved, he told me, "Yes, it does include Walmart."
With any luck, the addition of Walmart to NPD's stable of retailers reporting ' which already includes America's largest game retailer, GameStop ' will help to thwart claims of NPD being a "very poor indicator of the industry's performance." Then again, between the lack of digital sales accounted for in NPD's monthly report and the urge of publishers to spin poor sales numbers, those complaints likely won't stop anytime soon.
Rabu, 23 Mei 2012
Enormous Street Fighter box set arrives September 18
Street Fighter's 25th Anniversary Celebration Includes Action-Packed Collector's Set and New International Tournament Details with High-Performance Prizing
SAN MATEO, Calif. ' May 23, 2012 ' Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced the limited edition Street Fighter®25th Anniversary Collector's Set, which will be available in North America on Sept. 18, 2012 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. A hyper combo-powered milestone, the Street Fighter 25th Anniversary festivities will continue throughout 2012 ("The Year of the Dragon") and will include the Collector's Set and a series of high stakes global tournaments with over a half million dollars in support, the highest the fighting game community has ever witnessed.
Honoring one of the most popular videogame franchises of all time, the Street Fighter 25th Anniversary Collector's Set is a must - have for Street Fighter® video game aficionados. Created as a celebration and tribute to its fans, the limited edition set is individually numbered and jam-packed with Street Fighter games, video, art, music, and exclusive collectibles. The items are housed in a specially created chest complete with a certificate of authenticity.
The limited edition Street Fighter 25th Anniversary Collector's Set includes:
Past and Present Street Fighter Games ' Playable on current gen PS3' and Xbox 360 console systems, the four critically-acclaimed titles selected from the star-studded catalog are: Super Street Fighter® II Turbo HD Remix, Street Fighter® III 3rd Strike Online Edition, Super Street Fighter® IV Arcade Edition with all costume DLC, and Street Fighter® X Tekken® including all character and Swap Costume DLC.
Exclusive Video ' The two-disc Blu-Ray set includes a documentary that highlights the profound influence the franchise has had on fans - and vice versa - throughout the years. The collection of videos also includes Street Fighter®IV and Super Street Fighter®IV Anime movies as well as all episodes of the Street Fighter animated series and Street Fighter®II: The Animated Movie.
Light-up Ryu Statue ' A specially commissioned and highly-detailed collectable Ryu statue stands prominently at 8" tall and features the iconic character in mid-Shoryuken, with flames lit from below.
11-Disc Soundtrack ' Street Fighter game music spanning the past 25 years, in addition to remixes and fan-created music inspired by past Street Fighter games .
64-page Hardcover Art Book ' A tribute to Street Fighter game fans from all over the world, the art book includes fan pieces submitted by professional and aspiring artists alike.
Ryu's Belt ' Created to regulation specs, the full-size martial arts black belt is a replica of the one Ryu wears and even includes his classic "F'rinkazan" in kanji!
Certificate of Authenticity ' Each Collector's Set comes individually numbered complete with a certificate of authenticity.
Further bringing the Street Fighter 25th Anniversary celebration to its fans, Capcom is currently organizing a series of tournaments throughout the year in locations across the globe that will include over $500,000 worth of cash, non-cash prizing, and amenities. This high-stakes tournament series will culminate in a grand finals event held in San Francisco on Dec. 8, 2012 and will include players who qualify in the preliminary tournaments throughout the year. The tournament series will feature the following monumental titles from the past and present: Street Fighter X Tekken, Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition, Street Fighter III 3rd Strike Online Edition, and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix.
Revealed today, the list below includes the most current dates and locations (subject to change) for the Street Fighter 25th Anniversary global tournament series:
' July 28-29 in Austin, TX
' August 11-12 in the NY area (location pending)
' August 26 in Taipei, Taiwan (location pending)
' Mid-September in the Tokyo Region, Japan (date and location pending)
' September 27-30 in London, England (in conjunction with Eurogamer Expo)
' October 13-14 in Sao Paulo, Brazil (in conjunction with Brazil Game Show)
' October 27-28 in Los Angeles, CA
' October 31 ' November 4 in Paris, France (in conjunction with Paris Games Week)
' December 8 Finals in San Francisco, CA
Adding an extra level of white-knuckled excitement to the competition, the first-place Street Fighter X Tekken player will be crowned champion and be handed the keys to an all-new custom designedScion FR-S Sports Coupe. Capcom has partnered with Scion, Five Axis and Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA), to create a one-of-a-kind Street Fighter-themed sports car, complete with video entertainment hardware from SCEA and a modified exterior from Five Axis including a custom FIVE:AD aero kit, spoiler, wheels, as well as many more premiere components from leading automotive aftermarket companies.
Lastly, a new Street Fighter 25th Anniversary website will be created which will allow fans to share their stories of how the Street Fighter series has influenced their lives, and will host all details of the anniversary celebration including how to register for the tournament series. The new website will be released soon and will be located at: http://www.streetfighter.com/sf25
![Image of Inafune working with Level-5 on Guild02 [update: screens]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_ssrjqe5NpyegSuw4Wmv1AZLxG4KMoGcZPph-SOVEmm7poDla0nBj4iXPv65CKuvHvQjGbq2Lx56kFujaBwBLCpkLvcIGBENQ3bR5a2AiJ7AI0tn6IG27n4ivYywYSXgrOrF2lPaeYt4tA9HvwAHVbk_xwztk9Sa_vo=s0-d "Inafune working with Level-5 on Guild02 [update: screens]")
Senin, 21 Mei 2012
Dragon's Dogma review: Heartache every moment
Listen now, as I play for you the song of my heartache. Let me spin you a tale of confusion, anger, humility and bona fide bewilderment in the face of abject mediocrity. Let me tell of Seraphina the Arisen, her loyal pawn Josephine, and their stupid, stupid quest to save the kingdom of Gransys. Let me tell you of Dragon's Dogma.
The game opens in a small fishing village on the coast of Gransys called Cassardis. As the villagers go about their day, The Dragon and an uncountable flight of harpies are expelled from a great smoking vortex in the sky. Naturally, Cassardis is The Dragon's first stop, where the game's main character (Seraphina in my case, as you name him/her yourself) attempts to stop it from murdering the town. Once The Dragon easily bests Seraphina in combat, it recites an incantation and deftly removes her heart from her chest, though somehow she remains alive through untold magicks. Because she has been marked by the beast, she is now known as The Arisen, and must quest to save the kingdom from destruction.It's a legitimately strong opening, but the rest of the game's plot is unable to live up to the high dramatic bar set by its first five minutes. Dozens of hours pass between plot points, if you can even call them that, and when something finally does happen it is often a confusing, clumsy exchange between unfamiliar characters without context or explanation. Subplots are established and almost immediately abandoned, if they take the initiative to establish themselves at all.
Quests that advance the story are only tangentially related to The Dragon's appearance, sending you to roust out a goblin infestation or investigate a cult, but never sending you to actually go look for or attempt to learn about The Dragon. Seraphina always had something to do, but it never felt important. The vast majority of quests feel like they've been randomly generated by an algorithm parsing tired RPG tropes. It may never stoop to "go collect twelve wolf pelts" levels of inanity when it comes to main story quests, but it's nowhere near as sophisticated as Dragon Age: Origins or Skyrim in terms of its plot arc or its ability to construct a compelling narrative.
I may have cared more about the quests had I cared more about the characters giving them to me, but Dragon's Dogma has no characters as such ' rather, the game is filled with lifeless cardboard cutouts, bereft of any semblance of personality, dryly parroting ludicrous faux "ye olde" rhetoric. Conversations with important story figures are entirely one way and often exhaust themselves in seconds, having imparted no information about their character background or the history of Gransys or its neighbors. Everything just exists, without reason or explanation, which makes it hard for you to connect emotionally with the world around you.
Even Josephine, the pawn that I crafted from scratch, the pawn that stayed at my side for the breadth of my 50-plus hour journey, was nothing more than a hollow shell, spewing the same tired lines over, and over, and over again. I almost universally grow to love companion characters in games, but with Josephine there was nothing to love. She was just this thing that followed me around, always talking, but never saying anything.Seraphina the Arisen was no great bastion of character development either, of course. Consider her the yin to Commander Shepard's yang; a dumbfounded, ineffectual mute whose built-in inability to take action both confuses and infuriates during the course of the game's events. People were murdered, corruption went unpunished and several villains escaped for literally no reason, all while Seraphina stood and watched, motionless ' her eyes adrift in the thousand-mile stare of a blind dog.
It's possible to coerce the Arisen into action when actually playing, but staying alive in Gransys is a skill hard learned. Dragon's Dogma's difficultly doesn't "curve" so much as it "juts abruptly skyward at random intervals," without warning, rhyme or reason. After completing one of the very first story quests (a slow and tedious escort mission, naturally), an NPC from Cassardis appeared and told me that there had been a kidnapping. After following the NPC back to the village and accepting the quest to find the missing girl, I discovered that a group of bandits blocked the path to where the girl had been taken. I would not be able to defeat these bandits until 10 levels later, by which time the quest had expired from my quest log."It was the gaming equivalent of breaking down a brick wall with my face."
Similarly, the Duke sent Seraphina out west to investigate the goblin infestation of a fort. On the way there she was murdered by bandits, crushed by boulders, torn apart by a chimera, mauled to death by a griffin, eaten by a cyclops and burned to death by a dragon, which may or may not have been The Dragon. In truth, it took 18 in-game hours of desperate grinding to reach that fort, because the level at which I was given the quest was disproportionate to that of the monsters that blocked the way. It was the gaming equivalent of breaking down a brick wall with my face.
The difficulty inherent in traversing the world evens out at around level 30 or so, but even becoming level appropriate for the random goblins and wolves scattered about Gransys' landscape doesn't save you from the tedium of actually fighting. Enemies ignored Seraphina's attacks whenever they felt like it, lazily walking away from her daggers as she flailed wildly at the air. The lack of any sort of targeting or lock-on system meant that even landing an attack in the first place was a huge accomplishment, so the fact that baddies can just leave in the middle of an attack is infuriating.Camera problems also plague most encounters. While Josephine became transparent if she obscured the camera's view, the same can not be said for set pieces like trees, shrubs, etc, which made fighting outdoors even more of a chore than it already was. Most encounters in the woods (of which there are many) took place behind a heavy shroud of foliage. While Seraphina fought for her life, I fought the camera for a view that wasn't completely obfuscated. Again, the lack of a lock-on system for melee combat didn't help things. Similar problems were encountered when fighting aerial creatures, as long grass has a tendency to obscure the camera's view when aiming ranged attacks upwards.
Josephine didn't help much either, bless her poor dumb heart, though the problems she suffered in combat are universal to all pawns. The Arisen can command their pawns in one of three ways (Go, Come, and Help), but it's not possible to command a pawn to use a specific item or ability. Instead, the pawn tries to figure out what action the player is requesting based on the circumstances of the situation, and is almost always wrong as a result. I can't count the number of times Josephine healed me while I was at full health, or waited until all monsters in the area were dead before placing a fire enchant on my weapons." Pawns also don't seem to understand the concept of staying away from things that will kill them ..."
Pawns also don't seem to understand the concept of staying away from things that will kill them, especially pawns that fall into one of the caster classes. Josephine, for instance, had a bad habit of running right up next to a monster before casting, despite being a ranged class. She also would move herself into harm's way before casting healing spells, and would routinely cast high-cost damage spells on targets that were extremely close to death, wasting valuable energies that would be better spent on other, still standing targets.
Because of their terrible AI and inability to be commanded directly, pawns die very consistently and require huge amounts of babysitting and looking after during fights. Though, there were several instances where I waited to revive Josephine until after the fight, just so I wouldn't have to listen to her constant, unending regurgitation of combat dialogue ("Their kind hates ice and fire both!").Despite all this, Dragon's Dogma does manage to do one or two things well. Its character creation system is user friendly and is just about the only thing built in an intuitive way, allowing players to select from dozens of presets for every feature. I'm exceptionally awful at creating non-hideous humans in almost all character creation systems, yet somehow my Arisen ended up looking like Christina Hendricks with heterochromia.
Climbing atop a large monster in the heat of battle is exciting the first couple of times it happens, but the novelty of it wears off rather quickly due to a lack of climbable monster diversity in Gransys. Trolls and chimera make up 80 percent of the beasts you'll be clambering over, and seeing as the tactics for taking them down are always the same, monotony follows in quick succession. The climbing mechanic can also be a bit unwieldy at times, as moving about the monster depends on the Arisen's physical orientation, which may not always be visible due to the aforementioned camera issues.The game's plot makes a last ditch effort to establish a coherent narrative at the very, very end, and while the last few encounters are wildly more interesting in terms of both design and execution, they're not nearly enough to justify the 50 or so hours of mundane drudgery that precede them.
I did have one or two of genuinely fun experiences in Dragon's Dogma; exploring the temple to the water god was atmospheric and exciting and the Gransys countryside occasionally provided some fairly interesting vistas, but any brief flickers of fun I came across were consistently extinguished by the game's oppressive flaws.
This review is based on review code of Dragon's Dogma for the Xbox 360, provided by Capcom.
Joystiq's review scores are based on a scale of whether the game in question is worth your time -- a five-star being a definitive "yes," and a one-star being a definitive "no." Read here for more information on our ratings guidelines.
Square Enix registers domains for 'Just Cause 4' despite lack of Just Cause 3
Neither Square Enix nor Avalance Studios have said much about the Just Cause series as of late, though Avalance studio head Christofer Sundberg told Develop in early 2010 that a third entry in the series is very likely. It's also rumored that Avalanche has been working on a Mad Max-based game; we haven't heard about that project since September 2010. Beyond Avalanche's Stockholm-based studio, the privately owned Swedish company opened a New York City office in 2011 to work on an unannounced game only known as "Project Mamba."
Regardless, with just a few weeks left until E3, it's likely we'll hear more about whatever Avalanche is working on sooner, rather than later.
Unleash 'The Power of Liking' in Infinity Blade 2's 'Vault of Tears' this Thursday (tissues not included)
ChAIR and Epic Games today announced the iOS blockbuster Infinity Blade II will receive a surprise new content update this Thursday, 5/24!
Infinity Blade II: Vault of Tears is the largest free content update to date, featuring a ton of new content and some innovative new social features that allow even more players to get in on the action! Building upon the cooperative ClashMob challenges, players can now earn extra turns and invite their friends, family, and other non-Infinity Blade players to do in-game damage with the power of liking and re-tweeting battle calls ' something that hasn't been done before!
In addition to the new content, Infinity Blade II: Vault of Tears will also delve further into the Infinity Blade story and the mysterious past of Siris as new areas are unlocked and major secrets are revealed.
Infinity Blade II: Vault of Tears is a MUST-HAVE update for ChAIR's App Store darling!
The following features are included in Thursday's update:
- Delve further into the mysterious past of Siris, as new areas are unlocked and major secrets are revealed.
- Jump into battle and defeat new enemies! Featuring the Moss Golem, Dark Fiend, Bog Giant, Acolyte, and more.
- New ClashMob features including the ability to participate and do in-game damage via Facebook and Twitter - a gaming first!
- 'X' marks the spot! Find your hidden ally and discover secret items and rewards with the all-new Treasure Map feature.
- More than 50 new items, including magic rings, weapons, shields, helmets, as well as armor to collect, master, and sell.
- Additional surprises await you with new Achievements, unique gems to forge, ClashMob updates, more!
Minggu, 20 Mei 2012
Swords & Soldiers gets 'super saucy' DLC on Steam
Ronimo Games, the team behind Awesomenauts, recently announced "Super Saucy Sausage Fest" downloadable content for Swords & Soldiers on the Steam platform. First released on Steam in December 2010, the side-scrolling strategy game is receiving a fresh single-player campaign this week in the form of ten levels for two dollars.
Players control Chief Meat on his quest to the annual Super Saucy Sausage Fest, while utilizing new units and spells. The content pack also includes a bonus challenge mode called "Boulder XL."
Swords & Soldiers gets Super Saucy DLC on Steam!Revisit the two-dimensional battlefields of Swords and Soldiers in a brand-new single-player campaign. Take control of Chief Meat and his troops on their journey to the annual Super Saucy Sausage Fest with a grand prize of 1000 cows. The campaign contains ten new levels where you will meet new friends to join your forces along the way, and old enemies who will do everything to keep Chief Meat from winning the grand prize.
The Super Saucy Sausage Fest DLC combines unique sets of units and spells to let players face innovative challenges. As an added bonus the DLC pack contains a new upgraded challenge mode: Boulder XL!
The S.S.S.F DLC will be available next week for 2,- on Steam!
Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is welcoming a new member to Joystiq
This means that you'll be seeing a lot less of Jess Conditt and myself during the next couple of weekends as Mike settles into his new position, with the eventual goal being for Mike to take over the weekends entirely before too long.
Yes, that includes the Weekly Webcomic Wrapup, but we've still got at least one more weekend together, my darling readers. Come, let us cherish our remaining time together by reading these webcomics from last week, and voting for our favorites after the break.
Your Money or Your Life (Brawl in the Family)
The Deepest Pit of Hell (Virtual Shackles)
It takes a village (Extra Life)
Too Late (Nerf Now!!)
Masking Jape (Awkward Zombie)
Silence is Golden (GameOver Nation)
Deuce Duel (Hejibits)
You must win, my love (Magical Game Time)
Potion Purée (The Gamer Cat)
The Bitter End (Brentalfloss: The Comic)
Mark Hamill returns as The Joker in DC Universe Online expansion
The Last Laugh will include an all-new weapon, hours of multiplayer gameplay in the Safe Houses and Headquarters, and new Legends PvP characters:
The Shield - Players can unleash this vicious new weapon to bash their opponents, or hurl it to take them down from a distance.
Safe House Battles - No one is safe now that heroes and villains can invade each other's Safe Houses in these four on four battles:
Graviton Technology Recovery - Players will be tasked with unscrambling teleporter codes that The Joker has mixed into fragments. Located at the Watchtower or Hall of Doom, players must retrieve eight code fragments to successfully rebuild useable teleporter codes.
The Rescue - Heroes must rescue hostages, while Villains will be freeing arrested criminals from opposing Safe Houses.
Bomb Disposal - Thanks to The Joker, the encryption on the email terminals have changed and can only be bypassed by the robot he provided. Players must gain control of the robot and either upload the data to their HQ or add new encryption to keep their enemies and The Joker away from it.
Headquarter Battles - In this two-part crusade, 16 players -- eight heroes and eight villains -- will face off for the ultimate player reward. At the request of Superman, heroes must take over the Hall of Doom, while villains, egged on by The Joker, will breach the Watchtower in order to create chaos.
Legends Characters - Combat illuminates with the introduction of the first light-powered Legends for multiplayer combat. Players will soon have access to Kilowog, a Green Lantern, and Amon Sur, a member of the Sinestro Corps.
DCUO's The Last Laugh DLC pack will be accessible for free for the game's Legendary members and available for purchase for Free and Premium players via the PlayStation®Network in-game Marketplace, and on the PC via the DCUniverseOnline.com website.
Sabtu, 19 Mei 2012
'Tekken: Rise of the Tournament' coming from Ong-bak director Prachya Pinkaew
A prequel to 2010's straight-to-video/Netflix Tekken film has been announced by Crystal Sky Pictures CEO Steven Paul during this week's Cannes Film Festival in France. Tekken: Rise of the Tournament is set to be directed by Prachya Pinkaew of Ong-bak and Chocolate fame ' a martial arts pedigree that bodes better for the franchise than Tekken director Dwight H. Little's resume of slasher flicks and Free Willy sequels.
No actors have been signed to the project as of yet, but Crystal Sky will be aiming at finding thespians that look like Tekken's characters, rather than attaching big-name stars. The production company will be aiming for a theatrical release in North America, although nothing has actually been decided in terms of distribution.
In addition to Tekken: Rise of the Tournament, Crystal Sky Pictures is in the post-production stages of a Baby Geniuses trilogy and is also set to begin production on Dracula: The 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Can't make this stuff up.
SOL: Exodus flying to all digital distribution systems, European retail this summer
Iceberg Interactive signs SOL: Exodus 'Collector's Edition'
Haarlem, The Netherlands ' 15 May 2012 ' Independent videogames publisher Iceberg Interactive today announces a publishing deal for Seamless Entertainment's 3D space shooter SOL: Exodus. Debuting at Steam recently, Iceberg will immediately bring SOL: Exodus to all other digital portals worldwide, followed by a 22 June 2012 release of the boxed Collector's Edition, coming to retail shelves in the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, Benelux and various other European and overseas territories, as well as the Iceberg webshop.
Topping off the regular SOL: Exodus space shooter fix, Iceberg's SOL: Exodus Collector's Edition will include an exclusive new game mode, a luxurious art book, the official soundtrack, a detailed manual to quench your thirst for space-knowledge and, last-but-not-least, a free STEAM key for the base game.
Iceberg Interactive CEO Erik Schreuder says: "There are tons of science fiction fans out there who have dreamed about piloting their own ship in space, blasting enemies into oblivion and saving the day. Well, that's exactly the dream that SOL: Exodus promises to fulfill. So step into the grim future of mankind and board the action right now! We have been on a roll lately adding several space related games to our line-up and SOL: Exodus is definitely a really exciting one, full of 3D action, with a great story and highly professional voice acting."
Seamless Entertainment's Studio Director Dan Magaha said: "We are thrilled to partner with Iceberg in bringing SOL to wider international audiences. SOL has definitely been a labor of love for us, and we can't wait to hear from fans and players from around the world. As a small indie developer working in the town where Wing Commander was born, it's been an enormous honor to build our homage to the classic space games we loved when we were young, and we hope that passion comes through in the quality of our work."
About SOL Exodus: Collector's Edition
In the world of SOL, 500 years in the future, the Earth that we know and love has been ruined by centuries of war, neglect and abuse, and humanity has left it behind as they colonized the solar system. Their thirst for conflict, however, followed them. It was only once scientists realized the sun was dying that man finally learned to work together. And work together they did - to form the United Colonies of Sol (UCS) and its UCS-1 Mission; the last hope for mankind.
SOL: Exodus is a 3D space-action game that leverages the power of modern graphics technology to deliver epic space battles featuring enormous capital ships, hordes of spacecraft, and beautifully rendered planetary battlegrounds in an action-packed, cinematic presentation reminiscent of TV shows and movies. SOL's aim is simple: to bring current-gen gamers the action space shooter they've craved since the days of Wing Commander and Freespace.
Key features
' Take part in intense action-packed, cinematic-style events as you pilot multi-purpose tactical fighters in single player mode
' Join a breakaway resistance group fighting for the survival of the human race
' Battle enemy forces across famous landmarks in our Solar System, from the rings of Saturn to Pluto, Neptune and Titan
' Supercharge your spacecraft with a complement of weapons including the all-powerful MAG cannon
' Employ a unique hacking technique to breach and take over the systems of massive warships
' Spot the nods towards your favorite TV shows and movies
' Enjoy gameplay staples of the genre such as dogfighting, engaging giant capital ships, protecting and rescuing friendlies
For more information, please visit http://www.iceberg-interactive.com ; or follow Iceberg Interactive on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Iceberg_Int
PSA: EA shutting down Dragon Age Legends servers June 18
Description
Developed by Electronic Arts game teams EA 2D and BioWare, Dragon Age Legends is the first game to bring an award-winning franchise and high-quality gameplay to social networks. Get your first taste of the Free Marches, Dragon Age II's primary setting, while sharing Dragon Age Legends exciting combat, deep character customization and co-operative gameplay with your Facebook friends. Players who complete specific goals in Dragon Age Legends will have the opportunity to earn up to five exclusive items which can be used in Dragon Age II. Additionally, players chosen to participate in the closed beta will receive the Jade Empire inspired Death's Hand Armor for their hero once Dragon Age Legends enters open beta.
Jumat, 18 Mei 2012
Kamis, 17 Mei 2012
Unreal Engine 4's GDC demo: exposed!
The demo runs on Nvidia's Kepler GTX 680 ' a graphics card often described as "next-gen" ' and it follows the armored demon dude as he shows off his fancy, graphics-heavy castle. Just 14 Epic employees put together the demo, which apparently runs in real-time within the Unreal Engine 4 environment (a feat for modern game engines, including UE3). Don't be surprised if we see this demo show up in a future Epic game ' the company's past demos for Unreal Engine lead to some of Epic's biggest games.
Lighting is also improved, according to the piece, with "dynamic lighting" within the engine rather than being individually implemented after the fact. "The number of man-years that required was astounding," Epic design director Cliff Bleszinski said. But with all the additions, Epic's new engine requires much more horsepower; horsepower for which Epic is pushing the likes of Microsoft and Sony. Whether Epic (and us gamers) will get that horsepower, however, remains to be seen.
Unreal Engine 4 images demonstrate top-of-the-line evil eyes
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Here's the first Forza Horizon screenshot
Now, though, we've got our first real look at the game in the form of the screenshot above, which features the 2013 SRT Dodge Viper, some rocks, an extremely flat American highway and the same vignette framing we've come to expect from Forza in-game screenshots. Granted, this is but a single image, but from where we're sitting it sure does look a hell of a lot like a Forza game, which is reassuring considering that this is Playground Games' first spin behind the franchise's wheel.
Rabu, 16 Mei 2012
Halo 4 Limited Edition includes multiplayer map DLC, videos
Available for preorder today, the "Halo 4" Limited Edition maximizes your multiplayer experience and puts you in the boots of a Spartan-IV aboard the UNSC Infinity ' the hub of your "Halo" multiplayer career.
Available for $99.99**, the "Halo 4" Limited Edition includes:
· War Games Map Pack Access ' The Limited Edition includes access to nine maps ' three future competitive multiplayer map packs, each including three locations, available for download post-launch on Xbox LIVE.
(A detailed release schedule for the map packs will be announced at a later time)
· Specializations ' Receive early access to six Specializations, available at launch on Xbox LIVE, to achieve higher ranks in your Spartan career. In addition to gaining access to new ranks, Specializations unlock new customization options. Purchasers of the "Halo 4" Limited Edition will get access on launch day, while others will have to wait as Specializations are released over time.
· The Limited Edition also contains the UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet, which includes an armor customization schematic, a blueprint of the massive ship itself, and insight into what it means to be one of humanity's finest warriors: the Spartan-IVs.
· Bonus digital content through Xbox LIVE:
o Unique in-game Spartan-IV armor skin
o Unique in-game weapon skin for the Assault Rifle
o An exclusive in-game emblem
o Xbox LIVE Avatar prop
o Xbox LIVE Avatar Spartan-IV armor set
· "Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn" Special Edition ' An extended 90-minute version of the live-action digital series that will bring the "Halo" universe to life as you've never seen it, and provide an enthralling backstory leading up to the events of "Halo 4."
o "Halo 4" Limited Edition also includes the following exclusive videos:
§ Bonus in-fiction content expanding the characters and stories of
"Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn"
§ Special Featurette: Bringing Gaming into Reality
§ Making of "Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn"
Halo 4's 'Infinity' multiplayer to introduce Spartan Ops, War Games
"Halo 4" Redefines Iconic Franchise with "Halo Infinity Multiplayer" Experience
Available for pre-order today, "Halo 4" Limited Edition provides the ultimate multiplayer experience and "Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn" Special Edition
Available for pre-order today, "Halo 4" Limited Edition provides the ultimate multiplayer experience and "Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn" Special Edition
As millions of fans worldwide eagerly await the return of the Master Chief with the launch of "Halo 4" on Nov. 6, Microsoft and 343 Industries today revealed all-new details around the year's most anticipated blockbuster.
Set almost five years after the events of "Halo 3," "Halo 4" takes the series in a bold new direction and sets the stage for an epic new sci-fi saga, in which the Master Chief returns to confront his destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe. In addition to a rich story and campaign, "Halo 4" introduces a groundbreaking new multiplayer offering, called "Halo Infinity Multiplayer," that builds off of the "Halo" franchise's rich multiplayer history and promises to continue to innovate and redefine the way people think about storytelling and multiplayer experiences.
Introducing "Halo Infinity Multiplayer"*
The hub of the "Halo 4" multiplayer experience is the UNSC Infinity ' the largest starship in the UNSC fleet that serves as the center of your Spartan career. Here you'll build your custom Spartan-IV supersoldier, and progress your multiplayer career across all "Halo 4" competitive and cooperative game modes. Surrounded by the sights, sounds and crew of the biggest vessel in the UNSC fleet, your multiplayer experience will be embedded in the fiction of "Halo" like never before, where your progress and game choices affect your appearance, arsenal, and role on the battlefield.
· Spartan Ops. The story of the UNSC Infinity intersects with the "Halo 4" campaign, then continues on in a brand-new, story-driven experience known as Spartan Ops. A first of its kind and exciting new addition to the "Halo" franchise, Spartan Ops is an episodic adventure that blends immersive storytelling, high-quality cinematics, and action-packed gameplay to deliver an unprecedented serialized experience.
Through a weekly series of cinematic episodes on Xbox LIVE, Spartan Ops will tell the continuing story of the UNSC Infinity, following the events of "Halo 4." These episodes will center on the UNSC Infinity leaders and crew, and a new team of Spartans ' Majestic Squad. These cinematic episodes will provide the backdrop for the weekly Spartan Ops gameplay missions. Playable in single-player or cooperatively (with up to three friends), explore the corners of Requiem in these objective-based missions, and help uncover the secrets of the mysterious Forerunner world.
A massive-scale adventure that builds off the "Halo 4" story, access to Spartan Ops is included with "Halo 4" at no additional charge ' effectively delivering two campaign experiences in one game.*
· War Games. The competitive multiplayer modes of "Halo 4," known as War Games, take place on the combat deck of the UNSC Infinity and revive the visceral and immersive experiences that "Halo" multiplayer is famous for. "Halo 4" introduces fresh, immersive new game modes and strategies to help you progress your Spartan-IV career, while also delivering an experience that's still distinctly and uniquely "Halo." More details on all the modes of War Games will be released at a later time.
· Total Combat Freedom and Player Progression. "Halo 4" features a vastly expanded suite of new multiplayer modes, weapons, vehicles, armor abilities, a new loadout and player progression system, and a new armor modification system that introduces gameplay-enhancing customizations for the first time in a "Halo" game. These advancements can be used in both Spartan Ops and certain War Games matchmaking playlists, empowering player choice, vastly expanding their creative options, and make the experience deeper for core fans and more approachable for newcomers.
The "Halo 4" player progression system goes beyond simple aesthetic upgrades, encouraging players to invest time and effort to create a Spartan that looks and plays the way they want. Players can earn and activate combat enhancements called "Specializations" based on the style of play they engage in, from stealth to all-out assault, and everything in between.
"Halo 4" Limited Edition
Available for preorder today, the "Halo 4" Limited Edition maximizes your multiplayer experience and puts you in the boots of a Spartan-IV aboard the UNSC Infinity ' the hub of your "Halo" multiplayer career.
Available for $99.99**, the "Halo 4" Limited Edition includes:
· War Games Map Pack Access ' The Limited Edition includes access to nine maps ' three future competitive multiplayer map packs, each including three locations, available for download post-launch on Xbox LIVE.
(A detailed release schedule for the map packs will be announced at a later time)
· Specializations ' Receive early access to six Specializations, available at launch on Xbox LIVE, to achieve higher ranks in your Spartan career. In addition to gaining access to new ranks, Specializations unlock new customization options. Purchasers of the "Halo 4" Limited Edition will get access on launch day, while others will have to wait as Specializations are released over time.
· The Limited Edition also contains the UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet, which includes an armor customization schematic, a blueprint of the massive ship itself, and insight into what it means to be one of humanity's finest warriors: the Spartan-IVs.
· Bonus digital content through Xbox LIVE:
o Unique in-game Spartan-IV armor skin
o Unique in-game weapon skin for the Assault Rifle
o An exclusive in-game emblem
o Xbox LIVE Avatar prop
o Xbox LIVE Avatar Spartan-IV armor set
· "Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn" Special Edition ' An extended 90-minute version of the live-action digital series that will bring the "Halo" universe to life as you've never seen it, and provide an enthralling backstory leading up to the events of "Halo 4."
o "Halo 4" Limited Edition also includes the following exclusive videos:
§ Bonus in-fiction content expanding the characters and stories of
"Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn"
§ Special Featurette: Bringing Gaming into Reality
§ Making of "Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn"
"Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn" ' A Groundbreaking Live-Action Digital Series
Premiering this October on a soon-to-be-announced Machinima channel on YouTube, and on Halo Waypoint, "Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn" is a live-action digital series that takes fans back to the terrifying beginning of the Human/Covenant war, when the Master Chief inspired a young cadet who would eventually become a leader aboard the UNSC's greatest vessel: the UNSC Infinity. "Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn" tells a story leading into the events of "Halo 4," the biggest entertainment event of 2012.
Created in partnership with top Hollywood talent from film, television and new media, "Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn" brings a brand new "Halo" story to life on a scale never before seen in the "Halo" Universe. The series will debut this October on the new Machinima channel on YouTube and on Halo Waypoint as a series of five episodes. The "Halo 4" Limited Edition will include access to the "Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn" Special Edition via Halo Waypoint, with never-before-seen bonus footage, as well as exclusive fiction and behind the scenes videos.
Launching on Nov. 6, 2012 exclusively on Xbox 360, "Halo 4" is the next blockbuster installment of the iconic franchise that has shaped entertainment history and defined a generation of gamers. Developed by 343 Industries, "Halo 4" continues the story of the series' iconic hero the Master Chief as he returns to confront his destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe. "Halo 4" takes the series in a bold new direction by delivering its most epic and explorative campaign yet, alongside an emotionally resonant story and a groundbreaking multiplayer offering unlike anything before it ' setting the stage for an epic new sci-fi saga.
Cave Vita games reportedly canceled as COO resigns
Mikio Watanabe, Cave's executive vice president and COO, is leaving the company as of May 31 for personal reasons, according to a press release issued by the company today. Watanabe will continue as representative director until the next shareholder meeting in August. Following his departure, CEO Ito Masahito will become the only remaining representative director.At the same time, the latest Famitsu magazine (reported by Andriasang) lists two Vita games by the publisher as canceled. One of the games is a Vita release of its casual/social castle building game Shirotsuku; the other is an unspecified shooter.
If you're feeling worried about the seemingly vulnerable company, now might be a good time to remind you that Akai Katana Shin, the company's latest Xbox 360 shooter, is out in North America this week.
Selasa, 15 Mei 2012
PixelJunk 4am launch trailer is here to inspire you
Developer
Q-Games Ltd.
Publisher
N/A
Rating
E (Everyone)
Joy Ride Turbo skids onto Xbox Live Arcade May 23
Description
From the creators of Kinect Joy Ride comes the latest edition to the quirky kart genre ' Joy Ride Turbo, a controller-based arcade racer delivering precision handling and crazy stunts giving you more thrills, faster speeds, and bigger drifts! Experience the freedom and adventure of the open road in the all new Stunt Park, a vast, vibrant playground for your car where you can jump off cliffs, shoot out of a cannon, and more. In Stunt Park, only your steering & imagination limit the whacky tour de force you can achieve with friends. Explore the park's depths to collect trophies, car parts, and coins to unlock 42 vehicles, each with its own unique characteristics ' giving you the edge to show off death-defying tricks and race even faster. Plus, race your way through stunning new tracks, old favorites and 3 modes of play: Battle Race, Pro Race & Time Trial. Challenge family & friends to local 4-player split-screen or race up to 8 on Xbox LIVE. With Joy Ride Turbo, everyone's in the driver's seat in this whacky kart racing action.
Senin, 14 Mei 2012
Sniper Elite V2 maintains elevated UK position for second week
Thanks to another week of minimal competition, Sniper Elite V2 maintains its vantage point atop the UK charts for a second week. The game may have seen sales drop 38 percent, but none of the new entries made any type of shakeup on the charts, with the regular motley crew holding the top ten.
The EA triplets of FIFA 12, FIFA Street and Mass Effect 3 find themselves in second, third and fifth place, respectively. Nudging in there for some cuddle time in fourth is Prototype 2.
Sony's Starhawk is the only new title to crack the top 40, flying in at spot 17 for its debut. March on past the break for the UK top ten.
Steam Wallet exclusive to GameStop, doesn't change company investment in Impulse
On the surface, GameStop providing Steam Wallet cards would seem like a white flag, a sign of surrender by the old brick-and-mortar giant to the king of digital distribution. Business is never so simple. Frenemies they may be, both sides will profit greatly from this deal. Valve's Steam service just obtained access to thousands of GameStop stores (and its army of associates) across North America, and GameStop gets a cut of Steam, particularly from Steam users without credit cards or access to electronic payment methods.
"We are currently the only retailer with it," Steve Nix, manager of PC digital distribution for GameStop told us today. He expressed there's no specific exclusivity window for the company, but that GameStop's proprietary tech for selling DLC, which allows the company to go directly to digital distribution holders instead of going through a third-party vendor, helped make the deal possible.
Nix explains that he went to Valve with the deal a few months ago, with factoids like 84 percent of GameStop customers claim to play PC games, and made his case for this deal to occur. Nix's background probably helped grease the wheels. The executive was formerly an early supporter of Steam as the CEO of Ritual Entertainment (SiN Episodes) and director of business development and digital platforms at id Software, adding the company's catalog to Steam in 2007.
Nix also told us the Steam deal will not alter the company's plans for its own digital distribution service, Impulse. He also mentioned the company already sells Origin points and is open to doing something similar with GoG.
"Really, this doesn't affect anything we're doing with Impulse," Nix said. "We doubled the PC download business with the Impulse technology we acquired. We're happy with that. We're now online over 1600 SKUs, we'll continue to grow that and continue to invest in that."
"We're just offering options for customers. This in no way changes our investment or what we're doing with that business."
Minggu, 13 Mei 2012
Weekly Webcomic Wrapup is confused and scared
Earlier this week, for instance, I purchased blueberry-flavored Pop Tarts while grocery shopping, when I just as easily could have bought S'mores flavored. There wasn't even anyone else with me, it was a decision I made of my own volition and what's worse, I didn't even realize it until much, much later. This is just one example of the many, increasingly frequent health-conscious decisions I've made as of late.
So, I just wanted to tell you guys that I love you, while I still can. I don't know what is to become of me, but I want you to take these webcomics from last week, read them, vote for your favorites after the break, and enjoy. The old me would have wanted it that way.
Revenge of the Aparoids (Brawl in the Family)
The Warrior Spirit (Penny Arcade)
Hidden Power (Nerf Now!!)
Hands-On Experience (Awkward Zombie)
Canine Conundrum (Life in Aggro)
Good morning, here's the Dragon's Dogma launch trailer
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.
Buy the greatest song ever written (and other Sonic soundtracks) on iTunes
The pinnacle of all human achievement, "Open Your Heart" from the Sonic Adventure soundtrack, is now available on iTunes, as are a plethora of other Sonic-related albums from across the breadth of time and space. The soundtracks to Sonic Adventure, Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic CD and others can be yours for the paltry sum of $9.99 each, which is a small price to pay for 20 to 30 tracks per album of gloriously ridiculous nostalgia-metal.
Soundtracks for Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 and Episode 2 will be available before too long, according to Sega. Head on through to the other side for a full list of what's available now and how to get it.
- Sonic Adventure Original Soundtrack ' 20th Anniversary Edition (iTunes / $9.99)
- Sonic Adventure 2 Original Soundtrack ' 20th Anniversary Edition (iTunes / $9.99)
- Sonic Heroes Original Soundtrack ' 20th Anniversary Edition (iTunes / $9.99)
- Sonic CD Original Soundtrack ' 20th Anniversary Edition (iTunes / $9.99)
- Super Sonic Songs (The Best of Crush 40) (iTunes / $9.99)
- The Works (iTunes / $9.99)
- Sonic Colors Original Soundtrack ' ViViD SOUND × HYBRiD COLORS Vol. 1 (iTunes / $9.99)
- Sonic Colors Original Soundtrack ' ViViD SOUND × HYBRiD COLORS Vol. 2 (iTunes / $9.99)
- Sonic Colors Original Soundtrack ' ViViD SOUND x HYBRiD COLORS Vol. 3 (iTunes / $9.99)
Sabtu, 12 Mei 2012
Company of Heroes worth every penny at $2
Description
Company of Heroes is a WWII Real Time Strategy game that brings to life the journey of the brave men of Able Company as they fight across Europe in the greatest war mankind has ever known. From the studio that brought you the blockbuster games of the year Homeworld, Impossible Creatures and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War comes the next revolution in action strategy. Company of Heroes is a WWII Real Time Strategy game that brings to life the journey of the brave men of Able Company as they fight across Europe in the greatest war mankind has ever known. From the opening shots of the D-Day invasion of Normandy players will find themselves immersed in a rich single player campaign. Experience the cinematic intensity, courage, and bravery of the heroes that defined a generation, set against the backdrop of the most dynamic battlefield ever seen in a game.
Path of Exile free this weekend during stress test
Path of Exile was easily responsible for one of our oddest preview "appointments" ever and you can learn a lot more on the developer's detailed public stress weekend FAQ.
[Thanks, Repeats]
THQ won't have Gamescom booth either
THQ's Darksiders 2 was recently delayed until August. Gamescom is easily the largest video game consumer and trade show in the world, welcoming 275,000 visitors in 2011. THQ is currently going through some serious financial difficulties.
Jumat, 11 Mei 2012
Ghost Recon: Future Soldier's 'Arctic Strike' DLC due in July
UBISOFT ANNOUNCES TOM CLANCY'S GHOST RECON: FUTURE SOLDIER ARCTIC STRIKE DLC PACKAGE
WHAT: Today Ubisoft announced the first Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier DLC package, the Arctic Strike Map Pack. From the streets of Moscow to the far reaches of the Arctic, this all-new downloadable content pack extends your Ghost Recon Future Soldier experience with new multiplayer maps, a new multiplayer mode, a new Guerrilla Mode co-op map, and six additional weapons to give you the supreme edge over your enemies.
Arctic Strike will be available for purchase for 800 Microsoft points on Xbox Live or $9.99 on the PlayStation Network. It can be pre-ordered at GameStop and Best Buy.
WHEN: July 3, 2012
In Ghost Recon: Future Soldier join an elite team of highly trained, cut-throat special-ops soldiers. Armed to the teeth with unrivalled combat technology and cutting-edge military hardware, Ghost Recon takes you to the globe's most deadly warzones to hunt down the highest value targets.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier will be available on May 22nd for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the Sony PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. It will be released for Windows PC on June 12th.
For more news and information, please visit the game's official website at www.ghostrecon.com.
Jetpack Joyride beta now on Facebook
Halbfrick's Endless Joyride Now in Beta
BRISBANE, Australia - May, 11, 2012 - Buckle up joyriders...it's going to be a bumpy ride! Halfbrick, the leading Australian game developer behind the smash hit franchise Fruit Ninja, today announced that its chart-topping mobile sensation Jetpack Joyride is now available on Facebook. Currently in beta, this new, free-to-play version will bring one of the most popular mobile games to the world's largest social network.
Based on the extremely popular mobile version, Jetpack Joyride for Facebook stars the loveable Halfbrick hero Barry Steakfries on his latest adventure. Down on his luck, Barry discovers the ultimate opportunity to turn his boring life into one of adventure. Inside a "secret" evil laboratory filled with jetpacks and mysterious obstacles, he commandeers the fun-fueled technology to escape atop a shower of bullets, rainbows, bubbles and more in an addictive endless runner style action game.
"With Jetpack Joyride's success on the iOS platform, it only made sense for us to bring Barry and his mischievousness to the entire Facebook community," said Phil Larsen, chief marketing officer at Halfbrick. "The active and casual nature of Facebook gaming allows us to do even more with the beloved franchise and focus on the game's addictive competitive elements and endless replayability."
This new version of Jetpack Joyride will allow players to compete with friends on Facebook by dodging obstacles, collecting coins and piloting vehicles in pursuit of the high score. Through microtransactions and achievements, joyriders looking to take the top spot can customize Barry and upgrade his gear with the craziest technology, like coin magnets, x-ray specs, score boosting bombs and even a Golden Piggy jetpack. In addition, players will also be able to save in-game screenshots directly on to their Facebook pages.
Already a breakout success on the mobile platform, Jetpack Joyride has eclipsed 25 million downloads and has earned a 90% aggregated score on Metacritic - higher than any other mobile title. The game was also a Spike Video Game Award nominee for Best Handheld/Mobile Game in 2011.
Jetpack Joyride is currently available on Facebook through the public beta. To check out Jetpack Joyride on Facebook, visit: apps.facebook.com/jetpackjoyride
To download Jetpack Joyride on iOS devices, visit: http://itunes.apple.com/app/jetpack-joyride/id457446957?mt=8
For more information about Halfbrick and Jetpack Joyride, visit: http://www.halfbrick.com
About Halfbrick
Founded in 2001, Halfbrick has been on the forefront of the Australian game development industry for more than a decade. After years of experience developing licensed titles for platforms such as Game Boy® Advance, Nintendo DS' and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), the studio has begun expanding its portfolio with a range of original self-published games for downloadable platforms. In 2010, Halfbrick became one of the most well known independent developers in the world with the success of Fruit Ninja, Monster Dash and Age of Zombies on mobile devices, and other releases such as Raskulls and Fruit Ninja Kinect on Xbox LIVE® Arcade. The studio continues to create fun and unique games and looks to explore new opportunities and technologies in the world of casual games development.
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