Coming to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC during Take-Two's fiscal year 2013 beginning on April 1, 2012, Borderlands 2 is the sequel to the four-player Role-Playing Shooter loot fest.
Developed by Brothers-in-Arms creator, Gearbox Software, Aliens: Colonial Marines is a squad-based first-person shooter which recaptures the tension, horror and combat of the movies that created the sci-fi action horror genre. In the game, players battle Aliens using a variety of awesome weapons including pulse-rifles and flamethrowers, plus brand-new equipment and skills. Aliens: Colonial Marines will retain the atmospheric look and feel of the original films while leveraging next-generation technology to create an entirely new interactive Aliens experience. Claustrophobic environments, a brooding soundtrack, and a multitude of surprises and shocks will take the tension and action to unparalleled levels. Game modes include a single-player campaign plus four-person multiplayer player co-op.
Escape Mode to Debut at PAX Prime 2012 in Seattle
SAN FRANCISCO (August 30, 2012) - SEGA® of America, Inc. and Gearbox Software today announced Escape mode, a new competitive multiplayer mode, for its highly anticipated blockbuster Aliens: Colonial Marines' video game, launching February 12, 2013 worldwide. With a competitive death match game mode already revealed earlier in the year, Escape mode is the second in a number of competitive multiplayer modes for Aliens: Colonial Marines and will challenge players in an intense scenario against the universe's deadliest killers, the Xenomorph. Escape mode will debut at PAX Prime 2012, August 31 ' September 2, in Seattle. SEGA's booth covers numbers 242 and 252 on the show floor.
An exhilarating experience for fans of the ALIENS universe, Escape mode puts the four-person US Colonial Marines team on the offensive against a four-player Xenomorph team. The Colonial Marines must blast their way through the fast-paced map in order to escape the attacking Xenomorphs, who in return will try to eliminate their prey as quickly as possible. Under the pressure and limited in time, players will have to work together as a team, utilizing each faction's unique skills, and identifying their opponents' weak spots to either reach the safety of the escape point or to eliminate their targets.
In addition to a host of stations with the brand new Escape mode playable at SEGA's PAX booth (number 242 and 252), fans can experience the threat of the aliens firsthand and climb inside SEGA's custom-made 16 foot powerloader statue with an attacking Xenomorph on it and have their picture taken. Players up for the challenge can also compete in daily Team Deathmatch competitions against the team from Gearbox Software for the chance to win Aliens: Colonial Marines prize packs. Competitions will be held at Alienware's PAX booth, number 3636. See http://www.alienwarearena.com/news/768/alienware-pax-prime-2012 for details.
In partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products and developed by critically acclaimed studio Gearbox Software, Aliens: Colonial Marines will bring new levels of bone-chilling suspense and adrenaline-filled action to the renowned franchise. As the authentic addition to the ALIENS franchise canon, the game's stunning visuals and adrenaline pumping action will deliver a breathtakingly immersive four-player drop-in drop-out cooperative campaign and expansive competitive multiplayer mode. Providing for an innovative asymmetrical competitive multiplayer experience, Aliens: Colonial Marines lets players fight in first person as the ultimate badasses ' the United States Colonial Marines, or in third person as the universe's deadliest killers ' the Xenomorphs. Plunging into familiar and new environments from the iconic film franchise, players will have to fight the fear and face the true horrors of the ALIENS universe.
Aliens: Colonial Marines will be available in stores across the globe on February 12, 2013 on PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC. A release date for the announced Wii U' version will be revealed at a later time.
MARVEL VS. CAPCOM ORIGINS offers both the one-on-one gameplay of Marvel Super Heroes with its unique Infinity Gem system and the two-on-two carnage of the original Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes, featuring a tag system, assists, and the wild Duo Team Attack. Bringing forth a host of features never before seen in these games, MARVEL VS. CAPCOM ORIGINS adds GGPO-enhanced online play with 8-player lobbies and spectator mode, HD graphical upgrades, dynamic challenges and replay saving.
Montopia casts players in the role of a "monster trainer" as they venture through the countryside, collect monsters (over 400 of them) from treasure chests and send them into battle. Monsters each have an elemental affinity ' fire, water, wood ' and can be fused together to increase their stats and also to breed new monsters. As Games.com notes, both health points and energy are used to "limit a single gameplay session," in traditional Zynga style. In-game cash is also available for purchase with real cash.
Maybe it's getting redundant to say this about Zynga games, but we'd be remiss in our duties if we didn't mention that Montopia looks just a little familiar. Check out a trailer from the game's Japanese release above.
A live, real-time demonstration of Epic's "Epic Citadel" app, which has been released for iOS and Flash, was shown on the Asus Vivo Tab RT, the device formerly known as Tablet 600.
"The Unreal Engine 3-powered 'Epic Citadel' demonstration for Windows RT tablets implements our full DirectX 9 pipeline, with shaders and materials, all running beautifully on Tegra 3," said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games. "By porting the full engine as opposed to a modified mobile version, NVIDIA and Epic have made it easy for UE3 developers around the world to bring their best content to Windows RT, Windows 8, and NVIDIA's Tegra 3 processor. Windows RT code is available to licensees from Epic now and we're excited to see the great games they develop with it."
Read more at NVIDIA's blog, http://blogs.nvidia.com/?p=14245.
Epic also announced that Unreal Engine 3 licensees may access Windows RT code at the Unreal Developer Network (UDN).
In other Unreal Engine-related event news, Epic's senior technical artist and level designer, Alan Willard, will showcase the Unreal Engine 4 (UE4) "Elemental" real-time demonstration this Saturday, September 1, at NVIDIA's PAX Prime booth (#3747) from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. PDT.
###
About Unreal Engine
Developed by Epic Games, the award-winning Unreal Engine is known for its cutting-edge graphics, best-of-breed toolset and scalability across major platforms. Operating on nine platforms, including PC, consoles and mobile devices, Unreal Engine 3 is designed to accelerate developers' productivity for creating high-quality games, applications, training simulations, 3D visualizations, digital films and animated entertainment. Powering hundreds of games and integrated with two dozen leading middleware technologies, Unreal Engine 3 holds more than 20 technology awards, including seven Game Developer Front Line Awards and five Develop Industry Excellence Awards. The Unreal Engine also holds a seat in the Front Line Awards Hall of Fame. Epic recently revealed Unreal Engine 4, which offers unprecedented graphical capabilities and workflow improvements that provide unparalleled accessibility for developers building the next generation of games and applications. For additional information, please visit http://www.unrealengine.com.
About Epic Games
Established in 1991, Epic Games, Inc. develops cutting-edge games and cross-platform game engine technology. The company is responsible for the bestselling "Unreal" series of games, the blockbuster "Gears of War" franchise and the groundbreaking "Infinity Blade" line of mobile games. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology has won dozens of awards and is available for licensing. Epic is continually recruiting top talent for its studios located in North Carolina, Utah, Maryland, Poland, Korea and Japan. Additional information about Epic can be obtained at http://www.epicgames.com.
Epic, Epic Games, Gears of War, Infinity Blade, Unreal, Unreal Developer Network, UDN, Unreal Engine, UE3, UE4 and Unreal Tournament are trademarks or registered trademarks of Epic Games, Inc. in the United States of America and elsewhere. All rights reserved.
In Bastion, players to take control of the Kid, a young survivor who wakes to a world that has crumbled around him, and has no one to help him but an old man who believes he holds the key to bringing things back to the way they were. In addition to pitting players against a host of savage creatures using a variety of unconventional weapons, Bastion features stunning high-resolution artwork, a deep original story, and an innovative reactive narration system that responds to players' actions throughout the adventure.
While the trilogy app itself will be free to download, the games themselves (Ace Attorney, Justice for All and Trials and Tribulations) must be purchased, either separately or as a bundle, with the first two chapters of Ace Attorney serving as a demo. At the moment, no pricing information has been given, either for the games' individual costs or their bundle total.
The port also includes "Everybody Object" mode, which allows the user to email or tweet animated gifs and sound files of Phoenix Wright catch phrases, which we're sure will not be abused or instantly run into the ground by every single person we know.
Capcom has ruled that court is back in session with the announcement of Phoenix Wright': Ace Attorney' Trilogy HD for iOS devices. Re-created in beautiful HD, this compilation features the first three games in the popular Ace Attorney series: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice for All, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations.The games follow the unforgettable career of eccentric defense attorney Phoenix Wright as he must prove his seemingly guilty client's innocence, no matter how dire the circumstances. Each of the three games include all gameplay content originally enjoyed in the Nintendo DS versions with re-mastered HD graphics as well as responsive on-screen controls fine-tuned for the iOS platform allowing for easy navigation using simple swipe commands.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy HD will also come with the "Everyone Object" mode (at no additional cost) to help players communicate their displeasure of everyday situations with the help of popular Ace Attorney characters and sayings. With a simple touch of a button, the phrases, "Objection!", "Hold it!", and "Take that!" can be emailed to friends or tweeted along with an animated image.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy HD will be available for download for free this autumn on iOS devices (iOS 5.0 is required to run the application), with each full game in the trilogy available for purchase individually or as a bundle. The first two chapters of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney will be available as a free demo.
Released in 1993, the original X-COM is widely regarded as one of the best games ever made and has now been re-imagined by the strategy experts at Firaxis Games. X-COM: Enemy Unknown will expand on that legacy with an entirely new invasion story, enemies and technologies to fight aliens and defend Earth. Players will control the fate of the human race through researching alien technologies, creating and managing a fully operational base, planning combat missions and controlling soldier movement in battle.
The pioneers that brought you the award-winning PlayStation Network titles flOw and Flower are back with another title that challenges traditional gaming conventions. With Journey, thatgamecompany (TGC) continues its tradition of delivering simple gameplay and accessible controls in a rich interactive environment that invites players to explore and experience emotional chords that are still uncommon in video games. An exotic adventure with a more serious tone, Journey presents TGC's unique vision of an online adventure experience. Awakening in an unknown world, the player walks, glides, and flies through a vast and awe-inspiring landscape, while discovering the history of an ancient, mysterious civilization along the way. Journey's innovative approach to online play encourages players to explore this environment with strangers who cross their path from time to time. By traveling together, they can re-shape the experience, creating authentic moments they will remember and discuss with others.
The American Colonies, 1775. A brave young warrior fights to save his homeland. But what begins as a struggle over territory turns into an extraordinary journey that will transform him into a Master Assassin'and will forever change the destiny of a nation. You are Connor, warrior son of a Native American mother and British father. As the colonies draw closer to revolution, you will dedicate your life to the freedom of your clan 'becoming the spark that ignites the revolution into full blaze. Your crusade will take you through blood-soaked battlefields to crowded city streets, to perilous wilderness and beyond. You will not only witness history'you will make it. Set against the backdrop of one of the bloodiest Revolutions in world history, prepare to be drawn back into the centuries old battle between the Assassin's Order and their sworn enemy, the Templars. Unleash lethal new skills and experience a stunningly realistic world created by Anvil Next, a new engine that redefines gaming. Welcome to an entirely new chapter in the Assassin's Creed saga.
SpyParty is a spy game about human behavior, performance, perception, and deception. While most espionage games have you spend your time shooting stuff, blowing stuff up, and driving fast, SpyParty has you hide in plain sight, deceive your opponent, and detect subtle behavioral tells to achieve your objectives. Unlike the suave and confident spies you might find in films or books, most spies in spy games are more like super powered commandos, more Rambo than James Bond. By contrast, SpyParty is a new and quite different game about the more interesting and deeper aspects of being a spy.
Resident Evil 6 features three distinct, yet interwoven story threads, each with their own pair of protagonists for either solo or co-op play, both offline and online. Leon S. Kennedy is paired with US government agent Helena Harper, while Chris Redfield teams up with fellow BSAA member Piers Nivans. Finally, gun for hire and son of the infamous Albert Wesker, Jake Muller, is joined by Sherry Birkin, the daughter of former key Umbrella scientists, William and Annette. All six must face a new horror - the highly virulent C-virus that has been unleashed on an unsuspecting and unprepared world, creating new and deadly transformations.
Hecker calls the new style "illustrative," and he's extremely pleased with it.
"We spent a ton of time trying to figure out the best possible art style for the game," Hecker tells Joystiq. "We really wanted the art style to reflect the same level of subtlety that the gameplay has. I didn't want it to be too realistic or too exaggerated, and I think we hit it on this really nice, call it naturalistic or illustrative ' they look like illustrations. I'm super excited."
It will still be "a while" before the new models are let loose in the game, but when they debut it will be with a new batch of names, rather than disrespecting the current characters by transferring their names over. A lot of people in the beta have grown fond of the current, placeholder characters, so much so that Hecker expects a fair amount of internet backlash when the switch occurs."I realized that transferring the old names would be bad, since I want to show respect for them, so I'm going to retire their jerseys, so to speak, and choose all new names," Hecker says.
Hecker expects SpyParty will have a cast of 20-30 characters, and he and Cimino still have to figure out the aesthetic of each environment, build a new animation system, and keep the ongoing beta up and running. For a two-man team, this is a tall order.
"Although we doubled the team size, it's still only two people," as Hecker puts it.
In a game based on subtlety and the tiniest details, these bold new designs will impact gameplay, of course.
"Gameplay is by far the top priority. If for whatever mystical reason I can't change the art at all without totally fucking up the gameplay, I will ship the current art," Hecker says. "I do not think that will be necessary though. I think that we can make a beautiful game both design-wise and visually."
The new characters are more visually noisy, and at the same time more distinctive, meaning Hecker and Cimino will have to spend a lot of time tuning saturation levels and finding the perfect balance between physical appeal and play.
SpyParty and its cast of new designs will make an appearance at PAX, starting August 31. Hecker has 7-foot-high banners of each new character to place somewhere ' somehow ' within his 10-by-10 booth.
"I put them up in my living room and you just couldn't move," he says. "But they're really cool looking."
After seeing just the 7-inch-high models, we have to agree.
That sense of friendship between people and pets is a special one, but what about its translation in the land of video games? Pets like Angelo from Final Fantasy VIII and King from EarthBound have fought beside their owners. Some take on even more skills, such as the player's dog in Fable 2. Other pets laugh at your misfortunes, as infamously seen in Duck Hunt. Even an unreleased game like The Last Guardian, which is centered around the friendship between a boy and a gigantic creature, has players already worried about the creature's fate.
Pets and players have an interesting and varying bond, but a bond nonetheless. If you have one, cuddle up with your pet while checking out last week's webcomics, and then vote for your favorite after the break!
Touchdown (Dave the Direman)
Print is dead long live print (Fanboys Online)
Retreated Rarity (Hejibits)
Lost Opportunity (Nerf Now!!)
Warped (Awkward Zombie)
Thief 3 Dilemma (Dorkly)
Civilization (Blow the Cartridge)
Shaken, Not Stirred (Life in Aggro)
Madden NFL 13 is all-new from boot up to credits. Every mode, every screen, every pixel has been reinvented delivering the most innovative, connected, and authentic Madden NFL experience in franchise history.
"There was always going to be people who saw new Dante and who didn't want it, and that's fine. Being angry about it ' yeah I get that ' but we always said, 'When you see the game and you play it, trust me, you're going to understand that we were doing the right thing.' Now that's happening," Jones tells VG24/7. "So yeah it's vindication, but it's not like smugly sitting back and going 'ha ha.' It's more like, 'We understand why you guys had doubts, and we knew that we had to prove this to you, and we were happy to do it.' That was our responsibility."
Despite Dante's new look, Jones says there's a lot to the character that will be familiar to fans of the series ' and not just his twin pistols and sword. "He's still irreverent, he's still ' at the end of the day ' the guy who will kick your ass and drop a cool one liner afterwards."
The interview delves into story and other philosophies behind Ninja Theory's reboot, so hit up the source link below to read the full interview.
Also, we discovered that "Tommy Wiseau" does not turn up any results using people search. You're tearing him apart, Netflix.
Regardless of which wave they're in, characters come in fixed packs of two: Ken vs. Steve, Cammy vs. Nina, Poison vs. Lili and Sagat vs. King (above) make up November's offering. Wave two, said to release sometime in February, pits Chun-Li vs. Hwoarang, Abel vs. Kazuya, Ryu vs. Yoshimitsu and Rufus vs. Julia, all of whom can be seen after the break. No word on pricing, but we do know that some pairs will be more rare than others.
Taking full advantage of the power of PS3, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune is developed using proprietary technology that promises to impress players with incredibly realistic characters and lifelike environments. Building on its legacy of extraordinary storytelling, Naughty Dog has created an elaborate plot that will have players guessing at every turn. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, brings players into a world ripe with realism and unexpected juxtapositions. A fallible hero akin to those depicted in pulp-adventure genre films, Nathan Drake brings a humanity and believability never seen before in video gaming, enabled entirely through PS3 technology advancements.
Cambridge, Mass. ' August 22nd, 2012 ' Harmonix is excited to announce an exciting new social application for Rock Band' Blitz and Rock Band 3 players - Rock Band World!
Coming to Facebook alongside the release of Rock Band Blitz this August, Rock Band World is a brand new full-featured companion application that will allow players to collaborate and compete with other Rock Band fans using the world's largest social network! Players can work alone, team up with friends, or band together with the Rock Band community to complete Goals. Rockers can also directly challenge their friends (or rivals!) to Score Wars to see who's got the best Rock Band Blitz chops!
"When designing Rock Band World we wanted to extend the player experience beyond the console in exciting new and social ways," said Project Director Matthew Nordhaus. "By letting Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 players link both Rock Band Blitz and Rock Band 3 to their large, already established social network, we're opening up some great opportunities for competitive and collaborative gameplay. We can't wait to start engaging the community with weekly Goals, and we look forward to seeing how fierce competition can get with Rock Band Blitz Score Wars!"
Rock Band World adds new ways to play for Rock Band Blitz players, but also adds value for fans of Rock Band 3! Players will be able to browse the 3800+ song Rock Band catalog, get detailed statistics on their own in-game performance, and much more!
Players can find Rock Band World at http://apps.facebook.com/rock-band-world/!
For a deeper look at Rock Band World in action, check out our feature video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW9M5t1fti4&feature=youtu.be!
Rock Band Blitz is scheduled for release on PlayStation®Network on August 28th for $14.99 and Xbox LIVE Arcade on August 29th for 1200 MS Points. For the latest assets, including screenshots and the game logo, please visit http://www.rockband.com/press/blitz.
Website Links:
For more information, please visit:
Rock Band Blitz website
For more information on Rock Band Blitz, Rock Band 3 and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.rockband.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.
© 2012 Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Harmonix, Rock Band, Rock Band Blitz, Rock Band World and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. Rock Band Blitz, Rock Band World, and other related products and services developed by Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
Xbox LIVE is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and or other countries.
"PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
For the last quarter of a century, Microsoft has used the "Pacman logo", as designed by Scott Baker in 1987. The slash between the o and s was supposed to represent the motion and speed of the company and its products. Microsoft chose to change the logo to "visually accentuate" a new beginning in the form of Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, the next version of Office ' and maybe the next version of Xbox?
Take a look at an intro video from Microsoft below the break.
The American Colonies, 1775. A brave young warrior fights to save his homeland. But what begins as a struggle over territory turns into an extraordinary journey that will transform him into a Master Assassin'and will forever change the destiny of a nation. You are Connor, warrior son of a Native American mother and British father. As the colonies draw closer to revolution, you will dedicate your life to the freedom of your clan 'becoming the spark that ignites the revolution into full blaze. Your crusade will take you through blood-soaked battlefields to crowded city streets, to perilous wilderness and beyond. You will not only witness history'you will make it. Set against the backdrop of one of the bloodiest Revolutions in world history, prepare to be drawn back into the centuries old battle between the Assassin's Order and their sworn enemy, the Templars. Unleash lethal new skills and experience a stunningly realistic world created by Anvil Next, a new engine that redefines gaming. Welcome to an entirely new chapter in the Assassin's Creed saga.
WHAT: Today Ubisoft announced the Raven Strike DLC pack, the second Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier DLC package. A throwback to traditional Ghost Recon gameplay, Raven Strike features larger maps, complex missions and an increased level of difficulty. It contains three campaign missions and a new Guerilla Mode map, each playable with up to four players. Raven Strike will be available on September 11th for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the Sony PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. It will be available on Windows PC at a later date.
Additionally, Ubisoft disclosed that the Ghost Recon: Future Soldier development team is hard at work on further DLC content planned for release later this fall.
Raven Strike DLC content includes:
3 new missions in Campaign Mode
' Secure Dawn: a foggy marsh in Kazakhstan where the Ghosts will not be allowed access to advanced technology (no optical camouflage, drone or sensor grenade)
' Cold Walker: a train depot on the Russian countryside
' Argent Thunder: a nighttime urban setting in Moscow
1 new map in Guerrilla Mode
' Sawmill: face 50 waves of enemies on a foggy Russian countryside
Raven Strike will be available for purchase for 1200 Microsoft points on Xbox Live or $14.99 on the PlayStation Network. It can be pre-ordered at GameStop and Best Buy.
WHEN:
' September 11, 2012 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the Sony PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system
In Ghost Recon: Future Soldier join an elite team of highly trained, cut-throat special-ops soldiers. Armed to the teeth with unrivaled 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 is now available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Sony PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC.
For more news and information, please visit the game's official website at www.ghostrecon.com.
InXile's Brian Fargo doesn't seem to be involved, as he tweeted, "I just read that Interplay is bringing back Black Isle. Hmmm... Not enough info for me to comment." We've already reached out to Obsidian ' where many ex-Black Islers went when the studio shut down in 2003 ' and have yet to hear back.
Update: Interplay CEO and entrepreneur Herve Caen is behind the resurrection of Black Isle, we're told. The studio's website is also registered to Interplay, per WHOIS search. It's unclear who ' if anyone ' from the original Black Isle staff is involved with the studio.
Update 2: Obsidian tells Joystiq that the new Black Isle, "Doesn't involve Obsidian at all." We've yet to hear back from Interplay or Herve Caen.
No word yet on an official US release date, but we do know that the European GOTY box will feature a smörgåsbord of DLC, including four class skin packs, two different co-op multiplayer modes and six different multiplayer maps. It also comes bundled with an artistic music video and additional vocals by New Zealand singer/songwriter Kimbra. Wait, we might be confused again.
The Red expansion pack ' an update from back in May that added co-op gameplay, a new unit, a new game mode and a host of new missions ' is also included in this collector's edition package. Frozen Synapse: Collector's Edition will be exclusive to UK retailers and launches on September 7.
NEW YORK - August 21, 2012 - Paradox Interactive has decreed that pre-orders shall now be accepted for War of the Roses, the upcoming medieval squad-based combat title developed by Fatshark. Every knight loyal enough to purchase their copies in advance will be rewarded with delightful bonuses by the noble publisher. A new trailer has been released to celebrate this occasion, featuring the two factions of War of the Roses charging towards their favorite stores and trampling any who dare stand between them and the game.
Find out more about the pre-order here: waroftherosesthegame.com/buy
A new website has also been published for War of the Roses, available at waroftherosesthegame.com , where gamers can get a glimpse of all of the medieval mayhem waiting for them when the game launches. Screenshots and trailers aplenty can be viewed as many times as it takes to temporarily sate one's blood-lust, plus visitors can join the forums to discuss the best methods for separating a knight from his horse. There is even a leaderboard on the website, waiting to be filled with the names of the Internet's hardiest warriors.
Watch the new trailer here:
View the video at http://youtu.be/Om-6khGD7jY
To learn more about War of the Roses, visit the new website, or see Paradox Interactive at www.paradoxplaza.com .
About Paradox Interactive
Since 1999, Paradox Interactive has been a leading global publisher of PC-based strategy games. Its steadily-growing portfolio includes firmly established PC franchises such as the critically acclaimed Europa Universalis, Crusader Kings, Hearts of Iron and Magicka.
2012-2013 will be Paradox Interactive's most ambitious line-up of titles to date with such anticipated releases as War of the Roses, Starvoid, A Game of Dwarves, The Showdown Effect, Dungeonland and Europa Universalis IV. It is also expanding its presence in the free-to-play arena with upcoming games such as Salem: The Crafting MMO.
The last update we had on Vita sales was back in May, when Sony CEO Kaz Hirai said the system sold 1.8 million units worldwide ' meaning the console moved around 200K units each month in May and June. For some context, before the Nintendo 3DS received its price cut to $170 ' and just days after its US launch ' the then $250 handheld had sold 1.41 million units more than the Vita's current lifetime sales. As of September 2011 (one month after the price drop), the 3DS was at 6.68 million units sold worldwide ' or more than triple where the Vita's selling at right now. "Yikes" is the word we'd use to describe that situation.
A strong showing of Vita games at Gamescom 2012 and the subsequent launch of said games will hopefully bolster the Vita's sales numbers. We sure aren't gonna see a price cut anytime soon.
Richard Mitchell: This is a good moment to point out how the turn-based nature of XCOM changes the formula many gamers are used to. For example, thanks to my new zombie pal, I was able to move my shotgunner closer to your front line. In a real-time game, it would be very risky to move two units out into the open like that. In the case of XCOM, however, you essentially had to choose one or the other. You could probably kill one, but I doubted you could kill both (not to mention my Cyberdisc that was still hovering within range as well).But the really important part, and what truly swung the match in my favor at the end, was my sniper. Using her grappling hook, I zipped her to the top of the bus and moved into position. Again though, this was very risky, because I had to wait another turn before she could fire. For all I knew, you were about to pick her off and my grand plan would have crumbled.
Fantasy football, for those unfamiliar, is an annual meta-game of sorts centered around the NFL season, in which players get points every week for the on-field actions performed by real-life football players selected for their "team." It turns into a game of human chess for those deeply involved, as strategically picking the best receivers and running backs for a flex position in a given week can be the culmination of hours of pouring over statistics, or waiting for news alerts on whether that nagging ankle sprain is really that serious.
Needless to say, I'm in a few fantasy football leagues, and gearing up for the crucial draft days ahead has resulted in an embarrassing amount of time spent on reading about backup running backs in practice. I hear webcomics make for a nice break from the madness, however, so I encourage you to join me in checking out last week's funnies, and then voting for your favorite after the break!
Clues (Ctrl+Alt+Del)
Crazy Taxi (Digital Pimp Online)
Goldeneye (Magical Game Time)
Used Games (Dave the Direman)
Up Root (Legacy Control)
Enchanted Executable (Hejibits)
The Best Pokemon Team Ever (Brawl in the Family)
Transition Engineer (Penny Arcade)
Silent Hunter Online sees the return of the large array of historically accurate submarines that made the franchise famous, and invites players to experience them online in new ways. At the heart of the game is "The Battle of the Atlantic," an innovative dynamic campaign in which individual successes impact all other players through the asynchronous gameplay. Also, for the first time in the Silent Hunter series, players will be able to play every mission of the campaign in co-op.
Gamescom 2013 is scheduled for next August 21-25 in Cologne. Like our previous roundups of official and unofficial stats, you can find 2012's after the break.
While waiting for my SimCity hands-on, I checked out The Sims 3's new seasons and supernatural expansions. Seasons looks lush, with the landscape shifting every seven in-game days, which can always be altered by the player. Leave it as Hoth if you want it or keep it as an everlasting springtime of rejuvination.
Beyond seeing the potential for Being Human with the supernatural expansion, there's also the option to get your Twilight on. Yes, there are sparkly vampires. Drink a potion and vampires receive vampiric sunblock that makes them sparkle.
The Sims 3 Supernatural expansion will be available in September, Seasons will release in November. My suburban epic of supernatural drama will be fully realized by the holidays.
OnLive is entering what is known in California as an "Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors," or an "ABC," (a form of bankruptcy) wherein an "assignee" (a person, persons, or entity) takes over the assets of the current company ' in OnLive's case, this means "the software, hardware, network architecture, our logo, all that stuff," according to Perlman ' in an effort to lighten the previous company's debts and get its creditors paid off. Thus the "Benefit of Creditors" part of that acronym.
Perlman didn't say who that assignee was during the company's meeting, only referring to him as "an extraordinary guy" (not an entity), and a "very accomplished and well known venture capitalist" who is "very wealthy." The unknown assignee apparently believes that OnLive "is the entire future of everything," Perlman told employees. Unfortunately, he isn't wealthy enough to bring on the 150-200 people that OnLive employed.
"Here's the tough part, and this is the thing I'm very sorry to say: it's just not possible for one individual in a startup ' whether it's that old startup or this new startup ' to bring in this many people into a company," Perlman said. Without giving numbers, Perlman said that, in the new company, "the people that come on board are the essential people, as needed, to go and accomplish that goal of getting this thing to cash-flow positive."
He prefaced that news with a stinging reality: "The people that are gonna be coming on board here, that will come out of the group ... I'm gonna tell you, most of the people will not be coming on board."
So, what caused the sudden implosion of the gaming industry's most successful consumer-facing Cloud Streaming service? In so many words: scale. "There's no way to exactly estimate how many servers we'd need. So we literally bought thousands of them, and all the equipment and networks to go with it," Perlman told employees. Those servers, he said, came with lengthy contracts ' contracts that tied OnLive's capital up in maintaining servers that few (if any) users were actually using. "If you've got 8,000 servers and 1,600 users, how could we ever get to cash flow positive, right?" Perlman rhetorically asked employees during the meeting.Beyond the servers, Perlman said the company "dramatically expanded the number of employees" during its past few years. And during those years, it never downscaled to account for its lacking user base. "We made it through the whole recession without any disconnects, any layoffs, or any down rounds," Perlman boasted toward the end of the meeting.
Going forward, the employees who won't be joining the new venture are being offered "a very simple consulting arrangement." Former employees who help smooth the transition to the new startup will be offered stock options in the new venture. If at some point that new venture becomes profitable (read: gets sold or goes public), those options gain value. If not, the stock remains worthless. Additionally, any stock that former employees own in the original company ("OnLive, Inc.") are now valueless. This includes the preferred stock options offered to executives.
Perlman expressed regret several times during the speech. He even directly accepted blame for the whole mess. "I'm the one that brought you here. I'm the one that ultimately made decisions. And I'm the one that ultimately takes responsibility. So I am sorry, and it didn't end up exactly as we'd hoped," he said.
OnLive reps are adamant that the service will continue, uninterrupted, during the transition process, and "future products and services" are also unaffected.
If you're a former employee and you'd like to contact us, we'd appreciate hearing from you.
CastleStorm is a hybrid of 2D archery and 2D physics-based structure destruction games. Peace has been upon the realm for centuries. Knights and Vikings have forgotten past grievances, living in civilized coexistence, deriving the benefits of immortality from colorful jewels betrothed by the beautiful Peace Goddess. However, all good things must come to an end, and ominous clouds of war are on the horizon when the Knights' jewel is stolen and delivered to the hand of the Vikings. It is time to take up arms, deploy mighty warriors, harness the power of the ballista, and master magical spells in your quest to recover the stolen jewel and restore peace to the realm. CastleStorm features colorful enchanted environments, magical spells, and an arsenal fit for above-average medieval warriors.
A visual update isn't what Arcen Games initially planned on integrating, however. Update 1.3 is a reactionary measure to a few things, including the launch of Diablo 3.
A Valley Without Wind was selling three times better than Arcen Games' first title, AI War, when it first hit Steam on April 24. "Then a funny thing happened ' Diablo 3 came out," Park writes. "Literally the next day, our sales plummeted to one-tenth the value they had been the day prior. The whole game industry saw a contraction, even on the iOS, for a week or two there, from what I could tell. Keith remarked that it was like 'a massive whale jumping out of the ocean and the ocean level falling for everyone else.'"
Now, to generate more interest from the press (you know us so well, Arcen) and to satisfy fan demand for better art, Arcen Games hired Heavy Cat Studios to rework the visuals. The team should be done with the reskin in November, along with a dozen new spells and more updates, making the final product A Valley Without Wind 2.0.
A Valley Without Wind is finishing a run as Steam's Daily Deal right now, with just a few hours left. Check it out for cheap here, and read about Arcen Games' update details and anti-Kickstarter philosophy in Park's blog post here.
A heroic tale of redemption and discovery, Disney Epic Mickey is an adventure-platforming game with light role-playing elements for the Nintendo Wii, featuring an iconic and retro Mickey Mouse inspired by cartoons of the 1920s and 1930s. Pulled into a warped Disney universe called the Cartoon Wasteland by an evil villain, Mickey finds himself in a world inhabited by the retired and forgotten cartoon characters and attractions from Disney's past. Mickey must use the very elements of animation, paint and paint thinner, to explore the Cartoon Wasteland, find the source of evil that is destroying the land, and redeem his fellow cartoon characters including Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney's first cartoon star and Mickey's resentful half-brother. With visionary game designer Warren Spector behind the title, players choose their own path to defeat supreme evil, face the consequences of those decisions and ultimately free the Cartoon Wasteland.
Sam is back in his tactical suit and goggles, and he's more deadly than ever. He is the only secret operative with the power to act above the law, and uses ruthless methods to interrogate enemies in order to extract crucial information that will prevent the next Blacklist attack
"We tried to retain certain motifs that were essential to the character," Capcom producer Motohide Eshiro told Joystiq at Gamescom. "So he retains the silver hair, he retains the blue coloration of his outfit and the refinement of the character. Storyline-wise, as to how he may or may not interact directly with Dante and certain effects on gameplay, this is something we'll talk about at a later date. The biggest change, the visual, the way he interacts with the storyline, is quite different than what we've seen before. There's more to come; watch this space."
When we asked directly if Vergil would be a playable character in DmC, Eshiro laughed and said, motioning to the PR rep in the room, "No comment there, or else he'll have to murder us, I think."
The emphasis on Vergil's classic features was in no way a reactionary measure to fan backlash when Dante's new look was revealed, Eshiro said. Capcom and Ninja Theory had Vergil planned before the public saw Dante, and both teams knew exactly what they wanted then. Along with the traditional aspects of Vergil's appearance, the longstanding tension between him and Dante will play a part in DmC's story as well.
Dante's other, smaller companion in DmC, a psychic named Kat, has more to offer than advice on navigating Limbo City's demonic and earth-bound worlds, Eshiro said. She's not necessarily a love interest, but she does help Dante connect with deeper emotions than his initial rush of vengeance and anger.
As for any other cameos from classic Devil May Cry names, Eshiro said, "There are plenty of characters we haven't yet touched on. We're not ready to talk about what other characters are in the game just yet, but rest assured there will be some forthcoming news."
One scene in particular featuring Way's writing and North's performance during the hands-off demo at Gamescom stood out. During an elevator ride Deadpool does an all-out performance of Patsy Kline's "Crazy."
The gameplay itself is still in a very early state. For the most part, it currently looks like your average third-person character action adventure that's gunning for an M-rating (as it should!). The combat features plenty of blood to go along with the button mashing. If you think back to X-Men Origins: Wolverine from a couple years back, we're treading a nearly similar path.
Of course, the main difference between Deadpool and Wolverine is that while having an adamantium skeleton apparently makes everything super serious, Deadpool is having fun and that's where the character shines. He's a comic book character who knows he's a comic book character. In the game, he's a comic book character who knows he's in a video game.
There's also a clever moment of "why are we doing this?" at the beginning that involves inflating a bouncy castle. Showing that Deadpool always has an angle, the totally random bouncy castle he inflated is used to save him from a debilitating fall, after he rides his mark like a Dr. Strangelove bomb off the top of a skyscraper.
Deadpool is sounding and feeling great in the character department, now it's just a wait-and-see approach to the way the combat looks and plays. There's still plenty of time with a 2013 release targeted for the game.
Allowing players that much freedom ' the freedom to potentially break the game ' must be a nightmare for quality assurance, I tell Arkane Studios' co-creative director Harvey Smith. "It's not just a nightmare for QA," he says, "it's a nightmare for us as well."
"It's so much easier to make a game where you unlock things at the right time," he says. If, for example, a certain power is unlocked in the third mission, you know that players won't be able to use it in the second mission. You can "bullet-proof" against any game-breaking issues that way, he says. Creating this sort of closed, curated experience is simpler from a design perspective, and allows developers to spend "many many more hours polishing, making it more cinematic-like" says Smith.On the other hand, with all the systems at play in Dishonored ' stealth, a variety of powers, multiple entrances, numerous weapons, variable A.I. ' it's a much greater development challenge to ensure that everything comes together. "You have fewer hours to polish, so games like this are inherently less cinematic in a way. They're inherently more player-driven. They're inherently harder to make, but, at the end of the day, the experience is something that you can play improvisationally," he says. "We're very passionate about that goal."
With an October launch only a few months away, the team at Arkane is currently working to squash any remaining bugs. That's not as straightforward as one might think, given the free-form nature of Dishonored's gameplay. If a player manages to achieve an objective in a way that the developers didn't intend, is that really a bug? "That's the back end of our development process, is finding [bugs] that ruin the game or make it less fun or break it in some way," says Smith, and those are the bugs that get fixed. "But all the ones that enable an exploit ' and you feel clever and you solve your problem in a way we didn't expect ' or you get away with something that doesn't feel negative to the experience, then we support those. Sometimes we leave them as they are, and sometimes we add a little something to help them along, but we try not to fix them unless they're really bugs, and that's a judgment call."
Speaking of judgment calls, it turns out that carrying the unconscious body of a hostess through her own party is a very poor one. Something to keep in mind if you ever play Dishonored.
Based loosely on the Old English tales of King Horn, you play as a young blacksmith's apprentice named Horn who wakes up to finds your village and lands over run by large fantastic, and sometimes humorous, monsters. It is revealed these creatures are actually the people and animals from your village transformed by a curse, and you alone have the power to free them. On your incredible adventure you carry the loud-mouthed head of one such fantastic creature with you - a somewhat uncooperative and ill-tempered but grudgingly helpful sidekick. Along with this new companion you must use your sword, crossbow, trusty musical horn, and wits to explore the lands, defeat the enemies, and solve puzzles in your quest to undo the curse that engulfs your homeland.
Coming to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC during Take-Two's fiscal year 2013 beginning on April 1, 2012, Borderlands 2 is the sequel to the four-player Role-Playing Shooter loot fest.
ACTIVISION PUBLISHING REVEALS DIE ANOTHER DAY AND LICENCE TO KILL AS NEXT MOVIE-INSPIRED MISSIONS IN 007' LEGENDS VIDEO GAME
Santa Monica, CA - August 15, 2012- With Moonraker and On Her Majesty's Secret Service already unveiled, Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard Inc., (Nasdaq: ATVI) revealed today Die Another Day and Licence to Kill as the third and fourth Bond movie-inspired missions included in this year's upcoming 007' Legends video game. A first-of-its-kind Bond gaming experience, 007 Legends features an original, overarching storyline tying together five classic Bond movie-inspired missions, plus a sixth mission based on this year's highly-anticipated movie - SKYFALL - which will be available post launch as downloadable content. Set to offer the most diverse Bond gaming experience yet, each 007 Legends mission includes multiple levels featuring re-imagined movie moments that showcase state-of-the-art spy gadgets, an arsenal of weapons and sleek vehicles in exotic locations that best utilize Bond's quick wits and style to take down notorious villains and their brutal henchmen.
"The method of picking which James Bond movies to include in 007 Legends was a deep and thoughtful process between Eurocom, Activision, EON and Danjaq," said David G. Wilson, VP of Global Business Strategy, EON. "We took great care in selecting movies that helped define who Bond has become over the years, and ones that could be tied together in a compelling way to pay homage to 50 years of 007."
In 007 Legends' Die Another Day movie-inspired mission, the quintessential secret agent is sent to rendezvous with Agent Jinx to investigate the connection between Gustav Graves - a diamond mogul funding the development of an international space weapon called Icarus - and a North Korean terrorist set on unifying his country once and for all. With Jinx's help, Bond must chase down Graves, racing along ice while duelling against North Korean spies and Graves' allies, all while dodging concentrated blasts of solar energy from the Icarus weapon. After confronting Graves on his high-flying jet, Bond must prevent triggering a war between North and South Korea and escape the stricken jet before it's destroyed.
In the Licence to Kill movie-inspired mission, Bond enlists the help of U.S. Drug Enforcement Agent Pam Bouvier in order to avenge Felix Leiter and uncover a vast international drug operation headed by an evil Mexican drug lord with terrorist connections - Fran Sanchez. After detonating a massive explosion in Sanchez's drug refinery, Bond will have to capture Sanchez before he escapes, ending in a brutal physical confrontation on-board a moving tanker truck. Will Bond be able to avenge his friend or will he be killed by Sanchez?
Toby Stephens (Die Another Day) and Carey Lowell (Licence to Kill) both reprise their roles as Gustav Graves from Die Another Day and Agent Pam Bouvier from Licence to Kill, respectively, rounding out the impressive 007 Legends' cast.
For more intel about 007 Legends and to unlock exclusive content, visit the game's official Web site - www.007Legends.com- and Facebook page - www.facebook.com/007LegendsGame. 007 Legends is being developed by Eurocom, under license from EON Productions Ltd. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Inc. (MGM) for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and download on Windows PC, and is currently rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by the ESRB.
About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
About EON Productions/Danjaq, LLC
EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/Wilson family. Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with MGM, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films as well as all worldwide merchandising. EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company which makes the James Bond films. The 007 franchise is the longest running in film history with twenty-two films produced since 1962. Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli succeeded Albert R 'Cubby' Broccoli in 1995 and have produced some of the most successful Bond films ever including CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE. They are currently producing the 23rd film, SKYFALL. For more information, visit www.007.com.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, mainland China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.
The American Colonies, 1775. A brave young warrior fights to save his homeland. But what begins as a struggle over territory turns into an extraordinary journey that will transform him into a Master Assassin'and will forever change the destiny of a nation. You are Connor, warrior son of a Native American mother and British father. As the colonies draw closer to revolution, you will dedicate your life to the freedom of your clan 'becoming the spark that ignites the revolution into full blaze. Your crusade will take you through blood-soaked battlefields to crowded city streets, to perilous wilderness and beyond. You will not only witness history'you will make it. Set against the backdrop of one of the bloodiest Revolutions in world history, prepare to be drawn back into the centuries old battle between the Assassin's Order and their sworn enemy, the Templars. Unleash lethal new skills and experience a stunningly realistic world created by Anvil Next, a new engine that redefines gaming. Welcome to an entirely new chapter in the Assassin's Creed saga.
FIFA 13 captures all the drama and unpredictability of real-world football. The game creates a true battle for possession across the entire pitch, delivers freedom and creativity in attack, and connects fans to the heartbeat of the sport ' and to each other ' through EA SPORTS Football Club.
Puzzle master Professor Layton and his apprentice, Luke, have stumbled upon another mystery. It's up to them to navigate their way through numerous puzzles to determine who ' or what ' caused the death of Professor Layton's mentor, Dr. Schrader. Was it the mysterious Elysian Box, rumored to kill all who open it? Professor Layton and Luke find a clue that begins their adventure: a train ticket for the Molentary Express.
Cambridge, Mass. ' August 13th, 2012 ' Harmonix is excited to announce the complete soundtrack for their upcoming PlayStation®Network and Xbox LIVE® Arcade title, Rock Band' Blitz!
Rock Band Blitz will come complete with 25 tracks from music's hottest artists when it hits PlayStation Network on August 28th and Xbox LIVE Arcade on August 29th. These tracks will not only be playable as part of Rock Band Blitz's frantic, controller-based arcade experience, but in Rock Band 3 with full instrument support at no additional charge!
In addition to previously announced tracks by Avenged Sevenfold, Blink-182, Foster the People, Fun., Iron Maiden, P!nk, and more, today Harmonix is confirming the remainder of this exciting and diverse song list. To round out the soundtrack, the following songs were announced today:
Foo Fighters ' "These Days"
Kelly Clarkson ' "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)"
Maroon 5 ' "Moves Like Jagger"
Queen ' "Death on Two Legs"
Red Hot Chili Peppers ' "Give It Away"
Soundgarden ' "Spoonman"
"We spent a lot of time making sure the Rock Band Blitz soundtrack was just right," Chris Rigopulos, Harmonix's Vice President of Music and Strategy, said. "There are a handful of artists that are new to the Rock Band catalog, as well as solid tracks from fan favorites and classic artists. These are handpicked tracks that we made sure are not only fun to play in Rock Band Blitz, but make an awesome addition to your Rock Band 3 music library at a great value."
In addition to these great tracks, Rock Band Blitz is also compatible with most your existing Rock Band music library, including content from the Rock Band Music Store, as well as tracks exported from Rock Band, Rock Band 2, and more!
Check out the full 25 song setlist for Rock Band Blitz!
The All-American Rejects ' "Kids in the Street"
Avenged Sevenfold ' "So Far Away"
Barenaked Ladies ' "One Week"
Blink-182 ' "Always"
Collective Soul ' "Shine"
Elton John ' "I'm Still Standing"
Fall Out Boy ' "A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More 'Touch Me'"
Foo Fighters ' "These Days"
Foster the People ' "Pumped Up Kicks"
Fun. ft. Janelle Monáe ' "We Are Young"
Great White ' "Once Bitten Twice Shy"
Kelly Clarkson ' "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)"
Kool & The Gang ' "Jungle Boogie"
Iron Maiden ' "The Wicker Man"
Living Colour ' "The Cult of Personality"
Maroon 5 ' "Moves Like Jagger"
My Chemical Romance ' "Sing"
P!nk ' "Raise Your Glass"
Queen ' "Death on Two Legs"
Quiet Riot ' "Metal Health (Bang Your Head)"
Shinedown ' "Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom)
Red Hot Chili Peppers ' "Give It Away"
Rick Springfield ' "Jessie's Girl"
Soundgarden ' "Spoonman"
Tears for Fears ' "Shout"
Harmonix also recently released an all-new video focused on some of Rock Band Blitz's crazy Power-ups, including Shockwave, Road Rage, and more! Check it out at http://youtu.be/Klme9Y6U2DA!
The second installment in the RPG saga about the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia, features a thoroughly engrossing, mature storyline defining new standards for thought-provoking, non-linear game narration. In addition to an epic story, the game features an original, brutal combat system that uniquely combines tactical elements with dynamic action. A new, modern game engine, responsible both for beautiful visuals and sophisticated game mechanics puts players in the most lively and believable world ever created in an RPG game. A captivating story, dynamic combat system, beautiful graphics, and everything else that made the original Witcher such a great game are now executed in a much more advanced and sophisticated way.
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?
Yup, let's just act like nothing has changed and everyone is doing okay and all we have to do to stay amiable as Facebook friends is read these webcomics from last week and vote for our favorite after the break.
Captain Falcon Gets an Oil Change (Brawl in the Family)
As Narrated By David Hattenborough (Awkward Zombie)
Parrot Rapport (Line in Aggro)
Square Shooting (Hejibits)
Game Jinn (Magical Game Time)
Noire The Man Now, Dog (Brentalfloss: The Comic)
Miami, FL ' August 10, 2012 - Legendary game developer Cinemaware today announced an ambitious Kickstarter campaign to bring the Amiga-cult classic game "Wings" to new heights in full, glorious HD graphics and sound.
Just as it revolutionized gaming with "Wings" 22 years ago, the company is now bringing its unique vision to this innovative Kickstarter campaign. If the company achieves its funding goals, it will soar above simply resurrecting the classic game; Cinemaware plans a remake with new missions, new story elements, enhanced animations, art and sound and additional music tracks for an ultimate Director's Cut edition. As thousands of fans have requested, the classic gameplay and game structure will remain largely unchanged. This will still be the Wings so many gamers know and love!
"ATTEN-TION! On your feet, gentlemen! Support the 56th ' buy Wings pledges on Kickstarter and dash that bloody bastard Kaiser Bill to pieces where he stands!" ordered Colonel Farrah, spokesperson for Cinemaware. "No food, no rest, no sleep, men wounded and dead, poisonous gas, machine guns, shrapnel, a continuous barrage of a thousand cannons you say? Well stuff it ya bleedin' ninnies! Just go out there and do as Waldo P. Barnstormer of the 56th Aerosquadron: win this bloody battle in the skies or die trying! Help him and his lads back in the cockpit for king, god and country! Give the Boche a good boot in the arse to remember you by! And in the doing, one of the most positively ripping games ever made will endure..."
There are a variety of pledge levels to fit every budget, but the incentives to dig a little deeper are sky high. A pledge of just $15 will get you the game, in-game credit and a set of "Wings: Director's Cut" desktop wallpapers. True believers who pledge $10,000 will be treated to an acrobatic ride in a real, WWI-style double decker airplane and other cool, WWI-related tours! In between there are a ton of great rewards ' T-shirts, posters, in-game credits, the chance to contribute to the game design and even a real-life replica of the Wings' diary (as seen in the actual game)! Cinemaware has taken great care to create prizes which are unique and related to the great gameplaying experience of "Wings".
Wings: Director's Cut will be co-developed by Cinemaware in coordination with Raylight Games of Naples, Italy. Raylight are the original developers of "Wings" and "Speedball 2" for the Game Boy Advance, two great classic Amiga games. Ken Melville, one of the writers of and composer for the original game, will once again be deeply involved in the game's production, writing and music composition.
"Keep the flame of Cinemaware burning bright by buying Wings' pledges! Wings: Director's Cut will have everything you loved about classic Cinemaware games: Great characters, immersive stories and seat-of-your-pants gaming," enthused Melville. "You just grip it and rip it!"
As with most Kickstarter campaigns, Cinemaware will post regular updates about the progress of the project, including video updates, graphic and sound development, concept art and developer interviews. There will be a backers' only forum where backers can contribute ideas and feedback directly to the game's developers. Pledges will receive the game (DRM free) on the platform of their choice among many other potential rewards. The game is currently slated to release on PC, iOS, and Android in February 2013.
For more Cinemaware information, follow us on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/cinemaware, www.twitter.com/cinemaware, check our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/cinemaware or visit www.cinemaware.com.
About Cinemaware:
Originally founded in 1985, Cinemaware became a dominant force in interactive entertainment across multiple platforms of computers, consoles and mobile devices. With its titles rooted in classic movie genres and renowned for their Hollywood-caliber production values, Cinemaware titles delivered immersive storytelling and innovative gameplay. The company rocketed to the top of the gaming world with its inaugural 1986 release, Defender of the Crown®, which was followed up by several other dazzling titles including S.D.I.', The King of Chicago', Sinbad and the Throne of the Falcon', Rocket Ranger', The Three Stooges®, Lords of the Rising Sun', It Came From the Desert', Wings' and the TV Sports' series of sports titles. At a later stage, the company released a major console project in the form of Robin Hood: Defender of the Crown® and several Game Boy Advance ports. Cinemaware titles still reside among numerous "Best Games of All Time" lists, having collectively sold millions of units across multiple platforms and are considered some of the best and most innovative games ever created.
Cinemaware is currently focusing on the production of new games for the PC, tablets and mobile platforms. We will be supporting iOS, Android, Windows PC, Mac and all major console systems.
Wings © 1990-2012 Cinemaware. Cinemaware® is a registered trademark and Cinemaware Wings' is a trademark of Cinemaware. All rights reserved.
Joe Danger : The Movie is a Download Title that casts the player as the world's most determined Hollywood stuntman - Joe Danger. On the set of the greatest blockbuster "Movie" ever made, players create their own action film scene by scene, performing every stunt themselves. Using dozens of stunt vehicles and spanning every action film genre imaginable, players can perfect every stunt to thrill the audience, or crack them up with their failed attempts.
SuperBot Entertainment
SCEA, Sony Computer Entertainment
T (Teen)
The game features 12 line-art tracks, six outline vehicles and several different play modes, including Grand Prix, Time Trial, Versus and local multiplayer. No online multiplayer support, but the game does support leaderboards, which means you can find out who's caused the most retina damage in the shortest amount of time.
TOP SECRET PRE-ORDER PLANS FOR ACTIVISION PUBLISHING'S 007' LEGENDS VIDEO GAME UNCOVERED
Santa Monica, CA - August 10, 2012 - Rogue spies have breached MI6 and uncovered information on pre-order exclusives for this year's upcoming 007' Legends video game. Fans that reserve an early copy of 007 Legends in North America - planned to launch October 16th from Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) - will gain access to the Nemesis Pack from Amazon.com and the 007 Pack from GameStop. The content of each of these exciting pre-order packs are as follows.
Pre-order Now from Amazon.com - Nemesis Pack
Play 007 Legends through the eyes of two notorious Bond rivals - Jaws and Baron Samedi. With the Nemesis Pack, gamers get to play as Moonraker's space-suited henchman or Live and Let Die's voodoo king sporting his iconic skeleton paint in the Legends and multiplayer split-screen modes. Unlockable only for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 system, for a limited time, while supplies last.
Pre-order Now from GameStop - The 007 Pack
Players will be able to dress for success in split-screen multiplayer mode with an exclusive James Bond character outfit, and additionally, use the most famous of James Bond's handguns - the Walther PPK pistol. With the 007 Pack, fans also get early access to the Fast Switch gadget, which increases weapon swap speed by 50%. Unlockable only for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system, for a limited time, while supplies last.
007 Legends features an original, overarching storyline tying together five classic Bond movie-inspired missions, plus a sixth mission based on this year's highly-anticipated movie - SKYFALL - which will be available as post-launch downloadable content. Each movie inspired mission in 007 Legends includes multiple levels featuring re-imagined movie moments that showcase state-of-the-art spy gadgets, an arsenal of weapons, sleek vehicles and exotic locations, where players will use Bond's quick wits and style to take down notorious villains and their brutal henchmen, offering the most diverse Bond gaming experience yet!
For more intel about 007 Legends and the latest updates on pre-order and launch offers, visit the game's official Web site - www.007Legends.com - and Facebook page - www.facebook.com/007LegendsGame. 007 Legends is being developed by Eurocom, under license from EON Productions Ltd. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Inc. (MGM) for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system, and Windows PC. The game is currently rated "RP" (Rating Pending) by the ESRB.
About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution In, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.
About EON Productions/Danjaq, LLC
EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/Wilson family. Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with MGM, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films as well as all worldwide merchandising. EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK based production company which makes the James Bond films. The 007 franchise is the longest running in film history with twenty-two films produced since 1962. Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli succeeded Albert R 'Cubby' Broccoli in 1995 and have produced some of the most successful Bond films ever including CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE. They are currently producing the 23rd film, SKYFALL.
About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, mainland China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.
Blending classic tactics gaming with the fast-paced action of modern casual titles, Hero Academy delivers tense one-on-one battles with quick bursts of gameplay. The balance of power can shift in a single turn, and victory requires a carefully crafted strategy. Deploy different character classes, defend your turf with countermeasures, and with the placement of a few special items, you'll conquer your opponent. Hero Academy is asynchronous, so a player may battle friends across multiple simultaneous games on iOS or Steam, whenever they have a few moments of free time. Select your moves from a range of options, like advancing across the playing field, attacking, defending, or adding powerful items to the fray. Once you're satisfied with your five moves, submit your turn or add an animated taunt. The game's built-in chat system lets you talk smack or simply stay in touch with friends. The first player to destroy their opponent's crystals is declared the winner, but a range of strategies ensure that no two games are alike. The game launches on PC with two unique teams included, each with a variety of playable units. More heroic teams, avatars and add-ons are available via in-game purchase. Teams purchased in either the iOS or the Steam version of Hero Academy will work on all platforms.
Tag, grind and trick to the beat in this upgraded HD version of Jet Set Radio, which will see players vying for control of the futuristic Tokyo-to by marking their turf with graffiti tagged across walls, billboards, and rival gang members.
There Will Be Hell To Play!
SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON - August 9, 2012 - And now, what we have all been waiting for ... SEGA® Europe, SEGA® of America Inc. and Arkedo are happy to reveal Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit' will be available to download in North America on September 25 for PlayStation®Network, September 26 on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, and October 3 for PC digital download for $14.99/1200MSP/$14.99 respectively. In Europe, Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit will be available for all three platforms on October 3 for 1200MSP/£9.99/'12.99/AUD$19.95.
You want glitter? You want gold? The "Pimp it Up" bling-tastic trailer for Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit has it all! Thirteen guns to blast those filthy monsters with, nine wheels to pimp out your slaughter machine and over fifty masks to slay in style. Sound awesome? Check it out here.
Ash, the prince of hell, is not a killer or a thief. Okay, that's not exactly true, but it's not his fault he has to harvest monster souls, grab diamonds and loot gold to unlock upgrades and customizations on his quest for vengeance. More power means more comical gore, more penetrating drill power (eww, we know what you were thinking) and more ways to complete 100% of the game while looking good doing it. The devil is in the details, after all!
For more information about Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit, keep an eye on the official blog: www.projecthellyeah.com
About SEGA® of America, Inc.
SEGA® of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA® Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment. SEGA®'s global website is located at www.sega.com.
About SEGA® Europe Ltd.
SEGA® Europe Ltd. is the European Distribution arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA® Corporation, and a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. SEGA®'s global website is located at www.sega.com.
Shipping costs are also included in the total price which, we assume, explains the $10 premium on living abroad. Delivery is expected to commence sometime in April of 2013.
Zen Studios and PopCap Games to Unveil Mystery Table at PAX Prime 2012
Los Angeles, CA ' August 8, 2012 ' Zen Studios, the definitive leader in videogame pinball, is pleased to announce that Zen Pinball 2 for the PlayStation®3 system and PlayStation®Vita system will release on September 4, 2012 via PlayStation®Network.
Additionally, a brand new table based on one of PopCap Games' mega hits will accompany the release of Zen Pinball 2 as downloadable content. This mystery table will be fully revealed later this month at PAX Prime, and playable in the PopCap PAX booth. The table will also release on Xbox LIVE® Arcade for Pinball FX2' on September 5, 2012.
Zen Pinball 2 features an abundance of exciting new features and updates. Best of all, Zen Pinball 2 is a free update for existing Zen Pinball and Marvel Pinball owners, while new users can download the pinball platform and try every pinball table for free before deciding to purchase.
Additionally, players will enjoy cross-platform entitlement and any Zen Pinball 2 purchase will entitle players to both the PS3 and PS®Vita versions at no additional charge.
Please visit the Zen Pinball 2 and Pinball FX2 press sites to download game assets.
Zen Pinball 2 Key Features:
PlayStation®3 system and PlayStation®Vita system cross-platform entitlement including shared global leaderboards, online friend challenges and tournaments
Zen Pinball 2 will launch with twenty-six tables!
The most advanced ball physics simulation to date
Compete against other players to achieve the highest ProScore', and team up with your friends to increase your TeamScore'
Exceptional visuals in full 3D on 3D compatible TV sets
Free, fully playable demos for all available tables
Exciting multiplayer modes, including local split-screen and hotseat multiplayer, online, and worldwide tournaments
New tables released regularly through the PlayStation®Store
Share your scores on Facebook
New rule sheet format to help you achieve higher scores
New trophies for each table
About PopCap Games
PopCap Games is the leading global developer, publisher and operator of casual video games: fun, easy-to-learn, captivating games that appeal to all ages across PC, mobile, social and other platforms. Based in Seattle, Washington, PopCap was founded in 2000, was acquired by Electronic Arts in 2011, and has a worldwide staff of more than 600 people in Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver, B.C., Dublin, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo. PopCap's games have been downloaded over 1.5 billion times by consumers worldwide, and its flagship franchise, Bejeweled®, has sold more than 50 million units.
About Zen Studios
Zen Studios is a global producer and digital publisher of interactive entertainment software for all leading game platforms including Microsoft Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, PlayStation®Vita system, Nintendo DS', Nintendo 3DS', Wii', App®Store, Mac®Store and Android Marketplace'. The company is headquartered in Budapest, Hungary with offices in North America. Zen Studios has worked with some of the largest intellectual properties in the videogame industry, including Capcom's Street Fighter, Tecmo's Ninja Gaiden, Marvel Entertainment and PopCap Games. Zen's Pinball FX2 franchise on Xbox LIVE® Arcade is one of the most popular titles on the platform, has garnered numerous awards, and was named the best selling game of 2011. For more information about Zen Studios, please visit www.zenstudios.com.
Embark on the myriad journeys of an epic in FINAL FANTASY XIV, the revolutionary MMORPG from Square Enix. As denizens of the new and visually stunning realm of Eorzea, players will actively engage in compelling storylines narrated through high-definition, real-time events featuring the players' own highly personalized and versatile characters. While exploring even the farthest reaches of this magnificent world, adventurers are given the freedom to entirely alter their gameplay experience by simply swapping out equipment, and realize objectives with or without the aid of others. The entire experience is crafted to accommodate the widest variety of play styles-from the lone mercenary with only moments a day to spare, to the legion of comrades campaigning for days on end, and every combination in between. Join players from around the world in an adventure of infinite possibilities.
We've managed to connect to and finish a single game, but that's it. 5th Cell's Jeremiah Slaczka has responded to the issue on the Hybrid forums, stating that Microsoft is "looking into the issue." It should be noted that you can't even get to the main menu without a server connection, so you might want to wait until the servers are up and running before plunking down $15.
More Sites You Might Like
