For those of you who haven't picked up World of Warcraft: Cataclysm yet, Blizzard Entertainment is now offering a 10-day free trial of their latest expansion. So if you want to see what all the fuss is about, just head over to the official free trial page and sign-up!
Note: you must own a full version of WoW and the previous two expansions to participate in the Cataclysm free trial.
Saving us some cash over the Holiday break, Steam is offering major discounts on games from now until Sunday, January 2nd, 2011. In addition to the standard savings on select titles and bundles, they'll also be rolling out daily deals and "Holiday Bonus Deals", which offer even greater savings if you already own a specific title. Monday's Bonus Deal: Portal for $3.74 or $2.25 if you already own Half-Life 2. As for the rest of Monday's 24-hour deals...here's the scoop:
FEAR Complete Pack - $9.99 USD (reg $39.97)F1 2010 - $19.99 USD (reg $39.99)Titan Quest Gold - $4.99 USD (reg $19.99)Super Meat Boy - $3.75 USD (reg $14.99)Peggle Complete - $7.99 USD (reg $19.98)The Oddboxx - $12.49 USD (reg $24.99)LEGO Batman - $4.99 USD (reg $19.99)Fallout 3 - $20.09 USD (reg $29.99)All Prince of Persia Titles - 75% OffBattlef208cield: Bad Company 2 - $6.79 USD (reg $19.99)The Dues Ex Collection - $2.99 USD (reg $19.98)My wallet is going to take a major beating this Holiday... :x
December 21st Update: Here's the 24-hour deals for Tuesday:
Aion: Assault on Balaurea - $10.00 USD (reg $39.99)Resident Evil 5 - $10.20 USD (reg $29.99)PuzzleQuest: Challenge of the Warlords - $1.50 USD** (reg $9.99)The Polynomial - Space of the music - $2.50 USD** (reg $9.99)Defense Grid: The Awakening - $2.00 USD (reg $9.99)Men of War: Gold Edition - $8.75 USD (reg $34.99)Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box - $5.00 USD (reg $19.99)Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light - $5.10 USD or $3.60 if you own any Tomb Raider game. (reg $14.99)Disciples III - Renaissance Steam Special Edition - $7.50 USD (reg $29.99)The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut - $5.00 USD (reg $19.99)BioShock 2 - $9.99 USD (reg $19.99)Gothic Bundle - $34.99 USD (reg $69.99)December 22nd Update: Here's the 24-hour deals for Wednesday:
Aliens vs. Predator - $5.00 USD (reg $19.99)Recettear - $6.80 USD (reg $19.99)Zuma's Revenge! - $8.00 USD (reg $19.99)Trials 2: Second Edition - $2.50 USD (reg $9.99)Bully: Scholarship Edition - $3.75 USD (reg $14.99)SPORE Complete Pack - $19.99 USD (reg $79.97)Day of Defeat: Source - $2.50 USD (reg $9.99)Railworks 2 - $6.00 USD (reg $39.99)Just Cause 2 - $7.50 USD (reg $29.99)Assassin's Creed 2 - $14.99 USD or $12.00 if you own Assassin's Creed (reg $29.99)Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - $14.99 USD (reg $29.99)Tales of Monkey Island Complete Pack - $17.49 USD (reg $34.99)December 23rd Update: Here's the 24-hour deals for Thursday:
Wings of Prey - $6.00 USD (reg $29.99)DeathSpank - $7.49 USD (reg $14.99)All Silent Hunter Games - 66% OffPatrician IV - Steam Special Edition - $7.50 USD (reg $29.99)Blood Bowl Legendary Edition - $19.99 USD (reg $39.99)Dead Rising 2 - $19.99 USD or $15.99 if you own Resident Evil 5 (reg $39.99)Blur - $14.99 USD (reg $29.99)Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising - $3.00 USD (reg $19.99)Darksider - $10.00 USD (reg $39.99)Risen - $14.99 USD (reg $29.99)Mass Effect 1 & 2 - 50% OffAlpha Protocol - $7.50 USD (reg $29.99)December 24th Update: Here's the 24-hour deals for Friday:
Battlefield 2: Complete Collection - $4.99 USD (reg $19.99)ARMA II - $9.99 USD (reg $39.99)King Arthur Complete Pack - $5.39 USD (reg $35.96)Torchlight - $4.99 USD (reg $19.99)All Ghost Recon Games - 75% OffSam & Max: The Devil’s Playhouse - $9.99 USD (reg $34.99)All Overlord Games - 85% OffDevil May Cry 4 - $9.99 USD (reg $19.99)Saints Row 2 - $7.50 USD (reg $29.99)Borderlands & DLC - 50% OffFallout: New Vegas - $29.99 USD or $24.99 if you own Fallout 3 (reg $49.99)Counter-Strike: Source - $4.99 USD (reg $19.99)December 25th Update: Here's the 24-hour deals2117 for Saturday:
50% Off All Splinter Cell Games (60% Off Conviction if you already own Double Agent.)Shank - $7.49 USD (reg $14.99)Tropico 3: Gold Edition - $6.00 USD** (reg $19.99)X SuperBox - $13.60 USD (reg $39.99)Altitude - $2.49 USD (reg $9.99)50% Off Dragon Age: Origins & Awakening75% Off All Red Faction GamesMonkey Island: Special Edition Bundle - $3.75 USD (reg $14.99)90% Off All FlatOut GamesCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - $29.99 USD (reg $59.99)Batman: Arkham Asylum - $7.50 USD (reg $29.99)Civilization V - $37.49 USD (reg $49.99)Keep an eye on this post for updates!
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood hasn't been out very long, and there's more DLC on the way. No telling how far along Assassin's Creed III is, but Ubisoft recently teased a "project" related to the series.
A vague post went up on the publisher's official Twitter yesterday, specifically mentioning Nordic developer Massive:
Ubisoft's Massive studio teaming up on a project for Assassin's Creed. Openings to join them or at Ubisoft Annecy..."
Ubisoft Annecy, if you didn't already know, was responsible for the multiplayer portion of Brotherhood, while Ubi Montreal handled the single-player as usual. Massive is perhaps best known for their RTS lineup, so their involvement does come as somewhat of a surprise.
Source:TVG
Sections:Console Games, PC Games
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If you purchased the Oddboxx on Steam this week, you were likely very disappointed with what you got from the two new titles: Munch's Oddysee and Stranger's Wrath. Users have cited a wide range of issues and complaints, from poor control setups to performance problems and lack of PC specific options. In short, they're not great ports, particularly Munch.
If you've been around the NeoGAF forums since the launch, you'll have likely spotted a "warning" thread, filled with reports of the aforementioned problems. Developer Just Add Water's CEO Stewart Gilray stopped in to address them and take in feedback, eventually leaving in exasperation (you know how forums can be). Since then, he's returned and apologized, saying it came off different than intended but was immature regardless, and has since formulated a plan, which has been met with very warm reception.
First thing's first: the crash issue for Munch has just seen a fix released. As for the performance issues with Stranger, they're making progress, so there should be an update there before long.
The big news is they'll be converting both games to proper PC versions, meaning better control and display options for both titles. While you won't see things like configurable shadows and so on (those are "deep in the game engines and were never intended to be switchable"), the result sounds like it will be sufficient, considering. Morphological anti-aliasing is coming to the PS3 version, anyway, and they say this will likely make it into the PC versions around the time that hits (April). This is just a short list -- the full plan will take time to craft. Remember also an HD update is coming to Stranger, based on the PS3 overhaul. They're still taking suggestions, too, so head to the thread via the source, the Steam forums, or try them on Twitter to request any feasible items.
As for why they launched the games in this state, Gilray says it's partly due to how demands in PC gaming have changed. While PC gamers today are often the "hardcore" enthusiast types with fairly extensive technical knowledge, and as such, want a wide variety of options, features, and benefits, when he last developed for the platform, this type of gamer was a minority, and basic options were considered acceptable. In any case, it's never too late to learn. While PC gamers can be a harsh bunch at first, most will turn around if you act on feedback, so we expect in a few months time (if not awhile longer), this will all be cleared up, around which time we'll give our review.
Source:NeoGAF
Section:PC Games
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Wrapping things up tonight, Unknown Worlds Entertainment have released a new teaser trailer for their upcoming FPS/RTS, Natural Selection 2. This two and a half minute-long clip features some gameplay from the ongoing beta. Enjoy the carnage:
Thanks to YouTube for the above stream. Mirrors are also available at the following websites:
GamersHellFileFrontFileShackNatural Selection 2's release date is still TBA.
Giving us something to try out tonight, Larian Studios have released a short singleplayer demo for their upcoming Fantasy-RPG, Divinity 2 - The Dragon Knight Saga. In this demo you start your career as a Dragon Slayer, heading to the Broken Valley in search of a Dragon Knight. Sound good? Then head over to the game's official website for a list of mirrors!
The Dragon Knight Saga is scheduled for release in North America in Q1 2011.
To get you into the holiday spirit, Team Fortress 2 wants players everywhere to royally flail on each other in the new Medieval Mode. It's a melee-only affair here so you must be ready to tackle the other team face-to-face in the new DeGroot Keep control point map.
In keeping with the medieval theme of DeGroot Keep, there's lots of new old-fashioned weapons and hats for each class to acquire. If you want to get your hands on the new stuffright now, the Mann Co. store will be having a sale over the December 17 weekend on all items including a new backpack expansion upgrade. Just remember you can't trade items you've bought!
Source:Team Fortress 2 - Australian Christmas
Section:PC Games
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If like us you've been curious about the PC version of multiplayer action game Monday Night Combat, you'll be pleased to know not only did it start off as a PC game, but developer Uber Entertainment has a rich history in the field, and are giving it the love and care it deserves, offering up a long list of features and adjustments with which to satisfy your manly needs.
Besides the standard higher resolutions, you get bigger textures, tweakable graphics (the best part), a proper default keyboard and mouse control scheme, balance changes (more to come throughout the beta), reworked menus and multiplayer lobby, a server browser, and then favourites and custom games.
Monday Night Combat launches January 17 on Steam.
Source:PC Gamer
Section:PC Games
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Looking to create a little hype this weekend, W!Games have released a launch trailer for the PC edition of their turn-based strategy game, Greed Corp. Running exactly a minute and a half long, this humorous video features a mix of CGI and in-game action. Check it out:
The above stream is courtesy of YouTube. A mirror is also available at GamersHell.
Greed Corp is available on Steam right now!
Getting in on the action tonight, Realmforge have whipped up a new gameplay trailer for their upcoming Strategy-Sim, Dungeons. Running just under two minutes long, this video gives us a sneak peek at the game's environments and the tools at your disposal. Check it out:
Thanks to GameTrailers for the above stream. Prefer a manual download? We have you covered:
FileFrontFileShackWorthPlayingDungeons is scheduled for release in February 2011.
Keeping the deals coming this weekend, Stardock's Impulse digital distribution service is offering discounts on several titles that may be of interest to you. Here's the skinny:
Supreme Commander Gold Edition - $14.99 (reg $29.99)Crazy Machines - $14.99 (reg $19.99)Crazy Machines 1.5 - $14.99 (reg $19.99)Crazy Machines Bundle - $29.99 (reg $39.99)Demigod - $9.97 (reg $19.95)BOH - $5.50 (reg $11.00)Some decent games in there. So don't miss out! ;)
Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada made another appearance at the Final Fantasy XIV player site to apologize for the ongoing issues present in the PC version of the game. He announced that the PS3 version of FFXIV would be delayed from its March 2011 release to implement all of the updates that are currently being added to the PC version. A new launch date has not been announced.
With this delay comes restructuring to the development team; FFXIV producer Hiromichi Tanaka will be stepping down from his position and Naoki Yoshida will take his place as game producer and director. Tanaka also wrote out an apology totake responsibility for having put FFXIV in its current state:
"...I would like to apologize for our inability to fully satisfy our users with the initial release of FINAL FANTASY XIV. I take full responsibility for the game's current situation, and have therefore made the decision to step down from my role as producer. ... Though no longer producer, I will be continuing to support the development team in other capacities, and personally hope that you will continue your adventures in the realm of Eorzea."
If you're still willing to giveFFXIVa chance, the free trial period has been extended once again to let players try out the MMORPG for themselves.
Source:FINAL FANTASY XIV - The Lodestone
Sections:Console Games, PC Games, Sony Consoles
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On December 21, Dead Space fans who own a 360 or PS3 can get reacquainted with Isaac Clarke and his newest abilities through a Dead Space 2 demo. He'll need to do whatever he can to survive a sudden Necromorph outbreak in the Church of Unitology.
Available for you to try out in this demo is a new Javelin gun, tweaked stasis recharge, and enhanced telekinesis to take on whatever comes your way. Isaac's suit now sports jets to give players full 360-degree control when floating about in Zero-G space.
PC, 360, and PS3 owners can get their hands on the complete version of Dead Space 2 on January 25, 2011. And yes, the game is just as frightening as ever.
Sections:Microsoft Consoles, Console Games, PC Games, Sony Consoles
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Spicing things up today, SouthPeak Interactive ha released a new teaser trailer for their upcoming Fantasy-RPG, Two Worlds II. Running just over two minutes long, this video helps setup the game's storyline with some tasty cutscenes. Check it out:
The above stream is courtesy of YouTube. A mirror is also available at GamersHell.
Two Worlds II is scheduled for release in January 2011.
Also available for download tonight is a singleplayer demo for WizarBox's upcoming Point & Click Adventure title, Gray Matter. No word on what this demo includes exactly, but if you're still interested in checking it out, you can grab the 1.6GB installer from any of the following websites:
GamersHellFilePlanetFileShackGray Matter is scheduled for release on February 25th, 2011.
Back around the time BioShock Infinite was revealed, we were somewhat dissapointed to learn such a fresh looking game would be relying on old mechanics. Seems there may not be anything to worry about -- art director Nate Wells is saying it's right at home.
"The main thing we can say without getting into too much detail is: trust us, the BioShock gameplay belongs there. There was never a thought that we wouldn't use it. But we are resting on the faith of the fans to believe us, that the BioShock name is neither tacked on nor a misnomer."
Creative director Ken Levine adds, "But I do encourage people to think about what their expectations are, and how low they've been set by other sequels."
Some of that detail was covered previously, when Levine stated Infinite would "not be a corridor shooter", and would host more varied gameplay and be sniper-friendly.
Source:Official Xbox 360 Magazine
Sections:Microsoft Consoles, Console Games, PC Games, Sony Consoles
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Electronic Arts is the publishing force behind Rock Band, so you'd think it would jump at the chance to grab franchise developer Harmonix for its own now that's confirmed to be on its own following its release from the hands of Viacom. As it turns out, EA is no longer in any rush to be coughing up for multi-million dollar business acquisitions.
Recall yesterday's article regarding EA cooling its jets over licensed movie tie-in software. Essentially EA Games' plan is to renew focus on better aligning the interests of its label developers and marketing departments, to better polish original IP. This turns out to be the driving force behind EA being a little more careful with who it plans to acquire as well.
In an interview with Bloomberg, EA CEO John Riccitiello explains that his company wants to better ripen its fruits of revenue from digital distribution, be it PC or mobile platforms. The rumored $400 million USD that EA coughed up for social gaming developer Playfish isn't exactly chump change, but it would certainly be less than what it would have had to pay if it chose to go after competitor Zynga and its masterwork, FarmVille, instead. EA may well been able to cover whatever Zynga's asking price would have been, but the publisher in fact made a point to stick with Playfish and not go after the bigger fish this time around.
"There is going to be a time when perception catches up with the facts," Riccitiello added.
Getting in the Holiday spirit, Stardock's Impulse digital distribution service is offer a Thanksgiving sale on a huge list of titles. Here's the skinny on some of the more noteworthy ones:
Dawn of Discovery: Gold Edition - $14.99 (reg $29.99)The Settlers: Paths To A Kingdom - $24.99 (reg $49.95)Grand Ages: Rome - Gold Edition - $7.49 (reg $29.99)Imperium Romanum: Gold Edition - $4.99 (reg $19.99)Tropico 3 - $7.49 (reg $29.99)S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Bundle - $9.99 (reg $49.99)Company of Heroes Gold Edition - $142146.99 (reg $29.99)Miner Wars - $13.95 (reg $46.50)Total Annihilation - $4.99 (reg $9.99)Master of Orion II - $4.99 (reg $5.99)Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection - $14.99 (reg $29.99)Star Trek Online - $9.99 (reg $19.99)Hearts of Iron III - $8.99 (reg $29.99)Dark Void - $9.99 (reg $29.99)The deals run from now until November 30th. So you have plenty of time to pick them up. ;)
Looking to lure in stragglers, Criterion Games have whipped up a new teaser trailer for their recently-released racing title, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit. Clocking in at just over two minutes long, this live-action video features a car chase involving a Pagani Zonda Cinque and a Lamborghini Murcielago Interceptor. Enjoy:
Thanks to GameTrailers for the above stream. Mirrors are also available at the following websites:
GamersHellFileFrontFileShackActionTripNeed for Speed: Hot Pursuit is in stores now!
Someone finally got tired of waiting for Need for Speed Hot Pursuit to arrive on Steam, so they asked the official NFS Twitter for an ETA. Unfortunately, there is no ETA because Hot Pursuit isn't going to Steam, at all.
"Sorry, it won't come out on Steam," was the official answer.
Commence much lamenting and raging on the Steam forums, as community members declare they'll be skipping Hot Pursuit entirely because of this. Some have pointed out the game is still available via other major digital distributors, like Impulse, GamesPlanet and Direct2Drive (just to name a few) -- not to mention actual retailers, as in physical copies.
There is also the question of why Hot Pursuit skipped Steam when Need for Speed SHIFT was available through the service. Either way, having alternatives isn't doing much to alleviate the rage geared towards EA.
Sections:Microsoft Consoles, Console Games, PC Games, Sony Consoles
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Geralt is watching you.
CD Projekt is seen by fans as radical in their feelings on DRM and piracy, so it likely comes a surprise to hear they're going a traditional route for The Witcher 2: fining pirates.
"Of course we're not happy when people are pirating our games, so we are signing with legal firms and torrent sneaking companies," CD Projekt co-founder Marcin Iwinski said. "In quite a few big countries, when people are downloading it illegally they can expect a letter from a legal firm saying, 'Hey, you downloaded it illegally and right now you have to pay a fine.' We are totally fair, but if you decide you will not buy it legally there is a chance you'll get a letter. We are talking about it right now."
If the pirate refuses to pay the fine (which is more than the game), they'll face further legal action.
When this kind of action has been taken with the film and music industries, we've seen some bad PR as a result with reportedly thousands of innocent people fined. Iwinski assures they don't want to take it that far.
"I'm sure you've heard about stories in the US when recording companies were chasing people. We don't want to be so harsh, but there is a chance that this might happen to some people if they download illegally. There will be an initiative."
This is all no doubt related to the recent reveal the title is releasing on Good Old Games completely DRM-free (in addition to the retail and other digital releases). Given it's a major title with a ton of extras, it's understandable they're a little skittish. But seriously, pirates: it's discounted, DRM-free, comes with a ton of extras, and supports a future for great PC games and RPGs -- if that isn't enough to convert you, what is?
Source:Eurogamer
Section:PC Games
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Also available for download today is a new video developer diary for Kaos Studios' upcoming first person shooter, Homefront. Clocking in at four and a half minutes long, this video touches on the game's storyline, setting and the developers inspirations. Sounds pretty sweet!
The above stream is courtesy of GameTrailers. Mirrors are also available at the FileShack and FileFront.
Homefront is scheduled for release in North America on March 8th, 2011 and Europe on March 11th, 2011.
It is almost time - 3DMark 11 - The Gamer's Benchmark for DirectX 11 will launch on Tuesday, November 30th 2010 and is now available for preorder from 3DMark.com. The announcement comes with a new "Pre-Order Preview" trailer that shows glimpses of the demos and tests in final form, with many subtle improvements over earlier work-in-progress trailers.
(1080p HD version available on YouTube)
There will be a free Basic Edition with unlimited runs also available but for serious benchmarkers, 3DMark 11 Advanced Edition offe207brs multiple presets, a wide set of graphics options and unlimited online result storage for $19.95 - with 25% discount available for existing owners of 3DMark Vantage Advanced Edition.
3DMARK 11 BASIC EDITION - Free
Performance PC benchmark presetAudio visual demo, fixed at 720pBrowse, search and compare results onlineStore one result online3DMARK 11 ADVANCED EDITION - $19.95
Entry level PC benchmark presetPerformance PC benchmark presetExtreme PC benchmark presetCustom benchmark settingsAudio visual demo, custom resolutionsBenchmark looping for stability testingBrowse, search and compare results onlineUnlimited online results storageHide results from public viewOffline result managementAdvert-free online serviceFull press release is available here. More detail on the different versions and system requirements are available here. To see if your system can run 3DMark 11, you can also use our Game-o-Meter.
There is also a new set of screenshots showing off the different effects and comparing a fully rendered scene to a wireframe.
Volumetric Lighting On
Volumetric Lighting Off
Depth of Field On
Depth of Field Off
Tessellation On
Tessellation Off
Fully Rendered DirectX 11
Raw Wireframe Geometry
Valve Time strikes again, although not as bad as it usually does. Portal 2 has been bumped back from its February 2011 date to April 20, 2011 in North America and Australia; Europe will be seeing the game only two days later.
Valve is making light of the situation by saying Portal 2's delay is the shortest they've ever done. From their amusingly tiny press release:
This two month slip not only marks the shortest delay in Valve's proud tradition of delays, it represents the approaching convergence of Valve Time and Real Time. Though this convergence spells doom for humanity, it will not affect the new Portal 2 release date.
Source:Shacknews
Sections:Microsoft Consoles, Console Games, PC Games, Sony Consoles
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As it was prophecized last week, Microsoft has launched a complete overhaul of the Games for Windows LIVE Marketplace. That is to say, you can now purchase the titles directly through your browser while admiring the shiny new digs.
The shop is pretty slick and functional, neatly putting titles into effective categories like LIVE Enabled, New Releases, Top Downloads, and so on. There are also promos for daily and weekly deals, among other items. Browsing the catalogue can be done alphabetically, by price, release date, etc. Meanwhile, the community page has links to the forums and social networks, and the about page has a FAQ, promotional information regarding DirectX 11 and Windows 7, and more.
And a bonus (which may have come with a separate update): users can now make their own Avatar.
There are major flaws, however: there are still no game-specific forums (desperately needed), no ability to search or sort by genre, and prices still range from great value to overpriced, sometimes absurdly so (Batman: Arkham Asylum sells for $50 while the Game of the Year Edition sells for $40, for example; Fallout 3 is $60 plus $11 for each of its expansions -- at retail the whole package goes for $50). And while there is a disclaimer about DRM, there is nothing specific to each game (i.e. specific number of install limits, how to obtain more installs once you run out, etc).
On the whole, this looks to be a big improvement, but fixing the aforementioned issues would really help out a lot again.
In any case, if you're thinking about buying and are looking for some great value, we recommend Fable: The Lost Chapters, Grand Theft Auto IV (currently on sale for $12), Lost Planet 2, Prince of Persia, Alpha Protocol, and Batman.
Source:Games for Windows
Section:PC Games
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Finally tonight, Paradox Interactive and Neocore Games have officially announced the development of King Arthur: The Druids, the next expansion pack for their hit Strategy title. Due out in Q4 2010, The Druids will feature an all-new campaign with a stand-alone storyline, new units, skills, artifacts, a sandbox mode and much, much more! Here's a little snippet from the press release:
"This is our first King Arthur release in our partnership with Paradox Interactive," said Tamás Farkas, CEO of Neocore. "After our recent work together with Lionheart: Kings’ Crusade, we are confident King Arthur – Druids will exceed our community’s expectations."
Click here to learn more!
Grabbing our attention tonight, CD Projekt RED has announced their highly anticipated Action-RPG, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, has been delayed a couple months to allow the developers some extra polish time. Previously scheduled for release in March 2011, the game is now expected to hit stores on May 17th, 2011. I'm sure it'll be worth the wait! :D
In the words of Professor Farnsworth: "Good news, everyone!"
Looks like War for Cybertron, a.k.a. that Transformers game that was actually really awesome, is getting a sequel. Hasbro revealed just this weekend that the game was already in development and is expected to wrap up in time for 2012.
So sayeth Mark Blecher, SVP and General Manager of Digital Media & Gaming:
"This is the most highly-rated, critical success of any game that's had the Hasbro brand yet and we're looking forward to a sequel in 2012."
No word yet on who the development studio is, though we're thinking High Moon Studios might be responsible, given the killer job they did with the first War for Cybertron. Here's hoping they stick with G1 and somehow include more Stan Bush.
Blecher also mentioned Transformers: Dark of the Moon will be releasing in 2011 alongside the third live-action film. We're not quite as confident about that one, for a very valid reason: Michael Bay.
Thanks for the tip, Nagare!
Source:IGN
Sections:Microsoft Consoles, Console Games, PC Games, Sony Consoles
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EA doesn't seem at all intimidated by this indie thing. In fact, they've partnered with the folks at Vanguard Entertainment -- started by Guerilla co-founders and W!Games -- to expand the Mistbound universe with Gatling Gears.
Described as a "dual-analogue shooter," Gears takes place in the same fictional world as Greed Corp, which we cough-cough absolutely loved and recommend. This time, the story is scaled down to revolve around a single individual, named Max Brawley, who needs to basically save an already crumbling world from total annihilation.
Gatling Gears is planned for digital release in Spring 2011, for XBLA, PSN, and PC.
Sections:Microsoft Consoles, Console Games, PC Games, Sony Consoles
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While BioWare is teasing the gaming world to death with a screenshot and codes, Eidos released a similar teaser today. It's a Deus Ex: Human Revolution screenshot called "The Icarus," named after that guy who flew too close to the sun, melted his fake wings, and subsequently fell to his death.
The teaser image is actually a prelude to an upcoming full gameplay trailer, set to be released "sometime VERY soon" according to the official Facebook page. Be sure to click for full view, because it really is a lovely screenshot with tons of little details. What the details mean is entirely up to you, for now.
Sections:Microsoft Consoles, Console Games, PC Games, Sony Consoles
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The sad saga of Realtime Worlds has mostly ended, but as it turns out, its urban crime MMO APB will indeed live on. Late last week we reported the IP rights to APB were now in the hands of online game distributor K2 Network, which owns MMO operator GamersFirst. The K2 Network MMO portal intends to relaunch APB sometime in the first half of 2011 as APB: Reloaded.
GamersFirst has yet to disclose the actual sum its parent company coughed up for APB, but Realtime Worlds' current administrator Begbies Traynor notes that as a result of the purchase, any outstanding wages and holiday pay claims owed to former Realtime Worlds staff members can now be reimbursed in full.
Speaking to Edge Online, GamersFirst COO and CTO Bjorn Book-Larsson believes it knows what needs to be done to fix what went wrong with APB. Not least of these will be doing away with selling "game time" and instead make APB: Reloaded free-to-play, supported by microtransactions if you want some of the cooler firearms, for example. Free-to-play has its own challenges which GamersFirst intends to address, like the amount of time required to build content while keeping players interested.
That's a bit more in line with most other MMO's these days, but it will mean that APB will need to be retweaked to better leverage the new business model. For example, APB: Reloaded will feature more game modes that are better suited to session play, making it easier to find and jump into games. The whole "Enforcers" versus "Criminals" faction system will also need improving. In charge of refitting (and rebalancing) APB as we know it will be GamersFirst's own Los Angeles studio, given that Realtime Worlds has pretty much dissolved by now.
For the time being, GamersFirst doesn't expect the technical specifications of the game itself to change, so the PC system requirements should be more or less untouched from the original release. However, GamersFirst is entertaining the notion of launching an additional "lighter" version of the game in the future to better cover their (user)bases.
Source:Edge Online
Section:PC Games
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Sure to upset fans, Ubisoft has announced that their highly anticipated tactical shooter, Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, has been delayed to allow the developers more time to "make the game the best it possibly can be." Previously scheduled for release in early 2011, Future Soldier has been moved to the company's 2011-12 line-up. Word is a beta is still planned, but it won't be taking place until closer to the game's launch. We'll be sure to let you know when they nail down an exact release date.
Spreading the good news today, Electronic Arts and Slightly Mad Studios have officially announced the development of Shift 2 Unleashed, the next installment in their popular racing series. Due out in Spring 2011, the game will feature a massive graphics overhaul, along with night racing, a helmet camera view, authentic degradation of tracks and a new version of the Need for Speed Autolog. Here's the scoop:
Guildford, UK – November 16, 2010 – The race to #1 heats up! Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED, the next entry in the blockbuster Need for Speed simulation series. The original SHIFT game was released in September 2009 and has sold through close to five million copies globally. Its success was propelled by the revolutionary true driver’s experience -- a game design that was heralded by critics as more visceral, more physical and more intense than any other title in the sim category. Capturing the physicality and brutality of racing at 200mph has been the leading area of innovation by the award-winning development team at Slightly Mad Studios. SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED builds on the21b6 true drivers experience by introducing the driver’s battle, an even more authentic and primal feeling of power and speed which elevates the fundamental competitive race into a struggle for supremacy against other drivers and even the track itself. In SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED, players’ hands sweat and ache as they clutch onto the controller, their pulse races from the break-neck speeds experienced through the first-person cockpit view. Launching in Spring 2011, SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED pushes the envelope with the most authentic and intense racing experience in the genre. The world debut trailer of SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED was revealed today as bonus content for the action racing Need for Speed title, Need for Speed Hot Pursuit.
“SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED is redefining immersive racing by blending the rush of tearing up the track at unbelievable speeds with the emotional experience of competitive battle,” said Marcus Nilsson, Executive Producer, SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED. “We are also working closely with real-world performance drivers to ensure that SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED captures their experience and becomes the benchmark in authentic racing action.”
SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED features an all-new rendering engine with a massive graphics overhaul that puts the player in the heart of the racing action. With an innovative helmet camera view simulating the physical experience of driving at 200mph, the thrilling experience of night racing and authentic degradation of tracks and cars, this is tomorrow’s sim for today’s adrenaline fueled racer. SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED also incorporates the next generation of Need for Speed Autolog - the groundbreaking network that connects friends for epic head-to-head races and compares player stats for the ultimate social racing competition.
Developed by the award-winning Slightly Mad Studios, SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED will be available on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC. For more information on Need for Speed, visit http://www.needforspeed.com or become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/needforspeed and follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/needforspeed.
To celebrate this news, the developers have released a debut trailer. Enjoy:
Thanks to GameTrailers for the above stream. Mirrors are also available at the following websites:
GamersHellFileFrontFileShackActionTripWorthPlayingCan't wait! :D
Also available for download tonight is a new patch for Gas Powered Games' hit Strategy title, Supreme Commander 2. In addition to the usual laundry list of bug fixes and gameplay tweaks, this latest update features some matchmaking and AI improvements. You can find the full patch notes right here or just relaunch your Steam client to start downloading. Cheers!
Well, who didn't see this coming? Call of Duty: Black Ops sold over an estimated 5.6 million units in the first 24 hours of its release across the United States and Europe. Those units amount to $360 million in sales, making Black Ops the biggest entertainment launch in history.
To compare, Call of Duty:Modern Warfare 2 sold 4.7 million units to rack up $310 million in sales back in 2009. Activision believes Black Ops is on its way to break MW2's five-day sales record of $550 million and we think it's pretty darn likely that'll happen.
Sections:Microsoft Consoles, Console Games, PC Games, Sony Consoles, Nintendo Consoles, Handheld Games
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Owing up to Final Fantasy XIV's rough start, Square Enix pledged to fix what ails the young MMORPG and they've got a list to show how exactly they'll go about things.
To put it simply, practically every single aspect of the game is getting adjusted and improved. Here's a small sample of what's on the way:
Guildleves will get tutorial missions for newcomersIt's a really tiny sample of the huge list of changes on the way so definitely check out the source link for the full list.
The major changes will be rolled out first soon in November and December. Further additions and refinements will be introduced later in early 2011.
Source:FINAL FANTASY XIV
Section:PC Games
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Keeping things interesting this weekend, BioWare has released a new teaser trailer for their highly anticipated MMORPG, Star Wars: The Old Republic. Clocking in at two and a half minutes long, this video focuses on the game's Crew Skills System, which allows you to assign gathering, crafting and mission tasks to your crew. Pretty cool idea! Check it out:
The above stream is courtesy of YouTube.
Star Wars: The Old Republic is scheduled for release in Spring 2011.
Fresh out of the oven, Electronic Arts have cooked up three new screenshots from their upcoming free-to-play multiplayer shooter, Battlefield Play4Free. These latest screenies show off the game's war-torn environments and some giants tanks. Check 'em out:
Battlefield Play4Free is scheduled for release in Spring 2011.
Giving us a reason to dust off our wallets this weekend, Steam is offering a 33% discount on F1 2010 and a 50% discount on Risen from now until 10AM PST on Monday, November 15th. So if you're looking for something new to play, you might want to check one of these out! :)
When companies see a good thing -- that which brings in lots of money -- they tend to stick with it. Such is the case with Dead Rising's digital episodes.
The Dead Rising 2 prologue, Case Zero, was released as an Xbox LIVE exclusive shortly before the sequel was actually released, and it sold over 500,000 digital units. In light of Case Zero's success, Capcom COO David Reeves has confirmed more downloadable prologue content for Dead Rising 3, which will "bridge a link" between it and the DR2 prequel Case Zero.
"Obviously, with all of that success on Dead Rising 2, it makes sense to move onto Dead Rising 3. I think that they [developer Blue Castle Games] may extend it by bringing in new characters and new interactions, or bring back others from before.
"The idea would be that we'll bring digital content to bridge a link between DR2 and DR3. It's a bit like an online game in that way -- a continuous story. I don't want to say episodic, but I think you'll be find there'll be scriptwriters coming in to [continue the story]."
In a nutshell, Dead Rising 3 will directly follow DR2 story-wise, and we can expect more prequel DLC.
Source:CVG
Sections:Console Games, PC Games
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