Metro: Last Light 'E3 Gameplay Demo' Part 2

Catching our eye this weekend, 4A Games have released a new gameplay trailer for their highly anticipated first person shooter, Metro: Last Light. Clocking in at just over two minutes long, this video offers us the second part of their E3 2011 demo. Check it out:

Thanks to GameTrailers for the above stream. Mirrors are also available at the following websites:

GamersHell FileShack ActionTrip

Metro: Last Light is scheduled for release in 2012.

Metro: Last Light gameplay demo follows harrowing chase behind enemy lines

Last we checked on Khan and Artyom, the two were tearing through angry Russians with big guns.  Today, we see the second half of the Metro: Last Light gameplay demo, and it takes a totally different tone. Oh, don't worry, the angry Russians are still there.  Following the shootout, our guys have effectively infiltrated the Reich outpost and go about sneaking their way through, but just when everything seems to be going according to plan, something goes wrong.  No firefights today, just one helluva chase scene through the derelict tunnels. Metro: Last Light is coming to Xbox 360, PC, and PS3 in 2012.  You can still watch the more action-oriented half of the demo here. Sections: Microsoft Consoles, Console Games, PC Games, Sony Consoles

Tribes: Ascend Screenshot

Treating us to a little eyecandy tonight, Hi-Rez Studios has released a single new screenshots from their upcoming free-to-play multiplayer shooter, Tribes: Ascend. This latest screenie is from the ongoing beta. Enjoy:

Tribes Ascend is scheduled for release in Fall 2011.

Nintendo 3DS price drops to $169.99 starting August 12

Nintendo is giving the 3DS a massive price drop, slashing the console's retail value down to $169.99 starting August 12.  Those who purchase a 3DS before that date can be enrolled into Nintendo's Ambassador program for free early access to 20 NES and Game Boy Advance Virtual Console titles. Some of the VC titles Ambassadors get to download early include Super Mario Bros., Ice Climber, The Legend of Zelda, Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Metroid Fusion, Mario vs. Donkey Kong, and WarioWare, Inc: Mega Microgame$.  The ten GBA games offered are exclusive to Ambassadors and will not be available to the general public. Ambassadors can download their ten NES games starting September 1 then pick up the GBA titles by the end of 2011.  The early access NES games are downgraded from their original version but will be updated with their missing features at no charge when the eShop launches the NES Virtual Console later this year. To be eligible for the Ambassador program, 3DS owners must connect to the eShop by 11:59 PM EST on August 11.

Disciples III: Resurrection Announced

Spreading the good news today, Kalypso Media and Akella have officially announced the development of Disciples III: Resurrection, the next installment in their popular tactical RPG series. Due out in October 2011, the game will feature an all-new campaign, along with new units, heroes and undead to slay. Here's the scoop:

Bracknell, UK – 25th July 2011 –The Kalypso Media Group and Akella are pleased to announce a new chapter in the much-loved Disciples series of turn-based tactical RPGs – Disciples III: Resurrection. In Disciples III: Resurrection, players will be returned to the mythical land of Nevendaar, where they must lead the Undead Horde, a menagerie of fallen beasts and heroes who are now walking dead and are exacting their revenge in the name of their dark Goddess of death, Mortis. The game will feature the trademark art style that makes Disciples III: Renaissance a hit with fans, and introduce dozens of new units, multiple heroes and a massive campaign. Kalypso will release Disciples III: Resurrection for Windows PC in October 2011.

Disciples III: Resurrection, the sequel to fantasy turn-based tactical RPG, Disciples III: Renaissance, returns players to the magical land of Nevendaar where the player is now challenged to lead an army of the walking dead. Fallen heroes and monsters will be under your control, as they exact revenge in the name of their dark Goddess – Mortis. Players will be challenged to defeat their enemies via dark magic, brute force and courage. Disciples III: Resurrection will offer players more than 70 hours of tactical gameplay, new heroes, new units and new challenges in the form of a massive undead horde.

Features of Disciples III: Resurrection:

A new race – The Undead Hordes -- a fan favorite, these walking dead beasts (including Death Dragons, Vampires, werewolves and more) and heroes will ravage the land of Nevendaar and challenge players’ tactical skills to their utmost Huge campaign – over 70 hours of gameplay to keep players immersed in the world of Disciples More units – more than 50 new units, plus two new storyline characters and four leaders for the Undead Hordes Distinct game world and story – the world of Nevendaar features a powerful gothic theme, with detailed artwork and character models.

Just in time for the Holidays! :)

BioWare Asks Fans To Vote On ME3's Female Shepard

Grabbing our attention tonight, BioWare is asking fans to vote on which pre-made female Commander Shepard they'd like to see in Mass Effect 3. Images of six different Shepards are available on their Facebook page. Just "like" the pic to vote!

Yoshimitsu, Steve, Poison, Dhalsim to appear in Street Fighter X Tekken

Capcom is certainly stealing quite a few headlines this week, with the announcement of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and cancellation of Mega Man Legends 3 Project .  And today?  More Capcom news.  To be more specific, Capcom has updated the roster for their upcoming Street Fighter X Tekken crossover fighter with four more characters.  Yoshimitsu and Steve represent Namco in today's announcement, while Poison and Dhalsim step in for Capcom.  We've also included a ton of character artwork and screenshots below, to go with the new gameplay trailer.  Before you go clicking around the gallery, however, be sure to check the new cinematic trailer first for some Poison and Hugo versus Marduk and King epicness.  Spoiler alert: King is a total badass.  Stick around until the end for a quick peek of Cody and Guy in full CG goodness.  Image Gallery Sections: Microsoft Consoles, Console Games, Sony Consoles

Rage 'The Wasteland' Trailer

Kicking things off today, id Software has released a new behind the scenes trailer for their highly anticipated first person shooter, Rage. Clocking in at four and a half minutes long, this video touches on the Wastelands and some of the characters you'll encounter. Check it out:

Thanks to GameTrailers for the above stream. Mirrors are also available at GamersHell and the FileShack.

Rage is scheduled for release in North America on October 4th and Europe on October 7th.

Battlefield 3 'Operation Metro' Trailer

Also available for download this afternoon is a new gameplay trailer for EA DICE's upcoming first person shooter, Battlefield 3. Running just over a minute long, this video gives us a sneak peek at some multiplayer action on the Metro map. Pretty hot stuff! Enjoy:

The above stream is courtesy of GameTrailers. Hit-up any of the following websites for a mirror:

GamersHell FileShack FilePlanet

Battlefield 3 is scheduled for release in North America on October 25th and Europe on October 28th.

Star Wars: The Old Republic Pre-Orders Begin!

Creating a little buzz this afternoon, Electronic Arts and BioWare have announced that you can now pre-order their highly anticipated massively multiplayer online RPG, Star Wars: The Old Republic. There are three different flavors to choose from, each offering unique pre-order bonuses:

Standard Edition - $59.99

Early Game access Color Stone (Change Lightsaber/blaster bolt colors) 30 Days Game Time

Digital Deluxe Edition - $79.99

Early Game access Color Stone (Change Lightsaber blade/blaster bolt colors) 30 Days Game Time Five items: Flare Gun, Training Droid, HoloDancer, HoloCam and STAP.

Collector's Edition - $149.99

Early Game access Color Stone (Change Lightsaber/blaster bolt colors) 30 Days Game Time Seven items: Flare Gun, Training Droid, HoloDancer, HoloCam, STAP, Mouse Droid and Collector's Edition Store. Exclusive Gentle Giant Darth Malgus statue Game disks collectible metal case The Journal of Master Gnost-Dural as annotated by Satele Shan The Old Republic galaxy map Custom Security Authentication Key Music of Star Wars: The Old Republic CD High-quality Collector's Edition box

Click here for more details and a list of participating retailers in your region! :D

Dawn of War II - Retribution DLC screenshots detail major Eldar makeovers

If you haven't checked in on Dawn of War II lately, now might be a good time.  Dawn of War II - Retribution expands today with the addition of the Ulthwé Pack, which introduces Craftworld Ulthwé along with nine unique models for major multiplayer units, plus a number of other customization features.  The new content is available for $7.49 USD, and if you're not exactly sure about dropping that kind of money, check the new screenshots for a preview of the new Eldar skins.  DLC aside, the 3.16.1 update also introduced a number of fixes, which can be viewed on the official forums.  A few issues have already been discovered, and Relic is working on the 3.16.2 Hotfix. 

Volition picks out Easter eggs in Saints Row: The Third "Power" documentary

Prior to E3 in June, THQ and Volition put together one helluva trailer for Saints Row: The Third, dubbed "Power."  It may have been all CG, but there was a ton of stuff going on in those 2.5 minutes, leading to much speculation regarding the various character appearances. In a follow-up trailer, Saints Row: The Third lead writer Steve Janos goes over the "Power" CG trailer, offering plenty of frame-by-frame commentary, and you would've believe all the Easter eggs Volition crammed into just this one trailer.  He also tries to clear up a few errors made by fans and Game Informer during a previous feature they had done, which lead to some inaccuracies regarding the characters.  The DeWynter twins (above), for instance, aren't actually assassins, despite popular speculation -- just really attractive business women with Facebook-worthy scowls. Enjoy the video.  Saints Row: The Third will be out on November 15, and if you haven't already pre-ordered, the recent pre-order bonus announcement might change your mind. Sections: Microsoft Consoles, Console Games, PC Games, Sony Consoles

Halo: CE Anniversary pre-order perks include Skull, Avatar suit

All right, Halo fans, you now have an excuse to pre-order Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary.  343 announced today two pre-order bonus items for the upcoming remastered Halo: Combat Evolved, and one of them is absolutely hilarious. You've got the Master Chief Avatar costume, which is fairly nice to have considering how much full Avatar costumes go for on Xbox LIVE.  Then there's the "Grunt Funeral" Skull. For you non-Halo fans out there, Skulls refer to special effects that can be activated in-game.  A long-time favorite of the Halo community has been the "Grunt Birthday Party" Skull, which rewards players for Grunt headshots with bursts of confetti and the sounds of children cheering.  What does "Grunt Funeral" do, exactly?  It blows Grunts up after they've been killed.  Here's a little preview of the Skull effect to brighten your Monday.  Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary will be released on November 15 and priced at a fairly reasonable $40 USD.  Full price for Combat Evolved would have been a little much, even in HD.

BloodRayne: Betrayal screenshots emphasize 3D violence

A new BloodRayne will be arriving at the end of August, and we've got new screenshots of the 2D side-scroller today.  Obviously this isn't quite the way most of us remember Rayne, but at least WayForward and Majesco are doing something new with the series.  Well, her hair is still red, and her outfit is still appropriately tight -- how else would a vampire hunter dress? BloodRayne: Betrayal comes to XBLA on August 31 and PSN on August 30. 

Dead Island campaign will be roughly 30 hours

Ever get the feeling games are getting shorter and shorter?  Well, that's not going to be an issue with Dead Island.  When asked how long the game's campaign would stretch, Deep Silver's Vincent Kummer gave a rough estimate of 30 hours. "The game itself, if you played 'normally,' is going to be like 25 to 30 hours," he explained.  "It's tough to give a time, because it really depends on how you play." Once you beat the game, you can always go back in as one of the other four playable characters or start over in the tougher New Game+ mode.  With the exception of New Game+ and the upcoming Bloodbath Arena DLC, however, Techland and Deep Silver have no plans for additional game modes "at the moment." The Bloodbath Arena DLC is basically the Dead Island version of Horde mode, pitting players agaisnt waves of zombies across four different arenas, offering a more action-driven alternative to the campaign.  The add-on will be bundled with the game as an exclusive pre-order bonus but will also be released later as paid content.

June 2011 NPD Number Crunch: L.A. Noire remains monthly top seller

The NPD Group's monthly industry sales report for June 2011 paint yet another a picture of year-on-year decline.  PC and console hardware and software sales were down 10 percent compared to June 2010; in fact, it's practically double-digit year-on-year decline across the board. Incidentally, while console software sales suffered the largest drop at 12 percent compared to the year before, there were plenty of bright spots for the games themselves.  Troubled as its development was, L.A. Noire continues to be a strong performer at retail.  In fact, Team Bondi and Rockstar's action-adventure proved to be the top selling game for the second month in a row. It beat all newcomers in June, including Duke Nukem.  Don't count the Duke out yet, though.  Despite tepid critical reception and word of mouth, Duke Nukem Forever still sold enough to be the runner-up for bestseller in June.  inFamous 2 followed in third place, a great debut for a PS3 exclusive. Unfortunately, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D didn't fare quite as well at retail, and only just made NPD's software top five for June.  The original N64 release was one of the highest rated software titles both for the platform and in general, so it's a little disappointing to see a relatively cooler reception for the 3DS port. A handful of stalwarts released last year still remain on the software top ten, including (you guessed it) Call of Duty: Black Ops and... Just Dance 2.  Ubisoft's rhythm action title may be dead last in the top ten, but you won't find the publisher complaining.  In fact, Ubisoft today boasts that Just Dance 2 is officially the bestselling third party game for the Wii. June 2011 US Games Industry Summary Total Industry Sales - $1.03 billion USD (-10%) Console Hardware Sales - $366.6 million USD (-9%) Console Software Sales - $469.5 million USD (-12%) Total Software Sales - $508.9 million USD (-10%) Accessory Sales - $158.9 million USD (-11%) June 2011 Software Sales    Game   Publisher   Platform   Release   1.   L.A. Noire  Rockstar Games  PS3 / Xbox 360  05/2011  2.   Duke Nukem Forever  Take-Two Interactive  PS3 / Xbox 360 / PC  06/2011  3.   InFamous 2  Sony Computer Entertainment  PS3  06/2011  4.   LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean  Disney Interactive Studios  PS3 / Xbox 360 / Wii / DS / 3DS / PSP / PC  05/2011  5.   The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D  Nintendo  3DS  06/2011  6.   Call of Duty: Black Ops  Activision  PS3 / Xbox 360 / PC / Wii / DS  11/2010  7.   NBA 2K11  Take-Two Interactive  PS3 / Xbox 360 / PC / Wii / PSP / PS2  10/2010  8.   Mortal Kombat  Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment  PS3 / Xbox 360  04/2011  9.   Cars 2  Disney Interactive Studios  PS3 / Xbox 360 / PC / Wii / DS  06/2011  10.   Just Dance 2  Ubisoft  Wii  10/2010  Source: GameSpot Sections: Console Games, PC Games, Handheld Games

Metro: Last Light gameplay video shows off shadows, minigun

We've seen a few trailers for Metro: Last Light, the sequel to underground hit Metro 2033, but today's is a little different in delivering raw gameplay. Keeping in mind it's pre-alpha footage, have a look below at the extensive use of shadows, and new weapon the minigun. Sections: Microsoft Consoles, Console Games, PC Games, Sony Consoles

Catherine demo presents a choice for this week's PlayStation Network downloads

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood arrives as a digital download today but if you're looking to save money, the PlayStation Store is kicking off its Summer Sale for 11 previously released titles.  The Catherine demo is also available if you want to see what all the fuss is about with the highly-anticipated puzzle platformer.   PlayStation 3 Games and Demos Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is the second part of the "Ezio Trilogy", taking place in 1499 with Ezio Auditore strengthening the Assassin's guild.  With the help of his fellow assassins, Ezio plans to strike at the heart of The Templars.  Multiplayer features up to 21 characters that can be leveled up.  Brotherhood can be purchased for $39.99. In Catherine, salaryman Vincent faces the choice of marrying his current love Katherine or hooking up with an outgoing blonde by the name of Catherine.  Since meeting Catherine, Vincent is tormented by nightmares that can kill him if he is not able to escape the challenges imposed on him. The online-enabled demo of PixelJunk Shooter 2 lets you take on one other player through the first league of the Solar System.  Unlocks a few weapons and abilities as you progress through the trial. As one of the few remaining humans in Dead Nation, you must survive against hordes of undead in a zombie apocalypse.  Upgrade your guns at shops and take advantage of the zombies' attraction to noises and bright lights to round them up and blow them to smithereens. PSP minis Popular DSiWare game Mighty Flip Champs! DX debuts for PSP today, tasking players with navigating a girl named Alta through mazes.  The layout of the maze can change with the press of a button but you have to be careful not to get caught where there would be walls in the forthcoming layout.  Check out one of DSiWare's best for $5.99. Download Content DiRT 3 "Mud and Guts Car Pack" ($5.99) - Grants access to Citroën C4 Rallycross, Ford Mustang GT, Lancia Stratos, Peugeot 205 T16 Evo 2, and Saturn Sky to use in races.  Also adds new liveries.  Cars can be bought individually for $1.99 each. L.A. Noire "Reefer Madness" ($3.99) - Phelps and Earle are tipped off about a city-wide marijuana distribution ring.  The detectives will find out who's behind the operation and discover how the drugs are being smuggled in plain sight. LittleBigPlanet 2 Costumes ($1.99 - $5.99) - Various costumes including parts to make your Sackperson look like characters from Killzone 3 and Final Fantasy VII.  The Final Fantasy bundle features an exclusive Vincent costume. Magic: The Gathering: Duels of The Planeswalkers 2012 Add-ons ($0.99 each) - 20 items of assorted content. Michael Jackson: The Experience "Another Part of Me" ($2.99) - Dance and singing routine for Jackson's single from 1986. NCAA Football 12 Add-ons ($0.99 – $24.99) - 22 items of assorted content. ModNation Racers "Gladiator Parts Pack" ($4.99) - Track prop pack themed after ancient Roman gladiators. MotorStorm Apocalypse "Queen of Hearts Event Pack" (Free) - Six races that award 120,000 chips total. Wizardry: Labyrinth Of Lost Souls "Limit Free Levels" ($0.99) - Break the character level limit.  Worms 2: Armageddon "Puzzle Pack" ($4.99) - 20 new stages for Puzzle Mode plus hats, speech banks, gravestones, landscape, and trophies are included. Source: PlayStation Blog Sections: Console Games, Sony Consoles, Handheld Games

DC Universe Online first DLC lets players join the Lantern Corps

When DC Universe Online first launched, DC fans noticed pretty quickly the absence of power rings as a usable weapon.  That's about to change.  Sony Online Entertainment is ready to release the first DCUO DLC, "Fight for the Light," and if that name doesn't tip you off, the new content revolves around the Green Lantern Corps. You won't just be fighting alongside the Green and Sinestro Corps, but as one of them, should you feel so inclined.  The DLC will add Light as the seventh power set, and players will be able to create their own Green Lantern or Sinestro Corps member, depending on your affiliation.  Several other Lantern Corps will also make appearances, but it doesn't sound like they'll be playable. Along with the new power are several new gameplay scenarios, from Hal Jordon's hometown to the planet of Oa.  S.T.A.R. Labs - Deep within S.T.A.R Labs, Brainiac seeks to control experimental devices that will allow him to harness the power source behind the Lantern Corps' rings. This attack throws the Lantern Corps into chaos, and players must join a fragile truce between the Green and Yellow Lantern Corps to bring the powerful devices back under S.T.A.R. Labs' control. Coast City - Players must battle their way through the "City Without Fear" to Ferris Aircraft, the home of fighter ace Hal Jordan. Here they face the unbridled rage of the Red Lantern Corps in a showdown to save the city and the Universe. Sciencells Prison - On the Green Lantern Corps' home planet Oa, heroes will join with Guy Gardner to stop a prison break that threatens to release the most feared prisoners of the Green Lantern Corps. Villains will fight alongside Sinestro as he attempts to release the Green Lantern Corps' greatest foes and retrieve the evil Lyssa Drak from her emerald powered prison cell. The "Fight for the Light" content pack will be available later this summer for $10, on PS3 and PC.

Dark Souls gets ton of new screenshots, showing off more gameplay

October is looking nearly as crowded as November in terms of game releases, and you've still got until October 4 to pre-order Dark Souls for the Limited Edition upgrade.  That aside, we have a few more screenshots today -- and by "a few more," we mean "a whole lot."  One image in particular shows some actual dialogue going on, but it's still in Japanese.  Some of the objects appear a little murky, but you will find some breathtaking scenery in the mix.  Too bad everyone you meet tries to kill you.

Dishonored details arise, a single screenshot released

Little is known about Arkane Studios' Dishonored, except the names behind the game, but a few more details have been revealed via Game Informer , as the magazine teases its next major feature.  A first screenshot was also released, seen above. So what's the story behind Dishonored?  Players will be stepping into the shoes of Corvo, a man who once served as the Empress' legendary bodyguard.  When the Empress dies, he's accused of murdering her, though it's obvious he's not the real culprit.  In order to reclaim his name and set right the wrongs of a corrupt power, Corvo must fight. The man boasts some pretty unique powers and an extensive knowledge of gadgets.  One specific example is the ability to summon rats and use them against your targets -- or possessing a single rat and escaping from harm.  Obviously this isn't the extent of his abilities, just a juicy teaser.  What's also interesting is the impact of Corvo's actions on the world around him.  The game measures how violent your actions are, and a "chaos" system tracks the collateral damage you cause.  As you progress, the game world will change based on these assessments. 

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has color blind mode

You might not know it but there's quite a few gamers who are color blind.  In recent years, developers have put helpful options in their games to assist color blind players better differentiate one color from another. Sledgehammer Games continues the trend by confirming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 having a Color Blind Assist option available.  Sledgehammer estimates about a million Call of Duty players are color blind so this news should please a lot of people.

Last.FM, Internet radio support coming to Beat Hazard Ultra

Beat Hazard fans, PC gamers, and music junkies will be pleased with this news: both Last.FM and Internet radio streaming support are on the way for the new version of Cold Beam Games' shmup (Ultra). Don't know about Last.FM? It's an essential site and application for music lovers which tracks what music you listen to and recommends you more music and local concerts based on what it finds. What this means for Beat Hazard is the songs you play to in-game will be tracked by Last.FM. Perhaps even better, Internet radio streaming support should mean you'll no longer be relegated to what tracks you and your partner or opponent share when playing online, but damn near everything on the Internet. Cold Beam Games says they've got some work to do before this is implemented and working fully, but yes, definitely something to look forward to. And a future possibility: online Boss Rush and Survival modes.