Blizzard shows off extensive Starcraft II game footage

Perhaps the most anticipated RTS game of all-time, Starcraft II, is slowly creeping towards entering the beta stage of development. Gamers everywhere are no doubt anxious to see if it will come out before 2010.

But Blizzard doesn't believe in rushing a good thing -- it is looking like Starcraft II is coming along quite well in this newly released footage. No doubt hardcore Korean Starcraft fans are already analyzing the video, frame by frame, trying to scope out a potential new tactic that they might want to try out first, when the game makes it to stores.

While the game doesn't look that all far of departure from the first Starcraft game, probably not many people will be bothered by this at all.

Here's the footage -- what do you think? Is this going to be played competitively 10 years from now, in 2019, as much as Starcraft I is being played now?

(Sorry for the YouTube video -- are video system is temporarily having some troubles.)

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Borderlands Screenshot Reveals New Art Style

Spicing things up today, the fine folks over at Gearbox Software have released a new in-game screenshot of their upcoming Action-RPG, Borderlands. As you can see, the game has undergone some major changes, including a new art direction they're calling the "Concept Art Style". Enjoy:

Looks pretty sweet to me! What do you think? ;)

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F.E.A.R. 2 "Toy Soldiers" DLC Released

Keeping us on our toes tonight, Monolith has announced that they've released the "Toy Soldiers" DLC for their hit first person shooter, F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin. The 334MB update includes three new multiplayer maps (Cockroach, FullTilt and Recess) and a handful of bug fixes. You can check out the full changelog right here or just hit any of the following mirrors to start downloading:

YouGamers (courtesy of GamersHell)FileFrontFilePlanetWorthPlaying

Let the mayhem begin!

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Bethesda may pull Interplay's airlock on Fallout MMO development

Doubt continues to spread over over Interplay's ability to produce the Fallout MMO it announced in 2006. The financially beleagured publisher outright sold the IP for its beloved Fallout sci-fi RPG franchise to Bethesda for $5.75 million USD back in April 2007, after Bethesda initially secured licensing to produce Fallout 3 in 2004. Bethesda would then license the rights to produce a Fallout-themed massively multiplayer online game back to Interplay, on the condition that something would ready by April 4th of this year. Unfortunately, Interplay hasn't been doing as great lately; its recent US SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) Form 10-K filing implies the publisher may not be able to continue funding current operations, with its cash balances "approximately $0" as of December 31st 2008. That's on top of a working deficit of about $2.4 million USD, so it's quite likely Interplay will either need to do some liquidation, or even file for bankruptcy.

Such dire lack of dough does little good in realizing a potential Fallout MMO, reportedly codenamed "Project V13", which Interplay previously estimated would require a budget of $75 million USD. Bethesda for one certainly isn't convinced at this point, and is accusing Interplay for being in breach of their trademark license agreement. The IP holder now wishes to terminate Interplay's license to produce a Fallout MMO. Despite its lack of cash, Interplay makes clear it intention to dispute Bethesda's claim; the publisher certainly wouldn't want to consider the possible consequences of losing its license to produce a Fallout MMO. After all, if Interplay isn't up to the task, then Bethesda may be forced to flex its hold on the FalloutIP once again.

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Square Enix to publish World War II strategy game

This is it, everyone. Square Enix has made a decisive move into Western gaming markets with their upcoming World War II RTS.

They've signed a deal with strategy game gurus at Wargaming.net to publish their new PC-base IP, Order of War. I guess Square figured World War II would be a sure thing, even in this brave new world.

"Order Of War will feature massive scale battles brought to life with a cinematic intensity never seen before in a WWII strategy game," Square Enix explains in a statement. "Players will take command of an entire army including ground troops, artillery, tank divisions and aircraft in all out strategic assaults. The single-player mode can be played out in two campaigns - American versus German forces on the western front and German versus Russian on the eastern front - missions will be based on key historic events and operations from 1944."

At least the game title is in ALL CAPS this time. Of course, Square's North American CEO John Yamamoto had a few nice things to say about Order of War.

"Order Of War offers Square Enix an exciting opportunity to enter this hugely popular genre, and is a strong proposition for our first western developed release," says Yamamoto. "With its cinematic intensity, hugely realistic battles and historical accuracy, the game looks set to whet the appetite of any war gaming fan."

Some key features in Order of War include:

Experience WWII warfare on an epic, cinematic stage; that truly captures the intensity and scale of the battlefield.

Take Command of an entire armoured force consisting of up to 1,000 soldiers, tank divisions, armoured vehicles, artillery and air force.

Players can choose between two different campaign modes offering completely different storylines, missions, objectives and environments.

Experience the unique dynamic camera that allows players to command troops over huge geographical scale whilst maintaining movie-like vistas and detail.

In-depth gameplay modes - two different campaign modes, multi-player,

We always assumed Square would make a bigger splash when they followed Capcom's example by focusing more on the West. Just what is so special about a World War II game? Let alone an RTS about war.

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Cross Fire officially launches today

After marinating in beta for a while, Cross Fire is finally available for download.

This free-to-play FPS got its start in Asia and saw so much success that North American publisher G4BOX and distributor Wicked Interactive decided to bring it over the Pacific. In Cross Fire, players side with either a Black List or Global Risk mercenary, working together in teams to complete objective-based scenarios. The game's flagship feature is "Ghost Mode," which allows one side to possess cloaking technology, making them virtually invisible to the other team while restricted to using knives.

"Since Cross Fire went into open beta earlier this year we have built a dedicated community of players," said Garvin Yeung, CEO of Wicked Interactive.

The official Cross Fire launch today includes an update that introduces three new game modes, playable female characters, and ranked clan matches on a dedicated server. New weapons, items, and other accessories will also be available to players.

"We have worked hard on all the new content included in the official launch version of Cross Fire," added Howard He, CEO and co-founder of G4BOX. "We know Cross Fire veterans and new players alike will be able to find something new they can enjoy."

If you're curious about Cross Fire, you can download it from MMO portal Suba Games.

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New Cities XL Screenshots

Wrapping things up tonight, Monte Cristo has sent over three new screenshots from their upcoming city-builder, Cities XL. These latest shots give us a sneak peek at the ski resort GEM (Gameplay Extension Module), which allows you to manage a tycoon-style business. Check 'em out:

 

 

Cities XL is due out sometime in 2009.

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