Videogame News Thread [Archive] - Page 16

Emperor Smeat

09-01-2011, 07:32 PM

Team Bondi appears to be closer to shutting down as a studio after the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) officially placed the company in "Administration" (bankruptcy) after recent news of the studio attempt to find a new parent company collapsed.

After being dropped by Rockstar in regards to poor working conditions for their employees and a constant refusal to follow Rockstar's project demands, the studio had been shopping around to find another parent company.

KMM studio had been rumored to be willing to purchase the studio but talks broke down after a recent meeting involving the bosses of both companies with the Team Bondi boss being viewed as the main reason for the failed talks.

As of now, Rockstar owns complete control over the rights to L.A. Noire and Team Bondi is rumored to have unofficially shut down its headquarters.

http://zillas.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/lanoireclose2.jpg
http://zillas.screwattack.com/news/sad-times-la-noire-dev-team-bondi
http://kotaku.com/5827579/nobody-wants-to-work-with-la-noires-developers-boss-in-buyout-talks

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Quick News Round-Up:

1) Leading up to Call of Duty XP event, Activision announces all DLC for the Call of Duty series will be 50% off for this weekend on XBLA, PSN, and Steam. Premium themes will also be 50% off in price and full game downloads will drop to $34.99 for Modern Warfare 2 and $49.99 for Black Ops.

2) Rockstar announces it will be releasing another DLC pack for Red Dead Redemption's multiplayer titled "Myths & Mavericks" for free on September 13. The DLC pack will feature 11 new multiplayer maps with half just for Stronghold mode and 8 new characters to expand the in-game roster.

3) THQ announces WWE All-Stars will be getting a 3DS version on November 22 with the DLC characters included in the roster for free. Also announced was besides the 3D visuals, the game will contain 2 new exclusive modes to be officially revealed at a later date.

Extreme Angle

09-02-2011, 05:31 AM

Demoing now

Pretty cool game, got raped by shotgun neighbour though lol.
Gonna try it again when I get back.

#BROKEN Hasney

09-02-2011, 12:02 PM

Drakul

09-02-2011, 12:08 PM

It looks like the SS I downloaded from XBLA a year or two ago.

The whole "Bad guys charging at you from all angles" thing is cool for an XBLA game (I never played it before then) but I'm not sure it would be worth the price of a full disc game, assuming that's what this is.

Emperor Smeat

09-02-2011, 08:05 PM

Square Enix announces it will officially debut a new game in the Dragon Quest series and will live stream the announcement on September 5.

Based on previous rumors and leaked images, the game will be Dragon Quest X and as of now will be on the Wii although past reports did state the company was also considering a Wii U version as well.

Also leading credit to the game being Dragon Quest X is due to the upcoming Dragon Quest Anniversary set for Japan includes a trailer for DQ X as the latest game in the series.

The game is rumored for a early to mid 2012 release date with Nintendo being the publisher for the game in all regions.

http://zillas.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/dragon-quest-iv.jpg
http://zillas.screwattack.com/news/new-dragon-quest-game-be-revealed-monday

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Quick News Round-Up:

1) BlazBlue: Continuum Shift will be getting another update as a PS Vita version has been confirmed to be called "BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend" and similar to the 3DS version, it will contain all the DLC characters for free. The PS Vita version however will also have exclsuive content such as new online modes, gameplay tweaks, and a new playable character (Relius).

2) Sledgehammer Games studio confirms rumors of the studio was working on a Third Person perspective shooter for the Call of Duty franchise until the project was cancelled to help out Inifnity Ward on Modern Warfare 3. Original plans was for Activision to use the studio to create a new series with the CoD brand to form a 3-studio cycle.

3) The beta for Assassin's Creed: Revolutions officially starts tommorrow and will last till September 8 only for PS Plus or Uplay accounts on the PS3 while no beta is being planned for the Xbox 360. Included in the beta are 9 characters, 3 maps with only 2 avaliable at the start, and 4 multiplayer modes with 2 being brand new to the series.

FearedSanctity

09-04-2011, 03:15 AM

Sony: 'Publishers are getting the living crap kicked out of them by Microsoft'

"Publishers are getting the living crap kicked out of them by Microsoft," Rob Dyer, Sony's SVP of public relations, told Industry Gamers in a recent interview concerning Microsoft's publishing policies. But we're getting ahead of ourselves here -- Dyer was provoked by the following information from Microsoft's Content Submission and Release Policy, which forbids its games from being released first or with exclusive content on other platforms:

"Titles for Xbox 360 must ship at least simultaneously with other video game platform, and must have at least feature and content parity on-disc with the other video game platform versions in all regions where the title is available. If these conditions are not met, Microsoft reserves the right to not allow the content to be released on Xbox 360."

Xbox Europe's Chris Lewis defended this policy to Eurogamer, saying, "We're a little biased, so obviously we're going to look to protect our own space as best we can and get exclusivity." And that's where Dyer steps in.

"I think what Chris and the other representatives at Microsoft are doing is protecting an inferior technology," Dyer said. "I think they want to dumb it down and keep it as pedestrian as possible so that if you want to do anything for Blu-ray or you have extra content above 9 gigs or you want to do anything of that nature, you'd better sure as heck remember that Microsoft can't handle that."

While Microsoft tries to force path-dependence on its publishers, Sony's more open policy has earned it a relationship with Valve, which Dyer says is a stark advantage for the company and gamers alike. Microsoft has a relationship with Valve too, but it seems like more of a long-distance, second-cousin-once-removed sort of deal.

Funky Fly

09-04-2011, 02:57 PM

So basically, Sony's ignoring its own dickery to point out Microsoft's dickery. Slow news week?

OssMan

09-04-2011, 04:06 PM

Wish people would stop making up/using words like "dickery" and "faggotry"

#BROKEN Hasney

09-04-2011, 04:10 PM

Cockology

RoXer

09-05-2011, 01:42 AM

http://users.livejournal.com/_nikolya_/376910.html#cutid1

nsfw i suppose

Funky Fly

09-05-2011, 02:02 AM

Wish people would stop making up/using words like "dickery" and "faggotry"

No.

James Diesel

09-05-2011, 04:23 AM

http://users.livejournal.com/_nikolya_/376910.html#cutid1

nsfw i suppose

So it's like some tournament where butterfaces try to make you fuck up?
Cool......

Emperor Smeat

09-05-2011, 07:25 PM

Square-Enix officially debuts the upcoming Dragon Quest game which will be titled as "Dragon Quest X Online: Rise of the Five Tribes" and will be for both the Wii and Wii U.

The game was revealed to be an MMO-style game similar in setup to the previous Monster Hunter Tri game for the Wii. Square-Enix revealed the Wii U version will have better graphics but both Wii and Wii U owners of the game can play in the same servers and won't be separated. The Wii version is rumored to come with a USB memory card for saving DLC and patches.

Due to the game being based on accounts, only 1 copy of the game is needed and accounts can be migrated from the Wii to Wii U version of the game.

The Wii U version of the game is set to have better graphics than the Wii game, but players purchasing the title for either platform will be able to share the same online world. Nintendo's President Satoru Iwata, speaking at Sqaure-Enix's event has also noted that since Wii U plays Wii games, it will be possible to continue playing the game if a player migrates from Wii to Wii U as the game arrives without needing two versions of the game. A beta version of the game will be available shortly.

The game can be played in offline but the company did not go into details if only parts of the game would be playable offline or if the game requires a constant internet connection even in offline/solo-mode.

The 3DS can be used as a controller and the game does take advantage of the StreetPass feature on the handheld.

No exact release date was confirmed but Square-Enix still has the Wii version for an early 2012 release date although the game is assumed to be a launch title for the Wii U when that console gets released.

The game will have a subscription fee to play similar to other MMOs on both the PC and consoles. As of now, the fee was revealed nor if it will be a monthly or yearly deal.

http://fastcache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/09/110905_dq10title.jpg
http://gamrfeed.vgchartz.com/story/87787/dragon-quest-x-online-rise-of-the-five-tribes-coming-to-wii-wii-u/
http://gamrconnect.vgchartz.com/thread.php?id=133694
Screens => http://kotaku.com/5837323/some-hate-it-some-love-it-heres-a-look-at-dragon-quest-x/gallery/1

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Relic Entertainment confirms the free co-op DLC for Warhammer 40,000 Space Marines will arrive in October and is a "horde"-based 4-player multiplayer mode that will include 2 maps in the pack. While the DLC will e free on the PC, the console versions of the game will only be free for those who bought the game new and paid DLC for used owners.

2) Based on rumors from a French magazine, the PS Vita is set to arrive in Japan on November 12, 2011 while the US/Canada will get the Vita before the end of March 2012.

3) According to the Playstation Blog, Sony is offering an additional 10 free games for Playstation Plus members to go along with a 20-50% discount on both minis and DLC content. The free games include 3 PSN games, 3 PSN minis, and 4 PSOne Classics.
http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/09/05/playstation-plus-september-offers-10-free-games-including-plants-vs-zombies/

Kalyx triaD

09-05-2011, 10:36 PM

That Dragon Quest game sounds nice. Kinda can't believe the ease of connectivity on a Nintendo console.

Funky Fly

09-06-2011, 02:50 PM

I'm guessing that the Wii U is just a scaled up Wii with a few bells and whistles thrown on it, then. :-\

I'm more concerned about then finally fixing this friend code bullshit.

Funky Fly

09-06-2011, 02:50 PM

I'm guessing that the Wii U is just a scaled up Wii with a few bells and whistles thrown on it, then. :-\

I'm more concerned about then finally fixing this friend code bullshit.

OssMan

09-06-2011, 06:52 PM

would you go as far as to call it friend code dickery

Emperor Smeat

09-06-2011, 08:47 PM

In an interview from PAX, Gearbox's art director for Borderlands 2 reveals some of the plans and changes the development team is working on for the current Borderlands 2 project.

A brand new cast of characters will be playable in the upcoming game while the previous cast will only make cameos and appearances.

"We decided to bring back all the original playable characters as NPCs in the new game," Cooke told me, "because everyone is so connected to them. I keep doing interviews where people tell me, 'Oh, I played the game for 300 hours.' These people spend so much time with these characters, but then, they don't really know who they are. This game is five years after the vault was opened, and we wanted to show what's happened since then."

Some missions will involve rescuing members of the first game such as Roland being trapped in an enemy compound and then once freed he reveals what happened to him since the end of Borderlands 1.

To offset the repetitive visuals in the areas of the first Borderlands game, the team is making each zone or area unique in both appearance and content as a way of "opening" up the entire Pandora location.

In terms of weapons, the focus was for more depth and combinations possible while making each manufacturing brand be unique from each other in both appearance and usefulness.

"There are a lot more guns this time," Cooke told me, "like, several orders of magnitude more. Our core gun system that we had last time we revamped the base code system for that to make it more efficient so that we could add more parts. So, in the past game we might've only had like five or six parts for a gun, now there can be more like twelve, fourteen parts in a gun. We paramaterized the scope views as well—before, it was all static art, so you might've only seen one of six scopes, but now you're going to see eighty-seven bazillion scopes, because they're all paramaterized. Guns dropped by bosses are going to have much more personality."

Cooke said that the various gun manufacturers would be much more distinctive, as well. Bandits' guns would be all about ammo, while other manufacturers would focus on rate-of-fire, ammunition type, and more. (And of course, the hilarious exploding disposable Tediore gun from the demo.)

In terms of art style, the game will have a similar graphical style as the first game but with more shadders and details.

Also being address is the A.I. to make the combat less repetitive and fixing the exploits people were able to do with ease from the first game.

For the PC version, the development team said this version will have a more-PC like interface and will be built up to take advantage of the unique features on the PC instead of being a straight port of the console versions.

"The other big area is user interface," Cooke continued. "We had a ton of fans who played the game on PC, but they honestly got a port of the console game. We heard a lot of fans say, 'Hey, you didn't really take care of us here.' So, we completely ripped out the UI - there's a completely new UI for PC, it's mouse-driven, supports drag-and-drop, all of the things that you would expect in a PC title. It'll be a lot more fun for people."

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/09/nightstalkers.jpg
http://kotaku.com/5837677/borderlands-2-dev-talks-new-art-improved-ai-and-why-pc-gamers-wont-get-a-port-this-time-around

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) According to the Itlain edition of the Official Playstation Magazine, Syphon Filter 4 will be released next year for the PS3. The rumor states SCE London Studio is developing the game and the story will contine where Syphon Filter Logan's Story left off.

2) Three million digital copies of Dirt 3 ended up becoming "missing" after a recent promotion invovling Codemasters' and AMD ended up with Codemasters accidentally leaving the list of promo codes out in the open on their main forums. Codemasters was able to contact Valve in time while Valve has stated to lock out only the unauthorized codes from Steam to prevent the game from being playable.

3) In an update to the Dragon Quest X report, Square-Enix clarifies that while the game can be played solo, only part of the game or the first few hours are playale offline because the game will require an internet connection and fee to continue playing. The company is also expected to use their PlayOnline services and not Nintendo services for the game similar to their previous MMOs and also Monster Hunter Tri using Capcom services to play.

Ermaximus

09-07-2011, 09:33 AM

https://www.playfire.com/bf3-vs-mw3/c8e124747f50274f
.

Emperor Smeat

09-07-2011, 07:43 PM

According to a leak from the ESRB, Capcom is currently rumored to be releasing a HD-remake collection set for the Devil May Cry series for both the Xbox 360 and PS3.

The set would include Devil May Cry 1, DMC 2, and DMC 3 although the ESRB leak was not specific if the only changes are in graphics and trophy/gamerscore support.

Previously initial rumors only had the potential set as a PS3 exclusive until the leak by the ESRB although the Japanese version could still be PS3-only.

Capcom is also rumored to be revealing the HD set during next week's Tokyo Game Show expo and a potential release date of late 2011 to TBA 2012.

http://fastcache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/09/dante_hd.jpg
http://kotaku.com/5837803/hd-re+release-of-devil-may-cry-trio-looks-more-likely-than-ever

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Valve expands their new cross-game trading feature to now include items from Valve's own Portal 2 and Sega's Spiral Knights games. The new games join Team Fortress 2 as the only games so far allowing trading of in-game items with more games expected to be added in the near future.

2) EA squashes rumors of the company charging for the Battlelog feature in Battlefield 3 saying they have no current plans to charge for the feature. However, analysts are predicting EA will eventually charge for the service due to CoD Elite expected to generate $50 million in profits and EA only promised Battlefield 3 and not all future games will have it for free.

3) Ubisoft scrapes the Uplay Passport requirement for Driver San Fransisco after a huge mistake in the printing of code cards resulted in a lot of new copies either missing the card or having incorrect codes. As a result, the company announces all 11 of the intial DLC packs will be free for both new and used copy owners of the game.

OssMan

09-07-2011, 08:26 PM

Hell yeah Flower

Funky Fly

09-08-2011, 03:58 AM

would you go as far as to call it friend code dickery

No. The friend code nonsense was well intentioned and not a conscious malicious effort on Nintendo's part. Dickery implies intent to be a dick in the process. Much like your post.

Extreme Angle

09-08-2011, 01:54 PM

6924

Thought I'd try out a Molotov and just ended up burning my house down and catching my face on fire... :(

Emperor Smeat

09-08-2011, 06:58 PM

The collector's edition for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marines by Relic Entertainment has 2 different prices based on if the console version or PC version is purchased.

The console version will be $99.99 while the PC version has a $79.99 price tag but both contain the same stuff.

Included with the game are a Purity Seal, an art book, a soundtrack, foil character cards for almost all the characters in the game, and a tin case to store all the stuff.

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/09/peekinside.jpg
http://kotaku.com/5838110/is-this-a-collectors-edition-worthy-of-a-space-marine

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Atari and developer n-space announce the RollerCoaster Tycoon series will be arriving to the 3DS with a new game set to arrive next year exclusively for the handheld. The untitled game will have a brand new Coaster Story mode to go along with the touchpad controls and 3D effects on the handheld.

2) 2K Sports announces the 2012 rookie draft class will not be available as part of the main roster of players until the current NBA lockout is settled due to licensing issues which ended once the old CBA expired. The studio did say once the lockout is over, the rookies will be included in a roster update patch to go along with a commentary patch to include the names during in-game action.

3) id Software releases the PC requirements needed to play the studio's upcoming Rage game:

Minimum

OS: Win XP SP3, Vista, Win 7
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo or Equivalent AMD
Memory: 2GB
Hard Disk Space: 25GB
Video Card: GeForce 8800, Radeon HD 4200

Recommended:

OS: Win XP SP3, Vista, Win 7
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad or Equivalent AMD
Memory: 4GB
Hard Disk Space: 25GB
Video Card: GeForce 9800 GTX, ATI Radeon HD 5550

Emperor Smeat

09-09-2011, 08:37 PM

Nintendo is currently involved in another lawsuit regarding the Wiimote as another company is claiming Nintendo infringed on their patent saying they own the tech or at least the idea behind the tech of the Wiimote.

ThinkOptics is upset Nintendo has allegedly infringed on their own Wavit Remote tech with the main issue regarding the vague "Electronic equipment for handheld vision based absolute pointing system." in their patent filing.

According to Law360, ThinkOptics' main argument is that Nintendo had prior knowledge that the Wii would infringe on those patents because of the rejections certain claims in Nintendo-filed patents by the Trademark Office. In their claim, ThinkOptics said:

“The rejection of [...] applications — assigned to Nintendo Co. Ltd. — based on the ’116 patent is proof that the Nintendo defendants knew or should have known of the objective risk that one or more of their products infringed at least one claim of at least the ’116 Patent,”

The company also is alleging everything related to the Wiimote from the sensor bar to controllers to almost every part of the Wii violates their patent. They are also going after all the major retailers that carry Wii products arguing they are just as responsible as Nintendo is for paying up lost income, damages, legal fees, etc.

While the courts haven't officially held a hearing on the claims, the fact the lawsuit is being considering in a pro-patent squatter US District Court in Texas gives it a high possibility of the case going to trial.

http://www.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/wiiVSwavit.jpg
http://www.screwattack.com/news/thinkoptics-takes-nintendo-court

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) According to EA, the Origin digital distribution service has reached 4 million users with the company preparing to add non-EA games to the current catalog of games avaliable for sale. Some digging by people on Kotaku has confirmed the numbers are a bit misleading as the majority of those accounts were EA Accounts automatically converted into Origin accounts and not just newly created Origin-only accounts.

2) Hidemo Kojima confirms news and details regarding the Z.O.E. franchise and Anibus game will be revealed during this year's Tokyo Game Show. The previously rumored Z.O.E. title for the 3DS and an HD collection set of the Z.O.E. games from the PS2 for PS3 and Xbox 360 are expected to be announced.

3) Crytek reveals Crysis 1 will be arriving on Xbox Live Arcade and PSN although on a modified engine than the original game but will include extras such as 3D-support and some graphical enhancements. The game is set to arrive in October for the price of 1600 MS Points ($19.99 on PSN).

ClockShot

09-09-2011, 08:52 PM

I wonder how compact Crysis is going to be on those smaller 360 and PS3 hard drives?

Kalyx triaD

09-10-2011, 02:23 PM

New XB360 Dashboard Coming: (http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/37083/Interview_Theres_A_New_Xbox_360_UI_But_Some_Things_Just_Dont_Change.php)

In an update designed to "lay the groundwork for our entertainment future," this fall Microsoft will launch an entirely new look and feel for the Xbox 360 interface, bringing it in line with the "Metro" UI found in Windows 8 and Windows Phone 7.

The update, which enters open beta next month and doesn't yet have a firm launch date, will also unify the controller and Kinect interfaces for the console, says Microsoft's director of platform marketing, Albert Penello, who met with Gamasutra in San Francisco for a demonstration and discussion.

He said that the update is "probably as big, if not bigger, in terms of what we did around NXE in terms of a significant change to the UI," referring to the late 2008 "New Xbox Experience" update, the last major overhaul of the console's UI.

The upcoming update concentrates on "three big areas" according to Penello: "performance, consistent and easy navigation [and] ubiquitous search and voice." The update brings Microsoft's Bing search service to the console, and aims to index content by name so it can easily be found by Xbox users.

"The definition of a game console is changing over time. What people expect and want is changing," he said. "This update gets us into a place where we can expand more rapidly without breaking the experience for people who are primarily there to play games."

He noted that "innovation has outpaced the dash[board] updates" since the company launched its last overhaul, and this one is designed to put the platform in a position to grow more intelligently.

Penello told Gamasutra that this update has been in the works "probably as far back as two years," with some of its seeds planted in the "pre-Kinect days."

"No more dead ends... If you can see it you can say it," said Penello, as he demoed the voice recognition features of the new "unified dash," which no longer has separate interfaces for Kinect and controller users.

"Our big philosophy is, 'the entertainment you want with the people you care about made easy,'" said Penello."

When it comes to the "entertainment" part of the equation, the company -- which is already working with ESPN -- is bringing UFC fights to the platform as well as adding YouTube support. Microsoft isn't ready to discuss other entertainment plans for the North American market, Penello said., but he did confirm that "we're going to be bringing live TV and on-demand to Xbox."

There's "a lot of change and volatility around linear content," he said, and to address that, "we're taking a very partner-centric approach." Penello also hinted that further announcements along these lines may come "as the fall hits."

The company has also added a top level slot for "apps" to the interface. "If it wasn't a game, music, or a video option" in the old interface, it got lost, he said. "There was really no place for us to put apps that were non-game apps." Penello did not divulge any plans for new additions, and stressed that the app section will be even more closed to developers than Xbox Live Arcade is.

"It's unlikely that our strategy is going to let anybody build apps... It's going to be more partnership-driven," he told Gamasutra.

The company, however, has launched an app SDK so that developers can "use voice, search, gesture, and Kinect as well." The company's attitude towards apps is for "security, safety, things don't break, the experience is consistent," he said.

He also spoke strongly of the need for control over the Xbox Live Arcade space, describing it as "a curated marketplace" with "curated content."

Currently, independent developers cannot publish games directly to Xbox Live Arcade, as the company requires a publisher also sell packaged games to earn XBLA slots. Indie developers must therefore sign with Microsoft or another publisher to see their games on the service.

"We do have the indie games model," Penello said, before quickly admitting that there "needs to be more discovery around that" for Xbox 360 users. Developers have complained that it is almost impossible to succeed on XBLIG.

But as for locking down XBLA? "Having more premium gaming experiences that have a higher barrier of entry is not necessarily a bad thing," he said, despite any "unintended consequences" -- such as locking out quality games from talented developers that might otherwise appear were the market more open.

Microsoft is very concerned about the "quality of the games" on the platform in general, he said -- be they on XBLA or packaged -- and Penello seemed satisfied with the company's decision to maintain a publisher barrier for Xbox Live Arcade, even if it might make things difficult for indies.

"Having a certain barrier of entry that makes sure the quality of content is high is a good thing," he said.

Back to discoverability -- an issue that affects both Xbox Live Arcade and Xbox Live Indie Games. There are "thousands and thousands of pieces of content" on the Xbox Marketplace, said Penello, and there is a "ton of collision" between different types of content.

"The goal is to solve a lot of those types of problems, through search, through just general UI improvements -- making that stuff easier to find."

"Developers are frustrated that their content disappears and can't be found," he admitted. "Discoverability is a lot about UI," he said, adding that he "absolutely hopes" the new UI will help users discover games.

"We didn't even have a real, broad catalog search ability, and we went from that to broad catalog search and voice search," he said. And the improvements will continue as the company gets more metadata into its database, he added.

"Certainly the intent, over time, to sort by genre and subtype is going to become enhanced," he said. Bing will "do the best it can with the catalog," Penello said -- "there are no preset search terms."

"The gaming stuff is really front and center" to the Xbox 360 experience, he said, even if the system's linear entertainment options are increasing.

"We're trying to do it in a way that doesn't break the gaming experience."

Facebook integration will come with the update, and allow players to publish achievements to their Facebook wall. The Xbox XDK is adding "hooks into Facebook as well," said Penello, "so games can start doing more interesting things with Facebook."

Roaming profiles and cloud storage are also coming sometime this fall, as well as "beacons" -- which are like game invites which don't expire, so gamers can put their friends on notice for the games they most want to play.

One enhancement that will not be coming to Xbox Live, however, is an opening of the network to uses such as Valve's Steamworks, which was implemented on the PlayStation 3 version of Portal 2 but not the Xbox 360 version.

Valve founder Gabe Newell recently told Gamasutra that Sony has "made a really smart set of decisions about their approach, and that they'll continue to garner more and more benefits from that approach going forward."

"I feel like one of the philosophies of being the gaming console, and being safe and easy and secure, a lot of the decisions we make are derived around that," said Penello. "Sometimes you lose some opportunities, and sometimes you benefit from that."

So the company is not in the process of rethinking this position? "No," he said. As far as Valve is concerned, though, Penello said "I'm sure someone's talking to them.

And what of Braid creator Jonathan Blow's assertion to Gamasutra that "even the argument that XBLA is the biggest market is starting to come into question," and that he might stick to Steam and iOS for upcoming game The Witness?

"It's always a bummer when people make a choice like that, but we have to better understand what the root cause is," said Penello.

"I'd like to think that the more people we can get finding and consuming stuff" will make the platform more compelling to developers, he said. He considers any shift away from XBLA "more a question of consumption, than a business model situation."

"If that's the root cause, then this is the right direction to solve it," he said, of the new UI.

Steam and other PC-based digital services are also much more aggressive with sales and promotions than Xbox Live Arcade is. "The PC model is different than the model on console," argued Penello.

However, he said, "from a standpoint of getting better at merchandising and playing with price promotions, I know there's a lot of discussion going on around that."

Verbose Minch

09-10-2011, 03:23 PM

This had better not fuck over all my themes like the last update did.

Vietnamese Crippler

09-10-2011, 07:00 PM

#BROKEN Hasney

09-11-2011, 02:43 PM

LuigiD

09-12-2011, 01:09 PM

Pretty good read regarding the used game market:
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/119/1193735p1.html

Kalyx triaD

09-12-2011, 01:20 PM

Dtoid have a different take on the story, pretty much cursing the guy. Cross referencing the articles, it seems the real concern is the price of games. To me, 50$ was the magic number. 60$ took a while to get used to and talk of games increasing is fucking stupid. Dtoid commented that used games help people buy new games, and discover new IPs (I debate the second point) - yet they didn't report the part where the developer mentioned the high price of games, which corresponds with the real concern. I can't imagine why they would leave out the only point of agreement, which makes IGN the better reporter this time. Crazy.

LoDownM

09-12-2011, 03:39 PM

Jim Sterling article, that is why.

Emperor Smeat

09-12-2011, 04:48 PM

I'd argue the lost money from Heavy Rain could be due more to all the cancelled DLC stories meant for the game than it just being a used copy issue. It also didn't help how much money was spent making the game and engine to go along with massive hype but in terms of sales it was lower than expected (1.8-2 million).

EA isn't doing any better because all they have made since creating the Pass system was about $15 million but overall sales are a bit lower than before. Even the new Season Pass only managed to get 4,000 people to buy it.

THQ's pass has hurt them a lot more than helped them especially with a few of their series now killed off as a result (and dumb marketing of their games).

Emperor Smeat

09-12-2011, 07:49 PM

In an interview with the director of the Legend of Zelda series, Eiji Aonuma reveals some details on the Zelda HD demo shown at E3, the upcoming Zelda game for the 3DS, and the future of Zelda for the Wii U.

Concerning the E3 demo, Aonuma mentioned to not assume anything from the demo will look or be made into a game after people believed the demo was a sign of what the next Zelda game would look on the Wii U. Current rumors involve Nintendo considering using the cell-shading style for at least 1-2 more games after Skyward Swords.

"The demo that we showed at E3 was really just more of a rough idea of if all we were to do was to take a Zelda game and put it in HD, this is what it might look like. We’re much more interested in looking at the power of the Wii U system and seeing how we can take advantage of that power to do things that we haven’t been able to do in a Zelda game before.... One of our goals with [Skyward Sword] is to be the first step in illustrating for people how the Zelda series can change and evolve."

Skyward Swords was basically confirmed again to be a new direction for the series and could become a new "Link to the Past" or "Ocarina of Time" standard where future games are done in the same style or gameplay.

For the 3DS Zelda game, the company is working on making the 3D effects be the best ever seen while also having a critical impact on gameplay instead of just for the visual appeal like with the recent Ocarina of Time and Starfox 64 3D remakes.

"It will be a game in which having 3D will mean something."

He also stressed nothing will be revealed about the games in development either as info bots or screens until well after Skyward Swords is finished and released.

http://gamrfeed.vgchartz.com/pics/aonuma-discusses-zelda-wii-u-and-3ds-possibilities-670138_expanded.jpg
http://www.screwattack.com/news/aonuma-sheds-bit-light-wii-u-zelda

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) In an update to Crysis 1 arriving on PSN and XBLA, EA clarifies at least the Xbox 360 version will not be an arcade title but instead a Games on Demand title with the 2 GB limit on XBLA games seen as the main reason. The company also revealed the game will only contain the campaign/single player portion due to the entire multiplayer will not be included.

2) Ubisoft extends the Assassin's Creed Revelations beta on the PS3 for an additional week and will expand to all PSN members. The beta has only been exclusive to the PS3 and Playstation Plus members before the announcement and no Xbox 360 beta is expected as was the case with AC Brotherhood beta.

3) Activision and Blizzard reveal current plans involving Blizzard includes at least 6 games to be released within the next 3 years although none will be new series or IPs. The plan is for 2 more World of Warcraft expansion packs, 2 more expansion packs for Starcraft III, Diablo III, and 1 expansion pack for Diablo III.

Captain of Fun

09-12-2011, 08:50 PM

Question.

Is assassin's creed revelations a true sequel, or just another semi sequel like brotherhood?

Emperor Smeat

09-12-2011, 08:53 PM

Both as a true sequel to Assassin's Creed II and also tying in as a sequel to the Brotherhood side story because Enzio, Altair, and the Renaissance storyline ends with Revelations.

ClockShot

09-12-2011, 09:03 PM

Yes.

RoXer

09-13-2011, 03:20 PM

http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/09/13/monkey-island-fps-revealed/

Emperor Smeat

09-13-2011, 07:49 PM

In an interview with Kotaku, Valve reveals new info in regards to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive while also stressing how the game isn't being viewed as a "Counter Strike 2" title but more of an extension of past games in the series.

The main writer for Valve, Chet Faliszek, explained the key differences between CS: GO and the idea of the downloadable title being Counter-Strike 2 by saying:

"A lot of Counter-Strike: GO is taking Counter-Strike: Source and Counter-Strike 1.6 and melding it into a product that every side likes and also expanding the base by putting it out on the consoles," ... "Whereas Counter-Strike 2, at least internally, we think about as something different."

Some of the new changes besides the reworked classic maps and new 5v5 mode are a casual mode allowing players to buy weapons and equipments without worrying about having enough in-game funds and match-making servers will be supported and run by Valve for all platforms.

One of Valve's main goals for the game is trying to bring back the competitive players from CS 1.6 who refused to move onto CS Source while also regaining former counter strike players that have switched from PC to console gaming.

The classic maps were also redesigned due to former players and Valve themselves realizing the maps were not balanced enough to support competitive matches.

The Valve guys describe two of the goals for GO as lowering the skill floor—making it easier for newbies to have fun with game, hence the casual mode—and raising the skill ceiling—making meaningful, subtle changes to maps and mechanics that only pro-level players will notice and appreciate.

The PS3 version was confirmed to have keyboard and mouse support and allows cross-platform support to go along with PC and MAC players being on the same servers.

The game is scheduled for a 2012 release date on the PC, Mac, Xbox Live, and PSN.

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/09/this_is_not_cs2.jpg
http://kotaku.com/5839298/what-the-new-counter+strike-is-and-isnt-according-to-valve

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) The PC division of EA Sports is currently involved in a huge mess after customers are demanding refunds for the PC version of Tiger Woods 12 after finding out besides the sloppy job done with the port, the multiplayer portion of the game was removed so that the company could charge it as a separate game. The PC demo for FIFA 12 is even worse for the company after it was found out to not run if FIFA 11 files were detected or in some cases doesn't run at all regardless what is on the hard drive.

2) Gamestop announces they will be launching their own Android-supported gaming tablet next year and will include a controller to support certain games. Gamestop also announced they are currently working with developers to create exclusive titles for the tablet while the company itself is testing out their distribution services to support the upcoming tablet.

3) Kid Icarus for the Nintendo 3DS has been delayed from an original late 2011 release date to now a TBA 2012 date after the company announced the development team needs more time to work and polish the game. To make up for the delay, Nintendo has teamed up with an animation company in Japan to create a mini-series of animated Kid Icarus episodes that will be available for free on the 3DS video service.

RoXer

09-13-2011, 07:55 PM

The game is scheduled for a 2012 release date on the PC, Mac, Xbox Live, and PSN.

2014 in Valve Time

RoXer

09-13-2011, 07:56 PM

http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Valve_Time

RoXer

09-14-2011, 12:46 AM

http://monterey.craigslist.org/vgm/2597473697.html

#BROKEN Hasney

09-14-2011, 05:03 AM

How odd. FIFA 12 demo is perfect here though, but my 3D Vision kit did detect it as FIFA 11 so there's something weird in that demo.

Kalyx triaD

09-14-2011, 03:17 PM

Ultimate Spidey's new costume will be available in the upcoming Edge of Time game. Looks good, I hope it gets into UMvC3.

http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/images/9/2011/09/spider-man_edge_of_time_new_ultimate_costume_01.jpg
http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/images/9/2011/09/spider-man_edge_of_time_new_ultimate_costume_03.jpg
http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/images/9/2011/09/spider-man_edge_of_time_new_ultimate_costume_02.jpg

Verbose Minch

09-14-2011, 03:30 PM

Kalyx triaD

09-14-2011, 03:31 PM

More likely a pre-order thing.

Verbose Minch

09-14-2011, 03:34 PM

Actually, Capcom will probably announce Mega Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom one day after they release UMVC and the only change will be this costume.

Kalyx triaD

09-14-2011, 03:36 PM

And despite the name, Mega Man still won't be in the game. The tears are tasty.

Verbose Minch

09-14-2011, 03:38 PM

And despite the name, Mega Man still won't be in the game. The tears are tasty.

lolol, well played.

Emperor Smeat

09-14-2011, 08:09 PM

The developers of Bodycount, Guildford Studio, will be shut down by Codemasters after very poor repetition from critics and early sales from consumers for the game with just 20,000 copies sold on Xbox 360 and PS3 combined.

While Guildford Studio was an internal studio of Codemasters, the company still decided to go ahead with the closure by announcing a consultation phase lasting 30 days to give enough time for the remaining employees enough time to relocate to other studios owned by the company.

The closure was also rumored to be occurring regardless of the results from Bodycount due to the rough development period with the game resulting in at least 3 high-ranking employees leaving for other companies and an understaffed workforce during critical parts of the development process.

Codemasters also announced as a result they will be focusing a lot more on their Warwickshire HQ studio which are currently responsible for the racing series done by the company.

http://www.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/bodycount1_0.jpg
http://www.screwattack.com/news/bodycount-dev-gets-cut

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Microsoft reveals Windows 8 will have built-in Xbox Live services with the upcoming dashboard update to the Xbox 360 meant as the inital step in integrating Live into their Xbox and Windows properities. Microsoft also announced the Games for Windows service will be dropped but the tools will be reworked to make it easier to put Live features into PC games.

2) Activision announces the PS3 will be getting an exclusive collector's edition of GoldenEye 007 reloaded titled as the "Double O" edition. The bundle includes the game, the PS Move controller, navigation controller, PS Eye camera, and Sharp Shooter "zapper" to go along with a free DLC character of Hugo Drax who comes with the Moonraker guns.

3) Konami confirms rumors of the PS2 series Zone of the Enders games will be getting the HD remake treatment and will arrive for the PS3 and Vita. Besides the upgraded visuals, Kojima did mention the games will have some extras but did not reveal them during the press confrence at the Tokyo Game Show.

Blitz

09-14-2011, 09:40 PM

Some package on Spidey up there.

Kalyx triaD

09-14-2011, 09:54 PM

Make a semi-sequel to a game nobody cared about, and nobody will care. Learned lesson is learned.

OssMan

09-14-2011, 10:49 PM

final fantasy X HD remake

please make it stop

Kalyx triaD

09-14-2011, 11:39 PM

Trolling the FF7ers.

alvarado52

09-15-2011, 01:49 AM

FFX was incredible. Go hump yourself.

Funky Fly

09-15-2011, 03:21 AM

Sick Spidey costume. Honestly they could change 616 Spidey to that permanently and Id be cool with it.

Drakul

09-15-2011, 04:05 AM

Pretty pissed at MS right now. I'm going through a pretty tough period, moneywise, and I turned off auto renewal for my year long gold membership.
It actually came up as a big box when I turned my 360 on a month ago, asking if I wanted to autorenew when my 2011 membership ran out, I selected 'no'.

Woke up today, checked to see if the over night downloads had finished and I'm still gold with my next renew date of September 2012.

Now I have to find £31 today or go into the red.

WTF was the point in asking me if I'd like autorenewal if they were just going to do it anyway?!:mad:

#BROKEN Hasney

09-15-2011, 04:15 AM

final fantasy X HD remake

please make it stop

I know. I don't mind remakes if they're of games on mug inferior tech and they're completely redrawn, but the PS2 HD remakes that don't add multiplayer are a joke. You can make them better looking in PCSX2 right now rather than re-buy the games.

It's like rebuying films you already own on blu-ray, but with a much bigger price tag.

Emperor Smeat

09-15-2011, 07:50 PM

Namco revealed some new details involving the Tekken games currently in development at the Tokyo Game Show.

Tekken Hybrid will be a Playstation 3 exclusive and has a release date of Winter 2011. The game was also revealed to be just an HD remake of previous PS2 games in the series while also containing the arcade version of Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Prologue and the animated film released over the summer.

Tekken Hybrid, which will be exclusively released on the PlayStation 3 this holiday season, will feature a HD re-make of the original Tekken Tag Tournament, Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Prologue, and the CG movie, Tekken: Blood Vengeance. The Prologue portion of the game will be a limited version of the arcade release, which will feature four characters (Alisa, Xiaoyu, Devil Jin, and Devil Kazuya), several levels, a two player versus mode but no single-player ladder mode. All three features that Hybrid has to offer will be 3D compatible, which will work out rather well for Tag Tournament 2’s 3D-model viewer.

Tekken 3D: Prime Edition for the 3DS was revealed to have a February 2012 release date and will use the touch pad in a similar way to the recently released Super Street Fighter IV 3D game but allowing a lot more moves and throws possible.

The game is also said to feature a roster of at least 40 fighters and two-player online play. It is also being said that it will run at 60 frames per-second, even with the 3D cranked all the way up! Oh and like Hybrid, 3D Prime will feature Blood Vengeance in its entirety

Nothing regarding Namco's Tekken vs Street Fighter was mentioned with the company refusing to provide any details until after SFxT is released and the current Tekken games finished.

http://www.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/tekken-6.jpg
http://www.screwattack.com/news/info-two-tekken-titles-given-tokyo-game-show

---------------------------------------------------------------
Quick News Round-Up:
1) Mentioned in the PS Vita thread, the new terms of service for PSN removes the ability for users to sue Sony with class action lawsuits without the permission from Sony to go along with a clause that mentions any trial possible can not involve a jury and must be settled quickly. Sony is even going as far as removing the ability to use PSN should a user disagree with the new changes in the terms.

2) Twisted Pixel announces the DLC pack released for The Gunstringer on Kinect will be free for everyone starting next week after only Gold members appeared to get the DLC for free initially. The confusion occured when people assumed only Gold members would get the DLC for free while everyone else had to pay even though the studio mentioned before the DLC would be free for everyone when released.

3) Based on some details from a recent job posting, Lucas Arts is in the process of creating a new game in the Star Wars franchise involving the X-Wing. According to the posting, the studio is looking for programmers with experience in flight sims and arieal shooters which hints a X-Wing vs Tie Fighters game or a new game in the Battlefront series could be in development.

Captain of Fun

09-16-2011, 12:47 AM

Please god be a new battlefront game.

#BROKEN Hasney

09-16-2011, 02:48 AM

Tekken Hybrid has no online play according to Destructoid. May as well stick with my PS2 Tekken Tag then.

Kalyx triaD

09-16-2011, 12:14 PM

Or enjoy the movie and TTT2 demo?

#BROKEN Hasney

09-16-2011, 12:45 PM

Hahahahahanahahahahaha

No

#BROKEN Hasney

09-16-2011, 03:25 PM

http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Hasney/the-demo-showdown-pes-2012-v-fifa-12-211393.phtml

RoXer

09-16-2011, 03:41 PM

why is the formatting all wierd

#BROKEN Hasney

09-16-2011, 03:47 PM

Looks fine here. Are you sure it's not all in italics for you or some shit?

RoXer

09-16-2011, 03:49 PM

It actually isn't if you can believe that. But your entire article is on the right side and the pictures are clumped together and it's a big mess.

I dunno, I'll screw around a bit on my end to see WHATS WHAT

RoXer

09-16-2011, 03:51 PM

It's just that article, your other ones are fine

#BROKEN Hasney

09-16-2011, 03:52 PM

Weird. Just asked a couple of people and it's working fine in Firefox and ze Chrome.

09-16-2011, 03:57 PM

fine for me in firefox and safari

Funky Fly

09-16-2011, 05:09 PM

Good read, fugga.

OssMan

09-16-2011, 06:24 PM

Does PES still not have the rights to like half the teams?

Emperor Smeat

09-16-2011, 07:52 PM

New details about the upcoming Mario Kart 7 for the 3DS was revealed at the Tokyo Game Show with the main stuff being old courses will return, 2 new characters making their debut as racers in the series, and 8 player racers for both local and online races.

Some of the old or classic race courses will return but this time will have some changes such as underwater sections to take advantage of the new gameplay features of the game.

Some other details revealed include:

* Two new Characters have been revealed which include Lakitu (WHO IS GOING TO TELL ME WHEN TO GO?!) and Metal Mario.
* You will be able to use Spot and Street pass to exchange ghost data and Friend Codes.
* The Gyroscope can be used to steer your kart (I think we all saw this one coming)
* Finally, online and local multiplayer will support 8 people.
* A first person mode.
* There appears to be new powerups, noticeably the leaf and "lucky 7".

The game is set for a December 4 release date in North America while UK and Europe gets it earlier on December 2 of this year.

http://www.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/2272-1704-41374_0.jpg
http://www.screwattack.com/news/updated-g1lunchpunch-6-new-things-about-mario-kart-7
Interview with the main producer for the game: http://www.screwattack.com/trailers/mario-kart-7-developer-interview/

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Quick News Round-Up:
1) Based on a leak, Valve will be bringing Steam support to the Xbox brand with Valve currently finishing up working on the integration needed for Steam. Valve has said in the past any decision for Steam on the Xbox would be up to Microsoft's decision but Xbox Live would also need to allow the requirements Valve requests in order to provide the service.

2) The creators of Dead Space, Visceral Games, are in a bad financial situtation as the company has been reported of preparing to shut down their Australian studio and would leave the company with just 2 studios remaining (Canada and California). The closure of the Australian studio would impact the Dead Space series due to the Australian studio was the main studio used to develop the games, especially Dead Space 2.

3) Capcom reveals the Street Fighter II Collection is avaliable for purchase on the iPhone and for the price of $3.99, the set comes with SF II, SF II Championship Edition, and SF II Hyper Fighting. The company also said the titles will be supported on the Capcom Arcade App to allow 10 free play tokens as a way to "demo" the games before deciding on the purchase or not.

#BROKEN Hasney

09-17-2011, 02:48 AM

Does PES still not have the rights to like half the teams?

Yeah, it has a lot more teams than it used to, but only 2 Premiership teams still.

OssMan

09-17-2011, 11:47 AM

I played both demos last night. I enjoyed PES a lot more. It looks and feels way more realistic. FIFA 12 isn't much different than 11. And it still feels fake.

D Mac

09-17-2011, 12:59 PM

lol soccer

Emperor Smeat

09-19-2011, 08:11 PM

In an interview with gameindustry.biz, Crytek shows off more excitement regarding the upcoming Wii U with their main praises revolving around the processing and graphical power of the system.

The company revealed they already have one of their branches working with the current Wii U dev kits and while they are only testing around with stuff on the kits and not actual game development, the development team said they were happy with all the stuff they could do and be possible with the early kits.

Considering the huge emphasis that Crytek puts on the graphical presentation of its games (IE needing super computers to process its PC games), for the development team to praise the Wii U’s processing power is in a sense, Nintendo getting praise from Caesar.

Crytek in the past had said the Crysis engine worked well on the earlier versions of the Wii U kits and was the basis for their praise and potential future support of the system. The company also hinted in the past they wanted to branch out to other consoles with Free Radical initially rumored to be working on a TimeSplitters 4 for the Wii and other consoles until that project was cancelled.

http://www.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/crysis%201_0.jpg
http://www.screwattack.com/news/crytek-excited-about-wii-us-graphical-capabilities

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quick News Round-Up:
1) Epic Games announces Shadow Complex 2 is almost finished but the company is waiting for a publisher to pick up the project to help out with the funding needed for polishing up and marketing of the game. While Microsoft published the first game, the recent rift between both companies and Microsoft focusing on advertsing Gears of War 3 is the main reason why the game doesn't have a publisher right now.

2) Netflix announces they are expanding their rental service to include video games in the near future and will only include Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360 games intially. The move was done after years of the company saying they had no interest in game rentals while also realizing how profitable and popular Gamefly's rental service became as their main competitor.

3) After only releasing five issues of the official World of Warcraft magazine, Future US announces the magazine will be shut down or out of print starting next month. One key reason for the sudden drop was the dispute involving Blizzard wanting total control of the publishing content and licensing issues but Future US stated they will honor requests for either a refund or 6 free WoW pets as options for subscribers.

Kane Knight

09-20-2011, 10:10 AM

FFX was incredible. Go hump yourself.

LOL. Your continued devotion to crap is amazing.

Extreme Angle

09-20-2011, 10:27 AM

10's one of my favourites...

Kane Knight

09-20-2011, 11:31 AM

Ew.

Kane Knight

09-20-2011, 12:07 PM

Wait, are Sony relaly doing proprietary memory storage for the PSP Vita?

And Funky was whining about them having a battery life similar to the 3DS?

COME ON.

#BROKEN Hasney

09-20-2011, 12:31 PM

Kane Knight

09-20-2011, 12:41 PM

Yup. It probably won't be the $140 for 32gb it is in Japan, but it'll likely be 3 figures.

Hoping the encryption is cracked and 3rd party sticks come out. Even if the games eventually get announced for it, it is a huge barrier to actually buying one.

Why is it every time Sony seems to have a grasp on something, they manage to pull something like this? Weren't they moving away from the MS DUO on their last iterations of the PSP 900000000?

There's no excuse to not use SD or thumb drives. And if Microsoft, Sony, or Nintendo use proprietary cards for their next gen systems, I may suicide bomb their HQ.

Unless all three do it, because I'm only two people.

#BROKEN Hasney

09-20-2011, 12:49 PM

I almost miss Krazy Ken Kurtagi (I think it was), the guy who's designed all their home consoles before he was let go. Sure, because of him, the PS3 was ridiculously expensive at launch, but it had loads of USB ports, a card reader that read every standard format and a hard drive slot that used any laptop hard drive.

From things I read after he left, higher ups away from the Computer Entertainment division were pushing for it to use 360 style custom hard drives and only read memory sticks for other media options. He had enough sway at that point where he could fight them off so his design wasn't compromised.

Kane Knight

09-20-2011, 01:05 PM

I'm still annoyed you can't directly save to an SD card.

Why the fuck are they pushing for closed systems?

#BROKEN Hasney

09-20-2011, 01:24 PM

Kane Knight

09-20-2011, 01:37 PM

So they can collect royalties on everything ever. Full control. Cocks.

Steam has just convinced me to go back to being a filthy pirate. My internet is down and playing games would be great right now. You can only start Steam in offline mode if you have an internet connection these days. Locked out of 190 games because the publishers don't trust me. If I pirated them all, they'd be fine.

Oh my GOD, thank you.

People keep telling me I'm wrong or lying for mentioning that.

I couldn't get my games on my notebook when there was no cable. Course, my notebook's dead now, so it's kind of moot. My PC is on like 19 hours a day and always connected, but it pissed me off.

But digital distribution is pissing me off in general right now. It costs more on Amazon or Sony's store for half the books I want than it does to buy them in paperback. Not really "Video game" news, but it's kind of to the same end. We're getting fucked in the ass by everyone for buying legit.

Funky Fly

09-20-2011, 01:45 PM

Wait, are Sony relaly doing proprietary memory storage for the PSP Vita?

And Funky was whining about them having a battery life similar to the 3DS?

COME ON.
Be honest. I was whining about Sony in general. The battery life is one thing on a long list of shit I don't like about Sony. This is just pouring gasoline on an already raging, massive forest fire as far as I'm concerned. It's like they don't want my money at all. And for the third time now, I was standing in a vdeo game store with a lot of money in my hand looking right at a sign that had a 3DS, Ocarina of Time and the words "Price drop" on it and I did not get one, despite wanting one. Waiting for that second or third iteration to come out.
Why is it every time Sony seems to have a grasp on something, they manage to pull something like this? Weren't they moving away from the MS DUO on their last iterations of the PSP 900000000?

There's no excuse to not use SD or thumb drives. And if Microsoft, Sony, or Nintendo use proprietary cards for their next gen systems, I may suicide bomb their HQ.

Unless all three do it, because I'm only two people.

I have no doubt MS will continue to use proprietary hard drives, what with the slim models still using them. Nintendo's probably not going to bother, since they seem to think an SD card is good enough this time around. At least they're not pumping out craptacular memory cards anymore, though. Tired of counting blocks of space. Sony is probably doing it as a way to make up for all that money they're using to feed that aforementioned forest fire.

#BROKEN Hasney

09-20-2011, 01:55 PM

Digital distribution is generally expensive. I can get most new release games cheaper on Amazon than Steam. The only issue with that in terms of PC games is that most games have online DRM anyway, or even Steamwirks so I'd be in the same boat anyway. I have just found out a couple of thongs while testing though with no internet connection:

Windows Live DRM: Arkham Asylum and DiRT 3 work fine (bought on disc) Virtua Tennis 5 does not (bought online)

Steam: all games locked out, includes games bought on disc like New Vegas and Just Cause 2

Games bought on Origin (when it was EA Download Manager): Work flawlessly. Doesn't even need to go through Origin software, just plays and both Sims 3 and Burnout Paradise were downloaded.

Looks like the evil Origin isn't so bad after all... Bar the prices.

Funky Fly

09-20-2011, 02:02 PM

Yikes. And they wonder why piracy is so bad.

Emperor Smeat

09-20-2011, 03:47 PM

I don't know why Vita using only Sony sticks would be that much of a shock considering almost every Sony electronic device uses Sony proprietary sticks or at least favors Sony-only sticks.

Only reason Nintendo hasn't made their own sticks since the memory card days is because none of their plants can make them at the moment and it is cheaper for them to just endorse a card maker than have their own.

Microsoft's reason is they want consoles to become like PCs and since Microsoft controls a lot with the PC market, it wouldn't take much effort to do the same with consoles.

#BROKEN Hasney

09-20-2011, 04:04 PM

Funky Fly

09-20-2011, 05:45 PM

It's not shocking, but they claimed they learnt so much with the PSP and yet still pulling this crap.

It's worse this time, brand new format just for the Vita. Once they were cloned, cheaper ones came out and it was bearable, but official Sony shit is god awful price wise.

Hell, my "memory stick" in my PSP is 2 micro SD's in an adaptor that's not made or endorsed by Sony.

Links to places that sell these adapters, plz? I'd love to go and download some of those digital only games the PSP has. Some of them seem to be the kinda hidden gems that handhelds tend to have every generation.

#BROKEN Hasney

09-20-2011, 05:56 PM

BANG

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/photofast-cr-5400-dual-slot-sdhc-microsd-tf-to-ms-pro-duo-adapter-32gb-max-16489

Can't argue with the price either.

Boomer

09-20-2011, 06:01 PM

I had the same Steam argument with Req (I think) about Offline Mode, and it does seem to work without an internet connection as long as you click to save your password when you log in. Steam doesn't do a very good job of letting you know that, but I've since tried it and had no issues. I kinda wish I didn't have to save my password to do it, but whatever.

#BROKEN Hasney

09-20-2011, 06:03 PM

Boomer

09-20-2011, 06:03 PM

Yeah, found the Steam support page hidden away in the Diablo 3 bickering.

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=3160-AGCB-2555

Boomer

09-20-2011, 06:10 PM

Steam is set to remember my password and auto-login. Once my Internet came back, it did just that.

From everything I've read, it's because I had the audacity to have my PC shut down for 10 hours and when I turned my PC back on, no interwebs. It may have worked if I didn't shut down apparently.

It's still insanely vague what you have to do in prep to get it to work offline. Had the exact same issue until recently, but I'm always online so I don't know if it works for all of my games I have installed. Just tried it on Frozen Synapse by logging out and pulling the plug on my USB Dongle without issue, but the 'Start in Offline Mode' didn't even appear until I saved my password. Really really stupid.

#BROKEN Hasney

09-20-2011, 06:19 PM

That's the thing, I have the "start in offline mode" button, but once pressed it tells me that it can't connect to the Internet and closes. No shit Steam, I have no internets.

Kane Knight

09-20-2011, 06:53 PM

Be honest. I was whining about Sony in general.

Speaking of being honest, don't lie.

Digital distribution is generally expensive.

Which is what pisses me off. Why am I paying box prices when the point is that it's supposed to be cheaper?

Origin is less evil for now. But they've already got one mandatory Origin title, and they will likely have more.

Emperor Smeat

09-20-2011, 08:04 PM

While THQ was disappointed with the sales and reception of Homefront and even dropped the original developers for the game, the company announced today the series still has a future after announcing Crytek as the developers for the sequel.

The Nottingham branch of Crytek was chosen as the development team with the actual development team picked from the Far Cry series.

Cevat Yerli, Founder, CEO and President of Crytek had this to say about the venture:

“We believe that bringing our level of quality, creativity and production values to the next Homefront title, creates an opportunity for both THQ and Crytek to deliver a truly blockbuster game. It’s really important to us that THQ has the faith in giving us a lot of creative freedom over one of its most important properties to allow us to bring the Homefront world to life in a new and innovative way.”

As of now THQ has the game scheduled for a 2013/2014 release date on both the PC and unnamed console platforms.

http://www.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/games-homefront-1920x1200.jpg
http://www.screwattack.com/news/thq-teaming-crytek-bring-next-homefront

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Update on Sony forcing US/Canada PSN users the choice of not using the PSN network or waiving their right to sue with a class action lawsuit as new details of an opt-out clause existing in the terms. The only catch is the opt-out clause has a countdown starting once the terms are agreed and ends after 30 days but also requires a written letter sent to the company and must reach them before the 30 days regardless of the time stamp.

2) Ubisoft reveals the PS3 version of Assassin's Creed Revelations will be also getting the original Assassin's Creed game for free on the same disc as both a bonus and for PS3 owners who didn't play the first game.

3) Team Ninja reveals the new Hero mode for their upcoming Ninja Gaiden III game with the main goal of having the game be a bit easier for new players while maintaining the same level of gameplay with the other difficulty modes. In Hero mode, the game will auto block and dodge attacks to give players less deaths but doesn't go as far as being a full "casual" mode nor is the gameplay style itself changed or made easier with the mode.

ClockShot

09-20-2011, 09:35 PM

A. How the hell did THQ swing this deal with Crytek?

B. Sweet deal throwing Assassins' Creed 1 in with Revelations on the PS3.

LoDownM

09-20-2011, 10:37 PM

EA doesn't own Crytek, just publishes/distributes Crysis. If that's what you were talking about.

RoXer

09-20-2011, 11:22 PM

http://i.imgur.com/pBCT3.jpg

Kane Knight

09-20-2011, 11:24 PM

A. How the hell did THQ swing this deal with Crytek?

B. Sweet deal throwing Assassins' Creed 1 in with Revelations on the PS3.

I'd be all over it if I didn't already own AC1.

ClockShot

09-21-2011, 08:39 AM

EA doesn't own Crytek, just publishes/distributes Crysis. If that's what you were talking about.

Nah. I was eluding to THQ, a house that makes it's bones on WWE games and maybe 1 or 2 other sleeper hits, got Crytek, one of the greats in gaming development to make the sequel to Homefront.

It sounds like THQ called them up and said, "Hey, we'll give you a 50% controlling stake in our company if you make the Homefront sequel for us."

LoDownM

09-21-2011, 01:15 PM

Crytek probably jumped at it, since it's another chance to show that CryEngine 3 is better then Unreal 3.0.

Emperor Smeat

09-21-2011, 04:38 PM

Usually its the other way around with Crytek offering exclusive publishing rights to one of their series (ex. Ubisoft with Far Cry series, EA with Crysis).

THQ could have used Volition Inc after dropping the Red Faction series to work on a Homefront II game but they are busy with Saints Row 3 and would have to rework their engines to make Homefront II.

#BROKEN Hasney

09-21-2011, 07:10 PM

http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Hasney/review-f1-2011-211959.phtml

Emperor Smeat

09-21-2011, 07:33 PM

The developer of Dark Souls, From Software, reveals they implemented a new plan to help combat early non-legit copies of their game playing on the game's servers by announcing the game will be completely unfair and "broken" to those gamers.

Until the official release of the game in each region, gamers with early copies who try to play online have to deal exclusively with a race of monsters called "Black Phantoms" whose job is to cause as much frustration as possible.

These monsters are at a level 145 and can't be killed easily due to the player needing roughly 30-60 hours to even have a small chance of beating them while using cheats or hacks will cause the player to be banned or kicked out of the servers. These monsters also have all of their stats maxed out to level 99 making it impossible for someone to beat them normally.

Also hinted was the "Black Phantoms" are not CPU controlled but human controlled monsters which allows the developers a quicker and easier way of "harassing" pirated copy players but will not be done once the game is officially available.

It also appears this plan was done without Namco-Bandi's knowledge or involvement but they will not do anything to change the plan.

The game officially goes on sale in Japan tomorrow with an October 4 release for North America and October 7 release for UK/Europe.

http://www.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/DarkSouls_001.jpg
http://www.giantbomb.com/news/is-from-software-straight-up-killing-early-dark-souls-players/3681/

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Some Square-Enix news fromTGS reveals the company hinted at a sequel to The World Ends With You from the DS is currently in development.. Also revealed was DLC for Final Fantasy XIII-2 will be arriving around March of next year but will only be offered as a pre-order and the company has completely moved away from any future support of FF XIII.

2) After a recent investors meeting Bioware had involving the release of their Star Wars: The Old Republic MMO game possibly being delayed, the company announced fans shouldn't be worried as the current plans are still to release the game in late October. The original concern was due to Bioware mentioning the game could have a March 2012 release date if it misses the October/November 2011 window.

3) Viacom officially has filed a lawsuit to the amount of $130 million against Harmonix with the main issue being a refund Viacom feels Harmonix owes them due to actions involving stockholders of Harmonix since the time of the sale to MTV. The lawsuit was also filed due to Harmonix recent lawsuit against Viacom for $13 million claiming "unfair buisness practices" was done during the development process involving the Rock Band series.

Captain of Fun

09-21-2011, 07:40 PM

I'd be all over it if I didn't already own AC1.

I'd be all over it, if AC1 wasn't repetitive and monotonous.

Unfortunate, because as AC2 and ACB proved, it had the potential to be great.

RoXer

09-21-2011, 07:48 PM

http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Hasney/review-f1-2011-211959.phtml

:( :( :( :(

09-21-2011, 07:57 PM

Also hinted was the "Black Phantoms" are not CPU controlled but human controlled monsters which allows the developers a quicker and easier way of "harassing" pirated copy players but will not be done once the game is officially available.

that is the greatest thing ever. i wish i could be there to watch it happen

#BROKEN Hasney

09-22-2011, 01:58 AM

:( :( :( :(

Woah, damn.... That's a lot of shit in your taskbar.

RoXer

09-22-2011, 02:04 AM

steam, skype, utorrent, volume, wireless strength, avg, comodo

i guess i could get rid of the graphics thing and the Intel Rapid Storage Technology thing

Kane Knight

09-22-2011, 08:59 AM

The developer of Dark Souls, From Software, reveals they implemented a new plan to help combat early non-legit copies of their game playing on the game's servers by announcing the game will be completely unfair and "broken" to those gamers.

Oddly enough, it hasn't stopped gamers yet.

I'd be all over it, if AC1 wasn't repetitive and monotonous.

Unfortunate, because as AC2 and ACB proved, it had the potential to be great.

AC1 proved it. AC2 jut made it so.

Kalyx triaD

09-22-2011, 01:01 PM

I know I'm late here but UNO Rush is fucking awesome.

RoXer

09-22-2011, 01:52 PM

very late, love uno rush

RoXer

09-22-2011, 01:52 PM

http://firstpersontetris.com/index.html

Emperor Smeat

09-22-2011, 07:48 PM

The real reason for Sony's sudden change in the terms of service for PSN was revealed to not to be hacker-related or them worried about being sued for PSN's instability but instead due to a recent Supreme Court case allowing companies the ability to remove class-action lawsuits if they pleased.

It stems from back in April, however it wasn't the attack, but rather a controversial Supreme Court ruling that got Sony's wheels turning. In the case of AT&T Mobility v. Concepcion it was decided that AT&T would be allowed to include and enforce language in employment contracts that would prevent workers from filing class-action lawsuits against the company. I guess that's all Sony needed to hear.

"The Supreme Court recently ruled in the AT&T case that language like this is enforceable," wrote spokeswoman for Sony's PlayStation unit in an e-mail. "The updated language in the TOS is designed to benefit both the consumer and the company by ensuring that there is adequate time and procedures to resolve disputes."

Sony decided since they are partnered with AT&T for the Vita and if AT&T can get away with it, they would do the same to their own PSN userbase regardless of the backlash.

While the new terms only affect North American PSN users due to Europe and Japan not allowing corporations denying customers the right to class-action lawsuits, Sony has included a hidden opt-out clause with several stipulations attached to it making it easier for consent to be automatically given away.

http://www.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/legal.jpeg
http://www.screwattack.com/news/psn-hack-not-main-reason-terms-change

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) The Forza 4 shows the demo will arrive on October 4 with the retail release of the game set for a week later on October 11. The game will also be having its own Season Pass at the price of $30 with the 30% discount on DLC being applied to the initial six DLC packs scheduled for release.

2) Sega announces two more Dreamcast classics will be arriving to Xbox Live Arcade and PSN with screenshots for Space Channel 5 Part 2 and SEGA Bass Fishing as the games shown for downloadable treatment. The games will arrive on October 4 for the price of $10 (800 MS points).

3) After complaints from some publishers and developers about inconsistent User Scores on Metacritic, the company has investigated the games in dispute and both scrubbed the scores and banned users who have purposely "bombed" the scores. Metacritic was only going after the zero score reviews that lacked a written review which also ended up being done by the same people who were doing the same tactic to all games from just a particular company.

Kane Knight

09-22-2011, 08:18 PM

Sony isn't evil. They're only doing it because it's totally okay now!

#BROKEN Hasney

09-23-2011, 07:27 AM

http://firstpersontetris.com/index.html

Fuck you. I want my afternoon back.

Emperor Smeat

09-23-2011, 07:58 PM

In what might end up being a rare development moment involving Valve, the company announces it will be speeding up development for their upcoming MMO-like DOTA 2 game for PC.

Original plans were to take all of 2012 just for multiple betas and planning unrelated to actual development of the game but the company decided to focus on a faster schedule without sacrificing any quality put towards the game.

Dota 2 designer and one of the original minds behind Dota, Icefrog, broke down the upcoming plans for Dota 2 in a blog post.

The "plan" was to spend the next year or so in beta, ironing out the game's kinks with the community, with an official release later.

"We’ve also seen that the folks who are already in the beta are chomping at the bit to show everyone else some of the fun games they’ve had," said Icefrog. "So we decided our original plan was dumb."

Valve will still hold a beta for the game as part of the testing and tweaking process but to update the beta in real-time so that beta testers can actually see the changes as they occur and give accurate feedback.

The beta will initially contain only the stuff shown during the recent Gamescom but new stuff and characters will be added with each new update. Valve also mentioned unlike most betas, they will be providing tools to allow users to take screenshots and videos to show-off to the rest of the public with no restrictions by Valve.

http://media.giantbomb.com/uploads/0/2179/1863982-dota2_3_super.jpg
http://www.giantbomb.com/news/valve-swerves-on-dota-2-plans-youll-get-to-play-soon/3690/

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Based on a few leaked concept art and early logo, Dead Space 3 is currently in development although EA is denying the project is being worked on nor any info concerning the possible title. What is known is that Visceral Games, developers of Dead Space 2, will not be making the game as EA has officially shut down the studio earlier in the week.

2) The ESRB confirms Chrono Cross and Final Fantasy Origins will be arriving on PSN in the near future. Earlier in the week a mix up by Sony stated the games were meant to arrive this week while Square-Enix did not have the games on their release schedule for the month.

3) One day after the real motive for Sony's change in terms was revealed, Electronic Arts confirms the newest terms to their Origin services includes a no class-action lawsuit clause. Unlike Sony's clause, EA's clause both covers all forms of lawsuits and the opt-out timer started when the terms were updated instead of when a user installs the software.
http://kotaku.com/5843178/remember-electronic-arts-wont-let-you-sue-them-either

Kane Knight

09-23-2011, 11:12 PM

Speeding up their timetables? This could mean HL Episode three in our lifetime!

Extreme Angle

09-24-2011, 05:31 AM

My mate went to some expo yesterday which cost £10 to get into...
He got a free Onlive console thing. Got to play Skyrim, WWE12, Battlefield 3, MW3, Some Tintin game.... Jealousy isn't the word :(

Drakul

09-24-2011, 07:55 AM

That'll be the GAMEfest thing GAME were hosting. I was offered to go along but didn't.Pretty sure it runs for a couple days so you migfht still have a chance, if you look it up.

#BROKEN Hasney

09-24-2011, 07:59 AM

Nah, it's Eurogamer. That's where they gave away the OnLive crap.

Extreme Angle

09-24-2011, 01:17 PM

Yeah it was Eurogamer.

Pintint

09-25-2011, 01:31 PM

http://deadhorseinterchange.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/1310531863000-1024x428.jpg

Pretty accurate there...

LoDownM

09-25-2011, 02:45 PM

Thanks for telling us what we all already knew Pintint.

#BROKEN Hasney

09-26-2011, 05:22 PM

These two articles are so badly written and have a retarded subject to boot. Enjoy!

Should Diablo 3 be an FPS?

http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/diablo-iii/1195932p1.html

The top 5 reasons Dark Souls will eat Skyrims face. Despite the fact they are very different games.

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/119/1196353p1.html

Emperor Smeat

09-26-2011, 05:41 PM

Well they both have one thing in common in that IGN owns both websites and IGN has been writing bad or wtf articles a lot this generation. IGN probably got paid more to promote Dark Souls than Skyrim.

Also reminds me of the time I kept reading Gamepro for certain games after the time they got rid of their dedicated platform/genre editors, they would have people who never played or hated a genre/system review and preview games.

DaveBrawl

09-26-2011, 06:25 PM

I don't know IGN has been covering Skyrim as a big story every time I have checked the site for the last couple of months. They probably have just worn themselves out on their own hype.

#BROKEN Hasney

09-26-2011, 06:30 PM

Doesn't really matter. The article still would have been retarded and badly written if Skyrim was the one doing the face eating.

DaveBrawl

09-26-2011, 06:36 PM

Ugh, sent a bunch of tradeins to Amazon for credit and they wouldn't take NBA Live 10. It plays perfectly, well as perfectly as a recent NBA Live can play, but it has a little chip on the top of the ring. I should be happy I got like $47 for the others I sent, but I was hoping to get rid of this game.

DaveBrawl

09-26-2011, 06:49 PM

Doesn't really matter. The article still would have been retarded and badly written if Skyrim was the one doing the face eating.

Oh yeah I'm sure, but I saw the article yesterday and it kind of catches you off guard after seeing them show the game so much love for so long.

Emperor Smeat

09-26-2011, 07:47 PM

Giantbomb had a hands-on preview with the upcoming Forza 4 with most of the details being the same from previous games in the series while also showing off the new modes.

Races are based on what type of car and engine is picked similar to other games in the series as a way to keep races entertaining and balanced. Buying new cars and upgrades doesn't automatically make new events eligible because the driver level is the actual basis for the events.

As you upgrade that car, you'll start to see offers for higher-class events, but your driver level will have to be high enough to qualify for certain events, also. The game will once again automatically upgrade or downgrade your car to fit certain events, if you need a helping hand.

A new mode called Rivals mode is used for multiplayer races and works in a similar way to the Autolog in the Need For Speed series. This mode also levels up cars based on manufacture or "association" picked with car manufactures.

Rivals mode gives you groups of events, often requiring specific cars (which it lends you for the event) and other restrictions. From there, it's leaderboard battles against ghost racers as you attempt to beat the community or, if you're being realistic about your abilities, just your friends.

Also revealed is the option to pre-install all the cars from the 2nd disc of the game but now with the choice of working to earn in-game money to buy the cars or a quicker option of using Microsoft points to purchase cars in sets.

The storefront used for customizing and selling cars returns in Forza 4 to go along with the return of auction houses. Both modes have been tweaked to make it easier to create and find cars to sell.

http://media.giantbomb.com/uploads/0/26/1907450-fm4_previewtour_1_1__super.jpg
http://www.giantbomb.com/news/so-i-spent-a-few-hours-with-forza-motorsport-4/3691/

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Bioware hints a sequel to Jade Empire could be occurring in the near future as the studio mentions they haven't forgotten about the series and will work on the game once their current schedule of projects are done. Bioware also stated the initial focus would be on expanding the story and universe as the basis from the original game while also considering different ways of implementing it in a game.

2) Nintendo confirms Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins will be arriving on the eshop for the 3DS this Thursday at the cost of $5 (500 Nintendo Points). Also arriving for the eshop this Thursday is Legend of Zelda: Four Swords game which will be free for all 3DS and DSi owners until February 2012.

3) Id Software announces the size of their upcoming Rage game requires 3 discs for the Xbox 360 but all 3 don't have to be installed to play while the PS3 version has a mandatory 8GB install required. The company also revealed they both got special permission and help from Sony to make the 8GB download possible for PSN.

ClockShot

09-26-2011, 08:29 PM

I loved 6 Golden Coins. That will put some miles on my 3DS.

Xero

09-27-2011, 11:14 AM

That was probably my favorite Gameboy game before Pokemon came around. Sucks I don't have nor do I plan on getting a 3DS. Guess I'll just emulate that shit. Need to get a DS card.

Emperor Smeat

09-27-2011, 07:42 PM

Bethesda has officially filed a lawsuit against Mojang, the developers of Minecraft, concerning the title of the upcoming game by Mojang called "Scrolls."

Bethesda has argued the name alone will confuse customers and could potentially "mislead" them into buying the game thinking it is from the company's own Elder Scrolls series. The company had tried to verbally force Mojang from using the name and even threatened court action if the name wasn't changed.

Mojang has argued the games have almost nothing in common besides sharing the name while also arguing Bethesda doesn't own exclusive use of the word "scrolls" in a video game.

http://www.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/Scrolls-600x300_0.jpg
http://kotaku.com/5844247/the-elder-scrolls-vs-mojang-scrolls-battle-goes-to-court

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Namco Bandi announces the North American and European collector's eiditions of Dark Souls will be switched from physical to mainly digital content. While no exact reason was given, the company did stress at least Europe will be guaranteed physical copies of the soundtrack and making-of disc but nothing else.

2) Zynga's recent reports show while their userbase is tallying up more gamming time than console and other groups of players, they have lost roughly 3 million subscribers during the fiscal year to go along with a 95% drop in profits over the same period of time ($27.2 million to $1.3 million). Zynga did reveal their fiscal reporting wasn't completly bad as the company did report a 15% increase in revenues this quarter in comparision to the last quarter.

3) Recent rumors involving a future Dead Space 3 game point to the game taking place on a new planet called Tau Volantis which replaces the standard darkness of previous games for a bright and blizzard-like setting. Also leaked is a new main group of enemies called the Hive Mind and Issac will not be alone during the game like in the previous Dead Space games.

Xero

09-28-2011, 12:27 AM

Nintendo should sue any company that makes a game with the word "Super" in it. People may accidentally buy it thinking it's a Super Mario game.

OssMan

09-28-2011, 12:27 PM

Did anybody get ICO/Shadow of the Colossus remake yet?

Boomer

09-28-2011, 02:04 PM

Another Humble Indie Bundle opened up with Frozen Synapse, which is one of my favorite games of the past year. Its pay what you want, and redeemable on Steam. If you get it, I will gladly play with you. Great quasi-turn based multiplayer. Highly recommended.

www.humblebundle.com

ClockShot

09-28-2011, 02:28 PM

Did anybody get ICO/Shadow of the Colossus remake yet?

Already got Shadow on the PS2. I can always scrounge around for an ICO at a gamestop or something.

Boomer

09-28-2011, 02:35 PM

If you wanted to play ICO, you might as well buy both on the PS3. ICO copies aren't cheap.

Both really fantastic games. Most everyone seems to have played Shadow, but ICO is great on its own.

Kalyx triaD

09-28-2011, 03:50 PM

Aren't they loosely within one universe or something?

dronepool

09-28-2011, 04:25 PM

I never played either. I wonder what's the appeal in them or what games do can they be compared to in terms of gameplay, I just know that you fight "giants monsters" in Shadow and get something from them to go further into the game.

Kalyx triaD

09-28-2011, 04:26 PM

Shadows is great, a good downtime game. Epic feeling, too.

dronepool

09-28-2011, 04:31 PM

Ico seems a bit Zelda'ish from watching a youtube video.

Kalyx triaD

09-28-2011, 04:34 PM

It isn't.

Emperor Smeat

09-28-2011, 05:40 PM

Ico seems a bit Zelda'ish from watching a youtube video.

Shadow of the Colossus is much closer than Ico as being "Zelda"-like although most of the comparisons involve the boss battles and traveling on horse than actually mimicking Zelda.

Boomer

09-28-2011, 05:56 PM

Aren't they loosely within one universe or something?

The only really obvious connection to both games is what you see at the ending of Shadows, but both games thrive off of not having a story to tell but not giving you a lot of background on what's going on. They are certainly in the same creative style, but are too vastly different experiences. Shadows is a much more epic solo experience, while Ico is much more about the relationship of the only two characters unfolding as the game progresses. Both are puzzle platformers, but Ico is a bit more traditional, while Shadows exchanges traversing buildings for moving bosses fifty stories high.

jcmoorehead

09-28-2011, 07:16 PM

Will be picking up the Ico Collection on Friday when it's out over here. Played a good bit of Shadow and love it and want to complete it.

Emperor Smeat

09-28-2011, 07:25 PM

Duke Nukem 3D: Reloaded project has been delayed indefinitely with the project's future in doubt after a rumor of a rift between Interceptor Entertainment and Gearbox occurred during a recent meeting.

The main issue appears to have occurred during a meeting at Gearbox where representatives for the series felt the work done was turning the game to a completely different direction than what the company had planned for the series. They did praise how good the work towards the project was but also noticed the game started to drift away from a remake and potentially into a completely non-Duke related game.

Interceptor Entertainment did state the decision wasn't related to Gearbox's own upcoming Duke Nukem project but the terms of the official license does give Gearbox the ability to decide what can and can't be done with the property.

"This has nothing to do with Gearbox Software's rumored new game (At least not what we know of). We have chosen to put the project on hold, as our license doesn't allow us to release the game, or show media from it. What drives us, is our fans - And without being able to share what we have been working on for so long, we have decided to put the project on hold, until Gearbox Software makes a decision."

http://www.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/screenshot_257855_thumb_wide940.jpg
http://www.screwattack.com/news/exclusive-duke-nukem-3d-reloaded-put-hold-waiting-gearbox

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Sony's PSN could be having another rehaul/reboot as the previously big teaser announcement by Sony appears to be a brand new version of PSN. The newly redesigned PS Home update (1.55) hints at some new changes being added that currently isn't supported by PSN while also preparing for the integration of the PS Vita into the network.

2) EA releases some info regarding their upcoming games with the downloadable title of Shank 2 Vegas revealed to be in development for an early 2012 release date. Also announced was the reboot to the PC classic of Syndicate will have a release date of Februrary 21, 2012 for US/Canada and Februrary 24, 2012 for UK/Europe.

3) Square-Enix hints the previosuly assumed PS3 exlucive of Final Fantasy Versus 13 could be also arriving on the Xbox 360 after it was revealed the company is hiring programmers familiar with the Xbox 360 for a current Final Fantasy project.

OssMan

09-29-2011, 01:20 AM

Ico is absolutely phenomenal. If you want typical gameplay reviews, go to Youtube, but you will barely gain anything from it. That game is made up of perfect, beautiful moments.

RoXer

09-29-2011, 01:23 AM

Had G goozex ico/shadow 4 me

Captain of Fun

09-29-2011, 02:23 AM

I never played either. I wonder what's the appeal in them or what games do can they be compared to in terms of gameplay,

Specifically?

Nothing.

Very unique experiences.

Emperor Smeat

09-29-2011, 07:43 PM

The makers of Psychonauts, Double Fine, announces the game has been ported to the Mac while also announcing some extra content will be on its way for the current PC version on Steam.

While the company didn't reveal who the publisher was for the Mac version, they did reveal the game is available for sale at a $9.99 price on the Mac version of Steam.

The current PC version on Steam has been tweaked to include Steam achievements and the ability for cloud-based saving. Also announced was the Meat Circus stage has been reworked a bit to be harder than before based on the requests from the fans for a harder ending to the game.

Also announced was an iOS app called the Psychonauts Vault Viewer which contains all of the Memory Vaults from the game to go along with brand new commentary by the developers.

Double Fine has said in the past they were considering making a sequel to the original game after regaining the rights to the IP they once had to sell off to prevent the company from closing down. They also want to gauge how much interest there is for a new game in the series before actually deciding to work on a new game.

http://fastcache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/09/psychonauts_update.jpg
http://kotaku.com/5845201/wow-psychonauts-just-got-a-big-update-achievements-and-a-mac-version
--------------------------------------------------------------
Quick News Round-Up:
1) Some news in regards to delays as SNK announces King of Fighters XIII has been delayed from its late October release to now a November 22 release date with tweaking being the main reason for the delay. Also being delayed is the PC version of Assassin's Creed Revelations until December 2nd but Ubisoft confirms the console versions will still launch on time on November 15th.

2) Based on a source inside Microsoft, the Fall update for the Xbox 360 Dashboard will include a built-in web browser with Bing as the main search engine. The Fall update will also redesign the dashboard to take advantage of the upcoming Windows 8 appearance and useability as part of Microsoft's plan to integrate both services using Xbox Live.

3) The future of Nintendo Power is once again in doubt after the current publishing company, Future, announces it is reconsidering their entire publishing operations with the possibility of dropping their entire print versions in favor of digital-only publications. The company announced the decision won't be decided until 2012 but also stressed decreasing sales of print copies has forced them to change their way of operations.

LoDownM

09-29-2011, 10:15 PM

Weird. Got an email from Bioware wanting me to do a survey on my experience with the beta for The Old Republic, but I never got an email telling me I got into the beta.

OssMan

09-30-2011, 01:59 PM

How much different is the Klonoa remake on Wii from the original on PS1?

Emperor Smeat

09-30-2011, 03:30 PM

A remake of Klonoa: Door to Phantomile by the same name was released on December 4, 2008, in Japan for the Wii console. It features completely revised graphics and voice acting, as well as many unlockable bonuses that were not in the original. These include new costumes, Mirrored Visions, and challenge areas. This version was released in North America on May 5, 2009, and in Europe on May 22, 2009, as Klonoa.[1]

Looks like mainly just graphics and more extras than the original but the game itself mostly remains the same.

Kalyx triaD

09-30-2011, 05:48 PM

Emperor Smeat

09-30-2011, 07:27 PM

After noticing the praise Epic Games has received for its filtering option for Gears of War 3, Microsoft is considering adding it as a global option for the Xbox Live network.

Gears of War 3 allows custom filtering not only for parental reasons but to give players more control over the level of gore and language done in the game.

If Microsoft does add the feature, it would fall under the "Parental Controls" options and not be part of the other global options menu containing the inverting controls, rumble, muting, and other things.

"We continually evaluate feedback from both parents and the community on ways to advance our parental controls in order to give parents the most up to date tools to manage their family's experiences on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE. While not currently available, platform controls to apply filter settings are potential options that the team will be thinking about for future iterations of our family programming and parental controls."

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/09/hotdarn_splash_01.jpg
http://kotaku.com/5845521/microsoft-looking-into-auto-mature-filtering-options

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Valve announces the previously announced free DLC pack for Portal 2 will be arriving on October 4th. The DLC pack will include a new challange mode for both single and co-op modes to go along with a new test track for co-op.

2) Sony announces owners of the 3G version of the PS Vita will be initialy restricted to only 20MB in download size although they did hint firmware updates in the future could increase the download speeds. Also confirmed is while some games might not have enough intial speed for online matches, the company is working with developers to ensure it doesn't become a huge problem making the Vita looking weaker than it really is.

3) Ubisoft announces their upcoming "I Am Alive" game will be arriving on Xbox Live Arcade and PSN on a Winter 2011 release date. The company did not reveal if a PC version will be made nor any release window for a potential PC version.

Kane Knight

10-01-2011, 01:24 PM

3) The future of Nintendo Power is once again in doubt after the current publishing company, Future, announces it is reconsidering their entire publishing operations with the possibility of dropping their entire print versions in favor of digital-only publications. The company announced the decision won't be decided until 2012 but also stressed decreasing sales of print copies has forced them to change their way of operations.

I'm honestly surprised how many mags are still around, given the way things have gone over the last decade. Not a knock against Nintendo Power itself, just the gaming magazine niche. There are still people who enjoy a nice magazine in their hands, but online pubs are quick, easy to access, and generally provide similar content for free. Even the print exclusives are usually up in a day or two.

#BROKEN Hasney

10-01-2011, 05:49 PM

Bloody Roar 5 was announced. Yay I guess?

What Would Kevin Do?

10-01-2011, 06:17 PM

Really? Seriously? That's... odd.

Kane Knight

10-01-2011, 06:25 PM

Bloody Roar 5 was announced. Yay I guess?

What's it been, a decade since the last?

#BROKEN Hasney

10-02-2011, 04:51 AM

Someone retweeted it off the Hudson Twitter feed. I thought Hudson had gone bust.

Next year. I bet it's Pintint's fave fighting game though.

Kane Knight

10-02-2011, 05:42 AM

Shows what you know. Furries hate lycanthropes. Too violent when "yiffing."

#BROKEN Hasney

10-03-2011, 05:26 PM

It's not real. They closed the Twitter accounts when Hudson shut down and someone else registered the account and started that news.

Kalyx triaD

10-03-2011, 05:44 PM

lol

Emperor Smeat

10-03-2011, 07:38 PM

Sony announces an exclusive "Only on PSN" program to start on October 4th and lasts for the entire month.

Included in the promotion is an XBLA-like "Summer of Arcade" experience with certain PSN games getting the spotlight and focus to go along with a bunch of PS2 games arriving on the service.

Some long requested classics are going digital this month, too. God Hand, GrimGrimoire, Maximo: Ghosts to Glory, Odin Sphere and Ring of Red will all be available starting tomorrow.

Also revealed is Playstation Plus members will get a 20% off discount on every game bought and if $60 or more is spent, Sony will give away $10 free as a gift to spend on more PSN stuff. The $10 free offer covers everything on PSN and not just games.

The list of PSN-related games covered for the promotion are:
* Eufloria (October 4)
* Sideway: New York (October 11)
* Sodium Collection (October 13)
* Okabu (October 18)
* RocketBirds (October 18)
* inFAMOUS 2: Festival of Blood (October 25)
* PixelJunk Sidescroller (October 25)

The bad news concerning the PS2 games are none are remastered to HD graphics, no actual changes were done to the game and play "as-is", and no trophy support nor any multiplayer support is provided due to the games being a straight port. Also no prices for the PS2 games were announced by Sony.

http://www.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/godhand-01.jpg
http://www.giantbomb.com/news/month-long-psn-exclusives-promotion-starts-tomorrow/3711/
http://www.screwattack.com/news/g1lunchpunch-sony-starts-new-only-psn-program

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Update on Bethesda vs Mojang lawsuit as Bethesda flat out refused to accept Mojang's offer to drop the "Scrolls" name and rename their game. Zenimax, Bethesda's parent company is unwilling to reach a settlement and wants the courts to both prove they own the exclusive rights to the "Scrolls" name and huge legal fees to make an example out of Mojang to other companies.

2) Ubisoft confirms Assassin's Creed III will be arriving next year with the plot based on the 2012 Doomsday scenario and the main story involving Desmond Miles could be finished. The company also mentioned that the game wouldn't mean the end of the franchise with new storyline cycles planned for the future.

3) Valve announces those who have pre-ordered Rage for Steam can now pre-load the game starting today before the official release date of October 4th. The game is around 21.5 GB in size and Valve is strongly recommending the pre-load option so that those who pre-ordered can play it without worrying about everyone else trying to download the game at the same time this Tuesday.

Kane Knight

10-03-2011, 10:51 PM

Most of those games look shite, but I'm usually only in love with one or two of the SoA games each year, too.

News Roundup comments:

1. Bethesda are dicks.

2. I'm not shocked 2012 is involved in AC III. Especially since so much of the idea seems cribbed from the Da Vinci Code. Don't take that as a slam, since they did it far better than Dan Brown did.

3. Yeah, at 22 GB, you may want to preload that fucker. I forgot how fucking huge it was gonna be.

Captain of Fun

10-04-2011, 12:03 AM

Well 2012 was mentioned in the ending of AC2, so yeah, I don't know why this is news.

Also, I am loving Brotherhood, and can't wait to play revelations. I'm also anxious to see how they adapt the gameplay to a modern setting, since AC3 is obviously going to be desmond miles finally becoming an assassin and taking on abstergo.

Kane Knight

10-04-2011, 08:15 AM

I need to finish 2. I got distracted by shit and I'm like 90% done.

Emperor Smeat

10-04-2011, 07:19 PM

Problems involving the launch of the PC version of RAGE from id Software involves issues with the mega-texture packs and driver issues related to the Battlefield 3 beta.

In regards to the mega-texture packs for the game, the main complaints revolve around the textures causing screen tearing, graphical pop-ups, and PC's crashing due to how badly the textures were optimized. While searching for the actual cause of the problems, it was discovered the game doesn't have the same amount of drivers for graphic cards with more nVidia drivers found than ATI ones leading to the game being a bit more stable using nVidia.

It was also discovered the Battlefield 3 beta-specific drivers are incompatible with RAGE and have almost a 100% rate of crashing when playing the game. ATI/AMD and nVidia have suggested in rolling-back the drivers to an early update to help solve the problem.

While ATI/AMD has released updated drivers to help fix some of the issues, id Software currently has no plans to quickly release a patch to fix the texture problems and only suggests to update the drivers.

Also not exclusive to the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game have been reported to have the same problems with the texture packs and pop-up problems.

http://www.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/rage-xbox-360-051_3.jpg
http://www.screwattack.com/news/rage-mega-textures-dont-play-well-pc
http://www.giantbomb.com/news/rages-pc-launch-problems-attributed-to-driver-issues-updated/3715/

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) The Official Playstation Magazine becomes the lastest to be accused of being bribed for a good score after an early review of Batman: Arkham City was found to only cover the early part of the game and a breif time with the multiplayer. The reviewer backlashed at the people accusing of the score being "bought" but also admits most of the game wasn't played by the time the review was done unlike with a typical normal review process.

2) Latest rumors involving the successor to the Xbox 360 have Rare, Lionhead, and Turn 10 all focusing their next projects on becoming launch titles for the new system. Fable 4 is being rumored of being a launch window title with a late 2013 release date.

3) A sweepstakes started by Sega called "Name that Game" promises the winning entry will end up as a game for the PS3 and potentially the Xbox 360 which involves a classic series from Sega. Based on current information, the Dayton USA series will be returning with the official debut of the next game occuring once the contest ends on October 10.

Kane Knight

10-04-2011, 10:04 PM

That doesn't sound like journalism for sale, it sounds more like the usual lazy shit that passes for a review.

D Mac

10-05-2011, 01:05 AM

I need to finish 2. I got distracted by shit and I'm like 90% done.

I have had it over a year and still am about only 60% done.

Captain of Fun

10-05-2011, 01:22 AM

Honestly, there is just so much to do in those games that it can be overwhelming. I also took a long break before finishing AC2. Very, very long games, if you are doing all the sidequests and stuff.

Not many action games with as much content as this series. It's definitely become one of my favorite franchises.

Kane Knight

10-05-2011, 08:12 AM

I have had it over a year and still am about only 60% done.

Do you ever finish what you start, tho?

LuigiD

10-05-2011, 12:50 PM

Drakul

10-05-2011, 12:59 PM

Xbox 360 getting TV channels towards the end of the year.

• ABC iView – Australia
• AlloCiné – France, Germany, Spain, U.K.
• Antena 3 – Spain
• Astral Media's Disney XD – Canada
• AT&T** – U.S.
• BBC – U.K.
• blinkbox – U.K.
• Bravo – U.S.
• BSkyB** – U.K.
• Canal+* – France, Spain
• Channel 4 – U.K.
• Channel 5 – U.K.
• CinemaNow (Best Buy) – U.S.
• Comcast – U.S.
• Crackle – Australia, Canada, U.K., U.S.
• Dailymotion – Available in 32 markets
• EPIX – U.S.
• ESPN** – U.S.
• Facebook** – Available in all 35 Xbox LIVE markets
• FOXTEL** – Australia
• GolTV – Spain
• HBO GO – U.S.
• Hulu – Japan
• Hulu +**– U.S.
• iHeartRadio (Clear Channel) – U.S.
• Last.fm** – U.K., U.S.
• LOVEFiLM – Germany, U.K.
• Manga Entertainment – U.S.
• Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment/Real Sports – Canada
• MediaSet – Italy
• MSN with MSNBC.com – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, U.K.
• MUZU.TV – France, Germany, Italy, Spain, U.K.
• Netflix**– Canada, U.S.
• Rogers On Demand Online (RODO) – Canada
• RTVE – Spain
• SBS On Demand – Australia
• Syfy – U.S.
• Telefonica – Spain
• Televisa – Mexico
• "The Today Show" – U.S.
• TELUS** – Canada
• TMZ – U.S.
• Twitter** – Available in all 35 Xbox LIVE markets
• UFC – Canada, U.S.
• Verizon – U.S.
• VEVO – Canada, U.K., U.S.
• VimpelCom** – Russia
• Vodafone Portugal** – Portugal
• YouTube – Available in 22 markets
• ZDF – Germany
• Zune** – Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain

Xbox LIVE Gold membership and/or other subscriptions/fees required. ** Denotes existing partners on Xbox LIVE available today.

Don't know about the other channels but BBC will be free.

Emperor Smeat

10-05-2011, 07:22 PM

Microsoft's plans for 2012 involves creating a "universal" network tying in all the products and branches of the company into a more unified service with the main emphasis revolving around the Xbox Live experience.

The service and plan would be cloud-based and in a bigger scope than Sony's current process of how the PSP and PS3 can share media and game-related stuff.

Imagine starting a game on your Xbox 360, then saving the game and heading out for the day. Now imagine pulling out your Windows Phone 7 and being able to pick up on that game where you left off; or being able to continue on your laptop PC. That'd be pretty sweet, right? That's what Microsoft's planning for a new Xbox LIVE-based service in 2012.

Microsoft did hint that at least for the initial period of the service only certain games released in 2012 will take advantage of the new service. The company also previously stated their plans involving the new dashboard set to be released soon would be the first step towards the new "universal" service.

http://www.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/windows-phone-722.jpg
http://www.screwattack.com/news/universal-gaming-portal-will-blow-your-mind

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Namco reveals the PS3 version of the upcoming Tekken Hybrid will be having its own exlcuisve collector's edition. Included with the games are 2 CDs full of music from Tekken Tag HD and Tekken Tag 2, an art book containing art from every game and movie in the package, and Tekken themed costumes with accessories for PSN Home.

2) According to EA, the suppossed feud between Valve and EA isn't actually occuring and both companies still have a healthy relationship in tact. The boss of the European branch says the company still has its publishing deal for console games made by Valve and explains the need for Origin as a way to compete and co-operate with Valve software at the same time in a friendly manner.

3) Treyarch confirms the Call of Duty series will be expanding to "next-gen" systems after a recent job posting shows the studio is hiring software engineers to work on the game for a brand new console. While speculation about the new system ranges between the Vita, 3DS, and Wii U, it appears the Wii U might be the system being refrenced due to the others being a handheld and Activision previously announced the series would be arriving on the Vita and 3DS.

Kalyx triaD

10-05-2011, 09:07 PM

With Vita and 3DS' (soon to be stock) analog sticks I'm betting FPS games will arrive full swing. No surprise CoD would come, a single analog stick couldn't stop that series.

Kane Knight

10-05-2011, 09:21 PM

And with the built in cameras, you can REALLY teabag your opponents!

Kalyx triaD

10-05-2011, 09:41 PM

Or maybe we can finally do that face mapping thing promised a decade ago.

Emperor Smeat

10-05-2011, 09:45 PM

Well Microsoft is working on either a new 3D camera setup or an extension to Kinect to allow 3D mapping but more for parental controls than actual virtual teabagging or face mapping into games.

http://www.screwattack.com/news/microsoft-patent-not-gary-coleman-friendly

Kane Knight

10-05-2011, 11:08 PM

Or maybe we can finally do that face mapping thing promised a decade ago.

Woah woah woah...You're thinking too far ahead.

Kalyx triaD

10-06-2011, 12:06 AM

Just saying that Gameboy Camera had promise.

Emperor Smeat

10-06-2011, 07:48 PM

Hideo Kojima in a speech about game design at USC discussed how LEGOs played a huge role in the Metal Gear Solid series, why his wife hated his work for a while, and the new "Fox" engine being developed for future use in both the series and Konami games.

While he got a degree in economics, he was more well-known in college for creating interesting stories which ended up playing a huge role in his desire to switch into the video game industry.

His wife for a while hated his work on video games because he usually only slept around 4 hours a day and spent the other part "playing" with LEGOs to help design levels for the PS1 Metal Gear Solid project.

He also told the story of his son coming into the office with him while designing Metal Gear Solid, when the designers sometimes used Lego pieces to put the levels together. His son returned to his wife, who was already unhappy with the amount of time Kojima was spending away, only to report that his Dad "plays with Legos [SIC] all day."

The current build of the "Fox" engine was also shown off to be powerful enough to create detailed levels in only 30 minutes while automating the collision detection and A.I. work needed for CPU controlled characters.

http://fastcache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/10/mgs_screen_psx.jpg
http://kotaku.com/5847317/hideo-kojima-talks-about-how-legos-helped-make-metal-gear-solid-shows-off-new-fox-engine

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) In a Q&A on Rockstar's website, the company confirms the company has no plans of ever porting Red Dead Redemption to the PC. The official reason was given as a technical and business-related decision while the real reason is most likely related to the large amount of work needed to fix all the bugs from the game.

2) Current rumors involving a potential Halo film now indicats the film could have a 2012 release date and will be worked on by both Dreamworks while directed by Steven Spielberg.

3) Capcom announces Resident Evil Revelations for the 3DS now has a target release date of Februrary7, 2012 for the US and Canada with Gamestop already setting up the pre-order bonus for the game. Europe will be getting the game a few days earlier with a January 27 release date.

Kalyx triaD

10-06-2011, 10:33 PM

Spielberg will never do a Halo film, that's wish stuff.

Kane Knight

10-07-2011, 05:27 AM

If he did, would he replace the guns with walkie talkies again?

Kalyx triaD

10-07-2011, 12:57 PM

That's a lot of walkie talkies.

Kane Knight

10-07-2011, 04:34 PM

Sorry if old, but it was news to me:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/600vRI6ofvI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I probably shouldn't get my hopes up and expect something good from the Voltron franchise, but....

Kalyx triaD

10-07-2011, 04:42 PM

5plyr modes based on classic game tropes might be a good thing.

Emperor Smeat

10-07-2011, 07:33 PM

Rumble technology could be changing as a new form of rumble meant to be useable in a wide range of devices attempts to create a more realistic attempt at force feedback with a wider range of variety possible.

Artificial Muscle Inc. is developing the tech which they are calling ViviTouch and is based around a goo-like substance that can expand or contract based on the rumble feedback required.

Certainly an appropriate name, as the "high-definition feel" is created by what Destructoid calls "a sort of artificial muscle" to create realistic degrees of tactile feedback. It works like this: the mechanism contains a black goo-like substance that can freely expand and contract with the help of electrical charges, not unlike an actual muscle. A small weight is placed on top of the goo, and when electrical charges cause it to expand or contract, the weight is moved around.

Because the tech revolves more around the goo-like substance, the tech can be made in almost any size or shape needed to fit a wide variety of devices.

Current motor-based rumble devices only have a small range of feedback rumbling possible which means a lot of instances are grouped into a specific rumble motion than being an individual or unique rumble.

http://www.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/vivitouch2_0.jpg
http://www.screwattack.com/news/lets-get-ready-new-kind-rumble

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Nintendo reveals Super Mario 3D Land for the 3DS will have the Super Guide feature as a way to lessen concerns about the game being too easy from the videos shown.

2) id Software blames the PC version of Rage as the cause of all their problems during development and issues with the launch of the game. While the studio used the PC version in hyping the game to the public, they now feel the PC platform can't be the lead platform for games and instead think the focus should only be on consoles.

3) Crytek announces their CryEngine will be modified to support flash-based games and applications after the company announced they want to expand their engine to non-PC and console devices. The announcement also came after Epic had announced earlier the Unreal 3 engine would provide flash support for mobile devices.

Kane Knight

10-09-2011, 10:56 AM

5plyr modes based on classic game tropes might be a good thing.

It COULD be fun, but I'm expecting it to be about as disappointing as similar titles.

I hope I'm wrong.

Speaking of disappointing, Burnout: Crash. I went in with low expectations and I was STILL let down.

Kalyx triaD

10-09-2011, 11:09 AM

I like Burnout Crash. Feels like an actual arcade game. Feels like a chore to get a game started, though. I wouldn't buy it anyway.

Kane Knight

10-09-2011, 11:21 AM

Feels like a pretty lame arcade game.

#BROKEN Hasney

10-09-2011, 12:14 PM

Honestly, 20+ levels of classic crash mode for 800 points with pass the controller local multiplayer and I would have been sold. The thing they released is pretty awful. God knows how bad it is trying to control it Kinect style.

Kane Knight

10-09-2011, 12:50 PM

Kane Knight

10-10-2011, 12:17 PM

<div style='width:650px;font-size: 12px;'><embed src="http://cdn2.themis-media.com/media/global/movies/player/flowplayer.commercial-3.2.7.swf" flashvars="config=http://www.themis-media.com/videos/config/4782-ba930551d6ed306483f50b1d6b72a05e.js%3Fplayer_version%3D2.5%26embed%3D1" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" width="650" height="391" wmode="opaque"></embed><div><a href='http://www.escapistmagazine.com'>The Escapist</a> : <a href='http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/jimquisition'>Jimquisition</a> : <a href='http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/jimquisition/4782-Dynasty-Warriors-Is-The-Citizen-Kane-Of-Gaming'>Dynasty Warriors Is The Citizen Kane Of Gaming</a></div></div>

Kalyx is shallow. :p

And Jim is MAD WITH POWER!

Kalyx triaD

10-10-2011, 01:29 PM

Uh... huh

Emperor Smeat

10-10-2011, 07:43 PM

During an interview with Gamasutra, the producers of the upcoming Resident Evil projects reveal details on how the series ended up branching out from its original horror style while being influenced by other games in the same genre.

In terms of evolving the series, the producer for RE Operation Raccoon City stated how the original plan wasn't to just suddenly make the games more action-oriented but decided it was time to make some changes to help create new experiences for the series.

Masachika Kawata: The entire Resident Evil series — it was never something that we planned to do. We never sat back and said, "Okay, we want to make these games more shooting-like, more action-focused." Resident Evil, especially the numbered Resident Evil games, have, for us, always been about being survival horror. If you can shoot a little bit more, and you do that, that's fine. But first and foremost, they've always been survival horror games…

People want to see a lot of different experiences within the Resident Evil universe, and so we've been fortunate enough to be able to answer those requests with a lot of different experiences, in different forms, in games.

He dispelled any fears of the brand being over-saturated with multiple releases in a short period of time by saying how Capcom felt each game was unique and different enough from each other to prevent that from occurring. The company initially had some concerns about the games being too similar to each other which is why the decision to change some of the games occurred.

It was also revealed the inspiration behind RE Operation Raccoon City was due to the development team playing Left 4 Dead and the use of Slant Six as a developer who's past experience revolved around shooters and the SOCOM series.

For those who wanted something similar to the older horror-style RE games, it was confirmed RE Revelations will be heavy in the horror and survival style unlike recent games in the series.

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/10/licker.jpg
http://kotaku.com/5848252/capcom-producers-on-separating-the-survival-from-the-horror-in-resident-evil

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) More rumors and leaks involving Dead Space 3 now reveal the game could pull a "Metroid Prime 2" and introduce a Shadow Issac who will hunt the player during the game. Also leaked was the story is more of a rescue and escort instead of just survival due to Issac having to find and transport a character off of the planet.

2) EA's feud against digital services isn't limited to just Valve's Steam as another digital service called Green Man Gaming announced EA pulled all their titles off of the service for all non-UK regions. EA is claiming the move was done due to "contract disputes" but GMG hinted EA was making demands to favor their Origin service while GMG refused to accept all the demands.

3) Sega reveals some new details concerning Sonic 4 Episode 2 with the main stuff being no 3D support while also containing brand new music and no remixes from past Sonic games. The company did not reveal when the game is expected to arrive.

Captain of Fun

10-10-2011, 10:14 PM

When has an escort mission ever been fun?

DaveBrawl

10-10-2011, 10:21 PM

Probably the worst type of mission in games.

Lara Emily

10-10-2011, 11:15 PM

Yup fuck escort missions.

#BROKEN Hasney

10-11-2011, 02:59 AM

Ico?

Lara Emily

10-11-2011, 04:24 AM

Fuck Escort Missions not in Ico

Kalyx triaD

10-11-2011, 10:59 AM

Bioshock Infinite is essentially an escort mission. A great one.

Drakul

10-11-2011, 11:57 AM

Just got a phone call from Nintendo. I've just won two VIP tickets to go to the Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversery Orchestral Concert. Awesome!

Kalyx triaD

10-11-2011, 11:58 AM

Wow. Nice.

Drakul

10-11-2011, 12:10 PM

Yeah, I was looking up the details just now and it's the only performance in Europe.
I'm hoping they include travel because it might be a problem otherwise.

10-11-2011, 12:12 PM

If you can't make it, I am sure they'll fetch a nice price on eBay. Unless it's will call, then you're fucked.

Drakul

10-11-2011, 12:23 PM

I'm sure I'll figure a way around it, if they don't include travel.

Orchestral concert at the London Apollo.
http://deadhomersociety.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/my-sister-my-sitter1.png?w=512&h=384

10-11-2011, 12:32 PM

how far away are you? can the public buy these tickets?

Drakul

10-11-2011, 12:35 PM

I'm in Dundee, which is the east of Scotland and the concert is in London so it's the other side of the country.

Tickets are available to the public in the UK and US but I'd imagin they'd all be gone by now.

Emperor Smeat

10-11-2011, 07:41 PM

Konami announces Silent Hill Downpour has been delayed from an October 2011 release date to now around a mid-2012 release date with no official reason given for the delay. Although, the company did show off a new trailer for the game as part of the delay announcement.

The company also denied claims from European retailers the game would have a February 2012 release and admitted the delay will be longer than initially expected.

A potential reason for the delay could be due to the new changes Konami wants for the game and the use of a new developer for the project called Vatra studio from the Czech Republic.

The game is still set for release on the Xbox 360 and PS3 with the PS3 also getting 3D support.

http://www.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/Silent-Hill-Downpour-logo.jpg
http://www.screwattack.com/news/silent-hill-downpour-delayed-until-next-year

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) A couple of PSVita news as Sony reveals the pricing of games for Japan will be around the $65-$80 range (PSP and PS3 range) while Vita titles sold on PSN will be $6 less than retail copies. Also revealed was Sony does have plans to include compatabiltiy for PSP games which were UMD-only but it will come at a "special price" and Sony has said they are not fully commited to support the service.

2) Some Nintendo 3DS news as an officially licensed headset made by Manufacture Power will be arriving with only Europe confirmed for now and at a price of 24.99 Euros ($38.99). In terms of games, Nintendo reveals a new powerup for Super Mario 3D Land will be a Boomerang Bros costume while Namco announces the 3D remake of Tales of the Abyss will have a November 25 rate and a TBA 2012 date for US/Canada.

3) THQ announces the results of the fan voting for the cover of UFC Undisputed 3 will have Anderson Silva as the cover athlete.

10-11-2011, 08:14 PM

currently 3rd in line for silent hill. cannot wait for it.

OssMan

10-12-2011, 02:34 PM

Need a game to play. Preferably a ROM for NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA. Shining Force looks like a feasible option at this point. Any opinions on that game

Funky Fly

10-12-2011, 03:22 PM

Uniracers for SNES. Go play it right now. One of the most underrated SNES racers out there.

Captain of Fun

10-12-2011, 03:24 PM

Shining Force is a tactical RPG like FF Tactics, so if you're not into that style of battle, you won't like it.

OssMan

10-12-2011, 03:42 PM

I have played Uniracers, it is good. Love FF Tactics. Started Shining Force. A little cheesy, like Suikoden almost. Got into the first fight and accidentally cast a spell which sent me back to the town. Not sure if I want to continue. I want a good RPG

Captain of Fun

10-12-2011, 04:04 PM

FF Tactics is great, but Shining Force is like a decade older, so yeah. It's going to be old and rusty, just like Final Fantasy I.

Captain of Fun

10-12-2011, 04:06 PM

Also, ANY JRPG from that era is going to be cheesy.

Emperor Smeat

10-12-2011, 07:37 PM

Twisted Pixel announces Microsoft has purchased the company to become an exclusive 2nd party studio for the Xbox brand with Microsoft having been interested in the company ever since Splosion Man.

Originally Microsoft was content to let Twisted Pixel make games on other digital services as long as Xbox Live got the games but recent moves by Sony either in guaranteeing exclusives for PSN or outright buying companies could have swayed Microsoft to finally make the purchase of the company.

Twisted Pixel's CEO responded to the purchase saying it was a good move for both companies while also hinting they are expanding to include Kinect games for future projects:

"It is really exciting for us to solidify our long-standing relationship with Microsoft Studios, who we consider to be the leader in digital distribution and creating new innovations in gaming like Xbox Live and Kinect."

Microsoft's Vice President, Phil Spencer, also responded to potential fears of Microsoft forcing changes with Twisted Pixel by saying the studio will have complete freedom with their projects in a similar fashion to when Bungie was with Microsoft:

"I lived through the integration of FASA, through Bungie, the integration of Digital Anvil," Spencer said. "I can go through the list of studios we've worked with. I can honestly say we've become better at working with partners and keeping them what they are," Spencer said. "In the beginning, it was 'everybody's got to move to Redmond, kind of integrate completely into the Microsoft process,' and that doesn't always work for every culture. I think you have to keep to the core of 'What is this partnership about?'"

http://www.screwattack.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/620x186_Featured_Banner/Untitled-22-12.jpg
http://www.screwattack.com/news/twisted-pixel-now-part-microsoft-studios
http://www.giantbomb.com/news/microsoft-and-twisted-pixel-fall-in-love-get-hitched/3737/

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Another attack on PSN and other Sony related networks occured with the good news being Sony was able to stop the attack very quickly and the bad news being 93,000 accounts were comprimised. Sony has said they were not hacked directly but part of a larger attack targeting multiple companies at once and will immediately send emails to affected accounts for users to change their account passwords.

2) Sega confirms Dayton USA was the classic game as the surprise game from their recent contest and will be arriving on XBLA (Oct. 26) and PSN (Oct. 25) for $10. The game will contain updated visuals, 8-player online races, karaookee-mode, and steering wheel support (all compatable for Xbox 360, only Logitech GT Driving Force for PS3).

3) Sony announced every retail copy of Uncharted 3 will also come with a public beta copy of Starhawk included. While the beta won't officially start until early 2012, it will allow 32-player matches with more details expected to be revealed once the beta is ready to go online.

Emperor Smeat

10-13-2011, 07:43 PM

During a discussion panel at WTIA TechNW, the co-founder of Valve, Gabe Newell, feels Apple has the best chance at the moment to "eliminate" the console market in terms of winning the living room. He also discussed why he feels the idea of completely closed systems will hurt gaming in the long run.

His main criticism was towards Apple and how they structured their App Store to focus more on getting people attracted to the shiny device and then own complete control of what they can and can't do with it.

They build a shiny sparkling thing that attracts users and then they control people's access to those things.

He also mentioned how modern gaming now has four domains of "Internet, mobile, desktop, and living room" with every company trying to dominate a sector or all of them as a way to completely control the market and the users.

In a counter to other members of the panel who said it would be unlikely for consoles to disappear, Newell mentioned while the living room has been traditionally the dominance of consoles, he feels Apple is preparing to make a move to that domain. It would be done in a similar way that allowed Apple to gain dominance or control over the other domains and industries.

I suspect Apple will launch a living room product that redefines people's expectations really strongly and the notion of a separate console platform will disappear.

He also criticized how closed systems in terms of Microsoft's Xbox Live or Apple's App Store structure ends up hurting creativity in the long run. His main issue was since the owner of the system controls all the content, they can both determine what types of stuff will sell well and been seen as a "cheap" way of avoiding competition which could also hurt innovation as well.

I'm worried that the things that traditionally have been the source of a lot of innovation are going - there's going to be an attempt to close those off so somebody will say 'I'm tired of competing with Google, I'm tired of competing with Facebook, I'll apply a console model and exclude the competitors I don't like from my world.'

He did mention how Steam isn't a completely open system either but unlike the others, Steam does provide more support for developers in terms of tools and help with selling games.

http://gamrfeed.vgchartz.com/pics/valves-newell-thinks-apple-will-eliminate-the-console-market-309341_expanded.jpg
http://gamrfeed.vgchartz.com/story/88167/valves-newell-thinks-apple-will-eliminate-the-console-market/

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Rockstar announces in celebration of Grand Theft Auto's 10 year anniversary, GTA III will be heading to Android and iOS mobile devices later this year. Rockstar also revealed a $149.99 statue of the main character that comes with accessories will be available for sale and ends the debate on the character's name by saying he is officially named Claude.

2) Nintendo reveals the previously European-only Wii bundle containing New Super Mario Bros Wii and the Soundtrack for Super Mario Galaxy 2 will in fact be arriving to other regions for $150. The new bundle removes Gamecube compatibility, the GC controller ports and memory card spots, and the vertical stand due to it now being a horizontal-only console.

3) Another new company has been formed based on former Rare employees as Starfire Studios has been created and announced their first game, Fusion: Genesis, will be available on Xbox Live Arcade in the near future. The company was formed by 4 former members of Rare with the majority of their experience coming from the N64 era and Halo 3 for recent work.

Boomer

10-13-2011, 09:13 PM

Need a game to play. Preferably a ROM for NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA. Shining Force looks like a feasible option at this point. Any opinions on that game

I've beaten 1 and 2, and they are both good games for their time. Definitely get fucking hard at the end; I probably wouldn't have beaten one of the final bosses quickly without a quick save/quick load feature.

RoXer

10-14-2011, 01:17 AM

Kalyx triaD

10-14-2011, 12:03 PM

I do shit like that all the time.

Extreme Angle

10-14-2011, 12:29 PM

Lol at the guy next to him :lol:

Emperor Smeat

10-14-2011, 07:10 PM

Microsoft and EA announce a recent scamming attack has compromised an unknown number of Xbox Live accounts with the starting point being the release of FIFA 12.

Microsoft confirmed the network itself was not hacked and the attack was more of a scamming issues regarding emails with the spike in activity found in that area of the network. The company also said the issue of FIFA 11 and FIFA 12 stuff appearing on affected accounts was more of a coincidence than something intentionally done by the scammers.

“We do not have any evidence the Xbox Live service has been compromised,” said a representative. “We take the security of our service seriously and work on an ongoing basis to improve it against evolving threats. However, a limited number of members have contacted us regarding unauthorized access to their accounts by outside individuals. We are working with our impacted members directly to resolve any unauthorized changes to their accounts.”

Most of the affected accounts were previously suspended accounts related to other scams or issues but when made available again were found to have the FIFA data on them.

Similar stories can be found inside my inbox from dozens of different readers. Something was up. A few noticed achievements for FIFA 11 or FIFA 12 had been unlocked, others found hundreds of dollars missing from their bank accounts thanks to a series of point purchases, and many noticed the people accessing their account were interested in purchasing tons and tons of cards for FIFA Ultimate Team.

The common thread, however, was FIFA. But why? How? FIFA? A Google search brings up exponentially more stories of digital soccer woes from users of Xbox Live. To Microsoft’s credit, many appear quickly resolved.

“With the popularity of FIFA globally, and the sheer number of players playing the game online, FIFA is an obvious target for phishers and frauds,” said an Electronic Arts representative to me. “This is why we try to educate FIFA players to take measures to keep their accounts safe.”

EA has denied their servers and the FIFA games are directly responsible for the attack although they did mention they are working on closing the vulnerability with Microsoft. The company responded to the issue after their forums had a spike in complaints regarding potentially affected accounts.

Current rumors are placing the blame on EA due to their Ultimate team mode in the FIFA series being a well-known target in attracting scammers and people who sell accounts and pre-made teams with all the stats available.

http://media.giantbomb.com/uploads/9/93384/1987507-fifa_11_ultimate_team.jpeg
http://www.giantbomb.com/news/microsoft-ea-claim-fifa-isnt-causing-rash-of-xbox-live-hacks/3746/

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) EDIT: Made a mix-up in the THQ news, they haven't killed off the entire Warhammer 40k series but the Space Marine spin-off series and the upcoming MMO project will be a Warhammer game using some stuff from the Space Marines game.

2) Even though Activision initially stated all the modifiers and modes from the Wii version of Goldeneye 007 would be available on GoldenEye Reloaded, the company announced today they have locked away Paintball mode as a pre-order bonus. The mode is still available for those who didn't pre-order but unlike the Wii version, the mode along with other stuff has to be unlocked by playing the game and multiplayer.

3) Final Fantasy XIV has been completely rehauled after Square-Enix struggled with issues during development and negative feedback from the media and consumers who saw or played builds of the game during expos. The title will also change to Final Fantasy XIV Version 2.0 with the first public showing of the overhauled game occurring before the end of this year in order to stay on track for a late 2012 release date.

ClockShot

10-14-2011, 07:17 PM

I'd bet if Saints Row: The Third and WWE '12 don't bring in the cash, THQ is probably going to fold up.

Funky Fly

10-15-2011, 05:02 AM

D Mac

10-15-2011, 05:08 AM

Saints Row 3 will clean up.

#BROKEN Hasney

10-15-2011, 06:44 AM

I'm sure Saints Row 3 will do alright. WWE 12 is the big question mark. The series gets by on kids who get their parent to buy all the WWE merch they can and die hard wrestling game fans who swear this is the last time they buy an SvR game every year.

People seem genuinely pumped for WWE 12 though. SDvR 11 had a lot to do with restoring some faith in the series.

Emperor Smeat

10-17-2011, 06:48 PM

Capcom officially confirms the Devil May Cry series has been given the HD collection treatment with the set being titled as "Devil May Cry HD Collection."

The games included in the set are Devil May Cry 1, Devil May Cry 2, and Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening Special Edition with all the games getting graphical upgrades from the original PS2 versions.

Also announced was the collection will have a $39.99 price tag and be available for both the PS3 and Xbox 360 with a release date of early 2012.

No other details involving possible achievements or trophy support was revealed although it is assumed the Xbox 360 version will have achievements.

More screenshots and comparisons to the original PS2 version in the link from Kotaku.

http://cache.kotaku.com/assets/images/9/2011/10/dmchd.jpg
http://kotaku.com/5850502/there-is-a-devil-may-cry-hd-collection-in-the-works-and-this-is-what-it-looks-like/gallery/1

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Sonic 4: Episode 1 has been given a permament price drop from $15 to the new price of $10 (800 MS Points) for both the XBLA and PSN versions of the game starting on October 18. The Wiiware version was not given a price drop nor any news if Sega will in the near future and the iOS version will not have a drop because it was released at a lower price intially ($4.99).

2) Based on rumors from French sources, a sequel to the 2003 cell-shaded shooter of XIII is in development by a studio called Anuman Interactive with the title of "XIII: Lost Identity." The game has a November 2012 release date for PC, Mac, and iOS.

3) Indie developer Mojang announces Minecraft has reached 15 million registered users with about 25% of the userbase already has purchased the game since the beta offered a paying option.

RoXer

10-17-2011, 07:05 PM

was hoping to find some awesome screens of the DS game "Petz Puppyz & Kittenz"

http://www.google.com/search?q=Petz+Puppyz+%26+Kittenz&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1760&bih=836

RoXer

10-18-2011, 01:18 PM

Captain of Fun

10-19-2011, 12:01 PM

The new Deus Ex DLC is 15.00 on LIVE but only 10.00 on PSN. No official announcement of this whatsoever, so people are thinking it's an error on PSN's part.

Get it while it's still up.

Emperor Smeat

10-19-2011, 07:13 PM

Epic Games might have a similar involvement on the next Xbox system similar to giving advice and recommendations during the development of the Xbox 360.

The studio in the past has said what types of stuff and requirements they hoped the next Xbox and other next gen systems should have with today the Gears of War series creator specifying what he is looking for in the next Xbox system. The studio already said the minimum should be in the 2-8 GB range for RAM and high-end graphic cards regardless of the potential costs added to the system.

According to Cliff Bleszinski, he wants the next Xbox to have a strong focus on graphics to both Avatar-like levels and for them to also match current real-time CGI graphics done in games.

"The Xbox 360 is great," the game designer continued, "we've pushed it further than we ever have with Gears of War 3, but I want Avatar in real-time and beyond, I want fully realistic CG, and are we there? Absolutely not. I think there's absolutely room for improvement."

He also mentions more gameplay enhancements are required with the potential focus revolving around getting the max use from their upcoming Unreal Engine version. He also could have hinted for the next Xbox to show a preference to their engine for power and graphics.

The current Xbox 360 was originally designed to make full use and preference towards what was the current version of the Unreal Engine at the time.

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/9/2011/10/gears.jpg
http://kotaku.com/5851219/what-gears-of-wars-designer-wants-for-the-next-xbox

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Quick News Round-Up:
1) Sony announces the PS Vita has an official release date of February 22 for the North America, Latin America, and European regions with the launch lineup still set as a TBA besides Uncharted Golden Abyss. The company also announced based on pre-order numers, the more expensive 3G model appears to be the preferred model at the moment.

2) Based on a statement released by Bright Light Studios, developer of the recent Harry Potter games, EA is consdiering closing down their studio with more also be considered as part of a "centralized" plan towards development of EA published games. It is also rumored EA will be dropping the Harry Potter franchise once the closures do occur with the possibility of other lower tier franchises being dropped.

3) Activision has officially made the Spider Man series part of their annual releases as a new Spider Man game is set to arrive in 2012 by developers Beenox studios and would be the third year a Spider Man game was released in a row. The game will be a tie-in to the upcoming "The Amazing Spider Man" film and as of now has a Summer 2012 release date.

Blitz

10-20-2011, 01:56 AM

Discovered that Emuparadise has so much more than roms available. Direct download of a shit ton of Nick Arcade eps? Yes please.

#BROKEN Hasney

10-20-2011, 03:21 AM

S---------------------------------------------------------------------
Quick News Round-Up:
1) Update on the "Scrolls" lawsuit involving Mojang and Bethseda as Team Mojang won their court case allowing the company to keep the name of their current project. The court rejected all claims and momentary damages brought by Bethseda and their parent company in their attempt to have exclusive rights to the "Scrolls" name.

2) Achievements for the Xbox 360 version of Assassin's Creed Revelations were leaked with the big ones involving a lower max experience cap in multiplayer, Desmond specific achievements, and 2 related to previously unannounced historical landmarks in the game.
http://www.screwattack.com/news/spoilers-assassins-creed-revelations-achievements-leak

3) Capcom announces Monster Hunter 3G will not have online multiplayer and instead follow the PSP route of local/ad-hoc only. The game itself is a portable version of Monster Hunter Tri from the Wii but will still have 3D capabilities in exchange for the online modes the Wii and console versions of the series usually have.

#BROKEN Hasney

10-20-2011, 04:33 AM

http://static.arstechnica.net/assets/2011/10/serioussam5-4e79fb2-intro-thumb-640xauto-25693-4e9eeb8-intro-thumb-640xauto-26742.jpg
Serious Sam 3: BFE is a game that values quantity, both in terms of your guns and the enemies on the other end of the barrel. Since you can carry every gun in the game at the same time and switch between them at will, we thought it would be fun to take a look at every weapon in the game. Developer Croteam even sent over some notes on when to use each one.
Keep in mind: these are just friendly suggestions. You can use anything to kill anything at any time. It may end poorly for you to use the rocket launcher in tight corridors, but hey, this is America. If you want to blow yourself up with your guns and explosives, we can't stop you.
http://static.arstechnica.net/2011/10/18/xpml21_rocket_launcher-4e9dd9b-intro.jpg
Experimental personal missile launcher XPML21 is designed to provide infantry forces with a fast firing rate of anti-armor rockets. Advanced loading mechanism fires up to 85 unguided self-propelled missiles per minute. Do not fire near close obstacles.

http://static.arstechnica.net/2011/10/18/xm214-a_minigun-4e9dd9a-intro.jpg
Evolving from Gatling through Vulcan and M134, XM214-A is the latest news in infantry armament. Self-powered and complete with a built-in magazine and a recoil adapter, this is the most powerful personal weapon available. At 1,200 rounds per minute, it is ideal for confrontation with tough enemies or mass elimination of a large number of smaller opponents.

http://static.arstechnica.net/2011/10/18/xl2_lasergun-4e9dd9a-intro.jpg
The XL2 is still in experimental phase, but has so far proven to be a very reliable weapon for various purposes. The four barrels fire in succession, allowing the weapon to deliver energy pulses with an extremely high rate of fire for a long period of time without overheating. Made entirely of titanium, it is both very light and immune to usual overheating problems, making it an excellent energy weapon.

http://static.arstechnica.net/2011/10/18/sop38_semiautomatic_pistol-4e9dd9a-intro.jpg
A special issue pistol that has proven its combat effectiveness on numerous battlefields across the universe. This small gem can unload a burst of damage into an opponent, but its small magazine capacity precludes its use in massive fights.

http://static.arstechnica.net/2011/10/18/sbc_cannon-4e9dd9a-intro.jpg
The cannon was reverse-engineered from powerful techno-magical weapons used by Mental’s artillery. Cannonballs can be fired in rapid succession and the weapon can be charged to release an incredibly destructive flaming cannonball.

http://static.arstechnica.net/2011/10/18/sledgehammer-4e9dd99-intro.jpg
The sledgehammer can be swung from an overhead position for maximum damage or from the side for quickly clearing enemies directly in front. An alternative fire allows the sledgehammer to be swung a full 360 degrees to clear out anything in the surrounding area. Watch your toes.

http://static.arstechnica.net/2011/10/18/raptor_16mm_sniper_rifle-4e9dd99-intro.jpg
The 16mm armor-piercing, Kevlar coated bullets will pass right through most known armor types. A Flexible 2x-4x zoom ratio allows the shooter to choose between a larger peripheral field of view and more precise aim at longer distances.

http://static.arstechnica.net/2011/10/18/m29_infantry_assault_rifle-4e9dd99-intro.jpg
The M29 is best described as a hybrid of previous rifle technology innovations with a gas operated, rotating bolt mechanism for rapid-fire mode and controlled short bursts. The reflex sight allows for quick target acquisition and easy tracking. At 600 rounds per minute, with long range and low dispersion, it is well suited for most combat situations.

http://static.arstechnica.net/2011/10/18/double_barrel_coach_gun-4e9dd99-intro.jpg
A standard civilian double-barreled 12 Gauge shotgun originally marketed for hunting and self-defense, it has proven to be very effective against most aliens.  Efficient for short-range elimination of medium sized enemies, but scatters the pellets too much to be used for long-range shooting.

http://static.arstechnica.net/2011/10/18/c-4_demolition_charge-4e9dd98-intro.jpg
C4 charges can be used to blow holes in architectural obstacles, to eliminate groups of smaller enemies or to attack larger individuals. The remote control unit is used to detonate one or more charges simultaneously from a safe distance. Using the hooks, skilled throwers can attach a charge to an enemy without approaching too closely.

http://static.arstechnica.net/2011/10/18/as-24_devastator-4e9dd98-intro.jpg
Referred to informally as the “Devastator” on the battlefield, this automatic shotgun fires explosive shells with such force that the rounds pierce through smaller targets and shred enemies standing in line. Brings the boom all day.

http://static.arstechnica.net/2011/10/18/12_gauge_pump_action_shotgun-4e9dd98-intro.jpg
Ordinary slug pellets are efficient for short and middle range elimination of smaller enemies. Standard 10-shell cartridge allows for faster reloading and faster overall average rate of fire.

http://static.arstechnica.net/2011/10/19/sirian_mutilator_bracelet_-4e9f5fe-intro.jpg
Sirian Mutilator Bracelet. Ancient artifact of presumably Sirian origin. The inscription reads “He shall devour the nations of his enemies, break their bones, and with his arrow shall tear them in pieces.” This display appears to indicate when the weapon is charged enough to deliver damage to the target. Apparently, this item also doubles as a key to some restricted areas of Sirian underground complexes.

In conclusion

Isn't it nice to see all these pretty renders? It's like artifacts lined up in a museum. I've been playing a preview build of the game with most of the levels included, and it almost hurts my soul to see them like this; they need to be out in the field, reducing things to small red chunks.
Serious Sam 3 is coming to the PC on November 22.