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Archived News:
Variety has some disappointing news for PC gamers, revealing that that id Software's upcoming RAGE will likely not include dedicated server support. After we learned Modern Warfare 2 would not include a dedicated server they posed the question to id technical Director John Carmack, who answered: "It’s not cast in stone yet, but at this point no, we don’t think we will have dedicated servers." Mr. Carmack also seems to appreciate Infinity Ward being the first ones out of the foxhole on this issue, saying: "The great thing is we won’t have to be a pioneer on that," he says. "We’ll see how it works out for everyone else." Speaking of which, Activision says they are "not overly concerned" by MW2 PC complaints.
Star Trek Online is due for release in February 2010, reports Eurogamer, saying the Trekkie MMORPG is due in North America on February 2 and in Europe on February 5. They say they've confirmed these dates with Cryptic and Atari after they appeared in GameStop and Amazon listings.
Geoff Keighley tweets: "Blizzard is targeting 'first half of 2010' for Starcraft II according to Activision earnings call." This confirms the release window announced in August when Blizzard's RTS sequel was delayed.
The Syntec Website has news that Crash Time 3 is gold, and this action/racing game should be in stores for Windows and Xbox 360 on November 19. The news is accompanied by a playable demo for the game, and word on that is: "The demo includes a complete scenery at day and night with 7 different missions and 10 vehicles for Semir & Ben." The demo is 302 MB and it supports English, German, and French.
18 Wheels of Steel Extreme Trucker website now offers digital distribution of this truck simulation game and informs us the game has been in North American stores for a month now. The game is available as a trial version that includes the full game, though it will only work for one hour. Those interested in the game can unlock the trial for $19.99. Here's word: "Extreme Trucker uses a different perspective than the previous games in the series - putting the player straight into the action, letting him face challenging tasks with growing difficulty. Extreme Locations: Travel across three hair-raising terrains including deadly ice in Alaska, boiling desert in Australian Outback, and towering mountains of Bolivia. Extreme Loads: Transport cargoes that would scare even the most fearless drivers - overweight loads, oversize loads, road trains, and high risk cargo."
A new version 1.21 update is now available for X-Motor Racing, the indie motorsport simulation. Owners of the full version can update through the in-game menu, while an updated version 1.21 demo can be found on their downloads page. Here's the list of what's changed since version 1.20: - Improved precision of the original tire model
- Added combined-slip Pacejka tire model
- Changes in FF code
- Improved physics
- Changes in VehiclePhysics Utility
- Changes in track format
Mod DB announces the release of a demo for the Overheid modification for Half-Life 2, which they say requires Half-Life 2: Episode Two. Here's the announcement, which is actually from a few weeks ago: "Overheid is a mod that follows a lesser-known member of the resistance as he makes his way through City 17, and up the ranks of the resistance movement. The demo is an early portion of the game, and includes the first major gameplay climax. It's heavy on combat and action, but the mod as a whole will feature a good mix of exploration, story, puzzles, and combat--similar to Half-Life 2." Thanks Ant.
The Syntec Website features a new patch for World Racing 2 to update this motorsports simulation to version 1.4.3. Word is: "Due to compatibility problems with StarForce protection under Windows 7 we deceided [sic] to release a new update with removed copy protection." The download is mirrored on The Patches Scrolls. This additional warning accompanied the patch: "Please note that this update was not tested and installation will be at your own risk."
A new trailer for Splinter Cell Conviction is online with a look at some of the real-world inspirations for the upcoming stealth/action sequel. Word is: "In 'Behind Closed Doors Part 2' the developers of Splinter Cell Conviction give you an inside look at how the Israeli martial art Krav Maga and real-life firearm techniques inspired Conviction's new gameplay. You'll also learn about Sam's newest toys such as EMP grenades and improvised gadgets and get a look at how the storyline will be taken in surprising new directions following the tragic events of Double Agent." The clip is available on ActionTrip, FileFront, Gamer's Hell, and gameSlave.
A new Split Second trailer is now available, offering a look at this racing game that's "set within the world of a hyper-competitive reality television show in a made-for-TV city rigged for destruction." You can find this clip on FileFront.
There's a new Mass Effect 2 trailer on the YouTube, profiling some of the enemies in BioWare's upcoming sci-fi RPG sequel. The clip features gameplay footage and developer narration; here's the pitch: "Learn more about the enemies Commander Shepard will face through Mass Effect 2 in this new video. View new creatures like the Collectors, praetorians, abominations and the ever-present geth. Also in this video, look AND listen to Legion, a geth who is stalking Commander Shepard."
Obsidian Entertainment interview on Grupo97 chats with Chris Avellone about Alpha Protocol, their upcoming espionage-themed RPG. Topics include how a creative director differs from a lead designer, the current state of the RPG genre, moral decisions, telling complex stories within games, difficulty levels, the game's delay, sex, and the importance of story.
Chatting with Steven Peeler on Iron Tower talks with the boss at Soldak Entertainment about Din's Curse, Soldak's upcoming action/RPG. Topics include the attraction of this genre, how the genre has not evolved since Diablo II, and other similar stuff.
GameTap announces Still Life 2 is the newest game for subscribers of this online game service. Here's a reminder of what this is about: "A serial killer known as The East Coast Killer has murdered several women, and is still on the loose, but FBI agent Victoria McPherson is on his trail. When reporter Paloma Hernandez contacts McPherson to give new information, the killer steps in to make sure that Paloma stays silent. As McPherson, you must investigate the crime scenes to track the killer down before Paloma meets her fate, and you will also play as Paloma, trying desperately to escape the killer's clutches before it's too late."
GOG.com announces the addition of games from Majesco to their online marketplace for DRM-free good old games. They start things off by selling Advent Rising for $5.99 and Psychonauts for $9.99, and say they will soon be adding BloodRayne and BloodRayne 2. Word is: Created by legendary game designer Tim Schafer, Psychonauts is a classic action-adventure game that was highly acclaimed by critics and received numerous awards. Players step into the shoes of Raz, a ten-year-old circus acrobat with psychic powers, as he takes up training at the Whispering Rock Summer Camp, a breeding ground for Psychonauts. Raz sets off on an incredible trip through the psyches of many of the camp’s inhabitants, and the ensuing adventure is full of hilarious dialogue and time-tested gameplay.
Advent Rising is a science-fiction action-adventure game that features a script written by famed sci-fi writer Orson Scott Card, the author of “Ender's Game” and “Speaker for Dead,” both awarded the Hugo and Nebula awards. The game introduces Gideon Wyeth, a rookie space pilot who lives a happy life until a terrifying message about an alien invasion appears. Gideon has to face the vicious race of the “Seekers” and save his homeland with futuristic weapons and psychic powers.
Lavasoft announces a new version of Ad-Aware specifically geared towards gamers and entertainment fans is available from Shieldpowerup. Here's what they say makes this different: "Ad-Aware Game Edition addresses the age-old struggle in online gaming and virtual worlds of how to stay protected, without the interruptions or breaks in protection that other security software programs cause. While competitor products claim to ‘suspend’ protection while in full-screen mode, Ad-Aware Game Edition provides continuous protection, without interrupting the user with threat alerts; Ad-Aware automatically handles the blocking and removal of malware, allowing the user to focus on their virtual world – without worrying about their security."
- Manhunt 2 on Direct2Drive. Get the original Manhunt for free if you buy before tomorrow.
- Mass Effect on Steam. Save 50%.
- Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising on Direct2Drive. Save $5.00 with the code 5OFFOPFLASH.
- Time Gentlemen, Please! on Zombie Cow Studios. Save 50% until the release of Modern Warfare 2.
Still on sale (previously reported)
- Agatha Christie: Double Murder Mystery Pack on GoGamer. Save 80%.
- Agatha Christie: Peril at End House on GoGamer. Save 75%.
- All In-Stock Games on the EA Online Store. Save 20%.
- Alganon on
Direct2Drive. Preorder and get beta access and in-game items.
- Battlestations: Midway on GoGamer. Save 87%.
- Borderlands on GoGamer. Save 26%.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on
Amazon and
Walmart. Includes a $20.00 credit.
- Chain of Command: Eastern Front on GoGamer. Save 74%.
- Commander In Chief on GoGamer. Save 74%.
- Death to Spies: Moment of Truth on GoGamer. Save 67%.
- Europa Universalis: Rome on GoGamer. Save 50%.
- F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin on GoGamer. Save 63%.
- Football Manager 2010 on GoGamer. Save 42%.
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Second Edition on GoGamer. Save 60%.
- Grappling Hook on GamersGate. Save 50%.
- LEGO Batman on GoGamer. Save 50%.
- Nation Red on Steam. Save 30%.
- Neopets Puzzle Adventure on GoGamer. Save 67%.
- Nemesis of the Roman Empire on
Impulse. Save 33%.
- Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising on GoGamer. Save 25%.
- Outcry on GoGamer. Save 75%.
- Overlord 2 on GoGamer. Save 75%.
- Painkiller Black Limited on GoGamer. Save 88%.
- Perimeter 2: New Earth on GoGamer. Save 67%.
- Plants vs. Zombies on
PCGameStore.
Only $6.99.
- Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 on GoGamer. Save 30%.
- Raven Squad: Hidden Dagger on GoGamer. Save 68%.
- Rise of the Argonauts on GoGamer. Save 80%.
- SFI Mission 4-Pack on
the Strategy First Website. Four games for $19.99.
- Street Fighter IV on the Capcom Store. Save 50%.
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars- Republic Heroes on GoGamer. Save 17%.
- SuperPower on GoGamer. Save 67%.
- Team Fortress 2 on
Best Buy and
FRYS.com.
Only $9.99. Thanks Johnny.
- THQ Classic FPS Bundle on
Impulse.
Save 25%.
- Titans of Steel: Warring Suns on GoGamer. Save 80%.
- Tom Clancy's End War on GoGamer. Save 88%.
- Warlords Battlecry III on
Impulse. Save 33%.
- X Blades on GoGamer. Save 80%.
- X-Com Complete Pack on
GamersGate. Save
40%.
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine Uncaged Edition on GoGamer. Save 68%.
- X3: Gold Edition on GoGamer. Save 25%.
- XIII Century - Blood of Europe on GoGamer. Save 15%.
Thanks Mike Martinez and Ant.
The Battlefield Blog announces beta testing plans for Battlefield Bad Company 2, following indications earlier this week that such an announcement is near for the military shooter sequel. Testing on the PS3 will commence in two weeks, and PC testing is slated for December, but Xbox 360 owners will not be getting a beta, and will have to wait for the demo, which is planned for early next year for all three platforms. The PC testing is described as an open beta, so presumably the info on how to qualify applies to the PS3, where they say this for North America: "Beta Keys are limited in quantity and will be available through these select partners: Best Buy and Gamestop. Reserve your copy now in stores!" And they say this for Europe and Asia: "Keep your eyes open for local opportunities!" Here's word on the test: The Battlefield: Bad Company 2 multiplayer beta will feature the Arica Harbour map, where up to 24 players can compete in one of the game’s four intense multiplayer modes called Rush. This new map displays a superb balance of vehicle and infantry combat, as the American assault unit attacks the Russian army base with full force, advancing further through a beautiful desert town and towards the industrial area in a desperate attempt to overtake the Arica Harbour. Heavy vehicle warfare on the first bases gradually turns into an intense infantry fight as the level progresses, showcasing this best-in-class online war experience.
Gamers can get a taste of this incredibly intense action by a numbers of ways including reserving the game with participating retailers. While supplies last.
Activision Blizzard Announces Better-Than-Expected Third Quarter CY 2009 Financial Results offers the latest financial reporting from Activision Blizzard, where the third quarter turned out to be better than anticipated: For the quarter ended September 30, 2009, Activision Blizzard’s GAAP net revenues were $703 million, as compared to the company’s prior GAAP net revenue outlook of $680 million. On a non-GAAP basis, the company’s net revenues were $755 million, as compared with its prior non-GAAP net revenues outlook of $700 million.
For the quarter ended September 30, 2009, Activision Blizzard’s GAAP earnings per diluted share were $0.01, as compared to its prior GAAP loss per diluted share outlook of $0.03. On a non-GAAP basis, the company’s earnings per diluted share were $0.04, as compared to its prior non-GAAP earnings per diluted share outlook of $0.03.
Gaijin Entertainment announces Wings of Prey, a new PC combat flight simulator set in World War II. The game does not carry a release date, but the Wings of Prey Website features a countdown that will end in about six days and the yuPlay preorder page for the game says it's due in December. The game will feature six theatres of operation, joystick support, and flexible difficulty levels that range from arcade to realistic simulation. They also say it will include DLC support, and that more planes and missions are coming next year. Word is: "Wings of Prey" is based around the large-scale aerial combat and ground military operations of World War II. Players can participate in some of the war’s most famous battles piloting fighters, battle planes and bombers across a range of thrilling missions. There are six theatres of war to engage in – The Battle of Britain, Stalingrad, Ardennes, Berlin, Sicily and Korsun' representing the main airborne battles of World War II in Europe.
“Wings of Prey” also boasts an all new damage effects engine as well as advanced environmental visuals enriching the game play. “Wings of Prey” features hundreds of airplanes taking part in air battles. The unique environmental engine also produces highly detailed, realistic landscapes that allow players to see breathtaking ground support actions.
Best Buy announces plans to hold midnight madness at several Best Buy stores for the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, offering the chance to get Infinity Ward's military shooter sequel at 12:01 am on November 10. This page stresses: "And just so there's no confusion, you'll want to show up on Monday night, November 9, and wait for the clock to strike 12 midnight — Tuesday, November 10." It also points the way to this page that lists all the locations where midnight madness is taking place.
Unseen 64 has a video and screenshots they say are from Shadowrun: The Awakening, a single player Shadowrun shooter they report was in the works at FASA Studio before being cancelled in favor of the cross-platform multiplayer Shadowrun game released in 2007. They say the game featured a full single-player campaign built on a new 3D engine created by FASA, but they do not know why this was scrapped. Thanks Strategy Informer.
The Codemasters Forums herald the release of the promised patch for Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising as well as the free Skirmish DLC for the military shooter (thanks Charles). They emphasize that the patch is only for the retail boxed editions of the game. The Patch list outlines changes including lag reduction, support for video recording through FRAPS, along with bug fixes and other improvements. This page describes the content in the Skirmish DLC, and here's a bit from that: The ‘Skirmish’ DLC features four new multiplayer maps and two new Fire Team Engagement (FTE) missions featuring both solo and four player co-operative play. Hunt down SAM launchers hidden in the sprawling complex of ‘Lumberyard’ and assault dug in PLA forces and fight room to room in ‘White Fang’, two tense new ‘Infiltration’ multiplayer maps. ‘Annihilation’ multiplayer maps pitch armour and infantry against each other in rolling battles across a valley in ‘Stomping Grounds’ and in ‘Force Dispersal’ military bases separated by a strategic hill become a close-quarters killing ground.
BioWare announces a Mass Effect 2 Collectors' Edition that will be released along with the standard edition of the upcoming RPG sequel. Word is: Available on January 26 in North America (Jan 29 in EU) alongside the standard edition, the Collectors’ Edition of Mass Effect 2 comes in a premium, tin case and includes the full version of the game, a 48-page hardcover “Art of Mass Effect 2” book, Issue 1 of the Mass Effect Redemption comic book, and a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes and making-of videos. In addition, the Mass Effect 2 Collectors’ Edition will include unique in-game weapons and armor that can only be obtained by purchasing this version. With its larger-than-life hero Commander Shepard, intense shooter action, nuanced characters and a rich storyline, Mass Effect 2 is one of the most anticipated titles of 2010.
A playable demo is now available for Dark Salvation, Mangled Eye Studios' horror-themed first-person shooter built on id's Tech 3 engine. Word is: "This 480MB demo contains 3 main levels (2 normal levels and 1 secret level) with additional gate portal levels. Experience hordes of monsters, explosive weaponry, magic spells and explore dark, eerie environments. Download now for some old school FPS action. If you like it, buy it. Have fun!" The demo can be downloaded from the Mangled Eye Studios Website.
Big Download has word from Runic Games that a boxed version of Torchlight will be released in stores in early January. The retail edition of the action/RPG will be published by Encore Games.
Epic's UDK Website announces the release of the Unreal Development Kit, a set of Unreal Engine 3 development tools that are free to download. They say there is no charge for noncommercial or educational use of the UDK, and their Licensing page outlines terms for commercial use. They state: "Commercial terms have been structured to make it easy for independent developers, start-up firms and seasoned professionals to use UDK with minimal financial barrier from concept to deployment." This is for PC use only, but they say console support is under consideration. The download is available from the Unreal Development Kit Website and it is mirrored on FileFront and Gamer's Hell.
Video Games Climbing the Ladder of American Pastimes reports the results of a survey conducted online by TNS, Gamesindustry.com, and SPIL GAMES that attempts to gauge "demographics, time and money spent, and gaming trends across Europe and the United States involving all game platforms." They offer various bit of info like this: "Of all money spent on games in the U.S., 57% is spent on games for the console platform. 36% of U.S. console game players spend more than $25 USD per month on this platform, versus 14% of U.K. console game players. Conversely, French and British players spend the most money per capita on MMOs, the total adding up to 10% and 11% of the nation-wide gaming budgets respectively. Germans are most likely to spend money on stand-alone PC titles, taking in 36% of the total German gamers’ wallet." Here's a picture that's worth approximately 1000 words, according to legend.
The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 launch trailer is now online, offering loads of action-packed footage from Infinity Ward's upcoming modern military shooter sequel. The clip is posted on the YouTube.
Matrix Games announces a new patch is online for Close Combat: The Longest Day, updating this installment in the Close Combat series of World War II tactical games to version 5.50.07. They say: "This major update comes with dozens of bug fixes, map line of sight tweaks, data file changes for increased historical accuracy of equipment performance, and much more." The patch is posted on the Matrix Games Website.
The CBP Website now offers an updated version 2 of the Community Bonus Pack 3 Volume 4 for Unreal Tournament 3. The update fixes a couple of bugs, and word is: "ALL server admins should install this version - there were a number of exploits and bugs fixed on all maps."
The Star Trek Online interview on Techulous talks with Cryptic's Andy Velasquez about their upcoming MMORPG set in space… the final frontier. Topics include progress on the game's beta testing, obstacles posed by the license, player progression, the game engine, quests, and more.
A new trailer from PT Boats: Knights of the Sea shows off surface combat from this naval warfare game, though almost none of it features PT Boats. You can view the clip on the YouTube.
As was noted yesterday, our new advertising is now showing up here. Your feedback on the new ads is welcome, and hopefully the elimination of pop-ups and takeovers addresses the understandable complaints about the ads here in the past. I want to thank the many of you who have already stopped blocking ads here, and hope that anyone who is still doing so will consider whitelisting us to help support the site.
Oh yeah, congrats to the Yankees.
Futuremark Games Studio announces that Shattered Horizon is now available, the zero-G shooter that's their debut title. The game can be purchased through the Shattered Horizon Website, though keep in mind that this game requires DirectX 10 and features no support for Windows XP. "We are very excited and proud to launch our first game," said Jukka Mäkinen, Head of Futuremark Games Studio. "Shattered Horizon is this year’s most original first-person shooter offering PC gamers everywhere a fresh and innovative FPS game with intense zero gravity combat that cannot be found in other games."
Steam News announces the availability of an automatic patch for Killing Floor, Tripwire Interactive's co-op zombie shooter. The update reduces memory usage, fixes some bugs, closes off an exploit, and adds measures to impede pipe-bomb spamming.
The first patch for FIFA Manager 10 is now available to update the association football/soccer sequel to version 2.0.0.3. There's no word on what the patch does, but the download can be found on AtomicGamer, FileFront, and The Patches Scrolls.
THQ Reports Fiscal Second Quarter Results reports lowered net sales compared with last year, noting: "The company had no major product releases in the fiscal 2010 second quarter, and as a result, net sales were driven primarily by continued sales of previously released games." Losses for the quarter, on the other hand are lower than the same period last year. Also, Digital River announces a deal with THQ to operate a new THQ Online Store. Word is: "The new U.S. store supports digital download sales of THQ’s PC games, including popular titles such as Warhammer® 40,000™: Dawn of War® II and Red Faction®: Guerrilla™. THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software."
Steam News announces the Steam editions of Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age: Origins Digital Deluxe Edition are now unlocked for mainland Europe, saying "Other regions will receive Dragon Age: Origins on November 6th."
Rockers No Doubt sue Activision over "Band Hero" reports that No Doubt is suing Activision of misappropriation of the band's likeness in Band Hero. In a complaint similar to objections to Kurt Cobain's use in Guitar Hero 5, the objection is the depiction of the band performing the music of other artists. The suit uses the example of Gwen Stefani singing the Rolling Stones song Honky Tonk Woman, saying this "results in an unauthorized performance by the Gwen Stefani avatar in a male voice boasting about having sex with prostitutes."
The Left 4 Dead Blog offers the second TV commercial for Left 4 Dead 2, Valve's upcoming co-op zombie shooter sequel. We never did get our slice of the $25 mil for posting the last one, so we'll just put this one on Valve's tab.
The Interview with Bill Roper on Techulous talks with the executive producer of Champions Online about this superhero MMORPG from Cryptic Studios. They discuss the game's launch, the Blood Moon update, plans for more content, their concurrent development of Star Trek Online, the Xbox 360 edition, and what the future holds. Also, there's a Champions Online Developer Diary on Ten Ton Hammer penned by Cryptic's Systems Designer Brian Urbanek on the topic of systems balancing.
The For the Glory Interview on Gaming Nexus chats with Philippe Paillarčs, project lead on For the Glory, the new Europa-engine strategy game from Crystal Empire Games. They discuss the originations of this project, the game's niche audience, the number of included units and nations, the UI, balancing accuracy and playability, and more.
- Agatha Christie: Double Murder Mystery Pack on GoGamer. Save 80%.
- Agatha Christie: Peril at End House on GoGamer. Save 75%.
- Battlestations: Midway on GoGamer. Save 87%.
- Borderlands on GoGamer. Save 26%.
- Chain of Command: Eastern Front on GoGamer. Save 74%.
- Commander In Chief on GoGamer. Save 74%.
- Death to Spies: Moment of Truth on GoGamer. Save 67%.
- Europa Universalis: Rome on GoGamer. Save 50%.
- F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin on GoGamer. Save 63%.
- Football Manager 2010 on GoGamer. Save 42%.
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Second Edition on GoGamer. Save 60%.
- Grappling Hook on GamersGate. Save 50%.
- LEGO Batman on GoGamer. Save 50%.
- Neopets Puzzle Adventure on GoGamer. Save 67%.
- Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising on GoGamer. Save 25%.
- Outcry on GoGamer. Save 75%.
- Overlord 2 on GoGamer. Save 75%.
- Painkiller Black Limited on GoGamer. Save 88%.
- Perimeter 2: New Earth on GoGamer. Save 67%.
- Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 on GoGamer. Save 30%.
- Raven Squad: Hidden Dagger on GoGamer. Save 68%.
- Rise of the Argonauts on GoGamer. Save 80%.
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars- Republic Heroes on GoGamer. Save 17%.
- SuperPower on GoGamer. Save 67%.
- Titans of Steel: Warring Suns on GoGamer. Save 80%.
- Tom Clancy's End War on GoGamer. Save 88%.
- X Blades on GoGamer. Save 80%.
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine Uncaged Edition on GoGamer. Save 68%.
- X3: Gold Edition on GoGamer. Save 25%.
- XIII Century - Blood of Europe on GoGamer. Save 15%.
Still on sale (previously reported)
- Alganon on
Direct2Drive. Preorder and get beta access and in-game items.
- All In-Stock Games on the EA Online Store. Save 20%.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on
Amazon and
Walmart. Includes a $20.00 credit.
- Gratuitous Space Battles on
Impulse. Save 13% on
preorders.
- Ground Control Pack on
GOG.com. Save
30%.
- Halloween Bundle on GOG.com. Save 30% on ObsCure, Personal Nightmare, and Waxworks.
- Lugaru on Direct2Drive. Save 75%.
- Nation Red on Steam. Save 30%.
- Nemesis of the Roman Empire on
Impulse. Save 33%.
- The Path on Direct2Drive. Save 50%.
- Plants vs. Zombies on
PCGameStore.
Only $6.99.
- Restaurant Empire on
Impulse. Save 33%.
- SFI Mission 4-Pack on
the Strategy First Website. Four games for $19.99.
- Street Fighter IV on the Capcom Store. Save 50%.
- Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse on Direct2Drive. Save 50%.
- Team Fortress 2 on
Best Buy and
FRYS.com.
Only $9.99. Thanks Johnny.
- THQ Classic FPS Bundle on
Impulse.
Save 25%.
- Warlords Battlecry III on
Impulse. Save 33%.
- X-Com Complete Pack on
GamersGate. Save
40%.
Link of the Day: Priceless! The 25 Funniest Vintage Tech Ads. Thanks Ralph. "Sabrina demonstrates the world's finest projection equipment." LOL!
R.I.P.: Sheldon Dorf, founder of world-famous San Diego Comic-Con, dies at 76. Thanks Jim.
Ars Technica collects a number of forum posts indicating that customers who bought their copies of Dragon Age: Origins via digital distribution from Steam or Impulse are having difficulties getting the DLC included with their purchase. They outline problems downloading the DLC as accounts on both EA.com and the beta BioWare Social Network are required, saying some users have not been able to get this process to work. They also report the process is even trickier for Impulse customers, as Impulse does not automatically install the required update service, and addressing this requires jumping though some hoops, and even worse, some copies of the game bought through Impulse won't authenticate after getting the DLC. They summarize this saying: "The main issue is that EA and Bioware used the launch as an excuse to force consumers to create accounts on their sites, and the process of linking Bioware and EA accounts seems either too complicated or completely broken for many users. Why not allow you to download the content directly from the in-game menu? Maybe they want your information. Maybe this is another way they feel they're stopping piracy." The story has been updated since it was first posted with a statement from Stardock about Impulse problems: While we are aware of the folks having issues with the DLC, we are also experiencing thousands of people playing the game with no hiccups on Impulse. For those few who are indeed experiencing issues with authentication due to EA's process, we are working now on a fix and expect this problem to be remedied very shortly.
A post on the World of Warcraft Forums introduces the World of Warcraft "Pet Store," as they now offer the opportunity to purchase Pandaren Monk or the Lil’ K.T for $10.00 USD each. The pets can also be gifted to another player, and word is half the proceeds of sales of the Pandaren Monk are being donated to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Thanks Wowhead via ZAM.
The Dungeons & Dragons Online Forums announce Turbine is opening a new server for Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited to cope with the influx of players since the game's subscription requirement was dropped. The new server is called "Orien," and word is it "will be open to new characters only. Character transfers will not be available for the new world at this time." Thanks Massively.
Ubisoft announces their financial results for the first half of their fiscal 2009-2010, which concluded on September 30. Sales for the period were just under half of what they were for the same period last year, with Call of Juarez: Bound In Blood listed as their main title during the period. Overall they are projecting €80.0 million in losses for the half, compared with earnings of €33.0 million for the fist half of 2008-2009. They also say: "The third quarter of 2009-10 will be the most important quarter in Ubisoft’s history," listing the following as their main releases for the quarter: − Assassin’s Creed® 2 for Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION® 3, Nintendo DSI™ and PSP™
− James Cameron’s Avatar™: The Game for Xbox 360®, PLAYSTATION® 3, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, PSP™ and PC
− Rabbids Go Home™ for Wii™ and Nintendo DS™
− Shaun White Snowboarding World Stage for Wii™
− Just Dance™ for Wii™
− Your Shape™ for Wii™
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Live Chat Session transcript on the Best Buy Forum recaps a chat with Infinity Ward about their upcoming military shooter sequel. Included is some follow-up to the revelation that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will not include dedicated server support (thanks Brave New Gamer via Destructoid). Along the way they are asked multiple times about PC dedicated servers, which they clearly resist, but designer Mackey McCandlish admits: "Our goal is to provide the best experience for our users, so nothing is ever 'off the table'. We are always evaluating our options." Infinity Ward also questions the legitimacy of the petition for dedicated servers, with Vince Zampella saying not all of its 178,000 signatures are legitimate ( This petition actually now has 180,700 signatures), with McCandlish adding "402 signed it 4 times I heard." A couple of other new bits of info were also pinned down, one a confirmation that with all this talk about IW.net being a superior alternative to dedicated servers, multiplayer games will indeed be hosted by one of the players, and that the limit for multiplayer games is 18 players on a nine-on-nine match (says McCandlish: "The max number of players on all platforms are 1v1 through 9v9. This is the number of players we focused on when we were balancing map size, perks, classes, challenges, etc."). Here's the part about hosting multiplayer games: IWNet matches players together based on several factors including ping and skill. After players are matched, the most suitable host is determined. That player hosts until they quit, at which time hosting responsibilities will normally migrate to another player without interrupting the match.
The Darkest Of Days Website now offers downloads of the modification tools for Darkest of Days, the alternate-reality first-person shooter from 8monkey Labs. Included is the Habitat level editor, mesh editor Toolbag, a Maya plugin for exporting from Autodesk Maya, and Cagebreak, which is for expanding the game data files and generally making things editable. The download is mirrored on AtomicGamer, FileFront, and The Patches Scrolls. Also, Berlin-based publisher The Games Company announces they have acquired the rights to distribute this game in Europe, and we thought this was redundant news, since Steam announced they were distributing the game in Europe a few weeks ago, but we just noticed that news entry has been disappeared from the Steam site.
Richard Morgan's Blog has word that the British science-fiction author is collaborating with EA on a few projects (thanks nin via Shacknews), saying "I can cautiously reveal that I've been pulled in to consult on three separate games, have spent more time on airplanes and in overseas hotels during the last year than in my entire previous life, and have hit one of the steeper learning curves of my creative existence." He adds: "And it hasn't hurt that the projects I'm working on are all science fiction." As Shack notes, John Miles, Morgan's contact at EA, is associated with the EA Partners group which includes developers Crytek and Starbreeze, and the author's work with dystopian and cyberpunk themes would fit nicely with a Syndicate revival, which has long been rumored to be in the works at Starbreeze.
Codemasters announces new Skirmish DLC will be released tomorrow for Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising along with a patch for the military first-person shooter. The console versions will be patched as well as the Windows edition (here is the PC Patch Full Fix List - thanks Shok), and the DLC will be free for Windows users, but will cost 400 Microsoft points for Xbox 360 and Ł3.19/$3.99/€3.99 for the PS3. The announcement is accompanied by a batch of Skirmish screenshots and there's a new Skirmish trailer on the Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising Website. Here's a bit on the new content: The ‘Skirmish’ video, available from www.flashpointgame.com, demonstrates the breadth of exhilarating new content. Players are shown going head to head in attack helicopters, deploying tanks and APCs and engaging in ranged and close quarters combat in the wide ranging new maps and missions featured in the downloadable content.
The ‘Skirmish’ DLC features four new multiplayer maps and two new Fire Team Engagement (FTE) missions featuring both solo and four player co-operative play. Hunt down SAM launchers hidden in the sprawling complex of ‘Lumberyard’ and assault dug in PLA forces and fight room to room in ‘White Fang’, two tense new ‘Infiltration’ multiplayer maps. ‘Annihilation’ multiplayer maps pitch armour and infantry against each other in rolling battles across a valley in ‘Stomping Grounds’ and in ‘Force Dispersal’ military bases separated by a strategic hill become a close-quarters killing ground.
New FTE missions include ‘All Round Defence’, which places gamers in control of air support and attack helicopters as they defend a fortified complex against relentless waves of PLA. In ‘Uphill Struggle’ players must capture a bunker under heavy fire from hillside reinforcements. Gamers can also recon the entire 220 km˛ island of Skira alone or co-operatively in a range of vehicles at day or night in ‘Island Tour.’
Positech Games announces the release of Gratuitous Space Battles as well as a demo version of this space strategy game. The Impulse listing for the game still lists it as a preorder as of this writing, which will get you a 15% discount on the purchase. The game's website has details, videos, and screenshots, along with downloads of the demo, which is mirrored on AtomicGamer. Here's a bit from the announcement: Gratuitous Space Battles is an innovative strategy game that plays like a 'massively-singleplayer' hybrid of RTS and tower defense. The player takes on the role of supreme admiral of embarrassingly large fleets of spaceships, which are all individually designed by the player, and is in charge of placing them in formations and issuing orders for them to fight against AI-controlled enemy fleets. Unlike a conventional RTS, the battle itself is non-interactive, as individual AI ship commanders carry out the general rules of engagement set by the player. This makes GSB a true strategic game, where the player is effectively winning or losing the battle before it starts by cunning ship design and clever orders, rather than twitch based reflexes mid battle. The battles themselves are suitably gratuitous, with a heavy emphasis on things exploding and going zap.
Telltale Games' Wallace & Gromit 20th Anniversary Celebration offers Wallace & Gromit in Muzzled, a free episode featuring the Claymation boy and his dog. The offer for the free episode runs now through Monday, and during that period you can also get the four episode Wallace & Gromit's Grand Adventures for $20.00 USD, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. The DVD version of the series is expected in December, and you can get the DVD along with your order for the cost of shipping.
The Devolver Digital Twitter Feed had a tweet about Serious Sam HD saying the first-person shooter remake is gold, but that post has since been deleted. A tweet from Sunday (that has not been deleted) said: "Pre-order the digital version of Serious Sam HD for PC later this week! A discount you say? Could be!" So it seems safe to assume the game is near.
Shakespeare enters Cities XL, stage left has details on "The Old England Pack," a content pack for Cities XL that will be released for free this week for owners of Monty Cristo's urban planning game. The pack includes maps, buildings, and new megastructures. Word is: "This pack will include a set of medieval buildings inspired by Shakespearian England, along with a paved road and a medieval plaza, with which you will be able to create your very own historic town centres! As for the other buildings already available in the game, we have spent countless hours searching for references in England and have paid special attention to the limitless details of this type of architecture."
American McGee’s Blog has an update clarifying the nature of the Alice 2 video released the other day: Here’s the official statement regarding the “Return of Alice” video which was being presented at www.returnofalice.com
Yesterday, a few sites picked up a video of Alice made by one of our fans and confused it as an official trailer of Alice 2. I wanted to clear up any confusion – as I mentioned in my post it was unofficial, and does not represent any of the final art direction or story elements in Alice 2. We look forward to sharing information on the game in the future.
The content has since been removed from returnofalice.com, but it still lives in its original location – on the website of its creator, Troy Morgan. You if you missed it, you can see it here.
RGF's Torchlight Mods Database offers a one-stop repository of user-created modifications for Torchlight, Runic Games' recently released action/RPG. Thanks Ant.
GameSpy's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Videos Page offers a number of videos from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 showing developer tips on the Xbox 360 edition of Infinity Ward's military shooter sequel. Thanks Ralph.
AusGamers has a video showing what has been edited out of the Australian edition of Left 4 Dead 2 to meet their stringent local standards. The clip is a side-by-side comparison of the cut and uncut versions of the demo, showing the dramatic difference between the two.
So after my joking about not knowing what I was voting for yesterday, we hit the polls and learned about two propositions on the ballot. One of them involved allowing six acres to be used for power lines in exchange for at least ten acres of undeveloped land in return. The woman checking voter registration then informed me that it was actually over forty acres, and I asked how we could know, and she told me that was because the deal was done already. I made sure I understood her, and she said yes, the proposition on the ballot was for something that had already been decided. Like I said: Democracy in action.
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