Archived News:

Friday, Jun 06, 2014 World Tetris Day - National Donut Day (USA)

PC FIFA 15 Using Next-Gen Engine

The EA SPORTS blog has details on the PC edition of FIFA 15, saying the next installment in the association football/soccer series will use the same version of their Ignite engine for the PC version as for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. They say they will be revealing more about the game itself next week at E3, and in the meantime, offer system specifications showing this to be another game that will require 64-bit Windows and 4 GB RAM:
On June 9, we will officially reveal FIFA 15 at our E3 Press Conference. Today, we are proud to announce that our EA SPORTS IGNITE engine, powering all EA SPORTS titles on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, will now also run FIFA 15 on PC.

The PC version will include all the same core features coming to the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game. Learn more about all those features beginning on June 9.

Recommended Specifications:

  • OS: Windows V/7/8/8.1 -64-bit
  • CPU: Intel i5-2550K @ 3.4Ghz
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Hard Drive Space Required: 15.0 GB
  • Supported Video Cards: ATI Radeon HD 6870, NVIDIA GTX 460
  • DirectX: 11.0

Minimum Required Specifications:

  • OS: Windows V/7/8/8.1 -64-bit
  • CPU: Intel Q6600 Core2 Quad @ 2.4Ghz
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Hard Drive Space Required: 15.0 GB
  • Minimum Supported Video Cards: ATI Radeon HD 5770, NVIDIA GTX 650
  • DirectX: 11.0

Ships Ahoy - Concursion

Puuba now offers Concursion on Steam and other digital distributors for Windows and OS X, calling their debut title an interdimensional platformer. This launch trailer hopes to clarify what that means, saying: "Discover the world of Concursion, a game played on the boundaries between genres, where an alternative reality dwells." Those interested can currently find the game with a 20% launch discount. Here's a feature list:

  • Five classic gameplay genres span platformers, shooters, beat-'em-ups, racing and maze navigation/puzzlers
  • Five original worlds, each with its own game mechanics, art style and story to tell
  • Five whole soundtracks from Emmy-nominated composer Chris Hoag (House M.D.), cross-blended between worlds
  • Unique fusion play where radically different game mechanics charge into one another from one second to the next
  • Explore cartoon worlds, outer space and even feudal Japan!

Continue here to read the full story.

Ships Ahoy - Close Combat - Gateway to Caen

Matrix Games marks the anniversary of D-Day with the release of Close Combat - Gateway to Caen, the latest installment in the Close Combat series of World War II tactical combat games, and the final release using their current game engine. Here's the game's April teaser trailer, and here's word:
70 years ago, soldiers from the Allied Forces were landing on the infamous Normandy beaches. Today Matrix Games is very pleased to give players the opportunity to make an emotional return to the bocage with the release of Close Combat: Gateway to Caen. The multi-award winning tactical strategy series introduces a new episode focused on the British offensive during Operation Epsom.

Close Combat: Gateway to Caen features the fighting between German and British forces in the surroundings of Caen, a key city which was originally a D-Day objective. Players will be able to coordinate land units with artillery and air support at the tactical and strategic level on more than thirty battlefields which accurately reflect the Odon Valley in France. Thanks to new features requested by the community, revised graphic effects and dozens of new vehicles and weapons, Gateway to Caen is definitely the most advanced game in the series.

And for the very first time, Close Combat is landing on the Steam platform! Note that all Gateway to Caen owners are also eligible to receive a Steam key.

Steamships Ahoy - The Lost Crown

Steam is now selling the first episode of The Lost Crown, Darkling Room's four-part remake of their 2008 horror game of the same name. "This release is a reintroduction to some of the creepiest graphic horror adventures ever made, now available on one of the World’s leading digital platforms," says Iceberg Interactive CEO Erik Schreuder. "The new ‘Crown’ games, in development right now, will naturally be graphically superior, but we certainly didn’t want to deny anyone the eerie first instalment. If you like to be scared by chills rather than gore, this is definitely a game for you." Here's a new gameplay video showing off a bit of what to expect, and here's an outline:
The Lost Crown features eerie black and white visuals with the occasional dramatic use of color, uses real-life recorded Electronic Voice Phenomena and a chilling soundtrack, making it often quoted as one of the scariest games ever made. The Steam edition of The Lost Crown is enhanced with Trading Cards and Achievements and several gameplay amendments.

Nether Leaves Early Access

Steam News announces the release of Nether, Phospher Games' survival/horror MMORPG. A new patch improves the game's cheat prevention, and more, marking the end of the game's Early Access period. Here's the news:
Nether is a first-person urban survival experience unlike any other. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Nether forces players to make life-saving decisions in a fast-paced struggle against players and the environment. Join tribes to battle for territory. Scavenge, craft , trade and loot your way to stay alive another day.

On Sale

  • Beasts of Prey on Steam. Save 20%.
  • BIT.TRIP FLUX on Steam. Save 20%.
  • The Egyptian Prophecy: The Fate of Ramses on Steam. Save 33%.
  • Groove City on Steam. Save 15%.
  • Hotline Miami on Steam. Save 85%.

Battlefield Hardline in October; New Trailer

The Battlefield Blog now offers an "Into the Jungle" trailer for Battlefield Hardline, Visceral Games' just-announced upcoming police-themed installment in the first-person shooter series. The clip shows off some glimpses of gameplay and the description notes that some of what happens in the game will be inspired by television: "Visceral Games brings its critically-acclaimed storytelling swagger to an all new cops and criminal fantasy inspired by some of the most popular TV crime dramas." Surprisingly, the game seems to already have a release date, as the clip concludes saying: "October 21." Stay tuned, as they promise more details Monday from E3. Continue here to read the full story.

Hidden Witcher 3 Message Hints at Crossbows and Horseracing

A post on reddit reveals a text message buried in the just-released E3 trailer for The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt (thanks PC Gamer). Apparently the message was encoded in a single frame of the video. This gives an outline of the game, with this looking like the most interesting bit:
By the way, if you're new to the series, don't worry, the game will introduce you into all you need to know, and you'll start loving (and hating!) characters in no time!

Also, you've been asking us many questions about gameplay features and we're finally ready to answer some of them - so here it goes:

  • Yes, you will be able to fight while on horseback
  • The crossbow. Yup, Geralt can use ranged weapon. Because sometimes monsters fly and you can't reach them.
  • Remember swimming and sailing. You'll be able to dive and search for a lot of hidden stuff too. There's a whole underwater world to discover.
    Horse racing anyone?

Kill The Bad Guy Demo

A playable demo for Kill The Bad Guy is now available, offering the chance to knock off a few evildoers in this sample of Exkee's recently released Rube Goldberg assassination game. You can grab the demo through Steam, and we have the following description of what this offers:
The new puzzle game Kill The Bad Guy is available since may 28th on Steam and other digital platforms. If you haven't begun to dispense justice, Exkee gives you a chance to experience the job of a dark justicer with a playable demo.

The demo is based on the final game's version and shows 10 levels + 1 bonus, among the 66 available in the full game.

Divinity: Original Sin Mini-Delay

Larian Studio announces a slight setback to the release of Divinity: Original Sin, saying this is now expected on June 30th, a 10-day delay from the previous plan to release the RPG sequel on June 20th, though the game remains available on Steam Early Access. Here's word on the fine-tuning that this will allow:
While Divinity: Original Sin has been going through rigorous testing thanks to a huge community playing on Steam Early Access, there are still a few more finishing touches required before launch. The team wants to deliver the best possible game at release, rather than a game they're not 100% happy with, and will use the extra time to add voice-overs for a range of characters, as well as a number of bug fixes to make for a well-polished experience.

Players who have purchased a copy of the game via Steam Early Access will still be able to enjoy it until release, and Larian apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause players who have been patiently waiting for Original Sin's release.

Steamships Ahoy - GhostControl Inc.

Who you gonna call? GhostControl Inc. is now available on Steam for Windows, Linux, and OS X. Publisher Application Systems announces bumblebee's turn-based strategy game has been updated to version 2.0 for the occasion, saying: "version 2.0 has many improvements and new features our backers and supports requested." Here's a new trailer, and here's a bit on the game: "With the income from your team's work you can equip them with some amazing gadgets, but manage your budget with care not everything is as useful as it may appear. Hunt your customers ghosts down - property damage should be kept to a minimum. Take on the ghosts, follow the map, take in the lovely sites and stunning landmarks." Continue here to read the full story.

Game Reviews

Hardware Reviews

Out of the Blue

Today is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion that began the offensive that eventually ended World War II in Europe. It's hard to imagine the bravery of the men who stormed the beaches that day, but it's certainly easy to appreciate, so here's a heartfelt salute to the greatest generation.

Links: Thanks Ant and Acleacius.
Play: Liquid Measure- Crystal Water Pack.
Ice Cream Racing.
Run 3.
Stories: 70 years later, D-Day vet Jim 'Pee Wee' Martin jumps again.
Media: Honest Trailers - Top Gun.
Man Makes Terrible 'Wheel Of Fortune' Guess.
Goat Gives It All He's Got.
Auctions: World's Largest Video Game Collection On Sale.
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