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Archived News:
GameTap announces
Hotel
Giant 2 is this week's new game for their subscribers,
and also reveal
Arx Fatalis will be coming in the near future and say next week's new
games will be Age of Mythology: Gold and Fishdom. They also have
moved two games to their free area this week:
Tomb Raider: Anniversary, and in celebration of the release of Street
Fighter IV, they offer
Street Fighter II: Champion Edition, and say Street Fighter IV should be
added to their service in about six months. Finally, they reveal next week's
free game will be the original Fallout, which will be SPECIAL.
GOG.com announces the latest
additions to their DRM-free marketplace for older games updated with Windows
support. Now available are their first two of many offerings from Rebellion:
Ground
Control and the Dark Conspiracy Expansion and
Evil Genius. They
are also offering a sale on
all games from TopWare Interactive, which are available for 20% off.
A new movie shows off the just-announced new MechWarrior
game. The clip combines cinematics and gameplay to fairly impressive effect. The
clip can be found on the
YouTube (thanks Kxmode), and on
AtomicGamer and
FileFront.
The
Command & Conquer 4 Interview on GameSpot talks with Samuel Bass
about the upcoming RTS sequel being described as the conclusion of the Tiberium
saga, though Samuel adds: "it is safe to say that the conclusion of the Tiberium
saga is not the end of the Tiberium Universe as a whole." Topics include the
class-based system, RPG elements, persistency, co-op support, and the fact that
Joe Kucan will once again reprise his role as Kane. Here's a bit on those
persistent elements: Essentially, whenever you play Command & Conquer 4,
be it in single-player, co-op, skirmish, or online, you earn experience that
collects in your persistent player profile. Within the profile, you use your
experience pool to level up your classes, earning new units, structures, powers,
and upgrades. Since your profile is persistent across the game, you can then
take your new toys and put them to use in any of our game modes.
Beyond the obvious compulsions this adds to the game, the player progression
system lets us tackle one of the biggest issues we've encountered as RTS
developers. To put it simply, when--as an RTS newbie--you install the game,
enter your first match, and find yourself faced with 13 units, 10 structures,
and an ungodly number of additional powers and upgrades.
There's a
Black Prophecy Interview on Voodoo Extreme chatting with Simon
Bachmann of Reakktor Media about this upcoming MMO space combat game (thanks
Cutter). They discuss various aspects of the project, including the inevitable
comparisons with similar games: "The comparison of Black Prophecy to Eve Online
and Jumpgate is natural as all three games play in a sci-fi space scenario.
However, we take a different approach by designing the game more like a fast
paced action shooter with role-play elements instead of going the simulation
route. Having said that we don’t feel bad about such comparisons and we have
full respect for the Eve Online and Jumpgate development teams as we know the
hard work that’s behind all this."
There is a
Left 4 Dead 2 Interview on Strategy Informer talking with Valve's Doug
Lombardi about the multiplayer zombie shooter sequel. Doug has already answered
enough questions about backlash over the L4D2 announcement to turn into a zombie
himself, but he explains Valve's position once again, and expresses hopes that
fans will reserve final judgment "until we’ve put all our cards on the table."
A new "tips n tricks" trailer from PROTOTYPE is online outlining tips,
hints and "stupid chopper tricks" from Radical Entertainment's radical action
game. The clip is found on
AtomicGamer,
FileFront,
and Gamer's Hell.
There's a new petition collecting signatures to protest
increasingly strict crackdowns on violent games. Apropos to the
situation, the petition is in German. Thanks
Fuzzi.
Thanks Mike Martinez and Ant.
The LucasArts
Twitter Feed announces next Wednesday as the release date for Monkey Island: Special Edition on Steam and Xbox LIVE Arcade, and announces pricing for the
Monkey Island revival as well: Monkey Island: Special Edition: 800 MS
points on XBLA, and $9.99 on Steam for PC. Not shabby, eh? Hits on the 15th
(Wednesday!)
The Arkane Studios Website
reveals the developer behind Arx Fatalis and Dark Messiah of Might and
Magic is assisting on development of BioShock 2, the shooter sequel in the works
at 2K Marin (thanks dju). Word is: "Arkane Studios is pleased to announce its
collaboration with 2K Marin and contributions to Bioshock 2 in the areas of
design, animation and art. We're excited about this game, which underscores
Arkane Studios' core values."
The Elder Scrolls Website
offers the free release of The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall, as Bethesda
Softworks celebrates the fifteenth anniversary of the release of the RPG series,
just like they released The Elder Scrolls: Arena for free five
years ago on the tenth anniversary The Elder Scrolls. The download is
available on
this page
along with The Elder Scrolls: Arena, and word is: "To run these games on newer
systems, you will need to download an emulation program. We have provided a link
to the DOSBox emulator below." Downloads of the free game are mirrored on
AtomicGamer and
FileFront.
The
Amazon.com Video Games Deal of the Day offers a one-day sale of $20 off all
editions of Prototype, making the
Windows edition $29.98 and the
Xbox 360 and
PlayStation 3 editions $39.98 for today only (thanks
Joystiq). Also, over on
GameStop
they are offering a sale on "thousands" of games for under $20.00. Meanwhile,
Shrapnel Games are celebrating their tenth anniversary, and
this post
outlines a bunch of sales that are running between now and July 22. Finally,
Meridian 4 continues to celebrate their fifth anniversary, and all their games
are on sale on Impulse for 50% off,
and
The Meridian4 Complete Pack is available for $79.99, described as a $360.00
discount off the full price.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 looks like it will be the actual title of
Infinity Ward's upcoming military shooter sequel, according to an image of the
cover art on
VG247. The game was announced with the Call of Duty in the name, but more
recently Activision indicated the CoD was being dropped from the title. With the
physical evidence of the cover art, this seems pretty settled now.
Spiderweb Software announces Avernum VI, the next installment in their
multiplatform RPG series, saying the Mac edition is due this winter and the
Windows edition is due next spring.
This page has details
and screenshots, and here's an excerpt: The epic conclusion of the
award-winning Avernum series. Travel into the strange subterranean land of
Avernum, full of dungeons, labyrinths, and constant warfare. A final set of
disasters threatens to destroy your homeland in a spasm of famine and warfare.
Only you can help your people to get to safety before everything falls apart.
As you wander the gigantic world of Avernum, you will experience:
• An enormous world. Hundreds of quests, dozens of dungeons and enemy
fortresses, and multitudes of characters.
• A fascinating storyline, full of surprises, treachery, and epic
battles.
• Many unique encounters. Not just mindless hack and slash. Many unusual
enemies that will require clever tactics to defeat.
• Rich game system with over 50 spells and battle disciplines, many
character building options, and powerful secret skills to unlock.
• Unique game world. Unique races and settings make Avernum different
from any RPG out there.
• Experience with previous Avernum games is completely unnecessary to
enjoy Avernum 6.
On the heels of the revelation of new MechWarrior plans,
Smith & Tinker announces that MechWarrior 4 and its expansions will
soon be released for free on BattleTech.com.
Word is: "In honor of BattleTech’s 25th anniversary, Smith & Tinker has
authorized MekTek.net and MekTek Studios to distribute MechWarrior 4 (along with
its expansion packs) completely free. For years, MekTek.net has been the central
point for online distribution of MechWarrior 4 expansion packs. Now they can
provide the core game free to the fans as well. Keep an eye on
BattleTech.com—the free download will be available soon!"
A post on the
Champions Online Forums by a member of the Online Community Team for
Cryptic's upcoming MMORPG indicates that yesterday's indications on
VG247 that open beta testing for Champions Online will begin on August
17 is subject to change (actually "most likely going to change"), nor is the
accompanying information about changes to the beta level cap accurate (thanks
Shacknews). Word is: These dates are by no means finalized, and are
working dates that are most likely going to change. I'm not sure why this
information was posted, but we will post the dates for things like Open Beta as
we set them.
Additionally, the "level cap" in that article is incorrect. There is currently
no level cap for characters in the beta. (Besides hitting the maximum level of
40, that is.)
GameStop now offers a preorder bonus for Splinter Cell: Conviction,
an in-game semi-automatic shotgun that fits the game's stealthy concept like a
tutu on an elephant. It seems, however, this is only for the Xbox 360 edition,
so PC owners will have to settle for the intrinsic bonuses of better graphics
and mouse support. Thanks
VG247.
Paradox Interactive announces Europa Universalis: Rome - GOLD is now in
stores, offering a bundle of the original Europa Universalis: Rome along with
all the content in the Vae Victis expansion pack. Here's a bit from
the announcement outlining the improvements from Vae Victis: "With new
features previously only available through the digital download only expansion
pack, the road to success is much more difficult to traverse. Governments now
hold sway over the actions that can be taken. Senates and tribal councils will
order players to conduct missions they see fit to test players' abilities to
achieve their goals. Players can also guide their nations to their ultimate
goals with the enactment of beneficial Laws. The AI controlled opponents now
behave with more vigor and purpose as they set about surviving the turmoil of
these times."
MTV Multiplayer stretches their NDA by offering a tidbit about gameplay in
Batman: Arkham Asylum after playing with an embargoed preview copy of the
upcoming superhero brawler. Word is the game will offer a chance to save the
Batman from a falling death with a slowdown prompting the press of a button for
a batarang save. They liken the system to the Elika safety net in Prince of
Persia, though this is arguably a more logical gameplay function based on
the nature of the character. Word is Bats can still take enough damage to perish
during combat.
Team17
Software's Facebook Page offers three new screenshots from Alien Breed
Evolution, an upcoming remake of Alien Breed. Details are scant for now,
here's all they have to say at the moment: "First 3 screenshots of our Unreal3
fuelled 1/2 player co-op shooter due later this year. Enjoy this action packed,
atmospheric 'retro modern' remake of our 1991 classic!" Thanks
Joystiq.
The MechWarrior Q&A
on IGN confirms yesterday's indications that a new MechWarrior
game is in the works, discussing the project with Piranha Games president Russ
Bullock and FASA cofounder/MechWarrior creator Jordan Weisman about the
Unreal-engine project, which will be simply titled MechWarrior, as it is
one of those franchise reboots that the kids are all so wild about these days.
This separate IGN
article offers a teaser trailer and details about the game, which is in
development for Windows and Xbox 360, but does not yet carry a projected release
date. Here's a bit on the game, including plans for co-op support: This
new MechWarrior is set on the planet Deshler in the year 3015, and places
players in the role of Adrian Khol, a wayward nobleman who prefers partying and
shirking responsibility over his training and studies. However, when House
Kurita launches a massive invasion to conquer Deshler, resulting in the death of
his entire family, Khol discovers a purpose to fight for.
There are ambitious plans for this new MechWarrior. The original MechWarrior
games were limited by technology; now with modern computing power, the
developers are hoping to really capture the sense that you're piloting a giant,
walking war machine in the middle of an incredibly dynamic battlefield. While
the two companies are still talking to potential publishers that could determine
the final production budget, Weisman and Bullock explained that they plan to
have a full single-player campaign, as well as support for a four-player co-op
campaign, and a full multiplayer suite.
One of the key features is a sense of information warfare, using everything from
unmanned drones surveying the battlefield from above to light scout mechs
relaying information to teammates. Weisman and Bullock both explained how they
want every class of mech to really matter in this game; it's not just a race to
the heaviest, most powerful mechs. The designers want to reward you for picking
a mech and sticking with it -- you will gain experience and become better at
piloting your chosen mech, and that will translate into better accuracy and
damage with weapon systems. This way, a player could specialize in a light mech
throughout the entire game if they choose. It also means there are multiple
playthroughs with different mechs. The developers also said the game will change
based on your chosen mech class.
While the developers didn't go into how many mechs will make the game, based on
the video trailer and the discussions, we know of at least four. There's the
Jenner (light class), both the Warhammer and the Rifleman(heavy class), and an
Atlas Prime, a feared assault-class mech.
As noted on the Dawn Of
War II Website, a new version of the "There is Only War" beta patch for
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II is in the works.
This post has release
notes for the beta version 1.4.2 patch, which has bug fixes and a lengthy list
of balance changes. When the patch will go live will be revealed in a future
update.
A playable demo is now available for FUEL, the open-world racing game.
The demo is available on the FUEL Website,
and here's word: "The FUEL demo enables players to take on the Ocean Rush career
event, where 7 racers pick their own paths through treacherous landscapes and
short-cuts are key to taking the chequered flag. Gamers can also take on Blitz –
a wild, high-pressure challenge where players must race against the clock to
reach the next checkpoint before time runs out. Gamers who download the console
versions can also play online for a limited period of 2 weeks from release,
experiencing up to 16 player free ride in a limited area of the Tsunami Reef
zone or challenging up to 6 other players in the Ocean Rush career race." The
demo is mirrored on
AtomicGamer,
ComputerGames.ro,
FanGaming,
Filefront,
Games On Net, and
Gamer's Hell. There's also a launch trailer on
AtomicGamer and
Gamer's Hell.
After one one false start and then another, EALA
officially announces Command & Conquer 4, saying the PC-exclusive RTS sequel will ship
next year: Behold disciples of Nod, the end is soon upon us. Electronic
Arts Inc. today announced that, after almost 15 years and 30 million games sold,
EALA is bringing the award-winning Tiberium series to an epic conclusion with
Command & Conquer 4. Shipping in 2010, Command & Conquer 4 will introduce a
multitude of innovations to the to the classic fast and fluid Command & Conquer
gameplay while retaining the core compulsions that fans have come to love over
the series’ history. Introducing new class-based gameplay, mobile bases and
persistent player progression throughout all game modes, Command & Conquer 4
offers players new, innovative and compelling strategic depth. “Command &
Conquer is a powerful franchise with an amazing 15-year legacy. We are thrilled
to bring the dramatic Tiberium saga to a conclusion in Command & Conquer 4. This
game is designed to give fans all the answers they’ve been looking for,” said
Mike Glosecki, Lead Producer of Command & Conquer 4 at EA Los Angeles. “With its
objective-based multiplayer mode, persistent player progression and all-in-one
mobile base, players will experience Command & Conquer like never before.”
The story of Command & Conquer 4 takes place after the events of the critically
acclaimed Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars. The year is 2062 and humanity is
at the brink of extinction. With only six years left until the mysterious
crystalline structure Tiberium renders the earth entirely uninhabitable, the two
opposing factions – Global Defense Initiative (GDI) and the Brotherhood of Nod –
inevitably find themselves in desperation for the same cause: to stop Tiberium
from extinguishing mankind. The unthinkable becomes reality and Nod’s enigmatic
leader Kane takes off for GDI headquarters. What is Kane planning in the heart
of his enemies’ base? Command & Conquer 4 draws the epic conclusion to the
beloved Tiberium universe, where fans will learn the fate of Earth, Nod,
Tiberium, GDI and most importantly, Kane’s motivations behind his decade-long
plan.
In addition to the two campaigns on the epic battles of GDI and Nod, which
players will get to conquer alone or in a cooperative mode, Command & Conquer 4
will also feature a new 5v5 objective-based multiplayer mode, promoting teamwork
and cooperation and delivering a social real-time-strategy experience never seen
before in a Command & Conquer game.
New FIFA Manager 10 Online
Mode Details and PC Screenshots are available, outlining multiplayer details
for the coming installment in the sporting series. Here's a bit:
Additionally up to 40 international leagues will be available in FIFA
Manager 10 and players will also benefit from over 400 enhancements within the
offline mode, many of which are based on feedback from the fan community.
These include:
• Deeper AI, player development
• In-game presentation and financing
• New experiences like the FIFA World Player Gala, an almanac with team
photos and squads, the revised game website, the manager diary in which the
player can collect photos of cups, stadiums and players, and the new "stadium
infrastructure" where players can fine tune details of their facilities
• The 3D mode has been expanded by several hundred new animations and is
now based on the latest FIFA 09 animation system
• FIFA MANGER 10 supports resolutions of up to 1920x1200 now, and the
player’s manager desktop is individually customizable with up to 30 widgets and
more than 50 desktop objects.
Matrix Games announces they now offer digital distribution of
World War II: General Commander, Stragames' turn-based strategy/wargame set
in World War II, or "the big one," as Archie Bunker would say. Here's the deal
on the game also known as World War II: General Commander - Operation- Watch
on the Rhine: "World War II: General Commander is an introductory war
strategy game which brings a unique mix of scale, combat dynamics, and force
management. An intuitive combination of rules and controls will give beginning
wargamers and real time strategy fans the opportunity to simulate Germany’s
famous last Blitzkrieg from either side. Evaluate the tactical situation while
monitoring your overall strategy over real scale 3D maps, with high quality
graphics and effects. World War II: General Commander creates an intense command
experience with a choice of engagements ranging from defending a single town to
the full campaign stretching hundreds of miles and involving all the historical
forces!" Also, the Game's
Official Website offers a new version 1.3 patch and dedicated server for
those who have already acquired the game, and there is a new version 1.3
dedicated server, as well (there's also a playable demo). The patch and server
are mirrored on
The
Patches Scrolls.
Galactic Arms Race (GAR) is a
multiplayer online game that also serves as a "research experiment in automatic
content generation driven by player preferences," that they describe as "'Space
Diablo', with real-time combat, cool particle system weapons, and RPG-style
leveling and skill trees" (thanks Mike Martinez and
Slashdot). The website has videos and write-ups describing how systems
within the game evolve, and since there's a new version 1.1
this forum
thread outlines what's new and different. Here's word on the
game: Unique game content, namely spaceship weapon systems, automatically
evolves based on player behavior through a specialized version of the NEAT
evolutionary algorithm called cgNEAT (content-generating NeuroEvolution of
Augmenting Topologies). In particular, new variants of weapons that players like
will be continually created by the game itself. In this way, the game never
stays the same. GAR is the first video game to demonstrate that critical content
can evolve as the game is played to satisfy its players.
The Game Reviews - In Defense of the Pre-rendered Cut Scene.
It’s always a delicate balancing act when a game chooses to break the
immersion by employing pre-rendered cut scenes rather than in-game graphics.
If done well, these cut scenes can be entertaining in their own right, and
can enhance the player’s connection to its characters and its world. If done
poorly, it can be a jarring distraction that feels out of place. There isn’t
one right way of doing things, but I think developers can get so swept up in
the idea of staying in-game at all times that they forget there are other
ways to tell a story.
- Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited on
GameZone.com.
Today is the anniversary of the last Grateful Dead show. Quick, hold up a
lighter.
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