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Archived News:
A new update is now automatically available to update Left 4 Dead 2, Valve's zombie shooter. Steam News details what's new, which includes three bug fixes, updated Hungarian, Portuguese, Romanian, and Russian subtitles, and a fix for an exploit that allowed players on the Infected team to spawn directly next to the Survivors.
The PEREGRINE Website is now accepting preorders of the PEREGRINE gaming glove, the unique glove-based controller designed for MMOG and RTS players they say is "simpler, faster, and deadlier than any gaming keyboard." Those who preorder online by the end of January 2010 will receive a $20 discount off the $149.99 USD price, plus a PEREGRINE First-Edition Kit with "a limited set of 'First Edition' gaming glove faceplates, a product launch certificate of authenticity and charter membership in 'Peregrine FTW', an exclusive program that will offer member-only promotions, new product news, contests and pro-training sessions." You can read this press release for more.
Following the previous Dark Void clip, which was land-bound, a new "aerobatics" trailer from Capcom's upcoming action game puts the jetpack back on and takes to the skies to demonstrate some nifty aerial maneuvers. The movie is available from AtomicGamer, FileFront, GameVideos, gameSlave, and WorthPlaying.
A new "death from above" walkthrough trailer for R.U.S.E. is now available, showing off the value of paratroopers in Ubisoft's upcoming real-time strategy game. The clip is posted on FileFront and WorthPlaying.
You won't have the old version of your association football/soccer game to kick around anymore, at least if you own one of three games. A second patch is now available for FIFA Manager 10 to bring it to version 2.0.0.4, and, this can be found on AtomicGamer, FileFront, The Patches Scrolls, and WorthPlaying. There's also a new version 9.3.1 patch for Worldwide Soccer Manager 2009 on AtomicGamer, FileFront, The Patches Scrolls, and WorthPlaying. That game is known in some territories as Football Manager 2009, so it's no coincidence that there's a new version 9.3.1 patch for that game as well, and on the same set of sites: AtomicGamer, FileFront, The Patches Scrolls, and WorthPlaying.
Gift of the Yeti is online, "a fun and fast-paced social game for people of all ages" from BioWare, launched today as a free "Facebook app" (requiring a Facebook account) described by Dr. Ray Muzyka as "BioWare's digital holiday card to its fans." The game offers the chance to give to charity, and earn a gift as well, as BioWare will donate up to $10,000 to Child's Play by donating "a minimum of" a penny for every play of the game (a million sessions will cover it). while also providing everyone who plays a $10.00 discount on Dragon Age: Origins, BioWare's recently released RPG. This press release has further details.
Polish developer EXOR Studios announces that Zombie Driver is now available via digital distribution, offering a top-down action/driving game with no shortage of zombies. The game is available from GamersGate and Steam, with the Steam edition including 12 exclusive achievements. Word is: Zombie Driver™ - is an action driving game with a top down perspective and a dynamic helicopter chase camera. Fight your way through the streets of a zombie infested city to save the survivors of a disastrous chemical accident that changed most of the city's population into mindless brain hungry monsters. Time is your enemy and your car is your weapon as you race through the streets smashing everything on your way including fences, phone booths, street lamps and hordes of zombies. When the gruesomely mutated zombies become too much to handle, buy a new car or get more guns and upgrades installed. You can earn more money for finishing side quests, making kill combos and searching for hidden prizes. Game play is unrestricted and the player can freely roam through the dark streets, alleys and backyards searching for the best shortcuts or hidden power ups.
Brazil is preparing to vote on a bill that would criminalize the importation or distribution of "offensive" video games, reports GamePolitics, where they offer a translation of a report on Brazilian website UOL. Their translation indicates the goal is to "curb the manufacture, distribution, importation, distribution, trading and custody, storage, the video games that affect the customs, traditions of the people, their worship, creeds, religions and symbols." Under the proposed legislation, offenders would receive between one and three years of jail time.
Kotaku has a chat with EA CEO John Riccitiello that focuses on the recent closure of Pandemic's offices. John explains that the high costs of operating in California was a major factor in the decision to close their offices and transfer what remained of their staff to EALA, which is less than ten miles from Pandemic's studios. They ask if poorly reviewed games factored into this but John says the location was the main problem. When they ask why these considerations didn't prevent EA from acquiring Pandemic, he explains: "The shift toward fewer titles and the acceleration towards digital is moving faster [than expected]."
R.I.P.: Alan Parsons Project Co-Founder Eric Woolfson Dies at 64. Thanks dakslf. I just heard Eye in the Sky at the dentist's office the other day.
The Wings of Prey Website announces the launch of beta testing of Wings of Prey, Gaijin Entertainment's upcoming World War II combat flight simulator. A preorder is required to participate, as is a yuPlay.com account, and they say preorder customers will also receive a special price on the game, which is due for release later this month.
A new trailer from BioShock 2 features the "electric hand" from the upcoming shooter sequel, one of the game's plasmid powers, and also a popular line dance from Rapture weddings back in the day. You can find the movie on ActionTrip, AtomicGamer, and WorthPlaying.
ArenaNet announces the release of a new trailer showing off the five playable races from Guild Wars 2, their upcoming online action/RPG sequel. The clip can be found on the Guild Wars 2 Website where they also have new info on these races along with screenshots and wallpapers (thanks Guild Wars 2 Slovenija), and it is mirrored on FileFront, gameSlave, IncGamers, and WorthPlaying. Here's word on the clip: To set the stage for Guild Wars 2, this video introduces the five iconic heroes of each race, all voiced by accomplished actors. Logan Thackeray the human defender is voiced by Troy Baker (Fullmetal Alchemist, One Piece). Rytlock Brimstone the charr warrior is voiced by Steve Blum (Spectacular Spider-Man). Eir Stegalkin the norn is voiced by Jocelyn Blue (Invader Zim, Space Jam). Zojja the asura is voiced by Felicia Day (Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, The Guild, Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Caithe the sylvari is voiced by Kari Wuhlgren (Wolverine and the X-Men, Aliens in the Attic).
A new "3D engine demonstration" trailer from Silent Hunter 5 offers a look at the next installment in this World War II submarine combat series under development at Ubisoft Romania for release early next year. As the title suggests, this clip shows off the power of the game's graphics engine (as opposed to the engine of your submarine), and speaking of titles, the movie also reveals a subtitle for the game, as it begins with a logo for Silent Hunter 5: Battle of the Atlantic. The trailer is posted on FileFront and WorthPlaying.
Activision announces more statistics to illustrate the success of the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, saying that the military shooter sequel "is not only the biggest entertainment launch in history grossing more than $550 million, but also significantly outnumbers the world’s top-five armed forces combined." They offer several specific comparisons between the number of players in their game and the numbers of soldiers in various armies, such as their player base representing "more than twice the number of troops in NATO’s 28 member countries combined." No word is offered on how many Purple Hearts MW2 troops have earned from couch burns and Cheetos mishaps.
The Child's Play Charity announces they've already received over one million dollars worth of donations in this year's fundraising drive. With weeks left before Christmas and their Child’s Play Gala and Auction yet to take place, they are hoping to surpass the $1.4 million they raised last year. Child's Play donates toys and games to hospitalized children, and has raised over $5 million since 2003. The scope of their work has expanded, and they now work with hospitals in the U.K, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Egypt in addition to the United States.
The Star Wars: The Old Republic Website shows the way to the holonet entry for the Jedi Consular class in the upcoming Star Wars MMORPG, saying "Jedi Consulars channel the power of the Force for strength in combat and wisdom in diplomacy" (and hotness). They have info, screenshots, and a few clips showing the Jedi Consular wielding her dual-bladed lightsaber. Also, the 21st issue of the Threat of Peace Webcomic is online with more of The Old Republic's back story in graphic novel form. Word is: "The twenty-first issue of Threat of Peace begins with Lord Angral returning to Korriban in full fury. Based on the message from Master Dar’Nala, Angral accuses Lord Baras of secretly ordering the recent attacks. Meanwhile on Dantooine, Jedi Knight Satele Shan reacts to the accusations against Baras with surprise and skepticism."
Amid ongoing hints that a Syndicate revival is in the works at Starbreeze Studios, The Making Of: Syndicate on Edge Online is a feature looking back at the development of the well-loved isometric sci-fi game at Bullfrog back in the early nineties. The lengthy retrospective includes input from some of the game's developers, providing details like the original plan to have eight characters rather than four, along with game development war stories. "We’d get a few of our mates over after work and just play the thing multiplayer," recalls Alex Trowers. "By doing that, we worked out what was fun and how the AI should operate and just built on that. It was a very iterative process and the most fun I’ve had in this industry – we’d play the game, make changes, whack out a new version and try the extra stuff."
New trailers from Alien Breed Evolution are now available celebrating a newly announced December 16 release date for the Xbox LIVE Arcade edition of Team17's shooter remake. There's one clip on the YouTube showing off the game's, well, evolution, from its 16-bit predecessor, and another clip on Eurogamer and WorthPlaying shows off a little more gameplay. Meanwhile, Rock, Paper, Shotgun has an interview about the game with Team 17 design manager John Dennis that covers the project's history, and takes a futile stab at pinning down a release date for the PC edition.
Developer VSTEP announces the release of the Agile Solution Super Pack, a free add-on for Ship Simulator 2008: New Horizons that adds eight new ships to the game along with new missions and other enhancements. The download is available from The Shipyard, where there are a number of other free packs. Word is more free releases will follow: "VSTEP will continue to release new high quality free add-on packs for Ship Simulator 2008 at the Shipyard on a weekly basis leading up to the release of the new Ship Simulator Extremes game in 2010."
Gamestop.com reveals a Star Trek Online Collector's Edition that includes a die-cast communicator badge and other bonuses for Cryptic's Trekkie MMORPG (thanks Big Download). GameStop is also offering a preorder bonus of an exclusive Starfleet Constitution Class Starship in addition to beta access. Full details on the CE follow the jump: Continue here to read the full story.
The Australian ratings board has refused to classify Aliens vs Predator for sale in Australia, making it illegal to sell Rebellion's upcoming faction-based shooter down under, reports Kotaku Australia (thanks Michael). Sega has already indicated they are committed to the mature themes of the Alien and Predator brands and will not edit the game for sale in Germany. True to that, Kotaku has a quote from Sega that does not mention cutting gore from the game as one of the options they are exploring: "SEGA Australia can today confirm that the initial submission of Aliens vs Predator has been Refused Classification by the Classification Operations Board of Australia. We will continue to investigate all options available to us, including the possibility of appeal." Computer and Video Games has a confirmation from Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley they won't be editing the game: Rebellion is disappointed that its upcoming title Aliens vs. Predator has been banned in Australia. However, as we understand the law in that country the authorities had no choice as we agree strongly that our game is not suitable for game players who are not adults.
The content of AvP is based on some of the most innovative and iconic horror movies, and as such we wanted to create a title that was true to the source material. It is for adults, and it is bloody and frightening, that was our intent. We will not be releasing a sanitized or cut down version for territories where adults are not considered by their governments to be able to make their own entertainment choices."
The Mass Effect Community Forums have word that Mass Effect 2 will span two DVDs for both Windows and Xbox 360, and the Xbox 360 version will require a one-time disc swap (thanks Kotaku). Word is: Ok some details for you.
1 - Yes, there are 2 game discs for both the PC and Xbox 360 versions, both the Collector's and standard editions.
2 - There is a 3rd disc with the Collector's Edition. This is a movie DvD containing making of and other bonus information.
3 - The PC version is a standard install. You install the information from both discs and then play with 1 disc in the drive. No swapping.
4 - The Xbox 360 does not have an install and does require disc swapping during play.
5 - Even though there is a disc swap, it occurs at a carefully planned place in the game (that does not interfere with gameplay) and is done once. You do not swap back and forth. 1 swap and then done.
6 - Why 2 discs? Answer: Because you cannot fit this much awesome on one disc.
Hope this helps.
The Evochron Legends Website now has a new version 1.188 of this space combat simulator, an update that's required for multiplayer compatibility. The new version operates as a playable demo, and there's also a new dedicated server and an updated customizing kit. Hit the link for the change list: Continue here to read the full story.
What Gamers Think About Microtransactions on Gamasutra takes a detailed look at the growing trend of microtransactions in games, after talking with a number of gamers about the topic. They probe what makes for good and bad values in virtual goods, what motivates players to pony up their cash, and some tales of players who had to quit their microtransaction-fueled games over "of restraint or self-control issues."
Crispy Gamer - Activision's Unorthodox Early Review Access. Thanks Ant.
I'm afraid by trying to tighten their grip on the circumstances surrounding early access to games, these publishers are going to find more and more reviewers trying to wriggle out from the restrictions, either by holding off on their reviews, noting the circumstances in the text, or simply being more negatively inclined toward the game itself.
GreyWardens.Com - Of Elves, Archetypes And ‘Derivative Fantasy’.
One of the major criticisms of Dragon Age: Origins has been that the game draws on ‘derivative fantasy’ in its plot and storyline. Now, staying away from the debate over whether or not DA:O is ‘dark fantasy’ as marketed, or ‘Tolkien-esque epic fantasy’ , the whole discussion leads me to ask why is it that anything in the fantasy genre is immediately under fire for being self-referential.
Press Start to Drink - Cease and Desist: Games Culture and Copyright Laws. Thanks Mike Martinez.
To take a look at this tension created by strict copyright legislation, I want to examine three case studies in gaming culture. First, following the release of Gears of War, a fan of the game, Emilio Lopez, created a “Gears Munny,” a small action-figure based on one of the characters from the game, to give to his cousin, also a fan of the game, for Christmas. Second, fans of the Super Nintendo Classic, Chrono Trigger worked together for over a year to complete an original addendum to the game in the form of Chrono Trigger: Crimson Echoes. Finally, a dedicated and diverse fan community of the Half-Life series has been working tirelessly on a remake of the original Half-Life using a newer, aesthetically pleasing engine. All three of these cases have raised copyright issues. However, only one of them has been embraced by the IP holder.
Thanks Ant and Mike Martinez.
So I'm realizing the whole TGIF concept takes on a new air when you have committed to bathing your dogs over the weekend. Of course the house will take on a new air after the doggies are cleaner, so it will all work out for the best.
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