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Archived News:
The Dragon Age: Origins Website now offers the release of The Darkspawn Chronicles, a new DLC pack for their fantasy-themed role-playing game. The module is available now for PC and Xbox 360 for $5.00 (400 BioWare Points/400 MS Points) and the PlayStation 3 edition is "coming soon." Here's word on what this features: "Play as the darkspawn! The city of Denerim, jewel of Ferelden, girds itself for war. As a hurlock vanguard, you alone hold the power to make thralls of your fellow darkspawn and drive them into the heat of battle. Heed the archdemon's call--Denerim must burn!" Thanks Darth Guybrush.
Tripwire Interactive announces Rising Storm, an expansion for Red Orchestra: Heroes of Stalingrad to be released next year. The Rising Storm Website is online, and this makes the distinction that this is actually a cross between a full expansion and a community created mod, calling this "a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a mod team and a professional game development studio." They are also recruiting for the project, saying that these are not full-time salaried positions, but that financial compensation is involved. Here's word on the project, which takes the game's World War II combat to the Pacific: Rising Storm will cover the famous island-hopping campaigns in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945 as the US Army and Marine Corps fight it out with the Imperial Japanese army and Special Naval Landing Forces. Featuring some of the most brutal fighting in the Pacific theater, players will be able to experience beach assaults, jungle fighting, close quarters cave fighting and more across Corregidor, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima and many other historic locations. The player will be able to take the part of either side – American or Japanese –playing through the Campaign Mode alone or with friends, or battle it out online in full player versus player multi-player.
Ghost Recon: Future Soldier will not be released for this year's holidays as was originally promised, and the tactical shooter sequel is now expected by March 2011, reports Joystiq. "Due to a very competitive environment, we decided to move the game out of the Christmas quarter, and into the March quarter," Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot told investors today. "It will also provide additional time to our development teams to realize their vision."
The Team Fortress 2 Blog announces that Valve plans to ship another update for Team Fortress 2 to update the Pyro character in the class-based shooter. Word is: "Like our previous update, our goal is to increase the degree to which skill can make a difference between two Pyro players. We received a bunch of useful feedback after the last update, and we think we've managed to address most of it, without removing the skill-based additions. As always, play with it for a bit, and then let us know what you think." They also point to a new The Fancy vs. Nasty Update.
Telltale Games announces the availability of The Tomb of Sammun-Mak, the second episode in Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse, the latest episodic series starring the dog and bunny detectives. The episode can be purchased for PC or Mac through the Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse Website, and here's word: In this episode, our heroes cross paths with an even more bizarre and dangerous pair of characters -- their own great-grandparents! These characters set out on their trippiest trip yet in The Tomb of Sammun-Mak, leapfrogging across ten decades and possibly as many continents (we haven't counted) in search of the mysterious force that's causing all the trouble.
Where did it come from? Why is it triggering Max's latent psychic powers? Why is it desired by everyone aboard the Disorient Express? And what, exactly, is the Secret of the Sphunx?
This episode may be the duo's most epic yet, with new psychic powers, peculiar enemies, a journey on the Disorient Express and an ancient mystery that spans the ages.
Steam News announces the availability of a new automatic patch for Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West, updating the western-themed shooter with a new map called Jacob's Bridge, a new game mode called Demolition, as well as bug fixes and other tweaks. The list of major changes follows. Continue here to read the full story.
The Runes of Magic Website announces the launch of The Elder Kingdoms, the third chapter in this subscription-free MMORPG. The update adds a new zone, new instances, an expanded skill system, a new Battlefield Reward System, and more. Word is: "Due to the continuing growth of the Runes of Magic community, Frogster has launched additional German, French, and Spanish language servers today. Starting tomorrow, all players can participate in an exciting release community contest, the “Level 58 Olympics”, where they can obtain valuable item packages. More information about that will be given on the official website and in the forums."
A new patch is automatically available for Arsenal of Democracy: A Hearts of Iron Game, announces Steam News. The only patch note is that the game is updated to version 1.04, but presumably it does more than just iterate the version number.
The Avernum 6 Website now offers a new patch for Avernum 6 to update the RPG sequel from Spiderweb Software to version 1.01. Word is: "This upgrade fixes a handful of bugs and balance issues. It also is the next stage in our tireless assault against typos. Installing this update is a good idea."
GOG.com announces a new arrangement to bring games from Frogwares to their DRM-free marketplace in celebration of Frogwares' tenth anniversary. The first title released under the deal is Sherlock Holmes: Secret of the Silver Earring, which is described like so: "Sherlock Holmes: Secret of the Silver Earring is a point and click adventure game that puts you in the boots of one of the most brilliant and intelligent detectives known to humankind. Together with his trusted friend Dr. Watson, Sherlock is invited to a party hosted by Sir Melvyn Bromsby in honor of the return of his daughter, Lavinia. During his opening remarks Sir Bromsby is killed by a gunshot in front of Sherlock's very own eyes. As Sherlock and Watson, you need to interrogate all of the witnesses and suspects, analyze discovered items and use your talents of deduction to piece together the clues and find out who is the killer." Word is the Jules Verne-inspired Journey to the Center of the Earth will be available soon.
Activision announces Shrek Forever After is now available in North American stores, offering a tie-in with the upcoming fourth installment in the Shrek series of animated movies. Word is: "The game reunites fans with their favorite characters – Shrek, Fiona, Puss In Boots and Donkey. Together, teams can navigate through Shrek’s two realities while solving mind-bending puzzles, and fending off Rumplestiltskin’s army of bad guys. Shrek, Fiona, Puss In Boots, and Donkey, all have their own unique game skills that will come in handy to progress through the game. A single-player experience is also offered, which allows the player to switch between the four characters as needed at any time."
Gamepot USA announces the commercial launch of Fantasy Earth Zero, a microtransaction-supported MMORPG. Here's word: "FANTASY EARTH ZERO, licensed by SQUARE ENIX Co., Ltd., features three distinct classes to choose from, five unique kingdoms vying for a player’s allegiance, immersive quests, a stunning soundtrack by Hitoshi Sakimoto (FINAL FANTASY TACTICS®, FINAL FANTASY® XII), the pulse-pounding excitement of 50 vs. 50 PvP and a nearly endless array of character customization options, making it one of the most robust and anticipated free-to-play MMO games of 2010."
A new Transformers: War for Cybertron "Campaign and Mission Design" trailer offers gameplay footage from Transformers: War for Cybertron along with developer commentary about the upcoming Transformers prequel. Topics include your freedom to choose between being an Autobot or a Decepticon, the game's co-op support, and the game's "really big boss fights." The embedded version follows. Continue here to read the full story.
- Demigod on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Sins of a Solar Empire on Impulse. Save 50%.
- Space Siege on Steam. Save 75%.
- Stormrise on Steam. Save 75%.
- Universe at War: Earth Assault on Steam. Save 75%.
Still on sale (previously reported)
Continue here to read the full story.
- Pure Football Screenshots on NGOHQ.
Link of the Day: LifeLock CEO’s Identity Stolen 13 Times. Thanks for the laugh to nin, who also sent along an amazing set of Mount St. Helens photos, as this volcano eruption was actually thirty years ago today.
2K Games announces NVIDIA has made them an offer they cannot refuse, and thus the Windows edition of Mafia II will include support for 3D Vision and PhysX support, saying 2K Czech's life-of-crime sequel will be the first title to use the "NVIDIA APEX Clothing module." These three screenshots show off some PhysX particle effects, and here's a bit describing what this entails: "The integration of PhysX and NVIDIA APEX technology, including the APEX Clothing and Particle modules, enable the city and personalities of Empire Bay to truly come alive on Windows PC. The NVIDIA APEX Clothing module allows for more dynamic movement in clothing, making in-game characters even more realistic and reactive to environmental conditions. With the implementation of NVIDIA APEX Particles, players are engulfed in lifelike explosions that are bigger and brighter, including weapon fragments, in-game debris and destructible environments that are amplified in both quantity and realism through the integration of APEX Particles. For example, a pistol fired into a glass pane will emit hundreds of glass shards; a shotgun blasted through a wooden landing will splinter the wood; and a Tommy Gun will chip into a brick or stone wall to methodically fracture and break it into pieces."
Publisher Disney Interactive Studios and developer Black Rock Studio announce that Split/Second is now available in North American stores, offering an action racing game set within a fictional reality television show for Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and iPhone/iPod Touch. Some new Split/Second screenshots accompany the news, and here's a bit from the announcement: In Split/Second, players don't just race to the finish line to beat their opponents, they build up their power meter through deft driving and trigger "power plays," explosive moments that take out opponents or alter the track. The game takes place within a hyper-competitive reality television show with city-sized sets rigged for destruction. Each track has numerous power plays that can be strategically triggered by skilled drivers. Competitors in Split/Second don't just collide with other vehicles to knock them from the track -- they can trigger blockbuster action film-like explosive events that drastically alter the dynamics of the race. Players must use strategy and pinpoint timing to derail opponents, tactically alter the track or create entirely new routes.
Ubisoft announces that Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is now available in North American stores, specifically mentioning the release for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PSP, Wii, DSi, and DS but not the Windows version, which is nonetheless available as well (they also omit Windows in their list of platform-specific features). This game is both a prequel and a sequel, as it is set between the events of The Sands of Time and Warrior Within, and word is: "Prince of Persia The Forgotten Sands is the next chapter in the fan favorite Sands of Time universe. Visiting his brother’s kingdom following his adventure in Azad, the Prince finds the royal palace under siege from a mighty army bent on its destruction. When the decision is made to use the ancient power of the Sand in a desperate gamble to save the kingdom from total annihilation, the Prince will embark on an epic adventure in which he will learn to bear the mantle of true leadership, and discover that great power often comes with a great cost." The game's release in Europe is planned for Friday.
Ubisoft's 2009-10 Financial Results ( Adobe Acrobat format) are online for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. They are reporting sales for the year of €871 million, a current operating loss of €60 million, a net loss (excluding non-recurring items and before stock-based compensation) of €32 million, and a full net loss of €44 million. Thanks Joao, who points out that amid the losses, Ubisoft is showing greater revenue from the PC market than they have in some time, an interesting development in light of their implementation of their much reviled online DRM scheme. Ubisoft says they expect to return to profitable growth and positive cash flow from operating activities in fiscal 2010-11.
Blizzard Entertainment announces ticket sales for BlizzCon 2010 will be conducted in two batches on June 2 and June 5, with tickets selling for $150.00 USD. The show, which is scheduled for October 22-23 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA, will once again feature a pay-per-view event on DirecTV, which will cost $39.95 USD. They will also offer a live stream on the internet for that same price (adding that "pricing may vary by region"), though limited coverage of the opening ceremony and certain tournaments will be streamed on the Internet for free. Once again, those who purchase this coverage will earn an exclusive World of Warcraft in-game item, which will be revealed separately. The June 2 tickets will go on sale at 10:00 pm EDT (7:00 pm PDT) and the June 5 batch will go on sale at 1:00 pm EDT (10:00 am PDT). They add: "Those interested in attending BlizzCon can simplify the purchase process by registering a Battle.net account at www.battle.net before ticket sales begin." Here's word on the event itself: "In addition to serving as a gathering place for the different Blizzard Entertainment gaming communities, BlizzCon will have an array of activities, including discussion panels, competitive and casual tournaments, contests, hands-on playtime with current and upcoming Blizzard Entertainment games, and more."
PC Gamer Magazine has some analysis of the Humble Indie Bundle, the recently completed sale where customers could choose how much to pay for a bundle of indie games. Word is the developers got to split a pool of $833,630.69 ($166,726.14 each), while the Electronic Frontier Foundation took in $183,601.47 and the Child's Play charity received $188,578.04. Thanks Joao.
MCV cites a report by tracking firm Newzoo that says a full third of today's computer gamers do not pay anything to play, instead relying on free online games and playable demos for their gaming fix. This is not just restricted to PCs, as word is: "But Newzoo claims that its 30 per cent figure covers the entire gaming market, with punters both playing Flash games online for free as well as restricting their console gaming to free demos that can be downloaded straight to their machines."
MCV has record financial results for Square Enix, saying these are their best results since the merger of Square and Enix in 2003. Word is: For the 12 months ending March 31st 2010 operating income was up 130 per cent at YEN 28,235m. Net income was up 50.1 per cent at YEN 9,5m and recurring income shot up 147.1 per cent to reach YEN 27,822m.
Net sales increased 41.7 per cent to YEN 192.257m.
Taking the company’s games operations in isolation, net sales jumped 128.4 per cent to YEN 109,949m and operating income jumped 254 per cent to YEN 23,814m.
MCV also has third quarter financial reporting from SouthPeak, showing a small profit of $192,000. Word is: "SouthPeak reported gross profits were down to $413,000, down from $5.3 million last year. Net revenues were also down from $13.5 million to $7.5million, and the publisher confirmed it had resolved its legal issues with CDV, which cost $3.2 million."
Playlogic Entertainment announces their 2009 financial results. These reflect an equity restructuring, and result in the following net results: "Playlogic reported a net loss of $20.3 million in 2009 (excluding the gain of $21 million) compared to a loss of $9.5 million in 2008. This loss includes an one time impairment charge for the year 2009 of $4.75 million. Compared to prior years, Playlogic has spent more on advertising and marketing of its titles. In addition research and development expenses increased in connection with the final push for the development of Fairytale Fights."
IncGamers - What Is A "Fair" MMO Review?
Skip to this past week. Rise of the Godslayer, the expansion to Age of Conan, is released. Eurogamer reviews it, and the writer gives the expansion a 6 out of 10. Funcom, the developer, along with some hardcore fans, have a collective cow over the score, and nitpick the writer's comments like they were starving vultures.
What did Eurogamer do? You guessed it. They completely folded, pulled the review down, and commissioned a second review.
Spawn Kill - Lamenting the Loss of Manuals. Thanks Joker961 via Digg.
Call me old-fashioned, but the feeling of thumbing through the crisp (sometimes colored) pages rife with back story, notes from the designers, and detailed instructions on how to play gave me a real sense of anticipation. It was genuinely difficult to wait those few short hours until the final journey home at the end of the day to eagerly devour the content on the disk (or cartridge) inside. In some cases, being treated with some delicious fiction related to the title was something to look forward to as well, especially if you needed a little extra hype to fully enjoy the adventure about to unfold.
Sierra Tech Support Reunion Party (1/2) and Sierra Tech Support Reunion Party (2/2) (NSFW) offers a look back at some old school gaming through the eyes of the folks who did battle on the frontlines. Thanks Morris. Great stuff, though they could have used a discrete microphone for the early parts.
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