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Archived News:
IGN has a write-up of a pre-E3 showing of DC Universe Online, Sony Online Entertainment's upcoming PC and PS3 MMOG based on the DC comic book universe. Along with some impressions, they also reveal that November is the planned release window for the game.
Planet Battlefield has some details on changes in an upcoming patch for the PC edition of Battlefield: Bad Company 2, DICE's military shooter sequel. Some of this comes from a future build of the game that a Russian blog got their hands on, with DICE's Barrie Tingle confirming the bona fides of some of what they learned. This includes plans for an exclusive infantry mode for the PC, the implication a new map is coming, and a new chat mode. Finally, the developer also known as Bazajaytee mentions one further addition: "Good guess :) The SPECACT will be patched into the PC version and made available on EA Store to unlock it." Thanks Ant.
MMORPG.com has what's believed to be a leaked gameplay guide for Star Wars: The Old Republic, BioWare's upcoming Star Wars MMORPG. It doesn't have any significant revelations, but its authenticity has not been verified, though if accurate, it offers insights into some of the role-playing mechanics of the game.
A new version 10.5a ATI Catalyst Hotfix Driver is now available to address long load times for new maps playing Battlefield: Bad Company 2 under Windows 7 and Windows Vista with ATI 2xxx, 3xxx, and 4xxx systems. Thanks Ant via Planet Battlefield.
Kalypso Media announces The First Templar, a cooperative action/adventure game being developed by Haemimont Games for release in Q1 2011 on PC and Xbox 360. The first The First Templar screenshots accompany the announcement, and here's a bit on the game: The game portrays a dark and gritty view of the late 13th century where old friends become enemies, corruption spreads throughout the Church and fallen knights oppress the weak and renounce their oaths.
The First Templar follows the story of two main characters – a French Templar, and his companion, a noble lady who has been proclaimed a heretic. Taking control over these two unlikely allies, the player must uncover the mysteries behind the Templar Order, play a role in a grand conspiracy, and discover the secret of the Holy Grail. The heroes face powerful opponents at every turn, in the face of the Saracen, King Philip IV of France and the Inquisition.
The First Templar features both single player and co-op modes. When playing solo, the player can switch between the two characters, leaving the control of the second hero to the game’s AI. At any moment a second player can join in and take control of the AI controlled hero.
Gamigo announces details on the modular shipbuilding system in Black Prophecy, their upcoming space action MMOG. They explain how ship construction will work, describe an example, and serve up some screenshots for illustration.
Link of the Day: Avatar Days - HD. Thanks Mike Martinez.
Valve announces the cancellation of an E3 event for Portal 2, saying the event has been replaced by a surprise, which will come at some undisclosed future moment (not covered by the definition of Valve Time). Word is: Aperture Science is pleased to inform you that we have partnered with Valve to announce the gala CANCELLATION of the June 14 Portal 2 event at the Regal Theater. The event will be replaced by a surprise. And even though the cancellation of the event certainly counts as a surprise, we are pleased to further announce that the cancellation of the event is not THE surprise. However, per International treaties regarding the definition of the word "surprise", of which both Aperture Science and Valve are signatories, the time, date and content of the actual surprise will only become available as you experience the surprise.
If you'd like to ask fruitless questions about the E3 Portal 2 surprise or, more fruitfully, schedule an appointment to attend a Portal 2 screening at the Valve booth during E3, please contact Valve's Special Envoy to Surprises, Doug Lombardi.
Thank you for <<RECORD SCRATCH!!!>>
PS: The surprising record scratch is also not the surprise.
Obsidian's espionage-themed RPG Alpha Protocol is now available in North America, announces SEGA of America. A launch trailer offering a look at gameplay accompanies the news, and here's a bit on the game: "In Alpha Protocol the player is Michael Thornton [sic], a rookie spy tasked with tracking down a group of fanatical terrorists behind a tragic missile attack on a passenger jetliner. Soon though, Thorton discovers there are much more devious forces at work, and before he realizes it, he is pulled into a dark and dangerous conspiracy orchestrated by ruthless, corrupt businessmen determined to control the fate of the world. He must use every tool and skill at his disposal to stop a cartel hell bent on shaping the world as they see fit." The launch trailer is embedded below. Continue here to read the full story.
Registration for closed beta testing of Test Drive Unlimited 2 is now underway, announces Atari, news of interest to those looking to test drive the new Test Drive game for Windows or PlayStation 3. The Beta Application is online, and word is the beta will lead up to the planned September 21 release of what they describe as "the ultimate Massively Open Online Racing (M.O.O.R™) experience." Testers will be chosen based on their knowledge of the genre, passion for video games, and the ability to effectively test the beta. "Test Drive Unlimited 2 is expanding on the worldwide success of Test Drive Unlimited and we're thrilled to be giving racing fanatics another chance to play full throttle in this stunning M.O.O.R. videogame," says Vince Farquharson, Executive Producer, Atari. "At this point in the title’s development we are looking for opinions, feedback and rigorous road testing from our beta testers to help us optimize the performance, handling, and the final feel of the game. These beta testers will be among the first players on earth to experience Test Drive Unlimited 2, and their views will help make this title an even bigger success."
Activision announces the availability of the official soundtrack for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, composed by Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer. This is the first OST released through a new distribution deal, as word is: "The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 soundtrack, which is part of a larger overall digital distribution deal between Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) and Fontana, the award-winning independent sales, marketing and distribution division of Universal Music Group, will be the first among many others to be made available online. The entire soundtrack can be purchased for a retail price of $9.99 or $.99 per track." The soundtrack is available for purchase from iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, and Walmart.com.
UTV True Games and Petroglyph announce that July 13 is the official launch date for Mytheon, saying the way has been cleared for the launch of the online action/RPG by the resolution of "pending litigation issues related to the development" of the game (a lawsuit against Petroglyph filed by True Games), saying "neither company acknowledged or admitted any wrongdoing" in the matter. Legalese aside, here's a bit on the game itself: "Mytheon is an online, multiplayer Action/RPG with strategic game play where players experience classic mythology come to life and challenge legendary gods to define their own fate. Players, or 'Stonecasters,' are powerful humans imbued with the ability to cast spells, summon minions, and erect structures that aid them in battle. An assortment of classes are available that approach combat differently and offer a range of unique, cinematic abilities."
Sony Online Entertainment announces a collaboration with LucasArts to bring Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures to PCs this fall, offering a free-to-play online game based on the animated Cartoon Network series. An image of the box shows the same stylized art from the series, and the description indicates this is a youth-friendly project in the vein of SEO's Free Realms: "Focused on creating a fun and safe online environment for kids and families, Clone Wars Adventures offers exciting minigames, dynamic activities, lively social events and thousands of customization options. Players can even battle it out with friends alongside iconic Star Wars characters like Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and Ahsoka Tano."
EA and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announce plans for two full-length game tie-ins with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, with the first game based on the wizard movie due this fall on Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, and DS. Word is these new games will be more action-oriented that their predecessors: The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 videogame is packed from start to finish with action and combat. Players will be on the run, fighting for survival on a desperate and dangerous quest to locate and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes, engaging with Death Eaters and Snatchers in epic battle sequences at every turn. To amplify the action, players will encounter ferocious creatures from the previous films in addition to the adversaries Harry faces in the seventh film. They will need to muster their most powerful magic against relentless assaults from all sides. There are no more lessons, no more training. This time the danger is real. It’s time for players to fight for their lives.
Call of Duty: Black Ops will sell well over 10 million units, according to the analysis of Cowen & Company, reports gamrFeed. "This is a very impressive display of strength and we believe the title is headed for a better comparison versus last year’s Modern Warfare 2 than we had originally assumed... We are increasing our estimate for the franchise from a -29 per cent year on year unit decline to a -17 per cent year on year decline," says analyst Doug Creutz. "We believe our revised estimate could still prove conservative, and note that a strong performance by the Treyarch-developed Black Ops would help combat the notion that the departure of key Infinity Ward talent could permanently impair the Call of Duty franchise." Thanks Ant via Digg.
The Call Of Duty: Black Ops interview on Den of Geek hears from Treyarch Studio Head Mark Lamia, and Community Manager Josh Olin about their upcoming installment in the Call of Duty series of military shooters. Topics include their switch to a more modern timeframe, research into special operations, their focus on lesser-known stories, and how the game will progress chronologically. On a related note, we have some new Call of Duty: Black Ops screenshots and concept art. Thanks Joker961.
Rockstar Games announces the release of a new version 1.0.7.0 patch for the PC edition of Grand Theft Auto IV, and a new version 1.1.2.0 patch for Episodes from Liberty City, each automatically available through Games for Windows LIVE. Manual downloads are not offered there, but manual patches sourced from a fan site are available. The GTA4 patch is posted on ActionTrip, AtomicGamer, FileFront, Gamer's Hell, The Patches Scrolls, and WorthPlaying. The Episodes from Liberty City patch is available AtomicGamer, FileFront, Gamer's Hell, The Patches Scrolls, and WorthPlaying. The patch notes follow. Continue here to read the full story.
We had a fine old time over the weekend, as I grilled up a storm. Doing wings on the grill was great, and not difficult at all... I just boiled them in beer and then crisped them up on the grill a bit before hitting them with the Frank's. The only trick was avoiding incinerating them during the grilling part, which I managed to do, and it was all certainly a lot easier than dealing with a deep fryer.
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