Archived News:
A batch of new All Points Bulletin screenshots show off more of the upcoming open-world MMOG also known as APB. On a related note, an update to the All Points Bulletin FAQ shows the minimum PC specifications for the game (thanks VG247). The specs follow. Continue here to read the full story.
Some new Elemental: War of Magic screenshots are available, showing things the player will encounter in the turn-based strategy game in development at Stardock. There are also new previews of the game on Big Download, GameSpot, and IGN, and there are also several recent journal entries on the game's official website, including a June FAQ, which sets the game's official release date as August 24, saying this is subject to change: "If we’re not happy with the game for some reason."
Steam now offers digital distribution of Alien Breed: Impact. Here's word: Experience explosive science fiction arcade-shooter that resurrects a much revered franchise with an epic story, swarms of highly intelligent alien enemies, high-impact weapons, highly detailed and rich environments; all implemented with superb technology in a state-of-the-art gaming experience. Go solo or find a partner in co-op multiplayer campaign!
Also on Steam is the release of Numen: Contest of Heroes, offering the game at a 10% discount for the coming week. Here's the description of the game: Numen is a fully three-dimensional action RPG set in mythical Greece. The player controls one of nine heroes, who in the name of the gods they follow compete in a grand test of their capabilities. Heroes who undertake a pilgrimage over the highest mountains, through valleys and deep forests, underground vaults and the scorched sand of deserts.
Online publisher Bigpoint announces The Mummy Online, a browser-based MMO action/RPG based on the Mummy film franchise. A preliminary website is online for the game, which is expected to launch this winter. Here's a bit: "In The Mummy Online, a free-to-play Action-RPG MMO game with adventure elements inspired by the films, players will take on heroic roles as adventure seekers with various talents and skills that will allow their characters to be unique within the MMO virtual world. Set in Egypt during the first half of the twentieth century, gamers will experience familiar environments and key characters from the film franchises as they battle against each other and ancient evil."
Supermassive Games announces Big Match Striker, a free-to-play association football/soccer simulation to be released via download this autumn. The game will offer an unusual combination of sports, management, and trivia. Here's a bit: "Players will need to combine all the skills of chairman, manager, player and fan as the title blends the best in football management strategy and animated trivia games. The exciting new title is highly competitive and will challenge all levels of football fans knowledge and strategic skills as they battle in one-on-one leagues to meet the games main objectives - to win titles and silverware, and attract more fans to their club."
OGPlanet announces that Hockey Dash is now in open beta testing, offering the chance to lace up your virtual skates and try out this street hockey simulation. Word is: "As in ice hockey, Hockey Dash players must expose the opponents' weak spots to land the puck in the goal, but because the game uses real street hockey skating physics, players must master dexterous and agile movements to be successful. Hockey Dash rules are simplified and gameplay focuses on teamwork and heavy contact moves so even newcomers can jump in and have a blast, while more experienced players can sharpen their strategies to create an edge."
Steam News announces the release of a new automatic update for Portal, Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2: Episode One, and Half-Life 2: Episode Two. The change list follows. Continue here to read the full story.
Steam News also announces a new Stargate Resistance patch is now automatically available, updating the third-person shooter to version 1.1.10.9.
There's a Crysis 2 interview on AtomicGamer discussing Crytek's upcoming shooter sequel with Nathan Camarillo. Topics include the notoriously high system requirements for the series, differences between the console and PC versions, the New York City setting, and more.
A new trailer from Blur shows off some action in the recently released racing extravaganza. They say one's perception of time slows during an accident, and this clip follows that principle by showing a crash in excruciating slow motion. The embedded version follows. Continue here to read the full story.
An original limerick about the intertubes:
There once was a man who was bitter
'Cause of times that he could not use Twitter
He'd gnash and he'd weep
Over time lost to sleep
But at least he could tweet from the s#%tter
R.I.P.: Golden Girls Star Rue McClanahan Dies at 76. Thanks Mike Martinez.
The Global Agenda Server Status Twitter Feed has word that the promised scheduled maintenance has concluded, and the new version 1.3 "Sandstorm" update is live in Hi-Rez Studios' espionage-themed MMOG. This post has the patch notes for the new version.
1C Company announces Off-Road Drive, an off-road racing game in development at 1C-Avalon to be released for Windows and Xbox 360 by the end of this year. The announcement touts the game's terrain modeling, a wide variety of authentic vehicles and other equipment, and more. Here's a bit: "Off-Road Drive is the first game ever to deliver a true-to-life, off-road, extreme racing experience. Players will take part in The Russian trophy, Off-Road Trial, Thai Trophy and many other events through the worst driving conditions with a variety of natural obstacles like swamps, rocks, snow and sand."
The Star Trek Online Website announces the promised Season One: Update Two patch is now live in Cryptic's science fiction MMORPG. The Release Notes have all the details on what's new and different, including the new Accolades and Squad Support systems, new Veteran Rewards, and much more.
Darkfall Online announces another free trial for this MMOG from Aventurine, this one doubling the free period over the previous free trial to 14 days. Executive Producer Zad Mehdawi explains their goal of showing the game is not just for the hardcore: "We wanted to give everyone the chance to try out our game. Darkfall being the top competitive MMOG in the market, is often mistakenly considered a niche game for hardcore players only. This free trial will give new players the opportunity to test themselves in our highly competitive environment, and at the same time discover that Darkfall is a well rounded game catering to the majority of MMOG play-styles."
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WBIE) and TT Games announce plans to release an Xbox 360 demo for LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 on Monday, with Windows and PlayStation 3 demos to follow later in the month. Word is: "The LEGO® HARRY POTTER™: YEARS 1-4 demo will give kids, parents and fans a glimpse into the magic that awaits them with gameplay that allows them to learn and cast spells, as well as explore the Forbidden Forest, one of the many iconic settings in the game."
SEGA follows yesterday's revelation of plans for Shogun 2: Total War with the official announcement of the next installment in Creative Assembly's strategy series, which is due exclusively for PC next year. The announcement is accompanied by a fact sheet, a batch of concept art, and an announcement trailer, though this offers no gameplay. Here's a bit on the game: "Shogun 2: Total War will feature enhanced full 3D battles via land and sea, which made a name for the series, as well as the tactical campaign map that many refer to as the heart and soul of Total War. Featuring a brand new AI system inspired by the scriptures that influenced Japanese warfare, the millennia old Chinese 'Art of War', the Creative Assembly brings the wisdom of Master Sun Tsu to Shogun 2: Total War. Analysing this ancient text enabled the Creative Assembly to implement easy to understand yet deep strategical [sic] gameplay." The embedded version of the trailer follows. Continue here to read the full story.
THQ announces plans to bring Company of Heroes Online to North America this fall, offering a free-to-play, microtransaction driven online installment in the World War II real-time strategy series. Word is: Developed by THQ’s Relic Entertainment studio, creators of the award-winning Company of Heroes and Dawn of War franchises, Company of Heroes Online is an online multiplayer real-time-strategy game that is free to download and play. Building on the frenetic Real-Time-Strategy action of the original Company of Heroes, Company of Heroes Online offers army specialization, commander customization, and persistent progression, allowing players to strategize on and off the battlefield. Players will also have the opportunity to earn or purchase special units and upgrades and improve their army with each and every multiplayer victory.
There are Season One- Update Two details on The Star Trek Online Website outlining plans for a patch that will go live today in Cryptic's Trekkie MMORPG. The update has word on the new Accolades system, a new Squad Support system, a new and improved C-Store, and "quality of life improvements," described like so: "We've scrubbed the game and made some fantastic changes to game balance, the Fleet system and more. At the top of the list is our revamp of the DPS and global cooldown system, as well as the introduction of a Fleet event calendar and a Fleet mail system. It's never been easier to find friends with whom to share Star Trek Online!" Thanks Darth Guybrush.
ArenaNet has word on plans to show off Guild Wars 2 on the gaming convention circuit this summer, which will give attendees the chance for some hands-on time with the MMORPG sequel. They outline plans to show the game at San Diego Comic-Con (July 22-25), gamescom (August 19-22), and PAX Prime (September 3-5). They also explain why they are not showing the game at E3: "We are NOT going to be on the floor at E3. We really have mixed feelings about E3. On the one hand it can be a great centralized way to meet press and retailers. On the other hand, it’s anti-fan. As the marketing guy, if I’m going to spend a boatload of money on a booth, videos, props, etc., I want to be able to share it with the folks who’ll geek-out on it the most – the fans! IMO, E3 could steal a page from gamescom, which is a combination of a civilized business/industry area and a showy exhibit hall that’s open to consumers. If they did that, E3 would be a no-brainer in my book." Thanks Guild Wars 2 Slovenija.
The BlizzCon Website has word that the first batch of tickets for the game convention are sold out: 10 The initial allotment of tickets for BlizzCon 2010 has now been sold out. If you weren't able to get tickets this time, you'll have another chance on Saturday, June 5 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, when a second batch goes on sale. Coverage of the gaming festival will also be offered by DIRECTV as a Pay Per View event, available both via satellite and multi-channel Internet stream -- keep an eye on BlizzCon site for more details in the near future.
BitMob - Game Journalists Should Drop Preview Coverage.
I don't have a problem with these junkets, and they don't destroy the integrity of the people attending them. My problem is with preview coverage in all of its forms. Announce the game and show me an occasional trailer -- that's all I need. Do we really need an eight page cover story talking about how realistic the sweat on the character's faces is, and how the director's fat, sweaty wife inspired him to go the extra mile?
Thanks Mike Martinez and Acleacius.
I got into a chat with Redwood yesterday about our tree situation, as a man named after a tree has the expected interest in the topic. I posted some photos to show him, so I may as well share them here, as they show the enormity of the tree, as well as the damage it has suffered. There's also this shot as a bonus showing where Hudson the wonder dog chewed through the deck to get the carpenter bee (you can click on the ginormous shots to resize them to your browser).
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