Archived News:
The Company of Heroes Online Website has word that beta testing of Relic's World War II online action/strategy game will open to the public next week. They also say what this means to closed beta testers: "For all of our current Closed Beta testers, this does mean that a database wipe is planned for next week. When we go to Open Beta, the same account you used for our Closed Beta will work but your Commanders and items will have been wiped." There is also a new trailer from the game, which is also embedded here. Continue here to read the full story.
Frictional Games announces the completion of development on Amnesia: The Dark Descent, saying the now-gold first-person horror game will be available on September 8. Here's their primer on the game: "Amnesia: The Dark Descent is a first person horror game with a focus on immersion. It is a game where atmosphere and story comes first. We hope that the game will be a breeze of fresh air, in a genre otherwise populated by "one-man-army action hero" sagas. In Amnesia you are almost completely defenseless, something we believe not only makes the game a lot scarier, but also gives a vastly different experience."
This trailer is the Gamescom showing of Bulletstorm, the upcoming first-person shooter from Epic's People Can Fly studio. The clip is gameplay footage where many enemies, not all of which are on fire, are dispatched by gun, foot, and combinations of the two. Here's the embedded version. Continue here to read the full story.
As announced on the Bethesda Blog, the debut Bethesda Podcast is now available, offering some audio insights into upcoming projects from the Zenimax family. Word is: "With a blend of studio news and casual discussion, the Bethesda Podcast will offer an inside look at a wide range of subjects. Our first episode kicks off with a quick update on Fallout: New Vegas from senior producer Jason Bergman, including a sampling of the game’s unique soundtrack. Then it’s on to a lengthy talk with Bethesda’s Todd Howard and id Software’s Tim Willits on a number of topics, including QuakeCon, post-apocalyptic games, and what the two studios are working on." They also now have In the 'Works - Issue #2, which is Bethesda's second newsletter, which mentions the podcast, discusses PAX plans, offers Hunted concept art, a Gamescom/QuakeCon wrap-up, discusses preorder bonuses, and caps things off with a new Fallout: New Vegas screenshot.
Direct2Drive now offers exclusive sales of Doctor Who: The Adventure Games - Episode 3, which is now available worldwide, though UK gamers should get their copies for free from the BBC. Looking ahead, they also offer preorders of episode 4.
The PC edition of Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templar's Directors Cut, the updated version of the mid-90s classic, is now available. Word is: "Since its original release in 1996, the multi-million selling, BAFTA-nominated Broken Sword has never left the attention of gamers. Recognised as one of the all-time classic point and click adventures, the tale of hapless George, sassy Nico, and their globe- spanning pursuit of the ancient treasures of the Knights Templar, is a fundamental part of any gamer’s conscious. Thanks to an ideal combination of smart writing, intelligent puzzles, and a depth of wit, the game is still just as relevant as it was when first released. Now with hours of new content, an overhaul of the interface, and a brand new re-imagining of classic puzzles, the game is set to be discovered by a whole new audience, on two new formats." The game is available from the Adventure Shop and GamersGate.
Game Bridger Entertainment is now accepting applications to beta test FreeJack, their upcoming free-to-play parkour racing game. The beta begins on October 1, and players who sign up between now and then via Facebook will be entered into a drawing to win an iPad and other prizes. Word is: "FreeJack is a free-to-play parkour racing game for Windows PCs supporting Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Players race head-to-head across the urban metropolis of New Jack City in high-octane foot races, bustin' stylish flips and tricks to increase their speed and gain access to hidden shortcuts."
Matrix Games has details on a new patch for Battlefield Academy that's now automatically available to update the strategy game to version 1.36. Here's the deal: "Slitherine has just release [sic] a new patch for it’s [sic] recently released hit Battlefield Academy. The patch is available through the in-game auto updater and contains a host of new maps and units, which take the game to the next level. Iain McNeil, development director of Slitherine, said: ‘We are committed to supporting Battlefield Academy over the long term as we definitely feel the game deserves a lot of attention. We are willing to make this game an evolving project, with the contribution of the community. That is why we already started including suggestions from the players in this patch and we will keep doing this in the future”."
A new Medal of Honor: Fallen Angel (Part 1) trailer offers multiplayer gameplay footage from the uprooting military shooter reboot. The controller prompts on the screen indicate the footage comes from the Xbox 360 edition.
The City that Dares Not Sleep is due for release on August 30, providing the fifth and final chapter in Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse, Telltale's PC and Mac episodic adventure. A new season recap/part five preview trailer tells us where the series has been and where it is going, and here's the meat of the announcement: "In the finale episode 'The City that Dares Not Sleep', an enormous, scaly, floppy-eared creature has put the city on high alert, and Sam assembles a crack team to stop him. To end the mayhem, they must venture...inside...the beast! Featuring an all star cast of heroes and villains, this final episode of the 5 game series will keep you riveted to your seat with each thrilling twist, as you discover the crazed force that's been orchestrating the madness all season long. You won't want to miss the truly shocking conclusion!"
Developer VSTEP and publisher Paradox Interactive announce that Ship Simulator Extremes has set sail (and sale), as it is now available in stores as well as via digital distribution. This page lists where the game can be purchased, and the Ship Sim Extremes Release Trailer is online to celebrate the occasion. Here's word on the game: "The most realistic simulator to ever set sail on the high seas features stunning visuals, accurate vessel behavior, famous locations and ports all over the world and missions based on actual events. Created by the developer VSTEP, Ship Simulator Extremes offers exciting missions as you pilot an impressive array of vessels, and live the story of real ship captains. Do you have the calm nerves of a real ship captain, even in the most demanding conditions?"
NVIDIA announces a promotion launching this week in the US and Europe offering a free downloadable copy of Mafia II to purchasers of GTX 465 or greater GeForce GPUs. This page has further details on the offer, and links to online retailers where it is being supported. On a related note, NVIDIA also now offers sales of Mafia II in their Online Store.
Ubisoft announces the launch of Might and Magic: Heroes Kingdoms, their web-based, massively multiplayer installment in the fantasy-themed strategy series. The game can be played on Windows PC, Mac, and iPad, and here's word on the game: "Set in the Might and Magic universe, Heroes Kingdoms is the first instalment of the saga’s web-based MMO, incorporating role-playing elements, adventure, and management skills. Might and Magic Heroes Kingdoms has all the ingredients of a great M&M Heroes game. There’s an involved storyline, taking place in the fantastic Ashan, and features epic battles and characters, as well as true RPG feeling and style. Might & Magic Heroes Kingdoms brings the multiplayer online world all the richness of the franchise."
Just A Game announces Deep Black, a third-person shooter set both on land and underwater in the works at Russian developer BIART for release on Windows PCs early next year. The announcement comes with a batch of screenshots, and here's word: Deep Black is affected by total freedom in action, tactical fights, special weapon modes and brilliantly designed environments. As leader of the counter terrorist unit the player will definitely never get bored. During the single player campaign he fights his way through 30 extensive levels in a science-fiction world, characterized by terror, chaos, spying and the battle for world supremacy. Different opponents cross his path: whether drones, submarines, cyborgs, giant robots or human opponents – three levels of difficulty will keep both first-time users and advanced shooter experts on their toes.
BIART´s newly developed underwater engine guarantees unique and realistic effects like undulation, water distortion and dynamic light play. Outstanding graphics and fully 3D Vision technology supported by Nvidia create a harmonious atmosphere that can also be enjoyed in stereoscopic 3D.
Update: WorthPlaying points out that Deep Black is a new name for the game announced as Underwater Wars and later renamed U-Wars. The game was last expected in the middle of this year, so the new 2011 release date represents a delay.
The Gamescom Trailer for Assassin's Creed Brotherhood shows side-missions from the next installment in Ubisoft's stealth/action series, revealing "tons of new features." The seven-minute clip shows the city of Rome (which is three times the size of Florence in AC2), a little horse-thievery, guild management, assassin recruiting, controlling and equipping your assassins, the impact of your actions on the game world, and, of course, assassination. Here's the embedded version. Continue here to read the full story.
The Elemental Forums announce the release of a new patch through Impulse for Elemental: War of Magic to update the turn-based strategy game to version 1.06, "now with 100% more hotfix." The new version addresses a "white screen" issue and fixes some memory problems along with other fixes and some balance changes. Thanks PC Gamer, where they follow-up on their complaints saying "the game is finally stable." The patch notes follow. Continue here to read the full story.
The Star Wars: The Old Republic now offers the tenth virtual issue of Blood of the Empire, the online comic relating some of the story for Star Wars: The Old Republic, BioWare's upcoming sci-fi MMORPG. Here's the teaser for the comic: "In the tenth issue of Blood of the Empire™, a battle between Republic and Imperial fleets rages over Korriban as Teneb Kel chases down his foe. The fate of the Sith homeworld and the Children of the Emperor is in the hands of one young acolyte and his slave--but duty and patriotism aren't the only forces guiding them..."
Here's a new trailer from Blade Kitten that demonstrates character customization in Atari's upcoming action/adventure game. Word is: "In the new trailer Kit Ballard, who is part cat, part girl, and wholly lethal, has made a name for herself rounding up some of the most deadly scum in the galaxy. And with over 60 different weapon and costume combinations, she’ll always be prepared for what she might face on the mysterious world of Hollow Wish." Here's the embedded version. Continue here to read the full story.
The Acclaim Website has news that Acclaim games are no longer in service as of yesterday, just three months after the MMOG publisher was acquired by Playdom (thanks MxxCon). This news is also reflected on individual game websites, such as the home of Chronicles of Spellborn, though plans to shut that down around now were already revealed. This is the second time Acclaim has closed, as the company went bankrupt six years ago (almost to the exact day), before the name was purchased for a revival in 2006 to publish Asian multiplayer games in the west. Here's the news from the Acclaim website: We regret to inform you that all Acclaim games will no longer be in service effective August 26, 2010
ACCLAIM COINS
• Any unused Acclaim Coins can be reimbursed by emailing transition@acclaim.com (please include your Acclaim username).
• Must be from the email address used to register your account so we can verify your identity.
• *9Dragons players only: We will refund any purchases made within the last 30 days.
OTHER GAMES
Check out other Playdom games at http://www.facebook.com/Playdom
Or sign up to test our new game Kogamu at http://apps.facebook.com/kogamugame
Please contact customer support with any questions or concerns at: contact@acclaim.com
Thank you for your support!
An undetermined number of layoffs have hit Ubisoft-owned Red Storm Entertainment, reports Kotaku, as they spoke with the publisher to confirm the cuts at the North Carolina-based studio originally formed by author Tom Clancy. Ubisoft explains this is "a realignment of production priorities," and that "these team members have the opportunity to consider positions in other Ubisoft studios." Ubisoft adds: "Red Storm remains an integral part of Ubisoft's worldwide production team and will continue to work on the multiplayer component of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Future Soldier." They followed up to learn if this signaled the cancellation of a game, and received this vague reply: "The decision was part of a plan to allow the studio to focus on its core expertise: developing innovative multiplayer experiences." Thanks Big Download.
There's a video interview on 1UP talking with Erik Wolpaw and Chet Faliszek at Valve's offices to learn more about Portal 2, the upcoming platformer sequel. There's behind-the-scenes footage at Valve's cool digs and word on a competitive multiplayer mode that was dropped: "Along with co-op, [we had] the idea of sort of a competitive Portal multiplayer," says Wolpaw. "We went down that path, actually, for a little while and had something up and running -- the best way to describe it is sort of speedball meets Portal. You know, a sports analog. And it quickly became apparent that while it's fun for about two seconds to drop portals under people and things like that, it quickly just devolves into pure chaos. It lost a lot of the stuff that was really entertaining about Portal, which was puzzle-solving. Cooperative puzzle-solving was just a much more rewarding path."
A new trailer for The Secret World is now available offers gameplay footage from Funcom's upcoming MMORPG along with developer commentary about the game. Word is: "Through exclusive new footage and developer interviews, viewers get an idea of what locations they will visit, what characters they will meet and what gameplay mechanics they will get to play around with if they start out as a Templars character in London. In ‘The Secret World’ players can choose to begin as a Templars, Illuminati or Dragon character."
A video interview on Games On Net talks with David Adams about Warhammer 40,000: Dark Millennium Online, THQ's upcoming Warhammer MMORPG. He shies away from too much detail, but they discuss the game engine, system requirements, DirectX 11 support, differences from other MMOGs, and more.
A brief Q&A on PC Games Hardware discusses Star Wars: The Old Republic with Matt Shaw and Bill Dalton of BioWare to delve into the joy of techs about their upcoming Star Wars MMORPG. They focus on the capabilities of the HeroEngine that will power the game, middle-ware, and more. They also address the question of whether they are planning DirectX 11 support at any point, though the answer is fairly vague: "For the largest compatibility base for our consumers, Direct X9 is the way to go. We are considering plans for DX11 in the future. That’s all we can say at this time."
Ars Technica - Buying used games: Developers, publishers don't care about you. Thanks Mark.
That's a bold statement, as gamers hate to be called pirates—and they will pirate your game in retaliation for being called pirates—but in both cases, the people behind the game aren't making any money from the sale. If you take the game online you're using their time and money. So where's the argument that developers need to keep these people happy?
BitMob - More Pixar, Less Uwe: How Hollywood Can Make a "Good" Video Game Movie.
This formula is responsible for movies of varying degrees of commercial success, though from a critic's perspective, they’re typically considered awful-to-middling films. For every Resident Evil -- arguably the only video game movie that stands on its own without much need to know the subject material -- we get several Uwe Boll movies and countless other generally bad adaptations. Most video game movies either go for broke on the game’s subject matter (Mortal Kombat, Prince of Persia) or try to adapt that same subject matter into something more filmlike (Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, almost every Uwe Boll movie). But few of them are able to strike a balance that will resonate with fans and interest the general movie-going audience alike.
I happened to notice the Out of the Blue I wrote eight years ago to the day, and I thought it would be worthwhile to repost this explanation of the generally neutral and off-topic nature of my ramblings. Hey, it's a summer re-run! Here goes:
"Do not inject opinion." The Elements of Style - Strunk and White.
I recently promised to discuss why games are almost never the topic of the rambles in this Out of the Blue section, so here goes: First a little background to point out that I never really intended to create this section as a daily feature, it was meant to be something that popped up when needed, it just turned out that once I started it, popular demand dictated I couldn't skip one unless I wanted to ignore the death threats (something that can be tough on those occasions when my muse eludes me). Anyway, once it became law that there'd be a daily Out of the Blue, the games I was playing would indeed be the topic sometimes, but as has been noted, this has become a less and less common subject. There are two main reasons for this: One is that my time is constrained. Not, as some have suggested, to the point where I can no longer find the time to play games at all, but enough that I rarely get the feeling that I've really captured the essence of a game before it reaches old age, and I think it's unfair to offer opinions on games that I haven't really properly evaluated. This would actually probably be more unfair to anyone reading this than to the games, because my early impressions tend to be favorable (what can I say, I like games), and no one needs me repeating "It seems like fun, what little I've played so far" over and over. The other reason is objectivity. Even for the games where I've formed enough of an impression to consider valid, I fear that sharing them has the potential to do more harm than good. Games do not earn greater or lesser coverage here based on my preferences, but my concern is that saying something positive about game A and something negative about game B will cause attempts at correlating whether game A is getting preferential treatment over game B because it's the teacher's pet or something. I know this is not automatically the way everyone would interpret this, but it's hard to deny the likelihood that many folks would, as it's pretty much human nature to try and divine causes and effects. There are plenty of people writing enough good game reviews that the world is not going wanting for lack of me adding my opinions to the pile, and with the potential that doing so could harm the site's credibility, choosing to keep my opinions to myself becomes an easy decision to make.
Sorry that this all is not nearly so dramatic as it may have seemed it was going to be when I forestalled discussing it, as it's pretty straightforward, but it is a mouthful, and I wanted to make sure I managed to get that all covered.
|
Twitter 
