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Archived News:
The RHEM 4 Website now offers a playable demo for RHEM 4, the next installment in this non-violent point-and-click adventure series. Here's word on the game: "Rhem 4: The Golden Fragments sets you into a huge, fantastic world full of strange vehicles and buildings, unknown mechanisms and machines, secret passages and doorways. Adventuresomeness, logic, attentivness [sic] and the ability to solve engimas [sic] will help the player to slowly but surely unveil the mystery of this new adventure on Rhem. Everywhere on Rhem you can find hints and solutions that will help you to unveil some of the strange enigmas and puzzles in Rhem 4." The demo is also mirrored on WorthPlaying.
Grinding Gear Games announces Path of Exile, a free-to-play PC online action/RPG set in "a dark fantasy world" planned for release early next year. We have some Path of Exile screenshots and here's a bit from the announcement: "Playing as one of six character classes, players find themselves banished for their past misdeeds to the dark fantasy world of Wraeclast. There, they will encounter hundreds of species of opponents laden with loot and mysterious artefacts [sic] as they explore the abandoned continent. Players will be able to purchase in-game perks, such as extra victory animations, clothing and special effects. To protect the integrity of the game for all players, Grinding Gear Games has decided not to sell abilities or experience points – ensuring a level-playing field for everyone in game."
Unigine Corp. announces development of OilRush, a real-time strategy/tower defense game set in a post-apocalyptic flooded world (hopefully including an homage to the late, great Dennis Hopper), planned for digital distribution on Windows and Linux PCs and PlayStation 3 by the end of this year. The game will include multiplayer support via LAN or internet, and the OilRush Website is online with a trailer, and the announcement also has the trailer along with some screenshots. Here's a bit on the game: "Challenging gameplay takes you through rushing swarms of furious enemies in every battle. The winning requires intellegent [sic] branching of technology researches and all the variety of tactics you can engage."
Champions Online Website announces a first anniversary event in honor of Cryptic's superhero MMORPG having completed its first year online. For the next week the game is "absolutely fee" to all. They also celebrate the occasion with a special in-game event, as well as a sale in their C-Store. The free play event runs now through September 7 at 1:00 pm EDT.
The video page on the Mass Effect 2 Website now offers a new trailer from Lair of the Shadow Broker, the Mass Effect 2 DLC that's due next week. They also pimp the comic series from the sci-fi RPG sequel: "Team with up Liara T'Soni and finally confront the Shadow Broker once and for all. If you haven't had a chance yet, make sure to check out the Mass Effect Redemption comic, and learn more about Liara's desperate struggle against the Broker, all 4 issues are out now, in convenient graphic novel form."
Following the departure of Haden Blackman and a rumor that LucasArts has cancelled Star Wars: The Force Unleashed III, Kotaku reports on job cuts at LucasArts which are confirmed on IndustryGamers, where they have an official statement from LucasArts: "LucasArts is reorganizing its teams to better address the needs of the internal studio. Unfortunately, this means adjusting staffing. LucasArts continues to be committed to creating a first-class internal studio - and to fostering relationships with trusted external partners - in order to deliver quality games that amaze and inspire fans."
The FINAL FANTASY XIV Beta Test Application Website announces beta testing of the FINAL FANTASY MMORPG is getting underway tonight, so the beta setback was not as severe as all that (thanks Viper114). Word is: We would like to take this opportunity to provide an update regarding FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test, which was announced to be postponed on Aug. 31, 2010.
Along with the completion on investigation and correction of the critical issue, we have decided to begin FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test on Sep. 1, 2010 at 19:00 (PDT).
Starting on Sep. 1, 2010 at 19:00 (PDT), acquisition of registration code required for FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test will be available.
Impulse announces a charity drive to benefit Child's Play, saying that between now and September 10, a portion of Impulse sales from the following publishers will go to the charity: Meridian4, N3V, JoWood, Kalypso, Paradox Interactive, THQ, EA, 1C Company, Muzzy Lane, and EGames.
Vivendi tops forecasts, sees improving outlook has financial results from the French conglomerate, saying "net profit in the latest quarter slipped to 669 million euros ($851 million) from €695 million a year earlier," and "Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes rose 9.8% to €1.65 billion and were comfortably ahead of the €1.52 billion consensus forecast of analysts polled by Dow Jones Newswires." They cite gaming growth as the company's strong suit for the period: "The strongest growth during the quarter came from Activision Blizzard, the group's video-games unit, where earnings jumped 25% to €243 million, fuelled by continued strong sales of its 'Call of Duty' and 'World of Warcraft' games."
There's a Brian Mitsoda interview on Plot is Gameplay's Bitch talking with the cofounder of independent developer DoubleBear Productions about his new company, Dead State, their recently revealed zombie RPG, as well as other projects he has participated in, including Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines and a "stunning" cancelled project résumé. Along the way he offers the perspective this experience gives him on risk-taking: "I don’t necessarily think every project should be the most ambitious ever, but it would be nice if more games took some risks. I completely understand when projects with $50 million+ budgets play it safe, though it would be nice if there were more $500,000 projects that made you felt like you were playing something unique."
Here are the ten bestselling titles for the past week on Stardock's Impulse service:
- Elemental: War of Magic
- Elemental: War of Magic Limited Edition
- Star Ruler
- Sins of a Solar Empire - Trinity
- Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate Edition
- Eschalon Book II
- Sins of a Solar Empire Expansion Bundle
- The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut
- Sins of a Solar Empire: Diplomacy
- Academagia: The Making of Mages
The Register has the latest on the lawsuit filed against NCsoft by a player claiming the company is to blame for his addition to Lineage II. A judge has decided the suit can go forward, refusing to dismiss it on the basis of the game's EULA. Here's word: "More often than not, this is where cases such as these end. User sues company; company cites EULA barring such lawsuits; judge grants company's motion to dismiss. End of story. But the judge in this case, US District Judge Alan C. Kay, noted that both Texas and Hawaii law bar contract provisions that waive in advance the ability to make gross-negligence claims. He also declined to dismiss Smallwood's claims for negligence, defamation, and negligent infliction of emotional distress." They point out that regardless of the outcome of the suit itself, that this preliminary decision may turn out to be significant, saying: "As Freedom to Tinker blogger Steve Roosa writes, the decision 'may achieve some lasting significance in the software license wars.' For 20 years, the software and online user “has been dying a slow death under the decisional law, with software license agreements routinely interpreted in favor of software companies on any number of issues." Thanks Acleacius.
- Rift: Planes of Telara on Rift Nexus. Stonefield Zone preview.
- Batman: Arkham City on Kotaku. Thanks nin.
Thanks Acleacius and Ant.
Valve is promising "at least" three "big surprises" over the next 12 months, reports Computer and Video Games based on an interview with Valve's Gabe Newell in the brand new print issue of PC Gamer UK. "I can guarantee you people are going to be surprised at stuff we do. That isn't going to stop any time soon. I'm just laughing because... people will be shocked again," Newell told PC Gamer. "We have three pretty big surprises in the next 12 months at least." Thanks joao.
Interplay announces Interplay Discovery, their return to publishing, saying to expect the first two original titles from the initiative next month. The two titles are Tommy Tronic, a PC-only 2D platformer from Ukrainian developer Oasis Games, and Pinball Yeah, a PC, Mac, and iPhone offering from Portuguese studio Coderunners. "Our main objective is to give the players fun and immersive fantasy gameplay on our pinball tables, an area that has been left unexplored, while still providing a classic mechanical table for the hardcore fans. It's an honor to work with Interplay and taking part in Interplay Discovery presents an amazing opportunity for indie developers. This is our first game, after which we plan to add more content to Pinball Yeah and create other games with novel experiences for gamers worldwide," says Ricardo Teixeira of Coderunners. Thanks Duck and Cover.
The Steam Users' Forums now offer version 1.3 of a user-created application for Worms Reloaded that allows players to run the latest installment in Team 17's turn-based strategy game in a window. Thanks Morris.
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty has sold over 3 million copies worldwide in its first month of availability, announces Blizzard, saying this builds on the game’s momentum as the bestselling PC game of 2010 and the fastest-selling real-time strategy game of all time. "We appreciate all the enthusiasm that players around the world have shown for StarCraft II," says Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. "It was important to us to deliver an overall gameplay experience that was accessible, balanced, and fun, and it’s been gratifying to see how strongly the global community has already embraced the game."
This post on the QUAKE LIVE Website has details on new updates to id Software's online first-person shooter. The change log includes a number of changes, including new team-size options, concluding with word that paves the way for the game's first premium update: "Next week we plan on having another small update with additional fixes and features, followed soon after by our first major Premium content update in mid-September." Thanks Voodoo Extreme.
Steam now offers sales of the promised three multiplayer DLC packs for Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days, right on Valve Time. Here's the deal: The Doggie Bag Pack - Take on new heists and unlock new Achievements with two never before seen maps and five exclusive weapons for Multiplayer and Arcade modes. Dockyard and High Rise maps, plus the Radio Tower map provide new opportunity to increase your wealth. And with the inclusion of five new weapons, including the DD 33, KL Viper, RTS, SMi 69, and the TOQ Model Four S the odds are in your favor of pulling off a successful heist.
Alliance Weapon Pack - Increase your weapons arsenal with seven powerful new weapons for all Multiplayer modes and Arcade mode. A mix of handguns, shotguns and assault rifles the new weapons include: Doretta Silenced, Steele 870, TOQ SBR, Kaliningrad 47, PAC 10 silenced, N 77P Silenced, TOQ Elite.
Multiplayer Masks Pack - Conceal your identity and avoid revenge attacks with 8 costume masks stolen from a Chinese gift shop, for all Multiplayer modes and Arcade mode. You never want to be identified, especially if you are a traitor!
Steam News has details on a new automatic patch that's now available for Tidalis, the block-based puzzle game. The patch notes are extensive, as this rolls up a bunch of beta patches. Most significant is probably the addition of new free DLC: "Also included are 12 new Brainteaser levels created by players, a new visual block style created by a player, and updated stream graphics that look a bit fancier. Music tracks also now fade in when starting, which is a noticeable aural improvement. Aside from the above, this release has a number of bugfixes and other, more minor player-suggested tweaks."
The Paul Neurath Interview on Grupo 97 talks with the founder of Blue Sky Productions (which became Looking Glass Studios) as well as Floodgate Entertainment, composed of many former Looking Glass employees. Topics include fan reverence for Looking Glass, his fondest memory of the Looking Glass days, the variety of genres he's explored, development challenges, dealing with writer's block, dealing with publishers and distributors, the current state of game development, dealing with the press, and lots about game development philosophy. Here's his outlook on PC gaming: Yes, the broad notion that PC games are less profitable than console games is not accurate. Some PC games are among the most profitable games in recent years, and continue to sell in huge numbers. Many, perhaps the majority, of console games today are break-even or lose money. That being said, top selling XBOX, WII or Playstation games do typically outsell the top selling single-player PC games, and in terms of gross revenues, if you exclude MMO’s, I believe that console games outsell PC by a wide margin.
I think it would be hard to justify the economics of a modern single player focused PC game such as Thief or Ultima Underworld, which is why so few are produced. But if you could pull off this same game genre with aplomb on an XBOX or Playstation, you could do just fine.
Closed beta testing of Legend of Edda is scheduled to begin at the end of this month, which will offer first access to this "cute and hardcore" free-to-play MMORPG. They are now accepting applications to participate in testing of this game based on the Greek mythological conflict between the Gods of the Olympus and the Titans. Here's word on the hardcore aspects of this: "Fast-paced PVP battles are the cornerstone of the game and will include intense personal battles, guild battles and player-killing (PK) where opposing factions can attack each other at any time. Additionally, Secret Treasure Wars take place in an RvR environment with the two factions where the winning team is rewarded with powerful skills by their gods. There are also numerous Demi-God quests that encompass obtaining Demi-God points, which later can be redeemed for powerful skills."
Strategy Informer- Xbox Live Gold Pricing Woes.
The ultimate question, then, is whether the Xbox Live Gold service is worth paying $49.99 for, let alone the new $59.99 price point. Many would argue that it used to be, but as the PlayStation's free online features have been improved, Gold subscriptions don't seem all that worth it anymore.
Our Twitter feed seems to have ceased functioning at some point yesterday morning. I've tried kicking it to no avail, so we'll probably have to send Scotty into a Jefferies tube to get it fixed.
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