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Archived News:
Petroglyph announces Rise of Immortals, calling this upcoming free-to-play game a "fresh take on the multiplayer online battle arena genre." The Rise of Immortals Website is live, offering a first look trailer and signups for the game's closed beta test, which they say is imminent. Here's word on the game, which they say is designed to appeal to both core and casual players: Rise of Immortals is set in the world of Graxia, 300 years after the events of “Guardians of Graxia,”™ Petroglyph’s fantasy-based PC game released last year. Rise of Immortals features the popular action-strategy gameplay of traditional MOBA games, but adds enhanced socialization features, along with persistent character progression – a first for the MOBA genre. Instead of an account-based leveling system, players can advance their Immortals through a diverse, persistent skill tree, customizing and upgrading the characters to unlock unique abilities that persist from match to match.
In addition, Rise of Immortals features a social hub where players can show off their enhanced Immortals, chat, emote, browse leaderboards, shop, manage friend and guild lists and more. Players also have the option of taking their Immortals through cooperative Player versus Environment (PvE) scenarios to learn the game, try out new abilities, and earn persistent experience before jumping into Player versus Player (PvP) matches online.
VG247 reports on changes in the Ubisoft DRM for the upcoming Windows version of their stealth/action sequel, Assassin's Creed Brotherhood. Though the game will still require an internet authentication on startup to play, it will not require a constant internet connection while playing the single-player campaign, which will prevent some of the save game issues caused by previous versions of the DRM. A Ubisoft representative told them this: "The PC version of Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, after an initial login, will be playable offline in single player mode." Thanks Joao.
UTV True Games announces that open beta testing Mytheon is now underway, offering public access to this multiplayer action/RPG. Here's word on the game: "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," have been given the power to defeat the gods by combining and casting magical stones in a battle to determine the destiny of humanity."
Paradox Interactive announces the release of Cities in Motion, Colossal Order's mass transportation simulation set in several European cities. The announcement includes screenshots and a release trailer, and a playable demo for the game was released last week. Here's what to expect: Developed by Colossal Order Ltd, Cities in Motion sees players develop and operate their own public transport company building a travel network across Vienna, Berlin, Helsinki and Amsterdam using more than 30 different modes of transport including buses, trams, subway trains and water buses. As each city develops and grows the player must continue to meet the ever changing transport needs of its commuters, while at the same time ensuring it remains as profitable as possible.
Featuring an in-depth campaign mode made up of 12 scenarios along with an open ended sandbox mode, an advanced map editor that allows players to create their own cities, plus much more, Cities in Motion will challenge players to create the perfect public transport system that has no cancellations, no delays and where the passengers are always happy!
The Red Faction Website announces Red Faction Armageddon is set to launch in North America on May 31 and on June 3 internationally. Here's a portion of the announcement about the groundbreaking shooter sequel: Red Faction: Armageddon expands on the critically acclaimed science-fiction franchise, building on the events of Red Faction: Guerrilla as well as the upcoming Syfy live-action movie, Red Faction: OriginsTM. As destruction expert Darius Mason, your journey will take you from the frozen poles to the molten core of Mars as you wage war against the Red Faction’s greatest enemy yet. Built on the groundbreaking Geo-Mod 2.0 destruction engine, players can take advantage of total environmental destruction, collapsing huge Martian structures on their enemies. Rebuild all that you destroy with the Nano-Forge’s incredible repair ability, creating new gameplay scenarios never before possible.
“Red Faction: Armageddon is an incredible new entry in this vaunted franchise, and Volition once again pushes the envelope of technology and science fiction,” said Danny Bilson, Executive Vice President, Core Games, THQ. “Come May 31, players can look forward to collapsing entire buildings on their enemies, using the world as their weapon.”
Digital Ranch announces beta testing of Dino D-Day will commence a week from today on March 1st, and the full launch of this World War II game featuring dinosaurs will follow on March 29. Both the beta and the game distribution are being handled through Steam, and word is: "Beta keys will be distributed in the coming days via a few different methods. Those interested in taking part in the Beta should visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to find out where to get Beta keys when they become available." Here's a bit on the game: Dino D-Day is a frantic, action-packed multiplayer game that transports you to a World War II that should have been. You and your friends will battle online choosing to join either the Allies or the Axis team. The Allied side includes six playable characters each with unique weapons and abilities to use in combat. Gun down a Dilophosaur with your trusty M1 Garand, blast a kamikaze Pterosaur out of the sky with your Thompson sub-machine gun, toss out a dead jackrabbit to lure a Raptor into a trap.
Stardock.com now offers their Stardock Customer Report 2010 ( Adobe Acrobat-format) with a look back at last year from the publisher/developer's perspective. This includes a pretty frank assessment of the shortcomings of Elemental: War of Magic, saying: "War of Magic was the second Stardock title that had launch troubles, Demigod being the first. Demigod went on to be quite successful, because while it suffered from some initial networking issues, the game itself was excellent. By contrast, though War of Magic was able to resolve its technical problems very quickly, it soon became clear that there were underlying compromises in its basic design, compromises that resulted in a game that fell far short of our expectations." They discuss the internal problems that lead to this situation, and what is being done to prevent a repeat of this in the future, including a "reorganization of the Elemental team at Stardock, and a rethinking of Stardock’s development and publishing philosophy." Looking ahead to this year, they say: "Stardock Entertainment anticipates making 3 big announcements in 2011 concerning its future plans for the PC." They also have this to say about one of their flagship franchises: " Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity (aka Diplomacy) was a major success for Stardock and its development partner, Ironclad Games. A significant new update for Trinity is expected out in early 2011. We will also be making some important announcements regarding Sins of a Solar Empire in 2011."
A new version 1.28.2 of X-Motor Racing is now available, offering a couple of fixes for this racing simulation. The new version fixes a problem with mouse steering fixed, and makes changes to the game's tire modeling, transmission code, and sound code. The full version can be ordered here and updated automatically online, and this page offers downloads of an updated playable demo, which offers three tracks and one car with some physics profiles.
The Dungeons & Dragons Online Website announces that Turbine's MMORPG is turning five years old, and to celebrate the occasion, they are offering some special events and gifts for players. There's a special sneak preview of the DDO Birthday Event today, and the event itself will run from February 24th through March 1st. Word is: "Any characters created prior to February 22nd will receive a gift! Each character will be gifted a voucher for a free pirate cap while the event is running. The voucher can be redeemed in Smugglers Rest for a fancy hat. The hat received will depend upon the total amount of time the character has played DDO since the character was created. Hat colors will vary but can be bartered for a different color."
Link of the Day: Today is National Margarita Day. Bottoms up! Thanks nin.
Soldak Entertainment announces the release of Din's Curse: Demon War, the first expansion for Din's Curse, their single player and co-op action/RPG. The expansion as well as the original game are sold on the Soldak Entertainment Website, with the purchase including access to both the Windows and OS X editions covered by a 30-day money back guarantee. Here's word: The demons of Aleria are furious! After the 4th Great War and necromancer Ciglio's death, the undead horde has been causing utter chaos, attacking everything that moves... even demons. Demonkind were quite happy when Serina, a human city, was overrun, but that was before thousands of human zombies poured into Kraval, slaughtering the huge demon city. Thus began the Demon War. Demons of all kinds are fighting back. They're hunting down and killing any undead they find. Oh, and they blame the humans for this entire mess. For spite, they razed Serina to the ground even though it was already deserted.
As a servant of the mighty Din, it's your responsibility to safeguard humans from danger. This was a hard task before. Do you have what it takes to save humankind from the Demon War?
As noted on the People Can Fly Blog, Bulletstorm is now available for Windows, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 in North America, and this first-person shooter PCF co-created with Epic Games is due in Europe later this week. Meanwhile the game is available in U.S. and Canadian stores and to customers in those territories via Direct2Drive, Impulse, and Steam, and a playable demo for the PC edition is expected shortly. There's also a Bulletstorm Launch Trailer, which offers a cinematic to introduce the game and its characters, featuring a gritty voiceover and even a Cool Guys Don't Look At Explosions moment. The press release announcing the game's availability also reveals plans for the first Bulletstorm DLC, which is called the Gun Sonata pack, though it will not contain any new guns (nor sonatas). What it will offer is three new Anarchy multiplayer mode maps, two new Echo mode maps, two new whip enhancements, along with new challenges. The announcement mentions the DLC will be available in the spring for the console editions of the game, and we were able to confirm with Electronic Arts that it's coming to the Windows edition as well. They were not able to say when it will be released, but told us the price tag will be $9.99 USD. Here's a bit on the game: Set in the 26th century on Stygia, a planet where paradise was lost and has since been overrun with rampaging freaks, flesh-eating plants and creatures the size of skyscrapers, Bulletstorm tells the story of Grayson Hunt and Ishi Sato. As ex-members of an elite military force called Dead Echo, Grayson Hunt and Ishi Sato are mercenaries on the run across the galaxy, until they are stranded on Stygia, where their main objective is to survive long enough in order to exact revenge on the one person responsible for their plight. In Anarchy multiplayer mode, teams of up to four players fight together to survive waves of blood-thirsty mutants while scoring Skillpoints in order to advance. In Echomode, Bulletstorm tracks and compares players’ scores through locations found in the campaign. Through the Skillshot system, Bulletstorm provides stylish, imaginative ways to perform spectacular kills with some of the most unique weapons ever seen, including the Boneduster, a four-barreled shotgun that packs an incredible punch, to the Headhunter, a sniper rifle that allows player to guide the bullet as it reaches its target.
Ubisoft announces details about the upcoming Windows edition of Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, offering system specifications for the stealth/action sequel that's due in North America on March 22nd. They also announce two different editions of the game, confirming our suspicions that The Da Vinci Disappearance DLC that was only announced for consoles will be included in each PC SKU. There will be a standard edition that includes the game plus Abstergo Project ( Project Animus) Update 1.0 and 2.0 and The Da Vinci Disappearance priced at $49.99 to be available via both retail and digital, and a Digital Deluxe Edition (obviously to only be available via digital distribution) with all the content of the standard edition plus two multiplayer characters, two single-player maps, a skin, and additional multimedia content which will be $59.99 USD. This version is available for preorder for a limited time on the UBIShop for the same price as the standard edition. Some screenshots accompany the announcement, as well as the following system requirements. Continue here to read the full story.
A playable d'mo is now available for nail'd, offering the chance to test drive the Windows edition of this off-road arcade racing game from Techland. The demo is available on the Deep Silver Website, where word is: "If you are ready for mind-boggling speed, crazy jumps and loud rocking soundtrack, try out the nail’d demo version offering two of the original game tracks." Downloads of the demo are mirrored on AtomicGamer, ComputerGames.ro, Gamer's Hell, and WorthPlaying.
Steam's Total War: SHOGUN 2 Page now offers a playable demo for this turn-based/real-time strategy sequel from The Creative Assembly. Here's the deal: "The demo allows all armchair samurai to test their skills in epic land battles and on Total War: Shogun 2’s gorgeous new campaign map."
The Dragon Age Website now offers downloads of the promised playable demo for Dragon Age II, BioWare's RPG sequel. The demo is available in three varieties, an English demo which includes Español, Italiano, Polski, and Русский subtitles, which is mirrored on AtomicGamer, ComputerGames.ro, Gamer's Hell, WorthPlaying; a Deutsch demo, which is mirrored on Gamer's Hell; and a demo en Français, which is mirrored on AtomicGamer and Gamer's Hell. They also remind us of the previously announced promotion that will provide players with two in-game items if the demo achieves one million downloads and logins by March 1st, and word is that all players who complete the demo by May 31st will receive and additional in-game item. Here's word: In the demo, players will venture through the game's prologue, choosing from three different character classes. They'll also learn more about Hawke and hone their skills and abilities that will make them the ultimate hero. After finishing the prologue, players will enter a key new location in the world of Dragon Age, Kirkwall, befriending Isabela, a romantic interest in the game who is also a deadly smuggler. Upon completion of the demo, players will unlock a special weapon, Hayder's Razor, an ancient dwarven blade which increases health, mana, and combat abilities, in the full release of Dragon Age 2.
We received a press release from GameStop announcing that Steve Nix ( not this one) is their new Divisional Vice President, GM of Digital Distribution, saying he will "lead the strategic development and execution of GameStop’s digital download business, working in collaboration with ecommerce, internal marketing, merchandising and operational teams to optimize GameStop’s digital download shopping experience." Nix was CEO of Ritual Entertainment for almost six years before moving on to id Software, where he served as Director of Business Development and then Director, Digital Platforms.
Matrix Games announces Armada 2526: Supernova, the first expansion for Armada 2526, Ntronium Games' 4X turn-based/real time science-fiction strategy game. A batch of screenshots and a new trailer accompany the announcement, and the Armada 2526: Supernova product section is online, offering "coming soon" as a release date. The add-on includes a new trade system, new technologies, and multiplayer support over a LAN or PBEM. Here's a bit from the announcement: "There are new star and planet types to discover, and more than 30 special features to make each star system distinctive. You may encounter tachyon storms, psychic plants, primitives or find abandoned alien technology that advances your own research. Two new races, with their own ships and special characteristics, await your discovery. Befriend them, play as them, or exterminate them as you wish."
Jagex announces 8Realms, saying closed beta testing will begin on May 5 for this game, which they call "the future of empire-building strategy games," as it can be played from any internet-capable device, including smartphones. Here's a bit on the game: "In 8Realms players grow their empires from humble village to glorious dominions through eight ages of history. As players develop their settlement they will vie with others for control of precious resources, defend their interests against vicious hordes and research new technologies to ultimately reign supreme." The Eight Realms Website (they don't seem settled on whether it's 8Realms, 8 Realms, or Eight Realms) is online, and word is that players who "like" their Facebook Page will get a 24-hour head start on the beta.
Today is the launch of the Destiny of Velious expansion for EverQuest II, adding flying mounts and other new content to Sony Online Entertainment's MMORPG. This page outlines the festivities surrounding the launch, including a launch day countdown webcast on Facebook or Stickam from 10:00 am through noon EST.
The SEGA Website has word to expect the SEGA Genesis Classic Collection Gold Edition, a bundle of 46 titles "from the golden era of the SEGA Genesis." There are more details on MCV, where they say: "Gold Edition will feature customisable keyboard support and multiplayer modes in selected titles. A save and load functionality also allows gamers to continue from where they left off."
The Carmelo Anthony situation has finally shaken out, as the Knicks picked up the superstar forward in a three-team deal that only cost them 80% of their starting lineup (it's no surprise that word is Isaiah Thomas has his fingerprints all over this deal). This should bring a lot of offense to the Garden, as Anthony will score a ton of points, as will whoever he's covering (though it's not like the team played a lot of defense before the trade). There's an old saying about sports trades that you have to give talent to get talent, and while I've always liked Chauncey Billups, losing Raymond Felton hurts, as he has been lights out this season (though it's hard to put a price tag on being able to get rid of the 400 lbs of uselessness that is Eddy Curry). The general consensus seems to be that this does not considerably change the Knicks' short-term prospects, but puts them in position to make a run at another free agent superstar like Chris Paul or Dwight Howard, though this will depend on the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement. We shall see.
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