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Archived News:
Steam's Call of Duty: Black Ops Page has word that a Call of Duty: Black Ops free weekend is now underway on Steam, which will run until Sunday at 4:00 pm EDT. Also, Josh Olin tweets about a double XP weekend that will begin at 1:00 pm EDT tomorrow for Treyarch's military shooter sequel: "#CODBlackOps #DoubleXP facts: #AllPlatforms, starts Friday @ 10a PDT, ends Tuesday @ 10a PDT, includes #DoubleCP, #Nuketown247 for ALL." Thanks Computer and Video Games.
The DC Universe Online Website announces a September 6 launch date for Fight for the Light, the free Green Lantern-themed expansion for the superhero MMORPG that even the Ryan Reynolds film could not destroy. Here's word: Introducing DC Comics legend The Green Lantern and the game's seventh power set (Light), the "Fight for the Light" pack allows players to join the Green Lantern Corps or Sinestro Corps as reservist members while helping to restore balance to the universe.
Along with interactions with Green Lantern based favorites and foes, players will be launched into multiple action-packed scenarios, including an epic battle for control in S.T.A.R. Labs, a light-to-light showdown with the Red Lantern Corps in Coast City, and chaotic prison break at Sciencells Prison.
Petroglyph announces September 12 as the launch date for Rise of Immortals, their free-to-play MOBA game. "The Rise of Immortals development team is a passionate group of battle arena fans, and we are all eagerly awaiting the game’s official launch on September 12," said Steve Wetherill, executive producer of Rise of Immortals for Petroglyph. "Throughout the development process, we’ve worked internally and with our fans to create a MOBA game that adds all kinds of exciting new features to the genre, and we can’t wait to open it up to the world." Here's more: Rise of Immortals, an online PC game that expands on the hit MOBA genre with new, innovative features, is currently in the final phases of an open beta test. Players still have a chance to be part of the test and receive the exclusive gifts that testers will receive: 1,000 Petroglyph Coins at commercial launch (worth over $10), and an exclusive Immortal skin. The Immortal skin, a dazzling gold version of the robot-suited Psychozen, named “The King of Bling,” will be available exclusively for open beta testers to enjoy both during the beta test, and as a complementary add-on to their account at launch.
Anyone interested in participating in the open beta test can register at http://www.riseofimmortals.com, and will be immediately invited to download the game and start playing.
Battleblog #9 on the Battlefield Blog has details on vehicles in Battlefield 3, saying DICE's upcoming military shooter sequel will represent "online vehicle warfare refined." They offer an overview of the game's planes, tanks, and automobiles. Here's a summary: "With over 20 drivable vehicles in multiplayer spread over 12 classes, you will find your personal favorite whether you prefer to fly above the battlefield or stay on solid ground. Some of the vehicle classes include armored transports, infantry fighting vehicles, main battle tanks, scout helicopters, attack helicopters, fighter jets, and attack jets. Whatever your choice, we let you fine tune almost every vehicle in Battlefield 3 to fit your play style, the current map, and the current situation."
The Gods and Heroes Free Trial Website now offers seven day free trials to Gods and Heroes: Rome Rising, Heatwave Interactive's MMORPG that allows you to Rome if you want to. Trial accounts were previously three days. "We’d like to invite everyone curious about Gods & Heroes to spend a week sampling the brutality and glory of ancient Rome," said Anthony Castoro, Heatwave CEO. "By extending the trial period from three to seven days, new players will have a chance to really dig into the heart of the game and we know they’ll like what they find." Players who upgrade from the trial to a full account will be able to keep their character's progress.
The Gamescom trailer for Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 offers a few minutes of gameplay footage from City Interactive's upcoming sharpshooting sequel. This includes some stealthy knife work, some headshots, and the dreaded two-for-one. Continue here to read the full story.
There's some ShakyCam footage of MONACO from PAX on Kotaku, showing some network play from this upcoming heist game that won that won the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at the 2010 Independent Games Festival. The audio is quite difficult to make out over the show noise, but you can hear developer Andy Schatz of Pocketwatch Games say the game, which he describes as "Gauntlet meets Hitman," is due next year for Windows, OS X, and "at least one console."
This updated thread on the World of Players Forums now offers an unofficial patch for Risen to update Piranha Bytes' action/RPG to version 1.2. There are links to the patch, its source code, and this read me for the patch, which is obviously not officially supported, and should be used at one's own risk. Thanks Acleacius via RPGWatch.
Capcom announces a patch for the Windows edition of Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition will go live tomorrow morning, supporting more screen resolutions, more arcade sticks, and addressing some bugs. Here's the change list. Continue here to read the full story.
The Doom64 EX Website now offers version 2.0 of this recreation of the N64 edition of DOOM. Word is: "There’s [sic] too many updates, changes and improvements to list here since version 1.4 though some of the biggest changes were the complete overhaul of the audio system, console, and interface. Many things were also tweaked and changed to match the exact behavior of the original game such as player movement, some enemy behavior tweaks, etc." Thanks Ant via Doomworld.
Games
Patches
- Blocks That Matter on Steam.
- Counter-Strike- Source Beta on Steam and again.
- Ship Simulator Extremes on Steam.
Perfect World's Q2 2011 Results Earnings Call Transcript on Seeking Alpha has word that Star Trek Online will boldly go where many MMOGs have gone before, as the currently subscription-based Trekkie MMORPG will go free-to-play by the end of this year (thanks Massively). Here's word: So when Perfect World acquired Cryptic, one of the contribution from Perfect World to Cryptic is we can share our free-to-play experience with Cryptic. So I want to emphasize is that never we’ve done a free-to-play model game, so we’re going to launch this game in US and also in China, so we expect to run these type if free-to-play model game. We have a bigger potential in US and also in China. And also Star Trek Online, after the acquisition, in fact Cryptic is working on the free-to-play model for Star Trek Online. This is going to be launched by the end of this year as well. So I think free-to-play model we have a bigger potential in US market and also in China market. Thank you.
There's an interview with Karl-Magnus Troedsson on AusGamers talking about Battlefield 3, DICE's upcoming military shooter sequel (thanks Ant via Planet Battlefield). They touch on previous indications that the game will not have tools for modifying or creating game content, as EA/DICE's Patrick Söderlund recently explained: "Cause if you look at the Frostbite engine, and how complex it is, it's going to be very difficult for people to mod the game. Because of the nature of the set up of levels, the destruction, and all those things, it's quite tricky, so we think it's going to be too big of a challenge for people to make a mod." When asked about lack of mod support, Troedsson indicated that while BF3 will not ship with mod tools, they have reconsidered their stance on this, and it's not out of the question that they will come at some later point, though he also offers reasons why this still might not happen: We have to make conscious decisions about what we actually do put into the game and what that actually gives us back. What that gives the players back that actually play the game. We have heard the community very loud and clear on this topic -- that they want mod tools. We are considering it, back in the studio. The game won’t ship with mod tools, but we have heard it. I’m not saying that we’re going to do it, I’m saying that we are thinking about it.
But the reasoning behind it is as well, is that at DICE, we are very committed to quality and innovation when we do something. So if we do mod tools, we really want to do it right. It can’t just be some hack that we throw together and people have to reverse engineer it and do all these kinds of stuff. It needs to be a very proper tool that people can use and that’s not a small thing to do.
There’s also a security risk behind all of this. It means that we need to open up our precious game and let people just tear around in it in whatever way. I would love to do this, but there’s a lot of things we need to consider in the background before we can make the decision if we want to do this.
Here's the launch trailer for Driver: San Francisco, celebrating the imminent console launch of the driving action sequel with a selection of cinematics and gameplay relating to the game's plot. The Windows version is is expected on September 27 in North America and September 30 elsewhere. Continue here to read the full story.
Square Enix announces Treasures of the Sun, a new DLC pack for Dungeon Siege III to be released next month for Obsidian's action/RPG sequel, promising "several additional hours of gameplay" involving "a brand new plot arc, additional quests, new enemies and tons more loot." Here are some screenshots, and here's a blurb about the contents: "In DUNGEON SIEGE III: TREASURES OF THE SUN, players will extend their journey and travel beyond the borders of Ehb to an all-new environment: the Aranoi Desert. On their search for a lost Legion hero, players will fight through hordes of new villains only to find a forgotten abbey hiding a long-lost secret: the greatest treasure of the Azunite faith. The DLC offers other enhancements to the game, including raising its level cap to 35. Here are the details: Continue here to read the full story.
A new free DLC pack called Harbor Pilot, created in "close cooperation" with the Dutch Pilot Association, is now available for Ship Simulator Extremes to celebrate the first anniversary of the release of VSTEP's seafaring simulation. Publisher Paradox Interactive explains players should download the DLC from the same digital distributor where they purchased the game originally "to avoid compatibility issues." Here's a bit on the pack: "In Harbor Pilot, players will experience the pressures and responsibilities of a Maritime Pilot, reflecting the real-life importance of the profession in maritime safety, and how the economic and environmental risks from today’s large sea vessels makes the role of the pilot truly essential. Join ships in need of a pilot, board them and take the helm as you assist and guide them safely into port. With millions of dollars under your control, do you have the versatility and ability to cope with the stress of a harbor pilot?" The list of key features follows. Continue here to read the full story.
The Eidos Montreal Blog answers a reader-submitted question that requests an explanation of the decision to make Deus Ex: Human Revolution a prequel, rather than a sequel. Here's their reasoning: Yes, flexibility.
The five main points we considered:
1) With a prequel, playing the previous games is not a requirement. It gave us a lot more freedom about how we connect to the established cannon.
2) We didn’t have to deal with DX1’s or Invisible War’s multiple endings.
3) Being a true sequel would put us after Invisible War and a bit too far into the future.
4) There was a lot of untapped material in the timeline before DX1.
5) Exploring the time surrounding the introduction of mech augs just struck a chord with us.
BBC News has more on the the lifting of the restrictions on selling DOOM and DOOM II in Germany after all these years. They offer translations from this document ( Adobe Acrobat format) from the Bundesprüfstelle für jugendgefährdende Medien (Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons), the German authority on such matters. The BPjM says it relaxed restrictions on DOOM because the game is no longer likely to be played by children, as it is now "mainly of historical interest," and that more realistic games are more widely available. They also note that while restrictions on DOOM II have likewise been lifted, they will continue to maintain controls on the American version of the sequel because it includes two levels from Wolfenstein 3D over the inclusion of Nazi symbols, including swastikas, which are verboten in Germany.
Battlefront.com now offers a new patch for Strategic Command: WW1 1914-1918 The Great War, updating this strategy game to version 1.03. The update includes AI improvements, bug-fixes, and more, as well as a free new campaign called 1939 Storm over Europe. There's also a new playable demo showing off the new version and campaign. The Battlefront Forum offers an AAR discussing the new campaign that adds some World War II to the World War I game.
GOG.com announces they are now offering Ultima 4: Quest of the Avatar, the fourth installment in Lord British's Ultima series of RPGs, saying this is available at no charge. This game has an unusual background, as it was an intentional departure from some of the amoral mechanics of previous games in the series and genre. Here's a bit from MobyGames: Instead of building up a character by any means possible in order to face a villain in the end of the game, in Ultima IV the player is trying to become the Avatar, a role model for people. This means upholding the Eight Virtues, basically trying to become a better person. Making morally conscious decisions and helping other people is not done expecting a material reward, but because it is the actual goal of the game and the main focus of its gameplay. The game frowns on behavior typical of most other RPGs, such as backstabbing fleeing enemies or picking up everything that isn't nailed down even if it does not belong to the protagonist. This different approach established the game's reputation as the first "true" Ultima, influencing the design philosophy of later installments and the overall spirit of the series.
When it was reported last month that the assets of Team Bondi were sold to Sydney production studio Kennedy Miller Mitchell, it was said to be "unclear" if the controversial developer of L.A. Noire would "continue as an ongoing concern." Now Smart Company has word that Team Bondi is in administration. Here's some of the report, which leaves the sale of Team Bondi assets in question: According to documents filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, Riad Tayeh and David Solomons of de Vries Tayeh were appointed as joint administrators of the company on August 30.
The appointment comes weeks after the business was rumoured to be selling assets and intellectual property to filmmaker George Miller’s studio KMM.
However, when SmartCompany contacted KMM and its Dr D Studio division, it was advised no comment would be provided.
It is still unknown whether the appointment of an administrator is related to the rumoured transaction, or whether it will be going ahead at all.
When SmartCompany contacted the Team Bondi office this morning, it was informed the company was no longer located there. It was also told that no person would be available to handle media enquiries going forward.
Develop has word on layoffs at Mafia II developer 2K Czech, saying 40 positions have been lost at the developer formerly known as Illusion Softworks, adding: "Another studio, based in Prague, is thought to have lost less than ten staff." 2K Games says it "has realigned its resources to streamline the development process, reduce costs and maximize studio performance."
A video interview on GameTrailers from PAX 2011 reveals a "new game plus" mode for Batman: Arkham City, which will offer a different gameplay experience during a second playthrough of the stealth/action sequel (thanks nin via Shacknews). Here's the explanation from Rocksteady's very enthusiastic Dax Ginn: So when you finish the main game mode, you can then restart that, with all of the gadgets and all the upgrades you got in that first playthrough, but you're going to need them in the second playthrough, because all of the enemy configurations have changed, all of the assistance you get in combat with those blue lightning bolts coming up against guys who are about to hit you... They're gone, so you have to read their animations coming in. So that's why we really wanted to drive home the replayability with Batman: Arkham City: Taking those gadgets back out on the streets, delivering justice a second time around, but really asking you, "Are you the Dark Knight? Have you got what it takes?"
Continue here to read the full story.
GamesCampus announces that Tank Ace is entering open beta testing today, offering the chance to check out this World War II third-person tank shooter. The testing gets underway at 1:00 pm EDT today, and here's word on the game: The open beta includes all new content featuring a new achievement system, better graphics, a Power Bunker and much more. Players can join the open beta by visiting the website at http://tankace.gamescampus.com
Players will prepare for battle in the ultimate tactical-warfare style combat shooter, featuring realistic World War II battlefields and vehicles based on actual historical facts. Included in the open beta launch is all-new content including the addition of the Achievement System. Players can earn achievements by meeting specific requirements such as losing their first annihilation game which will give them their "Bitter Taste of Loss" achievement. Earning achievements will award players with in-game currency, experience and maybe even special items!
Wargaming.net announces that the retail version of World of Tanks is now available in North American stores, offering another way to get this online multiplayer shooter focused on armored combat. The game is free to play, so the boxed edition includes bonuses worth $30.00 USD for a $19.99 purchase price, consisting of a T2 Light Tank; a one week premium account; 1,050,000 credits; and 1,800 gold. Here are some details about the game itself: World of Tanks is the first and only team-based massively multiplayer online action game dedicated to World War II armored warfare. Throw yourself into epic tank battles with other tank commanders worldwide. A flexible system of authentic vehicle upgrades and development allows you to try any of the vehicles and weapons in the game. Whether you prefer to exhaust your foes with fast and maneuverable light tanks, make deep breaches in enemy lines with all-purpose medium tanks, use the force of giant tanks to eliminate opposing armored forces, or become a heavy sniper with long-range howitzers.
A Future of World of Warcraft feature on IGN talks with World of Warcraft game director Tom Chilton and art director Chris Robinson about the upcoming version 4.3 patch for the MMORPG. This also offers a follow-up on Blizzard's recent trademark filing for Mists of Pandaria, throwing a damper on theories that this is the title of an upcoming WoW expansion. Chilton says such speculation is "wildly overhyped," saying "if you look at traditionally how we've handled that race it's been in those secondary products because we haven't realized it in the world. Most of the time when we do anything panda-related it's going to be a comic book or a figurine or something like that." Thanks nin via WoW Insider.
Creative announces Sound Blaster Recon3D, a cross-platform USB audio device they call "The Ultimate Sound Processor for the PC, Mac, Xbox 360 and PS3." These will be available next month for a suggested retail price of $129.99 USD. Here's what this involves: The Sound Blaster Recon3D comes in a compact size similar to a gaming mouse and easily connects to an Xbox 360, PS3, PC or Mac via USB. It dramatically improves the audio playback quality and experience with THX TruStudio ProT, a suite of audio enhancements developed by the collaborative expertise of Creative and THX audio engineers. The Sound Blaster Recon3D features Dolby Digital® enabled via the optical input to provide full 5.1 surround decoding, which combines with THX TruStudio Pro Surround to deliver stunning accuracy and positional audio playback over a gaming headset and an amazing virtual multi-speaker movie listening experience over headphones. In addition, for voice communications, the Sound Blaster Recon3D improves voice quality with CrystalVoiceT processing, which implements innovative technologies that are specially designed to deliver crystal clear vocal fidelity in multiplayer games, online chats and video conferencing.
Yesterday I wanted to find an anagram program, so I Googled anagram. If you want a chuckle, go do this and see the suggestion at the top. I'm sure this is not new, but it cracked me up. Yes, I'm a nerd.
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