Archived News:
The BioWare Blog has word to expect a playable demo for Mass Effect 3 on February 14th, offering the chance to sample the upcoming RPG sequel. Here's the deal: "The demo will be available on PC, Xbox, PS3 beginning February 14, 2012. You will be playing through the opening level “Earth” which is under attack by those nasty Reapers. This version of the demo will also introduce the Mass Effect 3 co-op multiplayer mode and for the Xbox 360 players out there – Kinect functionality. Fans will be able to access tons of customization options and get enough of a peek at the story that you will be inclined to play it over and over to catch all the nuances." They also offer a FAQ with system requirements, word on early access to the multiplayer portion of the demo, and how to qualify: What content will be included in the Mass Effect 3 demo?
There are two sections in the Mass Effect 3 demo, both included as part of a single download: The single player section includes 2 areas: the opening level featuring the Reaper attack on Earth, and a level further into the game where Shepard travels to an alien home world to seek their assistance in the war effort. This will be approximately 1 to 2 hours of content.The co-op multiplayer section includes 2 maps: Slum and Noveria. This section will be open to players who have qualified for the early multiplayer access as of Feb 14, and will then open up to all players on Feb 17.
How do I qualify to play the co-op multiplayer section before Feb 17?
The early access program for the demo’s multiplayer section begins on Feb 14, 2012To gain access to multiplayer in the demo any time between Feb 14 and when it opens up for everyone on Feb 17, a player must have met one of the following criteria: Own Battlefield 3 and have activated BF3’s Online Pass. Logging into the demo using the EA Origin Account linked to that Online Pass will automatically unlock the multiplayer section of the demo. Note that you do not have to enter a code anywhere – if you have activated your BF3 online pass, the multiplayer section of the demo will be unlocked for you when the demo goes live. Participate in an early access program that will be announced on Feb 7, 2012 – watch this site for more details.
A prominent update on the Star Wars: The Old Republic Website has word that the promised version 1.1 update is now live in BioWare's MMORPG. A more obscure post on the game's forums acknowledges issues related to PvP in Ilum following the update. An update on this is promised "shortly." Meanwhile, the 200+ page thread is filled with outrage over faction balance issues, which Kotaku attempts to summarize in one place. Thanks nin.
League for Gamers is Red 5 Studios' non-profit to help fight legislation like SOPA and PIPA. They kick things off with a petition for the ECA to withdraw their support for PIPA and future legislation such as SOPA.
EGOSOFT now offers downloads of a manual patch for X3: Terran Conflict, updating the space simulator to version 3.2. This comes with a warning that it's not for versions of the game purchased through Steam, as they have already been updated automatically. The download is mirrored on AtomicGamer, Gamer's Hell, and The Patches Scrolls.
An interview on Wired.com relates a talk with BioWare cofounders Dr. Ray Muzyka and Dr. Greg Zeschuk during a recent event. The main topic of the conversation is multiplayer support, though while the article has the sensational title: "Mass Effect Developer- Multiplayer Makes RPGs Better," no were in the article does either of the good doctors say that. Most of their comments focus more on how multiplayer should not just be slapped onto a game to satisfy a marketing checklist, though Zeschuk does say that multiplayer "makes the whole experience better" for a game like Mass Effect 3. "There’s actually a compelling, rational gameplay narrative that explains why it’s there," Zeschuk said. "That’s one of the differences in how we want to approach [multiplayer]. We don’t want to tack it on. We want to make sure it’s thoughtful and integrated really well." Thanks nin.
The Rockstar Games Website now features a new trailer from Max Payne 3 on the topic of "Targeting and Weapons" in the upcoming third-person shooter sequel. Word is: "Watch Targeting and Weapons, the latest installment in the Max Payne 3 Design and Technology Video Series, showcasing how we've set out to reimagine the gunplay mechanics of the third person action shooter. With a precision targeting system that's reflective of a first person game and lifelike weapon animation design, Max Payne 3 creates an unparalleled level of immersion and cinematic realism."
This trailer offers a look at gameplay from R.A.W.: Realms of Ancient War, the upcoming hack-and-slash RPG. Here's the deal: "This video shows off more of the rich universe of R.A.W., where you will take control of a powerful warrior, a dark sorcerer or a stealthy rogue, before throwing yourself in a big, action-rich quest! The first few sequences of the video, more contemplative, let us appreciate the diversity and richness of the game’s levels and environments. These sequences quickly turn into pure action, while the 3 heroes face swarms of creatures and huge bosses. All the power they have been granted, their powerful spells and devastating abilities will all be put to the test to complete their grand quest!"
The Elemental Website has re-launched as home to Stardock's Elemental strategy games. Word is: "As you probably have noticed, we have launched a brand new website for the Elemental series. This is a complete re-design for the upcoming release of Fallen Enchantress and future endeavors in the Elemental world. Take a browse through and let us know what you think!" The site's forums also have word that owners of the original Elemental will be able to download the beta for Elemental: Fallen Enchantress tomorrow as part of Stardock's promised make up for the Elemental War of Magic's shortcomings.
Developer Q&A 3 on the MechWarrior Online Website offers a third session where the developers at Piranha Games answer community-submitted questions about their upcoming multiplayer MechWarrior game. This includes further discussion of modules, the battlegrid, what happens to pilots of destroyed mechs, surveillance, draw-distances, target details, tech trees, and more. Thanks The RPG Reporter.
- Darkstar One on GOG.com. Save 50%.
- Solar 2 on Steam. Save 50%.
- A Sirius Game is a new adventure game with RPG elements. A playable demo is available…
Thank you all very much for the near-unanimous support for the decision for Blue's News to participate in the SOPA/PIPA protest blackout today. A lot of today's news about this legislation indicates its support is crumbling, so here's hoping we can keep this momentum.
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