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Archived News:
John Romero is apparently toying with the idea of developing a new first-person
shooter, reports
Joystiq after sitting down with the famed designer for their Super Joystiq
Podcast Gamescom Special. They say the first shooter since Daikatana from
the DOOM and QUAKE collaborator will come from Romero Games,
rather than Loot Drop, though this all sounds very preliminary with Romero
saying he's working on several games right now. They offer the following outline
of how John and wife Brenda spilled the beans: Here's how it went down:
"I'm working on several games at once right now," John Romero said. "But
[Brenda] had mentioned earlier that I'm working with a concept artist, and so
I've got some cool imagery for the main character."
Brenda Romero jumped in: "I'm concerned about how much you're going to say."
"I haven't made a shooter since 2000. So I'm basically starting to work on
another one," John Romero said. And the room. Went. Wild.
We're right around the 15th anniversary of the release of System Shock 2,
according to Wikipedia
it's today, while according to our archive it's
tomorrow (I'd trust us, we were around at the time, and Wikipedia wasn't).
Whenever the actual anniversary is, Gamasutra is marking the occasion by
reposting the original postmortem of the action/RPG sequel written by
Irrational Games' Jonathan Chey that was
published a few months after the game was
released.
Square Enix announces Life is Strange, something we knew already, also
revealing plans for a video game of that name coming to Windows and consoles
from developer DONTNOD ( Remember Me). They tout the game's hand-drawn art
style, which is shown in
these
screenshots, and here's how they describe the plan: Developed by
DONTNOD Entertainment, the Paris-based studio who released their debut game
REMEMBER ME™ last year the game takes place in the fictional town of Arcadia
Bay, Oregon, where senior student Max Caulfield returns after a 5 year absence.
Reunited with her former friend Chloe, the pair will attempt to uncover the
uncomfortable truth behind the mysterious disappearance of fellow student Rachel
Amber.
With high quality production values and a unique hand-drawn art style, LIFE IS
STRANGE is a compelling, story-driven experience where choice and consequence
play a key role in how the narrative unfolds. But there is a twist. At the
beginning of the game Max discovers she has a remarkable power… the ability to
rewind time. In LIFE IS STRANGE the player has the power to affect the game’s
narrative and also change the course of history itself.
“Everybody at DONTNOD is excited to be working on such a refreshing title” said
Jean-Max Moris, Creative Director at DONTNOD Entertainment. “We’re not only
crafting the best game we possibly can, we also feel we’re providing the type of
experience that perfectly fits today’s renewed taste for originality and
diversity”.
“When we first saw LIFE IS STRANGE we immediately realised that DONTNOD have
created a unique experience, something special” said Jon Brooke, VP Brand and
European Marketing Square Enix Europe. “Everyone who’s seen the game has
instantly fallen in love with its distinctive style and mood”.
Activision announces preorders of a
Call of Duty:
Advanced Warfare Day Zero Early Access edition, which gives a one-day
headstart in the CoD game beginning November 3rd, along with a couple of
exclusive weapons, a preorder bonus that also applies to the game's various
special editions. On a related note, without coming out and saying multiplayer in the Call of Duty series hasn't
evolved much over the years,
Activision announces
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare "fundamentally changes" the way CoD
multiplayer will work. A
multiplayer reveal trailer
and livestream
recap video on the Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare website show this off, and
they explain how the game's exoskeleton is a game-changer in this very
lengthy update: Activision and Sledgehammer Games today unveiled a new era
for Call of Duty® with the world premiere of Call of Duty®: Advanced Warfare
multiplayer. Built for next generation gaming systems, Call of Duty: Advanced
Warfare fundamentally changes Call of Duty multiplayer, delivering new player
movements and capabilities, along with the deepest customization and player
engagement features in franchise history.
With the all-new exoskeleton, players can boost jump, dodge, dash, slide, slam
and more as the action goes vertical, while using future-tech, cutting-edge
capabilities and a brand-new weapon class as part of nearly 350 custom weapons.
Offering a new reward system, including more than 1,000 in-game player rewards,
and nearly limitless customization options that create more than 2 billion
unique player combinations and more, the title offers the most in-depth, robust
and advanced Call of Duty multiplayer experience ever on both next generation
and current generation systems.
In addition to the multiplayer premiere, Activision today announced the Call of
Duty: Advanced Warfare Day Zero Edition, which offers fans for the first time
24-hour early access to the game starting November 3rd. The Call of Duty:
Advanced Warfare Day Zero Edition is available on all platforms to customers who
pre-order the game*and pick up on day zero - at no added cost. Collector's
Edition copies of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare will also be available for Day
Zero early purchase and play, and will include the special Day Zero Edition
content. In addition to the early access of up to 24 hours in some territories,
the Day Zero Edition also includes two new, custom weapons as well as the
previously announced Advanced Arsenal incentive.
"With Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare we introduced the first new lead developer
to the franchise in a decade and our first three-year development cycle, with
one mission: bring breakthrough innovation to the franchise, while also honoring
its roots. We feel Sledgehammer Games has risen to that challenge," said
Activision Publishing, Inc.'s CEO, Eric Hirshberg. "Advanced Warfare introduces
significant new mechanics to multiplayer that truly changes the game, but more
importantly just speaking as a gamer it's a hell of a lot of fun."
Continue here to read the full story.
Battlefront now offers new version 3.0 upgrades for Combat Mission Battle for
Normandy and Combat Mission Fortress Italy, which update each game
with many of the advanced features from Combat Mission: Red Thunder.
These upgrades are not offered for free, however, they will cost $10.00 for each
game, and they are only available for Windows at this time, as they say they are
still testing compatibility for the OS X editions. Here's an outline of
improvements: Graphics
- Hit impacts to vehicles and bunkers now
shown graphically ("hit decals")
- Water animates for fording units
- Improved shaders
Gameplay
- Ground units are now able to fire at attacking
aircraft
- Ammo Dumps allow platoons to have reserve
ammo stored separately on map (automatically distributed for certain Skill
Levels)
- WeGo TCP/IP with the ability to save but not the
ability to replay combat action
- Spotters restricted to directing only one Mission
at a time. Assets can now be group fired.
- More realistic/varied RoF of automatic weapons.
- Improved load time for scenarios,
especially larger ones with complex terrain
User Interface
Continue here to read the full story.
Steam News announces
early access is now underway for
Bedlam, a fast-paced
first-person shooter for Windows and OS X with a meta-gaming theme that was
penned by Scottish cult author Christopher Brookmyre. Word is: "You play Heather
Quinn aka 'Athena' trapped in a world of video games, desperate to find a way
back home. Will you make it? Or will you be trapped here forever? Here's where
you find out.."
Tripwire Interactive now offers
a new trailer from
The Killing Floor 2, showing off more of the zeds in the upcoming
multiplayer shooter sequel. Word is: "Tripwire Interactive today confirmed it
has obtained the second in a series of internal training videos utilized by
Horzine Biotech’s Security Force to classify the deadly Zeds. The latest footage
(filmed in Horzine's new biotech lab facility) reveals an urgent update to the
Zed intel obtained previously with all-new breeds of the deadly Zeds." Here's
more: The latest in the “Horzine Outbreak” reveals a large Zed codenamed
Bloat, who dual-wields massive cleavers; a one-armed, but agile, Gorefast
employing a sword with bad intentions; the fearsome Husk who is armed with fire
blasting weaponry and the first (re)appearance of the female Zeds, who seem to
have supernatural abilities. The elusive Stalker has the power to cloak and
become almost invisible, while the Siren, although disabled in movement, can
unleash serious bodily damage with a deadly shriek.
Continue here to read the full story.
Paradox Interactive offers a new
"Banned at GAMESCOM 2014"
trailer from Hearts of Iron IV, though they do not explain the title
of the clip (perhaps its depiction of German WW2 military markings are a no-go
in Germany). They call this a gameplay reveal for the World War II strategy
sequel, but it is mostly historical footage. They also announce the kick off of
a campaign to get the viral word out: Paradox Interactive today invited
strategists and warmongers everywhere to enlist in the “Rush to the Front”
reward campaign for Hearts of Iron IV, the upcoming World War II strategy game
from Paradox Development Studio. Armies are massing as the world prepares to
rewrite the greatest conflict in history, and Hearts of Iron fans can unlock
exclusive rewards by winning over recruits to their side.
Simply by visiting the Hearts of Iron website at
heartsofiron4.com, ambitious
generals can join one of three factions: The Axis, the Allies, or the Comintern.
The more members each faction recruits, the more rewards will ultimately be
unlocked for all fans, and fans who recruit 20 or more soldiers will have the
chance gain access to the Hearts of Iron IV beta. For more details, please visit
heartsofiron4.com.
Continue here to read the full story.
- F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter 2.0 on
GOG.com.
Great memories of this one.
- Humble Flash Bundle on
Humble Bundle.
- Supreme Ruler 1936 on
Steam. Save 66%.
Link of the Day:
John Oliver Wants Everyone To Know- Payday Loans Are Going To F-ck You.
NSFW. "Apparently even clusterf*cks are bigger in Texas." Thanks nin.
Updated: R.I.P.:
Actor Robin Williams
Dies at 63.
Ubisoft announces Toy Soldiers: War Chest, a continuation of the
action/strategy series coming to Windows, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 early next
year. There are screenshots and details on the
game's product section
and this announcement
trailer shows off the bizarre juxtaposition of military and non-military
toys this will represent. Here's word: Four diverse armies will be available at launch. The proud and disciplined
Kaiser returns to lead his German Empire forces and defend their reign with new
troops, weapons and turrets. New to the franchise is the Star Power army led by
the whimsical but dangerous heroine, Starbright – her army of unicorn steeds,
ferocious pixies, flying Pegasus and laser-shooting teddy bears have come to
rain hearts and rainbows of destruction onto the battlefield. Each army defends
with its own unique base turrets, combat and aerial attack vehicles and army
units, making each gameplay experience distinct. Two additional armies in Toy
Soldiers: War Chest will be revealed closer to launch.
With more heroes, missions and playable armies than any previous Toy
Soldiers, Toy Soldiers: War Chest is the most expansive title to date.
Additional features in the game include more turrets and turret upgrades, more
barrages, new game modes and expanded multiplayer and cooperative play.
Continue here to read the full story.
A new Gamescom
team racing trailer for World of Speed is now available, showing off
slightly more of Slightly Mad Studios' upcoming racing game. Here's the
explanation of the team dynamic this displays: "The trailer shows off the game's
strong focus on team racing and the various objectives players will have
throughout the course of a race. Teammates and friends will need to cooperate to
achieve mini-goals, which will influence which team is declared the winner. Even
if you're not going to be the first to cross the finish line, that doesn't mean
you can't help your team win!" Continue here to read the full story.
Deep Silver celebrates the imminent launch of Gamescom with
a new "Sunshine &
Slaughter" trailer from Dead Island 2 showing off the first gameplay
from Yager's upcoming continuation of Techland's zombie series, along with a
batch of new
screenshots from the game. The trailer is accompanied by the following
caution: "Warning, there's plenty of bloody melee mixed with vibrant
sunshine-filled skies in this trailer featuring a zombie-filled California
paradise." Continue here to read the full story.
Publisher BANDAI NAMCO and developer Slightly Mad Studios unveil a preorder
plan for Project CARS along with details on a limited edition of the racing game
that will come in a steel case, a behind-the-scenes book, and exclusive in-game
content, and there are also limited-run cars to be had for preordering. There
are details on the LE and preorders on
the game's official
website where they have
this trailer illustrating
the news. Continue here to read the full story.
Kalypso Media announces Grand Ages: Medieval, a real-time strategy game
in development at Gaming Minds for release on Windows next year. They plan on
showing off more of this at Gamescom this week in
Germany, but an official website
is already online with an
announcement teaser
trailer. Word is: "Grand Ages: Medieval takes place in the High Middle Ages
while Europe is in a period of huge change and rapid population growth. New
frontiers are being explored and as the head of a small settlement it is up to
you to lead your people from its beginnings as a small society and advance it
through the years as you build it into an empire. Plot your conquests on a game
map consisting of 30 million square kilometres; or decide where to found new
cities and strategically defend key territories. Lead your people to greatness
by raising an army, building a network of trade routes and getting the advantage
over rival states by developing superior technology through research." Here's
more: It is the year 1050 AD. At the beginning of the High Middle Ages
development in Europe has seen an unprecedented level of progress and a rapidly
growing population spreads across the length and breadth of the continent. New
frontiers are explored, settlements founded and vast trading routes established.
As the head of one of these small settlements, it falls upon you to lead your
people towards greatness. Explore a vast world, gather resources, encounter
other societies and use your trading expertise to expand and make your fortune.
Found new cities, progress your nation with inventive technology and protect
your trade routes against barbarian attacks until you are powerful enough to
begin your conquest over Europe and forge a bold new empire.
Grand Ages: Medieval is a real-time strategy game from Gaming Minds. Lead
your people and advance through the decades by utilising construction, research,
expansion and conquest in an area extending from Scandinavia and North Africa;
to Portugal, the Caucasus and the Middle East. Rise from the humble role of a
simple mayor governing a small settlement and rule over all of Europe.
Experience an exciting campaign with elaborately designed cut-scenes, play by
your own rules in free play or test your skills in multiplayer against up to 8
players!
Continue here to read the full story.
Swedish developer Night Node announces the release of
Orbital Gear for Windows, OS X, and
Linux on Steam and other
digital distributors. A
recent launch trailer offers a look at the gravity defying multiplayer
shoot-em-up action this provides, and here's an explanation of what we're
seeing: Sweden based game development studio Night Node have released
their first game Orbital Gear on Steam. Orbital Gear is a fast paced shooter,
where gravity defying mechs fight each other in a multiplayer mayhem!
You slingshot yourself using the gravity of planets and try to aim your movement
towards the enemy, in an attempt to destroy their base. Once you have destroyed
enough buildings or defeated enough enemies and stolen their energy cores you
quickly manoeuvre yourself away from the enemy fire and leave the energy cores
in your main base, charging your super weapon and obliterating your opponents
once and for all!
Orbital Gear puts the players as enormous mechs, battling each other in the
orbit of celestial bodies. To stay alive you need to defeat your opponents, thus
receiving their energy cores; healing you and recharging your weapons.
Continue here to read the full story.
Monogon Games offers a new gameplay video
from Interloper to fill in some of the details omitted in the
recent announcement of Interloper, their
upcoming Windows, OS X, and Linux real-time strategy game. They also provide a little release info, saying they expect
to enter open beta testing in autumn. Here's word on this video and the next
one: "This gameplay video only explains the game’s basic mechanics. The next
video will be an entire match with commentary, explaining in fine detail what
happens during a battle and what strategies can be applied to outwit your
opponent." Continue here to read the full story.
Arcen Games announces the upcoming launch of version 8.0 of AI War on August
18th, which will include the sixth expansion for the RTS game, which is titled
AI War: Destroyer of Worlds. They point to
a product section for the
expansion, and though this is returning an error at the moment, it will probably
be sorted out soon enough. Word is that in addition to the expansion that this
will mark the launch of Linux support for the game. They celebrate the news with
a new trailer
showing off the new expansion.
Note: This post was originally from Friday, but an error in formatting hid it
within the video link for a different story. Thanks to Ant for alerting us to
the error to allow us a second chance to get this right. Continue here to read the full story.
The charts detailing the bestselling games in the U.K. for the week ending
August 9th are now available through GfK Chart-Track. The Elder Scrolls
Online retains the top spot on the
full-priced PC games chart where the only new item is GRID Autosport,
which re-enters at #19. The Last of Us: Remastered remains master of its
domain on the
all platforms chart, where Ultra Street Fighter IV debuts at number
15. Here's their summary
of all the action: With little in the way of new releases, ‘The Last of
Us: Remastered’ (-55%) easily holds on to the No1 crown for a second week.
The Top 3 are all unchanged with ‘Watch Dogs’ (-14%) and ‘FIFA 14’ (-19%) still
holding at No2 and No3 respectively. Retailer promotions for ‘GTA V’ (+37%)
propel it six places to No4 its highest position since the end of October last
year. ‘Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition’ (-2%) remains at No5 while ‘The Lego Movie
Videogame’ (-10%) slips two places to No6. ‘Minecraft: Playstation 3 Edition’
(-7%) also slides a place to No7. ‘Call of Duty: Ghosts’ (-2%), ‘Battlefield 4’
(-8%) and ‘Sniper Elite 3’ (-25%) round off the Top 10 this week.
The sole new release breaking into the Top 40 this week is Capcom’s ‘Ultra
Street Fighter IV’ landing at No15. ‘The Last of Us’ (+73%) also makes a second
appearance in our Top 40 this week with the original PS3 version climbing to
No24.
Gamescom
(aka GamesCom and gamescom) gets underway this week, so expect early
announcements related to the German trade show (like the Grand Ages: Medieval
reveal) to begin today. There will be presentations tomorrow, the show begins
Wednesday, and the public will be granted entrance on Thursday.
A note from Mynx reminds me that it's two years ago today that
Paul Steed died. It does not seem that long, and
the passage of time is not making this any easier to reconcile. He would have no
tolerance for feeling bad about this, which was just one of the ways he was such
a cool dude. R.I.P. Paul.
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