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Archived News:
Steam now offers a free
prize pack as part of the ongoing
Make War Not Love 3
promotion that will eventually unlock even more freebies. This includes six
titles that are all free for the time being, representing a $34.44 value. These
are: Golden Axe,
Hell Yeah! Pimp My Rabbit
Pack, Hell Yeah! Virtual
Rabbit Missions, Hell
Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit,
Jet Set Radio, and
Sega Classics (though
that last link seems broken). Word is: "Go to any of the following pages and
click "Install Game" to add all of the games in this package to your account.
You will only need to do this once."
Bethesda.net has details on three upcoming new DLC packs coming for
Fallout 4, and say they have plans for even more releases coming to the RPG
sequel through the rest of the year, including a number of free releases. As a
result of their expanded plans for expansions, they will be raising the price of
a season's pass for the game from $29.99 USD/£24.99/$49.95 AUD to $49.99
USD/£39.99/$79.95 AUD, offering advance warning, as the increase won't take
effect until March 1st. They are also
accepting signups from those interested in beta testing the new add-ons.
Here are the details on the first three expansions: Automatron
Price: $9.99 USD | £7.99 GBP | $16.95 AUD
Release: March 2016
The mysterious Mechanist has unleashed a horde of evil robots into the
Commonwealth, including the devious Robobrain. Hunt them down and harvest their
parts to build and mod your own custom robot companions. Choose from hundreds of
mods; mixing limbs, armor, abilities, and weapons like the all-new lightning
chain gun. Even customize their paint schemes and choose their voices!
Wasteland Workshop
Price: $4.99 USD | £3.99 GBP | $7.95 AUD
Release: April 2016
With the Wasteland Workshop, design and set cages to capture live creatures –
from raiders to Deathclaws! Tame them or have them face off in battle, even
against your fellow settlers. The Wasteland Workshop also includes a suite of
new design options for your settlements like nixie tube lighting, letter kits,
taxidermy and more!
Far Harbor
Price: $24.99 USD | £19.99 GBP | $39.95 AUD
Release: May 2016
A new case from Valentine’s Detective Agency leads you on a search for a young
woman and a secret colony of synths. Travel off the coast of Maine to the
mysterious island of Far Harbor, where higher levels of radiation have created a
more feral world. Navigate through the growing conflict between the synths, the
Children of Atom, and the local townspeople. Will you work towards bringing
peace to Far Harbor, and at what cost? Far Harbor features the largest landmass
for an add-on that we’ve ever created, filled with new faction quests,
settlements, lethal creatures and dungeons. Become more powerful with new,
higher-level armor and weapons. The choices are all yours.
Rebellion announces that Battlezone 98 Redux is the title of their recently
announced Battlezone remake, saying this will be released on Steam this
spring (fall for those down under). They celebrate the news with
this trailer showing
off the high definition visuals in the action/strategy remake. Here's word: Independent
UK developer and publisher Rebellion has revealed the name, gameplay and launch
window for its much anticipated remaster of Battlezone (1998) - one of the
greatest sci-fi strategy titles ever made.
Launching on Steam for PC this Spring, Battlezone 98 Redux keeps the core rush
of first-person action and RTS gameplay that earned widespread critical acclaim,
and blends it with remastered visuals, online multiplayer and the potential for
near limitless new content with support for Steam Workshop mods.
Made by devs from the original Battlezone (1998)
Battlezone (1998)’s revolutionary gameplay fostered a community so strong they
continue to develop mods for the game to this day.
To ensure Battlezone 98 Redux remained faithful to the community, Rebellion
enlisted the developers at Big Boat Interactive, who include three developers
from the 1998 Battlezone game and played a key part in keeping the community
alive for 18 years.
Continue here to read the full story.
Developer Obsidian Entertainment and publisher Paradox Interactive have released
The White March - Part 2 for Pillars of Eternity, saying the final
chapter in the RPG created with the assistance of a record crowdfunding campaign
is available on the
Paradox website. The expansion is on display in
this trailer, and
there are details in their announcement: Obsidian Entertainment and
Paradox Interactive today released the second part of their expansion to Pillars
of Eternity, the award-winning title backed by dedicated fans of classic
role-playing games (RPGs). The second part of the expansion, titled The White
March – Part 2, concludes the epic story of Pillars of Eternity, and brings
closure to one of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns of all time. With
both parts of the expansion now released, Obsidian Entertainment has completed
their record-setting crowdfunding campaign alongside backers who pledged
millions of dollars to create the award-winning title. The White March – Part 2
is available today on Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs from digital retailers
everywhere.
See what awaits players at the end of their journey with a launch trailer for
The White March – Part 2:
“We launched the Kickstarter campaign for what we were calling ‘Project
Eternity’ three and a half years ago. It’s surreal to think about just how much
this game has meant to us at Obsidian, and how much it’s changed us as a
developer,” said Feargus Urquhart, CEO of Obsidian Entertainment. “Working so
closely with our backer community was a major part of the process, and helped us
understand precisely what our fans wanted. Now, with Pillars of Eternity winning
awards and standing as one of the biggest RPG releases of 2015, I’m proud to say
we fulfilled our promise to our backers, and then some. Best of all, we’ve got
plenty more stories we plan to tell within the world of Pillars of Eternity.”
Pillars of Eternity, created by industry veterans also known for Star Wars:
Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords, Fallout: New Vegas, and South
Park: The Stick of Truth, is an RPG inspired by classic titles such as Baldur’s
Gate, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment. Created thanks to over 75,000
crowdfunding backers, Pillars of Eternity has sold over 700,000 units, was
released to critical acclaim in March 2015, and is among Metacritic’s 10 Best PC
Games of 2015.
Continue here to read the full story.
Gurgamoth is now available
on Steam
offering a multiplayer aerial brawler for Windows, OS X, and Linux from Indies
Workshop (a collaboration between Indie Megabooth and 17-BIT). This two- to
four-player game is local
multiplayer only, requires a controller, and emphasizes quick reactions and
player skill. The launch
trailer shows things off, and here's word: "Gurgamoth is a fast and furious
aerial fighting game where the level is your weapon. Matches are as quick as
they are bloody, revolving around intense flying combat, quick reaction times,
juking, getting in your opponent's head, and your will to serve ancient
evil." Continue here to read the full story.
IGN reports by way of
IGN Germany that Bethesda has successfully appealed the ruling by the
Federal Department for Media Harmful to Minors (BPjM) restricting the sale of
Fallout 3 in Germany, noting that such applications are rarely granted. "In
the case of Fallout 3 the request for de-listing was granted even though only
seven years passed since the game was banned," the BPjM said in a statement.
"The Big Council decided at its meeting on February, 4th that Fallout 3 will be
removed from the list because its content is no longer classified as harmful to
minors from today's perspective." They say that there may be an ulterior motive
for this, speculating that an announcement of an HD remake of the RPG for
consoles may be coming. Thanks
MCV.
- Fire on Steam.
Save 66%.
- Into the Stars on
Steam. Save 33%
during last week of early access.
- Pillars of Eternity on
Steam. Save 50%.
- Victor Vran ARPG on
Steam. Save 66%.
Activision now offers a new Call of Duty: Black Ops III Multiplayer Starter
Pack on Steam for
those who want to experience the multiplayer aspects of the military shooter
sequel. For those who enjoy themselves and want to dip their toes into the
single-player campaign, they provide a way to upgrade to the full game at a
later time. Here's exactly what this does and does not include: Steam
fans looking to get a first taste of Call of Duty® multiplayer can now purchase
the Call of Duty®: Black Ops III Multiplayer Starter Pack for PC. Available now
exclusively on Steam for a limited time (Feb. 16-Feb. 29), the Starter Pack
offers access to public ranked multiplayer matches and game features, including
Weapon Paint Shop, Gunsmith, Arena, Freerun, Theater and the Black Market. This
Multiplayer-only version of the game is available for $14.99 USD. The Call of
Duty: Black Ops III Multiplayer Starter Pack for PC is a great way for Steam
fans to take the first step toward experiencing ranked multiplayer gameplay. The
multiplayer focused Starter Pack for PC does not feature full game content.
For the complete Call of Duty: Black Ops III experience, players can upgrade to
the full PC version of the game at any time. The price paid for the Starter Pack
will be automatically deducted from the price of the full game or Digital Deluxe
Edition.
For the latest intel on Black Ops III, visit: www.callofduty.com,
www.youtube.com/callofduty or follow @CallofDuty, and @Treyarch on Twitter,
Instagram and Facebook. Call of Duty: Black Ops III is rated M for Mature with
Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence and Strong Language.
Features NOT included in the Multiplayer Starter Pack:
- Zombies game mode
- Campaign game mode
- Ability to play in Multiplayer custom games
- Ability to Prestige (your level will be capped at
55 in the Starter Pack)
- Access to mod tools or modded content (once
released)
- Access to unranked server browser (once released)
- Ability to Fresh Start your profile
- The ability to access Dead Ops Arcade II and
Nightmares mode
Frontier Developments announces the launch of Elite Dangerous Arena, a
standalone part of the space combat game that emphasizes dogfighting.
This trailer shows
this off, and the announcement has all the details, including how the price of
this game will be deducted from the cost of the full game if owners decide to
upgrade: Elite Dangerous: Arena thrusts players into first-person dogfights against
the galaxy’s greatest pilots in stunning 3D space arenas. With easy to pick-up
controls that quickly reveal incredible depth, Elite Dangerous: Arena is a new
way to engage in fast-paced PVP action against players from around the world for
just £4.99 ($7.49, €6.75, 375 RUB).
Elite Dangerous: Arena brings Elite Dangerous’ Close Quarter Combat (CQC) PVP
game to players as a standalone release, featuring full cross-compatibility with
the large and growing Elite Dangerous player community.
CQC is the ultimate 34th century gladiatorial contest between starship pilots,
featuring:
- Four agile, combat-honed space ships. Choose from
the fast and aggressive Federal and Imperial Fighters, the damage-dealing
Eagle or the heavyweight Sidewinder.
- Multiple tactical options with custom loadouts
unlocked by ranking up.
- Four Arenas: Elevate’s towering view, Cluster
Compound’s mining facility, Asteria Point’s cavernous space station and Ice
Field’s frozen asteroid belt.
- Eight-player Free for All, Team Deathmatch and
Capture the Flag game modes.
- Realistic, agile starship handling powered by
Elite Dangerous’ advanced simulation technology.
“Elite Dangerous: Arena is a different kind of multi-player shooter, offering
competitive gamers the chance to jump into thrilling space combat and challenge
the world.” Frontier CEO David Braben said. “We showcase CQC to players at
events around the world, and it’s a hit wherever it’s played.”
All Elite Dangerous: Arena and Elite Dangerous CQC players are eligible to enter
Frontier’s $100,000 Close Quarter Combat Championships tournament. Selection
will take place over a series of heats in the spring and summer, and heat
winners will receive an invite to the grand final to be held at a secret
location and livestreamed online later this year.
Continue here to read the full story.
A new patch is now available for Rocket League, updating the motorized
footie game to version 1.12 (thanks
PC
Gamer). There are
complete patch notes on the official website explaining that among other
things, this implements bans for players who have altered their local game
files: CHANGES AND UPDATES
Online
- Implemented automatic timed matchmaking ban system
associated with players who delete content from their game files to avoid
competitive matchmaking in certain arenas.
BUG FIXES
- Skill Rating calculation has been fixed on the
League Rankings screen and now accurately reflects your MMR
- Fixed an issue that caused the Ranked Reconnect
popup to appear improperly during gameplay
- Fixed an issue that caused players to lose input
in the Muting menu
- Competitive games are now properly labeled on the
in-game score card
- Players will no longer incorrectly appear to be in
a party on the scoreboard
- Fixed an issue that allowed Ballcam to be
enabled/disabled erroneously in the post game screen
- (PS4) Players can once again view their old replay
files
- (PS4) Text Chat keybinding has returned to the
Controls menu
- (PC) Fixed an issue that displayed party members
cars incorrectly in the main menu
- (PC) Fixed an issue with how the Max FPS slider
capped frame rate
- (PC) Fixed an issue causing users with large Steam
Friend Lists to experience graphical hitches
Capcom announces the release of Street Fighter V, saying the new installment in
their fighting series is now available for Windows and PlayStation 4. One aspect
of this that should be noted is that the game in its current state basically
requires getting it to run at 60 fps, as
outlined in this video
and
this article.
Here's the recently released
CG trailer for the
game, and here's word on the release, cross-platform support, and how there will
be no additional purchases involved beyond buying the game: Capcom, a
leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced the
release of Street Fighter® V exclusively for the PlayStation®4 computer
entertainment system and Windows PC. Through a strategic partnership between
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Capcom, the latest game in the renowned
series offers cross-platform play that unites Street Fighter® fans into a
unified player base for the first time ever. In North America, the game is
currently available physically and digitally on PlayStation 4 and as a digital
download on Windows PC for MSRP $59.99. European consumers can purchase both
platform releases at retail and digitally. For European pricing, please check
local retailers.
The legendary fighting franchise returns today with Street Fighter V! Stunning
visuals depict the next generation of World Warriors in unprecedented detail,
while exciting and accessible battle mechanics deliver endless fighting fun that
both beginners and veterans can enjoy. Challenge friends online, or compete for
fame and glory on the Capcom Pro Tour.
The initial Street Fighter V purchase will be the only one that consumers need
to make to ensure they always have the most up to date version of the title. A
cinematic story expansion will be released in June 2016 as a free update and
over the course of 2016 (and beyond) further gameplay content, costumes, new
challenges and balance system updates will continually be made available to all
players. For the first time in Street Fighter history, all of the post launch
gameplay content will be earnable completely free of charge through completing
various in-game challenges and receiving earned in-game currency, called Fight
Money. For those who just can’t wait to unlock each piece of new content,
content can also be obtained instantly using purchased in-game currency, called
Zenny.
The first of the 2016 content updates will come in March, when the in-game store
opens and adds a new World Warrior to the roster – Alex. Players who have played
through the majority of the single player content at launch will have earned
enough in-game Fight Money to be able to add Alex to their Street Fighter V
rosters for no additional cost.
Continue here to read the full story.
A
Kickstarter update from Revival Productions has word on plans to add a
multiplayer expansion to OVERLOAD, the six-degree-of-freedom shooter
proposed by these former Descent developers (thanks Alex). This will be free to
all backers if the campaign succeeds. Here are the details: Due to
overwhelming demand, we are now committing (if the Kickstarter makes it) to
making a MULTIPLAYER EXPANSION for Overload. We always wanted to have
multiplayer and believed we would eventually, but we did not feel comfortable
making a public commitment to it. It's too easy for something like multiplayer
to blow up the schedule and adversely affect the single player game. We want to
hit our single player date with a great game.
So, here's our plan: We will deliver the single player game in March, 2017. If
the Kickstarter campaign is successful, we will deliver multiplayer as an
expansion sometime after that (likely 6-8 months). Everyone who backs the
campaign at the DIGITAL EDITION reward level and above will receive a free copy
of the multiplayer expansion. We are not sure on the scope, but it will include
the competitive modes and key features that kept Descent going for over 20
years.
ZHEROS is now available
on Steam, offering a
Windows fighting game that want to follow in the footsteps of its forebears. The
game is 20% off for the first week, and here's an outline of what to expect: Save
the galaxy and kick some ass today from the comfort of your PC as Rimlight
Studios’ quirky 3D beat ‘em up title, ZHEROS, is now available on Steam. Already
available on Xbox One, ZHEROS features high-energy sci-fi action, a quirky sense
of humor and a hell of a lot of ass kicking as players fight against Dr.
Vendetta’s robotic army as he attempts to turn every living creature into an
army of bad-tempered weirdo minions. The PC version of the game features
polished 3D graphics, two new soundtracks, lots of punching and, of course,
hi-tech weapons for any enemies that are slightly out of arm’s
reach.
Continue here to read the full story.
Khronos Group has released the specifications for Vulkan 1.0, paving the way for
games utilizing this next-generation successor to OpenGL. An
update on the GeForce website explains what this means for NVIDIA owners,
and an
AMD update has similar details for Radeon owners. The techies at
AnandTech
have all the details on this and how the project benefited from AMD's donation
of their Mantle code, and how this is the first "hard" API launch in their
history, saying: "Along with the release of the specification itself, today will
also mark the launch of document, drivers, SDKs, conformance tests, and even
beta software support." Here's word on why OpenGL needed replacing: As
for the API itself, Khronos’s goals are unchanged. Vulkan will be the low-level,
low overhead successor to OpenGL, as low-level APIs have become increasingly
important over the past few years. By implementing such a model, Vulkan gains
abilities that OpenGL never could, not the least of which is the ability for
multiple threads/cores to dispatch graphics work, a scenario that maps far
better to modern multi-core CPUs. This also gives Khronos’s now flagship
graphics API the chance to promote compute to a first class citizen within the
graphics API, introducing support for separated graphics and compute queues
(think: async shading). And though we’re still some time off from widescale
adoption, Khronos will also be setting up Vulkan as their preferred API for
virtual reality, as the lower overhead from the API (and lack of mandatory state
validation and error handling) will cut down on API latency as compared to
OpenGL.
-
PataNoir -- Steam Greenlight. "PataNoir is a homage to the classic
stories of hard-boiled private investigators with a knack for describing
everything with complex similes and metaphors. In PataNoir, you solve
problems by manipulating the hard-boiled metaphors used by the main
character to make sense of the world in which he lives."
- BattleBull Combat Gaming Chair on
TweakTown.
- Corsair STRAFE RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (Cherry MX Silent)
on
Mad Shrimps.
- Cougar 450K Gaming Keyboard on
ThinkComputers.org.
- Diamond GameCaster HD GC2000 Video Capture Device on
Gaming Nexus.
- Huntkey SZN507 Smart Power Strip on
Tech ARP.
- MSI Z170A Xpower Gaming Titanium Edition Motherboard on
Mad Shrimps.
- NVIDIA Shield 4K Android TV on
TweakTown.
- Razer Wildcat Controller on
Vortez.
- SilverStone Strider Platinum ST75F-PT 750W PSU on
APH Networks.
- Synology RT1900ac 802.11ac Wireless Router on
TweakTown.
Our entire area is one big icy mess this morning as snow and freezing rain have
teamed up to do quite a number on us. The bad news is that I've already worn
myself out trying to shovel the mess, and what's worse, I didn't do such
a great job, as some ice remains, and there's still sleet falling. The good news
is that our wacky weather patterns continue, and it's supposed to be freakishly
warm (into the 50s Fahrenheit) in just hours, so this should all actually take
care of itself soon enough. But for those of us caught in this in the meantime,
please be careful.
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