New Games |
- Nvidia launches tool to set up graphics settings for you
- Sony introduces PlayStation Vita referral program
- Developer suggests content for possible Terraria PC patch
- Weekend PC download deals: Chivalry, THQ, Rebellion
- SCEA confirms layoffs at PlayStation All-Stars developer
- Darksiders IS Zelda, and here's the proof
- New and improved No Time To Explain hits Steam
- The Network Roundup: JJ Binks
- GTA: Vice City coming to PlayStation Network next week
- Deathmatch comes to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
- Review: ROCCAT Isku FX
- DayZ Standalone blog update has fresh screenshots
| Nvidia launches tool to set up graphics settings for you Posted: 25 Jan 2013 02:30 PM PST Nvidia launched a new application into beta called GeForce Experience. This handy tool will scan your computer for installed games, including stuff from services like Steam, and optimize the graphics settings for you. These optimized settings are grabbed from Nvidia's servers and are based on your monitor resolution, CPU, and GPU. Nvidia knows that people don't want to spend an eternity fiddling around with things like ambient occlusion, anisotropic filtering, tessellation, and all kinds of other things that use made-up words that only game designers and enthusiasts understand. And I for one don't want to waste an afternoon reading about the difference of FXAA and MSAA anti-aliasing. I downloaded the tool to check it out, and while the games supported right now are limited, I'm impressed with what's in the beta. I tested it out with Skyrim and it showed me what the optimal settings would be. These weren't too different from what I had, but it did suggest to turn some options up while lowering other settings. I clicked the big green optimize button and it fixed my in-game settings. I didn't have to launch the game or anything. It somehow just did it for me. Skyrim ran smoothly and it looked awesome. These optimal settings will rely on game performance data collected by the program. This means that over time, it will be better at recommending settings for more hardware configurations. The target goal for performance is 40 frames per second, but if your machine can't handle that, it will try and get it as high as it can. The other major thing this software does is check to see if you have the latest Nvidia drivers installed. It's possible to download and update the driver right from inside the app, and it will even give you a desktop notification when one becomes available. |
| Sony introduces PlayStation Vita referral program Posted: 25 Jan 2013 02:00 PM PST Sony has opened up a referral program in which US residents can register and refer their friends, and for each successful PlayStation Vita purchase, they'll receive a $20 PlayStation Network card and 1,000 Sony Rewards points (valued at $10). Up to 10 completed referrals can be made, and those referred will also get a $20 PSN Card for their friendly efforts. Additionally, the person who convinces the most people to buy the handheld system will win one million Sony Rewards points ($10,000 value). This could get out of hand. If I were a more cynical person, I'd be looking at this initiative in an entirely different light, given the sales of the Vita thus far. One of you commenters can do the job for me, if someone's got to say it outright, but really, the writing is on the wall. [Via NeoGAF] |
| Developer suggests content for possible Terraria PC patch Posted: 25 Jan 2013 01:30 PM PST A while back, it was announced that Terraria would be coming out on consoles and that there wouldn't be any further updates for the PC version of the game. This made a lot of people rather upset. Now the developer, Andrew Spinks, is on the game's forums asking what people might want in another update for the PC: "Okay, let me pose a hypothetical. Say I am considering doing an update for the PC version of Terraria... In the event that such a thing were to take place, what would be some things that you would be interested in seeing?" This is potentially very good news indeed. I'd like to see the new console content added into the PC version of the game, especially the four-player splitscreen. What would you like to see? He has since tweeted "Night 1...Bug fix. ;)" |
| Weekend PC download deals: Chivalry, THQ, Rebellion Posted: 25 Jan 2013 01:00 PM PST If various (not quite) historically accurate, strategy games are your bag, then you'll like the offers GamersGate has this weekend. There's 75% off the price of King Arthur: The Role-Playing Wargame and The Guild series of trading titles. If strategy games are your thing, then check out GOG.com's Rebellion promo where you can get classics like Evil Genius and Empire Earth for as little as $2.39. Still on the historical angle, multiplayer gem Chivalry: Medieval Warfare is free to play on Steam this weekend and also cut to half price. Also reduced to half price is the very excellent Hotline Miami. Steam has a Square Enix sale as well with daily deals all weekend; right now, you can get 75% off games in the Tomb Raider franchise. Elsewhere, GreenManGaming is offering 75% off the price of the Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection. Amazon.com still has the great value THQ bundle I mentioned last week as well as Max Payne reduced to $14.99. Origin is having a big sale reducing some great titles to less than £5 or $5; Bastion, Burnout Paradise, Alan Wake, and Dragon Age: Origins are all on offer. As always folks, if you find some great PC download deals this weekend, post them in the comments and have a good one. |
| SCEA confirms layoffs at PlayStation All-Stars developer Posted: 25 Jan 2013 12:30 PM PST Last I heard about PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale developer SuperBot Entertainment, the studio was hiring; that's the kind of story we like to see. Lately, however, it's been less cheerful. It seems SuperBot has been hit with layoffs, as made public on Twitter by Insomniac Games' Mike Birkhead and later confirmed with Sony Computer Entertainment America. "SCEA can confirm that SuperBot Entertainment did make a reduction in their workforce today," begins a statement sent to Polygon. "The studio and SCEA remain committed to supporting PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale post launch, including developing the title's forthcoming DLC releases in the coming months. The first character pack (including Kat from Gravity Rush and Emmett Graves from Starhawk) will be available for download on Feb. 12 and will be free for the first two weeks. We'll be sharing news of additional upcoming content soon." While it's not clear how widespread the layoffs were, Birkhead has suggested that somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 people were affected. SCEA has not yet commented on the accuracy of this number. As unfortunate as it is to hear about folks losing their jobs, the connected nature of the industry and its willingness to scoop up new staff warms the heart. Best of luck! SCEA confirms layoffs at PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale developer SuperBot Entertainment [Polygon] |
| Darksiders IS Zelda, and here's the proof Posted: 25 Jan 2013 12:00 PM PST That the Darksiders games take more than a few cues from The Legend of Zelda -- and may possibly surpass it -- is a secret to nobody. What we were unaware of was that developer Vigil Games always had intentions of supplanting the legendary Nintendo franchise; it was when Darksiders II was released for the Wii U that Vigil began "Phase Two." Over on Facebook, Vigil's art team shared a couple of art pieces in which Link and Fi have been removed from the Skyward Sword cover, replaced by Death and War respectively. If left unchecked, the entire Zelda universe would have fallen under the might of the Horsemen! Seriously though, these are pretty badass. Even as we lament Vigil's shuttering, it's nice to see that the boys are still actively engaging the fan community. Very classy. [via Darksiders Dungeon] (Thanks for the tip, Mases!) |
| New and improved No Time To Explain hits Steam Posted: 25 Jan 2013 11:45 AM PST It pained me to come down hard on No Time To Explain back in my review last year, but some design issues and bugs left me no choice. The silly time-traveling platformer has since been Greenlit on Steam, and released -- it's available for $7.49, which is 25 percent off the regular price, through the end of the month. I was hesitant, but it sounds as if this release is a considerable step up from what I originally played. According to developer tiny Build GAMES, getting on Steam required the team to essentially rewrite No Time To Explain. The end result should mean less bugs overall and more content, including: "real full-screen, performance improvements, reworked levels, more options, etc. The game has 10 unique worlds and over 100 levels, an original (and awesome) soundtrack and a character that's in constant agonizing pain." A quick trip to the Steam forums indicates that some players are still experiencing issues, so don't go in expecting a perfectly polished product here. I've played the first few areas and am thankful it's gotten to where it is, even if there's work left to be done. |
| Posted: 25 Jan 2013 11:30 AM PST So, how many of you are excited about JJ Abrams taking the helm of the next Star Wars movie? Since it was announced that Disney acquired the Lucas Films property, rumors have been spinning around to who would take over the beloved franchise. At this time, rumors all point to Mr. Bad Robot himself, JJ Abrams. First off, I should admit that I'm a huge Abrams fangirl, and believe almost everything he has touched is pretty amazing. Second, I absolutely did not enjoy any of the last three Star Wars entries. There was that moment where Darth Maul was flipping around that got me hyped, but that was pretty much it. I'm excited about the hand off. If the franchise had to continue on, I'm glad Lucas has nothing to do with it. Will Abrams pan out? Or, will this disappear like your pre-order of Ni No Kuni? Japanator
Flixist
Tomopop
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| GTA: Vice City coming to PlayStation Network next week Posted: 25 Jan 2013 11:15 AM PST With Grand Theft Auto III and San Andreas already available on the PlayStation Network, it wouldn't make much sense for Rockstar to not eventually put out Vice City too, especially with many regarding it as the best GTA. Well, it's happening. Confirmed by Rockstar, Vice City will be launching on PSN as part of its PS2 Classics collection on January 29 in North America for $9.99 and January 30 in Europe for £7.99/ €9.99. And if you, like me, have been wondering if there are any plans to have this put on the Xbox Live Marketplace, prepare for some not-so-good news; responding to a comment, a Rockstar official stated that there are "no plans to make the game available on the XBL Marketplace. This is due to compatibility issues and other technical limitations." Rockstar also said to look out for "more classic Rockstar titles coming for download to PSN in the weeks and months ahead." Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Coming to PSN Next Week [Rockstar Games] |
| Deathmatch comes to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Posted: 25 Jan 2013 11:00 AM PST Good news, everyone! A new patch has come out on PC for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive adding a deathmatch mode as well as the usual weapon balances and bug fixes. Deathmatch will be available for matchmaking and offline play. Along with this new gameplay mode, a private beta has been launched for a Map Workshop. This will allow users to submit their custom maps for others to download and enjoy on Steam. Valve is looking for map creators to participate in this beta, and the information on how to get involved is available in the patch notes. |
| Posted: 25 Jan 2013 10:45 AM PST Remember when I reviewed the ROCCAT Isku? Well, the company has turned out another model, the Isku FX, which is essentially the same keyboard, except the keys can now change colors. While there are some other small things included for the slightly increased price, I set out to see if the FX was worth it over the regular Isku. In a nutshell, the ROCCAT Isku FX is no different than the Isku except for the multi-colored keys. To be honest, when I finally saw the box, it seemed like the keyboard was split into three different "zones" that you could pick to change the color as shown in the image below. Sadly, that was not the case, and I found that out pretty quickly after browsing through the familiar-looking control interface. Overview Similar to the Isku, the FX sadly isn't a mechanical keyboard and falls with the rest of those high-quality dome keyboards we love so much. Just like the Isku though, the FX also has a pretty awesome wrist rest, five programmable macro keys, on-the-fly macro recording, EasyShift, and ROCCAT Talk technology to boot. I also want to mention just a small feature that I thank every day: there's a small bump (like the F and J keys) on the W key for your WASD games or QWER, if you play a lot of League of Legends. Being able to find your key orientation instantly without having to look down is a stroke of brilliance that's saved me countless times. Yes, I know ROCCAT isn't the first company to implement this, but it's still appreciated by this gamer nevertheless. ROCCAT Isku price: $89.99 ROCCAT Isku FX price: $99.99 Let's talk more about the keys So the biggest difference between the Isku and the FX is definitely the keys, and might actually almost justify the ten-dollar increase in price. One of the problems I had with the Isku's keys originally was that when the key illumination was turned off, you had some serious trouble seeing the letters on the keyboard since they were made transparent in order to let the light through. Here's where the FX really shines (or doesn't). When the illumination is set to "off," the letters are just as visible as a keyboard without illumination. I don't really ever take advantage of this, but it's still an improvement over the old design. Moving onto the multi-color function of the keys! ROCCAT claims there are something like 16.8 million colors you can choose between to light your keys. While it's true that you can change the shade by a little bit depending on what color you're going for, it often just snaps to another color when it gets to the "sweet spot." If we're talking about the more realistic amount of colors, I would say there are maybe twenty distinct colors to choose from -- not a bad selection, if I may say so myself. The keys are beautifully lit, given that some of the colors look better than others. One thing that does bother me is that the profile, thumbster, and num-lock lights are the default blue and don't change with the rest of the lights. This sometimes creates some color conflicts depending on what color is currently on the main keys. Software is simple, nice, and familiar The software has the same layout as most of the other ROCCAT products we've looked at so far. It's extremely good software that thoroughly goes through every part of the customization in a clean-cut way. I do have to mention a new addition they recently added, however: a trophy system. It seems to give you trophies when you reach different objectives like a certain amount of keystrokes or whatnot. It has potential in theory, but in practice, the ROCCAT voice seems to randomly turn up, shouting random things at you. It certainly freaked me out, and isn't something you want when you're in a clutch moment in a game. You can, as always, turn it off. It's just the matter of remembering to do so for every profile you make, which tends to be annoying (especially if you make a new profile for every game you play). Bottom Line Is the FX worth the extra $10 over the Isku (or even other keyboards)? I'm going to have to say no, because the new keys simply aren't worth the additional cost. Even beyond the fact that both keyboards are oddly expensive for not being mechanical, I feel that it might have been smarter to just re-release the Isku to include multicolored key lighting instead of making an even more expensive version. That being said, the new keys are pretty nice and might be worth it for you if you like the power of the rainbow enough. As for me? If I didn't already have this keyboard, I would probably wait for the new Ryos coming out. |
| DayZ Standalone blog update has fresh screenshots Posted: 25 Jan 2013 10:30 AM PST The DayZ team has come through with another blog post on DayZ Standalone that covers a lot of ground. Visuals make up a good portion of this entry, including a number of screenshots that show off more than interior furniture. (Not to say we don't like seeing that, too!) It's worth looking at the comparison image that highlights the improvements made over the original DayZ mod. Designer Dean Hall writes that while it's unclear when Standalone will go public, saying: "We’re going to take our time. I feel fantastic about the situation, more than ever I feel like we’re doing something really interesting with this development. Now is not the time to rush things, but we do need to ensure our pace is kept up." The team has been experimenting with further character customization as it relates to social experiences in-game. "As you go along in the world, your character will change as a result of their interactions with the environment and the decisions you make, through items such as clothing choices," hints Hall. All told, it seems like things are coming together nicely. It's starting to feel like it, from the sound of these blog posts. |
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