New Games

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• Shining Resonance is an upcoming RPG from the developer of Wild Arms
• Left 4 Dead: Survivors gameplay trailer looks just like Left 4 Dead
• Ain't no party like a SpyParty
• Watch Lindsey Stirling's 'Shatter Me' video, inspired by Child of Light
• This Week in Chiptune features a Bravely Default remix album
• Interceptor Entertainment forgoes Duke Nukem for femme fatale Bombshell
• Here's Bruce Lee kicking ass in EA Sports UFC
• One of the year's prettiest games is now on Android
• Conception II is now available for Vita in Europe, coming May 15 for 3DS
• Gears of War studio Black Tusk hosting Q&A stream tomorrow
• No Wave is a point-and-click game set in NY's music scene
• 'The Canyon' is the next free Killzone: Shadow Fall map, out today
• Action Henk hitting Steam Early Access on June 18
• Sony expects to sell 17 million PlayStations this year
• This working Pip-Boy 3000 was created for astronauts, but you could use it too
• There are like 100 games on sale on the European PlayStation Store
• 3DS titles sweeping Japanese weekly sales chart ending May 11
• Awesomenauts adds Sentry X-58 and replays
• Pick up a 2DS now through May 17 for just $99
• DayZ developer's servers hacked, source code possibly stolen
• Take-Two 'in growth mode,' CEO open to buying more studios
• Another Persona 3 The Movie #2 trailer? Alright, sure
• Creating a character in The Sims 4 is easier than ever
• Development on The Witness is coming along nicely
• PC Port Report: BattleBlock Theater
• Celebrate Super Time Force's launch with A TON OF GIFS!
• Harmonix on why it needs Kickstarter to fund Amplitude
• Review: Ether One
• Microsoft gives three month window for Xbox Live Gold refunds
• NPD: Three out of four US gamers prefer physical games
• WildStar's raids sound pretty incredible if you're dedicated enough
• SUPERHOT launches on Kickstarter for a full-fledged release
• CD Projekt: Witcher 3 may run better on PS4, but it's more of a 'PR differentiation'
• Nintendo 3DS gets mobile phone tethering in Japan
• Valiant Hearts: The Great War is haunting
• The Mortal Kombat movie collection is now on Blu-Ray
• Check out six new clips showcasing Final Fantasy Agito
• Farm your little heart out with Farming Simulator 14
• These three Mario Kart 8 commercials are pretty awesome
• Visual novel Fault Milestone One teleporting to Steam
• Watch Tim Schafer play through Day of the Tentacle after a 10-year lull
• Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment hits Europe, Australia in July

Shining Resonance is an upcoming RPG from the developer of Wild Arms Posted: 14 May 2014 04:00 PM PDT When Sega revealed a new game in the Shining series in February, then disappointed fans everywhere by showcasing a fighting game rather than an RPG, butts were significantly hurt. Now, there may be a light on the horizon yet. According to Famitsu, Sega is developing a brand new Shining RPG known as Shining Resonance, created in conjunction with Media Vision, the dev known for the excellent Wild Arms series. The Famitsu spread revealed the first confirmed character, Kirika Towa Alma, a "Song Maiden" who wields powerful magic and is apparently the game's version of a healer. It also looks like music will play quite the large role in the game, such as harmonization with dragon and hearing "song magic" with in-game music. There's also no transitions between battles and the overworld, which sounds absolutely awesome, MMO-style. Unfortunately, there's no release date as of yet, but there's plenty of information here to whet my whistle. Stay tuned for additional info where we can get it. Are you excited for a new entry in the Shining series? Shining Resonance, a New RPG by the Developer of Wild Arms, is Revealed for PS3 [Niche Gamer]

Left 4 Dead: Survivors gameplay trailer looks just like Left 4 Dead Posted: 14 May 2014 03:00 PM PDT Remember Taito's "Project Z" and how it was revealed to simply be an arcade version of Left 4 Dead? There's finally a gameplay trailer to accompany the big announcement. It's full of zombies, broken English, and Japanese text I can't read, but one thing's for sure: it's unmistakably Left 4 Dead. Yep.  As far as how it'll actually play as an arcade version, I've yet to uncover. It looks like it's at least still set in first-person, with probable light guns to take care of the looming threat of the infected. "Survive or die," the trailer warns, as well as "run or shot." Zombie and zombie and zombies! Ah, man. I can't wait to see how this actually plays. I bet it ends up getting an awesome cabinet, too. Check out additional details at the official Japanese site, which looks as though it's detailing test locations for the upcoming arcade version. I have a feeling America won't be on that list anytime soon. Left 4 Dead: Survivors Debut Gameplay Trailer [All Games Beta]

Ain't no party like a SpyParty Posted: 14 May 2014 02:00 PM PDT In 2010, Anthony Burch explained why SpyParty, though "two years away from release," was pretty rad. Four years later and a lot of that prototype art is still in SpyParty's first trailer, though it also shows one of the final character models, which looks lovely. You can see more of the super pretty, animated character models here and an overhauled environment here. The final art is still being integrated into the game. Yes, SpyParty continues to be a long time coming, but it's such an awesome idea. As the trailer explains. the Spy's goal is to blend in with the party AI while accomplishing various, nefarious tasks. Conversely, the Sniper player has to watch the party from afar and figure out which attendee is the spy player and take them out. If you want to get into the beta, you can do so through the SpyParty website.

Watch Lindsey Stirling's 'Shatter Me' video, inspired by Child of Light Posted: 14 May 2014 02:00 PM PDT Lindsey Stirling is back with a brand new video for her single "Shatter Me," only this time she's ditching Halestorm's Lzzy Hale for a wordless instrumental version of the song set to what I can only describe as a cosplay video for Child of Light. It's pretty, I guess, though I would have rather seen bits of gameplay interspersed with the song. You know, I'm not really a Lindsey Stirling fan. I respect her for her insane violin skills, but I'm just not feeling her music or the "epic" feel she attempts to infuse the accompanying videos with. If you dig her work, though, you'll probably like to watch her traipsing through a forest looking a bit like Princess Bubblegum on a bad trip. It's a little silly, for sure.  Child of Light is available now for $14.99 and Chris thinks you should definitely try it out, so don't disappoint him.

This Week in Chiptune features a Bravely Default remix album Posted: 14 May 2014 01:45 PM PDT This Week in Chiptune is a live broadcast and podcast of new and noteworthy chiptunes. Hosted by Dj CUTMAN, TWiC is a diverse program showcasing everything from chiptune-infused EDM to minimal videogame music. Each night is centered around a group of musicians who have released music in the previous week, and no two shows sound the same. TWiC is also known for its "after parties" where guest DJs showcase their skills and debut brand-new music. Tonight TWiC will feature an after-party DJ set by Ralfington, the chiptune musician who's collaborated with CUTMAN on his new Bravely Default EP, REMIX DEFAULT (available now!). Feel like chatting with Dj CUTMAN and others? Tune in and join the chat live right now HERE. Read more...

Interceptor Entertainment forgoes Duke Nukem for femme fatale Bombshell Posted: 14 May 2014 01:00 PM PDT After an excruciatingly long countdown, Interceptor Entertainment's cheeky teaser site has been updated to reveal Bombshell, the best little non-Duke Nukem game that's actually Duke Nukem in Texas we could have asked for. The reveal trailer features a svelte beauty with a rugged mechanical arm that looks capable of transforming into several armaments -- I'm thinking rocket launcher, perhaps? Shelly "Bombshell" Harrison (Tank Girl?) is a no-nonsense Bomb Disposal Specialist turned mercenary-for-hire who's traveling across four different planets in a bid to (surprise!) rescue the president from aliens. Bombshell is an isometric action role-playing game as well, so prepare for a different sort of violence than the running and gunning you may be used to. And speaking of reveal trailers, this one actually seems a little familiar, doesn't it? Duke Nukem Forever? Ringing any bells? Duke fans and 3D Realms followers alike may remember the legal complications that came along with Interceptor Entertainment's acquisition of 3D Realms. While Interceptor picked up the rights to titles like Shadow Warrior, Rise of the Triad, and Duke Nukem, the end result of the purchase ended up covering only past Duke Nukem games rather than the rights to any future releases. In fact, it turned out that 3D Realms actually sold the rights to Duke Nukem as a franchise years ago, only for Interceptor Entertainment to announce Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction, which prompted a lawsuit from Gearbox Software for breach of contract, and a mass of other sticky matters. Things got even more complicated when 3D Realms alleged they actually retained the rights to Duke, and then all hell broke loose. The end result? Interceptor Entertainment technically can't create any future Duke Nukem releases. As a result, it looks like we're left with Bombshell, which might be a delicious mix of genres and improve on whatever Duke game we may have seen before. It's one convoluted situation, but at the very least we can look to the future and hope that this game is awesome. And so far, it looks like it will be. If the wait proves to be too much for you though, you can always go back and look at all of these nifty unused Duke assets for a rush of nostalgia. Check out the Interceptor Entertainment official reveal interview here. Read more...

Here's Bruce Lee kicking ass in EA Sports UFC Posted: 14 May 2014 12:30 PM PDT My gut reaction to hearing that Bruce Lee would be playable in EA Sports UFC was "Huh? That's a bit odd." In recent weeks, I've come around to find his inclusion to be in good fun. If you remain unconvinced, here's a video in which various UFC figures do their best to justify his virtual debut in the Octagon. It's also a good look at him in the game, something we haven't seen a whole lot of up until now. Lee is unlockable by clearing the career mode or pre-ordering.

One of the year's prettiest games is now on Android Posted: 14 May 2014 12:15 PM PDT The stunning isometric puzzle game Monument Valley has at long last come to Android following its initial well-received release on iOS. It's out as of today for $3.99. Download it here. I'm super slow when it come to iPad gaming so I haven't played Monument Valley yet. But friends have been singing its praises and I'll get to it eventually. There's been talk of a possible PS Vita version down the road since fans have demanded such a port happen. Can't blame them.

Conception II is now available for Vita in Europe, coming May 15 for 3DS Posted: 14 May 2014 12:00 PM PDT Conception II: Children of the Seven Stars, everyone's favorite baby-making simulator (not literally, calm down), is finally available for fans in Europe, with the 3DS edition coming tomorrow, May 15. If you've been hankering for a quirky Japanese game, this is the one you've been waiting for. Dale reviewed Conception II for further reference and scored it 7.5, and if you want a ringing endorsement from me, I also quite enjoyed it, because it's colorful and shiny and I am a magpie. Also, I enjoy double entendres. It's a solid RPG worth checking out, even if we won't see the original localized anytime soon. Pretty please, Atlus? Please. Seriously.

Gears of War studio Black Tusk hosting Q&A stream tomorrow Posted: 14 May 2014 11:45 AM PDT Microsoft is continuing the Gears of War franchise with Black Tusk Studios. I wasn't expecting to hear much about the new installment next month at E3 -- perhaps, at best, a teaser trailer -- but it's possible the company will be ready to talk about the project sooner than I had anticipated. Tomorrow at 5:00pm Pacific on Twitch, Black Tusk will put on a live stream with studio manager Rod Fergusson (formerly of Epic and 2K) fielding community questions. Granted, this could just be a bunch of "no comment" responses, but I'm weirdly eager to find out what direction the series will take going forward. I suppose that's what happens when you've stuck with Gears for this long. Black Tusk Studios [Twitter]

No Wave is a point-and-click game set in NY's music scene Posted: 14 May 2014 11:30 AM PDT Aside from videogames, music is my other big passion in life, whether it's just listening to it, going to gigs or reading about various bands or periods in music history. So when I got a message from the developers of No Wave, a short point-and-click adventure set in New York music scene of the very early 1980s, I was immediately intrigued. A game with early Sonic Youth, Swans, and The Boys Next Door on the soundtrack? Yes please! No Wave was created for the recent Game Dev Party game jam and it's a short adventure game that follows Jim as he descends into the wild and dangerous New York music scene. In truth, Jim is more of a danger to himself than anyone else is. Really, would you keep taking the pills that the bouncer is handing out after what happened the night before?

'The Canyon' is the next free Killzone: Shadow Fall map, out today Posted: 14 May 2014 11:15 AM PDT It's been over a couple months since the first two free multiplayer maps for Killzone: Shadow Fall dropped, so it's about high time we had another arena to play in, right? Well, have I got news for you! "The Canyon" released today and, as ever, it's absolutely free to download. The fine folks over at PlayStation also put together a nice little clip to show off "Canyon" in all its demolished glory, and it looks like it's a lot of fun. I honestly haven't played Shadow Fall in quite awhile, so I suppose free additional content is a better reason than any to jump back in.

Action Henk hitting Steam Early Access on June 18 Posted: 14 May 2014 11:00 AM PDT Look! It's Action Hank! I mean, Action Henk! Man, for a minute there I thought we were talking about Dexter's favorite action figure from Dexter's Laboratory back in the day. We're actually talking a speedrunner/platformer that's crashing into Steam Early Access on June 18. The frenetic toy-stravaganza looks to combine the best of games like Joe Danger and Trials: Evolution. Action Henk is "the most beloved action figure of all time" who's totally out of shape and wants to come back with a vengeance to prove himself. RageSquid's playful nod to those simple childhood days spent sending figures hurting through the air and through loop-de-loops will run you $9.99 and will release for PC, Mac, and Linux. Looks like there'll be plenty of opportunities for speedrunners to get their jollies in. I'll probably give it a go, too.

Sony expects to sell 17 million PlayStations this year Posted: 14 May 2014 10:45 AM PDT More money talk. Sony's also baring its numbers for the last fiscal year (April 2013-March 2014). In that time, it's managed to sell 14.6 million PlayStation consoles. That's PS3 and PS4. And what with the 7 million PS4 sales as of April, it seems Sony sold about 7 million PS3s during the last fiscal year. Of course, the PS4 was available for less than half of that fiscal year, but still some nice PS3 numbers this late in the game. Only 4.1 million sales for handhelds (Vita and PSP) is a bit more disappointing, I'm sure. Sony's sales forecast for this fiscal year (April 2014-March 2015) is actually grander. Sony expects to sell 17 million PS4s/PS3s (and only 3.5 million Vitas/PSPs). Given that the PS4 did 7 million in 6 months, it is possible, though you have to wonder when or where the PS4 might slow down. Maybe a PS3 price slash to facilitate some more sales coming from that end? It would certainly help the gaming division, which managed to post a $78 million loss despite strong PS4 sales because of an "increase in costs related to the launch of the PS4" and a $60 million write-off on Sony Online Entertainment games.

This working Pip-Boy 3000 was created for astronauts, but you could use it too Posted: 14 May 2014 10:30 AM PDT How many times while playing through Fallout 3 did you stop to wish you had your very own Pip-Boy 3000? Every five minutes? Me too. Now, we're one step closer to actually having our very own Pip-Boy, straight from the vault. During the SpaceWearables: Fashion Designer to Astronauts challenge, a group of coders under the moniker of Team Reno banded together to create their very own impressive, 3D-printable Pip-Boy 3000. Truly, we are living in the future. An iPhone 5 powers the device that runs a special app to mimic that of the Pip-Boy's iconic interface. It displays a great deal of environmental info, and the included Geiger counter measures radiation like a boss. "We wanted to make a piece of popular science fiction into a reality so we chose the Pip-Boy 3000 from the game Fallout 3," Team Reno explained. "The goal was to bring environmental sensors into an easy-to-use cuff device that could help a wearer determine if their environment is safe for navigation or helmet removal." And though the team ran out of time before they could implement a Bluetooth heart monitor for vital signs, this is still an awesome replica if I ever did see one. If you think you can do one better, Team Reno has made the project open source, with all the goodies available on GitHub and 3D print files up for grab on Thingiverse. Get out there and make an even cooler prototype! Working Pip-Boy 3000 designed for astronauts [CNET]

There are like 100 games on sale on the European PlayStation Store Posted: 14 May 2014 10:15 AM PDT "It’s May and that means… well, I don’t know what it usually means but here’s May Madness." Hah! Agreed. Just don't go the opposite route and do a No Sale November or something. Anyways, just look at the giant list of PS4, PS3, Vita, and PS1 games here. Maybe buy Okami HD and Resident Evil 4 HD and XCOM: Enemy Within (that's a real nice discount) and whatever the heck else you want.

3DS titles sweeping Japanese weekly sales chart ending May 11 Posted: 14 May 2014 10:00 AM PDT The Japanese weekly sales charts ending on May 11 reveal 14 of the top 20 spots have been overtaken by various 3DS games, including Mario Golf: World Tour, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call, and Kirby: Triple Deluxe. Yo-kai Watch dominates the chart, a 3DS RPG about a young boy named Keita who comes into possession of a magical watch that can identify ghosts. Level-5 has expressed interest in bringing this to Western gamers, having reached out to test the waters for any potential interest in the game. Given its fantastic sales in Japan, it looks like a game I'd definitely like to see over here. Style Savvy: Trendsetters, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Pokémon X/Y, and Mario Party: Island Tour also round out the rest of the 3DS titles basking in the spotlight of the top 20. There's also Fossil Fighters: Infinite Gear, which looks like a strange mixture of Digimon and dinosaurs. Has anyone played that? With such an awesome library of handheld titles for the 3DS, it's not surprising to see the weekly software sales revealing these kinds of numbers. And you should definitely play Style Savvy: Trendsetters. You need to. 3DS games dominate Japanese chart [CVG]

Awesomenauts adds Sentry X-58 and replays Posted: 14 May 2014 09:45 AM PDT It seems we only just got Penny Fox in Awesomenauts: Starstorm and now Ronimo is back with its 18th character to date, Sentry X-58. He has a risky ability that launches a black hole, dealing back damage he's taken during a short window of opportunity. That plus a teleport ability usable after not taking damage for two seconds should be a devastating combo. Also in this update, you'll find a long-awaited feature: replays. Accessible from the main menu, replays are saved automatically and represent Ronimo's initial work toward a full spectator mode. I'm not one to buy character skins, but X-58's alternate appearance looks so cool. I played a round with him and, in the right hands, he's going to be deadly. But that's normally the way with character rollouts -- start 'em off overpowered and make tweaks from there. Starstorm Report #34: Sentry Phones Home, Joins the Awesomenauts [Kickstarter]

Pick up a 2DS now through May 17 for just $99 Posted: 14 May 2014 09:30 AM PDT Looking for a reason to pull the trigger on a 2DS but can't bring yourself to because of the price? Nintendo has tweeted a special deal via Target just for you. Starting right now through May 17, pick up the curiously-shaped handheld for only $99, $29 off its regular price. I've still got my regular 3DS and 3DS XL, and I'm still salivating over this deal because, despite its lack of 3D and tendency to look like a super thin slice of cake, it's still pretty cool-looking and I dig it. Not sure I wanna drop a hundo on yet another DS, but this one's so cute, it's a great opportunity to nab one for a friend or family member. Or a kid who's been particularly good. You could just say it's for a kid who's been good and buy it for yourself, too. Or don't. Just buy it for yourself. No shame. Nintendo of America [Twitter]

DayZ developer's servers hacked, source code possibly stolen Posted: 14 May 2014 09:15 AM PDT Rely on Horror spotted a thread on game hacking forum Unknown Cheats which suggests user DevDomo gained access to developer Bohemia's servers. DevDomo's proof came in the form of some images which are alleged source code files and their method of getting into Bohemia's servers. Bohemia confirmed it "detected an attack" on some of its servers and that "the precise nature and scope of this attack is currently being extensively investigated." No user data was compromised and development hasn't been affected, but this could result in more user hacks and exploits popping up in DayZ. As if people robbing and killing you legitimately wasn't enough of a worry. detected an attack Look, I've come to terms with not trusting people in DayZ, but now you're telling me there are jerks doing bad things IRL? This is just too much. Bohemia Interactive’s servers hacked, DayZ Source Code possibly stolen [Rely on Horror]

Take-Two 'in growth mode,' CEO open to buying more studios Posted: 14 May 2014 09:00 AM PDT Remember how Grand Theft Auto V made islands full of money? Publisher Take-Two is in a good spot with a billion in cash on hand. What to do with it. Maybe blow it on scratchers and cigarettes? CEO Strauss Zelnick has three alternatives that some might call "better." "We have the opportunity to support organic growth with our balance sheet," he says, which has typically been Take-Two's method; building studios internally. "We also have the ability to do inorganic growth. And we have the opportunity to return money to our shareholders. ... If there's an opportunity to grow inorganically with a company that's consistent with our disciplined approach, then we would absolutely do so." We know which directions Take-Two isn't headed. The publisher increased digital revenue by 65%, but mostly through DLC. Zelnick sees retail release as the bulk of the market, phones too small, and tablets not beefy enough for the AAA stuff Take-Two focuses on producing. Similarly, good things to say about Oculus and Nintendo are just that. There's nothing going on there. And Take-Two is tight-lipped about its own projects: the future of Bioshock, Bully, Red Dead. Even the assumed-to-be GTAV port. So, what studios should Take-Two buy? I say it buys Universal Studios and rebrands it a real life Grand Theft Auto simulator. Take-Two CEO open to buying more studios [Games Industry International]

Another Persona 3 The Movie #2 trailer? Alright, sure Posted: 14 May 2014 08:30 AM PDT Is it just me or is Akihiko-senpai looking softer and handsomer? The first movie is getting an English (subtitled) release next week, May 20. Part 2, above, is coming to Japanese theaters on June 7. An English dub would be nice for those of us who experienced Persona 3 in English, but I guess pretty animation will have to suffice.

Creating a character in The Sims 4 is easier than ever Posted: 14 May 2014 08:00 AM PDT Oh right, there's a new Sims game in the works! Here's a new trailer for The Sims 4, specifically featuring how you'll be able to create your very own Sim. The new character creator has been overhauled, as the system is now tactile, more intuitive, and offers way more features than ever before. The best part of the new editing feature is how you can simply select a region on a character's body and manipulate away without having to go through a ton of different menus. Making characters look easier than ever. Expect The Sims 4 to release this fall on PC.

Development on The Witness is coming along nicely Posted: 14 May 2014 07:30 AM PDT There's no news on when The Witness is releasing. Designer Jonathan Blow is standing by his "when it's done" policy, which will serve us well when we finally have this exploration-puzzle game at long last. But until then, more painful waiting around. At least we've got a status update. According to Blow, "'when it's done' is getting closer and closer." The team is working on several areas still, including design of extra content beyond the "main line" of The Witness, additional modeling and texturing, frame rate optimizations (1080p, 60 FPS is the plan), making sure graphics don't have that jarring pop-in effect when loading, and audio design. "It's a lot of work, but we are now in the downhill stretch of the race and looking forward to tying the game up completely." So that's good. Feeling antsy, PS4 owners? The Witness on PS4: New Development Details [PlayStation Blog]

PC Port Report: BattleBlock Theater Posted: 14 May 2014 07:00 AM PDT When BattleBlock Theater originally released last year for Xbox 360, we loved it. The cooperative platforming, secret-hunting, and unmistakable Behemoth style came together into one solid, surprisingly large package. Soon, it will release on Steam for PC and Linux, and it features all of the (cat) bells and (cat) whistles that the original had, with a few additional benefits. With potentially higher resolution and extra content, this is the version to get if given the choice. Read more...

Celebrate Super Time Force's launch with A TON OF GIFS! Posted: 14 May 2014 06:45 AM PDT Super Time Force is officially out today for the Xbox One and the Xbox 360. YES YES YES! We loved the game, it's a ton of fun, and you should just go buy it already what is wrong with you hurry up. Capybara is celebrating the launch by unleashing ALL the gifs. There's so many gifs that you can basically communicate in gifs to your friends. Also here's a brand new trailer. It's pretty messed up.

Harmonix on why it needs Kickstarter to fund Amplitude Posted: 14 May 2014 06:30 AM PDT Harmonix is attempting to crowdfund a new Amplitude right now and there's been confusion as to why the studio went this route. There's a lot of confusion in general when it comes to crowdfunding, for that matter. In an attempt to set the record straight, the company has written a blog post detailing its reasons for going with Kickstarter. To put it frankly: "We've sought other options out before coming to Kickstarter: there aren't publishing funds waiting in the wings or some third party who's eager to offset our costs -- either we fund the game here, or the game goes back on the shelf." Publishers aren't biting, but clearly this is a game with an established fan base. The funding goal might seem like a lot, but that's just the reality of game development -- it's freaking expensive. In fact, $775,000 represents "less than half of the project budget." It is the minimum amount of money Harmonix needs to self-fund the rest of development on Amplitude. "Even in the scenario where we raise the $800,000 or so on Kickstarter, we'll be risking more of Harmonix's money than we probably should -- all because we want to make this game so badly. Harmonix had successes in the past that let us keep the studio going and make small games, but at this point our coffers as a company aren't full enough to fund the entirety of Amplitude by ourselves. There isn't a secret vault of Rock Band money that we've forgotten about." It's sad to see that the necessary funding likely won't come through based on where the campaign is at now and how much time is left. But if nothing else, this is a good learning opportunity. Why Harmonix Brought Amplitude to Kickstarter [Harmonix]

Review: Ether One Posted: 14 May 2014 06:00 AM PDT Talking to someone you know -- maybe have known your whole life -- who is suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia is heartbreaking. At best, they stare at you, smiling warmly but helplessly. Any mental associations or memories shared crash down one-sided. The person is well meaning, but can't reciprocate.     Ether One deals with mental breakdown with a sort of reverse Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind approach. What if memories could be restored? Read more...

Microsoft gives three month window for Xbox Live Gold refunds Posted: 14 May 2014 05:30 AM PDT Microsoft made substantial changes to the Xbox Live Gold subscription program yesterday. Because it's altered a service that people paid for in advance, Microsoft's giving customers an out in the event that they're unhappy with the revisions. Because many applications (like Netflix and Hulu) no longer require Xbox Live Gold to be able to access, Microsoft is offering pro-rated refunds for any subscribers that may have been maintaining their Gold status simply for access to these apps. According to a FAQ on Xbox's website, the refund can be requested once the system update goes live in June. Users then have until the end of August to take advantage of this. Of course, anyone that goes through with this won't be able to cash in on the newly announced Xbox One Games With Gold program, possibly giving some people incentive to stay. For those who use their console more like a Netflix-box than anything else, here's a nice opportunity to put a bit of money back in your pocket. Xbox Live Gold changes frequently asked questions [Xbox via GamesIndustry International]

NPD: Three out of four US gamers prefer physical games Posted: 14 May 2014 05:15 AM PDT NPD's Core Gaming 2014 report shows that gamers still dig physical copies, with 74 percent of gamers in the United States saying that they would choose a physical copy of a game over a digital one. Digital acceptance is growing (it's up 5 percent over last year), but physical is still wanted here. United States' 34 million core gamers spend 22.1 hours weekly playing games, the report says. A good deal of these folks also play smartphone games. I was pleased to see my fellow portable gamers charting on the 2014 report. Of the core gamers, 11 percent of us are putting in 4 hours a week playing portable system games. These figures are separate from the phone/mobile/tablet ones.

WildStar's raids sound pretty incredible if you're dedicated enough Posted: 14 May 2014 05:00 AM PDT "Hey man, you want to go out tonight?" "Sorry dude, I gotta raid." How many times have you either said that phrase, or heard it from a friend of yours? Whether you "get" MMOs or not, the fact remains that upcoming MMO WildStar will have a major focus on raids, which is either good or bad news for your social life. Read more...

SUPERHOT launches on Kickstarter for a full-fledged release Posted: 14 May 2014 04:45 AM PDT SUPERHOT is going to become a full game! The 7DFPS challenge hit has been in development for eight months now, and now the team is now looking to fund development via Kickstarter with a $100,000 goal, set as of today. In SUPERHOT, when you move, time moves. When you stop, time stops. It's all about slow motion. This new gameplay trailer does a good job of laying out just how it works. It also does a good job of repeating its name over and over. Actually, just go play the prototype build. Backer rewards include the usual -- beta access, artwork, music. But there's something called the SUPERHOT Device as well. They say we'll have to wait and see what that one is about.

CD Projekt: Witcher 3 may run better on PS4, but it's more of a 'PR differentiation' Posted: 14 May 2014 04:30 AM PDT The "Xbox 720p" debate rages on, as CD Projekt co-founder Marcin Iwinski weighs in on the potential differences between the Xbox One and the PS4 versions of Witcher 3. Speaking to Eurogamer, Iwinski notes, "We are still working on squeezing the juice out of the consoles and Microsoft are supporting us in this respect. The final effect, whether it's 720p, 1080p - we had the debate in the studio about it and actually asked our tech guys to explain how it works, and they sent me some complicated graphs that if I have this size of the screen, and I sit one meter or two meters from it, then I might be able to see the difference." Iwinski goes on to state that" it's more of a PR differentiation, which is very important for Sony right now - and they are using it, obviously - than something that is really meaningful to gamers." This pretty much gels with all of my Xbox One and PS4 comparison tests. Although it's clear that the PS4 has the edge most of the time with a higher resolution, it's never enough for me to think that I wasted my money on the Xbox One version. Of course, graphics wars have been around for decades, so nothing is really new. The Witcher 3 may run slightly better on PS4 than Xbox One [Eurogamer]

Nintendo 3DS gets mobile phone tethering in Japan Posted: 14 May 2014 04:15 AM PDT Nintendo and mobile service Docomo will begin offering 3DS tethering for select Android phones beginning today in Japan. The Kantan Tethering app will be available in the Google Play store to allow 3DS users to get online with their phone. Too bad it only works with Samsung's Galaxy S5 right now. The app will come to various Xperia and Aquos phones later this year. Tech in Asia reports that the app is free, though it'll use your mobile's data as normal. It uses the WPS protocol to make things easy on those that don't quite get network configuration.  Bonus: users that fill out a related survey get a download code for an upcoming, unannounced Virtual Console title.  I'd use this all the time if it were available here. I already almost kill my monthly MiFi plan playing Vita and 3DS games over a WiFi connection.

Valiant Hearts: The Great War is haunting Posted: 14 May 2014 04:00 AM PDT I don't know about you, but I really like Ubisoft's recent output of games utilizing the UbiArts Framework engine. I'm quite a fan of games that use 2D visuals to tell a story, and even with the recent release of Child of Light, the publisher has got another UbiArts title in the pipeline. Revealed last year along with the 2D RPG, Valiant Hearts: The Great War plans to try something a bit different with the engine by setting an adventure game in one of the most brutal conflicts in modern history. After getting the chance to play the title at a recent Ubisoft preview event, I came away quite intrigued with what it has to offer. With its release next month, the developers at Ubisoft Montpellier plan to take a different approach to a war game, by bringing the focus on people looking for glory, love, and the will to survive. Read more...

The Mortal Kombat movie collection is now on Blu-Ray Posted: 14 May 2014 03:30 AM PDT I must have watched the original Mortal Kombat 100 times as a kid. My friends and I worked it out where we would play multiple characters, and since we memorized all the lines, we could essentially act out the entire movie (we would often fight over who gets to say "your soul is mine"). Of course, even as a young child I could recognize the awfulness that was Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, and the only good memory I have of the sequel is laughing at the claymation finale. If you want to relive some of those childhood memories, you can pick up the collection this week on Blu-Ray, which comes with the first two films and season one of the live action web series. It basically works out to getting the web series for free if you bought each Blu-Ray individually. So yeah, it's a thing! Blu-Ray Today [Topless Robot]

Check out six new clips showcasing Final Fantasy Agito Posted: 14 May 2014 03:00 AM PDT My Final Fantasy hype meter is at an all-time high. What with all the glorious Theatrhythm news and the upcoming Final Fantasy XV, I'm positively ticked pink. Now we've got a handful of gameplay videos on the horizon for Final Fantasy Agito, the game formerly known as Prince Final Fantasy Type-0, by way of Famitsu. Final Fantasy Agito is actually a mobile prequel port of the PSP game Final Fantasy Type-0, and it's set for a release in the near future. It's actually gone the free-to-play route with several different changes in presentation and an overall makeover, having been divided into chapters delivered every two weeks. All six gameplay clips have been collected into one video above, via All Games Beta. I think I would have preferred a normal handheld release, personally. Final Fantasy Agito Gameplay Clips [All Games Beta]

Farm your little heart out with Farming Simulator 14 Posted: 14 May 2014 02:00 AM PDT What's with all of these simulator games lately? Obviously, the only one you need is Goat Simulator. If you're still hankering for some digital representation of boring, everyday tasks, Farming Simulator 14 is making its way to 3DS. It's exactly what it sounds like, too: a game where you work with farming machines, plant crops, breed farm animals, and work to become the best little farmer you can be. I'm not ashamed to say I'm kind of interested in checking it out, at least if it's got similar mechanics to the plenty of other sim games I've played in my time. It'll be available May 24, so you'll have plenty of time to become acclimated to the simple life, like Paris and Nicole. Wow, that was a weird time for television. Farming Simulator 14 heading to 3DS [GoNintendo]

These three Mario Kart 8 commercials are pretty awesome Posted: 14 May 2014 01:00 AM PDT Okay, Nintendo. This is more like it. I'm not sure what you were trying with the little girls and Tomodachi Life, but these Mario Kart 8 commercials are decidedly more entertaining and engaging for television, especially given their lack of "target audience." They're just fun, action-packed, and do a great job of demonstrating what's awaiting players in-game. There are three trailers, including the "Super Horn Test" above, the "Boomerang Test," and the "Upside Down Test." Each feature scientists working with different racers, power-ups and track set pieces to study how each interact with the environment, with the catchphrase "Insanely tested on Wii U for flippin' fun." These are definitely commercials that would pique my interest. Check out Mario Kart 8 on May 30.

Visual novel Fault Milestone One teleporting to Steam Posted: 14 May 2014 12:00 AM PDT A few days ago we interrupted your round-the-clock coverage of Titanfall to tell you about World End Economica, a visual novel written by Spice & Wolf creator Isuna Hasekura and localized with the help of the Sekai Project. Well, the translation team for that endeavor is back with another piece of interactive fiction for your reading pleasure. This time around Sekai Project is assisting doujin circle Alice in Dissonance by bringing Fault Milestone One to western shores. The title tells the tale of two childhood friends, as they attempt to return home after becoming lost in a strange realm. No word on when exactly, but expect to see it on Steam sooner or later. Fault Milestone One [Sekai Project, Twitter]

Watch Tim Schafer play through Day of the Tentacle after a 10-year lull Posted: 13 May 2014 08:00 PM PDT This glorious video before us is a Let's Play of Tim Schafer himself playing Day of the Tentacle. The 40-minute video features Tim narrating a playthrough and sharing little tidbits of information regarding production, voice actors, scripting, and other juicy trivia about the classic LucasArts adventure game. And while the video was posted on May 9, it was actually released back in June 2012 as additional bonus content for the "Double Fine Adventure" documentary. This is a great watch, especially if you're a huge Day of the Tentacle fan like I am. You probably already saw in my latest c-blog, but I immortalized Purple Tentacle on my left arm as a tattoo, and this game is near and dear to my heart. I don't believe there's a part 2 to watch, but this is a fantastic look into a game that deserves your time and attention, even today. Give it a look and check out one of my favorite games of all time.

Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment hits Europe, Australia in July Posted: 13 May 2014 06:00 PM PDT Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment is escaping to Europe and Australia this July, Bandai Namco announced today. The PlayStation Vita RPG will only see a digital release, which sounds pretty fitting, considering the series is about MMO players getting stuck in a virtual world. Despite the lack of a physical box, it certainly doesn't seem to be lacking content. The package also includes a remastered version of Sword Art Online: Infinity Moment. After releasing the PSP title in Japan last year, Namco bundled in Infinity Moment as a freebie, which is nice. As for the North American launch, Namco still hasn't nailed down anything more concrete than "summer." Sword Art Oline: Hollow Fragment to be released in Europe and Australia [Bandai Namco]

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