Thursday, January 23, 2014

New Games

New Games


Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 flaunts its cast

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 12:00 PM PST

A new trailer featuring the principal players of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 emerged today, celebrating the cast of voice talent assembled for the final entry in the Lords of Shadow series. It's hard to go wrong with Robert Carlyle and Patrick Stewart, and the casting of Game of Thrones' Richard Madden seems like a solid choice for Alucard.

The last third of the video presents some action-packed sequences, several of which suggest that no fight is complete without a slow-motion leap of some variety. While that may sound cynical, I'm quite excited to play Lords of Shadow 2, as the prospect of finally being able to play as Dracula is utterly irresistible. I consider it a scenario which demands epic aerial activity.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 flaunts its cast screenshot

This week's Humble Bundle deal is all roguelike

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 11:00 AM PST

Okay, you can wail and gnash your teeth at the term "roguelike" all you want but it looks like it's stuck and indeed, it's the theme for this new Humble Weekly Sale. You know the deal: you get three games on a pay-what-you-want basis and even more games if you beat the average price. So you can grab Dungeons of Dredmor Complete, Paranautical Activity, and Hack, Slash, Loot for mere cents. 

If you want even more, you'll need to meet the average price of just $6 to get Teleglitch: Die More Edition, Sword of the Stars - Gold Edition, and The Binding of Issac along with its Wrath of the Lamb DLC. A heck of a lot of content and that's not even including the five accompanying soundtracks you'll get as well. Okay, now with that all out of the way, continue your arguments...

This week's Humble Bundle deal is all roguelike screenshot

Rain World meets its Kickstarter funding goal

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 10:00 AM PST

While I don't think there will be any topping the expressive .gifs of Rain World, this new footage captures the kinds of tactics necessary to outmaneuver predators in one continuous session that's worth watching. Those flourishes in the animation haven't stopped impressing me yet.

According to the developers, "each predator has its own distinct hunting behavior and specialized senses it uses to perceive you. You won't be able to just out-run them every time, so the only way to survive in Rain World is by learning to understand the capabilities of each creature; their methods and personalities." The flow is much more methodical than I was expecting. Then again, the game was described as having a stealth vibe.

The "Match Complete" screen at the end of the video also came as a surprise to me. I was expecting a more open-ended structure and not segmented levels like this footage suggests. Perhaps that will be the case, though -- this was captured from an alpha build of the game and the Kickstarter does mention "a lengthy well-written single player campaign."

Rain World gameplay video and Greenlight news! [Kickstarter]

Rain World meets its Kickstarter funding goal screenshot

New Jazzpunk trailer invokes spirit of Johnny Mnemonic

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 09:15 AM PST

If you're going to validate your cult pop culture bona fides, this is how you do it. A new trailer for Necrophone Games' Jazzpunk has been released by Adult Swim, referencing the 1995 motion picture Johnny Mnemonic in a live-action sketch. There is so much visual information and so many little nods to other media (including a BBS "Door Game" bit which had me in stitches) that you'll probably want to give this three or four views to fully digest.

Jazzpunk releases on February 7 and I'm expecting to be doing a lot of laughing that day.

New Jazzpunk trailer invokes spirit of Johnny Mnemonic screenshot

Remember: Lightning Returns is kind of an action game

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 08:30 AM PST

What might get lost amidst talk of Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII's whacked out story and amazing dress up system is that you can fight monsters. Though you would know that if you downloaded the demo. If you haven't, watch this video that focuses on the battle mechanics.

It's a little surprising people have been too busy to cry foul about the new gameplay system, which is basically an action game, with full movement and evade mechanics. I guess people have given up hope.

Not me, though. I kind of like everything I see about Lightning Returns despite myself. Especially the dress up.

Remember: Lightning Returns is kind of an action game screenshot

Castle Doctrine contest offers real home security prizes

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 08:00 AM PST

Jason Rohrer's new massively multiplayer game, The Castle Doctrine, releases next week. To celebrate the end of the game's alpha test and looming launch, players who have bought the game ahead of release are eligible to compete in the "Steal Real Money" contest. Rohrer will be giving away up to $3000 in cash, divided among the game's players based on their success in the coming week, along with real versions of collectible in-game paintings, door jamb reinforcement kits, and gift certificates to a Los Cruces, New Mexico gun shop.

The contest's grand prize is a telescoping metal baton, referred to as a "dog club," which Rohrer purchased for his wife following a dog attack which helped inspire the game. Certainly one of the more interesting awards we've seen, this is an honest-to-god weapon actually illegal to own in three states (including California, where Rohrer has since moved, leaving the club behind) and the District of Columbia.

I'm playing in the contest, simply by virtue of my playing The Castle Doctrine, but perhaps "playing" is too strong a word to describe what I've been doing. First, I load the game. Then I spend about an hour staring at my house, overwhelmed by the terror of knowing that someone will to come and take all the precious things, before finally placing a maze of walls and corridors. Then, I leave my house, enter another player's house, and die pretty much instantly (rendering all my time in my own house utterly pointless). Then, I start again. Something tells me I'm at little risk of winning a prize.

STEAL REAL MONEY Contest [Castle Doctrine Official Site]

Castle Doctrine contest offers real home security prizes screenshot

Nightfall descends on Call of Duty: Ghosts Extinction

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 07:30 AM PST

Episode 1: Nightfall is coming with the Onslaught downloadable content for Call of Duty: Ghosts, and here's a deeper look at what to expect. It takes place in the Alaskan wilderness, where the Nightfall Program has been researching the origins of the alien threat. A small team of soldiers are sent in to retrieve intel, kill off whatever moves, and take on a three-story tall monster. 

I'm looking forward to the fight against the giant alien thing. Onslaught it out first on the Xbox One and Xbox 360 on January 28. Other platforms to be announced later, but assume it'll be about a month before the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC versions get it too. 

Nightfall descends on Call of Duty: Ghosts Extinction screenshot

The Elder Scrolls Online's voice cast sounds expensive

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 07:00 AM PST

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate great voice work and after seeing the lineup for The Elder Scrolls Online, I don't think the game will disappoint in that regard. But going for big-name, recognizable talent runs the risk of taking me out of the experience even if my ears are in heaven.

I'm especially torn here because Bethesda got John Cleese. Other cast members include Bill Nighy, Kate Beckinsale, Alfred Molina, Michael Gambon, Malcom McDowell, Lynda Carter, Peter Stormare, Jim Ward, Jennifer Hale, and Kevin Michael Richardson.

You can hear several of them talk about the gig in the video above, which is 17 minutes long for some reason.

The Elder Scrolls Online's voice cast sounds expensive screenshot

Newly announced The Golf Club has the best name ever

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 06:30 AM PST

The Golf Club. I cannot contain myself. I'm having a ball with this one. The realistic-looking golf game, just announced for PS4, Xbox One, and PC, is meant to butt up against EA's no-longer-Tiger-Woods-branded PGA Tour, which has been puttering around without direct competition for a while now.

The Golf Club -- just typing it makes me happy -- is also procedurally generated, so you can always have a fresh course, though an editing suite will let you modify courses to your liking if the end result is a little too rough. Developer HB Studios also claims there will be next to no load times between holes. Who likes to wait between holes?

There is also some hilariously casual in-game commentary. It's not quite golf announcer calm; it's more like a Red Lobster server's dulled complacency with a glint of ecstasy from remembering what human goodness looks like.

Of course I'd like to wedge one more golf joke in here, but I don't want to give you a stroke.

Newly announced The Golf Club has the best name ever screenshot

Capcom CEO talks five-year plan, hiring 100 devs per year

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 06:00 AM PST

In a letter discussing Capcom's five-year outlook, CEO Kenzo Tsujimoto wrote "Our goal is to further strengthen marketing strategies for (1) downloadable content (DLC), (2) mobile contents, (3) online operations, and (4) brand contents ... Our next objective is to provide to as many people as possible a variety of products that take full advantage of Capcom's vast amount of content."

Even when we're just talking about marketing strategies, using words like "DLC" and "mobile" in close proximity to "Capcom" raises red flags. I start to get worried given past practices in these areas. Tsujimoto is also looking to aggressively grow the company's staff, which is to be expected. "I want to build a development framework that can put the right people in the right places," he said. "This process will reflect an understanding of what consumers want and what types of products have become hits. From now on, I plan to hire at least 100 software developers every year to give us an even more powerful development workforce."

A separate letter from COO Haruhiro Tsujimoto covered industry changes. "Two key trends are the popularity of smartphones and tablets and the increasingly social nature of games," he wrote. "Moreover, advances in networks are causing software sales to move from packaged products to digital distribution. This is why Capcom must concentrate on both the quality of our content as well as our services."

I wish I could gaze into a crystal ball and see the Capcom of five years into the future. Part of me wonders if the company will make it out of this new console generation intact.

Capcom CEO talks five-year plan, hiring 100 devs per year screenshot

First footage of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 05:30 AM PST

My initial reaction after hearing about Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and seeing this eight minutes or so of footage was that it's a shame Monolith didn't come with an original setting. Even if you aren't a diehard Tolkien fan, you'll quickly see what I mean.

Putting those source-material concerns aside, as an open-world action game, I like the look of this. I'm skeptical about the procedurally-generated enemies holding up long-term as those systems can be tricky to get right, but the combat looks like decent fun and ability to see the leadership structure of the orcs is a novel mechanic. In other words, I need more to go on.

First footage of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor screenshot

Tales of Phantasia goes free-to-play on iOS devices

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 05:15 AM PST

Namco Bandai is doing its best Square Enix impression today, as the publisher has released a free-to-play version of beloved role-playing game Tales of Phantasia on iOS devices in North America.

The classic title first hit the App Store last autumn in Japan, where players encountered ramped up difficulty designed to push players toward microtransactions. Though not necessarily required, paid items afford certain benefits, such as allowing players to continue from where they fall in battle.  

In addition to touch controls and in-app purchases, other new features include achievements and leaderboards for some reason. Oh, and a puzzling always-online requirement. You get what you pay for, I guess.

Tales of Phantasia [iTunes]

Tales of Phantasia goes free-to-play on iOS devices screenshot

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Star Trek Online teases changes in Season 8.5

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 05:00 AM PST

Did you know that Star Trek Online calls its major updates "Seasons"? It's as if the MMO were a TV show! That in mind, it's almost funny that it's also following TV trends with its latest update, which is called Season 8.5, almost like Star Trek Online were making like all those new cable programs and taking a brief break halfway through the typical run to implement some changes. That's exactly what Cryptic are planning for their next update to the game, which will go live at the end of the month, with an anniversary event to celebrate Star Trek Online's 4th birthday debuting soon after.

In a developer blog entry Lead Designer Al Rivera detailed a number of so-called "quality of life" changes, including an increased maximum starship storage cap (important for folks out to collect their own fleet of playable ships), as well as the ability to quickly switch active ships and equipment to make tailoring gear or builds to certain tasks a snap. Other blog entries detailed significant updates to the quality of some early-game quest lines (some of which reflect out-of-date design, assets, and code), a PVP arena featuring small craft (like shuttles and fighters), and the addition of Star Trek: Voyager actor Tim "Tuvok" Russ to voice some upcoming content.

And all this is debuting quite a while before a teased expansion destined for later in the year. Things are looking up for would-be captains, it seems.

Star Trek Online teases changes in Season 8.5 screenshot

Dead Rising Collection does the undead shuffle to Europe

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 04:45 AM PST

Xbox 360 owners in Europe are going to have the opportunity to own a whole lot of Dead Rising in one place. On March 7, the Dead Rising Collection releases, and features Dead Rising, Dead Rising 2, Case Zero, Case West, and Off the Record.

Maybe this will tide over the Dead Rising fans that are in markets without the Xbox One yet, since Dead Rising 3 is supposed to be pretty darn good. There's no word yet on price, however, I can't help but feel like there should be some sort of discount for putting up with the horribly uninspired box art.

Dead Rising Collection heading to Europe [Capcom]

Dead Rising Collection does the undead shuffle to Europe screenshot

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Live show: Rust with Facepunch Studios

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 04:30 AM PST

[Mash Tactics airs Monday through Friday at 4p.m. Pacific on Dtoid.TV. Watch Rick 'King Foom' Olson play a variety of games, each day with its own theme. With a heavy focus on community and viewer interaction, you can be as much a part of the show as anything else.]

If you've been paying any attention to Mash Tactics lately, you should know that Rust has become one of my most recent guilty-pleasure addictions. You should also know that I've been trying to schedule an interview with the developers for quite a while now. Well, after much planning, a few delays, and about a gazillion emails, the time has finally come to sit down and chat with the creators of the game that has not only become one of my favorite things ever, but has also become one of the channel's most entertaining multiplayer experiences. 

Be sure not to miss a bit of what is bound to be an awesome (and early) show this afternoon, as we talk with a couple members of the Facepunch Studios development team including Maurino Berry, and a possible appearance by the creator of Garry's Mod, Garry Newman. Now, I'm sure that the trolling will be heavy this afternoon with people wanting to murder the developers and myself, but, to be honest, that's a big part of what I enjoy about Rust. So not only am I prepared for it, I'm damn near encouraging it. If you want to be part of the team, or simply part of 'the problem', be sure to join in on the action with us tonight on Dtoid.TV!

QotD: Has a game ever caused you to actually lose it and rage out? 

Live show: Rust with Facepunch Studios screenshot

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Become the ultimate hunter in The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 04:15 AM PST

A new The Amazing Spider-Man movie is set to hit theaters this May, and unsurprisingly, a videogame tie-in will launch right alongside it. Aptly titled The Amazing Spider-Man 2, developer Beenox is again at the helm after doing a nice job with the first flick's game.

Apart from the facts that Kraven plays a role in the game, and that it will hit PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, 3DS, and PC, there's not a whole lot that the trailer reveals. Well, there looks to be plenty of dude smashin' and web slingin'. You know, the stuff that makes Spider-Man games fun.

Become the ultimate hunter in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 screenshot

Nintendo Download: Mighty Bomb Jack

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 04:00 AM PST

Today's Nintendo Download is yet another odd slow burn of the Virtual Console variety, with Mighty Bomb Jack hitting the Wii U. That's literally it for the Wii U. On the 3DS, Life Force is out -- that's the only new release for the 3DS. Exciting!

As far as sales go, Fractured Soul is down to $5.99 until February 6th, Shin Megami Tensei IV is $29.99 until February 3rd, and Project X Zone is $20.

Nintendo Download: Mighty Bomb Jack screenshot

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Travel to Gerudo Valley with this awesome violin cover

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 03:30 AM PST

Okay, Taylor Davis is officially a badass. Late last year we saw her dressed as Sheik and playing a couple of the ocarina songs from The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time. She took the simple melodies and transformed them into more fleshed out, more powerful pieces. Just imagine my delight when I saw she did a video for my #1 favorite song from Ocarina, "Gerudo Valley."

As with the previous one, Davis really gets into it, dressing up as Link and traveling to a desert locale for the video. With a bit of exploration, she even finds a heart piece. The cover itself is a wonderful rendition, of course. The crescendo at around the 2:00 mark and the section following it get me every time.

You can watch more of Davis's videos on her YouTube channel, and download her music from a variety of places, including her website. Personally, I'll be listening to Gaming Fantasy today.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - Gerudo Valley on violin [GoNintendo]

Travel to Gerudo Valley with this awesome violin cover screenshot

World War II is back with Hearts of Iron IV

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 03:15 AM PST

Another new announcement from the Paradox Convention this week is Hearts of Iron IV, a new grand strategy World War II war-game. You can play as any country that existed during the World War II time period, from Porto Rico to, yes, even Germany. 

You can relive or even rewrite history however you want as you try to win World War II. The game will have authentic historical figures battling on lands, sea, and air, with period-accurate armies, vehicles, and "newly discovered weapons of mass destruction."

We'll have more info for you as we get our hands on the game this week at the Paradox Convention. Until then, enjoy the little teaser. 

World War II is back with Hearts of Iron IV screenshot

WATCH THIS: KAZ: Pushing the Virtual Divide

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 03:00 AM PST

Kazunori Yamauchi, the man behind the Gran Turismo racing game series, is the subject of documentary KAZ: Pushing the Virtual Divide. Director Tamir Moscovici worked with Sony to tell the 15-year story of Yamauchi's work, putting a spotlight on his drive for perfection. 

The film follows the Gran Turismo series from its first ideas, from when Yamauchi was only 15, to present day, where the gaming franchise has an impact on both the racing and automotive industries. 

The film premiered yesterday on Hulu, and will follow on Feb. 5 on Amazon, Crackle, the Sony Movie Channel and others.

I watched a screener last week and I thought it was great. If you're a fellow racing game or Gran Turismo fan, it's definitely worth a watch. And it'll make you want to play MotorToon: Gran Prix. Bonus: tons and tons of great car porn.

I'm a big Yamauchi fan, so this was extra neat for me. I think he is just the right blend of creative, determined, brilliant, and crazy. Yamauchi is in love with the automotive world, and that's why I love his games.

WATCH THIS: KAZ: Pushing the Virtual Divide screenshot

Runemaster, a Norse mythology RPG from Paradox

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 02:45 AM PST

Paradox has announced a new game today during their 2014 Paradox Convention and surprise, it's not a grand strategy title! The game is called Runemaster, and it's a role-playing game based on Norse mythology. Three playable classes are on offer, and players will explore six different worlds such as Midgard (Earth), Jotunheim, and more. 

Combat is all turn-based, and will see players building up armies to either bring about or prevent Ragnarök. Maps and quests are procedural, so your choices will affect how the game unfolds. 

“Creating an RPG is something new for Paradox Development Studio, and it’s been a dream project we’ve wanted to undertake for a long time now,” said Johan Andersson, Studio Manager at Paradox Development Studio. “We’re always playing RPGs in our spare time and discovering new things we love about them as a game genre; it was only natural that sooner or later we’d have to design our own. Runemaster is the result, and we know our fans will love it.”

Destructoid is attending the Paradox Convention and we'll be bringing you more details on what the game is all about this week. In the mean time check out the debut gameplay trailer. 

Runemaster, a Norse mythology RPG from Paradox screenshot

World of Tanks gets nation-to-nation combat mode

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 02:30 AM PST

Confrontation is the name of the new mode added to World of Tanks in the 8.11 update. This has players in vehicles from the same nation uniting to face teams from other nations. This new play mode comes in response to player requests, says Wargaming. 

This update will also add a new European winter battle arena called Windstorm, as well as winter version of Himmelsdorf. Ruinberg gets more ruined with rainfall and fires now, too. 

World of Tanks gets nation-to-nation combat mode screenshot

Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z digital comic out now, game delayed

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 02:00 AM PST

The tag team effort between Team Ninja and Dark Horse Comics, the Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z digital comic series, has launched this week. The comic is now free for download at the Dark Horse Digital store now, as well as through their iTunes and Android app. 

But the game's release date has slipped a couple of weeks out, now confirmed for March 18, for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. 

You'll find a couple of pages of the comic in our gallery below.

Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z digital comic out now, game delayed screenshot

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OC Remix launches new label OverClocked Records

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 01:00 AM PST

You know about OverClocked ReMix, right? It's that awesome site that you go to for quality videogame remixes. Yours truly has been a proud member for almost 15 years now, so I'm kind of proud of their launch of OverClocked Records, a new game music community music label.

OverClocked Records offers both videogame soundtracks and original albums by composers and musicians in the community. This is a new way for fans to show their support for OC ReMixers. 

Artists get 80 percent of sales, with the other 20 percent going to support OC ReMix. That's good.

As of this launch, artists like Joshua Morse, Disasterpeace, Jeff Ball, Big Giant Circles, Jordan Steven (bLiNd), halc, and Beatdrop are represented by OC Records, with more coming. And this is just the beginning. They are planning to add more buying/tipping features as well as podcasts and radio shows in the near future. 

To celebrate, here's the free OverClocked Records sampler album.

OC Remix launches new label OverClocked Records screenshot

Preview: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 12:00 AM PST

Whenever games tied to a major license are announced, there's usually a collective grumble from fans. Titles based on movies, television, or comics usually don't end up well, as most of the time they're developing with the focus on the brand as opposed to the game itself. With the announcement of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor back in November, many fans were taken aback by its seemingly loose interpretation of J.R.R. Tolkien's fiction.

But of course, you can chalk this up to pre-emptive nervousness considering the franchise's history in gaming. Which is totally understandable. But things now appear to be different, and this new sandbox action title from Monolith -- the developers of F.E.A.R, No One Lives Forever, and Condemned -- plans to take a fresh approach to making a game with Tolkien's lore.

During a private presentation of the game, Destructoid got the chance to check out a lengthy look at the game that represents a vertical slice of what the developers at Monolith have planned for their next foray into Middle-earth.

Preview: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor screenshot

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EU PS Plus: Metro, BioShock Infinite, Dynasty Warriors

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 11:00 PM PST

Now that we've seen the PlayStation Plus lineup for North America, it's Europe's turn. The next major rotation is happening on Wednesday, January 29 when Metro: Last Light, BioShock Infinite, Dynasty Warriors Next, and ModNation Racers: Road Trip appear in the Instant Game Collection for subscribers. Not long after, on February 5, comes Outlast.

On January 29, the current block of games -- DmC, Remember Me, BlazBlue Continuum Shift Extend, and Liberty City Stories -- will exit, so be sure to download those soon if you're a PS Plus member. PlayStation 4 titles Don't Starve and Resogun are leaving on February 5.

PlayStation Plus in February: BioShock Infinite, Metro Last Light, Outlast, more [PlayStation Blog]

EU PS Plus: Metro, BioShock Infinite, Dynasty Warriors screenshot

Kingdom Come seems to ditch everything I hate about WRPGs

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 07:00 PM PST

If it wasn't for all that in-engine footage and the fact that it's six months away from a playable, small, backer-exclusive early access, I'm not sure I'd have a lick of confidence in Kingdom Come's lofty goals. We've been burned before on claims of first-person melee combat that works, divergent story-telling, and other lusted after RPG advancements.

Still, Kingdom Come's all over it with hefty evidence that the medieval -- not fantasy -- roleplaying game built in CryEngine could be something to have hope for. Maybe even to Kickstart. I think one of the loftier goals that always seems to go unfulfilled is that every NPC has their own life that you could attempt to disrupt. That and the notoriety system.

The world will organically react to your deeds. NPCs will report your crimes to authorities, who will punish you for your crimes accordingly, either with a fine, time in jail, or by subjecting you to the stocks or torture. Crime will affect economics and NPC behavior; people will get suspicious or aggressive after unresolved crimes. Your reputation will spread by word of mouth.

Of course, just nailing the three play-styles -- brawny knight, back-stabby rogue, and silver tongued bard -- could prove challenging. Still, I'd like to win an entire game as a manipulative Iago, especially if they can make it as rewarding as killing everyone with your bare hands. And did you see that first-person pickpocketing?

Kingdom Come seems to ditch everything I hate about WRPGs screenshot

This ugly goblin is going to rob you blind

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 05:00 PM PST

Styx: Master of Shadows is a new infiltration game with RPG elements from developer Cyanide Studio and publisher Focus Home Entertainment. The PC title will see that ugly goblin above as the playable character. His name is Styx, and he's two centuries old. The very first of all the goblins, in fact.

This adventure will see the master in stealth, theft, and murder infiltrates the Tower of Akenash, where humans and elves hide valuables. This is also where Styx will discover his true origins. 

Levels are open-ended and objectives can be completed in various ways. Yep, you're free to tackle the game as you see fit. RPG mechanics will also see you gain experience that will unlock new skills, moves, and weapons.

No release date given but my interest is certainly piqued. 

This ugly goblin is going to rob you blind screenshot

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Wright on: GBA Phoenix Wright trilogy coming to 3DS

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 03:00 PM PST

Capcom is bundling the first three Ace Attorney games for 3DS, according to Famitsu, picked up by Siliconera.

Ace Attorney 123: Wright Selection will include Ace Attorney, Justice for All, and Trials and Tribulations, all gussied up with stereoscopic 3D.

Wright now Capcom has not confirmed a Western release of the bundle, but the Japanese version will have English language options, if importing is doable for you. It might just mean confirmation is coming later. The first three games have already been bundled in the west on different consoles.

Do you object to this repeat bundling or do you want to play the trio on your 3DS?

Original Ace Attorney Trilogy Coming To Nintendo 3DS [Siliconera]

Wright on: GBA Phoenix Wright trilogy coming to 3DS screenshot

MMO News

MMO News


Black Gold Online Announces Q1 CB Testing

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 08:44 AM PST

Snail Games is proud to announce the launch of our whole new, revamped official website for Black Gold Online! The new site features sleek new design with areas for up-to-date game content, class specs, world lore, and much more. To stay current on the world of Black Gold Online, check the new page and register to get access to the latest as it's released.

Class Page

With a whole new navigation experience, the new page features sections offering an overview of Montel, the land in which Black Gold Online is set. This section includes maps and concepts of the world, as well showing the makeup of different races around the land. As avid followers of BGO no doubt already know, Montel is divided from East to West by a mountain range, with the 6 races divided on either side in a war between steam and magic.

Following on this, the new page also features a new race and class overview system, with highly detailed sample images of playable classes and character stats. Visitors can explore the classes, from the steam-side's tank Punisher to the fantasy's melee DPS Spellsword, and compare the strengths of each between their respective playable races.

Race Page

In preparation of our first Black Gold Test Drive (Q1 2014) and letting our fans experience our development Closed Beta version, we will be constructing an activation center and member areas very soon. Sign-up for beta so you don’t miss out on your chance at being among the first to experience this unique world!

Uncharted Waters Online Releases 2nd Age Expansion

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 08:29 AM PST

OGPlanet is now setting out to sail their iconic nautical MMO, Uncharted Waters Online, with its biggest update ever. A new age dawns in “UWO: 2nd Age” with a ton of engaging and rich new content, features and missions added to the game.

The possibilities are endless as you and your friends decide the fate of the Roman Empire in the imperial election, tempt your fate as you take on the infamous Great Ganador, Ruler of the Sea in an epic naval battle or go on a mystifying treasure hunt, gathering clues from all over the world to discover rare relics.

UWO 2nd Age Key Features:

  • World Clock: World clock manipulates the flow of time. Player actions can shift the World Clock to the past or future and trigger historical events which affect all Nations.
  • Treasure Hunt: Gather clues from all over the world to discover rare Relics.
  • Imperial Election: The great Roman Empire will hold an election for a new Emperor in Frankfurt. Players can participate and support their candidate in the election.
  • New Boss: Combine your forces and challenge the Ruler of the Sea- “Ganador”. Sailors will receive extremely rare items as a reward for defeating this infamous foe.
  • New Ships: Modeled from famous historic ships, such as the Privateer ‘Sir Francis Drake’ from England, ‘Crown’ from France Royal family and Lubeck Merchat’s Guardian ship named ‘Eagle’.
  • New Missions: From beginners to intermediate players, these new missions and adventures will challenge the heart and mind of the land lover to the salty sea captain alike.

 

OGPlanet is still allowing full account transfers for all of Netmarble’s former UWO players! OGPlanet has made the account transfer process extremely fast and easy to complete. If you haven’t already, simply visit OGPlanet’s Account Transfer page at https://id.ogplanet.com/uwo/netmarble/transfer.og and begin your transfer now. Then, you too can set sail in UWO’s 2nd Age!

uwo intro

For more info on all UWO’s events, updates and contests, visit the official site: http://uwo.ogplanet.com

The Elder Scrolls Online – Voice Cast Reveal

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 08:10 AM PST

Bethesda brings together an All-Star cast of voice talent including John Cleese, Bill Nighy and Malcolm McDowell to the world of Elders Scrolls Online.

ESO Reveals Huge Budget Voice Acting

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 08:08 AM PST

Bethesda Softworks®, a ZeniMax® Media company, today announced the members of the renowned cast lending their voices to The Elder Scrolls® Online, the highly-anticipated game arriving April 4, 2014 on PC and Mac and June 2014 for the PlayStation®4 system and Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft. The Elder Scrolls® Online ensemble includes Academy Award nominee John Cleese (“A Fish Called Wanda,” “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”), Golden Globe winner Bill Nighy (“Pirates of the Caribbean”), Kate Beckinsale (“The Aviator,” “Pearl Harbor”), Alfred Molina (“Spider-Man 2″) and Golden Globe nominees Michael Gambon (“Harry Potter”), and Malcolm McDowell (“A Clockwork Orange”). In addition, Lynda Carter ("Wonder Woman") returns to the Elder Scrolls series to reprise her role from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

The Elder Scrolls Online is the latest chapter of the award-winning franchise and will bring the legendary experience online for the first time. Players can choose their own style of play as they embark upon an epic adventure across all of Tamriel, playing alone on heroic quests as in previous Elder Scrolls games, exploring the huge, rich world with a few friends, or joining with hundreds of others in massive PvP battles to save the Empire.

“This extraordinary group of actors helps bring the distinctive characters in The Elder Scrolls Online to life,” said Matt Firor, game director of The Elder Scrolls Online. “In The Elder Scrolls tradition, we sought world class talent to add a deep and enriching component to the immersive world the series offers players.”

John Cleese plays Cadwell, the cheerful and endearingly mad lost soul who is not afraid of anyone, even a Daedric Prince. Joining the cast as High King Emeric, Bill Nighy portrays a merchant prince whose luck and determination won him the throne. Kate Beckinsale takes on the role of Queen Ayrenn, the leader of the Aldmeri Dominion and Queen of the High Elves who is far more comfortable with a blade than her crown.

ESORecording

In addition, Alfred Molina takes on the role of Abnur Tharn, a wily old wizard and politician who is the head of the Empire's Elder Council, and the de facto power behind the Ruby Throne. Lynda Carter plays Azura, the Daedric Princess of Dusk and Dawn from Skyrim who is a popular part of Elder Scrolls lore. Michael Gambon voices The Prophet, a mysterious blind man who guides the player through their journey to retrieve their soul; and Malcolm McDowell plays the key figure Molag Bal, an evil Daedric god from another plane who schemes to enslave the mortal souls of Tamriel.

The Elder Scrolls Online cast also includes:

· Peter Stormare ("Fargo") plays Jorunn the Skald King, an unexpected monarch who led his people into an unlikely alliance.

· Jim Ward (“WALL·E,” “Despicable Me 2″) voices Mannimarco, a renegade High Elf wizard exiled from the realm for raising the dead and the world's most powerful necromancer.

· Jennifer Hale appears in the role of Lyris Titanborn, a Nord half-giant, who, along with the Prophet, aids the player on their journey..

· Kevin Michael Richardson rounds out the cast as Sai Sahan a noble martial artist and master swordsman.

Kill3rCombo Reveals Events Leading to Elsword’s Ara Haan 2nd Path

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 03:54 PM PST

AraHaanDarkPath

Kill3rCombo has released a teaser page on their Elsword website today teasing events, costumes, and more as their newly released character draws closer to unlocking her second job path.

Players put off by her current holier than thou class option can choose to opt to Cultivate the Evil Within at the level 15 job selection starting January 28th. The second job upgrade (level 35) will also be available as early as February 5th.

Check out the official post for further details of events surrounding the release.

PlanetSide 2 Developer Roadmap Updated

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 03:44 PM PST

planetside 2 roadmap

In keeping with their commitment to community involvement and communication, the PlanetSide 2 development team has updated the PlanetSide 2 Roadmap with new and exciting content.

 

While the exact dates are tentative and subject to change, the latest Roadmap update provides PlanetSide 2 fans with an outline of all the great content, updates and features players will see between now and June.

 

Here is a sample of the many exciting new roadmap updates:

  • Outfit Recruiting - Rolling with an outfit in PlanetSide 2 is really making the most of what the game has to offer in a number of different ways, so we want to make the process of finding an outfit and finding new recruits easier for everyone involved.
  • New Continent: Hossin - Adding a brand new continent: Hossin, a swamp covered continent.
  • Continent Locking - Continent Locking (or the “Continental Lattice” in the post-lattice era) is on the horizon and will hopefully enhance the feel and depth of PlanetSide 2‘s overall metagame significantly.
  • Outfit Base Capture – If your outfit is the top contributor to a base capture, we’ll identify the facility/outpost as “belonging” to your outfit.

 

You can see the full roadmap here.

Ghost Recon Online Review

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 03:35 PM PST

By Remko Molenaar

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To people who love Ghost Recon this franchise doesn't really need any introduction, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon series was one of the first shooters that got immensely popular and since then its fanbase follows it religiously from title to title. I myself enjoyed the Ghost Series; it has always been futuristic yet hyper realistic compared to other shooters, and that setting feels the most entertaining. Since August of last year, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Online opened this realm of shooters to the masses as an online multiplayer free action shooter. With plenty of time to smooth out bugs and up the total content, we figured it was time to give the game a fresh look.

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Before you head into the game you are able to pick between three available classes. Each one of these classes has their own tactical style and team objectives in the game. Luckily you're never locked into playing just one and can dabble between the classes if you want to spice up your gameplay and mix things around. The three available classes are the Assault that is equipped with an assault rifle, a Recon that likes to shoot things from a distance with a sniper rifle, and the Specialist that can be seen as a support type of class that carries a light machine gun. Like I have said, each one of these classes have their own required play style, and you definitely need to have each one of these classes in your squad or else you will have a bad time, but more on that later.

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Online arena titles like GRO entirely focus on the use of game rooms to find your games and play around. Unfortunately I quickly experienced the nightmare that is called matchmaking in Ghost Recon Online. Matchmaking automatically sets you up with other people to play a game mode. Unfortunately GRO's matchmaking fell short of my expectations from other shooters. Normally, I'd like to choose what I play and where I play. I want to decide what server I want to join, and how many people it includes. But choice is rather limited in Ghost Recon Online, and the population isn't large enough to give matchmaking much flexibility. I would love to have a server browser and see the different playable game modes, but instead my only choice was the level range I wanted to play in. After that, you just hit the play button and hope for the best.

Several minutes later (sometimes longer as I was queuing from EU and at odd hours for the majority of players), a match would pop. On the bright side, matches can rage on for quite a while, usually around half an hour in competitive battles. But if your team is getting massacred, you're forced to endure it as leaving prematurely as it hurts your rank and lowers your reputation, making your matchmaking chore worse for future matches. All in all, I would've loved to see a different way to join games, and I think this is a primary cause of scaring off new players and keeping the population low.

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Besides that the interface, the menus, and the whole lobby system itself is beautifully done but in a shooter it all really comes down to how crisp and balanced the gameplay itself is. GRO forces you to take things slowly. Patience is a virtue, and luckily you'll have built up plenty of it waiting out the queue. Run and gun gamers who think they can be godlike running wildly through the streets will be dropped in a hot flash and typically give away the rest of their team's position in the process. Ghost Recon Online follow suite with its Buy to Play counterparts, encouraging sneaking, camping, and teamwork. Currently the most played game mode is conquest. Just like in any other game with the game mode conquest, you will have several capture points on the map to battle over with your allies. But remember, the game is played at a slow pace and thus capturing these points isn't as easy as charging in and standing around in the open waiting on a timer. Since a lot of people camp, often lying in wait at a capture point for ten plus minutes, you will have to scout areas and force enemies out before having a chance to capture them. With the use of class skills like cloak or weapon jams you can try to force your enemy to fall back. Brute force doesn't work well without the powerful class skills supporting them.

One thing I learned quickly is that this game is absolutely not balanced at all, which makes it even harder in a way. Some weapons deal a ton of damage, while others certainly don't and if you have one of the beginner weapons equipped, well good luck trying to win the game. It is obvious that when you buy weapons they improve your performance, but new pups are often forced into the playground of the big dogs due to population limitations, resulting in some devastating losses.

 

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Conclusion: Good

Ghost Recon Online is a lot of fun. I myself enjoyed playing it but there are enough hindrances for new players that I didn't often feel encouraged to queue up for multiple matches in a row. Since the game isn't that popular, new players should go in with the mindset that they're going to get crushed quite a few times while slowly building up their character to hang with the veterans. Once you have bit the bullet and climbed the learning curve, with days of battle hardening matches under your belt, you will start to find yourself actually impacting the outcome of matches. This felt tedious at times as I rarely got to experience match modes outside of conquest. A shooter needs fast queue quick matches like Team Deathmatch to draw in a decent population by capturing the casual crowd. Perhaps I ask too much out of a Ghost Recon game, especially since the game supports camping with its many different stances and weapon possibilities, but sometimes the game was just too slow overall.

Kingdom Under Fire II

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 02:21 PM PST

Fight as soldier and commander in a massive, realistic-style strategy game where politics and power are the keys to victory.

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Publisher: Blueside
Playerbase: ??
Graphics: High
Type: MMOARPG/RTS
EXP Rate: ??
PvP: Yes
Filesize: ??

Pros: +Limited information available.

Cons: -Limited information available.

download nowcreate accountofficial site

Overview

Kingdom Under Fire II Overview

Kingdom Under Fire II is an action strategy RPG, blending real-time strategy with role-playing elements, developed for PC and PlayStation 3. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, Kingdom Under Fire, KUFII will offer flashy combat as you command your own character as well as over one hundred types of troops in epic-scale warfare. The game features three factions: Human Alliance, Dark Legion, and Encablossa. Players can expect to find guilds, sieges, territory battles, and massive scaling warfare where you can become ruler of the continent – if you’re strong enough!

Kingdom Under Fire II Screenshots

Kingdom Under Fire II Featured Video


Full Review

Kingdom Under Fire II Review

Coming Soon…

Screenshots

Kingdom Under Fire II Screenshots

Coming Soon…

Videos

Kingdom Under Fire II Videos

Kingdom Under Fire II: Trailer

Links

Kingdom Under Fire II Links

Official Game Site

System Requirements

Kingdom Under Fire II System Requirements

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New World Interactive Unleashes INSURGENCY On Steam Today

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 01:24 PM PST

Insurgency Screen

Indie developer New World Interactive (NWI) is proud to announce the launch of its tactical, team-based first-person shooter INSURGENCY available on Steam. The intense online FPS, that PC Gamer calls "a ridiculously good time," aims to distill one of the most popular gaming genres to its essence. INSURGENCY is available now for PC and Mac OS X, now at the sale price of $13.49 for a limited time from today, January 22, until Tuesday, January 28, a 10% discount from the SRP of $14.99. INSURGENCY will launch on Linux later this year. NWI has issued a statement to their community regarding their pricing, seen here.

Insurgency Screen 2

"We're very excited about the progress we've made over the past nine months,” said Jeremy Blum, founder and game director of New World Interactive, who was instrumental in the success of the award-winning mods Red Orchestra and Insurgency: Modern Infantry Combat. “Early Access allowed us to build a community and actualize the full potential of our game, that otherwise would not be possible to reach this moment. We are very grateful for our dedicated fans that have remained loyal through this process."

Insurgency Snipe

"This milestone release marks the end of the Early Access phase, since we have discovered the right direction and created a foundation for the game from months of experimentation, years of experience, and a decade envisioning what this gameplay experience should be," said Andrew Spearin, designer and community manager of Insurgency and the co-founder of Insurgency: Modern Infantry Combat. "Today, we look forward to unveiling what we have to the world, allowing more players to join our rapidly growing community and help evolve the game as we polish, refine, and build on top of the framework we have established." NWI continues to update the game and has DLC plans included in the full price.

The Repopulation reveals new features and stretch goals

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 12:49 PM PST

The upcoming sandbox MMO, The Repoplutation, has presented itself today with a handful of new goodies and features, including details on traveling, lore and new stretch goals for their ongoing Kickstarter campaign.

Getting Around in The Repopulation

“Travel comes in many forms in The Repopulation. Travel is important in most MMOs as it can add ease of movement, but making it to easy can make the world feel much smaller. We have a variety of travel options for players to choose from, including Quick Travel, Instant Travel, Vehicles, Pets or On-foot.”

Repop Travel

Evening Star – Epilogue

The final portion of the Evening Star story has been posted, with the story weighing in at a whopping 40,660 words.

More stretch goals reached

Lastly, the Kickstarter campaign has reached another stretch goal, and traveling Vendors will become a reality. The development team is now looking ahead to their next stretch goal: Unique Renaming of Items. This is a crafter centric goal.

For more information, visit https://www.therepopulation.com
Travel Option Feature: https://www.therepopulation.com/index.php/news/150-getting-around-in-the-repulation
Evening Star – Epilogue: https://www.therepopulation.com/index.php/component/content/article/2-uncategorised/151-evening-star-epilogue
Next Stretch Goal Details: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/therepopulation/the-repopulation-a-sandbox-mmorpg/posts

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Video Games Blogger


Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII Demo English Walkthrough

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 12:09 PM PST

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Dead Rising 3 Operation Broken Eagle Walkthrough

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 11:11 AM PST

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Dead Rising 3 Operation Broken Eagle Achievements Guide

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 11:11 AM PST

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Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD Persona Missions Guide

Posted: 21 Jan 2014 11:00 PM PST

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Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD: How To Make Money

Posted: 21 Jan 2014 10:30 PM PST

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Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD Glitches

Posted: 20 Jan 2014 11:00 PM PST

Here are some of the newly discovered Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD glitches. Note that these can of course get patched by Ubisoft at any time. But you might encounter the here-under listed glitches for yourself in the meantime. Index of Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD Guides: This Page: Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD Glitches Next Page: Assassin’s...
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