The open beta phase for Final Fantasy XIV, which as of now has been limited and narrow in its membership, has been postponed indefinitely due to “a confirmation of critical bugs.” Buyers of the game's Collector's Edition will have unlimited access to its servers on September 22nd, leaving just three weeks for the beta phase to run its course. The presence of critical bugs at this late stage in the project's developments could mean real trouble for Final Fantasy XIV when it does hit shelves.
Puzzle Quest 2 on the PSP
Puzzle Quest 2, which was first released on the Nintendo DS June 22nd, has just been announced for the PSP. Infinite Interactive, the project's developer, has said the game will join versions for the Xbox, iPhone and PC towards the end of 2010. It can be downloaded from the PlayStation Store, and pricing has not yet been revealed.
Barnacle Bay Dated
On September 23rd, 2010, EA will release The Sims: Barnacle Bay exclusively at The Sims 3 Store. This add-on will feature heavily in pirates and their various accoutrement, joining Vampires arriving to the scene in the upcoming Late Night expansion. Barnacle Bay was once a pirate hangout, but has since been cleared out to form a vacation getaway. There are 50 new world Sims living in the add-on, including Dude LaMer, a surfer burnout, and Rose Rome, an aging gypsy woman.
New 360 Controller Coming
A new wireless controller for the Xbox 360 is on its way, made in part to address the numerous issues players have had with the original controller's D-pad. Claiming to go “from a plus to a disc with the twist of the wrist,” the D-pad on the matte silver controller will be accompanied by concave analog sticks, gray A, B, X and Y buttons, and “ultimate accuracy and control”, according to Larry Hryb, director of programming for Xbox Live. It goes on sale on November 9th in North America for $64.99, available only with the Play & Charge kit.
Crysis 2 – Limited Edition Announced
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Nintendo DSi & DSi XL Price Drops
Due in part to falling popularity in the retail charts, Nintendo is dropping the price by $20 apiece for the Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL. This is all cunning preparation for the launch of Nintendo's 3DS, the glasses-free handheld system due in April 2011. The DS Lite, however, will remain at its current price of $130, a tag that has remained consistent since the product's launch in 2006.
Mafia II - DLC "Jimmy’s Vendetta"
Jimmy's Vendetta, the new downloadable content package for the critical and audience darling Mafia 2, will be available on the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC on September 7th. This will come as a welcome surprise for those snubbed by the PS3-exclusivity of The Betrayal of Jimmy, a DLC that debuted with the game's launch. It will also carry with it a $10 dollar (800 Microsoft Points) price tag, unlike its free-with-purchase-of-new-copy predecessor. The add-on will include more than 30 new missions putting players in the shoes of Jimmy, a legendary mafia hitman.
Tron: Evolution Collector’s Edition
Tron: Evolution, Propaganda Games' accompaniment to Disney's mammoth film franchise re-ignition, has been set for a December 7th release. It will hit stores two weeks before the film, offering standard editions as well as a $130 dollar Collector's Edition. This special box set will contain an exclusive light cycle model, with special casing and a pullout drawer for the game box. Though the game is said to further flesh out the film's universe, the publisher is asserting that both the game and the film can be enjoyed to their fullest separately.
Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury Announced
D3 Publisher announced the imminent release of Bangai-O HD: Missile Fury for Xbox Live Arcade this fall, retaining Treasure as the game's developer. Like D3's first entry, Bangai-O Spirits, this new title will combine puzzle-solving with arcade-style action. It features a level editing tool that will enable gamers to build their own stages and share with friends, and sports more than 100 levels. The game will sell online for $10, or 800 Microsoft points.
The First Templar – Gamescom 2010 Trailer
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By Patrick Newman 08/23/10
Banhammer Coming to Pirates
In the time since Halo: Reach leaked on the internet over the weekend, Microsoft has been adamant about their willingness to ban pirates from Xbox Live, and to void their console warranties. When asked to comment on the leaked title, due officially for a September 14th release, a company spokesperson confirmed, “All consumers should know that piracy is illegal and modifying their Xbox 360 console violates the Xbox Live terms of use, will void their warranty and result in a ban from Xbox Live." Bungie has remained silent about the issue.
Voice Activated Kinect
Microsoft's Kinect, their much-anticipated controller-free gaming interface, will indeed include voice control. This confirmation runs contrary to earlier rumors that it was being cut from the program. "Only on Xbox 360 will you be able to navigate the Kinect Hub using your voice to control your movies, TV shows and music,” a Microsoft representative recently stated to IGN.
Pay-for Play on the PSN
Sony is considering implementing an online pass for its games, giving gamers a pay-for-play option on PSN. Though the company is excited about the possibility of making certain online aspects of disc-based games available for a small fee, they can't deny that PSN's free access is one of its main draws, and are far from making any definitive decisions. Sony is looking to the success of PlayStation Plus, a premium service, to pave the way towards future paid-gaming plans.
Shank and Mafia II - Releases
Several hot new titles are due on PSN today, led by Shank and Mafia II: The Betrayal of Jimmy. Shank, which can be purchased for $15, is a 2D action game with a graphic novel-like aesthetic. Melee as well as ranged weapons are promised, and each stage climaxes with the appearance of a distinct level boss. Since Mafia II went retail today, the PSN-exclusive 'Betrayal of Jimmy' is available for owners of a new disc copy for free, and for owners of used versions for $9.99. The extra chapter for the game is arcade-like in content, handing players the reigns to Jimmy, a formidable mobster.
Shank Launch Trailer:
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More Tech Support for Call of Duty: Black Ops
In response to complaints about the lack of mod tools or dedicated server support for the PC version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, developer Treyarch has announced both will be available for the imminent PC version of Call of Duty: Black Ops. The mod tools will allow gamers to create new game modes and maps, and share them with each other. Despite the flurry of excitement this announcement will inevitably bring, at this point Treyarch is “completely focused on finishing the game,” due November 9th.
Call of Duty: Black Ops - Prestige Edition Trailer:
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Saw – Video Game & Movie News
Saw II: Flesh and Blood will hit stores on October 19th, just in time for Halloween and the release of the newest Saw film, Saw VII 3D. Konami's game will be composed of mingames, puzzles, and sporadic combat as gamers navigate serial killer Jigsaw's deadly puzzles. In addition to drawing inspiration from the Saw films, Konami is looking to replicate their annual release dates, since Flesh and Blood is due for release less than a year after the original game's bow in 2009.
Saints Row Bundle Details
To broaden interest in their franchise before the release of Saints Row 3 sometime in 2012, THQ is packaging the first two Saints Row games in an Xbox 360-exclusive bundle. Despite its lavish copying of many aspects of Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto franchise, Saints Row has held up to critical and audience reception alike. The Saints Row Double Pack hits stores on September 7th for $29.99.
More Mass Effect 2 DLC
First announced last month, the newest downloadable content for Mass Effect 2, “Shadow Broker,” will be available for Xbox 360 and PC users on September 7th. Following in the footsteps of June's Overlord DLC, Shadow broker will include five new achievements, new research, as well as the Shadow Broker intelligence center. The pack can be purchased for 800 Microsoft points, or $10 for the PC version.
By Patrick Newman 08/16/10
Crysis 2 – New Details on Release
Though fans were disappointed recently to hear that Crytek's much-anticipated Crysis 2 would be pushed forward to a 2011 release, new details about the upcoming package hope to justify the longer gestating period. Electronic Arts is releasing two special edition versions of Crysis 2. The first, the $60 Limited Edition, will ship in March and comes with multiplayer components such as bonus XP, a hologram decoy, and an in-game Platinum Dog Tag. The second version, tagged at $150, is the Crysis 2 Nano Edition, which includes everything in the aforementioned package, plus a steel case, an 11-inch statue, and a concept art book. The Nano Edition comes in a “nanosuit backpack” collector's case. The game is due on March 22nd in North America.
APB Developer Goes Bankrupt
Due in part to the lackluster success of 2010's APB (All Points Bulletin), developer Realtime Worlds, made famous by the Crackdown franchise, has filed for bankruptcy. The BBC reports that the administration firm Begbies Traynor intends to either sell off the company piece by piece, or find a single buyer to purchase it outright. Despite these setbacks, Realtime Worlds assures fans that “APB will continue to run, receive updates, and is completely accessible. There will be no disruption to the service.”
MAG Updating to the Playstation Move
Joining a list of games that includes SOCOM 4, Heavy Rain and Killzone 3, MAG will be updated to support the camera-based motion capture system Playstation Move this fall. MAG's utilization of the Move system should be similar to that of SOCOM 4, since players will be required to move their targeting reticule by pointing with the controller, diverting character movement to the sub-controller. The beta program for MAG will open on August 24th.
Top Gun on the Playstation Network
This week, Doublesix Games' dogfighting action title Top Gun hits the PlayStation Network. Based on the 1986 Tom Cruise-starring hit, the game consists of 11 single-player missions, includes the original Top Gun theme song, and was written by the film's screenwriter. In addition to the single-player campaign there is also a 16-player online campaign with five different modes. Pricing on the downloadable title is $14.99.
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North – GamesCom 2010 Trailer
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Virtua Tennis 4 Announced
Sega has announced Virtua Tennis 4 for the PlayStation 3. The game will feature full PlayStation Move compatibility and even 3D TV support. Sony is making the Move support a central aspect of the game's marketing, since the controller reportedly figures into every nuance of the racket's movement – including speed, spin, and volley power. Though the full roster of playable tennis stars is still pending, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray have been confirmed for the game.
Microsoft Unveils Age of Empires Online
Microsoft is returning to its Age of Empires series with the release of Age of Empires: Online. The title, which will be a PC-only, Windows Live exclusive, is due for release in 2011 and is being described as a more social take on the franchise. This social aspect is reflected in the game's capital city, which “lives and grows even when you're offline.” The style and tone of the game is also much more stylized than its predecessors, a change that is divisive among fans.
New Playstation 3 Bundles
Two new Playstation 3 hardware bundles have just been announced by Sony – a 160 GB model, which is shipping now, and a 320 GB version, which is due September 19th. The 320 GB version comes as part of the PS3 Sports Champions Move bundle. It is unknown at this point whether the white version that has been announced for the Japanese market will be coming to North America, but developments on that front are expected soon.
World of Warcraft – Cataclysm
Just announced, the newest World of Warcraft expansion pack, Cataclysm, will be released in a collector's edition in North America for $79.99. The WoW: Cataclysm Collector's Edition will include a ten-track game soundtrack, a behind-the-scenes DVD, a mouse pad, an in-game pet named Lil' Deathwing, as well as a 60-card starter deck for the WoW-themed tabletop game.
FEAR 3 – Gamescom 2010 Trailer
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By Patrick Newman 08/09/10
PSP Production of ‘The Force Unleashed’ Stopped
Without warning, LucasArts has stopped production on its previously announced version of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2 for PSP. The game was originally supposed to ship on October 26th. Other versions for the PC, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS and Wii will remain on course.
EverQuest Next News
At Sony Online Entertainment's annual Fan Faire, details were finally released regarding EverQuest Next, the planned successor to its long-running and extremely popular Everquest franchise. Unlike 2004's EverQuest 2, the title will not be a sequel but an alternate history, which re-imagines the series as taking place in an alternate dimension but with "familiar faces, races, and places." Since the game is still in early development, SOE could not divulge a release date or list of possible platforms.
Release Date for Ace Combat: Assault Horizon
Namco Bandai's Ace Combat: Assault Horizon will be released on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, according to an official announcement from the developer. The title will feature single-player and online multiplayer options, and proclaims itself to be a "game changer" as well as the first installment in the franchise since 2007's Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation.
Call of Duty: Black Ops – New Details
The recently-released Call of Duty: Black Ops trailer just dropped a ton of new details on unsuspecting gamers as to what Treyarch's new shooter might be bringing to the table. New franchise features include customization options for emblem, title, and red dot sight (in the trailer a smiley face was used). A "replay editor" similar to Bungie's system for Halo, will be implemented to provide gamers with a way of sharing their carnage with the world. The ability to dive has been added, which should change combat dynamics a great deal, and various spy technologies are now a part of the player's arsenal. In this trailer, for instance, a remote camera can be used to keep watch on enemy flags - and the player's back – during online matches.
Call of Duty: Black Ops – Multiplayer Trailer:
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Split/Second DLC
Split/Second, the racing game for the Xbox 360 and PS3, will be joined soon by three new packs of downloadable content, which range from new liveries to a new vehicle. Disney says that all three packs will be made available on Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network in the next few weeks, while a new playable environment will be added in September.
Patent Shows Kinect Understanding Sign Language
The patent listing for Kinect, Microsoft's new motion-sensing technology, lists the product as having ASL, lip-reading and toe-mapping recognition. The $150 dollar (USA) full-body technology, which alternately recognizes voices, will be invaluable to those who cannot speak. The technology will hit stores on November 4th in regular and $300 premium versions.
Dragon Age: Origins Ultimate Edition?
On Gamespot.com, a listing was posted recently for the Dragon Age: Origins Ultimate Edition. Though the listing was devoid of details as to what might be inside the package, it is likely that the new Ultimate Edition will included some, if not all of the Dragon Age DLC packs. The title will be released on October 12th for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.
Splinter Cell & Prince of Persia Re-Mastered
Amazon France has just set gamers expectations alight with its recent listings for Splinter Cell and Prince of Persia trilogy collections. The three-packs, which would be re-mastered in HD, are set for release in November, and will be mastered in Blu-Ray. The titles included in the packs, however, are still unclear.
Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions – Vulture Character Revealed Trailer
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By Patrick Newman 08/02/10
Guillermo del Toro Working On New Game
Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy mastermind Guillermo del Toro told MTV news recently that he's begun work on a video game with a "big" company. Though he was reluctant to provide specifics about the game itself, del Toro went on to say, "We're going to do games that are going to be technically and narratively very interesting. It's not a development deal. We're going to do it. We're doing them. And we're going to announce it soon enough."
Resistance 3?
Insomniac, the developer responsible for the popular Resistance series, claims to be debuting its next game between now and Labor Day weekend's Penny-Arcade Expo in Seattle. Details about the panel further reveal that Insomniac will be showing off its "PlayStation 3 project," which could rule out cross-platforming. The game could potentially be Resistance 3 or a new franchise for Electronic Arts.
Medal of Honor Limited Edition Details
In addition to new camouflage, ammo and weapons, the Medal of Honor Limited Edition will include an invitation to the Battlefield 3 beta when it ships on October 12th. Battlefield 3, which was recently only confirmed to be in development, will be available for the Xbox 360, PC and PlayStation 3 in 2011.
3DS Launch Update
The 3DS, which is scheduled for release before the end of this fiscal year, is finally bringing its initial release slate to light. Capcom's two previously announced games – Resident Evil Revelations and Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition – will not be among the titles to accompany the 3DS in its launch. This was confirmed during a recent investor's Q&A in Japan.
Thor: The Video Game – Teaser Trailer
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Goldeneye 007
At E3 2010, Nintendo finally confirmed its intentions to re-imagine the classic GoldenEye 007 for the Wii in November. Now, Nintendo's ambitions seem to have broadened, as it will now be releasing the title on the DS. Though details are still coming in regarding the handheld version, GoldenEye 007 for the Wii will have updated graphics, four-player split screen as well as online multiplayer, and new game modes.
Socom 4 Delayed
Developer Zipper Interactive has announced that tactical shooter Socom 4 won't hit stores until 2011. The reason for the wait, according to Socom community manager Jeremy Dunham, is so Zipper will be able "to deliver the best and most immersive Socom game we possibly can and we're going to use our extra time to do just that."
Red Dead Riding To Japan
The open-world Western Red Dead: Redemption will be making its Japanese debut on October 7th for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. This comes according to Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu. As of now, the massively popular title has sold more than 5 million units.
Black Ops On The DS
In addition to versions for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Wii, Activision has announced an edition of the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops for the Nintendo DS. This "companion version" will arrive with the others in stores on November 9th. Though details are still surfacing, the announcement confirms that the DS storyline will see gamers assuming the identity of a CIA operative.
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By Patrick Newman 07/26/10
New Details About Madden NFL 11 Super Bowls
The Super Bowl celebration sequence in the upcoming Madden NFL 11 is shaping up to be a lot more exciting than the Super Bowls of previous installments. Along with added fanfare on the soundtrack, the game will feature commentary by Gus Johnson, who pipes in to provide team-specific commentary. Also new to the sequence is an MVP and Lombardy Trophy presentation ceremony by Commissioner Roger Goodell, and an appearance by President Barack Obama. The game will launch August 10th for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii and PSP.
Forklifts in Halo: Reach?
At the 2010 San Diego Comic Con, developer Bungie announced that the forklift vehicle will be included in their upcoming Halo: Reach. More of a mistake left standing than a deliberate inclusion in the gameplay, the forklift can move, stop, and perform little else. Since the vehicle is part of the Forge tools, forklifts can be used to race, but it is unlikely players will be drawn to such slow-moving craft for any reason other than a passing curiosity.
Grand Theft Auto Going Hollywood
VG 24/7 has rumored that the Grand Theft Auto franchise could be moving to a west-coast setting for its new outing – specifically to Hollywood. An official announcement is expected in the next few months, possibly to coincide with the public unveiling of Rockstar's Max Payne 3. The franchise has visited LA before in its Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which allowed players to explore the sun-drenched, crime-ridden Los Angeles surrogate Vinewood.
DeathSpank – Launch Trailer
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More Marvel vs. Capcom Details & Tekken News
A Capcom representative was on-hand at San Diego's 2010 Comic-Con to describe the gameplay of the upcoming Marvel vs. Capcom 3, as well as to introduce several of the game's new characters. The gameplay should be instantly familiar to fans of the original game, though special moves and combos will be easier to execute. New characters will include Chun-Li, Dr. Doom, Super Skrull, Trish, Thor and Amaterasu.
Aside from developing Marvel vs. Capcom 3, which should be hitting the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 next year, Capcom is additionally working with Namco Bandai on a potential crossover between the Street Fighter and Tekken franchise. This would be the first Tekken outing on a console since 2009's Tekken 6.
Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds Comic Con 2010 Trailer
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DC Universe Release Date Announced
Sony and Warner Bros. long-gestating MMORPG, DC Universe Online, finally has a release date set at November 2nd, 2005. Mark Hamill will be reprising his role as the voice of The Joker, and he will be joined by Kevin Conroy as Batman, Adam Baldwin as Superman and Gina Torres as Wonder Woman. At the 2010 Comic-Con, minor characters Egg Fu and Ambush Bug were revealed to be an integral part of the gameplay as well.
NBA Jam Coming to PS3 & Xbox 360?
EA Canada's NBA Jam, currently expected to drop on October 5th, was originally thought to be a Wii-exclusive title. Now, according to the ESRB, that might no longer be the case. A listing posted, and then later revoked by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board mentioned the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 as other consoles that the incoming game might also call home. EA hasn't been available yet to deny or confirm.
Lawsuit Settled By Rockstar Games
British tabloid The Daily Star has issued a public apology to Rockstar Games for falsely claiming that the developer was preparing a new Grand Theft Auto game, GTA Rothbury, inspired by the murders and subsequent police manhunt of Raoul Moat. The periodical has agreed to pay “a substantial amount in damages” after openly admitting that "made no attempt to check the accuracy of the story before publication." Rockstar plans to donate its acquired money to charity.
By Patrick Newman 07/19/10
Mega Man Universe in Development
Coming fresh on the heels Mega Man 9, Capcom has officially announced Mega Man Universe is in the works, and will eventually be available for download on the PS3 and Xbox 360. Whereas Mega Man 9 found its success in bringing the titular character back to the franchise's original formula, the developer has decided to up the ante and explore new realms with Universe. The most notable of many new changes is the crossover between different Capcom franchises, allowing Mega Man to change into Street Fighter's Ryu or Arthur, from Ghosts' n Goblins. More information on the game is expected to come to light at Comic-Con at the end of the month.
Valve Releases Alien Swarm
The Washington-based Valve, best known for its Portal and Half-Life franchises, has announced the imminent release of Alien Swarm for the PC. The single or four player gameplay will be a top-down tactical shooter, reminiscent of Starship Troopers in its depiction of military toughs facing down enormous insects on alien worlds. For those who can access Steam, Valve's distribution portal, it will be free for download this Monday.
Free DLC for Mafia II
Mafia II, 2K Czech's hotly anticipated release, will make its first batch of downloadable content available to PS3 gamers for free. Called The Betrayal of Jimmy, the DLC re-enacts the events of Mafia II through the eyes of a mafia cleaner named Jimmy. Those who cannot buy Mafia II new can still download the add-on for 9.99 through the PlayStation Network, and a second add-on pack for Xbox 360 and PC gamers will be available soon after Mafia II's release.
James Bond 007: Bloodstone Announced
Though the next onscreen chapter of 2007 may not reach audiences for the considerable future, game developer Bizarre Creations has decided to continue Bond's journey in a game called James Bond 007: Blood Stone. With the likenesses and voices of Daniel Craig, Joss Stone, Judi Dench contributing it looks like an A-list production, and will feature a variety of gameplay including driving, shooting and martial arts combat. James Bond 007: Blood Stone hits the Xbox 360, PC, Nintendo DS and Playstation 3 in the fourth quarter of 2010. PlayStation 3, PC, and Nintendo DS in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Blacklight: Tango Down – Launch Trailer
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More Details on Madden NFL 11
The demo for Madden NFL 11 is just around the corner, with more playable features than any other sports demo past or present. Those who download the demo will be able to play full five-minute quarters for a whole game, instead of the short half-game offered in previous versions. It will be released August 10 for the Xbox 360, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, PSP and Wii.
ZHP Coming to the PSP
Developer NISA has announced ZHP (or Zettai Hero Project), a strategy/RPG game for the PSP later this year. The game will be heavily focused on leveling up to acquire "hero" abilities, which can then be used to defeat the game's single boss in an epic combat finale. Body upgrades can also be acquired throughout the course of the game, which give the player special abilities.
New Oddworld in the Works
The lovably bizarre Oddworld franchise is getting a jump-start soon from UK-based developer Just Add Water. Beginning with 1997's Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee and ending with 2005's Oddworld: Strangers Wrath, the series has consistently delivered a unique gaming experience, and the new title aims to set the bar even higher.
Master Chief Update
Contrary to popular belief, the Halo franchise's Master Chief will be appearing in the hotly-anticipated Halo: Reach, though not as a playable character. Both Master Chief and Cortana will be available in the game's Armory, which expands its options as rank and purchases improve.
Red vs. Blue – Halo Deja View/Halo Reach PSA
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By Patrick Newman 07/12/10
Blizzard User Policy Changes
Blizzard Entertainment, in response to intense debate over whether or not users of their Real ID service would need to register with actual names, have finally stepped down from the issue. The policy change, which would have begun this month with Starcraft II, has been nixed after three days. Mike Morhaime, Blizzard CEO and cofounder, posted on the WoW forums that “We've decided at this time that real names will not be required for posting on official Blizzard forums.”
Red Faction: Armageddon Details
The upcoming Red Faction: Armageddon, Volition's newest entry in a Mars-roving shooter franchise that has seen highs and lows, will be different in many respects from Red Faction: Guerrilla. According to Senior Producer Jim Boone, the game will feature more linear gameplay than the last installment. The physics will be more sophisticated with the addition of a Magnet Gun that flings debris at enemies and the environment will be subterranean rather than open-world. While the game promises to be more destructible than ever, it will also throw a new curveball into the gameplay with the implementation of the Nano Forge, which repairs structures. This should make for an exciting Red Faction that is both classic and new.
More Clues to Arkham Asylum Sequel Emerge
Confirmed details of Warner Bros.' sequel to Batman: Arkham Asylum are still sketchy, but a host of new domain names registered recently by Warner Bros. hint at the title. The publisher registered 15 web domain names recently, including “Arkham City” and “Ashes of Gotham,” indicating that the game's setting might move beyond the walled gulag of Arkham. Villains Talia al Ghul and Mr. Freeze have been confirmed for the game, as well as the return of Mark Hamill as the voice of The Joker.
Star Wars: The Old Republic Beta Testing
BioWare's highly anticipated MMORPG Star Wars: The Old Republic is finally open to the first wave of volunteer testers. Though the first round of testing will be small, focused, and restricted to North America, the territories included in the testing phase should expand as work on the title progresses. The OldRepublic takes place 300 years after Knights of the Old Republic, and is scheduled for PC release in Spring 2011.
Mass Effect 2 – The Story So Far
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Enslaved Gets a Street Date
The release date for Ninja Theory's Enslaved: Odyssey to the West has been confirmed. The game will hit the North American market on October 5, 2010. The game is a third-person tactical action-adventure about slaves working together for survival in a post-apocalyptic America, and has been scripted by Hollywood screenwriter Alex Garland (28 Days Later, Halo).
More Red Dead Redemption DLC Coming Soon
Beginning in August, Rockstar's Red Dead: Redemption will receive four new add-on packs for PSN and Xbox Live. With content that includes new playable characters, weapons, saloon games, maps and animals, the new DLC will cost $9.99 per pack. The only add-on confirmed for August is the Legends and Killers Pack, with the Liars and Cheats Pack, Free Roam Pack and Undead Nightmare Pack awaiting release dates and details.
Destination Arcade Delayed
Xbox Live's new arcade browser Destination Arcade has been held back from release for another week. The browser, which is meant to make arcade game searches just a little bit easier by relying on more visual components, will go live on Wednesday, July 21. For the time being it will only be available in the US.
Google Enters the Gaming World
Google's $100 million investment in Zynga, a game developer famous for FarmVille and Mafia Wars, has led many to speculate that they could be planning the launch of their own game service. This could be another in a long line of wise moves by Google, considering that Zynga claims $350 million in revenue for the first half of 2010.
End of Nations - E3 2010 Trailer
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By Patrick Newman 07/06/10
New PlayStation 3 Firmware Updates
The PlayStation 3 firmware has had a shaky history with gamers, with recent updates removing Linux compatibility and causing massive hardware issues as a result. Despite these setbacks, Sony’s newest version is sure to make somebody happy, since it adds PlayStation Plus subscription functionality, a video editor and uploader (for those trying to post on YouTube or Facebook), a rating system for content from the PlayStation Store, a PSN Facebook application, and new power save settings. Details on version 3.40 were revealed in a post on the official PlayStation blog.
Metro 2034
THQ is beginning development on a sequel to Metro 2033, which stands as the company’s top earner for March. Executive Vice President of THQ Danny Bilson confirmed as much in an interview with CVG, saying the new game will be called 2034, and will feature “stereoscopic 3D elements.” No release window or additional details were provided.
Infinity Ward Update
Even after firing studio heads Jason West and Vince Zampella, and the subsequent quitting of numerous Infinity Ward employees, Activision president Dave Stohl optimistically insists that they are having no problem bringing on fresh talent. In an interview with VG247, Stohl went on to suggest that Infinity Ward might begin work on a new shooter franchise instead of sequelizing Modern Warfare 2. At this point, all options are still on the table for Activision.
Yakuza 5 Coming, The US Still Waiting for Yakuza 4
With Yakuza 4 still awaiting release in the Western world, the most recent issue of Famitsu reveals that a follow-up to that Japanese hit, tentatively titled Yakuza 5, is in the works. The sequel will still have some relationship to the franchise’s main storyline, since Majima Goro is still a playable character, but other than that, series director Toshihiro Nagoshi was mum on details. He did say, however, that “destruction” is the core concept of the game.
Mass Effect 2 “Overlord” DLC Trailer
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Lara Croft – The Younger Years?
Though an official announcement is still pending, Eurogamer has been told by an anonymous source that another installment of the Tomb Raider series is in the works, with a target release date of holiday season 2011. This goes hand-in-hand with the rumors circulating last year of a Tomb Raider reboot, centered around a Lara Croft that is inexperienced and still coming of age. The anonymous source said the game will be set in Japan and will focus on Lara’s training, and will be developed by Crystal Dynamics for the PC, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.
Saints Row: Drive By
Saints Row: Drive By, the game that was recently announced by THQ as being one of the initial 3DS titles, is already in development for Xbox Live. Designed as a complementary experience to the upcoming Saints Row 3, the game will unlock items for that game on the Xbox 360, and vice versa.
Goldeneye 007 Peripheral Update
A peripheral designed for release with the upcoming Wii shooter Goldeneye 007 has been listed on GameSpot. At the not-too-paltry price of $69.99, one expects the release will either be bundled with the game, or have something substantial to offer. The controller set, whatever it may ultimately be, will be released at the end of October to coincide with the release of the game.
Nintendo 3DS in 2011?
Though Nintendo company president Reggie Fils-Aime announced recently on The Late Show with Jimmy Fallon that the 3DS would be released in 2011, Nintendo is not officially backing that statement. When asked to clarify, Charlie Scibetta, senior director of Corporate Communications said "Nintendo 3DS is scheduled to launch by the end of Nintendo's current fiscal year, which runs through March 31, 2011."
And how about some Halo: Reach gameplay to end to the end the news this week.....
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