Tuesday, March 12, 2013

News::Fairies Now Available for Windows 8

A brand new Xbox LIVE title has launched on Windows 8 this week, according to Metro Gaming, with Disney Interactives Fairies now available to download. Including Xbox LIVE features such as Achievements, Fairies is the latest in a long line of Windows 8 titles promoting the service.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206724/fairies-now-available-for-windows-8

News::GOG.com lets you select 5 games on promo and save 80%

Pick 5 Promo allows gamers to pick any 5 games from a list of twenty great indies and save up to $115.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1205497/gog-com-lets-you-select-5-games-on-promo-and-save-80

News::Moby Dick Studios Showing "Something New" Thursday Night on GTTV

Since the VGA 2012 reveal of a possible new game titled, The Phantom Pain, Joakim Mogren (Possibly Hideo Kojima) has been very quiet about the upcoming project from Moby Dick Studios.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206984/moby-dick-studios-showing-something-new-thursday-night-on-gttv

News::Dead Space DLC Awakened Available Now

Available today, you will be able to get your hands on Dead Space 3 Awakened, a new DLC Dead Space 3 playable in single player and co-op.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206560/dead-space-dlc-awakened-available-now

News::Outlast - New Details, Screenshots

New details on Red Barrel's first game, Outlast, an indie horror title coming to the PC.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206875/outlast-new-details-screenshots

News::Marvel Heroes: Invincible Iron Man Trailer Shows Movie-Inspired Outfits

GodisaGeek: "Still in closed beta, with a worldwide launch set for Spring this year, Gazillion Entertainment have released this brand new trailer, showing off the multiple costumes that have been inspired by the massively successful Avengers movie, as well as Iron Man 3."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1205409/marvel-heroes-invincible-iron-man-trailer-shows-movie-inspired-outfits

News::Review: Super House of Dead Ninjas

After climbing down 350 floors of traps, monsters, and ninja ghosts, not to mention the extra levels seemingly without end, I've come to one conclusion: I should never become a ninja. Sure, I should have known that before I even started playing Super House of Dead Ninjas , but it's nice to have confirmation.


I've died a lot. Countless times, really. Not enough to earn the achievement "Dedication," which one gets for dying a whooping 1000 times, but that achievement should tell you that this is a game about living for mere minutes. Thankfully, those minutes are filled with blood-soaked joy, certainly enough so that dusting one's self off and starting again isn't too great a chore.


Review: Super House of Dead Ninjas screenshot


Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/review-super-house-of-dead-ninjas-248509.phtml

News::Chrono Trigger + Jay-Z = Chrono Jigga, and it's great

Ever since Wiz Khalifa shamelessly ripped "Schala's Theme" for the single "Never Been," I've been under the belief that a Chrono Trigger mash-up album would be gold. Chrono Jigga , a Chrono Trigger mash-up that throws Jay-Z's best cuts on top, proves my theory right.


Hearing Jay-Z's coke-slinging, franchise-owning bravado from The Black Album and The Blueprint over classic Chrono Trigger loops and orchestra arrangements just works. "Ignorant Scene," "Wind Cry," and "Marle, Lucca, Schala" are my current favorites.


Chrono Jigga is produced by Lexington artist 2 Mello. He says the project started as a joke, but soon became too good to ignore.


Chrono Trigger + Jay-Z = Chrono Jigga, and it's great screenshot


Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/chrono-trigger-jay-z-chrono-jigga-and-it-s-great-248486.phtml

News::A4TECH Bloody Ultra Core3 v5 Review | Saving Content

Excerpt: "Taiwan developer A4TECH has developed the Bloody brand, a series of mice geared towards first person shooters. While it certainly works for other types of games, it absolutely excels in games where you pull a virtual trigger. This ambidextrous mouse is lightweight and features gilled grips that accommodates claw and palm styles of handling, perfect for anyone given its modest price. This mouse is incredibly well constructed, including the incredibly smart coated USB cord. The software is easy to learn, but likely you wont make too many modifications as it works right out-of-the-box. The one-time activation of the Core3 features is a bit of a bummer as it feels to be a hidden fee. Beyond that, the price is superb and an absolute bargain."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1205307/a4tech-bloody-ultra-core3-v5-review-saving-content

News::SimCity review - PCGMedia

SimCity is astonishingly technical. Everything works as-is, as it is seen. For instance, police can only fight crimes if they can catch the criminals thats a given but to do that the roads have to be clear. Traffic is constant, and not merely decorative. Congestion can potentially cripple your city.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1203251/simcity-review-pcgmedia

News::Dogs of War Online to Launch as Free-to-Play

Cyanide Studios has revealed that the recently announced Dogs of War Online, the multiplayer videogame based on the universe of Confrontation, will launch as a free-to-play title worldwide. Currently in development for Windows PC, Dogs of War Online will be released in Q2 2013.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1205412/dogs-of-war-online-to-launch-as-free-to-play

News::Wargaming's World of Tanks sets new Guinness record

Computer game developer/publisher Wargaming has set a new Guinness world record through its MMO action game World of Tanks.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206960/wargamings-world-of-tanks-sets-new-guinness-record

News::The Defiance Panel in its Entirety

Defiance is an upcoming MMO 3rd Person Shooter for Xbox 360, PC and PS3 coming from the developers of Rift. It is also an upcoming SyFy network TV show starring Grant Bowler. To promote this interesting collaboration of game and TV programming, representatives from both production companies came to SXSW for a special panel full of bizarre audio technical difficulties.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206906/the-defiance-panel-in-its-entirety

News::GameStop ad (3/13 - 3/19)

Take a look at the deals from this week's GameStop ad starting on Wednesday.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206908/gamestop-ad-3-13-3-19

News::Maxis Insider Tells RPS: SimCity Servers Not Necessary

"In all the fuss and mess of the disastrous SimCity launch, one refrain has been repeated again and again. While legions may be begging for an offline mode, EA representatives have been abundantly clear that this simply isnt possible. Maxis studio head, Lucy Bradshaw, has told both Polygon and Kotaku that they offload a significant amount of the calculations to our servers, and that it would take a significant amount of engineering work from our team to rewrite the game for single player."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206957/maxis-insider-tells-rps-simcity-servers-not-necessary

News::IGN Plays SimCity: Sending Help City to City

IGN - When one city needs Simoleons and services, it's another city to the rescue.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206943/ign-plays-simcity-sending-help-city-to-city

News::Blizzard Art Director Sam 'Samwise' Didier Takes Us Into The Heart Of The Swarm

Star Craft 2 Art Director Sam 'Samwise' Didier shares what was done to make this game the most memorable Star Craft ever. From creating gross Zerg combatants to experiencing a day in the life of the Kerrigan Queen of Blades.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206926/blizzard-art-director-sam-samwise-didier-takes-us-into-the-heart-of-the-swarm

News::Gameinformer- Payday 2 Preview: Setting Up A Bigger Heist

GI:Last years student project turned digital release Payday: The Heist brought the Left 4 Dead co-op shooting formula to the world of cops and robbers. This follow-up addresses criticisms of the first game, expands the content to include shorter playtimes, and channels more of the heist vibe with more stealthy options.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206940/gameinformer-payday-2-preview-setting-up-a-bigger-heist

News::Assassin's Creed IV: The History Behind Black Flag

IGN - Whether you're a pirate, a privateer, or something in between, 1713 and Assassin's Creed IV go together like peanut butter and jelly. But why?



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206947/assassins-creed-iv-the-history-behind-black-flag

News::VB - Payday 2 turns a dumb crook into a smooth criminal (preview)

VB - Forgive me if I dont sugarcoat this: I couldnt find a single socially redeeming quality to 2011s downloadable co-op shooter Payday: The Heist, and I looked pretty damn hard.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206958/vb-payday-2-turns-a-dumb-crook-into-a-smooth-criminal-preview

News::Sniper Ghost Warrior 2 Walkthrough

Sniper Ghost Warrior 2 Walkthrough will guide you from the beginning until the end and provide you with tips on completing each mission and objectives.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206876/sniper-ghost-warrior-2-walkthrough

News::Mage's Initiation Kickstarter Aims for Stretch Goals | GoozerNation

Ryan Johnson | GoozerNation Mage's Initiation is a new Adventure/RPG game coming soon from some of the key people behind the King's Quest remakes. Their Kickstarter is fully funded, and now they are pushing for stretch goals, such as multi-language support and mobile device porting. With some amazing swag available to those who donate, let alone an awesome sounding game, people should click in to get a link to their Kickstarter and see what all there is to offer!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1205534/mages-initiation-kickstarter-aims-for-stretch-goals-goozernation

News::Jimquisition: SimShitty

"DRM is back again, and it's here to stay! Games are a service, so we're told, but who do they really serve?" "SimCity's failure to launch thanks to ludicrous DRM restrictions has been the hot topic of the week, and naturally there's a Jimquisition afoot to skewer Electronic Arts right in its Electronic Nads. Time to put a bit of stick about, wouldn't you say?"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1196157/jimquisition-simshitty

News::We need to stop letting hate define us

I was recently inspired by a blog entry from a member of Fall Out Boy. If you're already rolling your eyes and making snarky remarks in your head, then this article is targeted at you.


Patrick Stump, Fall Out Boy's lead singer, wrote about the environment of hate within pop culture. It's an interesting analysis of the way that we come together to belittle certain artists or people, almost as an entirely new form of entertainment for ourselves. Think about the common reaction anytime a band like Nickelback or Limp Bizkit is mentioned. It's never a simple "I don't care for them"; it's always a verbal barrage of all-encompassing hate.


While Stump's words were aimed at the music scene, they ring true for our little corner of the world -- the videogame industry. Yes, we're just as guilty of buying into the sociocentric phenomenon as everyone else. This trend needs to change.


We need to stop letting hate define us screenshot


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via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/we-need-to-stop-letting-hate-define-us-248448.phtml

News::Payday 2 Preview: Planning the Perfect Heist | Shack News

Shack News: "Enter Payday 2. Overkill, now owned by Starbreeze, has been given a second chance at making the Payday game they've always wanted to, offering players the chance to make the perfect score."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206895/payday-2-preview-planning-the-perfect-heist-shack-news

News::Will DICE just make Battlefield 2143 already?

DICE keeps teasing and teasing us with Battlefield 2143. Will they just make the game already?



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206882/will-dice-just-make-battlefield-2143-already

News::Brutal Legend PC Review | Gaming Trend

Gaming Trend: "Id say the PC version of Brutal Legend is worth throwing money down for, at least for anyone who liked what they saw of the console version but didnt have the means to play it, or who just plain never got around to it. While nothing really new has been added, its a serviceable port of a game that still stands out as unique, in a world that has yet to be replaced or even challenged in terms of its unique setting and storyline. $19.99 USD is a more than fair price to ask for this game, and considering how Steam discounts usually go, it wont be long before this title is an absolute must-have for anyone who can tolerate the curious RTS design decisions."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206897/brutal-legend-pc-review-gaming-trend

News::6 Things the Next Tomb Raider Needs

While Tomb Raider is a great game, Flynn from Leviathyn.com has come up with six things that he thinks would make the next Tomb Raider even better. Check out what they are, and see if you agree.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206914/6-things-the-next-tomb-raider-needs

News::What is the Best Gaming Trilogy? Gaming Roundtable

The VGU.TV staff discuss what they believe are the best gaming trilogies of all time.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206917/what-is-the-best-gaming-trilogy-gaming-roundtable

News::Assassins Creed IV was Teased way back in Assassins Creed III

It seems that teasing future projects in past ones is becoming something of a trend. The upcoming Destiny from the Halo creators was teased way back in Halo: ODST, and now we realise that Ubisoft did the same thing with the upcoming Assassins Creed IV: Black Flag.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206892/assassins-creed-iv-was-teased-way-back-in-assassins-creed-iii

News::Arkalis Interactive narrows down the SG1 Unleashed timeline

Arkalis Interactive has answered SG Gaming Infos question about when Stargate SG1 Unleashed takes place and they also confirmed the game will be on PC and possibly Xbox Live.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1205392/arkalis-interactive-narrows-down-the-sg1-unleashed-timeline

News::Tomb Raider Review | Gaming Trend

Gaming Trend: "Other than a few missteps here and there, and a completely forgettable multiplayer mode (think Uncharted, but worse), Tomb Raider is the quintessential example of a reboot done right. Crystal Dynamics has granted Lara Croft new life and more importantly, purpose and for the first time in over a decade, further adventures in the Tomb Raider saga will be met with anticipation and excitement, rather than groans and eye-rolls. Tomb Raider represents a new beginning not only for Lara, but for cinematic games as a whole. Consider the bar officially raised."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206900/tomb-raider-review-gaming-trend

News::5 Reasons You Should Care About Destiny

Game Punch: Since Bungie started leaking out details about Destiny in November 2012, I have been aching to find out more about this game. Bungie, best known for their innovative Halo series, have been a hallmark of Microsofts endeavours in gaming, so when they announced they were leaving Halo behind for brighter pastures many gamers wondered what they were possibly going to do next. An RPG? A strategy game?



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206877/5-reasons-you-should-care-about-destiny

News::SimCity: Audio Review (Better Gaming Bureau)

Anthony and Chris have fought through more Game Service related issues than any gamer should experience from one title in order to play SimCity enough to give you this audio review. Have the launch problems made them hate the game like so many others? They give you their full, unedited thoughts in this Audio Review.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206837/simcity-audio-review-better-gaming-bureau

News::Ultima Series Retrospective - Ultima III: Exodus

Paul continues with his Ultima series, this time reaching Ultima III: Exodus



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206779/ultima-series-retrospective-ultima-iii-exodus

News::The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Recreated In Age of Empires 2

DSOGaming writes: "Now here is something really cool. YouTubes WeirdlyAnimated has recreated Bethesdas Skyrim in Age of Empires 2. Well okay, this is a parody but still, its Skyrim in Age of Empires 2. And you know what? Wed actually love to play it. Honestly. Its cool, its funny, its well made, and it shows why we all love mods."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206874/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-recreated-in-age-of-empires-2

News::Assassin's Creed III: The Tyranny of King Washington Wolf Powers Trailer

The American revolution is nearing completion but Assassins Creed 3 hero Ratonhnhaké:ton isnt out of the woods yet as The Tyranny of George Washington DLC has him in an all-new single player campaign told through three episodic content packs. Ubisoft has released a new trailer for the DLC showcasing the new wolf powers that are available.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1206860/assassins-creed-iii-the-tyranny-of-king-washington-wolf-powers-trailer

News::Review: Naruto Powerful Shippuden

Naruto fighting games tend to follow a specific formula. The console versions of the Shippuden series have been some of the best fighting games in the franchise, but the content hasn't really been super fresh, as it follows the familiar storyline of the television series.


While the games are ever improving on the home consoles, the portable systems haven't been given as much love. Enter Powerful Shippuden, a unique take on the series that, for once, doesn't exactly focus on the titular hero, nor does it adapt to the standard fighting game form.


And these are actually good things.


Review: Naruto Powerful Shippuden screenshot


Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/review-naruto-powerful-shippuden-247894.phtml

News::A Machine for Pigs has become more like Dark Descent

In an interview, thechineseroom creative director Dan Pinchbeck told Rock, Paper, Shotgun that the upcoming horror title Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs has ended up becoming "more of a natural successor to Dark Descent than we ever thought it'd be. Originally, we thought it’d be this halfway point between Dark Descent and Esther, but in a lot of ways, it's much more like Dark Descent."


Considering that's essentially what I had hoped this project was going to be all along, that sounds lovely. As lovely as a game with this subject matter can be, anyway. Pinchbeck also said that, as opposed to the studio's last game, this one "has definitely got a much more traditional game story to it. I was really keen to write something that was a bit more straightforward.


"What I think we have in common with [Dark Descent developer] Frictional is that kind of emotional, psychological element of, like, what's real and madness, and what mind and personality are," he said. "What's true. What's not true. I think there's an awful lot of that in Dark Descent. I think we didn't want to move completely away from that, because we’re still really interested in that angle."


TCR: Machine For Pigs Now ‘Much More’ Like Amnesia [Rock, Paper, Shotgun]


A Machine for Pigs has become more like Dark Descent screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/a-machine-for-pigs-has-become-more-like-dark-descent-248492.phtml

News::In the News | Call of Duty Trains Its Sights on Microtransactions

In the News | Call of Duty Trains Its Sights on Microtransactions

The so-called "Micro Items" will include aesthetic customization options, which Activision describes as being "like dress-up for your favorite weapons."



via Game|Life http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2013/03/call-of-duty-microtransactions/

News::Former GameStop VP in prison for stealing $1.7 million

Some may call GameStop employees crooks for giving customers pennies for their beloved Maddens, but only Frank Christopher Olivera, former VP of corporate communications and public affairs at GameStop Texas, has been sentenced to prison.


Olivera stole over $1.7 million from GameStop, using fake invoices and a made-up employee, through a fictitious company called Cloud Communications LLC (sounds legit). Olivera redirected GameStop payments to his fraudulent company, located in Las Vegas and in Canada, and would then put the money from Cloud into his personal account.


Olivera plead guilty to charges in November and, on Thursday, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison. In addition, he must pay $134,651 in extra costs, though GamesIndustry reports he has returned "most of" the $1.7 mil to GameStop.


In 2012, a study called GameStop the 10th worst place to work in America. With someone like Olivera running the show, I can see why.


Former GameStop VP jailed for fraud [GamesIndustry]


Former GameStop VP in prison for stealing $1.7 million screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/former-gamestop-vp-in-prison-for-stealing-1-7-million-248482.phtml

News::Square Enix holds a massive Xbox Live sale

Square Enix has kicked off a massive Xbox Live sale, discounting a ton of games at 50% off, some of which have discounted DLC. You'll find the list with links below, which consist of anything from Deus Ex: Human Revolution for $14.99, to Sleeping Dogs for $19.99 with DLC sales.


If I may make some more obscure recommendations, Geon is a lovely little puzzler and is easily worth $4.99. Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is also a nice diversion (get the Raziel and Kain pack and support that IP!), and although Mini Ninjas isn't quite worth $14.99, it's still a decent bit of weekend fun if you have kids.


The great big Square Enix Xbox Live sale [Square Enix]


Square Enix holds a massive Xbox Live sale screenshot


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via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/square-enix-holds-a-massive-xbox-live-sale-248484.phtml

News::Sound Shapes gets vehicles and six new albums via DLC


On the PlayStation Blog, we're told about some new content for Sound Shapes that you're going to want to take a look at. Namely, the game has gotten vehicles (!!!) with a $1.99 Car Mini-Album & Creator Pack that is a bit crazy -- but in a good way. If the game's slower pace bothered you, this add-on might be more your speed.


Additionally, there's a free update that introduces six hand-picked albums created by the Sound Shapes community. Can't argue with that price. The game has also been given an Offline Play option, which is always nice to see.


I was able to snag a copy of Sound Shapes during a sale, and although the purchase was easily worth it for the Beck album alone, it was difficult not to be left wanting more content, even with the community-made levels. So, yes, this new stuff is relevant to my interests.


Sound Shapes gets vehicles and six new albums via DLC screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/sound-shapes-gets-vehicles-and-six-new-albums-via-dlc-248491.phtml

News::Pick five games from GOG.com and save 80 percent

This week, GOG.com is offering a discount of 80 percent on select games when you purchase five of them together. Depending on the gaps in your PC library, this is a rather great little deal.


For instance, Legend of Grimrock ($3), Defender's Quest ($3), Pid ($2), Alan Wake ($5), King's Bounty: Crossworlds GOTY ($5), and Divinity II: Developer's Cut ($4) could be worth a look, especially at those prices. I'm almost tempted to try Lucius for a laugh, but something tells me that is probably a poor choice which will end in regret.


Pick five games from GOG.com and save 80 percent screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/pick-five-games-from-gog-com-and-save-80-percent-248489.phtml

News::Ken Levine killed BioShock film due to Watchmen's failure

Ken Levine has come out about the BioShock film, first announced in 2008 with Pirates of Caribbean director Gore Verbinski attached, admitting to personally cancelling the film.


After the poor box office reception to The Watchmen, Universal got cold feet about funding a $200 million R-rated BioShock adaptation. Universal gave the project two options: Ditch the R-rating or accept a budget of $80 mil. Verbinski wasn't happy with either and soon left the project.


"They brought another director in, and I didn't really see the match there," Ken Levine said at BAFTA talk, "and 2K's one of these companies that puts a lot of creative trust in people. So they said if you want to kill it, kill it. And I killed it."


Ken Levine killed BioShock film due to Watchmen's failure screenshot


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via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/ken-levine-killed-bioshock-film-due-to-watchmen-s-failure-248481.phtml

News::Terraria console devs 'looking into' Vita port

In an interview on TechnologyTell, David Welch of 505 games discusses some of the challenges and successes that the studio has encountered while bringing Terraria to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.


Interestingly, some of the new content to be included in the console ports was directly inspired by tools and programs that the PC version's modding community produced. "The in-game world map in particular was very inspired by some of the existing tools," said Welch. "And our redesigned crafting system was approached with the philosophy that console players can’t easily access the online wikis the same way that PC players can."


Toward the end of the interview, Welch admits that the touch-screen interface of the PlayStation Vita "could be a very natural fit" for another port, and that the studio is "looking into it." While that is far from any sort of official confirmation, it's pleasing to hear about the possibility of Terraria reaching a wider audience.


Interview: Making the Terraria experience work on consoles [TechnologyTell]


Terraria console devs 'looking into' Vita port screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/terraria-console-devs-looking-into-vita-port-248485.phtml

News::Here's how Hades' faction works in God of War: Ascension


Recently, we got word of how Poseidon's crew would roll in God of War: Ascension , and now we have some info on Hades' posse. Evidently, followers of Hades don't particularly excel at offense or defense, but through spells like curse, drain life, and invisibility, they can coast into various roles.


So his faction poses a challenge to players to overcome statistical deficiencies, and offers them interesting abilities? Yeah, I'm rolling Hades later. \


The blog also highlights the game's "a substantial DLC plan," which is included in the $79.99 Collector's Edition Season Pass. Future plans will be revealed at God of War's website.


Is anyone else digging into this game today? Stay tuned tomorrow for my Carter's Quest on the whole series.


God of War Ascension [PlayStation Blog]


Here's how Hades' faction works in God of War: Ascension screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/here-s-how-hades-faction-works-in-god-of-war-ascension-248476.phtml

News::Valve distances itself from Xi3 and the Piston

On the heels of the recent news that Xi3's Piston would cost $1,000, Valve has taken measures to disassociate itself from the unofficial Steam Box manufacturer.


In a statement to Eurogamer, Doug Lombardi, the company's marketing director, emphasized that Valve is no longer affiliated with Xi3. "Valve began some exploratory work with Xi3 last year, but currently has no involvement in any product of theirs," Lombardi said.


It was common belief that Valve had backed or supported the Piston, though to what extent was unknown. After the uproar over the grapefruit-sized PC's price, Valve was probably wise to sever ties entirely.


Valve-backed Xi3 Piston console starts at $1000 [Eurogamer]


Valve distances itself from Xi3 and the Piston screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/valve-distances-itself-from-xi3-and-the-piston-248483.phtml

News::The Mac version of Hotline Miami is still in progress

Sometimes, the sting of a smaller indie team can hurt. Evidenced by how many sleepless nights Team Meat had to put in to patch the PC versions of Super Meat Boy and Binding of Isaac , occasionally, fixing an indie game can take nearly as long as making one.


Such is the case for Hotline Miami' s development team when porting the game to the Mac platform. Evidently the project has been in development for months, and now more than a few Mac fans are anxious to play the game on their platform of choice.


Today, the developers responded to the cavalcade of fans who want some sort of timeline: "Since then we have updated on the ongoing issues with porting the game and are still working on it every single day. Hoping that we get it done soon but want it to be right, not rushed."


Well, there you have it. Although they've been working on it for quite a while, they'd rather release a finished working product rather than a rushed buggy mess. Makes sense! I just hope Mac fans get to experience this great game sooner than later.


Hotline Miami [Twitter]


The Mac version of Hotline Miami is still in progress screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/the-mac-version-of-hotline-miami-is-still-in-progress-248475.phtml

News::Review: Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk

It’s a well-known fact that the gaming industry is sorely lacking in strong female leads, with the game shelf at the local Best Buy sometimes looking like a page torn from “Who’s Who Among Expressionless White Guys.”


Thing is, developers are definitely taking some steps in the right direction, with the March 5th release of Square Enix’s Tomb Raider showing that women in games can be portrayed as more than a pair of boobs carrying a gun.


Still, it’s worth noting that another female-led game dropped on the exact same day, one which, though perhaps less progressive than the adventures of Miss Lara Croft, is still a fine example of female protagonists done right.


Review: Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk screenshot


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News::GameCenter CX - Astro Robo SASA

News::Rift developer increases MMO retention through rewards

Retention rates for subscription based MMOs are a really hard thing to regulate. After all, why do you think so many of them drop their fee to go free-to-play?


Trion Worlds has somehow managed to survive the switch, and is still offering subscriptions. Due to a little imagination on their part, they've managed to increase the daily active user count by 470 percent by offering simple in-game rewards through the website Raptr.


The developer saw results in as little as a few weeks. One of the biggest ways they got people into the game is by offering a free copy of Rift with a one month subscription for reaching an "Experienced" rank playing other RPG games like Torchlight II. There's also an entirely different tiered system once you start playing Rift itself, that will net you free items.


I played Rift off and on for nearly two years now, and it's a great game. I haven't resubscribed in a while because I've moved on to many other MMOs, but every once and a while I enjoy going back and seeing what Trion Worlds has to offer.


Case Study [Raptr]


Rift developer increases MMO retention through rewards screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/rift-developer-increases-mmo-retention-through-rewards-248470.phtml

News::Get hyped for Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate with new trailers


Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate is nearly here for the Wii U and 3DS, and Capcom has a pair of trailers to celebrate the occasion. The video above contains the intro to the game, which shows off Monster Hunter's unique ability to go from "cute" to "terrifying" at the drop of a hat.


Below, you'll find a recap of the features that will be present predominantly in the Wii U version, like the ability to play online with voice chat.


Did you get a chance to play the demo? Gated with single player, I thought it was a pretty poor representation of the real Monster Hunter experience -- but we'll find out soon enough if Ultimate delivers on March 19th.


Get hyped for Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate with new trailers screenshot


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News::University of Northampton to create MMOG with students


If the best way to learn is by ‘doing’, students on the University of Northampton’s new game courses should be well-served by an ambitious three-year MMOG project.


From September new starters will set to work creating a 3D massively multiplayer game that will be released by the UK institution in 2016. The aim is to accelerate student learning by giving them experience of the development process from the concept stage to release and beyond.


“We’re trying to give students a feel for working in the industry,” says senior lecturer Martyn Simmons. “The coding and the graphics are majorly important, but we want them to learn the ins and outs of releasing a game.”


Simmons is one of a rare breed of academics whose job straddles two disciplines and therefore two faculties. As course leader for the BA (Hons) Game Art and BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development undergraduate degree programmes his brief is to ensure learning is firmly interdisciplinary. And that goal is critical as part of a wider drive towards getting students a job in the game industry, he says.



“The MMO will be a sales pitch for us and our students,” explains Simmons. “We’ve looked at the market and it’s mainly geared towards online gaming and 3D environments. We want them to get the skills for that.”


The game will begin to flicker into life when concept art is created in September. Simmons says the project will be akin to Second Life, ruling out the possibility of a violent or fantasy setting. He also anticipates a strong social strand. The MMOG will be designed to edge into some of the space in students’ life currently occupied by social media platforms such as Facebook.


“We will approach the task just as you would in industry. There will be group discussions and we will work with clients,” says Simmons. He also confirmed that, while the game will be initially hosted and set in the University, it could be released to “the wider world”.


Future students might be engaged in expanding and maintaining the as-yet-unnamed game. But Simmons says it is also possible development on a new project could begin with every intake.


Officially, September will be the first year of the new courses which had previously been known as BA (Hons) and BSc (Hons) Creative Games Development. Now the titles reflect traditional student expectation of the split between art and coding.


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News::First person: Ken Levine on his break in games, forming Irrational and the making of Bioshock


Ken Levine hosted a BAFTA event last night in London, at which he told the story of his career to date and how those experiences all feed into Irrational Games’ next project, Bioshock Infinite. Here, he tells the story of what happened several years after his career as a Hollywood scriptwriter fell flat, in his own words.



Levine’s first job


“I’d always played videogames – I didn’t even realise people made games, I just thought they sort of showed up in a box somewhere. I was reading this magazine at the time, a great magazine that doesn’t exist any more called Next-Gen and there was an ad in the back for game designers and I’m like: ‘what’s a game designer?’


I applied for the job and a week later Looking Glass flew me out there and [another] week later they hired me. I found myself in a room with Doug Church, who is one of the great unsung heroes of videogames, he was the guy behind Ultima Underworld, he was the guy behind System Shock 1 and he and I worked together on Thief. It’s like getting hired into the film industry out of college and getting put in a room with Steven Spielberg in your first week. It was incredible. And I’m forever grateful for that opportunity.”


Forming Irrational Games


“When we started Irrational there was three of us. Jonathan Chey, and Robert Fermier and myself and only one of us had shipped a game. Robert Fermier had worked on the original System Shock and John and I hadn’t. And I’m not exactly sure – again – how I lucked out with this, but we managed to make a deal with Looking Glass and EA to develop System Shock 2.


And at that point we didn’t know what we were doing at all. Here I was, president of company, lead designer and I had never shipped a game. I had worked on Thief but it hadn’t shipped yet. We were really wondering how we were going to make this game with the Dark engine, which is the same engine that Thief was built on, it was not really a shooter engine. It was getting compared to Quake’s engine at the time, it was sort of slow but it did some things really well – it did a level of detail really well.”


The Making Of: System Shock 2


Developing System Shock 2


“So we looked at the engine and said okay, so it’s not going to run very fast, it does a lot of detail, what if we combined shooting and RPG and really focused on the story? And because of that limitation we sort of stumbled into Irrational Games’ mission and that mission has been to bring players not in [as] an observer of narrative, but a participant in narrative.


Generally, especially at that time, full-motion videogames were supposed to be the big Hollywood thing and probably why they’d hired me because I had worked as a screenwriter, I always hated those games so I was really excited to say ‘how can we combine these two aspects? How can we make a player participate in a story without pushing them back and making them observers?’


System Shock 2 was our first attempt at it. One of the key things here is that we wanted to make a player interact with characters but our tools were really, really limited. At that point they were practically non-existent. They had innovated this notion of these radio messages and audio logs in the first System Shock, a guy named Austin Grossman brilliantly came up with that concept, and we had inherited this character, Shodan, which is great.


When we got the rights to make System Shock 2 I knew I was going to put all the money on Shodan as a character. But I started thinking about how could you start to make a dialogue between the player and Shodan, is that possible? And I didn’t want dialogue trees or any of those old, traditional things.


It was our first sort of stab at really interacting with characters without pausing, without cutscenes, without any kind of dialogue tree.”


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