Saturday, April 27, 2013

News::Gadget Inspector, Hero In A Headphone - GR's Gamer Tech Reviews

"Gadget Inspector, at your service. Before our favorite month of the year is over, we quickly wanted to pay tribute to a certain Channel 6 news reporter in a body-hugging yellow jumpsuit. Shes hotter than a pepperoni pizza fresh out of the oven and makes a little something extra pop out of our hard shells. This weeks episode is dedicated to her." -GR



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1242089/gadget-inspector-hero-in-a-headphone-grs-gamer-tech-reviews

News::City of Steam Heading Into Early Access Beta In May

The MMORPG City of Steam, a free-to-play, browser-based industrial age fantasy 3D MMORPG developed with the Unity 3D engine, has been announced for early access Beta in May.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241919/city-of-steam-heading-into-early-access-beta-in-may

News::Indiegamer #37

This Week: The Realm, Planet Explorers, Fragment and Lumber Island.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241895/indiegamer-37

News::Blackbird Interactive Announces Limited Edition Presale Package for Hardware: Shipbreakers

Blackbird Interactive, a videogame developer specializing in sci-fi real-time strategy games, today announced the pre-sale of a VIP Package for their upcoming title, Hardware: Shipbreakers. This VIP Package features guaranteed access to the upcoming Hardware: Shipbreakers Closed Beta, along with an in-fiction Prospectors Guide and gameplay guide.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241887/blackbird-interactive-announces-limited-edition-presale-package-for-hardware-shipbreakers

News::Surviving Skyrim: My Quest for Salt.

Ed Prosser talks about the difficulties and opportunities of playing Skyrim as a survival game and discovers the importance of salt.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241863/surviving-skyrim-my-quest-for-salt

News::Signal Ops Review [Just Press Start]

Ian of Just Press Start writes: "Perhaps it is only fitting that a game based around the concept of multiple-perspectives has left me with a rather divided opinion of it. Or perhaps I am merely coercing a common feature of a review into this slightly ill-fitting comparison in order to give it some rather pointless flair. Regardless, the stealthy-FPStactical-espionage-strategy game that is Signal Ops is one of the most frustrating things Ive ever played; Worse than that, I cant even write a cathartic, scathing review of it as it simply doesnt deserve it despite the bugs, ambiguous objectives and some rather questionable design decisions."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241628/signal-ops-review-just-press-start

News::Guild Wars 2 Cooking Guide: Leveling 1-400 FAST

Having trouble leveling your cooking (chef) skill in Guild Wars 2? Use this easy to follow, step-by-step guide to level your cooking from 1 to 400 and earn the title of Master Chef incredibly fast. This article reveals all the materials you'll need to pick up, where to get them, and what foods to craft for the most efficient craft leveling.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241572/guild-wars-2-cooking-guide-leveling-1-400-fast

News::Some insight into GTA 5 radio

Grand Theft Auto 5 is touted as this years most highly anticipated game, and we have to admit we are getting very excited in the build-up to Septembers GTA 5 release. While many gamers wait patiently, various leaks about this game have accumulated and information can be found on the web for those looking to find out about all the ins and outs of GTA 5.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241666/some-insight-into-gta-5-radio

News::Booze: A Study in Gaming

The Ax of Play Legit Writes "Who doesnt want to get a little tipsy and play Conkers Bad Fur Day or Saints Row the Third? Some games are meant to be enjoyed instead of relished"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241658/booze-a-study-in-gaming

News::StarDrive Leaves Beta And Launches On Steam

StarDrive, developed by Zero Sum Games and published by Iceberg Interactive, is being hailed by critics as the new benchmark in the 4x space strategy genre, with strong emphasis on ship design and combat, and exceeds all expectations a player might have for a 4x strategy game (even pausing to make it turn-based). Stardrive has been in beta on steam since March 8th and has met with praise by the notoriously hard-to-please crowd that is 4x gamers.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241646/stardrive-leaves-beta-and-launches-on-steam

News::SideQuesting: Anatomy of a Terrorist Hunt

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 Terrorist Hunt is like Dark Souls, punishing but rewarding.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241644/sidequesting-anatomy-of-a-terrorist-hunt

News::GiantBomb- Star Trek: The Video Game Review

GB:More action in Star Trek is hardly a terrible thing, but this game has literally nothing else going on besides action. And that action also kind of sucks.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241606/giantbomb-star-trek-the-video-game-review

News::SEGA wants YOU to design a new mascot!

[Boxer Hockey by Tyson Hesse]


You think it's easy to just poop out a new character design and turn it into the new face of your company? Think Sonic The Hedgehog was whipped up, red shoes and everything, with as much thought and deliberation as placing an order at KFC? But perhaps you do have the wherewithal to do one better than ye olde Service Games.


Yakuza producer Toshihiro Nagoshi will be hosting a new live web series called SEGA Raw on Japanese streaming site niconico. But the show needs a mascot, which is where the fans come in. Through June 9, 2013, you can submit an original character to this page, and the winning design will be used to promote the show!


The best part is that anyone, even non-Japanese residents, can enter the contest as long as they adhere to the requirements. Thankfully, Yakuza Fan has translated the rules for us. All you need to do is sign up for a niconico account, which has become super easy ever since an English version of the site was implemented.


Think you have what it takes to design a mascot character for SEGA? [Yakuza Fan via NeoGAF]


SEGA wants YOU to design a new mascot! screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/sega-wants-you-to-design-a-new-mascot--252562.phtml

News::Icarus Online Trailer Revealed

Icarus Online is an upcoming fantasy MMORPG primarily focusing on intense action packed aerial combat.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241242/icarus-online-trailer-revealed

News::SWTOR: Cathar Official Unveiled - First Video

Watch the video to preview the Cathar, the new playable species coming in Game Update 2.1 for Star Wars: The Old Republic.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241508/swtor-cathar-official-unveiled-first-video

News::League of Leviathyn Post-game Analysis Episode 2

The Post-game analysis of Episode 2 of League of Leviathyn. Breaks down all the factors that went into the defeat.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241543/league-of-leviathyn-post-game-analysis-episode-2

News::IndieGameMag Lets Try Drox Operative

Drox Operative is a starship action RPG with warring alien races, fierce space battles, a dynamic, evolving galaxy, and co-op multiplayer for Windows and Mac.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241583/indiegamemag-lets-try-drox-operative

News::Watch the Dead Island: Riptide Sponsored Wedding

Hardcore Gamer: In promotion of Deep Silvers just released game, Dead Island: Riptide, a zombie-themed wedding was put on in the UK. Claimed to be the first zombie-themed wedding in the UK, we now have video of Jennifer and Rob Blackmore tying the knot in full zombie makeup and tattered clothing.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241630/watch-the-dead-island-riptide-sponsored-wedding

News::Star Trek: The Videogame Review - PCGMedia

Star Trek: The Videogame will forever be plagued by the US launch, but in the immortal words of Kenneth: "Works for me." This was reviewed on the UK launch date, after the US' version problems were fixed. So what's the game actually like, now it works?



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241786/star-trek-the-videogame-review-pcgmedia

News::PC Game Deals: Rockstar collection, Borderlands bundle

A bunch of deals this week from Steams huge Rockstar weekend sale offering Max Payne 3 at $10, a Borderlands bundle, Tomb Raider for $20, Hotline Miami at $5, Retro City Rampage at $7.50, Tropico 4 at $10 and tons more.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241823/pc-game-deals-rockstar-collection-borderlands-bundle

News::New Halo comic series will follow Spartan IV Sarah Palmer

Dark Horse has announced a new Halo comic mini-series called Halo: Initiation and is set to follow Spartan IV Sarah Palmer. The comic is being written by Halo 4 writer and comic veteran Brian Reed, while the artwork is being handled by Marco Castiello (Secret Invasion: Front Line, Star Wars: Purge).


Halo: Initiation will follow Sarah Palmer while see's an ODST, and shows how she eventually became the first ever Spartan IV commander. This would be exciting news if I actually cared about Sarah Palmer's character. But for everyone else, issue #1 will be out on August 14.


New Halo comic series will follow Spartan IV Sarah Palmer screenshot


Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/new-halo-comic-series-will-follow-spartan-iv-sarah-palmer-252578.phtml

News::Women will not be included in FIFA 14

Women will not be included in FIFA 14. Now, it is official.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241634/women-will-not-be-included-in-fifa-14

News::God Mode Review | Gaming Age

Gaming Age: "God Mode could be a love-fest for old-school PC shooter fans, but there's enough problems with the online experience to keep it from hitting those highs."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241783/god-mode-review-gaming-age

News::Surgeon Simulator 2013 Review | Digital Chumps

Digital Chumps: "Surgeon Simulator 2013 won't help you be a surgeon. It won't help you save lives, either. Hell, it probably a negative influence on your personal knowledge of what invasive surgery actually entails. What it does is haphazardly simulate the thrill of ripping a man's heart out of his chest and then replace it with another one - all under the most ridiculous circumstances possible. Its a joke of a game, sure, but for once the player gets to be in on it."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241784/surgeon-simulator-2013-review-digital-chumps

News::They Bought Dead Island: Riptide But Got Dark Souls Instead

It's like the universe was trying to tell them something. This week, some British gamers found that the retail Steam codes they redeemed for Dead Island: Riptide instead unlocked Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition. The jokes really make themselves, don't they?



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241571/they-bought-dead-island-riptide-but-got-dark-souls-instead

News::Square Enix sales offering up 75% off titles

From now until May 2, Square Enix is offering up to 75% off on a variety of titles on their online store. Here's some highlights:



  • Tomb Raider: $37.49 (PC) / $44.99 (360/PS3)

  • Sleeping Dogs: $29.99 (360)

  • Final Fantasy XIII-2: $14.99 (360)

  • Final Fantasy VII: $5.99 (PC)

  • Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: $22.49 (3DS)

  • Deus Ex: Human Revolution Augmented Edition: $29.99 (PS3)


There's way more titles on sale, you're just going to have to dig into Square's online store to find them because their front page is horribly designed. But hey, cheap games. Horay!


Square Enix sales offering up 75% off titles screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/square-enix-sales-offering-up-75-off-titles-252577.phtml

News::Lets Play: Cry of Fear | Part 1 | Biggest Jump Scare Of My Life

An eGamer let's play of the indie horror game, Cry of Fear (the newly released stand-alone Steam version) from Team Psykskallar.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241187/lets-play-cry-of-fear-part-1-biggest-jump-scare-of-my-life

News::Mars War Logs: First 15 Minutes

Matthew Myrick from RealGamerNewz made a video of the first 15 minutes of the new title from Focus Home Interactive, Mars War Logs. The game was released on PC today and is coming soon to PSN and Xbox Live. Take a look!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241406/mars-war-logs-first-15-minutes

News::Why More Games Need To Be Like Bioshock Infinite

"BioShock Infinite received critical acclaim when it released on March 26th and was one of the most anticipated games of 2013." | Explosion



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241596/why-more-games-need-to-be-like-bioshock-infinite

News::Thomas Was Alone Review | gamrReview

gamrReview: "Thomas Was Alone is one of those games that some will love unashamedly while others will question why a game with so little platforming or puzzling challenge could ever be entertaining."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241470/thomas-was-alone-review-gamrreview

News::Mac Gamer HQ exclusive podcast with Feral Interactive

We are very pleased to present our first ever Podcast today. We have an exclusive interview with Edwin Smith from Feral Interactive who talks this weeks release of Xcom and much more.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241601/mac-gamer-hq-exclusive-podcast-with-feral-interactive

News::New The Evil Within Screenshots

"Three new The Evil Within screenshots were just released, they showcase the interior of the Mental Asylum, as well as a close up shot of Joseph Oda, one of the game's supporting characters. And someone was able to take a picture of a 3 page spread from Famitsu showing Sebastian hiding from "SafeHead", it should do until proper scans arrive. You can check them out below."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241709/new-the-evil-within-screenshots

News::This is what happens when you dial the phone number in The Bureau: XCOM Declassified's trailer

The live action trailer released earlier today for The Bureau: XCOM Declassified contains a number of Easter Eggs - including an active phone number. But what happens when you dial it? Well, this...



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241598/this-is-what-happens-when-you-dial-the-phone-number-in-the-bureau-xcom-declassifieds-trailer

News::Snail Games Teases Steampunk Fantasy MMO Black Gold for E3

Snail Games released Age of Wushu in North America early this month and they are now gearing up for their next project Black Gold. Black Gold uses the same engine as Age of Wushu but takes a different approach in terms of the theme and art style. Black Gold combines fantasy with gothic steampunk elements, and the game will be shown at E3 2013 this June.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241184/snail-games-teases-steampunk-fantasy-mmo-black-gold-for-e3

News::2013: The Year of the Indies Development and Journalism - PCGMedia

PCGMedia's Editor in Chief takes a step back from his professional position to talk to you merely as someone with a love for videogames. He takes a look at the increasing indie ethos, and accuses AAA publishers of having the fatigue; not, as they argue, the gamers. He argues that 2013 will be a year of gaming shaped by independent development, able to compete on x86 architecture of the next generation. It's a lengthy piece, but it's written with a lot of love, with enough information to substantiate anything too contentious. Of course, it's an opinion piece, so the author doesn't claim to be talking about rights or wrongs.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241127/2013-the-year-of-the-indies-development-and-journalism-pcgmedia

News::Twitter Play-By-Play: EVE Fanfest 2013

Steven Strom writes: "EVE Fanfest gives us a first glimpse of the upcoming update for Dust 514. Here's a play-by-play of the announcements, with reaction."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241103/twitter-play-by-play-eve-fanfest-2013

News::Trailer Talk Episode 36 - Better Late Than Never Edition

4Player-"Sorry the show is so late. Had some issues with a copyright scanner on Youtube. But that has been corrected, and I now present to you some discussion of some very exciting trailers. The new Shinji Mikami game and a sequel to my second favorite game of all time are highlights. Enjoy!"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1240798/trailer-talk-episode-36-better-late-than-never-edition

News::Cabal 2 Shows New Level 40 Dungeon and Flashy Combat Footage

ESTsoft just released a new trailer for CryEngine 3 action game Cabal 2, featuring gameplay of a new lv40 dungeon. This dungeon is played by up to 24 players and requires participants to defense against 12 waves of monster attacks.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241143/cabal-2-shows-new-level-40-dungeon-and-flashy-combat-footage

News::Corsair 350D Micro-ATX Case Announced, Good For Steam Box Builds

Gaming Blend "Corsair has announced that they have a pigmy tower PC case for micro ATX motherboard and mini ITX motherboards. The case allows for two full length graphics cards, so you can either SLI or X-Fire up your system, and it allows for dual 3.5 HDDs or twin 2.5 SSDs, two USB 3.0 slots and audio jacks."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1240987/corsair-350d-micro-atx-case-announced-good-for-steam-box-builds

News::Confession: I Hate Claptrap

Borderlands is great, but it's got one undeniable issue: Claptrap is an annoying, whiny little jerk.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241021/confession-i-hate-claptrap

News::Heart of the Swarm - The future of Starcrafts Pro Scene?

Many months ago in a galaxy not too far away, I wrote an article praising Starcraft 2 and its impact on E-Sports. While sitting at my desk, with a cup of tea and my rose tinted glasses firmly strapped to my face, I was very optimistic about Starcraft 2s future. Sadly, all my hopes and dreams may not have come true. But will the release of the grand spankingly new Heart of the Swarm expansion bring hope for Starcraft 2 to take over the globe? Before I review some of the changes in Heart of the Swarm and Starcraft 2 in general, this isnt going to be another damn you Blizzard, WHY YOU NO TRY HARDER? article. I am simply going to look at some of the problems Starcraft was facing and whether HotS is going to fix them.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1240830/heart-of-the-swarm-the-future-of-starcrafts-pro-scene

News::Dr. David's Indie Spotlight: DLC Quest is an important piece of video game satire

GameZone: " Last month DLC Quest landed on Steam, finally giving PC gaming indie enthusiasts a chance to experience its humorous take on the video game industry. For $3 you get about two hours of unbridled humor and what can only be considered a parody of the state of gaming as we know it. The end result is a satirical piece of storytelling that will likely resonate with indie fans. But even if you enjoy only major releases and don't invest much time into smaller titles, you should really check out DLC Quest. Chances are, anyone who's played video games in the past five years will 'get' it."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1240789/dr-davids-indie-spotlight-dlc-quest-is-an-important-piece-of-video-game-satire

News::Destructoid- Review: Signal Ops

DToid:Signal Ops is far from the game it could have been. The concept is great and for the most part delivers, but the Bolt character class and his job of carrying a radio does a lot of damage to the overall design. It feels incredibly restrictive, refusing to let the player go where they please and take their time getting there. It definitely has some moments of brilliance, but they are often quickly forgotten.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241652/destructoid-review-signal-ops

News::GameInformer- Dont Starve Review

GI:A small group of hardcore gamers will revel in Don't Starve's punishing difficulty, but without a better sense of overarching progression or purpose, there are more entertaining and rewarding gaming experiences to spend your time on. I'm interested to see what Klei introduces in promised future updates of the game, but even when playing in a world that's customized to your liking, the thrill of Don't Starve is fleeting.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241667/gameinformer-dont-starve-review

News::Star Trek Video Game Boldly Goes Where Franchise Has Gone Before | WSJ Review

Theres nothing spectacularly new or amazing about the new Star Trek game, and if youre not a big fan of the Star Trek franchise, you may find it a bit unimaginative or dated



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241496/star-trek-video-game-boldly-goes-where-franchise-has-gone-before-wsj-review

News::Star Trek: The Video Game Video Review | WC

By no means a terrible game, but it underwhelms in areas where it needs to excel. Trek fans will get a lot more out of this than a regular gamer, but it's average execution, low quality graphics, PC co-op problems, and weak AI might be too much to overlook for others. A decent rental, but not really worth owning unless it's on sale or you desperately need a co-op game.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241512/star-trek-the-video-game-video-review-wc

News::Assassin's Creed IV introduces a VIP program for fans


Ubisoft revealed their first VIP program dedicated to the Assassin's Creed community. The Watch, as it's called, lets members dive deeper into the Assassin's Creed universe with tailored content, and early access to news and the like.


Fans will be able to create content and share it with others through The Watch program as well. Plus members will be able to participate in quests that will unlock rewards and bonuses.


The Watch is available now through the web, tablets, or smartphones to anyone that pre-orders Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag .


Assassin's Creed IV introduces a VIP program for fans screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/assassin-s-creed-iv-introduces-a-vip-program-for-fans-252573.phtml

News::Minecraft 1.6 Details: New Blocks, Chests, Horses Will Be Hard to Get

GR - "Mojang has posted a number of new updates about the upcoming 1.6 patch for Minecraft."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241331/minecraft-1-6-details-new-blocks-chests-horses-will-be-hard-to-get

News::VideoGamer Portugal - Toki Tori 2 Review

Simplicity is the highest sophistication, said Leonardo da Vinci. Agreeing or not with the tortured genius, bringing its maximum gaming industry, that today is not difficult steps are given in the opposite direction. Maybe so, Toki Tori 2 is so refreshing. The cult of minimalism is practiced exaggeratedly from the first to the last minute of the game produced by Two Tribes.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241695/videogamer-portugal-toki-tori-2-review

News::Zynga Is Clearly Paying Celebs to Pretend to Like Draw Something 2

Zynga, cruising on the highway to BrokeVille, is banking on its newest ripoff of Pictionary to be as wildly popular as the first one. Banking so heavily, in fact, that the company is just shamelessly getting famous people to feign interest on Twitter. Ryan Seacrest: diehard iPhone artist.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241574/zynga-is-clearly-paying-celebs-to-pretend-to-like-draw-something-2

News::Activisions CEO Made $65 Million Last Year

Activision CEO Robert Kotick is among the highest-paid Chief Executive Officers in the United States. According to Reuters, Kotick made a total of $64.9 million in 2012, including $56 million in stock awards. Koticks salary for 2012 was $2 million, twice what he made in 2011.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241720/activisions-ceo-made-65-million-last-year

News::Battle Worlds Kronos Interview - Worlds Factory

Worlds Factory scores another exclusive interview, this time with Colin Gilzean from KING Art Games which talks with us about Battle Worlds Kronos, the turn based strategy game currently on Kickstarter. You can find the original English text just by scrolling the page, no need for translators.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241289/battle-worlds-kronos-interview-worlds-factory

News::Review - Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams | GameNTrain

GameNTrain contributor Jesus Mendoza takes a look at the Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams. This revival of a classic game should not be missed!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241694/review-giana-sisters-twisted-dreams-gamentrain

News::Starship Corporation Pixel Judge Interview

Pixel Judge: "The Sci-fi genre has seen many video games over the past decade. Some of these fill our hearts with delight until this very day, others are best forgotten. The Sci-fi genre was long thought dead but big budget projects like Star Citizen and Elite: Dangerous proved all doubters wrong; Sci-fi still captures the imagination of many a gamer and it is here to stay. Today, we bring you another upcoming title that you might not yet, in the shadow of aforementioned titles, heard of: Starship Corporation, a game that aspires to take starship construction, management and operation to the next level. Here with me is David, the developer of Starship Corporation, and he will tell us more about his project."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1241014/starship-corporation-pixel-judge-interview