Friday, June 21, 2013

News::Fullbright Company is skipping PAX Prime in protest

For independent developers, being able to show off their work at the PAX Indie Megabooth is a great opportunity. It's a good way to get exposure from both the press and the general gaming populace. Following a string of questionable remarks and business practices from the people at Penny Arcade, however, Gone Home developer The Fullbright Company is willing to pass on the convention and, as a result, the Megabooth.


"First," says studio founder Steve Gaynor via the company's official blog, "there was the entire 'Dickwolves' debacle, during which Mike said that it 'felt pretty good' to 'support rape culture'. Then there were the Penny Arcade Kickstarters, one of which offered to let backers pay them $7,500 to work as a Penny Arcade intern for a day. When critics recently raised objections about the over-the-top depiction of female characters in Dragon's Crown, Jerry referred to opinions that differed from his own as censorship."


The studio took similar issue over the approved panel at PAX Australia entitled "Why So Serious," which is slated to discuss, according to its official description, why "Any titillation gets called out as sexist or misogynistic, and involve any antagonist race aside from Anglo-Saxon and you’re called a racist. It's gone too far and when will it all end?" The official description has since been changed, but the panel will presumably proceed as planned.


For the small team of four, two of which are women, and one whom is gay, it came down to a matter of principle. "We know that this will do them no harm; that’s not the point. Another developer will take our slot at the Megabooth; they won't lose any ticket sales; we won't hurt their feelings. If anything, we're hurting ourselves -- our ability to reach new fans who might not have heard of Gone Home, to connect with players, sell stuff, meet with press and video crews, and so on."


I guess this is the part where some would say to separate business and personal, but realistically, you can only do that up to a point. I don't disparage or commend Fullbright's decision to not show up to PAX, but do respect the hell out of anyone who is willing to take this kind of hit for what they hold true. I guess that's real indie spirit for you.


Why we are not showing Gone Home at PAX [The Fullbright Company]


Fullbright Company is skipping PAX Prime in protest screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/fullbright-company-is-skipping-pax-prime-in-protest-256783.phtml

News::Magrunner: Dark Pulse Review [Capsule Computers]

Simon Wolfe of Capsule Computers writes: "One of the most interesting aspects of Magrunner: Dark Pulse is one of the hardest for it to rise above. Being likened to Portal is sure to get almost anyone on board to give it a try, but also means that Magrunner also has very big shoes to fill in that regard. Throw in Cthulhu and the attention of Lovecraft fans is also a given. With both of these, Magrunner has the makings of an outstanding game or a colossal flop as players are left wanting something more. Now that the game has released it is time to see which of the two situations is true."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288402/magrunner-dark-pulse-review-capsule-computers

News::My Choices Didn't Matter

Catching up on his backlog, Gamers Association editor Peter Glagowski recently experienced the dark world of Telltale's The Walking Dead. Unfortunately, the illusion of meaningful choices left him feeling severely underwhelmed. Do you agree, or did The Walking Dead succeed even with its funneled narrative? [Warning: Spoilers]



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1287705/my-choices-didnt-matter

News::Battlefield 4 Producer Says EA And DICE Have The Better Game

This year Battlefield 4 will be going against Call of Duty: Ghosts and the new shooter will also have competition from Destiny and Titan fall next year.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1287719/battlefield-4-producer-says-ea-and-dice-have-the-better-game

News::Poker Night 2: The Other Side of Telltale - Gameverse

Telltale has made recent fame with their groundbreaking Walking Dead episodic game series. While this made waves last year, and another release in the series plans to do the same this year, their second release in the Poker Night series has gone overlooked.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1287518/poker-night-2-the-other-side-of-telltale-gameverse

News::Canadian Gaming Deals: June 21st 27th, 2013 Wii U for $149.99 With 5 Trades

If you couldnt tell from the title its a pretty slow week for PlayStation related deals, with the Wii U for $149.99 with 5 trade-ins at Future Shop and Best Buy being the newsiest deal. Besides that, you can expect God of War: Ascension for $29.99, along with the chance to receive $100 off a PS4 or Xbox One at EB Games with some trades. - PSLS



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288414/canadian-gaming-deals-june-21st-27th-2013-wii-u-for-149-99-with-5-trades

News::Namco Bandai Teases Something Related to Ace Combat: Is the Series Going Back to its Roots?

Today Namco Bandai and Project aces uploaded a picture that seems to tease a new Ace Combat project that might go back to the series' roots.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288394/namco-bandai-teases-something-related-to-ace-combat-is-the-series-going-back-to-its-roots

News::Battlefield 4 Will be Optimised for AMD Components

Computer hardware distributor AMD recently issued a statement (along with EA) on IGN clarifying that, since the next-gen consoles the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One both run on AMD hardware, the relationship between the company and the Battlefield series developer DICE which enables the two to collaborate on and optimise DICEs upcoming Battlefield 4 for AMD hardware will not be exclusive to AMD components.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288393/battlefield-4-will-be-optimised-for-amd-components

News::Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two gets Vita launch trailer


Epic Mickey 2 came and went, and was pretty much a step back from the original in every way. What started out as a promising homage to Walt Disney's first major creation -- Oswald the Lucky Rabbit -- ended up in disaster both critically and commercially.


I'm not sure who exactly asked for a Vita port of the game, but nonetheless, the Vita port comes with touch screen capabilities, as well as ad hoc network functionality. Point blank, I would not recommend picking up this game until it's deeply, deeply discounted.


Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two gets Vita launch trailer screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/epic-mickey-2-the-power-of-two-gets-vita-launch-trailer-256753.phtml

News::Soundtrack Review: Expeditions: Conquistador Atmospheric Euphoria | Leviathyn.com

Leviathyn.com says: "Whether youre tremendously casual or hardcore as they come, everyone can agree that specific video games are fun because mechanics click, dialogue makes sense, environments resonate with atmospheric design, and so forth. Without some of these important pieces, a game feels hollow, lacking something that truly immerses you; music is one of those core pieces. Being exceptional by design, Expeditions: Conquistador garnered one of our highest scores and it pulled it off with an absolute brilliant musical performance by Leonardo Badinella."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288385/soundtrack-review-expeditions-conquistador-atmospheric-euphoria-leviathyn-com

News::Marvel Heroes Review - The Digital Fix

The slew of MMOs on todays market is dominated by the three Clans of Nerdom - sci-fi (EVE, Star Wars), fantasy (WoW, Guild Wars 2) and comic book (DC Online, Champions Online). Enter Marvel Heroes, a potential leviathan of the genre with the backing of (perhaps) the greatest comic industry player of all time. Who wouldnt want to play as Wolverine, Hulk or Iron Man? The bevy of hugely successful Marvel films in the past decade has helped introduce Marvel lore to new a generation, and better yet the entire game - bar some features as well see later - are free to play (F2P). The result is a solid game which is free to try and, if you like, buy



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1287169/marvel-heroes-review-the-digital-fix

News::Company of Heroes 2 Review | GamerFuzion

Company of Heroes 2 Review will provide you with all the great add ons of a game that provides you with a quality of a game that evolved as a masterpiece.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288378/company-of-heroes-2-review-gamerfuzion

News::The PS4 is Incredibly Easy to Work With: Digital Extremes Talk Warframe, Sony and F2P Games

While at E3, PlayStation LifeStyle got a chance to speak with the Studio General Manager for Digital Extremes, Sheldon Carter, about their upcoming free-to-play PS4 game, Warframe. Find out what this title has in common with the first ever PS3 title to be announced, what development on the PS4 was like, and much more below. - PSLS



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288349/the-ps4-is-incredibly-easy-to-work-with-digital-extremes-talk-warframe-sony-and-f2p-games

News::Titanfall Producer Says Too Many Games Just "Retreat To Old Ground"

Titanfall producer Drew McCoy has stated that he wants Titanfall to be unique compared to other games, and that most games these days just "retreat to old ground" without trying something new.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288379/titanfall-producer-says-too-many-games-just-retreat-to-old-ground

News::EA Loses in Madden Lawsuit Verdict Jury Rules Statute of Limitations Has Not Run

A jury in U.S. District Court today ruled in favor of Robin Antonick, the original designer and developer of Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) best-selling Madden NFL Football games.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288368/ea-loses-in-madden-lawsuit-verdict-jury-rules-statute-of-limitations-has-not-run

News::Live Out Your Medic Fantasies By Performing Surgery on TF2's Heavy

News::Three Weeks In Gaming Apps, In Case You Thought We Forgot

News::Bringing the Payne! Max Payne 3 now graces Mac

One of my favorite games of last year was the exceptionally-crafted Max Payne 3 . From its dark and moody story to the pulse-pounding action moments, it all combined to create one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences from Rockstar that I've had in a long time.


Unfortunately, Mac owners were unable to enjoy this great game in their native OS. At least that was case, until today -- Max Payne 3 is now available for purchase on the Mac App Store and Steam. Mac gamers can enjoy all of Max's inner-monologue one-liners as well as the fantastic Advanced Bullet Time and crazy Shootdodge mechanics.


I would still recommend bringing a good book along, as the 32.51GB download may take a while. That being said, it is well worth the wait.


Bringing the Payne! Max Payne 3 now graces Mac screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/bringing-the-payne-max-payne-3-now-graces-mac-256754.phtml

News::Team Fortress 2′s Medic and Heavy added to Surgeon Simulator 2013


Bossa Studios has introduced two Team Fortress 2 characters to its dark comedy game Surgeon Simulator 2013. The Medic and the Heavy are now playable, likely referencing the Meet The Medic video that Valve released back in 2011.


Surgeon Simulator 2013 was originally developed in 48 hours as a part of the 2013 Global Game Jam, but was expanded for a full Steam release. Read our review right here, and our interview with Bossa Studio’s Tom Jackson here.


The Heavy and Medic are free updates.


The post Team Fortress 2′s Medic and Heavy added to Surgeon Simulator 2013 appeared first on Edge Online.






via Edge Online http://www.edge-online.com/news/team-fortress-2s-medic-and-heavy-added-to-surgeon-simulator-2013/

News::Surgeon Simulator Team Fortress 2 update

Surgeon Simulator 2013, the massive Indie game is due an update later today which will allow users to play as Team Fortress 2s Medic.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1287873/surgeon-simulator-team-fortress-2-update

News::DSOGaming - Rush Bros - First 30 Minutes Walkthrough

DSOGaming writes: "All in all, we enjoyed our first contact with Rush Bros, however we feel that the game needs more complex stages in order to keep gamers interested. Rush Bros is priced at 9,99 on Steam, and you can view a video with 30 minutes of gameplay footage below."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1287923/dsogaming-rush-bros-first-30-minutes-walkthrough

News::GRID 2 Review [Gaming Union]

GamingUnion.net: "Codemasters has gained quite the reputation in recent years, after pumping out some solid driving games in the DiRT and F1 franchises. Such is the success of those two brands, that you'd be forgiven for forgetting about Grid, which released back in 2008 as a rather gritty extension to the TOCA franchise. It was extremely punishing for those who would often prefer to play aggressively, but also rewarding at the same time. Now, Codemaster has decided that the time is right to bring the franchise back, but has the success of the other franchises been to its detriment?"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288302/grid-2-review-gaming-union

News::Warframe Gets Two Trailers Showcasing Character Classes

MP1st - Warframe, the free-to-play third-person shooter from Digital Extremes for PC and soon for PlayStation 4, has received a pair of cool character trailers showcasing what they can do in action.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288370/warframe-gets-two-trailers-showcasing-character-classes

News::TitanFall Wins IGN's Best Game of E3 2013 Award

IGN report's: Hundreds of games battled. One game won.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288358/titanfall-wins-igns-best-game-of-e3-2013-award

News::Corsual Let's Play: Age of Wulin

Corsual's EXP writes: "Age of Wulin, known as Age of Wushu in North America, is a game I've been playing on-and-off for almost half a year. It's a sandbox MMORPG, one of a small handful currently available, and one that's given me hundreds of hours of amazing gameplay. Though, when Age of Wushu left it's closed beta test and entered release, I was less than impressed with the results. That's when I decided I'd be making the switch to Age of Wulin instead. Published by Gpotato over Snail Games, I had hoped that Wulin would provide a more succinct, complete version of the game, and that I'd have much better ping. At least I got the better ping..."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1287237/corsual-lets-play-age-of-wulin

News::Borderlands 2: Watch the first five minutes of Tiny Tina's DLC

Gameranx: "Watch the first five minutes of the new DLC here."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288068/borderlands-2-watch-the-first-five-minutes-of-tiny-tinas-dlc

News::Deus Ex: Human Revolution Directors Cut screenshots

Take a look at some screenshots from Deus Ex: Human Revolution Directors Cut.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288315/deus-ex-human-revolution-directors-cut-screenshots

News::Kneel before this General Zod Injustice trailer


What perfect timing! General Zod is ready for his appearance in Injustice: Gods Among Us just in time for the premier of Man of Steel Yep, he says "kneel before Zod" in the game.


Zod will be available on July 2nd for the Xbox 360 and PS3, and will be the last portion of the Season Pass after Lobo, Batgirl, and Scorpion. There's still no word on the Wii U release dates for any of the DLC characters outside of a nebulous "summer" timeline.


Kneel before this General Zod Injustice trailer screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/kneel-before-this-general-zod-injustice-trailer-256742.phtml

News::Conker director's Rusty Pup coming to Wii U, 3DS

Chris Seavor, director of Conker's Bad Fur Day and voice of the titular squirrel, recently expressed his desire to acquire Wii U dev kits for his studio Gory Detail's next game. Well, the chicken is in the pot, so please welcome our new mechanical canine friend, Rusty Pup!


Seavor and Shawn Pile, also of the old Conker crew, spilled the beans on The Unlikely Legend of Rusty Pup earlier today over on Nintendo Life. The game, which will arrive on 3DS and Wii U eShops in 2014, is a 2D puzzle platformer with shades of virtual pet raising and Lemmings. You don't directly control Rusty Pup but instead tool around with the environment to make sure he doesn't bite the big one. There's also a very deep story, which Seavor describes as mature without being obscene like Conker, and which hinges on the relationship that builds between Rusty Pup and you, the "narrator" of this adventure.


Gory Detail joins Nyamyam, another team of former Rare employees, in bringing their newest wares to Nintendo consoles. Little by little, the best that Rare had to offer are returning to their old stomping grounds, and it fills me with oh so much joy. Know what else fills me with joy? The Conker commentary that Seavor, Pile, and programmer Chris Marlow recorded a while back. Wonderful British potty humor!


Exclusive: Conker's Bad Fur Day Creator Chris Seavor Is Bringing Rusty Pup To Wii U [Nintendo Life]


Conker director's Rusty Pup coming to Wii U, 3DS screenshot


Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/conker-director-s-rusty-pup-coming-to-wii-u-3ds-256755.phtml

News::Mutilate Team Fortress 2's Heavy in Surgeon Sim 2013


You've got to appreciate Surgeon Simulator 2013 , even if it's not something you want to necessarily play. One could argue that, more than anything, it plays you. A fun bit of extra content has found its way to the goofy, chaotic, and at times disgusting sim today on Steam.


By way of a free update, Surgeon Sim players can now cut up Team Fortress 2's Heavy as -- who else? -- the Medic. Not all of Valve's collaborations make total sense (I still love most of them, regardless) but this one does.


Mutilate Team Fortress 2's Heavy in Surgeon Sim 2013 screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/mutilate-team-fortress-2-s-heavy-in-surgeon-sim-2013-256751.phtml

News::Dota 2 now allows free spectating


While Dota 2 has yet to reach its August release date, players can now download the client for free, but only the tutorial and spectator modes are available.


After downloading Dota 2 from Steam and going through the tutorial, players can hop into the spectator modes, where they can view games from anyone who broadcasts them. Presumably, the change from Valve is meant to allow players to use the in-client spectator mode to view the matches leading up to The International.


Beta invites or a purchase of early access is still required to play Dota 2.


The post Dota 2 now allows free spectating appeared first on Edge Online.






via Edge Online http://www.edge-online.com/news/dota-2-now-allows-free-spectating/

News::Friday Night Fights: What a week

Welcome to another edition of Dtoid's Friday Night Fights!


What a crazy damn week on the Internet. Between the Xbox 180, our E3 community choice poll insanity, and probably another thing that happened, it sure has been a strange seven days. So why not forget about your cares for a bit and join us for another rousing round of FNF?


Hit the jump to see what we're playin', you crazy kids you.


Friday Night Fights: What a week screenshot


Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/friday-night-fights-what-a-week-256772.phtml

News::The Walking Dead: 400 Days Preview | NoobFeed

From the article: "Telltale Games take on The Walking Dead last year was an emotional triumph. The episodic series wasnt just a good licensed game, but one of Telltales absolute best creations, its writing on whole other level than what came before it. As we wait for the release of the second season, however, Telltales got us covered."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288314/the-walking-dead-400-days-preview-noobfeed

News::Hack a Day modder builds a custom controller for disabled gamers

Sure, when tinkerer Caleb Kraft found out that pressure switches marketed at the disabled were massively overpriced, he got mad like anybody else. But then he decided to get even the best way he knew how: by building his own, and posting the plans for all to follow on Hack a Day for free. The project came about via a kid with muscular dystrophy named Thomas, who enjoyed Minecraft but may eventually lose the ability to hold a controller or use a mouse and keyboard.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288316/hack-a-day-modder-builds-a-custom-controller-for-disabled-gamers

News::Crusader Kings II: The Old Gods Review | GameDynamo

GameDynamo - "With Crusader Kings II: The Old Gods, you can now control your dynasty as far back as 867 A.D. (Didn't we switch to C.E. a while back?). Obviously, this allows you to stab more backs, marry off more children, and wage more wars."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288319/crusader-kings-ii-the-old-gods-review-gamedynamo

News::New ArcheAge Trailers and Screenshots Introduce Underwater Dungeon, Bear Mounts

The Korean version of ArcheAge is moving to a free to play business model on July the 3rd, but theres more to that date than a simple switch to the free bandwagon. The game is going to receive an update that includes a lovely looking underwater dungeon called Island of Eternity and bear mounts. Yes, big and fluffy bears.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288312/new-archeage-trailers-and-screenshots-introduce-underwater-dungeon-bear-mounts

News::Why Assassins Creed IV might be the biggest game in the world

GamesRadar - This game was made by a multicultural team of various faiths and beliefs. This message, which runs at the start of every Assassin's Creed game, started out as a convenient disclaimer for the sensitive subject matter of the original game. After all the conflict between the Christian and Muslim faiths is often headline news. However, since then it has grown to explain so much more about Assassins Creed. Each entry in the series now has six or seven separate studios working on the same game from all corners of the globe. Now, that opening screen is more boast than disclaimer--and quite rightly so. The latest iteration--AC4: Black Flag--is one of the most ambitious global projects in games.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288194/why-assassins-creed-iv-might-be-the-biggest-game-in-the-world

News::Company of Heroes 2 Review - AOTF

AOTF writes - Relic does strike a nice balance on a different level with Company of Heroes 2 though. The sequel both offers the realism and authenticity that the franchise made a name for itself with, and is a ton of fun to play for either the RTS enthusiast or hardcore competitor.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288091/company-of-heroes-2-review-aotf

News::Why Stealth Games Are Awesome

MasonicGamer.com: I love stealth games, for so many reasons, but I know a lot of people find them dull and frustrating. Stealth games may never be the biggest sellers, even when theyre met with universal acclaim. Dishonored sold around 420,000 copies in its first month in the United States, whilst CoD Black Ops II sold 7.5 million copies. That statistic could do with a little more context. I chose it to highlight the big difference between, what I consider to be, a wonderfully created game and just another click-on-a-man-until-he-falls-over-athon. Games with a big emphasis on stealth do sell well; Far Cry 3, a critically acclaimed blend of action and stealth, has recently passed the 6 million sales mark, according to Ubisoft.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1287950/why-stealth-games-are-awesome

News::Roebou and atrophY Meeting this Week

Rohan Roebou1989 de Jongh and Rikus atrophY Stemmet meet in Week 3 of the FIFA 13 PC DGL 2013.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1287822/roebou-and-atrophy-meeting-this-week

News::QL-DGL Theosis

Paulo Theosis Oliveira, who currently shares top spot of the DGL Quake Live Premier Division, shares his thoughts on Quake, training and tactics.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1287820/ql-dgl-theosis

News::The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt E3 2013 Preview | GameDynamo

GameDynamo - "Next year, Geralt of Rivia will set forth on one last adventure, and CD Projekt RED intends to send him off in a grand, open-world, rather ambitious fashion with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. While at E3 last week, I had the opportunity to take a look at the game in action. "



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1288291/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-e3-2013-preview-gamedynamo

News::GRID 2 Review | Game-Over

Game-Over writes: 'GRID 2 was long-rumored, but fans of the original felt like the series would never get a chance to continue due to DiRT getting Codemasters focus for racing action in the succeeding five years. Thankfully, nearly a year ago, a follow-up was announced and the fanbase rejoiced. GRID was an incredible game then and in replaying it now before this game, has held up alarmingly well compared to most games in other genres released at that time. The graphics, sound design, and career mode structure remain impressive which means that GRID 2 has a lot to live up to. It doesnt have to just manage to be better than a sub-par game, but hold its own against something that remains one of the best games in its genre years after release. Fortunately, GRID 2 largely lives up to such a lofty goal.'



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1287774/grid-2-review-game-over

News::Remember Me Review | Game-Over

Game-Over writes: 'I had a conversation a while ago about film history and how it relates to video games. A lot of people seem to think that the current software generation is roughly analogous to the 1940s, where the medium got its first big signature works and found its teeth. Im inclined to think its closer to the 60s and 70s, where the medium is fully ingrained in the public consciousness and its limits are being pushed by a small group of experimental creators.'



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1287775/remember-me-review-game-over

News::The Swapper Review - Gamerbrew

The Swapper is a great game developed by Indie company, Facepalm Games. The innovative gameplay and narrative provide for a fresh experience that will be memorable, and will hopefully spark a fresh outlook on how to create future puzzle-platform games.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1287780/the-swapper-review-gamerbrew

News::The Swapper Review: You've Been Up Here Too Long [SideQuesting]

Steven Strom's review of the dark and brilliant puzzle-platformer, The Swapper. "Some will welcome the challenge, while others will become frustrated by the halt in the unravelling story a story which is darker and more poignant than the genre and title would impress."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1287770/the-swapper-review-youve-been-up-here-too-long-sidequesting