News::Forget Xbox: Here are names Microsoft could've gone with

If Microsoft ultimately went with "Xbox" for its home console, what were the alternatives? Edge has posted a list of rejected names, and they're pretty great in a "What were they thinking?" way. To be fair, naming can be a shockingly difficult task; one I wouldn't wish on my enemies.

"First, there were our code names, which were WEP -- 'Windows Entertainment Project' -- designed to make Microsoft executives comfortable, Midway -- 'Midway between a PC and a console or 'Battle of Midway' -- you decide -- and DirectX Box, which was shortened to xbox in email very early on," Seamus Blackley, a founding member of the Xbox team, told the outlet.

"When we got the first approval, Kevin [Bachus] was told we had to get a new name, because 'xbox' wasn't legally sound, so against his judgment he did so, and got the phase two, or 'car' names," he continued. "These were so bad we didn't even save them, but I remember making fun of one of them by calling it the 'Microsoft Bunduss.' Then we got the 'acronym' phase from the naming geniuses." A few examples of these include "FACE (Full Action Center)," "MARC (Microsoft Action Reality Center)," and "TSO (Three, Six, Zero)."

Rightfully so, Blackley referred to these acronyms as "crap." Eventually, the team "decided we just wanted to risk it and go with Xbox -- since that’s what everyone called it anyway -- and they wanted, for some unknowable reason, to call it '11-X' or 'Eleven-X.' Finally, we told them no, but still had to decide: X-Box, xBox, XboX, Xbox, X-box…" They made the right call.

11-X, WEP, Midway, CyberPlayGround, FACE – the rejected names for Microsoft’s first console [Edge]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/forget-xbox-here-are-names-microsoft-could-ve-gone-with-257620.phtml

News::Better Late Than Never: Knights of the Old Republic

Shea Hoffpauer of GamersBliss.com discusses how avid gamers can still be surprised by the popular games they've never played using a personal example - Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305337/better-late-than-never-knights-of-the-old-republic

News::This Saint Seiya Brave Soldiers PS3 trailer is flashy

It's been a long while since I've read or watched Saint Seiya, but I'm looking forward to the new PS3 exclusive, Saint Seiya Brave Soldiers. All the flashy action from the series looks to be preserved, as the angelic battles unfold through some pretty impressive gameplay demonstrations.

Namco Bandai has also announced a European collector's edition that comes with a figurine. Right now the game is only announced for Europe, but if it never comes overseas (Saint Seiya games typically do not) it'll be easy enough to import for your [relatively] region-free PS3.

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/this-saint-seiya-brave-soldiers-ps3-trailer-is-flashy-257596.phtml

News::Valve Has a Gamescom Booth, Game(s) to Reveal

CraveOnline writes: "Valve is attending this year's Gamescom. I know, you're probably saying it attends every year, but this time is different."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305355/valve-has-a-gamescom-booth-game-s-to-reveal

News::Entertainment Fuse: The Walking Dead: 400 Days Review (PS3) - Bridging the Gap for Season 2

While we continue to wait for the second season of Telltales Walking Dead game, they decided to release a special episode as DLC for season one called 400 Days. 400 Days does not feature Lee and Clementine like season one, but instead focuses on a different group of characters and how they are living in the world full of Walkers. This episode also bridges the gap between the two seasons as we might see more of this cast in the future. 400 Days, which costs five dollars on PSN, PC, and iOS (400 Microsoft Points on XBL), is a refreshing take on the Walking Dead universe just by the fact we get to see it from more characters perspectives. Even just more of Entertainment Fuses 2012 game of the year is a good thing as well if youre itching to play more and get a taste of what to expect in the second season.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305330/entertainment-fuse-the-walking-dead-400-days-review-ps3-bridging-the-gap-for-season-2

News::Gaming Trend | Fist Puncher Review

Myself, Jay Malone, takes a look at Adult Swim's latest game: Fist Puncher.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304997/gaming-trend-fist-puncher-review

News::Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition Review [MonsterVine]

MonsterVine: "For over a year the only way for PC players to enjoy a Mortal Kombat game was to deal with that horrid Mortal Kombat Kollection port and now PC players will finally be able to sink their teeth into one of the best fighters of 2011."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304967/mortal-kombat-komplete-edition-review-monstervine

News::New Elder Scrolls Online dev video shows new monsters, first-person camera

A short new development video from the team behind the Elder Scrolls Online teases us with yet another glimpse at how combat looks from a first-person perspective in the upcoming MMORPG. Released this week by developers Zenimax Online Studios, the video introduces the Kwama, a monster sure to torment us allin first or third-person viewwhen the game launches next year.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305215/new-elder-scrolls-online-dev-video-shows-new-monsters-first-person-camera

News::Dark Launch trailer

LGN: "Just hours after issuing a handful of screens for Dark, Kalypso Media has now issued a trailer for the vampire-themed game, marking its launch on the PC and Xbox 360, and showing us bits of gameplay as players assume the role of a newborne vampire and develop and evolve various skills making their way to the top of the food chain."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304880/dark-launch-trailer

News::Skullgirls PC beta launches for Indiegogo givers

If you donated at least $36 to the Skullgirls Indiegogo project, you'll be able to activate a beta copy of the game on Steam, compliments of your Humble Store account. Alternatively, you can still donate $36 or $81 to Lab Zero Games and nab an account that way. Updates are expected to flood this build, and just like every other beta, input for Lab Zero Games is appreciated.

The new DLC character Squigly is playable, so make sure you go ahead and test it out with the controller or fighting stick of your choice!

Skullgirls PC beta [Shoryuken]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/skullgirls-pc-beta-launches-for-indiegogo-givers-257595.phtml

News::New screenshots of vampire-themed Dark released

LGN: "Kalypso Medias Dark is now available on the PC and Xbox 360, and we have a new batch of screenshots from Realmforge Studios stealth-action game with RPG elements to mark the occasion."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304872/new-screenshots-of-vampire-themed-dark-released

News::Meet Team Fortress 2's next two community-made maps

A pair of user-made Capture Point maps -- "Process" and "Standin," if you follow the community's work -- are on the horizon for Team Fortress 2 as part of a looming update. Valve also says it will address bugs and exploits with "a list of patch notes longer than a stalemate on Hydro."

In the first of a promised few blog posts on the matter, the company describes how years of content updates have led to unforeseen consequences. If gamers can exploit it, they will. Thankfully, it sounds like most of the existing maps have been revisited as part of this cleanup effort. I'm curious to see what else is included in the update if it all takes multiple posts to explain.

Move Those Maps Up! [Team Fortress]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/meet-team-fortress-2-s-next-two-community-made-maps-257623.phtml

News::Why Dead Space 3 Is the Worst Sequel In The Series

Richard Bailey of TheKoalition writes: March 5th, 2013 marked one full month since the release of Visceral Games notorious survival horror space thriller Dead Space 3. This date was also important because rumors had been swirling throughout the day that EA was considering canceling the series due to poor financial sales. After several sources close to EA denied these claims over and over again, I started to think specifically about several shortcomings I experienced with the game in regards to how the finished product turned out. In this article, I take things a bit further by elaborating on why I feel this is the most disappointing entry in the franchise yet. So without further ado, I now present to you my four concrete reasons why Dead Space 3 is the worst sequel in the series.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305329/why-dead-space-3-is-the-worst-sequel-in-the-series

News::Outlast Will be the Scariest Game You Play this Summer | Interview

OnlySP: Horror games have been making a comeback as of late, with games like Amnesia and Slender being the talk of many. However, a new contender in the mix may be the scariest of all if all the previews from websites like IGN are to be believed. We recently had a chance to speak with the developers of Outlast, an upcoming survival horror game coming to the PC this summer and PS4 in early 2014. Three members of the development team, Philippe Morin, David Chateauneuf and Hugo Dallaire took the time to answer our questions. We hope you enjoy the interview and learn some more about what could be the scariest game youll play this summer.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305132/outlast-will-be-the-scariest-game-you-play-this-summer-interview

News::Remember Me Review | Warp Zoned

Warp Zoned writes: "Remember Me, developed by Dontnod Entertainment and published by Capcom, snuck up on me earlier this month. Its a third-person action-adventure game which relies heavily on melee combat. From the outset, it seemed to be the full package, with stunning visuals, a fascinating female lead character, and a compelling story. But is it a game worth remembering, or a game youd rather soon forget?"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305129/remember-me-review-warp-zoned

News::Pay off your debt with Sega's Hero Bank

Yet another unique-looking 3DS game has emerged, and this time, it's Hero Bank from Sega -- a self described "battle-life RPG" that involves a young boy fighting to pay off his one-billion-yen debt. The more pumped you get the crowd, the more money you earn, which makes it easier to upgrade and pay off your debt. Like New Super Mario Bros. 2's "one-million-coin" goal, this will no doubt appeal to completionists everywhere.

Visually, the game is looking pretty neat, and I'm really digging the designs, so I hope it comes westward at some point. Plus, it has a kid who looks like Frankenstein with a mouse on his shoulder. Sold!

Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/pay-off-your-debt-with-sega-s-hero-bank-257592.phtml

News::Expeditions Conquistador Review | ComboCaster

Much of the actual history is marked by the Spanish and Portuguese conquests. Sometimes we forget that one day we own half the world, with an empire to rival many other history. We may not have entered into many wars, but the achievements of our Spanish neighbors were quite bloody. Expeditions Conqueror explores this part of the story, leaving the player taking control of an explorer in the Americas. In addition to our character, the player can hire hunters, doctors, soldiers, among others. Unlike a traditional RTS, here the player has to worry about other small details. Not having a doctor for example can be a fatal mistake. We are talking about the time in which a small wound could infect and kill. Soldiers are also weak hunters and having food is essential for survival.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305325/expeditions-conquistador-review-combocaster

News::Deadpool Review | Metal Arcade

Metal Arcade: Jason Bakker writes: Despite its repetitive gameplay, Deadpool stands out with its stellar comedy writing and craziness. Deadpool is one of those characters that people will either love or hate. There really is no in-between. The fourth-wall breaking Merc With A Mouth tends to spout offensive nonsense and often finds himself in completely insane situations, even for a comic book character. Thats what makes him so special, though watching Deadpool make an ass of himself and poke fun at the sullen, stoic heroes around him (like Wolverine and Cable) will crack you up, and his juvenile nature is what makes his character memorable. High Moon Studios definitely gets the character, and Deadpool the game is overflowing with vulgarity, callousness and hilarity. The deranged humor (brought to life by veteran voice actor Nolan North) is what makes Deadpool worth playing, but luckily theres a decent game underneath it all as well.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305313/deadpool-review-metal-arcade

News::Magrunner: Dark Pulse - Video Showcase

Nick magnetizes some blocks and summons Cthulhu in Magrunner: Dark Pulse.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305213/magrunner-dark-pulse-video-showcase

News::UnEpic - Video Showcase

Nick and Chris explore dungeons and drop references in sidescrolling RPG UnEpic!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305211/unepic-video-showcase

News::Rogue Legacy - Video Showcase

Nick checks out the rogue-lite that spans generations with Rogue Legacy!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305214/rogue-legacy-video-showcase

News::411mania - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Preview

411mania - During the tail end of my E3 excursion this year, the last game I got to check out was The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. CD Projekt Red showed us the special behind-closed-doors, hands-off demo preview of the game. Wild Hunt marks the first entry in the franchise to be featured on a PlayStation console, which makes me especially excited. Projekt Red is marketing this as the "final chapter" in The Witcher saga as well. The Witcher 3 looks like it will offer a massive, immersive, and epic medieval fantasy gaming experience unlike anything we've ever seen before. In this new adventure, the Nilfgaard Empire has invaded and taken over the Northern Kingdoms. Approximately six months have passed since the events of the second game. The early part of the demo showcased a cinematic of a village under siege and what appears to be a dark force in the sky, an eerie flying longship. This dark force is apparently the deadly, tyrannical threat called the Wild Hunt.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305274/411mania-the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-preview

News::First Look: The Crew (Prima Games)

The team behind Driver: San Francisco is back behind the wheel with this multiplayer racer.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305134/first-look-the-crew-prima-games

News::Independence Day: 15 Upcoming Indie Games to Have On Your Radar

GP writer Jordan discusses 15 upcoming indie games that look to be fantastic.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305328/independence-day-15-upcoming-indie-games-to-have-on-your-radar

News::Press2Reset Review: The Walking Dead: 400 Days

This Walking Dead DLC turned out to be an interesting interim episode between seasons one and two. Marcus Mac Dhonnagáin sheds some light on 400 Days.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305222/press2reset-review-the-walking-dead-400-days

News::Eight iRacing drivers selected for real life NASCAR Next rising stars

VVV: "The GT Academy has been a resounding success when it comes to discovering untapped talent on the track, turning avid racing gamers into top tier real life motor sport drivers. NASCAR is now running a similar imitative to find fresh driving talent. Known as NASCAR Next, it aims to spotlight the sport's young rising stars - eight of which happen to be seasoned iRacing drivers out of the thirteen that make up the 2013 class. "



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305095/eight-iracing-drivers-selected-for-real-life-nascar-next-rising-stars

News::Initial details for Kingdom Hearts X[chi] emerge

In case you couldn't get enough browser-based games and oddly named Kingdom Hearts entries, Kingdom Hearts X[chi] is coming to browsers soon in Japan. As indicated in the trailer above, the game will utilize a chibi-esque artstyle, and will feature old worlds re-used from prior games, including Agrabah, the Dwarf Woodlands, and Wonderland.

X[chi] will allow you to customize and upgrade your own hero as you battle with the game's card-based combat system and take on select enemies with friends. If you're interested, you may be able to get in on the Japanese beta in the near future.

Kingdom Hearts [Twitter]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/initial-details-for-kingdom-hearts-x-chi-emerge-257590.phtml

News::Indian gamers react to EA PC price hike with #EAPCIndia campaign

EA is hiking prices of its upcoming PC games in India by as much as 133%. In response, gamers have thronged to Twitter with the #EAPCIndia campaign, which is picking up steam and getting quite a bit of media attention.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304863/indian-gamers-react-to-ea-pc-price-hike-with-eapcindia-campaign

News::Early version of Mercenary Kings playable this month

If it's been a while since you paid much attention to Mercenary Kings , you'll want to get the side-scrolling shooter back on your radar by watching this new trailer. It's officially here to announce that the title is hitting Steam Early Access on July 22, 2013 but also serves as an excellent little recap of what makes this look appealing. (The robo-snails, obviously.)

"We are well aware that we're behind our schedule, but we believe it's for the best," Tribute Games wrote in a Kickstarter update. "Because we've sailed past our 75k goal, we decided to spend more time to work on the game (adding more levels and the online component have been time consuming). The Early Access Version of the game will end up being a beefed up version of our first milestone. Then, Early Access will allow us to follow our plan to keep working on the game until we make the best possible version of Mercenary Kings!"

Kickstarter backers who contributed $15 or more will get this version of Mercenary Kings as their digital copy of the game. For everyone else, it's going to be $15 during the Early Access phase and $20 afterwards. Good to know.

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/early-version-of-mercenary-kings-playable-this-month-257619.phtml

News::Actor Grant Bowler Talks Defiance MMO Game And TV Series - Gamerhubtv

Grant Bowler discusses the evolution of Lawkeeper Nolan, the plague and how the Defiance TV series and game will evolve in this exclusive interview.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305302/actor-grant-bowler-talks-defiance-mmo-game-and-tv-series-gamerhubtv

News::Just An Average Day In Arma III

Kotaku - Did he ever end up noticing the rail and reach the beach in time? We'll never know but this Arma III montage has a lot of great gif-y moments. Let's dig into these and other popular GIFs this week.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305267/just-an-average-day-in-arma-iii

News::Let's Watch Other People Play Cube World

News::This is why Guild Wars 2 is not coming to consoles

At one point, Guild Wars 2 on consoles may have been a thing, as ArenaNet did some initial testing for it, but it appears as if the project has been scrapped. Speaking to Eurogamer, Lead content designer Mike Zadorojny explained, "Development for console was something that we did experiment with and try. But we were always committed to making sure that we were PC platform first. And especially as we move towards this living world strategy where we're trying to release content as fast as we are -- trying to do that on a console is extremely difficult."

Given the recent announcement of bi-weekly content updates and the concept of an ever-changing game world, that makes perfect sense. Eurogamer points out that although there may be some issues with console MMOs in the current market, the future may be looking brighter, as Sony has allowed more lee-way for F2P, and Elder Scrolls Online and Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn are launching next year on consoles.

Zadorony says that he's "curious" to see whether or not that works out for them. So am I!

What happened to Guild Wars 2 on consoles? [Eurogamer]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/this-is-why-guild-wars-2-is-not-coming-to-consoles-257587.phtml

News::Rush Bros. Review | Geekenstein

"Overall, Rush Bros. seems to be pulling from too many influences to be influential itself. Its sharp difficulty spikes are reminiscent of Meat Boy and They Bleed Pixels, but masters of those games will have no trouble here. The racing component that brings the game to life is also hampered by the difficulty, making Rush Bros. a hard game to bring out at parties. The most flawlessly executed part of the product might be the soundtrack, an instant classic collection of chiptunes that fits right into the current renaissance in the gaming music scene. If that alone sounds intriguing to you, it might be worth it to just consider the game portion a nice bonus." - Alex Santa Maria of Geekenstein.com



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304438/rush-bros-review-geekenstein

News::Why Call of Duty: Ghosts had to end the world

OXM - This year's Call of Duty reveal was as impossibly bombastic as any other. Submarines were perforated, skyscrapers pummelled, human beings shredded by bullets and shrapnel. Hyperbole has dribbled from every customer-facing orifice: Call of Duty is a "leap forward", the "gold standard" for next generation shooters - a game that will "raise the bar".



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304442/why-call-of-duty-ghosts-had-to-end-the-world

News::Magrunner: Dark Pulse Review - Polarities vs. Cthulhu | IRB Gamer

Irb Gamer- "With the gaming industry being dominated by first person shooters its always nice to take a break every so often and exercise our minds rather than see how fast we can pull the trigger and wipe out opposing forces. Magrunner: Dark Pulse is a magnificently polished, portal-like title with a maniacal story that becomes crazier and more awesome the further you venture into its futuristic world."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304445/magrunner-dark-pulse-review-polarities-vs-cthulhu-irb-gamer

News::The Walking Dead review | Madnight GamesTech

Matt takes a look at the base game as he gets ready for the release of the 400 Days DLC.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304647/the-walking-dead-review-madnight-gamestech

News::The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt PS4 and Xbox One save import feature discussed

New details have been revealed in regards to the save import feature for the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the upcoming multiplatform video game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304669/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-ps4-and-xbox-one-save-import-feature-discussed

News::Intense. Subtle. Addictive. Get paranoid in SpyParty | PCGMedia

Theres a lot for the player to worry about in SpyParty. As the Sniper, should you watch your suspect for just a few more seconds to be completely sure, or risk blowing the head off an innocent partygoer? When playing the Spy, should you rush completing your mission, or spend precious time blending with the crowd to avoid suspicion? SpyParty is a deadly balancing act, one of the most tense games weve ever encountered. And its fun as hell. SpyParty is set for release on both consoles and PC. Article features an exclusive interview with developer Chris Hecker.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304487/intense-subtle-addictive-get-paranoid-in-spyparty-pcgmedia

News::Saints Row IV Hands-On Preview | The Controller Online

TCO writes: "Last week I was lucky enough to get my hands on a preview build of Saints Row IV, and with it being one of my favorite Open World franchises, I was more than excited to get an early look at the fourth entry in the series. Volition are set to release their newest version of the Saints on August 20th, which is only a month before their main competition, Grand Theft Auto V, is scheduled to be released. Its never easy when youre going up against a behemoth like Rockstar Games, but after playing SRIV all week, I think this is going to be the closest battle yet.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304418/saints-row-iv-hands-on-preview-the-controller-online

News::Gi - Saints Row 4 Hands-On Preivew

Gi - This nation has seen many great men lead the country in various states of crisis, from George Washington and Abraham Lincoln to Zachary Taylor and Rutherford B. Hayes. But all these presidents pale in comparison to the greatest POTUS of all time, The Boss of the Third Street Saints.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304663/gi-saints-row-4-hands-on-preivew

News::Gi - Title Bout Championship Boxing 2013 (PC) Review

Gi - A lot has changed since Title Bout Championship Boxing 2.5 released in 2008. At times, it seemed there would never be a new incarnation of the professional boxing simulator. Developer Out of the Park Developments decided to give the popular Out of the Park Baseball franchise full-time attention, leaving Title Bout Championship Boxing behind. However, the developer sold the rights to the boxing franchise to collaborating studio P.I.S.D. in May. With the release of Title Bout Championship Boxing 2013 (TBCB), the developer finally delivered a boxing sim five years in the making.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304664/gi-title-bout-championship-boxing-2013-pc-review

News::Minecraft FTB- New World Modpack Episode 5

TGH Writes: "Dan and Oli make some jet-packs and start their home above ground. They also hunt down another Millenaire village, buying more rice then they can plant."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304482/minecraft-ftb-new-world-modpack-episode-5

News::Deadpool Review - The Digital Fix

High Moon Studios, the guys that brought us the perfectly playable, borderline excellent Transformers titles now turn their hand to one of the most divisive Marvel characters, Deadpool. Fourth wall breaking, wise cracking, bloodletting, bat shit crazy Deadpool in all his gory comedy genius in a videogame - sweet baby Jesus its a match made in heaven...right...surely?



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304784/deadpool-review-the-digital-fix

News::Left 4 Dead 2 Linux version out of beta

MWEB Gamezone writer Zubayr Bhyat runs a story on Left 4 Dead 2's linux version leaving beta and highlights some new features and changes to the source engine and its asset handling.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304761/left-4-dead-2-linux-version-out-of-beta

News::Daum Communication Announced Arcane Wars Closed Beta Date

Arcane Wars a.k.a Arcane Hearts is the latest 3D MMORPG browser-based game developed by Korean game developer Playworks and published by Daum Communication. The publisher has just announced that the closed beta phase will be started on July 11th.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304732/daum-communication-announced-arcane-wars-closed-beta-date

News::Bethesdas Battlecry Studios: AAA New Game, CryEngine, Shooter/Action/RPG, Online/MMO, F2P

"In October 2012, ZeniMax opened Battlecry Studios as part of their Bethesda Softworks subsidiary. But since then, weve pretty much heard nothing. So heres what we were able to dig up." - PSLS



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304721/bethesdas-battlecry-studios-aaa-new-game-cryengine-shooter-action-rpg-online-mmo-f2p

News::Dark Souls 2: accessible my bleeding aunt | VG247

VG247: "Dark Souls 2 directors Tomohiro Shibuya and Yui Tanimura want to make the RPG easier to understand. But they certainly havent made it any easier to win."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304359/dark-souls-2-accessible-my-bleeding-aunt-vg247

News::Borderlands 2 GotY Edition Listed in Steam Database

According to data miner who unearthed the listing from Steams database, Borderlands 2 Game of the Year Edition is coming soon but when is the right question.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304268/borderlands-2-goty-edition-listed-in-steam-database

News::Tactical Intervention Bringing Its Shootery Goodness to Steam

Minh Le, AKA Gooseman, was one of the minds behind the original Counter-Strike mod for Half-Life, which went on to become one of the most revolutionary PC shooters of all-time. So when he stamps his name on a project, you can be pretty sure it'll be worth paying attention to.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304238/tactical-intervention-bringing-its-shootery-goodness-to-steam

News::Guild Wars 2 May Never Have an Expansion

The title says it all folks. Unfortunately, it looks like Guild Wars 2 may never get an expansion according to Arenanets lead content designer Mike Zadorojny. The main reason for this is due to the Living World feature of Guild Wars 2, with Mike Zadorojny stating that they will probably never do an expansion and everything will be going into this Living World strategy, if the updates are done correctly



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304604/guild-wars-2-may-never-have-an-expansion

News::The Walking Dead: 400 Days Review

I was skeptical going into The Walking Dead: 400 Days. Taking five characters, telling five separate stories, putting it all in one episode, and somehow connecting them all was a risky move for telltale games. After making five episodes that revolved around Lee and his journey with Clementine, I wasnt sure how I felt about diving into a piece of content that had me playing as five separate people, each with a different story. Skepticism aside, one thing I never doubted was telltales ability to tell a story and although the move was a different approach to The Walking Dead: The Game, it paid off.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304627/the-walking-dead-400-days-review

News::Neptunia PP is an Amusing Parody of iDOLM@STER

News::What Could Be Better Than a Laser? Try a Six-Barrel Laser Gatling Gun

News::Torment: Tides of Numenera preview choice and consequence in an all-star old school RPG | PC Gamer

PC Gamer: "The backdrop has changed from the Planescape multiverse to Numenera, a new setting by veteran RPG designer Monte Cook. Here, Earth has been seeded with technology and magic by the rise and fall of successive civilisations. 'We wanted something radically different from most peoples experiences,' writer and Planescape: Torment designer Colin McComb tells me. 'Were still going to be hitting the philosophical elements: what it means to be alive, what it means to weave a legacy, what it means to interact with other people, [but] Numenera allows us to break free of the basic expectations people have.'"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304707/torment-tides-of-numenera-preview-choice-and-consequence-in-an-all-star-old-school-rpg-pc-gamer

News::The Best Shooters of All Time

PCGamer: Before we knew what to name them, we called them Doom clones. id Softwares seminal work sparked a phenomenon when it began to circulate as shareware 20 years ago, and since then shooters have propagated through mods, experimentation, LAN parties, co-op, eSports, and big-budget masterpieces. Guns and enemies are their bread and butter, but we dont think of our favorite shooters as outlets for simulated violence. We celebrate the way they test our minds and mouse reflexes, the personal stories they generate, the captivating worlds theyve founded, and the social spaces they provide for lighthearted bonding or hardcore competition.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304759/the-best-shooters-of-all-time

News::GamesAsylum: Deadpool - Review

If youre thinking that Activision publishing a Deadpool game is a little out of the blue, then wed whole heartily agree. The merc with a mouth may be well known by the comic book clique, but is still relatively unheard of outside of superhuman fandom. Youd think that a game to tie-in with the upcoming Wolverine film would be a safer bet. Activision, after all, is renowned for playing it safe.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304762/gamesasylum-deadpool-review

News::E3 2013 - Dying Light Preview | GameGrin

An E3 without a zombie game is like a reanimated corpse that does not constantly crave human flesh: not unheard of, but rare. 2013 was no exception, but one of the few new IPs concerning the pesky living dead was Techlands Dying Light.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304799/e3-2013-dying-light-preview-gamegrin

News::Paranoid Android confirmed for Rocksmith 2014

There are certain songs that everyone wants in music games Certain songs that people have been requesting since plastic instruments hit the North American shores in 2005. Rocksmith has finally knocked one of the most requested alternative rock songs off the list by adding Radioheads Paranoid Android to Rocksmith 2014's setlist.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304326/paranoid-android-confirmed-for-rocksmith-2014

News::Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number Preview | Gamereactor UK

GR-UK writes:"But it's just a film based on the first game, called Midnight Animal, and before anything too outrageous can happen the director calls "cut" and we're into a familiar talking heads cutscene. We're told to be rougher, after all we're supposed to be killing people, and the female actor is told to "act more helpless and scared, you know... more girly". It'd be easy to be offended, but for those who've already sampled the delights of the series, it's clear that there's more going on here than meets the eye."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304223/hotline-miami-2-wrong-number-preview-gamereactor-uk

News::Let's Play Pokemon Yellow Part 7

In this episode of Let's Play Pokemon, Sparky makes his way through Rock Tunnel with its dark hallways, dead ends and trainers. Finally he arrives at Lavender Town where he talks to the towns folk and learns about the ghosts that inhabit the tower. Making his way inside Sparky meets a familiar face, his rival and they face off in a battle...



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304058/lets-play-pokemon-yellow-part-7

News::Ginx- Company of Heroes 2 Review

Ginx:Released in 2006, Company of Heroes became one of the most beloved strategy games of all-time. Its no surprise, boasting intelligent gameplay, historically accurate skirmishes and explosive set-pieces. With a double jump between publishers as well as a switch from the Western Front to the Eastern Front, does this tactical follow-up still offer an impeccable experience for strategy fans?



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304241/ginx-company-of-heroes-2-review

News::Well, This Farming Simulator Trailer Sure Is... Different

News::Review | Duels Of The Planeswalkers 2014 [TheSixthAxis]

Much like the trading card game on which it is based, Stainless Games Duels of the Planeswalkers has changed very little since its debut. The first instalment launched back in 2010, weaving Magic: The Gatherings timeless, 20-year old formula into the fabric of a downloadable title...



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304628/review-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2014-thesixthaxis

News::The Daily Five: Most Overlooked Games of 2013 (So Far)

"We only have so much time and money, though, so we have to make hard choices sometimes. As a result, some great games didnt quite get their due. Weve only just entered July, but here are five games that are worth another look while we enter the summer lull." - Joe Garcia



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304601/the-daily-five-most-overlooked-games-of-2013-so-far

News::Final Fantasy News for the Fourth

The HD remakes of Final Fantasy X and X-2 are scheduled to come out at the end of this year for the PS3 and Playstation Vita. Players who buy both versions will be able to have cross save support between the two consoles. This is an awesome feature and I hope we will see more of this in the future. Who doesnt want to be able to continue the game right where they left off playing at home while riding the bus to work? Also, a 30 minute audio episode can be unlocked after completing both games. It will be set two years after X-2 and will include voice acting.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304598/final-fantasy-news-for-the-fourth

News::GDC Europe 2013 - Wooga, Big Fish, Red 5, DeNA talks added

GDC Europe 2013 organizers have announced new talks on free-to-play games for Augusts conference in Cologne, Germany, including Big Fish on casual game best practices, Red 5 on MMO monetization tips, Wooga on its winning formula of KPI and some heart, and DeNA on Japanese mobile card game design and license collaboration.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304575/gdc-europe-2013-wooga-big-fish-red-5-dena-talks-added

News::Microsoft to take its time and promote from within to replace Mattrick, says analyst

Don Mattrick’s replacement at Microsoft will likely be promoted from within, and could take some time to appoint, an analyst has told us.

The former head of Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment business was confirmed at the new Zynga CEO earlier this week, but the surprise move wasn’t a result of the fierce critcism Xbox One has endured, Ascendiant Capital Markets’ senior research analyst Edward Woo told us.

“I think this was more about the Zynga opportunity than Microsoft’s performance,” he said. “At Microsoft, Don was a head of a big division, but at Zynga he is the top dog of a much smaller company. Being top dog is the goal of many executives.”

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer’s farewell letter states that, for the time being, Mattrick’s direct reports would now answer to him – so a quick replacement is unlikely, says Woo. “I think they just want to have the perception of stability as they head into one of their biggest product launches this holidays. I think finding the right leader is important so they’ll be sure to take their time.”

Commenting on the possibility of the Interactive Entertainment division being swallowed up as part of a much-rumoured restructuring at Microsoft, Woo added:

“The goal is to be better integrated, but Xbox cannot lose its focus as a gaming machine first, so they’ll need somebody who can balance the gaming and overall company goals. I think there’s plenty of talent at Microsoft so I think it will be an internal hire.”

We offered our own thoughts on what Mattrick’s move to Zynga means for Microsoft earlier this week.

The post Microsoft to take its time and promote from within to replace Mattrick, says analyst appeared first on Edge Online.

via Edge Online http://www.edge-online.com/news/microsoft-to-take-its-time-and-promote-from-within-to-replace-mattrick-says-analyst/

News::Fez will be patched on XBLA, says Phil Fish

Polytron is working on a Fez patch to fix a known issue with corrupted save files.

Phil Fish said on Twitter that the patch will take a couple of months. It’ll address a problem with corrupted save files that affects less than one per cent of players, but the issue has snowballed since Fish publically refused to patch the game because it would cost “a ton of money” to recertify.

More recently, Microsoft confirmed that it removed the patch fee back in April, prompting Fish to start work on the patch.

Polytron also recently released a teaser video for the sequel, Fez 2.

The post Fez will be patched on XBLA, says Phil Fish appeared first on Edge Online.

via Edge Online http://www.edge-online.com/news/fez-will-be-patched-on-xbla-says-phil-fish/

News::Take THAT, Demonic Goat Person Thing

News::Dark - Review | G4MERS

G4MERS: "They were to be vampires, were to be bloody, was to be a more RPG, but Dark - new Kalypso Media's game turned out to be bad or at least mediocre."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304342/dark-review-g4mers

News::Rundown: War of the Roses Kingmaker | Fate of the Game

Take up your arms, kinsmen! Dalton is here to show us how to dispatch our enemies with grace and traditional British charm in War of the Roses: Kingmaker. The third-person multiplayer combat title was recently reformatted from a free-2-play game to a single-purchase full release. Does the medieval warfare stand as a shining example of chivalrous fortitude, or does it miss its mark?



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304052/rundown-war-of-the-roses-kingmaker-fate-of-the-game

News::Epic Working on New and Existing IPs, Next Gen Unannounced Competitive Online Action Game

Epic Games seems to be gearing up for the new generation, at least if we have to believe the companys careers page.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304734/epic-working-on-new-and-existing-ips-next-gen-unannounced-competitive-online-action-game

News::The Walking Dead: 400 Days Review | Gamers Association

"While 400 Days isnt a classic, the DLC does feel like a worthy addition to Telltales catalog. It may be over too fast or not fully fleshed out, but it definitely is fun and intriguing...400 Days is solid entertainment. If you liked the first season of The Walking Dead, you should definitely enjoy this DLC." - Peter Glagowski



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304424/the-walking-dead-400-days-review-gamers-association