Monday, July 8, 2013

News::Could Episodic Gaming Change The Future of the Industry?

Analog Addiction writes: "The current generation of gaming has frequently been compared to the movie industry, with bigger budgets, more emotive narratives, and action sequences that could be seen in your favourite action blockbuster. Yet gaming is as far from cinema as possible. Heavy Rain may be considered an interactive story, relying more on choices rather than actual gameplay, yet it is hard to put Quantic Dreams popular title against a movie and consider them similar in any way. Arguably, TV is the best comparison to video games. Some games are released in episodes, games which can last an extended amount of time compared to a movie, and there can be multiple seasons (sequels) of particular franchises."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306231/could-episodic-gaming-change-the-future-of-the-industry

News::Civilization V: Brave New World: The Kotaku Review

Kotaku: "There are those who feel that Civilization V, as it was first released, was a little thin. The game's first expansion, Gods & Kings, addressed some of that criticism. Its second, Brave New World, transforms the game into one of the best the PC has ever seen."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306244/civilization-v-brave-new-world-the-kotaku-review

News::Dark Review | EuroGamer

EuroGamer: "Low-budget games can be delightful and surprising, but only if the core elements work. Here, they don't. In its best moments, this is only ever a reminder of better games. In its worst moments - of which there are far too many - Dark frustrates and irritates as only a clumsy stealth game can."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306252/dark-review-eurogamer

News::Evil Boyfriend Scares Sleeping Girlfriend with ‘Deadly’ Wake Up Prank

News::Lara Croft has the worst luck ever


The new Tomb Raider was pretty great. It also had so many ways Lara Croft could die, in a ton of gruesome scenes. Now imagine all the other ways Lara could be killed with this imaginative downloadable content detailed by Animation Domination High-Def.


Lara Croft has the worst luck ever screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/lara-croft-has-the-worst-luck-ever-257751.phtml

News::Fierce Tales: Marcus' Memory - Review | AACG

From the amazing graphics, intriguing storyline, engaging gameplay to smartly thought-out collectibles; Fierce Tales: Marcus's Memory has it all! A big round of applause to Blam! Games who managed to deliver us yet another undeniable Hidden Object Adventure game!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306257/fierce-tales-marcus-memory-review-aacg

News::Deadpool Review | GamEvo

Deadpool in itself is not a title for those seeking a deeper action game, does not have the grandeur or pomposity of the great titles, in fact, there are some major flaws to be a hack n 'slash, but evoques pure fun to appeal the player.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306250/deadpool-review-gamevo

News::TitanFall, The Small Changes That Could Make This FPS The Next Evolution

TitanFall is an MMO FPS that was revealed at E3 last month. The game showcased some great-looking game play, as well as fun new concepts for fans of FPS games.So what are the small changes the developers, Respawn Entertainment, are making that could make this the next evolutionary step for the FPS genre?



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304649/titanfall-the-small-changes-that-could-make-this-fps-the-next-evolution

News::Call Of Duty Ghosts, Why You Should Fear Ghosts

2013 is going to see the release of two major new consoles, the Xbox One, and the Playstation 4, both of which are expected to be given the mandatory Call Of Duty game, giving players the same old experience on some newer hardware.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305388/call-of-duty-ghosts-why-you-should-fear-ghosts

News::How Depressing: Star Wars The Old Republic Is Celebrating KOTOR's 10th Anniversary

Old Republic celebrating KOTOR's 10th anniversary just doesn't feel right. In fact, it's just depressing. Old Republic is the whole reason that KOTOR doesn't exist as a series anymore.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306722/how-depressing-star-wars-the-old-republic-is-celebrating-kotors-10th-anniversary

News::Call of Duty: Ghosts Preview | Slimgamer

Slimgamer provides a lengthy preview of the newest Call of Duty.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306626/call-of-duty-ghosts-preview-slimgamer

News::Shadow Warrior Classic Redux out now on Steam


Originally released in 1997, 3D Realms' Shadow Warrior is very much a product of its time. And since this is an old-school first-person shooter we're talking about here, that's actually a good thing. The cult classic can be found on Steam for free, but if you're looking for the definitive version, General Arcade and Devolver Digital have come out with Shadow Warrior Classic Redux .


Most notably, the package throws in the Wanton Destruction and Twin Dragon expansions, but there are also remastered visuals and a remixed soundtrack to round out the $8.49 purchase price. Later this summer, Devolver will roll out a promotion that rewards Classic Redux owners with a coupon for Flying Wild Hog's new Shadow Warrior . Features like online multiplayer through Steamworks and Linux support are also said to be upcoming.


Shadow Warrior Classic Redux out now on Steam screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/shadow-warrior-classic-redux-out-now-on-steam-257753.phtml

News::Deadpool: The Game Review - GoozerNation

Deadpool is Marvel's Merc with a Mouth and he finally has his own game, which is voiced by Nolan North and developed by High Moon. Its a funny game for sure but is there more to this game than just Deadpool's mouth?



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306678/deadpool-the-game-review-goozernation

News::Digital Trends - Deadpool is good for big laughs, rote action, and little else

Digital Trends - Deadpool is a rote action game that makes fun of rote action games. It falls into the same trap that other parodies do which is to say, it forces upon you the same play philosophies that it mocks but it does so with such panache that you cant help but appreciate High Moon Studios capable execution. Most of the time, at any rate.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306331/digital-trends-deadpool-is-good-for-big-laughs-rote-action-and-little-else

News::Life, The Universe, And Gaming: Winning Isnt Everything

An opinion column via eGamer.co.za in which the author discusses the topic of being really good at something, better than most others, and yet not winning as you so rightly deserve. But that doesn't necessarily make one a loser if they have the right mindset and keep on persevering. Slightly philosophical, very relevant to gaming today.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306356/life-the-universe-and-gaming-winning-isnt-everything

News::Deadpool Review | Game Rant

Game Rant: "Fans hoping for a Deadpool game that does justice to the character are in luck, since you are without question the ones High Moon has crafted their game to please; those looking for a strongly-plotted, rich and expansive third-person action game that takes at least some of its own content seriously should certainly look elsewhere."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306745/deadpool-review-game-rant

News::Deadpool [Review] | Shogun Gamer

Ian Fisher writes: Certain aspects may be lacking, but the overall execution of the character that is Deadpool results in one of the more unique and utterly funny video games to be released this generation. Completely brilliant in how the ever mouthy mercenary is portrayed by actor Nolan North, the humor and occasional goof based scenarios that are present in Deadpool elevate the overall experience from being a slightly average action game that may have been otherwise forgettable if it wasnt for the Deadpool license.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306520/deadpool-review-shogun-gamer

News::PSXE Hotline Miami Review: An Utterly Addicting Old-School Homage

All you really do is run around killing a bunch of dudes from a top-down perspective. But in all its 8-bit glory, it's surprisingly captivating!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306732/psxe-hotline-miami-review-an-utterly-addicting-old-school-homage

News::Civilization V: Brave New World Review - Trade Conquers All | The Escapist

The Escapist: "The sweeping changes to the Civilization V ruleset are both refreshing and familiar. Each of the updates feels like a logical evolution and are seamlessly integrated with the existing systems. Brave New World feels like Civ V Complete."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306663/civilization-v-brave-new-world-review-trade-conquers-all-the-escapist

News::The Walking Dead: 400 Days Review - Alternative Magazine Online

The Walking Dead: 400 Days is a risk that pays off episodic gaming was the original hard sell, and now DLC has been conquered too. Its well worth the low asking price of £3.99 and will remind you exactly why The Walking Dead was the best video game of 2012. Whose foot will you shoot off? Whose face will you cave in? Can Nate be trusted? Only you can decide its nerve-racking stuff, but youll have a blast. Bring on Season Two and the return of Clementine!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306598/the-walking-dead-400-days-review-alternative-magazine-online

News::Bungie artists walk us through Destiny footage


Remember last week when Bungie released footage of Destiny that was essentially the same thing shown at E3 2013? That was pretty cool. Or, it would have been, according to some of you, had the dialogue between players not felt so cheesy. I can't disagree with that, so let's try this again.


That demonstration has once again been repurposed, though the commentary this time around comes from three artists at Bungie. I think you'll find the audio track to be much less grating. And, I'll admit it -- they got a laugh out of me with that "bird simulator" joke.


Bungie artists walk us through Destiny footage screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/bungie-artists-walk-us-through-destiny-footage-257749.phtml

News::Rockstar Toronto Developing Large Scale Next Gen Open World Game

As excited as we are for Grand Theft Auto V and tomorrows gameplay trailer, we cant help but feel a little sad that the game is only set for current gen consoles. Luckily, Rockstars other teams are hard at work on next gen titles. - PSLS



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306707/rockstar-toronto-developing-large-scale-next-gen-open-world-game

News::4 Minutes Of Some Of the Stupidest The Last of Us Glitches Imaginable

News::Real Timski's FireFall Video Preview

FireFall is going open beta soon - is this stylish, futuristic MMO worth your time? In this graphically stunning sandbox MMOFPS, players zoom around future Earth protecting humanity from aliens. See if it flies high or falls flat in this first look at one of the summer's most anticipated MMOs.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305957/real-timskis-firefall-video-preview

News::Final Fantasy: A Realm Reborn Preview #1: A Truly New Beginning | Exilic

Is this the Final Fantasy MMO the world needs? Exilic explores this question while playing through the beta, beginning with character creation.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305956/final-fantasy-a-realm-reborn-preview-1-a-truly-new-beginning-exilic

News::Blizzard's James Waugh on the Three Es: Transmedia Fiction for Franchise Development

Recently, James Waugh published an article for the Transmedia Coalition website teaching the Three Es in transmedia fiction for franchise development. In this article, he discusses how he became a story developer and how he brought those experiences as a child to the workspace to develop and to enrich the World of Warcraft universe. World of Warcraft lead story developer and New York Times bestselling writer James Waugh is currently working as the lead writer for StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void -- the protoss episode in the StarCraft II trilogy.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305954/blizzards-james-waugh-on-the-three-es-transmedia-fiction-for-franchise-development

News::Here's what Bahrain Game Developers have been up to

Bahraini game devs have started their game dev community. Here's what they've been up to.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305824/heres-what-bahrain-game-developers-have-been-up-to

News::Money Shots | Karmaflow

Finding great projects in the sea of crowdfunding campaigns is like trying to find a specific needle in a big pile of needles. But then you come across something potentially amazing, like a rock opera video game based on puzzles and environmental interaction and, well, rock. Karmaflow is worth some attention.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305780/money-shots-karmaflow

News::Indie Game Stand - 3089

Alpha access for the sequel to 3079 is here. Pay anything you like and you'll get the DRM free version as well as a Desura version.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305756/indie-game-stand-3089

News::Company of Heroes 2 Review by The Black Panel

The Black Panel writes: Returning to WW2 after a long break is Relics Company of Heroes franchise. While the setting is now the Eastern Front, you may well get a feeling of déjà vu. Much of the game remains the same and there are only a few minor tweaks and some improved graphics. Luckily CoH provides some of the best RTS action you can get your hands on and this second instalment only strengthens this statement.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306673/company-of-heroes-2-review-by-the-black-panel

News::A Beginner's Guide to picking the right MOBA for you

Original-Gamer.com: "At this point, the MOBA genre (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena, the most redundant term for a genre Ive ever heard) has become a considerably large genre with new titles releasing almost as quickly as shooters. Because of this, its probably really easy to get bogged down trying to find a MOBA that fits your style."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306691/a-beginners-guide-to-picking-the-right-moba-for-you

News::Geek Citadel Reviews - Super Splatters, Cognition, and The Night of the Rabbit

Cognition is a fantastic thrill ride, The Night of the Rabbit is a beautiful but directionless adventure title, and Super Splatters is casual fun! We're also giving away two of these titles to people that like, subscribe, and post a comment on this video. The games up for grabs are The Night of the Rabbit and Cognition!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306001/geek-citadel-reviews-super-splatters-cognition-and-the-night-of-the-rabbit

News::Preview: Wolfenstein: The New Order | Stevivor

Previewer Steve Wright writes, "So, I watched a hands-off presentation of Wolfenstein: The New Order at E3, and then played a hands-on demo for about 30 minutes and I still cant tell if its a serious game, or a tongue-in-cheek one. Thats not a great thing. - See more at: http://stevivor.com/2013/07/preview-wolfenstein-the-new-order/#sthash.h55Vwv59.dpuf"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306037/preview-wolfenstein-the-new-order-stevivor

News::Crunching The Numbers: Can Dual $269 Nvidia GTX 760s Outperform A $999 Titan?

Forbes - As NVIDIAs trio of graphics card launches winds down with the mainstream-level GTX 760, and only sporadic rumors of AMDs new Radeon 8000 series launching in October, we have a few months to evaluate the best and most cost-efficient upgrade options. You may be tempted by NVIDIAs GTX 780, which offers Titan-like performance for $350 less.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306349/crunching-the-numbers-can-dual-269-nvidia-gtx-760s-outperform-a-999-titan

News::Remember Me Review by The Black Panel

The Black Panel writes: Remember Me takes place in a dystopian future version of Paris. Memory manipulation forms an innovative part of the gameplay and also provides the driver for the story. The game has a strong focus on acrobatic and martial arts skills, the latter used to defeat some tough opponents. The art design and music are highlights, while the unreliable camera and some repetitiveness detract a little from the experience. This novel science fiction adventure, like its protagonist, does not often the miss the mark.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306674/remember-me-review-by-the-black-panel

News::Rockstar Jobs Page Hints at Grand Theft Auto V PC Port

CraveOnline writes: "Coming at the tail-end of the current generation, Grand Theft Auto V's omission of a PC version at launch has been largely controversial. The game is limited by the same hardware that Grand Theft Auto IV ran on in 2008, and within months of release its graphics will be overshadowed by next-gen games. Thankfully, a PC version isn't out of the question, and new evidence makes it appear closer to reality than once thought."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306693/rockstar-jobs-page-hints-at-grand-theft-auto-v-pc-port

News::Indie Royale Debut Bundle 3 Released

Hardcore Gamer: This Indie Royale bundle gets you the debuts of Stained, Tropical Heat Jet Ski Racing, LogiGun, Tales of Maj'Eyal, and Crayon Chronicles for under $5 presently.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306544/indie-royale-debut-bundle-3-released

News::Phantasy Star Online 2 Ignores Western Audience in Favor of 2014 Asia Release

Phantasy Star Online 2 announces a new tentative date for the Asia release in 2014, and which will incorporate key feature differences in each of the territories that will highlight each unique culture with different items and events that match their native customs and traditions.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306676/phantasy-star-online-2-ignores-western-audience-in-favor-of-2014-asia-release

News::Don Mattrick negotiated to buy Zynga while at Microsoft

Today is Don Mattrick's first full day at Zynga as the company's new CEO. Wow, yeah, that's still weird to say. Speaking of the former president of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business, here's a curious tidbit: according to unnamed sources who spoke with Bloomberg, Mattrick attempted to buy the social-games company back in 2010.


He was reportedly in negotiations with Zynga founder Mark Pincus -- who Mattrick will now work with while at the firm -- on behalf of Microsoft. Had the deal gone through, it's possible we could be (not) playing games like FarmVille on Xbox 360 right now.


While Mattrick is well respected in his field -- note: I didn't write "in the comments of gaming sites" -- this certainly helps add context to his move. Zynga doesn't particularly make games I'm interested in, but I am strangely eager to see if he can help turn the company around.


Zynga’s Mattrick Looked to Buy Company While at Microsoft [Bloomgerg]


Don Mattrick negotiated to buy Zynga while at Microsoft screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/don-mattrick-negotiated-to-buy-zynga-while-at-microsoft-257747.phtml

News::Richard Garriott Convinced Me To Care About Shroud of the Avatar

Twinfinite was at RTX and was in the audience when Richard Garriott unveiled the first build of Shrouds of the Avatar.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306666/richard-garriott-convinced-me-to-care-about-shroud-of-the-avatar

News::Razer's lack of PS3 products due to CEO's gaming habits

You may have noticed that Razer doesn't produce any products for the PS3. It's kind of a mystery, and some gamers contended that a deal was struck between Razer and Microsoft to bring peripherals exclusively to the 360 -- but it seems like that's not really the case.



The mystery was basically solved recently, as Razer's CEO Min-Liang Tan took to Twitter and announced (after "dusting off" his PS3 for The Last of Us ), "One of the big reasons why we don't make PlayStation accessories is because I don't really spend time with mine." When confronted with the claim that he was being selfish, and not looking to a potential untapped market, he responded, "Why's it selfish? I design stuff I actually want as a gamer rather than sell stuff to gamers for money."


Now, Tan is free to run Razer the way he wants to run it of course, and it's not like he's required under any circumstances to make PS3 products. But at the same time, wouldn't a little market research factor into the equation? Why ignore a potential goldmine just because you don't prefer a certain console? With constant pestering and some potential testing we may see Razer move into the PS4 space, but as of right now, they're staying exclusively with the PC and Xbox.


Min-Liang Tan [Twitter via Escapist]


Razer's lack of PS3 products due to CEO's gaming habits screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/razer-s-lack-of-ps3-products-due-to-ceo-s-gaming-habits-257711.phtml

News::N4G Radio 07/08/2013

Movie commentary, super hero powers and an appearance from Gerald all round out this weeks show. Hosts: Ken McKown Jason Gambrel Justin Testa Drew Leachman John Whitehouse Games Covered: Saints Row IV Deadpool NCAA Football 14 Magic 2014 Black Ops: Vengeance Maps And more



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306180/n4g-radio-07-08-2013

News::Civilization V: Brave New World: The Kotaku Review

News::Chinese Military Police's Secret Training Involves Video Games

News::Lets Play: The Walking Dead: 400 Days | Part 4 | Hippies That Make Bad Decisions

eGamer writes: "Welcome to my playthrough of Telltale Games The Walking Dead, specifically the newly released 400 Days DLC pack which is designed to bridge the gap between the first and second season. The DLC pack is at a great price, just about $5, and it definitely looks extremely promising."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306099/lets-play-the-walking-dead-400-days-part-4-hippies-that-make-bad-decisions

News::Google, the point and click adventure review

If you happen by Googles home page, you may be greeted by a grainy black and white animation of an alien ship in what seems to be distress. Click on the play button and find Googles point and click adventure. This game, lets call it Google, follows the solitary alien struggling to reclaim the pieces of its ship after crash landing on a farm. Surprisingly, its a solid game, if only an extremely short one.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306093/google-the-point-and-click-adventure-review

News::Miyamoto says Nintendo “underestimated” challenge of HD games


Nintendo has published its most recent shareholder Q&A, during which participants had the chance to quiz president Satoru Iwata on all aspects of the business.


During a question relating to Nintendo’s challenge in growing its business and continuing to deliver innovative games, Shigeru Miyamoto was brought in and discussed the struggles of making high-definition games.


“When it comes to the scale of software development,” he said, “Wii U with HD graphics requires about twice the human resources than before. Please allow me to explain that we may have underestimated the scale of this change and as a result, the overall software development took more time than originally anticipated just as we tried to polish the software at the completion phase of development. However, we are almost out of this phase, and we are also trying to create something unique utilizing an easier development approach called “Nintendo Web Framework.””


Miyamoto also addressed concern and criticism that the company’s E3 showing this year lacked original IP, stating: “When some young in-house developers come up with an idea of a new franchise, I say that creating a new character does not necessarily mean creating a new franchise. In my view, a new way of playing or new use of media is necessary for a “new product” and creating a character is not the first thing to do. In this sense, “nintendogs,” “Brain Age” and “Wii Fit” are all new franchises. Few people see it this way because these games have no symbolic “character” like the existence of Mario, but they are actually contributing to our sales.”


Elsewhere in the talk, the full transcript of which can be read here, Iwata maintained that Pikmin 3 is of quality “only Wii U can achieve” and explained the hiatus regarding the Wii’s Vitality Sensor.


“The Wii Vitality Sensor is an interesting device,” he said. “And we did various experiments to see what is possible when it was combined with a video game. But, as a result, we have not been able to launch it as a commercial product because we could not get it to work as we expected and it was of narrower application than we had originally thought.”


In any case, its launch has been pending because we decided that the Wii Vitality Sensor’s current result is insufficient as a commercial product.


He even addressed concerns regarding… the cafeteria.


The post Miyamoto says Nintendo “underestimated” challenge of HD games appeared first on Edge Online.






via Edge Online http://www.edge-online.com/news/miyamoto-says-nintendo-underestimated-challenge-of-hd-games/

News::Company of Heroes 2 Review | Elder Geek

Elder Geek: "Gameplay-wise, CoH2 doesnt do much to innovate over the original, but if its not broke, dont fix it, right? There are plenty of new units and abilities, and we loved the new weather and environmental effects, but for the most part, this feels like a super polished version of the original with a lot of nice new additions in place. If youre only going to play the single player campaign, youll get your moneys worth. If youre only going to play the multiplayer, youll get your moneys worth. If youre interesting in playing everything that CoH2 has to offer, then youre in for one hell of a bargain."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305970/company-of-heroes-2-review-elder-geek

News::Battlefield 4 Hands On Preview | NZGamer

NZGamer: "Conrad got the chance to sit down with a copy of Battlefield 4 and take it through its paces."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306045/battlefield-4-hands-on-preview-nzgamer

News::Multiplayer- Rogue Legacy Review

MP:Rogue Legacy succeeds in both being a difficult title and a compelling role playing game. Quick, deep, satisfying: that's how all roguelikes should be alike.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306050/multiplayer-rogue-legacy-review

News::Rogue Legacy review | Parable Games

Ross gives us his thoughts on the new 2D dungeon crawler Rogue Legacy. How does the 2D Action Platformer with procedurally generated hold up? Is it fun or flawed?



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306145/rogue-legacy-review-parable-games

News::On Twitter, upon being asked whether the light bar on the PS4's DualShock 4 controller can be turned

News::Magic 2014: Duels of the Planeswalker review | Parable Games

Magic: The Gathering surely needs no introduction. A trading card game that has been going strong now for twenty years, MtG has reached millions of fans the world over and until recently was the most played TCG in history (Yu-Gi-Oh has now taken that throne). With the 2014 set being pre-released this month, this game is the first chance for most people to get their hands on the new cards and use them before they see them in their local tournaments, which immediately makes it worth it for any die-hard Magic player to give this game a go but how is the game for a newcomer to the TCG? Is it useful for getting into the game, learning the ropes and eventually building your own deck? Or is it completely overwhelming and confusing for novices?



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306146/magic-2014-duels-of-the-planeswalker-review-parable-games

News::Hellraid will have "almost infinite replayability", says producer

Techland's Marcin Kruczkiewicz, whos currently Hellraids producer, declared that game has almost infinite replayability thanks to the Game Master.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306147/hellraid-will-have-almost-infinite-replayability-says-producer

News::SOE taking 'separate but equal' approach with PlanetSide 2 on PS4

Sony Online Entertainment's sci-fi MMO PlanetSide 2 launched as a PC exclusive last November, but its exclusivity on the home computer will end later this year once the PlayStation 4 launches. The game is set to be one of a decent collection of titles to be released alongside the console along with fellow SOE MMO DC Universe Online. Unlike DCOU it's allowance for PS3 and PS4 players to play together, PlanetSide 2 on Sony's next-gen console will not be able to interact in-game with those playing on the already established PC side.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306008/soe-taking-separate-but-equal-approach-with-planetside-2-on-ps4

News::In-depth Review: Company of Heroes 2 - Electronic Theatre

Another of the titles rescued from the infamous THQ fallout, Company of Heroes 2 is being brought to market by SEGA. Quickly becoming the publisher to turn to for big budget real-time strategy (RTS) titles, SEGA have promised that the transition between financiers wouldnt affect the quality of Company of Heroes 2. Whether that assurance held true or not may never be known, but given the final product that had been delivered few will have room to argue.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306131/in-depth-review-company-of-heroes-2-electronic-theatre

News::Fist Puncher Review | Gamereactor UK

GR-UK writes: "There's a lot of positives here. Fist Puncher is fun, silly, and full of character. It's also a bit of a one-trick pony (or should that be robo-unicorn?!), and when it does try to deviate away from what it does best, that being punching people repeatedly and often, it's these moments of variety that are often the lulls. Perhaps it would've been a better game if they had just stuck to the core elements, rather than trying too hard to make it something that it isn't. Playing with a friend (or three, if you can squeeze them around the monitor) significantly ups the level of enjoyment, which makes the omission of online multiplayer all the more frustrating. If you have got someone to play with close at hand, you should add a point to the score. Playing solo is simply not as fun. Having said that, if you think back to games like Streets of Rage and Double Dragon, and the faint hint of a nostalgic smile crosses your lips, Fist Puncher is well worth a few hours of your time."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306127/fist-puncher-review-gamereactor-uk

News::Don Mattrick wanted Microsoft to buy Zynga


Microsoft’s former head of Interactive Entertainment had been angling for social and mobile game titan Zynga to become part of the Xbox family before he left to become CEO at the company under a wave of speculation and scrutiny last month.


As confirmed by sources to Bloomberg, Don Mattrick had sought to bolster the Xbox brand’s social game portfolio by acquiring all or part of Zynga in 2010 when discussions began between Mattrick and Zynga founder Mark Pincus.


Though Zynga’s market dominance has floundered in the past few years and – according to Bloomberg’s sources – the negotiations fell through, Mattrick’s interest in the company clearly never waned as he’s set to succeed Pincus with a rather attractive deal that was detailed in all in its financial glory last week.


The post Don Mattrick wanted Microsoft to buy Zynga appeared first on Edge Online.






via Edge Online http://www.edge-online.com/news/don-mattrick-wanted-microsoft-to-buy-zynga/

News::Jane Jensen's Moebius - Hands-On - GamesReviews

From GamesReviews: "[Jensen's] new game is Jane Jensen's Moebius, a spiritual successor to the Gabriel Knight series that lets players control Malachi Rector, an adventurous antique appraiser who becomes entangled in a murder investigation."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306123/jane-jensens-moebius-hands-on-gamesreviews

News::Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Beta Phase 3 Will End This Week With a Five Day Long Marathon

All good things come to an end, and so will the third phase of the beta testing of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. Players getting ready to face withdrawals between phase three and phase four do have something to rejoice about, as the last testing segment will last five days instead of the usual weekend.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306120/final-fantasy-xiv-a-realm-reborn-beta-phase-3-will-end-this-week-with-a-five-day-long-marathon

News::'Battlefield 3', 'The Walking Dead' get real cheap in Amazon Digital Summer Sale

XMNR: The Amazon Digital Games Summer Sale entered the home stretch Monday with a new collection of deeply discounted PC games to download that includes Battlefield 3, Defiance, The Walking Dead, Tomb Raider and a whole host of Sega titles.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306080/battlefield-3-the-walking-dead-get-real-cheap-in-amazon-digital-summer-sale

News::Space Hulk (2013) Interview (Strategy Informer)

From Strategyinformer.com: "Games Ive Never Played But Really Wanted To #118: Space Hulk, the board game. I remember playing Space Crusade, board and video games, but only the original Amiga Space Hulk video game which was okay but not SPACE HULK (which we apparently have to capitalize now to make it look like were shouting). Thankfully developer Full Control, out of nowhere, has stepped in to make everyones dream of a proper SPACE HULK videogame a reality. Weve got a preview elsewhere on the site, but I also managed to catch a word with Thomas Hentschel Lund, the CEO of Full Control, nice guy and tabletop strategy die-hard. Now then, lets explore the Hulk".



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306101/space-hulk-2013-interview-strategy-informer

News::Space Hulk (2013) Preview (Strategy Informer)

From Strategyinformer.com: "When it comes to board games that invoke accusations of serious unfairness and player rage, few rank higher than Space Hulk (okay, perhaps Arkham Horror, or Monopoly against my Dad). Controlling a team of four Space Marines from the Warhammer 40K universe trawling through the narrow corridors of wrecked starships infested with the Alien-like Genestealers, the odds are stacked against you from the get-go. Unless youre playing the Genestealers of course, in which case its like shooting an elephant in a barrel. The inexplicable thing though is that despite being popular the board game is notoriously hard to find, so its a great thing that developers Full Control are well into development of a proper faithful videogame version. We got a hands-on at the Rezzed event, so lets see how it went. ".



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306100/space-hulk-2013-preview-strategy-informer

News::SpazioGames- Company of Heroes 2 Review

SG:An amazingly deep and challenging RTS that will keep even veterans of the genre on their toes. Relic's latest work brings true strategy to the table, even if it neglects inexperienced players in doing so.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306046/spaziogames-company-of-heroes-2-review

News::Rogue Legacy Review | Rock, Paper, Shotgun

Rock, Paper, Shotgun: "I doubt itll have quite the staying power of Spelunky because the procedural elements dont lend themselves to the same sort of emergent disasters no destructibility here. Rogue Legacy is much more a game of skill, of practice making perfect, and it manages to consistently reward almost every five minute session that I spend with it."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306034/rogue-legacy-review-rock-paper-shotgun

News::Meristation- Scourge: Outbreak Review

MS:It´s a decent effort to create a budget TPS, but its falls too short to the kings of the genre to save that gap with price alone. Best in co-op, especially local.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306053/meristation-scourge-outbreak-review

News::Rogue Legacy Review | GameTrailers

GameTrailers: "Rogue Legacy gives a fresh take on old thoughts, plays well with a keyboard and better on a controller, and stands strong even if some of its own biggest traits are ever-so-slightly underdeveloped. Superbly designed and balanced, this game rides the line of frustration and fun to deliver that one-more-go feel that will have every barbarian king and queen roaring a battle cry, then gearing up to take on that ancient evil one more time."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305979/rogue-legacy-review-gametrailers

News::UK Chart: The Last Of Us holds strong


Naughty Dog can chalk up a fourth UK number one as the Last Of Us continues to rule the roost.


With no new entries in the week’s top ten it was up to the previous week’s new entries – Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition, The Sims 3: Island Paradise and Deadpool – to duke it with the chart’s long term fixtures like Black Ops 2 and Assassin’s Creed III.


Further afield, Namco Bandai’s 3DS brawler Project X Zone debuted at 18, failing to crack the top ten, while relative new entry Company Of Heroes 2 dropped out of the top 40 on its second week of release. The week’s new top ten member is actually Far Cry 3, inching back in after 32 weeks in the charts.


The Ukie/ChartTrack top ten for the week ending July 6 is as follows, with reviews through the links where relevant.


1. The Last Of Us

2. Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition

3. FIFA 13

4. Animal Crossing: New Leaf

5. Assassin’s Creed III

6. Tomb Raider

7. Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2

8. The Sims 3: Island Paradise

9. Deadpool

10. Far Cry 3


The post UK Chart: The Last Of Us holds strong appeared first on Edge Online.






via Edge Online http://www.edge-online.com/news/uk-chart-the-last-of-us-holds-strong/

News::As spotted by NeoGAF member Dantis, Atlus registered a domain name for Persona 5 in Japan.

News::Sonic After the Sequel fan game has the BEST MUSIC EVER


There's this one Sonic fan game that has been sitting on my hard drive for a while now called Sonic Before the Sequel , a prequel to the events of Sonic the Hedgehog 2. From the little I have played already, it's quite the fun little gem that keeps the Genesis-era Sonic spirit alive as SEGA continues to tweak the hedgehog for modern platforms -- 15 years since Sonic Adventure and only now starting to get the hang of the third dimension.


A couple weeks ago, Before the Sequel developer LakeFeperd released a follow-up entitled Sonic After the Sequel , which obviously chronicles the events immediately following Sonic 2. If you are itching for that sweet 2D Sonic nectar and can't quite stomach the changes Dimps made to the formula in recent years, you need not look any further.


Big the big highlight of this project, and what elevates it to god tier, is the game's absolutely insane original soundtrack available for standalone download here. Ignore the music in the trailer above, which has been pulled directly from Sonic CD. The real thing, which also includes remixes from past Sonic titles, is simply indescribable. I don't think you can truly understand how good it is without a few samples, so I've taken the liberty of posting some samples below. Enjoy!


Sonic ATS [via NeoGAF]


Sonic After the Sequel fan game has the BEST MUSIC EVER screenshot


Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/sonic-after-the-sequel-fan-game-has-the-best-music-ever-257705.phtml

News::Meristation- The Walking Dead: 400 Days Review

MS:The Walking Dead: 400 Days is a good bridge between Season one and two. Five new characters with great conversations and hard decisions too make. However, the DLC is shorter than the first five chapters.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306052/meristation-the-walking-dead-400-days-review

News::Deadpool Review | Game Over Online

Game Over Online: "Deadpool is rough around the edges in some major ways, but if you love the character, its worth picking up on sale. $50 is way too high a price to pay for a game that is just an 8-10 hour campaign with some challenge missions thrown in. Its a really fun ride while it lasts, and is a perfect $30 pickup or an extended rental. The game really nails the characters sense of humor and is also worth playing if you loved the Wolverine: Origins game since this is basically that but it offers up more ways to maim and has a lot more comedy."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305972/deadpool-review-game-over-online

News::The Walking Dead: 400 Days Review - GOS

GOS: "I will use this analogy to explain just how good 400 Days really is. Imagine you are served a mouth-watering steak cooked to your specifications. After a couple of bites the waiter takes the plate from your table, leaving you there with the taste of steak goodness still in your mouth. Im sure you would have nothing but steak on your mind all day, and maybe using a meat-eating analogy wasn't a good choice for a zombie survival game, but you get my point."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306082/the-walking-dead-400-days-review-gos

News::Are you a Console Fanboy?

Why do console wars and console fanboys exist? Cam investigates in the first episode of Reality Check.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306010/are-you-a-console-fanboy

News::Endless Space Disharmony DLC Review | Metal Arcade

Metal Arcade: Dave Gwynne writes: With brand new features and a significant overhaul of old ones, Endless Space Disharmony is one expansion you dont want to miss. Its been a year now since the release of Endless Space, the 4X space strategy from Amplitude Studios that captured my attention and drained my free time for a good part of 2012. In the past year, the game has seen several free add-ons, including fixes to bugs and other game issues, in addition to brand new features that enhance the game and give it an all-round shinier edge. New factions, new illustrations, new in-game rewards, new options for gameplay, and so forth. All of this at no charge to the player. Not only that, but the changes incorporated in the add-ons were driven by the player community in conjunction with the developers, proving that the Games2Gether concept that Amplitude Studios has so heavily invested in is a bona fide effort that other developers need take note of.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306009/endless-space-disharmony-dlc-review-metal-arcade

News::Multiplayer- Company of Heroes 2 Review

MP:RTS fans cannot miss a sequel true to the original and well crafted, though not perfect.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306044/multiplayer-company-of-heroes-2-review

News::XGN- Company of Heroes 2 Review

XGN:Company of Heroes 2 is not revolutionary as its predecessor was. However, it takes the strengths of the first part with it, polish the game and adds some new elements. And with that said, Company of Heroes 2 is a great game.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306047/xgn-company-of-heroes-2-review

News::Ride To Hell: Retribution review one percenter | Metro

Metro: "Genuinely one of the worst video games ever made, where the dry-humping sex scenes are no less confused and impotent as the rest of the gameplay."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306033/ride-to-hell-retribution-review-one-percenter-metro

News::Deadpool Review | SnackBarGames

SnackBarGames: "Deadpool is a comedy that uses mediocre action as a means to an end. You want to play the game because Deadpool says and does funny things, but your eyes are going to glaze over when it comes time to mash your way to the next joke. There are a bunch of agonizing sections of the game that solely exist to pad length, since no actual incentives to revisit the game exist. There are some challenge maps, but since the core of the game isnt really any good, theres no sense to explore it without the window-dressing. There are some genuinely exciting, funny moments in Deadpool that are worth experiencing for Marvel fans, but it has mid-range bargain bin written all over it. Too bad the game doesnt have any jokes about that."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1306032/deadpool-review-snackbargames

News::GameCenter CX - 10th Anniversary Press Conference

News::Magic 2014 Duels of the Planeswalkers Review | Stick Skills

Stick Skills: "Magic 2014 is the latest entry in the Duels of the Planeswalkers series of games, first launched back in 2009. Since its inception, yearly releases have followed, bringing new cards and the occasional new feature. As is often the case with yearly releases, there aren't many new bells and whistles, but the core idea is still fun. Just be sure to investigate the DLC before making any purchases."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305962/magic-2014-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-review-stick-skills

News::Zeiss' Cinemizer OLED impresses as an immersive VR gaming experience

There has been a fair amount of press about Oculus VR, the virtual reality headset being manufactured by Oculus Rift, but it's not the only horse in the show. Respected ocular company Carl Zeiss has come out with its own immersive video headset, beating the Oculus VR to the market by months.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305711/zeiss-cinemizer-oled-impresses-as-an-immersive-vr-gaming-experience