News::Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft Preview | Destructoid

Blizzard has finally done it. Rather than experiment in all of its successful franchises with elements of free-to-play or full-on microtransactions, the company has gone ahead and made a completely free-to-play game from start to finish. The catch? It's a card game with Warcraft-themed characters in it.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341758/hearthstone-heroes-of-warcraft-preview-destructoid

News::Lost Planet 3 Review | GameTrailers

GameTrailers: "The third installment in the Lost Planet series is a prequel, so EDN III is no longer a paradise, but a planet of ice, snow, and hostile aliens. Is the game itself as inhospitable as its setting?"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341470/lost-planet-3-review-gametrailers

News::War of the Vikings hands-on - Worlds Factory

Our Gamescom flurry begins with the new game developed by Fatshark and published by Paradox: War of The Vikings.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341556/war-of-the-vikings-hands-on-worlds-factory

News::Bound by Flame Keeps the Best of Mars War Logs, Expands Scale and Depth

PCGMedia talked to the Mars: War Logs developer about their new game, Bound by Flame, at GamesCom 2013. Grander, more expansive, and improved upon the foundations of Mars, Miled is convinced that they've learned from their mistakes.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341760/bound-by-flame-keeps-the-best-of-mars-war-logs-expands-scale-and-depth

News::The Wolf Among Us Preview | PCGamer

About five minutes into the demo for The Wolf Among Us, the hero tumbled out of a second story window and smashed onto the top of a taxi. While that sort of fall might have killed a normal man, the sheriff of Fabletown is no normal man. In fact, hes no man at all: Hes Bigby Wolf, otherwise known as the Big Bad Wolf, otherwise known as the guy that blew down the Little Pigs Houses and ate Little Red Riding Hoods grandmother.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341725/the-wolf-among-us-preview-pcgamer

News::The Bureau: XCOM Declassified Review | GameFront

GF - "Lets get one thing cleared up, first and foremost: The Bureau: XCOM Declassified is not an XCOM game, and thats okay. Just as World of Warcraft took the basis and lore of Warcraft and implemented it into an MMORPG, so does The Bureau take the XCOMs premise and apply it to a third-person, squad-based tactical shooter. Sadly, where the former turned out to be a far greater hit than its predecessor, the latter will one day be one of the franchises forgotten titles."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341761/the-bureau-xcom-declassified-review-gamefront

News::Preview: Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

Blizzard has finally done it. Rather than experiment in all of its successful franchises with elements of free-to-play or full-on microtransactions, the company has gone ahead and made a completely free-to-play game from start to finish. The catch? It's a card game with Warcraft-themed characters in it.

I could hear the collective groan across the internet as soon as it was announced, but as an avid gamer and tabletop fan, I knew I just had to give it a fair shake. And you know what? Even though the final game may prey on those who would spring to fill their decks with numerous microtransactions, the beta is actually really fun.

Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/preview-hearthstone-heroes-of-warcraft-260817.phtml

News::Bethesda wants to waive XBL cost for Elder Scrolls Online

The Elder Scrolls Online is among a handful of noteworthy MMOs to stick with the subscription model. That's not necessarily a bad thing -- it means we're (in theory) getting a full game instead of the illusion of one -- but it's not going to come cheap, especially for console players. Bethesda VP of PR and marketing Pete Hines tells OXM there's been discussion with Microsoft about waiving the Xbox Live Gold membership fee for the game.

As you can imagine, the company hasn't been swift to erode the "value" of its online service by letting one title off the hook here, another there. "The answer right now is that's the way it works," says Hines, "but it's something that we're aware of and we keep pushing on, to see if there's something that can be done. We'll let you know if there's movement there."

This is one of those things that sound nice but likely won't go anywhere. Unless Wargaming and Bethesda team up to put the heat on. Microsoft has been reversing a lot lately.

Bethesda is "pushing" to let you play Elder Scrolls Online on Xbox One without Xbox Gold [OXM]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/bethesda-wants-to-waive-xbl-cost-for-elder-scrolls-online-260851.phtml

News::Petition to Crytek UK to create a TimeSplitters HD Collection

The purpose of this petition is to help generate a show of interest in the Timesplitters series of video games to convince Crytek to release a HD Collection of the Timesplitters trilogy for todays gamers. Timesplitters 4 is our ultimate goal, but first we have to convince Crytek there is sufficient demand for the series through a HD Collection.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341727/petition-to-crytek-uk-to-create-a-timesplitters-hd-collection

News::Payday 2 Review | Gather Your Party

When Payday: The Heist first hit Steam back in 2011, it was a refreshingly original spin on the ever-evolving genre of the cooperative FPS. Putting players in the roles of professional criminals pulling a wave of heists, it was unique among games of its kind in that it put heavy emphasis on planning, strategizing and stealth, rather than simply have players try to survive while racking up the highest body count. It was a bit more of a thinking mans game when compared to your standard undead murderfests such as Left4Dead and Killing Floor, and as a result managed to pick up a sizable following. Two years after the release of the original, a sequel, Payday 2, is finally here, aiming to take just about every element from the first game to the next level. Does it succeed? In most regards, yes, though it is not without a few snags here and there that might frustrate or disappoint from time to time.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341754/payday-2-review-gather-your-party

News::Lost Planet 3 Crashes on Launch, Multiplayer Looping, Windowed Mode, Black Screen, Intro Error

A list of working fixes for known crashes, errors, and bugs in Lost Planet 3 for the PC.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341723/lost-planet-3-crashes-on-launch-multiplayer-looping-windowed-mode-black-screen-intro-error

News::GamesAsylum | DARK - Review

GamesAsylum: "Usually we can live with any technical or graphical shortcomings a budget game may have as long as the fundamentals are present and correct. Even then though we struggle to recommend many on the grounds that there are usually better, albeit older, games available for around the same price. DARK is a fine example of this. Its a stealth sim with supernatural powers and upgradable abilities, akin to last years award winning Dishonored. Only whereas Dishonored was a pleasure to play, DARK is a right pain in the neck. We suppose thats apt considering its based around modern day vampire cults"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341769/gamesasylum-dark-review

News::Papers, Please Review {Critically Sane}

Chris writes: "I was at the highest point in my life. My name had been selected by way of lottery to become the new checkpoint inspector at the Arstotzka border crossing of Grestin. My family and I would be given government housing and finally some security would return to my familys life after years of living in fear that we would die in a Kolechia attack. Six years we lived with that uncertainty, but it only took six days for my own government to destroy everything that was dear to me."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341717/papers-please-review-critically-sane

News::Are We Witnessing The Revival Of The Subscription MMO?

Seldom do you hear the term subscription MMO in any other discussion other than one regarding the death of a business model. However, recent events unfolding in the MMO industry have provoked conversation of quite the opposite.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341759/are-we-witnessing-the-revival-of-the-subscription-mmo

News::Memoria Review | CheatCC

CCC Says: "Sometimes, the greatest achievements don't come from new and novel ideas, but rather from taking an established formula and working at it until X + Y = Perfection. With Memoria, X is the game design, and Y is the artistry, with the sum of the two parts equaling something truly spectacular. The folks at Daedalic Entertainment are modern point-and-click-adventure masters; the companys pride in its creations becomes evident the moment you start playing one of its titles. Memoria is a masterpiece that shouldn't be overlooked by anyone."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341765/memoria-review-cheatcc

News::SEGA's PAX Prime 2013 lineup

SEGA has confirmed its full lineup for this year's PAX Prime.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341745/segas-pax-prime-2013-lineup

News::New Games [Aug 26-Sept 1 2013]: Killer is Dead, Madden 25, Lost Planet 3, FF14

Releases gaining momentum and a bunch of big titles come blitzing in this week. Madden 25, Killer is Dead, Lost Planet 3 and the remade MMORPG, Final Fantasy 14.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341200/new-games-aug-26-sept-1-2013-killer-is-dead-madden-25-lost-planet-3-ff14

News::Japan's Virtual Singing Superstar Finally Made It To America

News::Pirates vs.

News::Titanfall, Battlefront replacing Medal of Honor in EA shooter cycle

Publisher planning to rely on Respawn and Star Wars efforts to help out between Battlefield releases.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341741/titanfall-battlefront-replacing-medal-of-honor-in-ea-shooter-cycle

News::Titanfall video interview: campaign multiplayer, balancing, lots of titans

Titanfall made a big splash at gamescom last week, and VG247s Sam Clay was able to speak with Respawns community manager Abbie Heppe who went over the finer points of campaign multiplayer, balancing, and everything you ever wanted to know about titans. Video is below.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341715/titanfall-video-interview-campaign-multiplayer-balancing-lots-of-titans

News::Call of Duty: Black Ops II Apocalypse Multiplayer and Zombies Screenshots

Call of Duty: Black Ops IIs final DLC of the season is available now first through Xbox Live and features more new content than you can shake a zombies arm at.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341703/call-of-duty-black-ops-ii-apocalypse-multiplayer-and-zombies-screenshots

News::5 reasons Hearthstone is way better than a real card game

GamesBeat's Mike Minotti: I know some people will always enjoy lugging binders of cards around, but Hearthstone caters to those of us whod rather not spend a whole week learning rules and building a deck before we can actually play anything. And while it certainly isnt the first take on a digital card game, its simple, efficient design and flashy production values make it stand out. But lets get specific. Inside are five reasons why Hearthstones digital experience surpasses the real thing.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341736/5-reasons-hearthstone-is-way-better-than-a-real-card-game

News::The Return of Subs: FFXIV, WildStar, and ESO

MMORPG: "We've all seen the trend towards F2P in recent years, but with WildStar and Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, and ESO sticking to subscriptions, is the model truly on its deathbed?"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341226/the-return-of-subs-ffxiv-wildstar-and-eso

News::PES 2014 - AFC Champions League Screenshots

FIFPlay: New Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 AFC Champions League screenshots.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341642/pes-2014-afc-champions-league-screenshots

News::EGM Review: Lost Planet 3

Review games for long enough, and youll start to see certain patterns crop up. The fantastic game that blew you away because you went in with few expectations. The title so horrible that you can take childlike glee in running through all of its faults. The hidden gem that you cant help but love despite its many flaws.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341608/egm-review-lost-planet-3

News::Ginx- Rayman Legends Review

Ginx:Rayman Origins was awesome. Awesome. It might not have been the obvious Game of 2011 but if you played it, you would know it was a front runner at the very least. Its the sort of game we like to champion familiar and fresh in all the right ways, a joy for kids and adults alike a new high water mark for its genre and a very suitable entry point. When a sequel was announced we were thrilled and after many delays for reasons well get into - here it is: Rayman Legends. But is this the next event in 2D platforming; or merely a long-awaited encore?



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341377/ginx-rayman-legends-review

News::Lost Planet 3 Review | TheGameJar

Lost Planet 3 has a ruddy strange identity; on one hand its an atmospheric 3rd person shooter that has you crawling through alien infested caverns, blasting your way to freedom. On the other, its an ambling mech sim with a hammy sense of humour and a radio station that plays nothing but country and western. Sure it sounds a bit strange but we like that here at The Game Jar.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341337/lost-planet-3-review-thegamejar

News::Mars: War Logs Review - Glitch Cat

Glitch Cat - After playing the game for a good, long time, Im happy to say that Im pleasantly surprised with Mars: War Logs. I honestly wasnt expecting much from the game due to its downloadable nature and its overused sci-fi setting, but it plays fantastically and is loads of fun. Sure, the game could use a tweak or two, but in the end its all about the enjoyment, and I really had a good time.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341696/mars-war-logs-review-glitch-cat

News::Race the Sun Review | GIZORAMA

GIZORAMA - The recent renaissance of digital distribution and indie gaming has given rise to a number of trends, including the resurgence of genres long since considered unfashionable and an increase in accessibility for user-created content. Flippfly Games recently-released Race the Sun combines both of these aforementioned trends, bringing together a fast-paced sci-fi racer along the lines of F-Zero or Wipeout and the ability for players to create their own tracks and share them with the world, all under an artistic and abstract veneer.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341700/race-the-sun-review-gizorama

News::Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist Review | gamrReview

gamrReview's Jake Weston: "All in all, Splinter Cell: Blacklist should be commended for simultaneously trying to return to the series roots while keeping it relevant for modern audiences. However, its desire to portray complex issues whilst skirting around them makes it more open to criticism than other modern war games."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341701/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist-review-gamrreview

News::Europa Universalis IV Review | GB

GB: "When people think of world domination strategy titles, their answer says a lot about who they are. If they say Risk, you can guess they're old and not particularly tech savvy. If they say Civilization, then they're probably a tad younger and into PC gaming. If someone answers with Europa Universalis, you should stop what you're doing and shake their hand. Europa Universalis IV is the big boys RTS, but it's an exercise in tactical depth and design frustration in equal measure."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341714/europa-universalis-iv-review-gb

News::Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn - Tim's Early Access Experience | IncGamers

IncGamers' Tim McDonald takes a stroll through Eorzea and elaborates on what he sees and experiences in this look at Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn's Early Access period. From the article: "Initial impressions: well, this is an MMO. Following 20 minutes with a character creation tool that gave me a breast size slider, Snuggle Paws a catgirl with a stupid name entered into the land of Eorzea, ready to do battle with all sorts of monsters. Look: if youre going to give me the chance to be a catgirl with a stupid name, Im going to take it. My only lament is that I didnt give her the first name Barry, because a catgirl called Barry would be even funnier."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341711/final-fantasy-xiv-a-realm-reborn-tims-early-access-experience-incgamers

News::Splash Damage Partners With Nexon America To Bring Dirty BombNow ExtractionTo The Masses

Splash Damage, the developers behind Batman: Arkham Origins multiplayer component and Brink, have just announced via their blog a partnership with Nexon America, and have changed their upcoming multiplayer shooter Dirty Bomb to Extraction. With Extraction an on-going free-to-play shooter, Splash Damage partnered with Nexon America for their staggering experience in designing, developing, running, and supporting free-to-pay games with a vast infrastructure necessary for taking on Extractions scope. The game will take place in an abandoned London, one that has been mysteriously attacked by a dirty bomb (radiological weapon), and has mercenaries being paid to extract the secrets left behind: hence the two titles chosen for the project.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341601/splash-damage-partners-with-nexon-america-to-bring-dirty-bomb-now-extraction-to-the-masses

News::An Interview With Actor Carlo Rota [Splinter Cell: Blacklist] | Shogun Gamer

Ian Fisher writes: Its not necessarily a surprise to see a familiar actor appear in a game, or at the very least hear their voice, though it does often mean one thing: a quality performance. Such a thing certainly rings true of veteran actor Carlo Rota. After appearing in films such as The Boondock Saints and the hit TV show 24, in which he played CTU analyst Morris O'Brian, Carlo has made the leap to video games with Splinter Cell: Blacklist. Channeling his inner baddie, Carlo portrays the mysterious leader of the terrorist organization known as The Engineers. Causing some considerable grief for the legendary Sam Fisher (played by Eric Johnson), Carlo delivers a nuanced performance in Blacklist that is immediately memorable.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341617/an-interview-with-actor-carlo-rota-splinter-cell-blacklist-shogun-gamer

News::Splinter Cell: Blacklist First Thoughts

My initial thoughts on Splinter Cell: Blacklist. Haven't had time to beat it yet but I am enjoying it so far.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341698/splinter-cell-blacklist-first-thoughts

News::Hottest Gaming Cosplay Of 2013

XPStar: Hottest Gaming Cosplay Of 2013



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341673/hottest-gaming-cosplay-of-2013

News::Lost Planet 3 Multiplayer "Powered by GameSpy"

Of all the multiplayer technology in the world, Capcom seem to have chosen GameSpy for Lost Planet 3...



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341670/lost-planet-3-multiplayer-powered-by-gamespy

News::Truncation of exploration - The Daily Spelunk

We have a new Daily Spelunk for you viewing enjoyment today. It's a bit weird, as we had some technical difficulties which resulted in Jordan's entire run being summarized, but we didn't want you to miss what came later, as I finally get into the depths of the temple.

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/truncation-of-exploration-the-daily-spelunk-260850.phtml

News::Splinter Cell: Blacklist Review | Pocket-Lint

From the moment the disc was sucked into our PS3 console, Splinter Cell: Blacklist did its damnedest to keep us equally enshrouded in the on-screen action. But far from the promise of a stealth title, Blacklist intros with the rip-roar of guns blazing in a US Army base shakedown at the hands of a terrorist group known as The Engineers. But this is the US of A - land of the free - and it doesn't negotiate with terrorists. Instead it sets Fourth Echelon, a top-secret special ops team, into motion to keep the threat at bay.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341665/splinter-cell-blacklist-review-pocket-lint

News::Lost Planet 3: The Kotaku Review

Kotaku:"Early on in Lost Planet 3, main character Jim Peyton says "I'm here to work." The 32-year-old isnt a prophesied savior or a man of action who's sworn vengeance for fallen comrades. He's a dad who taken on grueling work so that his family can survive in a future where Earths energy woes have led to riots and global strife. That average joe backdropand the things that spin out of itmake this sci-fi shooter a shade more interesting than most others."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341686/lost-planet-3-the-kotaku-review

News::Lost Planet 3 Review | NowGamer

NowGamer: "Lost Planet 3 has a lot of heart, but its been frozen over by too much chaff and some boring gameplay."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341659/lost-planet-3-review-nowgamer

News::MSI GeForce GTX 780 LIGHTNING Final Performance and Pictures Exposed Crushes The GeForce GTX Titan

With the GeForce GTX 780 Lightning, MSI has no doubt got one of the most impressive and the most powerful GeForce GTX 780 design out. The GeForce GTX 780 Lightning launches tomorrow but CoolPC has got a preview ready for those who cant wait to learn more about the performance and design aspects of MSIs flagship GPU.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341672/msi-geforce-gtx-780-lightning-final-performance-and-pictures-exposed-crushes-the-geforce-gtx-titan

News::Forza 5, Ryse, and Dead Rising 3 have Day One Editions

Early copies of three Xbox One titles -- Forza Motorsport 5, Ryse: Son of Rome, and Dead Rising 3 -- will include exclusive content. These so-called Day One Editions will be available while supplies last or, if you're going for the digital versions on Xbox Live, during the first two weeks following launch. Here's the breakdown.

• Dead Rising 3 : the Classic Frank West outfit with the Zombie Slugger weapon, "extra gory attacks," a custom skill move, and perks for increased melee damage and tougher survivors. There's also an Official Chuck Greene outfit with the Paddle Saw and perks for vehicle and weapon durability.


• Forza 5 : the 2010 Audi TT RS Coupe, 2013 Ford Focus ST, and 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera. Each car has a Day One livery and custom tuning package.


• Ryse : the Ruins map for the co-op Gladiator mode and the Legionnaire's Trust Sword.

That packaging is neat, if nothing else. For those of you set on getting an Xbox One this year, are you planning to buy any of these titles? If not, then what?

Exclusive Day One Content Announced for Forza Motorsport 5, Ryse: Son of Rome and Dead Rising 3 [Xbox Wire]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/forza-5-ryse-and-dead-rising-3-have-day-one-editions-260849.phtml

News::Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Preview | CheatCC

CCC Says: Assassin Creed IV: Black Flag's most recent gameplay demo certainly stresses that this is not simply an assassin game; it's a pirate assassin game. Destroying a fort's defenses with cannon fire and assaulting its port with a sword-wielding crew isn't what one would call a stealthy way to get at a target. Captain Edward Kenway's choice of profession sets him apart from previous Assassins, just as this game's open-world structure signals that Ubisoft wants to take this flagship series to a new level."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341678/assassins-creed-iv-black-flag-preview-cheatcc

News::Guncraft Review | IGN

IGN - "In case the title alone didnt clue you in, Guncraft is all about two things: shooting and building. Based on the art style, I went in expecting some blatant rip-off of Minecraft, but I found Exato Studios game to be more than that. Guncraft borrows shamelessly from everything from Call of Duty to Mario Kart, but what it lacks in true originality and bug squashing it makes up for with creative execution in the arrangement of its many parts."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341656/guncraft-review-ign

News::NBA 2K14 Hands-On Preview | Dealspwn

Dealspwn: When you have a sports game franchise so comprehensive in its quality that it beats the competition into hiatus for several consecutive years, how do you go about avoiding complacency? It's a question that NBA 2K13, as good as it was (and it was very good), slightly sidestepped. After all, if it ain't broke...



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341635/nba-2k14-hands-on-preview-dealspwn

News::Titanfall: Other Next-Gen Shooters Feel Quaint

IGN just got back from Gamescom, and Andrew Goldfarb pretty much only played net-gen shooters. Here's why Titanfall dominated.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341652/titanfall-other-next-gen-shooters-feel-quaint

News::Call Of Duty: Ghosts Multiplayer Preview | TSA

Ghosts is definitely a real attempt to overhaul and update the multiplayer in the Call of Duty franchise, while still holding onto that core gameplay and feeling which has made the series a constant go-to for online gamers.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341624/call-of-duty-ghosts-multiplayer-preview-tsa

News::Rayman Legends Review | Destructoid

Rayman Origins was an undeniable treasure when it was released in 2011. A masterclass in platform game design, wrapped in a beautiful artistic style and incredible soundtrack, Origins was proof that the mascot platformer can not only still work, but can boast all the showmanship of a big-budget, Hollywood-flavored, graphically intensive shooter. That, and it was simply adorable.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1341612/rayman-legends-review-destructoid