News::Second Life is looking good for its age

A decade of Second Life , and I'm still scared of the unknown. Linden Lab continues to do remarkably well for itself, as does the flagship virtual world. It's been some time since I've checked in, which means I'm the target audience of the developer's "what's new" runthrough video.

New features for Second Life include vastly improved graphics and lighting, quicker texture loading, a reworked user interface, better in-client communication tools, Facebook sharing, improved shopping, and Oculus Rift support. That last addition is still on the way and one can only image what strange uses folks will find for it. Good for them!

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/second-life-is-looking-good-for-its-age-262595.phtml

News::LucasArts canceled a bunch of Star Wars projects

Kotaku too a look at how LucasArts fell apart, and among the information they dug up was details on several major projects the now defunct studio was working on. First, they were working on an Origin-like service designed to distribute and manage in-app purchases with Star Wars games. It would have launched right alongside Star Wars: First Assault too.

This service would have connected with a vast amount of canceled Star Wars title. There was a game called Smuggler that would have saw you using a customizable character to smuggle goods in the Star Wars universe. There was also Outpost, a FarmVille-like Star Wars title. At one point you would have been able to control your very own Death Star in an iOS title too.

There were a ton of canceled projects, and the one I'm sure that will hurt most of you is the cancellation of the HD remaster of Day of the Tentacle. So many projects that didn't pan out, with a number of the them detailed over on Kotaku.

How LucasArts Fell Apart [Kotaku]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/lucasarts-canceled-a-bunch-of-star-wars-projects-262609.phtml

News::Titanfall Preview | PlayTm

This is quite possibly one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the new console generation. From the crowds gathering at the Eurogamer Expo today Titanfall has managed to create quite a buzz for itself by virtue of being developed by the men that created Call Of Duty.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1363311/titanfall-preview-playtm

News::Family bonding time Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons review [Gaming Trend]

Matt Buckley: "Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is not about challenging platforming or confounding puzzles. Its not about replay value or flashy visuals. This games brilliance is in how its moving story is told: all because of how you move your fingers which buttons youre pressing, and which ones youre not. This is a breakthrough in what interactivity can accomplish with little aid from more traditional storytelling mechanics its resulting importance to this medium is no exaggeration."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1363253/family-bonding-time-brothers-a-tale-of-two-sons-review-gaming-trend

News::Batman: Arkham Origins is cheaper on Wii U

No, there likely wouldn't have been a large multiplayer audience for Batman: Arkham Origins on Wii U if the performance of prior multiplatform games on the platform is any indication. Since WB Games has decided against including the component altogether, we'll never know for sure.

It's been suggested that given the comparatively lacking content, the Wii U port of Origins should be priced lower than its PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 counterparts -- this is happening, thankfully. Warner Bros. has confirmed the $49.99 price point with Kotaku and if you visit retailers like Amazon or GameStop, you'll see the change reflected.

That's something. Potentially even good news, if you'd rather save the ten bucks over having multiplayer. I would've rather that been a choice for consumers to make, however.

Multiplayer-Free Wii U Version of Batman: Arkham Origins Will Cost Less [Kotaku]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/batman-arkham-origins-is-cheaper-on-wii-u-262597.phtml

News::China officially lifting game console ban

Back in July we saw that China was looking to lift the videogame console ban. And now it's finally going to happen. The catch is that companies must make the consoles in the new free-trade zone of Shanghai.

China's highest decision-making body, the State Council, issued their statement, adding that the the devices must be approved by the Ministry of Culture. This news comes shortly after Microsoft had announced a $237 million joint venture with Chinese Internet TV company BesTV New Media to develop a "family games and related services."

China to Open Door Wider for Foreign Tech Firms [Wall Street Journal]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/china-officially-lifting-game-console-ban-262608.phtml

News::The Throwdown #56

Featured Topic Steams big announcements Tokyo Game Show tidbits PS4 delayed in Japan due to lack of Japanese games Sony says PS4 hardware loss will be recouped with PS+ and game sales Sony is surprised by Western interest in PS Vita TV MGSVs torture scene wont be playable MGSV will run at 60fps on next gen consoles Deep Down will be FTP game Gaming news GTAV makes $1B in 3 days GTAV Online detailed Kojima considered getting rid of MGS classic alert Killzone Shadow Fall will have 4 player co-op within its season pass Pop Culture News Super Mario Bros movie gets a comic book sequel



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1363223/the-throwdown-56

News::SteamOS, Steam Machines and Steam controllers: Valve innovation, or just hot air?

The IncGamers team discuss the ins and outs of Valve's three announcements. Does the Steam Controller look more like an owl, or Spectrum star Horace from Horace Goes Skiing? You'll find out.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1363499/steamos-steam-machines-and-steam-controllers-valve-innovation-or-just-hot-air

News::Contest: Win the Steampunk Bundle from Groupees!

Our friends at Groupees have just launched their Steampunk Bundle, and to celebrate they've given us 20 codes to hand out to the Destructoid community!

The Steampunk Bundle is a game, music, and comic bundle which helps support the Syrian Refugee Crisis via UNHCR charity. You can pay what you want ($1 minimum) for four games: Vessel, Greed Corp, Jamestown: Legend of the Last Colony, and Naval Warfare, four albums (from The Clockwork Dolls, Bonaparte, Hellblinki, and Marquis of Vaudeville), The Girl Genius graphic novel volume 1, and more! To win a code to unlock it all, just leave a comment in this thread. Limit one entry per person, and you have until this Sunday, September 29 at 11:59pm Pacific to enter.

Good luck!

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/contest-win-the-steampunk-bundle-from-groupees--262579.phtml

News::Xbox One touring North America and Europe

Microsoft is taking the Xbox One on tour. Fans will be able to go hands-on with the console starting October 1 in the US, Canada, and Europe. They'll be stopping in over 75 cities, including San Francisco, New York, Texas, Cologne, London, and plenty more.

The tour will be done in a couple of different ways too. There's going to be an Area One tour where you'll be able to try out games like Forza 5 , Dead Rising 3 , and Killer Instinct . This specific tour will be open to those 18 years or older as this will be part of a some sort of free musical concert.

If you're under 18 then you can be part of the Test Drive tour that will see Microsoft bringing the console to college campuses and retail locations.

Check out Xbox's website for full details on where and when you'll be able to play with the Xbox One.

Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/xbox-one-touring-north-america-and-europe-262606.phtml

News::Paradox Development Studio is fully supporting SteamOS

I've really come to appreciate Paradox Interactive's willingness to be frank. And its work on games that, while niche and not really my scene, are a welcome addition to the industry at large. The company is no stranger to supporting Linux with its titles, so it would only make sense that SteamOS support is planned. There's no need to wonder, however.

"We have been developing for SteamOS for quite a while as it's basically the same as the Linux version Steam runs," Paradox Development Studio manager Johan Andersson told PC Gamer.

"[Crusader Kings II and Europa Universalis IV] should run on it natively, as it runs on Linux on Steam, and all our future games will as well. We think SteamOS is great for gamers, as it will give far better performance on the same hardware than Windows does."

As for the rest of Paradox's games, CEO Fredrik Wester says the publisher is "actively expanding the number of published games on SteamOS."

Paradox: "SteamOS is a great thing for PC gaming," confirms CK2 and EU4 will run natively [PC Games]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/paradox-development-studio-is-fully-supporting-steamos-262590.phtml

News::Wander: An Open World For You and Yours | Greenlit Gaming

Cole of Greenlit Gaming writes: "As a young Canadian lad growing up in the northern plains of Alberta, nothing gave my friends and I more pleasure than roaming the endless forested hills, running from grizzly bears and heading over to the dam to try and aggro some beavers. There was a wild sense of freedom in those meandering trips through the woods and grasslands. It is in this same spirit of open-ended adventure that Wander is born."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1363071/wander-an-open-world-for-you-and-yours-greenlit-gaming

News::Trading in X-Rebirth looks streamlined and even fun

Yes, space trading can be fun although to be honest, I can't think of many activities that wouldn't be less fun when you're not doing them in a space ship. Whilst trading in most games is simply a means to an end, X-Rebirth is changing things up to make the process more enjoyable for players. In this lengthy trailer, you'll see that developer Egosoft is making trading not only streamlined but also occurring inside the gameworld.

I really like the idea of seeing drones ferry you cargo between your ship and a space station or having your drones mine asteroids. It makes the process more tangible, rather than having the trading all happen within menus. I'm intrigued to see how the mix between space combat and trading will balance out but I'm keen to see how much of an effect combat missions will have on the galactic economy. X-Rebirth is out in November but you can pre-purchase the game on Steam for $49.99/£39.99.

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/trading-in-x-rebirth-looks-streamlined-and-even-fun-262594.phtml

News::The Cat Lady Review: A Very Dark Place To Go | Greenlit Gaming

Matt of Greenlit Gaming writes: "I havent slept the same since I delved into The Cat Lady. I caught myself thinking about it all the time; at work, while I was out with friends, and it has even crept into my dreams. The Cat Lady pulls from what nightmares are made of, the things you dont want to dream about or ponder on."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1363070/the-cat-lady-review-a-very-dark-place-to-go-greenlit-gaming

News::Fan-Made Mortal Kombat Real Life Fight Puts MK Legacy's "Scorpion VS Sub-Zero" Battle To Shame

DSOGaming: "The second season of Mortal Kombat Legacy was - overall - great but let's be honest; the fight between Scorpion and Sub-Zero was awful. Seriously, it was BAD. And ironically, this fan-made real life battle between Scorpion and Noob Saibot puts that particular fight to shame."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1363469/fan-made-mortal-kombat-real-life-fight-puts-mk-legacys-scorpion-vs-sub-zero-battle-to-shame

News::Understanding the future of Linux game development

When it comes to Linux game development and porting, Ryan "icculus" Gordon is The Guy. Since the 1990s, Gordon has ported dozens of games to Linux, from Quake 3 Arena to Dear Esther, making him one of the foremost experts in Linux game development. His expertise in Linux games also led to a gig porting Humble Bundle games to Linux, helping developers build goodwill with users of the open-source OS.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1363186/understanding-the-future-of-linux-game-development

News::Battlefield 4 Will Allow for Multiplayer Save Transfers From Current to Next-Gen Consoles

It has been recently confirmed from an official statement that Battlefield 4 multiplayer save states for current gen consoles can be transferred to next-gen consoles.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1363474/battlefield-4-will-allow-for-multiplayer-save-transfers-from-current-to-next-gen-consoles

News::These are the 10 maps launching with Battlefield 4

Battlefield 4 will start off with 10 multiplayer maps, each of which is playable across all seven modes. One of them, Zavod 311, takes place in and around an abandoned Soviet tank factory. It's playable at the Eurogamer Expo and has an active warhead that can be set off by destroying the factor's chimney -- that's going to happen literally every time, I'm sure.

• Siege of Shanghai


• Paracel Storm


• Zavod 311


• Lancang Dam


• Flood Zone


• Rogue Transmission


• Hainan Resort


• Dawnbreaker


• Operation Locker


• Golmud Railway

I'll admit, 10 maps doesn't seem like a whole lot, but I've always preferred quality to quantity. And DICE hasn't frequently disappointed me in that regard. Siege of Shanghai, that map with the skyscrapers we've all seen a bunch, will be featured in the upcoming Battlefield 4 beta.

All Battlefield 4 Multiplayer Maps Revealed [Battlefield]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/these-are-the-10-maps-launching-with-battlefield-4-262598.phtml

News::Aarklash Legacy - ++Good Games Review

Aarklash Legacy provides hours of satisfying strategic squad-based combat, and an excellent active pause system with which to approach any given conflict. The difficulty is severe, but not as prohibitive as its precursor, Confrontation, and the music sets the stage for the world spanning betrayals youll be responsible for sorting out.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1363430/aarklash-legacy-good-games-review

News::Rise Of Venice Launches With Trailer, Kalypso Makes Budget Label

GG3 reports on more Kalypso Media news. For one, their strategy title Rise of Venice is now available on Steam. This joyous occasion comes with a launch trailer set in an idyllic wonderland. Also, their newly made Kobalt Games budget label will come out with RPG Blood Knights. Concept art, screenshots and logos can be found for that too.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1363374/rise-of-venice-launches-with-trailer-kalypso-makes-budget-label

News::We'll Learn More About The 'Piston' Living-Room PC On Monday

News::PSHomeGazette Review's the DCUO: Sons of Trigon DLC

AAMCSYSTEMS, our resident DCUO Expert, reviews the latest DLC pack, Sons of Trigon.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1363040/pshomegazette-reviews-the-dcuo-sons-of-trigon-dlc

News::Is there room for Steam machines alongside PS4, Xbox One and Wii U?

Gimme Gimme Games discusses whether there is room in the console market for a fourth competitor with Valve's Steam machines in 2014 and discusses how Valve's announcements this week impact Sony's PS4, Microsoft's Xbox One, and Nintendo's Wii U.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1363424/is-there-room-for-steam-machines-alongside-ps4-xbox-one-and-wii-u

News::Shadow Warrior PC Crashes, SLI Problem, Blue Screen, Launch Issues and Fixes

Guide4GameS: How to fix all Shadow Warrior PC Crashes, SLI Problem, Blue Screen, Launch Issues, DLL or RUN Time Errors and Fixes



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1362939/shadow-warrior-pc-crashes-sli-problem-blue-screen-launch-issues-and-fixes

News::The World of Starcraft...or Not | Exilic

In an unprecedented turn of events, the unofficial Blizzard-approved Starcraft MMORPG Starcraft Universe had successfully completed their Kickstarter campaign, collecting a whopping $80,000 for Upheaval Arts game project. Is this actually an MMO? An SC2 modder takes a look at what it's really like.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1362667/the-world-of-starcraft-or-not-exilic

News::Splinter Cell: Blacklist Review The Best Splinter Cell Yet | FanBolt

FanBolt writes: "Splinter Cell: Blacklist brings the type of intensity that we should expect from a game with a setting of this type. Things are going very wrong as the United States is under attack by a terrorist organization. This isnt some wild over the top joyride shooter that players can blast their way through, this is tactical genius with a motivating story that writes greatness all over this title. Splinter Cell: Blacklist is the best Splinter Cell yet."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1362679/splinter-cell-blacklist-review-the-best-splinter-cell-yet-fanbolt

News::PCGamer- Magicka: Wizard Wars hands-on: calamitous multiplayer zapping

PCG:Fire plus Arcane plus Lightning equals, um, what exactly? Help me out here, I never paid attention in school.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1362619/pcgamer-magicka-wizard-wars-hands-on-calamitous-multiplayer-zapping

News::Black Desert Closed Beta Test Details

During todays Media Lan Party that took place in Korea, Black Desert developer PearAbyss and their publisher Daum announced the details for the first closed beta test.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1362408/black-desert-closed-beta-test-details

News::Tim Cahill combines FIFA 14 and Oz Style aerobics

MMGN: What is going on here... FIFA 14 ambassador Tim Cahill awkwardly stars in a new video promoting "warming up" for the football game alongside the Oz Style aerobics girls



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1362215/tim-cahill-combines-fifa-14-and-oz-style-aerobics

News::14 Things Many MMO Players Do Not Want To Admit

14 things that may occur to everyone when playing MMOs.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1362278/14-things-many-mmo-players-do-not-want-to-admit

News::Two Killzone: Shadow Fall PS4 bundles coming to Europe

Sony has confirmed the Killzone: Shadow Fall PlayStation 4 bundle, heading to Europe this November. There's going to be two bundles, in fact. The first one will include the game and system for €439.

The other bundle will include the game, console, two Dual Shock 4 controllers, and the PlayStation camera. All that can be yours for €499. Pretty damn good deal, especially factoring in that the multiplayer downloadable content will be free for Killzone. The co-op stuff not so much.

Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/two-killzone-shadow-fall-ps4-bundles-coming-to-europe-262536.phtml

News::Drake Promoting FIFA 14

FIFPlay: Drake giving FIFA 14 to people in New York city.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1362719/drake-promoting-fifa-14

News::New Stunning Project CARS Screenshots

DSOGaming: "Well, we all know that Project CARS looks beautiful, dont we? Weve been covering this racing game since its early stages, and today we bring you another set of screenshots that was released a couple of hours ago. As usual, Slightly Mad Studios claims that these shots are from latest development builds of Project CARS, and that they represent the many of the stunning cars & highly detailed tracks that are already available to all WMD members. So feast your eyes everyone on what appears to be the best looking racer!"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1362883/new-stunning-project-cars-screenshots