News::Lil' Guardian Pyro has been named the overall winner in this year's Saxxy awards.

News::Need for Speed: Rivals frame rate fix, easily get 60fps on PC

Need for Speed: Rivals frame rate fix, easily get 60fps on PC!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402214/need-for-speed-rivals-frame-rate-fix-easily-get-60fps-on-pc

News::Let's Get it Started: Great Beginnings to Video Games

Mike writes, "There aren't very many strong video game endings, but beginnings are equally troublesome these days. It's a real skill for a game to set a proper tone by introducing the characters, environments, abilities, and mechanics. Many are able to capture a few of these attributes, but it's a rare occasion when a video game pulls you in right off the bat and gets you engaged. Because graphical capabilities are so high these days, even smaller developers can render movie-level cutscenes. While that's all good and fine, I'm more impressed by a game starting off as a game and not just a carbon copy of ground that movies have already covered. So, let's talk about a few games that I think really nail it with their beginning levels."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402108/lets-get-it-started-great-beginnings-to-video-games

News::EVE Online players raise over $43,000 for Typhoon Haiyan victims

EVE Online devs CCP Games announced today that players of their MMO have raised over $43,000 to aid the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. CCP thanked the players who donated to the PLEX for GOOD campaign in a blog post earlier today. The money was raised through the use of the in-game resource known as PLEX, which has a range of uses, from buying in-game currency to purchasing game time. The post also announced that CCP will be hosting an 8-hour charity event, which will be livestreamed on the 7th of December.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402228/eve-online-players-raise-over-43-000-for-typhoon-haiyan-victims

News::Battlefield 4 Supressor Tips

Are you ready to be a ninja? Check out the article and video below for Suppressor and Stealth tips from one of the best FPS gamers in the world, StrongSide!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402229/battlefield-4-supressor-tips

News::Star Citizen Keeps Shattering Records: Flies Past $32,000,0000, Raises Two Million in Two Days

Only two days ago we reported about Star Citizen hit $30,000,000, but the crowd funding cavalcade shows no signs of slowing down. As a matter of fact, it switched gears the money is rolling in even faster than usual. Today the game hit and surpassed $32,000,000, raising over two million dollars in two days thanks to a very successful anniversary sale. Its currently sitting on a luxurious total of $32,363,550.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402217/star-citizen-keeps-shattering-records-flies-past-32-000-0000-raises-two-million-in-two-days

News::Here's some screenshots and a trailer for Moebius

I've remarked before about how the adventure game genre didn't necessarily need an injection of life but it's no surprise that Kickstarter definitely attracted big names to return to the genre. Moebius is the return to the adventure game genre from Jane Jensen, creator of the Gabriel Knight series. Today we've got a new look at the game in the story trailer above and some new screenshots.

Moebius will tell the story of Malachi Rector (great adventure game name there) and his investigation into a murdered Italian woman. However, nothing is as it seems and Rector's talent of reading objects and understanding their value is put to the test. Whilst the animation and graphics don't exactly look cutting edge, it's the puzzles and story that will be what hook players. We'll know for sure in early 2014 when the game is released on PC, Mac, and Linux with an iPad and Android version to follow shortly after.

Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/here-s-some-screenshots-and-a-trailer-for-moebius-266470.phtml

News::The 10 Best-Sellers of 2013

CCC Says: "Every year, gamers line up at their favorite game retailers to grab a copy of the games that they love. And every year, it seems, those same gamers dont waiver in their resolve to get the next installment of that series. Whether your gaming addiction is Halo or the Arkham series of Batman games, there is always something that we look forward to. Thats how companies keep us pre-ordering, and thats how they keep us coming back for more year after year. But its that loyalty and devotion to a particular title or series or publisher that drives the industry. Its what keeps the sales numbers climbing. So even though we have our favorites for the year, we decided to take a quick look back at the best-selling titles of 2013 (worldwide)as of November 9th."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402240/the-10-best-sellers-of-2013

News::Path Of Exile Review: Lost In The Skill Forest | Gaming Blend

Pete: Can't I respec when I finish Normal mode? Path of Exile: Respec? This isn't Knitting Simulator 2K13. This is a hardcore game. Pete: So I'd have to make a new character? Path of Exile: It'll only take you like 20 hours to beat the campaign a second time. Pete: I don't have that much time. Path of Exile: You could farm Orbs of Regrets to clear your skills, too. Pete: How long would that take? Path of Exile: 19 hours.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402195/path-of-exile-review-lost-in-the-skill-forest-gaming-blend

News::ZTGD | XCOM: Enemy Within (PC) Review

Drew Leachman writes: One of my favorite games of 2012, XCOM: Enemy Unknown got me back into strategy games. The make or break difficulty gave the sense of accomplishment, and the way management was handled both in and outside of combat was rewarding and complex. I absolutely loved the experience. Finally, Firaxis has released their expansion to the game titled Enemy Within, which changes up the well known dynamic of the game while adding a ton of customization options.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402118/ztgd-xcom-enemy-within-pc-review

News::Today's Battlefield 4 PS4 update addresses crashing

Can DICE fix crashes in Battlefield 4 across all versions of the game before its "We're sorry!" double XP event rolls out on Thursday? While I wish them the best of luck, it's difficult to be optimistic. The studio has put out a new update for PlayStation 4 that should improve stability.

• Fixed common crashes that could occur when changing weapons or maps


• Reduced the probability of a corrupted save file in the single player campaign


• Fixed a crash occurring when resuming the single player campaign


• Fixed a bug where accessing PlayStation Plus subscription resulted in a connection error


• Improved performance when shooting at destroyed Levolution objects

If I had dropped several hundred dollars on a new console and this game, I'd be furious right now.

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/today-s-battlefield-4-ps4-update-addresses-crashing-266473.phtml

News::What The Inside of an Xbox One Kinect Looks Like

News::'School Shooting' Video Game Also Found at Sandy Hook Killer's Home

News::Crusader Kings II: Sons of Abraham Review Many Roads to Israel I TheKoalition

Chris Macaulay of TheKoalition writes: Paradox recently released yet another DLC for Crusader Kings 2, Sons of Abraham, and I was able to play through it a bit to gather some impressions of the newest content. I was very enthused by The Old Gods, and was excited to see what new adventures awaited me in Sons of Abraham.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402160/crusader-kings-ii-sons-of-abraham-review-many-roads-to-israel-i-thekoalition

News::Redshirt Review - FTL FML (Twinfinite)

Mike writes, "Redshirt is essentially a turn-based strategy game. In it, you have a set number of turns in order to do various tasks through the Spacebook interface, such as form relationships, improve your quality of life, or go out with friends. This game is extremely open-ended in that you can choose not only your species and gender, but relationship preferences as well. While society is at the point where we really shouldn't have to be praising games for allowing you to create a character with fluid sexual preferences, I applaud the developer's approach of just going for it and allowing you to build a complete character as you see fit.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402196/redshirt-review-ftl-fml-twinfinite

News::Indie Game Insider | Blood of the Werewolf Review: Lycanthrope Vengeance

Blood of the Werewolf is a treat for platforming addicts and fans of the eerie alike.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402204/indie-game-insider-blood-of-the-werewolf-review-lycanthrope-vengeance

News::Microsoft's Phil Spencer talks Xbox One microtransactions

In an interview with Kotaku about about the 2014 software lineup for Xbox One, Microsoft Studios head Phil Spencer commented about the state of microtransactions on the console. Games like Ryse and Forza 5 , which cost full price, have pesky elements of free-to-play gaming.

According to Spencer, Microsoft has systems in place to track consumer behavior. "I want to be able to learn from what we put in," he told the outlet. "So let's make sure we are crafting the game and the analytics so we can see what the consumers -- the gamers -- like and don't -- if you assume buying habits are a reflection of what people like. So that we can craft the experience better for the gamer." Of course, it's often the minority of players that end up making these purchases. Something tells me microtransactions aren't going away.

Asked about where to draw the line, he said "It's easy to say something like, 'I'll never allow somebody to buy the win of the game, I won't let them buy victory,' but that's kind of a trite answer. I'd say, 'Yeah, I guess I have that line, that [we wouldn't have] "Pay five bucks and get 1000 achievements" or something stupid like that.' I'm always pushing against that. But, in reality, that's not what the gamers are looking for. They're usually looking for customization and their gameplay style opening up."

What's Next For the Xbox One [Kotaku]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/microsoft-s-phil-spencer-talks-xbox-one-microtransactions-266464.phtml

News::The guys over at the indie gaming collective Babycastles have just announced that they are seeking d

News::Deals: Target will have the 3DS XL Zelda bundle for $150

We already knew Target was going to have 3DS XLs for $149.99 on Black Friday, but that was just for the handheld systems. Now we know that the Zelda 3DS XL bundle will also be going for the same price. Yup, $149.99 with The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds . That's a KILLER deal, everyone.

The deal is good starting on November 28 until November 30, so you have a few days to swarm your local Target.

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/deals-target-will-have-the-3ds-xl-zelda-bundle-for-150-266482.phtml

News::Contest: Win a Nexus 7 pre-loaded with Tiny Death Star!

Our friends at Disney have just handed us a brand new Google Nexus 7 pre-loaded with their hit game Star Wars: Tiny Death Star to give away to one lucky Destructoid community member!

In the game, you get to decorate your own personal Death Star from a selection of themed floors, and work to capture Rebel scum like Luke and Leia. I have never heard of something more adorable in all my life. And what better way to play such an amazing sounding game than with a brand new 32GB Nexus 7?!

To enter, just leave a comment in this thread telling me what you think the cutest thing about Tiny Death Star is. Limit one entry per person, and the contest is open to anyone in the US. You have until this Sunday, December 1 at 11:59pm Pacific to enter.

Good luck! And don't forget, our Huge members get automatic entry into all contests (as well as a bunch of other awesome perks). It's pretty great!

Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/contest-win-a-nexus-7-pre-loaded-with-tiny-death-star--266237.phtml

News::Call of Duty Ghosts Review | ExtremeGamer

Call of Duty: Ghosts keeps the series running on par with expectations. A good fact, if you are set for more of the same "magic" that made the modern take on the series a hit., or rather draining if you are feeling fatigued from its annual bullet storm.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402169/call-of-duty-ghosts-review-extremegamer

News::Mutant Mudds Deluxe Review | GIZORAMA

GIZORAMA - Man, you know what there sure are a lot of right now? Platformers! Not that Im complaining. Quite the contrary, in fact: as a wee lad growing up in the hinterlands of Michigan, the only genre I enjoyed more than Doom-style 2.5D shooters were platformers. I dont care how goofy the mascots were, I played and loved most of them. And right now, thanks to the advent of independent developers and alternate distribution channels, theres as many platformers to choose from right now as there were in the days before Nintendo manufactured disc-based systems. Im thrilled about it, but with so many out there its hard to know which are worth a crap. Within the last year or so, one fledgling series has made a name for itself as a throwback shooter that knows what its doing: Mutant Mudds.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402096/mutant-mudds-deluxe-review-gizorama

News::Starbound Steam-bound December 4th-ish

Hardcore Gamer: It's been a long time coming but Starbound is finally almost ready to enter beta. When the Starbound pre-orders went live in April we knew there was going to be a wait, but after 8 months it looks like patience is finally going to pay off.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402120/starbound-steam-bound-december-4th-ish

News::SimCity: Cities of Tomorrow Review | Hardcore Gamer

SimCity: Cities of Tomorrow is a visually appealing addition that unfortunately only runs skin-deep. Its an attractive new world that can be developed under your whim, but it doesnt fix any of the core issues SimCity had in the first place, and actually makes them more apparent.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402123/simcity-cities-of-tomorrow-review-hardcore-gamer

News::Review: Adventure Time: ETDBIDK - Im Not Sure Either | The Analog Shtick

"As a huge fan of the show, I couldnt help but sport a smile as soon as the title screen flickered on. The shows characters are charmingly presented in a pixilized fashion and cheerily blip closer and closer to the screen before sharing one of their trademark knuckle-touches." - Ben Textor | The Analog Shtick



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402050/review-adventure-time-etdbidk-im-not-sure-either-the-analog-shtick

News::Twinfinite - Slender: The Arrival (Late To The Party) Review

Twinfinite's Henry McMunn finally got around to playing the newest incarnation of the Slender Man. He wasn't pleased.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402148/twinfinite-slender-the-arrival-late-to-the-party-review

News::Guns of Icarus Online Review: 30plusgamer

Theyre right behind us! Our pilot shouts, I pick up my mallet and run along the ship. I cant see them, bring us around! our mains guns are forward facing; were sitting ducks until our pilot can turn us to face the attacking enemy ship. I climb into the rigging as their flamethrower licks our ship with hot jets of flame. Weve lost the engines! The balloon is down! I lift my hammer to frantically hit our balloon pump just as our ships breaks into flaming pieces. Guns of Icarus brings an aerial twist to first person combat.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1401547/guns-of-icarus-online-review-30plusgamer

News::GameMaker Studio Standard Edition Free for Limited Time

Hardcore Gamer: All you have to do to get this is download the software and open it. Be sure to select the beta updates, update, and then you'll have an option to upgrade to the standard edition free of charge. This deal enables you to upgrade to the professional edition for a mere $50. This is a great way for someone on a super-tight budget to get into game design.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1401599/gamemaker-studio-standard-edition-free-for-limited-time

News::These are the PS4's launch apps for Europe

When the PlayStation 4 launches on November 29, 2013 in Europe, there will be 18 apps available across the full Sony Computer Entertainment Europe region. Here's that list:

• Music Unlimited (UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Australia and New Zealand)


• Video Unlimited (Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK)


• IGN (Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Qatar, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, UK)


• BBC iPlayer (UK)


• VidZone (Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK)


• Amazon/LOVEFiLM (Germany, UK)


• Netflix (Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, UK)


• BBC Sports (UK)


• BBC News (UK)


• Wuaki.tv (Spain)


• Total Channel (Spain)


• Demand5 (UK)


• Maxdome (Germany, Austria)


• RTBF (Belgium)


• NOS Sports (Netherlands)


• Ximon (Belgium, Netherlands)


• Watchever (Germany)


• Viaplay (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden)

Oh, and on December 4, Australia and New Zealand gamers will have access to Quickflix. As a reminder, these entertainment apps do not require a subscription to PlayStation Plus. Sony is also promising another 20-some apps will arrive between now and spring.

PlayStation 4 launch entertainment apps revealed [PlayStation Blog]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/these-are-the-ps4-s-launch-apps-for-europe-266468.phtml

News::A Look at Drox Operative: Invasion of the Ancients

Hardcore Gamer: Drox Operative is a starship action RPG by Soldak Entertainment that released for PC about a year ago, with an expansion hitting digital store shelves this month. The game plays a lot like Diablo in space, with a large emphasis on combat, questing, and loot. It's much more than a simple dungeon crawler though, with significantly more complex mechanics. These mechanics include things like cross species diplomacy, several conditions for victory and defeat in each solar system, and elements of galactic exploration.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1401484/a-look-at-drox-operative-invasion-of-the-ancients

News::Ubisoft on how 'The Division' will create a detailed New York City

For anyone who attended or watched Ubisoft's press conference at E3 this past summer, you obviously know and remember the game, The Division. The Division is set in the open-world of New York City and from what we've seen thus far, it features one of the best looking worlds we've ever seen. In a recent conversation, Ubisoft talked about the steps and processes they are taking to create one of the most details worlds ever.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402088/ubisoft-on-how-the-division-will-create-a-detailed-new-york-city

News::Impressions: Assassin's Creed IV (Xbox One and PS4)

Assassin's Creed IV , point blank, may be the best game in the series outside of AC II. It offers the least amount of real-world trappings for those fans who dislike the sci-fi overarching plot and it features the only true open world in the franchise. It's also a hell of a lot of fun to be a pirate.

While the next-gen versions of Black Flag might not offer up anything new, the good news is that there's nothing wrong with them either.

Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/impressions-assassin-s-creed-iv-xbox-one-and-ps4--266386.phtml

News::Review: Need for Speed: Rivals A Fantastic Chaser, Not A Great Racer | The Analog Shtick

Need for Speed may be one of the longest-running yearly-release franchises, but its far from stagnant. Each new release has, for the most part, been drastically different from the last. Just over the past few years, the series has gone from arcadey police-chases, to somewhat-serious simulation, to story-driven racer, to an open-world exploration game. But this years entry, Rivals, bares quite a few similarities to last years Most Wanted. An open-world street racer with an emphasis on police chases would act as an ample description for either title. That said, the side of the chase on which youll want to be on in Rivals is entirely different.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402051/review-need-for-speed-rivals-a-fantastic-chaser-not-a-great-racer-the-analog-shtick

News::Epigenesis Preview Far From Finished [Twinfinite]

I recently sat down and played the blood-sport PC game Epigenesis with the Twinfinite Staff. Though we agreed that the game was, for the most part, highly unpolished (it is in Alpha, after all), we also agreed that it had a fair bit of potential.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402057/epigenesis-preview-far-from-finished-twinfinite

News::Logitech G500s Review: Insanity Wins | eGamer

Mice are a numbers game. There is another field that uses numbers to great extent, the field of science. Hey wait a minute, that happens to part of the new branding of Logitechs update to its G-line of peripherals: Science Wins. You know what else science is? Expensive. Sitting at a RRP of R899, this mouse is not cheap, but it might be worth it. As ironically fitting as it sounds, to understand science we should know the definition of insanity. No stop thinking of Vaas, Im talking about the original hipster scientist Albert Einstein, where he defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. With this in mind I think Logitechs Science Wins branding for their refreshed G-series products should have instead been Insanity Wins, as the G500s is pretty much the exact same G500 mouse that graced our palms back in 2009.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402075/logitech-g500s-review-insanity-wins-egamer

News::XCOM: Enemy Within Review | IncGamers

IncGamers' Tim McDonald expands his XCOM squads with this bountiful add-on from Firaxis.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402103/xcom-enemy-within-review-incgamers

News::Impressions: DICE+

Earlier this year, we got our first look at DICE+, which promises to combine the physicality and social aspect of board gaming with the wider appeal of tablet-based videogames. With tons of features listed, it appeared to be a pretty slick piece of technology, but limited by its short list of compatible software.

For now, that is still a pretty accurate assessment.

Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/impressions-dice--266350.phtml

News::Thrustmaster T100 Force Feedback Racing Wheel

30Npire: The T100 Force Feedback, is the latest in the line of racing wheels from acclaimed gaming accessories manufacturer Thrustmaster. Designed for use on the Playstation3 and PC, the wheel is said to be able to provide powerful, comprehensive and realistic sensations in racing games.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1401162/thrustmaster-t100-force-feedback-racing-wheel

News::Tickets for EVE Fanfest 2014 are up for sale

Tickets for CCP's mega party for EVE Online are now available. If you want to travel to Iceland and hang out with nerds who like spreadsheets, then head on over to the official Fanfest page and buy your ticket. Early bird tickets are available for $150 or 12 PLEX, EVE's game time units you can buy with in-game currency. Spouse tickets that offer sightseeing of Iceland, without having access to the show, are $275.

You can check out some of the panels and talks from 2013's Fanfest on CCP's YouTube channel, if you want to get a taste of what the event is like.

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/tickets-for-eve-fanfest-2014-are-up-for-sale-266458.phtml

News::Game of the Year Awards: 1986 - press-play

The current year already coming to an end - one more reason to look wistfully to the past and start a video retrospective of the great things in games in 1986.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1401614/game-of-the-year-awards-1986-press-play

News::Farming Simulator Review | GeekedOutNation

If I could boil this entire review down into a single word it would be, Functional. If I had the the chance to use two words, well, I would ask you to google the catchphrase famously uttered by the late great television show, The Critic.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1401622/farming-simulator-review-geekedoutnation

News::Fallout 4 teaser site updates Morse code for 26 November

More changes at thesurvivor2299.com today, with the introduction of yet another Morse code. This one is named Hanscom.mp3 which just so happens to be the name of an Air Force base in Massachusetts (where rumours persist that Fallout 4 will be based.)



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1402072/fallout-4-teaser-site-updates-morse-code-for-26-november

News::Duke Nukem 3D Mod - Duke Nukem Forever´s first DLC is now available

DSOGaming writes: "Gambini & Mikko Sandt, creators of the amazing Duke Nukem Forever mod for Duke Nukem 3D, announced that the first fan-made DLC for their amazing mod is currently available."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1401384/duke-nukem-3d-mod-duke-nukem-forevers-first-dlc-is-now-available

News::Mutant Mudds Deluxe is still solid on Steam

Mutant Mudds Deluxe is out this week on Steam, which marks the first time the newly enhanced version is available outside of the Wii U. As a pure platformer through and through, the extra levels and increased difficulty help address a few issues that some of you may have had with the original.

It also packs in the Granny level content, which is highly recommended just on its own. While I wouldn't trade the Wii U GamePad functionality for a PC port, you really can't go wrong with the Steam version if you haven't played it yet. I haven't encountered any issues so far, and despite the fact that I completed the game a few months back, I'm already eager to go for another 100% run.

If you bought the original Steam edition from Renegade Kid's shop, you should be getting a Deluxe key. Select Desura users should be getting keys as well.

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/mutant-mudds-deluxe-is-still-solid-on-steam-266442.phtml

News::PCGamesN - Review: SimCity: Cities Of Tomorrow

PCN:Since SimCity came out in March, there have been eight patches for the troubled city building game. At times, the Cities of Tomorrow expansion feels like patch number nine. Its future-themed additions are smartly designed to counter the GlassBox engine's intractable problems.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1401744/pcgamesn-review-simcity-cities-of-tomorrow

News::XCOM: Enemy Within Review | SpawnFirst

Chris West reviews XCOM: Enemy Within on the PC: "After a half-hearted attempt at being a tactical shooter, it is time for the XCOM series to go back to what it knows best, hardcore, turn-based strategy. Last year, XCOM: Enemy Unknown was easily one of the best titles of 2012 and now the series is back with the expansion pack, Enemy Within. While it isnt exactly a sequel, it still manages to enhance the already stellar gameplay and add more hours of play time to an already lengthy game."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1401937/xcom-enemy-within-review-spawnfirst

News::Last-Gen Game of the Year Candidates | GIZORAMA

GIZORAMA - So, next-gen has started and I think its time we start the Game of the Year discussion. Note: There are no next-gen games on the list because that would defeat the purpose of the article, to look back on the last-gen games that I really enjoyed.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1401243/last-gen-game-of-the-year-candidates-gizorama

News::Here are Xbox Live's Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals

Major Nelson has the full list of Xbox Live deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday over here, but if it's simply the highlights you're looking for, look no further. Now through December 2, there's Skyrim, Dragonborn, and Dawnguard for half price; The Cave for $3.74; Tomb Raider for $14.99; and Mark of the Ninja for $5.09.

On Black Friday only, Rayman Legends will be half price, Diablo III will be 33 percent off, and Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen will be 66 percent off. Lastly, during Cyber Monday, there's Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, Red Dead Redemption, The Witcher 2, Dark Souls, and L.A. Noire for 75 percent off, plus BattleBlock Theater (67 percent off) and Rayman Origins (50 percent off).

You probably know how you feel about most of these games already, so I'll just say give BattleBlock a chance if you like co-op platformers. It's one of the best of those in years.

Xbox 360 Game Store Black Friday sales [Major Nelson]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/here-are-xbox-live-s-black-friday-and-cyber-monday-deals-266460.phtml

News::Double Fine regains rights to Costume Quest and Stacking

In a recent press release from the San Francisco developer Double Fine, we have learned that the recent owners of the titles Costume Quest and Stacking, Nordic Games, have handed the rights back to the creators. Previously owned by the now-defunct THQ, the publishing rights are now owned by the developers, and now they plan to re-release both games at retail for Windows and Mac, in addition to Psychonauts, sometime in 2014.

"I am pleased that we have regained full control over Costume Quest and Stacking, following a daring and top-secret midnight raid on the Nordic Games headquarters in Vienna," said Double Fine president and CEO Tim Schafer. "We can't wait to partner with Double Fine for this upcoming retail launch of three of its most excellent games," said Lars Wingefors, owner and CEO of Nordic Games. "However, I feel compelled to point out that we were happy to transfer distribution rights for Costume Quest and Stacking back to Double Fine in an entirely non-secretive and heist-free manner."

Nordic Games previously acquired the distribution rights to Stacking and Costume Quest upon the bankruptcy of former publisher THQ in early 2013.

"Double Fine is dedicated to controlling its own IP, and we will continue working to bring all associated rights back in-house whenever possible," said Double Fine business development VP Justin Bailey, "no matter how many split-second security system hacks or painstaking tunneling operations we have to execute."

"I just want to clarify, again, that we support the right of independent developers to control their own distribution, and we were pleased to have the opportunity to work with Double Fine," said Klemens Kreuzer, managing director at Nordic Games. "No heists."

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/double-fine-regains-rights-to-costume-quest-and-stacking-266456.phtml

News::Shanda Games is suing Baidu (and a few other game companies) for $8 million over Mir 2

Copying, both blatant and subtle, is a big problem in Chinas gaming market, and now one major Chinese game company is alleging that some of its biggest competitors are in on the act.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1401876/shanda-games-is-suing-baidu-and-a-few-other-game-companies-for-8-million-over-mir-2