Tuesday, January 14, 2014

News::Review: The Banner Saga | Destructoid

Destructoid writes: An animal is most dangerous when backed into a corner. Given little choice, and with everything on the line, the imperiled can go to great lengths just to continue drawing breath. Desperation is a terrifyingly powerful thing.



via N4G: pc news feed http://ift.tt/1m0VfBk

News::Dungeon of the Endless Preview | Geekenstein

"Im afraid to open the next door. Two of my heroes died in the previous wave and I still havent found the exit. Suddenly, I get a warning of an incoming wave. I finally find the door, by my resources are exhausted and I cant open it. I wish I bought that new blaster off the merchant. I spent too much money to protect my crystal. All of this panic came from one of my many sessions with Dungeon of the Endless. Since its currently on Steam as an early access title, some features such as the skill system for heroes and a tutorial level to ease you into the game are missing, so expect pure panic if you decide to support the developers by purchasing Dungeon of the Endless through early access." - Josh Rios of Geekenstein



via N4G: pc news feed http://ift.tt/1m0VfkO

News::Facepunch talks about what's next for Rust

In a Rust development update, Facepunch Studios' Garry Newman wrote that "Sales have been strong. Stronger than strong. We really have been knocked on our arses by sales. Our plan was to release the alpha on to Steam in a low-key way and slowly build up steam until the game was in a decent state. But our player counts have exploded our wildest dreams."


Between this, DayZ, and Starbound, it feels like the Steam Early Access floodgates have opened. I'm still not sure how I feel about that. Some of Facepunch's priorities right now are improved server and client performance, better support for Mac and Linux users, possibly removing zombies before players become too attached to them, and stopping cheaters.


And then there's discussion of adding defensive options. Just last night I was playing Rust with Conrad -- you truly do want friends in a game like this -- and we got to talking about how much we'd love to have traps to take on home invaders. "We want to find solutions that allow the defending players to find innovative solutions to attacks," said Newman. "Ideally solutions that don’t involve putting a million doors in your house, or building a maze around it."


Even in its bare-bones state, Rust is without a doubt one of the more interesting games I've played in years. Now, is it fun? I'm not so sure. It can be, but it can also be deeply frustrating.


Status Report #001 [Rust]


Facepunch talks about what's next for Rust screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/facepunch-talks-about-what-s-next-for-rust-268951.phtml

News::Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Review - GamesReviews

From GamesReviews: "Metal Gear Rising Revengeance sent up some red flags when it was announced; it didnt have Snake as a playable character, it wasnt part of the main Metal Gear storyline, and it was an action game with very little of Metal Gears genre-defining stealth gameplay. However it was developed by Platinum Games, the studio behind Bayonetta, so it wasnt such a surprise that Revengeance turned out to among the best action games of 2013."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434612/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-review-gamesreviews

News::The Banner Saga Review: If Disney Did Game of Thrones | Dealspwn

Dealspwn: "Imagine Game of Thrones crossed with a dark, brutal, bleak Disney production that Disney would never dare to make, and you're pretty close to The Banner Saga. Stoic have delivered a cracking tactical RPG centred around an impressively elegant combat system and a peripatetic adventure that never lets up with tough choices and decisions to be made, letting the burden of leadership weigh heavy on players' shoulders. Engrossing, challenging, and aesthetically striking, The Banner Saga is a crowdfunded triumph."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434577/the-banner-saga-review-if-disney-did-game-of-thrones-dealspwn

News::Tomb Raider 2 Really Wants To Kill Us SplitScreen

This episode of SplitScreen starts off at breakneck speed as were thrown into a gauntlet of deadly traps. Spikes, giant boulders, spikes, crushing walls, spikes- you name it, its there. So how do Henry and I survive this seemingly unlivable flurry? Through 90% trial and error and 10% being awesome. Tomb Raider 2 is done being nice to us so its high time that we step up to the plate and give it what for.



via N4G: pc news feed http://ift.tt/1cjGEIP

News::Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow 2: Detailing The Pre-Order Bonuses

Everybodys sure excited about Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2. Its the game that lets you play as Gabriel Belmont again but this time, hes Dracula. Well, in his early days at least, since hes not the devastating vampire lord yet and he has to beat down Satan to claim his throne. Well, if youre the type who just loves to pre-order a game, youll be loving the bonuses youll get with this game.



via N4G: pc news feed http://ift.tt/1cjGEZv

News::The Banner Saga Review | IncGamers

Excerpt from the review: "Its tempting to say that The Banner Saga is like a long-lost, early Disney film about Vikings, except of course for the fact that Disney would never touch this narrative. The game tells a bleak and relentless tale, depicting a group of dwindling refugees trying to escape the end of the world."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434591/the-banner-saga-review-incgamers

News::Oasis DLC pack for Rocksmith 2014 Edition Out Today

Ubisoft announced today that the Oasis DLC pack for Rocksmith® 2014 Edition is now available for download on Xbox LIVE for Xbox® 360, the PlayStation Network for the PlayStation® 3 and Steam for PC and Mac.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434570/oasis-dlc-pack-for-rocksmith-2014-edition-out-today

News::Guild Wars 2 Origins of Madness update will bring new world bosses

The new trailer for Origins of Madness, the upcoming update for Guild Wars 2, shows what new challenges players will have to face while battling Scarlet Briar.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434559/guild-wars-2-origins-of-madness-update-will-bring-new-world-bosses

News::Oculus Rift has some competition: meet GameFace

Back in 2012 we first heard about the vision of Oculus Rift: to make virtual reality a relevant conversation again by bringing the technology up to today's standards, with low-latency head tracking for optimal immersion. Since then, it has made quite a splash for those fortunate enough to try it, and although it is still a niche piece of hardware, others have taken notice of the hype.


One such entity that has taken notice is GameFace Labs, which showed off its own VR headset at CES. This is not a straight copy of the more famous virtual reality hardware; GameFace and Oculus Rift have a few notable differences. On the plus side, GameFace is completely wireless, allowing players to stand and turn freely in their environments. As a minus, it is running on Android and is therefore limited in its processing power compared to a PC.


Engadget has a good hands-on preview of the headset from CES 2014, describing the differences between it and Oculus Rift. On the official GameFace website, GameFace Labs extols the virtues of being Android-based, and enumerates developers committed to the project, which include indie darlings Mojang and Halfbrick, among others.


GameFace Mark IV: The other VR headset at CES 2014 (hands-on) [Engadget]


Oculus Rift has some competition: meet GameFace screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/oculus-rift-has-some-competition-meet-gameface-268950.phtml

News::The Repopulation Interview: Sandbox is back - Worlds Factory

Worlds Factory: "Our exclusive interview with Above and Beyond Technologies about The Repopulation, the upcoming indie sci-fi sandbox MMORPG which promises to rekindle the fire of SWG and UO in the hearts of gamers."



via N4G: pc news feed http://ift.tt/19sg8SJ

News::Alien: Isolation - Why you need to stop worrying about Colonial Marines right now

GamesRadar - I published my big reveal preview of Alien: Isolation early last week. Isolation, I can categorically state, having gone hands-on with it, currently looks like an excellent game. In fact it has the potential to be one of this years best. From what Ive seen and played so far, it appears to be stunningly realised project, being created by a dedicated and very talented team who really get what makes Ridley Scotts 1979 sci-fi horror masterpiece work. Its also utterly terrifying and, thanks to its uniquely systemic game-design built around an ultra-sophisticated, purely AI-driven Alien, utterly unlike any other survival-horror game out there.



via N4G: pc news feed http://ift.tt/19sg6Ky

News::Hearthstone receives last major beta update

Blizzard has announced that it is delaying the Hearthstone beta, but they've also dropped the last major beta update, meaning the game could be coming sooner than later. The patch is mostly a balancing act, nerfing the Mage and buffing a few cards like Unleash the Hounds. Blizzard notes that it's basically crunch time now, and any updates will be minor ones involving cards.


Hopefully the game will launch soon and more people can get into it. It's a pretty fantastic card game, and I know some people are reserved due to the beta status -- even if there won't be any data wipes.


Hearthstone Update: Upcoming Changes 1/13 [Battle.net]


Hearthstone receives last major beta update screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/hearthstone-receives-last-major-beta-update-268936.phtml

News::Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft Beta Review | GES

Hard to believe, but it has finally happened. A Blizzard title that does not end with the suffix -craft? The Team Five developers (Elite) have been hard at work outside their comfort zone to bring us their current work-in-progress title Hearthstone. I was fortunate enough to receive my Closed Beta invitation early December 2013, and just like a Subtlety Spec Rogue, this title has snuck in taken advantage of my soft spot for unique game titles and is quickly becoming one of my larger time consuming pastimes.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434311/hearthstone-heroes-of-warcraft-beta-review-ges

News::The Banner Saga single player campaign gets Big Preorder Incentive

OnlySP: At 1PM Eastern on January 14th, the Viking-themed RPG The Banner Saga will finally make its single player debut on PC. Since February 2013, the Indie series has been a multiplayer-only free to play game known as The Banner Saga: Factions. Tomorrows single player release has a starting price of $24.99, which is about what youd expect for a well hyped Indie title, but if you happen to check Steam or any other PC digital retailer youll notice if you preorder before the 1PM deadline theres a $5 drop to $19.99. Better still, if you preorder from GameFly, you can use a 20% off coupon code dropping the price even further.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434270/the-banner-saga-single-player-campaign-gets-big-preorder-incentive

News::Most Anticipated Games of 2014 Dark Souls 2

TechRaptor - Dark Souls is my (Stephen Gillespie) favourite game of all time, so its not really surprising that Im really looking forward to Dark Souls 2. However as a fan of distinct follow ups, or new games rather than similar sequels, Dark Souls 2 had to do more than exist to pique my interest. Dark Souls is (in my opinion) the best thing ever, but it already exists. Dark Souls 2 excites me because of the way it diverges from the original, recapturing the appeal of the first game rather than just recreating what came before.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434426/most-anticipated-games-of-2014-dark-souls-2

News::Black Desert New Screenshots from GM Note Part 3

As we are getting closer to the 2nd Closed Beta Phase, Pearl Abyss decided to share a new batch of screenshots on the official site. Check them out to know what to expect from Black Desert 2nd CBT.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434499/black-desert-new-screenshots-from-gm-note-part-3

News::Branching Dialogue: Titanfall (12 Angry Gamers)

Game-Smack Ireland: On this week's Branching Dialogue, Jason talks about the criticism Respawn's Titanfall has been facing following the announcement that the game will feature 6 V 6 multiplayer. A lot of people seem to think that bigger is always better. Probably not.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434471/branching-dialogue-titanfall-12-angry-gamers

News::Darkout Review (GodisaGeek)

Posted by Michéal Murphy From indie developer Allgraf.com comes Darkout, a 2D sandbox exploration and crafting game. Its an odd little genre but one thats increasingly popular following the success of Terraria. Its clear there are plenty of people out there that really dig this kind of thing, but its not for everyone. Ive always felt as though I was just handed a pile of busy work with no real payoff at the end (but maybe thats just me). Still, Darkout is enjoyable to an extent but even I could see that it does little to shake up the genre.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434486/darkout-review-godisageek

News::Why is Titanfall Using Cloud Computing Again?

Mark Reece writes: "And in true Internet tradition, the levels of anticipation and hyperbole have reached fever pitch in the months since Titanfalls official unveiling. Not that you could exactly blame the media and masses of consumers for that; after all, how could a brand new IP from the people who, year on year, delivered games that routinely smashed sales records and have amassed an almost unprecedented level of popularity not get people excited? Plus it has mechs. And who doesnt like mechs?"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434509/why-is-titanfall-using-cloud-computing-again

News::The 6 kinds of people you meet in DayZ

Games in Asia: "Youll run across all kinds of interesting people in the world of DayZ, but in my experience, they can be broken down into categories pretty easily. Here are the TK types of people youll meet in DayZ."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1433903/the-6-kinds-of-people-you-meet-in-dayz

News::Eurogamer - Total War: Rome 2 - Caesar in Gaul review

Rome 2's Caesar in Gaul expansion campaign has a problem with recent history. Unfortunately for Caesar, The Creative Assembly has established a pattern of releasing novel and systemically distinctive follow-ups to their major releases. Shogun 2's Fall of the Samurai campaign was a fascinating collision of Age of Rifles technology and doctrine with the fading samurai way of war. The Peninsular Campaign expansion for Napoleon: Total War likewise tried to combine traditional Napoleonic warfare with the guerrilla war and counterinsurgency campaign fought across the Spanish countryside. Both these campaigns (and arguably, Napoleon: Total War itself) tweaked the core Total War game design in exciting ways to cover more specific conflicts and challenges.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434343/eurogamer-total-war-rome-2-caesar-in-gaul-review

News::Rise of Venice: Beyond The Sea Review (Invision Game Community)

You get French and Portuguese cities to trade with, but it doesnt introduce anything new, just more of the same Its a 50% map size increase but infuriatingly it doesnt integrate with the core game youre going to have to start again and select the new map to play with all the new stuff. Which means youre going to have to crawl through a bunch of stuff youve already played to get to the relatively lean meat of the new content.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434396/rise-of-venice-beyond-the-sea-review-invision-game-community

News::Valhalla trail The Banner Saga review | Gaming Trend

Gaming Trend Editor David Roberts writes: "Filled with strategic gameplay and impactful decisions, The Banner Saga is a gorgeously epic Norse-inspired adventure whose only real fault is that there isnt more of it. I cant wait for part two."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434431/valhalla-trail-the-banner-saga-review-gaming-trend

News::Banner Saga Review (Invision Game Community)

Stoic Studio, founded by ex Bioware employees started an adventure to develop a Viking themed RPG game. The Banner Saga is their first game and let me tell you something. You will love these Vikings and their not so friendly world. The first highly anticipated game of the year will have you tinkering and shouting at your heroes as you keep losing in combat. Combat is turn-based meaning you will have to wait for your heroes turn to move and attack.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434432/banner-saga-review-invision-game-community

News::Thief Xbox One interview - the City, horror, replay value and exploration

OXM: "After an hour in the City, I spoke to producer Joe Khoury about the importance of player choice, and how Thief's universe has buckled and shifted in the years since the equally controversial Thief: Deadly Shadows."



via N4G: pc news feed http://ift.tt/19s46J2

News::The Banner Saga review "Raising your Banner" - Hooked Gamers

Hooked Gamers writes: "The Banner Saga was made by three ex-Bioware developers and its soundtrack composed by Austin Wintory - the man behind the majestic Journey score. The game was nominated for the Excellence in Visual Art category at this years Independent Games Festival, as well as being honourably mentioned in two other categories. I havent even started the review, but if youre not convinced already Im not sure what I can do for you."



via N4G: pc news feed http://ift.tt/1iOl9pj

News::The Banner Saga Review: A Tale To Remember - Pixels For Breakfast

Pixels for Breakfast writes: The Banner Saga made me feel like I was simultaneously reading a captivating fantasy story, watching a beautiful animated movie and playing a brilliant video game where all of my decisions counted. Cleverly combining strong narrative, gorgeous landscapes and gripping combat, Stoic has delivered a truly unique experience in a beast of a game. I loved it, please give me more!



via N4G: pc news feed http://ift.tt/19s483H

News::Evolve Game Now Available For Pre-Order

Evolve the upcoming shooter from 2K and Turtle Rock Studios makers of the classic co-op shooter Left 4 Dead has just announced that their highly anticipated title Evolve is now available for Pre-Order at selected retailers. Evolve is a co-operative, competitive multiplayer shoot-em-up set in the future of an alien planet. The game is based on a 4 versus 1 concept, where four hunters must face off against a single Monster, who is also controlled by another separate player.



via N4G: pc news feed http://ift.tt/1iOl6tv

News::Review: Spellforce 2: Demons of the Past | OnlySP

OnlySP: Spellforce 2: Demons of the Past (DOTP) is the standalone expansion to the critically acclaimed Spellforce 2: Shadow Wars. The Spellforce series has always been known for being one of the only games to mix the RTS and RPG genres into a cohesive, enjoyable experience. Will DOTP uphold this reputation? Lets find out.



via N4G: pc news feed http://ift.tt/1iOgFit

News::ZTGD | Fondling The 7th Guest

Classic clicking. Dave travels back in time to solve puzzles in low resolution. Our Fondling video series lets editors play the games for your entertainment purposes. They come in many flavors, but all taste equally sweet.



via N4G: pc news feed http://ift.tt/1iOgFik

News::Battlefield 4: Use A Giant Whip As A Weapon To Blow the Aircraft

A youtube user ponylion, received a crazy challenge from another guy, what was it?. Well you can see it in the video below:



via N4G: pc news feed http://ift.tt/1iOgDY3

News::VGU - The Banner Saga Review

A perilous journey awaits you in this beautiful game from Stoic.



via N4G: pc news feed http://ift.tt/1kzXL3b

News::New ArcheAge Trailer Shows a Microcosm of Oxnard Library

To greet the upcoming ArcheAge 1.0 update, XL GAMES released a new trailer showcasing a microcosm of the Oxnard Library, the secret and fantasy world.



via N4G: pc news feed http://ift.tt/1iOgDHq

News::New Screenshots for the Upcoming Guild Wars 2 Origins of Madness

A handful of new screenshots for the upcoming Guild Wars 2 content, Origins of Madness have been released today.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434495/new-screenshots-for-the-upcoming-guild-wars-2-origins-of-madness

News::Battlefield 4: Tips to Raise Your Score Per Minute

Bill Lavoy (Prima Games): We love checking our kill to death ratio as much as the next person. However, at the heart of every true Battlefield 4 player is the pride they take in their score per minute. If you're new to the franchise, our advice might be fresh information. For veterans, think of it like a helpful reminder.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434466/battlefield-4-tips-to-raise-your-score-per-minute

News::Civilization: The franchise that stood the test of time

Like all good stories it starts with the unknown; some intrepid group of individuals exploring the boundaries of existence. Except the unknown here is not just a country, ruin or scientific theory - its the entirety of human history from the Stone Age to the Information Age, stone huts to metropolises, bronze-tipped arrows to Giant Death Robots. It is the tale of humanitys progression from barbarism to Civilization and the entire thing is written by you.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434456/civilization-the-franchise-that-stood-the-test-of-time

News::SimCity Offline Mode Is It Too Late?

EA officially confirmed that SimCity is now officially getting an offline single-player mode in the next update. hmm, Thats odd because I remember last year when they said this was close to impossible and that it wasnt part of the experience.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434404/simcity-offline-mode-is-it-too-late

News::The Banner Saga Review - "Stern, But Fair" [Noobfeed]

Daav from Noobfeed treks through the long and arduous journey in The Banner Saga. Its crisp animation, heartfelt atmosphere and clever combat elements are but part of a straightforward challenge that rarely is taken to such a genuine level.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434473/the-banner-saga-review-stern-but-fair-noobfeed

News::The Banner Saga Review A Turn Based Triumph I The Koalition

Richard Bailey Jr. of The Koalition writes: In 2012, the talented trio of Alex Thomas, Arnie Jorgensen, and John Watson decided to leave their comfortable jobs at Bioware and venture down the challenging road of creating an ambitious RPG of their own. This experiment resulted in the forming of their independent game studio Stoic and a Kickstarter campaign for a game they referred to as The Banner Saga.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434470/the-banner-saga-review-a-turn-based-triumph-i-the-koalition

News::Review: The Banner Saga | OnlySP

OnlySP: The Banner Saga is a beautiful and unusual meeting between the tactical turn-based combat of Final Fantasy Tactics and the high drama of Game of Thrones. It is a compelling story-driven game of conflict, character, drama and loss, set amidst a visually stunning Viking-inspired fantasy realm. As I learned, it also makes you face up to your choices, and then live with them.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434469/review-the-banner-saga-onlysp

News::Project Spark Beta Preview (Invision Game Community)

Considered as the most interesting Xbox One exclusive announced thus far, Project Spark is a ridiculously ambitious title that attempts to push imagination and content creation to its limits, allowing for the user creation of levels and self-contained games in one easy to use package. Launching on both Windows 8 PCs and Xbox One later this year, we had the opportunity to take part in the very first open beta and see what exactly this curious title had to offer.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434393/project-spark-beta-preview-invision-game-community

News::BLESS Instance Zones Preview

To meet different needs, instances in BLESS are divided into solo dungeons and raids. There are powerful monsters and challenges in these instances, of cause, the loots and rewards are satisfing.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1433704/bless-instance-zones-preview

News::Today, the official website of actor Kane Kosugi issued a correction and apology, stating the actor

News::The Banner Saga Isn't Just A Pretty Face

News::No Man's Sky To Have Responsive, 60 FPS "Console Gameplay"

Sean Murray reiterates that a key element of No Man's Sky will have to be responsiveness, which he defined as "60 FPS console gameplay".



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434434/no-mans-sky-to-have-responsive-60-fps-console-gameplay

News::Splinter Cell is "still evolving", says Ubisoft - next game could be completely different

"Speaking to OXM in our new issue, out on Friday 17th January, animation director Kristjan Zadziuk discussed the IP's future, conceding that Ubisoft Toronto has yet to perfect the Splinter Cell formula."



via N4G: pc news feed http://ift.tt/1lZLZNL

News::ZTGD | Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (PC) Review

Drew Leachman writes: When Metal Gear Rising first released on consoles, I decided to skip it. One of the big reasons was the fact that I really havent enjoyed many titles from PlatinumGames before. I know, that makes me a bad gamer, but I cant help it. After spending some time with Raiden and company on the PC though, I can see I have missed out on a very fun, albeit insane experience.



via N4G: pc news feed http://ift.tt/1lZLZxj

News::Three More Years Of LOTRO

Yesterday, Turbine announced that theyve renewed their licence for Lord of The Rings Online, so people enjoying their time in Middle-Earth can continue doing so until at least 2017.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1434425/three-more-years-of-lotro