Gamescom 2014, Day 1: News, Impressions And Other Junk

Written By: Tyler

During Gamescom I'm going to try to put up an article near the end of each day where I talk about some of the miscellaneous news that I read/watch or the video game demos that I watch. Tomorrow will have more of a focus on what I think of gameplay because IGN will start streaming and I'm going to try to watch what I can. Also, some of this news may have not actually been released at Gamescom, but it's still stuff of interest during the day.



Meta Knight Is In Smash Bros.
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds-meta-knight-confirmed-s/1100-6421699/

I liked Meta Knight in the last one so this is good news.



Rise of the Tomb Raider Is  Not Actually An Xbox Exclusive... Forever
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-admits-xboxs-rise-of-the-tomb-raider-exc/1100-6421700/

Phil Spencer said, "Yes, the deal has a duration. I didn't buy it. I don't own the franchise." So there you have it, it's only a timed exclusive so everybody can stop being so pissed off.



The Crew Is Also Coming To Xbox 360
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ambitious-racing-game-the-crew-announced-for-xbox-/1100-6421687/

The Crew is being ported to last-gen consoles while being on PC, PS4 and Xbox One. Well... not PS3. And it's still not showing up on Wii U because nothing does.



Overkill Is Making A Walking Dead Co-Op FPS
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/walking-dead-co-op-fps-from-payday-2-developer-ann/1100-6421706/

The makers of Payday 2, Overkill Software, are making a co-op shooter based on the hit TV show/comic series The Walking Dead. There are really no other details at this point.



Play The New Unreal Tournament In Early Alpha Stage Now
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/08/13/you-can-play-unreal-tournament-2014-right-now

That's right, you can now play the new Unreal Tournament in a really early version by downloading it from https://ut.rushbase.net/raxxy/Builds, assuming you can get into a server. I haven't tried it as of writing this but people are having problems connecting due to the sheer volume of gamers trying to get in. Because y'know, it's Unreal Tournament.



Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain Is Coming To PC/Steam
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/metal-gear-solid-5-pc-versions-revealed-at-gamesco/1100-6421707/

Before I continue, I must say that I really really wanted to see the 60 minute preview of the game... but I was unable to watch it live and as of writing this I can't find a replay. So with that said; Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain is coming to PC via Steam, so all you kids in the master race can pick it up.

Fun fact, instead of a replay going up here where it says the livestream was, I got to see some dudes playing Suikoden. Not quite what I wanted but Suikoden is the bomb.

August 12, Gamescom 2014: The Sony Press Conference: There's A Game Called Destiny Coming, Plus Some Awesome Boxes From MGS5! Oh Yeah... Some Indie Games Too

Written By: Tyler

Even though the Microsoft Press Conference was earlier today, I was at work so I didn't get a chance to watch it. After I post this article I will do so and do an article for it, so don't think that I'm only picking and choosing. I am trying to give the most comprehensive coverage of Gamescom that one man can do from his bedroom.

Keep in mind that a lot of this article is just me taking the notes I made and cleaning them up a little bit. That's why you're not exactly getting Cormac McCarthy in any of these Gamescom articles, because I am just watching the videos, taking quick notes and then tidying them up before posting. That, and I don't have half the talent that Cormac does.

Let's get to this.



When the Sony press conference officially begins, after showing us some clips from games like Little Big Planet 3, The Order: 1886 and Bloodborne, we get some eerie music and some different colours flash up on the screen. This, of course, is simply to introduce Playstation by showing us the classic square, x, triangle and circle. After those pop up on the screen, "This is for the players" flashes and then we're off to the races. We are shown clips from various games, interspersed with images of players enjoying the games on top of the clips... which is beyond cheesy.

Jim Ryan rolls up on screen, saying that the PS4 sales have exceeded 10 million units globally. You're welcome, Sony.

Then it cuts to showing us games that are "just a little bit different."

Q-Games has a new game that isn't Pixel Junk, and it's called The Tomorrow Children. The video shows some people digging then a girl shooting some robot things, while some definite nationalist music plays. "We will be comrades" flashes on the screen. There appears to be a jetpack as well. The video ends with a creepy dude and looking at us.

Then a more realistic looking game, visually, joins the fight. It is called The Vanishing Of Ethan Carter and in a nutshell there's a dead guy in a tomb and it looks like his spirit leaves his body and we watch a bunch of ghosts do stuff.

When we come back, the guy who made Thomas Was Alone is on the stage. He talked about how Thomas Was Alone changed his life. He announced Volume, which is a stealth game based on creativity. It is coming to PS4 and Vita first next year. It starts with sad music and I'm already into it because I loved Thomas Was Alone... then there's a narrator. It has an interesting visual style and seems to be going for something a little different in the genre.

Next we have a game where you play as a mercenary, and it's up to 4 player co-op. Lots of bullets fly, and it's called Hollowpoint. It's probably pretty okay, and inoffensive. Nothing awe-inspiring. It will come first to Playstation.

Runemaster will be talked about in the future.

My internet messed up and when I came back I was being told that PS4 owners could get into DayZ. In my estimate it'll probably never get out of Alpha on PC anyway, so don't bother looking forward to this one PS4 owners.

Next I'm told that the abyss stares into me if I stare into it, and that creeps me out because it's too metaphorical for me. We see a girl kneeling down holding a sword and there's some really atmospheric music. From the makers of Enslaved, DMC and Heavenly Sword comes Hellblade. The trailer was entertaining and mysterious but since there's no gameplay, who really knows? These types of reveals do very little for me.

Next we see a guy sitting with his feet int he water, then he sets out on his quest. We see him running, jumping, climbing, and seemingly going through a lot. It looks like it's a pretty interesting world.  The game looks beautiful and is called Rime. Think along the lines of "Journey" in ways, and less cryptic, and you have an idea of what's going on. It will also be a Playstation exclusive. Go Playstation!

Then we get a monstage of a bunch of indie games that will be showing up on Playstation.

 It was only a matter of time before we got to Destiny and here it is...  in 4 weeks nobody will be doing anything else. The economy will collapse, and the terrorists will win, because Destiny will be released then. Thanks for the reminder! It's the most pre-ordered new IP in history.

We got more details on the multiplayer, and the world premiere of the multiplayer trailer. We saw the different modes, and I think I missed one of them, but we get Skirmish, Rumble, Salvage, Clash, Combined Arms, and Control. There are timed exclusive maps for Playstation owners, with two expansions coming. The first expansion, The Dark Below, will be in December. Nothing makes the internet happier than announcing content that you have to buy before the game is even out.

Far Cry 4 shows up next and it basically just shows off a variety of environments and they talk about how you can invite your friend to join you in the open-world. Exclusive to Playstation, you can send up to ten free trials and your friends (if you have ten... I don't) can play the game with you for two hours.

There's a Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor trailer but meh, whatever. I'm already sold and this didn't show any gameplay.

Hideo Kojima pimps onto the stage, and shows off the different functions of the classic box. You can stand up with the box on you and there will be a variety of pictures to distract enemies or fool them, such as a saluting soldier or a hot chick. You can get different pictures like a hot chick (of course) laying in some roses. Use these realistic tactics to escape enemies. It ended with Big Boss putting a PS4 box on his head, and I laughed.

Then we get the "worlds first interactive teaser" called P.T. It's a little eerie and shows actual reactions from players playing it. I don't know if I believe these things, but whatever. It's available now on Playstation so I may have to check it out.

Then we get into the more technical aspects like System Software 2.0. It will have a better friend finder, you can see recommendations of players, upload shared videos to Youtube. You can share play where any PS Plus member can invite any friend, anywhere, to play your games with you. Or you can invite another PS Plus member to play with you and your friend doesn't need to own or download the game. 

There is then brief conversation about a bunch of things like Project Morpheus but nothing comes from it. Same with Playstation Now except for the fact that it is coming to Europe in 2015. The Playstation TV can pair your PS4 with a second TV and will be released in PAL territory for 99 Euros, and you get three digital games.

Until Dawn is rebuilt and is no longer a PS3 game. It's now on PS4 and and it's "a horror game unlike any other."  It's eight friends trying to survive a night from hell. You're stranded on a mountain like most horror movies. You decide who will survive. I don't really know if this will be any good or not. It will be arriving next year.

Next we have Driveclub. You can collaborate with your club and get the benefits together. You can use an app to keep up to speed with your club. You can live stream with the app to watch your friends. You can do anything besides actually race on it and conquer the world. We got to see a new element which is dynamic weather.

Driveclub is seeing a release on October 8th of this year, until it gets delayed.

Tearaway is now Tearaway Unfolded... reworked for ps4. The light bar will shine into the world. The touch pad will allow you to push down onto the surface of the world and when you release it, it will bounce back up. Swiping the touch pad will cause wind. There's also something to do with using the directional pad and shaking the controller to put things into the world. This will also come out next year.

The makers of Dead Nation and Resogun have another shooter where you have to survive at all costs. It is called Alienation and while it doesn't seem to promise anything new, Dead Nation was good and Resogun was awesome so count me in. By the way, it is also exclusive.

Then we have another exclusive game: Wild. It has a unique weather system, and you can play as humans or any living creature in the game. It doesn't show much besides the various creatures running around and doing shit, but I actually kinda dug it and am curious to see where this goes.



That's it. I'm sure there are disappointed people because they didn't show a ton of AAA titles, but they did show a good selection of smaller games. If you don't look forward to any indie games at this point, you're missing out on a lot.

The Top 10 Games of 2014 (So Far)

Written By: Tyler

We're a little past the middle of the year, and I love "Top 10" lists, so I think now is a good time to give a quick rundown of my favourite games of 2014 so far. Let's get right to it.

10: Earth Defense Force 2025 - I'm a little disappointed with Earth Defense Force 2025 because in a few ways they've improved the experience, but then they've dampened it in a few ways as well. They've improved classes like the Diver (jet pack), and they have some neat other classes, but I feel like one of them is broken and the other wouldn't be any fun unless you're with someone. Still, it's the same Earth Defense Force that I know and love, so it has to be on there because it's just mindless fun.


9: Jazzpunk - Jazzpunk is a parody/homage/satire of the spy genre, and it's one of the funniest games I've played in the past ten years... and it's one of the funniest of the year. It's a joy to see how silly everything is in this game.


8: Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze - Even though I've always enjoyed Donkey Kong Country, it's not a series that I get excited for when a new game is announced, especially when I feel like the developer should have made a new IP or just done another Metroid. But despite all that, Donkey Kong Country follows a familiar formula but it's an awesome platformer.


7: South Park: The Stick of Truth - It'd be easy for South Park to just rip on the role-playing genre, and it certainly does that, but it embraces the genre at the same time. It's a solid, though pretty linear (as if a linear game is bad), and has solid game mechanics. If you don't like South Park you won't like it as much, but I love the show, and I feel like that should go without saying. Obviously the humour of South Park is the main draw, but even if you took it away there'd be a pretty decent RPG here.


6: The Floor is Jelly - The Floor is Jelly uses a bunch of different tricks to keep the platforming fresh, and it has a beautiful soundtrack by Disasterpeace, who should be indie video game music royalty by now. The ending also caught me off-guard in the best way possible.


5: Charge! - At the beginning of the year I was disappointed by a Jake Clover game, but then I played this later on and it reminded me why I love the game. It isn't much, but it's a lot of fun. It's essentially just a repetitive run-and-gun shooter but it's surreal and uses an excellent song by Jack King-Spooner really well.


4: Mario Kart 8 - I have a few beefs with the way they handle online and the Battle Mode is ass, but it has a good amount of re-worked old tracks and brand new ones. The driving is Mario Kart at its best, especially when you consider how nuts some of the tracks are.


3: Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes - If this was The Phantom Pain, I have no doubt that this would be number one -- I can already call my game of 2015. Since this is so short and is more of a teaser than anything, I dropped it down a point and only gave it a 9. The gameplay is awesome and dynamic, and I can tell from the limited experience that The Phantom Pain will be awesome... but it's hard to shake the feeling that this is an overpriced demo.


2: Sluggish Morss: Ad Infinitum - Jack King-Spooner released the third game in the Sluggish Morss trilogy -- a series full of surreal and odd social commentary -- and it's a doozy. It's easily the best entry in the trilogy, and while I still feel like it would do him well to add some real gameplay (not just walking around), it's one of the best games of the year due to the style, visuals and the story.


1: Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls - I'm considering an expansion a game, especially since this, and the update before it was released, re-works the Diablo 3 experience drastically. Diablo 3 was a good, even great, game with a bunch of flaws, but Reaper of Souls fixes pretty much all of them but one. The only flaw I think the game still has is the level system, but they'd have to do a complete overhaul to fix that anyway. The new act that they added was incredible, the music actually sticks out and is one of the best soundtracks of the year, and the new Adventure Mode adds a lot of replay value. Reaper of Souls made me go back to a game that I already put over a hundred hours into.

E3 Day 3: This Is The End, My Friend

Written By: Tyler

It's the third, and final day of E3, so like the previous days, I will be giving my impressions and reporting news -- that I ripped from other sites of course -- about the games that I see today. I try my best not to repeat games, but at this point, after so many hours, it's hard to remember what exactly I've already seen. If I see new footage of games though, I will be sure to let you all know, because I know you all flock to an obscure blog for your E3 information.


Final Fantasy Explorers Is Coming Out For 3DS
http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/12/final-fantasy-explorers-announced-for-3ds

Final Fantasy Explorers is a multiplayer Final Fantasy where players search for Crystals while murdering Summons. You can choose from a variety of job classes. It sounds a little bit like Crystal Chronicles, and that's not bad because I played the first one and enjoyed it, despite the fact I never got to play it multiplayer because I didn't have a Game Boy (Advance, I think?) and it required that.



Fantasy Life -- Fantasy Life is the new Action-RPG/Life Simulator for the 3DS and it looks charming. There seems to be a bunch of choice in this game, as there are a bunch of different classes you can choose such as Paladin or Woodcutter, along with the numerous quests. You get a house eventually, and customization seems like a big deal... it seems like you can customize a lot of things, such as what you wear, to your house, to upgrading your bag so you can carry more stuff. For those who are really into co-op, they're saying that you can fully explore the world with a friend, which is a huge bonus for me. I already had this pre-ordered before I actually saw it, but after seeing some video and hearing more about it, I am definitely excited for this.


Road Not Taken --  A puzzle-Roguelike, where you play as a Ranger who has to rescue kids in the forest. Oh good, there's finally a game about my life. The Ranger can only pick up things and throw said things, and the limitation is... interesting. As you carry things, you lose energy so throwing them instantly is the most efficient way of doing things. Enemies react in different ways, such as a wolf who won't harm you unless you corner it, and enemies move when you do. Even though everything is procedural, they do have custom rooms that are littered throughout the thing that are more complex puzzles to solve. I'm not in love with Roguelikes, though there are certainly some I love, but Road Not Taken looks like a pretty refreshing take on it.


Codename S.T.E.A.M. -- It's a combination of American comic books, Steampunk, shooter and turn-based RPG. Instead of a top-down view, it is a third-person view so exploration on the battlefield is important since you can't just see everything. You have multiple characters with you, and the game operates on steam. With each action your steam reduces until your turn ends, or if you manage your steam and don't use it all, you can attack an enemy during their turn if they come into view. It looks extremely promising.


Not A Hero -- Not A Hero is a side-scrolling cover-based shooter with a ridiculous story that they literally only put in there because they felt they needed so so they made it silly. You basically just pick one of a few different characters and move from room to room, shooting things, but each level has a primary challenge and three optional challenges. Some levels involve you being in a building and it gets assaulted and you have to escape, to go along with the levels where you're doing the assaulting. You have a slide mechanic that when used allows you to take cover. I think Not A Hero could be fun, and if there's a lull in games when it comes out in January or February of next year I will give it a whirl, but it's not a must-play.


 Hyrule Warriors -- There's something really cool about being on a battlefield with massive hordes of enemies and beating them down as the Zelda theme plays. The gameplay will probably get criticized if it's like Dynasty Warriors -- it certainly looks like it -- because button-mashing gets frowned upon these days, but I dig it once in a while. They put elements of Zelda in there like treasure chests, and the co-op is local: one person uses the screen on the Gamepad and one person uses the TV screen. As the game progresses you can open up new combos and whatnot, and there are huge boss battles, where the bosses just appear and "go crazy," and you will have to find their weak points. Basically, the game looks pretty awesome for fans of Dynasty Warriors. Fans of Zelda will also flock to it I'm sure, but since the core gameplay is Dynasty Warriors I reckon it's more for them.


EA UFC -- Okay, I already have this pre-ordered and I was going to get it regardless because I love MMA and every so often I just like to binge game combat sports games. I've played the demo, and I have to say this: I'm a little worried about this game and I'm really hoping for a good career mode. The moves are way too flashy for everybody that they've shown, which comes off as more of a "what non-MMA fans think it is" opposed to what it really is. The game looks gorgeous, and there are elements of it that are beautiful, but the AI in all the videos is terrible, and I'm not sure if I'm sold on the ground yet. I guess I really just have to get it, put hours upon hours into it, and then do a review. I do enjoy the free roster update idea, though. I'm extremely cautious with this one.


#IDARB -- #IDARB is an interactive sports game. Basically, two teams try to shoot on the opposing goal in a side-scrolling environment. Sounds simple? Yeah, in theory, but this game allows players to manipulate the playing area by hashtagging certain things. They can Rick Roll you, turn out the lights, get rid of all the white platforms and a bunch of other things. The only thing that I saw that pisses me off is the monster because a monster flashes up on screen and that's all you see for a split second, and that's more annoying than amusing. From what I am understanding, the players that you play as are actually created by people like you and they make it in the game. #IDARB makes me forget about my dislike of hashtags, and I'm really excited for this.


Project Spark -- I enjoy that we're at the point now in gaming where developers can give us these game creation tools and they actually look pretty sweet. I remember playing RPG Maker on Playstation 1 and while it amazed me at the time, it was a really bad version of a game that was fairly deep on PC. Project Spark looks great: so great in fact, that I was going to go get the beta for PC but then realized that it's only for Windows 8. 


Hitman: Sniper -- The free mobile Hitman game comes out in Fall of this year. I'm conflicted about it,  because this really isn't what I want from a Hitman game, but at the same time, it's free and there does appear to be different ways to kill someone... within the context of you being a sniper. I might get it since it's free and I can pick it up and play at work or something, but I don't really care about this at all.


Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham -- When the video started, all I could think is Resogun. They seem to be doing interesting things with the next incarnation of the hit series. I haven't played a Lego game in quite some time, so it's nice seeing where it was and where it is now.


The Crew -- What makes The Crew interesting to me is the focus on teamwork. As the developer said countless times during the presentation I saw, it's less about individual performance and more about working together. You don't often see that in a racing game, and it's a welcome diversion from the usual same ol' same ol'. Another example of this is, if you are playing alone, the game will send out invites to everybody who is playing the area you're in, and they can choose to accept. After the race, the game will ask if you want to make friends with the people. The game looks pretty and the driving mechanics are fine as well so it's another racing game to look forward to. Look for it November 11 of this year.


Habitat -- Want to know what everything is going to be like in 11000? Forget 2050 or something in the near future like most games, we're moving ahead milleniums and Robbie Williams ain't coming. In the future, we will be floating through space, using "space junk" to build space habitats. You choose want to want to add to your habitat, and then it's there. But watch out because there are exterior threats like enemy habitats and the nanomachines that pop up (I guess Solid Snake failed). You have to be smart about what you build though, because survival isn't easy in the vast universe. It's a fun premise, and it looks like it has a sense of humour as well, so I look forward to it. The guy representing the game also was one of the more lively developers that showcased their game, so he probably pumped me up more than I would originally have been. Seriously, I enjoyed listening to him talk.

P.S. There's a space dog who is, and I quote, "a real dog, he's just out for a walk right now."


Aztez - This is a game I was curious about and I saw a little bit of the combat in action and the beat 'em up aspects look like they function well. You can jump through the air and do some crazy moves, and it all seems fluid, even now. The art style is black and white but the blood is red, which works quite well. There's a strategy aspect to the game but I don't entirely understand it right now but it's a game to keep your eye on.


Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime -- It's a co-op game where you have to run to different stations and defend your ship. I'm always all for co-op, and it appears that it's truly co-op in the sense that you're always going to be something. It looks like you don't die individually, but you die as a team. I love that mechanic. Like Aztez, this is an indie game for ID@Xbox that is definitely worth paying attention to.


Elegy For A Dead World -- You are a writer, and you explore a bunch of worlds inspired by British romantic poets and you... write about it?  At first you just fill in the blanks, but you can actually just delete everything and write whatever the hell you want. There is also a mode apparently where there are no prompts to write and you just scribble notes down wherever you want. Your notes are visible to other players. It's a pretty game with a neat synopsis and gameplay concept, but even as a (wannabe) writer myself, I'm not sure if I want to play it, which is really strange because the game is literally blending together the two things I'm most into -- games and writing. I think it's a novel exercise and I can see how it'd encourage creativity though, so I'm going to keep an eye on it and see how this unfolds.


Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain -- First of all, I love listening to Japanese people talk Japanese when discussing Metal Gear because it's funny hearing "Snake-uh" in the middle of it. Aside from that, I wasn't really told much else today and I didn't see anymore gameplay. This is my most anticipated game because I'm a huge Metal Gear fan, so I felt it necessary to at least mention it on the final day of E3. It looks awesome and it will be awesome.



E3 is over now. The wrap-up shows have commenced, the Nintendo Tree House is over, and I am going to click the pretty publish button and be on my way... to write one more post about E3. Yes, that's right. Check back in a while if you're reading this as soon as it was published, because I'm going to do an awards post for E3.

E3 Day 0 (Part 3) -- The Sony Press Conference

Written By: Tyler

Here we are... the last press conference of the day/night. I don't have to remind you, but remember when Sony came out and Ether'd Microsoft? Can they do it again? What does Sony have to say for themselves? Read below.

We see the blue, we hear the calming, pretty music... and then there is black. When images and light return the stage, we see Mars. It looks exactly like Mars and I would know because I've been there. But what does this all mean? It's your destiny to know. It's um, Destiny, and spoiler alert, it still looks really cool, even if the opening video didn't really give us much in the way of gameplay footage.

Andrew House takes the stage and uh, rocks the house (okay I'll stop) by talking about understanding what it takes to be the best in the world. Then, he announces that Playstation gamers will get their grubby little hands on the Destiny beta first on July 17th. Also, starting on Thursday Playstation owners can play the first-look alpha of the game. If you act now you can actually help develop the game. One of these things is a lie made by me, I'll let you guess which.

There's also a white PS4 coming, with an exclusive Destiny bundle.

Next comes a new exclusive IP: The Order: 1886. It is a dark, third-person shooter and in the footage there's a lot of walking through the dark with only your flashlight. But wait, there's more, because you are not alone. I can't imagine. At least now we've seen some gameplay.

Jumping from dark, scary and depressing to light and beautiful, we have two bird-things flying through the air. It's Entwined, and it's apparently about two souls that are in love and can't be together. You have to guide two things at once using the dual sticks, and when you bring them together they'll transform into a dragon. Could be neat, but I wish my soul could merge with something and become a dragon. It is available right now for $9.99 so I think I may have to check it out tomorrow.

Infamous: Second Son is getting standalone DLC. You get exclusive content if you own Second Son but you don't need it. It's called Infamous: First Light.

Then Little Big Planet 3 hits the stage. I'm not real familiar with the previous two, despite buying the first (and not playing it yet) but it appears there are new characters. It looks charming like the first two did and this co-op play looks entertaining. I know they're slightly different but I feel like Little Big Planet 3 will be a better game than Project Spark.

Next on the agenda is the new game from From Software, Bloodborne. They appear to be trying something new by making a dark, gruesome game. You can get it in 2015.

Then Far Cry 4 flashes on the screen. We saw the first five minutes of the game earlier during the Ubisoft press conference, but now we see some gameplay. The video involves the player walking around, where he then picks up some equipment and starts grappling. Then he walks through the trees a little and after that the fun starts. In an unexpected twist, it looks like it's going to play like other Far Cry games, but that isn't even a criticism. Trust me, this looks like it's a lot of fun.

But they're not done, because this one seems to have co-op or at least some form of multiplayer. You can invite your friends to play with you even if they don't own the game... but only on Playstation. What?

What don't we see much of? Zombies. So we better make a game about zombies. We get to see go jogging while people get molested by zombies, things crash and an upbeat song plays. But then he transforms into a zombie himself. The video is silly fun. It's Dead Island 2.

Battlefield Hardline makes another appearance. I'm already sold, I didn't need this, but it's more of a mixture video of gameplay and cinematic. I'm more impressed with what EA showed us in their press conference.

There's an exclusive Disney Infinity collectors edition for PS3 and 4.

They talk about Destiny some more, talking about how Playstation owners will get stuff for owning it on a Sony system. Hulk also smashed during that, which made me chuckle.

They have a new partnership with Paradox Interactive. The first game they're working on is the new Magicka game, appropriately titled Magicka 2.

Grim Fandango is getting a remastering. I suck at Adventure games but I dig this one. It will be exclusive to PS4 and Vita.

After the biggest cheer of the night, we get a montage of a bunch of games who make their debut on Playstation platforms. I won't list them all because I've already forgotten the titles as I write this, but a lot of them look really cool. Some of them are Not A Hero, Hotline Miami 2, and The talos Principle. Wait I can do this... Titan Souls and Broforce as well. I may have missed some.

Oh god yes, here we go. The new Suda51 one game, that's only coming to PS4... I'm a huge Suda51 fan and up until now we only got a brief teaser that told us nothing about his new game. Only this is called Let It Die and it's not the game I thought he was making. What a confusing guy.

Then there's an awkward transition to Journey. Then we get to see the Giant Squid game, Abzu, and I'm not really sure what the point is. I don't think that's a criticism because it's intriguing and beautiful. It's another exclusive console debut for Sony.

No Man's Sky then shows up and it's even more gorgeous than I remember it being the first time I saw it. It's got the visuals and the scope is incredible, especially when you consider it's an indie game. It's a procedural universe, and every player will start on a different planet where the universe is supposedly infinite. Whether it'll be fun to explore these worlds or not remains to be seen, but I'm optimistic and anticipate this game.

After being inspired by No Man's Sky, Andrew House comes back to talk about the Playstation Camera and starts discussing Project Morpheus.

House introduces Shawn Layden, the new President and CEO of SCE. He starts talking about the PSN and statistics. Youtube will be coming to PS4 later this year. In the summer, their broadcasting will be enhanced. He also thinks that free-to-play is important, and there are a bunch of games coming in the next year, then we're treated to a montage of some of these games. Some look cool, some look crappy, but all will annoy a large portion of gamers who hate F2P.

Playstation Now is going to be available in beta on July 31st on PS4. Shortly after it will be on Vita
and PS3. I'm excited for this.

Layden then went on to talk about PS Vita. There are over a hundred games in development for the platform.

Playstation TV is a thing too. You can pair it with your PS4, and play your games via remote play on another TV. When it's released it will cost $99 but there's a bundle for $139 that includes a Dual Shock 3, a game, and an HDMI cable.

After that, we get the world premiere of gameplay footage of Mortal Kombat X, and guess what? That teaser trailer we saw a while back was not gameplay footage, to those who debated how much of it was. When did Mortal Kombat get gory?

After Mortal Kombat, Andrew House comes back and starts talking about movies and television on Playstation. Their first original program is a show called Powers, which is about superheroes.

If you didn't know, there's an animated Ratchet & Clank movie in the works. We got to see a little bit of it. 

Finally we get back to games... with the remastered version of The Last of Us. If you haven't played The Last of Us and you only own a PS4, you definitely have to check this out when it releases on July 29th because it definitely lives up to the hype. The footage presented also has a cover of a Nirvana song so that's a plus in my eyes.

I love Metal Gear, and Sony knows this, so they chose to show us a new trailer of Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain. Not that I need a new trailer, but of course it looks awesome. The trailers for this game have been incredible.

Next comes Grand Theft Auto 5 for PS4. I'm really happy about this because the online aspect of the game seems really interesting and my PS3 broke a while back so I haven't gotten a chance to play it.

After stroking the audience with next-gen GTA5, we get to see the next Batman game, Arkham Knight. This was a must-buy before I knew anything about it. The video that they showed made me happy because now there is no doubt in my mind at all that the game is going to be awesome.

The press conference ends with Uncharted 4. If I'm being honest, I'm not real excited because I'm not a fan of the series, but it's nice to see that the game hasn't imploded with all the people leaving over the past year. It's just a short cinematic, but it says that it's coming out in 2015. There is a big applause at the beginning of the video and at the end.


Closing Statement: Sony suffered from some technical issues on occasion during their presser, but for the most part it was good. It's interesting that they were more like Microsoft last year than Sony of last year... focusing a bunch on their non-game features. Some of this is really interesting, but I felt like it went on a little too long and started clamoring for more game talk. After the talk about all their hardware and services, they came back in a huge way though, which I think kept Microsoft from edging out a victory here. The games that Sony showed are, for the most part, just more interesting.

Weekly News Round-Up, April 6 - 12: PAX East Is Here, And So Was A Super Smash Bros. Nintendo Direct

Written By: Tyler

The Weekly News Round-Up is a weekly (duh?) thing I do where I swipe news from other, better websites and I regurgitate them with about 10% humour and 90% trying too hard to be funny. Regardless, I do cover a lot of the video game news of the past week so why not come back here every Saturday to see what I have to say?

This week is quite a long post because from April 11 - 13 we are going to be knee deep in PAX East. At the bottom of this article is an area designated for all PAX East news that is of interest to me. Unfortunately I'm not actually there to play or see anything so what I post is only what has been posted on other sites.


TAPOUT In EA Sports UFC June 17
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-sports-ufc-coming-june-17/1100-6418803/

You like sweaty men rolling all over each other but feel like pro-wrestling isn't your thing? Welcome to MMA. If you're like me and can't actually fight in real life but take an interest in the sport, you may want to pick up EA Sports UFC on June 17.

If you pre-order it, you get the "father of mixed martial arts," who is apparently Bruce Lee and not someone from the Pankration days. Turns out you can also get it once you complete the career mode.

But don't go away yet, because I have more EA Sports UFC news! Here's the cover:

We can gather a few things from this cover. Jon Jones gives birth to logos and, well, okay... so maybe it wasn't a few things. In related news, here is the cover that they were going to use until they picked this masterpiece:

Guess What? There's Also Going To Be A Demo For EA Sports UFC
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/yes-there-will-be-a-ea-sports-ufc-demo/1100-6418838/

You'll be able to try out the game before you buy it! Thanks EA! I'll probably never say that again.


Here Are The Specs For Middle-Earth: Shadow of Awesome
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/can-your-pc-run-this-fall-s-lord-of-the-rings-game/1100-6418828/

Minimum:

• OS: 64-bit: Vista, Win 7, Win 8
• Processor: Intel Core i5-750, 2.67 GHz | AMD Phenom II X4 965, 3.4 GHz
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 | AMD Radeon HD 6950
• DirectX: Version 11
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
• Hard Drive: 25 GB available space

Recommended:

• OS: 64-bit: Win 7, Win 8
• Processor: Intel Core i7-3770, 3.4 GHz | AMD FX-8350, 4.0 GHz
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 | AMD Radeon HD 7970
• DirectX: Version 11
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
• Hard Drive: 40 GB available space

Can your computer run it? Do you need me to buy you a new one? Let me know in the comments below.


The Future In Controllers?
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/stanford-researchers-create-controller-that-they-say-can-read-your-mind/1100-6418825/

Engineers at Stanford University have made a prototype controller -- a modified Xbox 360 controller -- that reads brain activities. What this means is obviously mind control, but also the potential, eventually, to have a controller that modifies difficulty based on how you're feeling.

The only problem is, nobody who plays games actually thinks. Ba-zing!


Goat Simulator Is About To Get More... Goat Simulatorer
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/world-s-dumbest-game-goat-simulator-gets-a-shrek-mod-splitscreen-mode-and-new-map-on-the-way/1100-6418824/

There's a Shrek mod out there for Goat Simulator, and in May, patch 1.1 is going to be released. The patch includes a new map, more goats and achievements and splitscreen gameplay. This game is going to be the game that keeps on giving.


By The Time You Read This, There Will Be A Lot Of Crappy Xbox One Youtube Videos
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/you-can-upload-xbox-one-gameplay-directly-to-youtube-starting-tomorrow/1100-6418823/

If you want to upload your awesome, or not so awesome, video game footage to Youtube and you own an Xbox One, that is now possible. They have a dedicated Youtube app that will easily put gameplay videos up on that independent, obscure video website.

Thanks Microsoft, now we can see footage of all those games that don't exist on Xbox One.

(I'm just sad that the PS4 doesn't have this yet)


Peter Molyneux Once Again Is Talking
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-s-kinect-is-unnecessary-and-a-joke-molyneux-says/1100-6418839/

Here's something a lot of us can get behind.

"I actually wish Kinect wasn't a requirement. It feels like an unnecessary add-on to me. Maybe it's because we're in England, and it doesn't really use the TV stuff, but it feels more and more like a joke."

First of all:

But also, Peter, jokes are meant to be funny. That's why I don't call the Weekly News Round-Up a joke because no laughs are had.



Not Borderlands 3... Just A Borderlands "Pre-Sequel"
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/rumor-borderlands-pre-sequel-coming-to-xbox-360-ps3-pc/1100-6418809/

When I eat snacks right before I eat supper, I call it "pre-chow." This new Borderlands game that has been announced for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC is something like that. It isn't Borderlands 3, it just comes after Borderlands 2. Check this quote out but keep in mind that regardless of how much specific information is here, it's just a rumor:

"As for the game's rumored story, GamesPointsNow.com says the title will revolve around a younger Handsome Jack and let you play as one of his four lieutenants: Athena The Gladiator, Wilhelm The Enforcer, Nisha The Lawbringer, and Fragtrap--said to be a "militarized Claptrap."

The game is reportedly set on the moon of Elpis and Hyperion's iconic H-shaped base from Borderlands 2. The title is said to offer a "bazillion weapons" to choose from, including a Cryo class of guns which will allow you to freeze and blast your enemies.

The rumored Borderlands title also will feature jetpacks, according to the report, and oxygen is said to play a "huge role" in the game. The oxygen resources will reportedly be lootable and you'll need to manage your O2 levels to survive, the report claims."

UPDATE: OH BUT HERE WE GO BOYS AND GIRLS, BECAUSE I GOT MORE INFO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjGgtbTgCXI

That video is an IGN preview, and it will go into more detail about what we know, but I have some of the basics. It has four new character classes (thank God), one of which being Claptrap and low gravity which will allow more aerial combat. It will have more content than Borderlands 1 but less than 2, but this is great. I can't wait to play this in Fall of this year.


Phil Spencer Talks, And If He Keeps Talking I'm Going To Have To Give Him His Own Corner Soon
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gaming-can-revitalize-microsoft-like-music-did-for-apple-new-xbox-boss-says/1100-6418818/

Phil Spencer thinks that gaming can revitalize Microsoft like music did for Apple.


Phil Spencer Was Hurt By the Xbox One DRM Online Controversy
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-drm-online-controversy-hurt-me-personally-says-phil-spencer/1100-6418817/

Ol' Phil was hurt by the controversy because he thinks they build Xboxes for all the right reasons, and he felt that they didn't communicate certain things well enough. Nope, no doublespeak here... just trying to screw consumers originally.

#PhilSpencerHasVerbalDiarrhea


The First ID@Xbox Game Has Arrived
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-ushers-in-a-new-era-as-first-id-xbox-game-arrives/1100-6418842/

Strike Suit Zero: Directors Cut is here! It came out this week and is the first ever game to be released under the ID@Xbox program. So, congrats!



Nintendo Possibly Working On A New IP?
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-working-on-an-alien-themed-game/1100-6418815/

Read that headline? Yes? I'll give you a second to digest it because not only did the Undertaker lose at Wrestlemania this week... but Nintendo could possibly have a new IP in the works. They trademarked "Code name: S.T.E.A.M. Strike Team Eliminating The Alien Menace."

But don't get too excited because we know how Nintendo does things. They'll probably tie their classic characters into it somehow. Here are some On the Gamely suggestions:

Speaking of Nintendo... Here's The Best News From The Nintendo Direct Held This Week!

The 3DS Version And The Wii U Version Have Different Release Dates
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/04/08/super-smash-bros-3ds-wii-u-release-windows-revealed

The 3DS version of Super Smash Bros. is set for release in Summer of this year. Yes, that's 2014! This is no surprise though because the 3DS actually gets games at a pretty decent pace.

The Wii U version is set for release in Winter of this year. But it'll really come out in 2021.


Here's How The Multiplayer Works
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/04/08/how-multiplayer-works-in-super-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds

Both versions have multiplayer. There is a "For Fun" mode which only records wins and has all items to use. The "For Glory" mode records wins and losses while stripping the game of items entirely. The 3DS version also has a mode called "Smash Run" which basically sets players in a level where they rush to get power-ups and then after five minutes they fight each other.

In the local or friend-only multiplayer, you can of course customize as you see fit.

No More Transformations
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/04/08/character-transformations-removed-from-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds

Any character that changed in previous games no longer does that. Instead, Sheik and Zero Suit Samus are their own characters with enhanced move sets.


Yoshi Returns
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/04/08/yoshi-returns-in-super-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds

Not only that, but he stands upright! The insanity!

Greninja And Charizard Join The Fight
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/04/08/two-playable-pokemon-announced-for-super-smash-bros

Yes that's right. You can play as these two Pokemon if you want to. No Pokemon trainer necessary. Good, because he's a knob.

There's Going To Be Some Sort-Of Wii U/3DS Connectivity...

...And a different type of ranking system, and ways to make the online element smooth, friendly and fun for all.


They Talked A Bit About How Characters Would Control

Just watch the whole Direct to get all the details, but they did talk a little bit about changes with some of the characters, and how the new ones would go. Of interest was Little Mac, who is a complete monster when he's on the ground but is terrible anywhere else.


The Nintendo Direct Was So Japan-y!

Yes reader-san, once again the Nintendo Direct had that special Japanese flair to it. They're just so pleasant.

/end Nintendo Direct



More Nintendo -- A New Mario?
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-confirms-work-has-begun-on-the-next-core-mario-game-but-won-t-say-if-it-s-for-wii-u-or-3ds/1100-6418850/

In news that is surprising to exactly no one, Nintendo has a new core Mario in the works. Is it for 3DS or Wii U? Only Nintendo knows, but if it's for Wii U it is supposedly going to make more use of the Gamepad, which would make it the first game ever to actually use it.


Notch Is Confused About His Feelings
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-simpsons-do-a-minecraft-couch-gag-notch-doesn-t-know-how-to-feel-about-it/1100-6418811/

When Notch went to visit his psychiatrist this week, he heard about how the Simpsons did a Minecraft couch gag. Instead of telling his psychiatrist to his face how he felt, he went to Twitter and then his psychiatrist read it. The tweet said:

I STILL feel a bit like it's just this small game I made at home. It's so weird to have all these things happen. <3

I am aware that this has been used so much on the net, but this is the perfect time to break out this meme so fuck it, I'm going for it.

Microsoft Trademarks "Snap Attack"
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-trademarks-a-new-game-called-snap-attack/1100-6418843/

Microsoft trademarked "Snap Attack." If I had to guess, I'd say it's based on Snap Chat.

Or it's an online computer game. Whatever.


Hotline Miami 2 Trailer!
http://www.gamespot.com/videos/hotline-miami-2-wrong-number-dial-tone-trailer/2300-6418192/

In the Hotline Miami 2 trailer (in the link above), there's a lot of blood. I'm talking enough blood that would make the elevator scene in The Shining happy.


Watch Dogs Requires Uplay... Even If You Get It Off Of Steam
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/alongside-its-hefty-system-specs-watch-dogs-on-pc-will-require-uplay/1100-6418836/

It turns out that Watch Dogs will require Uplay, which isn't a surprise. But the fact that it will require it even with Steam is kind of weird. It's not a huge deal, but it seems pointless to me. Or is it? Maybe there's a grand scheme to all of this. Dun dun duuuuun.



The Crew Is Going To Have The Microtransactions
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ubisoft-s-xbox-one-ps4-pc-racing-game-the-crew-launching-this-fall-has-microtransactions-runs-in-1080p/1100-6418853/

Yes The Million Dollar Man is a gag I've used before (just last week!). Get used to it because it'll probably be reoccurring.

Ubisoft is making a racing game called The Crew, and it's going to be out this fall. A lot of us knew of The Crew, but who knew about The Microtransactions? Well, now we do, because if you're a busy gamer you can buy stuff to progress. Ubisoft insists that you can unlock everything in-game though, so don't whine yet.


Microsoft Planning Backwards Compatibility
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-is-thinking-through-its-xbox-360-emulator-for-xbox-one/1100-6418806/

It turns out that Microsoft may eventually add backwards compatibility to the Xbox One, meaning you may get to play Xbox 360 games on it. But as of now they're just plans.

"There are [plans], but we’re not done thinking them through yet, unfortunately."

Think it through 'Soft, think it through. You don't want another "Xbone-At-E3" do you?


Here's The Griffin From The Witcher 3
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-witcher-3-s-griffin-is-a-menacing-mix-of-ferocious-cat-and-giant-bird/1100-6418875/

Rawr.

The Last Of Us For PS4 Is Officially Confirmed
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-last-of-us-remastered-confirmed-for-ps4-by-sony/1100-6418860/

So there's that.

Here's some more info, quoted from Gamespot:

• Runs in 1080p
• Has higher resolution character models, improved shadows and lighting, and upgraded textures
• Has director's commentary featuring creative director Neil Druckmann, as well as voice actors Troy Baker (Joel) and Ashley Johnson (Ellie)
• Includes expansions Left Behind (single-player) and the Abandoned Territories and Reclaimed Territories expansions

 If You Pre-Order The Game:

• 100 Supply Points (XP) for use in Factions mode
• Two special bonus skins for Joel and Ellie which will be unlocked after your complete the single player campaign
• Increased Crafting Speed for use in the Single Player Campaign
• Increased Healing Speed for use in the Single Player Campaign
• 9mm Reload Speed Increase Upgrade for use in the Single Player Campaign
• Rifle Clip Capacity Increase Upgrade for use in the Single Player Campaign

If you preoder a digital copy of The Last of Us for PS4 from the PlayStation Store, you'll receive extra bonuses for the game's multiplayer component.

• Early Access to the Brawler Survival Skill in Factions Mode
• Early Access to additional Loadout Points for use in Factions mode
• Early Access to the Jeep Cap and Surgical Mask for use in Factions mode

So get ready to Last Of Us... Again! By the way, here's a picture of the remastered version, which is in the trailer.

Nah just kidding, here's a real picture:

You Can Now Create Your Own Capture Jobs In GTA 5 Online
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/create-your-own-gta-5-capture-the-flag-mode-this-friday-what-will-you-make/1100-6418866/

If you care about this news you probably already have GTA 5, but yesterday the Creator Tool went live and you can now create your own Capture Jobs. Like you need more reasons to play GTA 5.


Secret Ponchos Also Coming To PC
http://www.destructoid.com/wild-west-ps4-multiplayer-game-secret-ponchos-also-headed-to-pc-273070.phtml

It appears that not only PS4 owners will get a little taste of multiplayer Wild West action, because the PC (yes, on Steam) will be seeing this bad boy as well. Secret Ponchos is an awesome name and the game looks like a lot of fun.


Never Fear, Atlus Is Here!
http://www.polygon.com/2014/4/9/5599032/citizens-of-earth-indie-rpg-eden-industries-atlus

Citizens of Earth failed to reach its goal on Kickstarter, but Atlus swooped in there this week and now the game will be released on time. I had never heard of Citizens Of Earth but any game influenced by Earthbound should see the light of day.


HOLD UP! TRANSISTOR DROPS IN MAY!
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bastion-developer-s-next-game-transistor-is-coming-to-pc-and-ps4-in-may/1100-6418899/

The new game by the developers of Bastion are releasing a game named Transistor... in May! On PS4 and PC! For $20! For me! For you!


A Wild Watch Dogs Trailer Has Appeared
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-watch-dogs-pc-trailer-shows-off-the-open-world-game-at-its-best/1100-6418902/

There's a new trailer for Watch Dogs in the link above that is meant to show off some of the graphics. Mostly, it's just the main character standing still in random parts of the city, emoting all over the place. But it looks cool.


Something I Never Thought I'd See -- Metal Gear Solid 5 Has Fewer Cutscenes
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/metal-gear-solid-5-the-phantom-pain-to-reduce-cutscenes-in-favour-of-pure-game-storytelling/1100-6418805/ 

Well damn. Yes, say damn in Snake's voice.

It appears that they will be telling their story in Metal Gear Solid 5: Phantom Pain with fewer cutscenes. Normally I'd be more than okay with this but I actually love the cutscenes in the series because Kojima is legitimately talented as a director and sets up great, movie-like shots.


Phil Spencer Wants Microsoft To Build Products That Change The World!
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/head-of-xbox-microsoft-wants-to-build-products-that-change-the-world/1100-6418889/


Phil Spencer likes Microsoft. He thinks that they are awesome and can do all kinds of neat stuff. "Fundamentally, [Microsoft] is a company that wants to do things that change the world. And they have the resources and the ambition to do that," he said in a new interview.

Whoa, hold on. Releasing a product that changes the world isn't always great. Case in point:

Making teenagers even more annoying since 2007.

Oh Yeah, It's PAX East

I Can't Be There To Play It, But Y2K Sounds And Looks Awesome
http://operationrainfall.com/pax-east-y2k/

I can't seem to find any videos or whatnot of the game in action, but the new game from AckkStudios -- Y2k -- looks incredibly interesting. You may ask yourself, why has Tyler chosen this one random indie game over the others? Why is he not talking about Below (which by the way, sounds awesome)?

Because I have been bought.

No, not really, but AckkStudios has shown me some love and I am returning the favour. I legitimately enjoyed Two Brothers, and from what I can tell, this is completely different and it looks awesome. They showed it off at PAX and people seem to be digging it.

Snow news?

Blizzard Announced 4 New Heroes In Heroes Of The Storm
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/04/11/pax-east-blizzard-announces-4-new-heroes-of-the-storm-characters

From IGN:

• LiLi - "Lili is a new support hero with an ability set that helps her to very effectively aid her teammates throughout the game."

• Brightwing - "Brightwing is a versatile support hero capable of teleporting from ally to ally, healing them and providing them with the help they need to succeed in battle."

• Zagara - "Zagara has map-wide components to her design; she can drop Creep Tumors to spread Zerg Creep, which helps speed up her movement speed, as well as the speed of her summons."

• Murky - "Murky is going to die A LOT, but he’s a hero who eventually overwhelms enemies across multiple battles. He doesn’t need to win every fight; he just needs to win once."

Hearthstone Gets A Single-Player Mode
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/hearthstone-single-player-adventure-curse-of-naxxramas-announced-and-you-can-play-without-spending-a-penny/1100-6418919/

I know absolutely nothing about Hearthstone outside of the fact there are cards and that everyone wants me to play it, so I'll just let quotations from Gamespot handle this one:

The Curse of Naxxramas expansion is scheduled for release sometime this summer, and finally introduces a single-player mode to Hearthstone. Players will need to play through five different sections or “wings” in the dungeon, with one wing to be released each week. The first wing to be released will be the Arachnid Quarter, and each wing will feature new bosses to defeat and new cards to earn. Only the first wing will be free--players will have to buy access to the others using in-game gold or real world money.

Wildstar Launches June 3
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/pc-mmo-wildstar-from-former-blizzard-devs-goes-gold-launches-in-full-june-3/1100-6418925/

Hungry for an MMORPG? Want a game with a name that makes you wonder how a star can be wild? Boy I got some news for you. Wildstar -- developed by former Blizzard designers so HA, I can still include this in the Blizzard News kinda -- is coming out June 3 of this year.

The bad news is that it's yet another MMO with a monthly subscription fee, but you get 30 days free if you buy the standard edition. If you buy the deluxe version you get a few extra things obviously, including a limited edition Eldan dye set!


The Behemoth Is Making A New Game... Called Game 4
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/04/11/the-behemoth-is-working-on-its-next-game-for-xbox-one

Indie developer The Behemoth is making a new game for Xbox One. It will be playable later this year at a PAX and that's all we know about it. Except this:

Mom??

Harmonix Is Going To Bring Back Rock Band And Dance Central
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/04/11/pax-east-harmonix-has-grand-plans-for-rock-band-dance-central

In news that is great for people like me who can't play guitar, dance or seemingly do anything well, Harmonix announced that they have "grand plans" to bring Rock Band And Dance Central back. Get prepared to ROCK!

At some point...


This Free-To-Play Game Costs $150 If You Want To Play The Alpha
http://www.gameinformer.com/games/orcs_must_die_unchained/b/pc/archive/2014/04/11/the-orcs-must-die-moba-is-fun-but-150-for-early-access-is-steep.aspx

Do you like Orcs Must Die! Well, this third one is going to be free-to-play but if you want to play the Alpha you can buy The Master Founder's Pack for $150 dollars. You get a bunch of stuff but it hardly seems worth it considering it's more than twice the price of a regular game. Even the Million Dollar Man can't justify this.


Sid Meier's Civilization: Beyond Earth Was Announced
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/2k-announces-new-sid-meier-s-civilization-game-beyond-earth-channels-alpha-centauri/1100-6418936/

Since his name is always in the title of games, I feel like I should plaster his face on my blog.

The next Civilization is going to the stars. In a completely unbelievable plot, mankind has made great advances in technology but also ruined the world, and now they have to get out of Earth and colonize another poor planet.

I love this idea, and I can't wait until it releases in Fall.


PAX South Is Coming
http://www.destructoid.com/penny-arcade-announces-pax-south-273188.phtml

The Overlords of Penny Arcade have announced PAX South, which will be held in San Antonio, Texas. The first event will take place on January 2015.



Well, that's it for another week of news. I hope you come back next week because I require validation like Elf needs food (badly, they might say), but until then, I will see you later!

P.S. Tweet me your harassment on Twitter @ArtBathednCrime

Government Paranoia, Espionage And Pigeons -- A Jazzpunk Spiview

Written By: Tyler

 

Rating: 9/10
Verdict: Jazzpunk is an inventive adventure game. It's wonderful, hilarious parody from beginning to end and even the game play is more than just "get this, go here," though it certainly does that too. It's short, but there is no fluff, so it's a must-play for anyone who wants something a little different and strange.

Jazzpunk is a pretty hyped release that came out a few days ago. Developed by Necrophone Games, you play as a secret agent who is put in some seemingly normal situations (for a secret agent) such as infiltrating the consolate. However, in Jazzpunk things get weird and comical fast and a typical spy adventure becomes something much, much more.

Unlike some people, it wasn't really the trailer or anything that I saw from game play videos that got me excited for this game. It was the name, it was always the name. Jazzpunk appeals to me as a title because either it's a play on genres such as "cyberpunk" or it's a strange marriage of two completely different musical genres, since punk is known for its aggressive attitude and simplicity whereas jazz is known for being more complex. Or it's neither of these things. Who am I to say?

In every review you'll hear about the humour in the game. I've seen a bunch of reviews that say that the comedy wears off but I disagree strongly. The game doesn't stay around long enough to burn out, so it's funny from beginning to end. There are references and homages galore, with a personal favourite being the life bar from Goldeneye popping up. It doesn't stop there, as I counted many references to the things we know and love. I don't want to get into any real depth and risk ruining some of the jokes like I've seen with other reviews, but trust me, whether it's a reoccurring gag or NPCs who are only around one and then disappear, it's hilarious.

It's supposed to be influenced by movies like Airplane! and Naked Gun which are classics of the parody genre, and you can see it here in the way it handles its references but doesn't rely entirely on them like certain parody movies of today -- I'm looking at you Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer. A good parody movie puts spins on other things, but also develops its own story and brand of humour. Jazzpunk succeeds at this... even when it's just mocking stereotypes it has its own identity.

You can beat the game pretty quickly, but it pays to extend the experience by exploring. If you seek out everything that the world has to offer, you'll get some silly side-quests and you'll be involved in some funny conversations. Whether it's swatting flies in a vase shop (great) or hunting pigeons, the game doesn't stop bringing the laughs.

There are some classy gags with this guy.

It's a pretty stylish game too. It's not that the graphics are incredible and Crysis level, but the art-style fits the mood and themes perfectly. It gives the proceedings an otherworldly type feel, though it's ultimately grounded in real life. Whether it's exploring beaches or hotel rooms, the game does look good if you aren't someone who needs AAA style graphics. The music also does a good job of making you feel like you are a spy, but it doesn't overpower anything. It's just there to set the tone, and that really fleshes out what the game is going for.

It's a first-person adventure game, so most of the game play consists of you walking around. You pick up this, take it there, solve slight puzzles (though there definitely isn't an emphasis on that). I don't feel that the game is about the difficulty as much as it is taking you on a marvelous ride through the world of spies and espionage.

They do break from the mold on occasion. There are "shooter" parts though it's simple and there's no way you can lose as far as I know. There are parts where you play sports, and these are refreshing breaks from the typical adventure elements that are found in the rest of the game.

However, the main story is really short and with the recent controversy of Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes being tiny, I can understand some people being turned off by this. The price tag isn't as hefty as the MGS5, but fifteen dollars at normal price (twelve right now) for what amounts to about two hours of game play can be a deterrent. It shouldn't be because length does not dictate quality, but in this economy it's still completely logical to avoid purchases like this.

 I urge you to pick it up, though, because interesting indie games are always a bonus and they need your money. They've crafted a great game that lives up to the hype. I'd rather play a great game for two hours than a mediocre one for ten. Take your time with it, look around, and see all the hilarious things they've sprinkled throughout.

News Round-Up For February 2 - 8: Shit Gets Delayed, Microsoft Says The Net Sometimes Lies

Written By: Tyler

Hello people, I am back for yet another News Round-Up. Every week I do a run through of some of the most important news of the week... or at least the news that is a) important to me or b) easy to make fun of. Let's see what this week had for us.


It Turns Out That People Like Minecraft
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/03/minecraft-sells-14-million-on-pc-series-total-over-35-million

Notch confirmed that the PC version of Minecraft has sold 14 million, with the total sales on all platforms figured to be over 35 million. Despite the fact that Notch thinks Mario Kart isn't a real game (GRRR), I have to give praise to the game for how innovative it is. It's hard to deny that Minecraft is a cash magnet, with how many copies it has sold and how much attention it gets on Youtube just by making a video about it.

I mean, I'm only reporting the news to get more views for my blog. Did I mention Minecraft?


Is Duke Returning In A Game That Isn't A First-Person Shooter?
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-duke-nukem-game-teased-for-playstation-and-pc/1100-6417484/

According to this article he is. The game was teased for Playstation and PC, and won't be a first-person shooter. The game is going to be called Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction and it will have experience points and tech trees. To be honest I don't like the idea of Duke leaving the FPS genre but I do welcome evolving with RPG elements thrown in.

I guess it doesn't matter though, since I'm 28 now and by the time it releases I'll be dead.


Titanfall Developer Has Fears of the Upcoming Launch For The Greatest FPS To Ever Exist
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/titanfall-dev-has-a-bit-of-fear-over-game-s-release/1100-6417483/

The Titanfall developer is excited for the release next month of their wildly hyped FPS but they are also a little scared because they want the launch to be smooth.

I won't even make an EA joke here because I feel for Respawn.
But EA sucks.


Microsoft Is Going To Release News on Xbone Free Games Soon
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-free-game-promotion-news-coming-soon/1100-6417482/

So news that isn't really news. Or is it news within news? News within news within news? Yes Internet, you know where I'm going with this:

Wait, I think I screwed that up. I mean Newsception! That's what I mean! Whew that was close, almost looked like an idiot.

New Lord of the Rings Game Is Only Single Player, Also Not On Wii U
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-lord-of-the-rings-prequel-won-t-have-multiplayer-not-coming-to-wii-u/1100-6417481/

Promising LotR game Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor isn't going to have multiplayer and it's not going to be on Wii U. I don't know why I wrote that out again. I guess I just feel obligated to say something about it. Hey, I did say it was promising at least.

Microsoft Says That They Aren't Planning On Making Xbones $399
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-exec-responds-to-399-xbox-one-rumor/1100-6417473/

They also said you can't believe everything on the internet.

Somebody Leaked The Games That Are Available In the Playstation Now Beta
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/playstation-now-beta-games-include-killzone-3-shadow-of-the-colossus-few-more/1100-6417469/

In another shocking turn of events, someone on the internet couldn't be trusted to keep a secret and leaked the list of games that you can play if you're involved in the Playstation Now beta. 

I'm not going to support foolishness like leaks so I won't be posting a list of the games. I'll just post a link to a site that does. You're welcome Sony.


Bungie Says They Won't Have Mounts in Destiny, Also Kinda Blasts PETA
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bungie-s-destiny-won-t-feature-animal-mounts/1100-6417485/

Bungie said that Destiny wouldn't have mounts because the heavy-armor of the Titans kept breaking their backs and PETA would go berserk, which I can't imagine being the case. I mean really now, the people who made Mario Kills Tanooki (IT WAS JUST A JOKE, NOT DAMAGE CONTROL) would never ever kick up a fuss.
 


Ubisoft Abandons A Watch Dogs Trademark, Game Is Cancelled
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ubisoft-abandons-watch-dogs-trademark-what-does-that-mean/1100-6417495/

But don't worry they have five more! The game is still coming! It'll be okay, just take a moment to curse me for the title. 

Okay, ready? Now move on.

UPDATE: Then it turns out that whoever abandoned the trademark did it without the knowledge of Ubisoft.  

UPDATE VERSION 2.0: They reinstated the trademark. Quit playing with my heart.


Hyper Light Drifter Delayed
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/03/hyper-light-drifter-delayed-until-holiday-season

Alex Preston stated that "[the money received from the Kickstarter exceeded expectations so now the game has to go from Awesome to Awesomer]" and he cited health issues. So on a serious note, I hope all is well with him because you don't fuck around with your health.


ReRoll Looks To Generate (Most) Of the World, Might Catch You Doing Dirty Things
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/03/ex-ubisoft-ea-devs-reveal-ambitious-rpg-reroll

So... I'm just going to pull down the blinds on my window now...

In all seriousness, ReRoll is extremely ambitious, with them sending drones up in the air to generate the environments of the world, all within reason of course. If this succeeds, it could be pretty awesome, or at the very least memorable for that reason alone.

It isn't really going to catch you doing dirty things, by the way.

Or is it?

 


Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes Isn't Going To Be A Very Long Game
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mgs-5-ground-zeroes-campaign-may-only-take-you-two-hours/1100-6417524/

AND I DON'T EVEN CARE, JUST GIVE ME MGS5: GZ RIGHT NOW. Take me as you wish, Metal Gear.

Even the rain is full of nanomachines!

Jordan Amaro basically stated that length has nothing to do with quality, and brought attention to Dear Esther and Journey, which I definitely agree with, but those are also cheaper... oh who am I kidding? See my comment above the picture.

UPDATE: It seems that lots of people have commented on this. Kojima himself said he believes people will be satisfied and that Phantom Pain will be hundreds of times larger, while the Shadows of the Damned director said that creators having to justify the length of their games is a problem with the industry.

Again, I actually agree with these people to a certain extent. I think people complain way too much about length in games, even if they offer 10 hours of gameplay. Games got more expensive because our technology is better. If people want these triple-A titles with amazing graphics and whatnot, they have to be prepared to pay for that.

However! A possible $40 dollars for two hours is a little much, even if it is Metal Gear. Drop the price and the controversy goes away, especially considering we still have the actual full game coming too. 100 buckaroos for one game? Unfortunately I'll still get it because I fiend for MGS like a junkie.


Kinect Based Tech Is Protecting Borders
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/kinect-based-tech-being-used-to-protect-korean-border/1100-6417491/

So apparently Kinect is being used for something, um, useful? It's protecting the border between North and South Korea. You can do your fantasy football league, talk to the Kinect and now you can use it for security!

Finally found its use. Dem feels.

 
 

Yasumi Matsuno Talks About His New Game, Unsung Story
http://www.destructoid.com/final-fantasy-tactics-director-talks-new-game-269947.phtml

Unsung Story is a biographical game about this very blog!

No, it is actually a turn-based RPG with a job system and no main character. Given his expertise in such things, it's very easy to be excited for this.


The Uncharted Movie Is Still Going To Happen
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/uncharted-movie-still-happening/1100-6417526/

While the Uncharted movie is still going to happen, the director of Identity Thief and Horrible Bosses is the most recent name attached to the project.

But I think we've forgotten one man:

Uwe Boll, our savior.

Super Mario Is In Happy Meals
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/help-nintendo-post-a-profit-by-eating-these-super-mario-happy-meals/1100-6417539/

In the UK they're going to have a Super Mario Happy Meal for a limited time, and this is the only time ever I've been jealous of the UK. Give me Happy Meals, I live in North America!


Warface, Crytek's New Free-To-Play Shooter Came To Xbox 360 This Week...
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/04/star-wars-the-old-republic-getting-two-expansions-in-2014

...But it's not really free. You need Xbox Live Gold in order to play it.

I'm going to save you some time. Don't play this game. The stupidity doesn't stop at the name, so you're better off playing something else.


Microsoft Planning Two Updates -- One in February And One In March
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/05/upcoming-xbox-one-updates-to-fix-party-chat-add-features

The first update, which comes Feb. 11, will fix party chat and some other issues. The update in March is going to get the Xbox One ready for Titanfall.

EA Talks About Their Free-To-Play Remake of Dungeon Keeper
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-responds-to-dungeon-keeper-free-to-play-criticisms/1100-6417571/

EA has responded to the hate that players have thrown at their remake of the classic PC game Dungeon Keeper. But I won't quote it here, and instead I will just say... EA, please just...

Stop while you're, um, ahead?

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain May Not Be Released Until December, 2015
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/metal-gear-solid-v-the-phantom-pain-might-not-come-out-until-december-2015/1100-6417568/

Konami has stated that depending on the development stage, the release date for the game I'm most anticipating may be pushed back until next year, at least.

To which I reply down on my knees, face in my hands, crying enough manboy tears for twenty people. I could deal with a Watch Dogs delay, but Metal Gear is just going too far. Something must be done. Sign my petition.

Editor's Note: Petition doesn't exist. Well not mine, maybe someone made one.
Editor's Note: I'm actually the editor too. Which is why there's no editing done in any articles.


Speaking Of Delays, Titanfall For the 360 Is Delayed And Will Now Be Released Two Weeks Later
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/06/titanfall-delayed-on-xbox-360

Sorry guys.


Rust Removes Zombies In Latest Patch
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/06/rust-update-removes-zombies

Because there are too many ways to die already, the developers of Rust have removed zombies with their latest patch. Since they were the only game to have zombies, this leaves a large hole for all you zombie fanatics, but don't worry, I got your back.

Naughty Dog Are Considering A Sequel To The Last of Us... Or New IP
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/07/naughty-dog-contemplating-the-last-of-us-2

I pretty much sum it up in the title, but after developing the DLC for The Last of Us, they are taking a breather. However, they are brainstorming ideas... some of which include a sequel to the hit The Last of Us.

I'll give this one to you. You're welcome.

Take-Two Talks About Development For Various Platforms
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/07/take-two-ceo-tablet-gaming-not-quite-there-yet

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick (cool name!) has talked about a variety of platforms over the past week. In a nutshell he said mobile gaming isn't quite there yet but knows there's a future, the Oculus Rift is interesting and he is hesitant about developing for the Wii U.

Developers not wanting to make games for the Wii U, in 2014? Man... join the club.

You can go where the red arrow is Take-Two... wait your turn.

Sledgehammer Games Developing The 2014 Call of Duty
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/06/sledgehammer-games-developing-2014s-call-of-duty-release

It was reported this week that now the Call of Duty games will be on a three year cycle, so three different CoDs, three different developers. I full expect innovation. The influences that I expect to seep through in the future CoDs are; Minecraft, River City Ransom, Bubble Bobble, Final Fantasy and Shadow of the Colossus. Or or or, let's just have it take place in Silent Hill. Yes, let's do that one.


BREAKING NEWS -- THERE ARE A GROUP OF PEOPLE TERRORIZING EVERYONE ON RUST
http://www.destructoid.com/rust-if-you-see-the-penis-brothers-take-off-your-pants-270096.phtml



Proof of why video games are superior to everything.


Flappy Bird Is Going Away (Thank God!)
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/flappy-bird-creator-taking-game-down-but-not-because-of-legal-issues/1100-6417612/

Or it may already be gone. Kurt Vonnegut once said that if God exists than music is the best proof of him/her. I disagree, Kurt, you wonderful bastard... Flappy Bird going away is proof of God.

Anyway, the developer said he just can't take it anymore and the game is going to disappear. He won't be selling it anymore, so it'll almost be like Flappy Bird never existed. Only it did... and people kept talking about it, over and over and over and over and over and over and over.

Bye Flappy Bird!

Don't Worry, The Division Is Not In Trouble
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-xbox-one-game-the-division-not-in-trouble-dev-insists/1100-6417600/

I didn't even know it was suggested that the game was in trouble. Had I known, I probably wouldn't have been alive to write the News Round-Up for this week. I guess most people would say that'd be a good thing, but I digress.

So don't worry, The Division is still going to come out, and it's still going to be awesome. The two studio approach doesn't mean shit, and it's just "classic team size management." So rejoice, because you will still get to see the light shine through the bullet holes in the signs you shoot. Yay next gen!



Well that's it for this week. Geez these things are long. Can you believe that I edit this post every day? Yes, I put real work into being this crappy.

If there is any news I missed, feel free to write this thing your damn self. Or just reply in the comments below or on my Twitter @ArtBathednCrime. Thank you for reading!