Weekly News Round-Up -- Feb. 23 - March 1: Lots O' Microsoft And Battlefield 4 Gets Its Groove Back... Plus Indie Game TITANFALL

Written By: Tyler

Well people, here we are... the end of February. I hope you enjoyed this month, and welcome to the Weekly Video Game News Round-Up, a bi-monthly article that I write where I talk about current news. It has come to my attention that there are times that the news was actually broken the previous week but I mostly just check Gamespot, Destructoid, IGN and Kotaku (with other sites occasionally) so if they report it on there this week, it's current to me. So there!

So let's do this.


Reus Developer Announces New Game, Renowned Explorers - International Society
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/24/reus-developer-announces-new-game

If you can't tell by the headline, Renowned Explorers - International Society is the next game by Abbey Games. It is going to be a treasure hunting, turn-based game where you can choose to deal with enemies by either talking to them, fighting them, or combining the two methods. Sounds awesome.

Nick Diaz approves.

Gearbox VS 3D Realms (Again)
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gearbox-sues-over-new-duke-nukem/1100-6417913/

So my inside sources (okay, just reading Gamespot) have told me that Gearbox has decided to sue 3D Realms over the Duke Nukem: Mass Destruction teaser site, saying that they rescued Duke and that the 3D Realms rights over the IP were reduced. So stop trying to make games with it, okay 3DR?

This isn't the first time that they've had tussles so I think at this point there's only one way to fix this:

Any wrestling fan has a good idea of how this ends.

Ryse Isn't Going To Have A Challenge Editor Anymore
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-exclusive-ryse-isn-t-getting-a-challenge-editor-after-all/1100-6417920/

In news that means absolutely nothing to me because I a) never cared about Ryse and b) don't own an Xbone, they are apparently pulling the plug on developing the challenge editor. They are instead focusing their efforts on free and paid DLC, which is something no developer has ever done over the past 10 years.


Dean "Rocket" Hall Is A Cult Leader
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dayz-creator-dean-rocket-hall-will-leave-developer-bohemia-this-year/1100-6417925/

The man who created the "people-being-assholes" simulator DayZ, Dean Hall has decided to leave Bohemia this year to focus on other projects and create a new studio. He basically stated that he has always been great at getting people to take risks, and that "[he] can talk, [he] can explain something, [he] can talk people up to the ledge and get them to jump off it."

I too have the gift of gab.

He believes that at some point people like him aren't good for business in a leadership role so he should step away. I think Dean is doing the right thing though, and I hope he creates something memorable on his new path.


The Dark Souls 2 Map Is Here
http://ca.ign.com/wikis/dark-souls-2/Map

I'm assuming that this is the first time we've seen the map for Dark Souls 2, but I don't know anything. So here it is:

Sorry Samurai Fans, Kurosawa Is Not Going To Make Assassin's Creed 5
http://www.gametrailers.com/side-mission/70065/assassins-creed-5-wont-take-place-in-samurai-age-features-jade-raymonds-favorite-era

To be fair, Kurosawa may be dead anyway, so it wouldn't be possible. Regardless, Jade Raymond shot down the rumors of the next Assassin's Creed taking place in Samurai-era Japan, though she said it'd be a cool idea. She said it's going to take place in her favourite era, so stay tuned.

I like to think I won't do what most sites do and talk about how hot Jade is. I'm not going to post a picture of her because damn it people, we are past the days where an attractive girl gamer is a big deal. Grow up, join the modern age.

I'm a weak man.

Deus Ex: The Fall Coming To PC
http://www.destructoid.com/deus-ex-the-fall-is-heading-to-pc-by-way-of-steam-271095.phtml

To those who think that mobile gaming is lame and Deus Ex deserved better (every one?), then I got some news for you. The Fall is coming to PCs on March 25 via Steam so you can pick it up there.


Get Ready To Pee... Outlast DLC (Hey That Rhymed)
http://www.destructoid.com/red-barrels-blows-the-whistle-on-impending-outlast-dlc-271136.phtml

I haven't yet played Outlast because I'm enjoying sleeping at night, but it's on my PS4 ready to terrify me. With that said, the first DLC -- titled Outlast: Whistleblower -- is coming in April for both PC and PS4. Gamer bewaaaaaare, you're in for a scare.


Diablo 3 Patch Hit This Week And It's A Doozie
http://www.destructoid.com/extensive-diablo-iii-patch-2-0-1-goes-live-for-pc-today-271134.phtml

To all three of you who didn't go back to Diablo 2, I have some good news for you. Blizzard released a big patch for Diablo 3 this week. I won't begin to say what they did, but they've tweaked a whole hell of a lot of things.

Here is a list: http://us.battle.net/d3/en/blog/12671560/patch-201-now-available-2-25-2014

I actually like Diablo 3, as I put over 100 hours into it, but I'll admit that it definitely did some things wrong. However, it's nice to see that Blizzard seem intent on fixing a lot of the issues that admittedly should have been fixed from the beginning. Still, install D3 again, grab the patch and go and kick Belial's ass.


Humble Bundle 11 Seeks World Domination... Basically Achieved It
http://www.destructoid.com/fez-starseed-pilgrim-beatbuddy-join-humble-bundle-11-271124.phtml

That's right, you only get 50G.

Humble Bundle 11 was already great -- these bundles usually are. But now it's even better because they added Fez, Starseed Pilgrim and Beatbuddy among the ranks of The Swapper, Giana Sisters, Guacamelee!: Gold Edition and Dust: An Elysian Tail. So save that coffee money for a day or two (or don't because you're cranky if you don't have your coffee) and pick up this excellent bundle.


World of Warcraft Has Some Changes Coming For You Raiders
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/26/world-of-warcraft-to-ditch-its-raiding-currency

Wow!

(I don't have anything clever to say so I went with a crappy "wow" joke)


Mario Kart 8 Is Compatible With A NEW Wii U Racing Wheel
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/26/mario-kart-8-racing-wheel-revealed

I didn't think the Wii Mario Kart was as good as some of the others, but I loved having the wheel to play with, so this is good news. However, if you aren't sure that the Wii U is different than the Wii, I don't see this clearing things up for you.

Way to go Nintendo!

Own Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn On PS3 But Want It On PS4?
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/26/ps3-to-ps4-transfers-for-final-fantasy-14-starting-soon

Don't worry, it'll be free to transfer your stuff from PS3 to PS4. There are some features that won't be available right away in your transferring but this is still a great deal so I have no jokes for this one. I also feel that it's sad to pick on Final Fantasy at this point.


I admit that I don't often have a lot of Microsoft news here but they've been all over the place this week so this week I'm giving them their own little corner in an unpopular weekly video game article on an obscure blog. You're welcome Microsoft.


MICROSOFT NEWS

Love Free-To-Play? Microsoft Has Some Good News For You
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-owners-expect-more-free-to-play-games/1100-6417931/

Due to the success of F2P on 360, Microsoft has every intention to bring you more of it for Xbox One, because if there's anything the internet loves, it's free-to-play.


Guess What? Kinect Is Here To Stay
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/kinect-less-xbox-one-doesn-t-sound-very-likely/1100-6417933/

If there's another thing that the internet loves (my they're loving these days), it's the Kinect. Good news for them, the Kinect isn't going away because it's part of the Xbone ecosystem. It also is legitimately a defense system, as I reported (ha, look at me trying to sound like I have credentials) weeks ago.


Why Do I Keep Asking Questions In The Headlines? Get The TITANFALL Bundle
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/get-titanfall-for-free-when-you-buy-an-xbox-one/1100-6417928/

Get the only thing worth having for the Xbone when you buy an Xbone... while supplies last. Yes that's right, TITANFALL is going to be bundled with Xbox One's when it launches. That's a pretty sweet deal, in all honesty, but it doesn't make me want to stop making fun of Microsoft.

It's also going to take 40gbs of space. 40gbs of AWESOME. Ahem.

BUT WAIT, there's mooooore: It's actually only 20gbs on Xbox One. I could have just deleted the part above but that's now how I roll.


Xbox One Gets Price Cut in UK
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-price-cut-to-ps399-99-in-the-uk-from-this-friday/1100-6417929/

Save some money if you're in the UK. Or fly to the UK just to buy an Xbox One and bring it back, though that seems like a lot of work.


Xbone Joins The Modern Age With Twitch Gaming
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-finally-gets-twitch-streaming-on-march-11-right-in-time-for-titanfall/1100-6417945/

PS4 gamers have been able to do it since launch, but now the Xbox One will have it starting March 11. Right in time for TITANFALL. At this point I'm just going to call the system the TITANFALL One.


Xbox One Named "Product Of The Year" For 2014
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-named-product-of-the-year-for-2014/1100-6417947/

Well people, time to pack up 2014 because two months in, it is now over. Microsoft won, time to move onto 2015.

Product of the Year gave the award to the Xbone in their annual awards. I guess congrats to Microsoft? That might ease the pain that there's a guy in power over there that could possibly shut down the Xbox division. The plot thickens.


/END MICROSOFT NEWS


This Just In: Minecraft Is Popular
http://www.polygon.com/2014/2/26/5448912/original-minecraft-reaches-100m-registered-users

Minecraft has reached 100 million registered users. This isn't to be confused with people who actually pay for the title, but Notch claims that about 14.3% of all registered users have paid for the game. By my calculations that means... a gazillion people are currently playing the video game world's equivalent of Lego (except you know, the Lego games).


Persona 5 Is Coming To North America, And The Spin Off Titles Will Be Too!
http://www.polygon.com/2014/2/25/5444284/persona-5-coming-to-na-in-2015-spin-off-titles-to-be-localized

Get ready to get your weird high school RPG on, because Persona 5 is hitting North American shores in 2015. The other games will also be seeing release over here. This is great news for the fans... I just wish it was PS4.


Battlefield 4 Update Happened This Week
http://www.polygon.com/2014/2/26/5448884/battlefield-4-windows-pc-and-ps4-update-goes-live-fixes-sound-loop

As the headline states (seriously who does these headlines, they are spot-on), the Battlefield 4 update has gone live for PC and PS4. Which means something else is probably broken now so you'll need another update. 

Gods Will Be Watching Coming In June, Looks Pretty Graphic

http://www.pcgamer.com/2014/02/26/gods-will-be-watching-trailer-shows-brutal-survival-reveals-june-release-date/

PC "point-and-click thriller" Gods Will Be Watching has a teaser trailer in the link above, and there is a bunch of torture and knee-capping foos. Sounds like a regular day for me, I don't think I'll play it.


Call of Duty Elite Has Shut Down
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-elite-shutting-down-on-friday-what-that-means-for-you/1100-6417968/

If you're a Call of Duty fan you probably already know this. I am not, so I don't really care either way, but it sucks for you people who really like Elite.

Candy Crush Developer Chucks 'Candy' Trademark

http://www.gamespot.com/articles/candy-crush-dev-abandons-candy-trademark-in-us-after-controversy/1100-6417960/

Due to the controversy of being complete idiots, King have withdrawn their trademark in the US of A but not in Europe. I'm in Canada but we're kind of like the US so I'm so glad I can finally say candy.

CANDY CANDY CANDY CANDY CANDY

Pokemon X and Y Are Going To Be Free If You Purchase the 3DS And One Game

http://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-x-y-free-with-purchase-of-system-and-one-game/1100-6417961/

So... if you buy a 3DS and one of the select games, you get the newest Pokemon for free, starting March 1. One of these games is Animal Crossing and you should be buying that anyway if you get a 3DS, so this is a win-win-win.

Bethesda Says That Killing Nazis Never Gets Old 
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bethesda-shooting-nazis-never-gets-old/1100-6417969/

Part of the reason why the Wolfenstein series can keep going is because killing Nazis never gets old. I think that's a fair point...

...And if Brad Pitt enjoys killing Nazis, then I do too dammit.


Swords And Soldiers 2 Grunts And Baaaaaaaas Its Way Onto Wii U
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/27/swords-soldiers-ii-wii-u-teaser-released

In this teaser trailer, that is literally all you get... some grunting and sheep. Sounds a lot like my sex life.


A Real Minecraft Movie?
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/27/warner-bros-might-be-making-a-minecraft-movie

Notch "leaked" the information on Twitter, but instead of giving a real answer to IGN he just rambled on about government corruption and net neutrality. So yes, Minecraft is going to be a movie and it's going to be made by the person who made The Lego Movie, which really isn't much of a stretch. Way to typecast yourself!


The Wii U Is Awesome!
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/28/wii-u-is-a-powerhouse-says-donkey-kong-country-developer

The president of Retro Studios said that the Wii U is a "powerhouse," and that it's more powerful than people give it credit for. He says that it's a great machine to make games on. I disagree, because there are no good games on the Wii U. Super Mario 3D World, Monster Hunter 3, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, The Wonderful 101, Pikmin 3, none of these games exist. They are all figments of my imagination. I have a pretty ballin' imagination.


Wii And DS Are Going Back To The Stone Age
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/27/nintendo-terminating-wi-fi-service-for-ds-and-wii

Young people these days don't remember a time before the internet was in every household, but there was a time, I assure you. Those were dark days, but they existed.

But luckily for everyone who doesn't remember what that's like, Nintendo has you covered. If you only own a Wii (which you do because you aren't aware that the Wii U is a new system) or a DS, Nintendo is pulling the plug on the online services. Thanks Ninty!


TITANFALL Goes Gold
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/27/titanfall-goes-gold

Oh my GOD!

TITANFALL Doesn't Require An Online Pass
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/03/01/titanfall-doesnt-require-an-online-pass-season-pass-unlikely

Sweet!

Good Guy TITANFALL

New Batman Game Coming? I Hell Damn Fart Hope So
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/28/new-batman-arkham-game-may-be-revealed-soon

Since they aren't willing to fix the bugs in Arkham Origins, I reckon we are owed a new Batman game. I actually loved Origins despite the flaws, so I am looking forward to a new one.

A Dutch journalist apparently has info on the next game but he's not allowed to publish it until March (which is actually today, technically). If only there was a way to get the information out anonymously and earlier than planned...

New Secret Of Mana......???

http://www.destructoid.com/new-secret-of-mana-is-a-free-to-play-mobile-game-271196.phtml

At first I was like:

Then I was like:

Everybody needs to use this gif at least once. This was my time.

And now someone else is writing this article and running the blog because I'm dead. Seriously? A mobile free-to-play with micro-transactions for a new Mana? Ugh.


Battlefield 4 Has New DLC
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/03/01/battlefield-4-naval-strike-expansion-coming-late-march

The Naval Strike expansion is on its way and it has a hovercraft, four new maps and a new mode. Sweet, a hovercraft! With it I can hover all the way to a place where the game actually works.

Does the game work now? Can I stop making the same joke over and over?


Million Onion Hotel Is On Its Way, And I Am Not Ready
http://www.destructoid.com/no-more-heroes-chulip-dev-announces-million-onion-hotel-271213.phtml

Onion Games is releasing a game called Million Onion Hotel and I know nothing about it really, but I'm into a bunch of the games that the developers have worked on before, so not even the fact that it's an iOS game can sink this bad boy.

Well, that's about it for this week. Got any news that I didn't comment on? Good, that means you're putting your own work in! I hope you enjoyed this week, and make sure to check out this blog every single second of every single day in anticipation for my next article. Or come back next Saturday for another Weekly Round-Up.

Weekly News Round-Up -- February 16 - 22: More TITANFALL, I Make A Comic, MGS5 Is Complex, Microsoft Sad Over Rime, And There Is Some Good News For the Wii U For Once

Written By: Tyler

Well, another week is over, and you know what that means? Yes, you have to go pick up your kid you deadbeat dad. To anyone who hasn't gone through a messy divorce, it is time to read my weekly video game news-round up!

I know you're sitting there wondering what this entails, but I think it's pretty obvious by the title. However, if that's too complex... basically I go through video game news that I deem important or at the very least easy to make fun of (hey, I have to make it simple for myself), and I comment on it/bore you to death.

In Titanfall The Titans Are Fueled by... Sandwiches?
http://onthegamely.blogspot.com

Good news people! Since every game site is just flooding their website with Titanfall in an effort to get more views, I am also doing it by making shit up!

In news that everybody already knew, sandwiches are awesome. To further this point, the titans in the game Titanrise will fuel themselves on those delicious little morsels we call sandwiches. Yum yum.


Peter Molyneux Says Godus Isn't Free-To-Play... It's Invest-To-Play
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/peter-molyneux-says-godus-is-invest-to-play-not-free-to-play/1100-6417794/

Apparently Molyneux says his new, admittedly neat, game Godus isn't going to be free-to-play, but he says it'll make you want to invest money to play. So be honest, just between me and you Pete... are you saying that I HAVE TO BUY THE GAME? What a novel idea!

We don't know exactly what he means, but I don't even know if he knows what he means at this point. The guy is known for this kind of thing after all.

But just to give his statement more attention than it deserves, let me show you what the exchange at the game store (no real store names here because I don't get paid for this!) would be like for Godus, if it weren't a download only title:
Sorry, You Have To Click This Link To See It


Apple and Google Reject Any App With "Flappy" In The Name
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/beyond-two-souls-david-cage-first-game-developer-to-receive-france-s-highest-honor/1100-6417793/

The news is in the title, and it's pretty self-explanatory. But damn, there goes my idea for the first ever bird RPG that really examines the plight of our fine feathered friends. I was going to call it Flappy Bird because I don't think that is taken.


Mutant Mudds Sold More On Wii U... Hold On...
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/2d-platformer-mutant-mudds-sold-more-on-wii-u-than-steam-ps3-ps-vita-combined/1100-6417790/

Something sold on the Wii U? It beat Steam, PS3 and Vita? Combined?

Wow. I don't... I don't even know what to say. This hasn't ever happened before.

Twitch Plays... Pokemon? 
http://www.digitalspy.ca/gaming/news/a551502/pokemon-crowd-sourced-playthrough-being-played-live-on-twitch-watch.html

So, a crowd-sourced playthrough of Pokemon is happening. It's gotten popular this week, or at the very least is being reported on. It's going to run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and it's strangely alluring. Depending on who you ask, it's either the coolest thing ever or the dumbest shit to ever hit the net. But it doesn't matter who you ask because I'm right and I say it's awesome.

So if you want to watch people bang into walls, make battles more difficult than they have to be, and generally just accomplish nothing for hours on end, go here to join in the madness:
http://www.twitch.tv/twitchplayspokemon


Final Fantasy 7 HD Remake... Still Not Coming
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/17/final-fantasy-7-hd-remake-discussed-by-director

Yoshinori Kitase admitted that he'd love to do the remake, but not really because he'd have to be extremely motivated to do it since it'd be huge. What this means is that the FF7 remake will never come.

To be honest I don't even care anymore. Unless they added a whole bunch of content to it it doesn't even matter because the classic, original version still exists and is extremely easy to get to. It'd be nice to see it all look pretty, but the block hands remain strong with this one.

However, we (I say this like there are lots of people writing for this blog) here at On The Gamely are expert detectives and I got to the bottom of this. I know the real reason why they won't remake Final Fantasy 7 -- while making sequels to Final Fantasy 13 -- and I know why they keep talking about it despite that fact. Square Enix is run by the tears of fans. If they satisfy the consumers than they will cease to exist. If you look at it that way it's understandable.


MGS5 To Run At 1080p On PS4 And 720p On Xbone
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/metal-gear-solid-5-ground-zeroes-is-1080p-on-ps4-guess-what-it-is-on-xbox-one/1100-6417797/

Poor Xbox One, can't buy a break. Listen while the PS4 fanboys scoff you.

Yes Nelson is a PS4 fan.

Also In Metal Gear Solid News...
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/17/limited-edition-metal-gear-solid-5-ps4-console-teased

If you can't tell by now I'm a Metal Gear fanatic so any time there's anything ever about the game or Metal Gear in general (SNAKE TAKES A POO), then I put it in here... but this news has me a little scared.

It's not that having a Metal Gear Solid 5: Ground Zeroes bundle with the PS4 is bad news on the surface, but what if it's actually a Metal Gear posing as a PS4? You think that's weird but Metal Gear Solid.

TITANFALL Could Possibly Have 15 Maps
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/17/titanfall-maps-modes-more-revealed-in-data-dig

A hex editor was used and they dug up some data, like a possible 15 maps in the multiplayer only shooter TITANFALL (which will now only be written in the News Round-Up in all capital letters).

Mentioning TITANFALL to try to get more hits? Check.

I mean, I would never do that.

The plot twist is that I don't get more hits anyway.


Terraria Gives You More Reason To Wish That Your Life Was A Cute 2D Game
http://www.destructoid.com/well-that-s-a-crap-ton-of-stuff-added-to-terraria-270647.phtml

I was under the impression that Terraria support was dead, but then we got an update a while back that was huge. Now we got another big update.

That seems to happen a lot in Hard Mode.

IT LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVES!

But yeah, click that link above to go to Destructoid and see all these new, fancy updates.


Playstation 4's Power Level Is Over 5 Million
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/playstation-4-breezes-past-5m-sales-milestone/1100-6417806/

People love PS4. So much so that 5.3 million people have forked out $400 dollars to invest in Sony's next-gen console.

Meanwhile the Wii U is heading towards 5 million sales and should be there in 3 more years.


Killer Is Dead Is About To Mack Girls On The PC
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/suda-51-s-barmy-action-title-killer-is-dead-coming-to-pc/1100-6417802/

The Suda51 jam, Killer is Dead, is an underrated game in my eyes, as are most of Suda's games. Yes, I'm an apologist for him and quite enjoyed Killer is Dead for the most part. Well, to anybody who wants to experience his brand of weird, confusing and kind-of fucked on the PC then you're in luck because it will be coming.


If A Game Sucks, Then Experiment With Competitive Pricing
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-conducting-xbox-one-digital-pricing-experiment-with-ryse-sale/1100-6417801/

I feel bad (not really) that I always seem to pick on Microsoft or just ignore them but here I'm throwing them a bone. The digital version of Ryse is going to be 40 dollars, so if you haven't played it and enjoy boring yourself, then get this game.

In a serious note, it's nice that the price is reduced as it may help sell some copies.

Editor's Note: I haven't played the game. Plot twist!


Chroma Was Announced And MUSIC AS A WEAPON!
http://www.gamespot.com/videos/chroma-announcement-trailer/2300-6417285/

Yes, I made a Chris Brown joke when talking about violence... and he also makes crappy music so it's a joke within a joke. Either I'm horrendously outdated or this was a.... JOKECEPTION! It's probably just the first thing.

In the trailer above, Harmonix announced their free-to-play shooter Chroma. In my humble opinion it's actually a pretty solid looking game, but I can't shake the feeling due to the song choice in the trailer that they played with the dubstep gun in Saints Row and decided to make a full game of it.

Listen, I know that there will be other genres represented and I'm not hating because Saints Row is the bomb. I'm just giving my first impression of the trailer.

But you aren't paying attention anyway because I lost you at "free-to-play" so I can say just about anything I want here. I won't though because I have integrity. And pride. And I'm not clever enough to say something funny here.


Cliff B. Wanted Band of Brothers, Got Predator?
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/cliff-bleszinski-i-d-like-to-think-there-s-more-to-my-creativity-than-gears-of-war/1100-6417807/


Ol' Cliff Bleszinski is coming through the door blasting on various game related matters this week. He said that gamers don't need explanations like "press A to jump" and instead gamers will release videos and teach each other. He also said that he doesn't like disc-based games and won't make another.

But the most shocking? Okay, it isn't really shocking but I'm trying to get you excited. He had this to say about Gears of War:

"At the end of the day, [Gears of War is] known for being a fun, fantastic franchise. But I'd like to think there's more to my creativity than that. At the end of the day, you're shooting fucking lizard-men in the fucking face with a fucking chainsaw gun. It didn't wind up what I'd hoped; I'd pitched it as 'Band of Brothers with monsters'--you know Band of Brothers is well-done and emotional, telling the story of the Greatest Generation and what they did in the war. Yet somehow we landed on 'Predator'... the characters being all 'buff and manly', I'd never planned on that."

Didn't plan on it, just made it. I believe you Cliff.

Don't Worry Persona Fans, Atlus Is Good

http://www.gamespot.com/articles/persona-developer-atlus-secured-in-sega-restructuring/1100-6417808/

It's cool, don't worry, Sega restructured but Atlas has a place. So you can still expect Persona 5. High school has never been more fun!

After The New Xbox One Update, Some Users Experience The Dark Abyss

http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-black-screen-issue-pops-up-after-latest-update/1100-6417809/

No, not that Abyss.

Some users are experiencing a black screen issue, but there's an easy fix for it. Just power cycle your Xbox One by holding down the power button for 10 seconds and ta-da, it's like Microsoft didn't even fuck up.

"This Chief" Is The Greatest Rust Player... Ever

http://www.destructoid.com/rust-needs-more-players-like-this-guy-270711.phtml

The Order: 1886 Gets A New Trailer
http://www.gamespot.com/videos/the-order-1886-new-era-trailer/2300-6417286/

Great movie, can't wait to watch. Hope it wins an Oscar. I wonder what it'll do at the box office. I hope my theatre gets it. I can keep going with these movie jokes... why they think releasing a cinematic trailer for games is a good idea opposed to actual gameplay is beyond me.


Killzone: Mercenary Gets NEW OLD MAPS
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/19/killzone-mercenary-receives-two-free-multiplayer-maps

Tharsis Depot and Blood Gracht, each from Killzone 2, are the free maps that are coming for people who own the Vita FPS. Lucky. Not like I ever owned Killzone 2 or anything. I don't care. It doesn't matter to me. It's old news.

...Okay so I'm just trying to come off like I don't care, but deep down I care more than you'll ever know. /emo


Square Interested In Bringing Final Fantasy to PC
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/19/future-final-fantasy-games-may-come-to-pc

It turns out that the FFXIII games were all working on PC, and Square is interested in bringing future Final Fantasy games to the PC. However, they stated that marketing and security issues made them decide against bringing FFXIII to the master race.

You know what this means? Final Fantasy didn't come to PC... PC gaming is dead.

R.I.P. PC Gaming

In my mind, I think that the reaction to this joke would cause PC gamers to react like this:

Then I consider how few people pay attention to me and it's probably more along the lines of this:

Kevin Levine Is Shutting Irrational Games DOOOOOOWN...
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bioshock-creator-irrational-games-is-shutting-down/1100-6417821/

...And taking 15 of the developers with him. The others will be looked after, if you are to believe this article. Levine wants to go on to make something that is unlike anything he's done before, and now Bioshock is owned by 2K. He states he hopes he can make something half as good as Bioshock.

I have no faith in him, he's only made System Shock 2, Thief and Bioshock. Noob.


Fallout 4 Shouldn't Be Expected Anytime Soon, People Are Killing Themselves As I Type This
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/fallout-4-don-t-expect-an-announcement-anytime-soon/1100-6417842/

Honestly I would make a joke here, but I feel bad for Fallout fans. They've been teased and teased and just when they think they're going to get to stick it in, or have something stuck in, it's ripped away from them.

I'm sorry.

(Haha, no new Fallout anytime soon)

Now Luigi Can Go Back To Being Ignored
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/miyamoto-puts-an-official-end-to-the-year-of-luigi/1100-6417820/

That's right. The year of Luigi is over on March 18. What comes next? Nobody knows. Knowing Nintendo right now, my guess is nothing.

NO, PC GAMING IS DEAD, I SAID IT ABOVE
http://www.destructoid.com/gdc-poll-devs-focused-on-pc-not-so-much-the-wii-u-270743.phtml

GDC surveyed developers and 20 percent of them intend on releasing their next game on the PS4. 17 percent are going the way of Xbox OneThree, while a whopping 4 percent are supporting the Wii U. The popularity seems to be on PC and mobile gaming, the latter being a disgrace. We got 53 percent for PC and 52 percent for mobile/tablets.

I can't wait to torture myself trying to handle bullshit touch screen controls.


 Crysis Bundle Coming To Origin For $50*
 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/all-three-crysis-games-available-for-50-on-origin/1100-6417858/

 It's actually a pretty great deal if you haven't played the games. I haven't played the first one and had to do the console peasant thing and play 2 and 3 on Xbox, but if you're looking to catch up, then here you go.

*You only need to spend 80000 dollars to get a computer that can run the first one. Hell, my computer couldn't even turn on the third, I think it said something like, "Your computer sucks, destruction imminent" and then my computer combusted.


Microsoft Passed On Rime, Now Gets "Dem Feels" Over The Decision
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/20/microsoft-passed-on-ps4-exclusive-rime

Well, no shit Microsoft. You should have known that this is a game you should be getting. It looks beautiful, promises some fun gameplay elements and it has one of those trailers that make the internet lose their minds because it's so pretty and the song reaches into your cold dead heart and brings it back to life again (coincidentally bringing you back to life again and scaring the shit out of your family).

At least Phil Spencer admits it was a mistake. That's a plus. I should be hired for Microsoft because On The Gamely credentials obviously means I'd be a good fit.

So to those who are looking to frolic through the wilderness, you'll have to pick up a PS4.


Sacred 3 Coming This Year To PC, PS3 And 360
http://www.destructoid.com/sacred-3-is-coming-to-the-pc-ps3-and-xbox-360-this-year-270856.phtml

My brother and I once we found this out.

In news that made my week, it turns out that Sacred 3 is coming this year. I think Sacred is very underrated -- even Destructoid says that the games are fun but not great within the genre. I disagree, as I loved Sacred 2. So this is good news for fans of Sacred because it seemed like Sacred dropped off the face of the earth.


Nemesis System Will Be Lesser On PS3 and 360
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/one-of-shadow-of-mordor-s-most-ambitious-features-scaled-back-for-xbox-360-ps3/1100-6417861/

It was announced this week that the nemesis system won't have as much depth if you're playing Shadow of Modor on the older systems.

Whaaaaaaat? A next-gen game not being as good on an old system? I won't stand for this!

Ahhhh, current and relevant references.

Xbox One Media Remote Exists! Yes!
http://www.destructoid.com/the-xbox-one-media-remote-is-now-official-270874.phtml

So in March apparently you can buy this bad boy. Kinect will still be around to watch you, take over the world play with, though, even if you get the remote.






PS4 Is Like "Where's Waldo?" Up In Dis Bitch
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-will-remain-hard-to-find-until-april-says-sony/1100-6417876/

You ever notice that I have this weird fascination with replacing the heads of things with consoles?

Yes, another video game console shortage until Spring. It's not really news because it happens all the time unless... you're... WII U! But yeah, seriously, you'll just have to steal a PS4 from your friend until then.


Diddy Kong is Back For Blood In New Super Smash Bros
http://ca.ign.com/articles/2014/02/21/diddy-kong-joining-super-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds

That's right, Diddy Kong is returning to lay the smack down Rock style in the newest Super Smash Bros.


Almost Got Through The Week...
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-4-pc-bug-causing-game-to-freeze-enter-sound-loop/1100-6417893/

...Without hearing about Battlefield 4 having issues. There's a bug that is causing the game to freeze. Hallelujah, the world is normal again.


Star Citizen Makes Dat Money
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/pc-space-sim-star-citizen-funding-reaches-an-astonishing-39-million/1100-6417890/

Star Citizen has made 40... oh who cares, let's talk Titanfall!

Just kidding. It's nice to see that Star Citizen funding has reached 40 million, which is just pocket change when you have a successful video game blog.

Why Is The Metal Gear Solid Story So Confusing Hideo?
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/kojima-explains-why-metal-gear-solid-story-is-so-complicated/1100-6417895/

Because nanomachines.

(It's because he didn't have the entire story fleshed out so there are going to be some inconsistencies.)


Good News, World of Warcraft Won't Be Pay-To-Win Because It Breaks the Players Trust And Blizzard Wouldn't Do That
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-world-of-warcraft-is-not-going-to-become-pay-to-win/1100-6417898/

I'll just leave this here. Thanks to diablo3fever for not knowing I stole it.

I hope you enjoyed this weeks installment of the News Round-Up. We had some good times, we had some bad, but they are all times we will be glad we had. Let me know what you think in the comments below (nobody ever really has) or on Twitter @ArtBathednCrime.


P.S. TITANFALL