2013 Video Games Thread

[Edward64]

Here are the upcoming games.

The best PC games of 2013 | Best PC Games, Features | PC Gamer (http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/01/01/2013-preview/)


RPG Dead State and Raven's Cry are on my watch list.

[Edward64]

Space Rangers update. I really enjoyed the game and replayed it like crazy. I know its not a major rewrite but hope there are alot more goodies.

Space Rangers: A War Apart (http://spacerangershd.com/)
We saw few comments to previous entries, where you guys were asking about how things are going. Well, we were working hard for weeks, but now we have time to share some details with you!

At the moment the game is almost done and being translated to English and other languages. We believe that this translation will be much better than previous one in Reboot.

Release version of the game will be available sometime in Q1 of 2013 simultaneously in Russian and English. You will be able to purchase the game in retail stores and through Steam as well.

[frnk55]

Here are the upcoming games.

The best PC games of 2013 | Best PC Games, Features | PC Gamer (http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/01/01/2013-preview/)


RPG Dead State and Raven's Cry are on my watch list.
Sacred 3!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Here are the upcoming games.

The best PC games of 2013 | Best PC Games, Features | PC Gamer (http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/01/01/2013-preview/)


RPG Dead State and Raven's Cry are on my watch list.

Great link. Thanks for sharing it.

Ton of interesting things coming out. I think the quality and whether the Kickstarter games are actually released this year will make or break 2013 for me and will likely make or break the whole Kickstarter video game trend.

[BYU 14]

Wastelands 2 will be nirvana, loved the original and this is easily my most anticipated release in some time.

Dead State looks really cool too.

[Radii]

Grand Theft Auto 5 is at the top of my list and is the only game I'm certain to buy this year.


I'll keep an eye on the Elder Scrolls MMO, only because it mentions Mythic's involvement.

Dragon Age 3, the South Park RPG, Total War: Rome 2 are all games I'll keep an eye on and hope that they are good.

[mckerney]

Here are the upcoming games.

The best PC games of 2013 | Best PC Games, Features | PC Gamer (http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/01/01/2013-preview/)


RPG Dead State and Raven's Cry are on my watch list.

Dungeonland looks like it could be interesting for its dungeon master mode where 3 people play co-op and a 4th sends monsters at them.

[spleen1015]

Yeah, GTA5 is at the top of my list as well.

[sterlingice]

Anyone picking up Ni No Kuni when it comes out in a couple of weeks? I'm cheap and my PS3 is in storage right now and I'm only like 1/3rd of the way through Xenoblade Chronicles but this is definitely on my radar.

For those unaware, Studio Ghibli is releasing a video game that looks, well, like a Studio Ghibli movie and it's done by Level 5 who has done, among other things, Professor Layton so it looks like an excellent match.

SI

[Abe Sargent]

Total War: Rome 2 are all games I'll keep an eye on and hope that they are good.

I picked up a few Total War games and they all were easy strategy games on the outside and increasingly more complex battles on the inside. I then picked up the expansion for M TW 2 and it didn;t work as advertised and had numerous bugs. This was about five months after its release. I checked the forums and there was no patch for the expansion, nor one on teh way. Some of the features it used to sell the expansion on the box did not work at all, and then they announced that no patch would be forthcoming, because they were focusing their staff on other games. I decided, at that time, to boycott the franchise and i have never looked back. Even if they later recanted their mistake and made a patch, it wouldn't matter to me. They cared more about future games than about fixing an expansion that had been out for months and had major bugs and issues with the expansion not working as sold. To me, they wasted my money on the expansion and didn;t care about giving me a good product that worked as designed. Therefore, i've never even looked at another TW game since.


Just figured I'd let you all know how much of an old cuss I am ;)

[MizzouRah]

Space Rangers update. I really enjoyed the game and replayed it like crazy. I know its not a major rewrite but hope there are alot more goodies.

Space Rangers: A War Apart (http://spacerangershd.com/)

Thanks for this! Can't wait!


New pirate subplot. After completing any one of the story branches a player can either end the game, or continue playing to complete another branch. the player’s actions influence the entire Galaxy, while the balance in either of wars may be tipped not only by the player, but by AI actions as well. No two playthroughs will be the same.
Major technical overhaul. Display resolutions up to 1920×1200, multi-core processors, Windows® 7, and anti-aliasing in 3D planetary battles are now fully supported.
Extended soundtrack means you’ll hear more than 15 completely new musical themes specially created for deeper immersion into the amazing Space Rangers universe.
Other improvements include more than 10 new text adventures, 15+ planetary battle maps, 20+ government missions, unique non-story events, new equipment and micromodules, access to all hyperspace engagements from the main menu and more!

[Balldog]

Any recommendations for a racing game on Xbox 360 that young kids (3 &5 yrs old) can play with 4 players on one system?

Both boys are pretty advanced for their age so as long as it isn't crazy intense I assume they will handle it well.

We used to have Mario Kart but the 5 yr old got bored after dominating it when he was 3. His younger brother is good but not quite at that level.

Any ideas? Would really prefer Xbox 360 but also have Wii.

[Matthean]

I'll keep an eye on the Elder Scrolls MMO, only because it mentions Mythic's involvement.

I think there is more than one City of Heroes devs on it as well.

[mckerney]

Elder Scrolls Online - Alpha Review - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLp0ykvotEI)

[Abe Sargent]

I think there is more than one City of Heroes devs on it as well.

I was really sad that City of Heroes closed down two months ago. A classic and one of the best MMORPGs of all time to my mind. It's not Guild Wars, UO or WoW, but it was easily one of the top ten, and maybe back half of the top five if i thought about it

[cartman]

South Park: The Stick of Truth looks like it is gonna be fun.

Slim Application Error (http://www.stickoftruth.com/)

[SackAttack]

Any recommendations for a racing game on Xbox 360 that young kids (3 &5 yrs old) can play with 4 players on one system?

Both boys are pretty advanced for their age so as long as it isn't crazy intense I assume they will handle it well.

We used to have Mario Kart but the 5 yr old got bored after dominating it when he was 3. His younger brother is good but not quite at that level.

Any ideas? Would really prefer Xbox 360 but also have Wii.

Maybe Sonic All-Stars? Similar to Mario Kart, but with Sega characters.

[Abe Sargent]

So you guys will feel loved too!


Is it just me, or is going back and forth into the Game Specials, Steam and Video Game threads giving anybody else whiplash? ;)

[nilodor]

Any recommendations for a racing game on Xbox 360 that young kids (3 &5 yrs old) can play with 4 players on one system?

Both boys are pretty advanced for their age so as long as it isn't crazy intense I assume they will handle it well.

We used to have Mario Kart but the 5 yr old got bored after dominating it when he was 3. His younger brother is good but not quite at that level.

Any ideas? Would really prefer Xbox 360 but also have Wii.

Even though it has gotten average reviews. My girlfriend and I have been having a ton of fun with F1 race stars. I find it more challenging than Mario kart and maybe even more fun.

[Kodos]

My kids have been having fun with Burnout 3 Takedown. Even if it's an old Xbox game. They love the crashes.

[britrock88]

So you guys will feel loved too!


Is it just me, or is going back and forth into the Game Specials, Steam and Video Game threads giving anybody else whiplash? ;)

Did you consider that this cross-posting might cause some of us whiplash? ;)

[Abe Sargent]

Well, i hope so

[mckerney]

Nvidia announces Project Shield handheld gaming system with 5-inch multitouch display, available in Q2 of this year | The Verge (http://www.theverge.com/2013/1/7/3845282/nvidia-announces-project-shield-handheld-gaming-system)

In addition to supporting all of the games available to Android devices and the games in the Tegra Zone, the Shield also has the ability to stream games from a home Windows PC equipped with a GeForce GTX 650 (or higher) graphics card to the handheld device over Wi-Fi, letting users access their library of PC games, including games in the Steam library, while on the go. It access the games on the home PC and run them virtually on the Shield. In the future, Nvidia says that it will add support to stream content from the Shield to a television wirelessly, so you can watch video and play games on your TV display without being tethered by wires.

This is the sort of thing I'm more interested in than a Steam console. Not sure about this specific product without knowing more, and needing at least a GTX 650 isn't a selling point for me right now. Hopefully we'll see more products that let you stream games from PC to TV on a local network though.

[CrimsonFox]

Well, i hope so


*sues*

[sterlingice]

Mega Man: A Full Commentated Playthrough - IGN Video (http://www.ign.com/videos/2013/01/07/mega-man-a-full-commentated-playthrough)

Not usually one to watch walkthroughs but really enjoyed this one. Commentary is subdued and informative and it's a good game to do it with since it's not too long.


SI

[mckerney]

Teaser for CD Projekt Red's new RPG series.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/P99qJGrPNLs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

And a little info on what's probably The Witcher 3 in it. (http://i48.tinypic.com/dpwv0m.jpg)

Do you like our latest creation? We certainly hope so! :) You may remember that we sometimes send you guys secret messages like this. It's a great way for us to speak right to you instead of burying ourselves in corporate mumbo jumbo, so let's begin!
First of all--have you noticed all the details in our teaser (Yes, it's a teaser. We'll make a proper trailer in the future)? If you know the Cyberpunk setting, there are some things you can spot, like implants--look for the weapon hands and the real skin -- corporate emblems that should look familiar, and more. Happy hunting!
You're probably curious about the release. It's currently scheduled a way off in 20(14,15,16?) but in truth the delivery date is more like "when it's done". We will release Cyberpunk to you when we're convinced it is nothing but pure, refined, unadulterated awesome. We want it to be the most kick ass futuristic RPG ever-- OK, maybe this sounds pretty bully, but it is our actual goal! You judge if we deliver it!
Oh--And you may wonder why we announced our game so early before the release. The reason is that we're still building our Dev team, so if you are a talented dude or dudette, willing to work in a really different company (gamers rule & boring corporate stuff drools) on a single ambitious project, send us your application right now! [email protected]
So, you want to know what kind of game Cyberpunk 2077 will be? The short description is that it will be a story-heavy, nonlinear, open world RPG based on the well known Cyberpunk pen&paper system and setting. Building open world games is something we are mastering right now, and we believe (misspelled in trailer, heh) that properly joining nonlinear gameplay with an excellent story telling will bring a totally new quality. Hmm.. we'll tell some more about it soon!
And that's not all that's new, we are about to reveal our other project, which is much closer to being completed and yes, it will also be a fully open-world game with an intense story. You can probably guess the game we're talking about - on the 5th of February it will all be clear.
So stay tuned as we will have quite a lot to show and tell you soon!
We are waiting for you on our newly created forum called afterlife--what other name could we have chosen for it? :)
CD Project Red Team

[MizzouRah]

Excited to play this when it comes out on 1/30

Crasleen: Drums of War Windows game - Indie DB (http://www.indiedb.com/games/crasleen-drums-of-war)

[mckerney]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KJo12Hz_BVI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[mckerney]

‘Fallout’ Television Series May Be In The Works | Geekscape (http://www.geekscape.net/a-fallout-television-series-may-be-in-the-works)

Could at least be better than Revolution I'd hope.

[CrimsonFox]

‘Fallout’ Television Series May Be In The Works | Geekscape (http://www.geekscape.net/a-fallout-television-series-may-be-in-the-works)

Could at least be better than Revolution I'd hope.


That would be fucking awesome if it was good. No doubt the popularity of Walk Dead has made this feasible. However trust that hollywood will fuck this up bigtime.
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[bhlloy]

Does anyone have any insight on Omerta: City of Gangsters which is being released at the end of the month. As a turn based gangster game it seems to be the spiritual successor to Gangsters, which was a game I played the shit out of back in the day

[Atocep]

Does anyone have any insight on Omerta: City of Gangsters which is being released at the end of the month. As a turn based gangster game it seems to be the spiritual successor to Gangsters, which was a game I played the shit out of back in the day

The developer worked on the last couple of Tropico games and did a good job. It's a game I've had on my radar.

[rjolley]

If anyone wants a chance to check out the new SimCity, they have opened registrations for the closed beta at http://www.simcity.com/beta.

[mckerney]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/l-qw9cSI-7M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Matthean]

Baldur's Gate Enhanced now on Steam, but 'ver - Video Game News, Videos and File Downloads for PC and Console Games at Shacknews.com (http://www.shacknews.com/article/77433/baldurs-gate-enhanced-on-steam-but-very-basic)

Considering the initial reports on the game, I'm not really sure an even lesser developed version is really getting me excited.

[dubb93]

Baldur's Gate Enhanced now on Steam, but 'ver - Video Game News, Videos and File Downloads for PC and Console Games at Shacknews.com (http://www.shacknews.com/article/77433/baldurs-gate-enhanced-on-steam-but-very-basic)

Considering the initial reports on the game, I'm not really sure an even lesser developed version is really getting me excited.

This was discussed in the Steam thread. Is a butthurt developer angry that Atari and now Steam are taking money away from him. Heaven forbid Atari, who financed it and Steam, who sell it, get their cut. "2011" refers to the patch not the year. As far as I can tell it is the same game just one patch off since the game sits at "2012" right now. That patch will filter through the Steam version eventually, but I doubt the dev will ever stop bitching about Steam getting their cut.

I vote Bioware gets a cut of the game too at this point just to spite the new dev.

[Abe Sargent]

How come you folks are talking about the BG: EE in the 2013 Video Games Thread?


This is why we need just one thread for all of these video game threads. ;)

[Matthean]

Atari Files For Bankruptcy, Company Hopes to Remain Intact (http://mashable.com/2013/01/21/atari-bankruptcy/)

[SackAttack]

Atari Files For Bankruptcy, Company Hopes to Remain Intact (http://mashable.com/2013/01/21/atari-bankruptcy/)

Hopefully they can. That's all that's left of Atari; the company split into two back in '84 into an arcade company (retained by Time Warner) and a home software company (sold to Jack Tramiel); the former went through some iterations before becoming Midway a while ago and eventually went out of business.

The latter went through the whole Tengen/Tetris mess and eventually wound up with Infogrames, which is where the article you linked picks up.

[Thomkal]

Elder Scrolls Online now taking beta signups:

http://elderscrollsonline.com/en/

[Vince, Pt. II]

Ni No Kune came out for PS3 yesterday. It's a JRPG that is being compared to Chrono Trigger, among others. It has a ridiculously talented team behind it, and borrows gameplay elements from Pokemon and Namco's Tales series. The art is straight anime, and it is incredibly well done. I'm about 2 hours in and it's fantastic so far.

[mckerney]

Relic has been purchased by SEGA.

[SirFozzie]

The WWE license went to 2K Sports.

[mckerney]

Deep Silver gets Saints Row and Metro franchises. Ubisoft got the South Park game, though South Park Studios may be contesting THQs ability to sell it off.

[Matthean]

Official rundown.

THQ studios and games sold to Sega, Koch Medi - Video Game News, Videos and File Downloads for PC and Console Games at Shacknews.com (http://www.shacknews.com/article/77526/thq-studios-and-games-sold-to-sega-koch-media-crytek)

[Mota]

Apparently 2K Games is also probably going to get the WWE franchise in a deal outside of the auction.

[Blackadar]

I got into the beta for the latest SimCity. Considering that I had to wait 30 minutes to log in, then the game couldn't/wouldn't even load a region for me to play in, I'd have to suggest to everyone to stay far, far away. It's obvious that the "always online" component is going to cause some serious issues.

[mckerney]

Official rundown.

THQ studios and games sold to Sega, Koch Medi - Video Game News, Videos and File Downloads for PC and Console Games at Shacknews.com (http://www.shacknews.com/article/77526/thq-studios-and-games-sold-to-sega-koch-media-crytek)

Overall it looks like it all worked out pretty well aside from Vigil and the Darksiders series apparently being left for dead. Sega is an established publisher of PC strategy games between Total War and Football Manager, so they seem like a good landing spot for Relic. Koch Media seems like they won't interfere in the Saint's Row series, I was kind of worried Volition would end up with someone like Activision or EA who might want a GTA competitor and would have the series go in a more serious direction. Stick of Truth should be fine with Ubi, and that looks like its just a publishing deal for a single South Park game anyway.

Would've obviously been better if THQ hadn't gone all in on the uDraw, but looks like most of the major series should be okay.

[Ryan S]

I got into the beta for the latest SimCity. Considering that I had to wait 30 minutes to log in, then the game couldn't/wouldn't even load a region for me to play in, I'd have to suggest to everyone to stay far, far away. It's obvious that the "always online" component is going to cause some serious issues.

Yep, I was in the middle of the tutorial when I got a message telling me that the SimCity servers were down, and the game just stops allowing you to do anything.

Also, the cities are far too small.

[dubb93]

I'm going to assume it's using EA's servers which are the worst and most unreliable I've ever encountered in the industry.

[spleen1015]

You guys crack me up.

[mckerney]

Yep, I was in the middle of the tutorial when I got a message telling me that the SimCity servers were down, and the game just stops allowing you to do anything.

Also, the cities are far too small.

And as bad as it is the always on DRM is probably only third on the list of concerns I have with it.

[JonInMiddleGA]

EA's servers which are the worst and most unreliable I've ever encountered in the industry.

+ Infinity

[MizzouRah]

Anyone get DmC and if so, how is it?

[Blackadar]

Amazon is running a heck of a deal right now. 5 indie games for $10.

Amazon.com: Microsoft 5-Game Arcade/Indie Pack [Download]: Video Games (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B1ULJI0)

But not just any 5 indie games....

Mark of the Ninja
Deadlight
Toy Soldiers
Iron Brigade
Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet

Or you can get these individually for about $4 a pop. These are all supposed to be pretty good, but MotN is supposed to be one of the best games from last year with a Metacritic score of 91.

[Matthean]

MotN is supposed to be one of the best games from last year with a Metacritic score of 91.

Instantly reminded me of Shank when I watched the trailer.

[mckerney]

Instantly reminded me of Shank when I watched the trailer.

It's by the same devs, but more about stealth gameplay than brawler.

[Matthean]

It's by the same devs, but more about stealth gameplay than brawler.

I almost went and looked up to see if it was made by thr same guys. The art style is simply too close to not be the same devs.

Also:
Total War Shogun 2 Gets Gold Edition in March | Side Mission | GameTrailers (http://www.gametrailers.com/side-mission/45671/total-war-shogun-2-gets-gold-edition-in-march)

[MizzouRah]

oh yeah...

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mDcnWFNE_aI?feature=player_embedded" allowfullscreen="" width="640" frameborder="0" height="360"></iframe>

[Super Ugly]

Wow. Yes. Okay. That trailer has me salivating for the game even more.

[Matthean]

MotN is supposed to be one of the best games from last year with a Metacritic score of 91.

It was the only one that did anything for me so I just picked it up versus the five.

[mckerney]

Anyone picking up Dungeonland?

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yxM9N1xOBqQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ie2n_YXHj4w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[cartman]

GTA V pushed back to September.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/31/us-taketwo-grandtheftauto-idUSBRE90U17120130131

[mckerney]

Does anyone have any insight on Omerta: City of Gangsters which is being released at the end of the month. As a turn based gangster game it seems to be the spiritual successor to Gangsters, which was a game I played the shit out of back in the day

Out today, I have to admit I'd been aware of this games development for a while but didn't know much about it. Reviews so far seem to say it's a decent game, though unfortunately more focused on the turn based combat than the managing of a mob empire.

I'd be a lot more interested if it was more of a management sim, as it is I'm still working many way through everything XCOM has to offer and probably won't be real interested in Omerta anytime soon. If I do pick it up I'll probably wait until it is around $5 or so and hope DLC or mods add more to the management side of things.

[stevew]

GTA V pushed back to September.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/31/us-taketwo-grandtheftauto-idUSBRE90U17120130131

wow, that's shitty news. I wish they would just make it for next gen stuff as a launch title if they're going to do that.

[cartman]

wow, that's shitty news. I wish they would just make it for next gen stuff as a launch title if they're going to do that.

That is one of the rumors floating out there about the delay.

[bhlloy]

The developer worked on the last couple of Tropico games and did a good job. It's a game I've had on my radar.

This (Omerta) looks and sounds absolutely terrible... I downloaded the demo and by the time it had finished I'd read so many horrible reviews about the game I didn't even bother installing it. Bummed about that, I'm in a gaming funk right now

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

This (Omerta) looks and sounds absolutely terrible... I downloaded the demo and by the time it had finished I'd read so many horrible reviews about the game I didn't even bother installing it. Bummed about that, I'm in a gaming funk right now

That's a shame. I thought it looked interesting. Sounds like a $5 buy on Steam this Xmas.

[mckerney]

That's a shame. I thought it looked interesting. Sounds like a $5 buy on Steam this Xmas.

I was interested in it because I'd love a good mobster game, but the turn based combat that seems to be the biggest part of Omerta is the part I'm least interested in for a mobster sim. I was really hoping it would be like an older game that I think was called Gangsters where focused on buying businesses as fronts and legitimate enterprise, hiring thugs to run protection and control territory.

[BYU 14]

This (Omerta) looks and sounds absolutely terrible... I downloaded the demo and by the time it had finished I'd read so many horrible reviews about the game I didn't even bother installing it. Bummed about that, I'm in a gaming funk right now

Damn, had high hopes for this, hate to hear this.

[bhlloy]

I was interested in it because I'd love a good mobster game, but the turn based combat that seems to be the biggest part of Omerta is the part I'm least interested in for a mobster sim. I was really hoping it would be like an older game that I think was called Gangsters where focused on buying businesses as fronts and legitimate enterprise, hiring thugs to run protection and control territory.

Sounds like even the turn based combat is laughably terrible :banghead:

I also thought it would be just like Gangsters, which was an awesome game that aged pretty well. You can buy it through GOG and it's playable under Windows 7

[Neon_Chaos]

Anyone with a ps3 playing ni no kuni? What a great rpg.

[mckerney]

Brutal Legend has appeared in the Steam content database, would be great to see that come to PC.

[SackAttack]

Amazon.com: Paradox 2012 Ultimate Pack [Download]: Video Games (http://www.amazon.com/Paradox-2012-Ultimate-Pack-Download/dp/B00B7UKDQS/ref=zg_bs_2445220011_11)

What looks to be the entirety (so far) of Crusader Kings II, as well as CKI and "A Game of Dwarves" for $14.99.

[mckerney]

Amazon.com: Paradox 2012 Ultimate Pack [Download]: Video Games (http://www.amazon.com/Paradox-2012-Ultimate-Pack-Download/dp/B00B7UKDQS/ref=zg_bs_2445220011_11)

What looks to be the entirety (so far) of Crusader Kings II, as well as CKI and "A Game of Dwarves" for $14.99.

They're not sure on getting keys back in for this deal though. The Paradox reps that Amazon deals with are out of town for the Paradox convention and the Amazon guy had said if he didn't have the keys by today he didn't think they'd have them back in for this deal, or at least back in with the $5 off credit still going on.

[Eaglesfan27]

Anyone with a ps3 playing ni no kuni? What a great rpg.

Nope, but I have heard great things and have it on my list to buy once I get through a bit more back log.

[mckerney]

Shadowrun Returns screenshots!

http://i.imgur.com/vyl9p0j.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Lxpf8hN.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/xx07IXs.jpg

[TroyF]

oh yeah...

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mDcnWFNE_aI?feature=player_embedded" allowfullscreen="" width="640" frameborder="0" height="360"></iframe>

Replaying the original game now. Will play the second and DLC before Infinite comes out. I love this series.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Anyone with a ps3 playing ni no kuni? What a great rpg.

It's the best RPG I've played since Chrono Trigger. Just really, really well done.

[mckerney]

I played a few hours of Path of Exile tonight and have loved it so far. Anyone else who was disappointed in Diablo III should check it out, especially since it's free to play model is just about perfect.

[Neon_Chaos]

It's the best RPG I've played since Chrono Trigger. Just really, really well done.

I fully agree. And you can tell that Level 5 really put their heart and soul into the thing. The localisation is top notch.

[Radii]

I played a few hours of Path of Exile tonight and have loved it so far. Anyone else who was disappointed in Diablo III should check it out, especially since it's free to play model is just about perfect.

I grouped with two friends for about 2-3 hours in this one and enjoyed it quite a bit. I have a couple frustrations with the interface, but overall, it felt pretty damn solid.

[Matthean]

I played a few hours of Path of Exile tonight and have loved it so far. Anyone else who was disappointed in Diablo III should check it out, especially since it's free to play model is just about perfect.

I'm waiting for the last character wipes. I got my fill during closed beta, and I didn't feel like getting attached to builds only to have them wiped again and again.

[mckerney]

I'm waiting for the last character wipes. I got my fill during closed beta, and I didn't feel like getting attached to builds only to have them wiped again and again.

They just went into open beta and won't have any more character wipes.

Forum - Announcements - How the Open Beta launch will work - Path of Exile (http://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/70299)

All characters will be reverted to level 1 and moved to new Default and Hardcore leagues. Their items will be destroyed, other than Demigod's Presences and pets. This is the final wipe the game will ever have.

[mckerney]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5H2rL-lBxRs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[terpkristin]

So. Many. Games!

I have Ni No Kuni in the queue. Shadowrun Returns looks really great; what I read about it in the Gamespot magazine has really piqued my interest. I've also got some stuff still to finish in Pokemon Black 2 (I want to have the game beat by the time I go to PAX East). And today I downloaded Fire Emblem: Awakening for my 3DS.

Is anybody else going to play that one? I'm hearing great things about it...never played any of the games in the series, but it sounds like another turn-based tactical RPG, which I tend to like.

/tk

[Fidatelo]

Has anyone checked out Skulls of the Shogun? I played the trial a bit and it seems like a fun little strategy game with some good personality. I'll probably pick it up at some point, either when it goes on sale or when my current queue of games shortens up a bit.

[mckerney]

Has anyone checked out Skulls of the Shogun? I played the trial a bit and it seems like a fun little strategy game with some good personality. I'll probably pick it up at some point, either when it goes on sale or when my current queue of games shortens up a bit.

I may pick it up if they release it outside the Windows store.

[JonInMiddleGA]

So. Many. Games.

I'm having some of this right now myself, in spite of relatively few recent purchases.

I'm playing NBA 2k at my son's behest. Surprisingly addictive, considering I haven't played a b'ball game since the gamestopping bug in one of the old college hoops games years ago (where your career mode got stuck if you couldn't use up all your coach improvement points).

I'd like to get back to Skyrim & finish both the Dragonborn DLC storyline and then the main storyline. I'm in beast mode at this point & an already have a rather silly amount of gold but it'd be nice to actually finish a game.

I really ought to play Black Ops 2 again, if only to keep my already meager skills from atrophying.

I'd really like to take another crack at X-Com, but where the hell to find the time? If I'm gonna play, I'd like to get in a groove with it but & roll for a while (even if I'm sucking) but well.... see above.

A good problem to have I guess.

[Matthean]

So far I like the changes made to PoE. You can definitely see they went and made the starting difficulty harder.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I'm considering more and more just sitting out this next round of consoles. If they follow the model where you can only use the game on the console that it was activated on, this next generation is going to die a quick death. I suppose the only thing that they have going for them is that they can stop the activation code nonsense if they want to do so at some point.

The next Xbox: Always online, no second-hand games, 50GB Blu-ray discs and new Kinect | News | Edge Online (http://www.edge-online.com/news/the-next-xbox-always-online-no-second-hand-games-50gb-blu-ray-discs-and-new-kinect/)

[Fidatelo]

I think the next generation is screwed. Why would I buy an XBox 720 over something like an Ouya? It will cost me 4-5 times as much for the system, games will be $60 and there will be about 2 titles a year that interest me. If the Ouya and it's competitors take off I bet within a year or two there will be piles of games coming out that are interesting and fun for a fifth of the price of the AAA titles on the XBox. I think there is a massive consumer shift happening right now that Sony/MS/Nintendo are not fully understanding, and it's going to bite them huge.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I think the next generation is screwed. Why would I buy an XBox 720 over something like an Ouya? It will cost me 4-5 times as much for the system, games will be $60 and there will be about 2 titles a year that interest me.

If there's only 2 titles per year that you're interested in, I'm not entirely sure why you bought the 360, much less the 720.

I'm lucky if my kid doesn't find 2 new titles each month (and would if he weren't actually trying to be fiscally responsible). Heck, even my narrow tastes probably come up with a half dozen to a dozen each year.

[JediKooter]

I'm considering more and more just sitting out this next round of consoles. If they follow the model where you can only use the game on the console that it was activated on, this next generation is going to die a quick death. I suppose the only thing that they have going for them is that they can stop the activation code nonsense if they want to do so at some point.

The next Xbox: Always online, no second-hand games, 50GB Blu-ray discs and new Kinect | News | Edge Online (http://www.edge-online.com/news/the-next-xbox-always-online-no-second-hand-games-50gb-blu-ray-discs-and-new-kinect/)

I just read this. WTF are they thinking? I mean, I kind of know what they are thinking, but, it's the wrong thinking in my opinion. After reading that article, the new Xbox is off my list of things to get. Next gen anything, should be LESS of a hassle than the previous generation, not MORE of a hassle.

[whomario]

Doesn´t surprise me at all. It´s interesting but not exactly news how extreme the contrast between convergence on one hand (every device offering a host of secondary and tertiary uses for non-core content) and divergence on the other (ever more devices and more exclusivity for the main content of a system) has become in the last couple of years.
It´s easier and easier to play/use the same stuff on multiple devices in theory, but in practice it´ll either cost you extra or won´t work without 3rd party aplications (which aren´t legal for use of course).

We are propably farther away from the magical user friendly Black Box than we were 5 years ago ...


Things like the Ouya will not "take off", imo. There is just too much money and connection within the current triumvirate (MS, Sony, Nintendo) for a start up to make a dent in. I just don´t think the quality of the games will be there, either.
And the type of games that i can see being really good on it (and looking at the list of confirmed games List of Ouya software - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ouya_software)) are propably the same sort that you can play on decent PCs for a cheap price as well (action/adventure games, point and click games and online-based rpg types) and with things like the new Steam big picture thing it propably comes close enough to the same sort of feel.

And when i then read about them bringing out a new model every year then this does not convey much trust in their initial design and long term usability. (Ouya chief: We'll launch a new console every year | Tech Culture - CNET News (http://news.cnet.com/8301-10797_3-57568183-235/ouya-chief-well-launch-a-new-console-every-year/))
So instead of paying 400 or 500 once, i get to pay 99 multiple times for a slight upgrade ? (which they wouldn´t propose if there weren´t serious incentives like new games not being compatible on older consoles)

[Fidatelo]

But you won't need the newest Ouya every year I don't imagine. It will be like cellphones or tablets, all but the most avid users will probably be fine upgrading every 2-3 years. I'd rather spend $100 every 2-3 years than $400 up front.

[Fidatelo]

If there's only 2 titles per year that you're interested in, I'm not entirely sure why you bought the 360, much less the 720.

I'm lucky if my kid doesn't find 2 new titles each month (and would if he weren't actually trying to be fiscally responsible). Heck, even my narrow tastes probably come up with a half dozen to a dozen each year.

I was interested in more games originally, but how many times can I buy Call of Duty, NHL, or Madden before I start to question spending another $60 on what is basically the same thing I've already played?

Let me put it this way: I have both a Wii and a 360. I haven't played a Wii game in years. I go through a short NHL burst every 8-12 months on the 360. That's it. However, I have a laptop that I buy and play games on all the time. The games cost me $5-10 each, and many are the same ones my friends paid big bucks for on the 360 (Batman Arkham Asylum/City, etc), as well as a bunch of others that aren't even on consoles. Finally, I have an iPad that my kids and myself use CONSTANTLY, to the point where it runs to no battery at least once a day. The games aren't nearly as grand, but they cost $1-4 each and provide hours of fun regardless. And there are new ones constantly.

I think consumers are trending in a similar fashion that I am. Less interest in Giant Game 7 for $60 that is a minor upgrade from Giant Game 6 that came out the year before, and more interest in lots of smaller games with original ideas that cost a handful of dollars.

[cartman]

The consoles are moving away from being "game playing devices" to "home entertainment hubs". Games will only be one of the many things they will do.

[Matthean]

If there's only 2 titles per year that you're interested in, I'm not entirely sure why you bought the 360, much less the 720.

I'm lucky if my kid doesn't find 2 new titles each month (and would if he weren't actually trying to be fiscally responsible). Heck, even my narrow tastes probably come up with a half dozen to a dozen each year.

People think MMOs are costly due to the sub, but I saved money by playing City of Heroes since I wasn't going out and buying so many console games. Now that I have further gone back to PC games with Steam deals, some F2P games, etc., I see little reason to ever really play console games.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Less interest in Giant Game 7 for $60 that is a minor upgrade from Giant Game 6 that came out the year before

Black Ops 2 begs to differ (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-1-billion/);)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Black Ops 2 begs to differ (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/call-of-duty-black-ops-2-1-billion/);)

To be fair though, that has been the exception rather than the rule. Sports gaming, which used to be that kind of a thing, has taken a major downturn. Those franchises were churning money like crazy compared to what they do now.

[JonInMiddleGA]

To be fair though, that has been the exception rather than the rule. Sports gaming, which used to be that kind of a thing, has taken a major downturn. Those franchises were churning money like crazy compared to what they do now.

But it's still out there, definitely part of the equation. I mean, it's hard to argue with all-time sales record after all-time sales record.

I think the sports games are hurting with adults but anecdotal evidence (i.e. my own kid & his peers) suggests to me that the younger gamers aren't being affected.

Behind the COD franchise shooters, the most played and most commonly purchased are still the classic sports genres. From about 12-24, those are still what they play night after night, interspersed with the major FPS titles. And they play 'em until the next one comes out, and for most they're still a first day (or at worst first week) purchase.

Beyond those, I see them playing a pretty mixed bag. Usually any other major title has maybe 2-4 owners among his core group of 15 or so players. And because of that limited number, those games get less play (because of the shortage of regular MP partners).

[whomario]

To be fair though, that has been the exception rather than the rule. Sports gaming, which used to be that kind of a thing, has taken a major downturn. Those franchises were churning money like crazy compared to what they do now.

Is it really going that way though ? dunno how trustworthy these numbers are, but here´s what i found with a quick look around one website : http://www.vgchartz.com

According to them NBA 2k13 sold 3,3 mion on 360+ps3, whereas 2K12 sold just 2.5 and 2k11 sold 2.3 mio units (both counted at dec 31st of the release year), FIFA had yet another record year and not small increases either, going from about 8 mio to 9,7 360/PS3 combined.
And that´s not considering the fact that EA and 2K (and other firms) is making more and more money for comparably low cost input with their digital content.
Even Madden 13 sold more copies in 2012 than Madden12 in 2011 (2.2 mio, up from 2 mio for both platforms).

And then you have all those sequels (and onwards ...) in other genres selling like crazy as well.

[rowech]

This game has me excited...

Matrix Games - Buzz Aldrin's Space Program Manager (http://matrixgames.com/products/462/details/Buzz.Aldrin)

[JediKooter]

It would be awesome if you can punch conspiracy theorists with Buzz's fist.

[stevew]

http://www.amctv.com/shows/the-walking-dead/survival-instinct-game-trailer-the-walking-dead

Walking dead game out in March. Seems early.

Gah, one too many Dixon's in this game.

[mckerney]

J.J. Abrams, Valve in talks for game and Half-Life or Portal*film | Polygon (http://www.polygon.com/2013/2/6/3960102/half-life-portal-movies-jj-abrams-valve)

J.J. Abrahms and Valve are looking to team up for a movie and a game.

[mckerney]

I think the next generation is screwed. Why would I buy an XBox 720 over something like an Ouya? It will cost me 4-5 times as much for the system, games will be $60 and there will be about 2 titles a year that interest me. If the Ouya and it's competitors take off I bet within a year or two there will be piles of games coming out that are interesting and fun for a fifth of the price of the AAA titles on the XBox. I think there is a massive consumer shift happening right now that Sony/MS/Nintendo are not fully understanding, and it's going to bite them huge.

This is what I'm more interested in. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=PeYxKIDGh8I#t=385s) Looking forward to seeing what comes out in the next year for devices that will let me just pause my game on the PC, pick up a controller and resume playing on my TV in another room.

[Matthean]

Completed Act I in PoE. Clarity rocks on a witch. I'm almost near being on auto pilot with Freezing Pulse, and I'm going Ice witch as well. I had to be reminded support gems need to be linked to do anything. Once I can get some better items to link up some stuff I'll be even happier with the build. I'm really wanting to try out Fork with Ice Shard even though Fork is dex based and that's really low on my witch right now.

[Thomkal]

Played a little bit with Path of Exile-a nice innovation or two like the fact that you don't sell stuff for money but instead for various items to improve your items and such. A new take on the skills tree too-its huge and you can take many different routes around it-makes you really plan out how you want to play your character.

[mckerney]

Many Questions: System Shock 2 Comes To GOG | Rock, Paper, Shotgun (www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/02/13/many-questions-system-shock-2-comes-to-gog/)

Perfect way to get ready for Bioshock Infinite.

[Vince, Pt. II]

So I finished Ni No Kuni last weekend. Great game, but there are some flaws that hold it back from that upper echelon of RPG's.

The Good:
Graphics, Sound, Presentation:
The game is beautiful. Rendered anime style with cell shading, it really appears as if you're playing an anime. Similarly, the music is fantastic, really setting the tone of the game well. The voice acting is also superb, and really adds a lot of personality to the game.

Gameplay:
The battle sequences are intriguing, with a dynamic combat system that allows you to wander around the battlefield in real time in an effort to get better position on your opponents for an attack or to get away for defense/evasion. The party system allows you to fluidly swap between 12 different characters in any single battle, and while that sounds like a lot, you only have three characters active at a time, one each from three 'teams' of four. Two of the three active characters are controlled by the AI, and there are some pretty simple commands you can give to have your compatriots either engage all out or go on the defensive on the fly. There are also literally hundreds of creatures that you can recruit to have on your team, enabling you to concoct a diverse team that has a wide array of talents, from physical attacks to magic attacks, high defensive units and healers as well. Though I'll go over its shortcomings in a bit, the combat system is fun as hell and stays interesting throughout the 50-ish hour game.

The Story:
The story is quite well done, with a good bit of behind-the-scenes type subterfuge going on while you follow the main theme. You get to develop a real sense of the main characters involved and why they are doing what they are doing.

The Bad:
Difficulty:
The game is ridiculously easy. There are two difficulty levels, Normal and Easy. On Normal, I was able to plow ahead for nearly the entire game with my stock group of characters without running into ANY problems. Early on in the game, I actually ended up taking on a mini-boss during a side quest with a team that was entirely unsuited for it (Fire damage mob, my team was entirely fire damage dealers and my main physical damage guy had on a fire sword), and we still steamrolled it pretty easily. Not only that, they hold your hand completely throughout the entire game, telling you exactly where to go, when to go there and what to do there when you get there. There are a couple of side quests that make you actually use your head, but they are very few and far between. The game is fun enough that this isn't a major detriment, as it's easy to enjoy even while you're steamrolling it, but it would have been nice if there was a little more difficulty.

Timing in the combat system:
The game is active battle, and some of the spells/abilities/effects have a cast time and/or an animation. Certain animations stop everything and simply cancel any other casts that are going off at the time. It's incredibly frustrating to be in the middle of a heal on your main active character, and have one of the AI controlled characters fire off a spell that literally cancels the ability you were using on your main character. This wouldn't be as bad if it weren't so inconsistent. Some abilities aren't interruptable, and your cast will finish just fine after the animation. Others aren't. Some only get interrupted sometimes.

Similarly, one of the major mechanics of the game is keeping an eye on the enemy to be able to see when they are about to launch a massive attack. When they do, you have a limited amount of time to hit "Defend" so it doesn't crush you. It's a pretty neat system, and once you start to get the hang of it, it's a really fulfilling experience to time it right and nail a defense down before a huge attack lands. However, some of the enemy animations are so long that it doesn't matter if you hit defend at the last moment or not, the animation will take the time of the entire defend action and you are powerless to avoid it...which sort of renders the whole system moot when that happens, and it incredibly annoying.

The AI:
For a game in which the majority of the time you are only controlling one of three characters, the AI is horrendously limited. You have several options on the 'tactics' screen, but what they really amount to are just two choices: "Blow all your MP as soon as humanly possible" or "Never use MP at all." So basically you turn your companions' abilities off until you reach a boss, then have them go all out. There is very little in the way of middle ground here.

Production Value:
The game is utterly phenomenal at this for about the first 35% of the game (15 hours or so). Voice acting (which is superb) everywhere, lots of cut scenes which are short enough that they aren't intrusive. Then, abruptly, the voice acting stops almost completely for the next 20-30 hours of game play. At the end, you get a nice burst of it again, but the gap in the middle just screams "we ran out of money or time during development."

Brute Force-able:
I mentioned this a little in the difficulty section, but your main battle team is comprised of familiars. Each one has a bunch of different attributes, resistances and strengths to various elements. There's a ton of room for customization, and there are hundreds of different familiars you can mix and match to dial your team in as well as you'd like. The problem is that it really doesn't matter. You can use just about any team and make it win. And about halfway through the game, your main character gets so strong that you sort of stop using the team you've built up anyway.

NPC's/Side Quests:
Who cares? There really isn't a lot of personality to the NPCs in the game. Despite a robust side-quest portion of the game in which there is a lot to do, it very quickly boils down to 'walk up to person, read two lines of dialogue, pick the proper spell from the spell menu that pops up, collect reward.' There's also an entire line of quests that only pop up after you've beaten the game. I found myself wondering why they didn't just give them to me before I was done so I didn't have to go back afterward.

---

That may sound like an overly harsh criticism of the game...don't get me wrong, I loved the hell out of it. But there were some decent sized flaws that kept it from being truly fantastic. I'd give it an 8/10.

[JediKooter]

Seriously disappointed over the reviews for Aliens: Colonial Marines. :(

[Honolulu_Blue]

Seriously disappointed over the reviews for Aliens: Colonial Marines. :(

Same here.

[JediKooter]

Same here.

I don't get it. Aliens is just naturally set up for a FPS and if your company can make Borderlands 1 and 2, which are great games in my opinion, how in the hell do you f-up Aliens?? Just wow.

[Atocep]

I don't get it. Aliens is just naturally set up for a FPS and if your company can make Borderlands 1 and 2, which are great games in my opinion, how in the hell do you f-up Aliens?? Just wow.

Supposedly Gearbox had a few different studios work on this. TimeGate (made the Fear games) were the ones that did most of the work.

That's the rumor anyway (and one that Gearbox didn't really shoot down when they commented on it).

[mckerney]

Supposedly Gearbox had a few different studios work on this. TimeGate (made the Fear games) were the ones that did most of the work.

That's the rumor anyway (and one that Gearbox didn't really shoot down when they commented on it).

Who Made Aliens? Here’s What We (Sorta) Know | Rock, Paper, Shotgun (http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/02/13/who-made-aliens-heres-what-we-sorta-know/)

“TimeGate definitely played a much bigger role in the development of Aliens than either Gearbox or Sega is letting on,” said RPS’ source. “Aliens: Colonial Marines is essentially TimeGate’s game. From my understanding, almost all of TimeGate has been working on it for a few years, and they are not a small studio.”

Further, our source claimed that Gearbox head Randy Pitchford’s line (http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/02/11/the-future-according-to-randy-pitchford) about TimeGate handling “20 or 25 percent of the total time” is a fabrication. Not only that, it fails to account for a smaller though not insubstantial amount of work put in by other studios. “Preproduction is a very insubstantial period in a game’s development. For him to say that the contribution was equal sans preproduction is basically saying it’s equal. You can see that Randy’s math isn’t really adding up. If Timegate did half, and Gearbox did half, where does that leave Demiurge, Nerve, and Darkside?”

Meanwhile, a Reddit post (http://www.reddit.com/r/LV426/comments/18ewf4/a_lot_of_you_are_rightfully_upset_at_the_final/) from an alleged Gearbox employee (which RPS cannot, as of writing, verify entirely – though it matches with previous reports and rumblings we’ve heard) fills in almost every blank on the Borderlands developer’s side of the equation.



It’s well worth a read, but the short version is that Gearbox kept delaying Aliens in favor of other projects (Borderlands, Duke, etc), and Sega finally cracked the whip. Gearbox, however, decided to outsource so it could keep focusing on breadwinners like Borderlands 2, which is where TimeGate, Demiurge, and Nerve entered the picture. Then things got very, very messy. The Reddit post explains:

“Somehow the schedules for [Aliens' codename] Pecan and Borderlands 2 managed to line up, and GBX realized that there was no fucking way they could cert and ship two titles at the same time. Additionally, campaign (which was being developed by TimeGate) was extremely far behind, even as Pecan’s Beta deadline got closer and closer. In April or May (can’t remember which), Pecan was supposed to hit beta, but GBX instead came to an agreement with SEGA that they would push the release date back one more time, buying GBX around 9 [month] extension.”

“About 5 of those 9 months went to shipping BL2. In that time, TimeGate managed to scrap together 85 percent of the campaign, but once Borderlands 2 shipped and GBX turned its attention to Pecan, it became pretty apparent that what had been made was in a pretty horrid state. Campaign didn’t make much sense, the boss fights weren’t implemented, PS3 was way over memory, etcetcetc. GBX was pretty unhappy with TG’s work, and some of Campaign maps were just completely redesigned from scratch. There were some last minute feature requests, most notably female marines, and the general consensus among GBX devs was that there was no way this game was going to be good by ship. There just wasn’t enough time.”

[JediKooter]

Who Made Aliens? Here’s What We (Sorta) Know | Rock, Paper, Shotgun (http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/02/13/who-made-aliens-heres-what-we-sorta-know/)

4553

[Vince, Pt. II]

So I'm playing The Witcher 2, and it's fantastic. Last night I had one of the biggest laugh out loud moments I've ever had in a video game.

In the middle portion of the game, an entire chapter is devoted to curing a woman of poison. You run all over the place, gather a ton of ingredients, and a sorceress begins the process of healing her. It's a pretty dramatic cut scene, the woman is laid out with poison, and the sorceress is tending to her as you and a few dwarves stand by watching. She feeds the woman a magic potion, then uses a comically large syringe in the Pulp Fiction fashion, and finally as the last step takes a magic rose petal, puts it on her lips and proceeds to bend down to give the woman some sort of mouth-to-mouth. Suddenly, in the midst of this fairly intense scene, the dwarf next to you pipes up (voice acted, so he actually speaks):

"Ah, my favorite kind of magic. Lesbomancy."

[mckerney]

So I'm playing The Witcher 2, and it's fantastic. Last night I had one of the biggest laugh out loud moments I've ever had in a video game.

In the middle portion of the game, an entire chapter is devoted to curing a woman of poison. You run all over the place, gather a ton of ingredients, and a sorceress begins the process of healing her. It's a pretty dramatic cut scene, the woman is laid out with poison, and the sorceress is tending to her as you and a few dwarves stand by watching. She feeds the woman a magic potion, then uses a comically large syringe in the Pulp Fiction fashion, and finally as the last step takes a magic rose petal, puts it on her lips and proceeds to bend down to give the woman some sort of mouth-to-mouth. Suddenly, in the midst of this fairly intense scene, the dwarf next to you pipes up (voice acted, so he actually speaks):

"Ah, my favorite kind of magic. Lesbomancy."

I'm about 35 hours into the first game and have really been enjoying it so far, though looking forward to finishing it so I can start on 2.

[mckerney]

4553

Gearbox is probably in a tough spot here. They don't want to admit it was mostly their work because it's terrible and hurt their reputations, though saying they had another developer do most the work would probably make publishers wary of working with them in the future more than just releasing a bad game would. Who's going to want to sign Gearbox to do their game if they're not sure they're actually going to have it made by Gearbox?

[Honolulu_Blue]

So I'm playing The Witcher 2, and it's fantastic. Last night I had one of the biggest laugh out loud moments I've ever had in a video game.

In the middle portion of the game, an entire chapter is devoted to curing a woman of poison. You run all over the place, gather a ton of ingredients, and a sorceress begins the process of healing her. It's a pretty dramatic cut scene, the woman is laid out with poison, and the sorceress is tending to her as you and a few dwarves stand by watching. She feeds the woman a magic potion, then uses a comically large syringe in the Pulp Fiction fashion, and finally as the last step takes a magic rose petal, puts it on her lips and proceeds to bend down to give the woman some sort of mouth-to-mouth. Suddenly, in the midst of this fairly intense scene, the dwarf next to you pipes up (voice acted, so he actually speaks):

"Ah, my favorite kind of magic. Lesbomancy."

Did you end up going with Iorveth instead of Roche? That scene doesn't sound familiar to me and wonder if that's why.

I am in chapter 3 right now. Very much enjoying this game. It's awesome. Best $7.50 I've spent in ages.

[Atocep]

The Wii U sold between 45k and 59k consoles in the US in January according to NPD.

Ouch

[JonInMiddleGA]

The Wii U sold between 45k and 59k consoles in the US in January according to NPD. Ouch

Having zero interest in a Wii anything, I'm assuming from your ouch that this is not the figure they were hoping for?

[JediKooter]

Gearbox is probably in a tough spot here. They don't want to admit it was mostly their work because it's terrible and hurt their reputations, though saying they had another developer do most the work would probably make publishers wary of working with them in the future more than just releasing a bad game would. Who's going to want to sign Gearbox to do their game if they're not sure they're actually going to have it made by Gearbox?

I think they really screwed themselves. Borderlands is great, so they set that bar and that's what everyone expects. I think you nailed it. Any future collaborators have to consider if Gearbox is just going to call it in or they going to farm it out to a substandard 3rd party? It will be interesting to see the fall out from this in the next few months.

[mckerney]

I think they really screwed themselves. Borderlands is great, so they set that bar and that's what everyone expects. I think you nailed it. Any future collaborators have to consider if Gearbox is just going to call it in or they going to farm it out to a substandard 3rd party? It will be interesting to see the fall out from this in the next few months.

Especially when it isn't even a game that the publisher wanted rushed out and they needed an outside crew to help finish in time. Gearbox got the project in 2006.

[Atocep]

Having zero interest in a Wii anything, I'm assuming from your ouch that this is not the figure they were hoping for?

Yeah, the article I read said that those numbers are lower than any month in PS3 or 360 history. Probably not a good sign for Nintendo. They really need the Zelda game to get here.

[Atocep]

Especially when it isn't even a game that the publisher wanted rushed out and they needed an outside crew to help finish in time. Gearbox got the project in 2006.

I've followed the game since it was announced and IIRC it was initially hyped as a tactical squad based shooter. Kind of like XCom on the ground.

Instead it turned into a laughable pile of shit.

My favorite bit from the RPS review:

This writing just gets better and better. “Raiders 6-5 will wait for you, but goddammit don’t make us wait for you.” Someone not only wrote that down, but an actor willingly said it out loud.

and Penny Arcade:

http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/i-jvhKqJq/0/950x10000/i-jvhKqJq-950x10000.jpg

[stevew]

The Wii U sold between 45k and 59k consoles in the US in January according to NPD.

Ouch

Going to be harder to manufacture scarcity to drive demand this time.

Hopefully they get knocked down to a 3rd party at some point. Don't want another underpowered console just for the 3-5 A+++ games I really want to play.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Yeah, the article I read said that those numbers are lower than any month in PS3 or 360 history. Probably not a good sign for Nintendo. They really need the Zelda game to get here.

A new Zelda game may give a brief boost, but it's not going to help that console overall. I'm shocked that anyone's surprised the Wii U is doing so poorly. It made no sense from the moment they announced it and it still doesn't make sense now.

The only thing worse is the leaked PS4 prototype that came out this week with a touch screen in the controller. This just in......if a system sucks (i.e. the Wii U), don't mimic its controller in any way.

[Neon_Chaos]

Looks like a Dungeon Keeper-like game sneaked up on us.

From Paradox Interactive and Cyanide Montreal: Impire.

Impire on Steam (http://store.steampowered.com/app/202130/)

No official reviews out, but user reviews look promising.

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/previews/10178-Impire-Is-The-Bastard-Child-of-Dawn-of-War-and-Dungeon-Keeper

Dungeon Keeper + Dawn Of War sounds good.

[mckerney]

Looks like a Dungeon Keeper-like game sneaked up on us.

From Paradox: Impire.

Impire on Steam (http://store.steampowered.com/app/202130/)

No official reviews out, but user reviews look promising.

They didn't send out any copies to reviewers prior to release, which usually isn't a good sign, though I haven't read anything bad about it yet. I had seen a video TB did on it while it was in alpha and it looked alright.

Given how Paradox games recently have gone on sale 3 or 4 of them together with all DLC for $10 I think it's probably best to wait on it though.

I did think it was funny how the developers made a point of saying they weren't a part of the main Cyanide sudio.

[Neon_Chaos]

This guy is streaming the game: BigDrock (http://www.twitch.tv/bigdrock)

The voicework and writing has been excellent so far. Gameplay looks good.

Buying this one now. I'll give a heads up if it's cool.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Did you end up going with Iorveth instead of Roche? That scene doesn't sound familiar to me and wonder if that's why.

I am in chapter 3 right now. Very much enjoying this game. It's awesome. Best $7.50 I've spent in ages.

Yeah, went with Iorveth. I'd be interested to compare notes when we're done to see how much the game diverged because of that. I just started Chapter 3, and the game is really good.

[Matthean]

Tweaked my Ice Witch in PoE and somehow came out worse. I did some more tweaking. I got some key gems and the right items to really use them well and now I'm very happy. I got Ice Shard backed with Fork and Increased Crit Damage and 14% quality on the Crit Damage gem.

They are doing one final wipe on passives tomorrow. I'm guessing it is to buff Duelists as that's the one class that gets ripped on.

[SackAttack]

A new Zelda game may give a brief boost, but it's not going to help that console overall. I'm shocked that anyone's surprised the Wii U is doing so poorly. It made no sense from the moment they announced it and it still doesn't make sense now.

The only thing worse is the leaked PS4 prototype that came out this week with a touch screen in the controller. This just in......if a system sucks (i.e. the Wii U), don't mimic its controller in any way.

TBH I prefer the Wii U to the Wii. I never cared for 'waggle' and it became more of a pain in the ass when I moved out of my parents' home, since I have found exactly zero way to get the sensor bar calibrated properly in my current circumstances. I went from playing single player Wii games on a reasonably regular basis to only playing Wii games when visiting friends who have Wii consoles.

My Wii's got 4+ years' worth of dust on it for that reason - it's physically impossible to play in my one-bedroom apartment.

Wii U, at least, the sensor bar doesn't get involved unless players 2-4 are also involved, and practically speaking, I don't play multiplayer games that often anyway. So I can actually *play* Wii U, where I basically couldn't/can't play Wii.

[jeff061]

Bioshock Infinite Trailer #2.
<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/V8FUZTNpfhc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

These trailers are amazing.

[spleen1015]

I think I am going to be taking the Witcher plunge real soon.

[Matthean]

They are doing one final wipe on passives tomorrow. I'm guessing it is to buff Duelists as that's the one class that gets ripped on.

Looks lile somebody was full of it. I saw no patch notes and I had didn't have to patch anything in.

Still not fond of the distances between way points at times.

[MizzouRah]

I'm really enjoying the demo so far for this Indie game.



Good news! There is a demo version of turn-based tactical strategy game «Crasleen: Drums of War».
In the demo-version there are 4 missions for orc Tharshan and multiplayers (hotseat). The game supports English and Russian languages. Please, leave your comments here or on the forum of the official game site.

Unfortunately, game release postponed to 1Q 2013.
«Crasleen: Drums of War» got in the top-100 best indie-games of year 2012 according to site www.indiedb.com. (http://www.indiedb.com.)

Demo-version:
crasleen-game.crasleen.com/crasleen-setup.exe

Official site:
Crasleen.com

News page:
www.moddb.com/games/crasleen-drums-of-wa...-of-war-demo-version (http://www.moddb.com/games/crasleen-drums-of-war/news/crasleen-drums-of-war-demo-version)

[mckerney]

Some more on Aliens: Colonial Marines. (http://www.destructoid.com/developer-gearbox-lied-to-sega-2k-over-colonial-marines-245986.phtml)

We've recently been chatting with a developer who -- as you might have guessed -- wishes to remain anonymous. Under this condition, he agreed to let us publish the things he's witnessed personally and learned from fellow project members in the time he spent working on Colonial Marines.

Our man was involved with the game only briefly, between 2007 and 2008, but in just that short time he had some interesting reading for us. If his words are indeed to be believed, they further fuel the suggestion that Colonial Marines was increasingly sidelined for more "important" projects.

"Gearbox was taking people off the project to put them on Borderlands 1," he says of his time on the job. "This was before the big art style change happened on Borderlands. Our team was getting smaller by the month, making it very difficult to get the game made. Ironically several of the team members were ex-3D Realms people who were saying [paraphrasing] 'Finally, we're going to Gearbox to make Aliens, and we're going to ship a fucking game!' Hah."

According to our man with the inside track, it was later learned that SEGA actually canceled Colonial Marines, deciding to cut its losses after such a long development cycle.

"At some point in 2008, SEGA temporarily pulled the plug on the game," he said. "They caught wind of Gearbox shifting resources (despite still collecting milestone checks as if the team were full size) and lying to SEGA AND 2K about the number of people working on each project. This led to the round of layoffs at Gearbox in late 2008."

The developer confirms he later spoke with people attached to the project at the beginning of 2012, and learned they actually didn't expect the game to ship in February, given its current state. It would appear staff on the game knew the thing was a bust, and were prepared for a fresh delay. Obviously, that never happened, and now we're here.

Also, someone uploaded some alpha or beta gameplay of the cancelled Aliens game that Obsidian was working on.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BdVedBa0-mk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Plus some info from someone who worked on it. (http://www.rpgcodex.net/forums/index.php?threads/animation-reel-from-cancelled-aliens-crucible-rpg-discovered-on-vimeo.80664/page-3#post-2503698)

I've talked about this game before...

There is a lot of could-ofs, should-ofs, and all that.

The problem with making successful horror games with the Aliens franchise is that the Aliens have been revealed... a lot. There is no mystery with them anymore. After 4 movies, countless comics and novels, countless video games - where the Alien and Alien variants have been killed multiple times, you have to tread new ground if you want to do something original. The horror with the Aliens no longer lies in the unknown, so we were going for the environment.

For example, the second or third time you watch Alien, it is no longer scary. My second playthrough of Amnesia was easy and scare-free.

NOT COUNTING JUMP SCARES! Jump scares are not true horror, though they can be used to effectively alter the tension temporarily.

Josh did have some ideas though on how to add horror and tension, and we had several scenarios into the game. Most of us were or had played SS2, Amnesia, and Call of Cthulu, but horror was not the goal of the game, survival was.

This was a game of limited resources and perma-death. If a party member got face-hugged, your choices were to mercy kill them, put them in a sleeper and wake them sparingly if you need them, or let them pop - but the bottom line was that once they got impregnated they had an expiration date.

As for the Alien variations, there are things that are simply expected by publishers and the fan base. The xenomporph variations also have a history in the aliens universe anyway. The first thing Josh and the concept artists did was to create the lifeforms the xenos would impregnate first. We also used some insect themes for the various xeno roles, from drones and scouts, to soldiers and queens. As covered in countless comics, novels, and films, the xenos take traits from their host, the idea being it would better enable them to survive in a dangerous habitat. One of the big mysteries Josh and the writers were exploring was what the caldera and how were the engineers (space jockeys) doing with the xenos.

The goal was not to kill all the bugs, but to simply escape from the caldera where you were trapped. Don't get me wrong, there was still a lot of killing of both xenos and humans in the game. Combat was real time - but we had a companion wheel to context system so that you could issue commands to your squadmates. For example, you could highlight a door with your reticule, and then based on what your squard could do, it would show you your options, like weld door, open door, or if you had a bomb, plant bomb on door.

As far as tech goes, we were using an earlier version of Onyx - which would later be used to create DS3. Our tech was stable, but we had pipeline issues to resolve but by milestone 25 or so were in pretty good shape.

[mckerney]

Well that's disappointing.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Lp6EFBXNFO8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[MizzouRah]

I'm really enjoying the demo so far for this Indie game.



Good news! There is a demo version of turn-based tactical strategy game «Crasleen: Drums of War».
In the demo-version there are 4 missions for orc Tharshan and multiplayers (hotseat). The game supports English and Russian languages. Please, leave your comments here or on the forum of the official game site.

Unfortunately, game release postponed to 1Q 2013.
«Crasleen: Drums of War» got in the top-100 best indie-games of year 2012 according to site www.indiedb.com. (http://www.indiedb.com.)

Demo-version:
crasleen-game.crasleen.com/crasleen-setup.exe

Official site:
Crasleen.com

News page:
www.moddb.com/games/crasleen-drums-of-wa...-of-war-demo-version (http://www.moddb.com/games/crasleen-drums-of-war/news/crasleen-drums-of-war-demo-version)

Orcs Vs Everything: Crasleen – Drums Of War Demo | Rock, Paper, Shotgun (http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/02/19/orcs-vs-everything-crasleen-drums-of-war-demo/)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I think everyone is kind of waiting to see what the hell happens, but the PS4 announcement is at 6:00 EST tonight. Should be interesting to see if the leaked prototypes resemble the final product they reveal.

[Matthean]

PoE needs to extend the time a portal can last. Killed the boss for the end of Act II. I went to town to dump my earnings and go back to grab more. Without walking away from my PC the portal went away before I was done. From the way point onward was reset. Um, yeah.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Yeah, went with Iorveth. I'd be interested to compare notes when we're done to see how much the game diverged because of that. I just started Chapter 3, and the game is really good.

I would be interested in that as well. Very curious to see how different things end up depending on that one choice.

[Drake]

Witcher 3 articles starting to emerge. It's going to be open world.

Fuck me. There goes 2014. And I was finally going to start that exercise regimen and quit smoking, too.

[mckerney]

I think they really screwed themselves. Borderlands is great, so they set that bar and that's what everyone expects. I think you nailed it. Any future collaborators have to consider if Gearbox is just going to call it in or they going to farm it out to a substandard 3rd party? It will be interesting to see the fall out from this in the next few months.

Oh boy, looks like it could be really bad for them. Allegations that they used the money SEGA gave them for ACM to work on Duke Nukem Forever and Borderlands. Though since all they had to do was ship ACM to hold up their end of the contract they may be in the clear legally.

Gearbox 'embezzled' Aliens: Colonial Marines money - Destructoid (http://www.destructoid.com/gearbox-embezzled-aliens-colonial-marines-money-246558.phtml)

"SEGA is also responsible for not permanently cancelling the game in 2008. I don't know who found out about the mishandling of funds by Gearbox, but [canceling Colonial Marines] had to be one of the few right decisions the board has done, or this person is one of the few board members who knew what they were doing (from what I heard, this person may have left the board a while ago when SEGA decided to start the project again). This game should have been cancelled permanently, and the final product is undeniable proof of it.

"Despite that, I believe SEGA wanted to try to get some of the money back, at the fans' expense. So another blame for SEGA there. SEGA should have also watched the project and development a lot better, because there was a lot of warning signs that said this was a disaster in the making. So whoever was assigned to watch Gearbox and the game has some responsibility too, unless the board was forcing him to do it. SEGA and their lawyers also have some blame on the wording of the contract too, but more on that later."

The blog then moves onto the main event, addressing the involvement of Gearbox Software and its CEO, Randy Pitchford. In no uncertain terms, the studio is accused of robbing its publisher and lying to its face.

"Now here is the company that should get most of the blame: Gearbox Software and Randy Pitchford. Gearbox stole from SEGA, they robbed us, lied to us about the game, and tried to get another company to make the game instead. Let's see where the funding went shall we? Everyone said the game went to both Borderlands games, but Duke Nukem Forever gets a mention as well, but it's pushed out of the spotlight, because people want to forget about that game, and I don't blame them! Duke Nukem Forever had a big impact on Aliens: Colonial Marines as well."

A Gamasutra article was used to back up the claim. The article in question is an interview with Pitchford, in which he explains how his studio got the rights to Duke Nukem Forever.

"It clearly shows that Pitchford and Gearbox wanted to focus heavily on Duke Nukem Forever, but how would they get the money to hire some of the 3D Realms team and even buy the intellectual property? Sure, they made a lot from Borderlands, but guess where they got the money to fund Borderlands in the first place? Yup, SEGA.

"So Gearbox essentially lied to SEGA, mishandled funds, broke agreements and contractual obligations to work on other projects, didn't want to work on a game they were contractually obligated to work on and gave it to another team, poor organization and direction on ACM, took on too many projects from different companies at once, and other things that we may not even know about. Hell, part of me believes that Gearbox wanted this thing delayed as much as possible so they can get more funding money to embezzle from SEGA."

Danielson concludes by saying he's heard rumors of possible legal action being taken by SEGA, but admits the contract may preclude such a step from being taken. All Gearbox apparently had to do was ship the game to fulfill the agreement, which it's now done. He added that SEGA should have canceled A:CM and taken the studio to court, rather than try to make the fans pay for the investment. The writer even goes so far as to suggest SEGA ought to have published Borderlands, given it paid so dearly for it.

"In this case, what happened clearly was SEGA had a decent eye on the project, rightfully cancelled it, when they saw the problems, then someone decided to restart the project, leading to this massive mess," he concludes. "Where is our money Randy? We should get sales from Borderlands 1 and 2, since it was our money that funded it."

[mckerney]

Seeing as its from Team Meat and sounds bizarre I'll have to give this a try when it's out.

edmundm.com/post/43820398014/mew-genics-official-announcement-on-gameplay

[Matthean]

Legend of Grimrock 2 announced - Destructoid (http://www.destructoid.com/legend-of-grimrock-2-announced-246238.phtml)

[Vince, Pt. II]

I know this is the 2013 thread, but I'm behind the times.

Finished The Witcher 2 yesterday. One of the best games I've ever played. That being said, Chapter 3 was disappointingly short compared to the first two, and difficulty balancing was pretty weak throughout. What started as a very challenging game became a complete cakewalk about halfway through. The final two bosses in particular were disappointing in terms of difficulty. The story also wrapped up pretty weakly - for a game with a ton of political intrigue and mystery unravelling throughout, a simple dialogue at the end with thirty or so options simply narrated the loose ends to me. I almost expected him to say "and I would have gotten away with it too, of it weren't for you meddling kids."

Despite that, it was a phenomenal game that I would recommend highly to anyone.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I know this is the 2013 thread, but I'm behind the times.

Finished The Witcher 2 yesterday. One of the best games I've ever played. That being said, Chapter 3 was disappointingly short compared to the first two, and difficulty balancing was pretty weak throughout. What started as a very challenging game became a complete cakewalk about halfway through. The final two bosses in particular were disappointing in terms of difficulty. The story also wrapped up pretty weakly - for a game with a ton of political intrigue and mystery unravelling throughout, a simple dialogue at the end with thirty or so options simply narrated the loose ends to me. I almost expected him to say "and I would have gotten away with it too, of it weren't for you meddling kids."

Despite that, it was a phenomenal game that I would recommend highly to anyone.

Vinny Two! Our paths (though divergent at one point) and feelings on this game are as one.

I just finished it on Friday night. My thoughts were exactly the same. The game peaked in Chapter 2 without a doubt and then completely fizzled near the end. Well, maybe not completely, but Chapter 3 wasn't all that. Short and not entirely compelling and the ending wasn't that powerful.

Still, an amazing game. Very enjoyable. A great, gritty RP world. A cast of very cool characters, even if very few are really all that likeable, great politics and plot twists.

Fun stuff.

[Jughead Spock]

Legend of Grimrock 2 announced - Destructoid (http://www.destructoid.com/legend-of-grimrock-2-announced-246238.phtml)

This qualifies under the 'Shut up and take my money' banner. Great game, and seems like a really cool company.

[cartman]

Microsoft is launching a big sale on the XBox 360 downloadable games.

Microsoft takes a cue from Steam, offers deep sale on downloadable games | Ars Technica (http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/02/microsoft-takes-a-cue-from-steam-offers-deep-sale-on-downloadable-games/)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Microsoft is launching a big sale on the XBox 360 downloadable games.

Microsoft takes a cue from Steam, offers deep sale on downloadable games | Ars Technica (http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/02/microsoft-takes-a-cue-from-steam-offers-deep-sale-on-downloadable-games/)

Hilarious part of that article is the mention that the new Xbox will block used games. Does anyone really think that will happen after the PS4 conference where Sony brass said that they would not? Blocking used game play would be a death sentence for the new MS console.

[mckerney]

Square Enix trademarked Deus Ex: Human Defiance - NeoGAF (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=516444)

[mckerney]

I know this is the 2013 thread, but I'm behind the times.

Finished The Witcher 2 yesterday. One of the best games I've ever played. That being said, Chapter 3 was disappointingly short compared to the first two, and difficulty balancing was pretty weak throughout. What started as a very challenging game became a complete cakewalk about halfway through. The final two bosses in particular were disappointing in terms of difficulty. The story also wrapped up pretty weakly - for a game with a ton of political intrigue and mystery unravelling throughout, a simple dialogue at the end with thirty or so options simply narrated the loose ends to me. I almost expected him to say "and I would have gotten away with it too, of it weren't for you meddling kids."

Despite that, it was a phenomenal game that I would recommend highly to anyone.

Being even further behind than you, I just finished the first Witcher last night. Really enjoyed the story and characters which made it one of the best RPGs I've played, right up there with Dragon Age: Origins for modern games. The combat was disappointing to say the least though, especially the boss battles. The ending sequence of the epilogue felt like it should have had most of the combat cut though, especially since you were buffed with massive endurance regen so you could just spam igni until everything was dead. I am very happy to have read it's something that's greatly improved in Assassination of Kings.

I did think the ending was pretty good, I especially enjoyed the ending twist Alvin being behind everything. It also made me glad that I chose to keep the Witcher's neutrality rather than choosing sides. I was also hoping that Berengar would end up being a bigger part of the story in the second game, though I ended up liking how that worked out and am happy I decided not to fight him.

Downloaded The Witcher 2 as soon as I finished the first and am going to make sure my saved game imports, but I'm not sure I'm going to jump right into it. I might wait until after I finish Tomb Raider which I decided to preorder after reading the surprisingly good reviews and Amazon having it on sale for about $33. I'll probably play through the rest of the first episode of Kentucky Route Zero tonight, I played the first half hour or so which has been as good as advertised. I've also gotten sucked into BIT.TRIP Presents... Runner 2 since it came out.

[mckerney]

And in what seems like in perfect timing, more Witcher 3 info.

Witcher 3 is 50 hours long: new previews offer fresh details | VG247 (http://www.vg247.com/2013/02/28/witcher-3-is-50-hours-long-new-previews-offer-fresh-details/)

[mckerney]

Some more evidence of Age of Empires 2 coming to Steam.

http://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/19fboa/age_of_empires_2_very_likely_coming_to_steam/

[frnk55]

Some more evidence of Age of Empires 2 coming to Steam.

Age of Empires 2 (very likely) coming to Steam. : Games (http://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/19fboa/age_of_empires_2_very_likely_coming_to_steam/)
I used to love those monks in the game. These days I can't get into rts games though. I'm to damn slow :)

[Drake]

And in what seems like in perfect timing, more Witcher 3 info.

Witcher 3 is 50 hours long: new previews offer fresh details | VG247 (http://www.vg247.com/2013/02/28/witcher-3-is-50-hours-long-new-previews-offer-fresh-details/)

Can't tell you how thrilled I am that they scrapped QTE's. That was easily my least favorite part of Witcher 2.

[Dutch]

Having a ton of fun with "March of the Eagles" a Paradox-Lite strategy game set in the Napoleonic Era. Finally, a game that doesn't require a PHD in gameplay, is heavy on warfare, and just plain fun. It uses a Crusader Kings styled map.

[Atocep]

Can't tell you how thrilled I am that they scrapped QTE's. That was easily my least favorite part of Witcher 2.

I despise quick time events. Even when done well (as far as QTEs go) they feel like lazy development to me. Witcher 2 was a big step forward as far as combat goes, but if they were to go to more Dark Souls/Demon Souls type boss encounters it could be amazing.

[samifan24]

I rented Crysis 3 from Redbox the other day and had a lot of fun. I'd never played any games in the series and still picked things up fairly quickly. I don't play a ton of shooters but thought this one was a lot of fun.

[frnk55]

And in what seems like in perfect timing, more Witcher 3 info.

Witcher 3 is 50 hours long: new previews offer fresh details | VG247 (http://www.vg247.com/2013/02/28/witcher-3-is-50-hours-long-new-previews-offer-fresh-details/)
Ya know I loved the first one but I can't stand the combat in the second so most likely I'll pass on the third if the combat doesn't change.

[mckerney]

Ya know I loved the first one but I can't stand the combat in the second so most likely I'll pass on the third if the combat doesn't change.

http://www.cvgworld.com/2013/03/03/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-gets-new-info-from-qa-with-the-deveolpers/

The combat is somwhere in between the one of The Witcher 2 and the one of The Witcher 1. It is slower than in The Witcher 2, and requires more thought. The number of different strikes and combos increased fivefold, and they heavily depend on timing. If you press the button a second earlier, Geralt will strike in one way. A second later, in a different way.
And the developers said that, citing them, “Geralt will no longer turn his back on foes”.

Sounds like it will be changed but still closer to 2. Played through prologue yesterday and liked the combat more than in the original myself while playing it with a controller (after taking some time to get used to it getting immediately slaughtered at first on dark difficulty), though could definitely see how someone wanting to play it more like an isometric RPG wouldn't like it.

I didn't really like the first being it seemed like they went for somewhere between top down tactical and action rpgs, though it didn't really work for me. I like the switch to the arpg side of things, so am happy it looks like there are some good isometric rpgs on the way.

[Matthean]

A build site for PoE fans.

Exile Pro - Pro Path of Exile Builds (http://www.exilepro.com/)

[Radii]

A build site for PoE fans.

Exile Pro - Pro Path of Exile Builds (http://www.exilepro.com/)

I'm afraid clicking on a site dedicated to the PoE build tree will require so much power that my PC will explode and my house will burn down.

[Peregrine]

Having a ton of fun with "March of the Eagles" a Paradox-Lite strategy game set in the Napoleonic Era. Finally, a game that doesn't require a PHD in gameplay, is heavy on warfare, and just plain fun. It uses a Crusader Kings styled map.

Thanks for mini-review Dutch, I've been on the fence about this - I usually pick up Paradox games but never really been into the Napoleonic era and wasn't sure where this fell on the fun vs. rules scale.

[mckerney]

Thief 4 screenshots!

www.cvgworld.com/2013/03/05/first-thief-4-screens/

Played about an hour of Tomb Raider last night. It has a great PC version and so far seems more along the lines of Uncharted starting Lara Croft than following the previous games in the series, which makes me very happy.

[mckerney]

Now in the Steam database, an entry for AOEII HD preorder.

AOEII HD Pre-Order · SubID: 26117 · Steam Apps Database (http://steamdb.info/sub/26117/)

Not in the store yet, but hopefully it will be available soon.

[mckerney]

I've been loving BIT.TRIP Runner2 so far. I don't think the rhythm runner platformer style game is for everyone, but for that kind of game the mechanics are absolutely perfect. About 10 hours in but still on the second of five worlds because I'm obsessed with getting a triple perfect plus on every level. The music and art are wonderful as well.

[Scoobz0202]

AoE II coming to Steam.

Hidden Path Entertainment (http://www.hiddenpath.com/games/age-of-empires-ii-hd-edition/)

I can dig it. Steam multiplayer

e: i guess I could have looked two posts up

[mckerney]

AoE II coming to Steam.

Hidden Path Entertainment (http://www.hiddenpath.com/games/age-of-empires-ii-hd-edition/)

I can dig it. Steam multiplayer

e: i guess I could have looked two posts up

It's actually in the store and officially announced now though. Preorder for $17.99, releases on April 9th though if you preorder you'll be able to play on the 5th.

Not just Steam multiplayer, but also Steam Workshop support.

Interesting that it's Steam exclusive and doesn't seem to have GFWL. Wonder if marks a change of their strategy on PC and if they'll stop pushing it going forward, and if it is could it mean they are still working on putting Halo 1, 2 and 3 on Steam.

[mckerney]

Well this sucks. :(

Was planning on finishing Tomb Raider tonight though I ran into a bug where the next room won't load properly so I can't progress in the game. Prior to the whole game stopping bug the game had been awesome though, felt like a combo of Uncharted, FarCry 3 and Lost starring Lara Croft. Oh well, guess I'll start on chapter one of The Witcher 2 for now. Submitted a bug report and I guess I'll just have to wait for a fix before finishing TR.

[SirFozzie]

Well, I've started a video games blog for those interested. My first column is up, and it's based on the next generation.. of PC games, not of consoles. I'd appreciate a look, a comment (Either here or there)

8 bit mind in a 64 Bit World (http://8bitmindin64bitworld.blogspot.com/)

edit: Tommorrow's post is already in the can.. it's about ShamCity.. er.. SimCity :)

[Edward64]

Space Rangers update. Supposedly Mar 15 but think for Russian version and English maybe later. But grateful for some/any news.

http://www.facebook.com/SpaceRangersHD

[spleen1015]

Did anyone pick up the StarCraft 2 expansion today?

[jeff061]

Yes, I'm out of town til next week though. Can't wait. Blizzard failed with Diablo, in my opinion, but SC2 was damn near perfect. Post release support has been great as well.

[mckerney]

Far Cry 3 is great, but I really hate it when games that have driving in them don't let you switch between keyboard + mouse and game pad on the fly.

[mckerney]

Matrix Games - What's Your Strategy? (http://www.matrixgames.com/news/1021/Slitherine.links.with.Games.Workshop.on.new.licensing.agreement)

Turn based strategy game set in WH40k universe is in the works.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Matrix Games - What's Your Strategy? (http://www.matrixgames.com/news/1021/Slitherine.links.with.Games.Workshop.on.new.licensing.agreement)

Turn based strategy game set in WH40k universe is in the works.

Awesome! I've been waiting for one of those for a while now.

[mckerney]

Another month of terrible sales for the Wii U, which makes me wonder even more what Nintendo was thinking launching a console without any of their big franchises in it. Not once game from the Smash Bros, Mario Kart, Zelda, Metroid or modern Mario franchises. Hell, even just their Skylanders style Pokemon game could have made for a good launch.

[MizzouRah]

I just picked up Tomb Raider, can't wait to dig into it tonight.

[mckerney]

I just picked up Tomb Raider, can't wait to dig into it tonight.

I thought it was great, but anyone who hates QTEs and cutscenes probably won't like it. If you enjoyed Uncharted and are looking for an action movie like game where the line hero leaves a trail of bodies and destruction you should enjoy it.

One thing if you're going to start playing it, change your save slot every once in a while. There are a few bugs that can completely block you from progressing if you run into them. They seem pretty rare, but I ran into one and had to get someone else's save file to finish the game.

[Matthean]

I think I'm on the next to last quest before the end of Act III. Game continues to have huge maps and sometimes far too spread apart waypoints. I'm finding some nice places to do some farming on the later maps. I figure right now it is more about getting through the first two difficulty settings and then mostly farming the last one versus completing it although that does lead to end game Maps.

Trying to decide what my next character will be in terms of getting pushed. I will likely go non-witch for a change of pace but a summoner witch lurks. I already have a gem that gives a lightning aura to me and any teammates/minions. I was thinking it would be awesome for a melee, but having that aura on a bunch of minions might be too difficult to ignore. Some online videos of summoner builds are really not helping. I'm pretty pumped to play anything outside of a marauder for whatever reason. Maybe because they seem to use two handed weapons the most, which I'm lukewarm on.

[MizzouRah]

I thought it was great, but anyone who hates QTEs and cutscenes probably won't like it. If you enjoyed Uncharted and are looking for an action movie like game where the line hero leaves a trail of bodies and destruction you should enjoy it.

One thing if you're going to start playing it, change your save slot every once in a while. There are a few bugs that can completely block you from progressing if you run into them. They seem pretty rare, but I ran into one and had to get someone else's save file to finish the game.

Thank you.. I'm about 45 mins in and I'm loving it. :)

[mckerney]

Saints Row 4 hits Aug. 20 in North*America | Polygon (http://www.polygon.com/2013/3/15/4107772/saints-row-4-hits-aug-20)

Yes please.

[mckerney]

Well, this looks about as good as i was expecting.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eWjuCid5p4o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[mckerney]

If I didn't know any better I'd have guess that game was around 10 years old.

[SirFozzie]

Is it ok for me to continue pimping my video game blog here? I'm going to update my sig with it too, but, a bunch of enw articles, including one on a bunch of coming soon games (including a sports sequel to Frozen Synapse, and the Next Saints Row game)

8 bit mind in a 64 Bit World (http://8bitmindin64bitworld.blogspot.com/)

[mckerney]

Is it ok for me to continue pimping my video game blog here? I'm going to update my sig with it too, but, a bunch of enw articles, including one on a bunch of coming soon games (including a sports sequel to Frozen Synapse, and the Next Saints Row game)

8 bit mind in a 64 Bit World (http://8bitmindin64bitworld.blogspot.com/)

I'm looking forward to seeing how Frozen Endzone turns out, but not sure what to expect from it at this point. It's a really enticing concept, but it looks like a game that needs to be done just right for it to work out. It seems like something that will either be amazing or a complete disaster.

[JPhillips]

Matrix Games - What's Your Strategy? (http://www.matrixgames.com/news/1021/Slitherine.links.with.Games.Workshop.on.new.licensing.agreement)

Turn based strategy game set in WH40k universe is in the works.

Too bad Matrix will charge 59.99.

[Dutch]

Too bad Matrix will charge 59.99.

Yup. Wait for the Christmas sale or hope it gets released on Steam.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Very expensive spot for Bioshock:Infinite just aired on The Walking Dead.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Anyone played Sword of the Stars: The Pit? Stumbled across it on Steam today and was intrigued, but not enough to plunk down $10. Seems like a rogue-like set in a sci-fi world.

[Thomkal]

I have played the demo a tiny bit and liked it, but haven't bought it.

Total Biscuit seemed to like it:

â–º WTF Is... - Sword of the Stars: The Pit ? - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qstolOa_jA&list=PLTFohR7GUZYeR7dhF7_W7V8ic3L-DlyTh&index=10)

[mckerney]

I have played the demo a tiny bit and liked it, but haven't bought it.

Total Biscuit seemed to like it:

â–º WTF Is... - Sword of the Stars: The Pit ? - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qstolOa_jA&list=PLTFohR7GUZYeR7dhF7_W7V8ic3L-DlyTh&index=10)

I picked it up after watching this and was planning to play it this weekend but didn't get around to it.

[Neon_Chaos]

Did anyone pick up the StarCraft 2 expansion today?

I have it. The campaign is top notch as usual. Can't wait to tinker with multiplayer, although I haven't played online in a looooong time.

[stevew]

Is that Walking Dead game as bad as it looks?

[mckerney]

Is that Walking Dead game as bad as it looks?

No pre release review copies going out is a sign Activision thinks it's probably awful.

[SirFozzie]

Something I go into more on 8bit, but I saw that after a fairly decent Launch Window (3 million in 2012), the Wii U has fallen off a cliff (120K for the first two months of 2013.

((also, one of the funniest descriptions I've ever had of a video game, for the new game Monster Loves You)

[mckerney]

Totalbiscuit ‏@Totalbiscuit
Heh, Walking Dead Survival Instinct is having trouble installing, almost as if Steam is warning me somehow. No Steam, it is my job, I must

There was also someone on Twitter telling TB the entire game can be finished in under an hour.

[mckerney]

((also, one of the funniest descriptions I've ever had of a video game, for the new game Monster Loves You)

A game that Dejobaan partnered in making, probably worth checking out for that fact alone.

[mckerney]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GTik6sYT_BE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The reveal trailer for Super Giant's next game, who as you can probably guess from watching are the creators of Bastion.

[mckerney]

More TB on The Walking Dead game.

Totalbiscuit ‏@Totalbiscuit
Oh dear god, this game looks worse than Half Life 2

Totalbiscuit ‏@Totalbiscuit
I mean honestly if your textures look like they're from almost 10 years ago, you did something really wrong.

Totalbiscuit ‏@Totalbiscuit
I have never experienced worse mouse acceleration problems than I have with Walking Dead: Survival Instinct

Totalbiscuit ‏@Totalbiscuit
I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that this game is a tragedy in several respects.

[stevew]

You'd think there's a lot of money in making a good Walking Dead action game.

[Honolulu_Blue]

You'd think there's a lot of money in making a good Walking Dead action game.

Just like you'd think there's a lot of money in making a good "Game of Thrones" RPG and/or strategy game.

[mckerney]

You'd think there's a lot of money in making a good Walking Dead action game.

There probably is, though not when you hand it off to a developer that has Kinect Star Wars as the only game there released in the last 4 years and have them rush it out the door.

Same goes for having Cyanide make a GoT game.

[Peregrine]

Just like you'd think there's a lot of money in making a good "Game of Thrones" RPG and/or strategy game.

Well there is a great Game of Thrones strategy game - but it is a board game instead of a computer game. Best option is to use the AGOT mod with Crusader Kings 2, which does kick ass in its own right.

[Honolulu_Blue]

There probably is, though not when you hand it off to a developer that has Kinect Star Wars as the only game there released in the last 4 years and have them rush it out the door.

Same goes for having Cyanide make a GoT game.

I feel bad for whatever developer this is. A friend of a friend works for this developer. I know this, because I am Facebook friends with this guy (we used to be in a fantasy football league for several years before he left) and he kept psoting about "Kinect Star Wars" and this "Walking Dead" game, all full of excitement. He always seemed like pretty good guy, so I felt bad knowing just how awful this games are/were going to be.

P.S. Cyanide is the worst.


Best option is to use the AGOT mod with Crusader Kings 2, which does kick ass in its own right.

It does kick-ass, but it's free!

[mckerney]

I feel bad for whatever developer this is. A friend of a friend works for this developer. I know this, because I am Facebook friends with this guy (we used to be in a fantasy football league for several years before he left) and he kept psoting about "Kinect Star Wars" and this "Walking Dead" game, all full of excitement. He always seemed like pretty good guy, so I felt bad knowing just how awful this games are/were going to be.

I'm sure this game had almost no chance of being good given the timetable and resources it looks like Activision was willing to put into this, especially with a decent chunk of the budget going to the voice actors. Activision was looking for a cheap cash in on the popularity the TV series and adventure game are enjoying, it would've taken a miracle for anything decent to come from it.

It's like the Heinlein quote, "they didn't want it good, they wanted it Wednesday."

[SirFozzie]

Too bad it looks like Gears of War Judgement's Multiplayer is Pay to Win. (Season Pass players get double XP)

[yeah826]

Too bad it looks like Gears of War Judgement's Multiplayer is Pay to Win. (Season Pass players get double XP)


Thats not Pay to Win that's just Pay to progress faster

[mckerney]

Totalbiscuit ‏@Totalbiscuit 52m
Finished my WTF is of Walking Dead: Survival Instinct, now I'm depressed, but maybe not for the reasons you would initially think

[mckerney]

First review or Walking Dead Survival Instinct

The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct review: human*suffering | Polygon (http://www.polygon.com/game/the-walking-dead-survival-instinct/7980)

The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct begins perfectly.

There's the surprise death, the heartless brutality and the familiar, pensive strains of Bear McCreary's theme. It's precisely in line with the opening of the hit TV show the game is based on and promises all the heart-wrenching drama and desperate action the series delivers.

It is The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct's last brush with competence.

3/10

[SirFozzie]

Oh, and in other zombie news, some enterprising soul has released a game that crossed the educational game of the 80's that all of us played probably, with zombies and the zombie apocalypse.

It's name? The Organ Trail.

*facepalm*

I'm not making this shit up, it's out on Steam

[dubb93]

Oh, and in other zombie news, some enterprising soul has released a game that crossed the educational game of the 80's that all of us played probably, with zombies and the zombie apocalypse.

It's name? The Organ Trail.

*facepalm*

I'm not making this shit up, it's out on Steam

I checked the Steam forum for that game the other day for that game when I saw it and they were surprisingly positive.

I guess there is a dumbed down free version out there if you want to try it. The paid version was on sale for $3.99 the day it came out. Not bank breaking by any stretch. I think the Android version is even cheaper.

[DaddyTorgo]

Well there is a great Game of Thrones strategy game - but it is a board game instead of a computer game. Best option is to use the AGOT mod with Crusader Kings 2, which does kick ass in its own right.

Essos is in development btw...

[JonInMiddleGA]

The PA Report - The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct isn’t just a bad Walking Dead game, it’s a bad zombie game (http://www.penny-arcade.com/report/article/the-walking-dead-survival-instinct-isnt-just-a-bad-walking-dead-game-its-a)

Here's how one road trip panned out for me:

First, we ran out of gas. We pulled over at a diner, and I ran around, avoiding walkers, collecting fuel cans. Then, the car broke down. We pulled over to the same diner, and I ran around, avoiding walkers, until I could collect an engine hose. Then, we had a chance to scavenge for supplies. I was given the choice to keep driving or pull over. I pulled over to the same diner.

You may have also noticed I said “we” above. That's because, as you progress, you can rescue other survivors. Before each mission, you can equip and send these survivors out to scavenge. I always chose to send them out for food, and by food I mean sports drinks, because sports drinks are nature's miracle cure for zombie wounds in this universe.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Another one I missed the boat on the first time but am playing through now: Dead Space.

This game is fantastic. Perhaps the greatest UI I've ever seen in a game. It's a third person shooter in survival-horror style, and your character is wearing a suit of 'armor' called a Rig. The back of the rig has a column that is lit up along the spine which is your life meter. Whenever you aim your gun, a small readout with its ammo pops up near the gun. Whenever you open your journal, the map or interact with something in the world, a transparent HUD pops up and rotating the camera will also rotate the HUD in question. This gives a great feel of 3D to the map - which is extremely useful as the game makes good use of the X, Y and Z axis. You have everything you need in a completely non-intrusive format that blends in perfectly with the atmosphere.

The story is fantastic, the setting is incredible and the game play is excellent. The game moves from shooter to puzzle solver effortlessly, and the zero gravity sequences are some of the coolest sections of any video game I've ever played. The sound is done extremely well too - very rarely is there any ambient music, and the ship makes all sorts of creepy and clunky noises. In certain sections you'll be thrust into a vacuum and stuck using your suit's air supply - at which point all you can hear is your breathing and things that are right on top of you - and those things are extremely muffled. The game isn't afraid to throw enemies at you in these situations either, so you have to keep your head on a swivel to make sure the nasties aren't sneaking up on you.

The only knock I have on it at the moment is that some of the movement can be a little clunky (extremely rarely), and a good half of the weapons in the game are completely useless. I'm most of the way through the game (feels like about 70-80% done), and I've found seven weapons. I only ever use three of them, and one of the three is a very ineffective weapon...it's just a really cool idea for a weapon so I keep going back to it.

Overall a phenomenal game.

[mckerney]

Anyone looking forward to Bioshock Infinite may want to avoid any parts of the internet where spoilers may be shared, it seems details of the plot and ending are being spread.

[mckerney]

Dead Space is one I've been meaning to get to eventually. I have worked a bit through my backlog from last year finishing Far Cry 3 and Dishonored this week.

Far Cry 3 is the best FPS I've played from the last couple years, I don't think there's been anything better since Metro 2033. A lot of open world stuff to do, the story was enjoyable enough but the villains along with a few other NPCs being great characters that make it work. The only big complaint I had about it is that it's bit too hand holdy though with no ability to turn off objective markers.

With Dishonored though turning off the objective markers i feels like a must. The level design is outstanding with multiple routes and methods of completing your objective it seems like you'd be playing it wrong if you Just went straight where the game told you to. I'm Looking forward to the upcoming DLC that has you playing as assassins rather than the main character Corvo, though i think the main story will probably get another play through out of me after doing a no kill run my first time through I want to try out more of the combat mechanics and see the how the world changes when you do rack up a high body count. I also loved the art style of the game which was done by the same guy who was in charge of art direction for Half-Life 2, which shows in some similarity of Dunwall to City 17. I hope this becomes a franchise for Bethesda, I'd live to see some more games in the universe be the the same style or not.

I think this weekend I'll be playing some games that are light on story while watching basketball. So probably some Runner2, Stealth Bastard, Sword of the Stars: The Pit or Fieldrunners 2.

[MizzouRah]

BioShock Infinite Xbox 360/PS3 Review - IGN (http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/22/bioshock-infinite-xbox-360ps3-review)

Oh I can't wait.

[SirFozzie]

For $200 Million ($100 million to make, $100 million for marketing) it better be awesome. I worry about what this does to the game industry.

[mckerney]

For $200 Million ($100 million to make, $100 million for marketing) it better be awesome. I worry about what this does to the game industry.

It didn't have a $200 million budget.

[mckerney]

Looking forward to Bioshock Infinite, but i don't have a whole lot of trust for exclusive reviews in the middle of a site's Bioshock week.

[mckerney]

2k seems really eager to get people to pre-order Bioshock Infinite. On GMG you can get $14 cash back, a free copy of XCOM and 2 other free games.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Yeah, 2K is doing a lot of shady pre-release marketing. Stuff that's normally only reserved for crap games. Which is worrisome. This is a franchise that will be a good sell on name alone...why do you need to do all this other stuff?

[SirFozzie]

It didn't have a $200 million budget.

NYTimes says it did.

"The estimated cost of the project is upward of $100 million, not including marketing expenses, which could add another $100 million, analysts said."

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Ken Levine Quashes Rumor Bioshock Infinite Cost $200 Million (http://www.gameranx.com/updates/id/13584/article/ken-levine-quashes-rumor-bioshock-infinite-cost-200-million/)

[sterlingice]

Anyone with a ps3 playing ni no kuni? What a great rpg.

Want to get but PS3 is in storage until we find a house. Love the idea and glad to see a new IP that looks amazing. May be able to find at a discount once I buy it (hopefully) :)

SI

[MizzouRah]

Looking forward to Bioshock Infinite, but i don't have a whole lot of trust for exclusive reviews in the middle of a site's Bioshock week.

The previous two were excellent games imho, so I'm not at the least bit worried. IGN tends to be pretty accurate for my gaming tasted and when I look up reviews in metacritic, they are usually middle of the road.

[sterlingice]

Another month of terrible sales for the Wii U, which makes me wonder even more what Nintendo was thinking launching a console without any of their big franchises in it. Not once game from the Smash Bros, Mario Kart, Zelda, Metroid or modern Mario franchises. Hell, even just their Skylanders style Pokemon game could have made for a good launch.

I think Nintendo thinks that this is just like the 3DS and that pumping out some more games will save the Wii U. But I'm a bit concerned about it being doa and I'm not sure they have a strategy if that doesn't fix it. I don't even know of a lot of Nintendo fans who were/are really excited over the Wii U

Then again, in the back of my mind, I think the WiiU might just be Wii 1.5 where Nintendo starts doing things in offcycles of the other couple. This was their beta test but they're just going to bide their time and let others spend all the cash and set the bar. Then, in 2 years, come out with "New Nintendo Console" in about where they can do whatever new gameplay gimmicks they are going to do, come in with similar specs as Microsoft and Sony on the next gen machines on the cheap, and get 3rd party support that way plus still sell all the Nintendo software.

SI

[mckerney]

I think Nintendo thinks that this is just like the 3DS and that pumping out some more games will save the Wii U. But I'm a bit concerned about it being doa and I'm not sure they have a strategy if that doesn't fix it. I don't even know of a lot of Nintendo fans who were/are really excited over the Wii U

Then again, in the back of my mind, I think the WiiU might just be Wii 1.5 where Nintendo starts doing things in offcycles of the other couple. This was their beta test but they're just going to bide their time and let others spend all the cash and set the bar. Then, in 2 years, come out with "New Nintendo Console" in about where they can do whatever new gameplay gimmicks they are going to do, come in with similar specs as Microsoft and Sony on the next gen machines on the cheap, and get 3rd party support that way plus still sell all the Nintendo software.

SI

Sales should pick up one they get to their big releases, but by then I think it could be too late for them. Third party developers may have abandoned them by then, especially since it doesn't seem to be a competitor in terms of hardware to the PS4 or Durango. And if they have plans of short life cycles of Wii consoles they're going to have to change their digital download policies. People aren't going to get on board with having to repurchase their downloads or have a bunch of Wiis in their entertainment system.

Everything I've heard about it is that it's a good system and there are some great uses for the controller, but there aren't really enough games to warrant purchasing it right now.

[SirFozzie]

Third beta weekend for Neverwinter, and this may be the one that gets me to spend some money on it, in between possibly meeting up at PAX East with DT and TK. (Does that make me SF?)

[mckerney]

My childhood nostalgia badly wants to play this.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/G6d1A2row6I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[JetsIn06]

Oh, and in other zombie news, some enterprising soul has released a game that crossed the educational game of the 80's that all of us played probably, with zombies and the zombie apocalypse.

It's name? The Organ Trail.

*facepalm*

I'm not making this shit up, it's out on Steam

I heard good things about this game, also.

[SirFozzie]

What an interesting day 1 of PAX East.

New Digital Warcraft CCG
Blizzard hinting D3 might not be a Sony exclusive
Ducktales, Woohoo..

and more..

I'm trying to keep up with the news at 8bit, check the link in my sig for more.

[chadritt]

One of my best friends is on a panel there this year for the game Fuse. Can't wait to read the reports about it.

[BillJasper]

I bought an Atari 2600 with 13 games for fifty bucks yesterday. Haven't had to do a firmware update yet! :lol:

[mckerney]

One of my best friends is on a panel there this year for the game Fuse. Can't wait to read the reports about it.

I thought it looked interesting when it was being developed as Overstrike, but then they seemed to remake it as a generic, bland and grey shooter when they changed it to Fuse.

[chadritt]

I thought it looked interesting when it was being developed as Overstrike, but then they seemed to remake it as a generic, bland and grey shooter when they changed it to Fuse.

I expect that to be the #1 thing they get asked about at the Q&A honestly.

[mckerney]

I expect that to be the #1 thing they get asked about at the Q&A honestly.

I can imagine it may not exactly be the easiest line of questions for a developer to handle when it seems like something that may have come from the publisher ("We need something less cartoony, can't we do a Gears of War thing?") that the dev has to defend even if they didn't really support it. Not sure if this is the case here but it wouldn't be the first time it happened.

[chadritt]

I can imagine it may not exactly be the easiest line of questions for a developer to handle when it seems like something that may have come from the publisher ("We need something less cartoony, can't we do a Gears of War thing?") that the dev has to defend even if they didn't really support it. Not sure if this is the case here but it wouldn't be the first time it happened.

All I can say, because I honestly DONT know specifics, is that the people making it are genuinely high on the game and don't feel like its actually super generic but they're well aware of why people think that so far. I hope it does well, it would be a giant boost for my friends career.

[mckerney]

I hope so. I really haven't been following the game that closely and it could just be the games marketing without many changes to the actual game, but the charm, color, character and humor that interested me in the Overstrike trailer weren't present in the Fuse trailer. Hopefully the game works out though.

[mckerney]

Blizzard on offline mode for Diablo 3 on Playstation.

"But we really felt that playing offline, and being able to move your console from the living room to your bedroom, which a lot of players do to play, is really important."

I guess it's a good point, people never move their PCs. Does seem like quite a bit of a change from, "I want to play Diablo 3 on my laptop in a plane, but, well, there are other games to play for times like that," though.

[Mota]

Blizzard hinting D3 might not be a Sony exclusive


It isn't! It's been out on PC for a whole year already! :)

[Jughead Spock]

2k seems really eager to get people to pre-order Bioshock Infinite. On GMG you can get $14 cash back, a free copy of XCOM and 2 other free games.

I took the bait on Steam. I had Bioshock on the XBox, don't anymore, so was worth it for me to get the original along with XCOM. It's a ploy, but it worked. :D

[mckerney]

I took the bait on Steam. I had Bioshock on the XBox, don't anymore, so was worth it for me to get the original along with XCOM. It's a ploy, but it worked. :D

If you don't play TF2 or don't want the items you might be able to sell the items in the market after release for money in your Steam wallet.