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Today in Gaming News – March 19, 2012

March 19, 2012 By Richard Jacklin In Apple, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Mac, Microsoft, News, Nintendo, PC, Playstation 3, Sony, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360

EA shutting down servers for a number of games

In what is becoming an alarming trend lately, Electronic Arts is once again shutting down the servers for a number of their games. Previously, this meant that these games would live a multiplayer-less life, but on this latest list there are a handful of titles that require a paid online pass to activate. EA has revealed that the reason for the shutdown was that “less than 1%” of EA customers will be affected by this latest action.

The following games will go dark on April 13:

BOOM BLOX Bash Party
Burnout Revenge
EA Create
EA Sports Active
EA Sports Active NFL Training Camp
FIFA 10
The Godfather II
Need for Speed ProStreet
The Saboteur (Midnight Club access)
Spare Parts

As well, EA will be shutting down online services on March 31 for the following iPhone games:

Battlefield 3: Aftershock
Fantasi Safari
Ghost Harvest

The most shocking title being affected by this latest server shutdown is Burnout Revenge. The classic racing title will hopefully live on through its single-player modes, but things will never be the same again.

Tochlight 2 development stands strong despite the impending launch of Diablo 3

Despite the impending launch of Blizzard’s Diablo 3 on May 15, Runic Games is standing strong with their development of Torchlight 2. Originally planning a release before Blizzard’s monster action-RPG, severe delays have put Torchlight 2 in a bad place.

“We know a lot of you are worried about us. We’ve heard what you’re saying, and sure we’ve had similar discussions,” said a note on the Torchlight 2 site. “But we began making the first Torchlight in 2008 when development on Diablo 3 was already underway. We didn’t let that be a reason that we couldn’t make an RPG.”

“There will be unforeseen challenges along the way, no matter what business you’re in. We’ve chosen to stay small with a total team of 32. We’re pretty sure that we want this game out more than anyone (not just so that we can resume a normal sleep schedule!) — but we are going to do it right. That’s our commitment to you, and to ourselves.”

Torchlight 2 does not currently have a specific release date, but we can expect it sometime before the end of 2012.

Bit.Trip Runner 2 launch pushed back to November

Gaijin Games has confirmed that the release of the latest in the Bit.Trip series Bit.Trip Presents Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien has been delayed to November. Originally set for release in “early 2012″, Gaijin Games artist Mike Roush told Eurogamer that “We’re close to half-way.”

Roush also revealed that the developer plans to bring their latest to the Wii U. “Everyone at Gaijin is a Nintendo fanboy,” Roush revealed, “so we will most likely continue that relationship in the future.” Roush also added that “We’ll make one game and cross-platform it to the best of our ability.”

Binary Domain receiving PC release

Sega has announced that the recently console-exclusive release of Binary Domain will also be making its way to the PC. The publisher has cited fan reaction as the reason for the PC release.

“As well as the excitement generated by Binary Domain in the console press we were seeing increasing numbers of players asking for a PC version,” said Sega marketing boss Gary Knight. “So we listened and we delivered.”

No specific release date has been given, but we can expect to see it sometime in April. The PC version will have both a digital and retail release.

Tons of new Assassin’s Creed III details emerge from hiding

March 5, 2012 By David OKeefe In Microsoft, News, Nintendo, PC, Playstation 3, Sony, Trailers, Wii U, Xbox 360

Continuing on the theme of leaks, Ubisoft has recently been hit with a string of them. First the upcoming Assassin’s Creed 3 had its cover art hit the internet ahead of the company’s official announcement, confirming that the long-standing rumors were true and that the game would be set during the American Revolution.

A batch of screenshots were later leaked, showing off the game’s new protagonist skulking through frost covered woods with a bow and arrow. Others featured the assassin preparing to ambush a small group of redcoats. Yet another shows him handling a tomahawk in the shape of what appears to be the symbol of the assassins.

Today, a countdown timer over at the game’s official site finally hit zero and, after some technical issues were resolved, the site…linked to a new trailer as well as Gameinformer. Joy.

According to GameInformer’s site, a mere tease, the franchise’s fifth title has been in development for three years. Fortunately, more substantial information from the April edition of the magazine comes via Gamingbolt. Players can look forward to a new camera designed to better capture the action, a new version of the Anvil engine, and settings ranging from Boston to New York.

The hero of the new game comes from a mix of Native American and British blood. Ratohnhaké:ton, or Connor, was born into the Mohawk tribe. Like Ezio’s oddly placed allies, Machiavelli and da Vinci, Connor will join forces with George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. No word yet on whether or not players can expect to bring the pain with Thomas Paine.

As for the gameplay, players will be able to dual wield weapons. The stealth and fighting systems have been purportedly redesigned. Seasons will change organically. The economic systems have also been revamped, allowing the player to hunt game in the woods and to sell pelts. Fast travel is another confirmed addition to the game. Finally, the dreaded den defense system from Revelations is being abandoned.

Assassin’s Creed III releases on October 30th, 2012 for the PC, 360, and PS3 and will retail for the standard $59.99. VG247 also reports that a Wii U version is in development. I’ll be waiting for the inevitable announcement that the PC version has been delayed. Check out the brand spanking new trailer below.

Capcom’s Ono Teases That There’s More to Wii U Than Previously Shown

January 27, 2012 By Thomas Mayer In News, Nintendo, Wii U

Although Nintendo has been radio silent on the Wii U since it was unveiled at E3 2011, Capcom producer Yoshinori Ono has hinted that there’s more to the Wii U than we’ve seen.

In a recent interview with 3D Juegos that was translated by folks at NeoGAF, Ono states:

“What was shown at E3 is not a reflection of everything that this console is going to be able to offer,” he said. “We have been trying the development kits and some of its new characteristics will improve its possibilities. It isn’t something like Kinect or similar accessories, it’s something different.

“I can’t tell you more about it because, if I do, Nintendo will send assassins to finish me! But let’s say that Wii U will be a console with so many unique possibilities that it will be difficult to show them in the box they are going to sell it in, or be published in magazines and other media.”

It’s interesting that Ono, not Nintendo, is championing the device right now. We can only speculate what hidden magic lies within the Wii U that would bring him to speak on its behalf. Given the console’s mixed response from E3, I’ve been hoping for lots of tweaks to the device (more horsepower, proper analog sticks on the tablet, capacitive touch screen, etc). Ono did not specifically mention changes, but perhaps that is the “more” that we weren’t shown.

Source: 3D Juegos
Via: VG24/7

THQ hit with hefty layoffs

January 26, 2012 By Craig Hart In Microsoft, News, Nintendo, Playstation 3, Sony, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360

While THQ has denied rumors of multiple game cancellations in 2013, a report has surfaced that the company laid off a large amount of employees this morning.

THQ confirmed the terminations but did not go into any specifics details. “THQ confirms a reduction in force to the company’s administration and publishing organization,” stated THQ. However, an unnamed source revealed to IGN that 75 employees from THQ’s Agoura Hills, California office were handed pink slips today.

Nintendo Plans to Launch Wii U in Major Markets by Christmas

January 26, 2012 By Richard Jacklin In Featured, News, Nintendo, Wii U

In an investor meeting today following the release of Nintendo’s Q3 earnings, Satoru Iwata said that the company plans to launch the Wii U within the holiday period in EU, US, Japan, and Australia. This is the first time Nintendo has been specific of the release schedule for the console, previously only confirming a release between E3 and December of 2012.

Nintendo has promised a re-reveal of the Wii U this E3, which takes place between June 5 and 7.

Source: VG247

SOPA Shelved Once Again After PIPA is Postponed

January 20, 2012 By Richard Jacklin In 3DS, Android, Apple, DS, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Mac, Microsoft, News, Nintendo, PC, Playstation 1, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, PSP, S1 and S2, Sony, Vita, Wii, Wii U, WP7, Xbox 360, Xperia Play

In the same day that the Protect IP Act (PIPA) was postponed, Rep. Lamar Smith has decided to once again shelve the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). This is the second time Smith has decided to shelve the highly unpopular bill.

Smith has responded to his latest actions with the bill, saying that he had taken the criticism of SOPA and admitted that the fight against piracy needs to be rethought.

With blackout protests across the internet and PIPA being postponed, it is becoming clearer that SOPA may not have much of a future. But with filesharing site Megaupload being pulled yesterday without either legislation being passed, it is also becoming clear that those protesting SOPA must not back down.

Source: Destructoid

Hudson to be Fully Absorbed by Konami on March 1st

January 20, 2012 By Richard Jacklin In 3DS, Android, Apple, DS, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Mac, Microsoft, News, Nintendo, PC, Playstation 1, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, PSP, Sony, Vita, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360

Konami Digital Entertainment is preparing to fully absorb Japanese developer Hudson on March 1st, according to a notice issued by the company. Board members from Konami agreed to the change on January 12.

While a report Japanese filing discovered by Andriasang seems to suggest that Hudson is essentially no more, the somewhat familiar brand may live on through Konami. This means consumers will not see much of a change despite the company being wholly absorbed.

Source: ShackNews

The Wii U Supports Only One Wii U Controller

June 10, 2011 By Richard Jacklin In Images, News, Nintendo, Wii U

If you were worried about having to buy multiple multi-touch enabled — and likely costly — controllers for your new Wii U system, then we have some good new. According to Shigeru Miyamoto revealed that the system will only support one Wii U controller. The reason for this decision was that if the company wanted to implement multiple touch screens, they would have just use the recently released Nintendo 3DS.

While this may be great news for some, there are likely some people who wanted to buy more than one Wii U controller and are disgruntled by this news. To those people, I say that nothing is set in stone as of now and that Nintendo’s current position could change. At least you’ll be able to play with multiple Wii remotes.

The Wii U Will Not Play Gamecube Games

June 9, 2011 By Richard Jacklin In Images, News, Nintendo, Wii U

Hardcore Nintendo fans may not want to ditch their Wii when they pick up a Wii U in 2012.

According to Giant Bomb, in an interview with Nintendo’s head of public relations, Mark Franklin, the Wii U will not be backwards compatible with Nintendo Gamecube games. However, the Wii U will in fact be backwards compatible with Wii games.

Source: Giant Bomb

What is the Press Reaction to Handling the Wii U Controller?

June 7, 2011 By Thomas Mayer In News, Nintendo, Wii U

Nintendo is positioning the Wii U’s controller as a literal and figurative game-changer, but how is the media responding to their initial hands on? Here’s some blurbs from some of the top media outlets and well-known gaming writers. The list will be updated as more and more people get their hands on it:

Dan Hsu: Bitmob.com -

- The tablet controller is extremely light. When I first picked it up, I almost wasn’t sure it was a functioning model.
- The analog pads are discs that slide over a flat area, similar to the 3DS or PSP nubs.[...] You don’t get the nice range of motion as you do with the Xbox 360 or PS3 analog sticks, but these seem to work well enough.
- The left and right triggers feel just slightly cheap and stiff (maybe because no one’s broken them in yet), but because they’re curved, they still feel better for your pointers than PS3′s L2 and R2 buttons. But they don’t compare to the 360′s L and R triggers.
- The screen resolution is impressively crisp and sharp.
- The [video] transfer was near instant and seamless. No lag, no buffering — when you hit the button, the game/movie slid to the controller’s screen right away and continued exactly where it left
off
- The gyroscope worked very well.

JC Fletcher: Joystiq.com

- What’s the thing feel like? In an artificially extended word, awwwwkwaaaaard. It’s designed so that the players holds sort of the top area of the controller, and my (admittedly small) hands were placed such that my thumbs fell naturally onto the analog sticks. But not the buttons.
- I will say that while the display on the touchscreen looked really similar in quality to the Shield Pose demo, it didn’t appear to be HD itself.

Jeremy Parish: 1up.com

After playing a few games with the Wii U controller, my often-voiced skepticism about its design has melted away. It is genuinely great.

Rich George: IGN.com

- Feels like holding an iPad with grips underneath
- “It feels pretty good.”
- “It feels sturdy, yet light which is awesome.”
- “When you play this thing, it’s fun.”

Garnett Lee: Shacknews.com

- Doubters, the WiiU tablet controller feels great in hand. Nestles right into my grip

Justin Haywald: GamePro.com

- But in my brief demos, it felt great. Surprisingly, your hands fit on the buttons and analog sticks without feeling stretched or uncomfortable.
- The touchscreen looks good, but I’m not sure why you’d want to play on the controller by choice.
- I’m willing to give Nintendo the benefit of the doubt. But while it seems other consoles are going for smaller controllers — or no controller at all — Nintendo is taking a gamble with their big new pad.

Jason Schreier: Wired.com’s Game|Life

- Just played with the Wii U controller. Feels nice, but very big. Might be uncomfortable to hold for an extended period of time.