Browsing Tag

2012

Today in Gaming News – March 27, 2012

Robert Bowling
March 27, 2012 By In Apple, iPad, Microsoft, News, PC, Playstation 3, Sony, Xbox 360

Robert ‘FourZeroTwo’ Bowling departs from Infinity Ward

The face of Infinity Ward, Robert ‘FourZeroTwo’ Bowling has resigned from the developer and Activision today. Serving as the creative strategist for Call of Duty and lead at Infinity Ward, Bowling announced his resignation via Twitter.

Activision had this to say about his departure:

“We sincerely thank Robert for his many years of service. He’s been a trusted and valued member of the Infinity Ward team. We wish him all the best on his decision to pursue future opportunities.”

Bowling has yet to announce where he will be going next.

 

Shoot Many Robots heads to PC on April 6, features pre-order bonuses

After releasing a couple of weeks agoon Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, developer Demiurge’s 2D run-and-gu platformer Shoot Many Robots is heading to PC. Currently set for release only on Steam, the game will be available on April 6. Ubisoft has also added some Valve-themed pre-order bonuses to sweeten the deal.

Those who purchase the game between now and launch will recieve a set of gear which will allow the main character to become Half-Life‘s Gordon Freeman while some robots will be replaced with Portal 2 turrets. Also included will be a backpack item for Team Fortress 2 which can be equipped by the Pyro and Medic calsses.

The game will cost $10 when released. There will also be a “Buy 3, Get 1 Free” promotion for the game which will surely encourage many to spread the love and pick up a few extra downloads for their friends.

 

Xbox Live receives HBO Go, MLB.tv and Comcast Xfinity Apps

Xbox Live’s latest update adds some premium streaming video content from HBO Go, MLB.tv, and Comcast Xfinity. The update, which was announced via Major Nelson’s blog won’t replace cable as users will need a cable subscription to access the features.

Gamers can use their Kinect to control the Xfinity and MLB.tv apps with their voice or hand motions. Kinect can also be used with HBO Go to control the service’s entire catalog with your voice.

Comcast users who are worried about their bandwidth cap will be happy to know that the company has announced that Xfinity on Demand on Xbox will not count against bandwidth caps:

“Since [Xfinity On Demand] is being delivered over our private IP network and not the public Internet, it does not count against a customer’s bandwidth cap. XFINITYTV.com and the XFINITY TV app stream content over the public Internet and count toward the customer’s bandwidth cap,”

Users can now head to Xbox Live to download all three of these premium content apps.

 

Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition on iPad will cost $10 or less and support multiplayer

Beamdog has revealed to Kotaku that the iPad version of Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition will cost $10 or less and support multiplayer. Talking to Kotaku, Beamdog COO Cameron Tofer didn’t confirm a final price for the app but did note that a price ”past ten dollars doesn’t make sense.”

Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition is set for release on PC and iPad later this year.

Today in Gaming News – March 21, 2012

Dark Souls
March 21, 2012 By In Apple, iPad, iPhone, iPod, News, Nintendo, PC, Playstation 3, Sony, Wii

Mass Effect 3 ending controversy spawns ‘content initiatives’ with details coming in April

Co-founder of Bioware Ray Muzyka has finally spoken out over the Mass Effect 3 ending controversy. However, his opinion of the subject may be a controversy in itself. According to the Bioware co-founder, the company will be looking to add “more clarity” to the ending of the game by altering or adding to it in a way that maintains the story’s artistic integrity.

“Casey Hudson and the team are hard at work on a number of game content initiatives that will help answer the questions,” he said,  ”providing more clarity for those seeking further closure to their journey. You’ll hear more on this in April.”

We will have to wait until April to hear what Bioware’s exact plans are, but the co-founder did make it clear that these new ”content initiatives” are seperate from the company’s pre-existing plans to continue the Mass Effect universe’s expansion. The real question is, will these “content intiatives” be free or paid?

 

Dark Souls PC announcement imminent?

The official Facebook page for Dark Souls has a new app titled “an announcement is incoming”. Currently, the app is just a static image that will likely be replaced with an announcement once the page reaches enough likes. This has many speculating that the announcement is that of a PC release for the title.

Adding fuel to the fire is the April issue of PC PowerPlay. An image from the magazine has popped up on NeoGaf which shows that the game will be featured in the magazine one way or another.

We will have to wait and see what comes of this announcement.

 

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two officially announced for Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii

Rumors about the existence of Epic Mickey 2 have been floating around for a while. Finally, the media has seen the title and the Associated Press has the first details on the title.

The developer, Junction Point Studios has revealed that they are focusing on improving the game’s camera, which was a weak point for its predecessor. Also being added are voices for the various characters. The title will be also taking a slightly odd turn as it is set to be a musical.

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two does not currently have a release date.

 

Zynga purchases Draw Something developer for $200 million

According to a report on ArsTechnica, Draw Something developer OMGPOP has been purchased by Zynga for around $200 million. OMGPOP’s latest title Draw Something has become quite popular, having been downloaded over 35 million times. So far 1 billion drawings have been produced, with a rate of about 3,000 per second at the game’s peak.

OMGPOP has revealed that with Zynga’s backing, the company will be adding many new features to the game. These include chat, galleries, and the ability to draw your own avatar image.

Today in Gaming News – March 20, 2012

Epic Mickey
March 20, 2012 By In 3DS, Apple, Mac, Microsoft, News, Nintendo, PC, Playstation 3, Sony, Wii, Xbox 360

Rumor: Epic Mickey 2 Heading to the 3DS

France’s Nintendo Magazine has revealed through a tweet that some kind of presentation featuring Epic Mickey 2 will happen next week. The magazine specifically points to a 3DS version of Epic Mickey 2 called Power of Illusion. Those familiar with Mickey’s Sega Genesis/Mega Drive adventures will likely find similarities between Power of Illusion and the two ’90s titles World of Illusion along with Castle of Illusion.

To make things even more interesting, the tweet also points to a “classic” 2D game that will be shown. Epic Mickey 2 has not yet been confirmed to be in development, but various signs have pointed to such being the case.

 

Dragon’s Lair XBLA set to include Kinect support

According to Digital Leisure, the publisher of Dragon’s Lair on XBLA, the game will feature Kinect support when released. The publisher says that the Kinect will allow players to do things such as jump over pits and reach for ropes. Those who are looking for a more traditional Dragon’s Lair experience can use a normal Xbox 360 controller as well.

There is currently no release date for Dragon’s Lair on XBLA.

 

I Am Alive comes to PSN April 4

Ubisoft has announced that their previously XBLA-exclusive downloadable title I Am Alive will be heading to the PSN on April 4. For the first two weeks of its release, Playstation Plus subscribers will be able to pick up the game for 20% off the regular price.

Sony has not revealed an official price for the game, but considering it was released on XBLA for 1200 MSP, we can expect a price or around $15.

 

The Walking Dead priced, pre-order bonus announced

Telltale’s The Walking Dead finally has a release timeframe and pricing structure. The episodic title will launch its first five episodes for $5 each on PSN, PC, and Mac. Those on XBLA will be able to pick up the game for 400 MSP. All platforms will also have the option of picking up the title as part of a $25 season pass from the Telltale Online Store. The action will start sometime in “late April”.

Those who pre-order for PC and Mac through the Telltale online store will recieve the five-episode bundle for 10% off, putting the price at $22.50. Those who purchase this bundle will also be entered into a contest to be drawn into the fourth episode as a human survivor who is turned into a zombie.

Today in Gaming News – March 19, 2012

Burnout Revenge
March 19, 2012 By 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.

Today in Gaming News – March 16, 2012

Pokemon Black 2
March 16, 2012 By In Apple, DS, iPad, Microsoft, News, Nintendo, Xbox 360

Microsoft not talking new Xbox at E3

The rumor wheel has been turning at an alarming rate these last few months over Microsoft’s next console. However, the company has decided to put a stop to the E3 announcement speculation early. In a statement to Kotaku, the console manufacturer made it clear that E3 2012 will not be the place for them to discuss their next console.

“While we appreciate all the interest in our long-range plans for the future, we can confirm that there will be no talk of new Xbox hardware at E3 or anytime soon. For us, 2012 is all about Xbox 360-and it’s the best year ever for Xbox 360.”

The statement goes on about how the Xbox 360 is having its best year yet. We are all eager to hear what Microsoft has planned for its next console, but we will have to wait until sometime after E3 to hear it.

 

Pokemon Black and White 2 box art revealed

The Official Nintendo Magazine has revealed the Japanese box art for the latest Pokemon games. Below are the boxes, which show off the new legendary Pokemon and what appears to be lightning and fire.

It is likely that we will see similar box art in North America. Pokemon Black and White 2 are currently set for release in Japan in June along with North America and Europe some time in the third quarter of 2012.

 

Neo Geo X price revealed

Blaze, the manufacturer of the new portable Neo Geo X have revealed the device’s price to MVC. According to the company, the current set price for the device is £500, but they are open to fan reaction over the idea of a price drop.

A price drop would be good considering the direct currency conversion to USD puts the device at $792.

 

Infinity Blade 2 gets updated for new iPad, new content teased for next month

Epic and Chair have updated Infinity Blade 2 to take advantage of the “increased memory and processing power” of the iPad 2, “yielding even higher performance and more sophisticated rendering features.” Players won’t see a huge difference in the game, but those on a new iPad will see a “prettier” game to match the new screen.

As well, Epic and Chair have teased a new Infinity Blade 2 update for next month. This update will add new enemies, weapons, and other items. This also includes a new feature called ClashMob, in which “players from around the globe will work together to complete objectives and earn rewards.” Sounds fun!

Today in Gaming News – March 15, 2012

Giant Bomb
March 15, 2012 By In Apple, Mac, Microsoft, News, PC, Playstation 3, Sony, Xbox 360

Diablo III recieves May 15 release date

Blizzard has announced that their hotly anticipated action-rpg Diablo III finally has a concrete release date. Those eagerly awaiting a trip to Sanctuary can pick up their copy when the game is officially released on May 15.

When released, the game will be available at retailers in the United States, Canada, Europe, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the regions of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. It’ll also be available digital-only in Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil.

Further localizations of the game will be available on June 7. These localizations will include Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, European Spanish, Italian, Polish, Russian, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Russian.

 

Giant Bomb purchased by CBS Interactive

CBS Interactive, the partent of popular gaming site Gamespot has done it again with their acquisition of Giant Bomb. The purchase comes as part of a larger deal that sees Whiskey Media, Giant Bomb’s previous parent company, being purchased by BermanBruan. Most of Whiskey Media’s sites will transition along to BermanBraun while Giant Bomb and Comic Vine move to CBS Interactive.

Jeff Gerstmann has revealed that he will explain why he was fired from the site back in 2007 in a livestream later today (4pm PST, 7pm EST). The livestream will feature Gerstmann alongside Gamespot boss John Davison and will be broadcast live on both Giant Bomb and Gamespot.

As part of the purchase, Giant Bomb will now move to the Gamespot offices.

 

Confirmed layoffs at IGN and 1UP

Sources at VG247 have confirmed that at least four IGN and 1UP staff members have been let go from the company. These staffers include Matt Leone, Jack Devries, Ryan Winterhalter and Thierry “Scooter” Nguyen.

As the day unfolds, we may hear of even more layoffs from IGN and 1UP.

 

Standalone Mass Effect FPS was a thing

Back in 2010, Bioware Montreal was developing what was shaping up to be a standalone, competitive multiplayer first-person-shooter based in the Mass Effect universe. Titled Mass Effect Team Assault, this idea eventually became the third-person co-op multiplayer mode that shipped with Mass Effect 3.

This comes from a new documentary-turned iPad app The Final Hours of Mass Effect 3. According to the documentary,

“To create a standalone multiplayer experience in the Mass Effect universe that would mix the play styles of Unreal Tournament and Battlefield 1943 — and likely be released as a downloadable game.”

 

Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition coming this summer

Beamdog has revealed that their Overhaul Games division will be taking the lead on development of Baldur’s Gate: Enahnced Edition. The project sounds like some sort of HD update. A specific release date and platforms are currently unkown, but we do now it will come sometime this summer.

A Beamdog representative has revealed to Joystiq that “This is the Enhanced Edition, it’s not a repackage. We have the original source code and are doing a significant update.”

The team behind the game are also planning “regular announcements every week with more details.”

 

Call of Duty Elite subscribers receiving four more pieces of unnamed Modern Warfare 3 content this year

Activision has announced that four additional pieces of Modern Warfare 3 content will be delivered to Call of Duty Elite subscribers by the end of the year. No specific details were revealed about what the content is, but we do know that it will be provided during the planned Elite content “season”.

As a service, Elite has been faring quite well since its release. Nearly two million users have downloaded the service’s iOS and Android apps with new applications hitting tablets soon. Activision is promising a variety of unspecified updates to Elite’s functionality over the next few months.

Today in Gaming News – March 13, 2012

Ninja Gaiden 3 Special Edition
March 13, 2012 By In Microsoft, News, PC, Playstation 3, Sony, Xbox 360

Notch says Psychonauts 2 won’t happen “for a while”

Despite offering funding to aid development of a Psychonauts sequel, Markus “Notch” Persson has revealed that it will be a while before the game becomes a reality. In an interview with Gamespy, Notch said that he met Schafer at GDC where the developer revealed that Double Fine had “a lot to do for a while.”

Notch added that if the studio wants to develop the game and “the numbers are reasonable”, he would be willing to help as long as there is a “return on the investment and stuff.”

“I think Psychnoauts 1 did surprisingly poorly in sales, which is bizarre,” Notch said. “Sure, it’s kinda niche, but it has huge personality and only one bad level: the meat circus. So I think there’s definitely room for a Psychonauts 2 to sell well. Especially now, because you could treat as not necessarily a triple-A project. I mean, you can’t make it too small scale, because it needs to top the first one.”

 

Gamerscore reset issue plagues Xbox players

Ealier today an issue on Xbox Live was causing Gamerscores to be reset to zero. Microsoft responded to the issue quickly and took to their support page to tell users We are aware of the problem and appreciate your patience while we implement a solution.”

Later today Microsoft resolved the issue, posting the following on their support page:

“The issue that some customers were experiencing with zero Achievements and Gamerscores has now been resolved. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. You may need to log off and log back in for the information to be updated.”

This issue comes a day after Microsoft revealed that the achievement cap for XBLA games would be raised from 200 to 400.

 

Alan Wake sells two million across two platforms

Psychological thriller Alan Wake has sold over two million copies across the Xbox 360 and PC. This mileston secures the title’s future as a series.

“We’ve moved over two million copies — that’s including PC,” Remedy’s Oskari Häkkinen told CVG. “So after a slow start it’s turning into something really positive. It’s definitely had legs. I think narrative experiences just have a tendency for that.”

With Alan Wake’s future secured, we can all eagerly await news of an Alan Wake 2.

 

Mass Effect 3 multiplayer DLC spotted

An image of what appears to be unannounced Mass Effect 3 multiplayer DLC has hit the internet. Originally found via Facebook and spread across Reddit, the image apparently comes from an unknown player who reached a developer server for the game which unlocked “test DLC” for the game.

Some are wondering if the DLC in question is from the Mass Effect 3 action figures that are set to be released, but according to Bioware, those are supposed to include randomized DLC that could be anything from new characters to new weapons.

 

Retailer reveals Ninja Gaiden 3 special edition with bloody-sword Move accessory

A week before the release of Ninja Gaiden 3, a listing for a special edition of the game has popped up on the website of the Canadian online retailer Video Games Plus. The special edition features a copy of the game along with a special bloody “Dragon Sword” Playstation move accessory.

This edition has not been listed anywhere else so it is either a Canadian exclusive or never made it through production.

 

Phil Harrison takes over MGS Europe

The fromer Playstation front-man Phil Harrison has switched sides, joining Microsoft as head of its European Games Studios. This news comes after the departure of Peter Molyneux, but Microsoft claims Harrison will not be taking Molyneux’s old job and that the hiring of Harrison is “completely unrelated to Peter’s departure.”

A spokesperson for Microsoft added:

““Phil will lead Microsoft Studios European organization, but will also influence the broader performance of IEB’s European business. We will continue to rely on our stable of first party developers as we determine if and when the Microsoft Studios Europe creative director vacancy should be filled”

Harrison has been known for switching positions often and never staying in a single job for too long. It remains to be seen if he will settle down with Microsoft.

 

Double Fine Adventure Kickstarter ends today, nearing three million

As of writing, the Double Fine Adventure Kickstarter has only four hours left. A little over a month since it started, the Kickstarter has raised just over three million dollars. That number far exceeds the initial $400,000 goal.

Those who are eager to see how much more Double Fine can Kickstart in the final two hours can watch a live stream of the Double Fine offices. Can they reach four million? Likely not, but it will be fun to see them try.

 

Wasteland 2 development being Kickstarted

Originally released back in 1988, the original post-apocalyptic RPG Wasteland is back … if it can be funded. inXile Entertainment has started a Kickstarter to fund the development of Wasteland 2, a sequel to the “Godfather of post-apocalyptic RPGs.”

The developer has set a funding goal of $900,000 and has raised just over $250,000 as of writing. With lots of great rewards for backers, it shouldn’t be too difficult for inXile to reach — or possibly surpass — their funding goal.

Today in Gaming News – March 12, 2012

Portal gun
March 12, 2012 By In Microsoft, News, PC, Playstation 3, Sony, Xbox 360

Xbox Live Gamerscore cap upped to 400

Starting in April, Xbox Live Arcade Games will break free of their current 200 Gamerscore cap and move to a cap of 400. The news comes from a blog post by Microsoft’s Larry ‘Major Nelson’ Hryb. The new cap will serve as an option for new games and will also allow for up to 30 achievements.

Although this will be an option for now, in June this 400 Gamerscore cap will become mandatory for all new games. This increase will surely please those interested in the ability of raising their Gamerscore at a quicker pace.

 

Mojang loses ‘Scrolls’ title for sequels

Despite settling with Bethesda over the right to name their upcoming card game Scrolls, Mojang has lost the ability to use Scrolls as the name for any sequels. This news comes after Mojang’s infamous Notch went to Twitter to celebrate the initial legal victory.

“ZeniMax has licensed the ‘Scrolls’ mark to Mojang to be used solely in conjunction with its existing Scrolls digital card game and any add-on material it makes to that game,” a statement from Bethesda reads. “The terms of the settlement bar Mojang from using the Scrolls mark for any sequel to the current card game, or any other video game.”

If Mojang does intend to make another Scrolls-related title, they will have to come up with another clever title. Cardcraft anyone?

 

 

Replica Portal gun production cancelled

The NECA — National Entertainment Collectibles Association — has cancelled production on a line of replica Portal guns based off Valve’s popular puzzle-shooter. The association has cited “issues” as the reason it is ”no longer planning on making it for the foreseeable future.” The news comes via an email from the distributor Entertainment Earth.

“The item was never produced, and to the best of our knowledge will not be delivered to any retailer at this time.” reads the email. I sympathize for my fellow Portal fans around the world. We were so close to making it a reality guys; so damn close.

 

 

Risen 2: Dark Waters pushed back a month

Deep Silver’s upcoming Pirate-themed RPG has been delayed a month. Originally scheduled for release on April 27, YouGamers is now reporting that the game has been delayed to May 22 in North America and May 25 in Europe. No reason was given for the delay.

Risen 2: Dark Waters is set to be released for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.

Today in Gaming News – March 9, 2012

Onimusha
March 9, 2012 By In 3DS, Android, Apple, iPhone, iPod, Microsoft, News, Nintendo, PC, Playstation 3, Sony, Vita, Xbox 360

New rumours describe a disc drive-less system set for a 2013 release

According to a report this morning from MCV, the next Xbox will be download-only when it is released in 2013. Despite the lack of a disc drive, the report does say that the new console will offer “compatibility with some sort of interchangeable solid-state card storage”.

The report currently pegs the system for release in 2013. The announcement timing is not clear, but it could be announced at E3 in June.

Microsoft has refused to comment on the report but did offer the following statement:

“Xbox 360 has found new ways to extend its lifecycle like introducing the world to controller-free experiences with Kinect and re-inventing the console with a new dashboard and new entertainment content partnerships. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform and how to continue to defy the lifecycle convention.”

 

 

New Onimusha Announced

Capcom has revealed a new title in the Onimusha series. Titled Onimusha Soul, the game is a browser-based strategy RPG, which of course strays slightly from the series’ roots. This browser-based take on the Onimusha series will be released on desktop and mobile devices.

Continuing with the series’ historical settings, Onimusha Soul is set in the Sengoku era. The game will have a focus on “social” elements as players become warlords and battle for control of Japan. The game will be of the “free to play” variety, but will of course incorporate micro transactions.

Onimusha Soul will hit desktops on June 28 and smartphones in the fall.

 

 

February NPD Top 25 Released

Despite none making the NPD Top 10 last month, many 3DS titles have placed in last month’s NPD Top 25. The NPD revealed to Joystiq that the following 3DS titles just missed the Top 10:

  • Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure
  • Mario Kart 7
  • Super Mario 3D Land
  • FIFA Soccer
  • Lego Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars
  • Lego Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Resident Evil: Revelations
  • Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games
These high sales are showing some definitely love for Nintendo’s latest handheld, even in the face of the newly released Playstation Vita. As for that handheld, the only title to make it was Uncharted: Golden Abyss which placed in the Top 20.

 

 

Phantasy Star Online 2 announced for Vita with PC cross-play

Japan’s Phantasy Star Online 2 will no longer be PC-exclusive. Sega has announced that the MMO will be making its way to Sony’s latest handheld. There are currently no plans for an international release.

The Playstation Vita version of Phantasy Star Online 2 will work very similar to its PC counterpart. Both versions will share the same servers and your characters will be cross-platforming, meaning you can be immersed in the
Phantasy Star Online world for even more hours of the day.

 

Metal Gear Solid HD Edition Vita Gets Japanese Release Date

Konami has revealed that Metal Gear Solid HD Edition Vita will be released in Japan on June 28. The game, which features Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, will also incorporate special Vita-only touch controls.

Despite this being a pretty boring announcement, it’s the best we’ve got from the Playstation Vita Game Heaven event, which was a colossal disappointment.

 

 

New Uncharted 3 DLC priced and dated

Naughty Dog has revealed dates and pricing on a new piece of Uncharted 3 DLC. Titled Co-op Shade Survival Mode, the DLC will be released on March 13 and feature a battle with the Djinn, which are “demonic specters able to teleport and catch fire”.

On March 13 Uncharted 3 players will be able to pick up the DLC for $5.99. If you’re in the Fortune Hunters’ Club, you will of course be able to download this for free.

 

 

Mass Effect 3 Ships 3.5 Million Copies

John Riccitiello has revealed that Mass Effect 3 has shipped a total of 3.5 million copies worldwide since its release. Even more impressive is that the game sold 890,000 copies in North America in its first 24 hours on sale. This info came at a Media and Telecommunications conference at Wedbush Technology where Riccitilleo said “we anticipated it doing well, so we’re happy”. He also announced that a large amount of download codes for the From Ashes DLC were purchased alongside the game, saying “the tie ratio at the register is the highest in their history”.

Finally, it was confirmed that Bioware’s MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic curretly has 1.7 million active subscribers. Riccitiello described the game as “the most successful MMO through this period in the history of the industry.” He also promised a slew of new content will be coming every quarter along with tutorials, upgrades, and expansions.

 

Alan Wake PC to be distributed at retail by Legacy Interactive

Remedy’s psychological thriller will be heading to PC via retail in North America thanks to Legacy Interactive. The publisher has been awarded the rights to publish a boxed copy of the PC version of Alan Wake‘s first adventure starting April 3.

“We are thrilled to be bringing such an iconic title to North American retail.” said Steve Wall, Vice President of Legacy Interactive.

“I have been a longtime fan of Remedy’s work. Max Payne was a true masterpiece and Alan Wake follows in its footsteps as a brilliant feat of storytelling and innovative gameplay.”

“Alan Wake is a great product and we are proud about being able to take it to the North American retail customers. In Legacy Interactive we have found a partner who will give the product the focus it deserves, and also ensure best possible market penetration for the PC retail versions,”

commented Egil Strunke, Vice President at Nordic Games. Just like with the digital release of the PC version of Alan Wake, this retail release will come packaged with the game’s two pieces of DLC. It will also have some additional PC-only features such as stereoscopic 3D and multi-monitor support.

Today in Gaming News – March 8, 2012

Angry Birds Space
March 8, 2012 By In Android, Apple, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Microsoft, News, Playstation 3, Sony, Xbox 360

343 Industries says no beta for Halo 4

The Halo series has been a pioneer in the console beta scene. However, Master Chief’s latest adventure will not feature one according to the game’s developer. 343 Inustries has revealed “splitting resources to manage and
build a beta is not on our schedule.” when talking about Halo 4.

Instead, 343 Industries is devoted to testing the game at a “significant scale” on its own. Halo 4 is currently slated for release later this year.

 

Mass Effect 3 Inferior on PS3

Eurogamer’s Digital Foundry has revealed some disappointing facts about the Playstation 3 release of Bioware’s latest sci-fi RPG. According to the report, the Xbox 360 version of Mass Effect 3 runs at 30 frames per second
while the Playstation 3 version of the game runs at only 20.

This drop in framerate can severely affect the game, such as controller responsiveness during gameplay. This is an unfortunate trend that we have seen through much of the Playstation 3′s lifespan.

 

Deadly Premonition: Director’s Cut Heading to PS3

It has been revealed that everyone’s favourite low-budget “WTF?” title of 2010 will be receiving a Playstation 3 release in North America. Previously an Xbox 360 exclusive here, Deadly Premonition will now be released on
the Playstation 3 in the form of a “Director’s Cut”.

The biggest addition to Deadly Premonition: Director’s Cut will be the inclusion of Playstation Move support. Originally a mistranslation of the announcement presentation had people thinking that this was a Deadly Premonition sequel. Rumour has it that we can eventually expect a Deadly Premonition sequel, but we will have to settle with this for now.

We can expect more information on Deadly Premonition: Director’s Cut around this year’s E3.

 

Angry Birds Space Details Emerge

Rovio, the developer behind the mega-popular Angry Birds franchise has revealed details on their latest game. Titled Angry Birds Space, the game will of course have players taking their Angry Birds to space, while incorporating ”fun with physics” gameplay. The biggest change for the game seems to be that the iconic birds have been “transformed into superheroes”.

Angry Birds Space will feature sixty levels, new characters, new powerups, and new gameplay mechanics. It will launch simultaneously on iOS, Android, Mac, and PC on March 22.

 

Sony says Playstation Move has shipped 10.5 million units

According to Sony’s latest numbers, their Move peripheral has shipped 10.5 million units since launch. This info came during a panel by the company at this year’s GDC. As of last November, the peripheral had shipped nine million units and eight million units as of last April.

Although these numbers are impressive, Sony has yet to reveal the number of Playstation Move peripherals they have actually sold. Sony sure is proud to have shipped over 10 million, but it would be nice to see how many
of those 10 million were actually sold and not just sitting in stores.