Archive - 2011

Champions Online Announces Free to Play Model Starting on January 25th

Cryptic Studios has announced that its super-hero MMO, Champions Online, will switch over to a free-to-play model on January 25th, 2011. In a surprising move, Cryptic also announced that everything in the base game will be free for players to access – usually, companies lock off higher-level content for paying players. In this model, only the special add-on packs will cost. Not surprisingly, this announcement coincides with the recent launch of Sony Online Entertainment’s competing super-hero MMO, DC Universe Online.

‘It’s a genuine pleasure to be able to announce our release date for Champions Online: Free for All,’ said John Needham, CEO, Cryptic Studios. ‘On January 25, 2011, any gamer or would-be superhero can play within the ever-improving world of Champions Online for no cost.’

You can find out more about Champions Online over at the game’s official website.

DC Universe Online Released, Official Launch Trailer

Sony Online Entertainment has announced the release of their new MMO based in the DC Comics universe, DC Universe Online. The game is available on the Windows PC and PlayStation 3 platforms for a retail price of $49.99 and $59.99, respectively. In the game, players customize and take on the role of a new hero or villain.

‘We’re redefining the genre and blazing a new trail in the gaming industry with the introduction of DC Universe Online,’ said John Smedley, President, Sony Online Entertainment. ‘This is the first true action MMO utilizing twitch-based combat and physics to deliver a completely unique and immersive gameplay experience that is reflective of the creativity, action and strength of the DC Universe.’

Taser Demonstration at CES

One of the best parts of the Consumer Electronics Show is Taser’s annual demonstrations of their personal, non-lethal defense products. Here is one of those demos. Enjoy!

Archos 70 and 101 Tablet Demo

Archos showed off their 70 and 101 inch tablets at this year’s CES in Las Vegas, and gave us an up-close look at them. The 70 is their 7-inch display model while the 101 is their recently-announced 10.1-inch tablet.

MLB 2K11 First Look Trailer

2K Games has released a first look trailer for their upcomig MLB 2K11. The game is due out on March 8th, 2011 on the for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation2, PSP, Wii, and Windows PC platforms. MLB 2K11 features Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

31 New Dynasty Warriors 7 Screenshots for your Enjoyment

Tecmo Koei has released 31 new screenshots from their upcoming actioner, Dynasty Warriors 7, featuring all manner of fighting goodness for your viewing pleasure. Dynasty Warriors 7 is due out on March 22nd, 2011 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 console platforms.

Checkout a smattering of the screenshots, After the Break, or over at Examiner for the full gallery (beware – there be lots of pop-ups!).

TurboGrafx-16 Classics Coming to the PlayStation Network

Hudson Entertainment has announced it will be bringing 10 classic games from the days of the TurboGrafx-16 console to the PlayStation Network for play on both the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable platforms. The games include such titles as Alien Crush and Bomberman ’94, and will be available later this Winter.

The Full Game List:
1. Alien Crush
2. Bomberman ’94
3. Bonk’s Adventure
4. Dungeon Explorer
5. Neutopia
6. New Adventure Island
7. Soldier Blade
8. Super Star Soldier
9. Victory Run
10. World Sports Competition

Each of them will be released individually, for an as-yet-undisclosed price.

Beyond Good and Evil HD Trailer

While the source of this trailer is still unknown (Ubisoft has not officially-released it yet), this new video is for an upcoming HD remastering of the highly-acclaimed (yet under-performing) adventure game, Beyond Good & Evil. The HD version is said to be due out this year on the Xbox LIVE Arcade and PlayStation Network, but nothing further is known at this time. Stay-tuned!

RIFT Pre-Orders Now Being Accepted

Trion Worlds has announced that their upcoming MMO, RIFT, is now available for pre-order via the game’s official website. RIFT puts players into a world being torn apart by enigmatic ‘rifts’. Players are tasked with gaining experience and levels in order to find out what is behind the schisms and how to stop them. RIFT is due out on March 1st, 2011.

Valve Unveils Official Portal 2 Box Art

Valve Software has unveiled the box art for their upcoming physics-based, teleportation-bending, puzzler – Portal 2. The game is due out on April 18th, 2011 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows PC, and Mac platforms.

Checkout the PS3 and X360 box shots, After the Break!