Author - Jerry Paxton

Ubisoft Acquires Related Designs

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SAN FRANCISCO — April 11, 2013 — Today, Ubisoft announced the acquisition of Related Designs, a leading German development studio for PC strategy games, including the critically-acclaimed AnnoTM franchise. Ubisoft previously owned 29.95 percent of the company and is acquiring the remaining 70.05 percent in a cash transaction.

Established in 1995, Related Designs is a highly accomplished studio known for creating the award-winning PC titles Anno 1701TM, Anno 1404TM, Anno 2070® as well as real-time strategy games such as No Man´s Land and Castle Strike. As part of Ubisoft, Related Designs’ experienced 65-person staff will continue development of the browser-based free-to-play MMO game Might & Magic® Heroes® Online, and will work on future titles in partnership with Blue Byte, a Ubisoft studio.

“Bringing the talented teams from Related Designs into the fold at Ubisoft is a mutually beneficial evolution of the relationship that we’ve had with this great studio for the past six years,” said Odile Limpach, managing director at Ubisoft’s Blue Byte studio. “This extremely fruitful cooperation can now advance thanks to the joint teams of Blue Byte and Related Designs more easily sharing experiences and resources. Together we will continue developing awesome games, including Might and Magic Heroes Online, which we hope will become a leading free-to-play title for Ubisoft.”

“We’re happy to formally join Ubisoft,” said Thomas Pottkämper, managing director, Related Designs. “This move validates our longstanding partnership and provides our teams with additional resources to expand upon their great work.”

Cris Velasco to Score Company of Heroes 2

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LOS ANGELES (April 11, 2013) – Internationally celebrated composer Cris Velasco provides the original score for Relic Entertainment, Inc.’s Company of Heroes™ 2, the sequel to the highest rated strategy game of all time*.

Velasco is one of the most sought-after composers in the medium, best known for his award-winning music featured in the God of War and Mass Effect franchises. Recorded with world-class orchestra musicians and choir from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria and Hungary, Velasco’s score forCompany of Heroes 2 majestically captures the solemn heroism and human tragedy of the Eastern Front conflict during World War II. Company of Heroes 2 is scheduled to be released for PC on 25th June 2013.

Company of Heroes 2 moves the battle away from the common Western Front focus of World War II and refocuses on some of history’s most brutal and devastating conflicts on the Eastern Front, challenging players to take command of the iconic Red Army and repel the Nazi invaders from the very gates of Moscow.

“Cris Velasco’s score perfectly captures the heroism and tragedy that we set out to portray in Company of Heroes 2,” said Relic Entertainment Audio Director David Renn. “Cris worked tirelessly to provide us with rich and compelling music that is unlike any game soundtrack I have ever heard. From the depths of the Russian winter to the epic scale of Eastern Front battles, the score supports the game in a truly cinematic way and we couldn’t be happier with the result.”

“I approached this score from the very beginning as more of a ‘Symphony for the Eastern Front’ rather than a typical game score,” said Cris Velasco. “The music sets out to convey the horror of war and the determination of the Russian soldiers.”

Previously a BAFTA nominee and winner of “Best Original Score” at the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Achievement Awards (God of War), Cris Velasco’s music was recently honored with NBC News’ “Best Video Game Music of 2012”, GameTrailers’ “Best Soundtrack of the Year”, IGN’s “People’s Choice Award – Best Overall Music” (Mass Effect 3), and nominated for “Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition” at the 16th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards. Velasco’s upcoming score for Company of Heroes 2is highlighted among the “Most Anticipated Video Game Soundtracks of 2013” by Forbes.

Company of Heroes™ 2 will be available for PC in June 2013. For more information check  www.companyofheroes.com, and to download SEGA game assets, please visit www.sega-press.com.

*on Gamerankings.com (with more than five reviews), with an average of 93.82% based on 56 reviews. The game features similar acclaim on Metacritic.com with a Metascore of 93% based on 55 reviews.

New Screenshots for Victoria II: Heart of Darkness Released

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NEW YORK – April 11, 2013 – Welcome to the Victorian Age, an era of dramatic politics, rapid transformation of technology, and colonization. Victoria II: Heart of Darkness is the second expansion to Victoria II, a political simulator where the population reacts to your decisions.

Paradox Interactive and Paradox Development Studio have today released a new set of screenshots for the upcoming expansion to the storied grand strategy series, which launches worldwide on April 16.

If still images aren’t enough for you, tune into a live stream broadcasting today at 6 p.m. GMT (7 p.m. BST, 8 p.m. CET, 11 a.m. PDT) to delve deeper into Heart of Darkness and see live gameplay footage. To check out the political strife as our developers enter the scramble for Africa, head over to the official Paradox Interactive channel on Twitch TV athttp://www.twitch.tv/paradoxinteractive!

In the new video developer diary also released today, project lead Dan Lind introduces you to the expansion’s focus on the brand new Colonization features, as well as the new naval combat system. Take a glimpse of the Victorian age here:

Learn how to use your navy to expand your empire, compete against other colonial powers and struggle to maintain your overseas control. Battle your enemies on the high seas with the all-new naval combat system, which includes gun ranges and maneuvering into positions for battles, as well as new powerful battleships that join the other classes of ships to bridge the gap to Dreadnoughts.

Become a truly great power by the dawn of the 20th century in Victoria II, an experience crafted by Paradox Development Studio, creators of the critically acclaimed Crusader Kings IIand the upcoming Europa Universalis IV.

Victoria II: Heart of Darkness expansion will release on April 16th on all major digital download portals for $19.99.

New Screenshots

Magrunner Dark Pulse Screenshots

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Focus Home Interactive has sent out some new screenshots from its upcoming Magrunner Dark Pulse, which will be released on the Windows PC, Xbox LIVE Marketplace, and PlayStation Network.

Screenshots

CAA M4 Carbine Airsoft Rifle Review (Airsoft)

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This M4 Carbine is fully licensed by CAA Airsoft, which is well-known as CAA for its real steel weapon conversions and parts, including the RONI pistol to carbine conversion package that has been turning heads recently. CAA Airsoft’s M4 Carbine AEG features full metal construction, realistic weight, and the aggressive style that CAA is known for. Unlike most M4 AEGs which feature a metal upper-receiver but nylon lower half, this one is all metal. From a design perspective, the CAA Airsoft M4 is nearly identical to its live-fire counterpart. From the three rail hand guard to the cheek riser-equipped stock, it is easy to see that this is a CAA design. The M4 magwell features some cool CAA Airsoft branding and the gun comes with a small assortment of additional rails which can be fitted to the handguard. Also in the package is a 360 round, high-capacity magazine in the style of live-fire CAA mags. The magazine is well-constructed and features a unique, accident-proof BB well lid which flips open instead of sliding like most hi-cap magazines do.

Our Video Review

Official Features

  • Fully Licensed CAA Trademarks
  • Full Metal Receiver and Barrel Assembly
  • High Strength Nylon Fiber Polymer RIS Handguard, Grip, and Stock
  • Adjustable Cheek Riser
  • Adjustable 6-position Stock with Rubber Buttpad
  • Integrated CR123A Storage Compartment in Stock (Batteries not included)
  • Ergonomic Pistol Grip
  • Flip-up Polymer Rear Sight
  • Railed Flat Top Receiver great for Optics
  • QD Sling Swivel Points on Stock and Handguard (Sling Swivel not included)
  • Full Metal, Fully Upgradeable 7mm Bearing Gearbox

Official Specs

  • Length: 805mm-890mm, Adjustable
  • Weight: 3120g
  • Inner Barrel: ~375mm
  • Magazine Capacity: 360rd Hi-Capacity CAA Mag. Works with Matrix, G&G, Tokyo Marui and other compatible M4 / M16 Series Airsoft AEG Magazines
  • Muzzle Velocity: 370~400 FPS (Measured with 0.20g BBs)
  • Thread Direction: 14mm Negative
  • Gearbox: Ver 2 Full Metal, Fully Upgradeable
  • Motor: Long Type
  • Fire Modes: Semi/Full-Auto, Safety
  • Package Includes: Gun, Magazine, Manual
  • Battery: 9.6v 2300mAh Small Type Twins recommended (Battery not included)

Conclusion

After having used this AEG for a while now, I feel very comfortable giving it a four out of five stars. The CAA M4 Carbine is durable, reliable, and built to last with CAA’s style and rail system. I would have, without question, given the gun a five out of five stars if the issues of the stiff magazines and accessing the battery were not present.

[easyreview title=”CAA M4 Carbine Airsoft Rifle Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″] Our Rating Scores Explained

[wpcol_1half id=”” class=”” style=””]Pros

  • Incredible build quality and style
    • Love the full metal receiver
    • Love the M4S1 Picatinny Rail System for its Functionality
    • Love the well-designed CAA magazine
  • No wobble in either the handguard or stock
  • Shot at a relatively-constant 387fps using 6mm, .20g BBs
  • The built-in battery case is a great way to store your extras in the field
  • Good rate of fire and very accurate

[/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id=”” class=”” style=””]Cons

  • Magazines are very stiff to insert and remove from the gun
    • A quick fix is simple to file down your magazines with some sand paper. If you don’t want to go that route, know that, after a while, most magazines will get easier to use, but it takes some breaking them in
  • Removing the battery is a a chore if you have the removable bottom rail attached to the handguard. You need to remove any attachments on the rail and the rail itself to get into it and reach the battery

[/wpcol_1half_end]

**UPDATE: I have discovered that non-metal, standard-style M4 magazines (not fancier styles like P-mags and the like) insert and remove from this weapon far more easily than standard metal magazines.

Images

QuakeCon Pre-Registration Premium Packages Revealed

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Bethesda Softworks has announced that, while getting into QuakeCon will remain free, that a number of premium packages will be available for purchase when pre-registration begins on April 15, 2013. These packages are of varying flavors and will all include different levels of swag items. Check out the various packages below!

Premium Ticket Packages:

BYOC Select-a-Seat | Includes Guaranteed Reserved Seating: $30 (Limit of 1,250 packages available)

  • Select and Reserve a guaranteed seat of your choice in the BYOC area
  • An Official QuakeCon 2013 BYOC T-Shirt

BYOC Select-a-Seat and Swag Pack | Full of Limited Edition Items and Guaranteed Reserved Seating: $90 (Limit of 500 packages available)

  • Select and Reserve a guaranteed seat of your choice in the BYOC area
  • An Official QuakeCon 2013 T-Shirt
  • An Official QuakeCon 2013 BYOC T-Shirt
  • A QuakeCon Branded Logitech G400 Mouse
  • A $5 Voucher for the on-site Bethesda Retail Store; we’ll have a selection of items from the online store store.bethsoft.com available at QuakeCon, as well as a number of show exclusives
  • Reserved Seating Until 7:00pm Friday

BYOC Select-a-Seat and QuakeCon done Quick | Includes Fast Passes for the Duration of the Event: $50 (Limit of 250 packages available)

  • Select and Reserve a guaranteed seat of your choice in the BYOC area
  • Express lane fast-pass registration for the BYOC
  • Express lane fast-pass to every speaker, panel, and public event at QuakeCon
  • Limited reserved access seating for all panels, presentations, and events
  • An Official QuakeCon 2013 BYOC T-Shirt
  • Reserved Seating Until 7:00pm Friday

Swag Pack | Full of Limited Edition Items: $60 (Limit of 250 packages available)

  • An Official QuakeCon 2013 T-Shirt
  • An Elder Scrolls Online Ouroboros T-Shirt
  • Another Special Limited Edition T-Shirt
  • A QuakeCon Branded Logitech G400 Mouse
  • A $5 Voucher for the on-site Bethesda Retail Store; we’ll have a selection of items from the online store store.bethsoft.com available at QuakeCon, as well as a number of show exclusives

Pre-registration for QuakeCon will begin Monday, April 15th at 7:00pm CST/8:00pm EST on http://registration.quakecon.org/.

Disney’s Planes Announced

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BURBANK, Calif. — (April 10, 2013) – Disney Interactive today announced that “Disney’s Planes,” a flying adventure video game inspired by the upcoming Disney animated comedy adventure film, will be available exclusively for Nintendo platforms including the Wii™ and Wii U™ systems as well as the Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo DS™ handheld devices on August 6th, just a few days prior to the film’s August 9th opening in theaters nationwide.  The game will expand beyond the storyline of “Disney’s Planes,” offering players the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of flight as one of the popular characters from the film.

From above the world of “Cars,” “Disney’s Planes” video game takes players on a high-flying, action-packed, fun-filled adventure with Dusty, a big-hearted, speed-loving crop duster who is voiced by actor and comedian Dane Cook.  Players will take to the skies with Dusty and other characters, including Ishani, voiced by actress Priyanka Chopra; Echo, voiced by actor Anthony Edwards; and Bravo, voiced by actor Val Kilmer, as they embark on global missions, air races and grand adventures around the world.

In “Disney’s Planes” video game, players travel through breathtaking environments and play as one of 10 cast of characters on console and one of 6 cast of characters on handheld in either single-player, on all platforms or race against one another in two-player drop-in and drop-out gameplay on console.  Players will roll, turn and loop their way through mission-based objectives in exciting modes of play including a narrative based Story mode and a score-based mini-game that challenges the player’s precision flying skills called Balloon Pop.  The exploratory Free Flight mode and racing based Air Rallies mode are exclusive to the consoles and the objective achieving Challenge mode is only offered via the handheld platforms.

“Disney’s Planes” video game is currently rated ‘E’ for Everyone by the ESRB.  For additional information about the video game, please visit the official site at http://www.disney.com/planesvideogame and like “Disney’s Planes” on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/disneyplanes.

Screenshots

Mars War Logs Sees Hunted Hero Screenshots

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April 10, 2013 – Mars War Logs, the cyberpunk role-playing game from Spiders Studio, unveils a bit more through 4 new screenshots. On these images, we discover once more Roy, the hero of this sci-fi RPG planned for PC in May 2013 and for PlayStation®Network and Xbox LIVE® in Q3 2013, in yet another tricky situation. On one hand, Roy is hunted by Aurora’s army and their fanatic Technomants, who would love making an example of him. On the other hand, the Resistance is wary of him, because of his origins. Roy finds himself in the middle of fierce civil-war, in which he will have, sooner or later, to take part in.

We can also notice on these screenshots another important character of the story: Devotion Chase, dangerous beauty and right hand of the general of Aurora’s army, Honour Grant. She’s on the hunt for the renegade Roy, in the working-class areas of Shadowlair. While her intentions toward Roy are still mysterious, it is certain she has both resources and the will to find him.

And as far as who Roy will eventually choose to side with, in the civil war that tears Aurora in two… it will all come down to you!

Mars War Logs will be released on PC in May 2013, and on Xbox LIVE® and PlayStation®Network in Q3 2013.

Screenshots

Making of Grimlands Video Released

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Krakow, 10.04.2013: On the third day of its Kickstarter campaign DRAGO Entertainment is allowing players an in-depth look into the making and technical aspects of the Shooter MMORPG. The Making Of video explains the RPG elements such as the flexible character development, the crafting and equipping of gear as well as the clan system and its territory wars. Based on Fan Feedback the first update further details contents of Premium Accounts as well as the difference between Grimlands Free to Play and Subscription Servers.

In development at Polish studio DRAGO for over five years, Grimlands is an innovative mix of MMORPG and First- or Third Person Shooter. Thousands of players explore a huge open world that was laid in ruins by earthquakes and face the daily challenges of this deadly environment: Scarce resources fuel the PVE and PVP fights and force players to craft every item by themselves. Without level- or point-restrictions, players create their individual avatar just by playing in their favorite style and learning skills by using them. Clans fight over key locations in the game world using armed vehicles for support. Choosing if they want to be a lone wolf or trade and band together with other players is just one of the many parts of the sandbox-style gameplay.

Despite positive feedback on the last two Beta tests, a strategy-shift from development to distribution has led gamigo AG to cancel Grimlands. Following strong fan-support, the development team aims to finance the remaining work by turning to the community on Kickstarter.

We would appreciate if you would support our project by reporting on this news and linking to our Kickstarter page

Video

Weekend Box Office for April 5-7, 2013

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TriStar’s Evil Dead, an intense and incredibly-satisfying horror film, wins the weekend’s box office with a $26M dollar take, beating out G.I. Joe Retaliation and The Croods for the box office crown. Checkout the top ten box office results below. Also, get out there and see Evil Dead – you will not regret it. Also, stay after the credits!

The Top Ten

  1. Evil Dead – $26M / $26M
  2. G.I. Joe Retaliation – $21M / $86M
  3. The Croods – $21M / $125M
  4. Jurassic Park 3D – $19M / $19M
  5. Olympus Has Fallen – $10M / $71M
  6. Tyler Perry’s Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor – $10M / $38M
  7. Oz The Great and Powerful – $8M / $213M
  8. The Host (2013) – $5M / $20M
  9. The Call – $4M / $45M
  10. Admission – $2M / $15M