Author - Jerry Paxton

Diablo III Launch Events Announced

2012/04/26
Jerry Paxton
News

IRVINE, Calif.–Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced several official launch events to celebrate the release of its highly anticipated action–role-playing game, Diablo® III, with players around the world. On the night of May 14, key retail partners in the US, UK, France, Germany, Sweden, Poland, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, and the region of Taiwan will welcome gamers who want to be among the first to purchase Diablo III and lock horns with the Lord of Terror.

In the US, the official launch event will be hosted by Blizzard and retail partner GameStop at:

The Great Wheel Court of the Irvine Spectrum Mall
71 Fortune Drive
Irvine, CA 92618

Festivities will start at 8:00 p.m. PDT on May 14. Gamers in attendance will enjoy an epic evening of entertainment before Diablo III goes on sale at midnight, including a variety of giveaways; an exciting selection of Diablo-related video footage; and multiple contests with exclusive Diablo III-themed prizes, such as laser-etched desktop PCs from Intel. In addition, members of the Diablo III development team will be on site at each of the official events to meet with players and sign their copies of the game.

For more information on the global launch events, visit http://www.blizzard.com/company/events/d3-opening/. In addition to the official US launch event, other retail locations around the country will open at midnight to support gamers looking to pick up their copy of the game the moment it goes live. Please check with your local retailers for further details.

Attendees at the official Diablo III launch events will have the opportunity to purchase† the standard edition of the game (suggested retail price $59.99) as well as the Collector’s Edition (suggested retail price $99.99), which contains the following bonus items in addition to the game disc:

  • Exclusive aesthetic artifacts for Diablo III, as well as an exclusive World of Warcraft® in-game fetish shaman pet and exclusive StarCraft® II Battle.net® portraits and army decal
  • A behind-the-scenes Blu-ray/DVD two-disc set with over an hour of interviews detailing how the world of Sanctuary came together
  • The Art of Diablo III, a 208-page art book that catalogues numerous pieces of Diablo III art, from early concepts to final 3D renderings
  • The official Diablo III soundtrack CD, containing 24 original pieces from the game
  • A 4GB USB soulstone, preloaded with full versions of Diablo II and Diablo II: Lord of Destruction®, and corresponding Diablo skull base

In Diablo III, players assume the role of one of five heroic characters — barbarian, witch doctor, wizard, monk or demon hunter — and engage in pulse-pounding combat with endless legions of evil. As they undertake an epic quest to rid Sanctuary from the corrupting forces of the Burning Hells, players will explore diverse and perilous settings, grow in experience and ability, acquire artifacts of incredible power, and meet key characters who’ll join them in battle or aid them in other ways. Diablo III was built from the ground up to leverage the full functionality of Blizzard’s Battle.net platform, which delivers powerful matchmaking and communication tools, allowing players to seamlessly join forces for exciting cooperative play.

World of Warcraft players interested in getting Diablo III free are encouraged to join the more than 1 million players who have already signed up for the World of Warcraft Annual Pass.* Through this promotion, with a 1-year commitment to World of Warcraft, players will receive a free digital copy of Diablo III — which they’ll be able to start playing immediately on May 15 — as well as an exclusive World of Warcraft in-game mount and access to the World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria™ beta test. This offer will no longer be available as of 12:01 a.m. PDT on May 1. Learn more at http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/annualpass.

For more information about Diablo III, visit http://www.diablo3.com. With multiple games in development, Blizzard Entertainment has numerous positions currently open — visit http://jobs.blizzard.com for more information and to learn how to apply.

Nordic Games Wants In North American Market

2012/04/26
Jerry Paxton
News

VIENNA, AUSTRIA (April 26 2012) – “Retail is facing all kind of challenges globally, and North America is no exception. However we strongly believe that if you have the right product at the right price, there are still plenty of great sales opportunities out there. Strategically this is a big move for us, hoping not only to add new revenues, but also ensure a true global launch of our upcoming products. The timing is perfect from our own product portfolio’s perspective as we plan ahead.” comments Lars Wingefors, owner and founder of Nordic Games.

Part of the product strategy will be re-activating the catalogue of former Dreamcatcher Interactive that was acquired in 2011. Nordic Games will also publish new and backlog games from its own portfolio (for example: Gothic, Spellforce, The Guild, Painkiller, WeSing, WeDance). Nordic Games also looks for opportunities of publishing products from EU in the US as well as in the other direction.

As a first step in establishing a local presence, Nordic Games has hired Eric Wuestmann as Sales & Marketing Director for the North American market. Eric has an extensive background in the video games industry, starting his career at Acclaim Entertainment in 1993 and has since then worked with 1st party hardware suppliers as well as top tiered 3rd party software developers.

“It’s a pleasure and privilege to be part of the Nordic family. I am confident that with my years of experience in the video game industry, coupled with the stellar international reputation of Nordic Games, we can achieve considerable success in the North American market” says Eric Wuestmann.

World of Tanks Hits Southeast Asian Market

2012/04/26
Jerry Paxton
News

26th April, 2012 — With over 24 million gamers already playing World of Tanks, the award-winning online game developer and publisher Wargaming.net has high expectations for growth in the Asian market, as the company launches the award-winning massively multiplayer online game World of Tanks to players in Southeast Asia (SEA), namely Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand.

The game will be launched through online game publisher SEA Gaming, who will handle marketing, distribution, operations and support service for players.

“We are excited to launch our headliner in Southeast Asia,” said Wargaming.net CEO Victor Kislyi. We’ve just made another huge step forward to SEA presence, and I would like to thank everyone at Wargaming.net and SEA Gaming for making it happen.”

World of Tanks is the first and only team-based, massively multiplayer online action game dedicated to armored warfare. Throw yourself into the epic tank battles of World War II with other steel cowboys all over the world. Your arsenal includes more than 150 armored vehicles from America, Germany, the Soviet Union, and France, carefully detailed with historical accuracy.

A flexible system of authentic vehicle upgrades and development allows you to try any of the vehicles and weapons in the game. Whether you prefer to exhaust your foes with fast and maneuverable light tanks, make deep breaches in enemy lines with all-purpose medium tanks, use the force of giant tanks to eliminate opposing armored forces, or become a heavy sniper with long-range howitzers, each unit type has its own advantages and can be extremely effective when operated by a true tank ace.

But being a great tank commander alone isn’t enough to win! In World of Tanks, it’s all about teamwork. Victory is achieved by combining your combat skills with those of the other members of your team, each playing their own role on the battlefield. Just add your favorite strategy to build your own steel empire and manifest the indisputable authority of the tank power!

To Download World of Tanks, visit:

http://worldoftanks-sea.com/

Mercenary Ops Games Modes and Screens

2012/04/25
Jerry Paxton
News

Ying Pei Games has announced the various game modes to be featured in its upcoming Mercenary Ops as well as released some game screenshots for each. Here is the rundown:

CO-OP MISSIONS

· Assault ( 5 players )

Push forward with a team in objective-based missions to gain access to equipment and upgrades. Fight against ruthless enemies that become more challenging behind every door, drawing the player closer to the epic battle at the end of their assault.

· Survival ( 5 players )
Battle for survival by fending off seemingly endless waves of attacking zombies and other walking dead species. Prepare for the horrors that lie ahead by repairing defenses and earning points to unlock the weapons as well as ammunition needed to survive.

· Invasion ( 8 Players )
Take on waves of the enemy horde as they push forward in a path of destruction. Use time wisely and make shots count against deadly AI-controlled foes and mini-bosses to earn in-game currency.

COMPETITIVE

· Team Deathmatch ( 8 v 8 )
Compete in a kill-based match-up across changing combat zones. In this fast-paced, tactical team battle, triumph over the opposition and earn a place at the top of leader board.

· Demolition ( 8 v 8 )
Engage in an objective-based struggle of destruction by working with a team of conspiring mercenaries to seek and destroy a targeted bomb site. Defend against the opposing force by finding and defusing their bomb, or eliminate the threat altogether to claim victory.

· Elimination ( 8 v 8 )

Take up arms against another team of opposing mercenaries in a tactical bout to determine the victor. When the only thing that matters is obliterating the enemy, even the smallest mistake can be grounds for defeat in this high stakes, elimination-based competition.

Screenshots

KRATER Now in Alpha Testing

2012/04/25
Jerry Paxton
News

STOCKHOLM, Sweden. April 25, 2012. Fatshark today announced that their upcoming squad based RPG KRATER heads into Alpha testing. KRATER will be available on PC computers via Steam on June 12, 2012. A Mac version will be available in July.

“With the alpha build we have the extensive crafting system ready for testing, as well as the system for death and injuries.” says Martin Wahlund, CEO and Executive Producer, Fatshark. “We will continue to invite people to join our testing via Kratergame.com, and listen to all feedback to be able to deliver the best possible gaming experience on June 12, 2012.”

KRATER is a lush post-apocalyptic top down RPG and the base pillars are crafting, exploration and consequence. Consequence brings not only the ability for the characters to level up and improve themselves, but also permanent injuries and death. The grim reaper never been so grim!

If you want to get your KRATER on, and save a few “whatever currency you have” while you’re at it, visit http://store.fatshark.se and pick up the game today and get instant access to the alpha build!

To get the latest info on all Fatshark activities; follow us www.twitter.com/fatsharkgames, like us www.facebook.com/fatsharkgames, contact us press@fatshark.se or visit us www.fatshark.se.

Game of Thrones Screenshots Released

2012/04/25
Jerry Paxton
News

Focus Home Interactive has released some new screenshots from its upcoming Game of Thrones, which will be released in Q2 2012 on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Screenshots

The Walking Dead Episode One Review (PC)

2012/04/25
Jerry Paxton
News, Reviews

Telltale Games and Robert Kirkman have launched the first episode of The Walking Dead and I got a chance to checkout the PC version. The game begins in the back of a police car – the main character Lee Everett is being toted off to prison. As fate would have it, the zombie apocalypse erupts and the police cruiser is sent off the road. This is where I will stop from revealing more of the game’s plot as I would hate to ruin anything for you readers. Suffice it to say, I was riveted to my keyboard all the way through. The Walking Dead Episode One features a very cool control system which is part adventure game / part on-rails. Telltale Games has done an excellent job artistically, which also feeds into the game’s control system. There are many times when a particular scene in the game is staged a certain way to provide a more graphic novel-like look. If the game were pure third-person adventure title, it would not be as effective. The game is controlled, on the PC, by way of the mouse and a few simple keyboard strokes. For most interactions, the mouse will allow you to perform actions on objects while, in the areas you are free to move around, the keyboard is used. The controls are simple and intuitive.

Visually, The Walking Dead Episode One features exceptional graphics akin to The Walking Dead comics created by Robert Kirkman. They really capture the overall look of The Walking Dead universe. Get any ideas of the TV series out of your head, this look is pulled directly from the original comic book source material. The game audio is also very well done, with full voice acting that sells the experience. The actors all sound believable, and not one faltered in their portrayal of their characters.

As I am not willing to go into depth on the game’s plot or any potential characters you may or may not meet from the original group of The Walking Dead survivors, I can say that there is a strong possibility you will and that, if this does in fact happen in the game, it will be a cool nod to Kirkman’s original group of characters from the comics. There are plenty of scares and pulse-pounding moments to be found and there are several times in the game that you will have to make decisions with life-affecting (and possible ending) consequences. Another thing to keep in mind: The other characters you are hanging around with remember your actions and have their own opinions (some good, some not-so-good) on them. Your actions will affect how your group of survivors reacts to you!

Telltale Games has the five episodes of The Walking Dead set to be priced at $4.99 each or as a “season pass” for $24.99. This pricing model is way more than fair and I feel that, had I paid for it and not received a review copy, I would have gotten more than my money’s worth in entertainment.

While the game was stable on my PC, it should be noted that I experienced some audio issues while playing. At random times, character voices would dramatically change volume levels, as if the actor quickly stepped away from the microphone while delivering his or her lines. While not occurring enough to be a showstopper, it was noticeable.

Overall, The Walking Dead Episode One is an excellent tale of survival and character interaction in the face of the zombie apocalypse. If this episode is any indication, I am waiting with baited breath for the next one! Bring it on, Telltale Games and Robert Kirkman!

A Couple Screenshots

Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 Announced

2012/04/25
Jerry Paxton
News

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.—April 24, 2012— Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today revealed that the fan-favorite Pro Evolution Soccer will return to the field this fall. Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 is returning to its roots, with emphasis on the individual skills of the world’s best players, giving the player total freedom to play any style of ball, to any teammate, anywhere on the pitch, including full control over shots, for the first time ever.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2013, which is endorsed by renowned soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, continues to maintain the skill and grace of top level soccer that fans of the sport and the video game desire and expect. This will be the most faithful recreation of modern day soccer, with players modeled to match the running motions, the abilities and playing styles, and the flicks and turns of their real-life counterparts.

“We’re excited to take Pro Evolution Soccer back to its roots, which is all about freedom and control.” said Tomoyuki Tsuboi, President of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 is created, in part, by the vocal PES community, and with them, along with some new faces within the development team, we’re bringing in new features and gameplay mechanics that will invigorate the soccer community as a whole.”

Three key elements form the basis of Pro Evolution Soccer 2013’s innovations, with all new additions falling within the fields of Pro Evolution Soccer, which include FullControl, Player ID, and ProActive AI.

The first element, FullControl (PES FC), offers a level of control that has never before been used in a soccer game. The features of PES FC include:

•       Total Freedom of Control: Pro Evolution Soccer introduced the concept of freedom of movement. The new ‘PES FC’ in Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 goes further with total freedom over ball control.

•       Dynamic First Touch: Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 introduces subtle ways to receive the ball, from traps to gently lifting it past an attacker to run on to or a variety of other moves. First Touch is everything, and players can trap the ball using the R2 button, killing the speed of a well-hit pass and bringing it instantly under control, or using the momentum of the pass to turn a defender.

•       Full Manual Shooting and Full Manual Passing: Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 offers fully manual passing and, for the first time ever, manual shooting, allowing users to determine the height and power of each. Long, low passes can be sent skimming across the pitch. While shooting, the user has total control over where the shot is placed. Skill and precision are needed to master these, but passes can be made into open areas, allowing lone strikers to thrive, while offering an unrivalled variety in ways to score.

•       Dribbling: The speed with which a player moves with the ball has been slowed in line with real matches, but using R2 allows players to add various styles to their close control. Players can vary the speed of their dribbling and cushion the ball as they move freely within a 360-degree circle. The new system allows players to knock a ball past a player and collect it, nutmeg them, or hold up play by shielding the ball as teammates find space and make runs.

•       Full Manual One-Two: Active one-two passes can be made, with the second player being moved in any direction, facilitating various tactical movements.

•       Response Defending: Countering the attacking options the new dribbling system offers, is a beautifully-balanced defense system. Players can use R2 and X to slow an attack, with a double-tap of the X button prompting a perfectly-timed challenge. Full 360-degree control means that players can check runs and steal the ball from a parallel position, while the individuality element will see world renowned defenders using aerial dominance of physicality to win the ball.

•       Goalkeepers: Even the game’s keepers benefit from more control. Their distribution is more precise thanks to the addition of a power gauge when they throw the ball, creating opportunities for new, quicker counter attacks.

The second key element of Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 is the Player ID, which focuses on the individual characteristics and movements that each player boasts. The components of the Player ID include:

•       Player Individuality: The very best players in Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 will be instantly recognizable via signature attributes, skills and tricks that bring them to life. The way they run, turn, trap and move the ball, shape to shoot, and even celebrate will be noticeably different during play.

•       Individuality to Goalkeepers: Goalkeeping has been totally invigorated via new animations and play styles. New varieties of saves and reactions have been added to ensure the game’s keepers are in line with the efforts of real shot stoppers. This level of realism also extends to the game’s top-rated goalkeepers, with their moves to close attacks down, fling themselves to tip a shot past the post, and in-goal acrobatics benefiting from all new animations and AI.

The third element is the ProActive AI, which unites the control and realism, with players that will respond and find space as befits those at the top of their games.

•       Balance of Play: The development team has worked closely with the Pro Evolution Soccer fan base to eradicate any illogical elements to the way players move and run in Pro Evolution Soccer 2013, with the ‘ProActive AI’ system enhancing the speed and balance, resulting in a more realistic game experience.

•       Enhanced Goalkeepers:  Improvements to the goalkeepers was voted the key advancement football fans wanted to see in Pro Evolution Soccer 2013, and the team has worked hard with real life goalkeepers to ensure the AI decision process has been vastly improved. Keepers now respond with better reactions, clear their lines more effectively, and push the ball safely out of play rather than into dangerous areas.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 will also boast better connectivity and atmosphere. The popular myPES application will extend the connectivity and communication between Facebook-using PES fans, while the game’s audio effects are being tied closer to the on-field action to provide the kind of buzz seen at top-tier matches, with crowds growing in excitement as their team starts to exert pressure.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 will be available Fall 2012 on the PlayStation®3, Xbox 360®, Windows PC, PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), Nintendo 3DS™, and Nintendo Wii™.

Announcement Screenshots

5 New Line of Defense Screenshots

2012/04/25
Jerry Paxton
News

3000AD has released 5 new screenshots from their upcoming Line of Defense – enjoy!

Screenshots