Valve Software has announced the first DLC pack for their new puzzle adventure, Portal 2. The DLC pack will be available this Summer and be FREE for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Windows PC platforms. It promises new test chambers for players, leaderboards, challenge mode for single and multiplayer modes, and more.
LucasArts has released a new trailer for their upcoming MMO, Star Wars: The Old Republic, which shows the evolution of the Sith Warrior class as he evolves throughout the game. Star Wars: The Old Republic is due out on Windows PCs and allows players to take part in the Star Wars universe with multiple character paths and interactions available.
[stream provider=youtube flv=http%3A//www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DtYLiakxorVM img=x:/img.youtube.com/vi/tYLiakxorVM/0.jpg embed=false share=false width=640 height=360 dock=true controlbar=over bandwidth=high autostart=false /]
From A PSN Hacker Website
According to Mashable, various unconfirmed sources are circulating word that 2.2 million credit card numbers may be going up for sale. They claim that a security worker at Trend Micro has received intelligence that a hacker has a copy of the PSN database and is willing to sell it off for “upwards of $100,000”. This intelligence apparently came from a discussion on a criminal forum group, but no DB has materialized yet to prove its existence.
We will keep you up to date on this story as it unfolds.
Electronic Arts has released a new video developer diary for their upcoming third-person horror-shooter, Shadows of the Damned. Due out on June 21st, 2011 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms. Shadows of the Damned puts players into the boots of a demon hunter who travels to Hell in order to save his beloved.
[stream provider=youtube flv=http%3A//www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DDK4PkqG-zZE img=x:/img.youtube.com/vi/DK4PkqG-zZE/0.jpg embed=true share=false width=640 height=360 dock=true controlbar=over bandwidth=high autostart=false /]
Zen Studios and Marvel have announced that the Fantastic Four are coming to Marvel Pinball. The Fantastic Four downloadable content pack will be available on May 17th for the PlayStation Network and May 18th for the Xbox LIVE Arcade. The DLC pack will integrate into the Pinball FX2 platform on Xbox LIVE Arcade, and Marvel Pinball platform on PlayStation Network and feature new achievements and trophies.
Autodesk has released a new physics-based game for the iOS platform called TinkerBox, which hopes to inspire player interest in physics and mechanical engineering. TinkerBox retails for FREE on the Apple App Store for iOS devices.
“TinkerBox exposes players to math and engineering principles in an engaging and light-hearted way,” said Samir Hanna, vice president, Consumer Products, Autodesk. “Extending the app to iPhone and iPod touch was a natural step in our quest to make science and engineering more fun, accessible and appealing to young people and adults alike.”
EA Sports has announced that, after tallying all the votes in their cover athlete voting sessions, Cleveland Brows running back Peyton Hillis will be the cover athlete for the upcoming Madden NFL 12. Hillis beat out other players such as Michael Vick and Ray Rice in the voting for the cover. Madden NFL 12 is scheduled for release on August 30th, 2011 on most major platforms.
“Our fans have responded in record-setting fashion to honor Peyton Hillis, and we’re extremely pleased to welcome him into an exclusive fraternity of NFL players to appear on the cover of the Madden NFL franchise,” said Anthony Stevenson, Senior Product Manager of EA SPORTS. “This year’s cover voting campaign with ESPN has sparked incredible debate and conversation amongst fans and NFL players, which is a testament to the interest in and anticipation for Madden NFL each year. The amount of support that Hillis generated nationally and within his home market of Cleveland was truly impressive.”
Madden NFL 12 promises enhancements in siz key areas: Playbooks and Gameplay; Presentation; Franchise and Superstar modes; Dynamic Player Performance; Madden Ultimate Team; and Online Communities.
Playbooks & Gameplay
o All-New Collision System: Now maintain full control of players up to the point of impact – from tackling to blocking – providing the most authentic collisions in franchise history. This new system uses a player’s momentum and over 100 new tackle animations, including 40 gang tackles, to provide more impactful hits, stolen tackles, and consecutive hit tackling.
o Advanced Defensive AI: Over 100 defensive A.I. enhancements resulting in the smartest Madden defense ever. Players in zone and man coverage will properly recognize and react to plays, including the ability to break out of assignments when appropriate, resulting in a defensive team that truly works together.
o Custom Playbooks: The #1 most requested feature by fans in recent years, allows you to build the ultimate game plan by modifying an existing playbook or creating your own by selecting up to 400 offensive or defensive plays from 75 different playbooks. Integrate your custom playbook into a game plan for use with the improved GameFlow system, which executes an authentic, situational game plan for you.
Presentation
o Broadcast Redefined: Experience NFL Sundays like never before with completely overhauled presentation, including 32 team-specific run outs featuring mascots and cheerleaders, over 500 dynamic broadcast cameras authentic to every NFL stadium, innovative “real” on-field cameras shot by expert NFL Films cameramen, and a network inspired new broadcast graphics package.
o Unprecedented On-Field Authenticity: Hundreds of visual improvements across all areas of the game including: new player equipment, helmet stickers, pylon and ball physics, a player degradation system that affects uniforms and helmets based on weather and field surface, 3D grass, and new player specific animations that showcase the personalities of each NFL player.
Franchise and Superstar Modes
o Franchise mode includes more than 100 new features and enhancements, including expanded rosters, an all-new rookie scouting system, a free-agent bidding system, and more.
o In Superstar mode, fans can now control the growth of their superstar with an all-new progression system that allows you to earn skill points by participating in practice and games. More details on Franchise and Superstar modes will be released on May 16.
Dynamic Player Performance
o Dynamic Player Performance is an all-new feature that creates unprecedented realism as a player’s skills and confidence will rise and fall based on his performance throughout a game or in Franchise mode, just like the real NFL. No two players will play the same in Madden NFL 12, and more details will be revealed at the E3 Expo on June 6.
Madden NFL Ultimate Team
o The perfect combination of Madden NFL Football, fantasy football, and trading cards comes to life in Madden NFL Ultimate Team. More information on how to earn, buy, auction, and trade players will be released on June 20.
Online Communities
o Online Communities will provide an all-new way for Madden NFL gamers to meet and play. More details will be released on July 25.
Akella has announced a new, full-scale sequel to their Disciples 3: Renaissance. Disciples 3: Resurrection is being developed for the Windows PC platform and will allow players to finally control the Undead Horde race in play. The game will also feature over 70 hours of gameplay as well as a complex fantasy storyline written by the author of the book which is based on the IP. No release date has been issued yet but Akella did release some new screenshots, which you can see below.
Key features:
* The most expected race – The Undead Hordes, which has been the mostly anticipated by gamers and fans of the Disciples series
* Over 70 hours of gameplay. This is even more than in the previous game in the series – Disciples 3: Renaissance!
* 2 storyline characters, 4 leaders of the Undead Hordes, 2 bosses and over 50 new units.
* Revised gameplay balance.
* Famous distinct gothic atmosphere. Unique style and design. Detailed and realistic world.
* The plot of the game was written by Ekaterina Stadnikova, the author of the most popular book based on the series.
* Dramatic and intriguing plot and quests.
Manufacturer of PC hardware, NZXT, has revealed a new line of 200mm, silent LED PC case fans designed to keep PC chassis cool while also not increasing rig noise. The new line goes on sale in May for an MSRP of $17.99.
“Effective airflow is paramount for any performance rig” said Johnny Hou, Founder and Chief Designer at NZXT. “With FS-200, we now have a 200mm solution that promotes maximum cooling, silence, and personalization for NZXT cases.”
SEGA has released the first gameplay trailer for their upcoming actioner, Binary Domain, a shooter set in a future (the year 2080, to be exact) where mankind is locked in a brutal struggle against a machine enemy. The game is scheduled to be released in early 2012 on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms.
