Author - Jerry Paxton

Daedalic Announces Blackguards Turn-Based RPG

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March 21, 2013 — Bolstered by the success of their celebrated adventure games, the developers at Daedalic Entertainment are now off to new frontiers. This summer, Blackguards, the studio’s first turn based RPG will be released. Framed in a significantly darker story than you usually find in Daedalic games, the player will walk in the boots of a convicted murderer as he travels through Aventuria’s wild south. On this journey the protagonist is accompanied by companions of varying loyalty: scoundrels and thieves like the half-elf Niam (and her latent drug addiction) or the lecherous wizard Zurbaran. Blackguards features hordes of lethal creatures and other enemies waiting to be taken care of on more than 170 unique battlemaps. A number of major and minor quests ensure exciting and diverse gameplay through the campaign. As can be expected in all Daedalic titles, Blackguards focuses on strong storytelling, now combined with action-packed gameplay and tactical, turn-based combat. Blackguards delivers more than 40 hours of adventure in Aventuria.

Screenshots released with Blackguards’ announcement will give a quick first impression of the game.

Screenshots

Star Trek Online: Legacy of Romulus Announced

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Perfect World Entertainment and Cryptic Studios have revealed that Legacy of Romulus, a full Star Trek Online expansion, will launch on May 21st, 2013. The expansion allows players to begin as a Romulan or Reman and features a number of UI and trait enhancements. Additionally, the expansion will see the return of Tasha Yar’s daughter, Sela, and allow players to take on the Tholian threat.

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Screenshots / Art Assets

GameLaunched Video Game Crowdfunding Site Goes Live

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March 21, 2013 — South Burlington, VT – GameLaunched.com, an international crowdfunding website for gaming, has announced that their official launch date is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, 2013.  As of the first of this year, GameLaunched.com successfully released their beta site in an effort to allow project teams the ability to begin creating campaigns before the websites’ official launch. Since the beta launch, projects such as “The Huntsman – The Orphanage” (recently receiving Steam’s prestigious “Greenlit”) and others have joined the ranks of campaigns hopeful to raise money to fund production of their projects. During the initial beta phase, user registration was open and gaming fans have visited the site from all over the world, registering and helping to spread the word of the pending launch via social networks and game forums driving thousands of visitors to the site. Registered users can now contribute to projects while game developers can continue to submit their games for approval.

GameLaunched.com is unlike any other crowdfunding site as it provides an international platform dedicated to gaming. This allows developers to submit anything from platform games, mobile applications, tabletop games, and PC games, to every other category feasible including gaming hardware and accessories from around the world. Allowing projects from around the globe will truly help GameLaunched.com seize a portion of the crowdfunding market that have often been overlooked by other sites.  Making the site available to developers outside the United States, gives international projects an opportunity to seek funding and gain exposure, the same as any other US based team. GameLaunched.com has assembled a panel of gaming experts from across the world to help select monthly featured projects.  The Launch Crew was put together not only to select featured projects, but to also offer mentoring or advice when needed for the featured projects.  The team at GameLaunched.com wanted to provide developers with as much help as possible to make every project a success. Projects will run for a full 30 days while developers can choose to apply for featured or standard funding and will only be funded if their project goals are reached.

The gamer within all of us enjoys a little competition and a chance to earn points and compete against others.  GameLaunched.com has created an eXperience Points (XP) Leaderboard where every user gets credit for contributing to projects and sharing projects on their own social media sites.  When users obtain enough XP, those points can be traded in for some GameLaunched.com swag through the Marketplace on the site. The Marketplace allows developers who successfully funded their games on GameLaunched.com a platform to sell their final product commission free.  Now, not only will developers have a chance to fund a project, but they will also be able to sell it on the same site.  It  also helps eliminate the confusion for contributors on where to purchase the game once it has been developed.

The team at GameLaunched.com has worked very hard to separate itself from other funding platforms. WE did this by creating a site packed full of competition, social engagement and of course, supporting games we all want to see get developed.  So come visit GameLaunched.com and take your idea to the next level.

New Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII Screenshots

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Square Enix has released a large set of screenshots from their upcoming Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. The game is due out this fall for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system.

Screenshots

Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut Release Date

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LOS ANGELES, CA – March 20, 2013 – Rising Star Games Inc, a leading publisher of interactive entertainment today announced that the industry-polarizing Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut will be available April 30, 2013 across North America, exclusively on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PlayStation®Network.

From now through its North American release date of April 30, 2013, fans who reserve the highly-anticipated title (from participating retailers, includingAmazon.com and Gamestop) will receive downloadable content so plush, that Agent York (and Zach) will feel like their investigation in the small country town of Greenvale just turned into a vacation.

Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut, the award-winning suspense-horror, action-adventure game gives players an open-world experience featuring detailed interactions with Greenvale locals, as well as numerous side quests and mini games to help solve the murders and uncover hidden town secrets.

New Features for Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut:

  • New Scenario – Surprising new scenario from the game’s director, Hidetaka “Swery” Suehiro that will please new and hardcore fans alike
  • HD graphics – complete graphic overhaul with new HD textures
  • Improved Controls – reworked control system and mappable controls allow for an even better combat experience
  • Downloadable content – Expand the mystery beyond the original game and let Agent York (and Zach) live it up in Greenvale – Details TBA…*PROFILING STAR*

Playing as special agent Francis York Morgan (just call him York – everyone else does), players must investigate the brutal murder of a young local beauty. Amidst the backdrop of soaring mountains and a small American town, York must solve the mystery of the Red Seed Murders and stay alive in a place where supernatural creatures and a killer seek to end his investigation.

For more information and to pre-order Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut, please visit the official site at www.deadlypremonitionthegame.com.

A Closer Look at The Gorn in Star Trek The Video Game

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March 20th, 2013 — In the nearly five decades since the U.S.S. Enterprise first ventured into space, her crew has encountered untold foes, but few enemies have been quite as memorable as the Gorn.

The savage, lizard-like race has been seen only fleetingly on screen, most memorably in the TV series’ first-season episode “Arena” – but STAR TREK® The Video Game is about to change that.

“When we started development on the game more than three years ago, one of the first decisions we had to make was: Who was the enemy?” says the game’s executive producer, Brian Miller. “The Gorn immediately jumped to the top of the list. And now, as gamers and fans ourselves, we couldn’t be more excited to bring one of the most popular and iconic science fiction villains of all time to the video-game space.”

A new video feature released today by Paramount Pictures delves further into the mythos and the mystery of the Gorn, and their reinvention for STAR TREK THE VIDEO GAME.  You can find the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY-Zy0DxS-o&feature=youtu.be.

The Making of the Game Video – “The Gorn”

Logitech Rolls Out New Gaming Line

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NEWARK, Calif. — March 20, 2013 — Today Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) announced the new Logitech® G line, reflecting its new approach to PC gaming. The new lineup includes six redesigned mice and keyboard favorites and two new headsets.

“With Logitech G, we put our passion for science to work for you,” said Ehtisham Rabbani, general manager of the Logitech gaming business group. “Just as gamers are compelled to beat levels, our engineers are compelled to test scientific theories. For close to 20 years the relentless pursuit of what’s next has been our game – and we’re pretty darn good at it. With Logitech G we will continue to push the limits of speed, precision, reliability – even intuitiveness. We do it because gamers expect us to push the limits as far as they do. Every inspired design choice and late-night engineering argument serves but one purpose, to help gamers play their best. When science wins – gamers win.”

Using infrared technology, Logitech studied the interaction between hand and device during gameplay. As a result, gamers can expect to see several advancements in the new Logitech G lineup.

To improve durability and comfort, advanced surface materials were added to strategic tactile zones discovered through testing. For heavy contact zones, Logitech has added fingerprint-resistant coatings, while palm areas feature a hydrophobic coating to help keep your hands from sticking. Depending on the model, the mice also have a soft or dry grip for increased comfort and control. The two keyboards feature a double UV coating on the keys for extra durability and long life, and a fingerprint-resistant coating on the faceplate.

In addition, the Logitech G100s Optical Gaming Mouse and G400s Optical Gaming Mouse feature exclusive Delta Zero sensor technology. Optimized for high-accuracy cursor control, this new sensor technology accurately responds to hand movements. Plus, all of the new Logitech G mice have low-friction polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) feet, which reduce drag for faster motions, smoother cursor movements and improved accuracy.

The lineup includes:

Logitech G700s Rechargeable Gaming Mouse

The Logitech® G700s Rechargeable Gaming Mouse is a wireless gaming mouse with the report rate of a wired gaming mouse. In fact, it maintains a consistent report rate, whether over 2.4 GHz wireless or connected by USB, up to eight times faster than a standard USB mouse. If your game goes long, you can keep playing and recharge the mouse simultaneously by switching seamlessly to a data-over-cable connection using a standard Micro-USB cable. The mouse has a durable hydrophobic coating on the palm area that helps keep your palm from sticking to the mouse, and dry grip on the sides ensures a steady hand. You can elevate your in-game skills with 13 programmable controls that let you program single actions, complex macros with multiple keystrokes, repeating and user-defined delays, when you download Logitech Gaming Software (LGS). The Logitech G700s Rechargeable Gaming Mouse is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of $99.99.

Logitech G500s Laser Gaming Mouse

For FPS gamers, the Logitech® G500s Laser Gaming Mouse packs a gaming grade laser for precise cursor control on a wide variety of surfaces and a hyper-fast dual-mode scroll wheel. It also features a durable hydrophobic coating to help keep your palm from sticking and dry grip for a steady hand. It has up to 27 grams of customizable weight and center of gravity adjustment, meaning you can tune it to your preferred play style. You can switch from pixel-precise targeting at 200 DPI to lightning-fast maneuvers at up to 8200 DPI with two buttons sitting in easy reach near your index finger. The Logitech G500s Laser Gaming Mouse features 10 programmable controls, which require LGS. The optional software can also be used to reassign game commands or multi-command macro. The Logitech G500s Laser Gaming Mouse is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of $69.99.

Logitech G400s Optical Gaming Mouse

The Logitech® G400s Optical Gaming Mouse pushes the high standards set by the Logitech® MX518 Optical Gaming Mouse and Logitech® Optical Gaming Mouse G400. This full-feature gaming mouse is built specifically for FPS games and includes Logitech’s exclusive Delta Zero sensor technology for high-accuracy cursor control. It also has a hydrophobic coating to help keep your hand from sticking, as well as soft-touch grip areas and fingerprint-resistant coatings on the primary buttons to resist fading. With LGS, you can customize the eight programmable buttons, and the mouse also features primary mechanical microswitches rated to a 20 million-click lifespan. The programmable buttons allow you to shift through multiple DPI settings to quickly select on-screen options, scan the game map, pull off 180-degree flick-shots at 4000 DPI or downshift for pixel-precise FPS sniper targeting or RTS unit selection at 400 DPI – all conveniently located above and below the scroll wheel. The Logitech G400s Optical Gaming Mouse is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of $59.99.

Logitech G100s Optical Gaming Mouse

The Logitech® G100s Optical Gaming Mouse is simple to use and specifically crafted for your favorite RTS and MOBA games. Built to extend the powerful legacy of the Logitech® G1 Mouse and the Logitech® Gaming Mouse G100, it features buttons designed for heavy clicking and the Logitech exclusive Delta Zero sensor technology for accuracy at any hand speed. While a typical mouse cannot withstand the rigors of intense gaming, the ultra-durable Logitech G100s Gaming Mouse has upgraded primary mechanical microswitches rated to a 20 million-click lifespan. The mouse also has a durable hydrophobic coating on the palm area to help keep your hand from sticking, and the primary buttons have fingerprint-resistant coating to prevent fading. Whether using claw grip or conventional, with small hands or large – the ambidextrous inverted trapezoid shape encourages a sure grip through long sessions. The Logitech G100s Optical Gaming Mouse is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of $39.99.

Logitech G19s Gaming Keyboard

The Logitech® G19s Gaming Keyboard feeds you a steady flow of intel, including vital stats, game specific apps and customizable information panels, all in full color on an integrated, adjustable GamePanel™ LCD. With custom-color backlighting, you can choose from 16 million shades and assign a specific color to every profile and profile mode in the same game. The keyboard also features advanced surface materials for durability and comfort. A hydrophobic coating on the palm rest helps keep your hands from sticking, while the durable double UV coating gives keys extra long life. With LGS, you can configure the 12 programmable G-Keys with up to 36 different functions across three different modes with three macros per key. Two High-Speed USB 2.0 ports let you transfer data to and from accessories – such as MP3 players and flash drives – while also charging battery powered devices. The keyboard also includes anti-ghosting over 26 keys so you can perform multiple complex actions without interference or ghosting. The Logitech G19s Gaming Keyboard is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of $199.99.

Logitech G510s Gaming Keyboard

To make complex actions simple, the Logitech® G510s Gaming Keyboard provides 18 programmable G-keys, which allow you to configure up to 54 different functions across three different modes, with three macros per key, when you download LGS. In addition to custom-color backlighting it features a backlit GamePanel™ LCD, so not only can you stay informed with real-time game stats, system information and VoIP communication data, you can also develop or add community-created applets to work with your GamePanel. It also has a hydrophobic coating on the palm rest to help keep your hands from sticking, and a double UV coating on the keys for extra durability and long life. The Logitech G510s Gaming Keyboard is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of $119.99.

Logitech G430 Surround Sound Gaming Headset

Similar to the Logitech® G35 Surround Sound Headset and Logitech® Wireless Gaming Headset G930, the Logitech® G430 Surround Sound Gaming Headset is powered by Dolby® Headphone technology to create an immersive 360-degree sound field that gives you the advantage of hearing what you can’t see in a game, from footsteps to sirens. With Dolby Headphone 7.1 surround sound, you’ll hear up to seven discrete channels of audio data plus a Low Frequency Effects channel. Similar to the Logitech G230 Surround Sound Gaming Headset, this headset also provides washable ear cups that offer a soft, comfortable fit for long gaming sessions. When you want to be heard, the noise-canceling mic can be adjusted to pick up your voice alone. When the mic is not in use, you can easily fold it up and out of the way. The Logitech G430 Surround Sound Gaming Headset is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of $79.99.

Logitech G230 Stereo Gaming Headset

The Logitech® G230 Stereo Gaming Headset delivers high-quality stereo sound by using 40 mm neodymium drivers to keep you immersed in the game from start to finish for FPS, MMO or adventure-type games. And because marathon gaming yields heat and sweat, the new headset features ear pieces covered with washable performance-sport cloth for a comfortable, soft touch even after hours of use. With a flexible, noise-canceling folding mic, sound is focused on your voice, practically eliminating background noise for better audio quality. In-line audio controls for volume and microphone mute are within easy reach on the connection cable. The Logitech G230 Stereo Gaming Headset is expected to be available for a suggested retail price of $59.99.

Availability

Each of these products is expected to be available in the U.S. beginning in April 2013 and in Europe beginning May 2013. For more information please visit gaming.logitech.com or our blog.

Ubisoft to Host Major ShootMania Storm Tournament at PAX East 2013

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SAN FRANCISCO – March 20, 2013 – Ubisoft® and Nadeo will host an exclusive ShootMania Storm Tournament during PAX East 2013 that will award one lucky team the opportunity of a lifetime – the chance move on and compete against professional gamers in a major $100,000 Tournament in San Francisco.  The PAX East 2013 Champion will be crowned with a free trip to San Francisco to pit their skills against the world’s elite in the IPLShootMania Storm Launch Event Tournament and lay claim to their slice of the $100,000 prize pool.

The IPL ShootMania Storm Launch Event Tournament will be held April 6-7 at Cobb’s Comedy Club in San Francisco.  For more information or to attend the launch event tournament, please visit http://www.ign.com/ipl/all/news/shootmania-100000-launch-week-tournament.

“We know that great undiscovered players and teams are out there and what better place to find them than at PAX East – an event that brings gamers together from across the nation to share, collaborate and compete in games of all kinds,” said Josh Milligan, Senior Director, Online Strategy, Ubisoft.  “We’ve reserved the final spot in our $100,000 ShootMania Storm Tournament for the PAX East Champion so that these aspiring pros could make the leap from amateur dreamers to professional competitors.  This is an opportunity no shooter fan should miss.”

PAX East Tournament Details

To register for the PAX East ShootMania Storm Tournament, PAX East 2013 attendees should visit the ShootMania Storm booth on Friday, March 22 to sign-up.  Players will be allowed to register as individuals (to be placed on a random team) or as a complete team of three players.  Competition play will be held during show hours on Saturday and Sunday.

The winning team will win a free trip to San Francisco as well as entry into the $100,000 ShootMania Storm Tournament to be held April 6-7 at Cobbs Comedy Club.  If the winning team cannot travel to San Francisco to compete, they will automatically receive the 16th place prize, which amounts to $2,000.

Developed by Ubisoft’s Nadeo studio, ShootMania Storm is a fast-paced, multiplayer first-person shooter designed from the ground up for online and eSports competition.  With multiple game modes and diverse play styles,ShootMania Storm is an innovative twist on familiar multiplayer gameplay that focuses on skill, speed and strategy.  The game also offers stout community support and interaction, with an easy-to-use map-maker and sharing elements that to date have produced more than 15 player-made game modes as well as more than 20,000 player-made maps.

ShootMania Storm will be available for personal computer on April 10 via the game’s official web site and Valve’s Steam distribution service.  The game is currently in Open Beta.  For more information, to download and play the Open Beta, or to pre-order the game, players should visit www.ShootMania.com.

ShootMania Storm is part of the ManiaPlanet system and follows in the footsteps of TrackMania, Nadeo’s successful arcade racing game.  ManiaPlanet is a flexible and robust development, gaming and community platform that pushes cutting-edge graphics, enables limitless game types, and encourages incredible community participation and user-made content.