Author - Jerry Paxton

EVE Online Gets Two New Websites

2012/02/08
Jerry Paxton
News

CCP Games has announced the launch of two new EVE Online related websites:

  • The new EVE Online.com site, designed as the perfect destination for those curious about EVE or trying it out
  • The new EVE Community portal, forged to fully support the award winning player community of EVE Online

Over at the sites, there is a wealth of stuff to check out, of particular note are the ship viewer, which showcases a portion of the ships of EVE Online, and the starmap, which pulls in-game data to show the dynamic and vast nature of the EVE Online game universe.

NeverDead First DLC Pack Details

2012/02/08
Jerry Paxton
News

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced that the NeverDead Expansion Pack Volume 1 will be available for download on February 21, 2012. Fans will be able to expand their online experience with a new playable character, three new challenges within the expanded Asylum level and two new online costumes for the main character, Bryce Boltzmann.

In NeverDead, players become the immortal Bryce Boltzmann, a tragic hero who has endured a suffering existence due to the murder of his wife at the hands of Astaroth, the Demon King.  Moving through life without aspirations other than where he will find his next drink, he fights alongside his partner Arcadia for the National Anti-Demon Agency (NADA), exterminating modern day demonic forces.

Highlights of the NeverDead Expansion Pack Volume 1 include:

•       New Character: Play as the fashionable, charismatic pop-idol, Nikki Summerfield in cooperative challenges with your friends through online multiplayer.

•       Three New Gameplay Challenges – Revisit an expanded Asylum level with 3 all-new challenges:

– Egg Hunt: Scour the expanded Asylum level for collectables scoring points by delivering them to designated “Score Zones.” Make sure to hold on tight to your collectibles as opponents can snatch any that you drop along the way. With enemy ambush points and environmental hazards at every turn, this challenge is tricky!

– Fragile Alliance: A competitive race through a number of checkpoints spread across the map. You can interrupt other player’s progress by attacking each other. The increase of environmental hazards and enemy spawn points will keep you on your toes.

– Onslaught: Unlock the entire Asylum level section-by-section by defeating all enemies.. Demon-seals that block off areas will dissipate as you defeat enemies from the previous area, providing more-controlled player movement and encounters.

•       Two Additional Character Costumes: Dress Bryce up in these new costumes before going back into the online fray.

EA Sports SSX Soundtrack Revealed

2012/02/08
Jerry Paxton
News

February 7, 2012 – EA SPORTSTM today unveiled the complete music track listing for EA SPORTS SSXTM, featuring 36 licensed tracks* by established and upcoming artists and ten original tracks composed specifically for the game’s Deadly Descents. In addition, these original ten tracks – created by The Qemists, Camo & Krooked, Raffertie, and Amon Tobin – are now available for download as part of the ‘SSX’ soundtrack via iTunes®.

“SSX has always been one of EA’s most music intensive, genre diverse and sonically adventurous titles,” says Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music & Music Marketing. “The songs on this new soundtrack cover ground from indie rock, dub step, hip-hop, drum + bass and beyond. As fans of the ultimate snowboarding franchise have come to expect, our artists range from top cutting-edge stars to tomorrow’s hottest underground acts. Ultimately, it’s a soundtrack full of next-level music that is totally ripe for discovery.”

Gamers will have the ability to upload their own music to SSX to create custom playlists for menu and in-game music. SSX also features a dynamic music remix tool that will automatically remix licensed tracks and custom music based on the player’s actions and performance in-game.

One of the most critically-acclaimed titles coming out of E3, SSX is now featured on 14 ‘Most Anticipated Games of 2012’. SSX launches on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game system on February 28 in North America and by March 2 in the rest of the world**.

*The complete list of licensed tracks for the SSX soundtrack includes:

Artist

Track
Camo & Krooked Breezeblock
Camo & Krooked Portal
Dels Capsize ft. Joe Goddard & Roots Manuva
Digitalism Blitz
DJ Shadow I Gotta Rock (Irn Mnky Swagger Mix)
Felguk ft. Example Plastic Smile
Flux Pavilion I Can’t Stop
Foster the People Houdini
Handsome Furs Damage
Hyper Accelerate
J Boogie’s Dubtronic Science Magik (Egyptian Lover Remix) ft. Aima the Dream, Cait La Dee & Raashan Ahmad
Kid Digital Done With That ft. Profit
Konrad Old Money Big Error
Lateef the Truthspeaker Oakland ft. Del the Funky Homosapien & The Grouch
Nero Scorpions
Noisia Could this Be
Noisia Machine Gun
Pretty Lights Hot Like Dimes
Raffertie Twitch (It Grows and Grows: SSX Version)
Run-DMC It’s Tricky (SSX Pretty Lights Remix)
Skrillex Scatta ft. Foreign Beggers & Bare Noize
Styrofoam Ones Better
The Big Pink Stay Gold
The Herbaliser What You Asked For
The Hives 1000 Answers
The Naked and Famous Young Blood
The Prototypes Your Future
The Qemists Bones ft. Kellermensch
The Qemists Stompbox
The Qemists Lifeline
Theophilus London I Stand Alone (Ocelot Mix)
TRS-80 Mirage
Turbowolf A Rose for the Crows
Two Door Cinema Club Something Good Can Work (The Twelves Remix)
Wretch 32 Traktor
Zion I and the Grouch Drop It on the 1

 

A modern day reinvention of one of the most critically acclaimed arcade franchises of all-time, SSX will allow players to experience the franchise’s signature fun and adrenaline-packed gameplay across iconic regions all over the world. Using NASA topographical satellite data, SSX has a massive world for players to explore. Throughout nine expansive regions, SSX packs reality-defying gameplay into every run letting players Race, Trick, and Survive as they descend huge open mountains. In addition, Explore, Global Events and RiderNet – SSX’s recommendation engine – headline an online feature set that will redefine social competition for gamers, making it fun and easy to compete with friends with no lobbies or wait times.

**March 15, 2012 in Japan.

Tropico 4 Quick Dry Cement Add-On Launch Screens

2012/02/08
Jerry Paxton
News

Ridgewood, NJ, February 7, 2012 – In the previously released “Plantador” add-on content for Tropico 4, El Presidente was on his way to becoming a master gardener, and now with today’s “Quick Dry Cement” add-on, he’s moved into building his own concrete jungle. The new content, available today for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC, adds the new Cement Factory building, along with additional character traits, costumes and more, all for a Swiss Bank Account-pleasing price of 400 Microsoft Points / $4.99 USD.

The Quick-dry Cement add-on pack contains:

  • Building: Cement Factory (accelerates all constructions on the island)
  • Character Trait: Constructor (free cement factory, construction workers gain skill faster)
  • Character Outfit / Vanity Item: Engineer helmet (for male and female avatars)
  • Mission theme: The largest city in the Caribbean – build a huge city across the whole island while fighting all kinds of disasters
  • Decorations: Tropican flagpole, Small park, Flower bed 2, Flowering tree 2, Constructor statue

Launch Screenshots

Skylanders Giants Announced

2012/02/08
Jerry Paxton
News

Santa Monica, CA – February 7, 2012 – Bring Your Toys To Life™. This novel premise takes a monster step forward with the worldwide unveiling of Skylanders Giants, the follow-up to the most successful kids’ IP launch of the year.¹ Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), will debut the sequel at the North American International Toy Fair in booths 3151 and 3251 at the Javits Center in New York City from February 12-15.

Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure uniquely combined collectible real-world toys with an epic virtual game world, creating a new platform for communal play that was embraced by parents and kids everywhere. Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure was the #1 best-selling kids’ franchise worldwide in 2011, as well as the #1 overall new IP launched in North America, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and GfK.

¹According to The NPD Group, Charttrack and Gfk

According to The NPD Group, Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure went on to become a Top-10 seller in North America and generated the greatest overall single-year sales, inclusive of software and accessories, of any new children’s IP in North America, since NPD has been tracking the category.

Skylanders Giants builds upon the breakthrough fundamentals of the first game-merging the physical and virtual realms with an innovative line of cross-platform toy figures that have “brains,” which players everywhere can magically bring to life in the world of Skylands. This next installment of the franchise features a variety of new characters, new challenges, a thrilling new story-driven adventure, and advanced integration across console, handheld, mobile and online:

  • Going Big: Skylanders Giants introduces eight new highly collectible figures that are more than twice the size of the main skylanders cast in both physical and virtual form. Their in-game powers and abilities reflect their colossal scale.
  • Bright Lights: Helping to further the real world magic of bringing toys to life, Skylanders Giants includes a set of characters that feature spectacular new light technology integrated into the toys, allowing the figure to light up when near or on the Portal of Power™. These characters have additional in-game benefits as well. Batteries are not required.
  • Brand New Skylanders: Eight new regular sized skylanders, each with their own unique powers, abilities, and personality, join the adventure alongside the Giants.
  • Forward Compatibility: Every beloved character from Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure is 100% compatible with Skylanders Giants, leveled-up stats and customizations intact.
  • Wider Worlds: Portal Masters will see all new arenas and more gameplay options in Battle Mode for exciting head-to-head play, as well as enhanced Elemental Zones, new Hero Challenges, and other features that encourage players to collect and level up every character.

Skylanders Giants also features closer integration with Skylanders Spyro’s Universe, the large online world that allows Portal Masters around the world to greatly expand their Skylanders experience.

“Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure’s success in 2011 validated an exciting idea-that with the right technology, and the creative minds to support it with engaging characters and story, we could define a new model for children’s play,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. “Skylanders Giants marks the evolution of this core concept. We’ve got super-sized figures, remarkably cool new characters that light up, as if by magic, and more ways to play and explore Skylands than ever before. We’re delighted to announce the title at Toy Fair 2012 and can’t wait for fans to go hands-on this fall.”

Toys”R”Us has reaffirmed its commitment to Activision and the Skylanders franchise, and will remain a marquee retail partner for the launch of Skylanders Giants. “While it was still in development, we recognized the potential that Skylanders had to connect with our customers due to its unique merging of physical and digital play,” said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys”R”Us, Inc. “The game was an enormous success last holiday shopping season, and the toys seem to evaporate as soon as they arrive on our store shelves.  We’re excited to continue our enthusiastic support for Skylanders with a comprehensive, global marketing program to introduce Giants to our customers.”

Final Fantasy XIII-2 DLC Now Available

2012/02/08
Jerry Paxton
News

Square Enix has announced the first downloadable content for FINAL FANTASY® XIII-2 is now available via the Xbox LIVE® Marketplace and PlayStation®Network. In the latest Coliseum battle “Lightning and Master Sergeant Amodar,” Lightning and her former superior officer stand in the way of Serah and Noel. When defeated, Lightning and Master Sergeant Amodar can be added to the player’s party.

Additional episodes which enhance the experience and complement the narrative of FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 with storyline branches for key characters in the story will be revealed at a later date.

FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 is available now for the PlayStation®3 system and the Xbox®360.

The Darkness 2 Released

2012/02/08
Jerry Paxton
News

New York, NY – February 7, 2012 – 2K Games announced today that The Darkness™ II, the sequel to the hit 2007 title, The Darkness™, is now available in North America for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC*. The title will be available internationally on February 10, 2012. Inspired by the comic book series created by Top Cow Productions, Inc., and developed by Digital Extremes, The Darkness II continues the story of Jackie Estacado, head of a New York crime family and wielder of an ancient and brutal force of chaos and destruction known as the Darkness. Introducing unique Quad-Wielding™ combat and four-person cooperative gameplay distinct from the first-person campaign, The Darkness II breaks the mold of traditional first-person shooter titles.

“The Darkness II combines a powerful driving narrative with imaginative violence, creating a unique gameplay experience,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “We are able to stay true to the origins of The Darkness comics while introducing significant new features to the game, which is a great accomplishment for the franchise.”

The Darkness II introduces a new combat mechanic through Quad-Wielding, allowing players to slash, grab, and throw objects and enemies with two Demon Arms while simultaneously firing two weapons. The game is layered with thematic elements of dark versus light, steeped in deep and twisted storytelling, and maintains the stylistic violence visualized through a hand-painted graphic noir technique, true to its comic book origins.

“Jackie Estacado’s saga returns in epic form with The Darkness II,” added Marc Silvestri, founder and CEO of Top Cow Productions and co-creator of The Darkness comics. “There’s a certain level of anxiousness when you see a favorite character move from ink on a page to pixels on a screen. 2K Games and Digital Extremes were able to do it in a way that stayed true to the Jackie from the comic books, while making a brutally awesome game at the same time.”

Also new in The Darkness II is the cooperative Vendettas campaign, a fast-paced, story-driven experience that takes place parallel to the single-player campaign. Vendettas lets up to four friends play together as one of four new playable characters – all with their own unique Darkness weapon – and begin their dangerous and bloody journey. Designed as a team-focused, mission-based experience, Vendettas explores the crucial role each character plays in Jackie Estacado’s campaign to defeat the Brotherhood.

A playable demo** of The Darkness II is broadly available worldwide for Xbox 360, PS3™ and Windows PC. The Darkness II is rated M for Mature by the ESRB. For more information on The Darkness II, please visit www.embracethedarkness.com.

*Steam account and Internet connection required to activate game.

**Xbox LIVE®, PlayStation®Network or Steam account and Internet connection required to access demo.

Launch Trailer

Crusader Kings II Demo Released, Pre-Orders Begin

2012/02/07
Jerry Paxton
News

NEW YORK, February 7, 2012 – In advance of the royal coronation that is the release of the strategy/RPG Crusader Kings II on February 14, Paradox Interactive have today announced that the pre-order campaign has begun!

The Crusader Kings II pre-order includes free bonus content for all loyal subjects: a full game in Crusader Kings Complete, along with two additional DLC packs;

Crusader Kings II Mongol Families DLC
The Mongol Families DLC contains thousands of unique face combinations for male and female characters of the Mongol cultures. It also contains seven new unit sprites for Archers, Horse Archers, Heavy Infantry, Pikemen, Light Infantry, Light Cavalry and Heavy Cavalry.

Crusader Kings II Dynasty Shield DLC
Containing 50 unique dynastic shields for the 50 most famous families of Medieval Europe

Pre-order Crusader Kings II here:
http://www.crusaderkings.com/buy

In addition to the pre-order bonus, a playable demo for Crusader Kings II has also been released and can be downloaded here:
http://www.crusaderkings.com/media/demos

Crusader Kings II is slated for a launch on February 14th 2012 for 39,99 USD

About Crusader Kings II
Crusader Kings II is created by the development team behind the Europa Universalis and Hearts of Iron series. In Crusader Kings II you must rule with an iron fist and win the hearts of your subjects through fear, or lead a nation through respect and loyalty—the choice is yours. Keep your alliances close, your blades sharp and your wits about you at all times – for you will need them. Sacking an army takes strength. Ruling an entire nation takes a true leader. Do you have what it takes to become a Crusader King?

New Line of Defense Screens

2012/02/07
Jerry Paxton
News

We have some new screenshots from the upcoming Line of Defense from Derek Smart’s game company: 3000AD.

Screenshots

About Line of Defense

Line Of Defense is a sci-fi MMOG (Massively Multiplayer Online Game) in which thousands of players fight for the control of bases, continents and planets in the far reaches of space. Set in the same expansive universe of their classic  Battlecruiser 3000AD, Universal Combat and All Aspect series , Line of Defense gives players a vast array of gameplay possibilities, as they craft character classes that suit their play styles and battle across land, water, air and space.