Author - Jerry Paxton

DC Universe Online Going Free to Play

In not-so-unexpected news, Sony Online Entertainment has announced that its super-hero MMO, DC Universe Online, will be going free-too-play in October.

“When we launched DC Universe Online, we introduced a very different brand of massive online game driven by fast action combat to PC and PS3™ gamers and with that, we discovered a new type of online gamer,” said John Smedley, President, Sony Online Entertainment. “We’ve listened to our community, and we’ve determined that the free-to-play model is the best fit for DC Universe Online.”

User accounts will be available in three levels, allowing differing tiers of convenience and flexibility. The levels are:

  • Free: New players will now have access to the current gameplay in DC Universe Online (including Gotham City, Metropolis, and all current raids and alerts), with the ability to create two characters, join a league and many other benefits. Free level players will be able to purchase downloadable game packs/updates, additional character slots, powers and more through microtransactions.
  • Premium: Any player who has spent at least $5 USD (including former paid subscribers and new players who have purchased $5 of in-game items) will qualify for the Premium access level. Premium level players will have more benefits available to them than the Free level player, including additional character slots, additional inventory slots, and higher cash limits. Downloadable adventure packs, additional character slots, and more can be purchased in-game.
  • Legendary: Maximum features and benefits are included at this level. Loaded with enhanced additional features, Legendary access will be available for a $14.99 USD monthly fee and includes all DLC packs at no cost, more than 15 character slots, more than 80 inventory slots, the ability to form unrestricted-sized leagues, and many other benefits.

Starbreeze Working on New IP


In another bit of good news for developer Starbreeze Studios (recently it was announced they are working on the new Syndicate game), it looks like they are teaming up with film director Josef Farres and The Lab AB to work on a brand-new IP.

“I love games, and I have been working on a games concept for quite some time. The more I worked with the concept, the more convinced I felt that this is a solid game idea” says Josef Fares. “Together with Story Lab we created a prototype that we presented to Starbreeze, and they instantly liked the concept.”

Not much is known on the video game, but we will keep you posted as more is released.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Rezurrection Zombie Lab Phase 2 Trailer

Activision has released a new trailer for their Call of Duty: Black Ops DLC pack, “Rezurrection”. Rezurrection features four re-mastered classic maps as well as a new zombie map located on the MOON! The DLC pack was released on August 20 for the Xbox 360 and is set to release on both the PlayStation 3 and Windows PC platforms come September 23, 2011.

Trailer

NZXT Unveils Tempest 210 Chassis

NZXT has announced the launch of their new Tempest 210 mid-tower gaming PC chassis.

Features

  • Massive mesh styling for improved cooling and optimal airflow
  • Includes one 120mm and one 140mm fan with a cooling potential of up to 8 fans with the ability to change positions on the side fan
  • Screw-less 5.5” and 3.5” bays for easy installation and expansion
  • USB 3.0 for up-to-date high speed data transfer
  • Easy cable management for routing cables to enable better airflow inside your system

“Tempest 210 is ideal for gamers whose rigs house a lot of raw power” said Johnny Hou, Founder and Chief Designer at NZXT. “This will aggressively chill your critical components to ensure a cool system and surrounding area.”

The Tempest 210 retails for $59.99 and is available now.

Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Aircraft Reveal Includes Super Tomcat

In this latest round of aircraft reveals for Namco Bandai’s upcoming Ace Combat: Assault Horizon, we get an American favorite, the F-14D Super Tomcat. Ace Combat: Assault Horizon is due out on October 11, 2011 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms.

This week’s aircraft highlights for ACE COMBAT ASSAULT HORIZON includes:

Fighters
F-15C Eagle

F-16C Fighting Falcon

F-14D Super Tomcat

Attackers

A-10A Thunderbolt II

Screenshots

Dungeons – The Dark Lord Box Art Revealed

Kalypso Media has revealed the official box art for their upcoming dungeon strategy game, Dungeons – The Dark Lord. The game is due out on September 27, 2011.

Features of Dungeons – The Dark Lord  

  • Four multiplayer modes for up to four players: Deathmatch, King of the Hill, Survival and Piñata
  • Entirely new, fully scripted and voiced single-player campaign
  • New dungeon setting (ice crystal cave) with new graphics, unique prestige gimmicks and a new boss monster – The Yeti
  • Playable bosses in multiplayer modes (Minos, Zombie King, Calypso and Dungeon Lord)
  • Various dungeon graphics sets and inventories are now available
  • New set of skills specifically for multiplayer modes

Box Art

New World of Warplanes Screenshots

Wargaming.net has released several new screenshots from their upcoming online flight actioner, World of Warplanes. World of Warplanes will feature aircraft from the 1930’s all the way to the Korean War with tons of customizations available to players.

Screenshots

Dragon Age II: Mark of the Assassin Announced with Screens

Electronic Arts and BioWare have announced Dragon Age II: Mark of the Assassin, a new DLC pack for their acclaimed Dragon Age II. The DLC pack will be released on October 11, 2011 and will give players new environments to explore as well as a new playable character voiced by none other than Felicia Day (The Guild, Doctor Horrible’s Sing-Along-Blog).

Screenshots

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning Pre-Order Bonus Announced

Electronic Arts, 38 Studios, and Big Huge Games have announced three pre-order bonus items for customers pre-purchasing the upcoming Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning.

Pre-Order Bonuses

  • The Destinies Choice Pack: Offers a unique “Twist of Fate” card to enhance the beginning of your gameplay experience, the Compass of Fate and three unique armor sets. Each armor set is tailored to a specific class which players will define and redefine during their time in Amalur.
  • The Fate-Touched Weapons Pack: Players can enter battle as fully prepared as ever with an arsenal of rare Fate-Touched weapons including a longbow, hammer, staff, faeblades, daggers, scepter, chakrams, longsword and greatsword. The weapons will help satisfy every player’s combat style with Reckoning’s on-the-fly weapon swapping in combat to take down even the most dreadful of foes.
  • The Ultimate Treasure Hunter Pack: For treasure hunters who will dive into every nook and cranny in the world of Amalur, the Dowsing Rod will seek out all reagents for concocting potions on your in-game map. A worthy companion tool for any adventurer, the Dowsing Rod will help players get the most out of their alchemy skill.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning will be available on February 7, 2012 in North America and on February 10, 2012 in Europe on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC.