Author - Jerry Paxton

Activison E3 2012 Games Lineup

Santa Monica, CA – June 4, 2012 – Cutting-edge innovation and experiential digital entertainment will be on display from Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), at the 2012 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3 Expo) taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center on June 5 – 7, 2012. Highly anticipated and fan-favorite titles Call of Duty®: Black Ops II, Skylanders Giants™ and TRANSFORMERS™: FALL OF CYBERTRON lead Activision’s line-up of blockbuster titles being showcased in the South Hall, booth #647.

“The level of creativity driving video games has never been greater. Our industry has the greatest talent in the world and E3 gives us all a chance to showcase the innovative titles that will continue to make games the leading form of entertainment today,” said Eric Hirschberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. “This year’s line-up is one of our strongest, and we can’t wait for our fans to see for themselves.”

Activision’s full E3 Slate Includes:

Call of Duty: Black Ops II – The most groundbreaking and ambitious Call of Duty to date, Call of Duty: Black Ops II pushes the boundaries of the record-setting franchise and will turn the future black for everyone worldwide on November 13th. Set in the year 2025, Call of Duty: Black Ops II propels players into a near-future, introducing them to a fiction that is taking root in today’s headlines. Advanced weaponry, robotics and drone warfare define the battle space and challenges players to ask, “What happens when someone steals the keys” and turns our greatest strengths into our greatest weaknesses? Strike Force Levels bring a fresh take on single-player missions, introducing players to sandbox-style gameplay and branching storylines for the first time in franchise history. With equally ambitious Zombies and multiplayer modes yet to be unveiled, Call of Duty: Black Ops II delivers the complete package, offering fans the most expansive Call of Duty experience ever. (Developed by Treyarch for Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC.; not yet rated by the ESRB.)

Skylanders Giants – Skylanders Giants builds upon the breakthrough fundamentals of the Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure™– merging the physical and virtual realms with an innovative line of cross-platform toys with “brains,” which players everywhere can magically bring to life in the world of Skylands. Using the mystical Portal of Power®, players once again lead a team of heroic Skylanders in a new adventure to save their world. Portal Masters will journey through new areas of Skylands, encountering new enemies, solving fun puzzles, overcoming different hazards and obstacles, and finding a variety of collectable rewards and treasure. Skylanders Giants introduces sixteen new characters to build on the magic of Skylanders Spyro’s Adventures, including super-sized giants with powers to match, as well as the new LightCore™ Skylanders that light-up in the game and in the real-world as players transport them to Skylands using the Portal of Power. Additionally, the game features new Hero Challenges, more Battle Mode gameplay, and advanced integration across console, handheld, mobile and Skylanders UniverseSM. (Developed by Toys for Bob for Wii™, Nintendo 3DS™, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system, Windows PC and mobile devices; not yet rated by the ESRB.)

TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON – TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON allows players to experience the darkest hours of the war between the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS as they vie for control of their dying home world. Fans will fight through both sides of the TRANSFORMERS’ most epic battles that culminate in their legendary exodus from CYBERTRON. With the stakes higher than ever, players will embark on an action-packed journey through massive, war-torn environments designed around each character’s unique abilities and alternate forms, including GRIMLOCK’s nearly indestructible T-Rex form and the legendary COMBATICONS combining into the colossal BRUTICUS. Taking the franchise’s competitive multiplayer to all-new heights, TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON lets fans go head-to-head in blistering AUTOBOT vs. DECEPTICON matches after creating their own unique characters with the most in-depth, advanced customization ever before seen in a TRANSFORMERS game. Additionally, High Moon Studios is announcing at E3 that they have listened to the passionate PC fans and have been working closely with fellow developer Mercenary Technology to create a PC sku that will launch day and date with the console versions on August 28. (Developed by High Moon Studios for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system and by Mercenary Technology for Windows PC; rated “T” for Teen on all platforms by the ESRB.)

The Amazing Spider-Man™ – Go beyond Sony Picture Entertainment’s Columbia Pictures feature film and find out what happens next in The Amazing Spider-Man video game, which brings Spider-Man’s free-roaming, web-slinging action back to New York City. Players take on the role of a young Peter Parker discovering his new Spider-Man powers and added Super Hero responsibilities, using the game’s innovative Web Rush mechanic to swing freely around Manhattan, combat a variety of criminal activities and take on classic Marvel Super Villains, such as Rhino, Iguana, Felicia Hardy and more. Set against an original story crafted by Hollywood writer Seamus Kevin Fahey (Spartacus: Vengeance, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, Battlestar Galactica) that takes place entirely after the events of the upcoming feature film, The Amazing Spider-Man video game delivers an immersive and cinematic adventure allowing players to truly harness the power of your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. (Developed by Beenox for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system, Wii, and Nintendo 3DS, with a Windows PC version slated for release later in the year; developed by Other Ocean for Nintendo DS™; rated “T” for Teen on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system and Wii and “E10+” on Nintendo DS by the ESRB.)

007™ Legends – Celebrating the Bond franchise’s 50th anniversary, the latest installment in the video game series – 007 Legends – launches gamers back through time to relive a selection of James Bond’s iconic and intense undercover missions from the popular films. A first-of-its-kind Bond video game, 007 Legends features an original, overarching storyline tying together five classic Bond movie-inspired missions plus a sixth mission based on this year’s highly-anticipated movie – SKYFALL – which will be available post launch as free downloadable content, to offer the most diverse Bond gaming experience yet! Delivering the action that gamers expect from a Bond game, 007 Legends equips players with state-of-the-art spy gadgets, an arsenal of weapons, and sleek vehicles as they jet off to exotic locations and utilize Bond’s unmatched combat abilities, quick wits, class and style to take down notorious villains and their brutal henchmen and perform impressive stunts. (Developed by Eurocom for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system and Windows PC; not yet rated by the ESRB.)

Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse – Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse features an all-new original narrative which is an expansion on the popular episode, “Road to the Multiverse”, turning the outrageous world of Family Guy into an action-packed video game filled with nods to the long-running comedy. Playing as either Stewie or Brian, each with unique abilities and weapons, players will battle their favorite Family Guy characters as they advance through ‘Multiverse’ themed levels in their pursuit to battle Stewie’s evil twin, Bertram, who has returned and is hell-bent on destroying Quahog. Fans will also be able to team up in co-op multiplayer mode or compete against each other in competitive multiplayer levels – all with a Family Guy twist. (Developed by Heavy Iron for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system; not yet rated by the ESRB.)

Nintendo Reveals Wii U Pro Controller

During the Nintendo Direct Wii U presentation today, the company revealed a brand new controller for their upcoming Wii U game console/system. The Wii U Pro Controller seems geared mostly towards traditional game genres (FPS, RPG, etc) – however, not much more is known about it at this time. Stay-tuned!

E3 2012 Pre-Expo Photoblog

So, I went on over to the Los Angeles Convention Center today to pickup my E3 2012 media badge. While there, I took some photos of the area for your viewing entertainment – enjoy!

p.s. They sort of.. “frown upon” people taking photos before the show – also, the expo halls themselves are closed off. Hence, the smaller-than-usual number of photos. Will be posting more this week for sure as we do our appointments!

Images

EA Unveils E3 2012 Games Lineup

GUILDFORD, UK. – June 1, 2012 – Electronic Arts Inc. today revealed the games that will be shown during the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) from June 5-7. The lineup features updates on some of the industry’s biggest franchises that span across all gaming platforms.

THE DOWNLOAD: EA 2012 Preview, EA’s E3 press briefing sponsored by Origin™, will feature leading EA brands: Battlefield 3TM, Medal of Honor ™ , Crysis ® 3, Madden NFL 13, FIFA 13, Star Wars™: The Old Republic™, SimCityTM and highly-anticipated first looks at Dead SpaceTM 3 and Need for SpeedTM Most Wanted from Criterion Games. The event will feature never-before-seen video and gameplay for the biggest titles EA will unveil this year as well as titles not yet announced, including a new social title for Facebook®. The briefing can be viewed live exclusively on SPIKE TV on Monday, June 4 at 4:00 PM ET/1:00 PM PT or streamed at www.ea.com/e3.

Once revealed at the press briefing, E3 attendees will be able to demo the upcoming titles at booth #1601 at the LACC. For the latest news from the show floor and exclusive interviews with EA executives and producers visit www.ea.com/e3 during the event. Product information and assets for titles will be available at gamespress.ea.com on June 4.

EA will be hosting media demos throughout E3 for key mobile, social and Chillingo titles at the JW Marriott located at 900 West Olympic Blvd. in Salon J. Additionally, select mobile titles such as Plants vs. Zombies™ from PopCap will be demoed to fans waiting in line at the EA booth.

Titles being shown at the EA booth at the LACC include:

Battlefield 3: Close Quarters and Battlefield 3: Armored Kill

Lauded by game critics worldwide for its outstanding single player campaign and addictive multiplayer, Battlefield 3 extends the experience with the debut of the next two themed digital expansion packs: Battlefield 3: Close Quarters and Battlefield 3: Armored Kill.

· Platforms: Xbox 360®, PlayStation®3 and PC
· Street Dates: Close Quarters in June 2012; Armored Kill in September 2012
· ESRB Rating: “M” for Mature

Crysis 3

The premier sandbox shooter of 2013, Crysis 3 advances the state of the art with unparalleled visuals and incomparable gameplay. Hunt as Prophet in a New York City that has become a veritable urban rainforest, with seven distinct natural environments known as the Liberty Dome’s Seven Wonders. Alien or human, everyone is a target in Prophet’s quest for retribution. Assess, Adapt, Attack and take Revenge!

· Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC
· Street Date: To be announced
· ESRB Rating: “RP” for Rating Pending

FIFA 13

FIFA 13 captures all the drama and unpredictability of real-world football. The game creates a true battle for possession across the entire pitch, delivers freedom and creativity in attack, and connects fans to the heartbeat of the sport – and to each other – through EA SPORTS Football Club.

· Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation®Vita, Wii™, PC, PlayStation®2, Nintendo 3DS™, PSP (PlayStation®Portable) system, iPhone®, iPad®, iPod® touch and Android
· Street Date: Fall 2012
· ESRB Rating: “RP” for Rating Pending

Madden NFL 13

Madden NFL 13 is all-new from boot up to credits. Every mode, every screen, every pixel has been reinvented delivering the most innovative, connected, and authentic Madden NFL experience in franchise history.

· Platforms: Xbox 360,PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Wii
· Street Date: August 2012
· ESRB Rating: “E” for Everyone

Medal of Honor: Warfighter

Medal of Honor: Warfighter puts players in the boots of today’s most elite U.S. warriors to experience missions that have a dotted line to real world terrorist incursions. This is Tier 1 on a global scale, featuring real world hotspots in the single-player campaign and introducing international Tier 1 Operators in multiplayer.

· Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC
· Street Date: October 23, 2012 in North America; October 26, 2012 in Europe
· ESRB Rating: “RP” for Rating Pending

NBA LIVE 13

The NBA LIVE franchise makes its return with key innovations to core gameplay, presentation and online experiences that connect you to your friends and to the real-world of basketball all season long.

Platforms: Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
Street Date: October 2012
ESRB Rating: “RP” for Rating Pending

NCAA Football 13

For the first time in franchise history, NCAA Football 13 allows players to utilize a former Heisman® Trophy winner’s skill set in a quest to match the performances of some of the greatest of all time. Plus, game days come to life with the ESPN Bottom Line ticker and Studio Updates featuring new analyst Rece Davis.

Platforms: Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
Street Date: July 10, 2012
ESRB Rating: “E” for Everyone

NHL 13

NHL 13 represents the biggest year-on-year innovation leap for the EA SPORTS NHL franchise in this console generation as it delivers major gameplay innovations that capture the speed, creativity and strategy of the world’s fastest team sport, and provides hockey fans with new experiences and services that connect them to their friends and the real-world of the NHL.

· Platforms: Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
· Street Date: September 11, 2012
· ESRB Rating: “RP” for Rating Pending

SimCity

Powered by the GlassBox simulation engine, SimCity is taking back its crown as the king of city-building games. Players will have the power to build the city of their dreams, connect with their friends and face real-world challenges together as SimCity comes to retail and Origin in February 2013.

· Platform: PC
· Ship Date: February 2013
· ESRB Rating: “RP” for Rating Pending

Star Wars : The Old Republic

The critically-acclaimed, story-driven MMO from BioWare and LucasArts will continue to expand in 2012, with new game content and refined gameplay features the community has been asking for – more PvP, more high-level group content, new social features and new storylines for players to explore.

· Platform: PC
· Ship Date: Available Now
· ESRB Rating: “T” for Teen

ROCCAT Unveils Three Button Lua Mouse

Hamburg, 1 June 2012 – German gaming peripherals manufacturer, ROCCAT Studios, is set to unveil the ROCCAT Lua Tri-Button Gaming Mouse at the Computex expo in Taipei and E3 in Los Angeles, June 5. Described as “The Classic 3-Button Mouse: Re-Mastered”, the Lua packs advanced gaming engineering into a sleek and clean ambidextrous form that offers a comfortable fit for every gamer’s hand.

“We took the beloved three-button mouse design and injected it with our innovative gaming engineering – and created a killer tool that gives props to the past while heading boldly into the future,” says René Korte, ROCCAT Founder and CEO. “The Lua delivers everything gamers need for control, comfort and style – all in a sleek and slim design that offers perfect comfort for every hand.”

The Lua’s advanced Pro Optic R2 sensor features a choice of seven DPI settings – 250, 500, 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750 and 2000 – so gamers can play with accuracy at the speed that matches their style. It also has a dedicated DPI button that lets players easily change speeds in the heat of battle. Gamers can even program the button to switch only between the DPI settings they use most.

The Lua’s ultra-precise 2D scroll wheel also lets gamers give every wheel command with absolute precision. Every incremental step locks securely into place, so users won’t have to worry above over-scrolling. When weapon 2 is what’s needed, a player won’t accidentally scroll too far and end up with weapon 3 or 4 – security that can mean the difference between life and death in a lightning-paced FPS. Plus, the Lua’s advanced scroll wheel delivers solid tactile feedback, so gamers can actually feel their way to more accurate gaming.

Thanks to its perfectly-balanced, ambidextrous V-shaped design, the Lua delivers supreme comfort to both left- and right-handers. Plus, it features No Sweat side grips that ensure a steady hold even when the action gets hot – as well as a soft touch surface that lets gamers play comfortably even during extended sessions.

The Lua also features a large ROCCAT logo illuminated in arctic blue – a stylish boost to gaming atmospherics that also perfectly complements other ROCCAT gear. The logo even has a “breathing” effect, so gamers will always know that their Lua is alive and well and awaiting the next command.

The Lua comes standard with ROCCAT Driver software, which lets users easily customize their mouse buttons. And all Lua tweaking is fun and easy thanks to the program’s gorgeous and simple-to-use interface.

And last, but certainly not least, the Lua is built mega-tough and state-of-the-art using only the highest-quality materials and most advanced technology. From its premium electronics – featuring Omron switches and cutting-edge encoder – to its PTFE feet that deliver low-friction gliding, everything on the Lua is built to last and designed to give players a competitive edge.

The ROCCAT Lua will hit shelves internationally July / August 2012 for a MSRP of $29.99.

SteelSeries Announces MLG Edition Sensei Gaming Mouse

From SteelSeries: SteelSeries is proud to announce the next phase of our partnership with Major League Gaming (MLG)! Today, we’re excited to introduce the SteelSeries Sensei MLG Edition Gaming Mouse. The SteelSeries Sensei MLG Edition brings competitive players the best-in-class hardware as well as a s well as a color design and surface that was chosen in cooperation with the MLG community – based on interviewing visitors at the MLG Winter Championship in Columbus.

Key features include: a 32-bit ARM processor that allows for advanced SteelSeries ExactTech calculations to be done directly on the mouse, easy driverless setup at tournament computers via an on mouse LCD display and menu, and the newest, premium-quality sensor, which increases the CPI to 8,200 and 16,400 DCPI.

The mouse will be available beginning this August, however for attendees and players coming to the MLG Spring Championship in Anaheim, CA, on June 8-10, they’ll be the first to get an advanced look and a chance to pre-order. You can check out the full press release below. I’ve attached images and included a link to our video that we’ve created with the folks at MLG.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Demo Announced

El Segundo, Calif. – June 1, 2012 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. announced today that it will include a demo of one of the most anticipated action titles, METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE, along with the retail version of ZONE OF THE ENDERS HD COLLECTION at launch this fall. The demo will give gamers a chance to try out the title’s unique “Free Slash” mechanics and “Zan-Datsu” combat system, first hand.

Produced by Kojima Productions and developed by Platinum Games, METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE is a breath-taking action title where players take the role of cyborg ninja Raiden, one of the most popular characters in the Metal Gear Solid universe. Raiden first debuted in METAL GEAR SOLID 2: SONS OF LIBERTY for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system as a playable character and appeared as a non-playable cyborg in METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Haunted by his past and armed with an arsenal of weapons including his High Frequency Katana Blade, Raiden exacts his revenge against rival PMC (Private Military Companies) group, Desperado Enterprises, destroying anything that stands in his way.

“METAL GEAR fans and action game fans alike will appreciate the latest addition to the METAL GEAR universe, METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE,” said Tomoyuki Tsuboi, President of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “We believe this studio collaboration between Kojima Productions and Platinum Games will deliver one of the best action games to date, and we can’t wait for gamers to try it out.”

The METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE demo is scheduled to be included in the retail version of ZONE OF THE ENDERS HD COLLECTION at launch this fall for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.