Author - Jerry Paxton

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.

New Alan Wake’s American Nightmare Screenshots

2012/02/07
Jerry Paxton
News

Remedy Entertainment has released some new screens from their upcoming Alan Wake’s American Nightmare – enjoy!

Screenshots

Razer Star Wars: The Old Republic Gaming Mouse Review

2012/02/07
Jerry Paxton
News, Reviews

The Star Wars: The Old Republic-branded gaming mouse from Razer is now available. Based on Razer’s Naga Epic gaming mouse, the Star Wars: The Old Republic-themed version features a new chassis with some harder angles and a Stormtrooper/Star Destroyer-esque, white coloring. What else does the mouse have to offer and is it worth the $139.99 price tag? Find out, after the jump! Read More

Read More

Bush Heading to Rock Band Music Store

2012/02/06
Jerry Paxton
News

Cambridge, Mass. – February 3rd, 2012 – Harmonix today announced a three pack of songs from alternative rock group Bush is headed to the Rock Band™ Music Store of downloadable content for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Wii™.

Rock Band provides the deepest and best selection of artists, songs and albums through the Rock Band music platform, which features more than 900 artists and more than 3,000* tracks via disc and download purchase (complete list of tracks at www.rockband.com/songs). Rock Band’s gigantic music library dwarfs that of any other rhythm video game on the market. More than 100 million songs have been sold through the Rock Band Music Store since its launch on Nov. 20, 2007.

Rock Band DLC Additions for Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 system and Wii™

Riding on the popularity of the early-’90s “alternative” movement, London rockers Bush found worldwide success with their strong 1994 debut, Sixteen Stone. The album produced five hit singles for the band, three of which – “Everything Zen,” “Comedown,” and “Machinehead” – will be available in the Rock Band Music Store as “Bush Pack 01” on February 7th!

A Pro Guitar and Pro Bass Upgrade will be available for “Machinehead,” the fifth and final single from the band’s multi-platinum debut.

Available on Xbox 360, Wii™and PlayStation®3 system (February 7th, 2012):

  • Bush – “Everything Zen”
  • Bush – “Comedown”
  • Bush – “Machinehead” O X

(These tracks will be available in Europe on PlayStation®3 system February 8th)

Tracks marked with “O” feature support for keyboards; tracks marked with “X” will offer Pro Guitar and Pro Bass expansions for $0.99 per song.

Price:                   
$5.49, £2.49 UK, €3.99 EU (440 Microsoft Points, 550 Wii Points™) for “Bush Pack 01”
$1.99 USD, £.99 UK, €1.49 EU (160 Microsoft Points, 200 Wii Points™) per song
$0.99 USD (100 Wii Points™/80 Microsoft Points), £0.59 UK, €0.79 EU per song for eligible Pro Guitar/Pro Bass upgrade

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change. **

*Available on-disc, via download and disc export. Internet connection and export key purchase required. Wii™ Shop Channel has more than 1,500 song tracks available for purchase on the Rock Band platform on-disc, via song import, and download. Not applicable to Nintendo DS™.

Website Links:
For more information, please visit:

Rock Band Website

New Legends of Pegasus Screenshots

2012/02/06
Jerry Paxton
News

Ridgewood, NJ, February 2, 2012– Kalypso Media is pleased to release new screenshots from its upcoming 4X space simulation – Legends of Pegasus. The new screens feature gameplay elements such as the ship customization interface and some stunningly rendered ship battles. Legends of Pegasus will challenge players to eXplore the final frontier as they eXpand their empires, eXploit planetary resources and eXterminate their enemies. Kalypso will release Legends of Pegasus for Windows PC this June.

Screenshots

EPIC Games Announces 2012 D.I.C.E. Summit

2012/02/06
Jerry Paxton
News

CARY, N.C. (February 2, 2012) – Epic Games, Inc. continues its celebration of 20 years at the leading edge of game development through its participation in the 2012 Design Innovate Communicate Entertain (D.I.C.E.) Summit at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas next week. With a panel discussion about surviving and thriving in a constantly changing industry, a unique opportunity to see into the future of video game technology, the induction of its founder into the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) Hall of Fame and a party that can’t be missed, Epic is kicking off the next 20 years in style.

On February 9, D.I.C.E. attendees are invited to peer through the crystal ball with Epic’s founder and technical director, Tim Sweeney, who will deliver a highly anticipated lecture, “Technology and Gaming in the Next 20 Years” at 3 p.m. in the Summerlin Ballroom.

At 4:15 p.m. in the Summerlin Ballroom, Epic president and AIAS board member Mike Capps will lead a panel entitled, “Staying Around, Playing Around.” Joining Capps will be two world-class leaders in game development, Blizzard Entertainment EVP of product development, Frank Pearce, and Insomniac Games founder and CEO, Ted Price. Together, the three will draw from their wealth of experience and share their secrets for running viable game companies in the face of shifting trends and unpredictable markets.

During the 15th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards (IAAs), which begin at 7:30 p.m. on February 9 in the Red Rock Ballroom, Sweeney will become the newest member of the AIAS Hall of Fame. Epic Games Vice President Mark Rein will present this landmark award, acknowledging Sweeney’s extensive efforts to drive technological innovation in video games over the past two decades.

Epic has multiple nominations in the running for additional coveted IAA trophies. “Gears of War 3,” 2011’s most critically acclaimed shooter according to MetaCritic, is a finalist in the Action Game of the Year and Outstanding Achievement in Online Game Play categories. “Infinity Blade II,” the breakthrough iOS game developed by Epic’s award-winning ChAIR Entertainment, is a Mobile Game of the Year finalist.

The awards gala, hosted by comedian Jay Mohr, will serve as a tantalizing appetizer to the Epic Games-sponsored after-party, which kicks off at 9 p.m. These activities are open to all registered D.I.C.E. attendees.

Anyone unable to attend this remarkable event in person can join D.I.C.E. live-streaming partner, GameSpot (www.gamespot.com), for live video of select sessions as well as the full awards ceremony. Archived footage will be made available at the end of the conference.

About Epic Games

Epic Games, Inc., based in Cary, NC and established in 1991, develops cutting-edge games and cross-platform game engine technology. The company has created multiple million-selling, award-winning titles in its “Unreal” series, including “Unreal Tournament 3” for PC, PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360®. The first two games in Epic’s “Gears of War” franchise have sold more than 13 million copies and won more than 50 game of the year awards. The third installment, “Gears of War 3,” sold more than 3 million copies within its first week of release, catapulting the franchise beyond $1 billion in lifetime sales. Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 holds more than 20 industry technology awards and powers many bestselling games. Additional information about Epic can be obtained at www.epicgames.com.

Alan Wake PC Release Date Revealed

2012/02/06
Jerry Paxton
News

HELSINKI; FINLAND (February 2nd 2012)– That’s right folks. We’ve obtained the PC publishing rights, and we’re putting them to good use – Remedy Entertainment Ltd. is proud to announce that Alan Wake will finally be available on PCs through Steam on February 16 and soon afterwards through other popular digital channels. Additionally, a boxed retail version of the game is coming soon. Steam pricing is confirmed as follows: $29.99 (game + DLCs) and $34.99 (LCE).

Alan Wake is a highly anticipated title among PC gamers and it’s finally coming home – sorry for the wait! Boasting 3 BAFTA nominations and named Game of the Year by TIME Magazine, Alan Wake combines inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock, Twin Peaks and Lost – but you probably already know all that if you’ve been paying attention.  It’s a modern cult classic, praised by critics and fans alike as one of those gaming experiences that brings something unique, engaging to the table. We’re not just making that up, either:

  • ”Great entertainment … a tough game to put down once you’ve started” – Oh, well, thanks Mr. IGN!
  • “Redefines interactive storytelling” – Hey, we appreciate it, Brian Crecente.
  • ”Alan Wake is a brilliant piece of storytelling and one that is going to stand out as an example of single-player gaming done right.” – Aww shucks,we love you too WorthPlaying.

Very soon our PC friends can enjoy the gripping, intense storyline and kick-ass action as our troubled writer faces darkness with light as his only ally. (Well, okay, some guns, too.) It’s like something out of a nightmare – a small Washington town, a missing wife, a darkness that stalks the woods, and a strange horror novel that Wake can’t remember writing, but which seems to be coming true before his very eyes.

PC gamers will face the darkness in stunning high-resolution graphics, refined and enhanced PC features and support for stereoscopic 3D and multiscreen.  “We’ve done our best to do justice to the PC version and do things the way they should be done for PC. The PC version looks absolutely beautiful. We’re bringing the game to life in a whole new way,” says Markus Mäki, CTO at Remedy.”

With our history of PC titles, such as Max Payne, Max Payne 2 and Death Rally, Remedy has always wanted to bring a PC version of Alan Wake to the gamers’ fingertips. Now we can! We’re glad to be able to self-publish the title on Steam and work with Nordic Games to bring Wake to retail.

We’re very proud of what we’ve done so far with Wake – but for gamers who’ve always wanted the “every setting maxed out” experience, the modern PC hardware takes Alan Wake to new heights… and we bring the high definition goods. Believe it: You’ve never seen Alan Wake looking like this.

Can’t get enough Alan Wake? Don’t forget that the standalone spin off adventure, Alan Wake’s American Nightmare, is coming to Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE Arcade on February 22 for 1200 MS Points.

The Key PC Version Enhancements

  • Experience Alan Wake’s Pacific Northwest in higher resolutions and higher fidelity than ever before.
  • Refined and fully configurable mouse and keyboard support (or if you prefer to play with the Microsoft gamepad connected to your PC, you can do that too!)
  • A wide selection of customizable graphics settings and support for 4:3, 16:9 and 16:10 aspect ratios.
  • Multithreaded engine that takes advantage of quad core CPUs.
  • Additional options our fans have sought after, such as field of view adjustment as well as “hide HUD”.
  • Works with AMD Eyefinity 3D 3-screen mode.
  • Works with NVIDIA NVISION2 Stereoscopic 3D.

About Alan Wake

In this story-driven and intense Psychological Action Thriller, players assume the role of Alan Wake, a best-selling suspense author suffering from writer’s block, who escapes to a small town only to experience the mysterious disappearance of his wife. Set in the seemingly idyllic town of Bright Falls, Washington, Alan Wake draws players into an intense, cinematic world that enables them to explore the hyper-realistic and interactive environments. Alan Wake is structured in an episodic format, much like a thriller TV series, with a deeply engaging and suspenseful storyline unveiling plot twists and profound character revelations in nearly every episode.

Players will unravel the riveting plot through multilayered character interactions, unique problem-solving and intense combat against the darkest of enemies. In this nightmarish world, where the boundaries between reality and fiction become increasingly blurred and ambiguous, Alan Wake must use a variety of weapons to survive, including his most powerful ally against the darkness – light itself.

About Remedy Entertainment Ltd.

Remedy Entertainment Ltd. is a privately held developer of state-of-the-art action games, game franchises and cutting edge 3D game technology. Remedy is based in Espoo, Finland.
Their highly acclaimed games include Death Rally (PC, 1996), Max Payne (PC/Xbox/PS2, 2001) and Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne (PC/Xbox/PS2, 2003)
Remedy’s latest creation, Alan Wake is a Psychological Action Thriller for Xbox360 & coming to PC in Feb 2012. Alan Wake’s American Nightmare, a stand-alone expansion to the Alan Wake universe, is available on XBLA 22nd February 2012. For more information, please visit www.remedygames.com and www.alanwake.com