Author - Jerry Paxton

Razer Synapse Support for Older Hardware Revealed

2012/06/06
Jerry Paxton
E3, News

LOS ANGELES (E3 2012) – Razer™, a high performance gaming hardware producer, today announced at the International Data Corporation’s (IDC) “Cloud and X-Platform Gaming” press conference that the company’s cloud-based service, Razer Synapse 2.0, in fewer than six months, has surpassed half a million1 user profile settings. Razer also announced that Razer Synapse 2.0 now supports the Razer DeathAdder gaming mouse, with other legacy products to follow, including the Razer BlackWidow mechanical gaming keyboard. With millions of Razer products in the hands of gamers today, Razer expects the number of user profile settings to continue to grow.

Razer Synapse 2.0 is a unified configurator that allows synchronization of settings on Razer gaming peripherals and devices through one unique user ID. Designed to improve user experience, Razer Synapse 2.0 eliminates the need to repeatedly reconfigure user settings, profiles and other gaming content, and provides gamers with access to customized options such as macros and key-binds through a single platform. Favorite configurations can be saved via Razer Synapse 2.0, enabling users to replicate and port their user profiles between gaming devices over the cloud, allowing the gamer to move his personalized settings freely between LAN centers, tournament sites and his favorite gaming rigs.

Razer plans to enable Synapse 2.0 for more legacy Razer peripherals and devices by year end.

Planned Upcoming Razer Synapse 2.0 Support:

  • Razer DeathAdder           Today
  • Razer BlackWidow           Q3‘2012
  • Razer Abyssus                   Q3‘2012
  • Razer Cyclosa                     Q3‘2012
  • Razer Naga Epic                Q3‘2012
  • Razer Mamba                    Q3‘2012
  • Razer Anansi                      Q4‘2012
  • Razer Imperator               Q4‘2012
  • Razer Nostromo               Q4‘2012

Sacrilegium Announced from TopWare Interactive

2012/06/06
Jerry Paxton
E3, News

Karlsruhe, Germany, June 6, 2012 – Now the cat is out of the bag: The German Publisher TopWare Interactive announced at E3 in Los Angeles that “Sacrilegium” will be the next title from the company owned developer – Reality Pump Studios. The in-house development team that’s responsible for creating many successful franchises such as the “Two Worlds” titles, or the acclaimed “Earth” series, is looking to revive and renew the survival horror genre in terms of story and atmosphere, as well as in the gameplay and level design, as they look to set the new standards.

The story is about Alex, a 20-year Californian – smart, friendly and independent. She’s a college student that while fully aware of her breathtaking beauty, she never is looking to use it to her advantage. Keeping in shape with combat and self-defense training, she’s honed specific martial art skills that will come to her aid during her perilous journey through the province of “Sacrilegium”. Being the adventurous type, she jumps head first into a maelstrom of events, descending with her friends into a world beyond the known reality. The complex and multifaceted action drives the young heroine half around the globe, from the foggy banks of San Francisco to the remotest corners of Europe. She encounters a large array of dangerous and mysterious monstrosities along the way, including the enigmatic Moroi – a creature most resembling a vampire, but able to eat a vampire for breakfast. Alex must utilize all of her skills and survival instincts, employing her knowledge and heart to survive and to save her soul from certain corruption. Sacrificing her own mortality for the safety of her friends, Alex discovers more than she ever bargained for on the road to truth and salvation, with unforeseen and unnatural twists and secrets revealed, right up until the very end.

“Sacrilegium” is realized on the new GRACE 2 engine (Graphics Rendition And Creation Engine), which was also developed by Reality Pump Studios. The predecessor of this engine was already the basis for “Two Worlds 2” and it attributed largely to the success of the title. But Reality Pump did not rest on these laurels, but once again pushed the properties of the program forward. The first pictures of the results will be available very soon, with the exact features of this engine being presented at a later date. It’s no exaggeration to say that the results of the GRACE 2 Engine, will leave players awestruck.

“It pleased us”, said Miroslaw Dymek, CEO of Reality Pump Studios, “that we succeeded to develop the GRACE 2 engine in a way, that enables us to present models and landscapes that make photos look like charcoal drawings compared to the game. After all the years that we ‘ve dealt with the appearance of medieval stories, it was time to pool the experience acquired and integrate that into a modern action adventure. We’ve definitely achieved that with “Sacrilegium”.

For more information about the game please visit: http://www.sacrilegium.com

Dead Island Riptide Announced

2012/06/06
Jerry Paxton
E3, News

This is more of a teaser announcement but, if it means more zombie-killing goodness, we are all over it! Can’t wait for more info on this later in Summer.

LARKSPUR, CA – JUNE 6, 2012 Deep Silver today announced the development of a new entry to the Dead Island™ franchise.

The next battle between life and death will be waged in Dead Island Riptide and is currently in full development by Techland for consoles & PCs. An extensive reveal of its’ thrilling new perils is planned for later this summer.

For more information, visit one of the following official Dead Island portals:
Official website: www.deadisland.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deadislandgame
Twitter: http://twitter.com/deadislandgame

F1 2012 Screenshots from E3 2012

2012/06/05
Jerry Paxton
E3, News

Codemasters has released some new screenshots of their F1 2012 racing title, which is due out this November – enjoy!

Screenshots

Dead or Alive 5 Release Date, E3 Tournament Announced

2012/06/05
Jerry Paxton
E3, News

BURLINGAME, Calif. – JUNE 5, 2012 – TECMO KOEI America today announced that the new generation of DEAD OR ALIVE combat, DEAD OR ALIVE 5, will be available in stores and online retailers on September 25, 2012. After taking a hiatus, the widely recognized series returns with a new look and feel while retaining the legacy that established the series as a core fighting contender. Created by Team NINJA, DEAD OR ALIVE 5 will be published by TECMO KOEI America for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. TECMO KOEI is showcasing DEAD OR ALIVE 5 at E3 (South Hall booth #2047) with both in-depth demos and the launch of the exclusive DEAD OR ALIVE 5 tournament series presented in collaboration with the IGN Pro League (IPL).

“Our team is focused on making September 25th a special ‘DOA Day’ for all fans of intense martial arts combat,” said Yosuke Hayashi, Team NINJA leader. “As we approach the finish line for development of DEAD OR ALIVE 5, it’s exciting to see all the signature characters, fighting styles, and destructible fighting stages come together to create a powerful DEAD OR ALIVE experience.”

DEAD OR ALIVE 5 incorporates a variety of martial arts fighting techniques into its distinctive fighting style to create a new generation of intense DEAD OR ALIVE combat. In the game, players will once again take on the roles of the cast of DEAD OR ALIVE fighters in an action-packed brawler set in visually striking locations from around the world. The famed DEAD OR ALIVE hand-to-hand combat returns in DOA5, supported by new 3D stages that incorporate a fresh look and feel. As a fight progresses, the dynamic backdrops will be altered and skilled fighters will be able to utilize the changing environment to their strategic advantage.

The cast of characters for DEAD OR ALIVE 5 includes notables from the DEAD OR ALIVE series and for the first time in the series’ history, new fighters from other fighting titles, namely Virtua Fighter. Joining Virtua Fighter’s Akira Yuki as previously announced, Sarah Bryant was today revealed by TECMO KOEI as the second new cast member from Virtua Fighter to be available at launch.

Kicking off at TECMO KOEI America’s E3 booth (South Hall, Booth #2047) with an exciting competition, the IPL’s DEAD OR ALIVE 5 pro gaming tournament will continue throughout the summer culminating in the crowning of the “I’m a Fighter” world champion shortly before the game’s launch in September. The E3 tournament will qualify the first set of finalists for tournament series to find the ultimate DEAD OR ALIVE 5  master, with each match being streamed on large screens and live broadcast on http://doa.ign.com. Come early for the best viewing spots as crowds are sure to gather!

  • Tuesday, June 5th:            1PM: 1st Tournament | 4PM: 2nd Tournament
  • Wednesday, June 6th:    12PM: 3rd Tournament | 3PM: 4th Tournament
  • Thursday, June 7th:          12PM: Tournament Finals

Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition Coming to Wii U

2012/06/05
Jerry Paxton
E3, News

BURBANK, Calif. – June 5, 2012 – Step into the Arkham action like never before! Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment today announced Batman: Arkham City™ Armored Edition for the Wii U™ system from Nintendo. Developed by WB Games Montréal the game delivers the same impactful story and gameplay of the award-winning blockbuster created by Rocksteady Studios, now with enhanced gameplay features made possible with Wii U and the Wii U GamePad™.  The game is scheduled for release holiday 2012.

Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition contains all of the content from Batman: Arkham City, including all available downloadable content, and introduces Battle Armored Tech (B.A.T.) Mode and the new Armored Suits for both Batman and Catwoman.  Fans can become the Dark Knight like never before with the upgraded battle suit that gives players an additional power-up by allowing them to build kinetic energy during combat.  When activated, players enter B.A.T. mode and dole out more damage than previously possible.

“Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition harnesses the power of the Wii U system and the Wii U GamePad with features that allow fans to further immerse themselves in the role of Batman like never before,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.  “WB Games Montréal evolved the incredible hit game by Rocksteady into a truly unique experience on Wii U.”

“WB Games Montréal is very excited to unveil the all new Wii U features we’ve created in Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition,” said Reid Schneider, Vice President and Executive Producer, WB Games Montréal.  “The new controller allows for a different twist on the Batman: Arkham City game, as players now have the power of the Batcomputer and gadgets in the palm of their hands.”

The Wii U GamePad provides instant access to the wrist-mounted Batcomputer throughout the game, allowing players to use the touch screen to seamlessly select objectives, choose their gadget, track forensic evidence, upgrade their gear, detonate explosive gel, and more, all while remaining immersed in the action. Additionally, all gadgets have been reimagined to utilize the power of the GamePad, offering an unprecedented level of accuracy when using the Batarang and scanning for clues.

Batman: Arkham City builds upon the intense, atmospheric foundation of Batman: Arkham Asylum, sending players flying through the expansive Arkham City – five times larger than the game world in Batman: Arkham Asylum – the new maximum security “home” for all of Gotham City’s thugs, gangsters and insane criminal masterminds. Featuring an incredible Rogues Gallery of Gotham City’s most dangerous criminals including Catwoman, The Joker, The Riddler, Two-Face, Harley Quinn, The Penguin, Mr. Freeze and many others, the game allows players to genuinely experience what it feels like to be The Dark Knight delivering justice on the streets of Gotham City.

For more information on Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition, visit www.facebook.com/batmanarkhamcity.  .

Star Trek Game Villains Revealed

2012/06/05
Jerry Paxton
E3, News

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 5, 2012) – Paramount Pictures and leading video game publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today gave fans the first look at the key villain to be featured in the upcoming Star Trek™ video game inspired by J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek (2009) film reboot. The announcement made at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), revealed that a legendary lizard-like race known in Trek lore as “The Gorn” will play the destructive and villainous role in the video game releasing in early 2013. The co-op game is based on a standalone storyline that continues the adventure of iconic characters Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock as they work together to stop the Gorn, an enemy race bent on conquering the galaxy.

“The Gorn are among the most iconic villians in the Star Trek universe and their role in this game certainly lives up to that persona ,” said Brian Miller, Senior Vice President at Paramount Pictures and lead game producer. “Kirk and Spock find themselves in an incredibly challenging amount of mayhem as they confront the Gorn throughout the game.”

More than just lizard-skinned foes, the Gorn are a blood-thirsty race determined to conquer the galaxy. A true military dictatorship, the Gorn are made up of billions of self-sacrificing warriors across thousands of colonies, each focused on the conquest of alien races. By utilizing their chaos-causing infectious venom, the Gorn seed mayhem and destruction as they destroy populations and deplete planets of their resources.

“Great villains give our favorite characters a chance to become heroes in the process of attempting to eliminate a powerful threat, and Star Trek fans have been eagerly anticipating the moment when the antagonists of the game would be revealed,” said Carlson Choi, VP of Marketing at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “This is one of those moments and we couldn’t be more excited to give gamers a glimpse at the challenges that lie ahead for Kirk and Spock.”

The Gorn range in size and abilities, infecting their foes with venom that can poison, cause hallucinations, and even kill. From the smaller infantry Gorn Rushers, to the larger Gorn Warriors and the massive Gorn Brutes, the Gorn provides a serious direct threat, while the wall-climbing Gorn females showcase the cunning for which this race is feared. Technologically capable and possessing the antithesis of Federation ideals, the Gorn pose a devastating threat to Starfleet, the Enterprise, and its crew.

With a storyline occurring after the events of J.J. Abram’s 2009 Star Trek reboot, the Star Trek video game puts players in the shoes of seminal heroes Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock, inviting them to work together to take on the ferocious Gorn in this epic action adventure. Built from the ground up as the ultimate co-op experience, players are set on a journey of immense proportions across unexplored planets and enemy battleships with the latest 23rd century weapons and gear. Kirk and Spock’s complementary personalities result in the most fully realized and varied co-op experience for this console generation.

Under a license from CBS Consumer Products, the game is being developed by Ontario-based developer Digital Extremes (Bioshock 2, Unreal Tournament, Dark Sector, The Darkness II) with production being overseen by Paramount Pictures and a scheduled release in early 2013 for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC.

Attendees of E3 at the Los Angeles Convention Center June 5-7 can see a live demonstration of the Star Trek game and take photos in the Enterprise captain’s chair at the NAMCO BANDAI Games Booth # 1637 (located in the South Hall).

For more information on the Star Trek video game, please visit www.startrekgame.com and follow the game on Twitter at www.twitter.com/star_trek_game.

For more information about NAMCO BANDAI Games, please visit http://www.namcobandaigames.com.