Author - Jerry Paxton

KRATER Gets A Release Date

2012/04/11
Jerry Paxton
News

STOCKHOLM, Sweden. April 11, 2012. Fatshark today announced a release date for their upcoming adventure roll-playing game KRATER. PC gamers can join the adventure on June 12, 2012 via Steam. A Mac version will be available in July.

“We are very happy to announce a rock solid – oh well – release date for KRATER. A game with enormous depth, it really has, it takes place in a very deep crater.” says Martin Wahlund, CEO and Executive Producer, Fatshark. “KRATER brings a rich experience for anyone that likes the post apocalyptic roll-playing genre, and I’m looking forward play coop with other adventurers.”

KRATER is a lush post-apocalyptic top down RPG and the base pillars are crafting, exploration and consequence. Consequence brings not only the ability for the characters to level up and improve themselves, but also permanent injuries and death. The grim reaper never been so grim!

“During the winter and spring, we’ve had over 20 000 pre-alpha/alpha testers and the feedback has been great,” says Victor Magnuson, Game Designer, Fatshark. “Before we release the game, there will be a beta available for everybody that has pre-ordered KRATER.”

If you want to get your KRATER on, and save a few “whatever currency you have” while you’re at it, visit http://store.fatshark.se and pick up the game today!

To get the latest info on all Fatshark activities; follow us www.twitter.com/fatsharkgames, like us www.facebook.com/fatsharkgames, visit us www.fatshark.se.

Path of Exile Raises Over 200k in Funding

2012/04/10
Jerry Paxton
News

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – 11 April 2012 – Following a hugely popular public test weekend, the makers of Indie Action RPG Path of Exile, New Zealand-based Grinding Gear Games, have launched a ‘crowd-funding’ campaign where players can pre-purchase game currency and receive rewards such as Closed Beta Keys and exclusive in-game pets in return.

In first six days the free-to-play ‘ethical microtransaction’ funded action RPG has sold over USD $200,000 worth of supporter packs to 13,000 fans.

The previous weekend 46,911 players stress tested the game.  “We literally had hundreds of people asking how they could support the game to get to Open Beta sooner.  We were blown away by the community enthusiasm at the stress test weekend, so we moved quickly to open our shop earlier than planned.  We’ve been blown away again by the support over Easter,” says Grinding Gear Games’ co-founder Chris Wilson.

13 people have bought the $1,000 Diamond Supporter package, which will let them help design one of the game’s Unique magic items.

Path of Exile features its own dark, gritty take on the Action RPG genre, a unique skill gem system, a huge passive skill tree and PvP combat in a persistent online world.

“The crowd-funding presales mean Path of Exile will enter Open Beta in June with three acts of content.  Although we plan to pile on the content for years to come, further support will greatly accelerate it and help pay for our US and European servers.”

Grinding Gear Games have committed to never charge for content or power. “Selling supporter packs and currency has also been a great test of our ‘ethical microtransaction’ philosophy.  We hate the concept of pay-to-win games, so it’s great to see that players are willing to support the game and to buy purely cosmetic items,” says Wilson.

A range of supporter packs are available on Path of Exile’s website.  The cheapest tier is $10 which includes Closed Beta access. Higher tiers come with in-game Kiwi bird Pets, a collector’s edition copy of the game, t-shirts, soundtracks, signed posters, and the option to design a Unique Item. All packs include game currency which can be used to buy extra character slots and stash tabs for compulsive item hoarding.  More personalisation options and player services are planned for the Open Beta.

Any purchases made now will continue into the Open Beta, although Closed Beta characters and non-microtransaction items will be wiped upon entering Open Beta in approximately June.

During the stress test weekend, 46,911 people tried the game with the servers successfully handling a peak load of 7310 players. “The stress test was great – we learnt a lot about how people are playing and enjoying the game. We’ve built Path of Exile as an online game with PvP and support for various leagues and game modes from the ground up, and we’re really pleased with how the servers performed,” says Wilson.

Path of Exile has been in development for five years by Grinding Gear Games, an independent studio of hardcore RPG fans based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Key features of ‘Path of Exile’:

  • Completely free to download and play, but never ‘pay-to-win’
  • A persistent online world capable of supporting hundreds of thousands of players
  • A dark and gritty game world rendered from a fixed 3D perspective
  • Randomly generated levels and items for extreme replayability
  • Online ranking and ladders for every game mode
  • Visceral combat with dozens of combinable skills
  • Battle in PVP tournaments for worldwide recognition
  • Dynamic skill system

View the trailer at www.youtube.com/grindinggear 

Naval War: Arctic Circle Out Now

2012/04/10
Jerry Paxton
News

New York – April 10, 2012 – After months of anxious waiting in the cold of the North Atlantic, two great fleets now sit ready to answer your every command. An energy-starved world takes advantage of the melting ice caps and races to claim the bounty of the sea. Paradox Interactive and Turbo Tape Games are proud to announce that Naval War: Arctic Circle has been released.

Paradox Interactive and Turbo Tape Games give you the opportunity to decide the fate of the world in two scenario-driven campaigns – play as either the NATO forces pulled together to combat a rising threat or as the Russian Navy, hungrily pushing out of her Northern bases to secure badly needed resources. Meticulously researched ships, planes and submarines are at your disposal, along with their powerful weapons systems. Realistically modeled weather and radar systems further enhance your experience.

Naval War: Arctic Circle challenges veteran wargamers to a fatal game of hide-and-seek, where the first one to be spotted could be the first one to go down.

Naval War: Arctic Circle comes to you today, April 10, via retail and all major digital distribution platforms for a recommended retail price of $19.99.
Buy the game here: http://www.navalwargame.com/buy

Act now and make a name for yourself as one of the future’s great admirals!
Do you think you have what it takes to seize control of the riches of the North Atlantic? Are you brave enough to risk everything to change the world’s balance of power in your favor?

Mass Effect 3 Resurgence Pack Released with Screenshots

2012/04/10
Jerry Paxton
News

Electronic Arts and BioWare have announced the release of the Resurgence Pack DLC pack for Mass Effect 3.

The Mass Effect 3: Resurgence Pack includes the following content:

  • Two New Action-Packed Maps – Take the battle to Firebase Condor, a warzone outpost located on one of Palaven’s moons and Firebase Hydra, an old abandoned quarian colony which has since been converted into a critical power facility. Each map represents a crucial asset in the overall fight against the Reapers.
  • Six Powerful New Unlockable Characters – Assume the role of new characters for each class, including the Asari Justicar Adept, Krogan Battlemaster Vanguard and characters from new playable races with the Batarian Soldier, Batarian Sentinel, Geth Engineer and Geth Infiltrator.
  • Lethal New Weapons – Obliterate wave after wave of enemies by unlocking the Striker Assault Rifle, Kishock Harpoon Gun and Geth Plasma SMG.
  • New Consumables – Cash in your credits to purchase reinforcement packs that could include the following new consumables:
    • Strength Enhancer – Applies a melee damage boost for one mission
    • Targeting VI – Applies a headshot damage bonus for one mission
    • Stabilization Module – Stabilizes weapons while firing and moving for one mission
    • Shield Power Cells – Shortens the length of time shields take to begin recharging for one mission

Screenshots

EVGA Announces Release of Z77 FTW Motherboards

2012/04/10
Jerry Paxton
News

April 8, 2012 — The perfect combination of features and performance has arrived with the EVGA Z77 FTW motherboard. With 3rd generation Intel Core processor support, full PCI-E 3.0 and 4-Way SLI Support, this motherboard is ready for the future of high performance computing.

The EVGA Z77 FTW is engineered from the ground up for the enthusiast. Robust overclocking features and BIOS settings allow you to maximize your performance and maintain stability.

New and Key Features introduced on the EVGA Z77 Motherboards:
* Supports Next Generation Intel Core i5 and i7 Socket 1155 Processors
* Intel Z77 Chipset
* Supports up to 4-way SLI
* 4 DIMM Dual-Channel DDR3 2133Mhz+ (up to 32GB)
* Native USB 3.0 and SATA 6G

Learn more about the EVGA Z77 here

About EVGA
EVGA is the #1 NVIDIA authorized partner in channel sales throughout North America. Based on the philosophy of intelligent innovation, market knowledge, and the real time operation, EVGA continues to identify the need in the market place and providing the solution to that need. By offering product differentiation, 24/7 tech support, a 90 day Step-Up program, and other customer focused programs, EVGA is a clear leader in all categories: etail, retail, distribution, and system builders. With headquarters in Brea, CA, EVGA’s global coverage includes EVGA GmbH in Munich, EVGA LATAM in Miami, and EVGA Hong Kong. For further information online about EVGA, visit http://www.evga.com.

BioWare Announces Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes in Open Beta

2012/04/10
Jerry Paxton
News

FAIRFAX, VA – APRIL 10, 2012 – BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA), today announced that Warhammer® Online: Wrath of Heroes™, a new Player-Versus-Player (PvP) Play4Free game based on the critically acclaimed MMORPG, Warhammer® Online: Age of Reckoning™, has entered open beta.  Starting today, gamers around the world can challenge others to highly competitive, fast and frenetic arena-style PvP combat for free*.

“BioWare Mythic has a strong heritage in creating fun, intense PvP combat, and they’ve stepped up their game to deliver a whole new challenge to even more players with Wrath of Heroes,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Co-founder, BioWare and General Manager, BioWare Label. “I’m really proud of the team for creating a fiercely competitive, fast-paced online PvP arena experience; Wrath of Heroes has compelling progression and awesome depth in strategy and tactics, —all in a highly accessible free to play game.”

“With Wrath of Heroes, BioWare has taken some of the most exciting elements of Warhammer Online and created a wonderfully compelling experience that will delight our existing fans and introduce even more players to the unique and diverse Warhammer world,” said Jon Gillard, Head of Licensing, Games Workshop Group PLC.

Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes is advancing online PvP games by delivering instant, fast-paced and competitive three-sided 6v6v6 PvP arena gameplay – for free!  As the latest entry in EA’s Play4Free portfolio, the game throws three teams into battle against each other, where players can choose from a wide range of unique heroes from the Warhammer universe on the fly. This cutthroat setup creates highly dynamic matches where teams constantly live on the edge of victory or defeat and alliances are quickly formed and just as quickly forgotten. With the instant playability of battles that last an intense 15 minutes, a small download size, and no cost to enter, Wrath of Heroes can scratch the competitive PvP itch for gamers of any type.

Players worldwide can sign up for the open beta and download the client by visiting the game’s official web site at www.wrathofheroes.com.   For more information on Warhammer Online: Wrath of Heroes, please follow the game on Twitter at http://twitter.com/wrathofheroes or “Like” the game on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/wrathofheroes

Capcom Releases Game Information at Captivate 2012

2012/04/10
Jerry Paxton
News

SAN MATEO, Calif. —  April 10, 2012 — Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today confirmed new information and details on its previously announced game line-up for 2012 stemming from its annual media showcase event, Captivate, which took place in Rome last week. At the event, Capcom officially announced Lost Planet® 3 is in full development and scheduled for release on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360 ® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows PC in early 2013. In addition, it was announced that the Xbox 360 and PS3™ versions of Resident Evil® 6 will now be released globally on October 2, 2012, with the Windows PC version to follow. Finally, Capcom is pleased to confirm that its forthcoming PlayStation®Vita system title, Street Fighter® X Tekken®, will feature Cross-Platform Play with the PS3™.

The extreme and unpredictable conditions that characterized the Lost Planet® series return, harsher than ever before in Lost Planet 3. Players take on the role of Jim, a utility rig pilot who has left Earth to take on a hazardous but lucrative contract on E.D.N. III. Delivering a diverse range of gameplay, including third-person on-foot battles and intense first-person utility rig action, players will need to brave the uncharted terrain, hostile climate and threat of indigenous Akrid creatures. With a number of multiplayer modes and a compelling single player experience, Lost Planet 3 will delve deeper into the Lost Planet universe, uncovering hidden truths when it releases in early 2013.

Captivate represented the first opportunity for media to see the highly anticipated Resident Evil 6 in action, with the game’s development team showcasing one of Leon S. Kennedy’s missions. Full of tension, the action has Leon and partner Helena Harper searching for an escape route from the Ivy University campus, the site of the most recent bioterrorist outbreak and the zombies that now stalk its hallways and grounds.

Announced and showcased during Captivate was the Cross-Platform Play for the PS Vita system version of Street Fighter X Tekken which allows owners of the PS Vita system version to compete against owners of the PS3™ version anywhere in the world, via Wi-Fi or 3G. Other features confirmed for the PS Vita system version of Street Fighter X Tekken were the introduction of touch controls, local and Wi-Fi multiplayer plus Near functionality alongside all the content from the home console version.

For the first time since its announcement, Captivate attendees were able to play DmC Devil May Cry® and experience the fast-paced, stylish combat that is the signature of the series. In addition, the game’s development team, including members from Capcom Japan and Ninja Theory, presented a brand new level of the game. In this area, set at a carnival near the pier where he lives, Dante faces off with a Hunter Demon that has tracked down the Son of Sparda.

Steel Battalion™ Heavy Armor,acollaboration between Capcom and From Software and an Xbox 360 exclusive,introduced a brand new online four player Cooperative Multiplayer Mode available on the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network when the title releases on June 19 in North America and from June 22 across Europe. Attending media were invited to work together, using the innovative mix of Kinect™ for Xbox 360 and regular controller play, and defeat the enemy’s Vertical Tanks.

Attendees were also able to experience new content for the forthcoming open world action-RPG title, Dragon’s Dogma™ and a debut hands on with the recently announced PlayStation®Move enabled Resident Evil®: Chronicles HD Collection.

Dance Central Getting 3 New Dances

2012/04/09
Jerry Paxton
News

Cambridge, Mass. – April 9th, 2012 – Harmonix is excited to announce it will be adding three hot dance routines to Dance Central™2 this April!

On April 10th, Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP’s “We No Speak Americano” hits the Dance Central 2 Music Store! The song was a hit when it released in 2010, and remains a popular dance track in clubs worldwide.

“Commander,” from Kelly Rowland’s 2010 album Here I Am, comes to the Music Store on April 17. A collaboration with producer David Guetta, “Commander” is sure to get your heart beating with its danceable, bouncy rhythm and “Hardcore” Dance Central 2 difficulty.

Pitbull’s “Give Me Everything,” featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer, caps off April’s Dance Central 2 add-on content. Off of 2011’s Planet Pit, “Give Me Everything” was one of 2011’s hottest and best-selling digital singles, with over 8 million sales worldwide! The track hits the Music Store on April 24.

All tracks will be available via in the Dance Central 2 in-game Music Store, or from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 240 MS Points each.

April 10
Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP – “We No Speak Americano”

  • Difficulty – Hardcore
  • DC Choreographer – Ricardo Foster Jr.

April 17
Kelly Rowland ft. David Guetta – “Commander”

  • Difficulty – Hardcore
  • DC Choreographer – Marcos Aguirre

April 24
Pitbull ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer – “Give Me Everything”

  • Difficulty – Tough
  • DC Choreographer – Frenchy Hernandez

Dance Central 2 supports over 100 danceable songs, available via on-disc tracks, song importing from the original Dance Central*, and downloadable content from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The party never has to stop with downloadable content added every month to keep your body moving on the dance floor!

Website Links:

Dance Central Website
Dance Central on Facebook
Dance Central on Twitter

Dance Central 2 is rated “T” for Teen (lyrics) by the ESRB. Music downloads are not rated by the ESRB.

For more information on Dance Central 2 and Harmonix Music Systems please visit www.dancecentral.com and www.harmonixmusic.com.

Microsoft, Xbox and Xbox LIVE are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

* An additional fee, Xbox LIVE, storage device and the original Dance Central game are required to import songs from Dance Central.

Imperium Galactica 2 – Quick Review (iOS)

2012/04/09
Jerry Paxton
News, Reviews

In 1999, gamers were treated to a real gem of a “4X” game: Imperium Galactica 2. Taking off on the basic style of games in its genre, IG2 brought in RTS style ground combat as well as highly developed systems of politics and empire management. The 4X game is not as popular as it once was, for one reason or another, and we gamers often times have to find out space conquering fix at the hands of indy developers. Enter: Digital Reality, who ha brought their classic Imperium Galactica 2 to the iOS platform for Apple’s iPad device.

Imperium Galactica 2 for iOS is basically a full port of the original PC game to the mobile platform. The first thing hat hit me was just how outdated the cut-scenes looked. That soon passed, however, as I was thrown into the galaxy to guide my empire to glory. What may put off many younger gamers who don’t have past 4X game experience, is that the UI/menu system is a bit confusing at first. There is just so much to do in the game and remembering where all the menu options are is daunting at first. As previously-mentioned, the graphics are not all that great – same with the game’s audio. However, it is easy to overlook once you start playing and really get into the experience.

Gameplay-wise, Imperium Galactica 2 for iOS is a blast from the past of a time when gamers were much more patient in their gameplay. Be prepared to toil through countless decisions regarding your empire and it’s strategic and tactics forces – not to mention directing its political directives. Overall, this game is a must-play for fans of the 4X genre or just looking to spread their wings and undertake a serious empire management sim. Imperium Galactica 2 is a very fairly-priced $3.99 on the Apple App Store.

Path of Exile Preview (PC)

2012/04/06
Jerry Paxton
News, Previews

Let me just begin by emphasizing that I love how we are in a time and place with gaming where indie games can come out of seemingly nowhere, and completely surprise a gamer (both good and bad). More and more lately I feel this way, and games that do not have the big business marketing hype machines behind them can still have a big impact on us, particularly when they are a pleasant surprise (i.e. good).

With the build up towards Diablo III, and the hype surrounding the title, I did not see another game in the Action RPG genre coming along and diverting my gaze. It turns out I was in for a great surprise indeed.

So starting with the open play weekend, and continuing with closed beta now, I was introduced to Path of Exile (Developed by Grinding Gear Games, with a free to play micro transaction model). This game is very much the spiritual successor to games like Diablo 2 and Titan Quest, taking what was great about those games and building on them. It maintains a model where players move through various Acts (each with a town hub and quests), and hack, shoot, bash, blast, and maim everything in their path. The simple joy of this type of gameplay is captured extremely well, with a very slick and intuitive interface, great controls (with the exception of occasional pathing jank), randomized zone layouts, and exciting and varied loot drops.

The biggest place I think PoE makes its mark is with the level of character customization and building that can be achieved. Classes all are placed on the same skill grid (along the lines of Final Fantasy X), and the main difference between the classes is where on the grid they start (near more of the strength based skills, Int based skills, etc). The player is then free as they level up to go off in many diverging directions and is faced with an enormous level of choice in how they actually build and develop their character. This is probably the single coolest feature of PoE, and in my opinion is what could help it stand out as one of the next big games in the Action RPG genre. Beyond this, the skills a character actually uses are found as random drops (or rewarded via quests) and socketed into items. These skills will level with the player as they level as long as they are equipped, and makes for a deeper level of customization. Grinding Gear Games is truly embracing the concept of deep character customization that allows the player to craft exactly the type of character they want.

I believe that Grinding Gear Games is on to something big here, and the more I play the game, the more I recapture the feelings of joy I had playing Diablo 2 and Titan Quest. Currently they are in Closed beta, but the game will be going into an open beta phase later this year (TBA). They are offering a variety of packages that you can buy (that come with points to spend on micro transactions now and when the game officially launches) which will get you into the closed beta, that range from 10 dollars to 1000 dollars. I will stress that they seem very adamant about their micro transactions being cosmetic, and have expressed a very anti-pay to win mindset (very good to hear).

What it boils down to, is that this game (in my humble opinion) is going to be a huge sleeper hit that explodes via word of mouth, and winds up a huge critical success (perhaps in a similar way to League of Legends). If you have not heard about this title, which I would imagine is true for many gamers out there that generally only hear about the big name titles, then please go check it out at http://www.pathofexile.com and buy yourself a pass into beta. For 10 dollars you get into the beta and get some points to spend on stash tabs or character slots. This will be the best 10 dollars you have spent on a game this year (assuming you are a fan of Hack N Slash Action RPGs). If you love what Grinding Gear Games is doing here and want to support them further, by all means spend more.

Bottom line, this game is absolutely incredible, and it is clear it is being made by passionate gamers who are also fans of what they do. I for one cannot wait to see what they have in store for us as the game launches and beyond, and will be introducing the game to everyone I know that would enjoy games of this style.

Screenshots