Author - Jerry Paxton

Age of Conan: Unchained Gets New Update

2012/01/18
Jerry Paxton
News

Funcom has released a large update to their now free-to-play MMO, Age of Conan: Unchained. You can read all about the new “House of Crom” update in the press release below:

Official Press Release

Durham, USA – January 17th, 2012 – Funcom is excited to announce the successful launch of ‘House of Crom’, a free update for Funcom’s massively multiplayer online game ‘Age of Conan: Unchained’. This massive content update is available to both Premium players and those enjoying the free-to-play offering, giving everyone the opportunity to explore the ancient halls of The House of Crom, a location that stretches over two huge in-game dungeons.

“We are very excited to see such a great reaction from the players,” says Game Director Craig Morrison. “’The House of Crom adds a large number of new encounters and content for our veteran players. With a truly epic location, and amazing atmosphere thanks to the phenomenal lighting advances possible with the DreamWorld engine, we genuinely feel that there are few that can match ‘Age of Conan: Unchained’ when it comes to this type of content update.”

Reception from the player-base to the content update has been extremely positive. In the update, players are embarking on exciting adventures to explore what remains of the temple created by the ancient Atlanteans. Here they must discover for themselves the true nature of the evil curses that beset the ancient race thousands of years ago. House of Crom comprises two vast dungeons, one social, and one instanced. The social dungeon supports multiple groups at the same time, allowing players to experience an open and shared MMO experience that harks back to the early days of MMO exploration, where players must co-operate in order to succeed. These areas are the largest indoor dungeons yet created for the game, and provide a fantastically epic, and massive, backdrop to the player’s latest adventures.

Launching in May 2008 ‘Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures’ quickly became a smash hit in retail, shipping over 1.4 million copies around the world. Soon after going free-to-play last year, ‘Age of Conan: Unchained’ hit the impressive milestone of over two million players having experienced the online world of Hyboria. The game is now available in English, French, and German, and is also operating in Korea.

Max Payne 3 Release Date

2012/01/18
Jerry Paxton
News

Rockstar Games has announced that Max Payne will return in Max Payne 3 beginning on May 15, 2012 in North America and three days later abroad.

Official Press Release

New York, NY, January 17, 2012 — Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is proud to announce that Max Payne 3 is expected to launch on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system on May 15, 2012 in North America and May 18, 2012 internationally; and for the PC on May 29, 2012 in North America and June 1, 2012 internationally.

“Max Payne 3 brings powerful storytelling back to the action-shooter genre,” said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. “Rockstar Studios are delivering a game that’s both incredibly cinematic and very, very intense to play.”

Based on incredibly precise and fluid gunplay and maintaining the series’ famed dark and cinematic approach, Max Payne 3 follows the famed former New York detective onto the streets of São Paulo, Brazil. Max Payne now works in executive protection for the wealthy Rodrigo Branco in the hopes of escaping the memories of his troubled past. When a street gang kidnaps Rodrigo’s wife, Max is pulled into a conspiracy of shadowy, warring factions threading every aspect of São Paulo society in a deadly web that threatens to engulf everyone and everything around him.

In another first for the series, Max Payne 3’s multiplayer offering brings the game’s cinematic feel, fluid gunplay and kinetic sense of movement into the realm of online multiplayer. Building on the fiction and signature gameplay elements of the Max Payne universe, Max Payne 3 features a wide range of new and traditional multiplayer modes that play on the themes of paranoia, betrayal and heroism, all delivered with the same epic visual style of the single-player game. For more information, log onto www.rockstargames.com/maxpayne3.

Dark Horse Comics to Create PROTOTYPE Comic Series

2012/01/18
Jerry Paxton
News

Radical Entertainment has announced that it is teaming up with Dark Horse Comics to create a comic series based in the Prototype universe.

Official Press Release

Santa Monica, CA – January 17, 2012 – Radical Entertainment, the creators behind one of 2012’s most anticipated open-world/action games – PROTOTYPE 2 – and Dark Horse Comics, the leading publisher of gaming comics and graphic novels, have joined forces to create an all-new comic series set in the PROTOTYPE universe. With the game due out April 24, 2012 from Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), fans looking for a jumpstart at getting a deeper look into the world of PROTOTYPE 2 should keep an eye out for this exciting collaboration launching February 15, 2012.

The all-new digital comic series will be broken into three original stories that bridge the gap between the original blockbuster game and the highly anticipated sequel, PROTOTYPE 2. The first entry, “The Anchor,” illustrated by Paco Díaz, continues the story of Alex Mercer, the protagonist from the first game, while the second story, “The Survivors,” illustrated by Chris Staggs, follows a small group of residents of New York trying to escape the city after it has been transformed into NYZ with the outbreak of the Blacklight virus. The third and final story, illustrated by Victor Drujiniu, is “The Labyrinth” and provides fans a deeper look into the backstory of PROTOTYPE 2’s new protagonist, Sgt. James Heller. Each comic in the series will be available at Digital.Darkhorse.com every other week beginning February 15, 2012.

“We’re always looking for meaningful ways to expand the PROTOTYPE universe, and Dark Horse Comics is an industry-leading creative powerhouse delivering best-in-class graphic storytelling that integrates deeply to the core of our IP,” said Ken Rosman, Studio Head, Radical Entertainment. “With this partnership, our fans will finally be given answers to some dramatic loose ends from the first PROTOTYPE game, as well as the truth behind Alex Mercer’s descent and evolution into a twisted shadow of his former self for PROTOTYPE 2.”

“Sgt. James Heller’s heart wrenching backstory meshed with the sheer amount of over-the-top shape-shifting action in PROTOTYPE 2 lend themselves perfectly to a comic book series,” said Dave Marshall, Editor, Dark Horse Comics. “We worked extremely close with Radical Entertainment’s story team for PROTOTYPE 2, and can’t wait to visually walk fans through the many dark secrets strewn throughout the tattered world of New York Zero!”

The sequel to Radical Entertainment’s best-selling open-world action game of 2009, PROTOTYPE 2 takes the unsurpassed carnage of the original PROTOTYPE and continues the experience of becoming the ultimate shape-shifting weapon. As the game’s all-new infected protagonist, Sgt. James Heller, players will cut a bloody swathe through the wastelands of post-viral New York Zero with unparalleled locomotion, building up a vast genetic arsenal of deadly, biological weapons and abilities as they hunt, kill and consume their way toward the ultimate goal – to kill…Alex…Mercer!

Shuttle Launches Small New 3-liter PCs

2012/01/17
Jerry Paxton
News

Shuttle has announced the launch of a new 3-liter slim PC featuring the Sandy Bridge processor line from Intel. Checkout the press release below for more information!

Press Release

Shuttle Launches 3-Liter Slim PC for 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i3, i5 and i7 Processors

City of Industry, California – Shuttle Computer, an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance small form factor (SFF) PC solutions and creator of the XPC, today announced the launch of the Shuttle XH61, a new 3-liter slim PC for Intel’s Sandy Bridge processors.

Shuttle XH61 features class-leading power in a compact size, delivering the performance of bigger desktops in a package that is less than 3-inches tall.  The new slim PC desktop platform is based on the Intel® H61 Express Chipset, supporting 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i3, i5 and i7 processors for socket LGA 1155 with a TDP of 65W max., and two slots of memory for up to 16GB of DDR3.

Media HTPC

A media HTPC in a small footprint, the Shuttle XH61 features 7.1 sound, both an HDMI and D-Sub port, and smooth HD playback with improved graphics integrated in the 2nd generation Intel® Core™ processors.  Though compact in size, XH61 still has space for a slim optical drive for Blu-ray or DVD playback.  

Digital Signage

Powerful and flexible, the Shuttle XH61 is well-suited as a digital signage media player.  The Shuttle XH61 is capable of delivering more demanding digital signage content, with the latest Intel® processors and up to an impressive 16GB of memory inside.  Compact in size (2.9”H x 7.9”W x 9.5”D), XH61 can be fitted almost anywhere, including behind a screen with the optional PV02 VESA monitor mount.

Busta Rhymes Hits Dance Central 2

2012/01/17
Jerry Paxton
News
1 Comment

Harmonix has announced that a new track from Busta Rhymes is set to be available today for their dance title, Dance Central 2. Checkout the information below for details!

Press Release

Cambridge, Mass. – January 16th, 2012 – Harmonix is excited to announce that tomorrow, January 17th, Busta Rhymes’ single “Don’t Touch Me (Throw Da Water On ‘Em)” will be available in the Dance Central™2 Music Store!

In 2008, Busta Rhymes called a national security alert with his digital single, “Don’t Touch Me (Throw Da Water On ‘Em).” Busta’s trademark rapid-fire delivery combined with a funky sample from 60s soul group The Diplomats’ “I Can Give You Love” make for an amazingly danceable track. This song will be available for 240 Microsoft Points in Dance Central 2’s in-game Music Store, or from the Xbox LIVE® Marketplace.

  • Artist – Busta Rhymes
  • Song – “Don’t Touch Me (Throw Da Water On ‘Em)”
  • Difficulty – Tough
  • DC Choreographer – Devin Woolridge
  • Price – 240 MS Points
  • Release date – January 17th

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 weekly to keep your body moving on the dance floor!

Play as Antagonist in Upcoming Dead Island DLC

2012/01/17
Jerry Paxton
News

Deep Silver and Techland have announced a new, upcoming DLC pack for their zombie-RPG, Dead Island. This new DLC pack will allow players to experience the game’s story from the perspective of Ryder White, its main antagonist. Checkout the full release below for more information:

16th January 2012 – Hampshire, UK/… Deep Silver today announced the upcoming release of a brand new story DLC for the award-winning game Dead Island.

This DLC offers a unique new perspective into the incidents in the main story of Dead Island: This time the player will get the chance to play as Ryder White, the antagonist of the main game; learn more about his motivations and why, from his point of view, he did what he had to do. This fresh take on the Dead Island story shows Ryder White both as a military man and a loving husband.

The DLC stars Ryder White as a newly playable character and offers a single player campaign with several hours of story content with twists and turns that will shed new light on the game’s happenings. Two blueprints and weapons will further expand the already impressive arsenal of Dead Island.

The DLC will be available on February 01, 2012 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC. It will be available for 800 Microsoft points on Xbox LIVE Marketplace or for £7.99 on PSN and Steam.

THQ Answers Rumors – Looks Like They Were False

2012/01/15
Jerry Paxton
News

THQ has sent us an official response to the rumors which began earlier today regarding their status as a company. THQ is denying that they have canceled their 2014 lineup but is saying that they are “strategically addressing the most attractive markets”. Nothing to see here, folks, looks like they are giving us a big thumbs up!

Statement from THQ:

“THQ has not cancelled its 2014 line-up, and has not made any decisions regarding the planned MMO. As part of the ongoing review of our business, we have made decisions to ensure that the company is strategically addressing the most attractive markets. As we have previously announced, we have dramatically reduced our commitment to the kids’ boxed games sector which leads to a significantly more focused release schedule moving forward. Our slate for calendar 2012 and beyond is focused on high-quality core games and continues to build our digital platform and business. We are excited for our pipeline of original and high-quality content along with our relationships with some of the best talent in the industry.

Additionally, we are thrilled with the great performance of Saints Row: The Third, which on a like for like period in North America has tripled in sell-through from Saints Row 2. In addition, WWE ’12’s worldwide sell-through sales are up almost 40% year-over-year for the same sales period with fewer platforms. According to NPD, for the month of December and the 2011 year, THQ was the #5 publisher overall, #4 third party, with reported sell through growing over 18% in a market that was down almost 6%. And coming up next, we have two great titles for the first half of the year including UFC Undisputed 3 and Darksiders 2.”

THQ on the Rocks, Cancels 2014 Lineup, Looking for Buyer [RUMOR]

2012/01/15
Jerry Paxton
News

It seems as though video game developer/publisher THQ may be in some serious trouble. According to a rash of Tweets sent out by Kevin Dent, who claims to head up the IGDA’s Mobile Special Interest Group, THQ has canceled its 2014 games lineup and is looking for someone to buy them out. Here are some of the Tweets he sent out:

Also heard that THQ are offering themselves to Asian firms to increase value!

@PeterSkerritt they cancelled all of their 2014

In addition, word is spreading that THQ has returned IP to Disney AFTER paying the advance, with no refund.

THQ has some very popular IPs in the gaming industry under their umbrella – with Saint’s Row, Red Faction, and Warhammer 40k to name a few. Hopefully, these rumors turn out to be false. We have sent a request for comment to THQ and will update you guys as soon as we hear more.

Wargame: European Escalation Trailer

2012/01/14
Jerry Paxton
News

Eugen Systems and Focus Home Interactive have released a new trailer for their upcoming, realistic RTS, Wargame: European Escalation, which is due out sometime in the first quarter of this year.

Trailer

The Edgar Winter Group and KoRn Coming to Rock Band

2012/01/14
Jerry Paxton
News

Harmonix has announced that tracks from The Edgar Winter Group and KoRn will be coming to the Rock Band Music Store on January 17th, 2012.

Available on Xbox 360, Wii™and PlayStation®3 system (January 17th, 2012):

  • The Edgar Winter Group – “Free Ride” O
  • The Edgar Winter Group – “Frankenstein” O X
  • KoRn – “Freak on a Leash”
  • KoRn – “Falling Away from Me”

(These tracks will be available in Europe on PlayStation®3 system January 18th)

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:                   
$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