Vote in the IGF 2011 Audience Award

Gamezone: Game Reviews and More!

February 1, 2011 at 3:36 PM

The IGF awards the best and brightest of the indie scene, and this prestigious ceremony also includes a category where the public can vote. The polls are open now, and there’s a ton of great competition. Here’s the full list of nominees:

Amnesia: The Dark Descent

Bastion

Bit.Trip Beat

Bit.Trip Runner

Bohm

Brutally Unfair Tactics Totally OK Now (B.U.T.T.O.N.)

The Cat and the Coup

Cave Story (2010 Edition)

Cobalt

Colorbind

Confetti Carnival

Desktop Dungeons

Dinner Date

The Dream Machine

Faraway

Halcyon

Hazard: The Journey of Life

Helsing’s Fire

Hohokum

A House in California

Loop Raccord

Miegakure

Minecraft

Neverdaunt:8Bit

Nidhogg

Retro City Rampage

Shot Shot Shoot

Solipskier

SpyParty

Super Crate Box

If you’d like to cast your vote, simply submit your email address and pick your favorite from the drop-down list on the IGF Audience Award voting page.

[Source]

Oddworld Abe's Oddyssey Getting 2.5D Remake

February 1, 2011 at 3:35 PM

In an interview with Oddworld series’ creator Lorne Lanning, EGM has uncovered plans to release the first game in the series, Abe’s Oddyssey, on modern consoles. The HD remake will come courtesy of Just Add Water, the studio currently working on the re-release of Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath on PSN.

The plan is to keep the gameplay intact in a modern, physics-based, 3D engine - it’ll still be a 2D game though. No word on what consoles it’ll land on, though the interview did state that they’re trying to get Stranger’s Wrath on XBLA as well, but are having trouble getting it approved, presumably by Microsoft.

All I can say is that anyone who missed out on either of these games is in for a treat, and it looks like Just Add Water has plans to do right by the classic series.

[Source]

Lilly and Sasha: Nexus of Souls

February 1, 2011 at 3:04 PM

Can Lilly save Sasha before Zahhak consumes her completely? Zahhak has Sasha’s body and is going to use it to claim the powers of the Immortals. Lilly has vowed to stop Zahhak at whatever cost, even if she has to kill her own sister to do it.

Lilly & Sasha: Curse Of The Immortals Demo

February 1, 2011 at 2:00 PM

Lilly and Sasha agree to help a suspicious looking man with his quest to find an artifact that he says has the power to reshape the world.
Sasha is fooled into placing her hand on an ancient shrine and becomes possessed by the Immortal Zahhak. Lilly and Sasha must find a way to break the curse before Sasha's mind is completely overtaken by Zahhak.

Tag: Power of Paint

February 1, 2011 at 1:04 PM

A first-person puzzle platformer which focuses on the players' ability to modify their environment as they see fit, simply by painting it.

Farm Tribe

February 1, 2011 at 12:08 PM

Help Anny organize a farm and solve the mystery of Mayan’s tribe! Hire workers, take care of them and improve their professional skills.

Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 - 360/PS3

February 1, 2011 at 11:26 AM

Call of Duty: Black Ops Double XP Event This Weekend

February 1, 2011 at 11:14 AM

To motivate players to buy the First Strike map pack released today for Call of Duty: Black Ops, a x2 XP event will be held this weekend (February 4-6) for the online multiplayer.

The First Strike pack went on sale today exclusively on the Xbox 360 and includes four new multiplayer maps and one new Zombies map for $15.

Demon's Souls Sequel Detailed, Set for the Xbox 360

February 1, 2011 at 10:35 AM

Formerly known as Project Dark, From Software has announced the spiritual successor to Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, will be coming to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The PlayStation 3 version is set for release in Japan later this year, but the North American versions will likely be released some time after that.

The latest issue of Famitsu also revealed a slew of details about the upcoming game, which was translated by the fine folks over at NeoGAF:

- This time they want to increase the amount of field exploration in the game.

- All fields are seamless, so whatever you can see, you can reach and explore. If you see a fortress or castle walls in the distance, you can eventually get there.

- There will be no map display in the game, just a position display marker.

- They aim to make the game just as challenging than Demon’s Souls, but also just as rewarding when you succeed. The sense of achievement is important.

- The gameplay will be similar to Demon’s Souls in concept, where it’s about trial and error and learning from your mistakes to play better.

- The game does not share the same world and story as Demon’s Souls.

- The game will not use the same format as Demon’s Souls in terms of having five worlds connected via a hub. Instead, all maps in the game will be linked seamlessly in a connected world. The pace of the game will feel more about exploration and discovering locations, which you can then go inside into a dungeon or whatever and explore the interior further.

- There will be more complex level designs in the game using more vertical design in areas and such.

- The world setting is based on medieval dark fantasy, and will contain themes like “high fantasy of kings and knights”, “death and the depths of the earth”, and “the flames of chaos”.

- The character creation process will not be class based.

- The play style of the player character will have much more freedom this time.

- There will be many more spells and items, and the animation and uniqueness of weapons will also be increased.

- The online elements are very similar to Demon’s Souls. There is cooperative and PvP.

- You can still leave messages, and see players who died at various places.

- There will be no Soul Tendency this time because they don’t want to have to use dedicated servers.

- Instead this time there will be more features allowing players to engage in “mutual role playing” which they say are still under wraps. They’ll reveal more when it’s time.

Demon’s Souls was notorious for its difficulty, and the developer has claimed that Dark Souls will be roughly twice as hard. That doesn’t sound like good news, but the fact that it’s seeing a stateside on the Xbox 360 most definitely is.

Latest PS3 Firmware Causing HDD Issues

February 1, 2011 at 10:34 AM

It seems the latest PlayStation 3 firmware update is causing problems for some users.

The 3.56 firmware is said to be preventing more recently released PS3 models (with 16 MB flash) from being upgradeable to a new HDD. This issue has affected previous updates as well.

The following models are said to be affected:

Original PS3s
CECHH
CECHJ
CECHK
CECHL
CECHM
CECHP
CECHQ

Slim PS3s
CECH-20..A
CECH-20..B
CECH-21..A
CECH-21..B
CECH-250.A
CECH-250.B
CECH-250.A
CECH-250.B
CECH-251.A
CECH-251.B

Sony has claimed that v3.56 is a “security patch,” though hackers found their way passed it the same day it was released.

Oh well Sony, at least the NGP looks cool…

Tropico 4 Set for a Q2 Release

February 1, 2011 at 9:33 AM

Kalypso Media has announced Tropico 4 is set to release on the Xbox 360 and Windows PC sometime during Q2 2011.

Key Features:
* New campaign – Face 20 new challenging missions across 10 entirely new maps
* Build Your Vision of Island Perfection – Not only are the graphics enhanced, but 20 new buildings including the stock exchange, shopping mall, aqua park and a mausoleum for El Presidente allow you to craft your perfect balance of beauty and economic efficiency
* State of Emergency - Six new interactive disasters including volcanoes, droughts and tornadoes prove that Mother Nature can be a tougher adversaries than opponents bent on your political ouster
* Council of Ministers - Appoint selected citizens to ministerial posts to help push through and enact your more controversial decisions and edicts
* National Agenda – Receive objectives from Tropican factions, foreign geopolitical powers or opportunities relating to current island events that can further or hamper your dictatorial ambitions
* Facebook and Twitter integration – Post live Tweets directly from the game or create posts automatically upon completion of missions, unlocking achievements, etc. Store and display achievements and screenshots of your ultimate island empire on facebook and compare your Dictator Rankings against others online (Windows PC-only feature)

Tropico has always seemed interesting, but never compelling enough to warrant a play. These new features might just be the extra push I needed, but I’ll have to wait for a full trailer and some gameplay footage before getting too excited.

Crytek Considering a New Timesplitters Game

February 1, 2011 at 7:17 AM

Speaking with CVG, Crytek has revealed they’re considering the possibility of revisiting the TimeSplitters franchise after Crysis 2’s launch.

TimeSplitters was created by Free Radical, which contained former Rare (Goldeneye/Perfect Dark) employees, but after Future Perfect the developer attempted a new IP for the PlayStation 3: Haze. The critical disaster caused the studio to go into administration in 2008, but was rescued by Crytek and renamed Crytek UK. Currently they have been developing the multiplayer component for Crysis 2.

“I love working with our UK friends,” said Crytek CEO, Cevat Yerli. “The team has been performing up to the quality bar easily. Our thinking was that the team had done 80-85 rated games, and we thought that with the right technology, IP and global IP direction they could reach the 90 barrier. I’m very confident that they can do that.”

TimeSplitters 2 was damn near perfect, so it’d be nice to see the craziest FPS franchise of all-time return, gun-toting monkeys and all.

XBLA Deal of the Week: Aqua, Hydro Thunder Thunder, Hydrophobia

February 1, 2011 at 7:17 AM

This week’s Xbox Live Arcade Deal of the Week theme revolves around water, and includes three (mostly) great choices.

1. Aqua - Naval Warfare - $5
2. Hydro Thunder Hurricane - $10
3. Hydrophobia - $5

At these prices, you can’t really go wrong with any or all of the games, but at least with Aqua you get some fancy new Avatar threads as well.

Crytek Considering a New TimeSplitters Game

February 1, 2011 at 7:16 AM

Speaking with CVG, Crytek has revealed they’re considering the possibility of revisiting the TimeSplitters franchise after Crysis 2’s launch.

TimeSplitters 2 was damn near perfect, so it’d be nice to see the craziest FPS franchise of all-time return, gun-toting monkeys and all.

Gears of War 2 Valentine's Weekend Event

February 1, 2011 at 7:00 AM

Epic Games’ Rod Fergusson has announced the next Gears of War 2 XP event will take place during Valentine’s weekend.

“x14 Wingman and x7 everything else. Wretch “cupids” with Torque Bows in Horde. <3,” Fergusson wrote on his Twitter.

It’s a clever arrangement, but I’ll hold out for the next 30+ XP event. Wretches with torque bows doesn’t sound quite as fun as eating chocolates and watching pre-crazy Lindsay Lohan movies.

Chime Super Deluxe Announced for PlayStation 3

February 1, 2011 at 6:57 AM

Zoë Mode Entertainment has announced Chime Super Deluxe, an enhanced version of Chime released ages ago for XBLA and PC, will make its way to PSN this Spring. The enhanced version will include new modes and music, as well as a “complete” graphical overhaul.

“Easy to play but hard to master, Chime Super Deluxe is a unique and addictive block puzzle game featuring an innovative music creation element,” Zoë Mode wrote in a press release. “Players must cover a number of different grids with irregular shapes to form rectangular blocks called quads. Every shape and quad generates musical notes and phrases. As the grid is gradually covered, the song builds up in the background. Working their way towards that elusive 100% coverage, players create a unique remix every time.”

I’m all chimed out, honestly, but I could definitely go for some new Lumines skins.

Mario Sports Mix

February 1, 2011 at 6:00 AM

Hitting the courts with Mario and pals

Mario Sports Mix

January 31, 2011 at 10:50 PM

Splinter Cell, Prince of Persia Trilogies for PS3 Disc-Bound

January 31, 2011 at 8:38 PM

Previously released as a downloadable set for PlayStation 3, the Prince of Persia Trilogy will now be available on Blu-Ray disc. The Prince won’t be alone, however, as he’ll be joined by the stealth-based Splinter Cell Trilogy, which will include the first three games in the franchise.

Both of these PlayStation 3 exclusives will be available on March 22 for $39.99.

[Source]

Live-Action Mortal Kombat Episodic Details

January 31, 2011 at 8:27 PM

More details have surfaced on the internet regarding the upcoming live-action Mortal Kombat series from Warner Bros. and Mortal Kombat Rebirth director Kevin Tancharoen. In a recent interview, Tancharoen stated that the series would consist of nine episodes, with each episode lasting somewhere between seven and ten minutes.

The episodes are definitely going to be violent, and they will go deep into the backstories of the different Mortal Kombat characters. The episodic series will begin filming this February in Vancouver.

[Source]

Sega Rally Online Arcade For XBLA, PSN

January 31, 2011 at 8:16 PM

Sega is bringing a brand new arcade racer inspired by titles such as Sega Rally Revo and Sega Rally 3 to Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network later this year. The upcoming downloadable racing game, titled Sega Rally Online Arcade, will feature online play (obviously), time attack, battle mode, leaderboards, and Championship Battle.

An exact release date wasn’t give by Sega, but given the sudden announcement, you can expect to learn more about this title within the coming months.

[Source]

Pac-Man: CE on PlayStation Minis

January 31, 2011 at 7:56 PM

One of the most addictive entries in the Pac-Man series is coming to PlayStation Minis this week. Pac-Man: Championship Edition will be available on the PlayStation Network for the low price of $4.99.

This version of Pac-Man: Championship Edition will not feature leaderboards or any kind of online functionality, which is a shame, but expected given the download’s low price point.

[Source]

Anarchy Reigns Gameplay Video

January 31, 2011 at 7:12 PM

The first bit of gameplay footage of Platinum Games’ upcoming online fighting game for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 has surfaced, and a new character named Sasha the Ice Queen is featured throughout. Is it just me, or do Sasha’s Snow Spikes seem a bit similar to Ivy of Soulcalibur fame’s whip sword?

The gameplay looks to be pretty fast-paced and action-packed, with combo moves and fights against both groups of enemies and massive boss-like characters. This is the first of four gameplay videos from Platinum and Sega, with the rest to appear on the internet within the coming consecutive days.

[Source]

Lilly & Sasha: Curse Of The Immortals Demo

January 31, 2011 at 3:00 PM

Watch Sony's Press Conference in Tokyo

January 31, 2011 at 2:33 PM

There is no doubt you have already heard about Sony’s upcoming handheld dubbed the NGP (PSP2). If however you have been living under a rock, or haven’t seen the press conference, SCEAblog on Youtube has made the entire thing available in six parts for your in home viewing pleasure.

Lilly and Sasha: Nexus of Souls

January 31, 2011 at 1:59 PM

Tag: Power of Paint

January 31, 2011 at 1:00 PM

A first-person puzzle platformer which focuses on the players' ability to modify their environment as they see fit, simply by painting it.

Fight Night Champion Demo Teaser

January 31, 2011 at 12:47 PM

Try it out and test your moxy.

Star Wars: The Old Republic - Taral V

January 31, 2011 at 12:05 PM

The latest Flashpoint of BioWare’s MMO.

Farm Tribe

January 31, 2011 at 12:00 PM

Help Anny organize a farm and solve the mystery of Mayan’s tribe! Hire workers, take care of them and improve their professional skills.

Socom 4 - Not for Myself

January 31, 2011 at 11:52 AM

But the Medal of Honor guys told me otherwise. So confused.

XBLA Deal of the Week: Aqua, Hydro Thunder, and Hydrophobia

January 31, 2011 at 11:44 AM

Ready to get wet? How about somewhat moist? What about a slight sprinkle in your general direction? Well then Microsoft has a trio of aquatic deals for you this week!

1. Hydrophobia, the critically disappointing 3rd person adventure title, is a mere $5.

2. Aqua: Naval Warfare is also $5, and will grant you cool Avatar outfits if you can beat it.

3. Hydro Thunder Hurricane, one of XBLA’s better-selling titles, is slashed 33 percent to $10.

At these prices, they’re all worth getting, honestly. Or you could eBay a Dreamcast and the original Hydro Thunder, which is better than all three of these games combined.

Hearts of Iron III: For the Motherland Coming This Year

January 31, 2011 at 11:28 AM

Paradox Interactive is giving Hearts of Iron III a brand new expansion, entitled Hearts of Iron III: For the Motherland. The popular World War II grand strategy title is the second expansion in the series.

“Hearts of Iron III takes players on an epic journey through the torn earth of World War II,” says Paradox. “Occupy any of 15,000 provinces, wage war, and guide one of 100 nations to glory. With a realistic military command AI and a colorful cast of historically accurate military commanders and politicians, Hearts of Iron III is the most detailed depiction of World War II ever created.”

Check out the video interview below detailing some of the expansion’s goals and features:

For the Motherland will be released Q2 2011.

Chime Super Deluxe Coming This Spring

January 31, 2011 at 11:28 AM

Zoë Mode Entertainment has announced Chime Super Deluxe will be released exclusively on the PlayStation Network this Spring.

Super Deluxe is an enhanced version of Chime released long ago on XBLA and PC, featuring music from artists such as Moby, Markus Schulz, Philip Glass, Paul Hartnoll from Orbital and Fred Deakin from Lemon Jelly.

New multiplayer game modes, more game grids, and a “complete graphical and gameplay overhaul” will also be included.

“Easy to play but hard to master, Chime Super Deluxe is a unique and addictive block puzzle game featuring an innovative music creation element,” says Zoë Mode. “Players must cover a number of different grids with irregular shapes to form rectangular blocks called quads. Every shape and quad generates musical notes and phrases. As the grid is gradually covered, the song builds up in the background. Working their way towards that elusive 100% coverage, players create a unique remix every time.”

Mount & Blade: With Fire and Sword Announced

January 31, 2011 at 11:28 AM

Paradox Interactive and Taleworlds Entertainment have announced the next entry in their RPG series, Mount & Blade. Mount & Blade: With Fire and Sword plans to add fully customizable troops, new siege options, and a new age of weaponry.

“This is a fantastic addition to the Mount & Blade franchise,” says Armagan Yavuz, Lead Developer & Founder of Taleworlds Entertainment. “The features included in With Fire and Sword fulfill many of our fans’ requests”

The game is set for a Q2 2011 release.

Killzone 3 - Behind the Cast

January 31, 2011 at 11:20 AM

When isn’t Malcolm McDowell awesome?

Operation Flashpoint: Red River - Tajikistan

January 31, 2011 at 11:20 AM

Heading into dangerous territory.

Mafia II Demo

January 31, 2011 at 11:16 AM

Playable demo for Mafia 2 includes a single mission to experience many of the full games features.

House M.D. Demo

January 31, 2011 at 10:16 AM

Play as Dr. House and the skilled staff at Princeton-Plainsboro Hospital, as you race to unravel medical mysteries. Track down the correct diagnosis by interviewing and examining patients, performing lab tests, surgery, and more. The clock is ticking, but be prepared for multiple twists and turns before you solve each of the 5 cases!

Watch Sony's Press Conference in Tokyo

January 31, 2011 at 9:43 AM

No doubt you have heard about Sony’s unveiling of the NGP (PSP2) and its new features such as dual analog sticks, front touch screen, back touch pad and PS3 comparable graphics. But if you’ve been living under a rock or If you haven’t seen the fabled press conference, SCEAblog on Youtube just made the entire event available in six parts for your viewing pleasure.

Magic: The Gathering Summons Up 500K Sales on XBLA

January 31, 2011 at 8:00 AM

Publisher Wizards of the Coast and UK-based developer Stainless Games have announced the XBLA version of Magic: The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers has surpassed 500,000 sales.

“Our strategy of concentrating on console download early is really paying off, with all the major corporate players now agreeing that 2011 will be the year of the download,” commented Stainless COO Matt Edmunds. With our multi-platform technology, we’ll be hoping to emulate the success of Duels for other brands on everything from an iPhone to a high-end PC and keep up our track record of at least one No.1 per year.”

An ambitious goal, especially considering the developers’ other titles, Scrabble and Risk: Factions, were less than stellar. Regardless, GameZone congratulates them on their success and wishes them good luck.

Nexon America Revenues Up 42 Percent

January 31, 2011 at 7:30 AM

Nexon America has announced a 42 percent jump in revenues for the fourth quarter of 2010.

The increase has been primarily attributed to the Big Bang expansion for MapleStory, which nearly doubled the concurrent user record by logging 136K players at once.

“It was a tremendous fourth quarter and year for Nexon and MapleStory’s Big Bang had a lot to do with it,” said Nexon America CEO Daniel Kim. “Nexon has perfected a formula for gameplay with a business model that attracts players and keeps them loyal. Players don’t have to pay a cent to enjoy Nexon’s games, but our players who do pay to enhance their gameplay experience tend to spend more than the typical social gamer or subscription-based game player. Evidence of the success of this formula was seen with the release of the Big Bang expansion and the resulting increase in concurrent players and revenues.”

Nexon has not released the actual numbers, but the company is one of the few profitable MMO publishers in the United States, so a 42 percent jump is undoubtedly substantial.

QuakeCon 2011 Date and Place Announced

January 31, 2011 at 7:10 AM

This year’s QuakeCon will take place August 4-7. The event, which is open to the public for free, will be held at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas.

“QuakeCon will once again host North America’s largest BYOC (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) LAN party,” says an official press statement, “with thousands of gamers hooking their systems up to play on a world-class network. QuakeCon also offers nonstop fun and entertainment for those that don’t bring their own computers. Bethesda Softworks will offer the first chance anywhere for gamers to get their hands on upcoming titles, and the world’s leading technology companies will be on hand to demonstrate their latest hardware and software in the 45,000 square foot exhibit hall. Every day of QuakeCon is packed with contests, entertainment, announcements, panel discussions, and parties!”

So, who’s going? Or are you all strictly BlizzCon/PAX peeps?

[Source]