Deus Ex: Human Revolution – Director’s Cut announced for Wii U

Mar 20, 2013

Eidos Montréal, a Square Enix studio, today announced the Director’s Cut of DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION, the definitive version of the critically acclaimed action-RPG title,  is coming soon exclusively to Nintendo’s Wii U system.

The Director’s Cut offers a full slate of Wii U GamePad features including touch-screen hacking, interactive map editing, augmented sniping, grenade throwbacks and many other neural hub enhancements. Along with in-depth Miiverse integration, the Director’s Cut also provides access to developer commentaries and in-game guides.

Tongs’s Rescue mission and the entire Missing Link chapter have also been integrated seamlessly into the narrative flow of the Director’s Cut. Other core DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION augmentations include overhauled boss fights, refined game balance and combat, improved AI, and striking visual improvements which make this edition the best looking and most immersive Deus Ex experience available.

Cities in Motion 2 now up for Pre-Order, offers incentives

Mar 19, 2013

Paradox Interactive, a publisher of games and owner of bus passes, announced today that pre-orders are now available for Cities in Motion 2, their forthcoming transit simulation and design game for PC and Mac. Players can pre-purchase the dynamic strategy title now from the game’s new website, located at www.citiesinmotion2.com.Cities in Motion 2 is scheduled to launch on April 2, 2013 for $19.99.

As a bonus for all pre-purchases of Cities in Motion 2, early adopters will receive the “Modern Collection” DLC which includes additional trolley buses, trams, and a boat for water lines. The Modern Collection also introduces a new stop type, which allows trams, buses, and trolleys to share the same stop and allow passengers to switch vehicles with ease, and therefore minimize congestion.

To purchase Cities in Motion 2, check out www.citiesinmotion2.com/buy

[youtube=http://youtu.be/MbpbFaxgez0]

Assassin’s Creed III – The Tyranny of King Washington Episode 2: “The Betrayal” is Out Today

Mar 19, 2013

Today, Ubisoft  announces the launch of The Betrayal, the second episode in the three-part Assassin’s Creed III – The Tyranny of King Washington downloadable content series, on Microsoft’s Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and Windows PCs. This episode will be available for PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system starting tomorrow, March 20.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/dMGDvyy1kyA]

The Betrayal continues the next chapter in hero Ratonhnhaké:ton’s war against the mad King George Washington, taking gamers to Boston to find an unlikely ally. Ratonhnhaké:ton will discover a new ability – the power of the eagle – which empowers him to quickly fly across short distances and hone in on enemies for precise and brutal assassinations.

The final episode of Assassin’s Creed III – The Tyranny of King Washington: The Redemption will release on April 23 for the Microsoft’s Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and Windows PCs, and April 24 on PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system.

All episodes of the Tyranny of King Washington are available through the Assassin’s Creed III Season Pass, which is available for purchase for 2400 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $29.99 on the PlayStation Network and Windows PC. Season Pass provides access to all Assassin’s Creed III downloadable content packs.  Each episode of The Tyranny of King Washington will be available for purchase separately as a single DLC pack for 800 Microsoft points or $9.99.

BenQ unveils the XL2720T Professional Gaming Monitor

Mar 19, 2013

BenQ America Corp., an internationally renowned provider of digital lifestyle innovations, today announced the expansion of its flagship XL Series with the launch of its XL2720T gaming monitor for professional and competitive first-person shooter (FPS) play. Packed with advanced features, the monitor comes equipped with a larger 27-inch display, 120Hz refresh rate, and blazing-fast 1-ms response time to optimize gaming performances. Engineered in conjunction with legendary pro gamers, the XL2720T integrates BenQ’s custom settings such as a Black eQualizer, Display Mode, and Smart Scaling to give gamers a competitive edge over their opponents.

“As the official gaming monitor sponsor for Major League Gaming, BenQ is devoted to bringing professional-grade performance and innovation to serious competitors,” said Bob Wudeck, Director of Retail and e-Commerce at BenQ America Corp. “The new XL2720T builds on our award-winning XL Series by adding a stunning 27-inch screen and faster response time to give FPS gaming even greater levels of immersion and intensity. By combining advanced features, game-specific presets, and dual HDMI connectivity, the XL2720T is set to become the most complete gaming monitor on the market.”

The BenQ XL Series is designed to handle the most demanding gaming conditions and is used in top-tier tournament play for FPS games such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and BattleField, as well as popular console fighting games such as Mortal Kombat™. Using an ultra-low 0.002-frame input lag, the XL2720T synchronizes action without latency from mouse motion to give the player complete control over the gaming experience. The monitor’s 120Hz refresh rate and ultra-fast 1-ms response time further bolster player performance to the highest possible level.

With dual HDMI^® ports, the XL2720T is engineered to provide full HD connectivity with peripherals and console devices including PS3™, XBOX^®, Blu-ray™ players, PCs, and more. The monitor features a full HD 27-inch widescreen (16:9) display, 12 million:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and LED backlighting to create genuine colors without increasing power consumption. The XL2720T is also certified for NVIDIA^® 3D Vision™ 2 and supports full HD 3D gaming. For even more vivid viewing, the XL2720T is equipped with NVIDIA 3D LightBoost™ technology, which allows for up to twice the amount of original screen brightness.

To give players a competitive edge, the XL2720T features BenQ’s Black eQualizer, which enables total gaming visibility by allowing gamers to adjust brightness without over-exposing white levels — revealing critical combat details with improved visibility in darkened areas. To accommodate individual viewing preferences, the Display Mode allows gamers to switch between nine monitor screen sizes, including 17-inch (4:3), 19-inch (4:3), 19-inch widescreen (16:10), 21.5-inch widescreen (16:9), 22-inch widescreen (16:10), 23-inch widescreen (16:9), 23.6-inch widescreen (16:9), 24-inch widescreen (16:9), and 27-inch widescreen (16:9), while Smart Scaling enables players to adjust the screen on-the-fly to virtually any custom size without impacting controller sensitivity.

In addition, the XL2720T offers preset FPS modes with multiple configurations to optimize the monitor’s display. For instance, using the FPS1 Mode, users can apply settings specifically defined for Counter-Strike 1.6, while an FPS2 Mode will optimize the display for Counter-Strike Source. Both modes automatically adjust brightness, contrast, sharpness, and color tint to give gamers an advantage when spotting and tracking their opponents. Using the Game Mode Loader, players can also store the same gaming presets used by pro gamers in titles such as Battlefield 3, Call of Duty^® 3, Diablo III, and Dota 2. Gamers can also install and save presets onto the monitor’s S Switch for rapid access; thus allowing them to switch swiftly between customized display settings for gaming as well as entertainment. The stylish controller offers a scroll button that facilitates fast navigation and adjustment of the OSD setting.

With its ultra-flexible height adjustment stand, the XL2720T offers the ultimate in convenience and versatility by allowing operation with just one finger to effortlessly adjust the monitor’s height to suit a gamer’s particular sight level. The monitor can also be positioned either vertically or horizontally and comes equipped with a quick-release VESA mount design. A sleek headphone hook on the back of the display helps to keep accessories organized, while a convenient carrying handle makes it a breeze to take the monitor on the road for a LAN party.

The XL2720T is available for pre-order today and retails for $549 in the U.S. and Canada. For information on the full line of BenQ gaming monitors and to download preset gaming modes, visit Gaming.BenQ.com.

Sumthing Else Music Works relaunches their website, Offering 15% Discount

Mar 19, 2013

Sumthing Else Music Works, the premier label dedicated to licensing and distributing video game soundtracks, is proud to unveil its newly designed website at www.sumthing.com. The first phase of constantly updated content for Sumthing’s new online home includes dedicated profiles for its affiliated composers and video game publisher partners. Additional content features such as exclusive artist blogs, interviews and live events streaming will be introduced over the coming weeks and months ahead to establish www.sumthing.com as the premier online destination for video game music fans.

Sumthing’s new digital store at www.sumthing.com features their entire catalog of soundtracks including Epic Games’ GEARS OF WAR: JUDGMENT – THE SOUNDTRACK also released today on CD at retail outlets worldwide and for digital download at Amazon MP3, iTunes and other digital music sites.

To celebrate the launch of the new site, www.sumthing.com is offering its customers a 15% discount off their entire catalog through the month of March. When checking out, simply enter the promo code sumthing15 to receive your discount. Also be sure to sign up for the Sumthing Else Music Works newsletter to receive discounts in the future.

Gears of War: Judgment Now Available, Try the Overrun Demo on XBLM

Mar 19, 2013

Microsoft and Epic Games today announced the launch of “Gears of War: Judgment,” the newest installment of the award-winning series that has become one of the most iconic and popular gaming franchises of this generation. Developed exclusively for Xbox 360, “Gears of War: Judgment” immerses fans in the most riveting and challenging “Gears” game yet, with explosive new multiplayer modes and an epic-scale campaign that takes you back to the immediate aftermath of Emergence Day – the defining event of the “Gears of War” universe.

“Our goal for ‘Judgment’ was to deliver an intense experience that gets back to the gritty, visceral action that defined the original ‘Gears of War,’ while also pushing the franchise into some bold, uncharted territory,” said Epic Games Senior Producer Alan Van Slyke. “With its unique ‘testimonials’-based story, dynamic combat systems and huge variety of brand-new multiplayer modes, ‘Judgment’ is our most innovative ‘Gears’ title since the original, and offers countless hours of heart-pounding entertainment for anyone who loves enthralling action and gripping, cinematic stories.”

Set years prior to the events of the previous “Gears of War” trilogy, “Judgment” follows Kilo Squad, a team of battle-hardened warriors comprised of the fearless Damon Baird, Augustus “The Cole Train” Cole and new characters Sofia Hendrick and Garron Paduk, as they attempt to save the besieged city of Halvo Bay from a terrifying new enemy. Developed using the latest Unreal Engine 3 technology, “Gears of War: Judgment” is the most visually stunning installment in the series yet, and features a riveting gameplay experience that captures the true essence of “Gears” combat and is faster-paced and more action-packed than ever before.

“Judgment” introduces several firsts for the franchise, including a dynamic “Smart Spawn System” that changes enemy types, timing and locations with each encounter, as well as a “Mission Declassification” system that lets players experience more challenging scenarios by uncovering critical information during the course of the campaign. Additionally, “Judgment” features a host of exciting new and classic multiplayer experiences that will keep players engaged for hundreds of hours after they complete the campaign, including competitive modes like OverRun, Domination, Free-for-All and Team Deathmatch, as well as a new cooperative gametype called Survival.

In partnership with Epic Games, “Judgment” was developed by People Can Fly, the acclaimed studio renowned for their work on visually and technically stunning action games, including “Bulletstorm,” “Painkiller” and “Gears of War” for PC. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help create a new chapter in such an iconic franchise, and hope fans and new gamers alike will see the dedication both of our studios have put into making this one of the must-have titles of 2013,” said People Can Fly Studio Director Sebastian Wojciechowski.

Looking to get an early taste of “Judgment” before you buy? Check out the OverRun demo on Xbox LIVE, available worldwide to all Gold members today.

Secret Ponchos – Debut Trailer featuring a multiplayer frenzy and a wonderful score

Mar 18, 2013

Switchblade Monkeys is proud to announce Secret Ponchos, which blurs the line between gameplay genres and conventions and creates its own original feel for multiplayer combat that pits players against each other in intense Wild West battle. Scheduled for release on consoles later this year, a pre-alpha preview of Secret Ponchos will be playable in booth 1031 at PAX East in Boston, March 22 to 24.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/E3v7rlxdLkQ]

Engage in one-on-one duels or all-out gunfights as one of several unique and customizable outlaws – each with his or her own strengths, weapon types, special moves and play styles – in a game that rewards tactical awareness, precision timing and player skill. Add in melee attacks, an original line-of-sight mechanic, cover fire, destructible cover objects and more, and Secret Ponchos is a game with exceptional depth.

When the team at Switchblade Monkeys began development of the game, they left behind the overtly corporate, money-driven world of commercial game development and set out to create something of a passion project between a group of friends. They studied elements from their favorite games, including team shooters, fighting games and isometric action-RPGs, as well as the style and flair of graphic novels and classic spaghetti westerns, to create a game they could call their own.

“Secret Ponchos was created by a new development philosophy,” said Yousuf Mapara, president and creative director at Switchblade Monkeys. “Instead of following a business-oriented studio model, we just set out make the game the way a group of friends gets together to form a rock band, and to see how far we can take it. If we make something we love, put our all into it every day and enjoy the creative process, hopefully we will make something others like, too.”

Maxis reveals the available Origin titles to redeem for the SimCity trouble

Mar 18, 2013

Our SimCity Mayors are incredibly important to the team at Maxis. We sincerely apologize for the difficulties at launch and hope to make it up to you with a free PC game download from Origin.

Starting today, every player that has activated their copy of SimCity will receive an email that will give directions on how to redeem this offer, and you can also find more information on our FAQ. We’ll be opening up the redemption portal country-by-country so some of you may see it a little sooner than others. The portal will be live worldwide for everyone to select their game by March 22. We don’t want any of you to miss out on your free game, so please note that you must register your copy of SimCity before March 26, 2013 at 06:59 AM GMT and you must claim your free game by March 31, 2013 at 06.59 GMT.

At Maxis, our studio values dictate that we innovate and create something that is quirky, complex and challenging. Sometimes this bites us in the butt, but our servers are green and we’re seeing record numbers of players all online and having a great time.

Here is the list of games that you will be able to choose from once you are able to redeem. It’s a great list of games across the whole EA portfolio, so pick one and add it to your Origin library on us!

• Battlefield 3 (Standard Edition)
• Bejeweled 3
• Dead Space 3 (Standard Edition)
• Mass Effect 3 (Standard Edition)
• Medal of Honor Warfighter (Standard Edition) 
• Need For Speed Most Wanted (Standard Edition)
• Plants vs. Zombies
• SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition

We’re getting great feedback from our fans and know that many of you are having fun and exploring this whole new expression of SimCity. We’re humbled by your patience and passion for the game. Thanks for building something very special with us, together.

March of the Eagles adds Crusader Kings II Modding Tools and More in Extensive Patch

Mar 18, 2013

Raise the regimental banner and beat the drums of war, a hefty patch for March of the Eagles approaches. The latest update to the wargame based on the Napoleonic wars adds the complete set of modding tools from highly popular Crusader Kings II, allowing players to mod March of the Eagles in nearly every aspect imaginable, as well as play with multiple simultaneous mods.

The patch also includes major updates to the gameplay, such as better retreat paths and not allowing low morale units to enter enemy controlled territory, as well as brand new content such as historical generals, completely new combat mechanics and battle sounds. Players now have an even better chance of taking control of one of the great powers of Europe to push for land and naval dominance in a decade swirling with fire, smoke and dark acts of betrayal as each nation moves towards enabling its own objectives.

For view the complete patch notes for March of the Eagles, please go to: http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?675300-March-of-the-Eagles-1.01-Patch-released

Watch the developers go forth to the battlefield for an intense multiplayer rematch as they take on their friends and rivals in an intense live stream tonight, one that most likely will have them not talking to each other for weeks. View the multiplayer live stream tonight at tonight at 7 p.m. GMT (12 p.m. PDT) by visiting the official Paradox Interactive channel on TwitchTV athttp://www.twitch.tv/paradoxinteractive

Thunder Wolves screenshots show its explosive nature

Mar 18, 2013

In Thunder Wolves, the player becomes part of a formidable group of pilots who carry out every order with unequalled precision and speed, be it the protection of an oil platform, destroying a chemical factory, or halting an enemy advancement in its tracks. The goal of the Thunder Wolves is nothing less than saving the world.

Key Features
* Arcade-style flight action with destroyable enrironments and devastating weaponry.
* Choose the right equipment for every job. Nine different helicopters and a wide arsenal of weapons.
* From stealth to escort orders and seek-and-destroy missions, execute 13 operations from around the globe.
* Enemies galore; terrorist foot soldiers, land vehicles, enemy helicopters, and spectacular boss battles to stretch your gaming skills.
* Local multiplayer mode tag team. Create a unit with a friend and fly into battle in co-op mode as pilot and gunner.

Thunder Wolves is the work of the Hungarian development studio Most Wanted Entertainment, and is being released on Sony PlayStation® Network, Xbox LIVE® Arcade, and Windows PC.

Daedalic Announces New Adventure for Q3 2013

Mar 18, 2013

Indie developer Daedalic Entertainment once again journeys into the amazing world of Aventuria in their new adventure-game. “Memoria” not only continues the tale of bird catcher Geron, protagonist of the prequel “Chains of Satinav”, but players will also take the role of the adventurous princess Sadja, venturing deep into Aventuria’s past and experience an age of epic battles.

With the announcement, Daedalic Entertainment is releasing the first screenshots, showcasing the game’s impressive locations. The detailed, hand-drawn backgrounds breathe life into a story from the mind of Kevin Mentz (writer: “A New Beginning”; co-writer: “Chains of Satinav”, “Deponia”).

“Memoria” will be available in Q3 2013 featuring full English localization.

LocoCycle wants you to “Meet Pablo”, voiced by Freddy Rodriguez

Mar 15, 2013

Freddy Rodriguez is already well known for his work in films like Planet Terror and television series like Six Feet Under, but every once in a while an actor gets an opportunity to go beyond acting, to play the transcendent role of a generation.  In this case, starring as Pablo in the upcoming buddy-comedy video game LocoCycle.  DeNiro and Hanks tried desperately to land the role but, in the end, Rodriguez’s moving portrayal of the terrified South American engineer was too powerful to deny.  Also, his Spanish was better.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/SWRbGhdLlm8]

Rodriguez joins Robert Patrick (S.P.I.K.E.) and Lisa Foiles (I.R.I.S.) in telling the tale of an escaped sentient military motorcycle who uses her speed and martial arts to seek freedom in America.  I.R.I.S. is attacked at every turn, and her only ally is her mechanic Pablo, whose pants leg gets stuck to her rear axle as she makes her initial escape.

Twisted Pixel will be debuting a new level from LocoCycle at PAX East, revealing more of the interactions between I.R.I.S. and Pablo.  Along with showing the two riding and fighting together, the level also showcases Pablo’s ability to repair I.R.I.S. when her lightning-scrambled processor shuts down, as well as featuring some of their more intense action sequences.

Saints Row IV Announced to Release This Fall

Mar 15, 2013

Today Deep Silver announced that Saints Row IV™, the ball-busting next chapter in the Saints Row franchise, is starting a party in your pants this Fall.

In the next open-world installment of Saints Row, Deep Silver Volition continues the story of the Third Street Saints by elevating their status to the highest level – the leaders of the free world.  In Saints Row IV, the head honcho of the Saints has been elected to the Presidency of the United States. But the Saints are just getting started. Now the larger-than-life insanity of the Saints series gets a new twist with a catastrophic alien invasion, and the aliens have transported the Saints to a bizarro-Steelport simulation. Wield gargantuan superpowers and fight to free humanity from alien granddaddy Zinyak’s mental grasp. Escape the simulation that’s trapped the Saints crew, or die trying.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/ThrAdb_i8wo]

Duke Nukem II coming for iOS, made by Rise of the Triad developers Interceptor Entertainment

Mar 15, 2013

3D Realms and Interceptor Entertainment announce Duke Nukem II for iOS, bringing the classic action game to mobile devices. Slam your thumbs into the screen as you guide Duke across 32 action-packed levels, blasting the living crap out of every alien that dares to get in your thumb-smashing way. The game is set for release in April for the out-of-this-world price of $1.99.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/ZJc2W8SBE5U]