New Character Reveal for Sacred Citadel: The Charming Khukuri Shaman

Dec 06, 2012

Three warriors stand against the evil Ashen Empire – one of them is the charming but iron-willed Khukuri Shaman.

Fierce Grimmoc warriors have almost brought the companions to their knees. The Safiri Warrior is overwhelmed by the sheer number of onrushing fighters, and his health is rapidly decreasing. In comes the Khukuri Shaman – quickly, she casts a spell to heal her party members. To counter the overpowering Grimmoc horde, she then rushes into battle to deal out crackling energy bolts with her magic wand.

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Duke Nukem 1 and 2 Arrive on GOG.com, Just $5.99 for PC and Mac

Dec 06, 2012

A lot of people associate the “Duke Nukem” brand with the breakout first-person shooter, but Apogee’s wisecracking anti-hero was originally a less well-rounded character… y’know… 2D. I spent a lot of time playing these games in my pre-teens in this sidescroller. It was a blast (literally) to play and is a great nostalgia bomb.

You should go get it at GOG.com.

The Features:

• Run-n-gun through 3 action-packed episodes in Duke Nukem, and 4 explosive episodes in Duke Nukem 2!
• Witness the makings of a true gaming legend!
• Over 30 levels of heavy-duty run-and-gun shoot-and-forget 2D platforming fun!

Halo 4 Infinity Challenge brought to you by Virgin Gaming

Dec 06, 2012

Virgin Gaming, Xbox 360 and 343 Industries are joining forces to launch the “Halo 4 Infinity Challenge” on Xbox LIVE starting Dec. 17, bringing gamers the biggest and most accessible free-to-enter “Halo” tournament in the world.

Starting today, players can register for the “Halo 4 Infinity Challenge” by visiting www.halo4infinitychallenge.com (localized registration sites available on Dec. 12). Launching on Dec. 17, the free-to-enter tournament will track your personal score in War Games and the number of Spartan Ops chapters you complete on global leaderboards, giving players of different preferences and skill levels all a shot at the more than 2,800 prizes. For the War Games leaderboard winner, the grand prize will be a UNSC-themed, V8-powered 2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor truck designed by 343 Industries, and for the Spartan Ops winner, the grand prize will be an appearance in a future “Halo” game.

During the qualifier phase (Dec. 17 – Jan. 10), players will need to climb the ranks of the global leaderboards by competing in either the Spartan Ops or War Games leaderboard. After the qualifier phase, players will be tiered into three groups (based on their results on the qualifier phase leaderboards) and will enter the finals phase (Jan. 12 – Jan. 19).  In addition, players can also participate in Weekly Challenges found on Halo Waypoint at http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/intel/challenges for a chance to win great prizes.

During the finals, the leaderboards will reset and prizes will be awarded to the top performers in each tier. While terrific prizes are available within all three tiers, the grand prizes will be offered exclusively for those that have battled their way to the top tier.

For tournament and registration information, please visit: www.halo4infinitychallenge.com or http://www.halowaypoint.com/

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Halo 4 DLC – “Crimson Map Pack”

Comprised of three brand new multiplayer maps (Wreckage, Harvest and Shatter), the “Halo 4” Crimson Map Pack will launch on Dec. 10 on Xbox LIVE for 800 MS points (or at no additional charge for those that purchased the “Halo 4” Map Pass or “Halo 4” Limited Edition).

Timed just before the launch of the “Halo 4 Infinity Challenge,” the new map pack gives players more reason than ever to stay online and prepare for the upcoming competition by exploring these stunning new battlegrounds.

NFC Data Connects Collectible Zombie Figures to iOS Game “Box-O-Zombies”

Dec 06, 2012

The Box-O-Zombies (BoZ) game for iOS allows players to build and defend their own Zivilization™ in this world building and tower defense game that follows a post apocalyptic story of a man and his dog on their journey to discover who they are, what happened to the world around them, and how to fix it. While the game can be played entirely on an iPad without needing the figures, Kickstarter will help fund the creation of packs of collectible, serialized figures that will appear on your iOS device using the NFC reader (“The Puck”) that connects via Bluetooth. Backers can become one of these figures themselves that unlock exclusive in-game content, by pledging at the top tiers.

I spoke with the Head of Marketing for the Kickstarter, Amanda Perry. She explains the technology and future updates:

The NFC reader works similarly to the Skylanders Portal of Power. You will set your figure on “The Puck” and it will unlock in-game content, like characters, story-lines, etc. A little bit about NFC. NFC stands for near field communication. NFC tags can be printed and are readable AND writeable and can be encrypted, making them a really neat tool for interactive gaming. Like a Magic the Gathering card game, where you could store character stats on the actual figures… yeah, cool right?

Each actual figure will be unique and serialized. They will be tied to your account. Other then that, most things are on the Kickstarter page. We will be posting more art assets as they get finished, more videos and developer diaries.

IPKeys Licenses Unreal Engine 3 for Military Simulations

Dec 05, 2012

IPKeys announced today that, after a comprehensive evaluation, they have teamed up with Applied Research Associates (ARA) and Epic Games, Inc. They will license Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 3 (UE3) from ARA to produce state-of-the-art 3D training simulations.

IPKeys Technologies’ supported flagship title, I-GAME (IED Gaming and Modeling Environment), is now being developed using the Unreal Engine, with the intent to train Warfighter tactics, techniques and procedures in regards to Counter-IEDs. The platform has been built to not only support the C-IED community, but also provide a plug-in approach. This serves the mission planner with sophisticated AI and a multitude of game assets, which will provide a fully immersive virtual environment for the Warfighter.

 “With Unreal Engine 3, IPKeys can now create the most realistic maps, locales, conditions, materials and virtual soldiers to match exactly what the Warfighter sees, uses and knows,” said Kirk Hymes, the Director for Modeling and Simulation Applications and U.S. Marine Corps Programs at IPKeys.

Mark Pappas, President of IPKeys added, “We are extremely proud to offer the battle planner and Warfighter tactical, strategically-based, premier tools from the best sources – government and commercial alike. Specifically, deployed Warfighters who need reliable and trusted data can now use a lightweight platform to keep them out of harm’s way and allow for them to reach their objectives with the situational awareness they deserve.”

Arctic Combat is about to enter Open Beta

Dec 04, 2012

World War III is heating up, and it’s up to gamers everywhere to determine the winners and losers in this scorching conflict. WEBZEN Inc. (www.WEBZEN.com), a global leader in next generation free-to-play games, has fully defrosted Arctic Combat, its first free-to-play skill-based shooter. Open beta starts on December 6 on both WEBZEN’s Global Service Portal (www.webzen.com) and Steam for Arctic Combat which pits the U.S.-led Allied Forces against the Russian-backed Star Alliance in a dispute over natural resources that starts in the arctic territory and spills over into battlefields across the globe. Pick a side, pick your weapons, and pick your skills – you’ll need every advantage to stay alive in this fast-paced, thrilling shooter!

To celebrate the game’s release on Steam, WEBZEN will be offering two item packs offered exclusively through Steam: the Steam Starter Pack and the Steam Ultimate Pack, both of which include a range of weapons and items. This will be WEBZEN’s second game on the platform, following the successful launch of its action-based fantasy MMORPG Continent of the Ninth Seal in September.

“With its strong competitive component and community features, Arctic Combat is a fantastic fit for the Steam community,” said Jihun Lee, head of global publishing. “We’re pleased to open up the game for NA/EU players, and we look forward to delivering news about a series of eSports tournaments featuring Arctic Combat.”

To download and prepare for Arctic Combat right now, head to WEBZEN’s Global Service Portal (www.webzen.com). Players can also download and access the game using Steam’s portal (www.steampowered.com). Throughout the open beta, WEBZEN will be hosting numerous events to help players earn in-game items, W Coins, extra experience, and more. Additional information about AC and other WEBZEN games can also be found at the official WEBZEN website (www.webzen.com).

With realistic weapons, vibrant visuals, a detailed skills system and a multitude of gameplay modes, Arctic Combat is set to deliver one of the top shooter experiences this year and beyond. From the intricate character movements and intense gore effects to the highly customizable skills and gear, Arctic Combat has enough depth to satisfy the competitive gamer, while still being accessible to a casual player looking for some quick action. The game also features a refined A.I. system for players to sharpen their skills in bot-based battles and to earn additional rewards through various missions.

MechWarrior Online update accomodates 8v8 Groups and has Holiday items

Dec 04, 2012

Infinite Game Publishing and Piranha Games today launched key competitive gameplay advancements for the ultimate Mech simulator, MechWarrior Online with 8v8 custom group Match Making, Electronic Counter Measure Suite warfare as well as the next Hero Mech, Ilya Muromets. In addition, players can outfit their cockpit with holiday-themed cockpit items including a Santa bobblehead.

“With the new 8-player group vs. group action and ECM, the competitive element in the game has been upped in a major way,” said Bryan Ekman, creative director, Piranha Games. “Blending new content with the rich history of the BattleTech universe, we are excited to introduce Ilya Muramets CTF-IM Cataphract, the first PGI-crafted character, a resilient and balanced Hero Mech representing the Capellan Confederation.”

Phase two of Match Making marks the early stages of Community Warfare in the InnerSphere, allowing players to form 8-player groups and take them into battle. Prior to this content patch, players could form groups with a maximum of 4 players; matches will continue to support 8v8 player combat and will not be weight class restricted to enable quick match launches. Additional Match Making functionality will be added in Phase three, taking into the consideration the Merc Corp, competitive league players and additional requests made to date.

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Dark Vale Games releases FORGE for PC

Dec 04, 2012

Dark Vale Games, an independent video game developer based in Southern California, has released FORGE, a multiplayer-only PC game set in a high-action fantasy world, through online retailers.  Offering five devastating classes, a persistent skill modification and character customization system, high-speed combat, and an arsenal of devastating spells and attacks, FORGE delivers the speed and precision of shooter frag-fests mated with the strategy and skills of MMO PvP arenas.

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Ubisoft Announces The Hidden Secrets Pack for Assassin’s Creed III

Dec 04, 2012

Today, Ubisoft announces the first downloadable content pack Assassin’s Creed III, The Hidden Secrets, is now available for Season Pass holders for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and Windows PC. The Hidden Secrets Pack will be available for everyone else on December 11 via the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network for Xbox 360, PlayStation®Network and for Windows PC. The Hidden Secrets Pack will release for the Wii U™ system from Nintendo at a later date.

The Hidden Secrets Pack for Assassin’s Creed III adds three extra missions – the Lost Mayan Ruins, the Ghost of War, and a Dangerous Secret – for an additional hour of gameplay, taking gamers from lost Mayan ruins to the high seas. Every successful mission is rewarded with in-game weapons. Gamers will also receive:

• Two single-player costumes including the fabled Captain of the Aquila uniform and the traditional Colonial Assassin outfit
• Two multiplayer characters including the fearsome Redcoat and the deadly Sharpshooter

[box_light]The Assassin’s Creed III Season Pass grants access to all five upcoming downloadable content packs including The Hidden Secrets to gamers owning the original game.  The Season Pass provides more than 25% savings versus purchasing the DLC separately. Assassin’s Creed III Season Pass is now available for purchase for 2400 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $29.99 on the PlayStation Network.

Future Assassin’s Creed III downloadable content will feature “The Tyranny of King Washington,” an all-new single-player campaign told through three episodic content packs that lets gamers experience an alternate history of the events following the American Revolution.[/box_light]

Akaneiro: Demon Hunters Reveals Bloodfang Fort

Dec 04, 2012

This once thriving Temple now is only a wrecked shell. The holy men have been slaughtered, their corpses strewn about the temple grounds. New, crude fortifications have been erected over the Temple foundation.

This is the work of the marauding Bloodfang Werewolf Clan. Under the leadership of a new Demon King, they have armed and armored themselves, gathering together Imp Tribes and other wild Yokai to form the beginnings of a true
army.

Dark clouds have settled over the area, foretelling one of the greatest storms Yomi Island has seen in some time. Atop the crooked remains of the Temple, big, bad Chief Bloodfang sits upon a dark throne, awaiting a challenger.

Assassin’s Creed III Screenshot Comparison: Xbox 360 vs PC

Dec 04, 2012

Assassin’s Creed III is a beautiful game, and clearly and expectedly the PC version is the best. But take a look at the screengrabs and compare for yourself. For sake of spoilers, i’m only including comparison screenshots from Sequence 1, Mission 2. Perhaps these in itself are spoilers. But it is so early in the game and late since the console release and even a few weeks from the PC release, I feel okay with it.

Most of the screenshots are identical down to the frame, but I found the 360 images are blown out and the textures aren’t all that detailed. In some shots, the 360 provides a better view where the PC is a bit darker in spots. I think these come down to the brightness settings, though. For all the visual splendor, I recommend the PC version of any Assassin’s Creed game as they are always superior and provide the best fidelity in graphics and audio. But in these shots, the Xbox 360 is no slouch either. I did not have a PlayStation 3 version of the game to play with, so that is the reason why there’s only a comparison as it is. In the future, I’d like to do console comparisons as there will be finer details to nitpick.

Sequence 1

“A Deadly Performance”

New Screenshots released for Tomb Raider

Dec 04, 2012

SQUARE ENIX and Crystal Dynamics are pleased to announce that new TOMB RAIDER screenshots themed around Lara’s survival and exploration are now available.

Pid now has an Easy Mode

Dec 03, 2012

Might and Delight is ready to introduce an easier way to play through its beautiful, challenging platfomer Pid with the all-new Easy Mode. Complementing the game’s Normal and Hard modes, Easy Mode paves the way with redesigned levels, much shorter boss fights, and less-crowded environments to aid in navigation.

Having listened to its critics and fans, Might and Delight made many of the adjustments to the game by using community feedback. In addition to the new Easy Mode, tweaks and adjustments to Normal Mode have evened out the play experience and lessened challenging difficulty spikes.

Might and Delight also has created a new playable demo to better represent Pid and its unique style of play. The demo is now available on PC for Steam and will be made available on other platfoms later this year.

Steam Big Picture Is Live and with a Sale

Dec 03, 2012

Valve today announced the public release of Big Picture, Steam’s new mode that lets gamers access all of their favorite Steam games on a television from the comfort of their sofa. Big Picture has been designed to be used with a traditional gamepad, while also fully supporting keyboard and mouse input.

To celebrate the public launch of Big Picture, over thirty controller-friendly games will be on sale from now until December 10, with savings up to 75% off: http://store.steampowered.com/sale/big_picture_release

Access to the complete Steam store is included, as is the Steam Community. Big Picture is available worldwide in over twenty languages, including German, French, Russian, Korean, and Portuguese.

Gamers’ existing games are all available in Big Picture. In addition to having the complete library of Steam games, each user’s cloud files, Steam Workshop content, account information and preferences will be accessible automatically in the new mode.

Steam gamers may easily experience Big Picture on their televisions by connecting their PC or Mac, typically with a single HDMI cable. Big Picture also includes a new web browser designed for televisions and game controllers. It is accessible from anywhere within the Big Picture UI, and even while playing Steam games on a TV. It supports Big Picture’s new method of typing with a gamepad, which is useful for entering URLs, filling out forms, chatting, and other functions.

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