Unreal Engine 3 debuts on Windows 8

Aug 29, 2012

Epic Games, Inc., in collaboration with NVIDIA, today presented the first public demonstration of Unreal Engine 3 (UE3) running on Windows 8 and Windows RT during Asus’ press conference at the IFA 2012 electronics trade show in Berlin.

A live, real-time demonstration of Epic’s “Epic Citadel” app, which has been released for iOS and Flash, was shown on the Asus Vivo Tab RT, the device formerly known as Tablet 600.

“The Unreal Engine 3-powered ‘Epic Citadel’ demonstration for Windows RT tablets implements our full DirectX 9 pipeline, with shaders and materials, all running beautifully on Tegra 3,” said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games. “By porting the full engine as opposed to a modified mobile version, NVIDIA and Epic have made it easy for UE3 developers around the world to bring their best content to Windows RT, Windows 8, and NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 processor.  Windows RT code is available to licensees from Epic now and we’re excited to see the great games they develop with it.”

Read more at NVIDIA’s blog, http://blogs.nvidia.com/?p=14245.

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Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD Is Now Available On PlayStation Network

Aug 29, 2012

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD is now available on PlayStation3 via download on PlayStation Network for $14.99. Rebuilt to an HD polish by Robomodo using Neversoft’s original level models, THPS HD takes the best elements of the classic THPS games and gives them a fresh update to create an all new skateboarding experience. There are seven classic levels, eight pros, four online multiplayer modes, and the ability to share scores on Facebook. Players pursue the same global and level-specific goals as the original games, including S-K-A-T-E and many more. “Projectives” have been added for the hardcore –brand new objectives for those that complete the traditional ones. The soundtrack is a 50/50 combination of classic THPS tracks (including  Goldfinger’s “Superman”) and new songs. DLC is coming in a few weeks for $4.99 that will include three levels from THPS3, new pros, and more.

The game is out now for XBLA and will be out for PC via Steam in September (exact date TBD).

Mass Effect 3: Leviathan DLC Goes to the Depths of the Universe

Aug 28, 2012

The fight to save the galaxy continues! As unexplainable events begin to unfold, Commander Shepard and crew must travel to unexplored locations in order to piece together a shocking theory that could turn the tides of the war against the Reapers. Available for download today, Mass Effect™ 3: Leviathan is a new piece of single player DLC which expands upon the events of Mass Effect™ 3 by adding a new chapter to Shepard’s legacy, emotionally engaging characters and powerful weapons and upgrades.

“With Mass Effect 3 DLC, we really want to focus on providing players with new experiences that are unique and special,” said Producer Mike Gamble. “With Leviathan, we wanted to give our fans the chance to really explore, discover and learn more about the universe they love.”

In addition to the new story content, Mass Effect 3: Leviathan also includes two new weapons, the AT-12 Raider Shotgun and M-55 Argus Assault Rifle. Both new additions will be needed as Commander Shepard plunges to the darkest depths of the galaxy to uncover this elusive intelligence. 

Mass Effect 3: Leviathan will be available to download starting today on Xbox LIVE® and the Origin™ client software and on PlayStation® Network in North America on August 28 and in Europe on August 29 for $9.99 or 800 Microsoft Points.

The Mass Effect franchise is one of the most highly decorated series in the history of games, having earned over 250 awards from critics around the world. Mass Effect 3 launched in March to universal critical acclaim, receiving over 90 perfect scores and according to Metacritic.com, is currently the highest rated game of the year for the PC, Xbox 360® and PlayStation 3. For more information on Mass Effect 3 and Mass Effect 3: Leviathan, please visithttp://masseffect.com.

Luftrausers – Arcade Shooting in the Sepia Tone-filled Skies

Aug 28, 2012

The skies will be set aflame as indie development thugs Vlambeer and worldwide gaming cartel Devolver Digital join forces on the upcoming stylish arcade shooter LUFTRAUSERS. Ace pilots around the world will be able to customize their very own “rauser” and battle wily enemy fighters amongst the clouds or charge colossal battleships scattered across the open seas.

“LUFTRAUSERS is the only game in which players can build and fly a LUFTRAUSER – the most interesting engineering achievement of mankind ever. Flying one is said to be the most amazing feeling and we wanted to bring that experience to everyone,” said Rami Ismail, co-founder of Vlambeer.

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Gears of War: Judgement Free-For-All is COG vs COG

Aug 28, 2012

“Gears of War: Judgment,” the most intense and challenging “Gears” game yet, just got even more amped as Microsoft and Epic Games revealed a brand new exhilarating mode, Free-For-All.

Debuting and playable this week at PAX Prime in Seattle (booth #412) this new multiplayer experience throws team tactics out the window as each player battles for survival and kills versus all other players. A first for the Gears of War series, the Free-For-All mode pits COG soldier on COG soldier in test of wits and will.

To debut the new mode with a bang, Epic Games and Microsoft are showing off two new maps as well – Gondola and Library. 

GONDOLA – The Coastal Villa Apartments are part of the exclusive Halvo community located in the prestigious Agora foothills.  Residents enjoy a host of interior upgrades, and each unit features an ocean view from a private patio or balcony.  This quiet, gated community is located only a short gondola ride from the renowned shops and businesses of our active and thriving coastal community.

LIBRARY – The Alexiy Desipich Memorial Library is not a library in the traditional sense, but rather an archive of important documents surrounding his life, career, and personal interests.  An avid historian, politician, and philosopher, Desipich is most remembered as the father and creator of the Austere Canon, the basis for the Coalition of Ordered Governments, which was shaped around eight guiding principles: Order, Diligence, Purity, Labor, Honor, Loyalty, Faith, and Humility. 

Free-For-All is the second new multiplayer experience introduced for “Gears of War: Judgment.” It joins OverRun, the thrilling class-based competitive mode that pits Locust and COG soldiers in a head-to-head battle, to give “Gears” fans an addictive gameplay experience.

Developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by Epic Games and People Can Fly, “Gears of War: Judgment” delivers a riveting campaign featuring new characters, weapons and enemies, and new multiplayer experiences. The “Gears of War” series is one of the most popular franchises in Xbox history, having sold more than 18 million games worldwide, and spawning New York Times-bestselling novels, toys, collectibles, graphic novels, and more. To learn more about “Gears of War: Judgment” and the “Gears of War” franchise, please visit: http://gearsofwar.xbox.com  “Gears of War: Judgment” will launch worldwide on March 19, 2013.

Ravaged to be published by Reverb Publishing

Aug 27, 2012

Reverb Publishing today announced it will publish 2 Dawn Games’ stunning first-person online multiplayer title, Ravaged. Built from the ground up using Unreal Engine 3, Ravaged is an online PC first-person shooter that hammers gamers with savage balls-to-the-wall combat featuring five classes, clan support and dedicated servers.

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Patriots and Bears Capture Regular Season Crown in Madden NFL 13 Simulation

Aug 27, 2012

The Chicago Bears and New England Patriots won their respective divisions and took home the overall number one seeds in the playoffs according to the Madden NFL 13 Season Simulation, powered by EA SPORTS Arena. The Patriots followed up last year’s Super Bowl appearance with a dominant season, securing a 12-4 record on the arm of NFL MVP Tom Brady. Brady delighted fantasy football owners everywhere by tossing a record-tying 50 touchdown passes against only 8 interceptions.

The Bears matched the Patriots’ record, also going 12-4 to win a tightly contested NFC North. Chicago needed every win they could muster, as the Green Bay Packers also ended the season at 12-4, but with the Bears holding an edge in the tiebreakers the Packers were relegated to the 5^th seed in the playoffs.

The two surprise playoff teams in the AFC were the Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) and Buffalo Bills (10-6), both ending long playoff droughts. The Chiefs were a particular shock, winning the AFC West with a record of 11-5 and earning Romeo Crennel Coach of the Year Honors.

The NFC experienced near total upheaval, with new champions in three of four divisions. The Atlanta Falcons (11-5) and Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) joined the Bears as new divisional winners, while only the San Francisco 49ers (11-5) were able to repeat amidst weak competition in the NFC West. In bombshell news, last year’s Super Bowl champion New York Giants didn’t even reach the postseason, finishing a disappointing 8-8.

Though the rebuilding Indianapolis Colts (4-12) had a tough season, fans were able to take solace in the fact that rookie quarterback and number one overall draft pick Andrew Luck took home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Luck managed to outduel fellow highly-touted rookie Robert Griffin III, finishing the season with 4,170 yards, 32 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. On the defensive side of things, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Courtney Upshaw was able to step into an already intimidating unit and cause enough havoc to be named Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Other award winners include Detroit Lions wide receiver and Madden NFL 13 cover athlete Calvin Johnson, Jr. as Offensive Player of the Year (97 receptions for 1,572 yards and 16 touchdowns), and DeMarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys as Defensive Player of the Year (18 sacks).

NFL 2012 Season Awards (as simulated by Madden NFL 13):

• NFL MVP – Tom Brady, New England Patriots

• Offensive Player of the Year – Calvin Johnson, Jr., Detroit Lions

• Defensive Player of the Year – DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys

• Offensive Rookie of the Year – Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

• Defensive Rookie of the Year – Courtney Upshaw, Baltimore Ravens

• Coach of the Year – Romeo Crennel, Kansas City Chiefs

Top Ten Offensive Performers 

Top Defensive Performers 

For more information about Madden NFL 13, please visit www.easports.com/madden-nfl.

Orc Must Die! 2 has a Fire & Water Booster Pack

Aug 27, 2012

Robot Entertainment today announced Fire & Water, the first booster pack for Orcs Must Die! 2. The booster pack features three brand new levels and three new Endless Mode conversions that can be played in single-player or with a friend in co-op. Players who download the pack will also find a new array of traps to help them combat terrifying new elemental enemies.

Hellish new Fire Lords and Fire Elementals crumble when killed, leaving behind dangerous Firelings that will hunt the player down and explode when they get too close! Slippery Water Lords and Water Elementals dwindle into pools of water when killed, but don’t count them out of the fight! When Waterlings find dormant puddles, they’ll absorb the stagnant water and grow into new Water Elementals!

War Mages will have access to three exciting new traps to add to their arsenal, as well.  The Web Spinner is a new wall trap that ensnares hallways full of passing monsters in a sticky tangle of webs, slowing them down to buy precious time. Ceiling Darts turn your fortress into a temple of doom for orcs, dropping from the ceiling to fire deadly darts in every direction. If the orcs make it past your defenses the first time around, you can give them another dose of pain with the new Floor Portal. Place the floor portal anywhere on the ground. Unsuspecting enemies who step on it will be magically teleported back to the beginning of the level!

The Fire & Water booster pack for Orcs Must Die! 2 will be available on Steam for $4.99 on August 29^th.

Fire & Water Booster Pack Features:

• New Levels to Defend – The fight for survival isn’t over yet! Battle your way through three exciting new levels in single-player or co-op – Traffic Jammed, Double Decker, and The West Wing.
• New Endless Mode Conversions – Think you’ve mastered Endless Mode? Think again! The Fire & Water booster pack features three new Endless Mode level conversions to hold your ground on – The Library, Double Decker, and The West Wing.
• Terrifying New Enemies – Prepare for a whole new challenge when you face off against the harrowing new Fire and Water Elementals!
• Exciting New Traps – Add some deadly new defenses to your Spellbook with the Web Spinner, Ceiling Darts, and the Floor Portal!
• New Bonus Skull Definition – Can you hold the invading monsters at bay without traps? Prove your mettle by playing exclusively with weapons and you’ll add another bonus skull to the pile at the end of each level.

The Painkiller Hell & Damnation Teaser Trailer Shows that Death is Just the Beginning

Aug 24, 2012

Nordic Games and The Farm 51 are working on Painkiller Hell & Damnation, the top-to-bottom remake of the best Painkiller title ever… the first one. If you’re concerned this’ll be just some slapped-together hack job, then you obviously haven’t taken a look at the assets we’ve released, which show just how much love is going into this one.

I’ve been playing the Beta, and it’s pretty early – so I’m waiting for an update before I write a full Preview. Game looks and plays EXACTLY how you remember it.

Case in point: the game’s story teaser trailer, which just oozes quality:

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Primal Carnage shows off the Raptor and Trapper Classes

Aug 24, 2012

There are those who say that the velociraptor was the greatest predator ever to walk the Earth…What better way to find out than to take control of one and rip apart hordes of terrified humans one after another? Lukewarm Media gives gamers a taste of what mayhem lies ahead in its upcoming human vs. dinosaur multiplayer shooter Primal Carnage with the second character showcase trailer – this one focusing on the Raptor dinosaur class and the Trapper human class.

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Meet the PR: Gregory Hutto of Reverb Communications

Aug 24, 2012

Ultimately, my job is to make people aware of some great games. The more people know my games exist, the more I know I’ve done a good job for the game.

Personally, I take a more casual approach. We’re all just people who love video games, so I’m all for cutting the nonsense and saying what I really mean.

The biggest misperception is that PR is empirically manipulative. I’m not here to squelch conversation, buy reviews or whatever other paranoid bit is out there; I just give a mainline to the information people are seeking.

I’ve been to PAX East and E3 with Reverb, and I’ve also traveled for in-office visits to San Francisco and Los Angeles to give journalists a sneak peak at what it is I’m working on. There’s sort of a rotation at Reverb, but I would say I’m going somewhere about once or twice a quarter.

Haha. Certainly! Like I said, we’re all just gamers, and we’re all just trying to do our jobs. At the end of the day, I can grab a drink with my friends from the other side of the fence, and in that sense, I know we’re all on the same page.

The biggest skill is communication. Every gamer knows they love games, but if they can communicate the value of something, then they’re better off. Really, the same skills that make a great journalist make a great PR person – especially considering how often the two work in tandem.

The deeper the game, the more I play it. Some games are just fun games to pick up and put down, and others need to be experienced in a deep way. I play our games as often as I have time to.

I’d be absolutely thrilled to work with some Japanese titles. Something compelling and akin to Final Fantasy or even Metal Gear Solid would be a true pleasure. Yet, I’d want it to be something entirely new to me so I could experience it for the first time and share with people.

Thank you! It was a pleasure.

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You can follow Gregory Hutto on Twitter: @GregoryHutto

Pid: The Co-Op Concert

Aug 24, 2012

Kurt’s adventure is strange and unfamiliar, but with the help of Audrey, the rich world of Pid can be shared. In the Co-Op Concert, Kurt and Audrey brave their journey together, and Kurt even takes the opportunity to pull some shenanigans. The pair each get one beam each and must work together and communicate to uncover the planet’s mystery.

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Wings: Director’s Cut with original developer now on Kickstarter

Aug 24, 2012

Legendary game developer Cinemaware today announced an ambitious Kickstarter campaign to bring the Amiga-cult classic game ”Wings” to new heights in full, glorious HD graphics and sound.

Just as it revolutionized gaming with “Wings” 22 years ago, the company is now bringing its unique vision to this innovative Kickstarter campaign. If the company achieves its funding goals, it will soar above simply resurrecting the classic game; Cinemaware plans a remake with new missions, new story elements, enhanced animations, art and sound and additional music tracks for an ultimate Director’s Cut edition. As thousands of fans have requested, the classic gameplay and game structure will remain largely unchanged. This will still be the Wings so many gamers know and love!

“ATTEN-TION! On your feet, gentlemen! Support the 56th – buy Wings pledges on Kickstarter and dash that bloody bastard Kaiser Bill to pieces where he stands!” ordered Colonel Farrah, spokesperson for Cinemaware. “No food, no rest, no sleep, men wounded and dead, poisonous gas, machine guns, shrapnel, a continuous barrage of a thousand cannons you say? Well stuff it ya bleedin’ ninnies! Just go out there and do as Waldo P. Barnstormer of the 56th Aerosquadron: win this bloody battle in the skies or die trying! Help him and his lads back in the cockpit for king, god and country! Give the Boche a good boot in the arse to remember you by! And in the doing, one of the most positively ripping games ever made will endure…”

There are a variety of pledge levels to fit every budget, but the incentives to dig a little deeper are sky high. A pledge of just $15 will get you the game, in-game credit and a set of “Wings: Director’s Cut” desktop wallpapers. True believers who pledge $10,000 will be treated to an acrobatic ride in a real, WWI-style double decker airplane and other cool, WWI-related tours! In between there are a ton of great rewards – T-shirts, posters, in-game credits, the chance to contribute to the game design and even a real-life replica of the Wings’ diary (as seen in the actual game)! Cinemaware has taken great care to create prizes which are unique and related to the great gameplaying experience of “Wings”.

Wings: Director’s Cut will be co-developed by Cinemaware in coordination with Raylight Games of Naples, Italy. Raylight are the original developers of “Wings” and “Speedball 2” for the Game Boy Advance, two great classic Amiga games. Ken Melville, one of the writers of and composer for the original game, will once again be deeply involved in the game’s production, writing and music composition.

“Keep the flame of Cinemaware burning bright by buying Wings’ pledges! Wings: Director’s Cut will have everything you loved about classic Cinemaware games: Great characters, immersive stories and seat-of-your-pants gaming,” enthused Melville. “You just grip it and rip it!”

As with most Kickstarter campaigns, Cinemaware will post regular updates about the progress of the project, including video updates, graphic and sound development, concept art and developer interviews. There will be a backers’ only forum where backers can contribute ideas and feedback directly to the game’s developers. Pledges will receive the game (DRM free) on the platform of their choice among many other potential rewards. The game is currently slated to release on PC, iOS, and Android in February 2013.

Ultima IX: Ascension released and all Ultima games On Sale

Aug 23, 2012

GOG.com, the DRM-free digital purveyor of priceless PC games both classic and brand new, released the final game in the award-winning and well-loved Ultima series of RPGs: Ultima IX: Ascension.

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