About the author: Scott Ellison II
- Profile
- Scott is a disabled Marine veteran, married to his wife Nicole and has three kids. Scott also has a full-time job with Fastly as the Manager of Tier 3 - CSE. Scott is most well-known for founding, and writing for Saving Content, but you can find his other work on G4@Syfygames (defunct) and GameCritics.com (active).
Posts by Scott:
Hybrid Review
Aug 13, 2012
In an ambitious leap for 5th Cell from handhelds and mobile devices to consoles comes a futuristic third-person cover-based shooter. While that perhaps sounds uninteresting or displeasing, the concept of how you actually mobilize yourself from cover to cover and movement in general might surprise you. Equipped with a jetpack, you take cover and can move on that plane and can jump from cover to cover putting yourself in danger of being hit if timed wrong. Surfaces aren’t always normal orientation, sometimes you’ll take cover on walls sideways or on the ceiling being upside down.
F1 2012 launches in North America on September 18th
Aug 11, 2012
Codemasters today announced that F1 2012 will launch in North America on Sept. 18, 2012 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and PC. F1 2012 is the next game in the award-winning, multi-million selling FORMULA ONE series from Codemasters as part of an exclusive multi-year deal with Formula One World Championship Limited that takes players to the heart of the sport like never before.
A new developer diary, also released today, details several of F1 2012’s new features including the Young Driver Test, which will act as the game’s tutorial mode, teaching the player about the nuances of racing a FORMULA ONE car. Featuring the first glimpses of F1 2012 gameplay footage, the new developer diary can be viewed at www.youtube.com/formula1game.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/o3G5zFtaSiQ]
After a short delay, Hero Academy now available on Steam!
Aug 10, 2012
Robot Entertainment has announced that the Steam version of their critically acclaimed mobile strategy game, Hero Academy, is now available on PC! Players who purchase the game on Steam will unlock an exclusive new heroic team featuring the mercenaries from Valve Software’s wildly popular Team Fortress 2. Additionally, each heroic expansion team pack that players purchase in Hero Academy on Steam will unlock a unique cosmetic item in Team Fortress 2.
Download Hero Academy right now on Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/
Test your skills in this light-hearted battle between friends! Heroic teams have gathered to engage in friendly contests on the Academy playfields. Will your team emerge triumphant? Enter a world of swords and magic, and challenge friends old and new to a contest of tactics and skill. From the human Council to the mysterious Dark Elves, every team needs a fearless captain to lead them to victory. Only those that leverage their team’s strengths and capitalize on their opponent’s weaknesses will protect their crystal and win the day. The Academy extends a warm welcome to all – whether they’re already heroes, or simply heroes in training!
Challenge friends on Steam or iOS to asynchronous one-on-one battles via online multiplayer. Play a heated bout in twenty minutes or across a full day, whenever you have a few moments. You can play all of your Hero Academy matches at your desk, on your iPad, or on the go with your iPhone!
Launch Trailer:
[youtube=http://youtu.be/GFNci-hJ5lo]
Assassin’s Creed III on PC is slightly delayed until November 20th
Aug 10, 2012
Today, Ubisoft announced that Assassin’s Creed III for PCs will be available on November 20, 2012.
Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution in the late 18th century, Assassin’s Creed III introduces a new hero, Ratohnhaké:ton, of Native American and English heritage. Adopting the name Connor, he becomes the new voice for justice in the ancient war between the Assassins and Templars. Players become an Assassin in the war for liberty against ruthless tyranny in the most stylized and fluid combat experiences in the franchise to date.
Assassin’s Creed III is set to release on October 30th for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and will be available for Wii U™ from Nintendo when the Wii U™ launches.
Assassin’s Creed III can be pre-ordered at UBIShop by visiting: http://shop.ubi.com/
11bit Studios announces THREE new games at Gamescom
Aug 10, 2012
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11 bit studios, developer of the award-winning Anomaly Warzone Earth, is ready to unleashed a barrage of game announcements on the world today. The company unveils its full Gamescom lineup, and in the process announces three upcoming mobile games that will join “Anomaly Warzone Earth” for PlayStation3 at the 11 bit studios booth. The three games, “Funky Smugglers“, “Sleepwalker’s Journey” and “Anomaly Korea” are all set for release on iOS and Android in the coming months, and this is the first time we’ve talked about any of them. |
Anomaly Korea |
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Thrilling portable strategy is back with a new campaign in Korea! Packed with fierce battles, an engaging story, a tactical map for battle planning your approach, new units, new player powers, and an even more frantic race to build up a new battlefield against the oncoming alien hordes, this is tower defense turned on its head – again! http://anomalykorea.com |
Funky Smugglers |
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Check out the funky intro trailer at http://www.gamescom2012. Report for duty as the grooviest airport security officer in the world. Keep passengers safe as you use your X-Ray scanner to strip all sorts of wacky contraband including plungers, spiders and more from an array of over-the-top smugglers. Get funky with the hot, 70s-inspired soundtrack as you enjoy the game by yourself or in exciting multiplayer battles. http://funkysmugglers.com |
Sleepwalker’s Journey |
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Meet drowsy Moonboy. Blown out of bed by a big lunar sneeze, he sleepwalks through dreams. Moonboy needs your help to reach his bed. Guide him safely through various traps, clear obstructions from his path, and shift his surroundings to create a safe passage to the cozy bed. Solve environment puzzles in a fantasy world, find multiple pathways through the game, and collect stars and crescents to experience the beauty of Sleepwalker’s Journey fairytale atmosphere. You are Moonboy’s only guardian, and your imagination is the key that shapes the dream, as you lead the boy to his beloved bed. You are the dream creator. http://sleepwalkersjourney.com |
A New Trailer for Joe Danger 2 The Movie
Aug 10, 2012
This morning Hello Gmaes released their first trailer for our follow up to Joe Danger SE, Joe Danger The Movie!
[youtube=http://youtu.be/7ljgeXV_814]
NBA 2K13`s First Screenshots and Developer Diary
Aug 10, 2012
Today, 2K Sports released the first screenshots and new gameplay footage of NBA 2K13. The screenshots showcase cover athletes Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder; a monster dunk by Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers and the swift dribbling skills of Derrick Rose on the Chicago Bulls. Also released, the first Developer Insight Video #1 – Gameplay, Part 1 includes a look at the Control Stick in NBA 2K13.
Developer Insight Video #1 – Gameplay, Part 1:
[youtube=http://youtu.be/l-
Alien Spidy announced by Kalypso Media
Aug 10, 2012
Kalypso Media today announced it’s bringing charm, humor, and skill back to games with Alien Spidy, a digital action-adventure game starring a swinging alien spider, slated for Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation Network, Mac, and Windows PC slated in North America this fall.
Coupled with its official arrival in North America, Kalypso Media today unveiled a robust new trailer:
[youtube=http://youtu.be/saqs3Wr21AI]
Symphony Review
Aug 10, 2012
Much like Audiosurf and Beat Hazard before it, Symphony is music-driven shooter employing blazingly bright colors and visual trickery as a backdrop while utilizing your music library as the set piece. Symphony in the strictest and most relatable definition is: “anything characterized by a harmonious combination of elements, especially an effective combination of colors”. And in that, it mostly succeeds.
Rayman Legends playable character roster expands with the addition of Barbara
Aug 09, 2012
Today, Ubisoft announced a new playable character for Rayman Legends on Wii U. Joining Rayman, Globox, the Teensies and Murphy, Barbara brings her fiery energy to the Glade of Dreams and the Rayman universe.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/r160anvuIFY]
Max Payne 3 DLC “Local Justice Pack” now available on PC
Aug 09, 2012
The Local Justice Pack, the first downloadable content pack for Max Payne 3, is now available to download for PC.
This pack includes three new maps for Max Payne 3 multiplayer based on areas from the game’s intense final chapters (The Imperial Palace, Departure Lounge and 55th Battalion HQ); the new M4 assault rifle and attachments; the Light Fingers item for faster looting; a new São Paulo Police multiplayer faction; and associated new Social Club accomplishments.
The Local Justice Pack will be available for one week only at a discounted price of $5.99. The pack will then return to its normal price of $7.99. Players who purchased the Max Payne 3 Rockstar Pass will receive the pack free of charge. The Rockstar Pass is currently available for $29.99.
Additionally, all Max Payne 3 pre-order and retail DLC is now available for purchase on PC, including:
- Cemetery Map – Multiplayer map with a wintry New York City skyline, sniping positions amongst the monuments, destructible tombstones, and a looming mausoleum: 1.99;
- Silent Killer Loadout Pack – Includes the Light Anti-Tank Weapon, the Slippery Character Burst to quickly escape a firefight, and the Listening Device Item that amplifies player hearing: 1.99;
- Pill Bottle Item – Allows players to carry more painkillers in multiplayer: 0.99;
- Deadly Force Burst – Grants extra stopping power with higher damage bullets in multiplayer: 0.99;
- Classic Max Payne Character – Multiplayer avatar inspired by the original Max Payne: $0.99.
The Max Payne 3 Special Edition Pack is also available to purchase for PC today for the price of $1.99. The Special Edition Pack includes the Classic Multiplayer Character Pack of eight playable fan favorite multiplayer characters including Mona Sax, Vladimir Lem and Max from Max Payne 2, plus the Disorderly Conduct Multiplayer Weapons Pack (Hammerhead Auto Shotgun, G9 Grenade Launcher and Molotov Cocktail projectile weapon), both of which were previously only available via the Max Payne 3 Special Edition.
Featuring cutting edge shooting mechanics for precision gunplay, advanced new Bullet Time® and Shootdodge™ effects, full integration of Natural Motion’s Euphoria Character Behavior system for lifelike movement and a dark and twisted story, Max Payne 3 is a seamless, highly detailed, cinematic experience from Rockstar Games.
Insurgency 2 – Eight minutes of Alpha Footage, needs Kickstarting
Aug 09, 2012
Insurgency 2, the upcoming high-speed tactical first-person shooter currently attempting to acquire development funding on Kickstarter, has just released a brand-new compilation of gameplay footage.
This 8-minute montage is comprised entirely of alpha footage as Insurgency 2’s developer, New World Interactive (NWI), is still hard at work developing the game and adding polish. To help them complete the game, please visit the Kickstarter page and donate: http://www.kickstarter.com/
[vimeo=http://vimeo.com/47185308]
Carrier Command: Gaea Mission goes 3D on PC
Aug 09, 2012
As part of bringing Carrier Command to the modern age, Bohemia Interactive has announced NVIDIA 3D Vision support for the Windows PC version of Carrier Command: Gaea Mission. The enhanced perception of depth blends perfectly with the game’s futuristic setting.
Those who expect gaming to drive the consumer adoption of 3D will see their belief fueled by the cutting edge 3D implementation in Carrier Command: Gaea Mission. “Supporting 3D Vision reaffirms the philosophy behind our game’s ‘NVIDIA: The Way It’s Meant to be Played’ label. Although personal preference will always be a factor, I think for many it will be part of the optimal experience and draw them even deeper into our game”, said Executive Producer Jan Kunt.
Carrier Command: Gaea Mission will also be playable at Bohemia Interactive’s booth at Gamescom. Here enthusiasts are welcomed to try out the Windows PC and Xbox 360 version of the game.
Carrier Command 3D Vision sample screenshots [download zip]
– Requires NVIDIA 3D Vision® (capable) hardware and NVIDIA 3D Vision® Photo Viewer. Samples were taken with depth amount set to maximum.
For more information on NVIDIA 3D Vision®, head over to http://www.nvidia.com/object/
Epic Games forms Impossible Studios from the ashes of Big Huge Games and 38 Studios
Aug 09, 2012
Epic Games, Inc. announces the opening of Impossible Studios, a company comprised of highly skilled, senior-level game development talent. Based in Hunt Valley, Maryland, Impossible is the latest addition to Epic’s network, which includes corporate headquarters in Cary, North Carolina; ChAIR Entertainment in Salt Lake City, Utah; People Can Fly in Warsaw, Poland; Epic Games Korea in Seoul, Korea; and Epic Games Japan in Yokohama, Japan.
Founded in June, Impossible brings world-class game development expertise and creativity to Epic’s growing team. With heralded roots in real-time strategy and role-playing entertainment software, Impossible brings its own distinct design and technical sensibilities to Epic’s portfolio of games and game technology across major platforms.
Led by studio director Sean Dunn, Impossible’s first project is the touch-based action role-playing game “Infinity Blade: Dungeons” for iOS. “Infinity Blade: Dungeons,” which was conceived at Epic’s Cary studio, is being developed in collaboration with Epic and ChAIR under Impossible’s roof in Maryland.
Impossible consists of former employees of Big Huge Games, creators of the renowned “Rise of Nations” strategy games, “Catan” for Xbox LIVE Arcade, “Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties” for PC, and “Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning” for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. Big Huge Games earned the Baltimore Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work 2011” award and was also honored as one of Game Developer magazine’s top 30 developers in the world earlier this year.
“Epic Games has truly embraced this stellar collection of developers who were displaced by the closing of Big Huge Games,” said studio director Sean Dunn. “They have looked after us with complete care, giving us all the tools and resources we need to make a lot of gamers happy.”
From Left to Right: Ian Frazier, Lead Designer | Phil Teschner, Engine Architect | Sean Dunn, Studio Director | Michael Fridley, Executive Producer | Bryant Freitag, Lead Programmer | Tim Coman, Lead Artist
“We were so glad we could help keep this great team together, and we’re lucky to have them,” said Epic Games President Dr. Michael Capps. “At the time, I said that finding a full team of superstars was ‘impossible’ and apparently the name stuck! Pairing the imagination and experience of Impossible with Epic’s technology, IP and resources makes for a business greater than the sum of its parts.”
Capps will lead an “Infinity Blade: Dungeons” panel with the game’s lead designer, Ian Frazier, and author, Brandon Sanderson, at Dragon*Con in Atlanta on August 31. “Infinity Blade: Dungeons” is set for release on the App Store later this year.
Colour Bind – An actual color-based physics puzzler Coming Soon
Aug 08, 2012
Puppy Punch Productions’ Colour Bind, a unique puzzle game where gravity is determined not by mass but by colour. It’s coming out soon for PC and Mac, and I’ll have more info on a release date in the coming weeks.
An overview trailer from the game’s creator, Finn Morgan, who’s been working on this for more than two years.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/Ri8hb_IreG4]
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