Second Map by MAXIM for Gears of War: Judgment is ‘Dreadnought’

May 10, 2013

On May 15, download the second MAXIM Map, Dreadnought, available for OverRun players free of charge for a limited time. A brief description of the level is below:

Dreadnought: In the months immediately following Emergence Day, the COG managed to capture some Locust Berserkers.  Thinking that a ship at sea would be safe from an underground enemy, the COG decided to transport their prize to a secure research facility via the CNV Pomeroy.  Little did they know that the Locust had waterborne beasts from the underground rivers of the Hollow, or that the Locust soldiers would use them so relentlessly to rescue the captured Berserkers.  The Pomeroy was corralled into a narrow channel and forced ashore, where the Locust sent a mass of troops to assault and overwhelm the beached vessel.

Gears of War: Judgment New DLC: ‘Call to Arms Map Pack’ gives Three New Maps and New Multiplayer Mode on April 23rd

Apr 19, 2013

Microsoft and Epic Studios today announced the second expansion in the “Gears of War: Judgment” multiplayer experience, the Call to Arms Map Pack, coming to VIP Season Pass holders on Tuesday, April 23 via Xbox LIVE, and available worldwide April 30. Developed by Epic Games and People Can Fly, the Call to Arms Map Pack brings players three new multiplayer maps, a brand-new mode called “Master at Arms,” and six armor and gun skins for customizing your characters and weapons.

Set against the backdrop of the Locust invasion of Halvo Bay, all three new maps provide a mix of close quarters and vertical combat, keeping Gearheads immersed in the action. The Call to Arms Map Pack provides 10 new Achievements worth a total of 250 Gamerscore.

New Maps:

• Terminal: The speed and ferocity of the Locust invasion took Halvo Bay completely by surprise. Residents scrambled to evacuate by every means possible, and COG forces were called in to maintain order as martial law was enforced. However, the Locust showed no mercy, and gave no quarter; they swept through train terminals like this one to take advantage of the close quarters and sheer number of defenseless humans trapped within its walls. Sometimes, COG forces could hold the line long enough for a final evacuation, but too many lost their lives in defense of the people and the land they loved.
• Blood Drive: As casualties started to mount, the staff at Halvo Memorial quickly began what would become the largest triage effort in the history of Sera. Their “Give Blood Today” campaign inspired a global blood drive in support of COG forces and wounded civilians. Sadly, Halvo fell quickly, and the hospital became a battlefront instead of a sanctuary. The seed of hope was planted, however, and government-run Memorial hospitals across the country mobilized to keep the effort alive until Jacinto Memorial was the last standing bastion of hope for the people of Sera.
• Boneyard: The concept of traditional memorial services had to be suspended due to the constant stream and alarming volume of casualties as Sera fell victim to the Locust Horde. Memorial grounds quickly became boneyards. Unmarked holes became grave sites and mausoleums were filled with the nameless remains of the fallen, their skeletons piled into heaps. Tread lightly, you never know what, or who, you’re walking on, and one day you’re bound to join them.

The Call to Arms Map Pack will be available on Xbox LIVE for 1000 Microsoft Points. Players who purchase the “Gears of War: Judgment” VIP Season Pass will receive early access to map packs and a 25 percent savings versus purchasing them individually.

New Mode: “Master At Arms”

This new free-for-all game mode exclusive to “Gears of War: Judgment” will test the true range of your soldiering skills. The goal is to get a kill with each of the 20 different available weapons, without resorting to melee or grenade tactics. Every successful kill will automatically advance you to the next available weapon until you have used them all and proven your skill as a true Master at Arms.

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.

Gears of War: Judgment – Cinematic Launch Trailer

Mar 07, 2013

Ready your Lancers and prepare to jump back into the fight, Gear-heads! To equip fans for the impending launch of “Gears of War: Judgment” on March 19, Epic Games and Microsoft today premiered a new cinematic trailer showcasing the intense, grub-stomping action and thrilling gameplay of this spring’s most hotly anticipated blockbuster.

Featuring the hit single “Shooting the Moon” from acclaimed UK band Mona, the trailer offers a glimpse of “Judgment’s” heart-pounding campaign and embodies the bold defiance, bravery and heroism of fan-favorite Damon Baird and Kilo Squad as they face an unjust trial and fight to rescue the planet Sera from the brink of annihilation. The trailer was rendered entirely in-engine on Unreal Engine 3, showcasing the stunning graphics of the most visually spectacular “Gears” game yet.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/YR4WpfW1Dfc]

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a Horror-themed Sherlock Holmes

Feb 06, 2013

First, and actual screenshot from the game.

Inspired by the weird fiction stories and other tales of macabre of the early 20th century, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a game to be played at night, alone, and in headphones. With The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, The Astronauts – a team comprised of People Can Fly (Bulletstorm, Painkiller) veterans – aim to evolve immersive storytelling in games. It’s set for release on PC via digital distributors in 2013.

As a detective with the supernatural ability to visualize scenes of lethal crimes, you investigate the kidnapping of a young boy, hoping to save him before it’s too late. The investigation leads you to a beautiful mountain area, where you come across a severely mutilated body of one of the kidnappers. Using both your paranormal skill and modern detective tools you discover the mystery behind the trail of corpses in the valley, the roots of an ancient force ruling the area, and the fate of the kidnapped boy.

“What we care about the most is that the players feel like they’re really there. Immersion is our number one priority,” said the game’s designer, Adrian Chmielarz. “It’s a game about exploration and discovery. We’re not abandoning the gameplay – on the contrary: we’re trying to strip it down to the bone and make sure it’s always meaningful and truly makes the experience better.”