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Skyrim Update 1.4 is Live on Xbox, PS3 Later Today – Full List of Changes

Garrett Hartman — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:00:39 +0000

FUS RO DAH! The Skyrim1.4 update is live on Xbox Live and expected to hit the PS3 later on today. This is an anticipated update which should fix a few annoying bugs, most importantly the PS3 bug that makes it unplayable after a certain level.

Below is the full list of changes courtesy of the Bethblog.

Bethesda also claims to be putting the final touches on the Creation Kit and Skyrim Workshop and will let everyone know as soon as they’re up.

NEW FEATURES

Skyrim launcher support for Skyrim Workshop (PC)

BUG FIXES

General optimizations for memory and performance
Fixed occasional issue with armor and clothing not displaying properly when placed on mannequins in player’s house (PS3)
Long term play optimizations for memory and performance (PS3)
Improved compiler optimization settings (PC)
Memory optimizations related to scripting
Fixed issue with dangling scripts not properly clearing from memory
Fixed crashes related to pathing and AI
Fixed crash in “Haemar’s Shame” if player had already completed “A Daedra’s Best Friend”
Fixed rare crash with loading saved games
Fixed issue with accented characters not displaying properly at the end of a line
Fixed issue where dragon priest masks would not render correctly
Fixed issue where quests would incorrectly progress after reloading a save
Fixed issues with placing and removing books from bookshelves in the player’s home
Optimized bookshelf script in player-owned houses that would occasionally block other scripts from properly firing off
Fixed issue where weapon racks and plaques would not work correctly in player’s house if player immediately visits their house before purchasing any upgrades
Fixed issue where the player house in Windhelm would not clean up properly
Fixed crash related to giant attacks and absorb spells
Fixed issue with ash piles not cleaning up properly
Fixed occasional issue where overwriting an existing save would fail
Fixed memory crash with container menu
Fixed infinite loop with bookshelves
Fixed issue where transforming back to human from werewolf would occasionally fail
Bows and daggers will display properly when placed on weapon racks
Fixed occasional audio issue that would play sound effects louder than intended
Fixed bug related to hitching between cell boundaries
Master Criminal achievement/trophy unlocks properly in French, German, Spanish and Italian
Fixed issue where traps in Shalidor’s Maze would not work properly in French, German, Spanish and Italian versions

QUEST FIXES

The Unusual Gem that was inside the Thalmor Embassy is now accessible after finishing “Diplomatic Immunity”
In “Breaching Security”, the quest token is no longer required to receive a fortune reading from Olava the Feeble
Fixed issue where Galmar would not complete Joining the Stormcloaks properly if “Season Unending” was an active quest
Fixed issue where starting “Season Unending” after finishing “Joining the Stormcloaks” would prevent “The Jagged Crown” from starting properly
Fixed issue where progressing through “Message to Whiterun” while “Season Unending” was still open would block progression for both quests
In “Arniel’s Endeavor”, fixed issue where a quest journal would trigger multiple times
In “Forbidden Legend”, the amulet fragment can no longer disappear after player leaves a dungeon without taking it
Fixed rare issue in “Forbidden Legend” where killing Mikrul Gauldurson while sneaking would make his corpse unaccessible
In “The White Phial”, the phial can no longer disappear if player leaves dungeon without taking it
“The White Phial” will now start properly if player already has a briar heart in their inventory
Player can no longer get stuck in Misty Grove after completing “A Night to Remember”
Fixed issue where leaving Riften during “A Chance Arrangement” would prevent quest from progressing
In “Darkness Returns”, a door in Twilight Sepulcher will properly open if the player leaves the dungeon for an extended period of time before completing the quest
In “Revealing the Unseen”, if the player leaves the Oculory for an extended period of time after placing the focusing crystal and returns, the quest will proceed correctly
“Onmund’s Request” will now start properly if player has already found Enthir’s staff before receiving this quest
Fixed instance where Tonilia would stop buying stolen items and also would not give Guild Leader Armor
“Repairing the Phial” will start properly if player already has unmelting snow or mammoth tusk in their inventory
Finding Pantea’s Flute before speaking with Pantea no longer prevents her quest from updating
In “The Break of Dawn”, fixed rare instance where a quest object would spawn incorrectly on the Katariah during Hail Sithis
Fixed rare issue in “The Mind of Madness” where player is unable to equip the Wabbajack
Fixed issue in “Pieces of the Past” where Mehrunes Dagon’s Razor will not trigger properly if player leaves the cell for extended period of time before activating it
“Blood’s Honor” will start properly if you visited and completed Driftshade and an extended period of time passes before starting the quest.
Fixed rare issue where “Dampened Spirits” would not start properly
Fixed issue where player would be unable to become Thane of Riften if they purchased a home first
Fixed issue where killing guards in Cidhna Mine would block progression for “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine”
Fixed numerous issues with “Blood on the Ice” not triggering properly
In “Blood on the Ice”, Calixto can now be killed if player owns a house in Windhelm
In “The Cure for Madness”, killing Cicero then resurrecting him no longer impedes quest progress
Fixed rare issue in “To Kill an Empire” where an NPC would fail to die properly
Clearing Knifepoint Ridge before starting “Boethiah’s Champion” no longer prevents quest from starting.

New Video Game Releases: Feb. 6 – Feb. 12

Garrett Hartman — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:00:28 +0000

Finally, the type of Rock’em Sock’em release week that is fun to write about. While maybe not the Superbowl of release weeks, with so many big and varied releases, it could easily be mistaken for a busy November release week. Let’s take a look at a few of the notable releases of this week.

Kingdoms of Amalur Reckoning is a single-player action role-playing game put together by a dream team including executive designer Ken Rolston (lead designer of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion), story writer R.A. Salvatore (celebrated fantasy writer), artist Todd McFarlane (creator of Spawn and famous comic book artist) and Big Huge Game owner Curt Shilling (Hall of Fame MLB pitcher and gaming enthusiast). With a team like this and great early reviews, you’d be fool not to pick it up for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

The Darkness II revisits the ongoing saga of possessed mobster Jackie Estacado from 2007′s hit The Darkness. Promising interesting new gameplay tweaks, such as the ability to quad wield and increased use of darklings, this is indeed a promising release to look for on PC, 360 and PS3.

For gamers looking for more Batman there is Gotham City Imposters. While not featuring the Gotham’s Caped Crusader, the game will be played from the perspective of two teams each trying to kill the other: one with people dressed like Batman and the other with people dressed like The Joker. Players will be able to customize their costumes, gadgets and other aspects of the game with 8 player action that takes place with an over-the-top visual style. Gotham City Imposters releases this week on XBLA, PSN and PC.

Shank 2 sees the return of avenging assassin Shank. Once again Shank is forced to go on the offensive as those closest to him come under atteck. Using an arsenal including dual handguns, chainsaws, machetes, plus all-new weapons and a brand new set of moves to protect those close to him, his enemies don’t stand a chance. Shank 2 releases this week on XBLA,PC and PSN.

Pick of the Week: I am a big fan of 2007′s The Darkness. At the time it had breathtaking graphics, an offbeat style and gameplay mechanics to make it both unique and satisfying. At the same time, it would be hard to overlook the pedigree of the team that put together Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. It’s a close one, but Reckoning by a nose - Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

Below is the full list of new releases.

PlayStation 3

Dance Magic
Fallout: New Vegas – Ultimate Edition
Gotham City Impostors (PSN)
Jak and Daxter Collection
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning CE
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations
Shank 2 (PSN)
The Darkness II
The Darkness II LE
The House of the Dead III (PSN)
The Simpsons Arcade Game (PSN)

Xbox 360

Dance Magic
Fallout: New Vegas – Ultimate Edition
Forza Motorsport 4: February American Le Mans Series Pack (DLC)
Gotham City Impostors (XBLA)
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning CE
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations
Shank 2 (XBLA)
The Darkness II
The Darkness II LE

Wii

NADA

Gotham City Impostors
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
Shank 2
The Darkness II
The Darkness II LE

3DS

Balloon Pop 2
Resident Evil: Revelations

Jewel Link Chronicles: Mountains of Madness

PSP

NADA

Total PS3 Sales Close to Xbox 360 But Gap May Widen

Michael Futter — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:00:04 +0000

While it’s probably unfair to assume that no one wants the next generation of consoles right now, it’s undeniable that the majority of gamers are still quite content with their Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Recently, Sony hinted that they would be the last to reveal their plans for the next generation system (presumably named the PlayStation 4), with Microsoft being demure about what they would be bringing to E3 in early June.

The first Thursday of the month is typically “earnings call day,” and Sony revealed that their total PlayStation 3 sales have now reached 47.9 million units, compared to the Xbox 360′s 50 million units (as disclosed during Microsoft’s final CES keynote). While the numbers seem fairly close, it’s important to look at the trends.

In the quarter ending December 31, 2011, Sony moved 6.3 million PlayStation 3 units. This is down .2 million from the same period last year. In contrast, Microsoft is boasting 2.7 million Xbox 360s sold in the same period which is up a monster 70% over last year. The Kinect, which has disappointed core gamers but, clearly, found a place with the younger and casual markets, saw sales of 2.4 million and throttled past the overall 10 million unit mark. Microsoft continues to see growth, where Sony’s sales of gaming hardware has stagnated and shrunk.

There are some factors that might help explain away a portion of the sales figures, but nothing terribly significant. Microsoft is likely seeing a portion of sales from users replacing out-of-warranty, red ringed 360 consoles. On the flip side, Sony is experiencing very weak PSP sales as the Vita launched, though too softly, in Asia and will be in other major territories in a matter of weeks. Sony can turn the ship around with some clever marketing and bundles that tie a complete Vita experience to owning a PS3 (and vice versa).

Put up alongside Microsoft likely showing something about the next Xbox at E3 and Sony vehemently denying that they will match, one has to wonder if the positions should be reversed. Clearly, Microsoft knows that there is a lot of life left in the 360 whereas Sony might have too much faith in the PS3. With E3 quickly coming upon us, we’ll have all the news you can handle soon.

Behold, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning’s Epic Release Trailer

Garrett Hartman — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:30:29 +0000

EA and 38 Studios released a launch trailer for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning.

With an all-star creative cast including Ken Rolston (lead designer of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion) as executive designer, fantasy author R.A. Salvatore as the creative force behind the game’s universe, Todd McFarlane (creator of Spawn and legendary artist) as leading artist, and Hall of Fame pitcher Curt Schilling (owner of 38 Studios), anticipation for this game is at fever pitch.

Enjoy the trailer below.

Kindoms of Amalur: Reckoning releases February 7 on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

New Video Game Releases: Jan. 30 – Feb. 6

Garrett Hartman — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:45:57 +0000

Finally, a 2012 release week with notable anticipated releases. With offerings from such storied franchises such as Final Fantasy, SoulCalibur in addition to inspired DLC and a new IP release has January ending on a high note.

It can easily be said that Final Fantasy XIII-2 is the highest profile release of the week. While the series’ image is not quite what it was due to recent disappointments, FFXIII-2 adds a revamped combat system and promises less linear gameplay. Will it be enough? Find out this week as it releases for both Xbox 360 and PS3.

SoulCalibur V picks up 17 years after the events of SoulCalibur IV with new heroes and returning warriors clashing in an epic showdown between good and evil. This latest offering brings new charter customization and combat features including a new gauge that allows characters to execute “Brave Edge” and “Critical Edge” attacks. SoulCalibur V will be available on PS3 and 360.

NeverDead is a third-person action game set in a fantasy and horror-influenced universe where supernatural battles between humans and extraordinary creatures blanket a vast city landscape. The main character has immortalic regenerative powers re-assembling his own body to evade death. In the battle against demons he stands as humanities’ best hope because he is never dead. NeverDead creeps into retail on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Dead Island fans will no doubt relish the return to the fateful Island with Ryder White DLC. The DLC will a offer a different perspective on antagonist Ryder White, enabling gamers to understand his motives by stepping into his shoes. It releases on the PC, 360 and PS3.

OOOOOH YEEEAAH! Some of the most beloved WWE superstars of yesteryear return to the Legends and SuperStars Pack DLC for WWE’12. With great wrestlers like Mick Folley and Randy Savage on the roster, it would be madness not to get this for the PS3 or Xbox 360.

Pick of the Week: I’m definitely interested in SoulCalibur V, with all the extra features and fighters. But I want to give Final Fantasy XIII-2 a chance. I still have found memories of FF games of generations past which weren’t completely tarnished by the crapfest of XIII. Square-Enix, this is your last chance – Final Fantasy XIII-2

Check out the full list of new releases below:

PlayStation 3

Dead Island: Ryder White (DLC)
Final Fantasy XIII-2
Final Fantasy XIII-2
WWE ’12: Legends & Superstars Pack ( DLC)
NeverDead
SoulCalibur V
SoulCalibur V CE

Xbox 360

Dead Island: Ryder White (DLC)
Final Fantasy XIII-2
Final Fantasy XIII-2 CE
Happy Action Theater (XBLA)
WWE ’12: Legends & Superstars Pack ( DLC)
NeverDead
SoulCalibur V
SoulCalibur V CE

Wii

Country Dance: Special Edition

Age of Enigma: The Secret of the Sixth Ghost
Command Ops: Highway to the Reich
Dead Island: Ryder White

3DS

Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 3D

Kids Learn 2Think: A+ Edition

PSP

Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee & Hot Shots Tennis – Get a Grip Dual Pack (PSN)
Motorstorm: Arctic Edge & Twisted Metal: Head-On – Dual Pack

Rumors Say The Next Xbox Will Play Blu-rays, But Not Used Games

Todd Schlickbernd — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:30:57 +0000

We just heard about Kingdom of Amalur‘s online pass content, and have been hearing about online passes for years now. People are pretty not-down with online passes, but the industry has a bone to pick with used games and Microsoft may have a strategy which, if successful, will reduce the used game industry to nothing but, well, bones. According to Kotaku, the next generation Xbox might be implementing a system which prevents used games from being played. Now what this means is rather specifically unstated, whomever informed Kotaku doesn’t know how Microsoft plans to do it. However, we do know what it means if they do implement it, sadness. Or at least that’s the immediate reaction. Let’s explore something here.

Most people were pretty shell shocked holiday 2011 with the impressive lineup of AAA titles being released from September to December, and we eventually realized one thing: we can’t buy them all. Not without selling organs, and even then some people probably had to take other people’s organs if they wanted all that the holidays had to offer. However, this crazy lineup of full price games didn’t stay full price for long, Need for Speed: The Run, Assassin’s Creed Revelations, and many other AAA games went on sale rather soon after their release because they had to compete.

Now, imagine that there was no way to buy those games used. Well now people are really pinching pennies (which is very rude to penny-kind, by the way) and only buying the games they really, really want and sometimes having to avoid even those games for a time. There’s no “I’ll buy this one now, and get the other one used later”, because there will be no used! So instead the logic might follow, “I’ll have to wait until they both drop in price”, and when an entire group of consumers thinks that way, prices will start dropping. At least in theory. Also it’ll mean the end to online passes because there would be no point. Scary as this all sounds, it’s important to consider that while the industry will (hopefully) be making all their intended revenue, there’s give-and-take and when gamers and non-gamers alike can’t afford games like they used to, the industry will have to respond.

Beyond that controversial bit, included in the rumors was the fact that the Xbox 360 will play Blu-rays, a noticeable 15 – 35gb size limit increase over that of DVDs. Yay, Blu-rays, higher graphical quality, Blu-ray movies, and… oh wait, remember what happened with the PS3 and backwards compatibility? Uh oh. Well let’s hope that plays out favorably. I didn’t pay $600 for a console six years ago and I won’t do it two years from now. I’ll just duct tape my 360 to my 720 or whatever the new console will be calling itself. I’m thinking… the Ybox. Or the Wbox, depending on the perspective.

Lastly, there are apparently features planned for the new Xbox which will better accommodate the Kinect and allow it to detect users more accurately. There’s a rather good chance the new device, if there is one, will be called “Kinect Movement Extra” and will be a small cube rammed somewhere into existing Kinects. All of this is speculation, but along with the recent news of the possibly super amazing graphics, the next Xbox may be able to land at a late 2013 release.

Gears 4? Epic Hiring Technical Artist to Prototype for Next-Gen Hardware

Catherine Cai — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:00:33 +0000

According to an Epic Games job posting on LinkedIn, the studio best known for their Unreal Engine and a little thing called Gears of War you may or may not have heard of is prepping, as expected, for the next generation of consoles. The job listing, calling for a technical artist, states:

“Your goal will be to attack the more complex issues that arise when we push the technology envelope, both in production on current hardware, and prototyping for next-generation hardware.”

The Wii U (or whatever it ends up being called) is due to launch sometime between E3 and the end of this year, and new hardware announcements will probably come pouring in come end of 2012, so it’s not a surprise that Epic’s already prepping for its move onto new consoles. After all, fans will be expecting Gears of War 4 to look as lifelike as possible.

The Witcher 2 Arrives on Xbox This April With 3 Hours of New Content

Justin Carter — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:00:04 +0000

The Witcher 2 was one of the best PC games of last year. Even though it has had trouble with pirates, nothing could stop CD Projekt from working on an Xbox 360 version of the game. It was originally scheduled for last November, but as you can tell, that didn’t work out.

Today, Warner Bros. announced the release date for the game. The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings–Enhanced Edition will hit the 360 April 17 in North America. With the Enhanced subtitle, you can expect 3+ hours of new content, gameplay, and story elements. Check out the box art below.

via Game Informer

Xbox Dashboard Update Takes Color Out of Your Life; Microsoft Working on Fix

Catherine Cai — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:15:43 +0000

The recent Xbox dashboard update has reportedly washed out color from videos for some users. No, Microsoft isn’t throwing back to the days of old black and white TV.

Microsoft’s Major Nelson, via his Twitter, stated that Microsoft is on the case for the fix, although there’s still no ETA for when the fix will actually come about.

If you’re one of the unfortunate souls whose Xbox dashboard is currently spectrum-challenged, stay tuned. We’ll let you know as soon as there are any updates. For now, just pretend that you’re playing a videogame on a really old TV set.

[Via Joystiq]

New Video Game Releases: Jan. 16 – Jan. 22

Garrett Hartman — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:00:17 +0000

The desolate winter season of new releases continues with such a sparse release week that if I were to not include DLC, would only have a total of three measly releases.

The big release this week is ScaryGirl on XBLA. Based on Nathan Jurevicius’ Scarygirl graphic novel, Scarygirl presents a wondrous adventure into a distinctive and beautifully bizarre world. Main character Scarygirl is an abandoned child with a tentacle arm who dresses like a pirate. Joining with friends such as Blister the giant octopus and Bunniguru the mystical, kung-fu rabbit she sets out on an off-beat adventure.

The other full game releases include Jungle Speed for the Wii and What’s Your Type? for the DS. Jungle speed is a twitchy, fast-paced card game while What’s Your Type? is an interesting game that helps you predict you and your friends’ personalities, using a combination of proven scientific methodologies.

This week we get DLC for major games like Gears of War 3, Saints Row The Third and Gran Turismo 5. Gears of War 3 gets the Fenix Rising Map Pack. Gran Turismo 5 gets two new DLC packs with the Car Pack 3 and the Spped Test Pack. Saints Row fans can go Genki crazy with the Genki Bowl VIII or go cheap with the free CheapyD Pack.

Pick of the Week: An Easy Pick actually. ScaryGirl wins almost simply by default. It’s off-beat style and interesting story should captivate gamers more so than anything else this week – ScaryGirl

PlayStation 3

Gran Turismo 5 Car Pack 3 (DLC)
Gran Turismo 5 Speed Test Pack (DLC)
Saints Row: The Third – Genki Bowl VII (DLC)
Saints Row: The Third – CheapyD Pack (DLC)

Xbox 360

Gears of War 3: Fenix Rising Map Pack (DLC)
Saints Row: The Third – Genki Bowl VII (DLC)
ScaryGirl (XBLA)

Wii

Jungle Speed

Saints Row: The Third – Genki Bowl VII (DLC)
Saints Row: The Third – CheapyD Pack (DLC)

3DS

NADA

What’s Your Type?

PSP

NADA

Expect Mass Effect 3 for 360 to Come on Multiple Discs

Catherine Cai — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:07:51 +0000

You can expect Mass Effect 3 to come on at least 2 discs.

A few days ago, Bioware Senior Designer Manveer Heir stated on his Twitter feed in response to Mass Effect fans that,

“The game [Mass Effect 3] is already 2 discs on 360…”

“… Fairly sure 360 is 2 discs.”

So expect Mass Effect 3 for 360 to come on multiple discs. This isn’t much of a surprise considering its predecessor was two discs long. For those of you who aren’t looking forward to disc switching multiple times, just think of this way… More discs means more Mass Effect 3 to love.

New SSX Gameplay Trailer Announces GeoTags and Shows Gameplay Modes

Garrett Hartman — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:59:57 +0000

EA has released a new trailer which shows off gameplay modes, the exclusive reveal of GeoTags and snow ripping action for their upcoming extreme snowboarding title, SSX.

SSX becomes available at retail February 28 for the Xbox 360 and PS3. Enjoy the trailer below.

New RE: Operation Raccoon City CG Trailer is a Welcome Return to the Series’ Roots

Garrett Hartman — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:48:42 +0000

Ah, the thrills of Resident Evil games of years past. A time before zombies had tentacles, Umbrella made for the ultimate evil corporation and gamers winched in fear with the site of an unstoppable Tyrant. Which is not to say that we all didn’t love the unique adventure of Resident Evil 4, but RE5 and many recent titles had taken the series away from its’ style and survival horror roots.

Capcom had promised to go back to the basics with Resident Evil Operation Raccoon City and this new trailer shows they intend to deliver. While you won’t see any actual gameplay in this fully CG trailer, it teases the possibilities of the unique squad-based survial gameplay and versus capabilities. What we do see is hordes of mindless zombies, Lickers, unique squad abilities, and a Tyrant.

Look for Resident Evil Operation Raccoon City on March 20 in the US for the PS3 and 360. Check out the trailer below.

New Video Game Releases: Jan. 9 – Jan.15

Garrett Hartman — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:55:09 +0000

Now that we’re past the holiday season, we can start to look for an increase in both the quantity and quality of new releases. While the end of January no doubt holds promise, we are unfortunately saddled with a mediocre release week.

Arguably the biggest mutliplat release this week is Choplifter HD. An update of the successful 80′s Sega arcade and Master System hit. Choplifter HD distinguishes itself from other games in the genre as the focus is more directed at rescuing. Choplifter HD will be available on XBL, PSN, and PC.

Another title to look for is Amy, an innovative survival horror title from the original creator of the 90′s classic Flashback. Amy takes place in an apocalyptic future populated by zombies, demons and other unsavory types. The cooperative gameplay featured in Amy is a deep and unique system that requires players to strategize in order to protect Amy and keep both characters alive. Amy releases this week on both PSN and XBL.

Pick of the Week: The original Choplifter serves as one of those 80′s arcade classics that is still playable today and this HD modern update looks to be both entertaining and addicting. Meanwhile, Amy has more than a few features that make it unique and a pedigree you can’t deny – Amy

Check out the full list of this week’s releases below:

PlayStation 3

Amy (PSN)
Choplifter HD (PSN)
Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat
National Geographic Challenge!

Xbox 360

Amy (XBLA)
Choplifter HD (XBLA)
Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat

Wii

Carmen Sandiego Adventures in Math: The Case of the Crumbling Cathedral (WiiWare)

Choplifter HD

3DS

Crush 3D
My Pet Puppy 3D

What’s Your Type?

PSP

NADA

Microsoft Tweaks Indie Game Size Limits and Pricing On Xbox Live

Catherine Cai — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:30:21 +0000

Indie games published on Xbox Live can now be bigger and cheaper.

Microsoft has changed the maximum file size limit of indie games on Xbox Live from 150 MB to 500 MB. Indie developers also now have the option to price small games (< 150 MB) on Xbox Live at 80 MSP, the equivalent of $1, when before the pricing options were set at 240 or 400 MSP. This price reduction allows indie developers to price their smaller releases accordingly. Cthulu Saves the World, for instance, has already been reduced down to 80 MSP. Hopefully, it’ll see better sales figures at the reduced cost.

Microsoft announced that it was making these changes in order to ”enable our developers to make even better content for Xbox Live Indie Games.” Good news, indie developers. Microsoft still realizes that supporting indie developers is probably somewhat important. But no, access to the Xbox Live Indie Games section is still buried deep within the recesses of the new Xbox Live dashboard. Hopefully, Microsoft will realize that indie developers rely on the fact that Xbox Live users stumble onto the Xbox Live Indie Games in order to explore and buy indie releases. Otherwise, there’s really no reason for Xbox Live users, who usually wouldn’t (care to) be informed about indie releases to wander into the Xbox Live Indie Games section since it’s buried multiple clicks deep into the dashboard.

[Via Edge]

Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD will Cost $15, Robomodo Developing

Jon Christensen — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:10:23 +0000

During the Video Game Awards show on Saturday, Activision unveiled a trailer for Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD. The company promises it will include levels from the award-winning first two installments of the franchise. A little while after the show, we got word that the remastered version will only be available as a download only.

Today, we get even more news for the extreme sports title. The publisher has confirmed we should expect the title to cost “about $15,” when it’s released virtually in the early part of next year. Sadly, Activision has yet to confirm which platforms we should expect to see on, but they hinted it will be coded on ‘leading consoles.’ So it’s safe to say it’ll be available on Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network, and possibly the Wii U, whenever that thing is released.

Robomodo, the team behind the dreadful Tony Hawk: Ride and Shred installments are helming the project. Though, I wouldn’t be too worried with that particular news because they’re just updating an older game, and probably don’t have a lot of creative control over the title … at least I hope so.

New Video Game Releases: Dec. 12 – Dec. 18

Garrett Hartman — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:41:51 +0000

Welcome to another sleepy week of December releases. One that, unless you like Gears 3 or interested in playing a real life guitar, there is little to see here.

The biggest (and only) multiplatform release this week is Rocksmith which becomes available for PC gamers. Meanwhile, Rocksmith (The Complete Real Guitar Kit) releases for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Gears of War fans get a nice little early present as the Gears of War 3: Raam’s Shadow DLC becomes available for the Xbox 360 this week. Included in this DLC is six new multiplayer characters, a new weapon set named “Chocolate”, new achievements, and over 3 hours of singleplayer gameplay. The story takes place before the first Gears of War, with gamers playing as the infamous Locust General Raam.

Pick of the Week: If I wanted to learn how to play the guitar, (or had the time and patience to learn) I’d probably be interested in the Rocksmith Real Guitar Kit. As it is I’m a big fan of Gears of War and I can’t wait to get my hands on the Gears of War 3: Raam’s Shadow DLC.

Check out the full list of this week’s releases below:

Xbox 360

Gears of War 3: Raam’s Shadow DLC
Joe Danger: Special Edition (XBLA)
Marvel Pinball: Vengeance and Virtue
Rocksmith (The Complete Real Guitar Kit)

PlayStation 3

Rocksmith (The Complete Real Guitar Kit)

Wii

NADA

Aqua Mania
Rocksmith
X3: Albion Prelude

3DS

Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights

I ♥ Geeks!
Kids Learn Spelling and Grammar: A+ Edition

PSP

NADA

Latest Battlefield 3 “Back to Karkand” Trailer Goes Back To Wake Island

Dave Oshry — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:30:31 +0000

The Back to Karkand map pack is already available for you lucky PS3 owners, but in one week the rest of the world will get to go… wait for it… Back to Karkand!!

One of the most anticipated maps in this pack is Wake Island. One of the all time favorite Battlefield maps that is being brought back once again.

However, It’s been given quite the update thanks to DICE and the Frostbite 2 engine:

I believe The Notorious BIG said it best: I’m going going, back back, to Karkand Karkand. Yeah, something like that.

See you on Wake Island next week!!

New Video Game Releases: Dec. 5 – Dec. 11

Garrett Hartman — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:51:12 +0000

Another pre-Christmas December week means another quiet and sparse week of releases. If not for the release featuring a true video game icon, this week would be considered a complete wash. Let’s look at the highlights, or lack thereof, for this week.

Yep you’ve guessed it, the most high profile release this week is the anticipated Mario Kart 7 for the 3DS. Although it releases today (not technically in my covered release week), I left it off last week and it is definitely worth a mention.

If you are into the whole dance game phenomena then you have certainly heard of the Just Dance series. Just Dance 3 continues where it’s predecessors left off with new songs and this time allowing a quartet of dancers. While it released in November for the Wii and Xbox 360, this week at long last includes the release for the PS3.

Released to critical acclaim for the SNES in 1994, Final Fantasy VI was a landmark title for the role-playing genre and is now considered to be one of the greatest video games of all time. In 1999, Sony’s PlayStation was the lucky recipient of a slightly modified port. Now, via PSN, Final Fantasy VI is available for both the PS3 and PSP.

Pick of the Week: There are quite a few things to consider this week. For one thing, my girlfriend is a big fan of the Just Dance series and consequently, I am definitely a fan of the results. Let’s face it, pretty much anything that helps girls to tone up deserves praise, but you will never find me playing it.

Final Fantasy VI is a great game and deserves the praise heaped upon it through the years. Unfortunately, it may seem a little dated to many gamers.

Although I don’t have a 3DS and will probably never purchase another portable system, I can’t deny that I put in more hours of play into Mario Kart Wii than I did in any other game for Nintendo’s motion control system - Mario Kart 7.

Check out the full list of this week’s releases below:

PlayStation 3

4-in-1 Action Pack
Final Fantasy VI (PSN)
Just Dance 3
The Adventures of Tintin: The Game

Xbox 360

Defense Grid: Your Monster
The Adventures of Tintin: The Game

Wii

Drawsome Tablet
Fortune Street
Oregon Trail
The Adventures of Tintin: The Game

Defense Grid: Your Monster
Field of Glory: Decline and Fall
The Adventures of Tintin: The Game

3DS

F1 2011
Mario Kart 7
Nano Assault
Oregon Trail
Outdoor Unleashed Africa 3D
Outdoor Unleashed Alaska 3D
The Adventures of Tintin: The Game

7 Wonders: Treasures of Seven
Face Racers: Photo Finish

PSP

Final Fantasy VI (PSN)

Is Crackdown Developer Ruffian Games Working on a New Game?

Justin Carter — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:15:17 +0000

Since the release of Crackdown 2 last year, not a lot’s been heard from developer Ruffian Games. In fact, the last anyone really heard from them was for a new DLC pack for Crackdown 2, and that was months ago. However the Scottish developer is now rumored to be working on a new multi-platform game.

Job listings at the Ruffian Games website are asking for an art director and environmental artists. The game they’re working on isn’t revealed, but they’re said to be in a “major contract with one of the biggest publishers in the industry,” so that’s potentially got the list whittled down to EA, Bethesda, Activision, Ubisoft, or Square Enix, since all of them put out multiplatform games.

Via [Joystiq]