After Duke Nukem’ Forever, you wouldn’t be insane to doubt Gearbox Software’s capabilities. But hold on a sec, they were only finishing off someone else’s mess right? They were just keen to finally get the game out. Even so, pride should have stopped them releasing it in such a poor state.
Then Borderlands 2 came along and was met with great sales and wide critical acclaim. So, maybe their frequently delayed Aliens: Colonial Marines would be ok on the day. After all, it’s been Gearbox’s game since birth and numerous videos clearly show a franchise-adoring staff. So, they wouldn’t f**k it up, right? Cue the angry sobbing.
By now I’m sure you’ve all heard that Sony has a big reveal lined up for a PlayStation Meeting on February 20th. We don’t think Sony would have the nerve to announce anything other than their Next Generation console at the meeting. Next gen rumours are at their highest point and it’s about time we got some answers and not something like PS Move+.
So, assuming Sony don’t just show us a console shell on a podium before cheerily bidding us goodnight and promising a second date at E3, I think we’ll be shown a few more things on February 20th. Don’t forget we still have a big year of gaming ahead of us regardless of the PS4 and Sony will be keen to avoid accidentally killing off the market for the PS3 and Vita by announcing their new machine alone. Instead, I think they will want to strengthen their brand to ensure they move onto the next gen leaving the best final impression of this generation. But yes, we think they’re going to show us some jaw-dropping new stuff too. I’ve already gone into detail about what they should do to rebuild their controller, so here’s my list of seven other things I think we may see at the meeting. Continue reading The Sunday Seven: Sony’s Other Big Reveals for Feb 20th→
Sony’s PS4 reveal event this week gave us lots to look forwards to and get excited for over the coming months. Unlike Nintendo, they revealed the system specs straight away, which in the long run could be a big boost in gaining support from third-party developers at an early stage -the same area that is killing the Wii U right now.
We were always going to have questions left unanswered by the event though. Some for obvious reasons, like Sony themselves not even knowing yet, others a little less clear. We’ll be tapping Uncle Sony on the shoulder for info and leaning heavily on known squealers until launch day, so keep an eye on our news section for all the updates. For now, here’s what I thought were the seven most important items missing from the meeting.Continue reading The Sunday Seven – PS4: What We Still Don’t Know→
We’re yet to see even a glimpse of the physical console for the PS4 yet and now we’re hearing that the design could still change for the DualShock 4 shown at Tuesday’s meeting. Speaking with Engadget, studio head Shuhei Yoshida said that the design of the DualShock 4 is only “near final” there may yet be some “small tweaks.” Continue reading Sony: DualShock 4 Design Not Finished→
Good news gamers, PS4 games won’t be more expensive than what we’re paying for now. Speaking with CNBC, SCEA President and CEO, Jack Tretton, said that games for the PlayStation 4 would be priced from $0.99 up to $60, the same price as PS3 games in the US.
“I think people are willing to pay if they see value there and I think there’s more choice than ever before for consumers. We’re going to welcome free-to-play models; games from 99 cents up to those $60 games,” said Tretton. Continue reading Sony: PS4 Games Won’t Be More Expensive→
If you missed the PlayStation meeting earlier this week or couldn’t find a reliable live stream you can now watch the whole thing right here at Dealspwn. It’s a two hour beast, but essential viewing. We covered all the news highlights individually too, take a look at those articles by clicking this link. Or just enjoy the whole meeting after the jump for coverage of the PS4 reveal, the new DualShock 4, Killzone: Shadow Fall, Drive Club, Infamous: Second Son, Destiny and much more.
You may have already seen the footage from the PS4 reveal this week, if not, you can get up to date here. The previous footage showed what we’re presuming is a chunk of gameplay, more than likely the game’s opening stage. This recut trailer features a voice over that gives us some insight into the attack. It would appear the Helghast people are a bit pissed about the ISA’s revenge attack on their planet and have returned to Vekta for another shot at domination. To be fair, Helghan, you started it.
Sony’s PlayStation Plus optional paid subscription model has another month of unbelievably generous giveaways for gamers. Mass Effect 3, Dead or Alive 5 and Joe Danger: The Movie will all be available for free on March 6th. PS Vita owners are getting some love too with the entire Metal Gear Solid HD Collection (March 13th) and Puddle (March 20th) for free. Continue reading Mass Effect 3 and Much More Free in March PS Plus Update→
There have been many HD re-releases over the last few years and it’s always a tough ask when the game was pushing the original hardware to the limit. Exactly how much more can we expect from a HD remaster? Rest assured though, Killzone HD looks, and more importantly, still plays exceptionally well today.
I was worried that having been such a fan of the original game, I may have been remembering the visuals with rose-tinted glasses and the HD reworking would shatter those memories. Thankfully, the game looks fantastic today and pulses with graphical finesse. It’s fortunate that the original game featured a texture-friendly grainy filter and a lot of mist, which transfers well today, giving the game a distinguished look.
Well, Bungie have finally dropped some details about their upcoming game, Destiny. We can finally confirm that the game will be an FPS, but it will also be something of an MMO. This mini documentary shows a few barely animated illustrations before some tasty looking glimpses of the game in motion. That’s motion, not action mind. Also expect to see various Bungie members pat themselves on the back at every chance. Enjoy the video after the jump and let us know what you think. Continue reading Bungie Release Destiny Trailer→
At first glance, I was caught by Sumioni: Demon Arts’ looks. As a massive fan of Okami, I was able to compare art-styles and upon watching the trailer and finding out I’d be drawing ink lines to affect the game world, I was ready to embrace the game.
Sadly, fond memories of another game are about as good as it gets for Sumioni. The game got off to a rough start with a dreary and lengthy text-based opening. By the end of it, I didn’t know if I was a good guy, bad guy, demon guy or anything. He’s red and likes to wield a blade. Hellboy, Feudal Japan-style, if you will. Continue reading Sumioni: Demon Arts Review→
Irrational have released another documentary-style video detailing the background information about the floating city of Columbia, the setting of the upcoming Bioshock Infinite. We get an outsider’s perspective on sightings of the Songbird and even a few words on ‘The Lamb of Columbia’, which will surely turn out to be Elizabeth. Part 1 can be seen here, otherwise take a look at the new one after the break. Continue reading Bioshock Infinite’s Columbia: A Modern Day Icarus Part 2 Documentary Warns of the Songbird→
The latest trailer released for Lego City Undercover makes us want it even more. And with the Wii U losing so many exclusives recently, Nintendo will be desperate to keep hold of this one as the success of past Lego titles, could make this a bonafide system seller.
The video shows on foot and vehicular gameplay along with some very amusing story scenes. Players of Lego Batman 2 will be able to attest that Traveller’s Tales are very capable of writing funny scripts and this looks set to be even better. Bring on March 28th. Continue reading Lego City Undercover Trailer – The Wii U Saviour?→
The latest patch for Ratchet & Clank Q-Force has just been released giving players a free new map of the classic location of Metropolis. Released late last year, the game was hardly a classic addition to the series, ditching the platforming in favour of a tower-defence model. Check out our review here. Maybe these additions will tempt some players back.
The patch also introduces a number of tweaks and balance fixes to the weapons and defences. There’s nothing particularly huge, but reducing the Warmonger’s rockets from five to three just makes me all kinds of sad. There’s no mention of when we’re getting the free Vita version that was supposed to ship with the game as a part of Sony’s cross-buy incentive.
We’ve had enough of delays recently, so it’s good to hear something a little more positive. David Cage has told IGN that Beyond: Two Souls will be released this year, with an actual release date to be announced very soon.
This may sound a little vague, but we had a strong feeling that the Ellen Page-fronted game would slip into next year’s line-up. So much so, I decided to omit it from my Sunday Seven article, 2013’s Most Wanted Games. Cage also confirmed the game is almost at the beta stage. Continue reading Beyond: Two Souls Coming “This Year”→
Maybe it’s seeing Stallone and Arnie back in the cinemas recently that has me feeling nostalgic and hankering for the good old days. I even had a good root through some of my older games that I’d packed into the attic. Or perhaps I can’t blame it on the return of the aging action stars, it’s more likely to be the amount of kickstarter campaigns for retro game reboots, studio closures, stagnating sequels and brand retirements that made me think about what games from years gone by could lift gaming out of this over-familiar slump in which it finds itself.
Sony are releasing two new versions of their 500GB Super Slim console on February 15th. Consumers will have the option of picking up red or blue versions, both of which will come with two DualShock 3 controllers for £249.99.
Both the red and blue models are currently available to pre-order at Game, with the red one being an exclusive to the store. If the white slim PS3 is anything to go by, these will only see a limited release and will be much more expensive on eBay at a later date, so act fast if they take your fancy.
While the black model released late last year appeared to look a bit cheap and tacky, I think these versions look much better, or maybe I’ve just become indifferent to my original 60GB version. Only kidding, I get to play PS2 games in HD after all. Continue reading Red and Blue PS3 Super Slim Consoles Coming Soon→
Frogwares and Focus Home Interactive have announced their latest Sherlock Holmes adventure, Crimes and Punishments. Something of a shakeup for the series is promised with the game being developed with the Unreal 3 engine instead of Frogwares in-house engine. Not that the last game was a graphical slouch by any means.
More freedom during investigations is one of the more intriguing claims made in the press release. Moral choices and decisions will influence the game and affect Holmes’ reputation. Whether this will lead to multiple endings is yet to be seen. Holmes himself has had a redesign, apparently to be more modern, but the time setting remains the same. Don’t worry it’s less inspired by Robert Downey Jr.’s version, it’s more of a let’s make him look less like a psychopath kinda look. Continue reading Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments Announced→
Fighting games aren’t known for making an effort with their stories, but if this new story trailer for Injustice: Gods Among Us is anything to go by, that could be set to change. With such a rich heritage of DC Comics to fall back on, it makes sense that the developers should aim to give a little purpose to the action.
The cutscene footage is looking impressive and it’s pleasing to hear some familiar voices behind the masks. Many of the outfits seem to be more armoured than the classic looks we’re used to, but when you look at the fighting itself, we can hardly blame them for wanting a bit of extra protection.
We’re really looking forwards to the game as it looks set to shake up the genre somewhat with the most impressive interactive environments ever seen in a fighting game, which should elevate it above the impression of a Mortal Kombat game with DC characters. Wait, they already did that one. Check out my Gamescom Preview for more information ahead of the April 19th release date. Details for the game’s Collector’s Edition can be found here. Continue reading Injustice: Gods Among Us Story Trailer→
It may look like The Sims Murder Edition, but this is a turn-based combat game that places you in the prime gangster era of the 1920s. Classic gangster movie or Boardwalk Empire fans in particular will enjoy the setting that requires you to take out rival gangs to build up your empire.
The Mafia series aside, there are precious few games out there keen to use this setting, so any chance we get to don a sharp suit, fedora and tommy gun is just fine by us. Enjoy the launch trailer after the jump and don’t forget to check out Jon’s hands-on preview and his interview with the developers. Continue reading Omerta: City of Gangsters Launch Trailer→
Gaming reviews, previews and features by Brendan Griffiths
Gearbox’s first -and hopefully last- bug hunt
The No Sleep Gamer 