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Xbox One Nixes Policies on Used Games and Online Check-Ins

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:58:01 +0000

Earlier in the day, Giant Bomb made waves by posting a piece which stated that various sources were saying Microsoft was about to change their stance on some of the most contentious policies for their new system. There was very little time for people to debate the merits of the unnamed sources however as shortly after Microsoft updated the Xbox One FAQ with the comment that changes had been made.

Since then, the official statement of changes has been posted. Don Mattick, president of the interactive entertainment section of Microsoft, posted a long update about the Xbox One and how the company is listening to feedback.

Here's what matters most - there are no longer 24 hour online check-ins for games or any weird used game rules:

"An internet connection will not be required to play offline Xbox One games – After a one-time system set-up with a new Xbox One, you can play any disc based game without ever connecting online again. There is no 24 hour connection requirement and you can take your Xbox One anywhere you want and play your games, just like on Xbox 360.

Trade-in, lend, resell, gift, and rent disc based games just like you do today – There will be no limitations to using and sharing games, it will work just as it does today on Xbox 360."

So, how do you feel knowing that Microsoft has bowed to public opinion? Does it matter or has the damage already been done?

Knights of Pen and Paper Brings Quirky RPG to PC

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:43:13 +0000

If you've never played a traditional pen and paper roleplaying game then you're not alone. There are many fans of RPGs out there who have never had the experience of a tabletop game. Some do not wish to experience it, while others believe that a video game experience is just preferred.

Regardless of your personal opinions, Behold Studios have put together a game which captures aspects of the "traditional" RPG experience and brings them into a game. That game is none other than Knights of Pen and Paper +1 Edition which is available through Steam today. Previously, the title had been a smartphone game which explains some of the "vertical" design of the game.

Players take on the role of the Game Master as well as the adventurers within the story. This means you control not only the party and their attacks but also the kinds of monsters they'll face. It sounds odd but may be executed well. You can pick up Knights of Pen and Paper for $10 or $15 for the deluxe edition.

Nintendo Developing Free-To-Play Steel Diver Game

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:59:54 +0000

It was revealed last week at an investor & analyst presentation that Nintendo had plans to develop their first free-to-play title, but that it wouldn't be based on the Mario or Pokemon franchises. Instead, it looks as if Nintendo is trying this out on newer IP as Shigeru Miyamoto told IGN that the free-to-play title will be based on the Steel Diver franchise.

No platform has been announced just yet for the title, and Miyamoto reassured that this wouldn't be a quick port of the 3DS game. Rather, he mentioned that the free-to-play model would change the game's design.

"There is something we’re doing with the Steel Diver idea that I think is going to open things up with that game... It’s going to be very fun. We’re exploring from a perspective of where we can take that from a multiplayer standpoint - it's going to have this four-player battle mode that I think is going to be very interesting," Miyamoto said to IGN.

Expect to hear more about the free-to-play Steel Diver game before the year's end as Miyamoto mentioned that he's hoping to show it off relatively soon, possibly in an upcoming Nintendo Direct.

PS4 Video Showcases Social and Gameplay Features

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:47:03 +0000

If you've been wondering how the PS4 might look and feel to use then you may want to check the new video Sony pushed out today. It doesn't show everything the system's software will offer, but it gives a good idea of various ways someone might use the console.

First, it shows how quick it can be to transition from gameplay to watching the video. In this case, a video of Knack is shown as the player accesses their friend's recorded session to figure out a puzzle. Via a social networking-style feed they are also able to "like" the content, as well as start sending messages to friends.

Another feature shown is that you can download a single or multiplayer component of a game first. This was demonstrated with Killzone: Shadow Fall. This may aid players who want to hurry into the action, but certainly doesn't change the fact that game installs on the next generation of systems are likely to be quite hefty.

Be warned that, alongside showcasing PS4 features, the video is also full of horrendous acting:

Rumor: Game Sharing Coming to Steam?

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:09:58 +0000

In the last few years Steam has been easing up on various restrictions that used to be in place. First, they made it so that specific games that you already owned could be gifted to friends instead of being squandered. On a few occasions, they even give away games which you can choose to keep or give to others. But what if you could just share your games with friends?

Many users opt into the Steam beta client which pushes out updates at a quicker pace than the standard program. This is where players first gained access to Big Picture Mode and other projects before they were ready for prime time. If the code found by gamers on NeoGAF is anything to go by, then perhaps there is a new beta about to get underway.

There are a few lines included in the code of the latest update which clearly reference the concept of sharing games. Terms such as "shared license", "owner", and "borrower" are all a part of the code. Probably the most telling aspect is a part of the code which intends to push the following text to users of the sharing program:

“Just so you know, your games are currently in use by %borrower%. Playing now will send %borrower% a notice that it’s time to quit.”

This suggests that only the owner or borrower can play a specific game at once. When the owner wishes to play, the borrower will of course be required to exit the gameplay session. At least, that's what is likely to be the case of this code is actually implemented in the near future.

Would you be excited to share some of your Steam games with friends?

Hotline Miami 2 Gets a Trailer

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:50:43 +0000

During E3, Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number was not found on the show floor. Instead, it was housed outside of the convention center where most would not look. We certainly didn't spot it at the LA Convention Center, at least! But the game was there and a teaser trailer has since been released.

What's new with Hotline Miami 2? There are more playable characters, 20 chapters, and some new musicians on the soundtrack. Of course, all the intense amounts of gore on display as well as the top down gameplay perspective are still there. After all, these are some of what made the game so successful to begin with.

So far Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is slated for release this December on PC as well as consoles. The Vita was specifically mentioned as one device getting the game.

Fist Puncher Brings Brawling to Steam

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:27:48 +0000

If you weren't interested in Skulls of the Shogun or Gun Monkeys being announced for Steam then perhaps this game will be more up your alley... Fist Puncher is a title that attempts to hearken back to the days when games didn't have complex storylines or fantastic graphics and just needed to showcase some pixelated people beating each other up.

There are fifteen playable characters in this sidescrolling beat 'em up and, just like the games of yore, local multiplayer is also included. In an attempt to modernize the style of game, there is also the ability to level up your character as well as unlocking skills to utilize during fights.

Those interested in exercising fist-induced justice will be able to do so when Fist Puncher launches on June 21st. Players who choose to pre-order get the game at a small 10% discount, making it cost $8.99 instead of $9.99. Oh, and if you pre-order you also get the robotic unicorn from Robot Unicorn Attack as a playable character. That's sure to entice at least a few people.

Gun Monkeys Jetting Toward Steam

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:03:07 +0000

Are you hungry for a game featuring guns, jetpacks, and monkeys? Well, one's about to launch on Steam anyway! Gun Monkeys is developed by Size Five Games. You might know the name from their games Ben There, Dan That! and Time Gentlemen, Please! What does their latest game offer aside from the obvious mammals and weaponry?

It's a platformer with focus purely on multiplayer, basically. Once players have jumped into a procedurally-generated level they're free engage in frantic deathmatches with the opposing monkeys. Gun Monkeys has fast-paced play in mind so definitely avoid it if you're a fan of low-key platformers.

No price has been set yet but the game is tentatively marked for launch on June 28th. As many other releases on Steam, it will included achievements, leaderboards, and new Steam Trading Cards.

Skulls of the Shogun Enhanced Edition Coming to Steam

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:48:36 +0000

Skulls of the Shogun was a cutesy take on the story of a Japanese samurai who is disgraced in the afterlife. The cartoon-styled strategy game also happened to see exclusive launch on Microsoft devices such as the 360, Windows Phone, and even Windows 8 operating system.

Developer 17-BIT announced today that the game is finally coming to Steam. It won't even require Windows 8 to run! What is best about this addition is that, like many later releases, it is going to be the definitive version to buy. This time around the game has the title Skulls of the Shogun: Bone-A-Fide Edition and features various enhancements.

The full list of new features can be viewed here and basically entails a new character, new mini-campaign (includes four new levels), six new multiplayer maps, developer commentary, and more. As the game is coming to Steam it also features achievements, Steam Trading Cards, and Steam-supported multiplayer.

Pre-ordering Skulls of the Shogun on Steam gets it 20% off for $11.99 and also grants the player immediate access to the title. Or you can choose to wait for the launch sometime in July and pay $14.99.

Indie Royale Chosen Brings Five Games

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:34:36 +0000

The initial Indie Royale Chosen bundle was a chance for bundle purchasers to influence what games would be included in a set. The first time they let users vote it was a success so now we're seeing the the second Chosen bundle go live.

Here are the five selected games:

Breath of Death VII (Windows, Steam, Desura)
Cthulhu Saves the World (Windows, Steam, Desura)
Eufloria (Windows, Steam, Desura)
Really Big Sky (Windows, Steam, Desura)
Runespell Overture (Windows/Mac, Steam, Desura)

Indie Royale runs their system where there is a base price that fluctuates dependent upon the prices other people purchase for. In general, the price will inch higher as more time goes on, so purchase early if you're interested. The cost for the Chosen 2 bundle stands at $4.28 at the time of this writing.

As usual, paying over $7 nets you the games as well as an album. This time around it's music via Disasterpiece. The bundle is up for six more days.

GOG Summer Sale Kicks Off with Free Torchlight

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:14:51 +0000

Most PC fans out there are patiently (or impatiently) awaiting the start of the Steam Summer Sale. Although there are still a few weeks for that, those dying to spend some money might want to look toward GOG in the meantime. They have just begun the 2013 #noDRM Summer Sale.

The hashtag #noDRM saw its birth on Twitter during the whole Xbox One affair and may have even contributed to Sony's stance on leaving used game control and internet requirements out of the picture. Either way, GOG only sells DRM-free video games so they deserve some credit for for their efforts. Steam, the biggest competitor, certainly doesn't do the same.

What does this sale offer? Most of the games GOG sells are at least fifty percent off. That means there are over 500 games available at a discounted price right now and they will be until July 5th. Considering most games on GOG cost $5 or $10 normally, you're likely to get some good deals from their library.

To celebrate the latest sale, Torchlight has also been marked as freely available for the first 48 hours of the sale. Unlike a Steam download the same game, GOG's includes the official soundtrack as well. In order to download the game you do need a GOG account.

Tomodachi Collection: New Life Might Come to North America

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 04:10:54 +0000

Most of us are busy playing Animal Crossing: New Leaf right now, but 3DS owners in North American may soon be getting a similar game that is centered around everyday play.

Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's president, was interviewed by MTV Multiplayer and said this when asked if similar games to New Leaf would release in the future:

"Certainly. You're absolutely correct, that 'Animal Crossing' is the type of game that you want to play certainly every day, and there are benefits to having the digital version right there on your hardware. I have to say, personally, I don’t find it a huge inconvenience to be swapping out my game cards. There are other games, 'Tomodachi Collection' in Japan, which is something that we are looking hard at for our market, that's another one that benefits from those short bursts of play, on a day-in, day-out basis."

Hopefully we'll see some sort of official word on a NA release for Tomodachi Collection: New Life soon!

State of Decay Coming to PC

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:53:27 +0000

State of Decay arrived on XBLA just a few weeks ago on June 5th. Since then, the zombie-filled survival game has done very well. Yes, there are bugs and glitches which were not even fixed by the latest patch, but people seem willing to deal with it for the overall experience.

This game has gone on to be the fastest-selling original game on XBLA ever. There's just something about zombies that is still a huge draw for gamers, it seems. So what's next for developer Undead Labs? They're bringing their game to PC!

Undead Labs said the following about a PC release:

"We're currently working on a PC version for release on Steam. Fortunately it's been in development alongside the Xbox 360 version since Day 1, so we just need to integrate with the Steam platform and add native support for keyboard and mouse control."

360 fans don't need to worry about the developer ignoring them in favor of the PC port though as they also assured players that they will continue to update the XBLA version as well. One such update will be a much-requested sandbox mode to live out all your horror movie fantasies within. So far, a PC release has no date but it is coming to Steam.

Steam Week Long Deals for June 17-24

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:22:47 +0000

As we inch closer and closer to the impending Steam Summer Sale it may be a good idea to hold off on deals. Or maybe not, if these sales will end up being exactly the same once the infamous sale launches. Well, regardless of your opinion on the whole thing, Steam's latest Week Long Deal list has gone live.

Five games have been selected this week:

There is one odd thing to note about this sale. It seems that just because a game is highlighted by it once doesn't preclude it from being available again later - and at a lower price. During the week of May 13th, Anodyne was put up in a Steam Week Long Deal at the cost of $6.69. Now it is back with a few more bucks chopped off the price.

Massive Layoffs Hit IO Interactive

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:10:01 +0000

IO Interactive is a developer best known for the Hitman series, although they have produced a handful of other games in their career as well. Fans of the Kane & Lynch series, for example, should also be familiar with IO's work.

In a statement made from the company to Develop, we're now learning that parent company Square Enix laid off almost half of the staff at IO. Previously, they had been working on multiple franchises alongside the next Hitman game, but now they are to focus all their attention on Hitman. Some of those laid off from cancelled projects will be relocated within the company to other positions.

Here is the official statement that Square Enix shared:

"The studio will focus resolutely on the future vision for the Hitman franchise and is in pre-production on a new triple-A Hitman project.

However we have taken the difficult decision to cancel other studio projects and initiatives at IO and reduce the workforce in this studio, which will impact almost half of the employees currently at IO, as we make internal adjustments to face the challenges of today’s market.

For those affected, we are extremely grateful for the hard work which they have contributed, and where it’s possible and appropriate to relocate staff to open positions at other studios within the group, we will try to do so. We are also reaching out to other companies for outplacement opportunities. We sincerely wish them well in their future careers."

Hopefully those laid off from IO Interactive shall see their positions reinstated in other areas of the company or find jobs with other developers soon.

Castlevania: Lament of Innocence is Latest PS2 Classic

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:53:55 +0000

Even in this era of HD collections there are many game series' which will never get the benefit of being released on one. The majority of these collections are exclusive to PlayStation franchises, but of course you can also get single games via PSN's PS2 Classics line of digital downloads.

This week's update (on Tuesday as per usual) includes two titles. One is Castlevania: Lament of Innocence which was one of two Castlevania games to grace the PS2. Both had 3D environments which is something that will likely always bother some Castlevania fans.

The other game of the week is Corvette Evolution GT. With how random these additions seem to be it is likely Sony isn't even seeking out games for release on PSN. Rather, they just have deals with companies and they are selecting what "Classic" wares to bring to the system.

PS Plus Adds Saints Row: The Third

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:33:31 +0000

Well, E3 is now over and there is a collective sigh of relief about certain aspects of the convention. With that all out of the way we can finally go back to playing games! If you've got PS Plus then Sony have two new Instant Game Collection titles lined up.

The first is none other than Saints Row: The Third. This is of course the third of the Saints Row series which also stands as the peak thus far in how over the top it was. Having this game on the service will do well to get players amped for the upcoming Saints Row IV release. Both are of course PS3 titles.

Vita owners can nab a free download for God Eater Burst. The game was released on PSP back in 2011 and, as such, was ignored by all but the hardcore PSP audience. If you missed it this is your chance to enjoy the title on the larger Vita screen.

Alongside these two additions there are two games making an exit from IGC. They are BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend and Vanquish. Remember, if you download them now you will retain access to both titles even after they are removed from IGC.

E3 2013: Hands-On With Sonic Lost World

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 23:37:38 +0000

Note: The majority of the article (black text) was written by me, Leah. The blue text is written by Marcus Estrada, who added his own thoughts on the game's demo as well.

In recent years, Sonic has been steadily regaining his former glory and effectively putting a stop to the infamous “Sonic Cycle.” Even though I still haven’t gotten my hands on the last few great titles, such as Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations, I still wanted to try out the recently announced Sonic Lost World and see what it had to offer. So, Marcus and I made our way towards Sega’s E3 booth to get that started.

In regards to Sonic, I'm even further out of the loop than Leah. I've focused my time with the Genesis games the most, of course, with attention paid to the Sonic Adventure games as well. Then I took up some of the more dubious titles - Sonic the Hedgehog (2006) and Shadow the Hedgehog - which really means any Sonic game I play next will be considered "good" by comparison.

For this preview, I’ll be focusing on the Wii U version of Sonic Lost World. I decided to try out the Windy Hill Zone level, which is more 3D-focused versus the other playable Desert Ruins level, which felt akin to old 2D Sonic games.

Immediately, I was greeted by bold, bright colors and fluid animation. After fiddling around with buttons and learning the controls, I was soon blasting through the level as the blue hedgehog. Like with any other Sonic game, the goal is to dash through the level while defeating any enemies that may get in your way. To improve your score, it’s advised to avoid damage and collect as many rings as possible.

Leah actually had a really hard time with the controls because they were not logically placed, at least to both of us. A separate button for running meant that she actually waddled through most of the level instead of running which Sonic is so well known for. I was able to play with a great deal of speed and still found some segments to be impeding Sonic's dash through the world.

As I progressed, Sonic Lost World felt more and more similar to the Wii’s Super Mario Galaxy. Floating land masses? Check. Bouncing between said land masses in an extravagant fashion? Check. Gravity not a problem as you run around each area? Check. Some people may think it’s blatant copying and that it will just be a Super Mario Galaxy clone. However, I have played and watched enough of Sonic Lost World to say that this is not the case. It’s different enough to be its own game, and a promising one at that.

It's not like Super Mario Galaxy is the only game that features traveling across planets, but Sonic Lost World sure does make it seem a lot similar. However, I feel that Sonic works better with it than Mario ever did. Jumping from planet to planet flows better when you're the famous blue hedgehog and it doesn't seem out of place for a Sonic game.

I say that Sonic Lost World is a game from Sega to look forward to. Not only that, but it’s a seemingly good game that the meager Wii U library needs. I know I’m definitely going to keep my eye on it as its release draws near!

E3 2013: Hands-On With Killer is Dead

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 21:50:19 +0000

Suda 51 is a name that became known in the West primarily after the release of the stylish and gory Killer7 on GameCube and PS2. The cel-shaded graphics were used to great effect in the geopolitical thriller and made an impression on many, including myself.

Ever since then, I’ve been happy to play other Grasshopper Manufacture games but have never felt the way I did as with that first foray into Suda-ness.

Killer is Dead doesn’t bring back that old feeling, but it seems far more like his older style than other, more recent diversions, such as the No More Heroes series. In the game, you play as Mondo Zappa, an assassin, who spends most of the game slicing things up. Despite his handsome appearance, he also seems to be rather hit or miss with wooing women.

The demo I played was specifically tailored to give a good taste of one chapter in Killer is Dead. Starting off on the level, I am immediately surrounded by enemies and must kill them all with my katana. This works very smoothly and there didn’t seem to be any issue with simple button mashing. Of course, you can also dodge which I found very useful as well. Enemies seem to always make you aware of their incoming strikes, making it easy to duck away at the last moment.

I was also able to harness some special abilities which took the form of Zappa either performing extra gory kills or professional wrestling moves. Yes, Suda’s love for suited men and wrestling moves are still present. Fights as a whole were very frantic and at times were hard to comprehend. This has often been the case with his more recent work though, where blood and gore complicate the visuals beyond recognition. Of course, even when they're impossible to discern, the graphics are still incredibly stylish.

A slight bit of the story was shown as well, which focused around some sort of monstrosity that murdered a young woman for her “perfect” ears. This seems like a very Suda style storytelling device and one which many Western players appeared confounded by. It’s definitely weird, of course, and the rest of the story is probably far stranger. Of course, without context we can only speculate as to how odd it is. After that, I fought a boss who was pretty easy enough to take down without fear of death.

My experience on PS3 was just fine, but the 360 dev kit situated next to me was not. People who played that version were forced to deal with color bars on the screen, crashes, and moments where the game would simply not restart. I’m not sure why the 360 version is in such a poor state right now, but owners of both systems may be wary about where they purchase in case all these problems aren’t cleared up before release.

Playing Killer is Dead was fun, even if it tired my hands out from the copious swordplay required. This is a good thing, though, considering the recent Lollipop Chainsaw almost felt like a step backward in regards to modern, speedy attack controls. Judging from the story showcased, it’s safe to say that Killer is Dead will satisfy a specific audience when it launches this August.

E3 2013: Hands-On With Saints Row IV

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 19:36:15 +0000

For a long time, it seemed that Grand Theft Auto was the main series people went to for sandbox style exploration and intense levels of possible violence. Of course, there are other games that exist with expansive worlds to explore (and possibly wreak havoc in) but GTA stands as the best known.

When Saints Row first came out, many took it as an obvious copycat of the GTA formula. Although the game wasn’t great it did manage to carve out a new identity for itself. It wasn’t trying to be serious in any way, but to mock the establishment of GTA. Saints Row 2 worked to further tailor this image and by Saints Row 3 we had a perfectly capable and hilarious franchise. How does Saints Row IV fare?

From what I tried of the demo at E3, it is shaping up to be the most incredibly asinine versions of Saints Row yet - and that’s a good thing. The game started me off with little pretense. Thanks to the ad campaign around the game I was aware that I’m playing as the President, but nothing in the game really alerted me to that. Instead, I was popped out into the middle of a city, given slight explanation of buttons, and then free to wreak havoc for ten minutes.

The first thing I realized was that I could fly. For reasons that must make sense in context, the President has powers that grant him the ability to jump really high, run super fast, and glide around high in the air. It seemed that the main character was overpowered just with these functions, but it’s possible the demo had these abilities maxed out or something. Either way, after bouncing around off buildings onto unassuming people, I decided to check out the weaponry.

There are some “normal” weapons in the President’s stash, but also a handful of wacky weapons. First, I made use of the dubstep gun because, honestly, how can anyone ignore it? The results were as funny as expected, wherein the gun blasts dubstep music at its targets as they crumple to the ground. Other weapons included what looked like a water gun with lasers, a black hole gun, and lightsaber lookalike.

Beyond using some incredibly strange weaponry, I was also able to hijack cars and motorcycles to head toward glowing markers. These areas featured a handful of side quests, although the ones I visited weren’t particularly interesting. One was based around matching objects that the game requested. For example, there was a human-shaped silhouette which I had to fill with a distraught citizen. The event was timed and pretty dull. The same could be said of a race I entered which had the President running at full speed down busy streets.

With that said, the full Saints Row IV is obviously going to have far more to show for itself than these two minigames, including a story. I feel that the story is what will really set this game apart as the wackiest yet, and since I didn’t get to experience it in the demo I’m really missing out. So far though the game looks great, controls well, and has a nice set of weapons and abilities. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed by what IV brings to the table.