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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:

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.

Upcoming 3DS System Update Will Make It Easier to StreetPass Others

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 23:07:59 +0000

If you own a Nintendo 3DS, you may have noticed how difficult it is to get even one StreetPass. In Japan, it's easy enough because it's a crowded and small place. But in North America, Europe, and other countries, StreetPassing happens rarely as people are more spread out. Nintendo has come up with a plan to remedy that, however.

Sometime this year, Nintendo will release an update that takes "advantage of Wi-Fi access points and implementing a StreetPass relay feature into the Nintendo 3DS hardware." Quite simply, this means you'll exchange StreetPass information with anyone that has visited the same location at a different time.

This relay feature will be provided at over 28,000 wi-fi access locations in the U.S. (which includes McDonald's and Starbucks), and at 24,000 wi-fi access locations in Europe.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut Jumping to 360, PS3, and PC

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:45:22 +0000

When Deus Ex: Human Revolution initially launched back in 2011 it was available for PS3, 360, and PC. As is often the case, Wii was left out. More recently, Square Enix revealed that they were going to release the Director's Cut version of the game on Wii U exclusively. Not only would it include DLC and gameplay tweaks but also GamePad functionality.

Now Square has announced that this better version of the game is coming to PC, PS3, and 360 alongside Wii U. How exactly will these other systems replicate the Wii U-exclusive aspects? Simple! SmartGlass technology will be used on Windows and 360 while the Vita can be used as a second touch screen with PS3.

Of course, these methods require the player to own a SmartGlass-compatible device or Vita alongside their home consoles, but it is a solution all the same. Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut was asked for by fans of other platforms which is why we're now seeing it lose Wii U exclusivity. Players can get a shot at the definitive Deus Ex: Human Revolution experience later this year.

Indie Gala June Bundle is Massive

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:14:19 +0000

In the past, the Indie Gala people have been known for choosing unusual names for their bundles. This time it appears they took the easy route by simply naming it after the month it debuted in. The Indie Gala June bundle is live now and features a whole host of games across three price tiers.

The lowest tier includes three games:

Creatures: The Albian Years (Windows)
Pirates of Black Cove (Windows: Steam)
Mystery game (Windows: Desura)

Paying over $3.62 adds the following:

Aquanox (Windows: Steam)
Chester (Windows: Desura)
Sword of the Stars: Complete Collection (Windows: Steam)
Vessel (Windows: Steam)
Mystery game (Windows: Steam)

Finally, for $5.97 you get everything:

A New Beginning: Final Cut (Windows: Steam)
Edna & Harvey: Harvey's New Eyes (Windows: Steam)
Star Ruler (Windows: Steam)
3 mystery games (Windows: Steam)

Including the locked mystery titles, this bundle offers up 14 games. More, if you count the Sword of the Stars set as multiple games. The only problem that one might have with Indie Gala June is that the collection is so Windows and Steam-centric. If you love Steam and run a Windows PC though then you're ready to grab any or all of these tiers.

Humble Weekly Sale: 11 bit Studios

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:55:54 +0000

Humble Bundle's latest weekly sales went live on Wednesday. As is the norm, the focus of the set is on one developer. This time around it's 11 bit Studios who have their wares on display. The team is best known for Anomaly Warzone Earth.

Four games are available for any price:

Anomaly Warzone Earth
Anomaly Warzone Earth: Mobile Campaign
Funky Smugglers
Sleepwalker's Journey

Paying more than the average (currently $2.99) adds a copy of Anomaly Korea and a 3D printable mech and wallpapers. All of the games included are available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Only Anomaly Warzone Earth comes with a Steam key, however. This also happens to be the one game that isn't available in Android form as well.

Each game in the bundle comes with its official soundtrack as well, which is always a nice addition. If you're interested in nabbing the Steam key for Anomaly Warzone Earth then be sure to spend at least a dollar since that's the required price.

Latest Steam Greenlight Additions

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:24:39 +0000

Yesterday, Steam posted a new set of successful Greenlight games that were to be added to the Steam Store at some point in the future. Many people may have missed out on the news considering yesterday was also the third and final day of E3.

Here's the list of six games:

Assetto Corsa
DreadOut
Ether One
The Forest
GunZ 2: The Second Duel
Stonhearth

The software Heaven Benchmark also made it through. The list of games is pretty neat as it includes racing, an online title, and multiple horror games. Considering horror is flourishing in the indie world it certainly makes sense, but we have to wonder when fan interest will lessen.

E3 2013: 3DS Zelda and Yoshi's Island Receive New Names; Mario Golf Wold Tour Delayed To 2014

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 03:52:47 +0000

With the gaming press adopting the name "A Link to the Past 2" for the new 3DS Zelda and referring to it as that right up until before E3, Nintendo has finally settled on an official title for the sequel: The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds; a not-quite-so-subtle nod to its SNES predecessor.

Likewise, the new Yoshi's Island game for 3DS is now known officially as Yoshi's New Island, and is being developed by Artoon, the same developer who worked on Yoshi's Island DS some 7+ years ago. Though Artoon will handle most of the development, Nintendo producer Takashi Tezuka and his team at Nintendo will be overseeing and ensuring the quality of the level design to make sure it's up to Nintendo's high standards.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is set for release on 3DS in November later this year, with more info coming via Nintendo Directs leading up to its release. Unfortunately Yoshi's New Island was originally scheduled for Holiday release, but has been pushed back to 2014 according to IGN.

Another game that's been delayed to 2014 is Mario Golf World Tour, leaving Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Pokemon X & Pokemon Y, and Mario Party (tentative title) as the remaining big first-party 3DS games for the rest of 2013.

What do you think of the games' new titles? Are you upset that Yoshi's New Island and Mario Gold World Tour have both slipped to 2014?

E3 2013: Nomura Explains Why Final Fantasy Versus XIII Became Final Fantasy XV

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:04:08 +0000

Wondering why the oft-delayed but recently re-announced Final Fantasy XV made the name change switcheroo from Final Fantasy Versus XIII? The game's director, Tetsuya Nomura, recently shed some light on the situation in intervew with Edge.

He mentioned how the three games that were originally set in the Fabula Nova Crystallis series were announced with Final Fantasy XIII monikers, but that the size and scope of Versus XIII was becoming big enough to where it made more sense to make the move to a mainline numbered game.

"So we were warming up the idea of considering the move to XV – which is the mainstream [entry of the] Final Fantasy series – and between that time and now we had several chances to announce updates of the series and we debated if we should go with Versus XIII or announce the change to XV," he said.

"About two years ago we confirmed, internally, that we would change the title to XV and then at the same time, around that time, the company started working on next-gen consoles, because hard disc was getting ready for the next-gen development. So that became a really good trigger to move on to the change of XV."

Not coincidentally, Final Fantasy Agito XIII, the PSP game in development at the time, also had its name changed to something a bit more unique - Final Fantasy Type-0 (and unfortunately, the game still has yet to release outside of Japan).

In the meantime, expect to hear more about Final Fantasy XV in the coming months and year ahead as Nomura has confirmed that there will no longer be a media blackout on new information from the title.

Polytron Announces Fez Sequel

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:10:23 +0000

In an unexpected move, Polytron announced Fez II today by means of a short teaser, which shows a growing, multi-colored line and then a vectored Fez II logo zooming in, Star Wars-style. No details have been provided on the game just yet.

The first Fez released in April 2012 on XBLA, and was infamous for being in development for so long after creator Phil Fish had originally announced the title in July 2007. It has since seen a PC release and Fish is hoping to bring the game to other platforms like OUYA, PS3, and PS Vita.

Check out the teaser for Fez II below.

Are you excited for Fez II?