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Not All Xbox One Games will be 'Always On' but Do Require Authentication

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:18:14 +0000

The whole "always online" concept may have some great intentions, but has been shown to gamers in very negative ways. In recent history we have both Diablo III and Sim City facing huge issues thanks to their constantly required internet connections and reliance on outside servers. As such, the rumors that Xbox One will be always online have been deflected, at least partially.

Microsoft is hoping that many developers will choose to make use of their Azure servers. If so, this takes the requirements off the developers to have sufficient servers as they can expedite their processes to Microsoft's cloud instead. Of course, if a developer chooses this route then the game will be an always online title.

Thankfully, this is not a requirement for developing on the new system. Developers can also choose to handle games as they have in the past, without having to go the always online route. All the same, Microsoft offered this initially confounding statement to CVG:

"Xbox One does not have to be always connected, but Xbox One does require a connection to the Internet."

So, basically, all games do require an online activation when you buy them and install to your system. Beyond that though, a persistent internet connection is dependent on the game in question.

Xbox One Won't be Compatible with 360 Games

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:50:31 +0000

If you're a fan of curating digital or physical collections of video games then this news is set to upset you. Microsoft finally took the plunge in showing their new system to the world and showcased both good and bad aspects of it. One unfortunate aspect is that the Xbox One is not going to play nice with all your old games.

In an analysis Wired posted today, the unfortunate truth sunk in. All those Xbox Live Arcade and Xbox Live Indie Games that are currently on your 360 will have no home on the Xbox One. Of course, this is right alongside Sony's position which currently says it is unlikely that existing PSN titles will be available on PS4.

Either happily dispose of your digital and retail collection and move on to the next generation or take good care of your 360 as it continues to age. Previously, the original Xbox did not allow XBLA purchases to transfer to 360. In that way there was precedent for Microsoft ignoring backwards compatibility - many just chose to ignore it.

Xbox One Has a Fee to Play Used Games

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:38:19 +0000

One of the biggest rumors floating around years and months before today was whether or not the new Xbox system would be able to play used games. Some suggested this would be disallowed through online or system-based linking, while others said it was a ridiculous concept that Microsoft would not pursue.

As it turns out, the answer is somewhere in the middle. Players can indeed get used copies of games, but they won't be able to simply pop the disc in and play like they are used to. In order to play games, Microsoft told Wired that "all game discs are installed to the HDD to play". In doing so, the initial player authorizes their Xbox Live account and can play the game with or without the disc from then on out.

However, once a user gives that disc to a friend, sells it back to a store, or does anything else, the next owner will have to pay a (currently unspecified) fee to install the game on their own Xbox One. Is it possible to simply play a game without installing it to circumvent the fee? Possibly, but we don't know just yet. Finally, it was also confirmed that if you sell your game, once it gets activated with another account, it will be deactivated on your own.

Is this an acceptable way to handle used games?

Call of Duty: Ghosts Announced

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:34:13 +0000

Halo wasn't the only shooter getting some attention at the Xbox Reveal conference: The Call of Duty series got some love, as well.

Call of Duty: Ghosts was revealed today for next-gen consoles, and the Xbox One will get exclusive first release on DLC for the new game in this series. In this new installment, you'll be fighting against an oppressive dominating force, taking a different tone than other games in the Call of Duty series have. Also, you won't be alone; you'll have a canine companion on your team, and Activision says it'll be a companion "you'll care about".

You can check out some footage from the conference here:

What do you think of this new Call of Duty game?

Halo Continues... as a TV Series

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:11:52 +0000

Were you expecting information on Xbox's biggest franchises during their conference? Well, you weren't disappointed, though it might be quite what you expect.

With an appearance by Steven Spielburg came the announcement of a live-action Halo television series being produced. There was little else revealed about the new series in itself, but that alone is bound to get Halo fans interested.

What do you think of this franchise's transformation to a television series?

Assassin's Creed IV and Watch Dogs Will Be Available for Xbox One

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:05:43 +0000

While there was a bunch of reveals and information at the conference today, Ubisoft decided instead to reveal some information via Twitter. One of their tweets today has given Microsoft fans some great news:

"We confirm that Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag and Watch_Dogs will both be available on #XboxOne."

Are you planning on picking up either of these games on the Xbox One?

The Xbox One Will Release This Year

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:55:31 +0000

The Xbox One has just been confirmed for a 2013 launch window. It was also mentioned that the release would be worldwide, but it wasn't said if this worldwide release would be simultaneous or not. Odds are it won't be, but we'll see.

Of course Microsoft didn't give an exact date or price due to E3 being just weeks away, but you won't have to wait very long before you know exactly when you'll get your hands on this new console.

Microsoft Promises 15 Exclusive Releases for Xbox One in the First Year

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:48:32 +0000

Everyone knows that the Xbox 360 has been a bit scant on exclusive releases. However, Microsoft hopes to change this with the Xbox One. We are promised fifteen exclusive releases for the new console within in the first year of its launch.

Better yet, eight of these games will be new IPs. It looks as though we have much to look forward to for Xbox One's first year!

There's a lot more to see, so make sure to keep checking here!

Forza 5 Just Revealed For Xbox One

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:39:52 +0000

Microsoft has just revealed Forza 5 for their new console, the Xbox One. It was also just announced that the game will in fact be a launch title for Microsoft's newest console. While it didn't look to be too much different compared to current generation games, its certainly going to be a thorn in the side of Sony's recently revealed Gran Turismo 6.

Take a look at one of the cars below. Can you really tell the difference between this car and one from Forza 4? These racing games have just gotten too photo-realistic as it is to cause any waves in next generation announcements.

How stylish!

Xbox One Will Use Your Existing Xbox Live Membership

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:32:45 +0000

Good news--if you were worried about starting over again when you buy an Xbox One, worry no more! Today's conference revealed that you use the same Xbox Live account as before. No thinking of new usernames or anything!

Keep yourself glued here for more Xbox One information!

Every Xbox One Will Come With A New Kinect

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:25:57 +0000

It has just been revealed that each and every Xbox One will come bundled with the new Kinect. Considering how important it is to the system's new design, I can't say I'm surprised. What is surprising though is what this new Kinect 2 can do.

The darned thing can monitor your heart while you play! It was described as being so advanced that the technology behind it is similar to rocket science. I say its more like Skynet with each and every announcement.

The Xbox One Is Listening To You Even While Off

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:20:13 +0000

After the big reveal of the new Xbox One, it was revealed that the console will have a much more extensive list of voice activated commands that the user could use. The very first one they showed off was "Xbox One, turn on." The Xbox sprang to life and immediately went to the presenter's account.

But wait, there's more! Not only did they reveal that the console is listening to you while it is off, it is also listening for distinct voices. Without powering on it knows what you're saying and even who is saying what. This is pretty exciting technology in my eyes, but prepare for the tinfoil hats to come out any time now.

The Next Xbox Will Be Called Xbox One

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:12:03 +0000

The next Xbox is here, and its called... the Xbox One?! Well, that was a surprise. Along with the name of the next Xbox being revealed came a video showing off the actual console itself along with the much anticipated controller.

Is that the new Kinect up there?

From what was shown of the controller, it looks an awful lot like the original Xbox controller. Original as in the first Xbox. Why was this controller hyped up so much in the press? We don't really know yet. But we'll be sure to update you when more information comes out.

Time and Eternity Gets a Very Pretty Limited Edition

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:09:28 +0000

The upcoming Time and Eternity from NIS America is looking to be an intriguing RPG with hand-drawn and animated 2D sprites to emulate the look of an anime. If it hasn't interested you already, then maybe this recently announced limited edition for Time and Eternity will convince you to buy it.

Here's what comes with the limited edition:

Full-color hardcover art book
Time and Eternity original soundtrack with jewel case
"Double Vision" tear-resistant poster
Gorgeous limited edition box to hold all these goodies

You can buy the Time and Eternity Limited Edition for a mere $65 with free shipping from NIS America's online store. That's a steal considering PS3 games normally cost $60 anyway!

Time and Eternity releases for PS3 on July 16th.

Arc Systems Works Announces and Shows Off Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN-

Tue, 21 May 2013 01:31:31 +0000

The wait for a new Guilty Gear is over! Over the weekend, Arc System Works announced Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- at the Arc System Works festival in Japan.

Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- will also be jumping on the 3D train. The 3D character models still look very 2D and beautiful, though!

There is currently no release date for Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN-, or even a mention of what systems it will be on (besides arcades).

You can check out the trailer and screenshots below.

Album: Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- Screenshots

4 images

0 comments

What do you think about Guilty Gear going 3D?

Terry Cavanagh Working On a New Puzzle Game Called Halting Problem

Mon, 20 May 2013 21:05:03 +0000

Terry Cavanagh, creator of last year's hit indie game Super Hexagon (and VVVVVV before that) has revealed that his next project is a new puzzle game that he's calling Halting Problem.

Cavanagh says that the game is inspired by DROD and Increpare's games among others, and that it will be a "proper meaty puzzle game" that he's been wanting to make for a while. He also adds that he's currently experimenting around with mechanics to see what he can make of them at the moment.

Halting Problem's visuals seem to continue the retro Atari 2600 look that many of Cavanagh's games have used over the years; the surroundings and borders look extremely similar to those found in VVVVVV, for example.

No expected release window has been announced for the game yet, but Cavanagh mentions that this will be his "main focus for a while." In the meantime, you can view two Vines of the game - "Pushing a Block" and "Fistbump" - that Cavanagh shared on Twitter.

Source: Distractionware

Steam Week Long Deals for May 20-27

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:20:46 +0000

Although the Steam Summer Sale is over a month away we can still make use of some excellent sales thanks to the latest set of weekly deals. This time around there are nine games available and one piece of software. The software in question is Articy: Draft SE for $67.

The games and their discounted prices are as follows:

Jagged Alliance - Back in Action - $13.59
Lords of Football - $20
Rochard - $2.49
Sleeping Dogs (Review) - $12.49
Spectraball - $3.34
Steel Storm: Burning Retribution - $3
Strike Suit Zero (Review) - $10
Wasteland Angel - $2.50
Unreal Deal Pack - $10

Rochard, Wasteland Angel, and the Unreal Deal Pack are all 75% off, making them the biggest sales of the week. Of note, the Unreal Deal Pack comes with the following five games: Unreal Gold, Unreal Tournament: Game of the Year Edition, Unreal 2: The Awakening, Unreal Tournament 3: Black, Unreal Tournament 2004: Editor's Choice Edition. Unfortunately for Steam, many gamers have probably already experienced Sleeping Dogs thank to its recent addition to PlayStation Plus's Instant Game Collection.

PS Plus Adds Germinator and Pinball Arcade

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:27:43 +0000

Are you PlayStation Plus members ready for yet another week of Instant Game Collection additions? Thankfully the titles added today aren't likely to take up too much space. Unlike some weeks where only one game is added, we've got two: Germinator and Pinball Arcade.

Germinator is a Vita exclusive puzzle game. Basically, it's one of those match-three style titles with a twist. Pinball Arcade runs on both PS3 and Vita, and comes with Cross-Buy functionality. Although there are DLC tables available, none of those come with the Instant Game Collection version.

In other news, there are 30% discounts on Darkstalkers Resurrection + Super Puzzle Fighter II and the hotly anticipated Men's Room Mayhem. Metro: Last Light Season Passes are 25% off as well. Sony also happens to be hosting a massive sale on "Ultimate Editions" of games which are PSN titles including all their DLC at discounted prices. PS Plus members get extra discounts on each title. Some games included are DmC Devil May Cry, Far Cry 3, and Persona 4 Arena.

Arkham Origins Gets New Batman Voice Actor, But Keeps The Old One

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:11:10 +0000

For a guy who specializes so heavily in stealth, it is weird how iconic Batman's voices are. Even Christopher Nolan's version is... well, people know it. It's a big job, having to make the decision to replace Batman's voice, but in Arkham Origins, they've given the job to Roger Craig Smith.

You might recognize the name. Smith has done some work as Sonic the Hedgehog, as well as the Resident Evil series's Chris Redfield. More recently, he's been the voice of Ezio from the Assassin's Creed series, so Batman might be kind of sexy this time around.

Just because The Incomparable Kevin Conroy isn't doing the Bat-Man, however, that doesn't mean he's out of the series's will. He apparently will be showing up in the game in some capacity, according to a Q&A at Dallas Comic-Com (via Batman-News.com), but what role? We'll find out one day!

As we all know, Mark Hamill has yet again stated that Arkham City was his last jaunt into Jokerdom, so it's safe to say that he won't be in Origins and we can be free to focus on Batman's brilliant other pantheon of villains--Oh wait, no, Joker's in there, since it's a prequel. Fortunately for Mark Hamill, though, they've found someone for a younger version of the role: Troy Baker.

Troy Baker is riding high on recent celebrity, thanks to his role as Booker DeWitt in BioShock Infinite, but he's one of voice acting's big names, playing around one hundred different game roles, including Yuri from Tales of Vesperia, one of the voice options for the main character in Saints Row: The Third, and my personal favorite, Kanji in Persona 4. He's on the credit cards to be playing Joel in the upcoming The Last of Us, if none of those got you interested.

If this news has reaffirmed (or at least hasn't diminished) your desire for the series, preordering from Amazon.com will score you a playable Deathstroke DLC thing. Since Batman has a showdown-throwdown with him during the recent trailer (seen below), he's obviously going to be in the game, but in what capacity, they're keeping close-to-the-vest. The site still doesn't really have information on what exactly it is, so if you're morally opposed to preorder bonuses, there's no reason to assume that this is worth violating your principles or anything. Otherwise, hey, go for it.

The current listed release date is October 25, 2013, for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, and the PlayStation Vita.

Latest Indie Gala Bundle is Live for 3 Days

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:41:00 +0000

Oftentimes it is easy to rest on your laurels when a game bundle goes live. Waiting can even be recommended at times where a bundle is set to reveal mystery games later in the week. However, the latest bundle from Indie Gala is one that should be purchased quick if you have any interest in it. Titled the Dungeons bundle, it includes up to six games but has only three days on the timer.

Surprisingly, paying "what you want" under $2.83:

Patrician III (Windows: Steam)

Beating the average ($2.83 as of now) adds three more titles:

Patrician IV: Steam Special Edition (Windows: Steam)
Patrician IV: Ride of a Dynasty (Windows: Steam)
Dungeons - The Dark Lord (Windows: Steam)

Then, those spending closer to five bucks will get Dungeons: Steam Special Edition. A music album, F-777 Deadlocked, also comes with any tier's purchase. Most will probably skip by this bundle but those who are Patrician fans should be pretty pleased by it. The question remains why they called it the "Dungeons" bundle instead of Patrcian.