Tag: launch

Nintendo’s ‘Miitomo’ Launches In North America On March 31st!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: It’s about time.

Matt detailed Nintendo’s rough launch plans for Miitomo back in February, and today the big N finally revealed that anticipating gamers in Canada and North America will be able to join Miitomo as of March 31st!

Nintendo notes that the app had an incredibly successful launch in Japan, boasting that the title was downloaded over “1 million times in its first three days of availability, while achieving the #1 most downloaded free app status in both the App Store and Google Play storefronts.”

Now it’s our turn. The company states that you can actually pre-register for Miitomo right now, right here, and that doing so, you’ll “receive an email when the app is ready to download. People that create their Nintendo Account and preregister before March 31 will also receive Platinum Points for the new My Nintendo rewards program, which will simultaneously launch with Miitomo. Aiming to be much more than a standard rewards program, My Nintendo is a comprehensive service that rewards users for interacting with Nintendo products and services in a variety of ways. Miitomo users who link the app to their Nintendo Account will be able to take advantage of My Nintendo to enhance their experience. Platinum Points can be earned by interacting with Nintendo apps and services, including Miitomo. Gold Points are earned when purchasing digital versions of games from Nintendo.com or Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. Both Platinum and Gold Points can be redeemed for rewards like games, download content, in-app items and eShop discount coupons.”

It sounds pretty danged easy to get starting with Miitomo: “After downloading the application for free on the App Store for iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, along with Android devices, users create a Mii character and customize facial features like eyes and hair, as well as voice and personality. Users can also use the camera on their smart devices to snap a photo of themselves, which can be used to create a Mii, or they can simply import their Mii from theirWii U or Nintendo 3DS systems using a QR Code.

Once their Mii is ready, users can add friends who already have the app in person, or by linking the app with their existing Facebook or Twitter accounts. After that step is complete, it’s time to answer some questions! Miitomo creates conversations and turns discussions into a form of play by prompting users to answer all kinds of fun questions. How would you define your fashion style? What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? If you were given 10 grand to spend in one day, what would you do? The answers get shared among friends, sparking interesting conversations – part of the fun is discovering unexpected facts about your friends. When users hear how their friends responded to questions, they can give answers a “heart” or a written or picture comment.”

The application looks weird as hell, but as a gamer who doesn’t spend a lot of time at home, I’m beyond excited to try out this unique experience on my iPhone. What are you excited to do in Miitomo? Be sure to sound out in the comments below!

Miitomo

 

Can’t Wait? Launch Plans For Miitomo Includes Pre-Registration And More!

by Matt Rodriguez

Nintendo has finally unveiled their launch plans for Miitomo, which is their first foray into the mobile game market, soon to be available on iOS and Android devices!

These plans not only allow players to pre-register for an account and updates, but also rewards them for doing so!  As detailed on Business Wire, “Starting Feb. 17, people will be able to pre-register for Miitomo by signing up for the new Nintendo Account service using their existing email, social media accounts or current Nintendo Network IDs.  People who pre-register will be among the first to be notified about the availability of Miitomo when it launches in March.  Nintendo will offer a special Miitomo bonus to anyone who signs up for a Nintendo Account between Feb. 17 and launch.”

Several other features of the game are also detailed, such as lighthearted fun conversations between Mii characters in Miitomo, such as “What song has been stuck in your head lately?” to as wacky as, “If you saw a nose hair sticking out of your friend’s nose, what would you do?”  There will also be a “Miifoto” feature which will allow you to take photos featuring your Mii.  Mii characters are central to this game, and they’ve been used a variety of ways since their introduction in the original Wii console–one of their latest adventures includes a friend and family simulator in Tomodachi Life, where Mii characters can build relationships, engage in activities, and even have families!  They’ve also become characters in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS and Wii U, taking their powers from the various incarnations they’ve had over the years.  We have no doubt that Miitomo will continue their lighthearted humor and provide a meaningful experience for players, as they allow users to be able to “interact with their friends in an entirely new way that transforms communication into a form of play.”

Miitomo will launch in March, alongside My Nintendo.  Several details have been revealed for the My Nintendo account program, as we have recently found out.

…One last thing!

“Including Miitomo, Nintendo plans to release approximately five smart device applications by the end of March 2017,” according to Business Wire.  Are you excited about this?  We definitely are, and can only imagine what they have in store!

Miitomo

Source: Business Wire

‘Driveclub’s Newest Trailer Is Jaw-Droppingly Gorgeous

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Five long months ago, Sony announced the official, final release date of their long-delayed social racer, Driveclub, and now we’re just a few days away from finally getting our hands on it.

Sure, we still don’t know how the game plays, but we’re well aware of how freaking gorgeous it looks. I’ve been watching loads of new footage for the game over the past few weeks, and there has been nary a video that hasn’t had me whispering ‘wow’ under my breath.

Sony has just released a new, ‘all action’ trailer for the game, and it features plenty of impressive accolades from a variety of publications. I’m very excited to give it a shot next Tuesday, and it’s pretty amazing that Playstation Plus members will get a huge chunk of the game for free.

Here’s what Evolution Studios Community Development Manager had to say about the upcoming release:

Can you believe that you’ll be able to get your hands on DRIVECLUB next week!?

 

Let’s celebrate with a brand new video showing some of the crazy action and racing you’ll get to experience at launch.

 

Besides sharing a new video with you, I’d also like to take this time to thank you for your amazing support and patience this year.

 

The Evo team has done everything possible to make your wait for DRIVECLUB worth it, and it’s the support we get from players that really spurs us on. Keep being awesome and enjoy the game!

 

Don’t forget, DRIVECLUB is eligible for automatic pre-load so if you’ve pre-ordered the game through PlayStation Store, you’ll be able to jump right in and start racing as soon as DRIVECLUB launches at Midnight Pacific.

 

PlayStation Plus members can pre-order the game now through PlayStation Store, or if you’d prefer a Blu-ray copy, we have lots of pre-order offers at participating retailers that will give you immediate access to supercars, exclusive livery designs, and a big Fame Point boost to get you ahead of the pack right off the line.

 

We’d love to keep hearing from you while we continue to bring updates to DRIVECLUB, so get in touch on Twitter and Facebook.

Take a look at the new trailer below, and let us know if you’ll be joining the club.

‘DriveClub’ Still Looks Gorgeous, Now Has A Release Date!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: DriveClub just got a release date, and it’s not the early 2014 launch that gamers were hoping for.

Sony revealed the date of October 7th, 2014, with a trailer showing off some gorgeous new footage of the title.

Shuhei Yoshida, president of SCE Worldwide Studios said that:

We planned for the game to be ready for early 2014 and are committed to delivering on our ambitious promise of creating a truly innovative, socially connected racing game.

 

The problem with being ambitious is you have to be prepared to accept there will be challenges along the way. What DRIVECLUB offers has not been previously achieved in this category, and, because of this, the team needed more time to give you the game you’re waiting for.

 

In addition to the new date, we are also very pleased to announce that as of February 2014, Paul Rustchynsky — better known as Rushy — has been at the helm of DRIVECLUB as Game Director. We appreciate the announcement has come a little late, however we wanted to inform his appointment along with the new date announcement.

 

His experience when it comes to delivering racing games is impeccable. Previously Game Director on critically acclaimed MotorStorm RC, he has been an integral contributor to all major titles coming out of Evolution Studios since 2004. With Rushy in the lead, we know DRIVECLUB will deliver on its initial promise to be a truly next gen racing title for our PS4 portfolio.

 

We are really proud of the incredible work the team has produced — their tenacity and passionate pursuit of excellence is admirable, and DRIVECLUB will be all the better for it.

 

Your anticipation for the title since my last update has been a huge source of motivation for the team at Evolution Studios, and I know they are all extremely grateful for your continued support. Look out for plenty more news on DRIVECLUB in the coming weeks, including a blog update direct from Rushy tomorrow, and don’t forget, the date is in the trailer. I hope you enjoy watching it.

Take a look at the new trailer below, and let us know if you’re looking forward to the game!

The Xbox One Finally Has A Japanese Release Date

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: The Xbox One launched in North America (to much fanfare) all the way back in November 2013 (along with 22 other countries). Japan, unfortunately, was not one of those territories, but we now know just when Microsoft’s big black box will launch in the land of the rising sun.

Xbox Japan today tweeted the release date, which falls on September 4th, 2014. It’s crazy to think that the console won’t launch there until it’s been available in other territories for over a year, but that’s probably a testament to how poorly Microsoft’s consoles have performed in the country in the past. There’s still plenty of demand elsewhere, so why focus on a country where there isn’t any?

Have you picked up an Xbox One yet? What games are you playing at this time? I still can’t stop playing Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare.

Xbox One

Sony’s ‘Driveclub’ Goes ‘Back To The Drawing Board’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Well, this isn’t good.

Right before the PS4 launch in November of last year, Sony announced that they were delaying their new IP and new flagship racer, Driveclub, into 2014.

IGN has just reported that Evolution Studios, the developer behind the Sony-owned title (and Sony’s earlier Motorstorm series), was going ‘back to the drawing board’ in order to turn Driveclub into something great.

Sony’s Scott Rhode said that “What I will say is that it all comes back to that fundamental principle, and that’s that we want to build great games. And we really don’t want to release a game before it’s ready. And sometimes, this happens in the normal course of business, where we think we’re on track to deliver what we think is going to be a great game, and when we get closer, we realize that we’d be doing everyone a disservice if we shipped it before it was ready.”

When asked if the game would still launch in calendar 2014, Rhode couldn’t comment.

What do you think of the news? With the Motorstorm team behind the title, you’d sure think they’d have something by now.

‘Killzone: Shadow Fall’ Launch Trailer Released

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: With the release of the Playstation 4 just a few days away (I’m getting my camping gear ready), Sony has just debuted two new videos for Killzone: Shadow Fall.

The first is the game’s launch trailer, which focusses on the game’s plot, as well as showing off Vetka. The second video, labelled a ‘Tech Trailer’ shows off some of the great new technology coming to the game via the power of the Playstation 4.

Take a look at both videos below, and let us know if you’ll be picking up Killzone: Shadow Fall with you PS4. I’m still trying to decide between it and Knack, any suggestions?

Set thirty years after the events of the Killzone trilogy, the world of Killzone Shadow Fall is a very different place. Forced together by circumstance, the two rival factions of the Helghast and the Vektans live side by side in a futuristic city, divided by a vast wall.

New ‘Killzone: Shadow Fall’ Trailer Reminds Me That I Still Need To Save For A PS4.

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: A new, live-action trailer for Killzone: Shadow Fall has just debuted online.

The video, titled ‘Oaths and Promises’, is a clear example of the excellent marketing that Sony is using this generation (though it’s not nearly as good as this ad).

It also does a great job of reminding me that the PS4 comes out in 10 days, and I still haven’t figured out how to get my hands on one…

In any case, take a look at the video below, and let us know if you’re looking forward to the game! Killzone: Shadow Fall launches with the PS4 on November 15th!

http://youtu.be/UuG0jiYkk9s

‘Driveclub’ Delayed To 2014

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Following rumours earlier this week, Sony today confirmed that Driveclub would not be releasing with the Playstation 4.

This follows Ubisoft’s news of the Watch Dogs delay from a few days back, meaning that in less than one week, the Playstation 4 has lost two of its biggest games (and one of its few exclusives).

Driveclub was originally slated to release alongside the Playstation 4 on November 15th, and Playstation Plus members (a service which is required for online play on the PS4) were set to receive a stripped-down version of the game for free.

The game will now launch in 2014, and Playstation Plus members will instead receive Compulsion Games’ wonderful looking Contrast. Driveclub will be available to Playstation Plus members when the full game launches.

According to Sony, “We understand that the delay is disappointing news, but can assure you that the reason we have made this decision is to ensure that when DRIVECLUB launches, it will realize the next-gen racing vision. And PlayStation 4 gamers will have no shortage of titles to play this year. At launch alone, we have Killzone Shadow Fall, Knack, Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, FIFA 14, Call of Duty: Ghosts, and Battlefield 4 to name but a few, as well as the incredible list of indie games coming to PS4. A broad portfolio of games will be available on PS4 before the end of the year, and with games such as inFAMOUS Second Son, The Order 1886, Destiny, Watch Dogs and now DRIVECLUB coming next year, the strength of the software line-up on PS4 is unprecedented.”

Take a look at the trailer for Contrast below, and let us know what next-gen console you’ll be picking up!

Source: Sony

Sony’s ‘Perfect Day’ PS4 Commercial Is Absolutely Wonderful

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Sony has just released a hilarious new Playstation 4 commercial entitled ‘Perfect Day’.

The ad is short, and I don’t want to give anything away, so just take a look below, and let us know what you think!

http://youtu.be/s0d9d-cdxhk

I can’t wait to finally get my hands on the console (even if my most anticipated title, Watch Dogs, has just been delayed). I’m still trying to scrape the funds together, but I certainly hope the console can make me feel as great as this video did.

Which next-gen console (if any) are you planning to pick up?

Watch A Wonderful Launch Trailer For ‘The Wonderful 101’

by Derek Kraneveldt

Briefly: Could The Wonderful 101 be the Wii U’s much needed killer app?

The Wonderful 101 is less than a week away from hitting store shelves… at least in Europe and Japan (North Americans will be waiting until mid-September), and Nintendo has just debuted a wonderful launch trailer for the highly anticipated title.

Juan gave us some pretty fantastic coverage of the game during this year’s amazing San Diego Comic-Con, and if his excitement is any indication, The Wonderful 101 is guaranteed to be something special. It’s been some time since I’ve picked up a new Wii U game (though I still really need to get on Pikmin 3), but I will definitely be lining up for this one.

Take a look at the launch trailer below, and let us know if you’re excited!

Tera: Rising Gets A Launch Trailer! PLUS A Contest And Giveaway!

by Shane O'Hare

Tera Online has officially made the jump from paid to free to play! The real time combat MMORPG switched to the free model earlier this year, but as of February 5th officially became Tera: Rising. Check out the trailer, and how you can win some fun swag for your Tera: Rising character!

 

 

We at Geekscape are proud to bring you, our loyal readers, another fantastic giveaway!

 

Our friends over at EnMasse Entertainment have given us two codes to giveaway for the fabulous looking Arkai Mask!

 

Don a mask of feathery blue plumage mimicking the Arkai of Balder’s Temple for a passive-aggressive way to call your opponent “chicken.”

 

This cosmetic item is tradeable and can be redeemed by one character on your game account.

You are probably saying to yourself right now, “DAMN! I’d like to win me one of those! How can I get one?” Well it’s simple. Go to the official Geekscape Facebook Page and like the page, and like and share the picture below.

 

Two lucky Tera: Rising players will be picked at random THIS Friday (March 8th). Remember: You have to Like our Facebook Page and Share the Arkai Mask Picture!

 

Arkai_mask

 

Now get to sharin’, Birdies!

Miis Invade New York!

by Derek Kraneveldt

Have you been living under a rock for the past year? No? Then you’re probably aware that Nintendo’s new home console, the Wii U is set to launch in just over 24 hours. You’re probably also aware that it looks absolutely incredible.

Nintendo is understandably, and so are their classic Mii’s, who after six years are finally about to get a new home! As a promotion for the upcoming launch, a lot of Mii characters took over New York City, and the results are pretty hilarious.

Check out the photos below, and let us know what you think! Will you be waiting in line for a Wii U? I know I’ll be picking one up the second my finances allow it!

If anyone is interested in buying a kidney, I’m not opposed to selling it. I’d love be able to pick up a Wii U this Sunday!

Get Back In Black With The ‘Black Ops II’ Launch Trailer

by Shane O'Hare

Black Ops is my personal favorite CoD game of the franchise. The narrative they took with the era’s fear of communist nuclear attacks, Vietnamese war travesties and good ole fashioned conspiracy theories (To be fair, MKUltra actually happened, just google it) was some of the best writing in a video game I’ve witnessed in a long time. So you can understand how excited when I heard they would be making another Black Ops game.

Well November 13th is almost here so Activision have released an official launch trailer. Check it out BELOW!

Be Afraid With This New ‘ZombiU’ Trailer

by Shane O'Hare

Fucking Nintendo, how does it work? Remarkably well. It looks like they really are listening to the hardcore and will deliver a solid new console. Check out the newest trailer for the survival horror launch title ZombiU. It looks, pretty damn fun!

You can get your hands on a WiiU as well as ZombiU November 18th!

‘Borderlands 2’ Gets A Launch Trailer! Turns Out WE’RE The Bad Guys?!

by Shane O'Hare

Tomorrow marks the day where gamers in North America can return to Pandora. Gearbox Software have just released this little launch trailer to get our excitement up! Take a look with me!

Borderlands 2 (or as a friend of mine once called it, Binderlords) launches tomorrow, the 18th on PC, Xbox 360 and PS3!

Violence Is Reborn… On The Wii U? Check Out The ‘Ninja Gaiden 3: Razors Edge’ Trailer!

by Shane O'Hare

The Wii U is really making me excited. I was already sold on it because I am a Nintendo fanboy, but I was worried that it will face the same issues that Wii did. Limited graphics and very kid like games. Sure there were a few gems on the Wii, but it was primarily a kid console. Well the Wii U is changing that. Take a look at this trailer for Ninja Gaiden 3: Razors Edge!

Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Not only does the trailer start out with some nice robo titties and anime booty, but it goes right into the ultra violence.

NG:RE will feature the original Ninja Gaiden 3 game and all the DLC, plus a nice graphic improvement.

No official release date has been given, just a Q4 2012, but we can assume it is a launch title. At least I hope it is.

This ‘Way Of The Samurai 4’ Launch Trailer Is…Pretty Damn Weird

by Shane O'Hare

Way Of The Samurai 4 ships TODAY and with this auspicious moment the folks over at Acquire games have released this interesting launch trailer…yeah,”interesting”.

This is obviously a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously. With Saints Row absurd costumes and activities, this looks like something I’d love to play. 1:09 of the trailer is probably the funniest thing I’ve seen all week. From the video release:

PS3 exclusive Way of the Samurai 4 takes place in the harbor town of Amihama, several years after the arrival of the “black ships” from the West ended Japan’s long history of cultural isolation. Will you aid the traditional isolationists in their attempts to exile this potential threat to the Japanese way of life? Will you aid the shogunate government in their attempts to keep the peace and establish cordial (but limited) relations with the foreigner contingent? Or will you aid the foreigners in their attempts to establish silk trade and foster cultural exchange, even at the expense of a few traditions? Who will you support? Who will you betray?

Way Of The Samurai 4 ships today and is available on PS3