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Even The Odds: ‘Batman: Arkham Knight’ Gets A New Trailer!

by Derek KraneveldtMay 21, 2014

Briefly: It’s been some time since we’ve seen or heard anything from the Batman: Arkham Knight camp, but Warner Bros. Interactive has just debuted a new trailer for the game, featuring the first clips of gameplay, as well as letting us know just what’s going on in Gotham.

In Arkham Knight, Scarecrow returns to Gotham City with a scheme to unite the Rogues Gallery and destroy the Batman once and for all. As the citizens of Gotham flee and criminal gangs take control of the city, Batman evens the odds taking to the streets in the legendary Batmobile to ignite the fight that will decide the future of the city that he is sworn to protect.

You can take a look at the trailer below, and be sure to let us know what you think! Batman: Arkham Knight will launch on PS4, Xbox One, and PC this October!

‘Halo 5: Guardians’ Has Been Announced!

by Derek KraneveldtMay 16, 2014

Briefly: The next entry in the Halo franchise has just been announced.

We knew it was coming, and we even saw a brief, unrevealing trailer for it at last year’s E3, but the game now officially has a title and release window. It’s called Halo 5: Guardians, and it’ll release in Fall 2015.

Bonnie Ross, General Manager of 343 Industries took to Xbox Wire to talk briefly about the title. She wasn’t able to reveal too much (but told us that much more was coming at this year’s E3 and to stay tuned for more).

Here’s what Bonnie had to say:

Any time you transition to a new platform, there is the opportunity to look at things with a new perspective. For us at 343 Industries, the launch of the Xbox One was an opportunity to think about what stories we wanted to tell, how to tell them, and how best to push the “Halo” franchise to showcase the platform. And, most importantly, combining our passion for “Halo” with the vocal and informative input from our fans.

“Halo” isn’t simply a perennial game franchise, it’s a part of the Xbox platform itself. In terms of innovation and ideation, it’s sometimes important to people who might not even play “Halo.” And of course it’s a passion and an essential experience for two generations of gamers. So we asked ourselves, how do we begin and where do we go with “Halo” on Xbox One?

In the past, “Halo” games have pushed the Xbox forward, showcasing the console and its ecosystem in entertaining and innovative ways. Making a “Halo” game that runs at 60 frames per second, on dedicated servers, with the scope, features and scale we’ve been dreaming of for more than a decade, is non-trivial. It’s a task that we, at 343 Industries, are taking very seriously to ensure we deliver the “Halo” game that fans deserve, and a game that is built from the ground up for Xbox One.

I’m happy to reveal that “Halo 5: Guardians,” the next installment in the legendary saga of the Master Chief, will launch on Xbox One in fall of 2015. In the tradition of every “Halo” game since its debut in 2001, it is a massive and exciting project.

“Halo 5: Guardians” is a bigger effort than “Halo 4.” That applies to the content and scope of the game, as well as the technology in what’s now a brand new and more powerful engine. Certainly there are some core elements carried over from prior games, but we’ve invested a huge effort in retooling our tech to take full advantage of the Xbox One’s hardware and ecosystem to create worlds and experiences worthy of next-gen.

It’s a game that will hopefully demonstrate the talent, learnings and abilities of the 343 Industries team. A game that will incorporate the things we learned from “Halo 4” about technology, aesthetics, performance and scale – and perhaps more importantly, understanding and embracing a community of gamers who love what lies at the heart of this game, and the limitless potential of the “Halo” universe.

And 2015 won’t simply be the year of “Halo 5: Guardians,” it will also be a year that offers us a unique opportunity. The opportunity to invite old friends and new audiences into that universe through the “Halo” television series, launched as a unique collaboration with Steven Spielberg and some of the finest creative minds in the business. A series that will stand alone, as well as complement and enrich the game experience. We’ll have more to share on the “Halo” television series as we near its projected fall 2015 release.

It’s interesting that they chose to officially announce the game so close to E3, but in any case, we’ll definitely be seeing more of it during Microsoft’s press conference in just a few weeks. You can rewatch the teaser from last year’s E3 below, and let us know if you’re looking forward to the game.

http://youtu.be/AE-5szqJQIQ

Xbox One Available Without Kinect Starting This June, Plus Other Changes!

by Derek KraneveldtMay 13, 2014

Briefly: Despite stating that the console would never be without it, Microsoft essentially completed the Xbox One 180 today by announcing a Kinect-less Xbox One system. The new package will be available on June 9th for $399, which is $100 less than the current Kinect package.

Phil Spencer stated back in March that the Games with Gold program is ‘fundamentally different’ from Playstation Plus because it allows gamers to keep the titles even if their subscription lapses. It looks like that is changing too, at least for Xbox One owners, as the Games with Gold announcement states that “Members will have subscription-based access to free games ranging from top hits to breaking indie stars. The program will launch on Xbox One with Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Halo: Spartan Assault.”

Lastly, Microsoft is FINALLY (finally) dropping the Xbox Live Gold requirement for using services such as Netflix and Hulu. I don’t know how anyone ever though this was a good idea, especially as there’s not another device on the planet (as far as I know) that requires an additional fee to watch Netflix on it. Here’s what Microsoft said about that:

“Coming in June, anyone with an Xbox will be able to access popular entertainment experiences – whether or not you have an Xbox Live Gold membership. This includes great gaming apps like Machinima, Twitch and Upload, popular video services like Netflix, Univision Deportes, GoPro, Red Bull TV and HBO GO, sports experiences like the NFL app for Xbox One, MLB.TV, NBA Game Time, NHL Game Center and more.*** Microsoft experiences including Internet Explorer, Skype, OneDrive and OneGuide will also be available to all Xbox customers.”

Don’t get me wrong, everything change made here is positive, but I really wish that they didn’t have to directly contradict Microsoft’s previous statements! It’s going to make my Xbox One more fun however (free games, and essentially a price drop so more friends can pick one up) so I’m down with all of the changes!

What are you thoughts?

Source: Xbox Wire

‘Sunset Overdrive’ Is The Most Incredible Looking Thing I Have Ever Seen

by Shane O'HareMay 8, 2014

We’re no strangers to (love) Insomniac Games. They are responsible for some of the greatest adventure games out there. Does Spyro or Ratch and Clank ring a bell? Well it looks like they’ve pushed the limit again with Sunset Overdrive, because I just watched this gameplay trailer and bout busted out my credit card right here.

I still cannot wrap my head around how fucking good this looks. I am really happy that we are finally starting to see true “next gen” games coming out. That respawn system looks hilarious.

The only downside, for me personally, is that this is an Xbox One exclusive.

No specific release date has been announced, save a vague “2014”.

For more info and some beautiful hi res pics, be sure to hit up the official website.

‘Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes’ Platform Exclusive Content Wont Be Exclusive Much Longer

by Derek KraneveldtApril 26, 2014

Briefly: The short-ass game with a ton of replayability, Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes is about to get some new content.

At launch, Sony and Microsoft platforms each had an exclusive mission. In celebration of over 1 million copies sold, a new title update will unlock and allow all users to access the Déjà vu and Jamais Vu missions, regardless of the platform you’re playing on!

Originally launched exclusively for PlayStation platforms, the Déjà vu mission, often referred to as a “throwback” mission, is based on missions from the original METAL GEAR SOLID game and lets users play as a pixelated, low polygon Solid Snake. To progress in the mission, players must recreate the key scenes. As a reward, players will see flashbacks to the previous game.

“Jamais Vu”, the Xbox platform exclusive mission, references the 1988 game, “SNATCHER,” the second video game written and directed by Hideo Kojima. In the mission, the menacing bioroid “Snatchers” are dropped into Camp Omega to kill and steal the identities of everything they come in contact with. To kill off these enemies, players need a hero other than Snake—enter Raiden, the superhuman ninja cyborg from previous METAL GEAR titles, including most recently METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE. This time, Raiden dispenses with his High-Frequency Blade in favor of heavy weaponry to completely annihilate the “Snatcher” threat.

Have you picked up the title yet? What are your thoughts on the game? Are you looking forward to another mission? Sound out below!

The Xbox One Finally Has A Japanese Release Date

by Derek KraneveldtApril 23, 2014

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 One」を2014年9月４日(木)に発売。日本国内で48社のゲームメーカーが参入を表明。 http://t.co/6NcOL3wEg1 pic.twitter.com/bY12hNqCGA

— Xbox Japan (@Xbox_JP) April 23, 2014

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.

Seven Beautiful New ‘Batman: Arkham Knight’ Screenshots Have Debuted Online!

by Derek KraneveldtMarch 27, 2014

Briefly: Arkham Knight may just be my most anticipated not-yet-released game of 2014.

Following its awesome announcement trailer from the start of the month, plus a myriad of new images just a few days later, Warner Bros. has just debuted seven new screenshots from the anticipated title. The screenshots showcase Batman and the Batmobile, as well as the new villain, Arkham Knight.

The plot synopsis for the game states that “In the explosive finale to the Arkham series, Batman faces the ultimate threat against the city he is sworn to protect. The Scarecrow returns to unite an impressive roster of super villains, including Penguin, Two-Face and Harley Quinn, to destroy The Dark Knight forever. Batman: Arkham Knight introduces Rocksteady’s uniquely designed version of the Batmobile, which is drivable for the first time in the franchise. The addition of this legendary vehicle, combined with the acclaimed gameplay of the Batman Arkham series, offers gamers the ultimate and complete Batman experience as they tear through the streets and soar across the skyline of the entirety of Gotham City.”

With Rocksteady back behind the wheel, Arkham Knight should be glorious. The game is set to launch this October for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Take a look at the screenshots below, and let us know what you think!

Game Length and Quality: Should Play Time Matter?

by Josh JacksonMarch 26, 2014

In recent weeks, the topic of game length has been a hot one. With games like Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes and South Park: The Stick Of Truth getting knocked because of their length, (the former being beatable in under six minutes), the question keeps popping up. Should length be a deciding factor in terms of whether or not a game is worth buying? After all, the point of gaming is to have fun, regardless of if the game lasts five hours or five minutes. On the other side, when gamers are expected to spend $60 on a game that can be completely finished in a sitting or two, it’s easy to see why so many people are up in arms about the dwindling hour per dollar ratio games today are pulling in. But as long as the game is fun, should length really matter?

There are plenty of games that back up the idea that length doesn’t make a game. Take Portal for example. Clocking in at roughly three hours on a first run, its level of wit, innovation and solid game mechanics launched it into legendary status. Does the fact that it can be finished in less time than it takes to download a PS3 update make it any less great? It definitely didn’t stop it from being one of my favorite games of all time. Even back when I was a kid, games were routinely $60 and could be finished in even less time than Portal, but people didn’t make nearly as big of a stink over it as gamers do today, (unless you were our parents).

The cake was a lie, but the value wasn’t!

So what’s different about today that makes it a big deal compared to the days of bit wars and pixels? Namely, standards have changed a great deal since then. Many of today’s gamers seem to have became “hardcore gamers”, (a term that I hate, but it works nonetheless), during the PS1 or PS2 days if my Gamestop days indicate anything. Back then, the standard PS1 game was $40 with $50 being saved for your big games like the Final Fantasy series. Even short $60 games like Star Fox 64, (which gave my mom a heart attack when I proudly announced that I beat it the same morning we bought it), had multiple paths that were hard to find without a guide, two endings, medal challenges, a multiplayer mode that still holds up and a RUMBLE PAK! Definitely worth the price I think.

Star Fox 64 was short, but oooooh so sweet!

Fast forward to the HD era, and you have games that not only cost more, but are either much shorter or hold back content through DLC, sometimes both! Additionally, as I mentioned before, past games were traditionally cheaper and provided more content. It’s easy to see why gamers are unhappy with this idea of being asked to pay $60 for a 12 hour RPG with no new game plus or content outside of the story, or a prologue game charging $30 for an hour or two of campaign play.

However, focusing too much on length pressures developers to pad their games with meaningless content for the sole purpose of making them longer. Games like Knack would have been much better received if they got to the point hours sooner, instead of dragging out the story for fifteen hours when the game play didn’t support it. What we were left with was a game that didn’t know when to quit, expecting us to find enjoyment with the same abilities we learned in the tutorial all the way through. Protip: That didn’t happen. Even great games like Resident Evil 4 could have done without the majority of the Salazar section of the game. How many times did we have to rescue Ashley again?

RE4 was great. It would have been better with less of this guy.

With that said, length definitely belongs in the discussion as to whether or not a game is worth it as long as the content is strong. Take a game like Lightning Returns. It has a long campaign that rarely feels like filler, has addicting game play mechanics and tons of side and new game + content. Compare that to Stick Of Truth, a game that released only a month later. It was highly enjoyable for a plethora of reasons, but aside from the story, there was almost nothing to do after the credits rolled. The only reason I would replay it is to laugh at its fantastic plot, but I could get that from a Let’s Play on YouTube. I couldn’t get the same experience from Lightning Returns unless I played it, which further adds to its value. I fully understand that South Park took a lot of time, funding and writing from Matt Stone and Trey Parker to make it come to life, but couldn’t it have had a bonus dungeon that didn’t require new dialogue? A new game plus? The ability to go back to completed dungeons? Anything? No? Okay then…

Stick Of Truth‘s biggest flaw was its “city” amount of content.

But the biggest issue that I have as a reviewer, is whether or not that should affect scores. Reviews absolutely should call out games for being padded or being too short if the game had the potential to offer more, but as time goes on and prices drop, (which can happen as early as a month after release lately), the value goes up. So when someone buys Ground Zeroes in a year at $10 and looks up reviews after he finishes, (naturally to see how many people share his or her opinion since it’s the only one that’s right), and thinks the reviewers are idiots for knocking the game’s length. After all, this person got it for $10, and $10 for a few hours is definitely better than $30. Over time, the length becomes less and less relevant compared to the price, which makes that review become less relevant in the process.

True Story.

In the end, the best games are the ones that know how long its content can stay entertaining, but if two games are equally entertaining, but one lasts longer, I don’t know how it could be argued that length isn’t important. The end goal of gaming is to have fun, so as long as that goal can be reached, that’s what’s most important, but can we agree that games like Portal were appropriately priced? And that its sequel was justified in its $40 price hike since its campaign was easily close to triple its length on top of an entirely separate co op campaign? What about the idea that Lightning Returns offers much more value than South Park? And can’t we agree that sequels especially shouldn’t have less content than its predecessors, (like InFamous: Second Son compared to its two prequels)? There’s no way that this can’t be considered anything but a problem, and it seems to be growing. Taking everything in consideration, while length doesn’t come close to the end all be all of whether or not a game is great, it’s impossible to say that length shouldn’t matter.

Don’t agree? Of course you don’t, it’s the Internet! Did you love Ground Zeroes despite its length? Or maybe you have your own examples of games that are too long? Let me know what your take on the situation is!

Ubisoft Lets Loose A Ton Of Details For The Snowdrop Engine & The Division

by Shane O'HareMarch 20, 2014

Fresh outta GDC, Ubisoft and their team over at Massive produced this fancy little video expanding on their amazing new game engine, Snowdrop.

The more and more I see about this game the more I want it NOW! The environmental inclusion is on a level that you would only see in Pixar movies, and the ease of working on the engine is astounding.

You and your friends can get your hands on The Division sometime in Q4 of 2014 on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.

‘Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes’ Is Now Available, Check Out The Launch Trailer!

by Derek KraneveldtMarch 18, 2014

Briefly: As short as Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes is (I finished the main mission in 90 minutes, though there are still side missions to complete), it’s also everything that I was hoping it would be. The game is truly the evolution that the Metal Gear series needed, and secured the franchise’s place as the king of stealth action games. I was sure worried about the new camera and viewpoint, the lack of radar, and a multitude of other removals/additions, but, as a life-long Metal Gear fan, I’m very impressed.

The game is also freaking gorgeous.

The story is convoluted as all-hell (in classic MGS style), so if you’re a newcomer (or even if you’re not) the game may not make a lot of sense, but it’s still well worth picking up.

You can take a look at the launch trailer for Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes below, and be sure to let us know if you plan to pick it up!

There’re Only A Few Days Left To Help Shape The Future Of ‘Kingdom Hearts’!

by Josh JacksonMarch 12, 2014

It’s no secret that Kingdom Hearts has a massive, dedicated fanbase. I mean, they have to be REALLY dedicated to wait so patiently for a sequel that won’t be released until about 10 years after its predecessor. Square Enix knows that, which is why they posted a link encouraging their fans to sound off and provide their feedback towards the series, potentially shaping how Kingdom Hearts III will finally be released in the process.

Most of the questions, (which can be found at this link), are pretty run of the mill, but the most exciting section is asking what fans would want in a collector’s edition of Kingdom Hearts III, with options such as statues, figures, soundtracks, artbooks and making of DVDs. Me? I voted for all of them. I’m a greedy guy.

The survey will only be up until March 14th at 11:59 PM, so all you Sora cosplayers better get on it! Until then, why not relive the amazing moment at E3 when the game was finally announced. We still don’t have a release date, but it can’t be too much longer… Right?

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Geekscape Games Reviews ‘Titanfall’

by Josh JacksonMarch 12, 2014

Since its existence was made known to the public, it feels as though all eyes have been on Titanfall for a variety of reasons. Maybe you’re excited for it because it’s the first from title from Respawn Entertainment, a team made up of former Infinity Ward developers who left their famed Call of Duty franchise due to a very public spat with Activision. Or maybe it’s because you want to see if having a blank canvas can allow the team to revolutionize the first person shooter genre as they’ve done in the past? Of course, it might be as simple as hopping aboard the hype train since the game has been heavily pushed as the flagship Xbox One title since well before the console was released. Regardless of why you’ve been following this giant robot free for all, the million dollar question is whether or not Titanfall lives up to the hype.

Rest assured, the game is fantastic!

The hook behind Titanfall is the ability to control giant mechs, as well as highly mobile pilots in a multiplayer arena like environment. In this aspect, it far from disappoints. Matches consist of two six player teams that go head to head in an all out battle; each of the six team members control pilots, who are soldiers who can be customized with weapons, abilities and gear that’s a mix of standard military weaponry, (such as grenades, shotguns and sniper rifles), and futuristic, more imaginative tools, (like a jet pack that allows double jumps and wall running for easy maneuverability, stealth camouflage that makes you harder to see, and the smart pistol, a weapon that instant kills any enemy that it locks on to). In typical FPS fashion, playing more will level pilots up, which unlocks even more gear to play around with. Most notably, reaching a certain level also earns players Burn Cards, one time use perks that give pilots stronger weapons or tactical advantages that last until their next death.

Pilots are dangerous in their own right.

Of course, we can’t mention gear without the game’s namesake. After a certain amount of time passes, (which can be shortened by accomplishing tasks such as kill streaks), pilots can summon their Titans, the giant mechs that got everyone to care so much about the game in the first place. A ton of depth has gone into ensuring that controlling these behemoths feel like an experience all its own. Almost acting as a separate type of soldier, each one can be equipped with their own weapons and abilities, which includes a magnetic shield that catches enemy bullets and launches them back at whoever you’re kind enough to send them to, or a nuclear detonator that sends your robot into suicide mode when its health is depleted, taking anyone in its vicinity out with it. Despite all of these delightful ways to take out the other team, the Titans never feel overpowered, and more like a temporary way to boost your kill count before it’s inevitably destroyed. Players even have the option to make their Titan go into auto pilot mode and either have it guard a position, or follow wherever you go, so jumping straight into the machine isn’t always the most viable option to go with. Kudos to Respawn for balancing the game in a way that makes pilots just as deadly as the Titans in the right hands, making sure that matches never turn into a game of “Press Titan To Win.” My only real complaint is that three types of Titans are too few, but it’s a minor detail compared to the different loadout combinations you can choose for each one.

Just taking my Titan out for a stroll.

Each of the game’s nine maps are fairly large, making the six-person team limit seem like it might be more of a chore to track opponents down. However, each game feels like all out war thanks to the grunts that litter the field, making the maps feel just crowded enough to keep you on your toes. These computer controlled foot soldiers don’t have any of your cool stuff to work with. Sadly for them, all they have is a weapon and their wits, which doesn’t count for much since they seem to stand out in the open often for easy points. That’s not to say they’re not dangerous though, because taking them lightly can lead to an unexpected death if their numbers are large enough. Aside from their terrible AI, I felt that they brought an interesting dynamic to the game. While they do award you with small amounts of experience, bonuses and earlier access to your titan when defeated, doing so will usually reveal your position on the map to the enemy. Oftentimes, I found myself holding off on killing grunts so I could stay hidden from human opponents, or even used my own grunts as cover so I would know if an enemy was near once they targeted my “friends” first. It’s moments like these that really make the game stand out from the typical shooter currently on the market.

That, and the parkour. The parkour is awesome.

With so many aspects that have went into the game, it’s all for nothing without a slew of interesting game modes to play with. Despite all of the praise for the game’s features so far, this area is where the game is at its weakest. As noted in the months leading up to release, there is no single player content outside of the optional training mode, and there’s no local multiplayer at all. As of launch, Titanfall has five game modes across fifteen maps. Three of the five are your run of the mill modes with Pilot Hunter, a fancy term for Team Deathmatch where killing pilots is the only way to net points, Capture the Flag, forcing teams to grab flags at the heart of the enemy spawn point and relaying back to their own base, and Hardpoint, where teams fight to control and defend specific points on the map, accumulating points for the amount of time they own each spot.

Aside from those FPS staples, the other two modes are Attrition, which is basically Pilot Hunter with additional scoring, giving teams points for killing Titans and grunts, and Last Titan Standing, where pilots start off in their mechs with the winning team being the one with the… last Titan standing. If your titan is destroyed, your pilot can still fight. If your pilot is killed, you don’t respawn until the next round starts. None of these are exactly setting the world on fire since they’re so similar to the other play types, but I found the most interesting aspect of play to be in the campaign mode.

Sending back enemy bullets is great fun, even when you’re capturing flags. Again.

Now I know what you’re thinking. “You said there’s no single player! I’m going to comment about how stupid you are!” Hold on there you eager beaver. Campaign is still multiplayer, but this time, it’s within the very loose context of a story. Each team is part of either the “Militia” or the “IMC”, who fight across nine maps that play in a preset order with specific game modes. The campaign takes us through an exciting tale of redemption, desperation and betrayal that will make you… hell, who am I kidding? The story isn’t very good. Aside from a small amount of dialogue, the scenarios don’t even change depending on who wins. The biggest reason to limit yourself in the campaign instead of having it your way in classic play is that finishing each faction’s story is the only way to unlock all of the titans. I almost feel bad running it down so much since I think blending a campaign with a multiplayer game is an incredible idea, it just doesn’t feel like anything more than an afterthought.

However, when it comes to the merits of a game, the ultimate measure is how fun it is to play. In this department, Titanfall is an incredibly addictive experience with plenty of fresh ideas that even has someone like me, a person who has been burnt out of FPS games for years, playing for hours on end. Everything from the titans to the mobility of the pilots and the inclusion of grunts make it one of the most fast paced, varied shooters in years. It’s biggest sin is that there’s just not enough to do with all of these fancy new ideas. We’ve been capturing flags and fighting to the death for years, and throwing parkour and mechs into the mix doesn’t change much. What’s worse is that they had a great idea with the multiplayer campaign mode, but it feels almost pointless when it acts nearly identical to the standard play modes.

The value of an online only game relies on the community’s eagerness to play, so at this point, it’s impossible to tell. As it stands though, it’s hard to see most players sticking around for months upon months with so few unique modes to play, essentially forcing owners to rely on future DLC to extend interest. With that said, Titanfall is a fantastic step in the right direction and has the potential to become the next turning point in the evolution in the FPS. It’s just not there yet.

The Positives And The Negatives

+ The nimble pilots and towering Titans add a ton of gameplay options while somehow remaining balanced.

+ Inventive weapons, gear and perks.

+ Computer controlled grunts add an extra layer of strategy to the typical FPS formula.

– Five game modes seem like too few for a multiplayer only game, especially when they’re either the typical fare, or cut from the same cloth.

– Three Titan types are too few.

-While the multiplayer campaign is a great idea, its execution is… yeah. It comes off feeling like an afterthought.

Final Score: 4/5

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Postpones Witching Hours To 2015

by MoreLikeAndyMarch 12, 2014

Jumping back into Geralt’s boots will have to wait another year as CD Projekt RED has announced that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will be delayed until February 2015. It was originally going to be released at the end of 2014, but that obviously isn’t happening.

CD Projekt RED says that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt could have been released by the end of 2014, but the team was not satisfied as a whole in what was finished up to now. Adding an extra couple of months would be a great benefit to ensure the game meets the standards CD Projekt RED is known for. I’m sure we can all agree that more time to polish up a highly anticipated RPG like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is more than okay. Just as long as that extra couple of months in development don’t turn into more months that delay it any further.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is being developed and will be released for the Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

Source [TheWitcher.com]

Five Reasons Why You Need To Play ‘Titanfall’

by Josh JacksonMarch 7, 2014

Since its announcement, Titanfall has had a huge amount of hype surrounding it, and why shouldn’t it? It’s the first game from Respawn Entertainment, headed by the guys responsible for the glory days of Call of Duty, only now unbound by the restrictions of a military shooter. Then again, I haven’t been a big fan of the genre in a LONG time, with high sales of the biggest franchises pushing it into a state of complacency. However, after spending way more time on the beta than I every expected, Titanfall turned me into a believer. Now that we’re only a few days away from its official launch, here are five reasons that even the most skeptical gamer should be excited for this Tuesday.

1. The Format

While a ton of criticism has been sent towards Respawn’s way for having most of each squad in this team based online shooter be bot controlled, it actually works in the game’s favor after I got to see how it worked. Basically, each of the six real players on each team are pilots, who have access to top of the line equipment and of course, the Titans. Everyone else are foot soldiers that offer support for the pilots and their squads. Killing them are easier, which nets their own bonuses and experience, but they are still a real danger. Plus, having weaker units on the field doesn’t put any real players at a disadvantage while making your class feel elite. It’s so much fun in action and can only get better in the final version.

Fodder for the field.

2. The Parkour

The parkour elements of the game have been somewhat underplayed since the innitial reveal, but putting them in action is a blast. Blending standard competitive shooter mechanics with Mirror’s Edge type movement, it gives players a ton of movement options to remain a hard target to hit. Climbing, dodging and even shooting has a whole new dynamic, which turns the environments into a new kind of playground.

Shooting while wall running is the bees knees.

3. The Evacuations

In most shooters, the game ends when one team reaches their goal, then everyone gets kicked to the lobby and starts all over again. In Titanfall, the match isn’t over when the war has been won. Any remaining players on the losing team have to rush to an evacuation point, where a ship will lift them to safety. The winning team gets a chance to gloat by picking off the losing team before they can escape. If the losers are killed or the evac ship is destroyed, the winning team gets bonus experience and extra bragging rights. Any losers that escape get a pretty view of the galaxy and a cool EXP boost. I’m not sure if this concept has ever been in another multiplayer shooter, but it definitely adds to the fun factor of the match, and gives the losing team a chance to get the last laugh.

Dat Evac Ship. So close, yet so far.

4. The Smart Pistol

This might be a subject of contention amongst FPS purists, but I LOVE the Smart Pistol. This primary weapon automatically targets any enemies that are in its large cursor and instantly headshots as many foes that are in your sights. The bot controlled grunts go down in one shot while a pilot needs to be locked on long enough for three locks before you can expect an instant kill. I have to say, there was nothing more rewarding than watching grunts drop like dominoes with one shot of the pistol. It’s fantastic, cheapness be damned.

Dropping like flies…

5. The Titans

Of course, the Titans would have to be awesome in Titanfall, right? How could piloting a giant mech not be? Each pilot can summon their Titan after a certain amount of time, (which decreases faster with each kill). Setting up the right loadouts can give Titans some amazing abilities. I mean sure, machine guns and rocket launchers are cool, but they’re par with the course. But having smoke bombs that choke any pilots trying to sabotage you, shields that suspend and launch enemy bullets back at them and a self destruct bomb that kills all enemies around you once the Titan is destroyed really make piloting these fun. If direct combat isn’t your thing, you can also turn your Titan into your new best friend and have them go into auto pilot while having them follow or defend you. It’s the stuff of legend.

I came in like a Titanfall!

And with that, I’m comfortable in saying that Titanfall has the potential to revolutionize the FPS genre in the same way Call of Duty did all those years ago. My biggest fear is that the game might run thin quickly without a campaign. Here’s to hoping that the final game will have enough modes, weapons and mods to sustain us for a long, long time.

What do you all think? Are you picking up Titanfall next week? Have you jumped on the hype train, or did it come and go without a second look? Comment below and let us know!

Is ‘Shaq Fu 2’ On The Way?

by Josh JacksonMarch 7, 2014

Being a gamer in the 90’s meant that you were subjected to a slew of terrible licensed video games. Hell, the game didn’t even have to be based off of a TV show or movie; it could just be based on a person. One of the most infamous examples of the latter was Shaq Fu, a fighting game of questionable quality that sent basketball player Shaquille O’Neil to another world to save a civilization from its tyrannical ruler. I mean, who comes up with this stuff, right? Apparently, someone thinks it’s a good idea to crowd fund a sequel after almost 20 years, and dare I say… It actually looks promising?

Shaq Fu Returns!?

Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn is being made by a group of developers who want to right the wrongs of the first game by making a sequel that would be good without the celebrity license. By turning it into a beat em up rather than a one on one fighting game, it definitely looks more campy than the original, which is the only way a game like this can succeed in my opinion. It has to be a little self aware if it’s trying to sell this premise. But the game won’t come out without the backing of the fans, with some of the stretch goals consisting of copies of the game, DLC for life, launch parties and even a social media follow from Saq or trip to TNT Studios for those with really deep pockets.

This looks better than it should.

This ambitious attempt at a reboot promises to deliver the following:

– Play as Shaq as he kicks ass and takes no prisoners
Intricately designed combo system that leaves room for a variety of fighting tactics. Learn the moves and let Shaq rip against his enemies
-Pimp your character with new moves and abilities. Select from different fighting styles or combine styles and create your own new discipline (Shaq FU is what you make it)
-Challenges for even the best players.
-Adaptive AI keeps the game exciting
–Battles against hordes of enemies in the tradition of the lost art of the beat ‘em up. I mean, who could take Shaq one on one?
Take the challenge up to an entirely new level in unforgettable smack downs against awesome bosses.
–Once you beat a boss you unlock him and can play as him in the game.
–Fight through the slums of Asian cities, on the rooftops of skyscrapers. Battle it out inside buildings, seedy night clubs, and cause mayhem in the markets.
–Smash an enemy through the floor and leap down to a lower level. Barge through walls and forge your own path. Smash furniture, toss enemies through windows, even collapse structures – when you are the Shaqbreaker everything is possible

–A wide variety of melee and projectile weapons as well as various everyday objects that can be used as weapons – katanas, shurikens, baseball bats, the occasional basketball filled with the wrong type of gas, bottles, knives and dozens more.

–Don’t see a weapon you like? What about that manhole cover or that car door? You are Shaq after all, so maybe you want to hurl that motorcycle on a bunch of enemies at once. The world is your projectile.

–Wipe out huge numbers of enemies at once. Bowl down enemies with balls of steel, create earthquakes of unprecedented power, slam dunk baddies with ease.
-Modifiers that change your appearance and enhance your skills. Transform into the monstrous Big Daddy O and crush your enemies. Twirl into the Big Baryshnikov and pirouette your enemies like a tornado tearing through Kansas. Power up into the Big Diesel and steamroll your enemies into Kobe-Patties. A power-up for every nickname Shaq has ever had, and a few new ones for good measure.
-Co-op Gameplay. Grab a friend and battle it out in tandem. Play as Shaq’s identical twin (no he doesn’t sell insurance) or select from a host of other playable characters with different skills and power-ups. Split screen action available, baby!
Co-op’s not your bag? Build up your character and fighting style and duke it out online or on the same machine against another player.
–Once you have played through the main game revisit it to discover secret environments that you might have missed.
Think its over once the Black Star Ninja, is unmasked? Think again.

–Hosts of challenges await that pit you against the best Shaq Fu’s in the world.

On top of that, 5% of the proceeds from the game go to the Boys and Girls club, so even if it sucks, at least the money you wasted goes to a good cause!

Check out the funding site here for all of the juicy details, but not before checking out the trailer and letting us know how amazing this is in the comments!

New Details, Tons Of Screenshots For ‘Batman: Arkham Knight’!

by Derek KraneveldtMarch 6, 2014

Briefly: The game was only announced two days ago (with a very impressive CGI trailer), but thanks to Game Informer we know have more information on the upcoming Batman: Arkham Knight.

First up, it looks like the game’s subtitle, Arkham Knight, isn’t referring to Batman, but a new character altogether:

“We hadn’t in the previous games introduced someone new to the universe. We wanted to introduce someone who could really challenge Batman to go head to head with him in lots of different ways. We’re not talking about those ways just yet but this guy is definitely a formidable foe for Batman.” said game director Sefton Hill.

On that note, ConsoleLife has published the following image, which doesn’t look like our Bats, and is totally, probably the Arkham Knight:

The game’s environment will take place over three distinct islands, which will end up about five times larger than the map in Arkham City. As always, Rocksteady doesn’t want to make it big, just so they can say it’s big:

As we’ve said before with Arkham City, it’s not about scale as much as detail. We want to make sure the world is rich and full of interesting things to do. We’re not trying to create the biggest open-world game ever. We are trying to create a really rich, vibrant, dense open world.”

Last update. As we learned a few days back, the Batmobile will definitely be drivable. That’s cool news, but Rocksteady doesn’t just want it to be any old car:

“We wanted to make the best car in any game ever. That was our mission statement right from the start.”

A ton of new images from the magazine have also made their way online, including our first looks at Oracle, the Penguin, the Riddler, and more. Take a look at the images below, and let us know if you’re looking forward to the game! Batman: Arkham Knight will launch on October 14th, and if you pre-order the title, it looks as though you’ll get the opportunity to play as Harley Quinn.

Rocksteady Developed ‘Batman: Arkham Knight’ Announced, Watch The First Bad-Ass Trailer!

by Derek KraneveldtMarch 4, 2014

Briefly: So it looks like Rocksteady was working on an Arkham title after all, and it’s the first game in the series that will hit the still-new Xbox One and PS4 (and won’t be hitting PS3 or Xbox 360).

The game is called Batman: Arkham Knight, and while all that we’ve seen from the game so far is a four-minute CGI (excellent) trailer, with Rocksteady back behind the series, we know that this game is going to be heaven for Batman fans.

According to Warner Bros., Arkham Knight will act as the conclusion to the Arkham series, and that in the game “Batman faces the ultimate threat against the city he is sworn to protect. The Scarecrow returns to unite an impressive roster of super villains, including Penguin, Two-Face and Harley Quinn, to destroy The Dark Knight forever. Batman: Arkham Knight introduces Rocksteady’s uniquely designed version of the Batmobile, which is drivable for the first time in the franchise. The addition of this legendary vehicle, combined with the acclaimed gameplay of the Batman Arkham series, offers gamers the ultimate and complete Batman experience as they tear through the streets and soar across the skyline of the entirety of Gotham City.”

You read that right, you get to drive the Batmobile.

Sefton Hill, Game Director at Rocksteady Studios states that “The team at Rocksteady Studios is putting a tremendous amount of work into delivering the final chapter of our Batman: Arkham trilogy so that fans can feel what it’s like to be the Batman. We’re excited to be developing the game for next-gen platforms, which has allowed us to bring to life the design elements that we envisioned from the beginning such as the Batmobile and how it augments Batman’s abilities, to the fully detailed and realized Gotham City.”

Yep, as I mentioned above, the game is only coming to next-gen (well, now current-gen) consoles (and PC), meaning that as pretty as the previous Arkham games were, Arkham Knight should look absolutely gorgeous.

Take a look at the CGI trailer below, and let us know how excited you are!

First Images Of ‘Battlefield 4: Naval Strike’ Revealed

by Shane O'HareFebruary 28, 2014

We’ve been teased and teased and teased and now we finally have some hard factual action. The team over at DICE have just released these images along side some concrete details for the upcoming Battlefield 4 expansion pack. Check out our Naval Strike gallery and details below.

Battlefield 4 Naval Strike takes the dramatic water-based combat introduced in Battlefield 4 to four all-new maps set in the South China Sea. Take control over new weapons and gadgets, pilot the new hovercraft vehicle, and experience the Carrier Assault game mode in this intense expansion pack.

Water-based combat has always been a vital part of the all-out war of Battlefield 4, and with Battlefield 4 Naval Strike the fights at sea are more intense than ever. With the introduction of the amphibious hovercraft vehicle, your possibilities to dominate the sea will be even greater.

Blow open a crashed passenger plane and capture fishing villages across the tropical Lost Islands. Drop a submarine on your foes as you infiltrate a naval base or rush between shipping docks and rocky islands on the massive Wave Breaker map. Wage war across stormy seas in the largest ocean stretch in a Battlefield map yet with Nansha Strike. Storm an abandoned cliff-side resort, or get lost in the breathtaking vistas in Operation Mortar.

Battlefield 4 Naval Strike lets you re-live the classic Titan Mode of Battlefield 2142, with the introduction of the Carrier Assault game mode. Stay tuned to the Battlefield Blog for more details on this re-imagining of a classic.

The biggest draw for me, and most BF4 gamers, is the return of “Titan Mode”. Back in Battlefield 2142, there was this incredibly fun game type, where players would have to take up the challenge of attacking the other sides giant flying spaceship whilst defending their own. The goal was to take down the enemy Titan’s shields, board the flying behemoth and destroy the crafts nuclear core. Then it was a mad dash to get out before it exploded.

This gametype was so next level fun, and provided a unique dichotomy for gameplay. You’d have the large scale vehicle combat you’d expect from Battlefield 2142, but then have to change roles to tight infantry combat. It was an amazing time to be a gamer.

I am very excited to see how DICE bring Titan Mode to Battlefield 4. You can get your hands on Naval Strike near the end of March, and if you have Premium you can get in on it two weeks early!

‘Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes’ Gets A Price Drop Before Release

by Josh JacksonFebruary 25, 2014

Gamers can attest to the fact that games seem to be dropping in price sooner and sooner, but to drop before the game is released? Well, that’s exactly what’s happening with the physical Xbox One and PS4 versions of Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, which will now retail for $30 as opposed to its original $40 tag.

Acting as a prequel to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Ground Zeroes will set up Big Boss’ characterization heading into the main story, further detailing his decent into the vengeful antagonist he became in the previous Metal Gear titles. So why is the price being reduced? According to publisher Konami,

“[the price drop will] provide as many people as possible an opportunity to experience [Ground Zeroes]”

If you ask me, it probably has more to do with the backlash over the idea that the game is VERY short. Either way, our pockets win this time.

Does this affect your decision to pick up the game? Which system are you getting it for? Check out Konami’s comparison video and let it help you decide which one to get, assuming you can see a difference. Ground Zeroes will release on March 18th with The Phantom Pain following it in 2015.

Source: Gamespot.com

Limited Xbox One ‘Titanfall’ Bundle Coming March 11th!

by Derek KraneveldtFebruary 24, 2014

Briefly: Microsoft has just announced a new Xbox One bundle, and I may just buy one.

Revealed on Xbox Wire earlier today, the bundle will include everything found in today’s Xbox One package, plus a downloadable copy of EA’s highly anticipated shooter, Titanfall (which also launches on March 11th).

This game is the one title that’s made me want an Xbox One so far. I already own a Wii U and a PS4 however, so it’s been tough to justify. Titanfall, however, just looks so damned good.

Here’s the official word on the bundle from Microsoft:

After it was first unveiled at E3 last year, we were delighted to see “Titanfall” quickly become the most anticipated game of the new console generation. Winning more than 80 coveted awards from critics around the world, “Titanfall” has been described as “a brave new vision of the future of multiplayer games”, “the first real next-gen shooter” and “the most addictive game ever.”

Heralded as the “next generation of gaming” and a “killer app” for Xbox One, the excitement and anticipation for “Titanfall” has been building not just amongst gamers, but also among the Xbox team. We bet big on “Titanfall” from the beginning and Respawn Entertainment and Electronic Arts were tremendous partners to our team as we developed Xbox One.

In many ways, the launch of “Titanfall” will enable us to deliver the first truly next generation multiplayer game – one that will take advantage of the new party and chat improvements we’re delivering, build on the power of the cloud in a way only Microsoft can, and connect fans on Xbox Live, home of the best multiplayer and service in gaming. With Xbox One, we invested in features like multiplayer alerts so you never miss a match while watching TV and so much more.

To celebrate the launch of “Titanfall”, we wanted to do something special. For those of you who are already fans of Xbox One, we hope this will encourage more of your friends to join you on day one for “Titanfall” on Xbox One. If you’ve been waiting for the biggest game of the generation before purchasing your Xbox One, this special, limited time offer is perfect for you. In partnership with Respawn Entertainment and Electronic Arts, we’re excited to announce the Xbox One “Titanfall” Bundle, available starting March 11 for $499.99* at select retailers.

Take a look at Titanfall‘s latest trailer below, and let us know if you’ll be picking up a bundle.

Become The Master Thief In This Incredible Trailer For The ‘Thief’ Reboot

by Shane O'HareFebruary 4, 2014

The long awaited next installment in the Thief series, Thief 4 takes Garrett into the next-gen and into a whole new world. Well actually, it’s more of a series reboot then the next in line. Guess we can’t call this series a Tetralogy.

Time to take your Thief 101 class and learn what you will need to do in order to become rich beyond your wildest desires.

You can steal a copy of Thief (4) this February 25th on: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC.

NeoGAF User Leaks Microsoft Games Info

by jake108January 29, 2014

Along with the Halo 2 leak posted earlier, there have been quite a few leaks concerning different Microsoft IP’s. The information is as follows:

Forza Horizon: “Fall 2014, probably September. Super sexy weather system and… shit tons of co-op/social stuff. 1080P and open-world, so you can road trip with your bros.
Halo Anniversary 2 will be 1080p, iffy on the 60fps, maybe not.
Quantum Break is Holiday 2014
Multiplayer confirmed for HA2, same devs as Halo Anniversary.
Sunset Overdrive is Fall 2014
Fable Legends is Summer 2015
Gears of War will probably need a 2.5 year dev time.
First Titanfall DLC is 45 days from release, then another one 120 days from release.

If you’d like to see the post in it’s entirety, you may find it here. As said in a previous article, the user who has leaked all this info has been verified by NeoGAF as a legitimate source. Still, as with all leaks and rumors, any of this can change. If any more leaks show up, be sure to check back here as I will update the article!

Report: Halo 2 Anniversary Coming November 11, 2014; Halo 5 Due 2015

by jake108January 29, 2014

Welp, it’s finally here. Just about as much confirmation we can get without Microsoft coming out and saying it themselves. In a NeoGAF thread, that can be found here, user ntkrnl announced the following:

If you’re interested, here’s another couple of posts:

Now, before you get your pitchforks out, it’s very important to note that NeoGAF verifies its sources, and this particular user has been verified. Though, as with all leaks and rumors, final say would have to come from Microsoft. If you’re also interested in the Crackdown franchise, you’ll be happy to know a third installment is also in the works!

Start the countdowns!

Microsoft Buys ‘Gears of War’ Rights From Epic Games. What Does That Mean For Us?

by jake108January 27, 2014

It’s no secret now. Microsoft has purchased all rights for the Gears of War franchise. This is big, as it will probably have a ripple effect on the video game industry. The franchise will be heading to Black Tusk Studios, located in Vancouver, Canada, far from North Carolina, and relatively close to Washington, where the headquarters of Microsoft Games is.

Immediately following the announcement, Rod Fergusson, better known as of late to have lent a helping hand to Irrational Games as the VP of Development during the tail end of Bioshock Infinite‘s production, was named Partner and Studio Manager at Black Tusk Studios. This will not be Fegusson’s first rodeo in the Gears franchise. Many remember him to be Director of Production at Epic Games during the Gears of War trilogy.

Developers Leaving for Black Tusk

Hanno Lemke, General Manager over at Black Tusk also expects to be a small shift in where developers will go following the purchase. Lemke states, “Once the news spreads about the opportunities at Black Tusk, I’m confident we’ll see interest from a number of talented developers who share the same passion for the “Gears” franchise as the developers at Black Tusk.”

This is similar to when Microsoft purchased the rights to the Halo franchise. This lead to the creation of 343 Industries and a large recruiting process for seasoned developers and anyone involved in the production process, most recently Joe Statan at the beginning of this month. As Microsoft decides what the do with the IP, we’ll see more prominent positions being filled early on.

Jacinto's Remnant Cover — Jacinto’s Remnant Cover

Gears of War Original Programming

During E3 2013, it was revealed that the Xbox One would be a platform for original programming based on existing IP’s and as well as yet-to-be-announced IP’s. Most notable of these IP’s is of course, Halo. While this transmedia venture hasn’t happened, nor has recent news been made available, it’s important to note Steven Spielberg is attached. Still, the project is still under development and the public is unaware of any progress that has been or not been made. Still, expect to see at least talk of some kind of Gears of War original program launching on the Xbox One.

Expanded Universe

I’m aware that novels and comics belonging to the Gears universe exist, but since the franchise has gone cold, we’ve haven’t really seen any canonized expansions into the universe. Should Microsoft plan for another trilogy or a layout of several games, we should expect to see a rise in novels and/or comics pertaining to the franchise. Karen Travis, a regular author for Microsoft IP’s, is sure to return to this universe should her trilogy in the Halo universe end well enough that she wants to stick around.

By now, it’s an eventuality that we’ll see a Gears of War AAA title on the Xbox One. But in the mean time, don’t be surprised if we see a sort of arcade-based game releasing onto the Xbox Live marketplace as a downloadable title. It’ll be interesting to see what route Microsoft takes to start getting fans hyped again. Here’s to hoping we’ll see something at E3!

What do you think of the news? Sound out below!

Get A First Look At ‘Middle Earth: Shadow Of Mordor’

by Shane O'HareJanuary 23, 2014

Damn…God damn…this looks AMAZING! From kind of out of left field, the crew over at Monolith (makers of my favorite FPS of all time; Shogo: Mobile Armor Division. As well as The Matrix Online MMO) have released this incredible 8-minute walkthrough of their next game. Check out “Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor”

Yeah, its very “Assassin’s Creed” but I do not care. It’s Assassin’s Creed in Middle Earth! Now I am not usually the go to guy for Sword and Sorcery, but this little demo has sold me on this particular concept.

The game is currently slated for a vague 2014 release, and it will be available on: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and ColecoVision.

Check Out Eight Gorgeous New Screenshots From Bungie’s ‘Destiny’

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 15, 2014

Briefly: This game just keeps looking better and better.

Sony has just published a batch of new screenshots for Bungie’s upcoming Destiny. The images look to be a mixture of gameplay and cinematic, and each and every one of them is absolutely gorgeous.

Now, my PS4 may be getting a little dusty right now (well, so are all my other consoles, but it’s more a lack of time than a lack of content), but if it wasn’t clear from our top games of 2014 list, 2014 is going to be a great year for gamers.

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

Geekscape Games Presents: The Games of 2014

by Josh JacksonJanuary 13, 2014

If our list of the greatest games of 2013 taught us one thing, it’s that last year was a fantastic year to be a gamer. With that said, 2014 will mark the first full year that all of the now current gen consoles will be available. In addition to the continued stream of solid software for the 3DS while we STILL cross our fingers for the Vita to have a strong showing, there are plenty of games across the board that are worth getting hyped for. With that said, there are some that just can’t be ignored, which is why we’ve compiled the games you should look out for in 2014.

Watch Dogs

Starting off as one of the most anticipated games of 2013, a packed holiday season and the need for some extra development time shifted Watch Dogs into 2014. The ability to essentially hack an entire city promises to bring some fresh ideas to the sandbox genre, and with all of the videos and screenshots shown so far, this one’s looking like it’ll satisfy that action craving too.

Watch Dogs is coming to Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, PS4, Xbox One and PC in mid 2014.

Metal Gear Solid V

Buried under all of the controversy surrounding MGS V, (including long time Snake voice actor, David Hayter, getting the boot in favor of Kiefer Sutherland,) is another potential must own from the developers at Kojima Productions. Promising to delve deeper into the motivations of Big Boss and further detail his eventual creation of Outer Heaven, this fifth game will be the first to take the signature stealth of the series into an open world setting. Split into two parts, Ground Zeroes will come to the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One on March 18th with Phantom Pain’s release date still listed as TBD.

The Elder Scrolls Online

After much rumor and speculation, The Elder Scrolls Online was finally confirmed to be a thing last year. Scheduled for a summer release, gamers will finally be able to combine their love for the environments, lore and abilities of The Elder Scrolls franchise with their slightly higher enthusiasm for berating each other in an online setting with their “vast” gaming knowledge. Get ready to pwn some n00bs starting on April 4th for PC and Mac users, while PS4 and Xbox One owners will soon follow suit in June.

Destiny

As the first outing for Bungie since breaking away from Microsoft and the Halo franchise that put them on the map, Destiny has a lot to prove. Thankfully, looking at all of the information we know about the game, it seems like it’s on the right track. Combining their FPS know-how with customizable characters, co op missions and a desolate environment, and we’re looking at what could be considered a marriage between a game like Halo and Borderlands. Destiny will land on September 9th for the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

InFamous: Second Son

The first InFamous set the stage for being a super powered conduit with a city as our playground. The second allowed us to combine and expand our powers while fighting in a world where we weren’t the only one with powers anymore. Second Son is looking to build upon the legacy that Cole and company left behind with new powers, upgraded visuals and a new cast that’s truly looking to put the PS4 on the map. InFamous will release on March 21st.

Titanfall

As one of the most talked about games at last year’s E3, Titanfall seems to be the reason to make it to another year for FPS fans. Part arena shooter, part mech fighter, the game has some serious potential in the sense that it can bring a ton of new dynamics to the multiplayer shooter playground. As the first game from Respawn, the team consisting of the scorned devs formerly of Infinity Ward, (the core Call of Duty team,) Titanfall is another title that has a lot to prove, yet doesn’t seem like it will have much of a problem doing so come March 11th, exclusively to Windows, Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

Project Spark

One of the most impressive pieces of tech shown off at E3, Project Spark is part world builder, part action/platformer and all gorgeous. Using Smartglass technology, players can alter the world, interact with characters and mold their experience with a touch of their finger. Scheduled for a 2014 release barring any delays, Windows, 360 and Xbox One gamers can look forward to put their god playing skills to the test.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Another title that got pushed from the end of last year, Donkey Kong Country appears to be well worth the wait. Considering that Donkey Kong Country Returns was such a fantastic display of what the 2D platforming genre can do, the addition of Dixie and Cranky can only give the good people at Retro Studios even more ideas to squeeze out of the old ape. DKC: TF is coming exclusively to Wii U on February 21st.

Mario Kart 8

The success of Mario Kart Wii and MK7 prove that this series is a gaming juggernaut, selling millions upon millions of copies every time a new entry in the popular racing franchise is released. Every new version brings something new to the table, with 8 being no exception thanks to the anti gravity tracks that were shown off during its reveal. It blew us away at E3, and now we can’t wait to get our hands on the steering wheel again in a few short months. Look for Mario Kart 8 in Spring, also exclusively for Wii U.

Hyrule Warriors

At the end of 2013, Hyrule Warriors went from being completely unknown to being one of the most talked about games heading into the new year. Combining the characters, environments and weapons of The Legend of Zelda with the hack and slash game play of Dynasty Warriors did more than just raise a few eyebrows, but watching the game in action was an incredible sight that turned most of us into believers. Hyrule Warriors has a loose release date of 2014.

Bayonetta 2

Speaking of controversy, the memory of Bayonetta 2 being announced as a Wii U exclusive is still vividly burned in my memory. Despite the outcries of disloyalty, (despite the fact that the game would’ve reportedly never been possible without Nintendo’s funding,) Platinum Games seems to be providing what it’s gained that loyalty with in the first place; tight, refined game play with over the top enemies and characters. Action games don’t get much better than their offerings, and after trying out Bayo 2 myself, I’m comfortable in saying this tradition will carry on strong. Bayonetta 2 is set to arrive sometime in 2014.

Super Smash Bros.

Easily in the running for the most anticipated game of 2014, Super Smash Bros for Wii U and 3DS will bring back the blockbuster mascot fighter to consoles AND will also mark its handheld debut. New arenas, characters, (including Megaman!) and features are sure to make Super Smash Bros a must own on almost anyone’s list. Scheduled for a vague 2014 release, we can calm our excitement with daily updates at smashbros.com… although sometimes I think it makes the wait so much worse!

Chibi Robo: Photo Finder

Another late 2013 surprise, Chibi Robo didn’t get nearly as much fanfare as Hyrule Warriors before it. Nonetheless, for a series many considered all but dead outside of Japan, seeing Photo Finder get a U.S. release date was a high note for fans of the cult Gamecube classic. Once again being tasked with bringing joy to all around it, Chibi Robo must help create a museum of artifacts by collecting your own household items. Photo Finder is available now on the eShop for an insanely low price of $10, so I suggest checking it out. Expect a full review in the coming days!

Bravely Default

As I mentioned in my preview article, Bravely Default hits all the right notes for old school RPG fans looking for a nostalgia trip. Its tough enemies, interchangeable job system and classic fantasy setting blends in well with the new features added, especially the Brave, Default and StreetPass functions. Are you an RPG and a 3DS fan? Then mark February 7th on your calendars, because Bravely Default is looking like a fantastic ride.

Yoshi’s New Island

Produced by Takashi Tezuka, the creative director of the original Yoshi’s Island, Nintendo is looking to bring the modern feel to the classic Yoshi game play in the same way New Super Mario Bros has for gaming’s most popular plumber. Coming this spring, Yoshi’s New Island is looking to kick off a great year for Mario’s noble steed, especially if Yarn Yoshi makes it into 2014 as well.

Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy

2014 marks the year of the gentleman with a double dose of Professor Layton. First up, the Professor, Luke and Emmy will head off towards their final showdown with Descole in Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, which will simultaneously serve as the final game of the prequel trilogy AND the reported final game of the series. With more mysteries, picarats and puzzles you can tip your top had towards, this beloved series will get the sendoff it deserves come February 28^th.

Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney

The second Layton game this year will be the crossover that many have been clamoring over for what feels like forever, (myself included!) After being in localization hell for far too long, 2013 confirmed that we would FINALLY see the Ace Attorney and the Top Hat Professor team up Stateside. Combining the court room drama of Ace Attorney with the puzzle solving challenges of the Layton series, a 2014 release window means we’ll finally get to experience this dream team.

Kirby’s Triple Deluxe

Kirby’s 3DS debut is coming later in 2014 for us, but word out of Japan, (where it just released this weekend,) says that this game is a must own for platforming fans. Bringing back old and new copy abilities alike, with upgraded stage design thanks to foreground and background portions of each level, the long awaited debut of the pink puff ball on the 3DS seems like it will be worth the wait. Plus, the bonus “Kirby Fighter” mode seems like an interesting use of multiplayer, pitting Kirby against Kirby in a fight for copy ability superiority. Keep an eye out as details emerge for this title.

Soul Sacrifice Delta

As one of the better Vita exclusive games last year, it’s no surprise that Soul Sacrifice is getting a follow up with Delta. From the mind of Keiji Inafune, the father of Megaman, this “kind of, but not really” Monster Hunter clone will once again pit sorcerers against various monsters told through the journals of sorcerers of the past, but this time, players will be able to reject the gods by choosing neutral options rather than be forced to sacrifice or save fallen enemies. With a March 2014 release date in Japan, look for it to hit stateside later in the year.

Of course, there are numerous games slated for 2014 that weren’t listed here, but that’s just a testament to how great of a year this is looking to be for gamers across all platforms. Is there a game here that you think isn’t worth mentioning? How about a favorite upcoming title that we missed? Let us know below and let us know what you’re looking forward to in this upcoming year of gaming!

Xbox One Sales Surpass 3 Million Units

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 6, 2014

Briefly: All the way back in November, Microsoft revealed that the Xbox One had sold over 1 million units in its first 24 hours of availability.

The company has just announced that, as of the end of 2013, over 3 million consoles have been sold worldwide. Here’s the entire announcement, straight from Xbox Wire:

Thanks to you, 2013 was an incredible year for gamers, entertainment fans, our industry and Xbox. With Xbox One we saw the most epic launch for Xbox by all measures. We are humbled and grateful for your loyalty and delighted by the millions of hours of gameplay and entertainment enjoyed on Xbox.

Together, we ushered in a new era of games and entertainment with Xbox One. Over 3 million Xbox One consoles were sold to consumers in 13 countries before the end of 2013. It’s been incredible to see Xbox One selling at a record-setting pace for Xbox, and we were honored to see Xbox One become the fastest-selling console in the U.S. during our launch month in November. Since our launch, demand for Xbox One has been strong, selling out throughout the holidays at most retailers worldwide. We are continuing to work hard to deliver additional consoles to retailers as fast as possible.

The reaction from our fans was mind-blowing for our team. As we see your excitement, your energy and your hours of gameplay, we continue to be inspired to do great work – for you. Whether you’re racing through the streets of Prague in “Forza Motorsport 5,” creating crazy weapons for zombie destruction in “Dead Rising 3,” exploring the Colosseum in Gladiator mode in “Ryse: Son of Rome,” helping your children create their own personal zoo in “Zoo Tycoon,” or enjoying epic multiplayer battles, we love that you’re having fun on Xbox One.

We also love that you are seeing the promise of an all-in-one entertainment system. Millions of hours of live TV have been watched and millions of hours of app entertainment have been enjoyed. We are proud to have the most passionate, engaged, and simply the best fans in the world. It was fun to share the holidays with so many of you.

We’re excited for the year ahead and will be working hard to bring Xbox One to more fans and more markets around the globe. 2014 will be a promising year with many more great games on the way for Xbox One including “Titanfall,” “Watch_Dogs,” “Project Spark,” “Sunset Overdrive,” “Tom Clancy’s The Division,” “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” “Destiny,” “Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare,” and “The Elder Scrolls Online,” among others. More games, more features, more content, more fun – all coming your way this year.

Thank you for making 2013 truly epic for Xbox and here’s to 2014!

That’s a pretty amazing stat for just two months of availability. We last heard from Sony in early December, who had sold over 2.1 million consoles at that time. In any case, both consoles should surpass the lifetime sales of Nintendo’s struggling (but awesome) Wii U (which has seen increased sales in the past few months) long before this year is over.

What do you think of the announcement? Have you picked up a next-gen console yet?

‘The Divisions’ Next Gen ‘Snowdrop’ Engine Is Amazing

by Shane O'HareDecember 9, 2013

When The Division was announced at Ubisofts E3 press conference, it immediately won my heart. It portrayed a post apocalyptic future that wasn’t all icky with zombies. A Third-Person MMO of sorts, The Division would put players in the rolls of special agents sent into Cities ravaged by disease, in the attempt to maintain order. Ubisoft’s premiere trailer was all but amazing, and now they’ve amazed me AGAIN! They have just released this trailer demoing their newest game engine, “Snowdrop”, and how it will work inside The Division.

http://youtu.be/VCp8CdAB8fc

Not set to be released until LATE 2014, this is the PS4 killer title…even if you can grab it on the PC and Xbox One.

‘Halo: Spartan Assault’ Coming To Xbox One On December 24th!

by Derek KraneveldtDecember 9, 2013

Briefly: We knew that it was coming, but now we know when.

Major Nelson has announced the release date of the Xbox One version of 343 Studios’ Halo: Spartan Assault. The downloadable title will be available on December 24th, for a cool $14.99. The Xbox 360 version has been slightly delayed, and is expected to release in January.

According to the piece, if you already own the title on Windows 8 or Windows Phone 8, the Xbox One version will cost you just $4.99, which makes a nice incentive for you early adopters.

We went hands-on with the game at this year’s E3, and it looked and felt absolutely fantastic. I do hope that Microsoft one day releases it on non-Windows tablets however, as I still haven’t had a chance to play it (and I really want to)!

Take a look at the release date trailer for the game below, and let us know if you’ll be picking it up!