PC Game News

Paradox uploaded a new series of video tutorials for "Mount & Blade: Warband" to YouTube, giving viewers and overview of the expansion's features.

"The Mount & Blade: Warband tutorial series gives viewers a quick look into the exciting features and rich gameplay options offered in Mount & Blade: Warband, walking gamers through a start in Calradia before introducing them to the really advanced combat maneuvers that will bring them victory in Warband's frenzied multiplayer.

”Mount & Blade: Warband is not your easy combat, cookie cutter game, it requires skill and dedication but you'll get richly rewarded for your efforts” said Mattias Lilja, Producer at Paradox Interactive. “I still get my butt kicked every single time I get on the servers so this tutorial series might mean I could actually get ahead in the game”, he continued.

View all tutorial episodes on the Paradox YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/paradoxplaza

The first tutorial series include:

  • Episode 1 – Getting Started
  • Episode 2 – Siege Warfare
  • Episode 3 – Trading and Pillaging
  • Episode 4 – Army Command
  • Episode 5 – Advanced Combat

For more information visit: www.mountandbladewarband.com and join the Mount & Blade community on Facebook"

 

The list of new PC game releases, DVD and Blu-Ray releases, and movies opening the week of April 13, 2010.

PC Games:

  • Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City

Movies Opening This Week:

  • Death at a Funeral
  • Exit Through the Gift Shop (limited)
  • Kick-Ass
  • The Secret in Their Eyes (limited)
  • The Joneses (limited)
  • The Perfect Game

DVD and Blu-Ray Releases:

  • 2010 Winter Olympics
  • A Nightmare on Elm Street [Blu-Ray]
  • Africa's Lost Eden [Blu-Ray]
  • Alia Smight And Jones: Seasons 2 & 3
  • Apollo 13 [Blu-Ray]
  • Dallas: The Complete Thirteenth Season
  • Defender
  • Dora the Explorer: Explore the Earth
  • Emergency!: Season Six
  • Essential Art House Vol. 5
  • Essential Art House: 8 1/2
  • Essential Art House: Brief Encounter
  • Essential Art House: Jules & Jim
  • Faces of America
  • Fitzwilly
  • Gone With the Wind [Blu-Ray]
  • Haunted
  • Ice Twisters
  • Love The Beast
  • Pirate Radio [Blu-Ray]
  • Tenderness
  • Tenure
  • The Definitive TV Western Collection
  • The Glory Guys
  • The Great Mouse Detective
  • The Madeline Movie: Lost in Paris
  • The Slammin' Salmon [Blu-Ray]
  • Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon
  • We Believe: A Relationship That Lasts a Lifetime
  • When They Cry – Viridian Collection
 

Epic Games, People Can Fly, and Electronic Arts today announced "Bulletstorm", an upcoming first-person shooter scheduled to be released in 2011. The May issue of GameInformer will have the first details on the game. An image of the cover is up on their site.

"Bulletstorm brings new furor to first-person shooter action with its signature ‘kill with skill’ gameplay, which is packed with blockbuster moments.

“Bulletstorm is the kind of game we love to make because it's pure, unadulterated entertainment,” said Epic Games President Dr. Michael Capps. “People Can Fly has created a wildly fun first-person shooter that looks gorgeous running on the latest Unreal Engine 3 technology, and the skillshot system is a welcome addition to the genre. We can’t wait to see how everyone reacts to seeing Bulletstorm.”

Bulletstorm tells the story of a futuristic confederation protected by an elite band of mercenaries: Dead Echo. When Dead Echo members Grayson Hunt and Ishi Sato learn they've been working for the wrong side, they're betrayed by their commander and exiled to the far reaches of the galaxy. In Bulletstorm, Grayson and Ishi find themselves surrounded by hordes of mutants and flesh eating gangs in an abandoned paradise. They have two objectives: get off the planet alive, and exact revenge on the man who sent them there.

Players step into the role of Grayson Hunt complete with an arsenal of over-the-top combat moves and outrageously large guns. Bulletstorm’s array of distinct ‘skillshots’ produces unprecedented levels of frantic gameplay and yell-inducing satisfaction. The skillshot system rewards players for inciting mayhem in the most creative way possible. The more insane the skillshot, the more points players collect to upgrade their character and unlock weapons, which then allows them to execute even more creative moves and exaggerated skillshots.

“We’re very excited to work with Epic Games and People Can Fly on this new project. The first time we laid eyes on Bulletstorm, we instantly knew this is going to be the next big hit from these two great studios delivering yet again an entirely new experience for shooter fans,” said Senior Vice President and General Manager of EA Partners, David DeMartini.

Poised to be one of next year’s most anticipated original games, Bulletstorm will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC. For more information on Bulletstorm, please visit www.facebook.com/bulletstorm or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bulletstorm."

 

A "F.E.A.R. 3" announcement trailer has been released, giving viewers a small glimpse of the newly announced sequel.

"Alma returns in F.E.A.R. 3 but this time her sons Point Man and Paxton Fettel introduce divergent co-op, giving players distinctly different abilities affecting their own play as well as the experience of their co-op partner. Gamers participate in single player or co-op modes as Point Man, a genetically enhanced super soldier originally introduced in F.E.A.R., or they can play cooperatively as his conniving brother Paxton Fettel, whose incredible telekinetic power has given him life beyond the grave. The game is developed by Day 1 Studios, developer of the original F.E.A.R. console games in collaboration with Monolith Studios."

 

 
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Staff Blog Post

Well, one cannot accuse Bioware of being reluctant to support Mass Effect 2 by releasing new content. Since the release, we have had the Cerberus Network provide us with free weapons, two free dlc packs for some users that pre-purchased the game and a new character that was added to your party on the day Mass Effect 2 was released. There was also the previously mentioned Hammerhead Pack. In addition to the free content, we saw the laughable release of a costume pack (for those who want to see Jack in shades) and the recently released Kasumi dlc, which is essentially identical in nature to the Zaeed content, with the exception of a $7 price tag.

Kasumi is for lack of a better term, a thief. She is a master of stealth and uses her optical camouflage to aid her on her various criminal missions. When the Illusive Man realizes that Sheppard needs powerful allies on his/her team, he suggests recruiting Kasumi. Kasumi is found on the Citadel and is encountered in a rather unique fashion. Essentially she is on a quest to steal a device which contains not only memories of her dead lover, but also might provide information required to determine just why he was murdered to begin with. This mission serves as both her first mission and her loyalty mission.

As a character Kasumi seems to fit in well with Commander Sheppard’s misfits, providing a powerful stealth ability that can lead to some fast, effective kills in combat. While she does provide some scripted moments that fit into the story itself, you will see that she has no role in you prospective romances and her input is about on the level of Zaeed.

As far as the content included, I found myself taking just under an hour to complete the mission and that mostly because it had been a while since I had actually played Mass Effect 2 and could not remember all of the commands.While this starts as an interesting heist caper, it quickly descends into a series of large rooms that fill up with enemies, before moving to another large room with more enemies. While it is rather easy to play through, it does at least feature a small boss battle that was fun to complete.While I felt the content fit well into the game, I would have preferred to have had at least one more Kasumi mission and at least the option for romance. Having completed the game, these add-on characters are fun, but just seem to tacked on when compared to the full fleshed-out companions that I finished the game with.

In answer to the main question of whether the content is worth the price, well the answer is yes and no. For somebody like me, any Mass Effect is often better than no Mass Effect. I would buy just about anything short of new costumes that Bioware releases and am what some would call a Mass Effect fanboy. So for the real fans out there, this content is a must-have. For those who are not quite as sold, I would wait until either more content is released and get it all at once, or wait until the price lowers a little. So for most YMMV, but I did enjoy my time here.

 

Electronic Arts today announced that RIchard Morgan, best known as the science fiction author of "Altered Carbon" and "Broken Angels", will write the story for "Crysis 2".

"Morgan is working with Crytek to bring his trademark visceral writing style to the project, which is his first entry into the video game medium. In Crysis 2, New York is under the attack of a unique and frightening alien species that combines deadly weaponry, exceptional sensory abilities and intelligent collaboration to present players with the most challenging opponents ever seen in a first person shooter. Surrounded by devastation, players must assess the situations they encounter, adapt to this urban jungle and use the weapons and powers given solely to them to save New York. Morgan enters this distressed world and brings it to life with gritty characters, a rich back-story and plot twists rarely found in video games.

“Video games are one of the only things in my life I would qualify as a complete addiction,” said Richard Morgan. “The medium has every bit the potential for exciting and emotionally charged storytelling as literature and film, and I’m excited to explore this format on my first project in partnership with a world class developer like Crytek.”

“At Crytek, we pride ourselves on working with the most elite talent in the industry, and Richard is no exception,” said Cevat Yerli, CEO and President of Crytek. “He has helped us take our ideas for Crysis 2 and transform them into a story that really engages the player in many new and exciting ways. His passion for his craft and for games is a perfect match for our team and we can’t wait for gamers to experience this collaboration.”

In Crysis 2, the aliens have returned with a full invasion force bent on nothing less than the total annihilation of mankind. In New York, terrifying alien invaders stalk the streets and a nightmare plague strikes down the city’s myriad inhabitants with brutal epidemic speed. The city’s systems are in chaos, its streets and skyline are smashed and in flaming ruin. Neither paramilitary law enforcement nor the might of the US military machine can stand against the invaders, and all who choose not to flee are dead men walking. Just to survive in this maelstrom of death will require technology beyond anything any modern soldier has ever seen. One man will inherit that means to survive. You alone must wield the combat technology of Nanosuit 2, and make the last stand to save humanity from destruction in the urban jungle that is New York City.

Built on Crytek’s new state-of-the art multiplatform game development system, CryENGINE®3, Crysis 2 will be available this holiday for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, and PC.

For more information on Crysis 2, please visit https://crysis.ea.com or follow the game on Twitter at www.twitter.com/crysis and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/crysis."

 

 

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced "F.E.A.R. 3", continuing the first-person horror series. The game is currently scheduled to be released in the autumn of 2010.

"lma returns in F.E.A.R. 3 but this time her sons Point Man and Paxton Fettel introduce divergent co-op, giving players distinctly different abilities affecting their own play as well as the experience of their co-op partner. Gamers participate in single player or co-op modes as Point Man, a genetically enhanced super soldier originally introduced in F.E.A.R., or they can play cooperatively as his conniving brother Paxton Fettel, whose incredible telekinetic power has given him life beyond the grave. The game is developed by Day 1 Studios, developer of the original F.E.A.R. console games in collaboration with Monolith Studios.

“Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is evolving the F.E.A.R. brand with top horror, co-op and first person shooter combat in F.E.A.R. 3,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “Monolith Productions has passed the torch to Day 1 Studios to create a quality, powerful game that stays true to the roots of the F.E.A.R. franchise but takes players to a heightened level of gameplay.”

To further ensure extreme terror in F.E.A.R. 3, legendary horror director John Carpenter (Halloween, Village of the Damned) and critically acclaimed horror comic and script writer Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) have provided consultation to enhance several of the game’s frightening aspects. Steve Niles co-wrote the game script with the development team and John Carpenter provided his expertise in crafting the in-game cinematics.

“After working closely with Monolith, Day 1 is honoured to bring the next iteration of the F.E.A.R. franchise to gamers with key elements of the past games yet providing fresh combat and horror experiences in F.E.A.R. 3,” said Denny Thorley, Founder and President, Day 1 Studios. “Players can look forward to new features such as divergent co-op, an evolved cover system, and more scares in F.E.A.R. 3.”

For more information about F.E.A.R. 3, please visit www.whatisfear.com."

 

The BBC today announced "Doctor Who: The Adventure Games", an upcoming series of four adventure game episodes based on the popular British television series.

"These four new adventures will take the form of downloadable computer games available for PC and Mac, in which players assume control of the Doctor and Amy as they embark on new adventures which complement the new TV series.

Doctor Who: The Adventure Games has been produced by a team drawing on the very best talent from TV and gaming. The interactive episodes are executive produced by Steven Moffat, Piers Wenger, Beth Willis and Anwen Aspden (BBC Wales Interactive), alongside Charles Cecil, one of videogaming's most revered creators.

The games are being developed by Sumo Digital, one of the UK's best game designers. Stories and scripts are from Phil Ford (co-writer Doctor Who 'Waters of Mars') and James Moran (Severance, Torchwood Children of Earth). The project has been commissioned for BBC Online by the Vision Multiplatform team, headed up by Simon Nelson, and is being driven by BBC Wales Interactive.

Matt Smith and Karen Gillan have been digitally recreated in-game, and have provided full voice-overs. Music has been provided by TV series' composer Murray Gold. An additional cast will portray original characters and classic enemies.

The first episode of Doctor Who: The Adventure Games will be available to download for PC and Mac from www.bbc.co.uk/docotorwho in June 2010. "

       

 

Turbine Interactive announced the launch of the fourth update for "Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited".

"The latest DDO Unlimited update introduces mind-bending new dungeons and a lot more, including:

  • New Adventure Pack: Sentinels – Adventure steals in from the sea! The high walls and crack troops of House Deneith are not enough to protect it from the most vicious, blood-crazed crew of pirates ever to rove the crashing seas of Eberron. That’s why the Deneith Sentinels are sending out a call for aid. In this new series of five epic adventures from DDO, join the Sentinels as they seek to defeat the pirate scourge. Sentinels is free to all DDO VIPs and available for purchase in the DDO Store.
  • Introducing the DDO Player Feed! – The latest addition to the My.DDO social network, a free web service provided to subscribers of DDO Unlimited. Featuring player blogs, detailed character info, kinship pages, and more, My.DDO allows players to keep in touch with their friends when they’re not in-game. The DDO Player Feed extends these features to Facebook and allows players to fully customize their privacy settings. Players can install the application by visiting https://apps.facebook.com/ddoplayerfeed.
  • DDO Store Catalog Expands – Players can now choose from a host of new items and improvements being added to the new DDO Store including guest passes for the Sentinels adventure pack, +2 Character Bank Slots, +3 Greater Reincarnation and great specials on Turbine Point bundles.

DDO Unlimited is a free-to-play MMORPG which delivers heart-pounding game play featuring the industry’s best combat system, a massive world with state-of-the-art graphics and gameplay, and a rich set of features that until now could only be found in premium subscription-based MMOs. DDO Unlimited offers an innovative new pricing model that allows players to download and play for free, purchasing adventure packs, items, and account services a la carte from the new DDO Store, or to subscribe to get unlimited access to all of the game’s content. Players can download and play DDO Unlimited for free by visiting https://www.ddo.com."

 

Paradox Interactive today announced that "Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West" is now available on Steam.

"Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West delivers gritty battles in a beautifully rendered classic Western setting. Featuring the unique synergy system, power-ups are provided to encourage co-operation and promote team tactics to achieve optimal gameplay. Developed by Fatshark, Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West offers the chance to relive the violent era of the Wild West with adrenaline-fueled action and fast-paced gunfights.

“We´ve seen a great response from the beta. The team at Paradox Interactive has had great success as a global publisher, and we have experienced it first hand with the beta and are expecting the full version to be a massive success,´´ said Martin Wahlund, CEO of Fatshark.

“The team Fatshark has put together a great game,´´ said Fredrik Wester, CEO of Paradox Interactive. “We are thrilled to introduce this title as our first console game´´.

For more information on the game, please join the Lead & Gold Facebook fan page, visit www.leadandgold.com, www.fatshark.se/leadandgold or follow the game on Twitter @leadandgold."

 

Valve sent word that beginning Thursday, gamers that don't have "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" will get a chance to try out the game's multiplayer component on Steam.

"The definitive online experience, Modern Warfare 2 returns with a host of new perks and enhancements. Those who wish to enjoy every moment of the Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer Free Weekend may pre-load the game now. There is no obligation to participate.

For more information, please visit www.steamgames.com."

 

True Games Interactive today announced details on the PvP and co-op multiplayer modes in the upcoming MMORPG that's currently in closed beta.

"From the gladiator-like "Ring of Destiny," to the secret "Isle of War," to high in the clouds of Olympus, players can battle up to 4 versus 4 in multiple player-versus-player (PVP)scenarios, or they can choose to compete in unique team-based co-operative (Co-Op)scenarios.

"PVP is an important element of an online game so we took great care to make Mytheon a fun and challenging experience," said Peter Cesario, Director of New Business and Product Development at True Games Interactive. "Beyond the expected PVP modes, we also have a unique Co-Op Mode which allows teams to work together to defeat bosses and to earn fantastic spoils and treasure."

Players can participate in PVP by visiting Battlemaster Avitus in Argos where they will automatically be matched with other players who have also joined the PVP matching queue. By participating in PVP, players are automatically ranked on the Mytheon leaderboards and they will also receive experience from defeating other players. Arena PVP in Mytheon will come in two flavors at the time of commercial launch: 1v1 and 2v2. In order to be successful in PVP scenarios, it will be important for teams to be comprised of unique classes with diverse battlesets to allow for greater flexibility to properly support each other.

PVP Arenas

  • Ring of Destiny (1vs1) – The Ring of Destiny is a gladiatorial arena once used for sport by the god Hades and his companions. Long since abandoned, the arena is now used by Stonecasters to test their abilities against each other.
  • Isle of war – For centuries, Spartans would come to this secret isle to duel warriors and mythological creatures of great power to prove their might. With Sparta under siege, the isle is now used by mighty Stonecasters who continue this ancient competition.
  • Olympus – High above the clouds sits this arena created purely for the amusement of Zeus. With the gods distracted, brave Stonecasters travel to this arena to prove their strength and prowess.

PVP Scenarios

The PVP scenarios in Mytheon offer players the ability to battle up to four on four in distinct settings including the Forge, the Forest of Despair and the Prison of Ares. Below is a look at what each scenario offers.

  • The Forge – Hidden deep beneath the earth, Hephaestus' private forge houses some of the most awesome and terrible creations in all of Greece, among them a great automaton known simply as the War Machine. Stonecasters beware!
  • Forest of Despair – The creature known as Lamia is so vile, so cruel, that even the darkest gods have shunned her. Cast into the Forest of Despair, Lamia waits for would-be heroes to cross her path in hopes of appeasing her insatiable hunger for mortal flesh.
  • Prison of Ares – Deep beneath Mount Olympus, two vicious captives are kept at bay in the Prison of Ares: the Beast of Fury and the Mistress of Torment. Only those most brave-some would say foolhardy-would dare venture into the prison to challenge these monstrous foes.

"Our goal throughout development of Mytheon was to ensure players have multiple ways to experience the content and lore, especially for players who want to interact with other people in the game," said Randy King, producer of Mytheon at Petroglyph. "Giving players the ability to group together, or play against each other was only the start though. It was important to us to use the rich setting of Greek mythology to provide these incredible scenarios that they can experience with others."

Co-Op Game Play

In addition to standard PVP, Mytheon incorporates a very unique team based scenario mode. Essentially, two teams enter and must work together as they battle their way through vicious creatures to confront each other. The victorious team will earn the right to fight unique scenario bosses who drop epic PVP stones and gear. Successful teams will be comprised of classes and stone sets that complement each other's strengths and weaknesses.

The Warcaster, with his abundance of companions and structures, generally takes on the role of tank and can easily keep enemies distracted with multiple targets and effects. The Elementalist is a ranged damage dealer and can aid his allies by changing their damage type or other element-based buffs. The Eidolon, in most group situations, will play the healer, keeping his fellow group members alive, buffing their resistance, and raising allies from the dead if needed.

Mytheon is an online, multiplayer Action RPG with strategic game play where players experience classic mythology come to life and challenge legendary gods to define their own fate. Players, or "Stonecasters," are powerful humans imbued with the ability to cast spells, summon minions, and erect structures that aid them in battle. An assortment of classes are available that approach combat differently and offer a range of unique, cinematic abilities.

For additional details on Mytheon and to sign up for the closed beta test please visit: https://www.MytheonGame.com "

 

The list of new PC game releases, DVD and Blu-Ray releases, and movies opening the week of April 5, 2010.

PC Games:

  • Lead and Gold – Gangs of the Wild West

Movies Opening This Week:

  • Date Night
  • Letters to God
  • The Square (limited)

DVD and Blu-Ray Releases:

  • A Bridge Too Far
  • A Nightmare on Elm Street [Blu-Ray]
  • Ally McBeal: Season 2
  • Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
  • Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series [Blu-Ray] (New Packaging!)
  • Blood Ties: The Complete Series
  • Cocoon [Blu-Ray]
  • Dirt! The Movie
  • Dolan's Cadillac
  • Eyes on The Prize: America's Civil Rights Years 1954-1965 – Set
  • Finn on the Fly
  • Flight of the Intruder [Blu-Ray]
  • Hart and Soul: The Hart Family Anthology – Set
  • Home of the Giants
  • Hoosiers [Blu-Ray]
  • Icons of Suspense: Hammer Films
  • I'm No Dummy
  • Inside The Forbidden City – 500 Years of Marvel, History And Power
  • Jade [Blu-Ray]
  • King of the Hill: Season 6
  • Kourtney & Kloe – Take Miami
  • La France
  • Mythbusters: Collection 5
  • Party Down: Season 1
  • Plunder: The Crime of Our Time
  • Poseidon [Blu-Ray]
  • Sharpe’s Peril
  • The Dam Busters
  • The Graduate
  • The Italian Straw Hat
  • The Last Waltz [Blu-Ray]
  • The Lord of the Rings – 1978 Animated Movie [Blu-Ray]
  • The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Theatrical Ed.) [Blu-Ray]
  • The Natural [Blu-Ray]
  • The Thomas Crown Affair [Blu-Ray]
  • The Unusuals
  • War Eagle, Arkansas
  • Youssou N'Dour: I Bring What I Love
 

Paradox Interactive today announced "Hearts of Iron 3: Semper Fi", an upcoming expansion to the WWII strategy game.

"Semper Fi gives players more control over their country’s warfare and politics, while pleasing history buffs with a variety of new features and events. Hearts of Iron 3: Semper Fi is scheduled for release during Q2 2010.

“Our vision for Semper Fi is to transport the player into World War II in a way that previous installments have not been able to do,” said Henrik Fåhraeus, Associate Producer at Paradox Interactive. “For instance, negotiating and working with the allies was a huge part of WW2 and players are now able to experience that first hand. Also, our historical buffs have long been screaming for more historical accuracy in our games, and while the game still won’t follow history to the letter, these historical events will create a stronger experience by giving you historical references and feedback alongside gameplay.”

Semper Fi Features include:

  • Player-determined hidden victory conditions that will keep opponents guessing
  • Greater cooperation with allies, allowing players to request troops, convince their allies to attack a specific target and more
  • Hundreds of new events added to immerse players in their own version of World War II, comparing the unfolding, alternate timeline to real history
  • Vastly improved AI that will defend its territories valiantly, marshal large naval taskforces and launch multi-stage invasion

For more information join the Hearts of Iron Community on Facebook and an expanded list of features, visit https://www.paradoxplaza.comhttps://www.paradoxplaza.com "

 

Paradox Interactive released a launch trailer for "Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild", the third-person shooter that's scheduled to be released later this week.

"Lead and Gold – Gangs of the Wild West is all about class based team play shooter action. We have strived to create a game that's not just slapping on a TDM sticker on a map and then watch the players run around and kill each other without a plan, we actually tried to create game modes and reward systems that encourage player cooperation in several aspects of the game play."