Valve has announced that the popular "Left 4 Dead" will be available as a free trial for everyone beginning Friday at 12:01 AM GMT for 24 hours.
"The free trial will include access to the recently released Survival Pack DLC, which introduces a new multiplayer game mode and two additional Versus campaigns. Those who wish to give L4D and the Survival Pack a try may now pre-load everything needed to play with no obligation to purchase."
Valve sends word that pre-orders for "Killing Floor", the upcoming first-person co-op survival horror game set in London by Tripwire, have begun on Steam. In addition, a new website for the game is up.
"Featuring multiplayer co-op action for up to six players, Killing Floor is now available for 25% off its regular price for those who pre-purchase the game before it is made available for play on May 14. Killing Floor features over 40 Steam Achievements, persistent perks to level up your character and a solo game mode for offline play. For more information, please visit https://store.steampowered.com/app/1250/"
Capcom released new screenshots and a trailer for "Dark Void" from Captivate 09.
"Dark Void is a new sci-fi action-adventure game that combines an adrenaline-fuelled blend of aerial and on-foot combat set in a parallel universe called "The Void". Players will take on the role of Will; a pilot dropped into incredible circumstances while on a routine air cargo flight crashes in the Bermuda triangle leading him to be trapped in the Void. This unlikely hero soon finds himself swept into a desperate struggle for survival at the head of a group called The Survivors. Trapped in the Void, these resistance fighters are battling to hold off a mysterious alien race that plans to threaten Earth."
The list of new PC game releases, DVD and Blu-Ray releases, and movies opening the week of April 27th, 2009.
PC Games:
Movies Opening This Week:
DVD and Blu-Ray Releases:
A new trailer for "Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper" has been released, giving viewers more of a look at the next upcoming installment in the adventure series by Frogwares.
"In this new trailer, we see Sherlock Holmes and his faithful friend Dr. Watson investigating the dark alleys of the Whitechapel district where the horrifying serial killer known as "Jack the Ripper" has just committed his first murders … and seems about to renew his horrific crimes.
Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper allows you to play as the greatest detective of all in the London of 1888. A series of particularly horrible murders creates a real psychosis throughout the country. Atrociously mutilated prostitutes’ bodies are found by the police without them being able to find a serious lead. Sherlock Holmes starts looking for clues in the dark and sinister alleys of Whitechapel in order to follow the macabre trail of the one the press now calls Jack the Ripper. During an adventure full of twists, Sherlock Holmes will try to bring out the true identity and the motives of the one who hides behind this scary alias.
The Sherlock Holmes series is known as one of the best franchises in adventure games and is very popular with around 1.5 million copies sold worldwide. Now, Sherlock Holmes is back with a game that will give a new dimension to the series. Indeed, Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper will offer players two different views that are accessible at any time: a third person view in the purest style used in point & click adventure games, as well as a first person view. The player will be free to play in one or the other modes or even combine them for greater immersion into this terrifying adventure. Another novelty: the player will also find an original crime scene reconstitution system that will allow him to test his theories during his progress in the investigation to follow the bloody trail of the terrifying serial killer.
Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper will be released for DVD ROM PC in May of 2009 and at the end of the year on Xbox360."
Electronic Arts has released details on "Spore Galactic Adventures", the expansion that adds content to the Space game.
"Spore Galactic Adventures adds a tremendous amount of variety and fun to the Space game, allowing players to, play Maxis-created Adventures, create customized Adventures and beam down to planets for the first time ever!
In Spore Galactic Adventures, players will re-connect with their creature as they turn them into legendary Space Captains. Fans will prepare their Captain for infinite adventures across the galaxy, from battling epic monsters in intergalactic arenas to embarking on an arcade-style puzzle quest and much more. In each mission, gamers earn experience to rank up their Captain and gain game-changing items and accessories. Players can suit up their Captain with over 30 new items, from the Plasma Pulser to the Swarm Magnet and share their exploits online, as their Creature Card shows their accomplishments, rank, and medals earned. Every thrilling adventure is just one more opportunity to prove there has never been a greater Captain!
Gamers looking for a deeper experience will be able to realize their most outlandish, challenging and fun Adventure fantasies by creating personalized missions with the Adventure Creator. This easy-to-use tool gives players the ability to create, play and share one-of-a-kind missions with friends online at www.spore.com. Once an Adventure is uploaded, other players can modify and rate user and Maxis-created Adventures, providing an endless variety of fun new challenges to play. The possibilities are as infinite as the cosmos!
About Spore
Spore lets gamers build their own personal universe from scratch, evolving life from a single-cell organism to a galactic god over hundreds of millions of years. Players design a species and guide it to sentience, then help it build a society, develop its culture, and ultimately explore an infinite cosmos of worlds created by other players. Visit www.spore.com for more details.
Spore Galactic Adventures requires Spore to play."
Eidos has released a new trailer for "Battlestations Pacific" highlighting the Battle of Leyte Gulf, which is apparently where Kamikaze tactics were used for the first time in the war.
"In this, the latest Battlestations: Pacific trailer, the devastating extent to which Japan’s war machine went to inflict the maximum possible damage on the US fleet is highlighted. Using standard planes and motorboats converted and loaded with explosives, Kaiten (human guided torpedoes) and Okha (rocket propelled human missiles), players commanding the Japanese fleet can make the ultimate sacrifice on successive kamikaze missions.
Rated ESRB Teen and PEGI 12+, Battlestations: Pacific is set to release on May 12th in North America and May 15th in Europe and Australia on Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows."
True Games Interactive has announced that the closed beta for "Warrior Epic", the fantasy MMORPG by Possibility Space, will begin on Thursday, April 30th. In addition, there are a few spots left open in the closed beta and interested gamers can register on the official site.
"If selected to join the closed beta, players will receive a beta-key via the e-mail address they provided.
"We are excited to finally showcase all the updated features, cool content and all the polish that has gone into the development of Warrior Epic," said Peter Cesario, Director of New Business and Product Development. "We are eager to see how our beta community will fair through all of the exciting content we are offering in the beta and we look forward to hearing their feedback as we gear up for the official launch."
The Warrior Epic team has been hard at work making improvements to all aspects of the game since last year when a small group of players got a sneak peek at an early version. Major updates include a dramatically improved user experience as well as many new powerful and devastating abilities that have been added to the skill trees of all base and sub character classes. Additionally, much of the end game content has been implemented with new bosses, quests, campaigns and items suitable for higher level characters.
Developed by Austin based studio Possibility Space, Warrior Epic is an online, action role-playing game set in an original fantasy universe.
In the game, players will assume command of a Warrior Hall from which they manage their characters’ adventures. They can recruit from a wide array of Warrior Classes, each with its own style of play. The Classes and the Hall itself can be upgraded visually as well as functionally.
Players adventure together in multiplayer campaigns, adventure mode, solo quests and PVP.
For more information, or to snag one of the few spots left for the beta, visit www.warriorepic.com."
1C Company and Battlefront.com have announced the release of "Theatre of War 2: Africa 1943", the latest installment in the real-time strategy series.
"The game costs 45.00 USD and is available both as digital download and physical copy (DVD with printed manual) at www.battlefront.com.
Theatre of War was considered to be the most realistic simulation of battle ever played on a PC. The sequel, Theatre of War 2, covers the events of 1943 during the operations in Tunisia. Recovered from losses after their defeat at Al-Alamein, Germany’s Afrika Korps, supported by an Italian military contingent and new powerful weapons, marched against the Allies. The German troops were commanded by General Rommel and had the chance for a quick victory. However, their military operations were severely prolonged, and the plans of the German general were about to fail. Players will have the option to lead the German Afrika Korps of Rommel in their last full-scale attack or be at the head of the opposing English and American armies, led by Montgomery and Eisenhower, during 15 missions in three campaigns.
The game presents more than 40 types of different vehicles, new types of units, improved graphics and sound, a new advanced visual system that considers observation angle and smoke screens, fights inside buildings and hand-to-hand fighting, a brand new interface, improved soldiers’ AI, soldiers’ independent search for cover and an improved infantry damage system. Special attention is being devoted to multiplayer and user created missions."
Acclaim has announced the launch of "The Chronicles of Spellborn", the MMORPG by Khaeon Games. To celebrate the launch, a two week free trial is being offered to anyone interested.
"With the official release, players are invited to join the fun in one of the most innovative MMORPG’s on the market featuring a unique real-time combat system that truly sets the game apart!
Acclaim now offers a new credit card payment option to easily purchase premium subscriptions online using a major credit card! With the addition of this new purchase option, players have the option of buying premium subscriptions with either a major credit card or Acclaim Coins, the universal virtual currency used for all Acclaim games. Those who purchase with Acclaim Coins can also take advantage of the special introductory discount pricing, offered for a limited time only.
To commemorate the release, a special launch promotion will be available from April 23 to May 7 offering a FREE 2 week premium subscription for all new and existing players giving everyone a chance to evaluate the game and experience the unique real-time combat system of Spellborn. New players must register between April 23 and May 7 to get the free subscription."
Perfect World has announced an agreement with Runic Games to publish "Torchlight", an upcoming action MMORPG.
"Being developed by Runic Games’ experienced team of industry veterans, "Torchlight" is an adventure-themed Action-MMORPG. Adventurers set out from the town of Torchlight into the nearby mountains in search of the magic ore that imbues their equipment with power, yet imperils their very existence. "Torchlight" emphasizes a simple and intuitive interface, fast and furious action, and a colorful and compelling game world."
Mr. Max Schaefer, Chief Executive Officer of Runic Games, said, "Runic Games is very pleased to partner with Perfect World. Perfect World’s strength and expertise in creating and running MMORPGs and track record of high quality of service to the playing community give us great confidence and hopes for a long and prosperous partnership. With ‘Torchlight,’ we strive to bring the best of Western and Eastern gaming together, creating a truly global title."
Mr. Michael Chi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Perfect World commented, "We are very pleased to cooperate with Runic Games, whose members have a first-rate track record. Leveraging Perfect World’s marketing capabilities and deep understanding of Asian culture and player preferences, ‘Torchlight’ is expected to be a ‘global title,’ catering to the tastes of both Western and Eastern players. In addition to our involvement in game development leveraging our extensive experience with MMORPG, we will also strive to demonstrate our excellent game operating ability and to offer players unique and exciting online game experience. We treasure this opportunity to work with the professional team of Runic Games, and look forward to the success of ‘Torchlight,’ as a cornerstone for the long-term strategic relationship between Runic Games and Perfect World."
Paramout Digital Entertainment, Bad Robot Interactive, and Naked Sky Entertainment have announced details on the upcoming "Star Trek: D-A-C" space combat game, which will be released on the PC shortly after the console release.
"Inspired by the upcoming "Star Trek" movie from Paramount Pictures, Star Trek: D-A-C is a fast-paced, top-down space shooter where players take the captain’s chair and engage in intense online multi-player or co-op battles. Pick up and play, then lead your team to victory.
"The upcoming ‘Star Trek’ film has ignited interest among a new generation of fans as well as longtime fans of the original," said Tom Lesinski, President Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment. "With that same goal in mind, Star Trek: D-A-C was designed to appeal to ‘Star Trek’ fans and gamers alike. The pick up and play arcade-style game play lets fans take the command and boldly go!"
Star Trek: D-A-C allows fans to directly control a variety of ships and pitch battles between Starfleet and the Romulan Empire. Up to 12 players can compete in thrilling team combat. There are three game play modes – single player, online multiplayer and online co-op. For each mode, there are three different game types – Team DeathMatch, Assault and Conquest. Players can choose from three ship types for each faction, including the newfeatured in the "Star Trek" film. Each ship – the powerful Flagship, the nimble Fighter and the devastating Bomber – offers its own unique capabilities for players to master and manipulate as they fight for victory. In addition to featuring the new U.S.S. Enterprise, Star Trek: D-A-C incorporates music and signature sounds taken directly from the new "Star Trek" film.
Star Trek: D-A-C is scheduled to launch May 2009 for the Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360, and for the PlayStation Network and Windows PC shortly thereafter."
Southpeak Games has announced that "Velvet Assassin", the third-person shooter by Replay Studios, has gone gold and will ship to stores next week.
"Velvet Assassin brings players into the world of Violette Summer, a British secret agent behind enemy lines in multiple hot-spots during World War II. Players are introduced to a bed-ridden Violette as she slips in and out of fevered dreams, reliving her most poignant missions through her memories. With no outside support, Violette must sneak her way into heavily guarded Nazi strongholds, assassinate high-level targets and even deliver cyanide to fellow operatives caught in the field. Using true-to-life weapons and tactics, Violette is one of the few people standing between the Nazi war machine and total domination. Velvet Assassin asks players to focus on the reality behind these clandestine acts, with no technological marvels, no special weapons, just your wits and the equipment on hand.
“World War II is such a common theme amongst games in the last ten years, but it’s truly rare to find a title that brings gamers into the visceral reality of what happened,” said Richard Iggo, Vice President of Marketing at SouthPeak Games. “Velvet Assassin excels in its ability to make players feel something more than just gameplay.”
Velvet Assassin will be shipping to retailers on April 30th, 2009."
NCsoft and Valve have announced that NCsoft’s MMO games are now available to purchase on Valve’s popular digital distribution platform Steam.
"Beginning today, players may purchase the latest offerings for the City of Heroes®, Guild Wars®, and Lineage® franchises via Steam. This includes the just released City of Heroes Architect Edition, making City of Heroes the first and only MMO that gives players the power to create their own unique story arcs and missions. NCsoft will also deliver its highly anticipated MMO, Aion™, on the Steam platform when it launches this fall in North America and Europe. Once a player purchases their favourite NCsoft games through Steam, they can then sign in from any PC to play.
For the next few weeks, Steam will have special offers for several NCsoft products. For more information on specific NCsoft products and promotions available, please visit www.steamgames.com regularly."
Paradox has released an "Elven Legacy" demo, giving players a chance to try out the recently released turn-based strategy game by Ino-co.
"Elven Legacy sends players on an epic quest aimed to restore the former glory of the Elven race. With a thrilling non-linear storyline and tools that allow players to create their own missions and share them in multiplayer mode, Elven Legacy will provide hours of exciting game play for strategy fans.
Elven Legacy is available from retailers everywhere, along with the leading digital download outlets for a suggested retail price of $29.99."
The 700.5MB demo can be downloaded from AtomicGamer, FileFront, FileShack, Gamer’s Hell, Strategy Informer, or Wothplaying.
