PC Game News

Replay Games has started a Kickstarter campaign for a new Leisure Suit Larry game. The company has licensing in order and has apparently convinced Al Lowe to come out of retirement for a re-imagining of the original creation.

“So why are we jumping on the Kickstarter bandwagon with LEISURE SUIT LARRY IN THE LAND OF THE LOUNGE LIZARDS?

It’s simple. We love Larry…Larry Laffer. We were there when he was born, in 1987. We were there for his last adventure, LOVE FOR SAIL, almost exactly 10 years later.

And we’ve long wished for a version that would combine the characters and game play we already love with:

• The freedom to play on mobile devices
• A modern point-and-click/touchscreen interface
• Updated, ultra-high res graphics
• Fully voiced characters
• Even more of the humor that’s made Al Lowe a household name…like “Borders” and “Enron”!

So we’re making it. From scratch. And we want YOUR help.”

Find more info on the Kickstarter page.

Stardock today released a new trailer for Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion, promoting the upcoming stand-alone expansion in the series by Ironclad Games.

“Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion is the upcoming stand-alone expansion to the award-winning 2008 hit real-time strategy game, Sins of a Solar Empire. Developed by Ironclad and published by Stardock, this is space-strategy gaming at its finest.”

Ubisoft released a new gameplay trailer for Ghost Recon Online, focusing on the assault class. It covers class weapons, abilities, and team upgrades.

“Ghost Recon Online offers players the ability to choose between three different classes of Ghost, customize their weapons, deploy cutting-edge military technology, and share intel with their team. Ghost Recon Online also features a rich lobby platform for hosting social and persistent progression features. Ubisoft also will back the game with a full set of services, including regular events and game content updates, customized content based on community feedback, and live support.”

Rockstar Games today released a new video showcasing multiplayer features such as Bullet Time and Gang Wars in Max Payne 3, the upcoming sequel in the third-person shooter series.

“In this video, see how Max Payne 3 Multiplayer brings the franchise’s combination of highly responsive and cinematic shooting action to the realm of online multiplayer across a range of game modes, the implementation of Max’s signature Bullet Time® special ability and how we utilized the third-person perspective – allowing players to connect with a character they can see while still retaining full fluid control during gunplay.”

Perfect World Entertainment today announced the launch of Forsaken World: Nightfall for the free-to-play MMORPG.

“Offering a wealth of new content to explore, Forsaken World: Nightfall takes players on a journey to conquer more dungeons and new lands, in the pursuit of Shylia’s approval.

“We have worked around the clock to make sure the Nightfall expansion provides our players with the most substantial amount of content possible,” said Clifton Chu, Product Manager, Perfect World Entertainment. “With the addition of flying  mounts and the ability to augment their talents via the Soul Power system, Nightfall gives both die-hard players and new fans something extra special to look forward to.”

Phantom Orb Event

To celebrate the launch of Nightfall, players will be given a chance to acquire a rare phantom pet. Those players level 40 and above who login between March 28 and April 1, 2012, will be given the Phantom Orb Chance Box free of charge.

The Phantom Orb event kicks off the Forsaken World: Nightfall expansion launch, which also includes new game features, new quests and revamped game modes.

For more information about the Forsaken World: Nightfall expansion and to play Forsaken World right now for free, please visit:  https://FW.perfectworld.com/nightfall.”

Paradox Interactive today announced the release of Gettysburg: Armored Warfare, which is available on major digital distribution portals.

“Gettysburg: Armored Warfare brings fast paced action to the PC in an alternative reality version of the Civil War that features 32 on 32 player battles across multiple game modes and maps.

“Gettysburg: Armored Warfare is the result of one mans passion and dedication and brings us back to the essence of what game development is all about, said Gordon Van Dyke, producer at Paradox Interactive. If you love games and the possibilities they represent, this is one game you should definitely check it out.”

Union and Confederate troops spawn and vie for control of the battlefield with futuristic weapons and familiar formations. Both sides battle over control points as time passes and players lay waste to the enemy. The round ends when one side has reached zero attrition points and the other team is victorious.

Gettysburg: Armored Warfare is now available via all major digital distribution platforms for $9.99.”

The list of new PC game releases, Blu-Ray releases, and movies opening the week of March 26th, 2012.

PC games:

• ANNO 2070 – The Eden Project Complete Pack DLC
• ANNO 2070 – The Financial Crisis Complete Pack
• Gettysburg: Armored Warfare
• Global Ops: Commando Lybia
• Rayman Origins + Rayman 3
• Tropico Trilogy

Movies opening this week:

• Bully
• Dark Tide
• Goon
• Intruders
• Mirror Mirror
• The Island President
• Wrath of the Titans

Blu-Ray releases:

• A Dangerous Method
• A Night to Remember (Criterion Collection)
• Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked
• Assault on a Queen
• BBC Natural History Collection
• Camel Spider
• Casablanca
• Come Blow Your Horn
• Confucius
• Coq D’Or
• Corman’s World
• Crow Zero
• David Lean Directs Noel Coward (Criterion Collection)
• Dragonheart
• Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
• Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
• In the Land of Blood and Honey
• Iron Maiden: En Vivo!
• It’s Only Money
• Lion of Judah
• Live From Brixton Academy
• Macbeth
• Madama Butterfly
• South Park: The Complete Fifteenth Season
• Tannhaeuser
• The Bodyguard
• The Quest
• UFC: Best of 2011
• Who’s Got the Action
• Who’s Minding the Store

Ubisoft released a short new Assassin’s Creed 3 video that contains some basic details on Connor and the weapons he carries.

Here are the details:

Connor:

• Birth name: Ratohnhake:ton
• Born in the Mohawk Valley
• British and Native American heritage
• Joined the Assassin Order, 1770

Weapons:

• Dual pistols
• Bow & Arrow
• Hidden Blade
• Tomahawk

Hi-Rez Studios today released a new trailer for Tribes: Ascend showcasing the Cloak & Dagger update coming to the beta this week.

“It showcases the Cloak & Dagger Update coming to Tribes: Ascend this week!  The Update includes new content for the Infiltrator Class including:

• Assassin skin
• Mercenary skin
• Smoke Grenade
• Jackal
• and Throwing Knives

The cosmetic skins will be purchasable via real-money only (Tribes Gold).   All new weapons can be unlocked with gameplay XP, or purchasable with Tribes Gold.

Going forward we will offer similar updates for other Tribes classes – including cosmetic  skins as well as alternate weapons.”

Paradox Interactive and Seatribe today announced that beta registrations for Salem have begun.

“Developed by Seatribe, Salem is set in the New World when pilgrims were the norm and the frontier was still the greatest risk to a person’s health.

Salem is a unique core gaming experience for MMO players and crafting enthusiasts, known best for its Permadeath mechanic where in-game characters succumb to the harsh wilderness environment. Interested Beta testers can sign up here to participate in the beta.”

Deep Silver today released a new trailer for Risen 2: Dark Waters, giving viewers more of a look at the upcoming RPG by Piranha Bytes.

“A world in chaos and a war that seems to be almost lost.

Monsters have risen from the sea and the titans have ravaged the world, endangering all that live.

But there is still hope: one man, a nameless hero, takes it upon himself to save the world.

Only the fearless pirates seem to know a way to deal with these beasts from the deep.

Will he succeed in obtaining their secret artifact? “

The adventure game Yesterday has been been shipped and is now available in retail store and digital distribution portals. A launch trailer can be viewed below.

“After having left its mark in adventure gaming with its million-selling trilogy Runaway and more recently with The Next BIG Thing, Pendulo Studios will deliver early 2012 its newest adventure: Yesterday. Though the unique graphic style, trademark of the Spanish developer, has not been left behind, Pendulo has now given up comedy for once and is offering an original and dark thriller.

In New York City, beggars are disappearing one after another, only to be found burnt alive. Meanwhile, a Y-shaped scar forms in the palm of the hands of seemingly unrelated people. With the police and the media giving little attention to these events, Henry White, a young and rich heir dedicated to a charitable organization, and his friend Cooper, are the first to investigate these disappearances. They are two of the three playable characters in Yesterday, the third being none other than the enigmatic John Yesterday, who is dragged into this incredible story after his memory is completely wiped. “

A new post on the BioWare blog by Dr. Ray Muzyka, co-founder of the company, addresses criticism on the Mass Effect 3 ending. BioWare has received and read the feedback from fans and plans to release “new content initiatives” to answer questions and provide more clarity.

“You’ll hear more on this in April.  We’re working hard to maintain the right balance between the artistic integrity of the original story while addressing the fan feedback we’ve received.  This is in addition to our existing plan to continue providing new Mass Effect content and new full games, so rest assured that your journey in the Mass Effect universe can, and will, continue.

The reaction to the release of Mass Effect 3 has been unprecedented. On one hand, some of our loyal fans are passionately expressing their displeasure about how their game concluded; we care about this feedback, and we’re planning to directly address it. However, most folks appear to agree that the game as a whole is exceptional, with more than 75 critics giving it a perfect review score and a review average in the mid-90s. Net, I’m proud of the team, but we can and must always strive to do better.

Some of the criticism that has been delivered in the heat of passion by our most ardent fans, even if founded on valid principles, such as seeking more clarity to questions or looking for more closure, for example – has unfortunately become destructive rather than constructive. We listen and will respond to constructive criticism, but much as we will not tolerate individual attacks on our team members, we will not support or respond to destructive commentary.”

Read the full post on the BioWare blog.

A new Far Cry 3 trailer was released today, which gives viewers a brief look at the world of the game through the eyes of Dr. Earnhardt.

“Check out the action-packed shooter gameplay and immersive world of Far Cry 3 through the troubled eyes of Dr. Earnhardt, the island’s resident “pharmacist.” Use an arsenal of weapons, explosives and vehicles to fight against the island’s ruthless and deranged inhabitants. Explore a stunning and treacherous environment, filled with diverse terrain, exotic creatures and mind-bending botanicals.”

Mike O’Brien, president of ArenaNet and executive producer of Guild Wars 2, has a new post up on the ArenaNet blog that discusses upcoming microtransaction testing.

“In this month’s closed beta event, we’ll do some early testing of the Guild Wars 2 microtransactions system. Our microtransaction content isn’t nailed down yet, but we have a good framework in place to support it. So, I’d like to take a moment to explain our goals and the system we have developed to meet them.

We believe in microtransactions because they fund ongoing development of the game in a very straightforward and open way. You, the customer, get to decide how much money you spend on the game after launch, based on how compelling it is to you. You get a complete and playable game no matter what, but we think we can provide additional content and services that you’d be happy to pay for. And when you pay for them, you help fund our support of Guild Wars 2 in a way that benefits all players of the game.”

Read the full post on the ArenaNet blog.