PC Game News

Dear Esther was released on Steam yesterday and was profitable in under 6 hours, selling over 16,000 units in one day. This new project is a complete overhaul of the previously released mod released in 2008.

“Dear Esther immerses you in a stunningly realised world, a remote and desolate island somewhere in the outer Hebrides. As you step forwards, a voice begins to read fragments of a letter: “Dear Esther…” – and so begins a journey through one of the most original first-person games of recent years.”

The list of new PC game releases, DVD and Blu-ray releases, and movies opening the week of February 13th, 2012.

PC games:

• Alan Wake
• Crusader Kings II
• Crusader Kings II: Dynasty Shields DLC
• Crusader Kings II: Mongols DLC
• Dear Esther
• Jagged Alliance: Back in Action
• Magicka: Lonely Island Cruise DLC
• Mountain Crime Requital
• Saints Row: The Third – FUNTIME! DLC
• Saints Row: The Third – Money Shot DLC
• Syndicate
• The Sims 3: Hidden Springs

Movies opening this week:

• Bullhead (limited LA/NYC)
• Circus Columbia (limited NYC)
• Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
• Michael (limited)
• On the Ice (limited)
• The Secret World of Arrietty
• Thin Ice (limited)
• This Means War
• Undefeated

DVD and Blu-ray releases:

• A Town Like Alice
• All Quiet on the Western Front Collector’s Series [Blu-ray]
• All Things Fall Apart [Blu-ray]
• American Teacher
• Battlefield Detectives
• Bevis & Butthead: Vol. 4 [Blu-ray]
• Boeing Boeing [Blu-ray]
• Celebrity
• Chrome Shelled Regios
• Danger UXB
• Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe [Blu-ray]
• Dora the Explorer: Dora’s Easter Adventure
• Dragon Age: Redemption
• Elite Squad [Blu-ray]
• Frontline: The Interrupters
• How to Die in Oregon
• Human Centipede II: Full Sequence [Blu-ray]
• Mama I Want to Sing
• Man in the Iron Mask
• Marriage Chronicles
• Mighty Machines: Smash Mash & Crash
• Mortician
• Mozart’s Sister [Blu-ray]
• Murder, She Wrote: 4 Movie Collection
• Nature: Kangaroo Mob [Blu-ray]
• Nude Nuns with Big Guns [Blu-ray]
• Ocean Heaven [Blu-ray]
• Paranormal Activity 3
• Penguins of Madagascar: Operation Get Ducky
• Pianomania
• Robin of Sherwood, Set 2 [Blu-ray]
• Rock-A-Bye Baby [Blu-ray]
• Rouge Trader
• Shades
• Storage Wars, Vol. 2
• Summer Holiday
• Sword of Desperation
• Take Shelter [Blu-ray]
• The Dead [Blu-ray]
• The Debt
• The Devil’s Rock
• The Geisha Boy [Blu-ray]
• The Lorax
• The Night We Never Met
• The Perfect Weapon [Blu-ray]
• The Rum Diary [Blu-ray]
• Three Outlaw Samurai [Criterion Collection Blu-ray]
• Tiny Furniture [Criterion Collection Blu-ray]
• Treasure Train [Blu-ray]
• Under the Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story
• Urbanized [Blu-ray]
• Wainy Days
• Woody Allen: A Documentary

BioWare has released the Mass Effect 3 demo has promised. If only it was available without Origin.

“The demo for 2012’s most anticipated game is here! Experience two spectacular levels from the single-player campaign, along with intense four player co-op multiplayer matches. The multiplayer section of the Mass Effect 3 demo will feature an early access period running from February 14 to February 17.

Early multiplayer access has been granted to players who have activated their Battlefield 3 online pass. Visit this page and log in with your EA Origin account (this is the same as your BioWare Social account) to see if you currently have early access.”

Paradox Interactive today announced the release of Crusader Kings II, a new sequel in the strategy series.

“Eight years after the much loved original, Crusader Kings II is the long awaited sequel to Crusader Kings, developed by the acclaimed team behind the Europa Universalis, Hearts of Iron and Victoria series. A game of choice and a reflection of each player’s personal morality, how will you play this very personal game of Strategy? Rule with an iron fist oppressing your population through fear? Perhaps lead your kingdom through respect and benevolence, instilling loyalty in your subjects instead? Or maybe marry your way to power. These are the weighty decisions that await you in your quest for influence and territorial domination.

Crusader Kings II explores one of the defining eras in world history, covering the volatile period of the 11th to 15th century, in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy. Medieval Europe is brought to life in this epic title rife with rich strategic and tactical depth.

Crusader Kings II will be available via all major digital distribution platforms and selected retail at a suggested retail price of $ 39.99. https://www.crusaderkings.com/buy“

Casey Hudson, Executive Producer of the Mass Effect series tweeted earlier today that Mass Effect 3 has gone gold. A demo for the game is scheduled to be released tomorrow.

 “After an awesome effort by our team, I’m proud to announce #MassEffect3 is officially GOLD! Many surprises await you – this week and beyond.”

Gabe Newell, of Valve Corporation issued an update today on last year’s Steam intrusion. The following is his message in its entirety:

“Dear Steam Users and Steam Forum Users
 
We continue our investigation of last year’s intrusion with the help of outside security experts.  In my last note about this, I described how intruders had accessed our Steam database but we found no evidence that the intruders took information from that database.  That is still the case.
 
Recently we learned that it is probable that the intruders obtained a copy of a backup file with information about Steam transactions between 2004 and 2008.  This backup file contained user names, email addresses, encrypted billing addresses and encrypted credit card information. It did not include Steam passwords.   
 
We do not have any evidence that the encrypted credit card numbers or billing addresses have been compromised.  However as I said in November it’s a good idea to watch your credit card activity and statements.  And of course keeping Steam Guard on is a good idea as well.
 
We are still investigating and working with law enforcement authorities.  Some state laws require a more formal notice of this incident so some of you will get that notice, but we wanted to update everyone with this new information now.
 
Gabe”

Crytek and Warhorse Studios today announced a CryENGINE 3 licensing agreement for an unannounced Warhorse role-playing game. Warhorse developers have worked on the Mafia series and Operation Flashpoint series in the past.

“Warhorse Studios is working on an unannounced role-playing game (RPG). The debut title for the studio will combine open-world experience with a rich story and innovative gameplay elements.

Martin Klima, Executive Producer at Warhorse Studios commented: “We looked at every major technology out there and CryENGINE 3 suits our needs perfectly. We are confident it will allow us to make the vision for our game come true.”

“The team at Warhorse Studios consists of industry veterans from AAA classics such as the Mafia franchise and Operation Flashpoint. We’re excited by their vision for an innovative RPG and we are looking forward to working with them to help them achieve that vision with CryENGINE 3.”, said Carl Jones, Director of Global Business Development CryENGINE.”

Electronic Arts and 38 Studios announced yesterday that Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning has been shipped and is now available.

“The game’s vision was brought to life by 24-time New York Times bestselling author R.A. Salvatore, Spawn creator Todd McFarlane, and internationally-celebrated game designer Ken Rolston – an all-star team assembled by three-time World Series Champion pitcher and founder of 38 Studios, Curt Schilling. This original intellectual property breaks new ground by melding a deep open-world RPG experience with visceral action combat that offers players millions of combinations of moves, weapons and armor in a completely unique experience for every individual.

Developed by 38 Studios subsidiary Big Huge Games in Baltimore, Maryland and 38 Studios in Providence, Rhode Island, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is available now in North America and will be available in Europe on February 10, 2012. Learn more about Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning by visiting www.Reckoning.com“

2K Games announced yesterday that The Darkness II has been shipped and is now available at North American retailers and on digital distribution portals. The game ships internationally on the 10th.

“The Darkness II introduces a new combat mechanic through Quad-Wielding, allowing players to slash, grab, and throw objects and enemies with two Demon Arms while simultaneously firing two weapons. The game is layered with thematic elements of dark versus light, steeped in deep and twisted storytelling, and maintains the stylistic violence visualized through a hand-painted graphic noir technique, true to its comic book origins.

“Jackie Estacado’s saga returns in epic form with The Darkness II,” added Marc Silvestri, founder and CEO of Top Cow Productions and co-creator of The Darkness comics. “There’s a certain level of anxiousness when you see a favorite character move from ink on a page to pixels on a screen. 2K Games and Digital Extremes were able to do it in a way that stayed true to the Jackie from the comic books, while making a brutally awesome game at the same time.”

Also new in The Darkness II is the cooperative Vendettas campaign, a fast-paced, story-driven experience that takes place parallel to the single-player campaign. Vendettas lets up to four friends play together as one of four new playable characters – all with their own unique Darkness weapon – and begin their dangerous and bloody journey. Designed as a team-focused, mission-based experience, Vendettas explores the crucial role each character plays in Jackie Estacado’s campaign to defeat the Brotherhood.

A playable demo of The Darkness II is broadly available worldwide for Xbox 360, PS3â„¢ and Windows PC. The Darkness II is rated M for Mature by the ESRB. For more information on The Darkness II, please visit www.embracethedarkness.com.”

The list of new PC game releases, DVD and Blu-ray releases, and movies opening the week of February 6th, 2012.

PC Games:

• Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition
• Jagged Alliance – Back in Action
• Jewel Quest: The Sapphire Dragon
• Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
• Shank 2
• The Darkness II
• Tropico 4: Quick-dry Cement DLC
• Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine: Power Sword DLC

Movies opening this week:

• Chico & Rita (limited)
• In Darkness (limited)
• Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
• Perfect Sense (limited)
• Rampart (limited)
• Return (limited)
• Safe House
• Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace (3D re-release)
• The Turin Horse (limited NYC)
• The Vow

DVD and Blu-ray releases:

• 3
• 5 Star Day
• 60 Minutes – Jake
• A Star is Born [Blu-ray]
• A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas [Blu-ray]
• A Warrior’s Heart
• Action Triple Feature Vol. 1 [Blu-ray]
• Action Triple Feature Vol. 2 [Blu-ray]
• All’s Faire in Love
• American Experience: Billy the Kid
• Anonymous [Blu-ray]
• Breaking Man
• Brontes of Haworth
• Casino Royale [Blu-ray]
• Coming & Going
• Count of Monte Cristo
• CSI: Crime Scene Investigation – Grave Danger [Blu-ray]
• Curious George: Saves the Day
• Cyberbully
• Dangerous Liaisons [Blu-ray]
• David E. Talbert’s What My Husband Doesn’t Know
• Day of the Dead 3D [Blu-ray]
• Deadly Spawn: Millennium Ed. [Blu-ray]
• Downton Abbey: Season 2 [Blu-ray]
• Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat [Blu-ray]
• Dreamgirls [Blu-ray]
• Elephant in the Living Room [Blu-ray]
• Ethos: A Time for Change
• Family Triple Feature Vol. 1 [Blu-ray]
• Father Dowling Mysteries: The First Season
• Filth to Ashes Flesh to Dust [Blu-ray]
• Fireflies in the Garden
• Fish Called Wanda [Blu-ray]
• Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred
• Geek Charming
• Hawaii Five O: The First Season [Blu-ray]
• Holy Smoke!
• Horror Triple Feature Vol. 1 [Blu-ray]
• It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World [Blu-ray]
• Knuckle
• La Fuerza Del Destino
• La Jetee / Sans Soleil [Criterion Collection Blu-ray]
• Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl [Blu-ray]
• Lady and the Tramp – Diamond Ed. [Blu-ray]
• Laramie: The Second Season 33 Hour long episodes
• Last Man Standing
• Love Story [Blu-ray]
• Masterpiece Classic: Far From the Madding Crowd
• Meowingtons Hax 2K11
• Metal Shifters [Blu-ray]
• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: I heart Minnie
• More Business of Being Born
• New Tricks: Series 6
• New Year’s Concert 2012
• Nine Types of Light
• Police Woman: Complete Second Season
• Poolboy: Drowning Out the Fury
• Project Nim
• Ra.One [Blu-ray]
• Rebound [Blu-ray]
• Robert Montgomery Collection
• Rocko’s Modern Life: Season Two
• Rules of Engagement – Season 5
• Solas Con Chayanne [Blu-ray]
• Song of Lunch
• Star Wars Lego: The Padawan Menace [Blu-ray]
• Stormhouse
• Story of a love Affair: 2-Disc Special Ed.
• Super Shark
• The Dirty Picture [Blu-ray]
• The Jazz Singer
• The Retrievers [Blu-ray]
• The Reunion [Blu-ray]
• The Sunset Limited [Blu-ray]
• The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part I [Blu-ray]
• Throw Momma From the Train [Blu-ray]
• Veggie Tales: If I Sang a Silly Song
• What Happens Next
• World of Horses Season 1 & 2
• Yakuza Weapon [Blu-ray]

The Bethesda blog has been updated with the announcement of the release of the Creation Kit, Workshop, and a High-res texture pack. In addition, an Elder Scrolls Collection bundle is now on sale on Steam for $50, which includes Skyrim, Oblivion GOTY, and Morrowind GOTY.

“Modders rejoice! We’re pleased to announce that the Skyrim Creation Kit is now available!

With the Creation Kit’s release, fans can now upload, download, and install custom content through the Skyrim Workshop on Steam. Get a crash course by reading level designer Joel Burgess’ blog post, and be sure to read up on our list of best practices for modding. Need more help? Don’t forget to to check out the official Wiki at www.CreationKit.com. In the coming days and weeks, we’ll be sharing tutorial videos for beginners and experts alike.

In addition to releasing the Creation Kit and Skyrim Workshop, today we’re allowing players to experience Skyrim as you’ve never seen it before with the Skyrim High-Resolution Texture Pack. Before downloading it from Steam, make sure your system requirements exceed Skyrim’s recommended specs before attempting to install, including a minimum of 4GB of system RAM and a DirectX 9.0c compatible NVIDIA or AMD ATI video card with at least 1 GB of RAM and the latest drivers.”

The Hawken site has been updated with the announcement of beta sign-ups, giving players the chance to participate in early testing. In addition, the game has been scheduled for release on December 12th, 2012.

“Hawken is a multiplayer mech combat game. The focus is on creating an intense and enjoyable battle experience that captures the feeling of piloting a heavy war machine while keeping the action fast-paced and strategic.”

Register at: playhawken.com

Fatshark today released a new trailer for Krater, the upcoming post-apocalyptic top-down RPG.

“Krater is Swedish for Crater, and the name gives a hint of the setting of the game.  Krater is a lush post-apocalyptic top down RPG and the base pillars are crafting, exploration and consequence. Consequence brings not only the ability for the characters to level up and improve themselves, but also permanent injuries and death. “

A new tweet from Pete Hines, VP of PR and Marketing at Bethesda reveals that the anticipated Creation Kit for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim will be released on Tuesday along with a “special surprise.”

“For our Skyrim PC fans, the Creation Kit is on track for release on Tuesday. And, we also have a special surprise with it.”

Focus Home Interactive released a new trailer for Game of Thrones highlighting Riverspring, which is one of many locations players will get to explore in the upcoming role-playing game based on the HBO television series.

“Today’s video and screenshots turn their focus to the troubled waterside town of Riverspring and Sarwyck Keep, the home of its ruling family. A vacant lordship and civil unrest greet Alester Sarwyck, one of the game’s two main characters, as he returns home after a fifteen-year self-imposed exile. He arrives as the town mourns the passing of his father, the elder Lord Sarwyck, forcing Alester to consider reclaiming rule of Riverspring and restoring order to his lordship.

The township of Riverspring will be one of the many places the 2 heroes of the game – Mors, sworn brother of the Night’s Watch, and Alester, the Red Priest – will have to explore but also to fight through. From King’s Landing and Red Keep to the Wall, an Epic quest awaits our heroes, guided by revenge, loyalty, honor, and family, along a twisting plot filled with betrayal and violence.”