PC Game News

DICE today announced that "Battleifled 3" will be released on October 25, 2011.

"After three years of development, the spectacular new game leaps ahead of the competition thanks to the unique power of the Frostbite TM 2 game engine. The technology advances the state of the art, and serves as the power center that allows Battlefield 3 to deliver superior performance in character animation, visual rendering, audio/sound and physical destruction. Battlefield 3 is the only FPS in the marketplace using Frostbite 2, and the only shooter capable of making the gameplay experience feel alive with all the sights, sounds, movements and action of real-world incursions. Fans eager to jump into battle can join the multi-platform beta in September 2011.

Battlefield 3 captures the intense reality of modern warfare across the globe. DICE is working closely with highly decorated ex-SAS operator and acclaimed author, Andy McNab, to ensure the authenticity and grittiness of today’s war is captured in both the single player and multiplayer campaigns. In the single player chapters being highlighted at E3, two new playable characters are introduced. Dmitri “Dima” Mayakovsky, a Russian undercover agent, must fight his way from the Paris Stock Exchange through the crowded city streets in a desperate attempt to stop PLR operatives from detonating a dirty bomb in the heart of Paris. Jonathan “Jono” Miller, a Marine Corporal from America’s heartland, is deployed to the barren dustbowl of the Tehran desert to engage PLR forces. This chapter showcases a classic Battlefield vehicle warfare experience as players embark on a large scale tank attack to neutralize the PLR base. The popular Battlefield multiplayer mode ‘Rush’ is also back and will be playable on PC in the EA booth.

Gamers ready to enlist can pre-order the Battlefield 3 Limited Edition and receive the Back to Karkand digital expansion pack at no extra charge.* This themed multiplayer pack pays tribute to Battlefield fans by featuring four highly celebrated maps from Battlefield 2 each now boldly re-mastered using Frostbite 2. Pre-order the Battlefield 3 Limited Edition now at https://eastore.ea.com/battlefield3. Battlefield 3 will be available for the PlayStation®3, Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, and the PC.

For more information on Battlefield 3, please visit www.battlefield.com."

BioWare today announced that "Mass Effect 3" will ship to retailers worldwide beginning March 6, 2012.

"In Mass Effect 3, an ancient alien race known only as “Reapers”, has launched an all-out invasion of the galaxy, leaving nothing but a trail of destruction in their wake. Earth has been taken, the galaxy is on the verge of total annihilation, and you are the only one who can stop them. The price of failure is extinction. You, as Commander Shepard, must lead the counter assault to take it back. Only you can determine how events will play out, which planets you will save from annihilation and which alliances you will form or abandon as you rally the forces of the galaxy to eliminate the Reaper threat once and for all. Mass Effect 3 will make its world debut at the Electronic Entertainment Expo from June 7 -9, 2011. Show attendees can see Mass Effect 3 at EA’s booth #1601 in South Hall.

Mass Effect 3 and the Mass Effect 3 N7 Collector’s Edition arrive on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC beginning March 6, 2012.

For more information on Mass Effect 3, please visit https://masseffect.com"

A fact sheet for "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" has been released with a release date currently set for November 11, 2011. Here are all the juicy details:

Description:          

The next chapter in the highly anticipated  Elder Scrolls saga arrives from the makers of the 2006 and 2008 Games of the Year, Bethesda Game Studios. Skyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose.

Story:                    

The Empire of Tamriel is on the edge. The High King of Skyrim has been murdered. Alliances form as claims to the throne are made. In the midst of this conflict, a far more dangerous, ancient evil is awakened. Dragons, long lost to the passages of the Elder Scrolls, have returned to Tamriel. The future of Skyrim, even the Empire itself, hangs in the balance as they wait for the prophesized Dragonborn to come; a hero born with the power of The Voice, and the only one who can stand amongst the dragons.”

Key Features:

• Epic Fantasy Reborn.  Skyrim reimagines the open-world fantasy epic, pushing the gameplay and technology of a virtual world to new heights.
• Live another life, in another world. Play any type of character you can imagine, and do whatever you want; the legendary freedom of choice, storytelling, and adventure of  The Elder Scrolls is realized like never before.
• All new graphics and gameplay engine.   Skyrim's new game engine brings to life a complete virtual world with rolling clouds, rugged mountains, bustling cities, lush fields, and ancient dungeons.
• You are what you play.  Choose from hundreds of weapons, spells, and abilities. The new character system allows you to play any way you want and define yourself through your actions.
• Dragons return.  Battle ancient dragons like you've never seen. As Dragonborn, learn their secrets and harness their power for yourself.

Heatwave Interactive today announced that "Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising" is now in open beta. Registration is open until June 12 of this month and those interested can register at: www.playgodsandheroes.com

"The Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising open beta lets players experience the game's massive world filled with ancient lands, dramatic combat and mythological creatures two weeks before the game ships. Open Beta testers will be able to play four character classes, a revised new player experience, personal estates, a minion system, an updated combat system and 14 levels of gameplay. Players who pre-order the game during the Open Beta, can then join the Head Start program and start playing the full game a week before the box hits the shelves.

Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising is a full-scale MMORPG that immerses players into a universe of authentic Roman myth and legend. Players take on the role of a Demigod and celebrated hero of the Roman army who sets out on a quest for vengeance against an ancient enemy. While battling in the midst of Roman landmarks and legendary scenery, players can build and command their own squad of minions, customize their massive estate, combat mythological creatures, and unleash an arsenal of weapons.

For more information on Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising, visit https://www.godsandheroes.com"

Codemasters today announced "Operation Flashpoint: Red River – Valley of Death", the first DLC pack for the first-person military simulation game that is scheduled to be released tomorrow.

"The Valley of Death Pack features eight new Fireteam Engagements playable in single-player or in four player online co-op. Two new Combat Sweep missions, two new CSAR missions, two new Last Stand missions and two new Rolling Thunder missions are set across stunning new locales. Players will fight through the warehouses and factories of a former Soviet Manufacturing town and carry out operations in a riverside mudbrick village set beneath foreboding hilltop ruins."

As promised yesterday during the CDP Summer Days broadcast, patch version 1.2 has been released for "The Witcher 2", which includes more than 30 significant additions, improvements and fixes.

"Version 1.2 of The Witcher incorporates several downloadable content packs. A highlight is the completely new “Barbers and Coiffeuses” DLC, which adds the option to use hairstyling services in the game, and thus the possibility for the main character to have a total of six different looks.  A video showing these haircuts may be viewed at https://en.thewitcher.com/the-witcher/2/videos/gameplay/  In addition, six previously released DLCs are now automatically installed as natural parts of the game. Some of these provide equipment and other items that can be quite helpful right from the start of play in the Prologue.
 
Adam Badowski, Development Director at CD Projekt RED, commented, "Making a very good game is, in my opinion, equalled in importance by the need to offer strong ongoing support, especially on a platform as complex as the PC. I hope providing two major patches within barely more than two weeks after release demonstrates our dedication to supporting The Witcher 2 over the long term. What’s more, this is just one small sign of our commitment to this guiding direction.  PC gamers can expect more goodies from us in the future. And of course, we won’t charge for them since we feel it’s our duty to improve and enhance the game for both current and future players."
 
The game now patches to version 1.2 automatically during a fresh installation, or through the auto-patching option from the Game Launcher if version 1.1 is already installed. Any players who installed and also activated their games but did not apply patch 1.1 should do so manually from https://www.en.thewitcher.com/patch/; this will enable auto-patching to the latest version. In addition, patching from version 1.1 to 1.2 can be done manually via https://www.en.thewitcher.com/patch1-2/ Users who purchased the Steam digital version must use the Steam patcher.
 
The Witcher 2 was released internationally for the PC in mid-May.  It has been received exceptionally well by gamers and media alike, and sold through 400,000 copies in its first week.

Additional information is available at the recently re-launched official site, www.TheWitcher.com."

A launch trailer for "Alice: Madness Returns" has been released, giving viewers a look at the upcoming action adventure sequel by Spicy Horse. The game is scheduled to ship in the US on June 14th and the 16th in Europe.

"Alice: Madness Returns delves deep into the dark and violent side of the imagination, creating a nightmarish Wonderland where Alice must face the demons that haunt her visions. Visit the grim reality of Victorian London and then travel to the beautiful yet ghastly Wonderland to uncover the root of Alice's madness and discover the truth behind a deadly secret, kept hidden for years."

Focus Home Interactive and Cyanide Studios today released the first teaser trailer for "Pro Cycling Manager 2011".

"This trailer shows off the extraordinary graphical evolution of the franchise, both in terms of the environments and the riders themselves. The in-game riders now reflect the height, stature and riding style of their real-life counterparts, making Pro Cycling Manager 2011 the most realistic racing simulator on the market. The bikes have also been adapted to the new cyclists, offering a large selection of customizable frames and wheels. All these major changes mean an even more realistic gaming experience!

The 150 competitions and over 500 stages are now more detailed and varied thanks to vivid new scenery, roads, and landscapes. Discover all these enhancements in the video teaser!"

Perfect World announced yesterday that it has acquired Cryptic Studios, known for developing "City of Heroes", "City of Villains", "Star Trek Online", etc.

"Next week at E3 (June 7-9), Perfect World will give the gaming industry aftershocks with its latest lineup of next generation free-to-play online games. With Perfect World's most diverse E3 product lineup to date including an FPS, dungeon crawler and monster hunter; don't miss out on seeing the dark horses of E3 that everyone will be talking about afterwards.

• Blacklight Retribution – A fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping first person shooter based in a futuristic urban warzone and sequel to Zombie Studio's Blacklight: Tango Down. Worldwide Reveal 
• Rusty Hearts – An anime-inspired, fast and furious hack n' slash dungeon crawler, Rusty Hearts takes everything we love about arcade sidescrollers and puts it online – no quarters required. Official Site:  https://rustyhearts.perfectworld.com/
• RaiderZ – Experience monster hunting online with RaiderZ with a fast-paced, real-time battle system. Prepare to hunt together or die alone. Official Site:  https://raiderz.perfectworld.com/"

I tuned in to the CDP Summer Days live broadcast earlier this afternoon, in which CD Projekt Red and GOG.com made their "big" announcements. They were broadcasting from Venice Beach, California and the cameras were set up outdoors with the Pacific Ocean and palm trees in the background. It looked nice there but it was somewhat windy, which degraded the audio of the stream a bit. Anyways, CD Projekt's huge announcement was that "The Witcher 2" will be heading to the XBOX 360, which was a total let down to me and probably every other PC gamer watching. I had received an email earlier this morning from some PR folks representing the company stating that Red is working with Plastige Image Studio on a "new project." I took "new project" to mean that they were going to announce completely new IP today. I guess it's a good thing that I didn't post any news about this – although I'm always extremely reluctant to post rumors in the news (only the really big rumors get attention on this site). I think the wording of the release I received this morning was definitely misleading but now that I actually dig around the Platig Image Stuio site, it's easy to see that the company mainly develops cinematics and special effects. But really, is a port a new project?

GOG's announcement was a bit more interesting as they have signed EA to publish over 25 titles throughout the next few months. "Wing Commander: Privateer", Dungeon Keeper" and "Ultima Underworld" 1 and 2 are available now. However, this agreement doesn't include the publishing rights for "System Shock" or the "Syndicate" series. In the broadcast they claimed that they won't be available for now because ownership of those particular games is split up between several companies.

CD Projekt Red did reveal that patch version 1.2 for "The Witcher 2" will be released tomorrow, which will include a variety of enhancements and fixes. They also announced that over 400,000 copies of the game have been sold since the launch two weeks ago.

If you want to watch the broadcast it was recorded and is available on USTREAM.

Eidos today released the official "Deus Ex: Human" revolution trailer that will be shown at this year's E3 conference.

"In DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION you play Adam Jensen, a security specialist, handpicked to oversee the defense of one of America's most experimental biotechnology firms. But when a black ops team breaks in and kills the scientists you were hired to protect, everything you thought you knew about your job changes."

Paradox Interactive today announced the release of "Magicka: Nippon", new DLC that contains "Far-East" items to support Japanese relief efforts.

"Purchase the Nippon DLC now – 50% of all revenue goes towards the Japanese Relief effort – for a limited time.

The Magicka Nippon DLC, created by Arrowhead Games, contains everything a wizard could need to honor their Far-East friends in a time of need. The DLC includes 1 Kimono robe, 1 Katana – “Yawarakai-Te” (cuts through armor) and 1 Bamboo Staff – “Staff of Endurance” (resistance to all elements)."

Paradox Interactive today announced the release of "Cities in Motion: Tokyo", a new expansion in the series by Colossal Order.

"Welcome to Tokyo, Japan’s largest and capital city. The citizens of this sprawling metropolis await your transit guidance and expertise. You must build a reliable and efficient transit system while playing through an all new campaign with four different scenarios. Start in the 1970’s and experience four decades of all new vehicles and challenges. Or make the city your playground in the included sandbox mode. With 7 new vehicles and the new Monorail vehicle type you are sure to transport the masses. Available now via all major digital download portals for $9.99. "

Fatshark today announced that "Hamilton's Great Adventure" has been released on digital distribution platforms.

"Hamilton’s Great Adventure will introduce Ernest Hamilton, the great explorer, and his friendly bird Sasha, on their quest that will remain secret to not spoil the story.

“I have really been looking forward to this day” says Ernest Hamilton, Main Character. “Now I don’t have to do everything myself, as I will get help from all the excellent gamers that will play the game.”

Hamilton’s Great Adventure is out today on Steam and other PC downloadable platforms."

Sony Online Entertainment today announced the release of Game Update 60, "The Children of War", for "EverQuest: II".

"Continuing the Age’s End Prophecy storyline first introduced to players in the EQII: Destiny of Velious (DOV) expansion pack released earlier this year, the milestone update to the iconic massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) delivers fresh content for all players, including unseen battlegrounds and improvements to PvP.
                                                                                                  
Game Update 60 Includes:

PvP & Battlegrounds improvements, including but not limited to:

• Lobby system so players can hang together between matches with PvP merchants available locally
• New Velious battleground map (“The Frozen Tundra”)
• New Battleground game type (“Vanquish!”)
• PvP and Battlegrounds rule modifications for better balance and fun
• Fame system improvements
• New Velious Discord faction to purchase new PvP equipment and adornments
• Additional new PvP armor and adornments

Itemization:

• New Adornments interface to make this system easier to understand
• Continued honing of the itemization system

Drunder*

• Three new heroic dungeons:
  • Confront Warmaster Grolla Skullwielder in the Spire of Rage
  • Challenge Warmaster Korok Hai in the Strategist’s Stronghold
  • Battle Warmaster Deynka Packlasher in the Tower of Tactics
• One new x2 raid – Citadel of V’uul
  • Defeat Queen Vorticia V’uul in the Citadel of V’uul
• Three new x4 raids [all available in Normal and Challenge modes]:
  • Encounter Sullon Zek in Sullon’s Spire
  • Test your strength against Tallon Zek in Tallon’s Stronghold
  • Prove yourself against Vallon Zek in Vallon’s Tower

Additional Content:

• Visit Whipmaster Snargeant in the Fortress of Drunder to assist with new daily missions within Drunder
• Speak to Provocateur Bas Darkfrost at Thurgadin Docks to earn Primal Velium Shards through a new solo quest
• Two new heritage quests
• Additional signature quest line
• New tradeskill quests and recipes
• New adornments interface
• Ratonga players will find Qeynos has become more accepting of their presence
• And Coming Soon: Help build the wizard and druid transportation network in Velious

For more information on the EverQuest II Game Update 60, visit: https://everquest2.com/."