PC Game News

THQ today announced that the "Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Retribution" beta is now open to owners of any of the previous games, as long as the title was purchased or is registered through Steam.

"In addition, gamers can get access to the beta by registering on the Dawn of War Community site.

Featuring all six multiplayer races including the new Imperial Guard faction, the beta will run through the end of February to test the new Steamworks network and matchmaking features and help balance the multiplayer mode.  All new units for each race will be available in the beta along with the new multiplayer maps that will ship with Retribution.

The Dawn of War II – Retribution multiplayer beta is currently planned to run until midnight on February 24th, at which point the developers will take all feedback into account to create a day-zero balancing patch."

Streum On Studio today released the system requirements and a new gameplay trailer for "E.Y.E.:Divine Cybermancy", the upcoming FPS/RPG built on the Source Engine. The video focuses on the game's Motra sub-machine guns at Angel Corp's WEAPONS ENGINEERING AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION (W.E.E.D.).

We'd like to remind you that E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy is a FPS/RPG on PC, with a solo campaign, a cooperative campaign (from 2 to 4 players) and a special cooperative missions mode (4 players recommended, but can be played up to 8 players). That playable in Lan or on the Internet, with the possibility of having dedicated servers.

Minimum requirements:

• Supported OS: Windows® 7 32/64-bit / Vista 32/64 / XP
• Processor: Pentium 4 3.0GHz, Athlon 64 3000+ or better
• Memory: 1 GB for XP / 2GB for Vista
• Graphics: DirectX 9 compatible video card with 128 MB, Shader model 2.0. ATI X800, NVidia 6600 or better
• Hard Drive: At least 6 GB of free space
• Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card

Recommended:

• Supported OS: Windows® 7 32/64-bit / Vista 32/64 / XP
• Processor: Intel core 2 duo 2.4GHz ou AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+
• Memory: 1 GB for XP / 2GB for Vista
• Graphics: DirectX 9 compatible video card with Shader model 3.0. NVidia 7600, ATI X1600 or better
• Hard Drive: At least 6 GB of free space
• Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card

Paradox Interactive today announced that "Cities in Motion" has gone gold and will be released on February 22.

"The five bonus vehicles will expand the player's transit capabilities in their cities while providing their citizens with new and exciting commuting options. They include the Jubilee Blim bus, one of the iconic minibuses of the early 1960's, the Skylark III helicopter, a civilian version of the French military model, and the Arnauld Porte metro train which first entered service in London in 1915.

Developed by Colossal Order Ltd, Cities in Motion sees players develop and operate their own public transport company building a travel network across Vienna, Berlin, Helsinki and Amsterdam using more than 30 different modes of transport including buses, trams, subway trains and water buses. As each city develops and grows the player must continue to meet the ever changing transport needs of its commuters, while at the same time ensuring it remains as profitable as possible.

Featuring an in-depth campaign mode made up of 12 scenarios along with an open ended sandbox mode, an advanced map editor that allows players to create their own cities, plus much more, Cities in Motion will challenge players to create the perfect public transport system that has no cancellations, no delays and where the passengers are always happy!"

Bigpoint today announced the launch of the browser-based MMORPG "Battlestar Galactica Online", which is currently in open beta.

"Based on the internationally popular Syfy television series produced by Universal Cable Productions, Battlestar Galactica Online is a free-to-play, browser-based space combat MMOG that combines high-quality, 3D graphics with intense gameplay. Following a successful closed beta period that started in late 2010, the free-to-play game can now be enjoyed by players worldwide.

Battlestar Galactica Online is based on the acclaimed Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television series Battlestar Galactica, which aired for four seasons on Syfy. Set during the latter part of the show’s second season, the game takes the form of a previously untold chapter in which both the Colonial and Cylon fleets are stranded in an uncharted area of space. Heavily damaged and low on critical supplies, both fleets must fight for control of the resources in the nearby star systems as the Colonials desperately search for a way to escape before the Cylons regain enough strength to destroy them once and for all."

Kalypso Media today announced that "Dungeons" has been shipped.

"In Dungeons, our protagonist falls victim to a devious plot hatched by his vile, nasty and thoroughly vicious ex-girlfriend and finds himself at the bottom of the underworld hierarchy and the top of the dungeon pile. In his world, that is about as bad as it can get. Our lord must have his revenge, and make his way back down the dungeon levels to his rightful place — but first he must deal with his new bosses, the three despicable Dungeon Lords who stand in his way.

At his disposal are his dim-witted goblin minions who dig tunnels and build rooms to lay out his lair and trap ever stronger and braver heroes who dare to enter, not forgetting to plot his revenge against his ex-girlfriend and his new bosses who think it’s great fun to bombard him with useless tasks. It goes without saying that a malicious and sneaky creature such as our Dungeon Lord has more than a few tricks up his sleeve. Revenge will be sweet indeed.

For more information about Dungeons, please visit https://home.dungeons-game.com."

The list of new PC games, DVD and Blu-Ray releases, and movies opening the week of February 7, 2011.

PC Games:

• Dungeons
  
• Two Worlds II
  
• Test Drive Unlimited 2
  

Movies Opening This Week:

• Cedar Rapids (limited)
• Gnomeo & Juliet
• Just Go with It
• The Eagle

DVD and Blu-Ray releases:

• Paranormal Activity 2 [Blu-Ray]
• I Spit on Your Grave [Blu-Ray]
• Wild Target [Blu-Ray]
• You Again [Blu-Ray]
• Life as We Know It [Blu-Ray]
• For Colored Girls [Blu-Ray]
• Uncle Buck [Blu-Ray]
• It's Kind of a Funny Story
• The Romantics
• Thelma & Louise [Blu-Ray]
• Ong Bak 3 – collector's ed. [Blu-Ray]
• Columbo: Mystery Movie Collection 1991 – 1993 – set
• Dragon Ball: 4 Movie Pack – set
• Alfred Hitchcock: The Master of the Macabre – set
• Hollywood Westerns – set
• Project Runway: The Complete Eighth Season
• Doctor Who: The Movie – special ed.
• The Super Hero Squad Show: Vol. 3
• The Guardian: Final Season
• American Experience: Panama Canal
• Samantha Brown's Asia
• Frontline: Facing Death
• Amarcord [Criterion Collection Blu-Ray]
• Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
• America America
• Bringing Up Baby
• Rebel Without a Cause
• Easter Parade
• Strangers on a Train
• Still Walking [Criterion Collection]

2K Games today announced "The Darkness II", an upcoming follow-up in the FPS series by Digital Extremes.

"The Darkness II breaks out of the sea of conventional first-person shooters with its fervid Quad-Wielding gameplay, which will allow players to slash, grab, and throw objects and enemies with their Demon Arms while simultaneously firing two weapons. The game is layered with the use of dark versus light, steeped in deep and twisted storytelling, and engulfed in stylistic violence that is visualized through a hand-painted graphic noir technique that stays true to its comic book origins.

It’s been two years since Jackie Estacado, now the Don of the Franchetti crime family, used The Darkness to kill the men responsible for his girlfriend’s murder. He’s been unable to shake the memory of Jenny’s death since bottling up his supernatural power, and now The Darkness wants out. A sudden, unprovoked attack on Jackie’s life heralds the start of a full-scale mob war, which has clearly been orchestrated by some outside force. The botched attempt opens the door for The Darkness to reemerge, and sets Jackie on a journey to hell and worse, as he unravels the mystery behind the attack and the motivations of The Darkness itself.

The Darkness II is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information on The Darkness II, please visit www.embracethedarkness.com."

Ubisoft today announced "Call of Juarez: The Cartel", a new installment in the series by Techland.

"Call of Juarez The Cartel is set in present-day and brings the best elements of the Wild West to a new and modern setting. As a first person shooter with an immersive and mature story, players can expect to embark on a journey like no other – one that will take them from the heart of modern day Los Angeles, California to Juarez, Mexico.
 
“Call of Juarez The Cartel is an action-packed shooter game with a strong story, interesting characters and a wide variety of gameplay options,” said Adam Novickas, director of marketing at Ubisoft. “The game will bring the best elements of the Wild West into modern times with a very gritty and relevant plot.”

Developed by Techland® for next-gen consoles and Windows® PC, Call of Juarez The Cartel will be available worldwide Summer 2011.
 
For ongoing updates about the game, please visit: www.callofjuarez.com"

Trion Worlds today announced that a six day open beta for "Rift" will launch on February 15.

"Servers are scheduled to be open from 10 AM PST on Tuesday, February 15th to 10 AM PST on Monday, February 21st, giving users a taste of Telara, including two playable factions, the first 42 levels of play, three PvP warfronts, and several zones and dungeons to explore.

Sign up now at www.riftgame.com/betasignup for a guaranteed spot in the “Telara the Merciless” beta event, and secure your spot in the Rift head start period (February 24-March 1) by pre-ordering the game now at https://www.riftgame.com/preorder."

Paradox Interactive today announced that "Cities in Motion" is set to be released on February 22. In addition, a new trailer has been released that highlights how to construct a Tram network.

"Travelling back in time to 1961, the ‘Tram’ trailer guides the viewer on the essentials of building a tram network system for commuters from creating a new line, adding stops in strategic locations and buying the trams to carry the passengers to their destinations."

Codemasters today announced that "Dirt 3" is scheduled to ship on May 24 and released a couple of new screenshots.

"DiRT 3 will boast more cars, more locations, more routes and more events than any other game in the series. With more than double the track content of 2009’s hit, players will enjoy a career as an elite professional driver, competing in off-road racing events featuring jaw-dropping damage and race-changing weather. DiRT 3 will feature the most amount of Rally content to feature in the series to date, accounting for 60% of its extensive career mode. With rally stages set across three continents, including the addition of all-new locations Finland, Kenya, Norway and Michigan, players will learn to master the conditions on tarmac, gravel and snow in dry and wet conditions for the most authentic rally experience.

Set to raise the bar for authentic and accessible off-road racing again, DiRT 3 is now in development at Codemasters Studios for a 24th May 2011 release for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and PC Games For Windows® LIVE."

Electronic Arts today released a new teaser trailer for "Battlefield 3", building anticipation for DICE's next sequel.

"Battlefield 3 allows you to feel the full impact of battle like never before.  Powered by Frostbite 2, the next generation of DICE’s cutting-edge gaming engine, Battlefield 3 delivers spectacular visuals, earth-shattering destruction and real as hell combat gameplay providing a dramatic immersive First Person Shooter experience. One moment you may be marching down a hilltop listening to the hypnotic sound of a firefight in the distance or admiring the way the light reflects off the smoke plumes of ground to air missiles rising from the city you’re about to engage.  The next you’re on an urban street, surrounded, claustrophobic, fighting for your life and looking eight ways at once with all your senses on high alert, chilled at the knowledge that the building you’re hiding behind can be your best friend or your worst enemy."

Masthead Studios today announced the launch of "Earthrise", the post-apocalyptic MMORPG. The game is available to purchase on play-earthrise.com and through select digital distribution outlets.

"Earthrise is a post-apocalyptic, sci-fi MMORPG set in the distant future. Featuring a unique skill-based advancement system and player-driven economy, as well as extensive, meaningful player-vs.-player combat, Earthrise gives players countless options to forge their destiny through its sandbox-style game mechanics. Whether a noble soldier in the raging conflict between the Continoma and the Noir, a criminal hiding from the law, or a world-renowned engineer whose power extends into intricate trade and politics, players’ actions will echo throughout the game world. Visit www.play-earthrise.com to learn more."

Square Enix today announced that "Dungeon Siege III" is scheduled to ship to North American retailers on May 31.

"Developed by Obsidian Entertainment™, Inc., the all-new incarnation of the classic action-RPG franchise will make its debut on high-definition home video game consoles alongside its familiar place on PC Windows-based machines. This May, players will experience the much-awaited next chapter in the DUNGEON SIEGE lore on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC.

In DUNGEON SIEGE III, players assume the role of one of four heroes, fighting for the sake of their fallen comrades and to restore the land of Ehb. Conflict is constant in this action-RPG and decisions have lasting consequences, allowing players to alter the storyline. Choose to do battle as a lone hero or fight for honor in the co-op mode with up to three friends. Thanks to the robust AI, DUNGEON SIEGE III's co-op multiplayer mode allows players to seamlessly drop in and out of battle without interrupting the action or impacting the campaign.

Prepare to honor thy legion and reclaim the kingdom of Ehb in the ultimate DUNGEON SIEGE experience on May 31, 2011. For more information and to preorder now, visit: www.dungeonsiege.com."

1C Company today announced that phase two of the open beta for "Men of War: Assault Squad" has launched. In addition, the release date is set for February 25 worldwide.

"Men of War: Assault Squad Open Beta stage 2 introduces new playable faction from the full game – the Soviet Union.  There are also a variety of improvements in gameplay and balance.  
 
Men of War: Assault Squad Open Beta stage 2 is being distributed exclusively through Steam. Virtual generals will need to follow the link above and click on "Install Game" (free Steam account required). After that the game will be downloaded and added to your Steam library as well as a cd-key to play online.

More  information  about  Men  of War:  Assault  Squad  can  be  found  at  the game's official website: www.menofwargame.com/assault/ "