PlayStation Home may not be the pinnacle of entertainment that Sony wants it to be, but that doesn’t mean it won’t have the occasional hot bit of content every once in awhile. Namely the PlayStation Home virtual E3 booth that they held this year. There were over 500,000 users that stopped in to check what Sony was showing off during the show says VentureBeat.
The PlayStation Home version of the booth offered some game demos and floor coverage of the show and even a press conference. There apparently was also some sort of hands on of the PS Vita, though exactly how they did that I have no clue. It is interesting to note that this number is double of the virtual attendees which showed up at last years E3 Home conference.
Mortal Kombat’s first kombatant available for DLC, Skarlet, becomes available on June 21st to purchase at the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 400 Microsoft points, but she won’t be the only new downloadable content to enjoy! Cyrax and Sektor’s Mortal Kombat 3 alternate constumes will be available as well for free! And the most exciting part is you can expect ALOT more of this free stuff as well coming soon!
Warner Bros. Interactive and NetherRealm recently announced that four DLC fighters will be available to download over this summer (or winter depending on which side of the world your on) with Skarlet being the first on Tuesday, and Kenshi, Rain and another unannounced fighter soon to follow. These new free cyborg costumes aren’t coming on the same day as Skarlet by coincidence though, it’s been announced that with each fighter coming to DLC for purchase, a compatibility pack which will also be released on the same day, which will include 2 FREE klassic skins!
The value gets even better though, because the Mortal Kombat Season Pass has been announced, which will give the player all four fighters for the price of three. So instead of buying them all individually for 400 MSP, you can save 400 MSP by buying the pass for 1,200 MSP. Unfortunately there’s no news on a season pass for PS3 owners, so they’ll have to purchase the fighters individually for $4.95, but the klassic skins are still free!
If this isn’t enough news to get you excited, NeatherRealm has also released a trailer for Sektor and Cyrax’s klassic skins, which you can see in it’s robotic gory glory below!
Williams Pinball Classics
Publisher: System 3
Developer: FarSight Studios
Platform: Xbox 360 (PS3, Wii, PSP)
Genre: Pinball/Arcade/Simulation
Released: 17th June
Some time ago, System 3 released a game by the name of Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection in North America which compiled a number of classic pinball tables manufactured by the Williams group in video game form. Since then, the developers have been busy at work refining the game and improving some aspects they weren’t completely happy with for the PAL release of the game. And voila – it has resulted in the game before us now, Williams Pinball Classics, which features subtle tweaks but ultimately provides a similar dose of the classic pastime.
Among the improvements are adjustments to the ball physics and camera angles, and the added detail given to the graphics and the design of table models. I must say, the ball physics are spot-on and when combined with the authenticity of the tables due to the developers’ devotion to detail, they come together to create a realistic pinball experience. The camera angle can be altered using the X button to toggle between views, although the camera will auto-adjust to suit the current situation, following the ball and zooming in to give you a better few of certain scoring areas, but generally sticking to a comfortable default overview of the table, or panning out a little when multiple balls are active on the table to allow you to keep track of them all.
The tables themselves have been lovingly recreated, with machines dating back to 1970 but all the while maintaining their original sound and design. While pinball enthusiasts may recognise some of the tables, fortunately prior knowledge of the tables is by no means required to enjoy the tables. That said, for those interested in the history there are a couple of small touches put in place, such as the ability to view each tables original flyer, plus the general level of authenticity to the point where even the digit match mini-game at the end of each game has been carried over. Of the 13 tables, only a couple show their age and seem a little less action-packed than others, and each one in their own right is a classic. Pinball is so soothingly simple and addictive that it’s so easy sink a few hours into a single table in one play session without being fully aware of the passage of time. Considering this is only one table and after this time it’s likely that you will have still barely scratched the surface in terms of places to explore on the table, 13 tables is a huge amount of entertainment.
Each table carries its own set of tasks for you to complete known as ‘Table Goals’, which make up the achievements of the Xbox 360 version. These can be individual challenges related the table and its scoring areas, or straight forward challenges like earning an Extra Ball and meeting a high score-based requirement. Completing all Table Goals for one machine allows you to unlock one system in your ‘Arcade’ for free-play and then presents you with a new set of harder goals called ‘Wizard Goals’, also linked to the achievements in place.
Controlling the game is completely intuitive, and is as easy for someone new to pick up as it is for someone used to the real thing to adapt to. The left and right flippers are controlled with the respective triggers, while pulling back the plunger to launch the ball and start the game is executed using a similar motion on the right control stick. The left control stick serves as a nudge function – a useful weapon in any pinball player’s arsenal if used correctly – and like in real-life, overuse of this can cause the table to enter ‘tilt’ mode where the flippers and table mechanisms are disabled to punish you for abusing the machine too much. If the ball gets stuck and even nudging can’t free it up, there’s even an option located in the pause menu to ‘Call Attendant’, who will then reset the stationary ball to let play continue, and although the ball didn’t get wedged once during my time with the game, it’s great to see the developers have put thought into potential problems that may arise and, in turn, provided the player with solutions.
There are three separate modes on offer, all delivering pure pinball with no nonsensical story shoe-horned in-between. The first of which is ‘Arcade’ which sees you shift from machine to machine in an arcade complex, before choosing one you want to settle down on and play. You can then either insert credits for one play, or provided you’ve amassed enough credits, you can purchase the table for free-play and never have to spend credits to play it again. You start out with only a small number of credits, but they are readily made available, with you earning more based on your score, the aforementioned randomised digit-matching game which provides a bonus 1-in-10 chance of bagging an extra credit at the end of each game, two tables unlocked for free-play from the off, and the other two modes available for play without using up any credits.
As well as the Arcade, there’s ‘Tournament’ mode and the ‘Williams Challenge’. Tournament mode is where you can indulge in a spot of multiplayer, albeit turn-based multiplayer. The cycle of tables is limited to those unlocked for free-play and the mode pits players against each other, alternating turns to see who can achieve the highest score at the end. Alternatively, you could go old school and opt for the more intimate multiplayer experience of sharing one controller and manning a paddle each, which is always good fun. The Williams Challenge, on the other hand, is a test of your pinball ability, offering the task of completing each of the tables with a score above the one specified consecutively, with only two retries for each table. Don’t be deceived by the two retries because this is a gruelling test of your skill, and in some cases, luck, as there are no save points – failure means starting from the beginning. Williams Challenge mode will be a worthy adversary and formidable hurdle for everyone and is thrilling while it lasts, but given nature of it, holds little replay value as most won’t bother to play it through again and will instead invest their time in the Arcade or Tournament mode.
Williams Pinball Classics is one of the finest pinball games around, with hours of entertainment promised by the 13 varied pinball tables. While it can be a little rough around the edges in that the interface seems dated (feeling quite a lot like a grimy back-alley arcade from the 90’s thanks to the mix of classic rock guitar riffs and grungy setting for the opening menu); it delivers where it needs to: the gameplay. Authentically crafted tables with the original, occasionally even amusing sound bytes provide enjoyable arcade action, and the simple nature of play means anyone can pick up the controls. Wager in a reduced price-point and System 3 have a winner on their hands.
We previously coveredthe latest AR.Drone (that crazy quadrocopter that you know you want) developments and announcements at this years E3. The masterminds at Parrot have a lot coming to you with their soon-to-be-released OS Android app, to some new games including AR.Race, AR.FlyingAce and AR.Pursuit not to mention their international challenge where you can win a ticket to Paris to compete in the finals if you’ve got what it takes. Parrot recently released a bunch of videos showcasing their upcoming goodies. Checking them out below.
With the popularity of L.A. Noire and the rave reviews, it figures that Rockstar would have some great DLC coming to back it up. In addition to the great vice and traffic cases that are already available for DLC, Rockstar have another arson case lined up for release in a less than a week’s time.
Phelps looking…sombre, as he always does.
The Nicholson Electroplating arson case sees a huge explosion at the Nicholson Electroplating plant, which rocks the nearby areas and kills 17 people. While some cops might write it off as a simple explosion (Occam’s Razor and Rusty come to mind), Phelps and Biggs know something more sinister is afoot. What were the employees working on, and where have the chief chemist and his assistant disappeared off to?
The new trailer for this DLC is packed with action and suspense, and it’s fair to say that this may be shaping up to be the most exciting piece of DLC yet. The Nicholson Electroplating case will be available on June 21, 2011 for purchase through PSN ($3.99USD/$6.95AUD) and Xbox Live (320 Microsoft Points). However, if you bought yourself a Rockstar Pass (see more information about that here) then the case is free.
For those of you who have been waiting for an update to the iPhone/iPad version of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, your time has finally kome. EA have announced that this update is now live and includes quite a few changes to the updated version of the classic fighter, including new characters, new arenas, and the ability to fully customize your button layout to name a few. Characters are one thing this version was heavily criticized for lacking when it released last year and thankfully this update will bring the roster up to 23 as well as adding a coat of polish to the control scheme.
The new list features for this version can be found below with the latest additions highlighted in red:
Now play in six new arenas and layers – Including Scislac Busorez and The Cave
10 new characters! 23 legends from the arcade original Including Cyrax, Sektor, Kabal, and Reptile
Upload your ranking data to high scores on Facebook
Local Wi-Fi and Bluetooth multiplayer
Signature moves and fatalities from the original arcade game are perfectly recreated to give players the power to execute some of the most creative combat from the series
Take the original story mode with Arcade, see how far you can go with one life bar on Survival, practice all your moves and express your fury against Shao Khan with Shao Karnage and play against your friends to see who is the real champion with Multiplayer
Visually stunning 3D style representation of the highly successful arcade version of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 – enjoy the details with Retina Display!
Play the original combos and fatalities using the six button configuration or execute special moves with a single button with the five buttons configuration; then customize the layout and opacity of your buttons
EA and 8lb Gorilla have officially launched their latest title, Ghost Harvest on the App Store for the iPhone and iPod Touch. In Ghost Harvest, players take the role as caretaker over a “mystical” cemetery. As caretaker, the player must then manage, grow and customize their ghostly property while protecting the souls that inhabit it from ghost hunters and nosy reporters in a tower defense style.
Features Include:
HARVEST TONS OF SOULS – Plant, grow and harvest souls to earn you big karma points and coins! With zombie, grumpy bird and pirate ghosts, who needs crops?
PROTECT YOUR ENTERPRISE – Grow poltergeists to stop reporters, education channel ghost hunters and the Paranormal Patrol from ruining your altruistic enterprise in a tower defense style mini-game.
DECK OUT YOUR CEMETERY – Customize your cemetery by adding cool and unique decorations: Cerberus Scarecrows, mausoleums, haunted mansions and more!
GROW YOUR KARMA AND PROFITS – Increase the size of your graveyard by leveling up so you can get cool new items and scare off bigger, craftier invaders!
As much as I love Plants vs Zombies, a change of pace sounds rather nice and Ghost Harvest looks to be bringing a nice addition of customization to the standard tower defense formula. You can click here to be taken directly to Ghost Harvest’s page in the App Store and get a better glimpse of the game with the screenshots below.
Magic the Gathering is well known as one of the largest and most popular card games in the world. Unlike Pokémon and Yu Gi Oh, the game has been able to stand up on its own without the help of an anime background. Generally catered towards an older demographic of players, the game is well loved by collectors and competitors alike.
Back in 2009, Wizards of the Coast released the first Duels of the Planeswalkers game to mixed reviews from the gaming community. While the game was well enjoyed by gamers new to playing competative card games, some hardcore fans of the long running series criticised it for being too easy, and for having too many limitations on deck customisations. To be fair, only a small handful of decks were available to play with, and the ability to obtain new decks or rare cards was limited by how much one was willing to spend Xbox Live points on. The other major criticism was that the game seemed to be stuck in the slightly outdated 2009 core decks which were rapidly superseded in strength and effectiveness by the succeeding series, such as “Rise of the Eldrazi”. However, for a console based port, I think it did the best it could with what it had at the time. Overall it was a pretty good game, and something solid and intellectually stimulating when I was looking for a change of pace from the mainstream FPS games.
Now, in 2011, Wizards of the Coast is now releasing a new updated version of the ‘Duels of the Planeswalkers’ games, to be released today! Check out the official information post below:
“Gather your allies for a new battle, as Wizards of the Coast returns to Xbox LIVE Arcade with a brand new “Magic: The Gathering” game. Starting June 15, face off against powerful Planeswalkers with brand new decks in “Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012.” Features will include:
Modify your deck for your own play style: Players can add or remove cards from both starting cards and earned unlocked cards for each deck.
Gather your allies to face new Archenemies: In the new Archenemy format, you and two allies (players or AI) must work together to take down a powerful Archenemy and survive the extra powers from the Archenemy’s special scheme deck.
Fifteen puzzling challenge levels: Puzzles are back and better than ever with difficulties ranging from easy to (really) hard including new Archenemy challenges.
Three- and Four-Player Enhanced Co-op Play: For the first time, players can invite their friends anywhere in the world to partner up with them to take on the Archenemy or play against live opponents in Two-Headed Giant competition.
Players that download Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 will receive a voucher for an exclusive titan promo card which they can redeem in participating stores (while supplies last). Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 also features ten new decks using cards from the latest Magic: The Gathering expansions, including your first chance to play with cards from the Magic 2012Core Set that releases on July 15th.
Fans will be able to grab “Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012” when it hits Xbox LIVE Arcade on June 15, 2011 for 800 Microsoft Points.”
This promotion of a new game seems promising. I like that they’ve decided to release this as a brand new title, rather than put out a bunch of additional and expensive DLC packs. Additionally I’m liking the additional deck options that will be available to players. As a player that typically plays with a deck combination of Red and Green based cards, I would love to see the 2012 core decks introduce something that really fits my play style, or at very least offer the customisation options to construct the kind of deck that I would use. Heck, a chance to even see and use the 2012 core decks before they’re released next month is exciting in itself.
The plot and “archenemy” outlined in the description will likely be one of the major plagues or villains from the past 3 years in terms of MtG lore. My guess is that with the recent release of the “New Phyrexia” decks, we’re likely to see a planeswalker who specialises in undead machines to take up the antagonist mantle from 2009’s villain: Tezzeret.
But by the feature I like the most from this: 4 player and co-op play enhancements. As a player who has a group of 4 friends, including myself that play regularly, this feature will allow players who enjoy playing just for fun with friends to really engage with the MtG universe in a whole new way. Most likely in the form of 2v2 two-headed giant matches. Sufficed to say, I’m eager to see what’s been changed around.
The Game development industry in Australia has had rocky times recently, especially after people losing their jobs and some studios being closed, including Krome’s Adelaide office. So the announcement made by the Federal Government for a Research and Development Tax Credit to the Industry comes as great news for the future.
Announced via the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association of Australia, Chief Executive Officer Ron Curry of iGEA said the tax reform “Has already attracted the interest of many global game publishers” which can only be good news for our struggling industry. He continued “The games industry is already a major contributor to the GDP’s of a number of international territories and the introduction of the legislation could well put Australia on the same path.”
“Once the legislation is passed through the Senate we should expect to see an increase in investment interest from publishers that have established development studios in Australia and potentially far greater investment in the intellectual properties being developed within local game development studios.”
The global computer and videogame industry is worth an estimated US $50 billion worldwide, expected to rise to $76 billion in 2013 and is the leading entertainment sector, eclipsing DVD or theatrical movie releases. A study released in the USA last week, indicated that the average age of a videogame player is now 37 with 72 per cent of households playing computer or video games.
Antony Reed, Chief Executive of the Game Developers’ Association of Australia, sees the announcement as the Government making a strong commitment to the development of Australia’s knowledge economy. They welcomed the crossbench support for the $1.8 billion R&D Tax Bill.
“Since the first announcement of the R&D Tax reform and in our own discussions with the Department, it became very clear that the government has confidence in the abilities of Australian SMEs to deliver ground-breaking innovations for the global market,” said Reed. “Innovation is at the heart of game development and the introduction of the new legislation not only assists in levelling the global competitive playing field, but also affords the local industry the opportunity to challenge traditional gameplay conventions.”
“Games have both driven advances in technology and brought advanced technologies into millions of homes around the world. The industry is constantly exploring new mechanisms to create engaging and meaningful experiences for players,” said Reed.
The Gillard Labor Government may not be popular right now, but $1.8 billion R&D Tax Credit is expected to provide more funding to innovative Australian companies – including ICT – and begins on July 1 2011.
You can view more information about the R&D Tax bill here
No matter which way you look at this story, the news is still quite grim. Game Republic, developers of games such as “Genji” (yes, the GIANT ENEMY CRAB!) and “Majin & The Forsaken Kingdom” look to have closed up shop for good due to a flood of rumors that the main studio is facing closure (via Kotaku). After a generally negative critical reception for their most recent title, “Knights Contract”, we haven’t really seen too much from the Tokyo based studio. Knights Contract is however prominently featured in the most recent issue of Japanese Mag Famitsu, which may mean that Game Republic is simply restructuring, which is doubtful at the moment.
I heavily enjoyed Majin last year and I still feel there is (or was) a lot of future promise with Game Republic. As of now though, things look bleak for the studio and this very well could be the end of yet another developer. Stay tuned as we will bring you more news on this once something is officially announced.
