Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2 has new DLC coming out called “The Sacrifice”. Many of you already know this little detail, but let me share all the information that I’ve managed to dig up so far on the DLC.
The price is set for 560MSP for each DLC, and will be releasing October 5th. I say each of the DLC because according to Valve reps and numerous sites, Valve is actually releasing two DLC all based around “The Sacrifice” Campaign.
In the Left 4 Dead 1 version, you’ll get the full “The Sacrifice” campaign with maps playable in Campaign, Versus and Survival.
In the Left 4 Dead 2 version you can play through “The Sacrifice” campaign with the original Left 4 Dead survivors. This DLC version also gives you L4D’s No Mercy campaign for Left 4 Dead 2. “The Sacrifice” and “No Mercy” are playable in Left 4 Dead 2’s Campaign, Versus, Survival and Scavenge modes; they also feature L4D2’s Special Infected, items and weapons.
Clearly the Left 4 Dead 2 version will be a better deal, but Valve felt like the people who didn’t switch over to the sequel needed some loving too, and that’s the reason for two seperate DLC. Both DLC will cost 560MSP each, and according to a rep both will have achievements for the game you purchase the DLC for. Of course, you could buy the DLC for both games and get double the achievements.
One of the most notable features about this new DLC is the introduction of a new ‘sacrificial gameplay’ finale. This finale finally places the power to decide who lives and dies in your hands. “Louis! Here are your pills, now die!”
Pix’n Love Rush is coming to the Mini’s side of the PSP and PS3. Released on the iPhone already, Pix’n Love Rush features 125 levels of jumping, moving and shooting (I’m exhausted already!) 5 minute sessions of running and jumpin’ will get your heart pumpin,’ and the infinite mode will test your endurance. Reviews of the crazily colored game on the iPhone App Store have been positive, and the game aims to give you the feel of vintage arcades. This Mini does not yet have a release date or price, but look for it soon.
It appears that NBA Elite 11 will not be making its re-branded debut on time. Peter Moore, President of EA Sports, has announced that NBA Elite 11 has been delayed. No specific release date has been mentioned. However, he also said that NBA Live ’10 will recieve roster updates and Dynamic DNA updates free of charge throughout the NBA season. NBA Jam on Wii is unaffected by the delay. But NBA Jam will receive a separate release on Xbox 360 and PS3 in time for the holidays. More news and release dates are expected to be released soon. To read the full statement look here.
EA has announced that Grammy Award winner, 9th Wonder and Roc Nation MC, J. Cole, have created the soundtrack for NBA Elite 11. The full soundtrack has been created by 9th wonder. The title track was designed by J. Cole. This is the first EA Sports NBA title to have only 2 artists make the soundtrack. 9th Wonder has worked with Jay Z, Mary J. Blige, and Ludacris. He says, “Being the first artist to throw down the full soundtrack for NBA ELITE 11 was pretty amazing. I was able to mesh together the two things that I love in life, basketball and music.” J. Cole, having worked on Jay Z’s “A Star is Born” had this to say, “As a big sports video game fan, it’s an honor to be a part of EA SPORTS NBA ELITE 2011. I thank EA for trusting in me to create the game’s main song. I truly enjoyed the experience.” Remember, you can get your groove on now through the demo, or when the full game releases on October 5, 2010 on Xbox 360 and PS3.
Activision’s Goldeneye 007 is looking better and better each day. Today a new video showing off some of the classic modes and mods that will be in the new remake was released. In the video we now have confirmation that mods such as Singularity, paintball, big-hand mode and many more will all be back as well as up to 200 different multi-player game types that can be created with these combinations in play.
A list of all modes and mods shown in the video for those who don’t catch all of them in the fast moving trailer are:
Melee Only
Paintball
Singularity
Nick Nack
Big Hand Mode
Time Limit
Score Limit
Radar
Radar Dots Always Visable
Hot Shot
Invisibility
Tag
Move Your Feet
Revenge
Sticky Grenades
Rubber Grenades
There are of course even more modes and game types that have already been announced as that list is just for what was in this video such as man with the golden gun and a few more returning modes. I think we could have quite the contender this year with Goldeneye and I am very excited to try it out. Check out the new video below and drool over some classic nostalgic footage of al of this and don’t forget that Goldeneye 007 will be releasing for the Wii on November 16th.
The newest entry in the Samurai Warriors series is now available for the Nintendo Wii today. Samurai Warriors 3 is Nintendo’s latest beat-em-up made exclusively for the Wii that lets players can delve deeper than ever before into the realm of warring Japan with new modes and control options not available in any other Samurai Warriors game. For the first time in the series, players with broadband Internet access can use the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service to connect online with a friend and storm into battle together.
With hundreds of enemies and over 35 playable characters, players can use their Wii-Mote and Nunchuck, Wii Classic Controller, and even the Nintendo Gamecube Controller to hack and slash their way through each beautifully designed level and get an in depth feel for the Japanese culture that enchants the title.
“Samurai Warriors 3 is so much more than a fast-paced action game,” said Marc Franklin, Nintendo of America’s director of Public Relations. “Players can not only team up with a friend for intense battles, but they can also immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Japan. We’re proud to be giving Wii owners exclusive access to the latest Samurai Warriors adventure, whether they’re newcomers or longtime fans.
In addition to the new Historical Mode, Samurai Warriors 3 includes the mission-based Mystery of Murasame Castle Mode. This mode is based on The Mysterious Murasame Castle, a cult-classic Japanese adventure game created by Nintendo with input from developer Shigeru Miyamoto for the ’80s-era Famicom system. For tactical action game fans and Asian culture enthusiasts alike, both new modes put a unique twist on Samurai battle action. The game also includes legendary figures from real-life Samurai lore, with returning characters such as Nobunaga Oda and Hattori Hanzo joined by new additions, including Kai and Kiyomasa Kato.
A fresh new beat-em-up is what the Wii needs right now and this title looks very promising for any of you who are fans of the genre or just Japanese culture in general. For more information about Samurai Warriors 3, visit http://samuraiwarriors3.com. You can also check out our review here.
Major Nelson has revealed this weeks Xbox Live Deal of the Week as Toy Soldiers. It undergoes a 33% reduction from 1200 microsoft points, to only 800. This is a fantastic deal for a great game and if you haven’t already picked it up, then now’s the time to pick it up at a fraction of the price.
As always with Deal of the Week on Xbox 360, this offer is only available to gold members, and lasts until the following monday when it is in turn replaced by another special offer. In this instance, that Monday is the 3rd of October, so if your planning on picking up Toy Soldiers at this cut-price, make sure you do it before then.
A Record High of 207,647 Visitors!
194 exhibitors and 1,458 booth partition units in 2010
For four days between September 16(Thursday) and 19(Sunday), the Tokyo Game Show 2010 was hosted by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA; Chairman: Yoichi Wada; Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo), in cooperation with Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. (Nikkei BP; President & CEO: Yasuo Hirata; Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo). The show welcomed total of 207,647 visitors—first ever to exceed 200,000 visitors—at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City and ended in a great success.
The 20th celebration of the Tokyo Game Show 2010 embraced a midterm vision of becoming “The No. 1 Information Network in the Asian Region” and “The World’s Largest Event”. A total of 194 businesses, organizations, and schools from 14 countries and regions ran their booths, and in addition to a total of 712 titles registered in advance for the exhibition, a series of new titles were launched during the Show as well. TOKYO GAME SHOW 2010 successfully provided people all over the world with a wide variety of the latest information on games.
During the Asia Game Business Summit held on the first Business Day, key members of leading companies in the Asian game industry in China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan presented lectures and took part in panel discussions on the future vision of the game business in the Asian region in front of Japanese and overseas visitors and press.
The new initiatives launched this year were a new program for “cosplayers” and the “Tougeki – Super Battle Opera” international fighting video game tournament, which added to another color to the event. Also, “Japan Game Awards 2010” announced the first prize winner for the newly established ‘Game Designers Award’ and provided additional attraction of games to the audience.
With an aim to further pursue its midterm vision of becoming “The No. 1 Information Network in the Asian Region” and “The World’s Largest Event”, TOKYO GAME SHOW 2011 is scheduled to be held at Makuhari Messe from September 15 (Thursday) or 16 (Friday) through September 18 (Sun), 2011. We hope to see you all there!
Story “Powered by the revolutionary HydroEngine™, the world’s first true fluid dynamics engine for games, Hydrophobia™ is an experience unlike anything you have played before. This jaw-dropping technology models flowing water which behaves completely realistically, resulting in the most dynamic and dramatic gameplay you’ve ever seen.
Engage in mind-blowing “flow combat” where gameplay results in a never-the-same-twice experience. Unleash floating oil fires, electricity, and the power of the water itself to wipe out your enemy as you discover the terrifying truth of the Malthusian agenda—Save the World, Kill Yourself.” [Via Xbox.Com]
You start the game off as an engineer for a ship, when all of a sudden something goes horribly wrong. Something has happened to the ship and it is taking on water fast. Quickly into the game you discover what has happened to the ship and it turns out that terrorists have attacked. The reason isn’t immediately clear, but everything starts to reveal itself as your progress through the game.
Gameplay Hydrophobia is not a shooter, it is categorized as an action game for a reason. Use acrobatic skills in order to traverse levels, climb around the ship, and sneak up on opponents. The game supplies you with a stun gun, and a few gadgets but none are actually effective at killing people. Instead you must use these items in order to interact with the surroundings and use the surroundings to kill the enemies. If you are the type that likes to run and gun through a game, you won’t like this game at all; however, if you don’t mind taking your time Hydrophobia can be a great experience.
The game attempts to speed you along to create a thrilling experience. The music, the characters, and the water itself all seem to make you want to rush through the levels so you don’t die. In truth there is rarely any real rush, the game pushes you along and you might feel rushed but you have plenty of time. While there are some timed areas, they are clearly designated and the rest of the game can be strolled through. I may be wrong here, but I spent hours in some parts just because I’m terrible with directions, and nothing really happened. There are also some swimming parts, but they just require trial and error. I got lost many times while completely submerged under water, which caused me to drown on numerous occasions but I eventually got passed once I figured out where to go.
Audio & Graphics The audio in this game has its good and bad moments. The voice acting can be occasionally great, but during other moments it becomes terrible. On the other hand I do have to admit some of the humor, however subtle, got me to burst out laughing. For instance, there is this one part where you open up the route you have to take and your “eye in the sky” partner sings the chime from Legend of Zelda (heard when you unlock a door by doing a specific task). The music is also quite nice, and is used in order to give a more rushed feeling (even if you aren’t really rushed, as I pointed out earlier).
The graphics is where this game shines. For an XBLA game, the graphics are great and the water is magnificent. Hydrophobia was built on an engine specifically designed to simulate water, and it shows. As you open doors the water flows between rooms and equalizes out. Waves are constantly hitting your chest and pushing you back. As the water rises your character begins to slow down due to the drag, and then speeds up again as the water levels reduce. This game is simply worth playing, just to check out the water. Seriously!
Achievements The achievements in Hydrophobia are not really that hard. Overall, it is a pretty easy list and shouldn’t take that much time to complete (depending on how long it actually takes you to beat the game). A majority of the achievements can be achieved in one play through, and the combat ones should come without even trying. Even if you don’t pay attention to them, most of the bad guys are set up in order to give you the achievements anyway. The collection achievements may require a second playthrough, but the game isn’t that long and everything is pretty easy to find (except a few of the hidden documents). The only odd achievement is the “My Hero” Achievement, which stares you right in the face when you get to the part; but you can still miss it because it is a timed event that doesn’t actually stop the progress of your game. Even if you don’t save him, the game will continue (only with some altered dialogue).
Below is the achievement list:
Survivor – 25 – Complete the game.
Honour – 15 – Collect 50% of the medals.
Private Eye – 35 – Collect all documents and objects.
Celebrated – 25 – Collect all the medals.
Challenged – 15 – Complete the Challenge Room.
Tinker – 10 – Complete a hack.
Swept Off Their Feet – 15 – Sweep 3 Malthusians off their feet with water.
Vengeance – 10 – Kill 5 Mathusians with fire or electricity.
Chain Gang – 15 – Kill 2 Malthusians within a timed chain attack.
Overview Hydrophobia is a fun game with a superb water engine. The game really just seems to be a game designed around the HydroEngine, and this isn’t a bad thing but it seems too much focus was put on showing off the water. The water effects and the seemingly impending doom as the ship is sinking creates a psychological response that is thrilling and satisfying. While the combat gets repetitive and annoying, and there isn’t actually any rush to playing the game; Hydrophobia still offers a complete experience that is enjoyable. I just wish the game hadn’t ended so abruptly, I just didn’t feel like I accomplished anything at all and left me with an empty feeling (which was partly filled up by a playthrough in the challenge room). Check out the demo when it releases, even if you don’t plan to buy the game you should totally check out the water engine in action.
I give Hydrophobia
Virtual City Developer:G5 Entertainment AB Platform: iPhone (Reviewed), iPad Release Date: September 9, 2010 Price: $2.99 – Buy Now!!!!
Graphics:
Everything you see in VirtualCity is gorgeously designed and has an overall cuteness to its appeal. Many things are drawn true to life, but the coloration and the overall appearance it ends up providing is very cheery, even the menu screens themselves. Though occasionally buildings will appear very similar to one another and when the player first starts out, a labeling of the building names would be appreciated beyond the initial tutorial.
However being the fact that this is on the iPhone’s screen, the graphics can lose detail and start to distort slightly when zoomed out far enough away. Plus this also makes selecting various vehicles or buildings difficult due to misinterpreted finger taps. Combine this with the fact that the game does not have an option to zoom out far enough to view your entire city in one screen forces the player to have to jump from place to place to see what is going on inside of their city.
Gameplay:
As you may expect from the title of the game, you are in control of a miniature city and have to complete various missions for each level. There are a total of 50 different levels you can advance through and play, though the Sandbox mode that you will see above is not incorporated into the game yet. This mode would definitely be an amazing edition to the game, because the way that the missions are set up make some of the areas feel too short. Good thing there are plenty of different missions and various things to do within your city.
As you begin you will play through the first few levels which will train you in everything that you will need to know, whether it is directing truck routes, upgrading buildings and your vehicles, or simply making sure that your populace isn’t dieing of disease you will be given a crash course in managing each city you will work with which is a very helpful. A game that would be very confusing to first time players is transformed into an experience that anyone can jump into and play thanks to the tutorial levels.
Everything that you do is handled through the tapping of your fingers on the screen to select the building you wish to use, or the truck you want to direct. However due to some touch recognition issues the game will occasionally think that you are selecting something entirely different which can be annoying at times but is not a game breaking problem.
As you advance through the game and encounter more difficult missions, VirtualCity may at times begin to feel overwhelming but this is usually easily handled through just a few swift taps of the screen, as long as the recognition stays fine. VirtualCity has very few excess problems that hinder your enjoyment of running a city. There are many features that set it apart from other city simulation games you have played, but more than anything else is the game’s easy to play approach.
Overall:
When you pick up VirtualCity for the first time the game welcomes you in with wide open arms by showing you an in depth tutorial and the way it is presented. There are times that you will literally not be able to put the game down until your mission is complete, and even then will advance to the next mission regardless of whether you have things to do elsewhere. The only downside is that the game suffers from finger recognition and that the Sandbox mode is not quite in the game yet, though this has been promised for a future update so be ready!.
