Category: Games and Gaming

E3 : Batman : Arkham Origins Trailer Revealed

Warner Bros. has posted the E3 gameplay trailer for the upcoming prequel, Batman: Arkham Origins, and it delivers the hits… literally. Black Mask puts a bounty on Batman’s head, which brings the combined might of Bane, Deadshot, Deathstroke, and other villains to Gotham City.

Unlike the CGI Batman: Arkham Origins teaser trailer that was released a few weeks ago, the new gameplay reveal trailer is made up entirely of in-game footage. We get out first look at Bane, and also get to hear Roger Craig Smith as Batman and Troy Baker as Joker for the first time.

Taking place before the rise of Gotham City’s most dangerous villains and assassins, the game showcases a young, raw, unrefined Batman as he faces a defining moment in his early career as a crime fighter that sets his path to becoming the Dark Knight. As the story unfolds, witness identities being formed and key relationships being forged.

Batman: Arkham Origins will be available for the Wii U, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC on October 25, 2013.

June 11, 2013
Microsoft Abandons India and other Asian Countries, Xbox One to come Late 2014

In what feels like a painful abandonment of enthusiastic gamers of Asia, Microsoft has delayed the launch of its new console the Xbox One in Asia by a whole year. Alan Bowman, Microsoft’s Regional VP for Sales and Marketing in Asia, says that the new console will launch in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and India around late 2014.

This delay even after Microsoft has declared these countries as gaming high-growth areas, with sales of consoles and games booming in 2013. Alan Bowman also said that the new Kinect sensor will require less space as compared to this generation’s Kinect and will fit right in with Asian countries “where there is a lack of living room space” (we wouldn’t be too sure of that)

in any case for all those who cant wait, there is always Palika Bazaar and Lamington Road for those imported consoles!

[VIA]

June 11, 2013
E3 2013 : inFamous: Second Son Revealed

A new trailer for InFamous Second Son was unveiled at Sony’s E3 conference, along with the news that it won’t be a launch title.

The sequel to 2011’s InFamous 2 is scheduled for a Q1 2014 release, it was announced during the conference.

“The new trailer introduces Delsin Rowe’s older brother, Reggie, who will accompany Delsin on his journey in Seattle,” said Sucker Punch’s Brian Fleming on the PlayStation Blog. “Reggie is voiced by Travis Willingham, who interestingly is close friends in real life with Troy Baker, the voice actor for Delsin. You’ll get a glimpse into Delsin and Reggie’s relationship, and also see how much fun Delsin has being a superhuman, especially when using his awesome Orbital Drop maneuver shown at the end of the trailer.”

You now have fire powers instead of electric, flying instead of gliding around or grinding power lines. It’s all good for the next evolution of this super-powered franchise.

Sucker Punch will be demoing the game, which launches in Q1 2014, at Sony’s E3 booth starting tomorrow.

June 11, 2013
‘Final Fantasy 15’ And ‘Kingdom Hearts 3’ Announced For Playstation 4

We’ve already seen plenty from the Playstation 4’s initial unveil in February, but today we got a closer look at games from all developers, including Indie titles, as well as the actual PS4 hardware. Sony shared a quick look at two titles we’re sure many will be extremely exited to play.

Sony dropped a bombshell at their E3 2013 press briefing by announcing that Kingdom Hearts III is currently in development for the PlayStation 4. This came directly on the heels of the company’s announcement that Final Fantasy Versus XIII is also coming to Playstation 4, under its new moniker: Final Fantasy XV.

[youtube id=”Q6jLw1iDCwI” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

In a wild gameplay trailer that saw lead character Noctis work his way through a crumbling building, fighting masked, sword-wielding soldiers and flying monsters, Square confirmed that it would continue the series on PlayStation 4 as Final Fantasy XV. This was actually the first major gameplay trailer released of the game in some three years, and the first ever officially shown to the public. It’s no surprise that after seven years of reportedly tortured development, the game has become a PlayStation 4 title rather than another game for the aging PlayStation 3.

[youtube id=”npjBHFb0fZM” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

More surprising, though, was the announcement of Kingdom Hearts 3. It’s also been seven years since the last major Kingdom Hearts game, with the beautifully strange Kingdom Hearts 2 on PlayStation 2. Sony showed only the briefest trailer of a teenage Sora battling Heartless enemies known from the series and ended with the statement that the game is “now in development.” Meaning it’s far from actually coming out any time soon. Still, after nearly five handheld releases in the series, it’s hugely exciting to see Kingdom Hearts 3.

[DigitalTrends]

June 11, 2013
EA announces Mirror’s Edge for PC, PS 4 and Xbox One (PR)

EA at E3 2013 announced the rebirth of their 2008 franchise Mirror’s Edge for next generation consoles including PS 4 and Xbox One. Powered by DICE’s proprietary Frostbite technology, the game will be heading to Xbox One, the PlayStation4, and PC in 2014.

“We introduced Mirror’s Edge and Faith to gamers five years ago, and we’ve waited for the right moment to reunite them,Thanks to the Frostbite engine and a new generation of platforms, we are now able to deliver a richer world that players will be able to explore with a new level of freedom in both movement and action.” said Sara Jansson, Senior Producer, DICE.

[toggle title=”Press Release”]DICE Heralds the Return of Mirror’s Edge
Category:
EA Games Label
Monday, June 10, 2013 2:30 pm PDT

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DICE, an award-winning studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and developer of the blockbuster Battlefield™ franchise, today announced that fan-favorite Mirror’s Edge™ is in early stages of development. Mirror’s Edge was first introduced in 2008 and fans quickly elevated the game’s heroine “Faith” into a videogame icon. Gamers and critics worldwide praised its unique characters, highly stylized world and fresh take on first person action adventure. The new Mirror’s Edge reboots the franchise for the next generation with advanced visuals and an all-new origin story for Faith. Powered by DICE’s proprietary Frostbite™ technology, the game will be heading to Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®4, and PC.

“We introduced Mirror’s Edge and Faith to gamers five years ago, and we’ve waited for the right moment to reunite them,” said Sara Jansson, Senior Producer, DICE. “Thanks to the Frostbite engine and a new generation of platforms, we are now able to deliver a richer world that players will be able to explore with a new level of freedom in both movement and action.”

To view the Mirror’s Edge teaser trailer, please visit www.mirrorsedge.com, where fans can also sign up for the official Mirror’s Edge newsletter. Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/mirrorsedge and follow us on Twitter® at www.twitter.com/mirrorsedge and #MirrorsEdge. Press assets are available at http://info.ea.com. To follow all of EA’s news during E3 and watch the replay of the Mirror’s Edge unveil, visit www.ea.com/e3.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 285 million registered players and operates in 75 countries.

In fiscal year 2013, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.8 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster brands such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, FIFA Soccer, Need for Speed™, Battlefield™ and Mass Effect™. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.

Mirror’s Edge, The Sims, Need for Speed, Mass Effect, Battlefield, Frostbite and Origin are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. and its subsidiaries. John Madden, NFL and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.[/toggle]

June 11, 2013
Sony Set To Launch The Playstation 4 For $399 “This Holiday Season”

Sony today announced the PlayStation 4 and the next generation gaming console has been price at $399/€399/£349 (~Rs 23,250/-), $100 cheaper than the Xbox One.

For the £350 asking price you’ll get the Playstation 4 console complete with a 500GB hard drive, built-in Blu-ray drive and the brand new Sony PS4 controller effectively pricing Xbox One’s Kinect sensor at $100.

The console, according to SCEA president and CEO Jack Tretton, the console will not contain any authentication requirements; no “always online” and no “stopping” if you have not authenticated in 24 hours.

PlayStation Plus carries over PS4 and while you can still play all your single-player games, you will need a Plus membership to play online multiplayer games.

The new console, shown off at the company’s press conference at E3 in Los Angeles looks to be slim and thin, a vast contrast to Microsoft’s large and bulky Xbox One console.

“It is sleek and visually impactful wherever you put it.” Anthony House, head of Sony Computer Entertainment said as he revealed the new console to the packed stadium.

Keeping with the black and blue colour scheme the console will be able to be sat vertically and horizontally on your shelf.

Sony began by talking about its existing hardware: The PlayStation 3 and the handheld PS Vita. However, no hardware refresh was announced for either device.

“Vita is just beginning its life cycle,” Sony Computer Entertainment President and CEO Jack Tretton said, noting that the Vita will be the “ultimate companion device” to the PlayStation 4.

Despite the lack of new hardware, Sony did show off a slew of big-ticket new games that will work on the PS3, including Batman: Arkham Origins and Grand Theft Auto V.

[All Things D]

June 11, 2013
Microsoft Xbox One Priced : US $ 499 coming to 21 Countries in November
Microsoft has announced the prices and availability of its new Xbox One Console at their E3 Press Event. The console will go on sale in 21 countries in November for a retail price of $499.99 in the U.S., £429 (GBP) in the U.K. and €499 (EUR) in European markets. Roughly translated, the Xbox One can be expected in India for a price of Rs. 30,000 including taxes.

Every Xbox One system sold will include the new Xbox One console — which features a 500GB hard drive,1 Blu-ray player and built-in Wi-Fi — the new Kinect, one Xbox One Wireless Controller and a free 14-day trial of Xbox Live Gold for new members.

Several titles were announced to be available by launch time from developers including but not limited to 343 Industries, Crytek, Turn 10 Studios, Respawn Entertainment, Remedy, Kojima Productions, Capcom and Insomniac Games.

The trailer of Halo for Xbox One, was highly unexpected yet well received.

Microsoft Studios is committed to making Xbox One the best place to play games, with more titles in development and more exclusives coming than at any time in the history of Xbox, With amazing games such as ‘Forza Motorsport 5,’ ‘Ryse: Son of Rome,’ ‘Dead Rising 3,’ ‘Titanfall,’ ‘Halo Xbox One,’ ‘Kinect Sports Rivals,’ ‘Project Spark’ and ‘Quantum Break,’ Xbox will continue to lead the industry with the biggest exclusives, new IP and blockbuster franchises that will delight gamers for the next decade and beyond.” said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president, Microsoft Studios.

Gamers who reserve the following exclusive Xbox One Day One edition launch titles, also available in limited quantities at major retailers while supplies last, will receive special bonus content:
[Via]
June 11, 2013
Wolfenstein : The new Order launching at E3 (Trailer)

If you have ever played Wolfenstein on PC, you are one of the few who have seen the evolution of the gaming industry. Wolf 3D was ~~one of~~ the First “First Person Shooter” game to release on PC.

The next generation release: Wolfenstein The New Order, developed by MachineGames, is set in an alternate timeline that saw the Nazis win World War 2. How the whole future would have changed and what our hero does to change that.

The graphics seem enhanced, and the game may have been designed for next generation consoles including the Xbox One and The PS4.

Watch the trailer below and see for yourself.

[youtube id=”BlvfqfGTar4″ width=”100%” height=”300px”]

June 7, 2013
Microsoft Targets Another 25 Million Xbox 360 Sales

Microsoft is still aiming for another 25 million sales of their eight-year-old Xbox 360 console, bringing the total to 100 million units sold. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s senior VP of Interactive Entertainment Business, speaking to OXM, said they expect half of these sales will come from new Xbox 360 owners, while the other half will be old console replacements.

Speaking with OXM, Mehdi said of Microsoft’s hopes for Xbox 360, “We believe over the next five years we can break a 100 million unit installed base. That’s something we’re shooting for, it’s not a financial plan as such, it’s just rough numbers if you will.

The company plans to bolster 360 sales with a “Huge Announcement” at the upcoming 2013 E3 show, according to the report.

Microsoft Game Studios executive Phil Spencer recently told GameSpot:

“I think the Xbox 360 is going to be very vibrant for many years. In fact, we have a huge, I think it’s huge, Xbox 360 announcement for E3 that I keep wanting to talk about, but I can’t. I think it will surprise people. I loved what we did last year with Minecraft; bring Minecraft to the box; six million units later it’s kind of a beast. I think there’s a lot of life in the Xbox 360 for years to come.”

As regards hopes for Xbox One, it’s obviously a bit early to say, but Medhi does think next gen consoles as a pack can trump sales of their predecessors as handily as the latter trumped sales of theirs.

“Every generation, as you’ve probably heard, has grown approximately 30%,” he said. “So this generation is about 300 million units. Most industry experts think the next generation will get upwards of about 400 million units. That’s if it’s a game console, over the next decade.”

May 24, 2013
Grand Theft Auto V collectors edition will be available Sept 17 for $80 and $150 (PR)

Rockstar Games has let it come to light that the GTA V collector edition will be available in two bundles, the $80 version will include the physical game, artbook, and a blueprint map, alongside in-game ability boosts, stunt plane trials, bonus outfits and weapons.

For a price of US $150, and you’ll also get a branded security deposit bag, logo key, cap and even more extra content in-game. If you preorder the standard version of GTA 5, an Atomic Blimp bonus vehicle is included in the package, when all the editions come to market on September 17.

Read the Press Release below for the full detailed list of things included in bundle.

[toggle title=”Press Release”]Rockstar Games® Announces Grand Theft Auto V® Special Edition and Collector’s Edition Details

Atomic Blimp pre-order bonus now available

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Rockstar Games is very proud to announce full details of the Special Edition and Collector’s Edition of Grand Theft Auto V® for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, that are now available for worldwide pre-order from participating retailers.

In addition, consumers who pre-order the Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition, Collector’s Edition or the standalone retail version now will be ensured access to the Atomic Blimp in-game vehicle. With every pre-order, players gain the ability to pilot the most iconic and leisurely aircraft in the Los Santos skies.

The Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition includes:

Full retail copy of Grand Theft Auto V;
Collectible SteelBook with Exclusive Artwork – features custom color and metallic treatments to bring out the detail of the Michael, Trevor and Franklin artwork created exclusively for this SteelBook;
Blueprint Map – exclusive, 21.5″ x 26.75″ map displays a blueprint view of Los Santos and Blaine County;
Special Ability Boost – Michael, Franklin and Trevor each have a unique special ability. With this boost, the special ability bar will generate 25% faster;
Stunt Plane Trials – single-player Stunt Plane Trials let players take on additional aerial challenges spread throughout Los Santos and Blaine County;
Bonus Outfits, Tattoos and More – Michael, Franklin and Trevor get bonus outfits in their wardrobes, character specific tattoos at tattoo parlors, and special deals from shopkeepers across Los Santos and Blaine County;
Additional Weapons – when visiting Ammunation stores in single-player, merchants will have special weapons in their inventory available for free: the Pistol .50, Bullpup Shotgun and melee Hammer.
The Grand Theft Auto V Collector’s Edition includes the contents of Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition plus:

Grand Theft Auto V Security Deposit Bag with Logo Key – inspired by the heists in Grand Theft Auto V, this custom 10.75″ x 8.5″ money bag features a pop-up style lock and laser cut logo key to secure important items. The reverse side features a pressed Rockstar Games logo on the security mount with a framed ID window;

Grand Theft Auto V New Era 9FIFTY™ Snapback Cap – this exclusive New Era 9FIFTY™ cap features an embroidered Los Santos logo on the front, a stitched, black Rockstar Games logo on the wearer’s left side, a Grand Theft Auto ‘V’ logo applique on the opposite side, and snapback closure for an adjustable fit;

Custom Characters for Grand Theft Auto Online – get classic Grand Theft Auto characters to use within the Grand Theft Auto Online Character Creation System;

Unique Vehicles and Garage Property – players will instantly receive a garage to store custom vehicles. In single-player, the garage will be stocked with the 1930’s style Hotknife hotrod and the CarbonRS sports bike. In Grand Theft Auto Online, players will get the high-end Khamelion electric car.
The Grand Theft Auto V Collector’s Edition comes packaged in a collectible outer box featuring a foil embossed Grand Theft Auto V logo on the top and finished with a matte, scuff-resistant film lamination housing all of the contents.

The Grand Theft Auto V Collector’s Edition and Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition are the perfect way for fans to celebrate the return of this acclaimed series, with special digital content and exclusive Grand Theft Auto V physical items. Grand Theft Auto V Collector’s Edition will retail for $149.99, while the Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition will retail for $79.99.[/toggle]

May 23, 2013
Xbox One Will Allow Multiple Accounts On Single Xbox Live Subscription

It seems Xbox Live memberships can not only be used across both the Xbox 360 and Xbox One, but memberships can be used across multiple profiles. This means multiple profiles on a single Xbox One console can use a single Xbox Live Gold membership to be able to access Xbox Live Gold exclusive demos, cross-game chat and, of course, play online multiplayer.

The “new generation” of Xbox Live will be compatible with both Xbox 360 and Xbox One and allow users to communicate with each other across consoles.

Microsoft’s president of Interactive Entertainment Business, Don Mattrick, confirmed to Polygon players will be able to chat and communicate across the generational barrier between Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

So you’re essentially paying for the IP of that console, rather than the online account.

“We want to make sure that you and your son both have your own account,” Kilgore told Polygon, using the example of a parent and child sharing the same Live Gold membership. “We want you log in to get your stuff, and when he logs in to get his stuff. On that console, if you have Gold, he can use Gold as well.”

Xbox Live Gold memberships offer a host of features, including online multiplayer games, free game demos, access to the Web via Internet Explorer, and movies and TV shows via services such as Netflix and Hulu Plus (not much use in India). The current membership costs $9.99 for one month, $24.99 for three months, and $59.99 for 12 months.

[Polygon]

May 22, 2013
Xbox one first round of games revealed, Fifa 14, Forza 5, Call of Duty : Ghosts and Madden NFL 25

Microsoft just announced their next big gaming console revolution the Xbox One. The biggest developer as always has been EA games and it wasn’t much behind here either with Madden NFL 25, NBA Live 14, EA Sports UFC and the much hyper Fifa 14.

All new EA Games Titles will run on the new EA Sports Ignite game engine. EA’s Andrew Wilson said ;

All four will launch in the next 12 months, All four will be revolutionary.All games will have Xbox One-exclusive content, which will be revealed in the coming months.”

Xbox-exclusive Forza Motorsport 5 along with Turn 10 Studios racing series will be among the console’s early titles. A new title exclusive to Xbox from Max Payne Developer-Remedy Entertainment called Quantum Break, a game title that will blend live action gaming with Live TV, details on how it will work are scarce now.

For FPS lovers, Call Of Duty : Ghosts from seasoned FPS developer ; Activation, will come first to the Xbox One. A trailer for this upcoming title has also gone live (see below). Expect this game to hit all consoles, but the Xbox-One version will have exclusive content.

Microsoft is also working on 7 exclusive Kinect based titles which will be launched alongside the new Xbox One, to take control of the exciting new features of the new iteration of the Kinect.

With the ability to capture gameplay, expect the likes of Youtube to be flooded with gameplay footage from users worldwide.

[youtube id=”Zxnx3W-HA18#!” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

May 22, 2013
Microsoft confirms that the new Xbox One will have a very sensitive Kinect controller.

All rumors prior to the launch of the new Xbox One related to Kinect seem to be right on the bullseye. The new Kinect controller is uber sensitive and can capture quite a lot of movement. The next-generation Kinect model is capable of tracking motions as minute as wrist rotations, and Microsoft’s Marc Whitten said the new Kinect would even be able to read users’ heartbeats when they’re exercising or when players shift their weight.

The new Kinect’s main camera is capable of recording 1080P RGB video at 30 frames per second and the new Xbox One Handles roughly 2GB/sec of live data from the new Kinect with ease.

Microsoft SVP Yusuf Mehdi showed a demo on stage that shows of the promptness and accuracy of this new sensor towards not only gestures but also voice commands. You can control the console, multitask and even open layer within the console with just voice commands, you will also get pinching, swiping and rotations in the natural format incase you don’t wish to do the talking.

May 21, 2013
The New Xbox One will run 3 Operating Systems including trimmed down windows

While the Microsoft Xbox One has just been announced, the next-generation Xbox will run three operating systems simultaneously. A new revision of the Microsoft Windows 8 /RT designed for tablets, has been re-engineered for the main UI of the Console. This version will be used to run apps like Skype and other non-game titles downloaded from the Xbox storefront. A new virtualization technology similar to Microsoft’s Hyper-V will be used to allocate the bulk of system resources to a second, dedicated “Xbox OS” when the user loads up a game. The Final OS is a sort of mediator between the two operating systems.

The triple OS technology will allow the console to have layers on the screen, allowing users to Skype , play games and watch TV simultaneously. These visual “panes,” which are full 1080p layers generated independently and displayed one on top of the other.

Whats more coders will be able to convert their apps to work on this Windows variant opening up a whole new marketplace (one of the biggest) for the developers.

May 21, 2013
Microsoft Unveils The Xbox One!

Microsoft’s next-generation console is finally here, the Xbox One.

The Xbox One is all black and features a two-tone finish with both matte and gloss in equal measure; a slot-loading Blu-ray optical drive sits out front on the left face, while a power button with the traditional incomplete circle symbol is emblazoned on the right side (which looks to be touch-based). A new Kinect was also unveiled, and it powers the console — “Xbox On” is being trumpeted as the most important feature.

“Team Xbox is on a new mission,” Don Mattrick, president of the interactive entertainment business, said.”And that mission is focused on making this an entertainment console.”

He said the goal is to build a system that lines up games, television and software and that the most important part is that it must be “simple, instant and complete.”

“It is time for technology to step behind the curtain and you and your entertainment to take the stage,” Mattrick said.

Yusuf Medhi, senior vice president of Microsoft’s interactive entertainment business, unveiled how voice input can be used to control Xbox One. It will also respond to gesture controls.

“Xbox On” turns on the hardware to power up an instant-on system with a new Home dashboard that is near-identical to Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system.

There’s instant switching from the Xbox One dashboard to live television (which seems to confirm that HDMI-in rumor). People using Skype on Xbox One will be able to do group chats now.

Mark Whitten, corporate vice president of Xbox LIVE, said the console can detect your heartbeat when you are exercising, using the Kinect sensor.

The Xbox One’s controller was created with game players, Whitten said. It will have improved ergonomics and a new d-pad. “This is your controller,” he said. The triggers now have a built-in rumble system, which Microsoft’s calling “Impulse Triggers,” and there’s now also a redesigned D-pad. The battery compartment, meanwhile, is much smaller than the previous version.

Whitten said the Xbox One will use more power than the entire world did in 1999.

EA said that it is developing four games for Xbox One: FIFA, Madden NFL, NBA Live, and UFC, which will release within the next 12 months.

EA Sports Ignite has been unveiled: “to blur the line between real and virtual.” It will utilize the Xbox One’s exclusive updates for enhanced game play.

“Sports are as much about your head as your feet or your hands,” Microsoft said.

Forza Motorsport 5 announced for Xbox One and will be available at launch. Microsoft Studios plans to launch 15 new games in the first year of Xbox One, including 8 brand new franchises.

More developing…

May 21, 2013