News - Articles

All of Rift going F2P

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 04:35:08 +0000

We all saw this coming and it's finally happened, Rift has become F2P! While all players get full RIFT access and daily log-in rewards, our optional Patron subscription is the way to make the most of your time in Telara. As a Patron, you’ll enjoy these benefits:

+15% Currency (always on)
Store Discount: 10% off all purchases made with Credits in the RIFT Store.
+10% Mount Speed (always on)
Daily Boost Set: Each day you can activate bonuses to the Experience, Notoriety, Favor, Prestige, and Tokens you earn while playing.
Daily Summons: Instant access to your banker, guild banker, and trainer (on a set cooldown).
Priority Queue: Move to the front of the line when your shard is full.

As to why they're going F2p, I quote:

Trion said:

Because players prefer free games! Trion has always been progressive with the way we’ve let people access RIFT, offering trials and referral offers since shortly after launch, Return to Telara events where we invited players come back for free to see what they missed, partnerships with companies like Raptr, iGames, and others. Over the last two years, we’ve seen the online gaming market evolve and expand, with millions of new players in North America and Europe embracing free-to-play games. This is just the latest evolution of RIFT that will allow us to bring even more players into the world of Telara.

If you would like to know more about their F2P model, you can read their faq here: http://www.riftgame....e/free-to-play/

For those of you who would rather download right away and get into the game, you can download it here: Download page

Sniper Package sneaks into the Arma 3 Alpha

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 22:22:41 +0000

The first rifle, the Gepard GM6 Lynx, is a semi-automatic anti-materiel rifle using 12.7x108 mm ammo. Its purpose is to stop or disable targets such as light armored vehicles, armored rifle troops, light shelters and helicopters from 600–800 m range.

The second weapon, the M320R Long Range Rifle, is a .408 caliber sniper rifle, valued for its accuracy up to 2000 meters.

Furthermore, besides new camouflage clothing (ghillie suits), the Sniper Package also features sniper optics (long range scopes) and a rangefinder (special binoculars). All content will be added automatically via a Steam update (0.60), which also includes the ‘stance indicator’ and several other game improvements and fixes. The full details are listed in the changelog.

To participate in the Arma 3 Alpha, people can choose from the Arma 3 Alpha (24.99 EUR/19.99 GBP/32.99 USD) or Arma 3 Digital Deluxe Edition (39.99 EUR/34.99 GBP/49.99 USD) on Steamor Store.bistudio.com (both include Beta-access and the final game). The price of each edition will increase once the Arma 3 Beta and final game become available. The complete overview of editions can be found on the official Arma 3 website.

DC Universe Online and Planetside announced for PS4

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 22:16:12 +0000

Sony Online Entertainment announced DC Universe Online will be heading to the upcoming next-generation console Playstation 4. They also revealed, sticking to the same subject, that Planetside 2 will also be heading to the PS4.

With Diablo III heading to the PS4, this seems to be a growing trend, and it is definitely a great selling point for the console! Anyway, on with the trailers, which makes me really see why the next Playstation is so anticipated!

What did you think to the trailers? Are you awaiting these games coming to the next-gen console? Because I am!

Europa Universalis IV Release Date Announced and Pre-Order Launched

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 22:07:24 +0000

If your dreams of leading a global empire have lain dormant for too long, the time to take action is finally here! Paradox Interactive and Paradox Development Studio today announced that the empire-building game Europa Universalis IV will be released worldwide on August 13th, 2013. Europa Universalis IV is the latest installment in the award-winning series with more than a million copies sold worldwide and will be available on PC, Mac, and Linux at launch.

For a glimpse at Paradox’s most epic historical strategy yet, view the new trailer here:

Strategy fans can now take the first step to fulfill their quest for global domination by pre-orderingEuropa Universalis IV from digital distribution channels everywhere for $39.99, with a Digital Extreme Edition available for $44.99.

To pre-order Europa Universalis IV and read the full details on the pre-order and bonuses, please visit their official website.

Following on the success of the critically acclaimed strategy/RPG Crusader Kings II, Paradox Development Studio is ready to take you to worlds both old and new – each yours for the taking. Join the active community of over half a million members and experience the drama and tension that only the grand stage of history can provide in Europa Universalis IV.

Europa Universalis IV gives you control of a nation to guide it through the years and create a dominant global empire in the age of exploration, providing unprecedented freedom through the use of exploration, trade, warfare and diplomacy to let you rule your nation however you see fit. Strategists will face ruthless AI in an extensive single-player campaign, or be able to backstab friends and foes in 32-player online matches.

Primordia gets free graphic novella

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 22:36:53 +0000

In December, Wormwood Studios and Wadjet Eye Games released Primordia, a cyberpunk adventure game that follows a robot's quest to understand humanity. The game is currently available for pay-what-you-want pricing in IndieRoyale's latest bundle: http://www.indieroyale.com/

Today, the first installment of a 3-part prequel story, "Fallen," has been released for free online. The first part of "Fallen," entitled "Awake," is available in two formats:

Illustrated PDF: http://www.primordia...llen_part_1.pdf
Audiobook (includes voice-over, music, and light animations):

"Fallen" is a free graphic novella set in the Primordia universe. For those who haven't played Primordia, it serves as a spoiler-free introduction to its setting, themes, and depth. For fans who have finished the game already, "Fallen" sheds light on some of the mysteries alluded to during the adventure and reveals a bit of what has happened in the world after Horatio's journey concluded. (Finally, for those who played Primordia and objected to the game's snarky sidekick, "Fallen" presents the same melancholy world stripped of any light-hearted banter!)

The remaining two parts will be released on a weekly basis. Once all three parts are released, they will be collected a single, free-to-download PDF or ePub file. For updates, visit the Wormwood Studios Facebook page:https://www.facebook...ios/47815438015

Grid 2 gets launch trailer

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 18:40:46 +0000

Who said racing games were dying out? To me, they're only just getting started. They are looking more and more realistic each time, and Grid 2 doesn't slip down on the ladder for those standards either. Looking better than ever, here's the new trailer to the upcoming game.

The game has recently been released, let's hope it lives up to the trailer that makes it look pretty damn good!

Plants vs Zombies 2 gets a trailer!

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 18:36:23 +0000

Although we don't see much of the gameplay, I thought it would be nice to post up the new Plants vs Zombies 2 trailer because... well, because it will be amazing.

The first game was a major hit, and although it is considered a 'cheap' game, it is not one to miss. The sequel was announced a while back and will hit the shelves next month.

Contrast gets a new trailer

Sun, 26 May 2013 11:46:00 +0000

I haven't covered Contrast much, but it was basically a Greenlit game that is soon going to be hitting us on Steam, PSN and XBLA (with their new home at Focus Home Interactive as their publishers).. And now I was just hyped with a new trailer.

Anyone been following this game? It looks pretty fun, and I think we'll be able to get a review copy in the coming months, so stay tuned!

"Experience a surreal 1920s dreamscape in which you can shift freely in and out of shadow. Tasked with helping a young girl named Didi, you will unravel the mysteries behind her troubled family and the dark secrets that must be exposed to re-shape her future."

http://www.youtube.c...DngKQnTF8#at=57

7 Grand Steps comes June 7th

Sun, 26 May 2013 11:28:54 +0000

Indie developer Mousechief is announcing that 7 Grand Steps: What Ancients Begat will release on June 7, 2013 from Steam and Mousechief.com. This unique casual game was a finalist in the Nuovo category of this year's Independent Game Festival and received an honorable mention in narrative. A 15-20 hour experience not including replays, 7 Grand Steps will sell for $15 as a PC / Mac download.

7 Grand Steps: What Ancients Begat is a strategy game that uses a board game mechanic to advance a rich, intimate narrative. Via brief text vignettes that add up to the length of two novels, see how the trials our western ancestors endured influence our lives today. Playing as dozens of generations across four social classes that change with the ages, players assume a formative role in the evolution of human history, discovering more than 70 inventions that changed the world, braving a score of heroic adventures, and facing the challenges of three mini-ruling games.

In February, Mouschief released a beta version of 7 Grand Steps through the Humble Store. The game has since been updated and refined based on player feedback. At launch, beta purchasers will be able to download the finished game and receive a free Steam key, if desired.

From the sweat of laborers to the perspective of kings, 7 Grand Steps allows you to experience the drama of a family lineage that survived the changing ages -- or did they survive? How you guide them determines their fate. Learn more at: http://www.7grandsteps.com

Dust: An Elysian Tail comes to PC!

Sat, 18 May 2013 03:47:34 +0000

Dust is an action rpg in the vein of Metroidvania style games, with very slick animations and beautifully drawn environment and characters. That alone already got me really excited about it when I first heard of it. Then I got an actual look, and I was blown away. You've got to see it for yourself, and I'm sure you would agree with me.

The game first released for XBLA in August, which is nearing a year ago now. It's a late release of a port to PC, but better late than never after all. The game will be Steamworks, and priced at a fair $14.99, with a small discount to celebrate the PC release. Unfortunately, it won't be available for Mac/Linux for now, although Humble Hearts, the developers of Dust, say they're thinking of a possible release in the future.

If you haven't already gone to take a look, check out the steam page for Dust: An Elysian

Elder Scrolls Online gets gathering and crafting trailer

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:17:13 +0000

The MMO market seems over-saturated. It's become a race to create the 'best game', which usually means "how fast can I allow these guys to pay to win?" nowadays. Meet Elder Scrolls Online, in fact, re-kindle with it, because no gamer has not heard of this game.

This new trailer features crafting and gathering, and just shows what an MMO should be like. Sociable, friendly, and just.. a good environment. It doesn't matter how unique you try to be and what you wanna do "different", sometimes the same is better if it's implemented well, and this seems to take the current mainstream MMO recipe and take it back ten years to when it worked better for the player, not the company.

Let's see how this game is, but I'll definitely be trying it out!

Cognition Episode 3: The Oracle is upon us!

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:11:15 +0000

Phoenix Online Studios' episodic adventure game, Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller, continues today with Episode 3: The Oracle for PC and Mac. This chilling continuation of a psychic FBI agent's hunt for a serial killer can be downloaded from CognitionGame.com/store and other online stores. The 4-part Cognition series will conclude in late summer with Episode 4: The Cain Killer.

https://www.youtube....d&v=jwhFVKEjy7c

Cognition's third episode picks up right where the last left off, with a body hurtling down the Enthon Towers' 33 stories to smash onto a parked police cruiser. When Erica arrives at the scene her post-cognitive powers kick into overdrive, presenting her with powerful visions of past murders and betrayals that occurred in this mysterious luxury apartment building. As Erica discovers more about the serial killer who's baiting her, she realizes that she's not the only one having visions. Now the only way to stop the Oracle is to step into the killer's shoes.

In this unique game, player control alternates between FBI agent and killer as Erica pieces together the past events that led to this moment. Before it's all over, players will make a series of gruesome discoveries regarding the case Erica most wants to solve: the murder of her own brother. With the same graphic novel art style, Fringe-like paranormal themes, and Saw-style horror sequences that the Cognition series has been heralded for since its debut last fall, The Oracle is a must-play adventure that builds to an unexpected and wrenching climax.

At CognitionGame.com/store, The Oracle sells for $9.99 individually, or in Season Pass bundles that allow players to catch up on the rest of the series at discounted prices. For one day only, Phoenix is offering the following special deals:

The $9.99 individual episode comes with 5 free MP3 tracks from the game:http://store.postudi...ition-episode-3
The episode 3 & 4 bundle is on sale for $9.99 (regularly $14.99):http://store.postudi...de-episodes-3-4
The 4-episode Season Pass is on sale for $19.99 (regularly $29.99):http://store.postudi...-s1-season-pass

These launch deals will end tomorrow, May 17, at 3:00pm Eastern / 12:00pm Pacific.

Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller has had a strong showing on Steam Greenlight, where it has received more than 25k votes from Steam users who want it added to the service. People who want to support the effort can vote forCognition here: http://steamcommunit...ls/?id=92915746

About Phoenix Online Studios
Established in 2004, Phoenix Online Studios began as a group of King's Quest fans from around the world that came together to create an unofficial sequel to the series. The resulting project, The Silver Lining, earned widespread community support and withstood two cease-and-desist orders to become one of the most ambitious fan projects ever made. After completing four Silver Lining episodes, the team shifted their focus to commercial projects with Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller, which debuted in October 2012 and is currently releasing for PC, Mac, and iPad. The team is also working on an English version of the Italian indie adventure Face Noir, and is providing art and programming for Jane Jensen's upcoming game Moebius. Learn more athttp://www.postudios.com.

World War Z game gets a trailer

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:08:10 +0000

World War Z is the upcoming zombie-style apocalypse movie that is based on the book, staring Brad Pitt as a UN employee that is faced with the biggest mission on the planet.. saving the world. Oh, and it's being turn into a game... iOS-style.

I must admit, for an iOS game, it looks great. And the movie seems look pretty great too.. if you want to know more about the movie, there is a small description below. It'll hit the digital shelves later this month.

"United Nations employee Gerry Lane traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, and threatening to decimate humanity itself."

Mobile Brawler Combo Crew released!

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:00:34 +0000

Combo Crew sports kick-ass fighting gameplay, smooth controls, and asynchronous co-op across devices -- so iPhone, iPad, and Android gamers can join forces on the same crew.

MEET THE CREW
With the game release only a week away, we'd like to introduce you to Combo Crew's tough-as-nails heroes:

Parker: A name that tops the high scores of all the arcades this side of the continent. Parker's a natural, inspired by fighting techniques he picked up from video games.
Gina: A student of the ancient school of Hairjutsu, Gina's a martial arts master who trained for a year in the mountains.
Dolph: The greatest action movie star that ever lived, Dolph uses his impressive stature in combat. For him, showing off is almost as important as kicking ass.

Magicka: Wizard Wars First Ever Screenshots Revealed

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:00:26 +0000

Paradox Interactive, a publisher of games and a shooter of screens, today released the first-ever screenshots for Magicka: Wizard Wars, the 4-on-4 team-based PvP title from their new studio, Paradox North. Using an untested image-capturing spell that may or may not have stolen the souls of every wizard pictured in the new screens, Paradox is more than willing to take that risk in order to give the world its first look at Magicka: Wizard Wars in action.

In Magicka: Wizard Wars, two teams of four wizards each will tangle, tango, and possibly ingest tangy tangerines in pitched battles, utilizing the iconic dynamic spellcasting of Magicka along with some new tricks. In true Magicka fashion, wizards who can think fast and aim away from their allies’ faces will win the day. With short battles, skill-based spellcasting, and an overabundance of marvelous robes, Magicka: Wizard Wars aims to provide multiplayer aficionados with a new option for PvP mayhem.

To learn more about Magicka: Wizard Wars, visit www.wizardwars.com.

EA Discontinues Online Passes

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:41:28 +0000

Online passes are a major hate among game players. Seen as an unscrupulous way for companies to make even more money from their games, and forcing players to pay nearer full price for every game. EA have now responded to the backlash by gamers and decided to discontinue the practice of online passes.

In a note to Gamesbeat, EA senior director of coommunications wrote "Yes were discontinuing Online Passes" and "None of our future EA titles will include that feature".

This means that any future titles including Battlefield 4 will not require any extra payment if you buy it second hand. No other companies have made any statements about their plans for the feature. Im glad they have removed the feature, but in the back of my head i am thinking microtransactions or something similar is in the works to keep the money flowing, what about you ?

Pirate out!

The Witcher 2 Mod Tools Now Officially Released

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:58:30 +0000

The mod tools will allow you to design quests, build lands, create NPC's customise combat and "plant realistic forests in just a few clicks."

Also a patch for The Witcher 2 (3.4) adds a mod manager into the game, letting you try out the creations of the community.

If you want the tools head over to the official site here

32 Indie PC games on sale for the next 7 days‏

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:53:31 +0000

The showmethegames.com summer sale is here! 32 Indie PC games will be discounted for the next 7 days at indie pc gaming site www.showmethegames.com. The full list of games and their discounts is on the sales page here.

Unlike all the other indie sales and bundles, showmethesales is run entirely by developers with nobody taking any cut of the proceeds. The individual developers have all put their games on sale together, and all sales are made direct to the developers tyhrough their own indie websites. SMTG doesn't earn a penny from it (it's run by indie pc dev cliffski from positech games).
Games in the sale include Hegemony Gold, Defcon, Revenge of the titans and Voxatron, and loads more. ShowMeTheGames now lists over 90 PC indie games you can buy direct from the developers websites.
Key points:

32 indie pc games on sale, direct from the developers
Sale runs from the 12th-18th may inclusive
100% of the sales money goes straight to the pockets of the developers, with no middlemen.

Watch Dogs multiplayer and single-player will 'seamlessly overlap'

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:38:54 +0000

The other day, I was exploring what we would be offered within the multiplayer version of Watch Dogs. And we may have found out a little more information on what the multiplayer aspect of the game will actually be.

According to new details from the Playstation Blog, Ubisoft has revealed that the multiplayer aspect of the game will overlap with the single-player aspect in an attempt to "demolish the wall that has divide single-pllayer and multiplayer for decades."

"Multiplayer and single-player will overlap. Watch_Dogs will feature a full-blown multiplayer mode set in the mean streets of Chicago, though final details are still under lock and key. More intriguing is that multiplayer and single-player will “seamlessly” overlap, an effort by Ubisoft to demolish the wall that has divided single-player gaming and multiplayer for decades. This interconnectivity will extend to a companion experience on mobile devices, though details remain scarce."

It also gave details that included the player being able to "hack almost anything", and that stealth and all-out-there action are both choices on which way you want to use force within combat. For more read the full details here.

Watch Dogs will hit shelves in November for current-gen consoles, with next-generation release dates yet to be revealed. Stay tuned for more coverage on our most anticipated game of this year!

The Last of Us gets TV commercial

Sun, 12 May 2013 19:38:31 +0000

The Last of Us is coming to stores in June, and we all know that those companies love to get our hype up for their big games. And this game is no different, below is the TV commercial that has been released for the game!

Although short and sweet, it does make me really want to get this game. Honestly, I think I'll have to get in on the pre-order next week! It looks great! If you want to learn more, watch the previous trailer that is in a lot more depth.