Most Recent: News

Microsoft puts an end to used game restrictions and online check-in with Xbox One

Posted on June 19, 2013 by John Scalzo

xboxone-logoAnd all is right with the world.

Microsoft’s Don Mattrick has confirmed (via Xbox.com) that the next-generation console’s game registration scheme, used game restrictions, and online check-in requirements are dead. Game discs can be borrowed, rented, or sold between friends or businesses, just as they are today. The system will still require an Internet connection during the initial setup period (which includes a day one patch to enable the offline mode), but the “once-a-day check-in” is no more.

This reversal comes after gamers, the media, and the US government reacted in horror to many of the Xbox One’s online policy in the days leading up to the 2013 E3 Expo. Marc Whitten, the Vice President of Xbox Live, spoke to Kotaku an hour ago and elaborated on what some of these changes mean. With the game registration scheme gone, gamers will have to keep the disc in the Xbox One’s tray to play a game. Disc-based games will also no longer be added to your “cloud library,” but digitally downloaded games can still be downloaded to any Xbox One system that your Live account is logged-in on. This new DRM policy also means that the coolest Xbox One feature, family game sharing, is gone. Or rather, it won’t be available “at launch,” according to Whitten.

Mattrick’s full statement is available after the break. Oh, and it’s nice to be right.

(more…)

Posted in News, Xbox One |

Nintendo explains “What’s Different in New Super Luigi U”

Posted on June 19, 2013 by John Scalzo

New Super Luigi U will be available to download from the Nintendo eShop tomorrow and if you’re still unsure that a DLC expansion starring Mario’s athletically-inclined brother is for you, Nintendo UK has posted a handy “Spot the Differences” guide for your education.

New Super Luigi U will include over 80 redesigned courses and if you’re still unsure about downloading the DLC, a special “Year of Luigi” retail release of the game is scheduled for August 25.

Posted in News, Wii U | Tagged

XBLA Today: Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara

Posted on June 19, 2013 by John Scalzo

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Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara brings two Capcom-published arcade classics from the 80s to the Xbox Live Arcade today in one package. In addition to enhanced high definition visuals, Chronicles of Mystara adds a variety of new features to the side-scrolling titles:

Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara combines two timeless D&D arcade classics, Tower of Doom and Shadow over Mystara, into one definitive package. Battle through a rich fantasy universe with a host of new features, including HD visuals, drop-in/drop-out four-player online co-op, customizable House Rules, leaderboards, and a trove of extras.

Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara is available to download for 1200 Microsoft Points ($15).

Posted in News, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Dennaton Games announces 2013 release for Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number

Posted on June 19, 2013 by John Scalzo

Devolver Digital and Dennaton Games have announced that Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number will be available for the PC, Mac, and Linux in 2013. They sequel to last year’s fever dream will feature more action and unreal situations, this time with multiple playable characters:

You’re a murderer. You murder people. Again. And again. How certain you are of your actions and what is, and what is not, real is what you must determine in Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number. The epic finale to 2012’s blood-soaked hit follows an escalating level of violence through multiple factions born from the events of the original game – all within the confines of blistering combat, the unmistakable visual style, and another powerful and intense soundtrack that pushes you to the limit and forces you to question your own thirst for blood.

The publisher and developer have also released a mind-bending teaser trailer, which you can view above. If you dare.

Posted in News, PC | Tagged

Call of Duty: Ghosts might miss the Wii U after all, but that seems unlikely

Posted on June 19, 2013 by John Scalzo

callofdutyghosts-rumor-boxInfinity Ward’s Mark Rubin talked about the Wii U version of Call of Duty: Ghosts with such conviction during E3 2013 that everybody assumed it was in development. Apparently, that’s not entirely accurate.

Last week, he told GameSpot: “[The Wii U version] is probably in the next-gen bin. We’re not actually talking about Wii U yet because we want to keep it mysterious.”

Now, speaking to GamesIndustry International, Rubin has revealed that he doesn’t know if a Wii U version of the game is even in development: “Ha! You know that’s funny, because I don’t even know the answer to that. I swear to God, I don’t. I was trying to say in the interview [that] I really don’t know and I’m not supposed to talk about it. I’m not supposed to talk about the fact that I don’t know.”

When you think about it, it’s astounding that these very different statements came from the same person. Regardless of what Rubin told GamesIndustry International, a Wii U version of the game can only be “mysterious” if it’s actually in development. Otherwise, why get people’s hopes up? So officially, Activision and Infinity Ward have nothing to announce concerning Call of Duty: Ghosts on the Wii U. Unofficially (and logically), a Wii U version of the game is clearly in development. Glad we could cleat that up.

Posted in News, Wii U | Tagged ,

Watch the six-hour The Last of Us “movie” right here

Posted on June 19, 2013 by John Scalzo

Ladies and gentlemen, the bar has been raised.

YouTube user dansg08 has compiled a six-hour “marathon edition” version of The Last of Us that includes every story cutscene and a good chunk of the gameplay as well. If you want to experience the story behind Naughty Dog’s latest masterpiece, but haven’t had a chance to play it yet, this movie is for you.

Bravo, dansg08, bravo.

Posted in News, PS3 | Tagged

D&D: Chronicles of Mystara, Eat Lead, Jak and Daxter Collection, more added to PS Store

Posted on June 19, 2013 by John Scalzo

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Welcome to another week of PlayStation Store updates. This week, Sony adds a classic arcade combo, a “reboot” of a “classic” arcade chracter, a reboot of an infamous 80s platformer, and a game where you control the weather. There’s also two new PS2 Classics and two PS3 games find their way to the Vita for the first time.

Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara leads this week’s new releases, bringing together two 80s arcade games in all their HD glory. Speaking of 80s arcade heroes, the fictional Matt Hazard will also join the PlayStation Store this week in Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard. Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams, a reboot of the infamous 80s platforming series, and Storm, a puzzle platformer where you control the wind, round out this week’s new releases for the PS3.

Over on the Vita side of things, Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two and the Jak and Daxter Collection are now available for the handheld.

More information on all of these games can be found after the break and a full list of this week’s new game add-ons can be found at the PlayStation Blog. (more…)

Posted in News, PS3, Vita | Tagged , ,

Threaks collaborates with Rhianna Pratchett on Beatbuddy

Posted on June 18, 2013 by John Scalzo

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One of our favorite games at PAX East 2013 was Beatbuddy, a musical puzzle-platformer from German developer Threaks.

Today, Threaks confirmed that Rhianna Pratchett will help with the story and script. After her work on the Tomb Raider reboot and Mirror’s Edge, Pratchett has become the go-to name for excellent game stories, and Threaks is thrilled to have her.

“When we started with the story of Beatbuddy last year, we initially held off contacting Rhianna because we assumed that she’d be too busy or might not be interested in a small indie project,” said Denis Rogic, Threaks’ Art Director. “It turned out that it was exactly the kind of thing she was looking for. It’s truly amazing knowing that we have Austin Wintory and Rhianna Pratchett providing their talents to our game.”

Beatbuddy will be available to download through Steam in July.

Posted in News, PC | Tagged