Author: John Scalzo

John Scalzo is Warp Zoned's Editor-In-Chief and resident retro gaming expert. You can email him at john AT warpzoned DOT com.

Twisted Metal set for a Spring release

Posted on February 11, 2011 by John Scalzo

Sony has updated the release date on Twisted Metal‘s PlayStation.com listing and, unless someone jumped the gun, it looks like we finally know when we’ll be able to strap on the demonic clown mask one more time. As of right now, the game’s release date is currently listed as “Spring 2011.”

Previously, the game had been saddled with a “TBA 2011” release date, but we know that David Jaffe, Scott Campbell and the rest of the team at Eat Sleep Play have been working on the game since at least 2008. That already lengthy development cycle (and Sony’s packed PS3 schedule for the Fall) lend further credence to a Spring release.

However, Sony has yet to confirm the news with a PlayStation.Blog post or a press release. We’ve contacted the publisher to ask just when Twisted Metal will be let out of the garage and we’ll update this post when we hear back.

UPDATE: A Sony spokesperson has confirmed that Twisted Metal will be released in Fall 2011.

Posted in News, PS3 | Tagged

Karaoke Revolution Glee performs a Wii encore this Spring

Posted on February 10, 2011 by John Scalzo

Ready your slushies, Konami has announced another collection of “Glee” songs will be getting the video game treatment this Spring when Karaoke Revolution Glee: Volume 2 is released exclusively for the Wii.

Volume 2 will include 20 songs from the second half of season one including All American Rejects’ “Gives you Hell” (with Rachel), Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” (with Kurt) and “Like a Prayer” (with Mercedes). Players who perform these showstopping numbers with enough gusto will be able to unlock “extended performances and exclusive clips from the show offering fans excellent video montages and never-before-seen show moments.”

“We knew that Glee fans were unbelievably passionate and loyal, but even we were surprised by the overwhelming success of the first Karaoke Revolution Glee title and the demand for the follow-up,” said Shinji Hirano, President of Konami Digital Entertainment. “Well, now ‘Gleeks’ have their wish and with this new game they can perform even more of the hits that have made the show such a runaway success.”

You can check out the first three screenshots after the break. (more…)

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Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D will be 3DS launch game

Posted on February 10, 2011 by John Scalzo

Konami has announced that Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D will launch alongside the 3DS hardware in March. The game will actually corner kick its way into stores on March 25, two days ahead of Nintendo’s new handheld.

Konami promises to give “real depth” to the game of soccer on the 3DS with a unique new view of the field:

PES 2011 3D puts you at the heart of every pass, through-ball and shot, with its unique ‘Player’ camera shadowing the user’s every movement, right in the middle of the unfolding match. Thus, players can see their team mates making runs in the channels and moving into space, meaning PES 2011 3D makes the player an integral part of a successful team. Using the 3D capabilities of the Nintendo 3DS, the camera views also allow the user to visually ascertain how far away a team mate is, allowing for more instinctive long passes and dynamic movement.

Posted in 3DS, News | Tagged

Activision reveals new Family Guy game, X-Men: First Class, “unprecedented” new universe

Posted on February 10, 2011 by John Scalzo

Activision was very busy during their quarterly financial briefing yesterday. In addition to canceling Guitar Hero 7 and True Crime: Hong Kong, the company revealed a few details about their 2011 (and beyond) schedule.

New Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg did most of talking. He began by reiterating that Call of Duty 8 is on track for a 2011 release and officially announced a free-to-play Call of Duty game for China, which will be released in 2012.

Continuing with the Call of Duty theme, Hirshberg revealed that a new Activision in-house studio, Beachhead, will be creating an “all-new digital platform for the Call of Duty franchise.” The system sounds very similar to Halo Waypoint and promises to “support in-game integration and bring online experiences and console play together.”

Activision also has a slew of licensed games in development for 2011 including three never-before-announced games: Family Guy, X-Men: First Class and Wipeout 2.

A Family Guy game was released by 2K Games to tepid reviews in 2006. X-Men: First Class will likely launch alongside the film in June with the Silicon Knights-developed X-Men: Destiny still on track for a late 2011 release. And for those confused about Wipeout 2, it’s not the futuristic racing franchise, but a second game based on ABC’s obstacle course game show.

Several previously announced 2011 games, including Transformers: Dark of the Moon, a new Spider-Man game, more Cabela’s Hunting titles and a new Bakugan game were also discussed.

Bungie’s New Universe was briefly mentioned, but only to confirm that it won’t launch until 2012 at the earliest.

Finally, Hirshberg announced that Activision will be unveiling “an all-new gaming universes that brings together the worlds of toys, video games and online play.” in two days at the New York Toy Fair. Activision will release the game based on this new universe in the second half of 2011 and calls the franchise an “unprecedented” merging of different media.

Wow. We’ll likely learn more about a lot of these titles at E3.

Posted in 3DS, DS, Mobile, News, PC, PS3, PSP, Vita, Wii, Xbox 360 | Tagged , , ,

Activision cancels Guitar Hero 7, True Crime: Hong Kong

Posted on February 10, 2011 by John Scalzo

For the first time since the franchise launched in 2005, a new Guitar Hero game will not be released this year.

This news comes out of Activision’s quarterly financial briefing, where the publisher has revealed that it has disbanded its Guitar Hero business division and canceled the Vicarious Visions-developed Guitar Hero 7.

True Crime: Hong Kong, the United Front-developed reboot of Activision’s answer to Grand Theft Auto, has also been given the axe. Eric Hirshberg cut right to the point when explaining the reason behind the cancellation when he said “[True Crime: Hong Kong] just wasn’t going to be good enough.”

While not a cancellation, COO Thomas Tippl also revealed that the Tony Hawk series will also be taking 2011 off.

Posted in News, PC, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Reality is Broken Review: Jane McGonigal Wants Games to Change the World

Posted on February 9, 2011 by John Scalzo

“Those violent games will turn you into a serial killer.”
“You’re wasting your life playing that game.”
“Wouldn’t you rather go outside?”

We’ve all heard the complaints about what video games are doing to a generation of young people. Thankfully, as we move further away from the creation of the modern video game, more people who have grown up with games realize these complaints are hogwash. But what if playing games could actually make gamers better people, and even change the world, while we’re at it? That’s the premise behind Jane McGonigal’s first book, Reality is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World. Is reality broken? Do games make us better? Can they change the world? Even after reading Reality is Broken, I’m not sure. (more…)

Posted in Etcetera, Reviews, Top Story |

Stacking, TNT Racers on XBLA today

Posted on February 9, 2011 by John Scalzo

Microsoft is gearing up for their second annual Xbox Live Arcade House Party promotion, but they still added a pair of new games to the XBLA today.

Stacking, a puzzle platformer starring a bunch of Russian stacking dolls from Tim Schafer’s Double Fine Productions is definitely the highlight of the day. It’s been prriced at 1200 Microsoft Points ($15).

Next up is a racing game known as TNT Racers, except the TNT stands for “Tracks N Tricks.” It’s been priced at 800 Microsoft Points ($10).

More information on both of these titles can be found after the break. (more…)

Posted in News, Xbox 360 | Tagged

DC signals a Batman: Arkham City comic series this May

Posted on February 9, 2011 by John Scalzo

Batman won’t just be stalking the streets on the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 this Fall as DC Comics has announced they’ll be producing a six-issue miniseries that will bridge the gap between Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City.

The miniseries will begin this May and it’ll be written by Paul Dini (the creative mind behind both games) and drawn by Arkham Asylum/Arkham City concept artist Carlos D’anda. You can spy a sneak peak of the cover to your left (a variant using in-game graphics will also be available).

Dini and D’anda will explore the yearlong gap between the games over the six issue miniseries (which will also be available as digital downloads) as well as in four “digital-first” interludes. These interludes will run eight pages and be offered exclusively as a digital download for $0.99 each. They will make their print debut as part of the Batman: Arkham City collector’s edition.

Doesn’t quite top a life-size batarang, but I’m sure WB Games will include plenty of other goodies in the Arkham City collector’s edition.

Posted in Etcetera, News, PC, PS3, Xbox 360 | Tagged ,