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.

EA will announce at least two never-before-seen games during their 2017 E3 event

Posted on June 9, 2017 by John Scalzo

The 2017 E3 Expo will unofficially begin this weekend, when Electronic Arts opens the doors to “EA Play 2017,” their E3 Press Conference. EA Play 2017 will feature eight new titles, and it can be viewed online at EA.com or Twitch beginning on Saturday, June 10, at 3:00 PM (Eastern Time).

So what will EA talk about during their 90 minutes in the spotlight? In addition to a closer look at six previously-announced blockbusters, the publisher plans to unveil “more surprises,” including at least two never-before-seen projects. The six games currently confirmed for EA Play 2017 are:

EA Play 2017 Lineup

  • Star Wars: Battlefront II – Featuring all Star Wars eras, a single player campaign and epic scale multiplayer battles, Star Wars: Battlefront II presents the most robust Star Wars game to date. The game is developed in partnership with three powerhouse studios: DICE, Motive Studios and Criterion Games, each with a rich background of creating award-winning games.
  • FIFA 18 – Powered by Frostbite, FIFA 18 blurs the line between the virtual and real worlds, bringing to life the heroes, teams, and atmospheres of the world’s game.
  • Madden NFL 18 – With Frostbite, the spectacle of NFL gameday comes alive delivering photorealistic players, crowds and stadiums, and introduces an all-new mode to the Madden NFL franchise.
  • NBA Live 18 – Delivering gameplay innovations and a brand-new way to play with “The One,” NBA Live returns with an experience completely centered around a player’s individual journey.
  • Need For Speed Payback – This explosive adventure is filled with intense heist missions, high stakes car battles, epic cop pursuits and jaw dropping set pieces. It’s blockbuster gameplay never before seen from the series, fueled by a gripping story of betrayal and revenge. With Need for Speed Payback, it’s about building the perfect ride, getting behind the wheel and playing out an action driving fantasy.
  • Battlefield 1 – It’s a Summer of Battlefield including the entry of the Russian Army and the biggest front of WW1 in Battlefield 1: In the Name of the Tsar. Partake in the skirmishes of the Albion assault in a freezing archipelago and fight in the snow-covered ravines of the treacherous Lupkow Pass.

EA Play 2017 will be followed by a second livestream that includes further details about the all-new “Nivelle Nights” map in Battlefield 1 Need For Speed Payback, Madden NFL 18, FIFA 18, and Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes.

If you’re going to be in Los Angeles for this weekend, you can attend the EA Play FanFest at the Hollywood Palladium to play any (or all) of games. More than 150 demo stations will be available, and tickets are free (but limited). You can learn more about how to attend the EA Play FanFest at the event’s official website.

Posted in News, PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One | Tagged , , , , , ,

Nintendo Download: Cars 3 Driven To Win, Shantae Half-Genie Hero, Shock Troopers 2nd Squad, more

Posted on June 8, 2017 by John Scalzo

Three new additions to the Nintendo eShop will make the Switch an even more family-friendly destination this week…

Beginning this Tuesday, June 13, Switch owners will be able to put the pedal to the medal in Cars 3: Driven To Win. Based on the upcoming Pixar film, Cars 3: Driven To Win is a collaboration between WB Games and Disney, and includes six different driving modes. Cars 3: Driven To Win will also be available for the Wii U.

If you’re looking for something to download today, WayForward has re-released their side-scrolling platformer, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, for the Switch. Players will need to use all their skills to save Sequin Land from the “bodacious buccaneer” Risky Boots… including the ever-popular Belly Dance!

Finally today, Hamster Corporation is back with another NeoGeo re-release on the Switch. This time, the publishing company has made Shock Troopers: 2nd Squad available to download through the Nintendo eShop.

You can learn more about all of these games after the break. (more…)

Posted in 3DS, News, Switch, Wii U | Tagged ,

Axiom Verge is coming to the Nintendo Switch this August

Posted on June 8, 2017 by John Scalzo

Axiom Verge, Thomas Happ’s love letter to the Metroid franchise, will be released for the Nintendo Switch this August.

After a successful launch on the PS4 in April 2015, Axiom Verge expanded its universe to also include the PC, Vita, Wii U, and Xbox One throughout the next two years. For the game’s Switch debut, it’ll be available on retail shelves in a special Multiverse Edition, and as a digital download through the Nintendo eShop:

Axiom Verge: Multiverse Edition

  • A Copy of Axiom Verge – On a Cartridge
  • Deluxe Booklet – With Developer’s Commentary and Art
  • Double-Sided Poster – Featuring World Map and Weapons/Items from the Game
  • Exclusive Making-Of Documentary – Produced by 2 Player Productions
  • Soundtrack CD – Available Only on the Nintendo Switch

A new trailer for Axiom Verge’s upcoming Switch release has been embedded above.

Posted in News, Switch | Tagged ,

Return to Ivalice in the newest Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age trailer

Posted on June 8, 2017 by John Scalzo

Square Enix will reintroduce players to the world of Ivalice in Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age next month, but first, they’ve unveiled a new trailer for the remake ahead of this year’s E3 Expo.

Players will be able to experience the intrigue of Final Fantasy XII’s story like never before with enhanced high-definition graphics and the Zodiac Job System, allowing players to pick two of 12 jobs in a character progression system first introduced in the Japan-only release, Final Fantasy XII International Zodiac System. The title will also feature a remastered soundtrack, 7.1 Surround Sound, Speed Mode, an auto-save feature, faster loading times, a new Trial Mode and more.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age will be released exclusively for the PS4 on July 11. A Collector’s Edition that features an Art Card set and a Judge Magisters Mini Bust Set is also still available through the Square Enix Online Store.

Posted in News, PS4 | Tagged ,

God of War 4, Insomniac’s Spider-Man, new Assassin’s Creed, multiple unannounced titles, more to be unveiled during E3 Coliseum

Posted on June 8, 2017 by John Scalzo

The full lineup of panels for Geoff Keighley’s inaugural E3 Coliseum has been announced, and it looks like the series will give fans a closer look at God of War 4, Assassin’s Creed 2017, Insomniac’s Spider-Man, and several other upcoming titles. Keighley will also offer a showcase to a few games yet-to-be-announced from Bethesda Softworks, Square Enix, and Epic Games.

If you won’t be attending this year’s E3 Expo, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to tune in as most E3 Coliseum panels will be broadcast through Facebook Live, Twitch, Mixer, and YouTube.

You can find the complete E3 Coliseum schedule after the break. (more…)

Posted in News, PC, PS4, Xbox One | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Injustice 2 players who own Fighter Pack 1 will get to download Red Hood on June 13

Posted on June 8, 2017 by John Scalzo

The latest of Watchtower, NetherRealm’s streaming series devoted to Injustice 2, turned its watchful eye on the first post-launch downloadable character… Red Hood. In addition to showcasing Jason Todd’s penchant for gunplay, the developers confirmed when players will get to download the character.

Injustice 2 owners who also own Fighter Pack 1 will be able to download Red Hood on June 13. Anyone who wants to purchase the character on a standalone basis will have to wait until June 20.

Fighter Pack 1 is included with the Digital Deluxe and Ultimate Editions of Injustice 2, and its also available to buy through the PlayStation Store and the Xbox Games Store. In addition to the Red Hood, the add-on pack will include access to Sub-Zero and Starfire later this Summer.

Posted in News, PS4, Xbox One | Tagged

Xbox Store Today: Elder Scrolls Online Morrowind, Perception, Guardians of the Galaxy Episode 2, more

Posted on June 7, 2017 by John Scalzo

It’s Wednesday and another big day is in store for Microsoft’s Xbox Games Store…

First up, Bethesda is relaunching The Elder Scrolls Online with its latest expansion, The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind. Players will return to the island of Vvardenfell on the Xbox One to save it from a “deadly Daedric threat” and battle other players in the Ashlands in a 4v4v4 arena-style environment.

Also available to download today for the Xbox One is Perception from The Deep End Games. Perception is a narrative-driven adventure game where players take control of Cassie, a blind woman with a supernatural connection to a haunted mansion. After the nightmares become too much, Cassie goes to the mansion to discover what mysteries live within its walls.

Elsewhere on the Xbox Games Store, Telltale Games has continued their Guardians of the Galaxy series with Episode 2: Under Pressure. Xbox One owners will be able to explore Rocket’s past while also receiving help from “dubious old friends and unwilling new allies.”

Finally today, Codemasters will release Dirt 4 for the Xbox One, and off-road racing fans will get to tackle new rally, rallycross, and landrush events.

You can learn more about all of these games (and the rest of today’s new releases) after the break. (more…)

Posted in News, Xbox One | Tagged , , ,

Atlus will release Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux for 3DS in Early 2018

Posted on June 7, 2017 by John Scalzo

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey was originally released for the DS in 2010, but Atlus Japan announced during their “Spring Broadcast 2017” that the RPG would also be coming to the 3DS. Today, Atlus USA confirmed the game will make its North American debut in Early 2018 as Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux:

A spatial distortion full of demons appeared in Antarctica, threatening to engulf the Earth in Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey. The United Nations responded by tasking a team of highly advanced specialists with piercing the anomaly and figuring out how to stop it from the source. Well, get ready to don your Demonica once again in this new expanded port: Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux. Expect new story content, additional endings, a new dungeon to explore, and more in the return of this sci-fi tinged SMT adventure.

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux will include the original Japanese voices, as well as brand new illustrations, updated visuals, UI tweaks, extra story content, and more:

Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux Features

  • A Stranger Journey Back – In Strange Journey Redux, you play as a brave United Nations soldier investigating a spatial anomaly called the Schwarzwelt–a dome of dark energy that threatens to consume the world. Inside, you’ll find it home to a nightmare mirror of our own Earth, populated with demons dying to meet you. The game touts brand new illustrations by Masayuki Doi, updated visuals, UI tweaks, and more to make this journey back into the Schwarzwelt… even stranger.
  • Additional Story Content and a Brand New Character – You won’t be retreading the same nightmarish path as before because a brand-new character named Alex will play a major role in how the story unfolds. Much about her is a mystery, but there is one thing you know for sure: she’s got a bone to pick with you. Joining her are new demons you might recognize from other SMT entries, new endings, and a new dungeon to die in–I mean, discover.
  • A True Shin Megami Tensei Adventure – With its twisted demonic sci-fi story, addictive demon-collecting fun, and multiple narrative paths to explore, Strange Journey Redux is an essential Atlus JRPG adventure that can’t be missed!

The first trailer for Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux can be found after the break. (more…)

Posted in 3DS, News | Tagged ,