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.

Housemarque will release Nex Machina on June 20

Posted on May 22, 2017 by John Scalzo

Housemarque has announced that Nex Machina, their upcoming twin-stick shooter, will be released for the PC and PS4 on June 20. The developer also unveiled a new trailer for the game, which confirms that two-player local co-op will be included in Nex Machina.

In Nex Machina, humans have become deeply dependent on technology, while around them, machines have reached consciousness and surpassed human intelligence ten-fold. The machines turn on their creators and make it their mission to eradicate human life. Nex Machina features explosive classic arcade gameplay, while making full use of today’s technology to complement highly developed twin-stick play.

While Nex Machina is being promoted as an homage to the arcade classics of the 80s and 90s, Housemarque actually went out and recruited one of the genre’s pioneers. Eugene Jarvis, the creator of Robotron 2084 and Smash TV, has been collaborating with the team on the game’s development.

“I’d buy that for a dollar!”

Posted in News, PC, PS4 | Tagged

Constantin Film is officially rebooting the Resident Evil film franchise

Posted on May 21, 2017 by John Scalzo

Earlier this year, Director Paul W.S. Anderson and star Milla Jovovich brought the Resident Evil film franchise to an end with Resident Evil: The Final Chapter. But the Chairman of Constantin Film revealed that the production company is already planning to create a new series of Resident Evil films in the future.

Zombie auteur George Romero was Capcom’s first choice to adapt the Resident Evil games for the big screen. But after that partnership fell apart in the late 90s, Anderson signed on to direct Resident Evil, a prequel to the game series, in 2002. Resident Evil: Apocalypse, which was inspired by Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, followed in 2004, but the remaining four films in the franchise veered off into a wild new direction devised by Anderson and focusing heavily on the burgeoning superpowers of Jovovich’s character, Alice.

Speaking to Variety at the Cannes Film Festival, Chairman Martin Moszkowicz confirmed that a reboot to the film franchise is already in development, though he didn’t say if Anderson or Jovovich would return.

At this point, that’s all we know. Though I’m sure fans would be very interested if a new film adaptation took its cues from Capcom’s latest addition to the Resident Evil saga, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.

Posted in Etcetera, News | Tagged

Destiny 2’s Story Campaign, and more, unveiled by Bungie

Posted on May 21, 2017 by John Scalzo

Bungie’s Destiny 2 is less than four months away, and earlier this week the developer revealed more details about their upcoming game in an hour-long livestream.

The biggest change coming to the Destiny universe is the brand new Story Campaign, which will include a dramatic and cinematic narrative structure that can be played solo or with friends:

In the story of Destiny 2, the last safe city on Earth has fallen and lay in ruins, occupied by a powerful new enemy and his elite army, the Red Legion. Every player creates their own character called a “Guardian,” humanity’s chosen protectors. As a Guardian in Destiny 2, players must master new abilities and weapons to reunite the city’s forces, stand together and fight back to reclaim their home.

The livestream also offered the first details on new game types (“Countdown,” a competitive multiplayer mode), new subclasses (“Sentinel Titan,” “Dawnblade Warlock,” and “Arcstrider Hunter”), and an online matchmaking service that Bungie is referring to as “Guided Games.”

Destiny 2 will be available for the PS4 and Xbox One on September 8, and a release date for the game’s PC launch will be announced at a later date. A closer look at the Story Campaign, and a playthrough of the first Story Campaign mission, can be found after the break. (more…)

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

Nintendo’s Arms Direct video unveils new fighters, new modes, Global Testpunch demo

Posted on May 21, 2017 by John Scalzo

With the launch of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in the rearview window, Nintendo is turning their focus to the Switch’s next big new release… Arms. The consolemaker hosted another Nintendo Direct presentation for the bizarro boxing game earlier this week, and gave fans a look at several new characters and the option-filled Versus Mode.

After a brief detour to describe the basics of Arms combat (Should that be “Arms-ed” combat?), Nintendo added a trio of new characters to the Arms universe, including the snakelike Kid Cobra, robotic lawmen Byte & Barq, and “A-List Actress” Twintelle:

New Characters

  • Kid Cobra – A fan of selfie sticks and livestreaming, this hip fighter pounces on opponents with a charged-up dash.
  • Byte & Barq – Two fighters in one! This robot fighter and his robot canine companion battle together to unleash devastating combo attacks.
  • Twintelle – As an A-list actress, Twintelle uses her celebrity status to render her opponents utterly star struck as she walks the red carpet to victory.

After building an amazing Battle Mode for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Nintendo wants to add a similar bevy of bonus modes to Arms. And the second half of this week’s “Arms Direct” focused on more than a half-dozen minigames that players will get to compete in:

Versus Modes

  • Fight – In this main multiplayer mode, two fighters battle against each other one-on-one to claim victory. During the fight, bombs and other healing items drop in, adding some strategic options to the proceedings.
  • Team Fight – In this mode, two players are attached by strings and must team up to battle another team of two. Attacks can hit allies, so watch out for friendly punches!
  • V-Ball – Similar to volleyball, but much more awesome. V-Ball is a sport that involves knocking an explosive ball into the opponent’s court.
  • Hoops – Grab opponents and shoot them into the net (or even dunk them for extra satisfaction) in this hardcore game of Arms-style basketball.
  • Skillshot – Break as many targets as possible using the versatile powers of Arms.
  • 1-On-100 – Defeat 100 enemies in a row, one at a time, in this progressive battle mode.
  • Arms Test & Training – In Test mode, players can try out randomized Arms combinations, while Training lets them practice a number of varied drills.

Finally, Nintendo confirmed that Switch owners will get the chance to test out Arms before its released during a special Global Testpunch event. Like Splatoon 2‘s Global Testfire, players will be able to download the Global Testpunch demo from the Nintendo eShop and log in to play multiplayer matches during scheduled times. The first Global Testpunch will be available during May 26-28, while the second is scheduled for June 2-4.

Arms will be released for the Nintendo Switch on June 16. A series of free updates featuring new fighters, stages, and arm types are planned for after release.

Posted in News, Switch | Tagged

Blizzard announces Overwatch Anniversary event, an upcoming Free Weekend, and Game of the Year Edition

Posted on May 21, 2017 by John Scalzo

In case you missed it, Blizzard has announced that Overwatch will play host to a special Anniversary in-game event beginning on May 23. The Overwatch Anniversary festivities will continue until June 12, and Blizzard kicked things off earlier this week with a “Year One” video thanking their fans for a great launch.

And if you’re someone who hasn’t joined the Overwatch community yet, Blizzard wants to entice you with an upcoming Free Weekend, scheduled for May 26-29, and a brand new Game of the Year Edition. The Game of the Year Edition will be available to download on May 23, and it’ll offer a range of goodies for all of Blizzard’s games:

Overwatch: Game of the Year Edition Contents

  • Overwatch – 10 Bonus Loot Boxes — Enjoy 10 bonus Loot Boxes, which each contain random items that can be used to personalize your heroes. Loot Boxes may include skins, emotes, victory poses, voice lines, sprays, and highlight intros, as well as credits you can use to acquire many different customization options.
  • Overwatch – Hero Skins — Pay homage to the original Overwatch strike force by wearing the vintage Blackwatch Reyes or Strike-Commander Morrison skins. Explore other heroes’ origins with Overgrown Bastion, Security Chief Pharah, and even Slipstream Tracer.
  • Heroes of the Storm – Tracer Hero — Jump into the Nexus with Tracer and surprise your enemies in the blink of an eye.
  • World of Warcraft – Baby Winston Pet — Adorably cuddly and highly intellectual, the Baby Winston pet will be at your side as you fight your way through Azeroth.
  • Diablo III – Mercy’s Wings — Slay demonic forces throughout the High Heavens and Burning Hells as you don Mercy’s wings. All of Sanctuary will know of your allegiance to Overwatch!
  • StarCraft II – In-Game Portraits — With portraits of Tracer, Reaper, Pharah, Winston, Bastion, and Soldier: 76, you’re sure to become a champion of the Koprulu Sector.
  • Hearthstone – Card Back – You can also battle it out in Hearthstone with an Overwatch-themed card back fit for a hero!

Blizzard likely has big plans for Overwatch’s second year, and hopefully we’ll hear more about them soon.

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

New Retail Releases: Ultra Street Fighter II, Disgaea 5 Complete, Rime, More

Posted on May 21, 2017 by John Scalzo

After recording a huge retail victory in April, Nintendo and its third-party partners are storming back this week with another batch of fresh Switch software.

Leading things off, Capcom will release Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers for the Switch on Friday, May 26. The publisher is hoping that this re-release will introduce the arcade classic to an entirely new generation, but it also includes a brand new first-person minigame, new color variations for all characters, and two new fighters (Evil Ryu and Violent Ken). Another re-release will make its way to the Switch this week courtesy of NIS America. The import house will launch Disgaea 5 Complete on Nintendo’s console, which will include the original strategy RPG and all of its downloadable content.

If you’re looking for new and never-before-seen games this week, Tequila Works will bring their puzzle platformer Rime to the PS4 and Xbox One. Featuring a unique and moody graphical style, the exploration game should offer an interesting change of pace.

Finally this week, THQ Nordic will bring the original Darksiders to the Wii U as Darksiders: Warmastered Edition. This new version of the action/adventure game include enhanced visuals and redone graphical effects.

A complete list of this week’s new releases can be found after the break. (more…)

Posted in News, PC, PS4, Switch, Vita, Wii U, Xbox One | Tagged , , ,

Xbox Store Today: Chroma Squad, Shadow Warrior 2, The Last Blade, more

Posted on May 19, 2017 by John Scalzo

It’s “90s Day” on the Xbox Games Store today, and that’s because three games inspired by the grungy decade are now available to download for the Xbox One.

That inspiration is front and center in Bandai Namco’s Chroma Squad, which uses “Inspired by Saban’s Power Rangers” right in its marketing. The tactical RPG follows five actors who want to create their own show like Power Rangers… but then an actual alien invasion throws a wrench into their plans.

Also available to download today is Shadow Warrior 2 from Flying Wild Hog. The “offbeat” shooter sequel features the “further misadventures” of Lo Wang as he lives out his days as a reclusive mercenary. Finally today, Xbox One owners will be able to download The Last Blade, a fighting game from SNK that was originally released in 1997.

You can learn more about all of these games (and a few other new releases) after the break. (more…)

Posted in News, Xbox One | Tagged

The Switch continues to soar as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was the best-selling game in April 2017

Posted on May 19, 2017 by John Scalzo

Nintendo continues to dominate the retail charts with another strong showing in April for their Switch console. According to The NPD Group, Nintendo added another 280,000 Switch consoles to its tally last month, and the newly-launched Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sold more than 459,000 copies (in just two days) to take the top spot on the list of best-selling games. The company’s success also seems to be great for the industry as a whole, as the industry generated $636 million in sales in April 2017, a 10% increase over the year before.

The other big news in April is that Persona 5 pushed the franchise and gave the RPG the #2 spot on the best-seller list, just below Mario Kart 8.

“Persona 5 experienced the strongest debut month for any title in Persona franchise history, with packaged dollar sales five times that of the previous best-selling debut, Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4,” NPD Analyst Mat Piscatella told GamesIndustry.biz.

Additional new releases were thin on the ground in last month’s Top 20, but Lego Undercover‘s re-release on the PC and current-generation consoles helped it secure a spot (#13). And as expected, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild continued to sell well, landing in the #3 position for the month. But the big retail winners in April all came from the backlist, including Grand Theft Auto V (#6), Overwatch (#9), Call of Duty: Black Ops II (#10), and Minecraft (#20).

The NPD Group’s complete list of best-selling games for April 2017 can be found after the break. (more…)

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