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.

Check out Mafia III’s very cinematic E3 2016 trailer right here

Mafia III developer Hangar 13 didn’t want to give fans of the franchise the same old Sicilian mob story that’s been told and retold since the days of The Godfather. Instead, they relocated the action down to New Bordeaux, a New Orleans stand-in, and put players in control of Lincoln Clay, an African-American veteran of the Vietnam War. Prospective players will get to see just how different it is in the E3 2016 trailer embedded above.

Mafia III’s Creative Director is Haden Blackman, a developer who previously worked at LucasArts and helped produce Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II. If this trailer is any indication, Blackman has still got a flair for the cinematic and is putting it to good use at Hangar 13.

Mafia III will be released for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One on October 7.

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Titanfall 2’s Collector’s Edition includes a life-size Vanguard Pilot Helmet

titanfall2-collectorseditionIf you’ve ever dreamed of being a pilot in the Titanfall universe, then the Titanfall 2 “Vanguard SRS” Collector’s Edition is for you.

Priced at $249.99, the Collector’s Edition will include a life-size Vanguard Pilot Helmet. That’s right… it’s 1:1 scale, so you can wear it. The helmet includes a light-up translucent faceplate, as well as a detachable targeting laser and tactical spotlight. If you want to do something completely crazy and put it on a shelf, the helmet also comes with a display stand.

In addition to the helmet, purchasers of the Titanfall 2 Collector’s Edition will receive a USB drive, a field journal, patches, and a scarf:

Titanfall 2 “Vanguard SRS” Collector’s Edition

  • Dog Tag Flash Drive: A Pilot’s secrets must be carefully guarded, and what better way to keep them close than to store them inside your dog tag. This 8GB USB custom flash drive cleverly retracts into the dog tag on an 18″ metallic ball chain.
  • Pilot SRS Field Journal: An essential accessory for every Pilot, the field journal is 3″ x 4.5″ and features an aluminum case, pen and Vanguard Squad logo.
  • Vanguard Pilot Helmet Replica: The iconic Titanfall Pilot helmet has been brought to life in this 1:1 full scale replica. Featuring mixed material elements, the helmet includes a battery operated blue light-up translucent faceplate, blue status/task light, functional tactical ARC rail system/an adjustable interior head strap and display stand.
  • Helmet Accessories: A tactical spotlight and targeting laser sight. These two battery operated helmet accessories are designed to be mounted on the ARC rail system of the helmet. Independently operated, the functional mounted spotlight will light up the night and the simulated laser sight features a super-bright non-projected red LED.
  • Squad Morale Patches: Proudly display your squad affiliation with two morale patches, Macallan’s Marauders and Ion, with male Velcro-style hook backing to secure onto loop patches of helmets, uniforms, tactical vests, and backpacks.
  • Vanguard Shemagh Scarf: The Vanguard Shemagh Scarf is designed to protect a Pilot’s head and neck from the sun and blowing sand of harsh alien environments. The Vanguard Scarf measures 42″ x 42″ and features an original custom designed Titanfall pattern, making it an essential multi-use travel tool for every Pilot in your squad.

The Collector’s Edition will also include the in-game Titan customization options included with the Deluxe Edition, which is priced at a much more wallet-friendly $79.99 on its own. Titanfall 2 will be released for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One on October 28.

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Madden NFL 17 players will get to “Play the Moments” in Franchise Mode

As promised, Madden’s Franchise Mode is getting an overhaul in Madden NFL 17. EA Sports introduced “Play the Moments” during their E3 Press Conference earlier this afternoon, and the new feature will let players “experience the important milestones in each game” while simulating the rest of the on-field action:

Players will be invited to jump in at critical moments such as red zone drives, vital third downs, game-winning drives and more, offering the chance to prove your mettle in clutch situations. The shortened games allow Franchise players to take their team all the way from opening day to the Super Bowl in just a weekend, maximizing the fun along the way. Of course, those who want to experience the game from kickoff to final whistle can turn off Play the Moments, or opt to jump in and out of moments as they wish throughout the game.

A number of other improvements will be made to the Franchise Mode in Madden NFL 17, such as the inclusion of pre-game strategy sessions, and a “Big Decisions” option that focuses on important personnel decisions like “bringing players back from injury, signing free agents, negotiating new contracts and more.” Several community-requested features will also make the cut this year including practice squads, full player editing, and a dynamic score ticker. A trailer detailing the improvements to Franchise Mode, hosted by Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic, can be found after the break.

Madden NFL 17 is in development at EA Tiburon and a PS4 and Xbox One launch is planned for August 23. The football sim will also be released on the same day for the PS3 and Xbox 360. (more…)

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FIFA 17 players will be able to go on “The Journey,” the franchise’s first story mode

Believe it or not, EA Sports is adding a story mode to this Fall’s FIFA 17. Available only on the PC, PS4, and Xbox One (FIFA 17 will also launch for the PS3 and Xbox 360), “The Journey” will follow fictional rising star Alex Hunter through his first year in the Premier League, both on and off the field:

Immersed in “The Journey,” fans will live their story on and off the pitch as Premier League prospect, Alex Hunter who is looking to make his mark. Fans will visit new football worlds, meet new characters full of depth, and navigate emotional highs and lows of their unique story arc through decisions off the pitch, their performance on it, and character interactions throughout the 2016/17 season while playing for any of the 20 Premier League clubs.

In addition to “The Journey,” EA Vancouver is tapping into the Frostbite Engine to make FIFA 17 the most realistic soccer simulation ever. In addition to thousands of new animations, the developers is specifically throwing their focus behind these new mechanics:

FIFA 17 Features

  • Set Piece Rewrite – New penalties, free kicks, corners, and throw-ins bring creativity and variety in every dead ball situation.
  • Physical Play Overhaul – U.S. Patent-Pending Pushback Technology changes the way players physically interact in every situation and introduces a new shielding system that gives fans more control when in possession or battling to win the ball.
  • Active Intelligence System – A brand new intelligence system gives players the ability to better define and classify space to make smarter decisions off the ball. Players will utilize several New Run Types like fake, direct, and stunted runs to stay even more active off the ball.
  • New Attacking Techniques – New options in attack give fans more ways to create chances and finish in front of goal. Send teammates in with a Threaded Through Pass and put exciting goals away with a Driven Finish or Downward Header.

Another new trailer, this one showcasing FIFA 17’s new mechanics, can be found after the break. FIFA 17 will be released this Fall on September 27. (more…)

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Here’s your first look at Telltale’s The Walking Dead Season 3

After unmasking the first four screenshots from Batman: The Telltale Series this morning, Telltale Games is back with a first look at The Walking Dead Season 3.

The short clip above reintroduces us to a teenage Clementine, as well as an unnamed new character, and the promise of a Fall release date. Hopefully we’ll hear more about The Walking Dead Season 3 as the 2016 E3 Expo continues.

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Pilot an Armored Train, Air Ship, and Battleship in Battlefield 1’s E3 2016 trailer

EA and DICE unveiled another trailer for Battlefield 1 during their E3 Press Conference earlier today, and it looks like we’ll get the chance to pilot the largest player-controlled vehicles the franchise has ever seen this Fall.

Known as “Behemoths,” players will be able to turn the tide of battle by taking control of an Armored Train, Air Ship, or Battleship and “dominate the battlefield across land, air, and sea.” DICE will also introduce smarter destructible environments and dynamic weather in Battlefield 1:

For even more gameplay possibilities, carve a path through walls and buildings, take down your enemies in creative ways, and leave your mark on the terrain around you through Intuitive Destruction. Through your actions, the pristine world around you will change into a battle-scarred landscape, changing the world forever.

With Dynamic Weather you will need to adapt your tactics to weather changes as the elements play a part in the battle. Playing the same map on a bright day, in heavy fog, or rain will impact what you see and hear, forcing you to adapt your play style on an ever-changing battlefield.

A brand new multiplayer mode, “Operations,” will also make its debut in Battlefield 1. According to DICE, “Operations” is a “series of interconnected battles across multiple fronts,” and players will be able to “play a sequence of battles where your actions have consequences beyond a single match.”

Battlefield 1 will be released for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One on October 21. Also keep your eyes peeled for the game’s Open Beta, which will be held sometime this Summer.

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EA will publish indie platformer Fe from Zoink Studios

Fresh off the success of this Winter’s Unravel (and the request announcement of a sequel), Electronic Arts will begin reaching out to independent teams on a more formal basis with the EA Originals program. During their E3 Press Conference this afternoon, EA unveiled the first EA Originals title, Fe.

Developed by Gothenburg-based Zoink Studios, Fe is a musical platformer where a small creature has to learn the songs of the forest to help solve the mystery of who they are.

Neither EA nor Zoink revealed when Fe would be released, or what platforms it’ll be available for.

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Go behind-the-scenes at BioWare with the Mass Effect: Andromeda E3 2016 trailer

EA and BioWare still aren’t ready to have that big conversation about Mass Effect: Andromeda that we’ve all been waiting for, but they did create this look into the game’s development process for its E3 2016 trailer. The trailer gives us a glimpse at BioWare employees hard at work on the game, as well more footage of Andromeda in action:

“Imagine distant star systems with remote and hostile planets teeming with alien life and civilizations. Worlds where adventure, danger, and the unknown are waiting to be discovered.”

More will be revealed about Mass Effect: Andromeda later this Fall, and the game will launch for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One in Early 2016.

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