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.

Xbox Store Today: The Escapists on Xbox 360

Posted on December 18, 2015 by John Scalzo

Team17 and Mouldy Toof Studios are going to make another grand escape with today’s launch of The Escapists on the Xbox 360. Originally released on the PC and Xbox One back in February, the retro-styled overhead prison break simulator can now be purchased on Microsoft’s previous-gen console for $19.99. And if you’re an Xbox Live Gold subscriber, the game is even more of a steal (just $13.39) for a limited time.

The Escapists is now available to download for the Xbox 360 through the Xbox Games Store. Here’s a little more information about the game, courtesy of Team17 and Mouldy Toof Studios:

Experience a light-hearted insight into everyday prison life with the award winning indie hit, The Escapists. Master the routine, plan your strategy, then execute your escape in the break simulation sensation of 2015. Whilst the aim of the game is simply to escape, the detail is in the execution where in between attending roll calls, mealtimes and doing your allocated jobs, you should grab every chance to plan your escape.

Posted in News, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Nintendo Download: Minecraft Wii U Edition, Mega Man Zero 4, MM Battle Network 5, more

Posted on December 17, 2015 by John Scalzo

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Peanut Butter and Jelly. R2-D2 and C-3PO. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Like other great duos from history, fans have been clamoring for a team-up between Nintendo and Mojang since the original release of Minecraft back in 2009. Today, the two companies have finally made this dream a reality with the release of Minecraft: Wii U Edition on the Wii U eShop. Priced at $29.99, the latest version of the popular crafting game will include many of the most popular add-ons and Off-TV Play. If that weren’t enough, the consolemaker is even assisting Mojang on a future Nintendo-themed expansion to Minecraft.

Also available to download this week is a trio of classic Mega Man titles. Newly available to the Wii U’s Virtual Console today are Mega Man Zero 4, a ridiculously hard platformer, and Mega Man Battle Network 5: Team Colonel / Mega Man Battle Network 5: Team Protoman, a strategic pair of companion games. A three games were originally released for the Game Boy Advance, which was home to a good portion of Mega Man’s many adventures.

More information on all of these games, and a few other new releases, can be found after the break. (more…)

Posted in 3DS, News, Wii U | Tagged

Nintendo is adding two new stages to Splatoon soon: Piranha Pit and Ancho-V Games

Posted on December 17, 2015 by John Scalzo

Splatoon‘s absurd sense of humor has been one of the shooter’s strongest selling points, and this new “Squid Dance” trailer is no exception. And not only can you get your groove on with the Inklings in the one minute and 40 second clip, but you can also get a glimpse at two new stages: “Piranha Pit” and “Ancho-V Games.”

More screenshots are available at Splatoon’s Tumblr page, but I think “Piranha Pit” looks a little like those floating atolls from Kevin Costner’s Waterworld. And “Ancho-V Games” looks to take place inside the loft office of an Inkopolis-based video game developer.

We don’t know when “Piranha Pit” and “Ancho-V Games” will be available in Splatoon, but we do know a small Maintenance Update will be applied tonight from 7:50 PM to 9:00 PM (Eastern Time).

Posted in News, Wii U | Tagged

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is now available for iOS devices

Posted on December 17, 2015 by John Scalzo

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Rockstar continues to muscle into Apple’s turf with today’s announcement that Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is now available to download through the iOS App Store. Liberty City Stories, which was originally released for the PSP in 2005, actually serves as a prequel to Grand Theft Auto III and gives players the chance to visit many of the same haunts:

In Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, former trusted wise guy for the Leone crime family, Toni Cipriani, returns home after spending time in hiding for killing a made man. Now, the streets of Liberty City are in turmoil, as warring families vie for control and the town begins to self-destruct under waves of political corruption, organized crime, drug trafficking and union strikes. Deranged hit men, morally depraved tycoons, cynical politicians and even his own mother stand in the way, as Toni tries to bring the city under Leone family control.

With the move to iDevices, Rockstar has added a number of new features and enhancements to the game. Priced at $6.99, the latest version of Liberty City Stories will treat players to “real-time lighting and shadows, upgraded textures and art, greater draw distance, performance enhancements for touch-based gaming, cross-platform cloud saves, support for Apple’s 3D Touch and more.” Players who purchase the game on the iOS App Store will also be able to unlock an “I Heart LC” t-shirt for their GTA Online character in Grand Theft Auto V on the PC, PS4, or Xbox One.

According to Rockstar, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories will soon be available to download for Android devices through Google Play and the Amazon Appstore. A new trailer for the game can be found after the break. (more…)

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

Hideo Kojima’s new Kojima Productions studio is working with Sony to produce a PS4 game

Posted on December 16, 2015 by John Scalzo

Hideo Kojima himself has confirmed that he’s left Konami to form his own studio, and that it’ll will once again carry the Kojima Productions name. Corroborating yesterday’s report from Nikkei, a short announcement video hosted by Sony Computer Entertainment President and CEO Andrew House has further revealed the developer’s partnership with Sony’s PlayStation platform. Kojima’s first project, which is only described as a “new franchise,” will be a “console-exclusive” on the PS4. This language makes it easy to assume that a PC launch for the game is also in the cards sometime down the road.

In a separate press release, House expressed excitement for the partnership: “PlayStation’s history is one of game innovation and great new franchises. Hideo Kojima has been a huge part of that history, and we are therefore delighted that he has chosen to bring his brand new project to life in partnership with PlayStation. We look forward to working with him on an exciting new game and warmly welcome him to the PlayStation family.”

Kojima himself also seems to be looking forward to this new chapter in his career: “I will be taking on a new challenge by establishing my own independent studio, and I am thrilled to be able to embark on this journey with PlayStation, who I have continued to work with all these past years. I cannot wait to deliver, with PlayStation, a game that will become a compelling franchise.”

Obviously, it is much too early to discuss specifics about Kojima’s next game. But hopefully Sony has more to say about it soon.

Posted in News, PC, PS4 | Tagged

Xbox Store Today: Tony Hawk 5 for Xbox 360, Ark: Survival Evolved, King’s Quest Ep 2, more

Posted on December 16, 2015 by John Scalzo

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After getting delayed earlier this Fall, Activision’s Xbox 360 rendition of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5 is finally ready for release. The game, which resurrects the classic Pro Skater style of play for a new generation, is available to download now through the Xbox Games Store.

Also available this week is a Game Preview of Ark: Survival Evolved, Studio Wildcard’s survival game that includes more than 60 types of dinosaurs (right now) and two-player splitscreen support (eventually). The full game will be available sometime in June 2016, but if the idea of taming a herd of dinosaurs to protect your base from a different herd of dinosaurs appeals to you, you can purchase it now. A free demo is also available.

Finally this week, The Odd Gentlemen will release King’s Quest: Rubble Without A Cause, the second episode in their King’s Quest reboot, for the Xbox One and Xbox 360. Young King Graham will have to battle a gaggle of goblins if he wants to rescue his people and save his kingdom.

More information about all of these games (and another new release or two) can be found after the break. (more…)

Posted in News, Xbox 360, Xbox One | Tagged , ,

Cloud now available to download in Super Smash Bros. For 3DS/Wii U; Bayonetta and Corrin confirmed for February 2016

Posted on December 16, 2015 by John Scalzo

Nintendo uploaded a “Final Video Presentation” for Super Smash Bros. For 3DS/Wii U last night, giving gamers their first look at the final two challengers that’ll approach the Smash arena in 2016.

The video opens with a look at Corrin, a swordfighter from Fire Emblem Fates who will be available to download in February 2016. Like Wii Fit Trainer, Robin, and The Villager, players will be able to choose from a male or female version of the character. And according to Nintendo, Corrin also “has the blood of a dragon in his veins,” allowing him/her to pull off some truly amazing attacks.

Cloud Strife also gets the superstar treatment if you jump ahead to 7:55 in the video embedded above. Best of all, the Final Fantasy VII character is now available to download through the Nintendo eShop for $5.99 on the Wii U, $5.99 on the 3DS, or $6.99 on both. Featuring two costume options, players will even be able to perform Cloud’s famous Limit Break attack, as well as a Materia Summons attack on his Midgar stage.

But the biggest surprise of the presentation can be viewed at 18 minutes in, when Nintendo announced that Bayonetta received the most votes in the Smash Bros. Fighter Ballot. To thank all the fans who voted, the titular star of Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2 will be added to the Smash Bros. For 3DS/Wii U roster in February 2016, alongside a special Umbra Clock Tower stage.

Finally, Amiibo fans will be pleased to learn that figures for Ryu, R.O.B. (Famicom Style), and Roy will be available in stores on March 18, 2016. And don’t worry, Nintendo has every intention of creating Amiibo figures for Cloud, Corrin, and Bayonetta. More information on the latter trio will be announced at a later date.

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

TowerFall Ascension for Vita, Tony Hawk 5 for PS3, more added to PS Store

Posted on December 16, 2015 by John Scalzo

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After skating his way onto the PS4 earlier this year, Tony Hawk returns to the PS3 with today’s PlayStation Store launch of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5. But skateboarding’s biggest star isn’t the only familiar face appearing in a new place today…

  • TowerFall Ascension, Matt Thorson’s manic multiplayer archery battler, is now available to download for the PS Vita. It’s a Cross-Buy freebie if you already own the PS4 version, and it’s also compatible with the PlayStation TV if you don’t always want to be on the go.
  • PaRappa the Rapper 2 is the latest PS2-On-PS4 release from Sony, so now your rapping skills can earn you a few Trophies in addition to bragging rights.
  • Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions isn’t available on a new platform today, but the best Spider-Man game in years can now be downloaded for the PS3 through the PlayStation Store.

Finally this week, Sierra and The Odd Gentlemen have released Rubble Without A Cause, the second episode of their King’s Quest reboot, for the PS4 and PS3.

A complete look at this week’s new releases can be found after the break and a rundown of this week’s new game add-ons and discounts can be found at the PlayStation Blog. (more…)

Posted in News, PS3, PS4, Vita | Tagged , , ,