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.

Former Telltale devs found AdHoc Studio to create live-action narrative games

Posted on February 8, 2019 by John Scalzo

Variety is reporting that four former employees of Telltale Games have founded AdHoc Studio, a new development house dedicated to narrative gaming.

AdHoc Studio will be lead by CEO Michael Choung, who left Telltale in 2016. He’ll be joined by three other veterans from the studio, including Chief Technology Officer, Dennis Lenart, Chief Operating Officer Nick Herman, and Chief Creative Officer Pierre Shorette. Lenart and Herman were previously employed by Telltale as Creative Directors, while Shorette operated as the Director of Writing.

The quartet isn’t ready to announce their first game yet, but they plan to focus on an “interactive, live-action experience”:

AdHoc isn’t ready to discuss its first project or who it is partnering with just yet. However, the team is strongly hinting that its it will be an interactive, live-action experience. While full motion video games aren’t anything revolutionary, that segment has experienced a small renaissance thanks to Sam Barlow’s “Her Story,” CtrlMovie’s “Late Shift,” and Big Finish’s Tex Murphy revival, “Tesla Effect.”

Specifically citing the huge response to Netflix’s Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, the AdHoc team believes the public is finally ready for this kind of interactive entertainment:

“It feels like we’re at the precipice of a big shift in how we consume media where the lines between film, television and games are starting to blur,” Shorette, AdHoc’s chief creative officer, says. “With streaming platforms in our homes and cell phones in our pockets we’re in this unique time where the barrier to entry to interaction is gone. So as a group of people whose expertise and experience has come from making Interactive Narrative that sits in that space between, we feel now is the perfect time to form a studio that focuses on creating content for a new space.”

Hopefully we’ll learn more about AdHoc Studio’s first project soon.

Posted in News |

Saber’s latest trailer for World War Z highlights Players Vs Players Vs Zombies combat

Posted on February 8, 2019 by John Scalzo

World War Z will have five unique multiplayer modes when it launches later this year for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One. And for the action game’s latest trailer, developer Saber Interactive wanted to give prospective players a taste of it’s PvPvZ (Players Vs Players Vs Zombies) combat:

While World War Z’s core four-player co-op pits you against relentless swarms of AI zombies, PvPvZ offers a completely unique experience, challenging you to outlive both the living and the dead across a variety of competitive modes designed for 4v4 combat. What separates PvP in World War Z from other multiplayer games is the zombie swarm, which storms the arena throughout the match, forcing players to battle both each other and the undead, allowing the tide of the fight to turn in an instant.

Players brave enough to battle the swarm in multiplayer will be able to choose from these options when creating a match:

World War Z’s Multiplayer Modes

  • Scavenge Raid: Players race to secure resources across the map to win.
  • Vaccine Hunt: Players must pick up and hold an objective to earn points for the team.
  • Swarm Deathmatch: Two teams go head to head in a bitter fight to the end.
  • Swarm Domination: Capture zones to earn points and win a team victory.
  • King of the Hill: Capture a single hill, then control it to earn victory points.

World War Z’s PvPvZ Trailer has been embedded above.

Posted in News, PC, PS4, Xbox One |

Creator of The Bridge and Tumblestone will publish Almost There on February 19

Posted on February 7, 2019 by John Scalzo

The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild, the developer behind 2013’s The Bridge and 2016’s Tumblestone, is getting into the publishing game. Earlier this morning, they announced plans to bring platformer Almost There to the PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One in a few weeks.

Almost There was developed in Bangladesh by Bony Yousuf, and its minimalist design and hardcore sensibilities were clearly inspired by N++ and Super Meat Boy. Like those classics of the genre, players will need to dodge spikes, saws, lasers, and missiles as they struggle to reach the exit in each level:

Sprint between saw blades while dodging homing missiles. Duck under lasers while the floor crumbles beneath you. Almost There was designed specifically for fans of the hardcore platforming genre… you’ve been warned.

Almost There will be available to download for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One on February 19, with a Switch launch scheduled for two days later on February 21. The first trailer has been embedded above

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

Skybound Games will bring classic Interplay RPGs to consoles in 2019

Posted on February 7, 2019 by John Scalzo

Skybound Games has announced they’ll be teaming up with Beamdog to bring Interplay’s classic range of RPGs to “console platforms” in 2019.

The two companies will join forces to finally give console owners the chance to play remastered “Enhanced Editions” of Baldur’s Gate (1998), Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn (2000), Baldur’s Gate: Siege of Dragonspear (2016), Icewind Dale (2000), Planescape: Torment (1999), and Neverwinter Nights (2002).

“These games are iconic, including Baldur’s Gate, which has really set the standard for Dungeons & Dragons computer roleplaying games,” said Ian Howe, the CEO of Skybound Games. “We’re excited to bring Beamdog’s incredible slate to new platforms for both the dedicated fan and those who will soon discover these adventures for the first time. As longtime fans of Baldur’s Gate and Dungeons & Dragons it’s fantastic to partner with Beamdog as the newest member of the Skybound family.”

Specific “console platforms” for these ports will be announced at a later date, but in the meantime, Skybound Games has promised to bring a selection of these games to PAX East 2019 this March.

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

Assassin’s Creed III Remastered will come to the PC, PS4, Xbox One on March 29

Posted on February 6, 2019 by John Scalzo

Ubisoft will continue to remaster the earlier entries in the Assassin’s Creed franchise this Spring with the release of Assassin’s Creed III Remastered on March 29.

The compilation will include a graphically-enhanced remaster of the original Assassin’s Creed III, as well as the Tyranny of King Washington expansion, and the handheld spinoff Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation:

Assassin’s Creed III Remastered – Players will embody Connor, a master Assassin born of the beauty and brutality of 18th-century America. As a bloody revolution draws near, your tribe is threatened by a powerful group seeking to crush the American Revolution and control the thirteen colonies. Shocked into action by the devastation of your village, you pledge your life to the cause of freedom and embark on a decades-long quest to achieve it.

Assassin’s Creed III: Tyranny of King Washington – Explore an alternate history where one of America’s greatest heroes, George Washington, succumbs to the temptation of infinite power. The new King is born and his reign leaves no one untouched. Players must return freedom to the land by dethroning the tyrant our hero once called a friend.

Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation Remastered – Follow Aveline’s story as she battles Spanish forces in the American south to win freedom for her land and people. A woman of conviction, Aveline fights for freedom in 18th-century New Orleans, a city on the brink of a rebellion as the Spanish Empire imposes its new rule. Embark on an epic journey that will take her from the crowded streets of New Orleans to voodoo-haunted swamps and ancient Mayan ruins.

If you own the Season Pass for Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, you’ll receive Assassin’s Creed III Remastered for free. And everyone else will be able to purchase it as a standalone game for $39.99 for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One.

Assassin’s Creed III Remastered will feature 4K and HDR support on the PC, PS4 Pro, and Xbox One X, along with “higher resolution textures, a new graphics engine, and several other graphical enhancements” on all platforms. A new Comparison Trailer that contrasts the visuals from the original release with the upcoming Remastered version has been embedded above.

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

NetherRealm adds Kabal and D’vorah to Mortal Kombat 11’s roster; Scooby-Doo’s Shaggy is officially out

Posted on February 6, 2019 by John Scalzo

Kabal’s hookswords and post-apocalyptic appearance made him one of the most popular characters to emerge from Mortal Kombat 3, and now the character is all set to return in the upcoming Mortal Kombat 11.

Known for his lightning fast speed, deadly Hook Swords and reliance on an artificial respirator for survival, Kabal was resurrected as a twisted, evil version of himself, who now serves the Netherrealm and pledges to destroy all other realms.

This new (and less cuddly) incarnation of the character was first revealed during the latest episode of NetherRealm’s Kombat Kast, with the behind-the-scenes stream giving fans a glimpse at his moveset, a Fatality, and a few costume changes (including one without his signature mask). Kabal’s Reveal Trailer has been embedded above, and the full Kombat Kast episode can be found on YouTube.

Community Manager Tyler Lansdown also put the kibosh on Shaggy’s hoped-for appearance in Mortal Kombat 11 during this episode of Kombat Kast. After axing the Scooby-Doo character, he said, “Shaggy will not be in the game, ever. Sorry.”

Later, the Mortal Kombat 11 team would also konfirm (via Twitter) that D’Vorah, an insectoid warrior first introduced in Mortal Kombat X, will return in Mortal Kombat 11.

Mortal Kombat 11 is currently in development at NetherRealm Studios and will be released for the PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One on April 23.

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

EA’s CEO confirms new games from Titanfall, Need For Speed, Plants Vs Zombies: Garden Warfare, and EA Sports for release in 2019

Posted on February 6, 2019 by John Scalzo

Electronic Arts delivered their quarterly financial report yesterday, and CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that the publisher has a healthy slate of new titles on track for 2019.

In his opening remarks, Wilson praised Respawn for Monday’s launch of Apex Legends, and said that a “premium” new Titanfall game (but not necessarily Titanfall 3) will be released later this year:

The Respawn team has a strong plan for Apex Legends that will engage fans for a long time to come. As the live service evolves, Respawn also plans to launch a premium game this year that is a new twist on the Titanfall universe. More to come on that in the months ahead.

The executive later discussed the rest of EA’s 2019 release schedule, confirming the existence of new entries in the Need For Speed and Plants Vs Zombies: Garden Warfare franchises, as well as a full slate of EA Sports simulations (Madden NFL 20, FIFA 20, NHL 20, and NBA Live 20):

Looking ahead to FY20, we have a large slate of new games, beginning with some big new additions in our next FIFA title. There was great energy and engagement from NFL fans throughout this past season, we’re excited for our plans with the Madden NFL franchise. We will continue innovating and driving our NHL and NBA Live games deeper into the fabric of their respective sports. We’ll have a new game for our Need For Speed fans, and a new title in our [Plants Vs Zombies] shooter franchise on console and PC.

Finally, Wilson reconfirmed that the previously-announced Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (also from Respawn) is still on track for a Fall release.

If Electronic Arts follows their typical pattern, we’ll likely learn more about most of these games at E3 2019 in June.

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

Sony San Diego hits it out of the park with the first Gameplay Trailer for MLB The Show 19

Posted on February 5, 2019 by John Scalzo

“Big Sexy” Bartolo Colon still hasn’t signed with a new team for 2019 (to be fair, neither has Bryce Harper), but that didn’t stop Sony San Diego from unveiling the first Gameplay Trailer for MLB The Show 19 earlier today.

The developer’s latest baseball sim will make its PS4 debut on March 26, and this new trailer gives fans a glimpse at what a few of the sport’s greatest modern players will look on the digital diamond. A handful of Hall of Famers from the game’s Legends Mode also appeared in the trailer and this rarefied group of ballplayers included Willie Mays (making “The Catch”), Christy Mathewson, Tony Gwynn, and Ken Griffey Jr. A split-second shot of Rob Dibble was (for some reason) also included.

If you’re interested in learning more about MLB The Show 19, Sony San Diego’s Ramone Russell has shared the developer’s upcoming Twitch streaming schedule on the PlayStation Blog.

Posted in News, PS4 | Tagged