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.

New Releases: Kingdom Hearts 3D, Risen 2, Growlanser IV, More

Posted on July 28, 2012 by John Scalzo

We’re turning the calendar over to August this week, but that’s not going to put a stop to the Summer games drought. Although this week is a bit more loaded than recent weeks.

A big part of that is the release of Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance for the 3DS. Dream Drop Distance is the first game in the Kingdom Hearts series for the handheld and Square Enix picked a perfect time to bring it across the Pacific.

Another anticipated RPG makes its way to stores this week. Growlanser: Wayfarer of Time, from Atlus, is a strategy RPG for the PSP that was originally released on the PS2 (as Growlanser IV) in 2003. However, that version of the game never escaped Japan, so Wayfarer of Time is technically a “new” game.

Also available this week is the console version of Risen 2: Dark Waters. The pirate-themed RPG will be available for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Finally, Myst comes to the 3DS with “a brand new age” and PC players will be able to try their hand at the budget minigame collection Nightmares From the Deep: The Cursed Heart.

Posted in 3DS, News, PC, PS3, PSP, Xbox 360 | Tagged , ,

Apple patents dual-analog controller for iDevices

Posted on July 27, 2012 by John Scalzo

Even though they continue to insist that the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad aren’t game systems, Apple has filed a patent application showing their intention to add support for a dual-analog controller to your iDevices.

The controller includes four face buttons, four shoulder buttons, Start/Select buttons, and four separated buttons comprising a D-Pad. Not surprisingly, the controller looks like an exact duplicate of the DualShock 3. According to the patent literature, the controller would work with any iDevice, a video game system, or a standalone media device (such as the company’s AppleTV).

Additionally, Apple filed a patent for a virtual “Remote” program that would turn your iPod/iPhone into an NES-style “Classic Controller” for use with games like Prince of Persia Classic.

Finally, Apple filed a third game-related patent for am app that would allow a current generation game system (such as the Xbox 360) to be controlled by an iDevice.

The patents were originally filed back in February, but Apple’s intentions for the iPhone/iPod appear to track very closely with the Android-powered Ouya console. Hit the jump for a closer look at all three of Apple’s patent designs.

[Source: Free Patents Online] (more…)

Posted in Mobile, News |

Daniel Craig leads 007 Legends voice cast

Posted on July 27, 2012 by John Scalzo

Activision’s upcoming Bond game, 007 Legends, is said to be the first game based on the superspy’s exploits that ties together the storylines from multiple movies. So appropriately, Activision has signed up voice actors from across the series.

As expected, Skyfall star Daniel Craig will once again step up to voice James Bond’s smooth wit and cool one liners. He’ll be joined by Rory Kinnear, who’ll reprise his role as MI6’s Chief of Staff, Bill Tanner. A third Skyfall cast member, Naomie Harris, will also make an appearance in the game.

Besides Skyfall, the villainous duo from Moonraker will be well represented in 007 Legends. Michael Lonsdale will return to voice Hugo Drax and Richard Kiel will play the (mostly) mute Jaws.

The words these actors speak will come from screenwriter Bruce Feirstein, who has quite the history with the Bond franchise himself. Feirstein wrote GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, and The World Is Not Enough as well as the Bond games Everything or Nothing, From Russia With Love, Blood Stone, and GoldenEye 007: Reloaded.

Finally, Activision has recruited David Arnold (Die Another Day, Tomorrow Never Dies) and Kevin Kiner to compose the soundtrack for 007 Legends.

Posted in News, PC, PS3, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Skylanders Giants buzzes into stores on October 21

Posted on July 26, 2012 by John Scalzo

Meet Swarm. Swarm is a giant bee warrior and he’s going to be stinging his way through the enemies of Skylanders Giants when it release this Fall.

Oh… speaking of release dates… Activision also announced that the game will be available in stores for the 3DS, PS3, Wii, and Xbox 360 on October 21. A PC version is also planned, but it’s currently without a release date.

Posted in 3DS, News, PC, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Wario Land goes for the gold in this week’s Nintendo Download

Posted on July 26, 2012 by John Scalzo

With the Opening Ceremonies of the 2012 Olympic Games less than 24 hours away, the big game in this week’s Nintendo Download is very fitting. The Olympics are all about the quest for the gold medal and the Game Boy classic, Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3, is also all about the desire for gold. Though, in this case, Wario is looking for a giant gold statue instead of a tiny medal.

Wario’s first starring role in a game is also one-half of this week’s entry in Nintendo’s “8-Bit Summer.” Mario’s evil twin is joined by the Game Boy puzzler Mole Mania on the 3DS eShop.

Hit the jump for a look at the rest of the games in this week’s Nintendo Download as well a pair of 3DS eShop deals. (more…)

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

The Walking Dead now available on App Store

Posted on July 26, 2012 by John Scalzo

Telltale Games has announced that the first episode of The Walking Dead has shambled onto the iTunes App Stores. Like it’s PC and console counterparts, “A New Day” is available to download now for $4.99.

According to Telltale, the remaining episodes will be added to the App Store “periodically” as in-game downloads. Each additional episode will also be priced at $4.99 with a 25% discount available for players who purchase an “Episode 2-5 Bundle” multi-pack.

Posted in Mobile, News | Tagged

XBLA Today: Wreckateer

Posted on July 25, 2012 by John Scalzo

Microsoft’s Summer of Arcade 2012 continues to roll forward with today’s Xbox Live Arcade addition: Wreckateer.

The game, which has been priced at 800 Microsoft Points ($10), takes the destructive mentality of Angry Birds and merges it with high definition graphics and Kinect controls:

Wreckateer uses the Kinect to put you in control of a massive castle-wrecking Ballista. With the help of Wreck and Tinker, use six magic projectiles to travel the land and destroy 60 castles.

Wreckateer also marks the debut of Microsoft’s new “Avatar Famestar” program, a new way for players to unlock Avatar outfits, but with a twist. When a player is rewarded with an Avatar Famestar outfit, it’ll only wearable in other Avatar Famestar-supported games.

Posted in News, Xbox 360 | Tagged

WoW: Mists of Pandaria emerges from the fog on September 25

Posted on July 25, 2012 by John Scalzo

After months of testing, Blizzard has finally announced a release date for World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria. The MMORPG’s next expansion will be available to purchase in stores and through WorldofWarcraft.com on September 25. In addition to a standard edition priced at $39.99, two special editions of Mists of Pandaria will also be available.

If you plan to download Mists of Pandaria, you’ll have the option of buying the Digital Deluxe Edition for $59.99, which will include the following in-game goodies:

  • World of Warcraft In-Game Mount: Take to the skies of Azeroth astride the mystical Imperial Quilen flying mount.
  • World of Warcraft In-Game Pet: Journey across Pandaria with the Lucky Quilen Cub at your side.
  • StarCraft II Battle.net Portraits: Bring the Horde and Alliance rivalry to the far reaches of the Koprulu sector with exclusive Infested Orc and Night Elf Templar Battle.net portraits.
  • Diablo III Banner Sigil and Accent: Display your status as a hero of Pandaria with the iconic markings of World of Warcraft’s newest playable race, the pandaren.

But if you’re looking to score a physical disc and a box full of swag, you’ll want to look for the Collector’s Edition. The Collector’s Edition, which will retail for $79.99, will include all the in-game items from the Digital Deluxe Edition as well as a few extras that’ll make you say wow:

  • Behind-the-Scenes DVD and Blu-Ray: Learn about the creation of Pandaria with this two-disc set featuring over an hour of commentary, insider interviews, and developer roundtables.
  • Collector’s Edition Soundtrack CD: Experience 20 orchestral pieces from Mists of Pandaria.
  • The Art of Mists of Pandaria Book: Explore this 208-page hardcover tome featuring never-before-seen pieces from the expansion, from early concepts to final 3D renderings.
  • Chen Stormstout Mouse Pad: Equip your desk with this special-edition mouse pad featuring the legendary pandaren brewmaster.
Posted in News, PC | Tagged