Most Recent: Articles

Journey Review: A Trip You’ll Want to Take

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Nicole Kline

Thatgamecompany’s latest creation, Journey, is more like a work of art than a video game. In fact, I’d go so far as to venture that this game is going to revive the whole “video games as art” argument all over again. Journey brings to life the story of a lone traveler, trekking across the desert to the source of a fallen star at the apex of a mountain. The trip is a spiritual one, something of a pilgrimage, and the symbiotic relationship the main character has with the fabric creatures creates a unique experience that is startlingly emotional for such a short game. (more…)

Posted in PS3, Reviews, Top Story | Tagged

Pre-order Guild Wars 2 for early access and exclusive in-game gear

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Melissa Niedringhaus

Starting April 10, players will be able to pre-order one of three editions of Guild Wars 2 and not only guarantee themselves a spot in beta weekend events, but also get a three-day head start before launch to rub into their friend’s faces.

But wait, there’s more! As a bonus, early birds will also receive a “Hero’s Band”, an exclusive item that will provide characters with a range of power boosts.

If you have the $149.99 to blow, you can get your hot little hands on a hand-painted 10-inch statue of the bestial warrior Rytlock Brimstone, a custom frame along with five Guild Wars 2 art prints, a 112-page Making of Guild Wars 2 hardback book, a “Best of Guild Wars 2” soundtrack CD, and five in-game items, including a Mistfire Wolf and a miniature Rytlock who will accompany players on their travels through Tyria.

If that seems a little pricey, you could always go for the “Digital Deluxe Edition.” It’s a slightly more affordable $79.99, and you’ll get the five in-game items that the Collector’s edition has.

For the complete scoop on the various Collector’s Editions, head over to the Guild Wars 2 website.

Posted in News, PC | Tagged

Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection comes to PSN in June

Posted on March 13, 2012 by John Scalzo

After a long period of dormancy, Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles brought the light gun game back in 2007. It was even followed by a sequel, Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles, in 2009. After putting the series on the backburner for a few years, Capcom has announced plans to pair up both games as a PlayStation Network download known as Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection.

Featuring PlayStation Move and DualShock 3 support, Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection also includes remastered (and spiffy) high definition graphics as it retells the Resident Evil saga from the beginning.

Resident Evil: Chronicles HD Collection will be downloadable through the PlayStation Store in June. Both games will also be available to download separately “at a later date.”

Posted in News, PS3 | Tagged

Scrolls will remain Scrolls, but any sequels must be called something else

Posted on March 13, 2012 by John Scalzo

ZeniMax and Mojang have finally settled their trademark dispute over the word “scrolls.” While it’s a victory for Mojang (their next game, Scrolls, will retain its original title), ZeniMax comes out of this looking like an adventurer who took an arrow to the knee.

According to the settlement, ZeniMax (which is the parent company of Bethesda Softworks) will obtain the trademark to “Scrolls” and will license it to Mojang for use in their upcoming game. This decision was reached due to ZeniMax’s ownership of the “Elder Scrolls” trademark. The word “Scrolls” can also be used in any expansion to the digital card game. However, if Mojang ever creates a sequel, the terms of the settlement state that it cannot use the word “Scrolls.”

So I guess that’s settled. But the question remains, why did ZeniMax/Bethesda believe they had any right to the “Scrolls” trademark? Their most famous game series may be known as “The Elder Scrolls,” but the three most recent games in the series are always referred to as simply Morrowind, Oblivion, or Skyrim… even by the company’s own website. By putting restrictions on Mojang’s use of the word “Scrolls,” Bethesda just comes across as a bully.

And how did Mojang expect to trademark a single word such as “Scrolls” anyway? The mind boggles.

Posted in News, PC | Tagged

Netflix releases “Just For Kids” viewer on PS3

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Melissa Niedringhaus

Now Netflix makes it easier for you to find something for your little brother or sister to do while you’re trying to play Pokemon.

“Just For Kids” is a selection of instantly watchable kid-friendly TV shows and movies designed for children 12 and under. Titles are organized in easy to understand genres like superheroes, princesses, dinosaurs, and girl power, and kids can search by main character and read simple plot descriptions.

Movie selections were made using Common Sense Media, which is a non profit that does independent reviewing of movies, in an effort to help parents feel comfortable letting their kids make their own choices.

Some of the titles available include Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie, Wallace &a Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death, “Fraggle Rock”, “Inspector Gadget”, and Thomas & Friends: Calling All Engines.

Netflix “Just For Kids” is already available on the PC and Mac, Wii, and Apple TV. The service will be available on Xbox 360 and other devices later this year.

Posted in News, PS3 |

Max Gamerscore increase for XBLA games coming in April

Posted on March 13, 2012 by John Scalzo

Call it Achievement inflation if you want, but Microsoft has announced that developers will have the option to include 400 Gamerscore Points in their Xbox Live Arcade titles beginning in April. With an increased Gamerscore, XBLA games will also be allowed to include more Achievements, with a new maximum of 30. This is double the current limits, which are 200 Gamerscore Points and 12 Achievements.

Furthermore, beginning in June, the 400 Gamerscore/30 Acheivements maximum will be a requirement for all Xbox Live Arcade titles.

So prepare to hear “Achievement Unlocked” a lot more often in the future.

Posted in News, Xbox 360 |

The Good, The Bad and The Day One DLC

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Warp Zoned Staff

One of the latest controversies in the game industry is “Day One DLC,” an issue brought to the forefront by what some consider to be the debacle that is Mass Effect 3‘s “From Ashes” DLC. Staff writer Andrew Rainnie and Editor-in-Chief John Scalzo go toe-to-toe on this issue, each explaining why they are against or for Day One DLC. They take many different aspects of the argument into account, including game budgets, used game sales, and the issue of cutting material from the disc in a sleazy attempt to get more new game sales. What’s your opinion on this matter? Be sure to leave a comment and let us know who you agree with, and why.

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Posted in Opinions, Top Story | Tagged ,

Pac-Man DLC coming to Touch My Katamari in Japan

Posted on March 12, 2012 by John Scalzo

How do you make a new Katamari game better? Why, you add a level based on Pac-Man of course!

Namco Bandai has revealed that Japanese owners of Touch My Katamari will be able to purchase Pac-Man-themed DLC very soon. The Prince will be tasked with picking up Power Pellets, Ghosts, fruit, maze walls, and even the big Pac himself. Some familiar bleeps and bloops will also be heard on the soundtrack.

It’s unknown if the Pac-Man level will be able for North American gamers, but I’m sure there’s a ghost of a chance.

[Source: Andriasang]

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