Most Recent: PS4

You can run… but you can’t hide… from this Friday the 13th gameplay trailer at E3 2016

Posted on June 13, 2016 by John Scalzo

With Mrs. Voorhees encouraging him every step of the way, Jason Voorhees ruthlessly stalks the counselors at Camp Crystal Lake in the first gameplay trailer for Friday the 13th. Jointly developed by Gun Media and Illfonic, Friday the 13th is a 7v1 asymmetrical multiplayer title where one player takes control of the unstoppable killing machine, and the remaining players hide as helpless camp counselors.

In the E3 2016 trailer embedded above, we can see Jason using his teleportation powers to warp to a counselor’s location. But the counselors can try to fool Jason, as you can one attempts to open a window and then hide under the bed. Unfortunately, your average camp bed isn’t machete-proof.

Friday the 13th is currently in development for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One, and should be released sometime this Fall.

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Doom demo will be available for one week only; SnapMap and multiplayer updates incoming

Posted on June 12, 2016 by John Scalzo

After disappearing from the gaming landscape for nearly a decade, Doom is back, and id Software’s reboot/sequel is a huge hit with gamers everywhere. But owing to the franchise’s shareware past, the developer wants to invite everyone to try out a free demo of Doom’s first level, which is now available to download on the PC, PS4, and Xbox One. But there’s a catch, the demo will only be available this week.

If you already own Doom, id Software is planning a number of new additions to the game. The SnapMap feature will be expanded with a new “Hell” visual theme, along with new props, objects, weapons, and items. New functionality will also be added to SnapMap to allow for the creation of “true single-player experiences.”

Over on the multiplayer side, id Software has brought the development of the game’s multiplayer mode in-house, and will release two new modes in the coming weeks: Exodus (Capture the Flag) and a “multi-zone capture and hold mode” known as Sector. And later this Summer, three Free-For-All modes will be added to Doom’s multiplayer, including Classic Deathmatch.

The developer is also working on Doom’s first premium DLC Map Pack, Unto the Evil, which will be available next month. Unto the Evil will include three new maps (“Offering,” “Cataclysm,” and “Ritual”), as well as a new demon (The Harvester), gun, equipment item, armor set, and more.

All SnapMap and multiplayer updates will be available for free, but the Unto the Evil Map Pack is a paid download.

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Prey 2 is in development at Arkane Austin as a completely new game

Posted on June 12, 2016 by John Scalzo

The Prey franchise lives… but we are a long way from the original live-action trailer for Prey 2. But I suppose there’s a reason for that, as development on Prey 2 has completely shifted to Arkane Studios in Austin and they’ve decided to drop the numeral. So get ready for a second helping of Prey.

This time around, the action takes place in 2032 aboard the Talos 1, a deep space exploration vessel. But unfortunately, humanity isn’t in charge of the station and malevolent aliens have taken over in a bid to find out what makes us tick (just like the Strangers in Dark City). Thankfully, Morgan Yu is ready to fight back:

You are Morgan Yu, the subject of morally dubious experiments designed to improve the human race. You awaken aboard the Talos 1 in the year 2032 and must uncover the secrets hiding in the depths of the space station while being hunted by the mysterious alien force that has taken over. You’ll have to rely on the tools you find on the station – along with your wits, weapons, and mind-bending abilities – to combat the growing threat and, hopefully, survive.

Prey will be released for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One sometime next year.

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Bethesda reveals Fallout 4 add-ons, Fallout Shelter for PC, and Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition for PC, PS4, Xbox One

Posted on June 12, 2016 by John Scalzo

Bethesda’s Game Director, Todd Howard, delivered an update on the studio’s future projects at the publisher’s E3 Press Conference tonight. And that includes three upcoming add-ons for Fallout 4 that might be closer to release than you realize.

First up is Contraptions, an add-on that’ll let players build wildly-connected do-hickeys such as elevators, track kits, sorting machines, and conveyor belts. Players will also be able to adorn their settlements with armor and weapon racks, and they’ll be able to do it beginning next week. In July, the Vault-Tec Workshop add-on will be released, which will set players… wait for it… build their own Vaults and experiment on dwellers. Finally, in August, Bethesda will launch Nuka-World, the final major expansion for Fallout 4.

But wait, Howard wasn’t done yet. He also revealed that Fallout Shelter will be released for the PC this July, and the oft-rumored The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim will be remastered for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One on October 28.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition will include a ton of enhanced graphical tricks including remastered art effects, volumetric god rays, dynamic depth of field, screen-space reflections, new snow shaders, and new water shaders.

Oh, and PS4 and Xbox One owners will be able to play mods in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition as well.

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Telltale names Clem’s friend in The Walking Dead Season 3’s E3 2016 trailer

Posted on June 12, 2016 by John Scalzo

Earlier tonight, Telltale Games unveiled the E3 2016 trailer for The Walking Dead Season 3. Now, they’ve given a name to Clementine’s mysterious friend, and revealed he’ll be a second playable character in the game.

First things first, the character’s name is Javier, and he’s a survivor just like Clem. In many ways, The Walking Dead Season 3 will be a completely new story, and Javier’s role is a way for players to “jump right in without feeling lost at all.”

What else is going on in The Walking Dead Season 3 trailer? Here, I’ll let Telltale explain it:

For a start, who’s that guy with Clementine? His name is Javier. Yes, Clem returns and will play a key role, but this is a new story as much as it is a continuation of Seasons One and Two. Players completely new to the Telltale series will be able to jump right in without feeling lost at all, and those familiar with previous seasons will perhaps find some even deeper meaning, as we’ll be working to ensure save file decisions will carry over from the last two games if you’ve played them in the past.

When it comes to Clementine, players’ relationships with her have very much evolved over the course of Seasons One and Two. In Season One, it was all about playing a more paternal role and helping a little girl find her feet and the courage to survive in a world gone to hell. Season Two was about Clementine developing her skills and becoming more independent of the people around her. In this next season, she’s in her early teens, and has grown to be a person who is clearly capable of handling herself – someone very much on the same level as Javier, a fellow survivor who has been through hell, and has managed to remain alive as long as Clem.

Clem has also been through a lot since we left her at the end of Season Two… and depending on the paths players may have taken with her in the past, she may or may not be exactly the same person we knew back then. You’ll play as both Javier and Clementine through the course of the season, but exactly how that works is one of the exciting details we’re not quite yet ready to reveal.

The first episode in The Walking Dead Season 3 will be released for the PC, consoles, and mobile devices this Fall.

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

Posted on June 12, 2016 by John Scalzo

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

Posted on June 12, 2016 by John Scalzo

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

Posted on June 12, 2016 by John Scalzo

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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