Pokemon X and Y getting worldwide release on 3DS this October

Posted on January 8, 2013 by John Scalzo

There’s been a pattern with the development of Pokemon games and it has stayed consistent since the series debuted back in 1996. Japan would always get the game first and the rest of the world would get it a few months (or even years) later. But for Pokemon X and Pokemon Y, Nintendo decided it was time for a change. For the first “main series” Pokemon games on the 3DS, Nintendo has announced that they’ll be released simultaneously across the world in October.

Once again developed by Game Freak, Pokemon X and Y takes place in a 3D world and introduces three new starter Pokemon to the franchise: Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. These three Pokemon (as well as preliminary gameplay footage) can be seen in the trailer above.

“We brought Pokemon into an entirely new dimension and we’re incredibly excited to bring Pokemon X and Pokemon Y to fans,” said Junichi Masuda, video game director at Game Freak. “The stunning visuals, a completely redesigned environment, game scenario, music, and communication features will bring smiles to the faces of video game players around the world.”

Pokemon X and Y will also be the launching for a new animated series, a new edition of Pokemon TCG, and new toys.

Posted in 3DS, News | Tagged

THQ’s franchises will be sold individually in an auction on January 22

Posted on January 7, 2013 by John Scalzo

thqlogo

THQ’s bankruptcy saga continued with another hearing today to determine whether the publisher would be forced to sell its franchises individually or in one big chunk. Sadly, the ruling appears to spell the end of THQ as we know it.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Mary F. Walrath ruled in favor of the complainants and decreed that THQ must sell off its assets on an individual “title-by-title” basis to maximize the value creditors will receive for them. Potential suitors (including WB Games, EA, and possibly Ubisoft) will have a chance to bid on the company’s pieces and parts during an auction scheduled for January 22.

Even after their sale of the UFC license to EA last year, THQ still owns a variety of major game franchises including Saints Row, Darksiders, Homefront, and the WWE Wrestling license.

[Source: Distressed Debt Investing’s Twitter (via Polygon)]

Posted in News |

Nvidia reveals Project SHIELD, a Tegra 4/Android-powered portable

Posted on January 7, 2013 by John Scalzo

Another day, another announcement of an Android-powered console. Except this one has a bit of a higher profile than all the rest.

A day ahead of the opening of the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show, Nvidia has announced Project SHIELD, an Android-based portable device that includes a built-in “console-grade” controller. Project SHIELD is powered by Nvidia’s new Tegra 4 processor and features a 5-inch multitouch display that outputs at 720p. The clamshell design of the controller/screen combo allows the device to be closed when not in use.

In addition to running Android-based games downloaded from the Google Play store, the SHIELD can stream full-sized games from a Windows PC, including those available from Steam. A built-in HDMI port can also be connected to shift the display to an HDTV.

“Project SHIELD was created by Nvidia engineers who love to game and imagined a new way to play,” said Jen-Hsun Huang, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Nvidia. “We were inspired by a vision that the rise of mobile and cloud technologies will free us from our boxes, letting us game anywhere, on any screen. We imagined a device that would do for games what the iPod and Kindle have done for music and books, letting us play in a cool new way. We hope other gamers love SHIELD as much as we do.”

A release date and price for Project SHIELD were not announced by Nvidia.

Posted in Mobile, News |

PlayStation 2 manufacturing ceases worldwide

Posted on January 7, 2013 by John Scalzo

ps2systemIt’s official: Sony has ceased the manufacture of new PlayStation 2 consoles for all territories. After 12 years, over 150 million consoles sold, and 10,828 games released (counting re-releases and international versions), the PS2 has earned a well-deserved place among the greatest game systems of all time.

The PlayStation 2 dominated the sixth generation of consoles, ultimately selling more than twice as many systems as the GameCube, Xbox, and Dreamcast combined. The console’s reach will surely extend far into the future, as dozens of PS2 games are regularly featured on lists of the best games of all time including Grand Theft Auto III, God of War, Shadow of the Colossus, and Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty.

According to the latest industry rumors, Sony plans to announce the PlayStation 4 at this year’s E3 Expo. But for now, let’s remember the PlayStation 2’s amazing run. It’s likely the last time a console will dominate its competition like the PS2 did ever again.

[Source: The Guardian]

Posted in News | Tagged

Daily Scoop: January 7, 2013 – Just another manic Monday

Posted on January 7, 2013 by Nicole Kline

Monday’s back again! It’s like there’s some kind of pattern with it or something. At least the weekend was awesome! The boyfriend and I played tons of Borderlands 2. We’re playing with Axton and Maya, and I’m trying to get all of the challenges in order to get that darn trophy. It’s fun, except for the one where you have to kill 200 enemies with splash damage from a rocket launcher. Well, all right, it’s really fun using a rocket launcher all the time, but that gets expensive! Also, I picked up the Adventure Time game for the 3DS, which I cannot wait to start playing! Too bad real life gets in the way of gaming.

Not much in the way of deals today, unless you’re one of those people who has made a new years resolution to get in shape. If that’s the case, Amazon has you covered with their Featured New Year, New You Deals. Start out with the Xbox 360 4GB with Kinect Nike+ Bundle for $249.99, then scoop up Just Dance 4 for $29.99, and maybe even Zumba Fitness Rush for $29.99. You’ll be in shape in no time!

Got a few great t-shirts today:

Press Start to Continue →

Posted in Daily Scoop, Etcetera, News |

THQ bankruptcy filing and sale to Clearlake Group denied

Posted on January 6, 2013 by John Scalzo

thqlogo

THQ’s plan to sell itself lock, stock, and barrel to the Clearlake Capitol Group as part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing has been denied.

During a hearing held on Friday, January 4, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Mary F. Walrath denied the sale due to complaints from THQ’s creditors. They’ve claimed that selling the company in one piece has pushed down the sale price (originally pegged at $60 million by THQ/Clearlake) and scared away other potential purchasers.

THQ asked all potential buyers to submit their bid by January 8, with plans to complete the sale two days later. However, THQ’s creditors asked for an additional three weeks to give potential buyers more time to evaluate the company. A representative from WB Games spoke at the hearing and told the judge the publisher would be in favor of an extension. The company famously bought Midway Games, and the rights to the majority of their franchises (including Mortal Kombat), in 2009. Nine other companies were said to be interested in either all or part of THQ’s assets.

Another hearing is scheduled for tomorrow, January 7, to determine how the sale will proceed.

[Source: Bloomberg Business Week]

Posted in News |

Weekly Warp-Up: Best of 2012/Onward to 2013 Edition

Posted on January 6, 2013 by John Scalzo

No, that’s not a typo. Welcome to the Weekly Warp-Up, your weekly wrap-up of the biggest and the best articles posted at Warp Zoned this week…

2013 is off to a great start, but first, we took a look back and highlighted some of the best games of 2012 in our second annual Golden Pixel Awards. Spoiler alert: We loved Mass Effect 3 a lot.

If you’re interested, we also did a smaller look back at 2012, specifically What We Played in December 2012. And continuing this theme, a look forward at The Games of January 2013.

But perhaps you’d prefer to look sideways at the biggest news stories of the last week. Well those are available after the break.

Press Start to Continue →

Posted in News |

New Releases: Anarchy Reigns

Posted on January 6, 2013 by John Scalzo

anarchyreignslogo

The new release calendar is a bit bare this month as last week came and went with no new games and only a single title will make its way into stores this week. But look! It’s Anarchy Reigns!

Anarchy Reigns is a pseudo-sequel to the pretty great Wii-exclusive MadWorld. It ditches that game’s black-and-white-and-red aesthetic for something a bit more colorful and multiplayer focused. Sega also hacked away at the game’s original date (July 2012) and the price (it was downgraded from a full-priced $60 game to a $29.99 budget price). Will the wait have been worth it? We’ll find out this week when Anarchy Reigns is released for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Posted in News, PS3, Xbox 360 | Tagged