Grand Theft Auto V is October 2013’s best-selling game

Posted on November 14, 2013 by John Scalzo

grandtheftautov-box-largeOnce again, Grand Theft Auto V reigns supreme. The latest entry in Rockstar’s blockbuster franchise remains atop the NPD Group’s monthly tabulations of the best-selling games at retail.

It’s important to note that GTA5 didn’t pull off this repeat performance against a group of lightweights. The remaining spots in the top ten, all nine of them, were claimed by new releases. You can check out the rest of the top ten right here and, if you gambled that Pokemon X would sell more copies than Pokemon Y, it’s time to collect:

Bestselling Games in October 2013
1. Grand Theft Auto V (Xbox 360, PS3)
2. Pokemon X (3DS)
3. Pokemon Y (3DS)
4. Battlefield 4 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
5. Batman: Arkham Origins (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, PC)
6. Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U)
7. NBA 2K14 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
8. Skylanders Swap Force (Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, 3DS)
9. Lego Marvel Super Heroes (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, 3DS, Vita, PC)
10. WWE 2K14 (Xbox 360, PS3)

According to Joystiq, GTA5 wasn’t the only big winner last month. The entire industry had a very profitable four weeks as last month’s software sales were higher than the same period from 2012, making October 2013 the third month in a row to see year-over-year sales gains.

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

Nintendo Download: Mario & Sonic Olympics 2014, Adventure Time 2, more

Posted on November 14, 2013 by John Scalzo

nintendodownload

Ready for another big batch of additions to Nintendo’s download services? Great, here we go…

  • Tomorrow, Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games will be added to the Wii U eShop. The latest Olympics-themed character crossover will feature 24 events, including the brand new Snowboard Slopestyle.
  • On Tuesday, Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DON’T KNOW!, the second game starring everyone’s favorite post-apocalyptic adventurers, will be released for the 3DS and Wii U.
  • Also on Tuesday, Zumba Fitness: World Party brings the exercise craze back to the Wii U.
  • But if you’re looking for something today, do check out the NES classic River City Ransom on the 3DS’ Virtual Console.

There’s more information on all of these games (and many more) after the break.

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

Microsoft will bring Xbox One games to Games With Gold promotion in 2014

Posted on November 14, 2013 by John Scalzo

xboxone-logoMicrosoft previously confirmed that their Games With Gold promotion would continue in 2014. The program, which began in June, allows Xbox Live Gold subscribers to download two pre-selected Xbox 360 games for free every month. Right now, Xbox Live Gold subscribers can download A World of Keflings for free as part of the Game With Gold promotion. Starting November 16, it will be retired in favor of Double Fine’s Iron Brigade.

However, starting next year, Xbox One games will be added to the mix as well:

The Games With Gold program was created as Microsoft’s answer to Sony’s Instant Game Collection, which currently offers 18 free games to PlayStation Plus subscribers.

Posted in News, Xbox One |

Next Gen Marketing Malarkey: 5 Buzzwords I’m Already Bored Of

Posted on November 14, 2013 by Andrew Rainnie

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While the launch of two new consoles is an exciting event, this one has been slightly marred by marketing departments using inane buzzwords to hype up frantic fans until there is nothing left but over-expectations and broken hearts. It has become a bombastic practice that often leaves companies in a bigger hole than where they started, as fans and critics peel away the poor PR paint job to uncover a myriad of lies and deceit. Here are a few words to cry BS at.

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Posted in Opinions, PS4, Top Story, Xbox One |

Nintendo will release Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy in America on February 28

Posted on November 14, 2013 by John Scalzo

Nintendo has announced that the final game in the Professor Layton series to star Layton himself, Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, will be released in North America on February 28. to catch everyone up, the publisher has uploaded a brand new story trailer, which you can view above.

If you’re interested in Azran Legacy and you also live in Europe, you can skip the trailer. Instead, you should head down to your local game store and ask the shopkeep for a copy of the game as it went on sale across Europe last week.

Posted in 3DS, News | Tagged

Nintendo wants you to watch this “sizzle reel” featuring Wii U, 3DS indie games

Posted on November 13, 2013 by John Scalzo

Nintendo hosted another Nintendo Direct and while it was a bit of a low key affair, there’s still plenty of tidbits to share. For example, do you think the PS4 has the market cornered on indie games? Think again, as Nintendo released this “sizzle reel” showcasing almost two dozen intriguing indie titles that will be released for the Wii U and 3DS in the near future.

Here’s the full list of games shown and don’t forget to check out the trailer above:

Wii U

  • QUBE: Director’s Cut
  • Scram Kitty and His Buddy On Rails
  • Armillo
  • 1,001 Spikes
  • Tengami
  • Pier Solar HD
  • Teslagrad
  • Wooden Sen’Sey
  • Knytt Underground
  • Unepic
  • Shovel Knight

3DS

  • Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse
  • Grinsia
  • Jet Rocket II: The Wrath of Taikai
  • Putty Squad
  • Treasurenauts
  • Retro City Rampage
  • Siesta Fiesta
Posted in 3DS, News, Wii U |

XBL Store Today: The Bridge, PES 2014, Cartoon Network Punchtime XL

Posted on November 13, 2013 by John Scalzo

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Microsoft has performed their latest update of the Xbox Live Game Store and three new games are now available on the digital shelves.

The Bridge is a puzzler that features gorgeous black-and-white artwork that was inspired by M.C. Escher. It’s priced at $9.99.

Also available this week is Cartoon Network Punchtime Explosion XL ($19.99), a Smash Bros-like mashup of Cartoon Network characters, and Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 ($59.99), the latest game in Konami’s footie franchise.

More information on all three games can be found after the break.

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Posted in News, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Secret Ponchos will be released for PS4 in April

Posted on November 13, 2013 by John Scalzo

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Secret Ponchos was the toast of this year’s PAX East. Large crowds gathered around the Old West-styled arena shooter during all three days of the expo (this includes several members of the Warp Zoned Staff). In addition to the throngs of con-goers, several Sony executives were mightily impressed with the game as well. According to Polygon, the Sony crew was so impressed with the game that they signed a deal with the developers from Switchblade Monkeys that weekend.

Part of this deal included an appearance at E3 2013 and a pledge from the developer that Secret Ponchos would be released on the PS4 first. To ensure that Secret Ponchos would be the best game it could be on Sony next-gen platform, the publisher even gave Switchblade Monkeys access to their PhyreEngine rendering engine. PhyreEngine was previously used by thatgamecompany to create Flow, Flower, and Journey.

The developers hope to release Secret Ponchos on the PS4 in April. The game will also be included as a free download for PlayStation Plus subscribers when its released.

Switchblade Monkeys originally coded Secret Ponchos in the Unity engine with plans to bring it to as many platforms as possible. While an Xbox 360, Xbox One, or Wii U release remains unannounced, plans are in place to eventually bring the game to the PC.

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