Ubisoft announces free-to-play Ghost Recon Online, closed beta this summer

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Mike Gutierrez

At Warp Zoned, we’re expecting more info to be released on Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier at E3, but today Ubisoft has detailed another upcoming game in the franchise. Ghost Recon Online will be a third-person, cover-based, free-to-play online multiplayer PC shooter, with features aiming to “rival the quality of those traditionally seen only in retail games.”

On paper, it’s looking like the game will do just that. With three classes, customizable weapons, persistent progression features, lobbies, live support, and “rich graphical environments and maps,” Ghost Recon Online could be a heavy hitter in emerging online markets. Taking a cue from the recent success of Champions Online, the game will offer premium content to purchase while the core experience remains free.

Between this and Battlefield Play4Free, the landscape of online shooters sure is evolving. No date was specified, but Ghost Recon Online will go into closed beta sometime this summer.

Posted in News, PC | Tagged

Daily Scoop: May 25, 2011 – Another Chateau

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Nicole Kline

This is an excellent time to be a fan of Japanese games – first there was yesterday’s Persona 2 announcement, and now NIS is pulling out all the stops! Those Disgaea games are really kicking my butt right now…

Speaking of totally awesome, don’t forget to check out our “What To Expect From E3 2011” list, which is updated regularly (including Sony and EA yesterday). The big show is looming!

Today’s Amazon Deal of the Day in video games today is Namco’s Active Life Outdoor Challenge for the Wii. It’s $32.99 down from $49.99, and includes an “Active Life Mat,” which is a “specially-designed mat is bundled with the game so you can jump straight into the action!” WOW! EXCLAMATION POINTS!!!!!!!

Today’s t-shirt is called “Guided Tours,” and it’s from Tee Fury:

Your princess! She is in another chateau!

Posted in Daily Scoop, Etcetera, News |

Sonic Generations, Shinobi confirmed for 3DS

Posted on May 25, 2011 by John Scalzo

The tireless sleuths at NeoGAF have uncovered the very interesting cover to the June 2011 issue of Nintendo Power (click the image to enlarge it).

After you get over the weirdness of seeing Sonic on the cover of Nintendo Power (I know Sonic games have been on Nintendo systems for a long time, but it’s still weird), you’ll see that the magazine confirms that Sonic Generations and a Shinobi revival are in development for the 3DS.

Sega was probably planning to make these announcements at E3 as the magazine will likely land on subscriber’s doorsteps after the game expo.

Posted in 3DS, News | Tagged ,

New Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon gameplay trailer

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Mike Gutierrez

If you like taking on massive bug invaders in an enraged barrage of over-the-top action, this trailer’s for you. It showcases the hectic gameplay of D3 Publisher’s upcoming sci-fi shooter. Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon releases for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on July 5, for a friendly suggested price of $39.99.

Posted in News, PS3, Xbox 360 | Tagged

Max Payne 3, Agent, Spec Ops: The Line delayed

Posted on May 25, 2011 by John Scalzo

After 14 years in development, Duke Nukem Forever will finally be released next month after countless delays. But three other games in Take-Two’s development slate weren’t so lucky as they’ve been hit by Duke’s delay stick.

Spec Ops: The Line, which debuted in an amazing trailer at last year’s Spike TV Video Game Awards, will now be released sometime in the Spring/Summer of 2012. It had previously been scheduled for release this Fall.

A pair of Rockstar titles were also delayed as Max Payne 3 and Agent have been pushed back to release date unknown.

But don’t worry, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has assured us, “Max Payne 3 and Agent are still in development.” Let’s just hope we don’t have to wait another 14 years.

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

NIS’ PlayStation 3 lineup is off the charts

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Nicole Kline

Own a PlayStation 3? Love NIS games? This is a great time to be you, as NIS’ PlayStation 3/PSP exclusives are ridiculous.

First, there’s Bleach: Soul Resurreccion, a hack-and-slasher that closely follows the anime and manga. Second up is the latest in the Atelier series, Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland, which takes place a few years after Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland. Third will make fans of ClaDun: This is an RPG! rejoice: it’s ClaDun x2, a new game in the series for the PSP. And finally… the moment you’ve been waiting for… a shiny and absolutely hilarious trailer for Disgaea 4:

“Take a dump on the face of common sense!” Yeah, I am in love with this lineup right now.

Check out more NIS America news, including a trailer for Bleach: Soul Resurreccion, at the PlayStation.Blog.

Posted in News, PS3, PSP | Tagged ,

Hothead bringing new Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy game to our galaxy

Posted on May 25, 2011 by John Scalzo

Don’t panic! 42! Towels! There, now that we’ve got the Adams-isms out of the way…

Hothead Games (creators of the hilarious Penny Arcade Adventures) has used Towel Day, the annual celebration of Douglas Adams’ writing, to announce a new strong>Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy game. The absolutely insane press release didn’t mention which platforms it would be available for, but Hothead tagged the release with the word “app,” so expect an iPhone/iPad version at the very least.

“We’re super excited to be involved with such a legendary creation as The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. The quirky and hilarious universe that Douglas Adams created became an instant classic for so many. All the hoopiest froods here at Hothead jumped on the chance to work on the project,” commented excitable Hothead human, Joel DeYoung.

And that’s about all we know. Although more news will eventually trickle out onto the game’s official website: TheNewHitchhikersGuide.com.

Posted in Mobile, News |

Rockstar head honchos re-sign with Take-Two

Posted on May 25, 2011 by John Scalzo

Sam Houser, Dan Houser and Leslie Benzies, the brain trust behind Rockstar Games’ creative success, have agreed to renew their employment contracts with Take-Two Interactive. According to Take-Two, the deal featured “substantially similar economic terms” to their current contract.

This is great news for Take-Two as Rockstar has released an unprecendented string of critically acclaimed and bestselling titles over the last few years. And with L.A. Noire practically redefining what a video game can be, locking them up for a sequel was a smart thing to do.

Rockstar Games currently has several titles in development including Max Payne 3 and the PS3-exclusive Agent. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has also very strongly implied that the developer will release Grand Theft Auto V in 2012.

Posted in News, PC, PS3, Xbox 360 |