By Anonymous on May 20, 2015 12:22 am
Ahead of the game's official launch early next month, Heroes of the Storm has entered open beta, meaning anyone can now freely download and play Blizzard's take on the increasingly popular MOBA genre. As announced last month, Heroes of the Storm will enter a two-week open beta following the lengthy closed alpha/beta testing process that began early last year. Previously, you had to receive an invite from Blizzard or purchase a Founder's Pack, a $40 package that included a beta invite and some in-game content. Following this open beta, the game will drop its "beta" tag on June 2, though that won't mark the end of development--Blizzard intends to continue adding new characters and maps and refining gameplay. Blizzard describes Heroes as a "fresh take" on the MOBA genre. Although its core is similar to that of games like League of Legends and Dota 2, it's a more welcoming experience for newcomers, dropping item management and offering shared experience across teams. It also speeds up the overall gameplay, letting players ride around on mounts. Matches typically take no more than 15-20 minutes. Heroes recently got some mainstream attention when part of a tournament was broadcast on ESPN 2. This was criticized by both some ESPN viewers and at least one ESPN employee.
By Anonymous on May 19, 2015 11:59 pm
 Watch extended gameplay footage from Lifeless Planet featuring the Giant Bomb crew.
By Anonymous on May 19, 2015 11:35 pm
To encourage people to preorder the upcoming PS4 version of God of War III, which you can now do ahead of the game's release in July, Sony is offering some bonuses, including free streaming rentals of the earlier games in the series. Anyone who preorders God of War III Remastered will receive the Fall of Olympus dynamic theme alongside the game at launch. If you're in North America, a preorder will net you that theme on May 26 alongside 90-day PlayStation Now rentals of God of War and God of War II. Although it's not specified in the PlayStation Blog post announcement, the only versions of those games available for rental through Sony's streaming service are the PS3 HD remastered releases. 90-day rentals of those games ordinarily cost $10 each.  Given the story of God of War III is a continuation of the first two games, it makes sense to have played them first--and these rentals seem like a decent way to do so, provided your Internet connection is capable of adequately streaming them. Beyond that, this is an interesting new style of preorder bonus that Sony is uniquely equipped to offer, at least on consoles. God of War III Remastered was announced back in March. It will release on July 14 for $40 and runs in 1080p at 60 frames per second. It also features a photo mode where you can control the camera and add various effects, allowing you to make the moody Kratos look even more brooding than usual, as in the screenshot above.
By Anonymous on May 19, 2015 11:13 pm
Thanks to its gamer-first stance on topics like DRM and DLC, Polish developer CD Projekt Red is often seen as one of the most well-liked studios in the business. So it's no real surprise, then, that studio included a special thank-you note in boxed copies of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, but it's still nice to see.  Imgur user ChestPaddles unwrapped their copy of The Witcher 3 to find the note below. In it, CD Projekt Red thanks fans for their support, also reminding them that they can expect 16 free DLC packs. The first two--the Beard & Hairstyle Set and the Termerian Armor Set--are available today, while the remaining add-ons will be released on a weekly basis. In addition to the free content, CD Projekt Red will release two paid expansions for the game, the first of which--Hearts of Stone--is due out in October. CD Projekt Red did find itself in a bit of controversy earlier this month, however. Digital retailer Green Man Gaming claimed that CD Projekt Red stonewalled its request for Witcher 3 codes. For its part, CD Projekt Red publicly told its fans not to give their business to Green Man Gaming. For more on The Witcher 3, check out GameSpot's review and what other critics are saying. 
By Anonymous on May 19, 2015 10:54 pm
 The Reef has been opened by the Queen for the Guardians to hunt down the Fallen who have betrayed her.
By Anonymous on May 19, 2015 10:44 pm
 Blanche pummels those who stand in her way!
By Anonymous on May 19, 2015 10:38 pm
Today's the day. After weeks of video broadcasts showing off the new content coming to Destiny through the House of Wolves expansion, the add-on has finally arrived. It's available now across all platforms, introducing more multiplayer maps and modes, along with more weapons and gear to collect. House of Wolves is Destiny's second major expansion, following December's The Dark Below. Now that House of Wolves has launched, The Dark Below's multiplayer maps have become available in the Crucible for everyone--even people who don't buy House of Wolves. In a statement, Bungie COO Pete Parsons points out that House of Wolves represents the seventeenth Destiny update that's been released in the eight months since the game launched in September 2014. See below for a quick rundown of what's included with House of Wolves. For lots more, be sure to check out GameSpot's in-depth roundup of everything you need to know. You can buy House of Wolves by itself for $20, or through the $35 Destiny Expansion Pass, which also includes The Dark Below. House of Wolves won't be Destiny's final update. Bungie will continue to support Destiny throughout the summer with more content, leading up to the release of another major, unannounced expansion this fall. The name of this add-on could be The Taken King, as Bungie trademarked that name recently. House of Wolves Introduces:- New co-op arena activity called Prison of Elders
- New multiplayer event called The Trials of Osiris
- New weapons, armor, and gear, including Legendary and Exotic items
- Level increase to light level 34
- New story missions and quests
- New social space called The Reef
- New Strike called The Shadow Thief
- Four new competitive multiplayer maps: Black Shield, Thieves' Den, Widow's Court, and Timekeeper. This map is exclusive to PlayStation platforms through (at least) fall 2015.
By Anonymous on May 19, 2015 10:28 pm
Update: In lieu of a proper NHL 16 release on Xbox 360 and PS3, EA will offer something called NHL: Legacy Edition that sounds as if it will primarily serve as a way to play with updated rosters and schedules. "Legacy Edition brings together the most popular modes and award-winning gameplay features from nine years of NHL hockey," explains EA's website. "Featuring updated rosters and authentic schedules, it's the perfect experience for fans looking to get that complete hockey fix on Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3." Original Story: EA Sports has officially unveiled the current-gen-only NHL 16, as well as its various features and game modes, many of which should please fans who were unhappy with omissions in NHL 15. In a blog post, EA Sports GM Dean Richards talked about turning to fans and asking them to be involved with the creation of this year's game. "We spent more time listening and working with them this year than ever before," he said. "Their most requested features and modes are in NHL 16 and include new experiences that make NHL bigger and better." NHL 15No video or screenshots from the game have been released yet, but its website offers some details on these promised additions, such as the inclusion of 6-versus-6 Online Team Play and online couch co-op play support, as well as enhanced EA Sports Hockey League, Be a GM, and Be a Pro modes. Online Team Play was among the modes initially absent from NHL 15 that was added through a post-launch patch. However, that version of OTP allowed for only 5-on-5 matches where the goalies were controlled by AI, something that won't have to be the case this year. EA Sports Hockey League is said to have been "reimagined," offering the chance to pick from "specialized player classes." Be a GM adds in new wrinkles to deal with, such as player personalities, trade demands, and relationships between players. Be a Pro, meanwhile, allows you to simulate the game in between your shifts, lets you move from playing in the CHL to the NHL (another key NHL 15 omission), and upgrades your attributes based on the way you play. Elsewhere, improvements are being made to skating and puck pickups, a new training tool will help players improve their skills, and the presentation is being improved across the board. That comes in the form of more authentic arenas (with team-specific celebrations, chants, mascots, and so on), commentary with "more emotion" from Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk, and Ray Ferraro, and playoff beards. NHL 16 promises to have "accurate representations of beard patterns, length, thickness" and, creepily enough, "growth rates." We'll likely be learning more as we approach E3 next month, but in the meantime, EA has set up a new section of its website where fans can submit questions that will be answered by the game's development team. A specific release date for NHL 16 has not yet been announced; we only know it's coming in September exclusively to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
By Anonymous on May 19, 2015 10:20 pm
 How does Milestone's new multi-platform racing sim measure up against Dirt Rally and Project CARS? Get your first look at Sebastian Loeb Rally Evo in action on PlayStation 4.
By Anonymous on May 19, 2015 09:12 pm
After years of development and multiple delays, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt it out now across console and PC. So how is the game, originally due in 2014, holding up with critics? Check out some review scores and editor opinions below. For more on the critical reception for The Witcher 3, check out GameSpot sister site Metacritic's extended coverage. - Game: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
- Release Date: May 19
- Price: $60
IMAGE GALLERY:                     GameSpot -- 10/10"Where the Witcher 2 sputtered to a halt, The Witcher 3 is always in a crescendo, crafting battle scenarios that constantly one-up the last, until you reach the explosive finale and recover in the glow of the game's quiet denouement. But while the grand clashes are captivating, it is the moments between conflicts, when you drink with the local clans and bask in a trobairitz's song, that are truly inspiring." - Kevin VanOrd [Full review] IGN -- 9.3/10"Though the straightforward and fetch-quest-heavy main story overstays its welcome, the option of joyfully adventuring through a rich, expansive open world was always there for me when I'd start to burn out. Even if the plot isn't terribly interesting, the many characters who play a part in it are, and along with the excellent combat and RPG gameplay, they elevate The Witcher 3 to a plane few other RPGs inhabit." - Vince Ingenito [Full review] Game Informer -- 9.75/10"The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt encompasses what I hope is the future of RPGs. It stands out for its wonderful writing, variety of quests and things to do in the world, and how your choices have impact in interesting ways. Usually something is sacrificed when creating a world this ambitious, but everything felt right on cue. I still think about some of my choices and how intriguing they turned out--for better or worse." - Kimberley Wallace [Full review]  Kotaku -- "Should You Play This Game? Yes""Wild Hunt is a grand adventure that feels distinctly of its time. It manages to set new standards for video game technology while accentuating the fleeting nature of technological achievement as an end unto itself. It is a worthy exploration of friendship and family, mixing scenes of great sorrow with scenes of ridiculous lustiness, tempering its melancholy with bright splashes of joy and merry monster guts. Come for the epic showdown between good and evil; stay for the unicorn sex." - Kirk Hamilton [Full review]
By Anonymous on May 19, 2015 09:08 pm
Despite Microsoft removing Kinect from some Xbox One bundles, the company remains committed to the camera technology, according to executive Phil Spencer. He says in a new interview that Microsoft has no plans to abandon Kinect, explaining that it remains a "great part" of the overall Xbox ecosystem. "It's not abandoned," Spencer told Edge (via Gamesradar).  Spencer pointed out that Microsoft just recently updated its Upload Studio movie-making app with virtual green screen support. He went to pledge even further investment in Kinect going forward. "We'll continue to build functionality to make it a valuable part of the ecosystem," he explained. As for why Microsoft decided to offer an Xbox One bundle without Kinect, he said it came down to Microsoft wanting to be more price- and option-conscious. "Price point's really important for the console--we saw that over the holidays in the UK and US, where we did well when we dropped the price, which was great," Spencer said. "And I want to make sure consumers have choice on how much they value the functionality of Kinect when they buy a console. If you want to go buy a Kinect console [bundle], then they're still available. I think it's a great part of the ecosystem. And if you want just a console, and either add Kinect later, or Kinect's simply not something you're interested in, we give you that choice as well." Kinect-free Xbox One bundles currently start at $350, compared to $500 for systems with the camera packed in. When the Xbox One was originally released in November 2013, gamers had only one option: a $500 Xbox One package that included a Kinect camera. While the rival PlayStation 4 may still be the top-selling new-generation console, it appears Microsoft's pricing moves and various bundles have helped boost sales. In April, the Xbox One outsold the PS4 in the United States. Looking to the future, Spencer said Microsoft's internal teams are continuing to experiment with new ways to use Kinect as a means to improve the overall Xbox experience. But don't expect to see a gesture-controlled Halo or Call of Duty game anytime soon, he said. "There are genres where Kinect works really well, but if you're playing Halo or Call Of Duty, there's not really a scenario that says, 'Hey, I need a Kinect,'" Spencer stated. Finally, Spencer teased that "there are still announcements to come" regarding new Kinect experiences, though he didn't share any more details. Microsoft's E3 2015 briefing is slated for Monday, June 15, starting at 9:30 AM PDT.
By Anonymous on May 19, 2015 08:43 pm
Sony Pictures on Tuesday released a new trailer for Adam Sandler's video game movie, Pixels, and it's just as over-the-top as the first one. The movie sees a variety of iconic gaming characters, including Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, attacking earth after misinterpreting arcade games as a declaration of war against them. It stars Sandler, Kevin James, Peter Dinklage, and Josh Gad as "Arcaders" tasked with saving the world. Pixels, based on a popular short film, was previously expected to hit theaters in May, but is now due on July 24. Harry Potter and Home Alone's Chris Columbus is directing the movie. Pixels is just one of many video game movies in development. Ubisoft has a total of six films in the pipeline, including movies based on Assassin's Creed, Watch Dogs, and Splinter Cell. Meanwhile, Sony is making a Last of Us movie, Konami is moving forward on a film based on Metal Gear Solid, Blizzard Entertainment has its Warcraft movie, and an Angry Birds film is scheduled for 2016. Capcom is also working on new Dead Rising and Resident Evil movies.
By Anonymous on May 19, 2015 04:30 am
 Xbox One will likely get more JRPGs, find out what fixes are hitting The Witcher 3 at launch, and Bethesda unveils a Doom teaser trailer!
By Anonymous on May 19, 2015 02:52 am
At three different points during Wolfenstein: The Old Blood, you encounter spots where B.J. Blazkowicz can fall asleep, prompting dream sequences that stick the modern, polygon-constructed B.J. into various levels of Wolfenstein 3D, complete with low-resolution graphics and flat sprites. Functionally, it plays almost identically to the original, but vestigial bits from the modern day, like vertical aiming, stand out, especially if you clearly remember experiencing Wolfenstein 3D for the first time. Also, the game's use of sprites gives it a similar feel to a shooting gallery where you get to walk around and explore. It's a stark reminder of how far the series--and games in general--have come. The same can be said of The Old Blood as a whole, and although it stumbles attempting to reconcile old and new thematically, its varied encounters deliver the primitive thrill of clearing a room in a hail of bullets and blood. If this sounds familiar, it's because Wolfenstein: The New Order did the same thing by juxtaposing B.J., an old-school shooter protagonist out of time, with modern first-person shooter design sensibilities. The Old Blood is a lot less subtle about it, though by necessity. Set before B.J. gets his head injury and goes into the coma that leads to his involvement in The New Order, The Old Blood reunites him with the setting that made him famous: Castle Wolfenstein itself. The first part of the game involves infiltrating the castle in order to find the location of the Nazi headquarters. B.J. is more in his element in the World War II setting, and though there's still advanced technology, it's more in line with what you'd expect from pulp Nazi superscience for the era--much like Wolfenstein 3D's level of technology, in fact. The game practically hits you over the head with parallels to the past: the attack dogs, the giant robot you face right at the beginning of the third chapter, the secret areas you find. And yet we still see the same thoughtful modern design implemented in last year's The New Order interlaced with the callbacks to days past. Firing guns feels both effortless and flexible, with each weapon boasting distinct modes for different situations (such as the assault rifle's automatic and semi-automatic modes), as well as dual-wielding options. Instead of just setting you loose in a sprawling level as you shoot at flat enemies, The Old Blood ebbs and flows as it constantly changes up each encounter's focus, creating an excellent sense of pacing. Action-packed shooting sequences couched in open, cover-laden levels alternate with more freeform stealth sections that don't object to you taking a more direct approach. There are even portions where you're encouraged to run rather than fight. Tying the level design together is some seriously great enemy AI, who intelligently flank you and take cover, yet are not so smart that you can't use cover to outmaneuver them. Everything about the way The Old Blood plays exemplifies the diversity of modern FPS design, and the game does so in a way that's on point and fun. The Old Blood also illustrates where we're going in games and what we're leaving behind. Yes, you still have to fight past dogs, but they also happen to be wearing dog-sized body armor that you can harvest, and instead of coming at you at a crawl, they realistically rocket towards you and tackle you as they try to shred your meat to bits. Yes, you still fight a giant armored super soldier in the third chapter, but when you do defeat it, more troops come pouring out and you're forced to weave in and out of the foyer you just fought in, giving the level new dimensions. And those secret areas? You no longer have to press up against every wall in a level, mashing the confirm button hoping to reveal a sliding wall. Instead, there really are secret areas that can be found through normal exploration. It's amazing to see how design has become both more simplified and more complicated over the years. Some dogs are meaner and scarier than others. We also see shades of a somewhat self-aware industry attempting to look at the past through a different lens. B.J.'s local contact, Kessler, is a stark contrast to the burly protagonist. Ever-defiant in the face of a Nazi-ruled future, Kessler and his late love fight for a Germany that rises up against the hateful regime, with his weapon of choice being leaflets rather than guns. He's also acutely sympathetic towards human life: in one memorable exchange he implores B.J. to avoid killing as many people as he can, which B.J. then willfully misinterprets to mean that he should kill as many Nazis as he can, a sentiment he emphasizes every chance he gets. We also see more fleshed-out versions of enemy combatants, albeit only through memos and a scene where you walk through a bar crowded with Nazi soldiers. We get glimpses of soldiers who still display care and affection for their families at home, even as they become upset because their lovers are dismayed at how the war has changed them, feel fear at the many occult studies and phenomenon they're being focused on, and buy into all the propaganda that litters this world. Even Helga Von Schabbs, the antagonist of the game, is granted some character development in her lifelong fascination with adventure and her potentially royal lineage. Even so, B.J. still sees them as the same flat characters as he sees in his dreams, good for only one thing: killing. The game's mechanics almost never encourage you to leave any Nazis alive. Quite the opposite, in fact. In the end, this is a blunt, muscular, bare-chested romp through levels full of deadly moving targets, even during its subtle moments. As a dumb action game, The Old Blood has the chops. But it fumbles when it attempts to introduce gray areas into the game. Whether it's Kessler's empathy or the supplementary notes you find, The Old Blood seems to have something to say about the evolution of games, but never arrives at a solid point. The sledgehammer that is B.J.'s philosophy always wins out, stranding the gray areas in a game that clearly won't give them the time of day. Oh look, Nazi zombies. How...boring. Then again, maybe games haven't changed as much as we like to think. The second half of The New Blood changes up enemy types by replacing fully functional Nazis, the default enemy type of the old era, with zombies, the go-to foe of the modern one. It's initially a nice change of pace from the terse shooting arenas that came before, but it's hard not to think of them as a downgrade, turning a mechanically-smart dumb action game into a brain dead one. Don't get me wrong: mowing down zombies with a sawed-off shotgun is a classic scenario, but the waves and waves of corpses pouring at you can't help but feel disappointing after you've experienced the smart design of part one. Clearly MachineGames has big ambitions and understands the nuance that can be evoked in the medium. And The Old Blood certainly displays intelligent action FPS design that's fun and effortless to play. Just don't expect the deep examination the game hints at to go anywhere. Here, the gloriously dumb (yet smartly designed) reigns. Progress can wait. Long live The Old Blood.
By Anonymous on May 19, 2015 01:45 am
 Watch both stage fatalities on maps Dead Woods and Outworld Marketplace where you can use stage interactables to finish your opponents.
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