The Elder Scrolls Online MMORPG Gets Announced
Game Informer has been nice enough to show off their latest cover which gives tribute to none other than The Elder Scrolls Online. If you’ve been paying attention you’ll probably know that following the success of Skyrim, rumors have been circulating that say Bethesda may be looking towards breaking into the MMORPG scene. Today, thanks to the above mentioned Game Informer cover, we now know that the game is in fact real and will be dubbed The Elder Scrolls Online.
Unfortunately we know virtually nothing about what will be included in this game. What we do know, however, is that gamers will be able to choose from 3 separate factions and that the game will be out sometime next year. What we also know is that the story takes place 1,000 years before the events of Skyrim and follow a daedric prince by the name of Molag Bal as he attempts to take over all of Tamriel.
As I just mentioned, The Elder Scrolls Online is set to drop sometime in 2013. In the mean time, sit tight and wait for the next edition of Game Informer to drop where we’re sure to hear quite a bit more.
Popularity: 1%
Bethesda Announces Dawnguard Skyrim DLC
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was met with critical acclaim when it originally hit shelves towards the end of last year. Applauded for its immersive gameplay and massive landscape, Skyrim was monumental in introducing the new age to The Elder Scrolls.While the game is massive, its addictive nature probably means that you’ve already completed the main story line and are begging for more content. Lucky for you, Bethesda will be staying true to their promise by offering downloadable content the first of which was announced today.
Said downloadable content is to be dubbed Dawnguard and will provide Skyrim players with never before seen content. Unfortunately, what exactly that content is we aren’t sure because other than letting us know that it will be coming to the Xbox 360 this summer, Bethesda provided us with no details. Luckily, some rumors have suggested that crossbows, new vampire animations and Snow Elf characters may be making the cut. Of course, until Bethesda comes forth to speak on the matter we won’t know for sure but we’re sure to hear a lot more once E3 2012 rolls around. Stay tuned.
[CVG]
Popularity: 1%
Black Ops 2 Gets Officially Named In Morse Code
Activision has finally taken center stage to talk about their latest forthcoming Call of Duty game but not in a way we would normally expect. Instead, Activision has taken to the official Call of Duty site to spell out the game’s official name in morse code. As we told you just a few days ago, a leaked Target pre-order card suggested that the next game would be called Call of Duty: Black Ops 2. Now, in the above mentioned morse code fashion, Activision has in fact spelled out the name officially.
Of course, other than the name (which we kind of already knew about) getting confirmed, we don’t learn much of anything else here. Luckily, now that the name has been confirmed Activision is free to give us insight into all of that juicy gameplay we we all love. Stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted. On another note, make sure to stay tuned to TNT tomorrow during the NBA playoffs where Activision will be showing off the game’s official debut trailer.
Popularity: 2%
Spectator Mode Coming to League of Legends in Next Update
League of Legends has blown up to the point where it’s now largely considered one of the most popular competitive games on the scene. Already many different competitive leagues including MLG have picked the title up further supporting the fact that its future is bright. In fact, the developers behind the game are looking to add a feature that is sure to interest quite a few competitive gamers.
That feature is, of course, spectator mode. Quite obviously, this will allow gamers to join a game in progress to watch the game without actually playing. This may seem quite dull to those not in the know but those looking to further those skills are well aware of the value that comes from watching skilled gamers do their thing.
According to the developers, spectator mode will launch in the game’s next update. When exactly that update will drop we aren’t sure but in the mean time check out a video showcasing the mode above.
Popularity: 1%
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Confirmed, Release Date November 13th, 2012
Call of Duty is without a doubt one of the biggest names in video games today. Spanning countless consoles and featuring many different iterations the latest release Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 didn’t fail to impress posting extremely successful sales numbers and the like. But, now that a new year has rolled in gamers everywhere are wondering what Activision will put out of their sleeve next. Fans of the series will know that this year Treyarch will be returning after hitting it out of the park with the 2010 release of Call of Duty: Black Ops leading us to believe that Black Ops 2 may be on its way.
Those paying attention will know that rumors have previously hit the scene suggesting this year’s title will in fact be a follow up to Treyarch’s smash hit Call of Duty: Black Ops. These rumors were supplemented with what was said to be a leaked multiplayer detail list but Activision has remained understandably quiet on the topic. Now, however, we finally have some concrete proof that Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 does in fact exist and we even have some intel on when the title will be dropping.
The confirmation has come our way via a leaked snap shot of a pre-order card found at Target. As you can see from the above picture, these pre-order cards both confirm that the game will in fact be called Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 and that it will be dropping on November 13th of this year. Of course, while naysayers may be quick to point that this can be the work of a Photoshop handyman. However, the fact that Black Ops was Treyarch’s most successful Call of Duty title and the fact that other games in the series dropped in a similar time window supports these leaks heavily. Stay tuned as we look to uncover further information – perhaps this leak will prompt Activision and/or Treyarch to come forth and officially announce the title.
[IGN]
Popularity: 3%
Torchlight II Now Available For Pre-order via Steam
As any self respecting gamer will know, Diablo 3′s May 15th release date is quickly approaching. Upon release, gamers will be able to crawl through dungeons, link up with friends and cause utter destruction to their hearts extent. However, while the Diablo franchise has long been known as the go-to dungeon crawler, Runic Games’ Torchlight franchise has been gaining some steam.
The first Torchlight dropped way back in 2009 which means it’s about time for a sequel. Luckily, Runic Games is way ahead of us letting us know today that pre-orders for Torchlight II have gone live via the Steam digital distribution platform. Unfortunately, while you will be able to slap down a pre-order for the game now the developers have yet to tell us exactly when it will be released. Perhaps they are waiting for the dust to settle around Diablo 3 before letting their creation into the wild.
Whatever the case may be stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted as more information is made available regarding Torchlight II’s release date.
Popularity: 1%
Portal 2 Getting Free Perpetual Testing Initiative Level Editor Next Month
Valve is one of the most iconic gaming companies to ever grace the market. From their labs have come killer franchises like Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Left 4 Dead and Portal, among other. While each of these franchises have their own respective strengths for now, we’ll focus on Portal – more specifically, Portal 2.
Released in April of last year Portal 2 brought with it a more in-depth game than the first with many features gamers longed for from the first title. One of the killer features included in Portal 2 is co-op which will, quite obviously, allow you and a buddy to trek through a series specially designed levels using one another’s presence to your advantage.
While the game did feature more content than the first chances are you’ve already made your way through all of it due to it being on the market for over a year. Luckily, if you’re longing for additional content your prayers will soon be answered. Valve has just made it known that they will be coming forth on May 8th to release the Perpetual Testing Initiative DLC pack for the PC and Mac. While it may not be too obvious from the name, this is simply a level editor that will allow creative individuals to mold new and challenging puzzles that have never been seen before. These user created levels can then be uploaded to Steam Workshop where gamers can browse, download and vote on their favorites.
Best of all, for those of you worrying about breaking the bank with this DLC – fret not. Valve has confirmed that the Perpetual Testing Initiative pack will be offered free of charge. Better get those creative juices flowing!
Popularity: 2%
Kinect Support Coming to Skyrim
Microsoft’s Kinect is the company’s answer to motion controllers like the Wiimote and PlayStation Move and has been gaining traction ever since hitting the market back in 2010. However, while the technology featured in Kinect is unquestionably enticing there haven’t been too many major games to feature Kinect support built in that adds real value. Sure, Star Wars Kinect is a cool concept but some reviewers have suggested it’s not exactly the most well executed title on the market.
But, what if, by chance, you were able to conduct Dragon Shouts, cast spells and *gasp* navigate menus all with your hands via Kinect. Not sure where I’m going with this? Well, it’s just been announced that Bethesda will in fact be bringing official Kinect support their highly popular multiplatform title Skyrim. Unfortunately, the functionality doesn’t seem to be expanding to the PC version of Skyrim nor the PS3 version (which would presumably utilize PlayStation Move). Of course, that could change in the future but at this point it seems that only Kinect users will be getting down on the fun.
If executed properly this may actually add quite a bit of value to the game as the game is already highly immersive when a traditional controller is used. Add Kinect to that and Bethesda may very well be onto something. Unfortunately there’s no telling when exactly this support will drop but we’ll keep you posted as more information is made available.
Popularity: 2%
Japanese Nintendo 3DS Sales Boost 40%
When wind first broke of the Nintendo 3DS consumers far and wide were filled with intrigue. Not only does the portable device feature a 3D display but you don’t even need glasses to view said display thanks to autostereocopic 3D display technology. Now, smartphones such as the HTC EVO 3D come complete with a similar display but at the time the Nintendo 3DS was announced this kind of thing set for the mass market was unprecedented.
Due to such advanced technology stuffed within the Nintendo 3DS originally launched with a price tag of $249.99 which, coupled with a barren launch library, made the device a bit slow out of the gates. Luckily, with new titles getting released all the time and new ones over the horizon (Pokemon 3D, anyone?) along with Nintendo’s slashing of the price tag down to $169.99 things have finally started to pick up.
In fact, in Nintendo’s home land of Japan, the Nintendo 3DS has seen a none-too-shabby sales increase of 40% in the last week going from 64,017 units the week before to 94,011. This news comes after the launch of Kid Icarus: Uprising (which, for those who don’t know, is the first Kid Icarus appearance besides Super Smash Bros. since the original Gameboy) which means it’s definitely possible for hot new titles to push consoles in bulk.
All in all this goes to show you that no matter the industry, gaming or not, it’s very unfair to judge a product right out of the gates as the Nintendo 3DS has been called a failure time and time again. The PS3 is another prime example which hit the markets with a massive $500+ price tag and was met with a slew of criticism only to later go on and flourish. The PSP, however? Well, we’ll save that for another story.
[MCV]
Popularity: 2%
Assassin’s Creed III PC With a Controller? Ubisoft Thinks So
Assassin’s Creed is one of those franchises that came from no where only to quickly gain critical mass and become one of the premiere video game franchises on the market. To date there are currently 8 different games, some of which somewhat follow a central story line and others that are spin offs of said story line. In terms of platforms, Assassin’s Creed has almost made its way to a myriad including the PS3, Xbox 360, PS3, Nintendo DS and even Sony’s now dated PSP.
Just over the horizon, anxiously awaited by many is Assassin’s Creed III which will be the 5th major installment to the franchise. For the first time gamers will be placed in the Revolutionary War era within the shoes of protagonist Connor Kenway. Stealth kills, hours of adventure and the unique parkour style running elements will all unsurprisingly make the cut when Assassin’s Creed III drops on October 30th of this year. Platform wise the game will hit the Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U and even the old tried-and-true mouse & keyboard wielding PC.
But wait, according to Ubisoft Montreal’s Creative Director Alex Hutchinson, the ever-so-precise mouse and keyboard combo may not be the best way to enjoy Assassin’s Creed III. In fact, Hutchinson recently went on record as saying that despite the fact that the studio loves and will continue to support the PC platform, he still feels gamers will choose to utilize a controller. Quite obviously hes either alluding to a PS3/Xbox 360/Gamepad linked to the PC for use with Assassin’s Creed III.
Below is a direct quote from a interview between Gamespy and Alex Hutchinson:
“We’re definitely supporting PC, we love PC, but I think it’ll be PC with a controller. I don’t see us investing hugely in a mouse and keyboard setup. I think if you want to play on PC and you want to play Assassin’s Creed, you have a controller.”
So, while Assassin’s Creed III will support a mouse and keyboard setup a few years down the line we may see PC games requiring the use of controllers. Let’s hope that it’s actually for a more innovative experience and not simply to make it easier and more cost effect on the developers to port the game from consoles to PC.
Anyways, despite what setup you choose Assassin’s Creed III will be available for the Xbox 360, PC, PS3 and Wii U on October 30th, 2012. Be there or be lame!
Popularity: 5%