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]
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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.
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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]
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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.
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How to Unlock All Halo 3 Armor
Having launched in 2007, Bungie’s Halo 3 definitely isn’t the newest addition to the Halo series but it does close the initial story arc featuring everyone’s favorite super-warrior Master Chief and the first introduction of customizable armor. Following Halo 3, as you’re sure to know, is Halo: Reach a precursor to Halo: Combat Evolved featuring new weapons, new characters and a new story. While Reach still maintains an active community to this day it was originally met with some controversy; specifically, the criticism of Reticle Bloom. For those not aware of what Reticle Bloom is, it was Bungie’s way of simulation recoil by having the Reticle (the Halo community’s word for the game’s aimer, crosshair or whatever you want to call it) on weapons such as the DMR, Needle Rifle and Magnum expand with each successive shot. While it’s arguable that this makes the game more realistic it’s never been implemented in a Halo game before. Reticle Bloom, along with Armor Abilities, are what some argue to be the downfall of Halo: Reach.
Anyways, while the bloom may have largely been removed from Halo: Reach fans everywhere are sure to know Halo 4 is just around the corner and Master Chief is back in a big way. Due to this many have flocked to Halo 3 to relive the glory and prepare themselves for the continuation of Master Chief’s battle against the Covenant and, more importantly, to brush up on their Battle Rifle skills for Halo 4′s online multiplayer. In lieu of this we’ve brought back, edited and recompiled a full guide of how to unlock each and every single piece of Halo 3 armor for both Spartan and Covenant classes just in case you didn’t get it the first time around.
Most of this armor is unlocked through the story line so be sure to follow along as you run through it once more so you can pick up each and every piece causing your online buddies untold amounts of envy. Ready to relive the adventure? Hit the break for the full details.
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Replica Portal Gun From NECA Displayed on Video
Half-Life 2 introduced us to the Zero Point Energy Field Manipulator commonly referred to as the Gravity Gun. This weapon (or tool, if you will) took advantage of the game’s Havok physics engine giving the players ability to pick up massive objects (think ‘The Force’ in Star Wars, but with a gun type apparatus) and fling them across the horizon or otherwise move them gently. While this is definitely a cool concept, and unquestionably something I want, Portal’s Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device, otherwise known as the Portal Gun, is arguably more enticing.
If you’re not familiar with Portal or its only usable weapon (tool?) it allows players to create an entry portal and then link it with a portal of a contrasting color (either blue or orange, depending on which is originally created). Quite obviously, players can then walk, jump, skip or fly through the first portal and come flying out the other depending on initial momentum. Just the money I would save at the gas pump (provided the Portal Gun doesn’t use some kind of overly priced uranium for fuel) would be enough to have me sold.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem that Aperture Science will be releasing a civilian model of their Handheld Portal Device at any point in the near future, at least to my knowledge. But, if you want to run around with a plastic replica toy maker NECA would love to give you the opportunity.
Officially licensed from the games developers, NECA’s Portal Gun looks and acts just like the gun in the game minus, you know, actually shooting portals. However the gun will light up either orange or blue and make the “portal shooting sound” we’ve all come to know and love. In contrasting news, US pre-orders are unsurprisingly sold out but NECA assures us that they will let us know once more stock rolls though. In the mean time, luckily, you can check out the replica Portal Gun in all of its portal-less goodness in the video above.
We’ll keep an eye on this let you know when the Portal Gun will be back up for sale. Stay tuned and follow us on Twitter @Gamequack for the most up to date happenings in the video game world.
On a quick side note, if you’re into highly detailed figurines and other replicas inspired by popular video games you should definitely check out NECA’s blog at www.necaonline.com. The post found here, for example, shows off a ton of their wares from the New York Toy Show including pieces from video game properties like BioShock, Assassin’s Creed, Gears of War and even film properties like Evil Dead, Friday the 13th and Rocky.
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Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Details & Release Date Leak
We’ve alluded to the fact that Call of Duty is by far the most popular FPS franchise currently on the market time and time again. While the Modern Warfare series may be of the most popular Black Ops gained a considerable amount of popularity as well. Due to this popularity it’s no surprise that Activision will be looking to follow it up with a title appropriately dubbed Black Ops 2.
To be fair, Activision hasn’t technically come forth to announce the sequel so you’re going to need to take all of this with a grain of salt but if you’re willing to get your hopes up, read on. On a side note, these details were posted on an Activision endorsed message board only to be promptly pulled so that from that what you will.
According to new reports, we now know not only when Black Ops 2 will ship this November (which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise considering this has become somewhat of a trend). What may come as a surprise, however, is the wealth of leaked information regarding the games multiplayer. While the full list of supposedly leaked details is included after the break one big thing to look out for is the new Escort gametype. If you couldn’t tell by the name this gametype is said to involve a single VIP-esque player that must reach a certain checkpoint without being killed. Quite obviously the rest of the team will be tasked with protecting said VIP which will certainly make for some high pressure gameplay.
Anyways, check out the full list below and let us know what you think.
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Minecraft Coming to Xbox Live Arcade on May 9th
If you’re familiar with Minecraft and have hit up the Xbox Live Arcade anytime recently you’ll probably notice that the store is filled with many clones. Luckily, if you’re a purist, it’s just been noted that Minecraft will in fact be coming to Xbox Live on May 9th for 1600 Microsoft Points. Included within the game is the same gameplay featured in the PC game where you will be able to create anything you desire and fend off baddies. However, also included in the XBLA version is 4-player split-screen which, quite obviously, will allow you and 3 friends to take up building on the same screen, simultaneously.
Again, Minecraft will be available for the Xbox 360 on May 9th for 1600 Microsoft Points.
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Gears of War 3 Title Update 4 Rolling Out Today
Love it or hate it there’s no denying the the fact that Gears of War has become one of the most successful shooter franchises to ever grace the Xbox platform. Currently on its third iteration, the Gears of War franchise has continuously pressed the limits of what can graphically be done on the platform and Gears of War 3 is no different.
Those who have chosen Gears of War 3 as their daily driver may be interested to know that the game’s 4th Title Update is rolling out today. Included in the update is a whole slew of bug fixes and updates that will make playing the game a more enjoyable experience. If you want to check out the entire change log included in the free update (which will automatically be applied next time you start the game) we’ve included it for your viewing pleasure below.
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Tiger Direct Offers Cheap Xbox Live Gold
Despite the fact that its main rival, the PlayStation Network, is offered free of charge, Xbox Live is a paid for service. Typically, with no deals factored in, a 1 year subscription to the service will run gamers $59.99 factoring out to about $5 per month. Pay month-to-month and the rate goes up considerably. If even the $60 subscription is too much for you then today it seems that you’re in luck.
The reason I say this is because TigerDirect has just begun running a promotion through eBay that sees an entire year’s worth of Xbox Live Gold going for just $29.99. Seeing how this is quite the savings (factoring out to barely $2.50 per month) it’s quite possible that this deal will expire extremely fast.
On that note, if you’re looking to get down, do so fast. Check out the eBay listing here.
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