Gameplay of Diablo III in action! The long-awaited sequel launches on May 15, 2012 for PC!
What videogame releases of May 2012 release this week? The week of May 14th to May 20th sees some HUGE heavy hitters in the videogame arena.
The biggest release of this week, if not of the month, is most definitely Diablo 3. Diablo 3 is the long-awaited Blizzard-developed sequel to the hit hack-and-slash loot-dropping action RPG series that blew up on the PC and became one of the biggest and most long-played PC videogame series of all time. The original Diablo was released way back in 1996 with its sequel, Diablo 2, hitting over a decade ago in 2000. To put that into perspective, Diablo 1 was released the same year as Super Mario 64 on the N64 and Diablo 2 was released a year BEFORE Final Fantasy X. Old games indeed, but even so people still routinely play and praise them today!
Finally, a modern entry in the series has been released with Diablo 3! This game has been in development for an ETERNITY, first announced way back in 2008. So the game has been in-development for no less than four-years! A true eternity in videogame time. Will the game be worth the wait? We’ll have to wait and see! But already the game sits pretty atop the pre-order charts, so sales for Activision Blizzard are sure to be through the roof!
The Diablo III Collector’s Edition logo. Epic.
Not to be outdone is the long-waited third entry in Rockstar’s Bullet-time action series “Max Payne”, with Max Payne 3. Finally the action hero of last-generation is being restored for modern times. So this is a very exciting release and definitely one of the biggest and most highly-anticipated releases of the year!
Another big release this week is Game of Thrones, a huge, epic western-style RPG published by Atlus Games (Of Japanese RPG fame), and based on the hit TV show of the same name. It’ll be interesting to see how big of game it is, and how well it sells. Making it an RPG in the vein of “The Witcher” or “Skyrim” was a very smart idea… The 3DS is also getting a new title with Mario Tennis Open from Nintendo & Camelot!
Console and PC Releases of the Week, Physical and Digital (May 14-May 20th 2012):
* Diablo III + Collector’s Edition (May 15th) – PC
* Max Payne 3 (May 15th on Xbox 360 and PS3. May 29th on PC)
* Game of Thrones (May 15th) – Xbox 360, PS3
* Mario Tennis Open (May 15th) – 3DS
* Battleship (May 15th) – Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS; Based on the movie of the same name.
* Akai Katana (May 16th) – Xbox 360; Bullet-hell 2D side-scrolling Shooter published by Rising Star Games.
* Test Drive: Ferrari Legends (May 15th) – Xbox 360, PS3
* Kids Learn To Think: A+ Edition (May 15th) – DS
Here is a Diablo 3 Trailer:
Max Payne 3 Launch Trailer:
Keep an eye out for the Digital Releases of the Week this Thursday.
Minecraft finally comes to consoles with Xbox Live Arcade Minecraft for Xbox 360!
What are the digital videogame releases this week (May 7th – May 13th, 2012) that you should know about? Here I’ll give you an overview of what new game are available to play this weekened that were released over the past week.
Platforms include: Xbox Live Arcade (Xbox 360), PlayStation Network (PS3, PS Vita, PSP), Nintendo eShop (3DS), WiiWare (Wii), Wii Virtual Console (Wii), DSiWare (DSi), Steam (PC, Mac), GOG (PC), OnLive (PC, Mac, Android, iOS, TV Set), Origin (PC), iOS (iPod, iPod Touch, iPad), Google Play (Mobile, previously Android Marketplace) and Impulse (PC, now owned by GameStop, developed by Stardock).
The biggest news on the Xbox Live Marketplace front for Xbox 360 is the long-awaited console release of Minecraft! As I reported earlier, Minecraft Xbox Live Arcade Sales Are 400,000. Selling Half A Million In One Day. Becoming the Best-Selling XBLA Game Ever. Profitable In One Hour! Minecraft Xbox 360 is HUGE, and now more gamers than ever can get it on the action and see what this PC Indie sensation has been all about!
New XBLA Games:
* Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition
Price: 1600 Microsoft Points ($20)
Synopsis: Imagine it, build it! Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition lets you create worlds from the comfort of your sofa. Play alone or play with your friends. Explore, build and conquer! At night monsters come out, so make sure to build a shelter before that happens. After that, your world is your imagination. Turn your hours into minutes with Minecraft! Important Note – Local co-op play requires you have an HD TV. If you play this game in High Definition mode, you can have up to four players in split-screen on the same console. To be exact, it has to be at 720P or higher resolution via an HDMI, DVI, or VGA cable.
New Games On Demand Downloads (Full Games)
* Dance Central 2 ($50)
* Nickelodeon Dance ($30)
* Driver San Francisco ($60)
* Cars 1: The Video Game ($20)
New Add-On DLC:
* Asura’s Wrath Lost Episode 1 ($2)
Synopsis: One of the world’s greatest warriors appears before Asura… His name is Ryu. He challenges Asura to a duel! File size 166 MB
* Prototype 2 Colossal Mayhem Pack ($5)
Synopsis: Introducing the “Colossal Mayhem” Pack – the ultimate collection of carnage-inducing content for Prototype 2. File size: 5.66 MB
New Demos
* Spec Ops: The Line
Synopsis: The demo begins with a Delta Force recon team, led by Captain Martin Walker, infiltrating Dubai six months after a cataclysmic sandstorm destroyed the city and left it buried in ruin. Chaos ensues as Delta is pulled into the middle of a civil war. Walker and his team must fight their way through the unpredictable war-torn city to find the man at the heart of its madness – Colonel John Konrad.
* Kinect Star Wars
Synopsis: Step into Star Wars and experience a new galaxy of physical gameplay. Pilot a starfighter, race speeder bikes and even become the ultimate Jedi. Stomp, roar, grab and throw Stormtroopers as a powerful Rancor Monster, or speed past rivals to become a Podracing champion. Even dance for your life as you entertain Jabba the Hutt and other characters, and enjoy more adventures by yourself or with friends.
New PSN Games:
* Datura ($10)
Synopsis: From Plastic Group, the creator of the innovative Linger in Shadows, Datura is a new form of interactive play inspired by film narrative and immersing players in an experience never seen before.
New Games On Demand (Full PS3 Game Downloads):
* Need for Speed The Run ($40)
Synopsis: It’s called The Run. Three-thousand miles of unforgiving asphalt from San Francisco to New York. No speed limits. No rules. No allies. Armed with just his guts and instinct, Jack battles a field of the most notorious drivers ever assembled. File size 9.1 GB
* Saints Row: The Third ($60)
Synopsis: Years after taking Stilwater for their own, the Third Street Saints have evolved from street gang to household brand name, with Saints sneakers, Saints energy drinks and Johnny Gat bobble head dolls all available at a store near you. File size 7.2 GB
New DLC:
* See Xbox Live Marketplace DLC or the link below.
The big releases this week are all-new translations of never-before localized classic Sega Genesis and Sega Arcade titles in the Monster Land series!
Wii Virtual Console:
* Monster World IV (Sega Genesis, 600 Wii Points)
Synopsis: For the first time outside of Japan, experience the final chapter in the classic Monster World series! The game is set many years after Shion’s adventures in Wonder Boy in Monster Land (also released on Wii Virtual Console today). As Asha, a young adventurer, set forth into Monster World and defeat evil alongside your amorphous pet Pepe and a magical Genie, in order to save the troubled Elemental Spirits!
* Wonder Boy in Monster Land (Arcade, 900 Wii Points)
Synopsis: The game is the sequel to the 1986′s Wonder Boy (also available on the Wii Virtual Console). The once beautiful kingdom has been thrown into chaos by a ferocious fire-breathing dragon and his monstrous henchmen, whose aim is to create their own Monster Land. Unable to defend themselves from the onslaught, the people cry out for a hero to save them! As Wonder Boy, set out on an incredible journey across different environments and dungeons, collect powerful weapons and spells, and rid the land of evil!
3DS eShop:
* Sudoku by Nikoli ($5)
Synopsis: “Sudoku by Nikoli” contains 50 sudoku puzzles. Sudoku is a puzzle in which you place numbers from 1 to 9 into a 9×9 grid, divided into horizontal and vertical lines and 3×3 blocks, filling up all of the spaces with the numbers. With everything from simple puzzles to super-difficult ones, this game is popular with a wide range of players, from beginners to veterans. To ensure your long-term enjoyment, we’ve prepared both a “Stage Clear” mode and a “Random” mode. In “Stage Clear” mode, you progress by clearing puzzles one by one, and in “Random” mode puzzles are generated at random.
DSiWare:
* Paul’s Shooting Adventure 2 (500 DSi Points)
Synopsis: Paul and his twin brother join forces to smash the Insectians in this explosive sequel. The player controls Paul and his brother, twins of a super hero family who were born with innate super powers. The two brothers have the ability to take flight and attack with powerful projectile energy. However, most importantly, they are both gifted with the ability to take the form and seize the weaponry from fallen enemies.
* Rollercoaster Tycoon 3: Platinum ($20)
Synopsis: The platinum edition includes two expansion packs: Soaked! and Wild!, each with its own set of scenarios, cool rides, and objects to place around your virtual theme park. Surprisingly deep and complex strategy game, yet very light hearted, colorful, and accessible. Endless construction possibilities. Build the rollercoaster of your dreams: you choose the route, configure the slopes, add loops, barrel rolls, and other thrilling elements. You can even ride your roller coaster along with your guests! Hundreds of types of rides, coasters, food stands, firework shows, decorations, and amenities.
Extras Included With the Game: 3 Manuals, Soundtrack, 2 Avatars
* Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell 1 ($10)
Synopsis: Go Behind the Headlines into the real world of modern espionage. Diverse mission objectives achievable by different means for increased replay value. Highly interactive environments giving players more gameplay options and the ability suit their actions to their preferred gameplay style.
Extras Included With the Game: Manual, Reference Card
* Anomaly: Warzone Earth ($10)
Synopsis: Nominee for Best Strategy Game of the Year 2011 on Gamespot and on Game Informer! The first “Tower Offense” strategy game ever. It plays like a regular tower defense game, but this time you’re the attacker. Plenty of tactical possibilities for strategic minds: squad management, deployment planning, and constant cooperation between the troops and the Commander!
Extras Included With the Game: Wallpaper, Soundtrack, 4 Avatars, 5 Artworks
* Thief 3: Deadly Shadows ($10)
Synopsis: It falls in its predecessor’s footsteps, using light and sound to provide a one-of-a-kind stealth gaming experience. For the first time in the series, Garrett can freely roam the City. Explore dark alleys, overhear conversations, pickpocket guards, and even perform secondary missions which will influence player’s standing with in-game factions. New tools and moves added to Garrett’s repertoire: climbing gloves allow you to scale walls, and can also flatten yourself against the walls to hide.
Extras Included With the Game: Manual, 4 Wallpapers, Soundtrack, 8 Avatars, 66 Design Sketches
* Alan Wake ($15)
Synopsis: Includes Alan Wake Special Episodes “The Signal” and “The Writer”. INTENSE CINEMATIC ACTION – from Remedy, the masters of cinematic action, comes a 3rd person action game filled with overwhelming odds and desperate near escapes. RAZOR SHARP SUSPENSE – Gripping storytelling at its best, Alan Wake is like a tightly paced thriller TV series, offering endless twists and cliffhangers, and building up to an epic conclusion. LIGHT IS YOUR WEAPON – Light is your greatest weapon and only protection as darkness takes over everything and everyone, and turns them against you.
Extras Included With the Game: Manual, Wallpaper, 3 Making of Videos, 7 Writer In the Cabin Videos, 9 Night Springs Episodes, Alan Wake Files Book
* Quest For Glory 1-5 ($10)
Synopsis: Includes both: VGA and original version of Quest for Glory 1. Venture across five huge worlds, each based on a different culture and mythology, from Germanic fairy tales, through Arabian and Slavic folklore, right down to Greek mythology. Three starting character classes to choose from (fighter, magic user, and thief). This decision not only modifies the gameplay but also the story, providing for excellent replayability. You can transfer your character from one game to the next. The skills and wealth you worked for so hard are not lost!
Extras Included With the Game: 6 Manuals, Reference Card, 2 Maps, 3 Famous Explorers’ Correspondance Courses, Hero Journal
* Zeus + Poseidon (Acropolis) ($10)
Synopsis: One of the best city builder games out there, made by a team of experts in the genre: Impressions Games. Diplomacy, war, economy, and logistics – you must master all these arts to ensure your victory. 65 episodes in which you build and rule seven city-states and two powerful civilizations: Ancient Greece and Atlantis.
Extras Included With the Game: Manual, Adventure Editor Guide, Reference Card, 2 Avatars
New Games for the App Store for Apple Devices:
* N.O.V.A. 3: Near Orbital Vanguard Alliance ($7)
Synopsis: The most immersive and impressive sci-fi FPS franchise on smartphones is back! Fight for mankind’s survival in the greatest space shooter on mobile devices!Four months have passed since Kal ruined the Volterites’ plans by sabotaging their war factories, and stopping the extraction of the Judger Artifacts. However, following the assassination of President Folsom, the government surrendered the colonies to the Volterite Protectorate in order to prevent civil war between the increasingly pro-Volterite citizens. Kal Wardin has been laying low since Folsom’s death, nut now he has received a desperate plea from Yelena to come to Earth. Once again, the hero must rise to save mankind!
* LostWinds 2: Winter of the Melodias ($4)
Synopsis: Frontier is delighted to announce that the award-winning, enchanting ‘LostWinds’ adventure continues on iOS!Amazing new season-switching gameplay. Incredible new wind powers at the tips of your fingers. Beautiful visuals. Expansive new environments to explore. Charming new characters, and an absorbing storyline. Each element builds on the success of the first game to make Frontier’s ‘LostWinds2: Winter of the Melodias’ an unmissable experience on iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.As you journey through all-new expansive areas of Mistralis – using Enril the Wind Spirit’s amazing new abilities to power young Toku’s jumps and glides and thwart evil Balasar and his minions – you’ll experience realtime radiosity, dynamic lights, dynamic shadows and reflective & refractive ice shaders. These advanced graphical techniques realize the full potential of your Apple device and give the already gorgeous game even extra depth and added beauty.
* Luxor Evolved ($1)
Synopsis: In an all-new, completely revamped LUXOR Evolved, the chains are faster, the power-ups more awesome, the shooters more stealthy. In this retro-styled arcade shooter, you’ll experience a faster, more intense LUXOR, unlike any you’ve seen before.Harkening back to arcade classics, LUXOR Evolved is action packed with more bonuses and a quickened pace. The number one marble shooter game offers up excitement, secret levels, and bonus levels to keep the surprises coming and your shooter firing.
* Battleship The Video Game (Based on the film) (Free)
Synopsis: UTHENTIC! EXPLOSIVE! AND FREE! The classic game, but inspired by the BATTLESHIP movie, play as the Human navy or mysterious Alien forces. Sink every enemy ship – the fate of the world is at your fingertips! BATTLESHIP FREE… It’s a hit!
* Wolfenstein 3D Classic (Free)
Synopsis: Play the legendary original game that launched the First Person Shooter genre. You are OSA super agent B.J. Blazkowicz and you must escape from Castle Wolfenstein and defeat the twisted Nazi regime! Includes all six original episodes with 60 classic levels and unforgettable weapons, like the brutal chain gun, that still define action gaming today.Wolfenstein 3D Classic is non-stop action and all of the memorable enemies are there for you to conquer from Hans Grosse to MechaHitler!Search levels for hidden secrets that reveal stolen Nazi treasure, health packs, ammo and weapons or even short cuts. Use the new topdown map to see where you have already explored. Wolfenstein 3D Classic makes use of an all new control system designed for the iPhone by technical visionary and id Software founder, John Carmack. Choose clever new touch controls or drive with the tilt controls to halt the diabolical Nazi schemes.
Other iOS Releases Include:
* Punch Hero – Free
* Casino by Zeziz – Free
* Red Bull X-Fighters 2012 – $1
* Acme Planetary Defense – $1
* ChickenBreak – $1
* Monster Shooter: The Lost Levels – $1
* Penny Time – $1
* Pinch Peeps – $1
* This Could Hurt – $1
* FastBall 3 – $2
* Jake Escapes – $3
* Exponential Invasion – $3
* Zombro (Free)
Synopsis: Embark on a brainy and fun trip across the United States with Zombro! Zombro is a puzzle game with a simple goal: Detach Zombro’s basic elements (torso, legs, and braiiiiiinnz) to jump, dodge, and roll while making sure he finishes each level in one piece! 50 Puzzles. Solve mind bending puzzles, while detaching Zombro in three pieces! Outfit Zombro in cool gear. Even customize his brain! Choose from over 30 cool items in the store. Play offline! No internet connection needed except when making purchases.
* JAZZ: Trump’s Journey (Free)
Synopsis: “My name is Trump and I’m a jazz man, and this is my story.” Immerse yourself in the memories of Trump, in his dreams as a young, star-struck jazz musician, in love with the lovely Lady Poppy. Presenting a daring parallel with the real story of Louis Armstrong, relive Trump’s life, his quest to form a group, his love affair and battle against injustice in the New Orleans of the early 20th century. Let inspiration guide you through this fascinating platform game. Move around New Orleans depicted using stylish graphics. Follow young Trump’s moving story and be part of the birth of jazz. Discover the jazzy band sound specially composed by jazz musicians. Use your trumpet to stop time. Face every kind of danger: boss, moving platforms, detectives, spikes, etc. Facebook/Twitter Support.
* Ricky Carmichael’s Motorcross ($1)
Synopsis: So you think you have what it takes to ride with the big boys? Well, here is your chance to step up and prove it! Try to own your friends and rivals in this newest installment from the team that brought you the hits 2XL Supercross, 2XL MX Offroad, X Games Snocross and XLR8. Ricky Carmichael Motocross Matchup Pro is an all-new racing game where it’s just you against online competitors from around the globe! This includes the chance to bang bars with some the of best in the business, including Ricky Carmichael himself! Play Matchup mode and go head-to-head on both indoor (based on the real 2011 Supercross track layouts) and outdoor nationals tracks, including Ricky’s very own backyard. Collect in-game prizes that you can use to upgrade your ride and give you the edge to beat the competition! Earn in-game currency for free while racing. Currency can also be purchased to speed up your bike and rider progression! Choose from a wide selection of avatars! Pick a rider outfitted in all of the latest Fox gear riding official Suzuki racing bikes to special characters on their own personalized machines. Key Features: Gesture based stunt system. Full achievement system and leaderboards. 5 indoor and 5 outdoor tracks to master. Track layouts based on the 2011 Supercross season. 2 modes of play: Practice and Online Multiplayer Matchup. Select your appearance from a huge selections of bikes and riders. Special characters you can purchase and race with. Multiple camera views including first person with handle bars. Select from multiple preset control schemes. Responsive tilt steering interface. Level up to upgrade your bike and rider
* SAS: Zombie Assault 3 (Free)
Synopsis: Elite SAS operatives handle the darkest missions, the worst hot zones – things we are not meant to know. Inserted without backup, either alone or as a 4 person squad, you will be sought by the walking dead, by hordes of unspeakable numbers. Your only option – paint the ground with every last one of them. From the creators of Bloons TD4 the best action shooter on iOS now came to Android! Rank up 40 times and unlock awesome weapons and perks with every rank. Dozens of guns and special weapons, 5 unique maps, and hundreds of zombies on screen at a time. And that’s just single player! Play co-op multiplayer at any time with super-easy matchmaking geared to your level. Huge fun to jump into a game at the same time with friends, and doesn’t matter what device you have – Android and iOS users can seamlessly play together. Based on the ground-breaking flash game by Ninja Kiwi, but completely rebuilt and optimized for Android, SAS 3 has been battle hardened by millions of plays and undergone extensive tuning and balancing to create the best action shooter available on the Play Market! Killer Features: Intense zombie-blasting action shooter gameplay! Eviscerate the zombie hordes in single player or in 4 player co-op multiplayer. 40 Ranks to unlock, each granting access to a new weapon or perk. 37 devastating weapons like Auto Shotguns, Browning Machine Guns, Flamethrowers, and RPGs. 2 Sentry gun classes and 3 grenade types for serious room clearing. 5 challenging maps, each with very different hazards and kill zones. 9 relentless zombie types, with graphics that support hundreds on screen. Multiplayer play from any connected Android device – play anywhere in the world, whether on Andrid or iOS device.
* Ninja Chicken Ooga Booga (Free)
Synopsis: The Ninja Chicken is back again! Still on a mission to be the best ninja ever, our funky-chicken-who-thinks-he-is-a-ninja has broken free from the farm and into the wilderness! Check out what this chicken is up to and get into the jungly Ooga Booga mood!!! This time around he will be facing new adventures in the rough jungle. But look out – his old nemesis a.k.a The Evil Dog didn’t stay in the farm either. Help our poor chicken dodge vicious tribal dogs, tangling trees, dangerous spears and special teleporting stones! Enjoy 24 levels of fun and excitement and discover the cool surprises at the end of the levels… just waiting for you! Check it out! You won’t be able to put this game down! Highlights: 24 levels and more to come. A cool mini game at the end of each level. NEW and funky Ooga Booga music. Challenging NEW .
* Destiny Defense: Angel or Devil (Free)
Synopsis: Feel the Essence of Defense!! Get the hottest defense game for absolutely FREE. Experience the full-game for free without limit now. Finally, Free-to-play version is released on May 2! Finally, the most POWERFUL and BRUTAL war begins on the Google play! The world’s hottest defense game, Destiny Defense: Angel or Devil comes on! More than half a million users enjoyed the essence of defense game with Destiny Defense: Angel or Devil. Destiny Defense: Angel or Devil is the addictive ACTION-STRATEGY DEFENSE GAME with a variety of attack systems and 2 unique storylines. By choosing each side, Angel or Devil, you will be able to feel double thrill and fun as you go through different game plays. 2 unique and intricate storylines with commanders and defenders: Highly Advanced “Devil Mode” is unlocked after winning game “Angel Mode” creating a new opportunity for game play. Features: 10 levels across impressive 3 chapters: The lava zone, The soul forest, and The sky garden. The Commander and Unit System: Control a flying commander of your unit with special skills SPECIALIZED ONLY FOR HIM with fleeting joystick. A wide range of classes to summon including archers, priests, swordsmen and more!! Fully upgradeable units through the game unlock additional hero characters. Fast and Dynamic game play.
* Zombie Granny (Free)
Synopsis: In this crazy zombie killer game, you control the objects in the environment to solve the puzzle and destroy all the zombies as fast and as efficiently as possible. Travel through exciting different worlds in your quest to exterminate the walking dead, polishing your skills and collecting all the hidden puzzle pieces to set the best hi-score. Think through the puzzle then use your fingers to cut the ropes and break the chains with just the right timing. Watch closely as your actions put the scene and fireballs in motion. If done just right, you will BBQ those zombies and watch them all turn into black ash! You can also create passages by destroying obstacles and bring the action to life with the help of exploding boxes and shooting cannons. Zombie Granny also includes an easy-to-use Level Editor that is unlocked once you have gone through the “Pirate Ship” and “Police Station” levels, allowing players to create their own original puzzles. Use your mind and your fingers to fight your way through an army of the undead and annihilate them all to get to your main target – The Zombie Granny! Are you ready for the challenge? Features: 3 different worlds to conquer: Stonehenge, Pirate Ship and Police Station. 45 tricky and challenging puzzle levels to solve (15 per world). More than 100 zombies to kill and incinerate. 3 strong and clever bosses to defeat. Tons of weapons to use: colored fireballs, bombs, boxes, etc. Lots of tricky devices to maneuver: levers, springs, platforms, etc. Cool graphics and atmospheric music. Arcade elements with fun, ghoulish characters. Easy-to-use level editor (available only after you have gone through Pirate Ship and Police Station levels – $1.99 for both)
New Downloadable Games From GameStop and Stardock’s Impulse Digital Service at http://www.impulsedriven.com:
* Street Fighter X Tekken ($50)
Synopsis: Will You Cross the Line? The long awaited dream match-up between the two titans of fighting is here! Street Fighter X Tekken is the ultimate tag team fighting game, featuring one of the most expansive rosters of iconic fighters in fighting game history. The critically acclaimed Street Fighter IV game engine has been refined with new features including simultaneous 4-player fighting, a power-up Gem system, Pandora Mode, Cross Assault and more. Street Fighter and Tekken players alike will cross the line in this revolutionary battle!
* Nexuiz ($10)
Synopsis: For centuries the Kavussari and the Forsellians have waged war. They have a fragile truce but due to their seething disgust of each other they still pit their warriors against each other in arenas rather than on the fields of war. Those episodes of lethal combat are now broadcast throughout the galaxy, as entertainment… a spectacle known as… The Nexuiz Competition: An arena based first person shooter where you can alter the rules of the match and laws of physics while you dominate opponents in ever-changing hostile environments bleeding with hatred. Features: Arena FPS is back – inspired by the giants of the Arena FPS genre, Nexuiz reinvents twitch gaming for next generation consoles and PC. Over 100 ‘Dynamic Mutators’ serve as game-changing power-ups – Jetpacks, Uber-Nuke, Low Gravity, Big Head Mode and many more… 9 deadly arenas – powered by CryENGINE 3, Nexuiz sets a new graphical benchmark for a digital-only release. Designed for competitive play – a superbly balanced weapon set, classic game modes, and extensive stat tracking, Medals and Leaderboard support. Play solo or online – hone your skills against bots, then wage war online against the best in 4v4 multiplayer matches
* Red Orchestra 2 – Heroes of Stalingrad ($40)
Synopsis: Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad, the leading tactical multiplayer WWII shooter on the PC, will take the award winning Red Orchestra franchise into the next generation of gaming. Cutting edge graphics and audio built using the Unreal Engine 3, inventive features and streamlined realism will deliver an unrivaled tactical shooter experience. Heroes of Stalingrad will focus on the Battle of Stalingrad and the surrounding operations, both German and Russian, from July 1942 to February 1943. The game allows the player to experience one of the most brutal battles in all of human history. Delivering unrivaled accuracy and attention to detail, along with gritty, vicious combat in multiplayer and single-player modes the game will feature everything from quick, brutal firefights to more intricate and challenging tactical modes. Features: Red Orchestra multiplayer taken to new heights: The brutal, gritty Red Orchestra gameplay has been enhanced, expanded and made more accessible. Gameplay modes as instantly recognizable as Firefight (Tripwire’s take on Team Death Match), single-life gaming redefined in Countdown mode – and the Territory mode already beloved by the hundreds of thousands of Red Orchestra players worldwide. Stalingrad Campaign: Before heading online hone your skills in one of two campaigns that recreate the battle for Stalingrad from both the German and Russian sides. Featuring open non-linear environments and unscripted gameplay players make their own path through the battlefield. Heroes: Achieve the ultimate goal and become a Hero online. Players with hero status inspire troops around them and cause fear in their enemies. Heroes have access to the best and rarest weapons and will stand out visually from the rest of the soldiers. First person cover system: Experience the ultimate firefights that a cover system allows, from the immersion of a first person view. Peek or blind fire over and around cover and more. Unique Focus – the Battle of Stalingrad in depth: Takes the familiar WWII genre into a unique direction. Far removed from the well-trodden Normandy setting, gameplay is based on fresh scenarios and actions the player has never experienced before. Follow the German army as they assault the city of Stalingrad, to the banks of the Volga. Follow the Soviet army as it holds the city against all the odds then destroys the Axis forces. WWII weaponry redefined: true to life ballistics, bullet penetration, breathing, adjustable sights, free aim, weapon bracing, photo-real graphics and more, create WWII weaponry that has no equal. Immersive First Person Tank Warfare: Experience what it was like to fight inside one of these metal beasts in WWII with the most immersive first person tank warfare ever created. Fully modeled 3d interiors, a full AI crew, and advanced armor and damage systems create a unique tanking experience. Morale: Experience what it is like to be a soldier in one of the bloodiest conflicts in history and the importance of a soldier’s state of mind and how it can turn the tide of battle. Suppress your enemies and gain the advantage in combat! Persistent Stats Tracking and Player Progression: Persistence constantly gives the gamer something to strive for and keeps them playing. Grow in rank, earn achievements, improve your abilities, and become a Hero! Enhanced Unreal Engine 3: Built on an enhanced version of Unreal Engine 3 the game features cutting edge visuals and features.
All-new games for the OnLive Console and Service: (Play them on your TV with a console & subscription, or via PC or Mobile with the OnLive Client!)
* Wargame: European Escalation ($40
Synopsis: Wargame: European Escalation is an intense and spectacular Real Time Strategy game, where realism and strategy are brought to the front lines. With a phenomenal range of vehicles and units (over 350 different models), build your army and enter a huge military campaign across Europe of the 80’s, as the Cold War is about to become World War 3. With the powerful IRISZOOM, Wargame offers breathtaking graphics and battles as spectacular as they are strategic. Prepare to bring hundreds of units of all kinds–tanks, helicopters, squad Infantry, etc.–under your command in intense battles on gigantic maps stretching up to 60 square miles!
Online service EugenNet provides a full multiplayer experience with creation of clans, organizing games, and world rankings where up to 8 players can compete simultaneously in massive battles involving hundreds of units!
Starhawk has been a long time in coming, but the game is finally here!
What videogames will be released this week?
Looks like the “summer doldrums” are in full swing, as this week is as barren as can be for videogame releases on consoles and PC. Of course, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a great game mixed in… It’s just you have to wade through a number of no-name PC games to reach it!
The biggest news this week is the long-awaited release of the PS3-exclusive online third-person spaceshooter hybrid, “Starhawk”. A spiritual-successor to the PS1 launch game “Warhawk”!
Here is the launch trailer for Starhawk.
Videogame Releases of the Week
* Starhawk (PS3)
* Street Fighter X Tekken (PC)
* Warlock: Master of the Arcane (PC)
* Nexuiz (PC)
* Nancy Drew: Tomb of the Lost Queen (PC)
* House of 1,000 Doors: Palm of Zoroaster – Collector’s Edition (PC)
Digital releases will include:
* MineCraft (Xbox Live Arcade)
* Datura (PlayStation Network)
Will you be picking up Starhawk this week? I hope this game sells extremely well, the game deserves it after spending so much time in development. And it looks absolutely awesome. Hopefully the barren release week will work well in the game’s favor.
April 25th (TUESDAY)
Deep Black: Episode 1 (Xbox Live Arcade)
Bloodforge (Xbox Lie Arcade)
April 26th (WEDNESDAY)
Max Payne Mobile (Android)
Chuck E. Cheese’s Arcade Room (DS)
Deus Ex: Human Revolution (MAC)
Frenzy Pop (iPhone)
Operation CrossCounter (iPhone)
I will update this throughout the week if I learn of any additional releases not listed, or if something is listed in error. Any games you looking to pick up this week?
I never played the original Prototype, I really should do that… Prototype 2 looks freakin’ awesome.
Watch Us Play Games 