God of War 4: Ascension Officially Announced. We'll learn more at E3 2012.
God of War 4, or rather “God of War: Ascension” has been exclusively announced for PlayStation 3!
This is the long-awaited newest game in the series, which looks like it will be a prequel, and a game we are sure to learn real details about once E3 2012 hits in June. The game has yet to be officially announced (or formally, rather), but info including the official trailer has leaked early.
“Join Kratos as he seeks freedom, redemption, and the clarity to avenge his family in the most ambitious God of War adventure in the series so far.”
The game is being developed by Sony Santa Monica and Todd Papy will be directing the game, previously he was the Game Designer for God of War 1, God of War 2, and God of War 3, so it sounds like the game’s development is in good hands. Todd worked on Scenario Design for Combat, Level Design and Scripting for past games, so it sounds like he knows the game well enough to become the producer this time.
“There was a time before Kratos became the monster known as the Ghost of Sparta. A time when something other than rage consumed him. A time when in spite of the madness that plagued him, Kratos would break his blood oath to an unjust God. A time when he was only bound by blood.”
Sounds awesome huh, now watch the God of War 4: Ascension trailer:
In another example of my ABSOLUTE gaming failure, I’ve yet to play a single one of the God of War games…. *sigh* *sits in corner*
Beautiful artwork from the Wii-exclusive RPG Pandora's Tower
WOW. Talk about an exciting development! Operation Rainfall is raising money and taking donations that will be used to pitch Pandora’s Tower to videogame publishers themselves! Basically, Operation Rainfall is now bypassing Nintendo entirely and going to the publishers on their own, with a kit of information on Pandora’s Tower, in order to convince these publishers that they are the ones who should pick up the North American release of the Wii RPG and take things into their own hands!
If successful, this would mean that one of these publishers would see the light in regards to the worth of releasing Pandora’s Tower in the United States, and would then come to Nintendo and say “We are willing to invest the funds necessary to publish Pandora’s Tower in North America”, effectively giving a win to Operation Rainfall’s whole initial point of existance… to get all three great Wii RPGs published in major English-speaking markets.
Here is a trailer for Pandora’s Tower.
Operation Rainfall was successful in this endeavor with two of the the three games: Xenoblade Chronicles was co-published by GameStop in collaboration with Nintendo, and has seen great sales success in the United States (The Xenoblade Chronicles release date was on April 6, 2012). That was game #1 of the Operation Rainfall campaign. Game #2 was The Last Story, which XSeed Games approached Nintendo about in regards to publishing, and Nintendo announced the game for a June 19th, 2012 release date in North America (co-published by both Xseed Games & Nintendo).
That left one more game… Pandora’s Tower. All three of these highly anticipated Wii RPGs were picked up and published across the pond by Nintendo Europe themselves (who are even being rewarded with the awesome Collector’s Operation Rainfall Wii RPG Coin Set Offered by Club Nintendo Europe), so most of the world has already gotten the games… except for North America. As of right now, Pandora’s Tower has yet to be announced for an American release, much to the dismay of Operation Rainfall members and gamers of all stripes who have been calling, writing, petitioning and praying that Nintendo would wake up to their senses and publish the game in America. But to no avail. Enter PHASE 2!
This is a mockup of what the Pitch to A Publisher Operation Rainfall Campaign Award will look like for those who donate $10 to the cause! A collector's case that holds the entire "Operation Rainfall Collection": Xenoblade Chronicles, The Last Story and Pandora's Tower.
If you donate $5 to this “Pitch To A Publisher” cause, Operation Rainfall will reward you with exclusive Pandora’s Tower wallpapers. If you donate $10 to the cause, Operation Rainfall will reward you even more greatly with a very snazzy “Operation Rainfall Collection” 3-disc collector’s case to hold Xenoblade Chronicles, The Last Story, and Pandora’s Tower! Very, very cool!
If you can afford to donate to the Operation Rainfall Pitch To A Publisher Campaign PLEASE do so! I urge you, as this may be the ABSOLUTE solution to finally getting the last of the three AAA quality RPGs published in America! And time is running out, because soon we will have the Wii U on our hands and Wii games will be completely obsolete!
Operation Rainfall only needs to raise a paltry $600 in order to completely fulfill what they want to do. That will give them enough money to create their “kits” that they will send to each of the following publishers:
The kit will contain the following: A physical copy of the PAL (European) version of Pandora’s Tower, hi-res printouts of concept art for the game, printed copies of the many glowing reviews for the game, and possibly even a full printout of the original Operation Rainfall petition sent to Nintendo. The publishers were selected in order of likelihood to accept this proposal to publish Pandora’s Tower, based on this criteria:
1. The publisher must have a working relationship on the Wii console (i.e., they have published at least one game on the Wii, either to North America or Europe).
2. The publisher must have experience with localizing titles that were developed in Japan.
3. The publisher must have experience publishing action/role-playing games.
So come on videogamers! Let’s band together and do the work needed to get Pandora’s Tower released! DONATE NOW! Even if Operation Rainfall meets the $600 threshold needed, any additional funds will go towards continuing their campaign to get all worth games that have never been released outside of Japan or released in America, localized and published! This includes games that fans have been long-clamoring for, such as EarthBound, Mother 1, Mother 3, Fatal Frame 4 (Wii), etc.!
Crysis 3 is sure to offer graphics that probably look this good.
The next-generation of gaming will be here soon, as Crytek has officially announced Crysis 3! Only one problem, it’s coming to current-gen systems Xbox 360, PS3 and PC in Spring of 2013!
Even so, you can expect a graphical fidelity that rivals that of anything else once the game lands next year, as Crytek is famous for pushing the boundaries to their limit and offering games with absolutely stunning graphics. Not only that, but just because today’s systems are the only ones named, doesn’t mean they won’t also hit next-gen systems as well. It’s also a bit alarming that Wii U isn’t one of those systems named….
You can already pre-order the game too via EA’s Origin platform for PC. If you’re one of those crazies who wants to pre-order a game that’s a whole year away, natch. Yikes….
Sadly I’ve never played the Crysis games, despite owning Crysis 1 and 2 on Steam…. I always buy Steam games and never play them. One of these days… Crytek also has Far Cry 3 in development. Looks like they have a busy year ahead of them!
Here is the official full Crysis 3 Press Release:
The hunted becomes the hunter in Crysis 3, the premier sandbox shooter experience of 2013. Powered by Crytek’s proprietary CryENGINE, Crysis 3 advances the state of the art with unparalleled visuals and dynamic shooter gameplay. Players take on the role of “Prophet” as he returns to New York, only to discover that the city has been encased in a Nanodome created by the corrupt Cell Corporation. The New York City Liberty Dome is a veritable urban rainforest teeming with overgrown trees, dense swamplands and raging rivers. Within the Liberty Dome, seven distinct and treacherous environments become known as the Seven Wonders. This dangerous new world demands advanced weapons and tactics. Prophet will utilize a lethal composite bow, an enhanced Nanosuit and devastating alien tech to become the deadliest hunter on the planet.
“Crysis 3 is a thrilling mix of sandbox gameplay, advanced combat and hi-tech human and alien weaponry that shooter fans will love,” said Cevat Yerli, Chief Executive Officer of Crytek. “Leveraging the latest CryENGINE technology, we’re able to deliver seven unique themes that offer stunning and visually loaded gameplay experiences. We cannot wait until people get their hands on the game.”
Set in 2047, Prophet is on a revenge mission after uncovering the truth behind Cell Corporation’s motives for building the quarantined Nanodomes. The citizens were told that the giant citywide structures were resurrected to protect the population and to cleanse these metropolises of the remnants of Ceph forces. In reality, the Nanodomes are CELL’s covert attempt at a land and technology grab in their quest for global domination. With Alien Ceph lurking around every corner and human enemies on the attack, nobody is safe in the path of vengeance. Everyone is a target in Prophet’s quest for retribution.
Crytek also announced that players who are ready to start the hunt can pre-order the Crysis 3 Hunter Edition today . The Crysis 3 Hunter Edition gives players the tools to become the ultimate hunter in multiplayer with early access to the new signature bow and its attachments, plus the Hunter Nanosuit module which adds additional power and functionality to the super-suit. Gamers who pre-order now will also have a head start when playing online with a bonus XP boost up to level 5, a unique bow skin and three exclusive dog tags to hunt in style. The Crysis 3 Hunter Edition is available on Origin.com and other participating retailers.
In addition to receiving the Crysis 3 Hunter Edition, select retailers are offering gamers that pre-order Crysis 3 the following early multiplayer unlocks:
* Stalker Pack – Includes the base game, all Hunter Edition content and the following early multiplayer unlocks: for players who like to stalk their prey from the shadows the Stalker Pack provides early multiplayer access to the deadly semi-auto Jackal shotgun. This powerful, close-range shotgun comes with a unique silencer attachment, custom weapon skin and two exclusive themed in-game dog tags.
* Overkill Pack – Includes the base game, all Hunter Edition content and the following early multiplayer unlocks: the Overkill Pack features early multiplayer access to the Typhoon assault weapon and skin. Spewing 500 rounds a second, the Typhoon gives players the ability to go guns blazing to take back the Liberty Dome. Also included are two exclusive Overkill themed in-game dog tags.
* Predator Pack – Includes the base game, all the Hunter Edition content and the following early multiplayer unlocks: the Predator Pack delivers early multiplayer access to the Feline submachine gun and exclusive camo. With an extremely fast rate of fire and a 60 round magazine the Feline is highly effective and deadly, at short range.
The Crysis franchise and Crytek in general are known for their graphical prowess. With Crysis 3, the studio is aiming to raise the bar once again by “advancing the state of the art with unparalleled visuals and dynamic shooter gameplay.”
The Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 soundtrack artwork. Contains Hells March Remix
Today I am presenting you with an absolutely wicked remix of Command & Conquer’s Hell March song, originally from the first Command & Conquer: Red Alert. This time the soundtrack has been giving a crazy awesome spin, this from the soundtrack of Red Alert 3.
I can’t get enough of this track. I think I listened to it like … 8 times in a row already lol. And to think… I never even was a big Command & Conquer guy. Although I can definitely appreciate the games. I did play through Red Alert Retaliation for PS1 back in the day though.
This amazing Coin Set can be yours for registering Pandora's Tower, The Last Story and Xenoblade Chronicles for Wii.
Club Nintendo Europe is offering a Limited Collector’s Wii RPG Coin Set featuring Xenoblade Chronicles, The Last Story and Pandora’s Tower for anyone who registers all three of the hit Operation Rainfall RPGs via Club Nintendo’s European website!
THOSE BASTARDS!
This Coin Set is the absolute cherry on top of the cake for Operation Rainfall members and Wii RPG fans who live overseas. Sadly it is unknown (and some would say very unlikely) that Nintendo of America will be offering this absolutely amazing coin set in the USA. That’s because Pandora’s Tower has not even been confirmed for American release yet! But one can hope… And pray. And write. And DEMAND! (see end of story below)
In order to qualify for this set, you must be a PAL region Club Nintendo member and you must have bought all three game’s new, you’ll then need to register them using the Club Nintendo code that is included with each new game. It doesn’t matter if you bought the standard or Limited Edition of the RPGs, either will work fine for registration. Once all three have been registered, you should get a message on the Club Nintendo site telling you of the new exclusive offer. The Coins in the set feature logos of all three titles along with emblems representing them, one on each side of the coin.
Keep in mind that this Three Wii RPG Coin Set is LIMITED and will only be in stock while supplies last, so ACT NOW!
Operation Rainfall is still going in America for Pandora's Tower. Demand Nintendo of America release this ---great Wii RPG!
In Pandora’s Tower you take on the role of Aeron, as he battles to save his beloved friend Elena from a mysterious curse that is gradually transforming her into a demonic creature. Only by battling through the towers of a nearby fortress can Aeron rescue Elena from her gruesome fate. Featuring multiple possible endings and a New Game+ mode, Pandora’s Tower contains hours of entertainment and great replay value.
While you explore thirteen challenging towers on a mission to save Elena, you will enjoy a powerful soundtrack consisting of some of the most popular classical music in the world, including composers such as Verdi and Tchaikovsky. Every decision you make will affect your ultimate success. The choice is yours.
Here is a trailer for Pandora’s Tower! Please be sure to call and write Nintendo of America to DEMAND that they release the game here! Especially do the demanding today, Friday the 13th, as today is an activist day where all Operation Rainfall members are being encouraged to contact Nintendo of America today, so that they get a huge influx of letters, calls, etc. all at the same time from people demanding that they release Pandora’s Tower in North America. DOOOO ITTTT CHUCKY DOOO ITTT (Rugrats reference… ahem)
And remember to keep staying plugged in to the Operation Rainfall Facebook and the Operation Rainfall website! This will help you stay informed and stay ontop of the latest news concerning videogames that deserve the attention and activism!
Absolutely Dropdead Gorgeous Girl. She kills with a violin!
One Voice, One Violin’s Skyrim music video (duo of Lindsey Stirling and Peter Hollens) is absolutely mind-blowing and will put a gigantic smile on the face of anyone who watches it, cold-hearted hater of fantasy or Skyrim RPG junkie with no life, all will bow to the incredible power of this unbelievable video. You can even purchase this awesome Skyrim Main Theme Lindsey Sterling & Peter Hollens Song on iTunes for only $1.30! BUY IT!
Both of the cast of characters in this video; the incredibly sweet, cute-as-a-button, violin-master Lindsey Stirling and the man’s man, loincloth-bearing, voice-of-a-giant, Dragon-speaking bastard that is Peter Hollens (envious of this guy… :P) put on a show of absolutely epic proportions, with music that is of angels; and have given the world an incredible remastering of the Skyrim themesong composed by Jeremy Soule, from the epic RPG videogame that has engulfed anyone who has touched it (available for PC, Xbox 360 or PS3 from Bethesda Game Studios).
Lindsey vs Peter, Sword vs Violin Bow! FIGHT!
Unbelievably, the bear-of-a-man explorer named Peter used over 120 overlayings of his vocal tracks to create the incredible voices you hear throughout this piece, and of course the incredible violin playing of Lindsey (who’s drop-dead sexy performance on a violin will make all men rush out and exclusively date violin players) will bring you to your knees in spellbound amazement. Topping off this cake of the Heaven’s is cinematography that would make The Lord of the Ring’s film director Peter Jackson stand up and cheer.
Add in first-person videogame viewpoints, INCREDIBLE special effects of Lindsey and Peter shooting spells at each other ripped right out of a videogame, and a Violin bowstring vs sword battle between Peter and Lindsey, and you can easily see why this amazing video has over two million and a half views!
Even after seeing it multiple times, it still gives me chills. Absolutely completely utterly BEAUTIFUL. Do yourself a favor and give this masterpiece video a watch!
Watch Me Play Elite Beat Agents! In this new Let’s Play, I bust out the good ol’ DS rhythm action game from Nintendo and Inus, which was one of the biggest breakout music games for Nintendo’s last-gen powerhouse portable.
It’s easy to see why once you see the game in action, it’s challenging, easy to grasp (once you get the hang of it) and extremely, extremely challenging on later stages. It’s also really funny, well-written, unique and fast-paced with an outstanding soundtrack, cookey characters and an energy that sucks you into rhythm heaven (pun-intended). It is quite simply one of the straight-up funnest, funniest and highest rated games on the DS. If you haven’t played it yourself, you owe it to yourself to pick it up!
A look at the character you can expect in Namco+Capcom+Sega's 3DS Project X Zone strategy RPG
A while back, a joint-project rocked the videogame world, when it was revealed that Namco, Capcom and Sega were working on an exclusive 3DS title! As the line-up of developers is unlike any collaboration ever seen before, players were suitably excited.
However, there had previously been a somewhat similar game called Namco x Capcom (pronounced Namco Cross Capcom) which was a strategy RPG for the PlayStation 2 that mixed odd characters from the many popular series of both publishers. Sadly, that game was so obscure that it never recieved a Western localization (yet).
Now what many players feared has come to pass. It turns out that “Project X Zone” (final name apparently), the joint project between Sega, Capcom and Namco, is INDEED a spiritual sequel of sorts to the Japan-only “Namco x Capcom”. And like that game, this one too is a Strategy RPG ala Disgaea or Final Fantasy Tactics. Sadly, this means that we MAY never see Project X Zone released in the West. Although since it is a 3DS game, and Nintendo is trying its damndest to get as many 3DS titles released as possible, and given that this game comes in the wake of the localization of extremely Japanese titles like Tatsunoko vs Capcom and Pokemon Conquest, games never-before expected to come stateside, then one can hope that we’ll also get this new game regardless of how niche it is.
Project X Zone includes many obscure characters that American gamers are most-likely not familiar with, which is one of the problems with localizing a game like this. Although an argument can be made that Western gamers are more familiar with Japanese characters than ever before thanks to the popularity of Japanese anime and manga worldwide and the fans that live and breath it, and many who import or play online versions of Japanese games. Read the rest of this entry »
Way of the Samurai 4 is coming to America for the PSN exclusively for PS3 thanks to Xseed Games!
Xseed Games has done fans a service and picked up Way of the Samurai 4 for PS3, which they will localize and publish in North America to give fans an English localization of the latest in the action adventure series.
Way of the Samurai 4 will be published by Xseed exclusively for the PlayStation Network, instead of as a standalone disc.
You gotta love the fact that digital services like the PSN make it possible for a company like Xseed to localize a game like Way of the Samurai 4, as it costs them much less to do so and then release the game digitally than to have to have the game discs pressed and shipped to stores physically. Hopefully this kind of trend will continue thanks to the digital storefronts for each system, allowing us to get many Japanese titles that wouldn’t otherwise be localized.
I’ve never played the Way of the Samurai series, although I do own the first game for PlayStation 2… I’ll play it one of these days.
Way of the Samurai 4 sees players taking on the role of a Samurai without a Master during the time when the Land of the Rising Sun (that’s Japan) first allowed foreign trade into the country.
Players will be able to customize their character and can join one of three different factions: Prajna (who are isolationists and want nothing to do with the outside world, the Ron Paul supporters of ancient Japan), the Shogunate and an all-new faction made up of supporters of the foreigners and the goods they bring to the nation.
Here is a gameplay video of Way of the Samurai 4 (the Japanese version) in action.
The God of War 8bit logo for "Bit of War". A free fanmade demake!
“Bit Of War” is the name of an 8bit version of God of War! This labor of love was FIVE YEARS in the making and attempts to bring the famous violent action series into the world if 8bits!
This is not the first time that a popular videogame franchise has gotten the “Demake” treatment (the term coined for turning back the wheels of time on a series to make it out as a version created using inferior hardware like that of the 8 or 16bit systems of yesteryear) but certainly this is one of the largest projects that Demakers have ever produced.
The game was developed by Holmade Games and is a free title, unlike some of their other projects, which include games like PixelWhirled and Hurdle Turtle, which are available on platforms like Xbox 360 Marketplace Indie Games and on the App Store.
8bit God of War Screenshot of the free fanmade demake "Bit of War"
Those other games are relatively simple and don’t use an existing license (which is why this game is free), Bit of War is also a game in which they spent a much longer amount of time developing to ensure it was a fully-fledged project, much more than is typical for these types of Demakes (although they often do end up taking over a year to develop). And of course, Bit of War gives fans 8bit infused versions of the beloved tunes from Kratos’ console and handheld adventures, as well as all of the violent action and titanic bosses they crave, shrunken down to cute pixelated, huggable versions!
Here is what Bit of War looks like in action!
And here is a trailer for the God of War demake, “Bit of War”.
