destructoid

Dying Light is an open world, freerunning zombie game

2013-05-23T08:00:00Z

Okay, take Dead Island's entire concept, subtract the role-playing mechanics, throw in freerunning features akin to Mirror's Edge, and set it all in an open world that features a day-and-night cycle where things become way harder at night like in Minecraft or DayZ.

That's Dying Light in a giant nutshell. Warner Bros. is publishing this Techland-developed game, and they showed off a demo for the new zombie survival title at a recent pre-E3 meeting. While the premise looked cool, I've learned the hard way not to get excited for one of Techland's games until I've gotten actual hands-on time.

And when I said take Dead Island's entire concept, I mean that quite literally. It's blatantly the Dead Island engine in use here, for better or for worse.

Grand Theft Auto V collector's edition, pre-order bonuses

2013-05-23T07:39:00Z

Rockstar has today announced the obligatory collector's edition and pre-order bonus offerings for Grand Theft Auto V.

All pre-orders will gain players an Atomic Blimp, a blue and yellow atrocity in which one can soar above the peasantry. From the looks of things, Rockstar isn't pulling any exclusivity crap here, so you should be able to expect the blimp wherever you might order.

As far as limited edition chicanery goes, there are naturally two upgraded versions of the game you can get your materialistic hands on -- The Special Edition and The Collector's Edition.

Monster Hunter would be way better if it was like this

2013-05-23T07:00:00Z

Sure, the meme is a bit old but the added sound effects to the Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate video is what really made this spoof for me. Bravo, Capcom-Unity.

[Thanks, Dale!]

Far Cry 3's map editor updated with Blood Dragon content

2013-05-23T05:00:00Z

Mark IV style mutha f*ckas!

Far Cry 3's map editor was just updated to include Blood Dragon's neon packed designs. This is just for the buildings and stuff, and doesn't include the creatures like the actual Blood Dragons. The update is available now for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions, and we expect the PC version to get the update shortly as well.

The update is free, so you have no excuse to go make some crazy creations. Well other than you not owning Far Cry 3 itself. Which you really should go and get, cause it's a great game. As is Blood Dragon itself.

Far Cry 3 map editor injected with Blood Dragon goodness [Joystiq]

Awakening was almost the last Fire Emblem game

2013-05-23T04:00:00Z

Fire Emblem: Awakening surprised just about everyone with its critical and commercial success. In Japan, the 3DS strategy RPG had sold over 400K units through June 2012, and it's likely continued to grow since then. In the US, digital and retail numbers totaled 240K as of this past April. And in the UK, it launched at number three on the software charts, boosting 3DS hardware sales by 49%. Yeah, the game's been doing pretty damn well for itself.

According to Awakening co-producer Hitoshi Yamagami, the future of the series was riding entirely on the game's success. In a translated interview with Spanish magazine Hobby Consola, Yamagami said, "Truth be told, sales are dropping. The sales manager of Nintendo, Mr. Hatano, told us that this could be the last Fire Emblem. Due to this progressive descent in sales, they told us that if the sales of this episode stayed below 250,000 copies, we'd stop working on the saga. I remember when I came back from the meeting and told the team, 'My God, what are we gonna do?! The end has come!' Our reaction was clear: If this was going to be the last Fire Emblem, we had to put everything we always wanted to include."

Needless to say, Awakening went on to blow waaaaaay past that number. So rest easy, my friends! Fire Emblem shall live on!

Awakening could have been the last Fire Emblem [Serenes Forest Forums via NeoGAF]

You will fight a tiger in Killer is Dead

2013-05-23T03:00:00Z

The latest barrage of screens for Killer is Dead focuses on two of the bosses you'll encounter in the game. First there's Hamadayama, who rides around on a freaking tiger. Yes, a tiger. How badass is that? Then there's Samurai, a robotic warrior who will put your skills to the test. The new screens also shows off Betty, another Mondo girl that you'll have to please.

I highly encourage you to go through all the screens in our gallery. Each one just looks pretty stylish, and I love the character design going on with some of the enemies. Oh, and I have no idea what that thing is in the header image. Creepy.

Link's Blacklist is a gallery of colorful Zelda foes

2013-05-23T02:00:00Z

Hyrule, its neighboring nations, and its parallel dimensions are filled with no shortage of remarkable enemies, ranging from cute and unassuming to pure nightmare fuel. When you step back and realize just how varied The Legend of Zelda series is, it reminds you why people love it so much.

Game Art HQ, a collection of various fan-made videogame art, has recently assembled Link's Blacklist. This gallery puts the bosses and low-level grunts of Link's myriad adventures in the spotlight, rendered by over 50 artists the world over. I'm not kidding when I say they are colorful -- just look at the amazing Dodongo, Skull Kid, and Puppet Ganon in the header!

I've uploaded a few of my favorite pieces below -- how many can you identify without looking at the filenames? Be sure to check out the main gallery to see the whole showcase.

Link's Blacklist - a Tribute to the Dark Side of Hyrule [Game Art HQ]

Poker Night 2 now available for iOS

2013-05-23T01:00:00Z

Telltales' Poker Night at the Inventory 2 is now available for iOS devices. The poker title will work on anything iPad 2 and up, or iPhone 4 and up. And like the PC counterpart, this one is going for $4.99 as well.

On the fence? Go read our official review to see what we thought of Poker Night 2.

The Daily Hotness: Xblah Numb

2013-05-22T23:59:00Z

The internet is still buzzing about Microsoft's big "Xbox One" reveal from yesterday...and most of that buzz is not positive. Not only are the fans not thrilled about the lack of backwards compatibility nor the fees involved in playing a game on more than one console, but now indie devs have taken to Twitter to share their displeasure with MS' new console, and their general attitude towards the indie community. Though, after seeing this highlights recap of the press event, it shouldn't really be a shock as to where Micorsoft's focus is.

Dtoid's Office Chat talked up the new system, and Jim even released a special Jimquisition on the subject. In other news, Dale interviewed the Call of Duty: Ghosts devs about the new canine companion, Sup, Holmes? chatted up Lone Survivor's Jasper Byrne, Allesandro checked out the new Paths feature in the upcoming WildStar MMO, Conrad and Jordan's couch campaign featured Sunset Riders, and other newsy thingies occurred. Yup.

Destructoid Originals:
The horrible secret behind EA Sports' Ignite Engine
Awww! Call of Duty: Ghosts' cute little doggie
One Xbox to rule them all - Office Chat
Live show: The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing
Tons of exclusive info on Lone Survivor PS3 and New Game+
Sunset Riders: How the west was fashionable

Community:
Community blogs of 5/22
Forum thread of the day: The Next Xbox - Xbox One

Previews:
WildStar's Paths accomodate specific MMO play styles

Sunset Riders: How the west was fashionable

2013-05-22T23:30:00Z

When we think of the American west, we think of outlaws and lawmen, settlers trying to eke out a new life in an inhospitable place and, most of all, stylish dress composed of pastels and fringe. It is in that spirit that Jordan and I approached Sunset Riders for the Super Nintendo, knowing that while it was important to be good, that should be secondary to looking good.

WildStar 'Paths' system detailed in new dev video

2013-05-22T23:00:00Z

The Path system in WildStar is the focus of the latest developer video, going into detail about how your character will cater to how you like to personally play. The available Paths are Soldier, Explorer, Scientist, and Settler, and your character's path is chosen upon creation.

Explorers will be given quests about finding secret areas, getting from point X to point Y quickly, or performing scavenger hunts, Soldiers will receive wave-based quests and big bad boss fights, Scientists will be able to scan items in maps and discover the world's lore, and Settlers can build shops, bars, and other buildings.

Personally, I think I'm going to have to learn towards Explorer. I love just running and jumping around the maps, finding new areas and checking them out. Ideally, your party will have one of each, opening up a vast array of quests for the entire party, but obviously this is all just extra content and not necessary. It's a really neat system and makes WildStar that much more interesting.

Raise your badger children in Might and Delight's Shelter

2013-05-22T22:30:00Z

Life as a mother badger doesn't strike me as something that would be particularly easy, but conflict sure does make for an interesting story. Pid developer Might and Magic is going where no one to my knowledge has gone before with Shelter, a Windows and Mac game due out this year.

This has been referred to as a third-person adventure title -- one that's "very much under development." I kept expected to see "survival" come up, but it's curiously nowhere to be found. What Shelter might lack in visual fidelity is made up for by its sound design and music. I'm so glad someone is exploring unlikely concepts such as this; what a contrast to more mainstream themes.

Here's your Company of Heroes 2 campaign trailer

2013-05-22T21:30:00Z

I'm really grateful that Sega has picked up Company of Heroes 2 after THQ's collapse. The original was a great real-time strategy title, one that I had most of my fun with in multiplayer more than the single-player. This trailer for the campaign mode has me intrigued as it seems to set up a personal take of the conflict on the Eastern front.

The trailer shows an unnamed Soviet veteran, seemingly recounting his story battling the Nazi forces over four years. It'll be interesting to see how Relic handles that era of the Second World War and how the horrors of that period of the conflict will be portrayed. We'll find out in a month's time when Company of Heroes 2 is released on June 25.

Microsoft spent $400 million on NFL partnership!?

2013-05-22T21:00:00Z

Among yesterday's song-and-dance routine of "TV, Sports, TV" was an announcement that Microsoft and the NFL have entered into a partnership. Xbox One owners will be able to manage fantasy teams, keep abreast of player stats, and whatnot via an integrated app meant to enhance the football-watching experience. In exchange, Microsoft may be providing Surface tablets for coaches to use as sideline planning tools.

According to an anonymous source, this five-year deal cost Microsoft $400 million.

Okay, okay, Let me break this down, if I may: Football -- specifically American football -- is a pastime with extremely limited appeal outside the United States. The Xbox brand's strongest region is the United States, outclassed everywhere else save for the UK by the PS3. Therefore, Microsoft thought it most crucial to spend $400 million to secure a deal that only affects the one region that didn't really need any help to begin with. All while Microsoft ignores any kind of outreach to honest-to-God videogame developers.

Guys... *wipes hands* I'm out. I can't deal with this circus anymore. You make sense of it all.

NFL, Microsoft strike deal to enhance fans' TV viewing of games [NFL via Polygon]

First details on Slitherine's Warhammer 40K: Armageddon

2013-05-22T20:30:00Z

Going off the original announcement for Slitherine's Warhammer project, we knew that it would be a turn-based game but not much else. That tidbit is correct, and now we've got more to go on: Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon will be hex-based, built off Games Workshop's Battle for Armageddon setting, and multiplatform (PC and iOS), for starters.

The story, centered around the Second War for Armageddon, is spread across 30 main scenarios not including tutorials. Thankfully, characters will retain their experience and equipment from mission to mission. Slitherine has also promised 100+ unit types with 20 different stats, an editor for modders, and a separate selection of maps "designed and balanced specifically for multiplayer" with the company's PBEM++ system.

Armageddon is going to be the real deal when it drops in Q1 2014, I think. "It's been almost 15 years since a turn-based strategy game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe has been released and we think it is now time to deliver that experience to all fans around the world," said Slitherine development director Iain McNeil.

Super Mario Land finally gets a graphics patch

2013-05-22T20:00:00Z

Super Mario Land: 1989 launch title for the Game Boy and the weakest traditional Mario game in retrospect. You aren't going to find many players claiming this to be the best in the series, even though it was influential in the success of Nintendo's new portable endeavor.

The primitive pixel art doesn't reflect the true graphical capabilities of the Game Boy, as demonstrated by later titles such as SML's own follow-up, Super Mario Land 2. With that in mind, artist Arne Niklas Jansson redid all the sprites and created a patch to apply them to that SML ROM you happen to be stashing on your hard drive. The changes are more subtle than in your typical graphical update, but they are still quite lovely.

Compare the before and after shots in the gallery below.

Super Mario Land graphics [Android Arts via Tiny Cartridge]

The Warriors come out to PSN next week

2013-05-22T19:30:00Z

In a post on the PlayStation Blog, Rockstar has confirmed a PlayStation Network release date for their 2005 brawler based on the cinematic classic, The Warriors. The game will arrive on the service May 28 where it will be priced at $9.99.

It's probably not one of the best games Rockstar has ever made, but it ranks high in my heart. I'm not sure if it stands up to the test of time and it's been many years since I last played, but I'm ready to give Swan and the gang another chance (and it certainly has to beat the last attempt at a Warriors game).

The Warriors Coming Next Week to PSN [PS Blog]

WildStar's Paths accomodate specific MMO play styles

2013-05-22T19:00:00Z

The new MMO on the block, WildStar, is gearing up for its release this year, and the developers at Carbine Studios are cranking out new details as we near that. As if making choices in MMO games weren’t tough enough, Carbine Studios rolled out new information about its innovative Paths system.

During a preview event held by NCSoft and Carbine Studios, the developers showed off many features they hope will win over fans of online games, and gamers itching for a sci-fi title that oozes humor and personality.

Devs express disappointment with Xbox One over Twitter

2013-05-22T18:30:00Z

Microsoft's Matt Booty affirmed earlier today that digital publishing policies on Xbox One would be no different than they were on Xbox 360. Any hope that Microsoft would right the ship that has inconvenienced a good number of former XBLA devs went down the drain after we learned that indies still won't be able to self-publish their wares. Never mind that just about every other viable platform gives them flexible options, because Microsoft is having none of it.

You don't have to take my word for it! Those devs and others have taken to Twitter to express their disappointment in Microsoft's stubbornness. Maybe if enough of them speak out, Microsoft will reconsider its plans, but I somehow doubt it.

Below are just a few choice tweets. I'm sure there are more if you search around, but this should serve as a tasty appetizer.

Tons of exclusive info on Lone Survivor PS3 and New Game+

2013-05-22T18:00:00Z

Jasper Byrne, creator of Soundless Mountain, Lone Survivor, and the upcoming release New Game+ had a lot of new info to share with us on last weeks Sup Holmes (now on iTunes). We heard about the new graphics, new content, and new controls for the PS3 and PS Vita versions of Lone Survivor, how the music will play an integral part in New Game+, how Zelda, Dark Souls, Monster Hunter, and Dungeons and Dragons influenced its development, and so much more.

Probably the biggest bombshell was that all the new content coming to the console release of Lone Survivor will eventually be making its way to PC as well. Jasper has always been a man of the people, so the fact that he's working to make all stuff available everywhere to everyone doesn't surprise me.

We also got to hear about how his post-launch experiences with Lone Survivor, quitting smoking, E3, grief, his past life of touring the world playing Drum and Bass, and a lot more. Thanks again to Jasper to joining us on the show, and tune in this Sunday when we welcome Rami and J.W. of Vlambeer to talk about Ridiculous Fishing, Luftrausers, and hopefully the announcement of a new game. It's going to be salacious.

Live show: The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing

2013-05-22T17:30:00Z

_{[Mash Tactics airs Monday through Friday at 4p.m. Pacific on Dtoid.TV. Watch King Foom play a variety of games, each day with its own theme. With a heavy focus on community and viewer interaction, you can be as much a part of the show as anything else.]}

Do you like isometric dungeon crawlers, and the lore of Bram Stoker? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you'll want watch Mash Tactics tonight, as we jump into The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing. While I haven't been all too impressed by the genres latest offerings, after playing a preview build of this game last week, I couldn't help but walk away impressed, and have been excitedly waiting for the full release of this title ever since.

Be sure to come by this evening, and check it out for yourself, as we get together with some of the Dtoid.TV community, and get some four player, monster slaying, loot collecting action going. After a few hours of that, stick around for the weekly couch co-op adventures of Phil and Spencer, on The Gentleman's Club. I have no idea what they are playing tonight, but if you've seen the show before, you'll know that the game is the least important part, as the focus is normally on the duos crazy shenanigans and community interaction. Get there!

QotD: What or who, is your all time favorite movie monster?

Alan Wake Humble Bundle and sale on Xbox 360

2013-05-22T17:00:00Z

At yesterday's Microsoft press conference, Remedy Studios unveiled its new game Quantum Break which looks to mean there won't be any more Alan Wake games coming any time soon. It seems fitting then that the two series titles are reduced in price on Xbox Live and are also featured in the Humble Weekly Bundle.

In a new video posted on the Humble Bundle page, Remedy creative director Sam Lake, confirmed that there isn't going to be an Alan Wake game any time soon. Lake says that after a slow launch, the original game has gone on to sell well but not enough to warrant a new installment. However, Sam still says there is still a desire to make a new Alan Wake at Remedy and in a nice little sequence at the end, Alan is put into storage to be released some time in the future.

On the PC side, a single dollar will nab you both Alan Wake and Alan Wake's American Nightmare. There's a whole host of extra goodies, some of which are already in the Steam and GOG.com edtions of the games, but there's also some new never seen before material included as well. You're going to have to pay $5 and $4 respectively for the Xbox 360 versions.

First of four Metro: Last Light DLC packs hits next month

2013-05-22T16:30:00Z

Four downloadable content packs are in the works for Metro: Last Light, starting with the Faction Pack in June. It and the Chronicles Pack will introduce further story content, followed by "a unique solo challenge to Metro veterans" with the Tower Pack and the Developer Pack, which offers tools intended for "creative players."

Deep Silver and 4A Games have a $14.99/£11.99 Season Pass that packages all four add-ons on sale now. Additionally, the pass includes a semi-automatic shotgun rifle called the Abzats. PlayStation Plus members can save 25 percent on the pass between May 21 and June 4 in the US, and May 22 and June 5 in Europe.

"Artyom's story may have been concluded in Metro: Last Light, but there are other characters with stories to tell, some familiar locations that fans of the Metro series wanted to revisit, and some new challenges that 4A wanted to explore," said 4A creative director Andrew Prokhorov. "Since completing the game we have been working on these new stories and hope to release them throughout the summer."

While I've only just scratched the surface of Last Light -- so far, so good -- this sounds like a nice, varied content mix. I'm hopeful!

One Xbox to rule them all - Office Chat

2013-05-22T16:00:00Z

In this special, singularly-focused edition of Office Chat, I'm joined by Jim Sterling and Jordan Devore as we discuss our reactions to the Xbox One reveal. From the frustrations of having to figure out what to now call the original Xbox console, to disappointing news that the massive library of existing Xbox Live Arcade games will have no home in the One, skepticism runs rampant.

It's not all bad news. The "snap" feature has earned some marks from us at least, but it appears that Microsoft is going to have to put out one hell of an E3 showing to win over these hearts and minds.

It's a start: Crytek's Ryse will be exclusive to Xbox One

2013-05-22T15:30:00Z

Crytek's long-talked-about but little-shown Ryse will be an Xbox One exclusive, according to the game's official website. This hack-and-slash title, set in ancient Rome, has been billed as a major -- "Gears of War / Halo" major -- launch title for the system.

The site's copy describes Ryse as having "controller-based gameplay enhanced by Kinect," which is what I'm looking for so long as we're stuck with the motion-sensing device going forward. We'll see more at E3 in the coming weeks, naturally.

Metal Gear Rising Ultimate Edition launches on the PSN

2013-05-22T15:00:00Z

Despite the fact that Platinum Games has never had a Game of the Year style re-release, and the fact that Konami as a whole isn't big on immediate re-releases, a Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Ultimate Edition has just been announced for the PlayStation Network.

It comes with the core game, as well as the Jetstream and Blade Wolf DLCs, the free VR Mission pack, the Cyborg Ninja skin (previously only available to pre-orders), the Metal Gear Solid 4 Raiden skin, and the Commando, White, and Inferno skins. The pack is only available on the PSN at this time for $74.99, according to Konami.

We've contacted Konami for more details, specifically regarding a possible Xbox 360 release.

Microsoft: Backwards compatibility is 'backwards'

2013-05-22T14:30:00Z

Like the Amy's Baking Company episode of Kitchen Nightmares, the Xbox One saga just keeps getting worse because no one at Microsoft seems to know when to shut up.

Echoing Sony's claim around PS3's launch that controller rumble was "last-gen," Microsoft head of interactive entertainment business, Don Mattrick, told The Wall Street Journal, "If you're backwards compatible, you're really backwards." This of course is a reference to Xbox One's inability to play Xbox 360 software, a feature which Mattrick insists only 5% of consumers would make use of anyway. But according to social media research firm Fizziology, that figure is closer to 12%.

As awkward as it may be, at least the PS4 will have cloud-based backwards compatibility. Microsoft isn't even planning on doing that. Who wants to live in the past, right? Better keep that 360 plugged in if you want access to all your current content.

Microsoft and Sony Diverge on Gaming 'Cloud' [The Wall Street Journal via NeoGAF]

Best of PlayStation Network, Vol. 1 out next month

2013-05-22T14:00:00Z

We had some idea that the Best of PlayStation Network, Vol. 1 was coming due to an Entertainment Software Rating Board listing, and here it is. Sony has confirmed the disc-based bundle for release at retail on June 25, 2013 for $39.99.

As a recap, the included games are When Vikings Attack!, Fat Princess, Sound Shapes (yes!), and Tokyo Jungle (very, very yes!). A nice little package, to be sure, though it's worth noting these are PlayStation 3 versions only. Wonder what'll make the cut for Vol. 2 -- any ideas?

Best of PlayStation Network, Vol. 1 Arrives This June [PlayStation Blog]

Jimquisition: Xbox One out of Ten

2013-05-22T13:30:00Z

The Escapist : Jimquisition : Xbox One out of Ten

The Xbox One was revealed this weak to thunderous applause. Oh wait, did we say applause? We meant, farts. Thunderous farts.

Speaking of farts, here's a man who loves the smell of his, tearing Microsoft's unified entertainment philosophy to shreds and arguing how the Xbox One is basically a system for nobody but the privileged and demented.

EA's E3 conference includes first look at Star Wars plans

2013-05-22T13:00:00Z

Electronic Arts' E3 press briefing will provide viewers with a first look at what the company plans on doing with its multi-year Star Wars deal with Disney, EA Labels president Frank Gibeau announced. The new Star Wars titles will utilize the Frostbite 3 engine, which runs the upcoming Battlefield 4 and other games.

"The Download: EA 2013 Preview" will also feature Battlefield 4, EA Sports titles and a closer look at the next entry in the Need for Speed franchise, teased yesterday.

Gibeau also said that March's 17-minute Battlefield 4 gameplay reveal was actually showing off its next-generation version releasing on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC, though it will also release on current-gen hardware.

Though not mentioned by Gibeau, E3 will hopefully also provide clarification on the company's position on Wii U. EA's Jeff Brown last week said the company currently has no games in development for the console, with this year's Madden even skipping it. It's also been said that Frostbite 3 won't support Wii U due to poor Frostbite 2 test results.

EA CFO Blake Jorgensen yesterday said, however, that the company does have Wii U games in development, just not as many as for Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

"The Download: EA 2013 Preview" will air live on Spike TV Monday, June 10 at 1PM PST.

The Wait is Over -- New Hardware, New Development Engines and Stunning New Games [EA]

Xboned! Indies can't self-publish on Xbox One

2013-05-22T12:30:00Z

_{[Castle Vidcons by Tyler Rhodes]}

Both Sony and Nintendo are bending over backwards to make their platforms as attractive to indie developers as possible, from waived licensing fees to free patching. Microsoft has been slipping on this front lately, and it doesn't look like things will change soon.

In speaking with general manager of Redmond Game Studios and Platforms, Matt Booty, Shacknews was told that the publishing arrangements for Xbox One are no different than those for Xbox 360. In other words, indies can't self-publish and must either strike a publishing deal with Microsoft or some other third party -- the exact opposite of what Sony and Nintendo allow.

Gamasutra reached out to various indies to gauge their Xbox One plans, but most have said they either are not working on the platform or haven't received a callback from Microsoft. Some devs have been in talks, however, including Octodad's Young Horses, Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP's Capybara Games, and Minecraft's Mojang.

But overall, it doesn't look like Microsoft is making much effort to entice those who are potentially shaping the future of gaming, which I personally believe is a huge mistake that could bite the company in the ass. What are they thinking up in Redmond?

Xbox One won't allow indies to self-publish games [Shacknews]
Indies on Xbone: Where's the beef? [Gamasutra]

Microsoft might have a 1 vs. 100-style game for Xbox One

2013-05-22T12:15:00Z

1 vs. 100 for Xbox 360 was a delight, plain and simple. I know I'm not the only one who would like to see it return or, at the very least, see Microsoft introduce more game shows that tap into the Xbox Live user base.

Speaking to OXM, Microsoft Studios' Phil Spencer says there's been "a ton of learning around 1 vs.100, what does it mean to bring hundreds of thousands of people together in a virtual game environment and have them play with each other and give away real prizes."

And here's the juicy quote: "I think that's a category that lends itself to our kind of community and interactivity. [But] probably not at launch, we'll see how our timelines go."

Microsoft: 1 vs 100-style interactive gameshows will return on Xbox One [OXM]

Rhymedown Spectacular: Loading Times

2013-05-22T12:00:00Z

The Escapist : Jim & Yahtzee's Rhymedown Spectacular : Because I Could Not Stop For Loading Times

Gaming's sexiest wordsmiths are back once more with verse to melt your ear-holes. This week, we're talking about loading times and Sonic the Hedgehog. You cannot contain your excitement, for God's sake!

As always, this is the best poetry in the world and you cannot argue with that.

Awww! Call of Duty: Ghosts' cute little doggie

2013-05-22T11:35:00Z

How could you not love a German Shepherd? They've got the cutest face markings, that funny lowered rear, and ears so big that they could double as windsails. They're also amazing animals when it comes to serving humans, working in every field, from helping disabled people live their lives, to pulling people out of disaster wreckage, to serving alongside soldiers in wars. Out of all of man's best friends, this breed shows it the most. If you don't love German Shepherds you're stupid.

Fellow dog lovers may have heard that upcoming next-gen title Call of Duty: Ghosts brings a German Shepherd to the hit game franchise. The dog became an overnight sensation following the trailers and screenshots released at yesterday's Xbox One announcement. His adorable little face is now all over game blogs and social networks, and he's well on his way to memedom.

I'm glad to report that he's not just some generic attack dog, though. Infinity Ward says that he has a real role as part of your squad, and you'll grow close to him just like you would any other friend. I'm already smitten after hearing about his work as a virtual actor in an interview with Infinity Ward's Zach Volker. I apologized in advance during this interview for questioning that focused solely on this dog, though I make no apologies for being a dog lover.

Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition uppercuts PC this summer

2013-05-22T11:00:00Z

Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition will be available for PC this summer, with a digital release on July 3 followed by a retail release on August 6, Warner Bros. Interactive today announced.

Komplete Edition, released last year on consoles, includes 2011's release of Mortal Kombat and all of its downloadable content, including kombatants like Rain, Kenshi and Freddy Kreuger. Retro skins and old-school fatalities from Scorpion, Sub-Zero and Reptile are also included.

High Voltage Software, developer of Wii's Conduit series and Xbox 360's Kinect Star Wars, is handling the port.

Xbox Live Gold works across platforms, multi-user access

2013-05-22T10:00:00Z

Xbox Live Gold memberships will be accessible on both Xbox 360 and Xbox One when it releases later this year, Microsoft's Phil Harrison told Polygon.

"If you have an Xbox Gold membership today for 360 and you buy an Xbox One, your membership applies to both systems," Harrison said. "You don't have to get another subscription."

Additionally, Microsoft's Ben Kilgore said that multiple users in a household can utilize a single Gold membership, and each user will have access to their own friends list and other options. Kilgore referenced a father and son scenario, and said that so long as the father has a Gold membership, his son will, too, each with separate accounts.

"We want you to log in to get your stuff, and when he logs in to get his stuff," Kilgore said. "On that console, if you have Gold, he can use Gold as well."

Kilgore added that the kinks in this system are still being ironed out, such as exactly how the friends system will work, stating it's currently "under development."

Xbox Live Gold memberships apply to both Xbox One and 360 [Polygon]

People actually like the Maverick Hunter reboot concept

2013-05-22T09:00:00Z

Some time ago, we learned off a rather odd project from Capcom -- a gritty Mega Man X FPS idea that never saw the light of day. Yep, Keiji Inafune gave ex-Retro Studios alumni the idea to re-imagine Mega Man similar to Metroid Prime, but the concept never got past the greenlight stage. It seems as if a number of fans aren't giving up hope, as an "Operation Maverick Hunter" fan page has opened on Facebook, alongside of a fan-led petition.

I have no real opinion on the game even as a massive Mega Man fan, as I don't particularly like dumping on things we have no real information for. I'm not sure Mega Man really needed a "gritty reboot," but if the game was good, I would have enjoyed it for what it was. I mean hey, it worked out for Metroid Prime. At this point, I think people are just hungry for a new Mega Man game and will take anything.

Operation Maverick Hunter [Facebook via Mega Man Network]

Rad Halo musical cover features a lot of Spartans

2013-05-22T07:00:00Z

Remember that wonderful Zelda violin cover? With cosplay and everything? Well Lindsey Stirling is back, this time doing a cover of the Halo theme while an all out Spartan war is happening around her. It's a pretty good cover, and I love how the 405th Halo cosplayers are just battling it out.

EA eats words, has Wii U games in development

2013-05-22T05:00:00Z

Electronic Arts is pulling an about-face regarding the Wii U. Contrary to previous reports, EA's chief financial officer asserts the company is developing games for Nintendo's home console.

Speaking at the Stifel Nicolaus 2013 Internet, Media and Communications Conference, Blake Jorgensen stated EA has Wii U games in the works, however, these titles are apparently fewer in number than the publisher's forthcoming PlayStation 4 and Xbox One projects.

Jorgensen's statement seems to be at odds with a pair of remarks from company mouthpieces. Last week, EA spokesman Jeff Brown sparked controversy, saying the company has "no games in development for the Wii U currently."

The situation became inflamed shortly thereafter when EA Senior Software Engineer and Architect Bob Summerwill made disparaging remarks at Nintendo's expense, referring to the Wii U as "crap" and recommending the platform holder get out of the hardware business.

EA Developing Wii U Games After All [IGN]

The horrible secret behind EA Sports' Ignite Engine

2013-05-22T04:00:00Z

I'll admit, when EA Sports' Andrew Wilson took to the stage during Microsoft's Xbox One reveal, I tuned out. If memory serves, I used the opportunity to take a much needed trip to the bathroom because I was certain there would be nothing there to hold my interest.

I was wrong. Hopefully, it's not too late for us.

Vote on Black Ops 2's new Personalization Packs

2013-05-22T03:00:00Z

Two new Personalization Packs will be released for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 on May 29, and starting this Thursday you'll be able to vote on which packs make the cut, Activision's Dan Amrich announced.

Voting will take place within Black Ops 2's "Message of the Day" section, currently only listed for Xbox 360, and you'll have the option to vote on the following packs: Comics, Cyborg, Dragon and Paladin, all of which can be seen here. Each of the two packs released will contain a new camo skin, three reticles and a calling card.

The two packs which receive the most votes by May 28 will be released starting the following day.

You choose the new Personalization Packs in Call of Duty: Black Ops II [One of Swords]

Yakko Warner is Bravoman in new Namco cartoon

2013-05-22T02:00:00Z

The cartoon adaptation of ShiftyLook's Bravoman: Super-Unequaled Hero of Excellence went live on May 20, exactly 25 years to the day since the launch of the obscure TurboGrafx-16 game Bravoman upon which it was based. Geeze, didn't you know!? He's only like the 2038th biggest videogame icon on the planet! And I bet you forgot a birthday present too!

As mentioned during the reveal back in March, Rob Paulsen lends his voice to the titular hero (as well as sidekick Alpha Man). You of course know him better as Yakko and Pinky in Animaniacs, Raphael in the original TMNT, Donatello in the new TMNT, and about a bazillion other roles. Playing opposite him as Doctor Bomb is Dee Bradley Baker, best known as every non-speaking animal in every cartoon pretty much ever.

It's always a treat to hear Paulsen and Baker, although their performances here sound a teensy bit phoned in. Not entirely their fault -- the jokes are just flat, treading on a few too many worn cliches. This is but the first episode, so I hope the writing in the later ones improves. It would be a shame to waste such legendary vocal talents.

You'll be able to catch new Bravoman episodes every week.

Bravoman Episode 1: The Beginning and End of Bravoman [YouTube]

Xbox One: TV, TV, TV, Sports, Sports, Call of Duty, Dogs

2013-05-22T01:00:00Z

This is all you need to know from yesterday's Xbox One reveal event. Basically.

[Via Chris Kohler's Twitter]

The Daily Hotness: Xbox One has no games

2013-05-21T23:59:00Z

WHERE ARE THE GAMES? I know, I know. Microsoft has noted that E3 was going to be when it focused on games. But, c'mon, what a perfect video. Anyway, it's a bit hard to take solace in the fact that Microsoft is claiming it'll show off games at E3 when so much of what it showed off today was a bit of a bummer. Particularly the almost-always online and measures meant to curb used games. Still a lot of questions.

Check the Xbox One round up after the break. There is a lot of info. Also check out our staff comparison, headed by the lovely Fraser Brown. Let's not let Patrick Hancock's Sanctum 2 review get lost in the excitement of the day, either.

Destructoid Original:
To the depths and back in Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel
Xbox One reveal: What are your thoughts?
Comparing the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 reveals
Team Fortress 2sday: Yes, this is still a thing
The DTOID Show's Xbox One Roundup

Community:
Community blogs of 5/21
Forum thread of the day: Gran Turismo 6

Reviews:
Review: Sanctum 2

Put on your ninja shoes, N v2.0 is playable now

2013-05-21T23:00:00Z

By now, we've seen the big reveals of the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One, and I can safely declare a winner: PC. Why? Because just a few days ago, Metanet Software released a huge update to its diabolical ninja platformer N, aptly titled N v2.0. The kicker? It's totally free.

The update features new levels and an improved level editor, as well as the promise of "FUN-lockables," which can only be awesome judging by their name. You can play the browser version of N v2.0 on Kongregate, or download it from the game's official site.

N version 2.0 released by Metanet Software, adds local multiplayer, level sharing [Polygon]

The DTOID Show's Xbox One Roundup

2013-05-21T22:30:00Z

Hey! Today Microsoft unveiled the new Xbox, the Xbox One.

So, we talked about some of the news that came out of that announcement. That's uh, all we talked about, because it's pretty big news.

Dota 2 breaks own record of most concurrent Steam players

2013-05-21T22:00:00Z

Valve's free-to-play, high-skill-ceiling MOBA Dota 2 has set a new record for most concurrent players on Steam, with an impressive 329,977 players at once. The last game to set the record was something called "Dota 2," with a less impressive 297,000. This influx of Dota-ers is likely due to the qualifying matches leading up to 2013's The International, aka the biggest tournament in eSports.

Watching tournament games in the client itself has its own benefits, leading some viewers, myself included, to prefer to watch games that way. For example, during the first kill (first blood), multi-kills, and victories, a single item is given to a single viewer within the client. That could be me! Sure, there are literally 60,000+ other people usually watching with me, but a man can dream. Though, I think I have better chances of actually being in the tournament.

Watching games in-client will also likely going towards leveling up the courier gained from purchasing the Interactive Compendium. How it will evolve is not known just yet, but considering it has a running tally of your watched games, it's safe to say that has something to do with it. There's also the Queen of Pain aesthetic set, which can also evolve by watching games from the Premier League. I bet a large portion of these concurrent players were watching games instead of playing them!

Dota 2 breaks concurrent Steam players record (again) [PC Gamer]

A bear will stare at you in 3D

2013-05-21T21:30:00Z

How is the Xbox One going to sell in Japan? If the new console's version of Kinect is anything like the current version of the peripheral, then probably not too good. Not to sound racist, but Japanese living rooms aren't known for their size, and today's Kinect doesn't work too well small living rooms. Having Kinect required to use the console at all is one of the worst ideas I've heard in a while.

So if the Xbone isn't poised to conquer the East any time soon, what the heck is going to conquer? How about Altered Beast 3D! The arcade classic is poised to hit the 3DS eshop in Japan soon, complete with optional touch screen controls and stereoscopic 3D. It joins Urban Champion as one of the slowest paced, monotonous, simplistic, least marketable games ever to be re-released in 3D, but it'll still likely to move more units in Japan than that poor old Xbone. The game is set for release on May 29th for 600 yen, joining other Sega 3DS eShop remakes Space Harrier, Sonic The Hedgehog, and Super Hang-On.

Xbone.

Sega Japan Altered Beast 3D page [Via Nintendaan's Twitter]

Guild Wars 2 sheds a little off its price

2013-05-21T21:00:00Z

Despite not playing as much Guild Wars 2 as I'd like to, that's okay -- it's not costing me anything. I can continue not playing free of guilt, which is the only way I can do MMO gaming any more, I've realized. ArenaNet has kindly shifted the price of the game down by $10. Rad.

That's $49.99 for the Standard Edition and $69.99 for the Digital Deluxe. The latter includes additional in-game bonuses, such as a miniature Rytlock, the Mistfire Wolf Elite summon skill, a Golem Banker, and a couple of one-time boosts. With the continued free content updates, it's as good of time as any to get into Guild Wars 2.

Terry Cavanagh teases new puzzle game Halting Problem

2013-05-21T20:00:00Z

Terry Cavanagh is known for making some of the most brutally difficult, yet immensely satisfying games. VVVVVV showcased some downright masochistic platforming, and Super Hexagon provided twitch gaming that evoked an almost religious experience when everything started to fall into place.

With his new game, codenamed Halting Problem, Cavanagh hopes to produce a "proper, meaty puzzle game." While I'm excited for it, I'm worried that the man who ruined my thumbs with his platformer will ruin my brain with his puzzle game. We shall see.

Terry Cavanagh teases next game codenamed Halting Problem [Eurogamer]