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You bet. en-us Tue, 17 Jun 2014 04:53:52 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-hasn-t-been-annualized-despite-hardline-coming-one-year-after-bf4/1100-6420525/ <div data-height="100%" data-width="100%" data-ref-id="2300-6419353" data-embed-type="video"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6419353/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p dir="ltr" style="">Despite <a href="/battlefield-hardline/" data-ref-id="false">Battlefield Hardline</a> coming out just one year after <a href="/battlefield-4/" data-ref-id="false">Battlefield 4</a>, the series hasn't been turned into an annualized one--which is to say, EA doesn't plan on releasing one every year, a la <a href="/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare/" data-ref-id="false">Call of Duty</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">This is according to EA Studios executive vice president Patrick Söderlund, who stated in an interview with <a href="http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/16/5815908/battlefield-hardline-annual-ea" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Polygon</a> that Hardline is not setting a precedent for the franchise's future release schedule. "It doesn't necessarily mean that we need to annualize Battlefield and that's the way it's going to be forever and ever," he said. "I understand that some people may look at it that way but that's what happened.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">These comments come shortly after telling <a href="http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/13/5808932/ea-e3-2014-press-conference-mirrors-edge-mass-effect" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Polygon</a> that not every game EA makes will get a sequel the following year or sell upwards of 10 million units. "The EA that I'm trying to help build isn't an EA that needs to annualize everything," he said.</p><figure data-ref-id="1300-2569559" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2569559-hardline-zip.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="right" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2569559-hardline-zip.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2569559"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_small/123/1239113/2569559-hardline-zip.jpg"></a><figcaption>Deployable ziplines are now a thing.</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">EA does have some annualized series--namely its sports games, like <a href="/madden-nfl-15/" data-ref-id="false">Madden</a> and <a href="/fifa-15/" data-ref-id="false">FIFA</a>--but, for as criticized as the publisher is, it has so far avoided bringing out its primary Call of Duty competitor, Battlefield, every year. Battlefield games have come out in successive years before--<a href="/battlefield-vietnam/" data-ref-id="false">Battlefield Vietnam</a> launched in 2004 and <a href="/battlefield-2/" data-ref-id="false">Battlefield 2</a> came out in 2005, while <a href="/battlefield-bad-company-2/" data-ref-id="false">Bad Company 2</a> released in 2010 and <a href="/battlefield-3/" data-ref-id="false">Battlefield 3</a> followed in 2011--but just as often they have not. Despite the flak it's gotten for its buggy launch, Battlefield 4 came out two years after Battlefield 3 (though many would say that still wasn't enough time, given the state it was released in).</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Even though it's being developed by a different studio--Hardline is being made by former <a href="/dead-space/" data-ref-id="false">Dead Space</a> developer Visceral Studios, whereas Battlefield has traditionally been developed by DICE--some fans have complained about a new Battlefield game coming so soon after Battlefield 4, which is still far from perfect. Improvements continue to be made to that game, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-4-player-testing-results-in-new-update-improving-netcode/1100-6420065/" data-ref-id="1100-6420065">particularly to its netcode</a>--and these improvements will be implemented in Hardline to ensure it plays more smoothly than its predecessor did at launch.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">A <a href="http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/clk?id=184187649&amp;iu=/8264/aw-cbsi/tracking" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">beta for Hardline</a> is currently taking place on PC and PlayStation 4, something which the developers say will help the final product. Meanwhile, DICE general manager Karl-Magnus Troedsson stated recently that discussions have taken place about <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-evolve-devs-considering-early-access/1100-6420504/" data-ref-id="1100-6420504">making use of 'early access'-style releases</a> to help improve the studio's future games.</p><p style="">Battlefield Hardline was <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-hardline-to-launch-this-fall/1100-6419908/" data-ref-id="1100-6419908">announced last month</a> after its existence was <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/report-new-battlefield-game-revealed-update/1100-6419893/" data-ref-id="1100-6419893">leaked ahead of E3</a>. The cops-versus-robbers shooter <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-hardline-october-release-leaked-in-new-trailer/1100-6420148/" data-ref-id="1100-6420148">will be out on October 21</a> for PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. For more, check out our <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-everything-you-need-to-know-about-battlefield-hardline/1100-6420088/" data-ref-id="1100-6420088">E3 preview recapping everything we know about the game</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 18:41:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-hasn-t-been-annualized-despite-hardline-coming-one-year-after-bf4/1100-6420525/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/worse-than-ea-notch-addresses-minecraft-s-new-rules-on-premium-servers/1100-6420524/ <figure data-ref-id="1300-2569537" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2569537-minecraft.png" data-size="large" data-align="center" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2569537-minecraft.png" data-ref-id="1300-2569537"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2569537-minecraft.png"></a></figure><p style="">There was a great deal of criticism directed at <a href="/minecraft/" data-ref-id="false">Minecraft</a> maker Mojang recently for its stance on charging for servers. Although the matter has since been handled to the satisfaction of many, Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson has addressed the situation and explained that Mojang's solitary goal is not to "make as much money as possible."</p><p style="">The situation began when one of Minecraft's developers, Erik Broes, <a href="https://twitter.com/_grum/status/474045254908522496" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">responded</a> to a question earlier this month by pointing out that the game's EULA precludes anyone from making money off of it. This raised concerns over the common practice of server owners charging players for access--something which has been a critical component of the game for some time now for many players. Having made an exception to the EULA previously when it allowed players to charge money for Minecraft videos, Mojang decided to <a href="https://mojang.com/2014/06/lets-talk-server-monetisation/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">add another exception</a> late last week, officially allowing server owners to monetize their servers.</p><p style="">In a post on his personal blog, Notch <a href="http://notch.net/2014/06/literally-worse-than-ea/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">explained</a>, "Mojang does not exist to make as much money as possible for the owners." Whereas publicly held companies have to serve their shareholders--typically by making as much money as possible--Notch is in the unique position of being able to declare this for Mojang as its majority shareholder. He said that there have been opportunities to cash in on the game that were "of course very tempting, but at the end of the day we choose to do what either makes the most sense for our products, or the things that seem like fun for us at Mojang."</p><blockquote data-align="right"><p style="">"Mojang does not exist to make as much money as possible for the owners." -- Minecraft creator Markus Persson</p></blockquote><p style="">Discussing the way certain servers have been handled before now, Notch said, "Some privately run Minecraft servers do charge for in-game items, for xp boosts, for access to certain game modes. Some of them even charge quite a lot. I don't even know how many emails we've gotten from parents, asking for their hundred dollars back their kid spent on an item pack on a server we have no control over. This was never allowed, but we didn't crack down on it because we're constantly incredibly swamped in other work."</p><p style="">Under the new rules, which were <a href="https://mojang.com/2014/06/lets-talk-server-monetisation-the-follow-up-qa/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">further outlined today</a>, there are certain restrictions--for instance, you can't charge for items that affect gameplay or restrict certain aspects of the game to paying players. You can, however, run advertisements and accept donations, but may not charge for in-game currency.</p><p style="">Notch acknowledged the controversy that emerged when Broes made his statement on Twitter, saying, "A lot of people voiced their concerns. A few people got nasty. Someone said we're literally worse than EA." He linked EA's name to a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sims_3#Expansions.2C_add-ons.2C_editions" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">section</a> of the Wikipedia page for <a href="/the-sims-3/" data-ref-id="false">The Sims 3</a> detailing the copious number of expansion packs that the publisher has released.</p><p style="">"We had discussions about it internally, and eventually had a big meeting where we said that yes, people running servers are a huge part of what makes Minecraft so special, and that they need to be able to pay for the servers. So we came up with all sorts of ways this could be done without ruining the 'you don't pay for gameplay' aspect of Minecraft we all find so important."</p><p style="">"There are new rules," he continued. "These are new exceptions to the EULA. All of these make the rules more liberal than things were before."</p><p style="">On <a href="https://twitter.com/notch/status/477755619748085760" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter</a>, he added, "Also for people who can read between the lines: if you're doing something that lawyers don't like, don't draw attention to it."</p><p style="">Minecraft has been wildly successful on every platform it's been released for, selling upwards of <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-pc-sells-15-million-copies-notch-celebrates-with-a-can-of-red-bull/1100-6419294/" data-ref-id="1100-6419294">15 million units</a> on PC, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-xbox-360-sells-12-million-copies-dev-says-it-would-have-been-happy-to-sell-1-million/1100-6418779/" data-ref-id="1100-6418779">12 million</a> on Xbox 360, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/think-the-minecraft-craze-is-cooling-off-think-again/1100-6418880/" data-ref-id="1100-6418880">21 million</a> on iOS and Android, and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-sold-1-million-copies-on-ps3/1100-6417335/" data-ref-id="1100-6417335">1 million</a> on PlayStation 3. Mojang plans to release the game on even more platforms, with <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-boss-promises-new-ip-and-sequel-announcements-at-e3/1100-6419419/" data-ref-id="1100-6419419">Xbox One</a>, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-for-ps4-features-much-bigger-worlds-uses-dualshock-4-touchpad/1100-6420494/" data-ref-id="1100-6420494">PlayStation 4</a>, and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-ps4-and-vita-expected-by-september/1100-6419199/" data-ref-id="1100-6419199">PlayStation Vita</a> versions in the works.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 18:02:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/worse-than-ea-notch-addresses-minecraft-s-new-rules-on-premium-servers/1100-6420524/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/terraria-free-with-ps-plus-tearaway-fifa-world-cup-brazil-and-more-on-sale/1100-6420521/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2569218-8925608193-17847.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2569218" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2569218-8925608193-17847.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2569218"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2569218-8925608193-17847.jpg"></a></figure><p style="">Sony has announced <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/06/16/playstation-plus-terraria-free-for-members/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">on the PlayStation Blog</a> that, beginning tomorrow, <a href="/terraria/" data-ref-id="false">Terraria</a> will be free for PS Plus subscribers. Additionally, an "Only On PlayStation" sale and a sports sale will discount a total of 20 games.</p><p style="">Terraria, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/terraria-review/1900-6415621/" data-ref-id="1900-6415621">the fantastic 2D sandbox crafting and adventure game by Re-Logic</a>, is available on the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/vita/" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation Vita</a> and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation 3</a>. The versions are cross-buy and cross-save, so one download will get you both versions and you can move your saves between them.</p><p style="">The "Only On PlayStation" sale cuts the prices of 11 <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/ps4/" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation 4</a>, PS3, and Vita games. Steeper discounts are available to PS Plus subscribers. Among others, thatgamecompany's beautiful game, <a href="/flower/" data-ref-id="false">Flower</a>, is on sale on the PS3, PS4, and Vita for only $5 ($3.49 for Plus), and the HD remakes of <a href="/ico/" data-ref-id="false">Ico</a> and <a href="/shadow-of-the-colossus/" data-ref-id="false">Shadow of the Colossus</a> are only $10 ($5 for Plus). The sale runs from tomorrow until June 23.</p><p style="">The sports sale slashes the prices of 9 football, golf, baseball, soccer, and hockey games. <a href="/2014-fifa-world-cup-brazil/" data-ref-id="false">FIFA World Cup Brazil </a>is $40 ($28 for Plus), the Vita version of <a href="/mlb-13-the-show/" data-ref-id="false">MLB 13: The Show</a> is only $9 ($6.29 for Plus), and <a href="/madden-nfl-25/" data-ref-id="false">Madden 25</a> on the PS3 is only $35 ($25 for Plus).</p><p style="">The full list of discounts is below:</p><p style=""><strong>"Only On PlayStation" Sale:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="/reviews/dead-nation-review/1900-6284687/" data-ref-id="1900-6284687">Dead Nation Apocalypse Edition</a> -- PS4 (Was $14.99, now $7.49, PS Plus $3.75)</li><li><a href="/flower/" data-ref-id="false">Flower</a> -- PS4 (Was $6.99, now $4.99, PS Plus $3.49)</li><li>Flower -- PS3 (Was $6.99, now $4.99, PS Plus $3.49)</li><li>Flower -- PS Vita (Was $6.99, now $4.99, PS Plus $3.49)</li><li><a href="/ico/" data-ref-id="false">Ico</a> -- PS3 (Was $19.99, now $9.99, PS Plus $5.00)</li><li><a href="/littlebigplanet/" data-ref-id="false">LittleBigPlanet</a> -- PS3 (Was $29.99, now $14.99, PS Plus $7.50)</li><li><a href="/playstation-all-stars-battle-royale/" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale</a> -- PS3 (Was $19.99, now $9.99, PS Plus $5.00)</li><li><a href="/ratchet-and-clank-future-a-crack-in-time/" data-ref-id="false">Ratchet &amp; Clank Future: A Crack in Time</a> -- PS3 (Was $14.99, now $9.99, no Plus discount)</li><li><a href="/ratchet-and-clank-future-tools-of-destruction/" data-ref-id="false">Ratchet &amp; Clank Future: Tools of Destruction</a> -- PS3 (Was $14.99, now $9.99, no Plus discount)</li><li><a href="/shadow-of-the-colossus/" data-ref-id="false">Shadow of the Colossus</a> -- PS3 (Was $19.99, now $9.99, PS Plus $5.00)</li><li><a href="/tearaway/" data-ref-id="false">Tearaway</a> -- PS Vita (Was $35.99, now $24.99, PS Plus $17.49)</li><li><a href="/twisted-metal-2012/" data-ref-id="false">Twisted Metal</a> -- PS3 (Was $19.99, now $9.99, PS Plus $5.00)</li></ul><p style=""><strong>Sports Sale:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="/fifa-14/" data-ref-id="false">FIFA 14</a> -- PS3 (Was $59.99, now $41.99, PS Plus $37.79)</li><li>FIFA 14 -- PS4 (Was $59.99, now $53.99, PS Plus $48.59)</li><li><a href="/2014-fifa-world-cup-brazil/" data-ref-id="false">FIFA World Cup Brazil</a> -- PS3 (Was $59.99, now $39.99, PS Plus $27.99)</li><li><a href="/hot-shots-golf-world-invitational/" data-ref-id="false">Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational</a> -- Vita (Was $13.49, now $6.49, PS Plus $3.25)</li><li>Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational -- PS3 (Was $19.99, now $9.99, PS Plus $5.00)</li><li><a href="/madden-nfl-25/" data-ref-id="false">Madden NFL 25</a> -- PS3 (Was $49.99, now $34.99, PS Plus $24.99)</li><li>Madden NFL 25 -- PS4 (Was $59.99, now $53.99, PS Plus $48.59)</li><li><a href="/nhl-14/" data-ref-id="false">NHL 14</a> -- PS3 (Was $49.99, now $34.99, PS Plus $24.49)</li><li><a href="/tiger-woods-pga-tour-14/" data-ref-id="false">Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14</a> -- PS3 (Was $29.99, now $20.99, PS Plus $14.69)</li></ul><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Alex Newhouse is an editorial intern at GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/alexbnewhouse" rel="nofollow">Twitter @alexbnewhouse</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 16:40:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/terraria-free-with-ps-plus-tearaway-fifa-world-cup-brazil-and-more-on-sale/1100-6420521/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/respawn-hopes-to-support-titanfall-for-a-long-time-won-t-confirm-titanfall-2/1100-6420519/ <div data-height="100%" data-width="100%" data-ref-id="2300-6419637" data-embed-type="video"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6419637/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p dir="ltr" style="">Neither Electronic Arts nor Respawn Entertainment will confirm that another <a href="/titanfall/" data-ref-id="false">Titanfall</a> is in the cards. Regardless of whenever such a game does ultimately arrive, the game's developer is hopeful that the first Titanfall's community sticks around "for a long time" so that it can continue to support it.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Speaking with <a href="http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-13-amid-rumours-of-titanfall-2-for-ps4-ea-and-respawn-reflect-on-launch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="2014-06">Eurogamer</a>, Respawn co-founder Vince Zampella discussed the number of people still playing the game three months after its launch and how that affects continued development. "On console it's been fantastic," Zampella said regarding online activity. "On PC it started off really strong and it's starting to dip a little bit now more than we expected. We're looking at that. What are the reasons? Is it something we're doing wrong? Is it the matchmaking? So we'll pay attention to that and figure out what that is. We want to see it go up."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Last month, there was a possible indication that the PC community had diminished to some extent when <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/titanfall-pc-s-ctf-and-pilot-hunter-mode-playlists-removed/1100-6419698/" data-ref-id="1100-6419698">two playlists were removed</a> from the PC version. The move made little sense on its own, but <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/titanfall-pc-s-ctf-mode-cut-why-it-was-dumped-and-why-it-s-now-back/1100-6419850/" data-ref-id="1100-6419850">Respawn later explained</a> it was due to so few people playing them that it was hard (if not impossible) for those people to find a match.</p><figure data-ref-id="1300-2568283" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2568283-titanfall.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="left" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2568283-titanfall.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568283"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_small/123/1239113/2568283-titanfall.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">The first of <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Agamespot.com+titanfall+dlc&amp;rlz=1C1ASUM_enUS460US460&amp;oq=site%3Agamespot.com+titanfall+dlc&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j69i58.2944j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;es_sm=122&amp;ie=UTF-8#q=site:gamespot.com+titanfall+season+pass&amp;safe=off" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">at least three DLC packs</a> for Titanfall was <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/titanfall-expedition-dlc-will-be-released-for-xbox-one-and-pc-tomorrow-costs-10/1100-6419619/" data-ref-id="1100-6419619">released in May</a>, and a free update is planned for release sometime this month that <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-titanfall-s-marked-for-death-is-vip-mode-mk2/1100-6420348/" data-ref-id="1100-6420348">adds new game modes and introduces Titan customization</a>. Once this next update is released, Zampella said Respawn will "try to slow down" because some of those at Respawn are "reaching the burnout point." However, he believes it was important to get the game to where it is before taking it easy. "There was a lot of stuff we felt we really needed to get there as soon as possible," Zampella said.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">As for how long support will continue, Zampella wouldn't commit to anything because that decision will rely in part on how long fans continue to play. "It depends somewhat on how well the game does. If there are people there supporting it you can justify putting people and resources on it," he said. "If there's not that many people, or the engagement goes down, there's a point where those resources are better spent on whatever our next game would be and making that game better. I hope it lasts a really long time and we can do more stuff."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">We don't have any real sense for how well Titanfall has sold since its release in March. EA recently said it's the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-ea-says-titanfall-is-the-best-selling-xbox-one-game-to-date/1100-6420404/" data-ref-id="1100-6420404">best-selling game on Xbox One to date</a>, but failed to provide any specific numbers. During March in the U.S., it sold 925,000 copies at retail between Xbox One and PC. Eurogamer was told by EA CEO Andrew Wilson at E3 that the game had beaten the company's "high" expectations, though he didn't specify what those expectations were.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">A report prior to E3 claimed <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-titanfall-2-coming-to-xbox-one-and-ps4-report/1100-6420196/" data-ref-id="1100-6420196">work was already underway on a sequel</a>, and that it would be coming to PlayStation 4 as well as Xbox One. (On consoles, Titanfall is exclusive to Xbox 360 and Xbox One.) Neither Zampella nor Wilson would say at E3 whether a new Titanfall is in the works, but it's widely presumed one is planned. EA has already <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/more-titanfall-experiences-on-the-way-courtesy-of-ea/1100-6419467/" data-ref-id="1100-6419467">announced it's signed a deal with Respawn</a> to continue publishing Titanfall "experiences," but that term is (likely by design) so vague as to tell us nothing about future plans for the franchise.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Zampella did offer a glimmer of hope to skeptics; when asked about his desire to develop new Titanfall games, he said, "The Titanfall universe is rich for exploration. I definitely wouldn't discount it."</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em><strong>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></strong></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 16:25:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/respawn-hopes-to-support-titanfall-for-a-long-time-won-t-confirm-titanfall-2/1100-6420519/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-tops-npd-may-2014-sales-charts-in-us-again-wii-u-and-vita-both-up/1100-6420522/ <p style=""> </p><figure data-ref-id="1300-2569458" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2569458-ps4.jpg" data-size="large" data-align="center" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2569458-ps4.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2569458"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2569458-ps4.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">The PlayStation 4 was the top-selling video game system in the United States for the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-outsells-xbox-one-in-us-during-april-titanfall-remains-top-seller/1100-6419672/" data-ref-id="1100-6419672">fifth month running</a> last month, according to the NPD Group's May sales report.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Specific numbers were not shared for sales of any of the systems, but it sounds as if it was a good month for all three console manufacturers. Sales of new video game hardware were up substantially from May 2013; consoles and portables combined for $187 million in sales, a 95 percent increase over the $96 million in sales during the same period last year.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">As you might expect, this has a lot to do with the two most recent systems to be launched, but they weren't the only ones contributing. "While much of May 2014's hardware growth was due to Xbox One and PS4, there was also year-over-year growth for the Wii U, and PS Vita," said the NPD Group's Liam Callahan.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Nintendo has already <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-drives-massive-wii-u-sales-3ds-is-number-two-console-on-npd/1100-6420520/" data-ref-id="1100-6420520">released a statement regarding the NPD figures</a>, attributing the Wii U's bump to strong sales of <a href="/mario-kart-8/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Kart 8</a>, which we know <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-sells-1-2-million-becoming-wii-u-s-fastest-selling-game/1100-6420033/" data-ref-id="1100-6420033">sold 1.2 million units worldwide</a> in its first weekend alone. The company also noted that the 3DS was the second-best-selling system during the month.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Microsoft and Sony, on the other hand, have yet to discuss these latest figures. The Vita's sales bump may come as somewhat of a surprise given how little attention Sony has paid to it, but it can likely be attributed at least in part to the release of the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps-vita-slim-hits-the-us-may-6-through-200-borderlands-2-bundle/1100-6418855/" data-ref-id="1100-6418855">Borderlands 2 system bundle</a>. Released early in the month, the bundle introduced the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/playstation-vita-slim-confirmed-for-us-updated/1100-6417646/" data-ref-id="1100-6417646">Vita's first hardware revision</a> to the U.S. market.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">None of the three console makers has provided updates sales figures for their systems recently. The last official worldwide numbers put the PS4 at <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-reports-7-million-playstation-4-consoles-sold-worldwide/1100-6419044/" data-ref-id="1100-6419044">7 million units</a> (as of March 31), Xbox One at <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-sold-3-million-units-in-2013-microsoft-says/1100-6416955/" data-ref-id="1100-6416955">3 million units</a> (as of December 31, with <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-ships-1-2-million-to-retailers-during-2014-s-first-quarter/1100-6419194/" data-ref-id="1100-6419194">5 million shipped</a> as of March 31), and Wii U at <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-u-sales-slow-to-a-crawl-as-nintendo-posts-457-million-loss/1100-6419475/" data-ref-id="1100-6419475">6.17 million units</a> (as of March 31).</p><p dir="ltr" style="">When combining sales of new hardware and accessories, spending was up 52 percent year-over-year to $398 million. "The last time overall new physical channel growth saw a month-over-month increase of this magnitude was June 2008, with a 53 percent increase," Callahan said.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The NPD Group also reported on <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/top-10-game-sales-according-to-npd-may-2014-watch-dogs-on-top/1100-6420523/" data-ref-id="1100-6420523">software sales in the U.S. during May</a>, with <a href="/watch-dogs/" data-ref-id="false">Watch Dogs</a> proving to be the top seller.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 16:20:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-tops-npd-may-2014-sales-charts-in-us-again-wii-u-and-vita-both-up/1100-6420522/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/top-10-game-sales-according-to-npd-may-2014-watch-dogs-on-top/1100-6420523/ <div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6418962" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6418962/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style="">The NPD released their monthly US sales data today for May 2014. Overall sales for the games industry are up, and according to the report, "May 2014 launches sold 800 percent more in dollar sales than May 2013 launches did their respective launch months." Looking at total video games software sales, May 2013 brought in $175M while last month's software sales totaled $274M.</p><p style=""> </p><p style="">Ubisoft, according to the report, was the "number one corporate publisher for the month."</p><p style=""> </p><p style="">The top 10 games list follows below, though it's important to keep in mind that this represent new physical retail only, not digital or used game sales.</p><p style=""> </p><ol><li><a href="/watch-dogs/" data-ref-id="false">Watch Dogs</a> (PS4, XBO, 360, PS3, PC) Ubisoft</li><li><a href="/mario-kart-8/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Kart 8</a> (NWU) Nintendo</li><li><a href="/mlb-14-the-show/" data-ref-id="false">MLB 14: The Show</a> (PS4, PS3, PSV) Sony</li><li><a href="/wolfenstein-the-new-order/" data-ref-id="false">Wolfenstein: The New Order</a> (PS4, XBO, 360, PS3, PC) Bethesda Softworks</li><li><a href="/minecraft/" data-ref-id="false">Minecraft</a> (360, PS3) 5 Microsoft (Corp) Sony</li><li><a href="/the-amazing-spider-man-2/" data-ref-id="false">The Amazing Spider-Man 2</a> (360, PS3, PS4, XBO, 3DS, NWU) Activision Blizzard</li><li><a href="/nba-2k14/" data-ref-id="false">NBA 2K14</a> (360, PS4. PS3, XBO, PC) Take 2 Interactive</li><li><a href="/titanfall/" data-ref-id="false">Titanfall</a> (360, XBO, PC) Electronic Arts</li><li><a href="/kirby-triple-deluxe/" data-ref-id="false">Kirby: Triple Deluxe</a> (3DS) Nintendo</li><li><a href="/call-of-duty-ghosts/" data-ref-id="false">Call Of Duty: Ghosts</a> (360, PS4, PS3, XBO, PC, NWU) Activision Blizzard</li></ol><p style="">Nintendo released their NPD data earlier, showing <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-drives-massive-wii-u-sales-3ds-is-number-two-console-on-npd/1100-6420520/" data-ref-id="1100-6420520">strong sales improvements for the Wii U</a>. And in the overall NPD console sales report, the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-tops-npd-may-2014-sales-charts-in-us-again-wii-u-and-vita-both-up/1100-6420522/" data-ref-id="1100-6420522">PlayStation 4 came out on top for the fifth consecutive month</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><tbody><tr><td><p style=""><strong>Justin Haywald is a senior editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinHaywald" rel="nofollow"> Twitter @JustinHaywald</a></strong></p><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></strong><p style=""> </p></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 16:13:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/top-10-game-sales-according-to-npd-may-2014-watch-dogs-on-top/1100-6420523/ http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/always-sometimes-monsters-review/1900-6415789/ <p style="">Call it Chekhov's platitude. You see a conspicuous title like "Always Sometimes Monsters," and you can bet that in the third act some character is going to fire off that string of words verbatim as part of some truism on the human condition. We're always sometimes monsters, you see. Or something.</p><p style="">I can hear echoes of Don Cheadle's faux-wistful speech from <i>Crash</i>: "In LA, nobody touches you. ... I think we miss that touch so much that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something." In A.O. Scott's <i>Times</i> review of the film, he'd wondered about a possible name for the genre <i>Crash</i> typified: stories "where people from radically different backgrounds are brought together by a grim serendipity that forces them, or at least the audience, to acknowledge their essential connectedness." I find myself wishing Scott had settled on a term for the genre, because Vagabond Dog's Always Sometimes Monsters is it, whatever "it" is.</p><figure data-ref-id="1300-2568180" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/725/7253563/2568180-0001.png" data-size="large" data-align="center" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/725/7253563/2568180-0001.png" data-ref-id="1300-2568180"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/725/7253563/2568180-0001.png"></a><figcaption>Almost everyone speaks in this uncanny way.</figcaption></figure><p style="">Always Sometimes Monsters is full of strange people who wax philosophic to those they've just met. People who commit felonies to avoid minor inconveniences, and who constantly vacillate between righteous empathy and callous disregard for their fellow man. One of those people is you, a failed writer and failed lover who has received an unexpected wedding invitation from your ex. The particulars of that relationship are flexible, dictated from player to game by a simple choice of drinks at a party. It's an elegant character select system in disguise, wherein personal qualities like gender, race, and sexual preference are never made to suffer the crass fumbling of sliders and toggles. Always Sometimes Monsters has been lauded for this--and rightly so--but it botches the landing: while the selection of male characters runs the full gamut of body types, the available women range from the impossibly cute to the improbably endowed. The latter cup their breasts between their biceps suggestively, or rest them over a bit of forearm scaffolding.</p><figure data-ref-id="1300-2568188" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/725/7253563/2568188-0002.png" data-size="medium" data-align="left" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/725/7253563/2568188-0002.png" data-ref-id="1300-2568188"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_medium/725/7253563/2568188-0002.png"></a></figure><p style="">Ah. So it's a video game we're playing then, lest we'd somehow forgotten--an RPG Maker game, to be specific, boxed into the do-it-yourself engine's low resolution frame and sporting only the most rudimentary audiovisuals. But it's enough to shuffle Always Sometimes Monsters along toward its main thrust--an exploration of choice and consequence. As you set about the task of finding a way to the wedding, the narrative dovetails immediately: You're short on your rent. Do you resort to crime to make up the difference, or sleep on a soiled mattress in the adjoining alley? A few menial job prospects have revealed themselves, but do you keep a promise to do chores for your elderly neighbor instead?</p><p style="">This sort of choice is, for some, the thing role-playing games "do." Linearity, to such a person, is a term of bitter disparagement. But branching narrative isn't always the sexy design it's so frequently made out to be. Before you can approximate your avatar's mindset, before you can make informed, satisfying decisions about relationships and careers, the fiction's table must be set--salad fork on the outside and all. But Always Sometimes Monsters' in medias res story writes a check that the game's amateurish writing can't cash. We're asked to summon up emotional investment for new characters based on a scant few lines of blunt exposition, a la "Sam is my best friend." Then we're asked to sustain that investment as they're dropped from the narrative altogether for most of the proceedings.</p><p style="">The issue is exacerbated by the limitations of the engine powering Always Sometimes Monsters. Without voice, or gesture, or change of expression, characters met can only be evaluated by their portraiture and a bit of anime emotional shorthand--heart icons for love, sweat drops for exasperation. Disappointingly, the personalities found therein rarely deviate much from the often stereotypical appearances.</p><p style="">Take your good friend, Darkeff. You know he's your good friend because your character states that he's your good friend. Darkeff is a musician. He's also a recovering heroin addict. When he stumbles upon a bag of the stuff, I gamely look for options to get it out of his hands, but my curiously incurious character doesn't seem to see much cause for concern. Fast-forward a few days, and guess who's in the hospital, dying for want of healthcare funds. Our good friend Darkeff wears the same sunglasses he always wears even in near-death, and his guitar sits in the corner of his room, perhaps because we might not know who he is otherwise.</p><blockquote data-size="large" data-align="center"><p style="">You're short on your rent. Do you resort to crime to make up the difference, or sleep on a soiled mattress in the adjoining alley?</p></blockquote><p style="">Still more issues rise up from the depths to challenge immersion. Always Sometimes Monsters doesn't like to abandon any one narrative thread until it has achieved peak melodrama. So at the behest of another addict, you're inexorably compelled to blackmail the doctor, either by snooping through his files or, as I elected, by smashing up his expensive car. But as luck would have it, another character who'd just earlier promised me a ride out of town was planning, unbeknownst to me, to borrow that very same car. Grim serendipity, indeed.</p><p style="">With choice and consequence thusly meted out, the results of each of Always Sometimes Monsters' vignettes are entered into your character's diary. But considering the inherent absurdity of most of the scenarios and the disconnect between player and character, there's no question about who is authoring those journal entries. When a character recites your ignominious history back to you near the game's end and asks you to reflect on each entry--this actually happens--it reads like a case of mistaken identity.</p><figure data-ref-id="1300-2568184" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/725/7253563/2568184-0003.png" data-size="large" data-align="center" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/725/7253563/2568184-0003.png" data-ref-id="1300-2568184"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/725/7253563/2568184-0003.png"></a><figcaption>There are a great many not-so-subtle references to the larger games industry.</figcaption></figure><p style="">Pleasantly, Always Sometimes Monsters doesn't hand down much in the way of judgment. There's no morality stat here, and though most of the cast is given to fortune cookie musings ("Stay true to who you are, whoever you think that is" says one in parting, apropos of nothing), they're mercifully laissez-faire. While this does result in some juvenile apathy, particularly during a mayoral election mid-game, Always Sometimes Monsters' moral reticence is its strongest quality. The subtle but persistent gravitational pull of poverty in the game means a lot of time spent performing excruciating temp work, or hanging out in alleyways and bars, but most of Always Sometimes Monsters' interesting characters occupy those very same haunts.</p><p style="">The camera's viewpoint, an otherwise awkward mash-up of overhead and axonometric shots, reveals all the pixelated squalor, all the detritus and homelessness and violence that so often goes ignored by the upper crust. The RPG feels at home here, among the dregs of society, like it did back in the Midgar slums of Final Fantasy VII. The genre's old mainstays--fetching, bartering, and grinding--are much more suited to a blue collar than they are to plate armor.</p><p style=""> </p> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 15:55:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/always-sometimes-monsters-review/1900-6415789/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-drives-massive-wii-u-sales-3ds-is-number-two-console-on-npd/1100-6420520/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1534/15343359/2569420-3ds_1920u_060314.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2569420" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1534/15343359/2569420-3ds_1920u_060314.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2569420"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1534/15343359/2569420-3ds_1920u_060314.jpg"></a></figure><p style="">Official NPD US May data is coming out later today, but Nintendo is getting ahead of the announcements with some good news: Wii U sales are up over 85% over April and over 90% over May of last year.</p><p style="">Part of that success was likely driven by anticipation for <a href="/mario-kart-8/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Kart 8</a>, which had immensely successful sales on its own. According to Nintendo NPD data for all of the US, Mario Kart 8 came in as the "No. 3 best-selling software SKU in May." That's even more impressive when taking into account that the game launched on May 30, so it only factored into two days of the NPD's month-long report. Nintendo reported earlier that Mario Kart 8 was the Wii U's fastest-selling game so far, with <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-sells-1-2-million-becoming-wii-u-s-fastest-selling-game/1100-6420033/" data-ref-id="1100-6420033">1.2 million sales shortly after launch.</a></p><p style="">The 3DS continues to show strong performance as well, coming in as the number two best-selling console for May.</p><p style="">Nintendo has had a rocky start to the beginning of the year, but it garnered a lot of goodwill last week at E3, and you can catch up on <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-all-the-news-from-the-nintendo-press-conference/1100-6420337/">all the big announcements from their Nintendo Direct presentation</a> as well as a <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-nintendo-wii-u-and-3ds-announcements-and-exclusives/1100-6420107/">list of all the new games revealed at the show.</a> And GameSpot editor Carolyn Petit made the argument that Nintendo came out as <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-nintendo-won-e3-2014/1100-6420391/" data-ref-id="1100-6420391">the overall winner at E3.</a></p><p style="">We'll have even more NPD data when it becomes available later this afternoon.</p><p style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><tbody><tr><td><p style=""><strong>Justin Haywald is a senior editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinHaywald" rel="nofollow"> Twitter @JustinHaywald</a></strong></p><p style=""><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p style=""> </p><p style=""> </p><p style=""> </p> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 15:39:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-drives-massive-wii-u-sales-3ds-is-number-two-console-on-npd/1100-6420520/ http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/entwined-review/1900-6415790/ <p style="">Two creatures--one a fish, the other a bird--come together and then are pulled apart, their love undeniable, and the rules of nature difficult to overcome. Entwined tries to tell their story, but it is not very adept at communicating a sense of romance, though it is nonetheless calming on its own terms. The journey is short and comforting, a simple coalition of ambient beauty and pattern recognition. Yet for all its gentle delights, Entwined is also too ephemeral for its own good, its sweet whispers tempting you onwards, and then dissipating into the wind once the experience has ended.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">On the right side of the screen, blue rectangles and triangles come together in the shape of a soaring bird; on the left, an equally angular fish swims along. The two flit through a tunnel swirling with abstract visualizations and glowing orbs. Each creature is only allowed to move within its own hemisphere, the right side representing the air, the left representing the sea. The two may come together at the top or bottom of the screen, where they each turn green and emanate a soft chime, as if their adoration for each other is so great that they cannot help but glow with excitement. As the bird and fish automatically travel through the vortex, blue and orange windows appear, and you are to navigate through them, seeking to reach a state of unity in which the two beings merge into a single wondrous creature. The bird is controlled with the right stick, and the fish with the left.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568142-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2930.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568142" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568142-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2930.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568142"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/416/4161502/2568142-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2930.jpg"></a></figure><figure data-embed-type="gallery" 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data-resized="" data-resize-url=""><a href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568139-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2921.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568139" ><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2568139-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2921.jpg"></a><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568135-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2903.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568135" ><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2568135-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2903.jpg"></a><a href="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568143-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2933.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568143" ><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2568143-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2933.jpg"></a><a href="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568137-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2908.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568137" ><img src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2568137-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2908.jpg"></a><a href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568140-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2923.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568140" ><img src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2568140-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2923.jpg"></a><a href="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2557029-entwined_screen_1_1402364674.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2557029" ><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/1197/11970954/2557029-entwined_screen_1_1402364674.jpg"></a><a href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2557031-level4_1402364678.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2557031" ><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/1197/11970954/2557031-level4_1402364678.jpg"></a><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2557032-screen_1920x1080_2014-02-24_16-52-44_1402364679.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2557032" ><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/1197/11970954/2557032-screen_1920x1080_2014-02-24_16-52-44_1402364679.jpg"></a><a href="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2557026-entwined_key_art_16x9_1402364755.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2557026" ><img src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/1197/11970954/2557026-entwined_key_art_16x9_1402364755.jpg"></a><a href="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2556554-14200579848_ddb8fbc163_o.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2556554" ><img src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/1197/11970954/2556554-14200579848_ddb8fbc163_o.jpg"></a><figcaption>Click above for more Entwined screens.</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">Entwined is awash with sound and color, and its primary goal is to lure you into a trance with its pulsating music and symmetrical patterns. The game is separated into nine stages, called lifetimes, each of which radiates its own kind of comforting energy. In the fourth lifetime, for instance, you travel through a rust-red cavern in which a steady synthesized melody keeps the tempo, and heaving guitars cry out responses to it. As the bird and fish float through their checkpoints, a drum beat sounds out, and the two creatures become part of the level's rhythm section. The placement of the windows creates a rhythm of its own, causing your thumbs to flick with urgency, in contrast to other levels, which require smoother thumb movement. Each lifetime finds subtle ways to mesh the gameplay's patterns with the musical accompaniment, though the gameplay itself doesn't greatly vary during the hour or so it takes to complete the story mode.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Ultimately, Entwined doesn't boast much diversity. The cylindrical structure of each stage may recall 2012's <a href="/dyad-2012/" data-ref-id="false">Dyad</a>, but where Dyad made each stage a new opportunity to do something new, Entwined is relaxed and comforting, and at least in its story mode, rarely provides much challenge or variety. Left- and right-stick movements are typically parallel in the most obvious manners, and when they are not, one creature usually needs to simply stay in place while the other navigates through its checkpoints. Halfway through the game, I longed for a new idea, an unexpected pattern, or a more poignant thematic representation of the two characters' unfulfilled love. It wasn't until the last minutes of the final level when the lifetimes coalesced in any meaningful way, but the pretty visuals gave way to a tedious object hunt that sucked the joy from the screen.</p><blockquote><p dir="ltr" style="">Entwined is awash with sound and color, and its primary goal is to lure you into a trance with its pulsating music and symmetrical patterns.</p></blockquote><figure data-align="left" data-size="medium" data-img-src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568137-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2908.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568137" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568137-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2908.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568137"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_medium/416/4161502/2568137-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2908.jpg"></a><figcaption>Tunnel of love. </figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">That hunt occurs in the same kind of denouement that ends each level. The two animals, finally united (in death, it would seem), bond and transmogrify into a fantastical fishbird that you control freely. These sequences only require that you collect enough floating orbs to fill a meter at the top of the screen, at which point you then etch a pattern into the air, with vibrant color trails emanating from your wings and forming rainbow-colored ribbons that remind me of musical staves. There is no greater objective here than to collect and to skywrite: this is your reward for uniting two halves into their romantic whole. The imagery is always beautiful, though just as with the primary gameplay, I longed for skywriting to have more meaning than just "pretty." The post-union flights bring with them some catharsis, but it's fleeting. The ebbs and flows don't create waves of emotions so much as minor ripples.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Challenge levels provide more intellectual stimulation than the story, giving you three lives and removing one for each colored window you miss. You must remain active for a certain number of seconds to unlock the next challenge--and you must remain active for even longer if you wish to have any hope of rising to the top of Entwined's leaderboards. Sadly, some of the fire challenge's sound effects have a habit of going missing, a hitch almost as distracting as the pause that occurs in the transitions connecting each level's core gameplay and the soaring celebration that follows. But these moment don't define Entwined. This is a lovely, gossamer experience that lifts you into the clouds and then quietly brings you back to earth, happy for the time spent, and your mind free of the detritus that originally cluttered it.</p> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 14:46:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/entwined-review/1900-6415790/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4s-could-be-sold-with-destiny-and-diablo-iii-preloaded-says-analyst/1100-6420517/ <figure data-ref-id="1300-2568225" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2568225-ps4.jpg" data-size="large" data-align="center" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2568225-ps4.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568225"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2568225-ps4.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">Sony may begin selling PlayStation 4 systems with digital copies of select Activision games already loaded onto them so they are ready for purchase, according to Baird analyst Colin Sebastian.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">In a Baird investors note sent out recapping developments at E3, the possibility of preloaded games is brought up. "One point of interest from our conversations at the show is the possibility that Sony may preload digital copies of <a href="/destiny/" data-ref-id="false">Destiny</a> and <a href="/diablo-iii/" data-ref-id="false">Diablo</a> on all PS4 consoles beginning this fall (users still can choose whether to purchase), which should drive higher sell-through for Activision, but at the cost of retail sales," it states.</p><figure data-ref-id="1300-2568206" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2568206-destiny.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="right" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2568206-destiny.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568206"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_small/123/1239113/2568206-destiny.jpg"></a><figcaption>The white PS4 Destiny bundle announced at E3.</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">In other words, it sounds as if the games would be downloaded to the systems' hard drives but would still need to be purchased like usual. This would presumably be done in order to encourage purchases of the games, and to spare new PS4 owners the trouble of downloading them--something which is an insignificant hurdle for some, but a <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-digital-only-future-for-console-games-is-not-happening-soon/1100-6416529/" data-ref-id="1100-6416529">major impediment</a> for others due to slow Internet connections and data caps. And, for those who do decide to purchase a digital copy rather than a physical one, this would have the added benefit to Activision of disallowing these people from ever selling their copies of these games.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">GameSpot has reached out to both Sony and Activision regarding these potential plans but has not received a response as of press time.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">While Call of Duty's downloadable content continues to <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-dlc-will-come-to-xbox-first/1100-6419394/" data-ref-id="1100-6419394">come to Xbox platforms first</a> (as it has for several years now), at least one of Activision's most important games, Destiny, has been positioned as a PlayStation-oriented game. It's frequently featured in PS4 commercials, the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-alpha-extended-dangerous-experiments-now-underway/1100-6420513/" data-ref-id="1100-6420513">ongoing alpha test</a> is available only on PS4, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-destiny-beta-kicks-off-july-17-first-on-ps3-ps4/1100-6420271/" data-ref-id="1100-6420271">next month's beta</a> launches first on PS4 and PS3, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-s-playstation-exclusive-content-includes-maps-and-ships/1100-6420514/" data-ref-id="1100-6420514">exclusive content is coming to PS4 and PS3</a>, and a <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-450-white-ps4-destiny-bundle-arriving-september-9/1100-6420272/" data-ref-id="1100-6420272">white PS4 bundle</a> that includes a copy of the game will be available in September. For its part, developer <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bungie-we-re-not-favoring-playstation-over-xbox-for-destiny/1100-6419252/" data-ref-id="1100-6419252">Bungie says it isn't favoring PlayStation over Xbox</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">As for Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition, it was originally slated for release on PS4 but not Xbox One, although we now know <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/diablo-3-ultimate-evil-edition-confirmed-for-both-xbox-one-and-ps4-coming-this-august/1100-6419572/" data-ref-id="1100-6419572">it'll be coming to both</a>. However, the PlayStation versions will have exclusive content centered around PlayStation exclusives <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-last-of-us-infected-coming-to-diablo-iii-ultimate-evil-edition/1100-6420279/" data-ref-id="1100-6420279">The Last of Us</a> and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-diablo-3-gets-shadow-of-the-colossus-dlc-new-update/1100-6420386/" data-ref-id="1100-6420386">Shadow of the Colossus</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><em>Would having games available on the hard drive right out of the box make you any more inclined to purchase a digital copy? Let us know in the comments below.</em></p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 14:30:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4s-could-be-sold-with-destiny-and-diablo-iii-preloaded-says-analyst/1100-6420517/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-all-the-new-game-ip-announcements/1100-6420471/ <p style="">A lot of new games got revealed at this year's E3. <a href="/companies/from-software/" data-ref-id="false">From Software</a>'s presentation of <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/ps4/" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation 4</a>-exclusive <a href="/bloodborne/" data-ref-id="false">Bloodborne</a> and <a href="/companies/ubisoft/" data-ref-id="false">Ubisoft's</a> <a href="/tom-clancys-rainbow-six-siege/" data-ref-id="false">Rainbow Six Siege</a> highlighted the blockbuster games, but there were also several independent and smaller projects unveiled</p><p style="">In case you missed the announcements that came out of E3, we've put them into one place. New game properties (and one reboot of an original Xbox game) are followed by snippets of news or previews for context.</p><h3>New Game Properties:</h3><h3><a href="/ori-and-the-blind-forest/" data-ref-id="false">Ori and the Blind Forest</a> (Moon Studios | Xbox One, PC)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"The trailer for Ori and the Blind Forest, being developed by Moon Studios, showed off a ghostly creature performing a variety of lithe platforming moves, and his friend, an obese masked demon."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-microsoft-announces-ori-and-the-blind-forest/1100-6420219/" data-ref-id="1100-6420219">Read more about Ori's announcement here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565556-1322050059-ori-a.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565556" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565556-1322050059-ori-a.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565556"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565556-1322050059-ori-a.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/inside/" data-ref-id="false">Inside</a> (Playdead Studios | Xbox One Timed Exclusive)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"The team behind Limbo has another adventure coming out, and it looks to carry the themes of desolation and despair that made its first game so good. Inside places you in a world in which the citizens are controlled automatons. And you play as a young boy who still has his mind. The core action looks similar to what Limbo offered, though more complex than the pushing and jumping you were limited to there."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-limbo-developer-shows-off-its-next-game-inside/1100-6420223/" data-ref-id="1100-6420223">Read more about Inside's announcement here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565525-2315342530-Playd.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565525" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565525-2315342530-Playd.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565525"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565525-2315342530-Playd.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/phantom-dust/" data-ref-id="false">Phantom Dust</a> (Microsoft Studios | Xbox One)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"Today during Microsoft's E3 press conference, the company officially announced a new Phantom Dust game for Xbox One. The announcement comes just a few weeks after Microsoft filed a trademark application for the Phantom Dust name." Technically, this isn't a <em>new</em> IP, but it's been such a long time and comes as such a surprise, we're listing it as such.</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-new-phantom-dust-revealed-for-xbox-one/1100-6420227/" data-ref-id="1100-6420227">Read more about Phantom Dust's announcement here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565528-2812178454-e3-20.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565528" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565528-2812178454-e3-20.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565528"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565528-2812178454-e3-20.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/scalebound/" data-ref-id="false">Scalebound</a> (Platinum Games | Xbox One)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"The CG trailer looked like a play on Monster Hunter by the best action developer around. There's no concrete details on what this game will contain other than our wishful fantasies and crazy dreams. We do know that it's coming exclusively to the Xbox One."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-platinum-games-announces-xbox-one-exclusive-scalebound/1100-6420228/" data-ref-id="1100-6420228">Read more about Scalebound's announcement here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565532-screen+shot+2014-06-09+at+10.53.25+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2565532" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565532-screen+shot+2014-06-09+at+10.53.25+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2565532"><img src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565532-screen+shot+2014-06-09+at+10.53.25+am.png"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/mario-maker/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Maker</a> (Nintendo | Wii U)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"It's so incredibly easy to craft a level in Mario Maker that even I, a person who couldn't even slap together an obstacle-free stage in a 2D fighter, was able to make a reasonably fun level, all in less than 10 minutes. I'm sure you don't believe me; I wouldn't either if I wasn't there. But that's the truth. Mario Maker makes the arduous task of designing a stage into something that's so straightforward, and so entertaining, that I enjoyed my little time with the game almost as much as anything else I've seen at this show."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-even-a-creation-inept-person-can-make-fun-levels-in-mario-maker/1100-6420358/" data-ref-id="1100-6420358">Read the rest of our preview here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565535-screen+shot+2014-06-10+at+9.33.09+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2565535" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565535-screen+shot+2014-06-10+at+9.33.09+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2565535"><img src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565535-screen+shot+2014-06-10+at+9.33.09+am.png"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/captain-toad-treasure-tracker/" data-ref-id="false">Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker</a> (Nintendo | Wii U)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"It's easy to gaze wistfully toward the future when so many Wii U games are being promised. After all, just about every announcement ended in "coming in 2015." But don't overlook Treasure Tracker just because Toad is an untested protagonist. This is a unique adventure that tests your smarts rather than your dexterity, and is fun to boot. We'll see how the finished product shapes up later this year, but I for one am happy Toad was given a chance in the spotlight."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-even-a-creation-inept-person-can-make-fun-levels-in-mario-maker/1100-6420358/" data-ref-id="1100-6420358">Read the rest of our preview here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2558120-wiiu_captaintoad_scrn06_e3.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-null" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2558120-wiiu_captaintoad_scrn06_e3.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-null"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2558120-wiiu_captaintoad_scrn06_e3.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/splatoon/" data-ref-id="false">Splatoon</a> (Nintendo | Wii U)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"What's undeniable is that Splatoon is a welcome addition to the Wii U's future lineup. Competitive shooters have been the exclusive domain of "core" gamers for decades now, so it's nice to see games like Splatoon (and, more recently, Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare) come in and try to appeal to a different section of the gaming population. After all, shooters are fun, so everybody (even Wii U owners) should get a chance to play them."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-splatoon-is-nintendo-s-surprise-move-into-the-shooter-space/1100-6420308/" data-ref-id="1100-6420308">Read the rest of our preview here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565540-2488849769-25577.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565540" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565540-2488849769-25577.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565540"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565540-2488849769-25577.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/code-name-steam/" data-ref-id="false">Code Name S.T.E.A.M.</a> (Nintendo | 3DS)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"In Code Name: S.T.E.A.M, you play as a member of S.T.E.A.M., a group formed by President Lincoln (even though the game is set in London) to fight an enemy force from outer space. Its visual style is described as a combination of steampunk and comic books. Overall, Nintendo describes the game as a "world-spanning adventure game."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-nintendo-announces-3ds-game-code-name-steam/1100-6420412/" data-ref-id="1100-6420412">Read more about S.T.E.A.M.'s announcement here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565559-7577087265-25633.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565559" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565559-7577087265-25633.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565559"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565559-7577087265-25633.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/entwined/" data-ref-id="false">Entwined</a> (Pixelopus | PS4, PS3, Vita)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"Sony introduced an independent game with the third presentation of their conference this year. Called Entwined, Pixel Opus' first game shows the impossible relationship between a bird and fish. The two creatures soar through a cylindrical tube, one controlled by the left stick, the other the right stick, and you evade obstacles in an attempt to unite at the end."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-indie-game-entwined-debuts-is-available-right-now/1100-6420277/" data-ref-id="1100-6420277">Read more about Entwined's announcement here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565541-6204044855-25570.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565541" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565541-6204044855-25570.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565541"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565541-6204044855-25570.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/bloodborne/" data-ref-id="false">Bloodborne</a> (From Software | PS4)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"The Bloodborne demo ended with a large boss fight against a towering, emaciated creature with long straggly fur and an exposed chest cavity. It looked tough to beat, which for any Souls fans, is great to hear. How the game's greater focus on aggression and its changes to death penalties will affect the crushing, oppressive, and demanding feel of a Souls game remains to be seen, but there's one thing that's clear about Bloodborne even at this early stage: it's building off a solid base, and I'm excited to see more."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-the-similarities-and-differences-between-bloodborne-and-dark-souls/1100-6420378/" data-ref-id="1100-6420378">Read the rest of our preview here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565542-2685408098-25568.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565542" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565542-2685408098-25568.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565542"><img src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565542-2685408098-25568.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/abzu/" data-ref-id="false">Abzu </a>(Giant Squid | PS4, PC)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"The game has an underwater setting and a striking art style, reminiscent in its use of shape and color of the look of Journey. That's not surprising, considering that Giant Squid was founded by Matt Nava, art director on Journey and Flower. Footage showed schools of fish darting around, a diver swimming among sharks and massive whales, and standing near a group of glowing jellyfish-like organisms."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-debut-game-from-journey-art-director-s-studio-announced-called-abzu/1100-6420282/" data-ref-id="1100-6420282">Read more about Abzu's announcement here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565543-0448952236-25566.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565543" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565543-0448952236-25566.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565543"><img src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565543-0448952236-25566.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/let-it-die/" data-ref-id="false">Let It Die</a> (Grasshopper | PS4)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">Previously known as Lily Bergamo, the game has been reborn. "If you've ever doubted the strangeness of Suda 51, well, why? Everything that man touches is incredibly bizarre. So now we have Let It Die, a PlayStation 4 exclusive that looks to carry the mantle that Grasshopper is known for. These games are a guilty pleasure of mine. The extreme violence and casual attitude has always made me grin, and though little is known of Let It Die now, it at least looks unique. My guess? It's their first multiplayer game, given that we saw what looked like one monstrous man shoot at another. Now we just have to wait for more details."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-let-it-die-from-grasshopper-studios-is-coming-exclusively-to-the-ps4/1100-6420284/" data-ref-id="1100-6420284">Read the rest of our preview here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565545-0665694429-LetIt.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565545" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565545-0665694429-LetIt.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565545"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565545-0665694429-LetIt.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/shape-up/" data-ref-id="false">Shape Up</a> (Ubisoft Montreal | Xbox One)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"Exclusive to Xbox One, Shape Up combines a foundation of proven fitness methods with entertaining and rewarding workout routines displayed in a unique arcade style."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/videos/e3-2014-shape-up-gameplay-stage-demo-at-ubisoft-pr/2300-6419324/" data-ref-id="2300-6419324">Watch the E3 stage demo here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565547-3051646936-25560.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565547" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565547-3051646936-25560.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565547"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565547-3051646936-25560.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr">Dreadnought (Yager | PC)</h3><p style="">"In between matches, you will upgrade your vessels with various attachments and improvements, making Dreadnought's closest comparison <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/world-of-tanks/" data-ref-id="false">World of Tanks</a> and its peers. I asked Holzapfel just how deep he expects the customization options to go, but the team has yet to nail down all the specifics, such as exactly how many ship classes the game will launch with, and how many secondary abilities players will get to choose from. Details may be scarce, but the fun was undeniable: Dreadnought is teeming with potential, and I can't wait to see what Yager shows us next."</p><p style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-in-dreadnought-bigger-is-definitely-better/1100-6420506/" data-ref-id="1100-6420506">Read the rest of our preview here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2569518-8714576960-25621.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2569518" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2569518-8714576960-25621.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2569518"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2569518-8714576960-25621.jpg"></a></figure><h3>New Games Announced for Existing Series:</h3><ul><li dir="ltr"><a href="/dance-central-spotlight/" data-ref-id="false">Dance Central Spotlight</a> (Harmonix | Xbox One)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/the-master-chief-collection/" data-ref-id="false">Halo: The Master Chief Collection</a> (343 Industries | Xbox One)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/crackdown/" data-ref-id="false">Crackdown 3</a> -- just called Crackdown (Cloudgine | Xbox One)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/rise-of-the-tomb-raider/" data-ref-id="false">Rise of the Tomb Raider</a> (Crystal Dynamics | Xbox One, PS4)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/lara-croft-and-the-temple-of-osiris/" data-ref-id="false">Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris</a> (Crystal Dynamics | Xbox One, PS4, PC)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/the-legend-of-zelda/" data-ref-id="false">The Legend of Zelda</a> (Nintendo | Wii U)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/kirby-and-the-rainbow-curse/" data-ref-id="false">Kirby and the Rainbow Curse</a> (Nintendo | Wii U)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/mario-party-10/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Party 10</a> (Nintendo | Wii U)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/star-fox-wii-u/" data-ref-id="false">Star Fox</a> (Nintendo | Wii U)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/littlebigplanet-3/" data-ref-id="false">LittleBigPlanet 3 </a>(Sumo Digital | PS4)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/dead-island-2/" data-ref-id="false">Dead Island 2</a> (Yager | Xbox One, PS4, PC)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/magicka-2/" data-ref-id="false">Magicka 2</a> (Pieces Interactive | PS4, PC)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/grim-fandango/" data-ref-id="false">Grim Fandango</a> Remastered (Double Fine | PS4, Vita)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/grand-theft-auto-v/" data-ref-id="false">Grand Theft Auto V</a> (Rockstar Games | Xbox One, PS4, PC)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/tom-clancys-rainbow-six-siege/" data-ref-id="false">Rainbow Six Siege</a> (Ubisoft Montreal | Xbox One, PS4, PC)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/just-dance-2015/" data-ref-id="false">Just Dance 2015</a> (Ubisoft | Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3, Wii U, Wii)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/payday-2/" data-ref-id="false">Payday 2 </a>(Overkill Software | Xbox One, PS4)</li></ul><p style=""> </p> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 13:23:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-all-the-new-game-ip-announcements/1100-6420471/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/rise-of-the-tomb-raider-listed-on-amazon-for-pc-ps3-and-360/1100-6420516/ <p style=""> </p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1534/15343359/2568161-screen+shot+2014-06-16+at+12.07.01+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2568161" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1534/15343359/2568161-screen+shot+2014-06-16+at+12.07.01+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2568161"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1534/15343359/2568161-screen+shot+2014-06-16+at+12.07.01+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Retailer Amazon.uk has<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rise-Tomb-Raider-Xbox-360/dp/B00KJGYGZU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1402945590&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=rise+of+the+tomb+raider" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> posted a listing</a> for the next Tomb Raider game that shows it as available for both current-gen and last-gen platforms.</p><p style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-rise-of-the-tomb-raider-coming-holiday-2015/1100-6420224/" data-ref-id="1100-6420224">Announced at E3 last week</a> during the Microsoft press conference, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/rise-of-the-tomb-raider/" data-ref-id="false">Rise of the Tomb Raider's</a> reveal trailer (you can <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/videos/e3-2014-rise-of-the-tomb-raider-trailer-at-microso/2300-6419220/" data-ref-id="2300-6419220">watch it again here in case you missed it</a>) was short on details outside of the fact that it'll be on Xbox One, it's a direct sequel to the previous Tomb Raider game, and it's coming "holiday 2015."</p><p style="">We've reached out to Square Enix representatives to find out whether this posting was made on accident, or whether it's an unintentional early reveal of the game's platforms. The US Amazon site currently only lists the game for Xbox One.</p><table data-max-width="true"><tbody><tr><td><p style=""><strong><em>Justin Haywald is a senior editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinHaywald" rel="nofollow"> Twitter @JustinHaywald</a></em></strong></p><p style=""><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p style=""> </p><p style=""> </p> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:59:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/rise-of-the-tomb-raider-listed-on-amazon-for-pc-ps3-and-360/1100-6420516/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-s-playstation-exclusive-content-includes-maps-and-ships/1100-6420514/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2568126-4206159485-25170.png" data-ref-id="1300-2568126" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2568126-4206159485-25170.png" data-ref-id="1300-2568126"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2568126-4206159485-25170.png"></a></figure><p style="">Today, Sony detailed <a href="/destiny/" data-ref-id="false">Destiny's</a> PlayStation-exclusive content <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/06/16/destinys-playstation-exclusive-content-detailed/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">in a PlayStation Blog post</a>. <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation 3</a> and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/ps4/" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation 4</a> owners of Destiny will receive a multiplayer map, a Strike mission, three sets of armor, two weapons, and three spacecraft.</p><p style="">The mid-sized multiplayer map is called "Exodus Blue" and is built for Control, Destiny's version of Domination. According to Destiny's developer, <a href="/companies/bungie-inc/" data-ref-id="false">Bungie</a>, "the Exodus Blue, a long-dead vessel, once brought hope and humanity to worlds beyond Earth. Here, Guardians challenge one another, forging a new hope and future in the fires of the Crucible."</p><p style="">PlayStation owners will also be able to play through a three-player co-op mission on Mars called "The Dust Palace Strike." According to the blog post, "You'll track a Cabal extraction team through the husks of an ancient human skyscraper, the Dust Palace, buried in the shifting dunes of Mars and face a new enemy, the Psion Flayers."</p><p style="">Three sets of armor and two weapons will be exclusive, as well. In addition to the Monte Carlo assault rifle and Hawkmoon handcannon, Manifold Seeker armor for Warlocks, Vanir armor for Titans, and Argus armor for Hunters will be available.</p><p style="">Finally, PlayStation owners will have exclusive access to three spacecraft: the Aurora Wake, the Crypt Hammer, and the Outrageous Fortune. According to Bungie, the Aurora Wake has "ahull lined with arcane instruments, crafted by a circle of Warlocks – gifting the ship with a preternatural sense for the strange." The Crypt Hammer is "a deep-strike insertion variant, built to carry Guardians safely through contested space." The Outrageous Fortune is "A rugged, versatile explorer for those ready to gamble everything in search of ancient secrets and alien power."</p><p style="">GameSpot editors played a lot of the Destiny alpha and liked their time with it. <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-our-first-hands-on-with-the-destiny-alpha/1100-6420314/" data-ref-id="1100-6420314">You can read our impressions of the game here.</a></p><p style="">Destiny is due out on September 9 on <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/xbox-one/" data-ref-id="false">Xbox One</a>, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/xbox-360/" data-ref-id="false">Xbox 360</a>, PS4, and PS3.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Alex Newhouse is an editorial intern at GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/alexbnewhouse" rel="nofollow">Twitter @alexbnewhouse</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:58:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-s-playstation-exclusive-content-includes-maps-and-ships/1100-6420514/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-alpha-extended-dangerous-experiments-now-underway/1100-6420513/ <div data-height="100%" data-width="100%" data-ref-id="2300-6419553" data-embed-type="video"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6419553/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p dir="ltr" style=""><strong>Update: </strong>The Destiny alpha is now closed, according to Bungie. "Thank you, Guardians of the Alpha. You have made the City stronger and safer. See all of you in the Destiny Beta," it said on <a href="https://twitter.com/Bungie/status/478707206162878465" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter</a> after warning of the imminent closure.</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><strong>Original Story: </strong>If you were disappointed that your chance to play <a href="/destiny/" data-ref-id="false">Destiny</a> had come to an end last night, you're in luck: Bungie has extended the alpha test for an unspecified period of time, although it warns players to continue playing "at [their] own risk."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The Destiny alpha, which was <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-destiny-beta-kicks-off-july-17-first-on-ps3-ps4/1100-6420271/" data-ref-id="1100-6420271">announced during E3 last week</a>, is available exclusively on the PlayStation 4. It had been scheduled to go offline on Sunday night as Bungie prepares the upcoming beta test. But, apparently seeing the opportunity to leverage the number of people that it only has access to with a public test such as this, it's trying out some "dangerous experiments," according to its <a href="https://twitter.com/Bungie/status/478431903716896769" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter</a> account.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">After teasing that the Alpha would be extended, Bungie <a href="https://twitter.com/Bungie/status/478552898830217216" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">tweeted</a> today, "Yup. Alpha still works. Now, we're gonna test it in expert mode. If you're still playing, pardon our dust. This is for the Beta!" It has since provided further <a href="https://twitter.com/Bungie/status/478580375518605315" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">updates</a> on the status of the testing, including the fact that "servers will be up and down all day. This bonus time is for more rigorous Science."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">One unfortunate side effect of this testing is an "expected" loss of data. "While we run tests many players will experience a loss of progress and/or a rollback to earlier versions of characters," a <a href="https://twitter.com/BungieHelp/status/478605759157006336" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">tweet</a> reads. Of course, as far as we know, no progress from this alpha will carry over to the final game (or the beta, for that matter). Because of that, a loss of data is ultimately inconsequential, especially considering the original plan wasn't for gamers to still be playing today.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Bungie has not yet said when the alpha will finally come to an end, but we do know the beta will <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-destiny-beta-kicks-off-july-17-first-on-ps3-ps4/1100-6420271/" data-ref-id="1100-6420271">kick off on PS4 and PS3 on July 17</a>. The beta will come to Xbox One and Xbox 360 at a later date before the final game is released on all four platforms on <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bungie-announces-destiny-release-date-delays-beta/1100-6416594/" data-ref-id="1100-6416594">September 9</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:41:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-alpha-extended-dangerous-experiments-now-underway/1100-6420513/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-stomping-land-early-access-review/1100-6420515/ <p style=""><i>GameSpot's early access reviews evaluate unfinished games that are nonetheless available for purchase by the public. While the games in question are not considered finished by their creators, you may still devote money, time, and bandwidth for the privilege of playing them before they are complete. The review below critiques a work in progress, and represents a snapshot of the game at the time of the review's publication.</i></p><p style="">Several hours into my run with The Stomping Land, I stopped short of my sprint through a dense jungle--a scene I was quickly growing tired of--and realized something: there was nothing left for me to do. I had set up a camp by a lake where I went spearfishing, and I had explored a branching cave and stalked wild dinosaurs. I had even tamed one as a pet until another player snuck up from behind and killed it with an axe. I had fought other tribes, killed, and was killed myself many, many times. I had traveled the entirety of the available world; I had seen it all, and I was bored.</p><p style="">You will feel a little overwhelmed when you first begin your quest onto the large jungle island, but its depth is superficial. Peeling away the surface of this survival sim reveals mechanics that are either surprisingly limited in scope or otherwise broken or woefully incomplete. It is a game with a short laundry list of activities, all of which can be ticked off in a few hours. The Stomping Land lets you hunt and ride dinosaurs, from the quick-footed gallimimus to the massive carnotaurus. Indeed, while the dinos of Capa Island are large, it's unfortunate that everything else feels so small.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/78/787590/2568124-0001.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568124" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/78/787590/2568124-0001.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568124"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/78/787590/2568124-0001.jpg"></a><figcaption>Fight for survival against other players and dinosaurs on an untamed island.</figcaption></figure><p style="">If you manage to find a welcoming server right away (the chances are about fifty-fifty), you will find yourself dropped either onto a sandy beach or in a dense jungle, armed with only a hatchet. You have several initial tasks you can pursue after spawn: collect resources for crafting, hunt for food, or explore. If you go the crafting route, you will find it a frustrating and often baffling experience. Wood and stone dot the island in abundance. But unlike in other games, resources, trees, and rocks don't deplete, effectively removing any system of risk and reward through exploration. Dropping more than one resource on the ground combines the items into a small wicker basket that grows as you add more supplies. There is no inventory system, so moving the basket requires you to pull it with a rope.</p><p style="">Interacting with a basket of resources displays a short list of tools and structures you can create with the gathered materials. As you add more materials to the basket, the list grows, tempting you to add as much as possible before you start crafting. That, as it turns out, is a bad idea, because the creation process burns up all your resources during creation, leaving nothing behind. Since the game doesn't show how many materials each item requires, crafting becomes a time-consuming test of patience, where the best course is to gather a small number of resources at a time and check the list over and over until you find what you need.</p><figure data-align="left" data-size="medium" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/78/787590/2568118-0003.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568118" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/78/787590/2568118-0003.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568118"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_medium/78/787590/2568118-0003.jpg"></a><figcaption>Hunting and spearfishing are necessary to find food.</figcaption></figure><p style="">Even if you do have the patience, crafting culminates in only a handful of tools and necessary structures. Tools include a bow with arrows, which is great for taking out dinos or hostile humans from a distance. You can also craft a spear, a shield to protect yourself, and bolas, which tie up players and prevent them from escaping. Structures include a tepee, which creates a respawn point; a fire pit for cooking food; and a totem pole if you fancy creating your own tribe.</p><p style="">In its current state, the game doesn't offer anything else in terms of structures or ways to protect what you have. Without walls or traps to protect them, many times I returned to find my stockpile of food swiped or my tepee destroyed. Where other survival games, even those in early access, let you save the progress you make and protect your stuff, The Stomping Land leaves your fate to the elements. But it doesn't matter in the end; everything you build gets deleted when you log off anyhow.</p><p style="">When you're not busy crafting, you spend the game doing an inordinate amount of aimless jogging. Most available servers allow for no more than 16 players at once, yet few of those have more than 10 people online. You could run around for several day-and-night cycles before coming across anyone else. And when you do find other players, it has been my experience that their first reaction is to either stab you in the gut with a spear or tie you up with a bola and then drag you into the ocean while chanting "sacrifice him to the sea goddess!" To clarify, the latter happened during one of my earliest attempts at making friends with a three-player tribe. I also learned that you can't break the bindings once you're hit by a bola. After running into so many players flinging the darn things, I hope a way to cut yourself free materializes soon.</p><p style="">I did experience a few brief moments of excitement. Not long after my brush with the sea goddess clan, I discovered a cave on the beach. As I peered in, I spotted a small object glowing green. Delighted at the chance of discovery, I built a torch and delved into the inky blackness. It turned out the glowing object was called a healing herb, and it's used in taming dinosaurs. This was something that I wanted, but I decided to explore the cave further. I followed a twisting path of rock, bordered by pools of deep azure water. After some time twisting and turning, I entered a chamber to find a large Mayan-inspired painting on the floor. As I stepped onto it, the painting started to glow green and spin.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/78/787590/2568117-0006.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568117" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/78/787590/2568117-0006.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568117"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/78/787590/2568117-0006.jpg"></a><figcaption>Visiting the neighbors can be risky.</figcaption></figure><p style="">After the long period of tedium I had endured to get to this point, I was thrilled with my discovery, and felt surprised that the game held such a secret. A few seconds later, my reward flashed onscreen: "Expertise +20." Oh, I thought, that's it? In The Stomping Land, expertise is the single role-playing game element and is rewarded for staying alive. Expertise, which I calculated was doled out about one point per minute, is used to tame dinosaurs. The more points you have, the larger the animal you can befriend. I had half expected to find something special with the painting, but felt utterly disappointed when all it did was shave off about 20 minutes of gameplay.</p><p style="">A few seconds later, three torches lit up the cave from the other side of a rock. It was my sea goddess friends, and apparently the cave was part of their turf. In my haste to escape another ritual, I accidently fell into a pool of water, extinguishing my torch. The need for an inventory system never seemed so desperate. After fruitlessly hopping around looking for an exit, I eventually gave up and drowned myself.</p><p style="">There are many more issues that make The Stomping Land such an unsatisfying experience. Walking over small hills or rocks causes your character to clip and sputter through objects; the camera, which floats behind your character's back, stutters wildly whenever you enter water; and even one of the primary attractions of the game, riding dinosaurs, is unwieldy, and, in the end, just one other way to fumble through emotionless terrain. The game is in early access, and many of these shortcomings could be gone by the time it's finished. But when it will get finished is unclear. The road ahead of The Stomping Land stretches out so far that I can't foresee when, or if, that day will come. And with an asking price of $24.99 on Steam, The Stomping Land should be avoided like a charging styracosaurus--for now, anyway.</p><table data-max-width="true" class="mceItemTable"><tbody><tr><td><p style=""><b>What's There?</b></p></td><td><p style="">Multiplayer survival on a jungle island where you fight to stay alive alongside several species of dinosaurs to hunt or tame.</p><p style=""><br /></p></td></tr><tr><td><p style=""><b>What's To Come?</b></p></td><td><p style="">More dinosaur species, as well as a larger island to explore.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p style=""><b>What Does it Cost?</b></p></td><td>$24.99, available <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/263440/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false" data-mce-href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/263440/">via the Steam store</a>.</td></tr><tr><td><p style=""><b>When Will it Be Finished?</b></p></td><td><p style="">Unknown, but judging by what's available currently, it could be a long time before an official release.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p style=""><b>What's the Verdict?</b></p></td><td><p style="">At this stage, The Stomping Land more closely resembles a tech demo than anything close to a finalized product. It is far from its end goal, and I have no idea when, or if, that goal will ever be reached.</p><p style=""><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p style=""><br /></p> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:09:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-stomping-land-early-access-review/1100-6420515/

http://auth.gamespot.com/ Gamespot's Everything Feed! News, Reviews, Videos. Exploding with content? You bet. en-us Tue, 17 Jun 2014 04:53:52 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-hasn-t-been-annualized-despite-hardline-coming-one-year-after-bf4/1100-6420525/ <div data-height="100%" data-width="100%" data-ref-id="2300-6419353" data-embed-type="video"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6419353/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p dir="ltr" style="">Despite <a href="/battlefield-hardline/" data-ref-id="false">Battlefield Hardline</a> coming out just one year after <a href="/battlefield-4/" data-ref-id="false">Battlefield 4</a>, the series hasn't been turned into an annualized one--which is to say, EA doesn't plan on releasing one every year, a la <a href="/call-of-duty-advanced-warfare/" data-ref-id="false">Call of Duty</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">This is according to EA Studios executive vice president Patrick Söderlund, who stated in an interview with <a href="http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/16/5815908/battlefield-hardline-annual-ea" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Polygon</a> that Hardline is not setting a precedent for the franchise's future release schedule. "It doesn't necessarily mean that we need to annualize Battlefield and that's the way it's going to be forever and ever," he said. "I understand that some people may look at it that way but that's what happened.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">These comments come shortly after telling <a href="http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/13/5808932/ea-e3-2014-press-conference-mirrors-edge-mass-effect" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Polygon</a> that not every game EA makes will get a sequel the following year or sell upwards of 10 million units. "The EA that I'm trying to help build isn't an EA that needs to annualize everything," he said.</p><figure data-ref-id="1300-2569559" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2569559-hardline-zip.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="right" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2569559-hardline-zip.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2569559"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_small/123/1239113/2569559-hardline-zip.jpg"></a><figcaption>Deployable ziplines are now a thing.</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">EA does have some annualized series--namely its sports games, like <a href="/madden-nfl-15/" data-ref-id="false">Madden</a> and <a href="/fifa-15/" data-ref-id="false">FIFA</a>--but, for as criticized as the publisher is, it has so far avoided bringing out its primary Call of Duty competitor, Battlefield, every year. Battlefield games have come out in successive years before--<a href="/battlefield-vietnam/" data-ref-id="false">Battlefield Vietnam</a> launched in 2004 and <a href="/battlefield-2/" data-ref-id="false">Battlefield 2</a> came out in 2005, while <a href="/battlefield-bad-company-2/" data-ref-id="false">Bad Company 2</a> released in 2010 and <a href="/battlefield-3/" data-ref-id="false">Battlefield 3</a> followed in 2011--but just as often they have not. Despite the flak it's gotten for its buggy launch, Battlefield 4 came out two years after Battlefield 3 (though many would say that still wasn't enough time, given the state it was released in).</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Even though it's being developed by a different studio--Hardline is being made by former <a href="/dead-space/" data-ref-id="false">Dead Space</a> developer Visceral Studios, whereas Battlefield has traditionally been developed by DICE--some fans have complained about a new Battlefield game coming so soon after Battlefield 4, which is still far from perfect. Improvements continue to be made to that game, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-4-player-testing-results-in-new-update-improving-netcode/1100-6420065/" data-ref-id="1100-6420065">particularly to its netcode</a>--and these improvements will be implemented in Hardline to ensure it plays more smoothly than its predecessor did at launch.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">A <a href="http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/clk?id=184187649&amp;iu=/8264/aw-cbsi/tracking" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">beta for Hardline</a> is currently taking place on PC and PlayStation 4, something which the developers say will help the final product. Meanwhile, DICE general manager Karl-Magnus Troedsson stated recently that discussions have taken place about <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-evolve-devs-considering-early-access/1100-6420504/" data-ref-id="1100-6420504">making use of 'early access'-style releases</a> to help improve the studio's future games.</p><p style="">Battlefield Hardline was <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-hardline-to-launch-this-fall/1100-6419908/" data-ref-id="1100-6419908">announced last month</a> after its existence was <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/report-new-battlefield-game-revealed-update/1100-6419893/" data-ref-id="1100-6419893">leaked ahead of E3</a>. The cops-versus-robbers shooter <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-hardline-october-release-leaked-in-new-trailer/1100-6420148/" data-ref-id="1100-6420148">will be out on October 21</a> for PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. For more, check out our <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-everything-you-need-to-know-about-battlefield-hardline/1100-6420088/" data-ref-id="1100-6420088">E3 preview recapping everything we know about the game</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 18:41:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/battlefield-hasn-t-been-annualized-despite-hardline-coming-one-year-after-bf4/1100-6420525/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/worse-than-ea-notch-addresses-minecraft-s-new-rules-on-premium-servers/1100-6420524/ <figure data-ref-id="1300-2569537" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2569537-minecraft.png" data-size="large" data-align="center" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2569537-minecraft.png" data-ref-id="1300-2569537"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2569537-minecraft.png"></a></figure><p style="">There was a great deal of criticism directed at <a href="/minecraft/" data-ref-id="false">Minecraft</a> maker Mojang recently for its stance on charging for servers. Although the matter has since been handled to the satisfaction of many, Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson has addressed the situation and explained that Mojang's solitary goal is not to "make as much money as possible."</p><p style="">The situation began when one of Minecraft's developers, Erik Broes, <a href="https://twitter.com/_grum/status/474045254908522496" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">responded</a> to a question earlier this month by pointing out that the game's EULA precludes anyone from making money off of it. This raised concerns over the common practice of server owners charging players for access--something which has been a critical component of the game for some time now for many players. Having made an exception to the EULA previously when it allowed players to charge money for Minecraft videos, Mojang decided to <a href="https://mojang.com/2014/06/lets-talk-server-monetisation/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">add another exception</a> late last week, officially allowing server owners to monetize their servers.</p><p style="">In a post on his personal blog, Notch <a href="http://notch.net/2014/06/literally-worse-than-ea/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">explained</a>, "Mojang does not exist to make as much money as possible for the owners." Whereas publicly held companies have to serve their shareholders--typically by making as much money as possible--Notch is in the unique position of being able to declare this for Mojang as its majority shareholder. He said that there have been opportunities to cash in on the game that were "of course very tempting, but at the end of the day we choose to do what either makes the most sense for our products, or the things that seem like fun for us at Mojang."</p><blockquote data-align="right"><p style="">"Mojang does not exist to make as much money as possible for the owners." -- Minecraft creator Markus Persson</p></blockquote><p style="">Discussing the way certain servers have been handled before now, Notch said, "Some privately run Minecraft servers do charge for in-game items, for xp boosts, for access to certain game modes. Some of them even charge quite a lot. I don't even know how many emails we've gotten from parents, asking for their hundred dollars back their kid spent on an item pack on a server we have no control over. This was never allowed, but we didn't crack down on it because we're constantly incredibly swamped in other work."</p><p style="">Under the new rules, which were <a href="https://mojang.com/2014/06/lets-talk-server-monetisation-the-follow-up-qa/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">further outlined today</a>, there are certain restrictions--for instance, you can't charge for items that affect gameplay or restrict certain aspects of the game to paying players. You can, however, run advertisements and accept donations, but may not charge for in-game currency.</p><p style="">Notch acknowledged the controversy that emerged when Broes made his statement on Twitter, saying, "A lot of people voiced their concerns. A few people got nasty. Someone said we're literally worse than EA." He linked EA's name to a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sims_3#Expansions.2C_add-ons.2C_editions" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">section</a> of the Wikipedia page for <a href="/the-sims-3/" data-ref-id="false">The Sims 3</a> detailing the copious number of expansion packs that the publisher has released.</p><p style="">"We had discussions about it internally, and eventually had a big meeting where we said that yes, people running servers are a huge part of what makes Minecraft so special, and that they need to be able to pay for the servers. So we came up with all sorts of ways this could be done without ruining the 'you don't pay for gameplay' aspect of Minecraft we all find so important."</p><p style="">"There are new rules," he continued. "These are new exceptions to the EULA. All of these make the rules more liberal than things were before."</p><p style="">On <a href="https://twitter.com/notch/status/477755619748085760" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter</a>, he added, "Also for people who can read between the lines: if you're doing something that lawyers don't like, don't draw attention to it."</p><p style="">Minecraft has been wildly successful on every platform it's been released for, selling upwards of <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-pc-sells-15-million-copies-notch-celebrates-with-a-can-of-red-bull/1100-6419294/" data-ref-id="1100-6419294">15 million units</a> on PC, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-xbox-360-sells-12-million-copies-dev-says-it-would-have-been-happy-to-sell-1-million/1100-6418779/" data-ref-id="1100-6418779">12 million</a> on Xbox 360, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/think-the-minecraft-craze-is-cooling-off-think-again/1100-6418880/" data-ref-id="1100-6418880">21 million</a> on iOS and Android, and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-sold-1-million-copies-on-ps3/1100-6417335/" data-ref-id="1100-6417335">1 million</a> on PlayStation 3. Mojang plans to release the game on even more platforms, with <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-boss-promises-new-ip-and-sequel-announcements-at-e3/1100-6419419/" data-ref-id="1100-6419419">Xbox One</a>, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-for-ps4-features-much-bigger-worlds-uses-dualshock-4-touchpad/1100-6420494/" data-ref-id="1100-6420494">PlayStation 4</a>, and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/minecraft-ps4-and-vita-expected-by-september/1100-6419199/" data-ref-id="1100-6419199">PlayStation Vita</a> versions in the works.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 18:02:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/worse-than-ea-notch-addresses-minecraft-s-new-rules-on-premium-servers/1100-6420524/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/terraria-free-with-ps-plus-tearaway-fifa-world-cup-brazil-and-more-on-sale/1100-6420521/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2569218-8925608193-17847.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2569218" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2569218-8925608193-17847.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2569218"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2569218-8925608193-17847.jpg"></a></figure><p style="">Sony has announced <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/06/16/playstation-plus-terraria-free-for-members/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">on the PlayStation Blog</a> that, beginning tomorrow, <a href="/terraria/" data-ref-id="false">Terraria</a> will be free for PS Plus subscribers. Additionally, an "Only On PlayStation" sale and a sports sale will discount a total of 20 games.</p><p style="">Terraria, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/terraria-review/1900-6415621/" data-ref-id="1900-6415621">the fantastic 2D sandbox crafting and adventure game by Re-Logic</a>, is available on the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/vita/" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation Vita</a> and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation 3</a>. The versions are cross-buy and cross-save, so one download will get you both versions and you can move your saves between them.</p><p style="">The "Only On PlayStation" sale cuts the prices of 11 <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/ps4/" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation 4</a>, PS3, and Vita games. Steeper discounts are available to PS Plus subscribers. Among others, thatgamecompany's beautiful game, <a href="/flower/" data-ref-id="false">Flower</a>, is on sale on the PS3, PS4, and Vita for only $5 ($3.49 for Plus), and the HD remakes of <a href="/ico/" data-ref-id="false">Ico</a> and <a href="/shadow-of-the-colossus/" data-ref-id="false">Shadow of the Colossus</a> are only $10 ($5 for Plus). The sale runs from tomorrow until June 23.</p><p style="">The sports sale slashes the prices of 9 football, golf, baseball, soccer, and hockey games. <a href="/2014-fifa-world-cup-brazil/" data-ref-id="false">FIFA World Cup Brazil </a>is $40 ($28 for Plus), the Vita version of <a href="/mlb-13-the-show/" data-ref-id="false">MLB 13: The Show</a> is only $9 ($6.29 for Plus), and <a href="/madden-nfl-25/" data-ref-id="false">Madden 25</a> on the PS3 is only $35 ($25 for Plus).</p><p style="">The full list of discounts is below:</p><p style=""><strong>"Only On PlayStation" Sale:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="/reviews/dead-nation-review/1900-6284687/" data-ref-id="1900-6284687">Dead Nation Apocalypse Edition</a> -- PS4 (Was $14.99, now $7.49, PS Plus $3.75)</li><li><a href="/flower/" data-ref-id="false">Flower</a> -- PS4 (Was $6.99, now $4.99, PS Plus $3.49)</li><li>Flower -- PS3 (Was $6.99, now $4.99, PS Plus $3.49)</li><li>Flower -- PS Vita (Was $6.99, now $4.99, PS Plus $3.49)</li><li><a href="/ico/" data-ref-id="false">Ico</a> -- PS3 (Was $19.99, now $9.99, PS Plus $5.00)</li><li><a href="/littlebigplanet/" data-ref-id="false">LittleBigPlanet</a> -- PS3 (Was $29.99, now $14.99, PS Plus $7.50)</li><li><a href="/playstation-all-stars-battle-royale/" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale</a> -- PS3 (Was $19.99, now $9.99, PS Plus $5.00)</li><li><a href="/ratchet-and-clank-future-a-crack-in-time/" data-ref-id="false">Ratchet &amp; Clank Future: A Crack in Time</a> -- PS3 (Was $14.99, now $9.99, no Plus discount)</li><li><a href="/ratchet-and-clank-future-tools-of-destruction/" data-ref-id="false">Ratchet &amp; Clank Future: Tools of Destruction</a> -- PS3 (Was $14.99, now $9.99, no Plus discount)</li><li><a href="/shadow-of-the-colossus/" data-ref-id="false">Shadow of the Colossus</a> -- PS3 (Was $19.99, now $9.99, PS Plus $5.00)</li><li><a href="/tearaway/" data-ref-id="false">Tearaway</a> -- PS Vita (Was $35.99, now $24.99, PS Plus $17.49)</li><li><a href="/twisted-metal-2012/" data-ref-id="false">Twisted Metal</a> -- PS3 (Was $19.99, now $9.99, PS Plus $5.00)</li></ul><p style=""><strong>Sports Sale:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="/fifa-14/" data-ref-id="false">FIFA 14</a> -- PS3 (Was $59.99, now $41.99, PS Plus $37.79)</li><li>FIFA 14 -- PS4 (Was $59.99, now $53.99, PS Plus $48.59)</li><li><a href="/2014-fifa-world-cup-brazil/" data-ref-id="false">FIFA World Cup Brazil</a> -- PS3 (Was $59.99, now $39.99, PS Plus $27.99)</li><li><a href="/hot-shots-golf-world-invitational/" data-ref-id="false">Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational</a> -- Vita (Was $13.49, now $6.49, PS Plus $3.25)</li><li>Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational -- PS3 (Was $19.99, now $9.99, PS Plus $5.00)</li><li><a href="/madden-nfl-25/" data-ref-id="false">Madden NFL 25</a> -- PS3 (Was $49.99, now $34.99, PS Plus $24.99)</li><li>Madden NFL 25 -- PS4 (Was $59.99, now $53.99, PS Plus $48.59)</li><li><a href="/nhl-14/" data-ref-id="false">NHL 14</a> -- PS3 (Was $49.99, now $34.99, PS Plus $24.49)</li><li><a href="/tiger-woods-pga-tour-14/" data-ref-id="false">Tiger Woods PGA Tour 14</a> -- PS3 (Was $29.99, now $20.99, PS Plus $14.69)</li></ul><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Alex Newhouse is an editorial intern at GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/alexbnewhouse" rel="nofollow">Twitter @alexbnewhouse</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 16:40:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/terraria-free-with-ps-plus-tearaway-fifa-world-cup-brazil-and-more-on-sale/1100-6420521/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/respawn-hopes-to-support-titanfall-for-a-long-time-won-t-confirm-titanfall-2/1100-6420519/ <div data-height="100%" data-width="100%" data-ref-id="2300-6419637" data-embed-type="video"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6419637/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p dir="ltr" style="">Neither Electronic Arts nor Respawn Entertainment will confirm that another <a href="/titanfall/" data-ref-id="false">Titanfall</a> is in the cards. Regardless of whenever such a game does ultimately arrive, the game's developer is hopeful that the first Titanfall's community sticks around "for a long time" so that it can continue to support it.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Speaking with <a href="http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-13-amid-rumours-of-titanfall-2-for-ps4-ea-and-respawn-reflect-on-launch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="2014-06">Eurogamer</a>, Respawn co-founder Vince Zampella discussed the number of people still playing the game three months after its launch and how that affects continued development. "On console it's been fantastic," Zampella said regarding online activity. "On PC it started off really strong and it's starting to dip a little bit now more than we expected. We're looking at that. What are the reasons? Is it something we're doing wrong? Is it the matchmaking? So we'll pay attention to that and figure out what that is. We want to see it go up."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Last month, there was a possible indication that the PC community had diminished to some extent when <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/titanfall-pc-s-ctf-and-pilot-hunter-mode-playlists-removed/1100-6419698/" data-ref-id="1100-6419698">two playlists were removed</a> from the PC version. The move made little sense on its own, but <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/titanfall-pc-s-ctf-mode-cut-why-it-was-dumped-and-why-it-s-now-back/1100-6419850/" data-ref-id="1100-6419850">Respawn later explained</a> it was due to so few people playing them that it was hard (if not impossible) for those people to find a match.</p><figure data-ref-id="1300-2568283" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2568283-titanfall.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="left" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2568283-titanfall.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568283"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_small/123/1239113/2568283-titanfall.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">The first of <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Agamespot.com+titanfall+dlc&amp;rlz=1C1ASUM_enUS460US460&amp;oq=site%3Agamespot.com+titanfall+dlc&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j69i58.2944j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;es_sm=122&amp;ie=UTF-8#q=site:gamespot.com+titanfall+season+pass&amp;safe=off" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">at least three DLC packs</a> for Titanfall was <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/titanfall-expedition-dlc-will-be-released-for-xbox-one-and-pc-tomorrow-costs-10/1100-6419619/" data-ref-id="1100-6419619">released in May</a>, and a free update is planned for release sometime this month that <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-titanfall-s-marked-for-death-is-vip-mode-mk2/1100-6420348/" data-ref-id="1100-6420348">adds new game modes and introduces Titan customization</a>. Once this next update is released, Zampella said Respawn will "try to slow down" because some of those at Respawn are "reaching the burnout point." However, he believes it was important to get the game to where it is before taking it easy. "There was a lot of stuff we felt we really needed to get there as soon as possible," Zampella said.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">As for how long support will continue, Zampella wouldn't commit to anything because that decision will rely in part on how long fans continue to play. "It depends somewhat on how well the game does. If there are people there supporting it you can justify putting people and resources on it," he said. "If there's not that many people, or the engagement goes down, there's a point where those resources are better spent on whatever our next game would be and making that game better. I hope it lasts a really long time and we can do more stuff."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">We don't have any real sense for how well Titanfall has sold since its release in March. EA recently said it's the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-ea-says-titanfall-is-the-best-selling-xbox-one-game-to-date/1100-6420404/" data-ref-id="1100-6420404">best-selling game on Xbox One to date</a>, but failed to provide any specific numbers. During March in the U.S., it sold 925,000 copies at retail between Xbox One and PC. Eurogamer was told by EA CEO Andrew Wilson at E3 that the game had beaten the company's "high" expectations, though he didn't specify what those expectations were.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">A report prior to E3 claimed <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-titanfall-2-coming-to-xbox-one-and-ps4-report/1100-6420196/" data-ref-id="1100-6420196">work was already underway on a sequel</a>, and that it would be coming to PlayStation 4 as well as Xbox One. (On consoles, Titanfall is exclusive to Xbox 360 and Xbox One.) Neither Zampella nor Wilson would say at E3 whether a new Titanfall is in the works, but it's widely presumed one is planned. EA has already <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/more-titanfall-experiences-on-the-way-courtesy-of-ea/1100-6419467/" data-ref-id="1100-6419467">announced it's signed a deal with Respawn</a> to continue publishing Titanfall "experiences," but that term is (likely by design) so vague as to tell us nothing about future plans for the franchise.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Zampella did offer a glimmer of hope to skeptics; when asked about his desire to develop new Titanfall games, he said, "The Titanfall universe is rich for exploration. I definitely wouldn't discount it."</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em><strong>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></strong></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 16:25:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/respawn-hopes-to-support-titanfall-for-a-long-time-won-t-confirm-titanfall-2/1100-6420519/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-tops-npd-may-2014-sales-charts-in-us-again-wii-u-and-vita-both-up/1100-6420522/ <p style=""> </p><figure data-ref-id="1300-2569458" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2569458-ps4.jpg" data-size="large" data-align="center" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2569458-ps4.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2569458"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2569458-ps4.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">The PlayStation 4 was the top-selling video game system in the United States for the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-outsells-xbox-one-in-us-during-april-titanfall-remains-top-seller/1100-6419672/" data-ref-id="1100-6419672">fifth month running</a> last month, according to the NPD Group's May sales report.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Specific numbers were not shared for sales of any of the systems, but it sounds as if it was a good month for all three console manufacturers. Sales of new video game hardware were up substantially from May 2013; consoles and portables combined for $187 million in sales, a 95 percent increase over the $96 million in sales during the same period last year.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">As you might expect, this has a lot to do with the two most recent systems to be launched, but they weren't the only ones contributing. "While much of May 2014's hardware growth was due to Xbox One and PS4, there was also year-over-year growth for the Wii U, and PS Vita," said the NPD Group's Liam Callahan.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Nintendo has already <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-drives-massive-wii-u-sales-3ds-is-number-two-console-on-npd/1100-6420520/" data-ref-id="1100-6420520">released a statement regarding the NPD figures</a>, attributing the Wii U's bump to strong sales of <a href="/mario-kart-8/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Kart 8</a>, which we know <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-sells-1-2-million-becoming-wii-u-s-fastest-selling-game/1100-6420033/" data-ref-id="1100-6420033">sold 1.2 million units worldwide</a> in its first weekend alone. The company also noted that the 3DS was the second-best-selling system during the month.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Microsoft and Sony, on the other hand, have yet to discuss these latest figures. The Vita's sales bump may come as somewhat of a surprise given how little attention Sony has paid to it, but it can likely be attributed at least in part to the release of the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps-vita-slim-hits-the-us-may-6-through-200-borderlands-2-bundle/1100-6418855/" data-ref-id="1100-6418855">Borderlands 2 system bundle</a>. Released early in the month, the bundle introduced the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/playstation-vita-slim-confirmed-for-us-updated/1100-6417646/" data-ref-id="1100-6417646">Vita's first hardware revision</a> to the U.S. market.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">None of the three console makers has provided updates sales figures for their systems recently. The last official worldwide numbers put the PS4 at <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-reports-7-million-playstation-4-consoles-sold-worldwide/1100-6419044/" data-ref-id="1100-6419044">7 million units</a> (as of March 31), Xbox One at <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-sold-3-million-units-in-2013-microsoft-says/1100-6416955/" data-ref-id="1100-6416955">3 million units</a> (as of December 31, with <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-ships-1-2-million-to-retailers-during-2014-s-first-quarter/1100-6419194/" data-ref-id="1100-6419194">5 million shipped</a> as of March 31), and Wii U at <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-u-sales-slow-to-a-crawl-as-nintendo-posts-457-million-loss/1100-6419475/" data-ref-id="1100-6419475">6.17 million units</a> (as of March 31).</p><p dir="ltr" style="">When combining sales of new hardware and accessories, spending was up 52 percent year-over-year to $398 million. "The last time overall new physical channel growth saw a month-over-month increase of this magnitude was June 2008, with a 53 percent increase," Callahan said.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The NPD Group also reported on <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/top-10-game-sales-according-to-npd-may-2014-watch-dogs-on-top/1100-6420523/" data-ref-id="1100-6420523">software sales in the U.S. during May</a>, with <a href="/watch-dogs/" data-ref-id="false">Watch Dogs</a> proving to be the top seller.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 16:20:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-tops-npd-may-2014-sales-charts-in-us-again-wii-u-and-vita-both-up/1100-6420522/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/top-10-game-sales-according-to-npd-may-2014-watch-dogs-on-top/1100-6420523/ <div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6418962" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6418962/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style="">The NPD released their monthly US sales data today for May 2014. Overall sales for the games industry are up, and according to the report, "May 2014 launches sold 800 percent more in dollar sales than May 2013 launches did their respective launch months." Looking at total video games software sales, May 2013 brought in $175M while last month's software sales totaled $274M.</p><p style=""> </p><p style="">Ubisoft, according to the report, was the "number one corporate publisher for the month."</p><p style=""> </p><p style="">The top 10 games list follows below, though it's important to keep in mind that this represent new physical retail only, not digital or used game sales.</p><p style=""> </p><ol><li><a href="/watch-dogs/" data-ref-id="false">Watch Dogs</a> (PS4, XBO, 360, PS3, PC) Ubisoft</li><li><a href="/mario-kart-8/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Kart 8</a> (NWU) Nintendo</li><li><a href="/mlb-14-the-show/" data-ref-id="false">MLB 14: The Show</a> (PS4, PS3, PSV) Sony</li><li><a href="/wolfenstein-the-new-order/" data-ref-id="false">Wolfenstein: The New Order</a> (PS4, XBO, 360, PS3, PC) Bethesda Softworks</li><li><a href="/minecraft/" data-ref-id="false">Minecraft</a> (360, PS3) 5 Microsoft (Corp) Sony</li><li><a href="/the-amazing-spider-man-2/" data-ref-id="false">The Amazing Spider-Man 2</a> (360, PS3, PS4, XBO, 3DS, NWU) Activision Blizzard</li><li><a href="/nba-2k14/" data-ref-id="false">NBA 2K14</a> (360, PS4. PS3, XBO, PC) Take 2 Interactive</li><li><a href="/titanfall/" data-ref-id="false">Titanfall</a> (360, XBO, PC) Electronic Arts</li><li><a href="/kirby-triple-deluxe/" data-ref-id="false">Kirby: Triple Deluxe</a> (3DS) Nintendo</li><li><a href="/call-of-duty-ghosts/" data-ref-id="false">Call Of Duty: Ghosts</a> (360, PS4, PS3, XBO, PC, NWU) Activision Blizzard</li></ol><p style="">Nintendo released their NPD data earlier, showing <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-drives-massive-wii-u-sales-3ds-is-number-two-console-on-npd/1100-6420520/" data-ref-id="1100-6420520">strong sales improvements for the Wii U</a>. And in the overall NPD console sales report, the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-tops-npd-may-2014-sales-charts-in-us-again-wii-u-and-vita-both-up/1100-6420522/" data-ref-id="1100-6420522">PlayStation 4 came out on top for the fifth consecutive month</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><tbody><tr><td><p style=""><strong>Justin Haywald is a senior editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinHaywald" rel="nofollow"> Twitter @JustinHaywald</a></strong></p><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></strong><p style=""> </p></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 16:13:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/top-10-game-sales-according-to-npd-may-2014-watch-dogs-on-top/1100-6420523/ http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/always-sometimes-monsters-review/1900-6415789/ <p style="">Call it Chekhov's platitude. You see a conspicuous title like "Always Sometimes Monsters," and you can bet that in the third act some character is going to fire off that string of words verbatim as part of some truism on the human condition. We're always sometimes monsters, you see. Or something.</p><p style="">I can hear echoes of Don Cheadle's faux-wistful speech from <i>Crash</i>: "In LA, nobody touches you. ... I think we miss that touch so much that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something." In A.O. Scott's <i>Times</i> review of the film, he'd wondered about a possible name for the genre <i>Crash</i> typified: stories "where people from radically different backgrounds are brought together by a grim serendipity that forces them, or at least the audience, to acknowledge their essential connectedness." I find myself wishing Scott had settled on a term for the genre, because Vagabond Dog's Always Sometimes Monsters is it, whatever "it" is.</p><figure data-ref-id="1300-2568180" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/725/7253563/2568180-0001.png" data-size="large" data-align="center" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/725/7253563/2568180-0001.png" data-ref-id="1300-2568180"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/725/7253563/2568180-0001.png"></a><figcaption>Almost everyone speaks in this uncanny way.</figcaption></figure><p style="">Always Sometimes Monsters is full of strange people who wax philosophic to those they've just met. People who commit felonies to avoid minor inconveniences, and who constantly vacillate between righteous empathy and callous disregard for their fellow man. One of those people is you, a failed writer and failed lover who has received an unexpected wedding invitation from your ex. The particulars of that relationship are flexible, dictated from player to game by a simple choice of drinks at a party. It's an elegant character select system in disguise, wherein personal qualities like gender, race, and sexual preference are never made to suffer the crass fumbling of sliders and toggles. Always Sometimes Monsters has been lauded for this--and rightly so--but it botches the landing: while the selection of male characters runs the full gamut of body types, the available women range from the impossibly cute to the improbably endowed. The latter cup their breasts between their biceps suggestively, or rest them over a bit of forearm scaffolding.</p><figure data-ref-id="1300-2568188" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/725/7253563/2568188-0002.png" data-size="medium" data-align="left" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/725/7253563/2568188-0002.png" data-ref-id="1300-2568188"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_medium/725/7253563/2568188-0002.png"></a></figure><p style="">Ah. So it's a video game we're playing then, lest we'd somehow forgotten--an RPG Maker game, to be specific, boxed into the do-it-yourself engine's low resolution frame and sporting only the most rudimentary audiovisuals. But it's enough to shuffle Always Sometimes Monsters along toward its main thrust--an exploration of choice and consequence. As you set about the task of finding a way to the wedding, the narrative dovetails immediately: You're short on your rent. Do you resort to crime to make up the difference, or sleep on a soiled mattress in the adjoining alley? A few menial job prospects have revealed themselves, but do you keep a promise to do chores for your elderly neighbor instead?</p><p style="">This sort of choice is, for some, the thing role-playing games "do." Linearity, to such a person, is a term of bitter disparagement. But branching narrative isn't always the sexy design it's so frequently made out to be. Before you can approximate your avatar's mindset, before you can make informed, satisfying decisions about relationships and careers, the fiction's table must be set--salad fork on the outside and all. But Always Sometimes Monsters' in medias res story writes a check that the game's amateurish writing can't cash. We're asked to summon up emotional investment for new characters based on a scant few lines of blunt exposition, a la "Sam is my best friend." Then we're asked to sustain that investment as they're dropped from the narrative altogether for most of the proceedings.</p><p style="">The issue is exacerbated by the limitations of the engine powering Always Sometimes Monsters. Without voice, or gesture, or change of expression, characters met can only be evaluated by their portraiture and a bit of anime emotional shorthand--heart icons for love, sweat drops for exasperation. Disappointingly, the personalities found therein rarely deviate much from the often stereotypical appearances.</p><p style="">Take your good friend, Darkeff. You know he's your good friend because your character states that he's your good friend. Darkeff is a musician. He's also a recovering heroin addict. When he stumbles upon a bag of the stuff, I gamely look for options to get it out of his hands, but my curiously incurious character doesn't seem to see much cause for concern. Fast-forward a few days, and guess who's in the hospital, dying for want of healthcare funds. Our good friend Darkeff wears the same sunglasses he always wears even in near-death, and his guitar sits in the corner of his room, perhaps because we might not know who he is otherwise.</p><blockquote data-size="large" data-align="center"><p style="">You're short on your rent. Do you resort to crime to make up the difference, or sleep on a soiled mattress in the adjoining alley?</p></blockquote><p style="">Still more issues rise up from the depths to challenge immersion. Always Sometimes Monsters doesn't like to abandon any one narrative thread until it has achieved peak melodrama. So at the behest of another addict, you're inexorably compelled to blackmail the doctor, either by snooping through his files or, as I elected, by smashing up his expensive car. But as luck would have it, another character who'd just earlier promised me a ride out of town was planning, unbeknownst to me, to borrow that very same car. Grim serendipity, indeed.</p><p style="">With choice and consequence thusly meted out, the results of each of Always Sometimes Monsters' vignettes are entered into your character's diary. But considering the inherent absurdity of most of the scenarios and the disconnect between player and character, there's no question about who is authoring those journal entries. When a character recites your ignominious history back to you near the game's end and asks you to reflect on each entry--this actually happens--it reads like a case of mistaken identity.</p><figure data-ref-id="1300-2568184" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/725/7253563/2568184-0003.png" data-size="large" data-align="center" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/725/7253563/2568184-0003.png" data-ref-id="1300-2568184"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/725/7253563/2568184-0003.png"></a><figcaption>There are a great many not-so-subtle references to the larger games industry.</figcaption></figure><p style="">Pleasantly, Always Sometimes Monsters doesn't hand down much in the way of judgment. There's no morality stat here, and though most of the cast is given to fortune cookie musings ("Stay true to who you are, whoever you think that is" says one in parting, apropos of nothing), they're mercifully laissez-faire. While this does result in some juvenile apathy, particularly during a mayoral election mid-game, Always Sometimes Monsters' moral reticence is its strongest quality. The subtle but persistent gravitational pull of poverty in the game means a lot of time spent performing excruciating temp work, or hanging out in alleyways and bars, but most of Always Sometimes Monsters' interesting characters occupy those very same haunts.</p><p style="">The camera's viewpoint, an otherwise awkward mash-up of overhead and axonometric shots, reveals all the pixelated squalor, all the detritus and homelessness and violence that so often goes ignored by the upper crust. The RPG feels at home here, among the dregs of society, like it did back in the Midgar slums of Final Fantasy VII. The genre's old mainstays--fetching, bartering, and grinding--are much more suited to a blue collar than they are to plate armor.</p><p style=""> </p> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 15:55:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/always-sometimes-monsters-review/1900-6415789/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-drives-massive-wii-u-sales-3ds-is-number-two-console-on-npd/1100-6420520/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1534/15343359/2569420-3ds_1920u_060314.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2569420" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1534/15343359/2569420-3ds_1920u_060314.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2569420"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1534/15343359/2569420-3ds_1920u_060314.jpg"></a></figure><p style="">Official NPD US May data is coming out later today, but Nintendo is getting ahead of the announcements with some good news: Wii U sales are up over 85% over April and over 90% over May of last year.</p><p style="">Part of that success was likely driven by anticipation for <a href="/mario-kart-8/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Kart 8</a>, which had immensely successful sales on its own. According to Nintendo NPD data for all of the US, Mario Kart 8 came in as the "No. 3 best-selling software SKU in May." That's even more impressive when taking into account that the game launched on May 30, so it only factored into two days of the NPD's month-long report. Nintendo reported earlier that Mario Kart 8 was the Wii U's fastest-selling game so far, with <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-sells-1-2-million-becoming-wii-u-s-fastest-selling-game/1100-6420033/" data-ref-id="1100-6420033">1.2 million sales shortly after launch.</a></p><p style="">The 3DS continues to show strong performance as well, coming in as the number two best-selling console for May.</p><p style="">Nintendo has had a rocky start to the beginning of the year, but it garnered a lot of goodwill last week at E3, and you can catch up on <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-all-the-news-from-the-nintendo-press-conference/1100-6420337/">all the big announcements from their Nintendo Direct presentation</a> as well as a <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-nintendo-wii-u-and-3ds-announcements-and-exclusives/1100-6420107/">list of all the new games revealed at the show.</a> And GameSpot editor Carolyn Petit made the argument that Nintendo came out as <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-nintendo-won-e3-2014/1100-6420391/" data-ref-id="1100-6420391">the overall winner at E3.</a></p><p style="">We'll have even more NPD data when it becomes available later this afternoon.</p><p style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><tbody><tr><td><p style=""><strong>Justin Haywald is a senior editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinHaywald" rel="nofollow"> Twitter @JustinHaywald</a></strong></p><p style=""><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p style=""> </p><p style=""> </p><p style=""> </p> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 15:39:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-drives-massive-wii-u-sales-3ds-is-number-two-console-on-npd/1100-6420520/ http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/entwined-review/1900-6415790/ <p style="">Two creatures--one a fish, the other a bird--come together and then are pulled apart, their love undeniable, and the rules of nature difficult to overcome. Entwined tries to tell their story, but it is not very adept at communicating a sense of romance, though it is nonetheless calming on its own terms. The journey is short and comforting, a simple coalition of ambient beauty and pattern recognition. Yet for all its gentle delights, Entwined is also too ephemeral for its own good, its sweet whispers tempting you onwards, and then dissipating into the wind once the experience has ended.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">On the right side of the screen, blue rectangles and triangles come together in the shape of a soaring bird; on the left, an equally angular fish swims along. The two flit through a tunnel swirling with abstract visualizations and glowing orbs. Each creature is only allowed to move within its own hemisphere, the right side representing the air, the left representing the sea. The two may come together at the top or bottom of the screen, where they each turn green and emanate a soft chime, as if their adoration for each other is so great that they cannot help but glow with excitement. As the bird and fish automatically travel through the vortex, blue and orange windows appear, and you are to navigate through them, seeking to reach a state of unity in which the two beings merge into a single wondrous creature. The bird is controlled with the right stick, and the fish with the left.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568142-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2930.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568142" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568142-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2930.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568142"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/416/4161502/2568142-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2930.jpg"></a></figure><figure data-embed-type="gallery" 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data-resized="" data-resize-url=""><a href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568139-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2921.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568139" ><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2568139-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2921.jpg"></a><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568135-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2903.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568135" ><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2568135-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2903.jpg"></a><a href="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568143-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2933.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568143" ><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2568143-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2933.jpg"></a><a href="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568137-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2908.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568137" ><img src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2568137-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2908.jpg"></a><a href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568140-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2923.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568140" ><img src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2568140-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2923.jpg"></a><a href="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2557029-entwined_screen_1_1402364674.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2557029" ><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/1197/11970954/2557029-entwined_screen_1_1402364674.jpg"></a><a href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2557031-level4_1402364678.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2557031" ><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/1197/11970954/2557031-level4_1402364678.jpg"></a><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2557032-screen_1920x1080_2014-02-24_16-52-44_1402364679.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2557032" ><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/1197/11970954/2557032-screen_1920x1080_2014-02-24_16-52-44_1402364679.jpg"></a><a href="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2557026-entwined_key_art_16x9_1402364755.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2557026" ><img src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/1197/11970954/2557026-entwined_key_art_16x9_1402364755.jpg"></a><a href="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2556554-14200579848_ddb8fbc163_o.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2556554" ><img src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/1197/11970954/2556554-14200579848_ddb8fbc163_o.jpg"></a><figcaption>Click above for more Entwined screens.</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">Entwined is awash with sound and color, and its primary goal is to lure you into a trance with its pulsating music and symmetrical patterns. The game is separated into nine stages, called lifetimes, each of which radiates its own kind of comforting energy. In the fourth lifetime, for instance, you travel through a rust-red cavern in which a steady synthesized melody keeps the tempo, and heaving guitars cry out responses to it. As the bird and fish float through their checkpoints, a drum beat sounds out, and the two creatures become part of the level's rhythm section. The placement of the windows creates a rhythm of its own, causing your thumbs to flick with urgency, in contrast to other levels, which require smoother thumb movement. Each lifetime finds subtle ways to mesh the gameplay's patterns with the musical accompaniment, though the gameplay itself doesn't greatly vary during the hour or so it takes to complete the story mode.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Ultimately, Entwined doesn't boast much diversity. The cylindrical structure of each stage may recall 2012's <a href="/dyad-2012/" data-ref-id="false">Dyad</a>, but where Dyad made each stage a new opportunity to do something new, Entwined is relaxed and comforting, and at least in its story mode, rarely provides much challenge or variety. Left- and right-stick movements are typically parallel in the most obvious manners, and when they are not, one creature usually needs to simply stay in place while the other navigates through its checkpoints. Halfway through the game, I longed for a new idea, an unexpected pattern, or a more poignant thematic representation of the two characters' unfulfilled love. It wasn't until the last minutes of the final level when the lifetimes coalesced in any meaningful way, but the pretty visuals gave way to a tedious object hunt that sucked the joy from the screen.</p><blockquote><p dir="ltr" style="">Entwined is awash with sound and color, and its primary goal is to lure you into a trance with its pulsating music and symmetrical patterns.</p></blockquote><figure data-align="left" data-size="medium" data-img-src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568137-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2908.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568137" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2568137-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2908.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568137"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_medium/416/4161502/2568137-acreventwined+-+entwined+-+2014-06-16+11-48-59+%28p%2908.jpg"></a><figcaption>Tunnel of love. </figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">That hunt occurs in the same kind of denouement that ends each level. The two animals, finally united (in death, it would seem), bond and transmogrify into a fantastical fishbird that you control freely. These sequences only require that you collect enough floating orbs to fill a meter at the top of the screen, at which point you then etch a pattern into the air, with vibrant color trails emanating from your wings and forming rainbow-colored ribbons that remind me of musical staves. There is no greater objective here than to collect and to skywrite: this is your reward for uniting two halves into their romantic whole. The imagery is always beautiful, though just as with the primary gameplay, I longed for skywriting to have more meaning than just "pretty." The post-union flights bring with them some catharsis, but it's fleeting. The ebbs and flows don't create waves of emotions so much as minor ripples.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Challenge levels provide more intellectual stimulation than the story, giving you three lives and removing one for each colored window you miss. You must remain active for a certain number of seconds to unlock the next challenge--and you must remain active for even longer if you wish to have any hope of rising to the top of Entwined's leaderboards. Sadly, some of the fire challenge's sound effects have a habit of going missing, a hitch almost as distracting as the pause that occurs in the transitions connecting each level's core gameplay and the soaring celebration that follows. But these moment don't define Entwined. This is a lovely, gossamer experience that lifts you into the clouds and then quietly brings you back to earth, happy for the time spent, and your mind free of the detritus that originally cluttered it.</p> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 14:46:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/entwined-review/1900-6415790/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4s-could-be-sold-with-destiny-and-diablo-iii-preloaded-says-analyst/1100-6420517/ <figure data-ref-id="1300-2568225" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2568225-ps4.jpg" data-size="large" data-align="center" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2568225-ps4.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568225"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2568225-ps4.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">Sony may begin selling PlayStation 4 systems with digital copies of select Activision games already loaded onto them so they are ready for purchase, according to Baird analyst Colin Sebastian.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">In a Baird investors note sent out recapping developments at E3, the possibility of preloaded games is brought up. "One point of interest from our conversations at the show is the possibility that Sony may preload digital copies of <a href="/destiny/" data-ref-id="false">Destiny</a> and <a href="/diablo-iii/" data-ref-id="false">Diablo</a> on all PS4 consoles beginning this fall (users still can choose whether to purchase), which should drive higher sell-through for Activision, but at the cost of retail sales," it states.</p><figure data-ref-id="1300-2568206" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2568206-destiny.jpg" data-size="small" data-align="right" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2568206-destiny.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568206"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_small/123/1239113/2568206-destiny.jpg"></a><figcaption>The white PS4 Destiny bundle announced at E3.</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">In other words, it sounds as if the games would be downloaded to the systems' hard drives but would still need to be purchased like usual. This would presumably be done in order to encourage purchases of the games, and to spare new PS4 owners the trouble of downloading them--something which is an insignificant hurdle for some, but a <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-digital-only-future-for-console-games-is-not-happening-soon/1100-6416529/" data-ref-id="1100-6416529">major impediment</a> for others due to slow Internet connections and data caps. And, for those who do decide to purchase a digital copy rather than a physical one, this would have the added benefit to Activision of disallowing these people from ever selling their copies of these games.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">GameSpot has reached out to both Sony and Activision regarding these potential plans but has not received a response as of press time.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">While Call of Duty's downloadable content continues to <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-call-of-duty-advanced-warfare-dlc-will-come-to-xbox-first/1100-6419394/" data-ref-id="1100-6419394">come to Xbox platforms first</a> (as it has for several years now), at least one of Activision's most important games, Destiny, has been positioned as a PlayStation-oriented game. It's frequently featured in PS4 commercials, the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-alpha-extended-dangerous-experiments-now-underway/1100-6420513/" data-ref-id="1100-6420513">ongoing alpha test</a> is available only on PS4, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-destiny-beta-kicks-off-july-17-first-on-ps3-ps4/1100-6420271/" data-ref-id="1100-6420271">next month's beta</a> launches first on PS4 and PS3, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-s-playstation-exclusive-content-includes-maps-and-ships/1100-6420514/" data-ref-id="1100-6420514">exclusive content is coming to PS4 and PS3</a>, and a <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-450-white-ps4-destiny-bundle-arriving-september-9/1100-6420272/" data-ref-id="1100-6420272">white PS4 bundle</a> that includes a copy of the game will be available in September. For its part, developer <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bungie-we-re-not-favoring-playstation-over-xbox-for-destiny/1100-6419252/" data-ref-id="1100-6419252">Bungie says it isn't favoring PlayStation over Xbox</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">As for Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition, it was originally slated for release on PS4 but not Xbox One, although we now know <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/diablo-3-ultimate-evil-edition-confirmed-for-both-xbox-one-and-ps4-coming-this-august/1100-6419572/" data-ref-id="1100-6419572">it'll be coming to both</a>. However, the PlayStation versions will have exclusive content centered around PlayStation exclusives <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-last-of-us-infected-coming-to-diablo-iii-ultimate-evil-edition/1100-6420279/" data-ref-id="1100-6420279">The Last of Us</a> and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-diablo-3-gets-shadow-of-the-colossus-dlc-new-update/1100-6420386/" data-ref-id="1100-6420386">Shadow of the Colossus</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><em>Would having games available on the hard drive right out of the box make you any more inclined to purchase a digital copy? Let us know in the comments below.</em></p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 14:30:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4s-could-be-sold-with-destiny-and-diablo-iii-preloaded-says-analyst/1100-6420517/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-all-the-new-game-ip-announcements/1100-6420471/ <p style="">A lot of new games got revealed at this year's E3. <a href="/companies/from-software/" data-ref-id="false">From Software</a>'s presentation of <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/ps4/" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation 4</a>-exclusive <a href="/bloodborne/" data-ref-id="false">Bloodborne</a> and <a href="/companies/ubisoft/" data-ref-id="false">Ubisoft's</a> <a href="/tom-clancys-rainbow-six-siege/" data-ref-id="false">Rainbow Six Siege</a> highlighted the blockbuster games, but there were also several independent and smaller projects unveiled</p><p style="">In case you missed the announcements that came out of E3, we've put them into one place. New game properties (and one reboot of an original Xbox game) are followed by snippets of news or previews for context.</p><h3>New Game Properties:</h3><h3><a href="/ori-and-the-blind-forest/" data-ref-id="false">Ori and the Blind Forest</a> (Moon Studios | Xbox One, PC)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"The trailer for Ori and the Blind Forest, being developed by Moon Studios, showed off a ghostly creature performing a variety of lithe platforming moves, and his friend, an obese masked demon."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-microsoft-announces-ori-and-the-blind-forest/1100-6420219/" data-ref-id="1100-6420219">Read more about Ori's announcement here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565556-1322050059-ori-a.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565556" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565556-1322050059-ori-a.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565556"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565556-1322050059-ori-a.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/inside/" data-ref-id="false">Inside</a> (Playdead Studios | Xbox One Timed Exclusive)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"The team behind Limbo has another adventure coming out, and it looks to carry the themes of desolation and despair that made its first game so good. Inside places you in a world in which the citizens are controlled automatons. And you play as a young boy who still has his mind. The core action looks similar to what Limbo offered, though more complex than the pushing and jumping you were limited to there."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-limbo-developer-shows-off-its-next-game-inside/1100-6420223/" data-ref-id="1100-6420223">Read more about Inside's announcement here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565525-2315342530-Playd.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565525" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565525-2315342530-Playd.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565525"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565525-2315342530-Playd.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/phantom-dust/" data-ref-id="false">Phantom Dust</a> (Microsoft Studios | Xbox One)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"Today during Microsoft's E3 press conference, the company officially announced a new Phantom Dust game for Xbox One. The announcement comes just a few weeks after Microsoft filed a trademark application for the Phantom Dust name." Technically, this isn't a <em>new</em> IP, but it's been such a long time and comes as such a surprise, we're listing it as such.</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-new-phantom-dust-revealed-for-xbox-one/1100-6420227/" data-ref-id="1100-6420227">Read more about Phantom Dust's announcement here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565528-2812178454-e3-20.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565528" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565528-2812178454-e3-20.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565528"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565528-2812178454-e3-20.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/scalebound/" data-ref-id="false">Scalebound</a> (Platinum Games | Xbox One)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"The CG trailer looked like a play on Monster Hunter by the best action developer around. There's no concrete details on what this game will contain other than our wishful fantasies and crazy dreams. We do know that it's coming exclusively to the Xbox One."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-platinum-games-announces-xbox-one-exclusive-scalebound/1100-6420228/" data-ref-id="1100-6420228">Read more about Scalebound's announcement here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565532-screen+shot+2014-06-09+at+10.53.25+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2565532" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565532-screen+shot+2014-06-09+at+10.53.25+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2565532"><img src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565532-screen+shot+2014-06-09+at+10.53.25+am.png"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/mario-maker/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Maker</a> (Nintendo | Wii U)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"It's so incredibly easy to craft a level in Mario Maker that even I, a person who couldn't even slap together an obstacle-free stage in a 2D fighter, was able to make a reasonably fun level, all in less than 10 minutes. I'm sure you don't believe me; I wouldn't either if I wasn't there. But that's the truth. Mario Maker makes the arduous task of designing a stage into something that's so straightforward, and so entertaining, that I enjoyed my little time with the game almost as much as anything else I've seen at this show."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-even-a-creation-inept-person-can-make-fun-levels-in-mario-maker/1100-6420358/" data-ref-id="1100-6420358">Read the rest of our preview here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565535-screen+shot+2014-06-10+at+9.33.09+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2565535" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565535-screen+shot+2014-06-10+at+9.33.09+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2565535"><img src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565535-screen+shot+2014-06-10+at+9.33.09+am.png"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/captain-toad-treasure-tracker/" data-ref-id="false">Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker</a> (Nintendo | Wii U)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"It's easy to gaze wistfully toward the future when so many Wii U games are being promised. After all, just about every announcement ended in "coming in 2015." But don't overlook Treasure Tracker just because Toad is an untested protagonist. This is a unique adventure that tests your smarts rather than your dexterity, and is fun to boot. We'll see how the finished product shapes up later this year, but I for one am happy Toad was given a chance in the spotlight."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-even-a-creation-inept-person-can-make-fun-levels-in-mario-maker/1100-6420358/" data-ref-id="1100-6420358">Read the rest of our preview here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2558120-wiiu_captaintoad_scrn06_e3.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-null" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2558120-wiiu_captaintoad_scrn06_e3.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-null"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2558120-wiiu_captaintoad_scrn06_e3.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/splatoon/" data-ref-id="false">Splatoon</a> (Nintendo | Wii U)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"What's undeniable is that Splatoon is a welcome addition to the Wii U's future lineup. Competitive shooters have been the exclusive domain of "core" gamers for decades now, so it's nice to see games like Splatoon (and, more recently, Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare) come in and try to appeal to a different section of the gaming population. After all, shooters are fun, so everybody (even Wii U owners) should get a chance to play them."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-splatoon-is-nintendo-s-surprise-move-into-the-shooter-space/1100-6420308/" data-ref-id="1100-6420308">Read the rest of our preview here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565540-2488849769-25577.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565540" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565540-2488849769-25577.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565540"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565540-2488849769-25577.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/code-name-steam/" data-ref-id="false">Code Name S.T.E.A.M.</a> (Nintendo | 3DS)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"In Code Name: S.T.E.A.M, you play as a member of S.T.E.A.M., a group formed by President Lincoln (even though the game is set in London) to fight an enemy force from outer space. Its visual style is described as a combination of steampunk and comic books. Overall, Nintendo describes the game as a "world-spanning adventure game."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-nintendo-announces-3ds-game-code-name-steam/1100-6420412/" data-ref-id="1100-6420412">Read more about S.T.E.A.M.'s announcement here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565559-7577087265-25633.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565559" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565559-7577087265-25633.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565559"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565559-7577087265-25633.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/entwined/" data-ref-id="false">Entwined</a> (Pixelopus | PS4, PS3, Vita)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"Sony introduced an independent game with the third presentation of their conference this year. Called Entwined, Pixel Opus' first game shows the impossible relationship between a bird and fish. The two creatures soar through a cylindrical tube, one controlled by the left stick, the other the right stick, and you evade obstacles in an attempt to unite at the end."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-indie-game-entwined-debuts-is-available-right-now/1100-6420277/" data-ref-id="1100-6420277">Read more about Entwined's announcement here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565541-6204044855-25570.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565541" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565541-6204044855-25570.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565541"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565541-6204044855-25570.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/bloodborne/" data-ref-id="false">Bloodborne</a> (From Software | PS4)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"The Bloodborne demo ended with a large boss fight against a towering, emaciated creature with long straggly fur and an exposed chest cavity. It looked tough to beat, which for any Souls fans, is great to hear. How the game's greater focus on aggression and its changes to death penalties will affect the crushing, oppressive, and demanding feel of a Souls game remains to be seen, but there's one thing that's clear about Bloodborne even at this early stage: it's building off a solid base, and I'm excited to see more."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-the-similarities-and-differences-between-bloodborne-and-dark-souls/1100-6420378/" data-ref-id="1100-6420378">Read the rest of our preview here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565542-2685408098-25568.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565542" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565542-2685408098-25568.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565542"><img src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565542-2685408098-25568.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/abzu/" data-ref-id="false">Abzu </a>(Giant Squid | PS4, PC)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"The game has an underwater setting and a striking art style, reminiscent in its use of shape and color of the look of Journey. That's not surprising, considering that Giant Squid was founded by Matt Nava, art director on Journey and Flower. Footage showed schools of fish darting around, a diver swimming among sharks and massive whales, and standing near a group of glowing jellyfish-like organisms."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-debut-game-from-journey-art-director-s-studio-announced-called-abzu/1100-6420282/" data-ref-id="1100-6420282">Read more about Abzu's announcement here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565543-0448952236-25566.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565543" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565543-0448952236-25566.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565543"><img src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565543-0448952236-25566.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/let-it-die/" data-ref-id="false">Let It Die</a> (Grasshopper | PS4)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">Previously known as Lily Bergamo, the game has been reborn. "If you've ever doubted the strangeness of Suda 51, well, why? Everything that man touches is incredibly bizarre. So now we have Let It Die, a PlayStation 4 exclusive that looks to carry the mantle that Grasshopper is known for. These games are a guilty pleasure of mine. The extreme violence and casual attitude has always made me grin, and though little is known of Let It Die now, it at least looks unique. My guess? It's their first multiplayer game, given that we saw what looked like one monstrous man shoot at another. Now we just have to wait for more details."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-let-it-die-from-grasshopper-studios-is-coming-exclusively-to-the-ps4/1100-6420284/" data-ref-id="1100-6420284">Read the rest of our preview here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565545-0665694429-LetIt.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565545" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565545-0665694429-LetIt.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565545"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565545-0665694429-LetIt.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="/shape-up/" data-ref-id="false">Shape Up</a> (Ubisoft Montreal | Xbox One)</h3><p dir="ltr" style="">"Exclusive to Xbox One, Shape Up combines a foundation of proven fitness methods with entertaining and rewarding workout routines displayed in a unique arcade style."</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/videos/e3-2014-shape-up-gameplay-stage-demo-at-ubisoft-pr/2300-6419324/" data-ref-id="2300-6419324">Watch the E3 stage demo here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565547-3051646936-25560.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565547" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2565547-3051646936-25560.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2565547"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2565547-3051646936-25560.jpg"></a></figure><h3 dir="ltr">Dreadnought (Yager | PC)</h3><p style="">"In between matches, you will upgrade your vessels with various attachments and improvements, making Dreadnought's closest comparison <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/world-of-tanks/" data-ref-id="false">World of Tanks</a> and its peers. I asked Holzapfel just how deep he expects the customization options to go, but the team has yet to nail down all the specifics, such as exactly how many ship classes the game will launch with, and how many secondary abilities players will get to choose from. Details may be scarce, but the fun was undeniable: Dreadnought is teeming with potential, and I can't wait to see what Yager shows us next."</p><p style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-in-dreadnought-bigger-is-definitely-better/1100-6420506/" data-ref-id="1100-6420506">Read the rest of our preview here.</a></p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2569518-8714576960-25621.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2569518" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2569518-8714576960-25621.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2569518"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2569518-8714576960-25621.jpg"></a></figure><h3>New Games Announced for Existing Series:</h3><ul><li dir="ltr"><a href="/dance-central-spotlight/" data-ref-id="false">Dance Central Spotlight</a> (Harmonix | Xbox One)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/the-master-chief-collection/" data-ref-id="false">Halo: The Master Chief Collection</a> (343 Industries | Xbox One)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/crackdown/" data-ref-id="false">Crackdown 3</a> -- just called Crackdown (Cloudgine | Xbox One)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/rise-of-the-tomb-raider/" data-ref-id="false">Rise of the Tomb Raider</a> (Crystal Dynamics | Xbox One, PS4)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/lara-croft-and-the-temple-of-osiris/" data-ref-id="false">Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris</a> (Crystal Dynamics | Xbox One, PS4, PC)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/the-legend-of-zelda/" data-ref-id="false">The Legend of Zelda</a> (Nintendo | Wii U)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/kirby-and-the-rainbow-curse/" data-ref-id="false">Kirby and the Rainbow Curse</a> (Nintendo | Wii U)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/mario-party-10/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Party 10</a> (Nintendo | Wii U)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/star-fox-wii-u/" data-ref-id="false">Star Fox</a> (Nintendo | Wii U)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/littlebigplanet-3/" data-ref-id="false">LittleBigPlanet 3 </a>(Sumo Digital | PS4)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/dead-island-2/" data-ref-id="false">Dead Island 2</a> (Yager | Xbox One, PS4, PC)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/magicka-2/" data-ref-id="false">Magicka 2</a> (Pieces Interactive | PS4, PC)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/grim-fandango/" data-ref-id="false">Grim Fandango</a> Remastered (Double Fine | PS4, Vita)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/grand-theft-auto-v/" data-ref-id="false">Grand Theft Auto V</a> (Rockstar Games | Xbox One, PS4, PC)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/tom-clancys-rainbow-six-siege/" data-ref-id="false">Rainbow Six Siege</a> (Ubisoft Montreal | Xbox One, PS4, PC)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/just-dance-2015/" data-ref-id="false">Just Dance 2015</a> (Ubisoft | Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3, Wii U, Wii)</li><li dir="ltr"><a href="/payday-2/" data-ref-id="false">Payday 2 </a>(Overkill Software | Xbox One, PS4)</li></ul><p style=""> </p> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 13:23:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-all-the-new-game-ip-announcements/1100-6420471/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/rise-of-the-tomb-raider-listed-on-amazon-for-pc-ps3-and-360/1100-6420516/ <p style=""> </p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1534/15343359/2568161-screen+shot+2014-06-16+at+12.07.01+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2568161" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1534/15343359/2568161-screen+shot+2014-06-16+at+12.07.01+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2568161"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1534/15343359/2568161-screen+shot+2014-06-16+at+12.07.01+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Retailer Amazon.uk has<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rise-Tomb-Raider-Xbox-360/dp/B00KJGYGZU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1402945590&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=rise+of+the+tomb+raider" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> posted a listing</a> for the next Tomb Raider game that shows it as available for both current-gen and last-gen platforms.</p><p style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-rise-of-the-tomb-raider-coming-holiday-2015/1100-6420224/" data-ref-id="1100-6420224">Announced at E3 last week</a> during the Microsoft press conference, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/rise-of-the-tomb-raider/" data-ref-id="false">Rise of the Tomb Raider's</a> reveal trailer (you can <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/videos/e3-2014-rise-of-the-tomb-raider-trailer-at-microso/2300-6419220/" data-ref-id="2300-6419220">watch it again here in case you missed it</a>) was short on details outside of the fact that it'll be on Xbox One, it's a direct sequel to the previous Tomb Raider game, and it's coming "holiday 2015."</p><p style="">We've reached out to Square Enix representatives to find out whether this posting was made on accident, or whether it's an unintentional early reveal of the game's platforms. The US Amazon site currently only lists the game for Xbox One.</p><table data-max-width="true"><tbody><tr><td><p style=""><strong><em>Justin Haywald is a senior editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinHaywald" rel="nofollow"> Twitter @JustinHaywald</a></em></strong></p><p style=""><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p style=""> </p><p style=""> </p> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:59:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/rise-of-the-tomb-raider-listed-on-amazon-for-pc-ps3-and-360/1100-6420516/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-s-playstation-exclusive-content-includes-maps-and-ships/1100-6420514/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2568126-4206159485-25170.png" data-ref-id="1300-2568126" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2568126-4206159485-25170.png" data-ref-id="1300-2568126"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2568126-4206159485-25170.png"></a></figure><p style="">Today, Sony detailed <a href="/destiny/" data-ref-id="false">Destiny's</a> PlayStation-exclusive content <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2014/06/16/destinys-playstation-exclusive-content-detailed/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">in a PlayStation Blog post</a>. <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation 3</a> and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/ps4/" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation 4</a> owners of Destiny will receive a multiplayer map, a Strike mission, three sets of armor, two weapons, and three spacecraft.</p><p style="">The mid-sized multiplayer map is called "Exodus Blue" and is built for Control, Destiny's version of Domination. According to Destiny's developer, <a href="/companies/bungie-inc/" data-ref-id="false">Bungie</a>, "the Exodus Blue, a long-dead vessel, once brought hope and humanity to worlds beyond Earth. Here, Guardians challenge one another, forging a new hope and future in the fires of the Crucible."</p><p style="">PlayStation owners will also be able to play through a three-player co-op mission on Mars called "The Dust Palace Strike." According to the blog post, "You'll track a Cabal extraction team through the husks of an ancient human skyscraper, the Dust Palace, buried in the shifting dunes of Mars and face a new enemy, the Psion Flayers."</p><p style="">Three sets of armor and two weapons will be exclusive, as well. In addition to the Monte Carlo assault rifle and Hawkmoon handcannon, Manifold Seeker armor for Warlocks, Vanir armor for Titans, and Argus armor for Hunters will be available.</p><p style="">Finally, PlayStation owners will have exclusive access to three spacecraft: the Aurora Wake, the Crypt Hammer, and the Outrageous Fortune. According to Bungie, the Aurora Wake has "ahull lined with arcane instruments, crafted by a circle of Warlocks – gifting the ship with a preternatural sense for the strange." The Crypt Hammer is "a deep-strike insertion variant, built to carry Guardians safely through contested space." The Outrageous Fortune is "A rugged, versatile explorer for those ready to gamble everything in search of ancient secrets and alien power."</p><p style="">GameSpot editors played a lot of the Destiny alpha and liked their time with it. <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-our-first-hands-on-with-the-destiny-alpha/1100-6420314/" data-ref-id="1100-6420314">You can read our impressions of the game here.</a></p><p style="">Destiny is due out on September 9 on <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/xbox-one/" data-ref-id="false">Xbox One</a>, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/xbox-360/" data-ref-id="false">Xbox 360</a>, PS4, and PS3.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Alex Newhouse is an editorial intern at GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/alexbnewhouse" rel="nofollow">Twitter @alexbnewhouse</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:58:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-s-playstation-exclusive-content-includes-maps-and-ships/1100-6420514/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-alpha-extended-dangerous-experiments-now-underway/1100-6420513/ <div data-height="100%" data-width="100%" data-ref-id="2300-6419553" data-embed-type="video"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6419553/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p dir="ltr" style=""><strong>Update: </strong>The Destiny alpha is now closed, according to Bungie. "Thank you, Guardians of the Alpha. You have made the City stronger and safer. See all of you in the Destiny Beta," it said on <a href="https://twitter.com/Bungie/status/478707206162878465" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter</a> after warning of the imminent closure.</p><p dir="ltr" style=""><strong>Original Story: </strong>If you were disappointed that your chance to play <a href="/destiny/" data-ref-id="false">Destiny</a> had come to an end last night, you're in luck: Bungie has extended the alpha test for an unspecified period of time, although it warns players to continue playing "at [their] own risk."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The Destiny alpha, which was <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-destiny-beta-kicks-off-july-17-first-on-ps3-ps4/1100-6420271/" data-ref-id="1100-6420271">announced during E3 last week</a>, is available exclusively on the PlayStation 4. It had been scheduled to go offline on Sunday night as Bungie prepares the upcoming beta test. But, apparently seeing the opportunity to leverage the number of people that it only has access to with a public test such as this, it's trying out some "dangerous experiments," according to its <a href="https://twitter.com/Bungie/status/478431903716896769" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter</a> account.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">After teasing that the Alpha would be extended, Bungie <a href="https://twitter.com/Bungie/status/478552898830217216" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">tweeted</a> today, "Yup. Alpha still works. Now, we're gonna test it in expert mode. If you're still playing, pardon our dust. This is for the Beta!" It has since provided further <a href="https://twitter.com/Bungie/status/478580375518605315" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">updates</a> on the status of the testing, including the fact that "servers will be up and down all day. This bonus time is for more rigorous Science."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">One unfortunate side effect of this testing is an "expected" loss of data. "While we run tests many players will experience a loss of progress and/or a rollback to earlier versions of characters," a <a href="https://twitter.com/BungieHelp/status/478605759157006336" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">tweet</a> reads. Of course, as far as we know, no progress from this alpha will carry over to the final game (or the beta, for that matter). Because of that, a loss of data is ultimately inconsequential, especially considering the original plan wasn't for gamers to still be playing today.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Bungie has not yet said when the alpha will finally come to an end, but we do know the beta will <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-destiny-beta-kicks-off-july-17-first-on-ps3-ps4/1100-6420271/" data-ref-id="1100-6420271">kick off on PS4 and PS3 on July 17</a>. The beta will come to Xbox One and Xbox 360 at a later date before the final game is released on all four platforms on <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bungie-announces-destiny-release-date-delays-beta/1100-6416594/" data-ref-id="1100-6416594">September 9</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:41:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-alpha-extended-dangerous-experiments-now-underway/1100-6420513/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-stomping-land-early-access-review/1100-6420515/ <p style=""><i>GameSpot's early access reviews evaluate unfinished games that are nonetheless available for purchase by the public. While the games in question are not considered finished by their creators, you may still devote money, time, and bandwidth for the privilege of playing them before they are complete. The review below critiques a work in progress, and represents a snapshot of the game at the time of the review's publication.</i></p><p style="">Several hours into my run with The Stomping Land, I stopped short of my sprint through a dense jungle--a scene I was quickly growing tired of--and realized something: there was nothing left for me to do. I had set up a camp by a lake where I went spearfishing, and I had explored a branching cave and stalked wild dinosaurs. I had even tamed one as a pet until another player snuck up from behind and killed it with an axe. I had fought other tribes, killed, and was killed myself many, many times. I had traveled the entirety of the available world; I had seen it all, and I was bored.</p><p style="">You will feel a little overwhelmed when you first begin your quest onto the large jungle island, but its depth is superficial. Peeling away the surface of this survival sim reveals mechanics that are either surprisingly limited in scope or otherwise broken or woefully incomplete. It is a game with a short laundry list of activities, all of which can be ticked off in a few hours. The Stomping Land lets you hunt and ride dinosaurs, from the quick-footed gallimimus to the massive carnotaurus. Indeed, while the dinos of Capa Island are large, it's unfortunate that everything else feels so small.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/78/787590/2568124-0001.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568124" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/78/787590/2568124-0001.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568124"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/78/787590/2568124-0001.jpg"></a><figcaption>Fight for survival against other players and dinosaurs on an untamed island.</figcaption></figure><p style="">If you manage to find a welcoming server right away (the chances are about fifty-fifty), you will find yourself dropped either onto a sandy beach or in a dense jungle, armed with only a hatchet. You have several initial tasks you can pursue after spawn: collect resources for crafting, hunt for food, or explore. If you go the crafting route, you will find it a frustrating and often baffling experience. Wood and stone dot the island in abundance. But unlike in other games, resources, trees, and rocks don't deplete, effectively removing any system of risk and reward through exploration. Dropping more than one resource on the ground combines the items into a small wicker basket that grows as you add more supplies. There is no inventory system, so moving the basket requires you to pull it with a rope.</p><p style="">Interacting with a basket of resources displays a short list of tools and structures you can create with the gathered materials. As you add more materials to the basket, the list grows, tempting you to add as much as possible before you start crafting. That, as it turns out, is a bad idea, because the creation process burns up all your resources during creation, leaving nothing behind. Since the game doesn't show how many materials each item requires, crafting becomes a time-consuming test of patience, where the best course is to gather a small number of resources at a time and check the list over and over until you find what you need.</p><figure data-align="left" data-size="medium" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/78/787590/2568118-0003.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568118" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/78/787590/2568118-0003.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568118"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_medium/78/787590/2568118-0003.jpg"></a><figcaption>Hunting and spearfishing are necessary to find food.</figcaption></figure><p style="">Even if you do have the patience, crafting culminates in only a handful of tools and necessary structures. Tools include a bow with arrows, which is great for taking out dinos or hostile humans from a distance. You can also craft a spear, a shield to protect yourself, and bolas, which tie up players and prevent them from escaping. Structures include a tepee, which creates a respawn point; a fire pit for cooking food; and a totem pole if you fancy creating your own tribe.</p><p style="">In its current state, the game doesn't offer anything else in terms of structures or ways to protect what you have. Without walls or traps to protect them, many times I returned to find my stockpile of food swiped or my tepee destroyed. Where other survival games, even those in early access, let you save the progress you make and protect your stuff, The Stomping Land leaves your fate to the elements. But it doesn't matter in the end; everything you build gets deleted when you log off anyhow.</p><p style="">When you're not busy crafting, you spend the game doing an inordinate amount of aimless jogging. Most available servers allow for no more than 16 players at once, yet few of those have more than 10 people online. You could run around for several day-and-night cycles before coming across anyone else. And when you do find other players, it has been my experience that their first reaction is to either stab you in the gut with a spear or tie you up with a bola and then drag you into the ocean while chanting "sacrifice him to the sea goddess!" To clarify, the latter happened during one of my earliest attempts at making friends with a three-player tribe. I also learned that you can't break the bindings once you're hit by a bola. After running into so many players flinging the darn things, I hope a way to cut yourself free materializes soon.</p><p style="">I did experience a few brief moments of excitement. Not long after my brush with the sea goddess clan, I discovered a cave on the beach. As I peered in, I spotted a small object glowing green. Delighted at the chance of discovery, I built a torch and delved into the inky blackness. It turned out the glowing object was called a healing herb, and it's used in taming dinosaurs. This was something that I wanted, but I decided to explore the cave further. I followed a twisting path of rock, bordered by pools of deep azure water. After some time twisting and turning, I entered a chamber to find a large Mayan-inspired painting on the floor. As I stepped onto it, the painting started to glow green and spin.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/78/787590/2568117-0006.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568117" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/78/787590/2568117-0006.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2568117"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/78/787590/2568117-0006.jpg"></a><figcaption>Visiting the neighbors can be risky.</figcaption></figure><p style="">After the long period of tedium I had endured to get to this point, I was thrilled with my discovery, and felt surprised that the game held such a secret. A few seconds later, my reward flashed onscreen: "Expertise +20." Oh, I thought, that's it? In The Stomping Land, expertise is the single role-playing game element and is rewarded for staying alive. Expertise, which I calculated was doled out about one point per minute, is used to tame dinosaurs. The more points you have, the larger the animal you can befriend. I had half expected to find something special with the painting, but felt utterly disappointed when all it did was shave off about 20 minutes of gameplay.</p><p style="">A few seconds later, three torches lit up the cave from the other side of a rock. It was my sea goddess friends, and apparently the cave was part of their turf. In my haste to escape another ritual, I accidently fell into a pool of water, extinguishing my torch. The need for an inventory system never seemed so desperate. After fruitlessly hopping around looking for an exit, I eventually gave up and drowned myself.</p><p style="">There are many more issues that make The Stomping Land such an unsatisfying experience. Walking over small hills or rocks causes your character to clip and sputter through objects; the camera, which floats behind your character's back, stutters wildly whenever you enter water; and even one of the primary attractions of the game, riding dinosaurs, is unwieldy, and, in the end, just one other way to fumble through emotionless terrain. The game is in early access, and many of these shortcomings could be gone by the time it's finished. But when it will get finished is unclear. The road ahead of The Stomping Land stretches out so far that I can't foresee when, or if, that day will come. And with an asking price of $24.99 on Steam, The Stomping Land should be avoided like a charging styracosaurus--for now, anyway.</p><table data-max-width="true" class="mceItemTable"><tbody><tr><td><p style=""><b>What's There?</b></p></td><td><p style="">Multiplayer survival on a jungle island where you fight to stay alive alongside several species of dinosaurs to hunt or tame.</p><p style=""><br /></p></td></tr><tr><td><p style=""><b>What's To Come?</b></p></td><td><p style="">More dinosaur species, as well as a larger island to explore.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p style=""><b>What Does it Cost?</b></p></td><td>$24.99, available <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/263440/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false" data-mce-href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/263440/">via the Steam store</a>.</td></tr><tr><td><p style=""><b>When Will it Be Finished?</b></p></td><td><p style="">Unknown, but judging by what's available currently, it could be a long time before an official release.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p style=""><b>What's the Verdict?</b></p></td><td><p style="">At this stage, The Stomping Land more closely resembles a tech demo than anything close to a finalized product. It is far from its end goal, and I have no idea when, or if, that goal will ever be reached.</p><p style=""><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p style=""><br /></p> Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:09:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-stomping-land-early-access-review/1100-6420515/

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