rss:9d9437cc2bdadfdb0c2a6594385b5cf5548bd329 rss_modified:rss:9d9437cc2bdadfdb0c2a6594385b5cf5548bd329 http://www.gamespot.com/mashup/ Gamespot's Everything Feed! News, Reviews, Videos. Exploding with content? You bet. en-us Mon, 04 Aug 2014 04:41:29 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/au-new-releases-ultra-street-fighter-iv-dragon-pun/1100-6421465/
The latest iteration in Capcom's flagship fighting game series punches its way into Australian retailers this week. Ultra Street Fighter IV will be released for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC on August 8.
As the name indicates, the game is the latest version of 2009's Street Fighter IV, which was followed by Super Street Fighter IV, and Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition.
This version of the game introduces five new characters--Poison, Hugo, Elena, Rolento, and Decapre--six new stages, new modes, and balance changes. Those who own Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition will be able to upgrade to Ultra via Xbox Live for $15. However, owners of the PlayStation 3 version will not be able to access the digital upgrade option due to age rating restrictions from Sony.
In a statement sent to NZGamer.com, a Capcom representative stated that the situation resulted from a "conflicting age rating with the OFLC the digital upgrade is not available on PSN across Australia and New Zealand... More specifically, Ultra Street Fighter IV has an 'M' classification, whereas Super Street Fighter IV and Super Street Fighter IV Arcade have 'PG' classifications. Best practice with Sony means that an update may not have a different classification from the original title."
Ultra Street Fighter IV was released earlier this year for the North American territory to positive reception. The game was praised in GameSpot's review for its new and enriching game mechanics. For more details on games out this week, check out the full list below.
August 5, 2014
Sacred 3 First Edition (360, PS3, PC)
August 7, 2014
Goat Simulator (PC)
August 8, 2014
Ultra Street Fighter IV (360, PS3, PC)
]]> 1100-6421465Sun, 03 Aug 2014 23:18:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/maxcell-batteries-and-enveloping-darkness-in-clair/2300-6420602/ 2300-6420602Sun, 03 Aug 2014 22:58:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-monopoly-has-items-exclusive-t/1100-6421464/
USAopoly, which creates special-themed versions of Monopoly under license from Hasbro, will release a Legend Zelda-themed version of the board game on September 15, according to a listing on GameStop's website.
The Legend of Zelda Monopoly plays just like the regular game, only with Hyrule real estate, items, tokens, and rupees for currency. For example, the game's original prime properties, Boardwalk and Park Place, are appropriately replaced with the Temple of Time and Hyrule Castle. The railroads are replaced with modes of transportation from different Zelda games like Link's horse Epona, his boat in Wind Waker, or the Spirit Train from Spirit Tracks.
Houses are replaced with Deku Sprouts, Hotels with Deku Trees, and the tokens that represent the different players are pieces of Link's equipment: The Bow, Hookshot, Boomerang, Triforce, and Hylian Shield. Another token, the Ocarina of Time, is exclusive to the the GameStop edition of the board game.
Six Item Power Cards and a 11x17-inch Hyrule map lithograph are also exclusive to the GameStop edition.
USAopoly previously released a Nintendo Collector's Edition version of Monopoly.
The Legend of Zelda Monopoly costs $39.99. You can find more details about the game and pre-order it on GameStop's online store.
]]> 1100-6421464Sun, 03 Aug 2014 14:58:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-last-of-us-dark-tone-won-t-influence-uncharted/1100-6421463/After Amy Hennig left Naughty Dog and her role as director of the upcoming Uncharted 4: A Thief's End earlier this year, The Last of Us co-directors Bruce Straley and Neil Druckmann stepped in to lead the Uncharted series' debut on PlayStation 4. Set in a grim, post-apocalyptic world, The Last of Us is of course a much darker game than Nathan Drake's thrilling but largely light-hearted adventures.
Though the first trailer for Uncharted 4: A Thief's End was darker than usual both visually and in tone, Naughty Dog says that The Last of Us' grittier mood won't bleed into Drake's next adventure.
"Uncharted is a completely different franchise, and appeals to its audience for completely different reasons," Naughty Dog's co-president Evan Wells told Eurogamer in an interview. "I don't think The Last of Us marks a new direction in tone that all of our future games are going to take on. We'd alienate a lot of our Uncharted fans. We want to keep it a light-hearted romp. I think from a technical standpoint we've learnt some things from the Last of Us that will feed into Uncharted - in fact it strengthens our desire to keep them distinct."
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is scheduled to be released on the PS4 at some point in 2015. Sony Pictures also recently announced that a movie based on the Uncharted game series will make its debut in theaters on June 10, 2016.
What kind of tone would you like to see Naughty Dog strike in the next Uncharted? Let us know in the comments below.
]]> 1100-6421463Sun, 03 Aug 2014 13:27:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/expect-to-see-first-dead-island-2-gameplay-during-/1100-6421462/Zombie game Dead Island 2 will be playable for the first time ever at Gamescom 2014, publisher Deep Silver has announced.
The Gamescom convention is open to the public, and Deep Silver will have 150 gaming stations for its PC and console lineup where attendees will be able to get hands-on time with its latest games.
Dead Island 2 launches in spring 2015 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. Unlike the original, Dead Island 2 is in development at Spec Ops: The Line developer Yager, not Techland, which is working on another first-person zombie game, Dying Light. The open-world game is set several months after the original and takes place in California.
In addition to Dead Island 2, Deep Silver will show off the following games at its public booth in Hall 9.1. B011/C010:
- Metro Redux -- A remastered collection for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC of the Russian, post-apocalyptic first-person shooters Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light.
- Risen 3: Titan Lords -- The latest, open-world role-playing game from Piranha Bytes, creators of the Gothic series.
- Sacred 3 -- A Hack 'n' Slash game with a focus on four player cooperative multiplayer.
- Dead Island Epidemic -- The Dead Island-themed free-to-play MOBA.
- Emergency 5 -- The latest installment in the Rescue Strategy series for the PC, which features a new graphics engine.
Gamescom takes place on August 13-17, and GameSpot will be on the ground in Germany to bring you all the news as it happens.
]]> 1100-6421462Sun, 03 Aug 2014 11:25:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-sharknado-2-on-xbox-one-with-syfy-now-app/1100-6421461/
You can now watch Sharknado 2: The Second One, Burn Notice, and other Syfy channel and USA Network content on your Xbox One with the Syfy NOW and USA NOW apps, parent company NBCUniversal has announced.
Xbox One owners who subscribe to one of the supported cable providers will be able to choose from a selection of movies and full episodes of shows, including Defiance, which is based on the free-to-play shooter MMO. The Syfy Now app also offers hundreds of clips including last week's Defiance panel at San Diego Comic-Con and behind the scenes looks at shows like Dominion.
The apps are part NBCUniversal's TV Everywhere initiative, which aims to give consumers access to its content on more platforms, including consoles, desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
Microsoft said that Xbox One will also get apps for HBO Go, Showtime Anytime, and many others by the end of 2014. If you want to know what to expect, check out our full list of apps coming to Xbox 360 and Xbox One.
]]> 1100-6421461Sun, 03 Aug 2014 09:12:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/crawl-sacred-3-the-swapper-metrico-and-the-road-le/2300-6420599/ 2300-6420599Sun, 03 Aug 2014 09:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/assassin-s-creed-rogue-for-xbox-360-and-playstatio/1100-6421460/
A listing at Swiss retailer World of Games suggests that the next Assassin's Creed game for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, rumored to be title Assassin's Creed Comet, is now called Assassin's Creed Rogue. The listing has since been removed from the site.
When Ubisoft confirmed Assassin's Creed Unity for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One back in March, we also heard reports that the last generation of consoles will get a new game in the series. That game will reportedly be set in North America and have you play as a Templar named Shay. The Templars have traditionally served as the main antagonist group for the entire Assassin's Creed series, so this would be a major shift in design, unless you play as a Templar who somehow betrayed the group. If that were the case, Assassin's Creed Rogue would be an appropriate title.
The game will also supposedly let players travel to New York and "do a great deal of sailing" in the Atlantic Ocean. Sources described Assassin's Creed Comet as a cross between Assassin's Creed III and the Freedom Cry DLC for Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag.
Characters from past Assassin's Creed titles, like Haytham Kenway and Adewale, are also reportedly set to appear in the next Assassin's Creed for Xbox 360 and PS3.
Assassin's Creed Unity launches October 28 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. The next Assassin's Creed game for last-generation consoles will presumably be released this fall.
]]> 1100-6421460Sun, 03 Aug 2014 07:58:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/lord-of-the-rings-fast-furious-mobile-game-develop/1100-6421459/The San Francisco-based free-to-play mobile game developer Kabam secured a $120 million investment from Chinese Internet company Alibaba, Kabam has announced.
Kabam will also enter into a "strategic collaboration" with Alibaba, which will publish Kabam's mobile games in China across Alibaba Group's mobile applications, introducing it to a huge (and potentially hugely profitable) new audience.
Kabam makes its own original games like Kingdoms of Camelot: Battle for the North, and Dragons of Atlantis: Heirs of the Dragon, as well games based on popular movie franchises like The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth and Fast & Furious 6: The Game.
"Truly successful games companies have to be globally successful," Kabam's CEO Kevin Chou said. "This strategic collaboration with Alibaba provides Kabam the resources, infrastructure and distribution to help bring our current and future durable franchise games to China and elsewhere in Asia and make an immediate impact."
Existing investors in Kabam include Google Ventures, Warner Bros., MGM, Intel, Canaan Partners, Redpoint Ventures, Pinnacle Ventures and others.
Kabam didn't disclose the terms of the investment, but said that the company is now valued at $1 billion.
]]> 1100-6421459Sun, 03 Aug 2014 06:58:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-microsoft-is-changing-the-nfl/1100-6421429/
The coming NFL season brings a noticeable change on the technology front. The NFL has formed a partnership with Microsoft that will put specially built versions of the Surface Pro 2 on each sideline and in the coaching boxes. This is not just product placement, though. Rather, this is an effort to modernize an element of the game that, until this season, relied on fax machines and telegraph wires to distribute important information.
First, an explanation of how things used to work. When a team is no longer on offense, the quarterback heads to the sidelines to review what just occurred. He is given printouts of player alignment before the ball was snapped, and he analyzes these with coaches to determine how the other team is playing defense. This situation happens dozens of times throughout a game, with a variety of positions and coaches looking at this information.
Now, instead of those reports being delivered on paper, players and coaches will be able to review what just happened with a Surface Pro. Called the "Sideline Viewing System," this streamlines a process that fans may not notice, but is imperative for strategical changes. For instance, it can take up to 45 seconds for a fax to print out, whereas information can be transmitted to the surface within five seconds.
Other elements will seem second nature for those using smart devices. Players can pinch and zoom to see details that would have been harder to make out on a static piece of paper, and draw route reminders, strategy shifts, or any other pertinent information. And tablets, unlike their paper counterparts, are in full color. Any changes can be immediately saved so coaches and players can quickly refer to past plays to see what occurred.
One thing that is absent from these surfaces is video. It was agreed by the NFL rule makers that video would give a competitive advantage that isn't present when viewing still photos. Instead, this is meant to make the old process more efficient by eliminating the clunkier element of handling paper rather than bestowing a tangible advantage to quarterbacks or coaches. There are no outside apps, either, that could interfere with the game. So players will not be able to use the internet to gain information that could help them on the field.
The tablets being used during NFL games are different than those that are available to consumers. They come with a hard case that can withstand more punishment than the typical person would typically dish out, though it will still break if, say, a lineman stands on it. It's also able to withstand rain and cold, along with extreme temperatures. There's no comment if such changes will make it into a consumer product down the road, however.
What other technological advances could improve the NFL? Hit us up with your ideas in the comments below.
]]> 1100-6421429Sun, 03 Aug 2014 06:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/game-of-the-month-july-2014/2300-6420561/ 2300-6420561Sat, 02 Aug 2014 16:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-colin-mcrae-game-on-steam-is-probably-not-the-/1100-6421457/
Codemasters' Colin McRae Rally launched on Steam earlier this week for $6.99, but it's probably not the game you're hoping for.
Though the game's description on Steam says it's based on content from the 90 percent Metacritic rated Colin McRae Rally 2.0 originally released on the first PlayStation, it's actually a port of the mobile version of the game released in 2013 (which has a Metacritic score of 69 percent).
The game's trailer also says that it's been "remastered for HD," and that it includes "original cars and locations." Add to that the fact that it only mentions the mobile version once in the "About the Game" section, and one could easily come to the wrong conclusion that he or she is buying an HD remake of the classic PlayStation game.
Besides offering a fewer number of cars to drive, the game's controls and interface were clearly originally designed for smartphones, and so it doesn't play like the game you remember.
The Colin McRae racing game series is still around today in the form of the DiRT series, which are quite good, and are also available to purchase on Steam.
Codemasters also recently released Grid Autosport for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. For more on that game, check out GameSpot's review.
]]> 1100-6421457Sat, 02 Aug 2014 15:54:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/win-a-free-copy-of-the-evil-within-signed-by-shinj/1100-6421456/
Publisher Bethesda is currently offering fans a chance to win a free copy of Tango Gameworks' upcoming horror game The Evil Within signed by designer Shinji Mikami.
To win one of 10 copies, simply email bethblog@bethsoft.com before 10:00 a.m. on August 8 with your vote for which of the three covers below should be the alternative cover for the game: Asylum, Piercing Eye, or Twisted. The image above will still be the game's default cover, but the alternative cover that gets that most votes will be the reverse sleeve for the launch edition of The Evil Within. If you're not interested in the free game but still want to vote for your favorite cover, simply use the online poll on Bethesda's blog.
Winners will receive a copy of the game for the platform of their choice—Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 or PC.
Developed by Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami and his team at Tango Gameworks, The Evil Within is set to release on October 21. Mikami has described the game as a true return to the roots of the survival horror genre.
For more on The Evil Within, check out GameSpot editor Zorine Te's article about what other horror games seemed to influence the game's two hour preview build.
Which cover will you vote for? Let us know in the comments below.
]]> 1100-6421456Sat, 02 Aug 2014 13:29:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/quick-look-wii-sports-club/2300-6420596/ 2300-6420596Sat, 02 Aug 2014 12:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/madden-15-lets-you-create-your-nfl-ultimate-team-w/1100-6421455/EA Sports has detailed how Madden Ultimate Team will work in the upcoming Madden NFL 15.
The Madden Ultimate Team mode allows players to pick their team, collect their favorite current and past NFL players, and upgrade their squad to create their fantasy team. Players purchase packs containing new players, coaches, playbooks, stadiums, and more with coins they earn by competing with other players online or by completing single player challenges.
For the most part, Madden NFL 15's Ultimate Team sounds a lot like previous iterations, only with a greatly improved user interface and introduction to the mode in the form of the Objectives screen.
"If you're a new player, this is like a helpful friend," EA Sports Tiburon Game Designer Chuck Kallenbach said in a post to the game's official website. "For veterans of MUT, it's a way to tour some of the changes. When you complete five tasks on the Objectives list, you get a reward pack. So there's reason for both beginners and veterans to go through the Objectives."
Players can now also sort, view, and manage items in their binder from a single streamlined screen.
Madden NFL 15 launches August 26 for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4. Controversial cornerback Richard Sherman is the game's cover star. Hopefully it doesn't fall victim to the Madden Curse.
]]> 1100-6421455Sat, 02 Aug 2014 11:26:00 -0700rss:9d9437cc2bdadfdb0c2a6594385b5cf5548bd329 rss_modified:rss:9d9437cc2bdadfdb0c2a6594385b5cf5548bd329 http://www.gamespot.com/mashup/ Gamespot's Everything Feed! News, Reviews, Videos. Exploding with content? You bet. en-us Mon, 04 Aug 2014 04:41:29 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/au-new-releases-ultra-street-fighter-iv-dragon-pun/1100-6421465/
The latest iteration in Capcom's flagship fighting game series punches its way into Australian retailers this week. Ultra Street Fighter IV will be released for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC on August 8.
As the name indicates, the game is the latest version of 2009's Street Fighter IV, which was followed by Super Street Fighter IV, and Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition.
This version of the game introduces five new characters--Poison, Hugo, Elena, Rolento, and Decapre--six new stages, new modes, and balance changes. Those who own Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition will be able to upgrade to Ultra via Xbox Live for $15. However, owners of the PlayStation 3 version will not be able to access the digital upgrade option due to age rating restrictions from Sony.
In a statement sent to NZGamer.com, a Capcom representative stated that the situation resulted from a "conflicting age rating with the OFLC the digital upgrade is not available on PSN across Australia and New Zealand... More specifically, Ultra Street Fighter IV has an 'M' classification, whereas Super Street Fighter IV and Super Street Fighter IV Arcade have 'PG' classifications. Best practice with Sony means that an update may not have a different classification from the original title."
Ultra Street Fighter IV was released earlier this year for the North American territory to positive reception. The game was praised in GameSpot's review for its new and enriching game mechanics. For more details on games out this week, check out the full list below.
August 5, 2014
Sacred 3 First Edition (360, PS3, PC)
August 7, 2014
Goat Simulator (PC)
August 8, 2014
Ultra Street Fighter IV (360, PS3, PC)
]]> 1100-6421465Sun, 03 Aug 2014 23:18:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/maxcell-batteries-and-enveloping-darkness-in-clair/2300-6420602/ 2300-6420602Sun, 03 Aug 2014 22:58:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-monopoly-has-items-exclusive-t/1100-6421464/USAopoly, which creates special-themed versions of Monopoly under license from Hasbro, will release a Legend Zelda-themed version of the board game on September 15, according to a listing on GameStop's website.
The Legend of Zelda Monopoly plays just like the regular game, only with Hyrule real estate, items, tokens, and rupees for currency. For example, the game's original prime properties, Boardwalk and Park Place, are appropriately replaced with the Temple of Time and Hyrule Castle. The railroads are replaced with modes of transportation from different Zelda games like Link's horse Epona, his boat in Wind Waker, or the Spirit Train from Spirit Tracks.
Houses are replaced with Deku Sprouts, Hotels with Deku Trees, and the tokens that represent the different players are pieces of Link's equipment: The Bow, Hookshot, Boomerang, Triforce, and Hylian Shield. Another token, the Ocarina of Time, is exclusive to the the GameStop edition of the board game.
Six Item Power Cards and a 11x17-inch Hyrule map lithograph are also exclusive to the GameStop edition.
USAopoly previously released a Nintendo Collector's Edition version of Monopoly.
The Legend of Zelda Monopoly costs $39.99. You can find more details about the game and pre-order it on GameStop's online store.
]]> 1100-6421464Sun, 03 Aug 2014 14:58:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-last-of-us-dark-tone-won-t-influence-uncharted/1100-6421463/After Amy Hennig left Naughty Dog and her role as director of the upcoming Uncharted 4: A Thief's End earlier this year, The Last of Us co-directors Bruce Straley and Neil Druckmann stepped in to lead the Uncharted series' debut on PlayStation 4. Set in a grim, post-apocalyptic world, The Last of Us is of course a much darker game than Nathan Drake's thrilling but largely light-hearted adventures.
Though the first trailer for Uncharted 4: A Thief's End was darker than usual both visually and in tone, Naughty Dog says that The Last of Us' grittier mood won't bleed into Drake's next adventure.
"Uncharted is a completely different franchise, and appeals to its audience for completely different reasons," Naughty Dog's co-president Evan Wells told Eurogamer in an interview. "I don't think The Last of Us marks a new direction in tone that all of our future games are going to take on. We'd alienate a lot of our Uncharted fans. We want to keep it a light-hearted romp. I think from a technical standpoint we've learnt some things from the Last of Us that will feed into Uncharted - in fact it strengthens our desire to keep them distinct."
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is scheduled to be released on the PS4 at some point in 2015. Sony Pictures also recently announced that a movie based on the Uncharted game series will make its debut in theaters on June 10, 2016.
What kind of tone would you like to see Naughty Dog strike in the next Uncharted? Let us know in the comments below.
]]> 1100-6421463Sun, 03 Aug 2014 13:27:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/expect-to-see-first-dead-island-2-gameplay-during-/1100-6421462/Zombie game Dead Island 2 will be playable for the first time ever at Gamescom 2014, publisher Deep Silver has announced.
The Gamescom convention is open to the public, and Deep Silver will have 150 gaming stations for its PC and console lineup where attendees will be able to get hands-on time with its latest games.
Dead Island 2 launches in spring 2015 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. Unlike the original, Dead Island 2 is in development at Spec Ops: The Line developer Yager, not Techland, which is working on another first-person zombie game, Dying Light. The open-world game is set several months after the original and takes place in California.
In addition to Dead Island 2, Deep Silver will show off the following games at its public booth in Hall 9.1. B011/C010:
- Metro Redux -- A remastered collection for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC of the Russian, post-apocalyptic first-person shooters Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light.
- Risen 3: Titan Lords -- The latest, open-world role-playing game from Piranha Bytes, creators of the Gothic series.
- Sacred 3 -- A Hack 'n' Slash game with a focus on four player cooperative multiplayer.
- Dead Island Epidemic -- The Dead Island-themed free-to-play MOBA.
- Emergency 5 -- The latest installment in the Rescue Strategy series for the PC, which features a new graphics engine.
Gamescom takes place on August 13-17, and GameSpot will be on the ground in Germany to bring you all the news as it happens.
]]> 1100-6421462Sun, 03 Aug 2014 11:25:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-sharknado-2-on-xbox-one-with-syfy-now-app/1100-6421461/You can now watch Sharknado 2: The Second One, Burn Notice, and other Syfy channel and USA Network content on your Xbox One with the Syfy NOW and USA NOW apps, parent company NBCUniversal has announced.
Xbox One owners who subscribe to one of the supported cable providers will be able to choose from a selection of movies and full episodes of shows, including Defiance, which is based on the free-to-play shooter MMO. The Syfy Now app also offers hundreds of clips including last week's Defiance panel at San Diego Comic-Con and behind the scenes looks at shows like Dominion.
The apps are part NBCUniversal's TV Everywhere initiative, which aims to give consumers access to its content on more platforms, including consoles, desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
Microsoft said that Xbox One will also get apps for HBO Go, Showtime Anytime, and many others by the end of 2014. If you want to know what to expect, check out our full list of apps coming to Xbox 360 and Xbox One.
]]> 1100-6421461Sun, 03 Aug 2014 09:12:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/crawl-sacred-3-the-swapper-metrico-and-the-road-le/2300-6420599/ 2300-6420599Sun, 03 Aug 2014 09:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/assassin-s-creed-rogue-for-xbox-360-and-playstatio/1100-6421460/A listing at Swiss retailer World of Games suggests that the next Assassin's Creed game for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, rumored to be title Assassin's Creed Comet, is now called Assassin's Creed Rogue. The listing has since been removed from the site.
When Ubisoft confirmed Assassin's Creed Unity for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One back in March, we also heard reports that the last generation of consoles will get a new game in the series. That game will reportedly be set in North America and have you play as a Templar named Shay. The Templars have traditionally served as the main antagonist group for the entire Assassin's Creed series, so this would be a major shift in design, unless you play as a Templar who somehow betrayed the group. If that were the case, Assassin's Creed Rogue would be an appropriate title.
The game will also supposedly let players travel to New York and "do a great deal of sailing" in the Atlantic Ocean. Sources described Assassin's Creed Comet as a cross between Assassin's Creed III and the Freedom Cry DLC for Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag.
Characters from past Assassin's Creed titles, like Haytham Kenway and Adewale, are also reportedly set to appear in the next Assassin's Creed for Xbox 360 and PS3.
Assassin's Creed Unity launches October 28 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. The next Assassin's Creed game for last-generation consoles will presumably be released this fall.
]]> 1100-6421460Sun, 03 Aug 2014 07:58:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/lord-of-the-rings-fast-furious-mobile-game-develop/1100-6421459/The San Francisco-based free-to-play mobile game developer Kabam secured a $120 million investment from Chinese Internet company Alibaba, Kabam has announced.
Kabam will also enter into a "strategic collaboration" with Alibaba, which will publish Kabam's mobile games in China across Alibaba Group's mobile applications, introducing it to a huge (and potentially hugely profitable) new audience.
Kabam makes its own original games like Kingdoms of Camelot: Battle for the North, and Dragons of Atlantis: Heirs of the Dragon, as well games based on popular movie franchises like The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth and Fast & Furious 6: The Game.
"Truly successful games companies have to be globally successful," Kabam's CEO Kevin Chou said. "This strategic collaboration with Alibaba provides Kabam the resources, infrastructure and distribution to help bring our current and future durable franchise games to China and elsewhere in Asia and make an immediate impact."
Existing investors in Kabam include Google Ventures, Warner Bros., MGM, Intel, Canaan Partners, Redpoint Ventures, Pinnacle Ventures and others.
Kabam didn't disclose the terms of the investment, but said that the company is now valued at $1 billion.
]]> 1100-6421459Sun, 03 Aug 2014 06:58:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-microsoft-is-changing-the-nfl/1100-6421429/The coming NFL season brings a noticeable change on the technology front. The NFL has formed a partnership with Microsoft that will put specially built versions of the Surface Pro 2 on each sideline and in the coaching boxes. This is not just product placement, though. Rather, this is an effort to modernize an element of the game that, until this season, relied on fax machines and telegraph wires to distribute important information.
First, an explanation of how things used to work. When a team is no longer on offense, the quarterback heads to the sidelines to review what just occurred. He is given printouts of player alignment before the ball was snapped, and he analyzes these with coaches to determine how the other team is playing defense. This situation happens dozens of times throughout a game, with a variety of positions and coaches looking at this information.
Now, instead of those reports being delivered on paper, players and coaches will be able to review what just happened with a Surface Pro. Called the "Sideline Viewing System," this streamlines a process that fans may not notice, but is imperative for strategical changes. For instance, it can take up to 45 seconds for a fax to print out, whereas information can be transmitted to the surface within five seconds.
Other elements will seem second nature for those using smart devices. Players can pinch and zoom to see details that would have been harder to make out on a static piece of paper, and draw route reminders, strategy shifts, or any other pertinent information. And tablets, unlike their paper counterparts, are in full color. Any changes can be immediately saved so coaches and players can quickly refer to past plays to see what occurred.
One thing that is absent from these surfaces is video. It was agreed by the NFL rule makers that video would give a competitive advantage that isn't present when viewing still photos. Instead, this is meant to make the old process more efficient by eliminating the clunkier element of handling paper rather than bestowing a tangible advantage to quarterbacks or coaches. There are no outside apps, either, that could interfere with the game. So players will not be able to use the internet to gain information that could help them on the field.
The tablets being used during NFL games are different than those that are available to consumers. They come with a hard case that can withstand more punishment than the typical person would typically dish out, though it will still break if, say, a lineman stands on it. It's also able to withstand rain and cold, along with extreme temperatures. There's no comment if such changes will make it into a consumer product down the road, however.
What other technological advances could improve the NFL? Hit us up with your ideas in the comments below.
]]> 1100-6421429Sun, 03 Aug 2014 06:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/game-of-the-month-july-2014/2300-6420561/ 2300-6420561Sat, 02 Aug 2014 16:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-colin-mcrae-game-on-steam-is-probably-not-the-/1100-6421457/Codemasters' Colin McRae Rally launched on Steam earlier this week for $6.99, but it's probably not the game you're hoping for.
Though the game's description on Steam says it's based on content from the 90 percent Metacritic rated Colin McRae Rally 2.0 originally released on the first PlayStation, it's actually a port of the mobile version of the game released in 2013 (which has a Metacritic score of 69 percent).
The game's trailer also says that it's been "remastered for HD," and that it includes "original cars and locations." Add to that the fact that it only mentions the mobile version once in the "About the Game" section, and one could easily come to the wrong conclusion that he or she is buying an HD remake of the classic PlayStation game.
Besides offering a fewer number of cars to drive, the game's controls and interface were clearly originally designed for smartphones, and so it doesn't play like the game you remember.
The Colin McRae racing game series is still around today in the form of the DiRT series, which are quite good, and are also available to purchase on Steam.
Codemasters also recently released Grid Autosport for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. For more on that game, check out GameSpot's review.
]]> 1100-6421457Sat, 02 Aug 2014 15:54:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/win-a-free-copy-of-the-evil-within-signed-by-shinj/1100-6421456/Publisher Bethesda is currently offering fans a chance to win a free copy of Tango Gameworks' upcoming horror game The Evil Within signed by designer Shinji Mikami.
To win one of 10 copies, simply email bethblog@bethsoft.com before 10:00 a.m. on August 8 with your vote for which of the three covers below should be the alternative cover for the game: Asylum, Piercing Eye, or Twisted. The image above will still be the game's default cover, but the alternative cover that gets that most votes will be the reverse sleeve for the launch edition of The Evil Within. If you're not interested in the free game but still want to vote for your favorite cover, simply use the online poll on Bethesda's blog.
Winners will receive a copy of the game for the platform of their choice—Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 or PC.
Developed by Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami and his team at Tango Gameworks, The Evil Within is set to release on October 21. Mikami has described the game as a true return to the roots of the survival horror genre.
For more on The Evil Within, check out GameSpot editor Zorine Te's article about what other horror games seemed to influence the game's two hour preview build.
Which cover will you vote for? Let us know in the comments below.
]]> 1100-6421456Sat, 02 Aug 2014 13:29:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/quick-look-wii-sports-club/2300-6420596/ 2300-6420596Sat, 02 Aug 2014 12:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/madden-15-lets-you-create-your-nfl-ultimate-team-w/1100-6421455/EA Sports has detailed how Madden Ultimate Team will work in the upcoming Madden NFL 15.
The Madden Ultimate Team mode allows players to pick their team, collect their favorite current and past NFL players, and upgrade their squad to create their fantasy team. Players purchase packs containing new players, coaches, playbooks, stadiums, and more with coins they earn by competing with other players online or by completing single player challenges.
For the most part, Madden NFL 15's Ultimate Team sounds a lot like previous iterations, only with a greatly improved user interface and introduction to the mode in the form of the Objectives screen.
"If you're a new player, this is like a helpful friend," EA Sports Tiburon Game Designer Chuck Kallenbach said in a post to the game's official website. "For veterans of MUT, it's a way to tour some of the changes. When you complete five tasks on the Objectives list, you get a reward pack. So there's reason for both beginners and veterans to go through the Objectives."
Players can now also sort, view, and manage items in their binder from a single streamlined screen.
Madden NFL 15 launches August 26 for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4. Controversial cornerback Richard Sherman is the game's cover star. Hopefully it doesn't fall victim to the Madden Curse.
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