EL33TONLINE.com Blog

This animated Halo 4 cover art warns of an ancient awakened evil

Oliver — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:45:00 +0200

Following a flurry of fantastic fan-friendly… Halo 4 news, with details on the game’s exciting ‘Halo Infinity Multiplayer’ suite of customisation options and game modes, as well as information on the Halo 4 Limited Edition, Microsoft has released a version of the title’s box art that’s presented in a completely brand new way: Animated!

Watch the quick video below to see the previously unveiled Halo 4 cover art in glorious animated fashion, but wait until the end of the trailer for an intriguing story hint…

Halo 4 - Animated Cover Art

An Ancient Evil Awakens? Hmm.

Exclusive: Halo 4 Limited Edition announced with South African pricing and pre-order details

Oliver — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:02:00 +0200

[Update] Added an image of the Limited Edition - it’s looking very smart! [End of Update]

We’ve just received very exciting news on the multiplayer modes and online offerings that Microsoft and 343 Industries will be bringing to Halo 4 when the game hits shelves on November 6th - get yourself over here to learn more about ‘Halo Infinity Multiplayer,’ story-driven online gaming, the game’s massive range of customisation options and lots more!

If you stick around here for a few minutes, however, you’ll also find out about Halo 4’s just-announced Limited Edition version, with pre-order and South African pricing details available, too!

Microsoft has today announced that the Halo 4 Limited Edition is now available for pre-order and not only provides “the ultimate multiplayer experience,” but will also include a copy of a collection of live-action Halo short films with Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn - Special Edition.

Halo 4 Limited Edition

Microsoft says that the Halo 4 Limited Edition “maximises your multiplayer experience” that you’ll encounter while engaging in the game’s Halo Infinity Multiplayer suite of options and game modes.

Available to pre-order for R899.00 in South Africa (and $99 elsewhere), Halo 4: Limited Edition includes the following bounty of goodies and extras:

War Games Map Pack Access – The Limited Edition includes access to nine maps – three future competitive multiplayer map packs, each including three locations, available for download post-launch on Xbox LIVE. (A detailed release schedule for the map packs will be announced at a later time)
Specializations – Receive early access to six Specializations, available at launch on Xbox LIVE, to achieve higher ranks in your Spartan career. In addition to gaining access to new ranks, Specializations unlock new customization options. Purchasers of the “Halo 4” Limited Edition will get access on launch day, while others will have to wait as Specializations are released over time.
The Limited Edition also contains the UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet, which includes an armor customization schematic, a blueprint of the massive ship itself, and insight into what it means to be one of humanity’s finest warriors: the Spartan-IVs.
Bonus digital content through Xbox LIVE:
- Unique in-game Spartan-IV armor skin
- Unique in-game weapon skin for the Assault Rifle
- An exclusive in-game emblem
- Xbox LIVE Avatar prop
- Xbox LIVE Avatar Spartan-IV armor set
“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn” Special Edition – An extended 90-minute version of the live-action digital series that will bring the “Halo” universe to life as you’ve never seen it, and provide an enthralling backstory leading up to the events of “Halo 4.”
- “Halo 4” Limited Edition also includes the following exclusive videos:
- Bonus in-fiction content expanding the characters and stories of “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn”
- Special Featurette: Bringing Gaming into Reality
- Making of “Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn”

Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn

Need to know more about Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, the series of planned live-action short films being produced by Microsoft? Let your eyeballs shift just a little bit lower and read on:

“Premiering this October on a soon-to-be-announced Machinima channel on YouTube, and on Halo Waypoint, ‘Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn’ is a live-action digital series that takes fans back to the terrifying beginning of the Human/Covenant war, when the Master Chief inspired a young cadet who would eventually become a leader aboard the UNSC’s greatest vessel: the UNSC Infinity.”

Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, then, tells a story leading up to the events of Halo 4.

“Created in partnership with top Hollywood talent from film, television and new media, ‘Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn’ brings a brand new Halo story to life on a scale never before seen in the “Halo” Universe.

“The series will debut this October on the new Machinima channel on YouTube and on Halo Waypoint as a series of five episodes. The Halo 4 Limited Edition will include access to the Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn - Special Edition via Halo Waypoint, with never-before-seen bonus footage, as well as exclusive fiction and behind the scenes videos.”

Will you be picking up Halo 4 Limited Edition?

Look at that content list! It’s insane! A must-buy for the Halo superfan!

Exclusive: Halo Infinity Multiplayer revealed for Halo 4, innovative online modes detailed

Oliver — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:01:00 +0200

[Update] Check out your first details on the Halo 4 Limited Edition, with pricing and pre-order information - the content list is insane! [End of Update]

It was only yesterday when we got our first look at the outstanding box art that will adorn copies of Halo 4 when Microsoft’s next blockbuster first-person shooter hits shelves on November 6th, and now today, brand new and hugely exciting information has been unveiled!

Today we learn about Halo 4’s intriguing online and multiplayer offerings in ‘Halo Infinity Multiplayer,’ with talk of story-driven game modes and further in-depth details on how you’ll experience the title’s competitive game modes!

“Set almost five years after the events of Halo 3,” writes Microsoft, “Halo 4 takes the series in a bold new direction and sets the stage for an epic new sci-fi saga, in which the Master Chief returns to confront his destiny and face an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe.

“In addition to a rich story and campaign, Halo 4 introduces a groundbreaking new multiplayer offering, called ‘Halo Infinity Multiplayer,’ that builds off of the Halo franchise’s rich multiplayer history and promises to continue to innovate and redefine the way people think about storytelling and multiplayer experiences.”

We don’t need any further invitation than that - let’s take a look at the game modes available in Halo Infinity Multiplayer!

Halo Infinity Multiplayer

According to Microsoft, the colossal space-bound starship, the UNSC Infinity (the largest in the fleet) will act as your multiplayer hub in Halo 4 - this is where you’ll come to progress your Spartan career by first building your very own custom Spartan-IV supersoldier and then engaging in a variety of competitive and co-operative online modes.

Microsoft promises that “your multiplayer experience will be embedded in the fiction of ‘Halo’ like never before,” and as you drink in the atmosphere of the UNSC Infinity, surrounded by crew members, you’ll begin to understand how your progress and in-game choices will affect properties like appearance, arsenal and your role on the battlefield.

Spartan Ops

A major part of your multiplayer experience in Halo 4 will take place in the innovative and story-driven ‘Spartan Ops’ series of episodic adventures that combines “immersive storytelling, high-quality cinematics, and action-packed gameplay” to make for what Microsoft calls “an unprecedented serialized experience.”

“Through a weekly series of cinematic episodes on Xbox LIVE,” Microsoft says, “Spartan Ops will tell the continuing story of the UNSC Infinity, following the events of Halo 4. These episodes will centre on the UNSC Infinity leaders and crew, and a new team of Spartans – Majestic Squad.”

“These cinematic episodes will provide the backdrop for the weekly Spartan Ops gameplay missions. Playable in single-player or cooperatively (with up to three friends), explore the corners of Requiem in these objective-based missions, and help uncover the secrets of the mysterious Forerunner world.”

Microsoft additionally calls Spartan Ops a “massive-scale adventure” that intersects with and builds off of Halo 4’s campaign story - this experience will be included with the game to “effectively [deliver] two campaign experiences in one game.”

War Games

What about regular, good old-fashioned Halo competitive multiplayer? ‘War Games’ is what you’re looking for! Once again, your multiplayer experience in Halo 4 is heavily tied to the mighty UNSC Infinity and all multiplayer modes in the game take place on the combat deck of the vessel.

We’ll soon be getting our first details on all of the game modes to be included in War Games in Halo 4, but Microsoft isn’t shy about promising that this title will revive “the visceral and immersive experiences that Halo multiplayer is famous for,” while introducing “fresh, immersive new game modes and strategies to help you progress your Spartan-IV career, while also delivering an experience that’s still distinctly and uniquely Halo.”

Just what we want to hear!

To assuage the concerns of fans concerns even further, Microsoft made special mention of Halo 4’s vast and expanded range of multiplayer modes, weapons, vehicles, armour abilities (!), the new load-out and player progression system, as well as a new armour modification system “that introduces gameplay-enhancing customizations for the first time in a Halo game.”

Mega.

‘Spartan Ops’ and ‘War Games’ matchmaking playlists will both take advantage of these new advancements, says Microsoft, to allow for greater player choice and creative options while simultaneously providing a deep experience for core fans and improving accessibility for newcomers.

“The Halo 4 player progression system goes beyond simple aesthetic upgrades,” we’re assured, “encouraging players to invest time and effort to create a Spartan that looks and plays the way they want. Players can earn and activate combat enhancements called ‘Specializations’ based on the style of play they engage in, from stealth to all-out assault, and everything in between.”

So… what do you think?

These Halo 4 multiplayer and online announcements are very exciting and intriguing indeed and have instilled a great confidence in us regarding Microsoft and 343 Industries’ plans for the future of the immense Halo franchise!

What are you thoughts on ‘Halo Infinity Multiplayer’ and the way Spartan Ops integrates with Halo 4’s story? How do you feel about all competitive multiplayer matches taking place within the confines of the sprawling space-faring vessel, the UNSC Infinity?

Gears of War Wednesday: Be sensitive and take control, like a pro

Oliver — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:45:00 +0200

It’s that crushing time of the week again when we amass on Xbox LIVE to melee, shoot, destroy, maim and annihilate one another in Gears of War 3!

Gears of War Wednesday has arrived once more and although the matches are always intense and full of exploding gibs, there’s a sensitive side to the game, too.

And by sensitive side, we of course mean there are a range of sensitivity controller options in Gears of War 3 that, when tweaked to your taste and perfection, can help you become that much more adept at gibbing your enemies!

Luckily, a pro player by the name of arCtiC released a very comprehensive control and sensitivity that will definitely help you find the sweet spot when adjusting how effectively you take control of your COG or Locust soldiers while online.

Watch below for some fantastic Gears of War 3 controller tips:

arCtiC also recently updated a controller guide for Gears of War 3 on the official forums, which you can view over here - every bit helps when trying to gain the upper-hand on your opponents online!

Also be sure to vote for your favourite upcoming official Gears of War 3 weekend events - there are three to choose from:

Stay Frosty – No shotguns and players start with the Hammerburst, Snub and one Frag Grenade. There are no pick ups other than limited damage frag grenades. No DBNO.
Raven Down 24/7 – A special Execution playlist that will take ten rounds to win. The weapon load-out will be Gnashers and the special one shot Snub that pops heads.
Classic Horde – No Savage, no Lambent, no bases, no fortifications, no cost for weapons, no buy back in and Gears 2 wave structure with Bloodmount “bosses.”

You can vote for your favourite at the Gears of War Facebook page.

Will we see you online tonight at 8pm (South African) to help us make Gears of War Wednesday another incredible event?

Check this list (and this one, too) of previous participants to see who you can add to your friends list and join up on.

Don’t forget, you have a chance to win an Xbox LIVE Arcade game code thanks to Xbox 360 South Africa - there are Limbo, Trials HD, Castle Crashers and Braid codes to choose from, so if we see you online you’ll be added to our random draw!

North American Darksiders II release date revealed!

Oliver — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:35:00 +0200

Following a disappointing release date slip for THQ and Vigil’s Darksiders II from June to August, gamers looking forward to this amazing action adventure game contented themselves with the game’s previously-released trailers and screenshots, as well as an additional, final ‘Behind the Mask’ feature video.

As massive fans of the first game in the series, we were desperately looking forward to any sign of a new release date for Darksiders II and now today, THQ has finally given us the news we’ve been waiting for!

Darksiders II will release in the US on August 14th for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC!

While a launch date for Europe, the UK and other territories hasn’t yet been made known, traditionally games tend to release the Thursday or Friday following the US date, so you can probably expect Darksiders II to arrive in EMEA regions on August 17th.

THQ and Vigil aren’t done with us yet, though, because we can look forward to a special little Darksiders II something tomorrow - keep your eyes dialled to El33tonline for the reveal.

Have you been waiting for this news? We certainly have!

Konami targeting October release for Silent Hill: Book of Memories

Tom — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:09:00 +0200

Silent Hill: Book of Memories may not be the most anticipated upcoming PS Vita title but it nevertheless will give Vita gamers something to play while we wait patiently for more developers to support the system with quality software.

The game was supposed to be released in March but its due date came and went without much explanation from Konami. The publisher recently told IGN that Book of Memories is still in development and that it’s now targeting an October release for this top-down, co-op action title.

Feel free to browse through El33tonline’s previous coverage of Silent Hill: Book Of Memories and to share your enthusiasm or dispassion for this upcoming Vita title in the comments section below.

Are you ready for DBNGamers 6th Sense?

Tom — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:41:00 +0200

If you’ve been keeping tabs on El33tonline during the past few months you’re likely to have read about how much fun we’ve been having at the monthly DBNGamers meet-ups. Each event has been memorable in its own right and every time we get together new friendships are forged and humourous stories exchanged.

‘DBNGamers 6th Sense’ will take place at 2pm next Saturday, May 26th. The venue will once again be Pizzetta Pizzeria, located at 139 Davenport Road (Helen Joseph Road), Glenwood.

Nintendo South Africa will be attending the event to talk to us about their software line-up for the next few months and to hand out some prizes. As everyone should know by now, Nintendo-themed goodies are nothing to sneeze at!

There’ll be a Wii set up at the venue with a few choice titles for attendees to enjoy. It would be also be great if everyone with a 3DS could bring it along so we can score some StreetPass hits, build up our collection of Pok�mon on Pok�dex 3D and add each other as friends over a local wireless connection, which is a whole lot easier than exchanging Friend Codes!

Head over here to view the DBNGamers 6th Sense Facebook page and be sure to confirm your attendance if you can make it. We’d love to see you all there!

El33t's Question of the Day: When has online gaming let you down?

Oliver — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:55:00 +0200

With the global release of Diablo III yesterday, May 15th, you would expect the millions of PC gamers who flocked to the title to be able to play it out of the box.

Unfortunately this wasn’t the case. Blizzard’s servers took a beating as hundreds of thousands of players in the US attempted to simultaneously log into the game (you’re required to play with an active internet connection), leading to multiple error messages and denied access the world over.

Very disappointing for players who have been waiting years to play Diablo III, no doubt, which raises this Question of the Day:

When has online gaming let you down?

PC gamers who tried to play Half-Life 2 on release will certainly remember similar issues to the Diablo III launch, while players of massively multiplayer online games have also seen their fair share of downtime.

There are surely examples of when regular competitive multiplayer games have denied us access to their online delights. El33tonline and our Uncharted 3 friends will attest to this.

Over to you: When has online gaming, or an online game in particular, disappointed you because of faults with that title?

(If you have a Question of the Day that you would like to put to the El33tonline community, mail it to oliver[@]el33tonline.com and we’ll send it out, with credit of course!)

Sonic 4: Episode II launch trailer showcases the power of teamwork

Tom — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:43:00 +0200

It’s been a two-year wait since Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I was released but the time has finally come to take Sonic for another spin through a variety of speedy courses in Sonic 4: Episode II. This time the blue hedgehog is joined by Miles ‘Tails’ Prower as they pursue their old rivals Metal Sonic and Dr. Eggman.

Sonic 4: Episode II is now available on Steam and the US PlayStation Store and will be hitting Xbox LIVE Arcade and the European PS Store later today. Sega released the following trailer to celebrate the game’s launch:

I personally can’t wait to take Episode II for a spin and being able to play it with a friend in local or online co-op should be an absolute blast, especially for Sonic fans who have fond memories of playing Sonic the Hedgehog 2 with a buddy on the Mega Drive.

Feel free to browse through El33tonline’s previous coverage of this highly anticipated co-op platformer from the Sonic Team.

THQ delays South Park RPG into 2013, puts Devil's Third on red alert

Oliver — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:15:00 +0200

During THQ’s recent investor report the publisher announced that revenue for the three months ending March 2012 (and for financial year 2012 overall) was up, but net losses for the quarter increased by nearly $10 million compared to the year previous - all of which is good (and better than expected) news for the ailing company.

Revenue and losses weren’t the real story of THQ’s meeting, however, as a delay for Obsidian’s South Park: The Game RPG was also announced, while the planned 2013 action title from Tomonobu Itagaki (Ninja Gaiden, Dead or Alive), Devil’s Third, will likely be sold to another publisher to help bring it to market.

South Park: The Game is currently in development at RPG masters Obsidian Entertainment (Knights of the Old Republic 2, Neverwinter Nights 2) and was due for release sometime in 2012, but with THQ’s determined approach to release games of only the highest calibre to ensure sales success, this title has been delayed into 2013.

Additionally, the intriguing (but still mysterious) action game from developer Valhalla Games and Itagaki, Devil’s Third, apparently no longer “fits THQ’s profile” and due to unforeseen expenses associated with the project, the publisher is looking to bring the game to market through a third-party or with the help of an external financial partner.

According to THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell, the publisher is working with Itagaki to ensure Devil’s Third is released, albeit well after its intended release window of early 2013.

It’s not all bleak news from THQ today, however, as it was revealed that Saint’s Row: The Third has shipped 4.25 million units since release, globally, while WWE 12 has seen 2.2 million units shipped. UFC Undisputed 3, meanwhile, has shipped 1.4 million units.

Here’s the release schedule for THQ’s upcoming games:

Darksiders II – August 2012
Saints Row: The Third – Enter The Dominatrix – September 2012
Annual WWE Game – Q3 FY13
Company of Heroes 2- Q4 FY13
Metro: Last Light – Q4 FY13
South Park: The Game – Q4 FY13

Also, if you thought THQ had forgotten about its currently-in-development inSANE (from director Guillermo del Toro and Volition), the shooter from Turtle Rock and the title from Patrice Desilets (Assassin’s Creed co-creator), all of these games were mentioned and are said to still be underway.

US PlayStation Store Update for May 15th: Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II, PixelJunk 4am, Batman: Arkham City demo

Tom — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:30:00 +0200

This week’s PlayStation Store update is headlined by two long-awaited PSN releases - Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II and PixelJunk 4am. Thankfully there are trials for both games so you shouldn’t have to experience any buyer’s remorse if you play your cards right.

PixelJunk 4am is an innovative music experience with DJing elements from Q-Games. You can stream people’s live performances over PSN or pick up a PlayStation Move and broadcast your skills to other PixelJunk 4am users from around the world.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode II marks the return or the dynamic duo Sonic and Tails. Featuring physics that are radically different from Episode I, a new graphics engine and online co-op, this is definitely one platformer worth taking for a spin.

Another highlight on this week’s list is a demo for Batman: Arkham City. If you’ve spent the last few months wondering if this title is worth picking up, now is the perfect time to try it out for free and see if all the praise heaped upon it is deserved.

If you enjoy playing classic titles from yesteryear then you’ll be pleased to know that Myst and Red Faction II can now be purchased from the PlayStation Store.

Here’s the full list for this week’s PS Store Update:

PlayStation Plus

Free PSN Game: Rock of Ages
Discounts:
- Goldeneye 007 Reloaded ($29.99)
- Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood Complete Edition ($14.99)

PSN Games

PixelJunk 4am ($9.99)
- Mix tracks, experiment with audio effects, and stream live to your friends over the PlayStation Network by using 4am’s unique Virtual Audio Canvas to control your composition with the PlayStation Move’s full range of motion.
Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode II ($14.99)
- The Sonic 4 Saga continues in Episode II! Metal Sonic has returned to form a formidable alliance with Dr. Eggman! Now Joined by Tails, race across four new Zones and take down fearsome new badniks with deadly combination moves in order to save the day!
Rock Of Ages ($9.99)
- A rock-solid combination of rock-rolling action, deep strategy, and captivating art and music from different ages of history, this is a game of crush or be crushed!
Jam Live Music Arcade ($9.99)
- JAM Live Music Arcade is a robust musical experience of creative freedom. Through your guitar peripheral or controller, you can compose your own genre-bending music by controlling all aspects of a song (guitar, bass, drums, vocals and synth).

PS3 Full Games

Goldeneye 007 Reloaded ($59.99)
- Play through all the iconic movie moments re-imagined and updated for today’s gaming standards. Experience stunning visuals, a unique blend of action and stealth, and upgraded multiplayer. In the new MI6 Ops, test your 00 mettle in various agent skill challenges.
Prototype 2 With Radnet Access Pack ($59.99)
- WELCOME TO NEW YORK ZERO. Experience Sgt James Heller hunt, kill and consume his way toward the ultimate goal – to kill Alex Mercer! Includes RADNET Access Pack.

Game Demos (free)

Batman: Arkham City
PixelJunk 4am
Rock Of Ages
Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode II

PS3 Add-ons

Asura’s Wrath – Lost Episode 2 ($1.99)
Dungeon Defenders: Quest For The Lost Eternia Shards Part III ($3.99)
Final Fantasy XIII add ons (x5) ($2.99 – $4.99)
LittleBigPlanet 2 add ons (x5) ($1.99 – $5.99)
Max Payne 3 – Gorilla Warfare Loadout Pack (free)
MotorStorm RC add ons (x3) (free – $0.49 each)
Resident Evil Operation Raccoon City – Echo Six Expansion Pack 2 ($9.99)
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13 add ons (x4) (free)
Two Worlds II: Defense ($2.99)
UFC Undisputed 3 – Contenders Pack ($2.99)
Worms Ultimate Mayhem: Multi-Player Pack ($4.99)
Yakuza: Dead Souls add ons (x2) (free)
Rocksmith – Come Out And Play By The Offspring ($2.99)
Rocksmith – Gone Away By The Offspring ($2.99)
Rocksmith – Self Esteem By The Offspring ($2.99)
Rocksmith – The Offspring Song Pack ($7.99)

Rock Band 3

“BRICK BY BORING BRICK” – Paramore ($1.99)
“IGNORANCE” – Paramore ($1.99)
“THE ONLY EXCEPTION” – Paramore ($1.99)
“THE ONLY EXCEPTION (PRO GUITAR)” – Paramore ($0.99)
Artist pack ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game album: PARAMORE PACK 01. This pack includes “Brick By Boring Brick”, “Ignorance” and “The Only Exception”. By Paramore

Rock Band Network v2.0

“BEER, METAL, TROLLS AND VOMIT!” – Nordheim ($1.99)
“OCEAN FLOOR” – The Bunny the Bear ($1.99)
“SONG FOR THE BROKEN” – Close Your Eyes ($1.99)
“TOCCATA AND FUGUE IN D MINOR (BACH)” – Johann Sebastian Bach ($0.99)
“YOUNGER LUNGS” – Less Than Jake ($1.99)

PS Vita Add-Ons

MotorStorm RC add ons (x3) (free – $0.49 each)
Reality Fighters Soccer Fight Pack ($2.99)
Ridge Racer add ons (x4) ($1.49 – $2.49)

Updates

5-In-1 Arcade Hits – Minis (Sale) (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $1.99)
Assassin’s Creed (Sale) (PS3) (now $13.99, original price $19.99)
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood – The Da Vinci Disappearance (Sale) (PS3) (now $6.99, original price $9.99)
Assassin’s Creed II – Sequence 13 + Secret Locations (Sale) (PS3) (now $4.89, original price $6.99)
Assassin’s Creed II: Sequence 12: Battle Of Forli (Sale) (PS3) (now $2.79, original price $3.99)
Assassin’s Creed II Deluxe Edition Digital (Sale) (PS3) (now $13.99, original price $19.99)
Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines (Sale) (PS3) (now $13.99, original price $19.99)
Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (Sale) (PS3) (now $20.99, original price $29.99)
Beyond Good And Evil HD (Sale) (PS3) (now $6.99, original price $9.99)
Blimp: The Flying Adventures – Minis (Sale) (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $1.99)
Call Of Juarez: Bound In Blood (Sale) (PS3) (now $13.99, original price $19.99)
Call Of Juarez: Bound In Blood Old West Map Pack (Sale) (PS3) (now $6.99, original price $9.99)
Far Cry 2 (Sale) (PS3) (now $13.99, original price $19.99)
Far Cry 2 Fortunes Pack (Sale) (now $3.49, original price $9.99)
From Dust (Sale) (PS3) (now $10.49, original price $14.99)
Might And Magic Clash Of Heroes (Sale) (PS3) (now $10.49, original price $14.99)
Minisquadron – Minis (Sale) (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $1.99)
One Epic Game – Minis (Sale) (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $1.99)
Prince Of Persia (Sale) (PS3) (now $13.99, original price $19.99)
Prince Of Persia Classic (Sale) (PS3) (now $6.99, original price $9.99)
Prince Of Persia Classic Trilogy HD (Bundle) (Sale) (PS3) (now $27.99, original price $39.99)
Prince Of Persia: Epilogue DLC (Sale) (PS3) (now $6.99, original price $9.99)
Prince Of Persia: Sands Of Time (Sale) (PS3) (now $10.49, original price $14.99)
Prince Of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (Sale) (PS3) (now $13.99, original price $19.99)
Prince Of Persia: The Two Thrones (Sale) (PS3) (now $10.49, original price $14.99)
Prince Of Persia: Warrior Within (Sale) (PS3) (now $10.49, original price $14.99)
Ricochet HD (Sale) (PS3) (now $2.74, original price $4.99)
Scott Pilgrim (Sale) (PS3) (now $6.99, original price $9.99)
The Impossible Game – Minis (Sale) (PSP) (now $0.99, original price $1.99)
Magic 2012 Gold Deck Bundle (Sale) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)
Magic: The Gathering – Dules of the Planeswalkers 2012 Gold Bundle (Sale) (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $19.99)
Outland (Sale) (PS3) (now $6.99, original price $9.99)
Scott Pilgrim – Knives Chau Add-On Pack (Sale) (PS3) (now $1.39, original price $1.99)
Final Fight: Double Impact (Sale) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $9.99)

Game Videos (free)

Assassin’s Creed III Announcement Trailer
Darksiders 2: Death Strikes: Part I Trailer
Darksiders 2: Behind The Mask: Death Rises Trailer
Darksiders 2: Behind The Mask: Deaths World Trailer
Darksiders 2: Death Eternal Trailer
Far Cry 3 Dr. Earnhardt Gameplay Trailer
Game Of Thrones – The Wall Trailer
Game Of Thrones – This Is War Trailer
Game Of Thrones- Winter Trailer
Medal Of Honor Warfighter Announce Trailer
Medal Of Honor Warfighter Gameplay 1 Trailer
Sleeping Dogs Driving Trailer
Sleeping Dogs Undercover: Hong Kong Trailer
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Future Soldier: Ghost Recon Alpha

PS3 Themes

Dynamic Beautiful Girl 3 ($2.99)
Max Payne 3 Premium Theme ($1.99)

PSone Classics

Myst ($5.99)
- Journey through stunning 3D photo-realistic graphics.Explore eerie worlds of starkly fantastic beauty.Experience a vivid first person perspective. Listen to the original soundtrack and sound effects that enhance the sense of realism. Combine keen observation and logic to unlock the secrets of MYST.

PS2 Classics

Red Faction 2 ($5.99)
- Fight alongside an elite squad of soldiers to complete your mission to eliminate the corrupt dictator of the Commonwealth! Download Red Faction� 2 today!

Bundles

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood Complete Edition ($24.99)
Call Of Juarez: Bound In Blood Complete Edition ($19.99)
Far Cry 2 Complete Edition ($19.99)
Prince Of Persia Complete Edition ($19.99)
Scott Pilgrim Complete Edition ($7.99)

Music

Sorcery Soundtrack ($4.99)

PlayStation Store for PSP

PSP minis (also available from PS3 Storefront)

Velocity ($4.99)

Source: PlayStation Blog

Spectacular The Last of Us cut-scene introduces a new band of enemies

Oliver — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:45:00 +0200

We’ve been scouring the plains of ‘The Internet’ for any new media or details on Naughty Dog’s next action adventure game, The Last of Us, but day after day, our searches have come up empty.

We were just about losing hope of hearing about the game any time soon and, just as we were about to call off the hunt, a new trailer for this incredibly enticing title was glimpsed in the distance…

With renewed vigour, we set out to capture this rare creature and we’re now able to deliver it to you in its spectacular original form:

The Last of Us - Cut-scene

The Last of Us from Naughty Dog is still tentatively scheduled for release in 2012, exclusively for PlayStation 3, and tells the tale of two survivors of an unknown biological apocalypse as they fight for their lives on a journey to safety.

As seen in the trailer, you won’t only be fending off zombie-like humans, but other survivors as well.

El33tonline’s previous looks at the game will ably demonstrate our previously captured quarry, with screenshots, more videos and extra information.

Kalahari's rocking launch event brings Diablo III to Cape Town with a (head)bang!

Guest Author — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:50:00 +0200

(South African online retailer Kalahari.com recently held a midnight launch event to celebrate the release of the latest and greatest RPG from Blizzard, Diablo III.

The event took place at Gandalf’s in Observatory, Cape Town and Rashaad Abrahams was there for El33tonline to drink in the atmosphere and write about his experiences at the gathering.)

It was the evening of May 14th and I was walking down a street in Observatory. As the mist started rolling in, I could see a light at the end of the road - a bright yellow light that seemed like a glimmer of hope the night before the ‘Return of Evil’ was set to dawn upon us.

Fellow gamer Abz and I entered the abyss and as we heard some great music being played, we decided to stay a while and listen…

I was at the Kalahari Launch party for Diablo III. I myself have been to quite a few gaming launches, but this was way different to any other. From the door, we were escorted in and shown exactly what was going down in a room fitted with d�cor that suited the occasion perfectly.

As I turned the corner a wave of pizza aromas hit me and I realised that there was something happening everywhere: There were cosplayers in the back, while an open bar sat in the front. A massive amount of people were all around, waiting in anticipation for the hour to arrive - the hour when Diablo would make his return after more than a decade of waiting. About 30 mins here, we were asked to proceed upstairs, but what awaited us there was something I did not expect.

They had a full stage setup with ‘Tombstone Pete’ who opened up quite skilfully as a one man band. He rocked us with a couple of tracks before he stepped aside and the prizes were announced. Then, Strident took the stage and proceeded to rock even harder. They played quite a decent set and I could feel the whole crowd enjoyed it immensely.

As the riffs died down it was give-away time – yay! Before the prizes were handed out some Diablo T-Shirts were tossed at random into the crowd, but my spider senses were unfortunately taking a break so I missed getting one. Thereafter came the main prizes which consisted of a Diablo III Collector’s Edition and a Diablo III SteelSeries headset (which looks totally awesome I might add). The organisers also had some mousepads to hand out.

After the prize-giving was completed, we moved downstairs where Kalahari proceeded to give all the pre-order folk their copies of the game. As the gamers received their games, many stared at the box as they walked away from the counter and, in the blink of an eye, they were gone [No doubt to prepare for Diablo III! – Ed]. Some attendees grabbed the posters and signage that was displayed at the event, and we ended up being the last ones standing… until we were removed off the premises. But that’s just what we do.

I was blown away by this Diablo III launch event. It was clear that Kalahari pulled out all the stops and went for the ‘go big or go home’ approach. It was a great gathering, everything ran smoothly and there were smiles and pizzas all around - I can honestly say everyone at the event had a good time.

Full credit and thanks to Kalahari for bringing Diablo III to Cape Town with a (head)bang, while not forgetting the awesome cosplayers (KomboKitten is the only one I knew) who looked great at the event and made it even more spectacular.

I will definitely look forward to what the team has in store with future big releases!

New trailer for Heroes of Ruin explores multiplayer features

Tom — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:45:00 +0200

One of the titles that Square Enix will be showing off at E3 next month is Heroes of Ruin - a multiplayer-centric action RPG from n-Space. The Florida-based studio has a history of developing games for Nintendo platforms so you can be sure that its latest title will take full advantage of the 3DS’ hardware and network capabilities.

Heroes of Ruin features an assortment of innovative multiplayer options that aren’t too common on the 3DS such as voice chat, drop in / drop out co-op for up to four players, daily challenges over SpotPass and item trading over StreetPass.

Take a look at the trailer below for a brief overview of some of these tantalising multiplayer features:

Heroes of Ruin will be released exclusively for the 3DS on June 15th in European territories and June 26th in the US. Look forward to new details on the game when E3 gets underway early next month.

Modern Warfare 3 Face-Off mode and free maps go live for Elite members

Oliver — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:45:00 +0200

It’s time to jump into a whole new way to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer, with the release of the brand new Face-Off mode which pits two teams of two players each against one another in specially-designed arenas.

Members of the Call of Duty: Elite premium service are now able to download Face-Off over Xbox LIVE, as well as two multiplayer maps for the mode

Don’t forget, Elite members can also take advantage of special Double XP Elite playlists right now, all the way until next week.

Tomorrow, however, Face-Off and those two maps will become available to regular Modern Warfare 3 players over Xbox LIVE for free - we might have to wait another day, but at least we’re getting the initial offering without having to pay an additional fee.

You can find out what other new content is planned for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare over Xbox LIVE over here, and an explosion of screenshots showcasing the new mode and maps, as well as a feature trailer, is easily accessible through here.

Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock dated for PS3 and PS Vita

Tom — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:55:00 +0200

Doctor Who’s status as one of the most popular shows on British television has inspired the BBC to turn it into a three-part videogame series that will initially be available on PS3, PS Vita and PC. The first game out the gate is Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock - a time-travelling action adventure from Start the Party! developer Supermassive Games.

The game was recently dated for PS3 and PS Vita, with the PC version’s release date to follow at a later stage. The PS3 version will be available on PSN from May 23rd globally and at UK retailers from May 25th, while the PS Vita version will be available worldwide as a PSN-only release from June 13th.

Here’s more details on the game courtesy of BBC Worldwide’s press release from December last year:

“Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock will immerse gamers in the universe of Doctor Who, allowing them to take on the role of the Doctor and River Song as they travel across time and space to save the Earth. Gamers must learn to master the complexities of time travel with exceptional time based game play, changes made in one time will impact another creating multiple possibilities and challenging players to solve puzzles across the centuries.

“A wholly new storyline has been developed especially for this new Doctor Who console game franchise, written in collaboration with the BBC Wales team. Photo-real graphics, television quality scenes and highly realistic characters will bring the world of Doctor Who to life immersing fans completely in the twists and turns of an action filled plot. The stars of the series Matt Smith (the Doctor) and Alex Kingston (River Song) have recorded full voiceovers for their characters in Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock and motion capture has been used to create in-game characters that are incredibly realistic providing the ultimate Doctor Who gaming experience.”

Source: PlayStation Blog Europe

Avoid the Templar: Game-breaking issue found in Diablo III

Oliver — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:30:00 +0200

Hey Diablo III players, here’s a quick heads-up about a game-breaking issue (or bug, if you insist) that will result in you being logged off of the Diablo servers and essentially locked out of the game.

Whatever you do, don’t…

… oops, sorry. Lost concentration there.

Anyway, in order to avoid this game-breaking bug in Diablo III, do not equip the ‘Templar’ follower with any gear (especially a shield). Reports doing the rounds indicate that the bug is specific to the Demon Hunter class, but rather don’t take the chance, even if you’re a big, tough Barbarian.

If you do, you’ll be kicked from the game you won’t be able to get back into Diablo III until Blizzard fixes the issue.

Blizzard is said to be investigating the problem, but for now… just avoid that Templar follower and keep his hands off your loot!

Source: Battle.net Forum

Kojima tweets title screen from Metal Gear Rising E3 demo

Tom — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:37:00 +0200

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance will hopefully be one of the highlights of next month’s E3, with Konami showing off both a playable demo and tailor-made E3 trailer at the event. Earlier today Hideo Kojima - creator of the Metal Gear series - tweeted an image of the demo’s title screen that appears to show Raiden’s in-game character model, and said that he was busy checking the sample.

Take a look below:

Another E3-related Metal Gear Rising image surfaced last week, this time from the trailer that will be shown at the event. Director Yuji Korekado shared the following picture of him editing the trailer (which appears to be just over three minutes long):

Expect plenty of new Metal Gear Rising details to emerge at E3 next month, including a release date. Until then you can read more of El33tonline’s coverage of this hyperbolic action title over here.

Source: Andriasang

Out to Lunch: Ghost Recon Alpha short film now freely available, watch now!

Oliver — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:45:00 +0200

It may have already been officially released at other locations around Mother Internet, but Ubisoft has now made its live-action Ghost Recon: Alpha short film freely available to all.

For a bit of a break from your day (the video is 24 minutes long), why not indulge in a quick, high quality film set in one of videogaming’s most interesting universes, Ghost Recon?

We have noticed this version of Ghost Recon: Alpha doesn’t include subtitles, but that shouldn’t really be a problem once the action hots up (and it does):

(Note: Contains violence and language not safe for work)

Ghost Recon Alpha - Official HD Film

Will you be picking up Ghost Recon: Future Soldier next week?

Minor 3DS firmware update released alongside Mario Kart 7 patch

Tom — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:13:00 +0200

Nintendo has released a small 3DS firmware update that needs to be downloaded before being able to access the eShop or play online. 3DS users have reported that the only visible change brought about by the new firmware is that a system update can now be performed without first having to enter a parental control pin.

The promised patch for Mario Kart 7 was also released today and is available to download from the 3DS eShop. You’ll need to have this patch installed on your system before being able to participate in the game’s online multiplayer modes. Version 1.1 of Mario Kart 7 eliminates the ability to exploit unintentional shortcuts that were present in a few of the game’s tracks.

Nintendo has said that more patches are in the works for other 3DS titles such as Kingdom Hearts 3D so keep an eye on your region’s eShop to see when these become available.