EL33TONLINE.com Blog

Gears of War Wednesday: Revving and ready, hold that Gnasher steady!

Oliver — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:40:00 +0200

“You know the drill soldier! The battle begins at 20:00, sharp, over the fabled battlegrounds of Xbox LIVE! Keep those Lancers revving and keen, but whatever you do don’t tear into the enemy until you see the whites of their eyes… on the ground!

Ha! I just made that one up right here on the spot - good one, wasn’t it?

I said, good one, wasn’t it?

Nervous laughter, now that’s what I like to hear! There’s no shame in being nervous before a big battle, soldiers, that Gears of War 3 videogame will break even the steeliest of nerve - doesn’t matter if you’re a veteran or an amateur.

That’s why we play… on Gears of War Wednesday.”

El33t's Question of the Day: Are you interested in PS Vita's Augmented Reality capabilities?

Oliver — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:15:00 +0200

It’s unfortunate, but AR or Augmented Reality games are still something of a novelty.

While games like EyePet, Kinect titles like Raving Rabbids and Nintendo’s 3DS have demonstrated how it’s possible to bring the virtual world into real-life (or vice versa), not every game is able to make use of this exciting avenue for videogames mainly because players aren’t always guaranteed to have a camera on all platforms.

With the PS Vita, however, AR games and gaming has a fresh new chance at becoming prolific, so this Question of the Day asks:

Are you interested in the PS Vita’s Augmented Reality capabilities?

The chance to see your virtual pet stalking about your living room or garden or the ability to shoot targets in your kitchen are just some of the ways Augmented Reality injects new fun into games.

Double Fine’s Happy Action Theater exemplifies AR gaming perfectly - check out the trailer below to see what we mean:

Now imagine AR gaming wherever you go with PS Vita!

Does this kind of experience interest you and what further applications can you imagine for AR gaming?

(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!)

Skylanders Giants announced for 2012, debut screens and trailer included

Oliver — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:45:00 +0200

On the back of the highly successful launch of Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure in 2011 and the reveal of Skylanders: Spyro’s Universe in December comes the official announcement of the next full game in the series, Skylanders Giants.

Using of the same ‘smart’ toys and ‘Portal of Power’ device as Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure that enabled gamers to transport their real-life figurines into a virtual, interactive world, Skylanders Giants is everything that the previous title was… but bigger!

Due for release later this year across all platforms, Skylanders Giants from Activision and developer Toys For Bob will include the addition of more adventures as well as eight new Skylanders toys that are said to be “more than twice the size” of the regular Skylanders figurines we’ve come to know and enjoy. Eight new normal-sized figures will also become available.

Previously bought Skylanders figures will be compatible with Skylanders Giants, while all of those toys’ accrued stats and abilities will transfer over to the new game, too.

‘Light-up’ functionality has also been revealed for the newer editions of the Skylanders toys, which will illuminate depending on their position to the Portal of Power and perhaps even in-game scenarios.

Still a bit lost about the whole Skylanders game and toy series? Don’t worry, El33tonline’s review of the previous game spells everything out for you.

Also catch the debut trailer for Skylanders Giants below:

Skylanders Giants: Something Big is Coming!

Skylanders Giants Figures on Portal of Power:

PS Vita firmware updated to 1.60, new features include Maps app and video recording

Tom — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:50:00 +0200

The one positive aspect of PS Vita launching in the West two months after Japan is that it gives Sony an opportunity to iron out a few kinks and add some new firmware features.

There have been a couple of minor firmware updates since the Vita’s Japanese launch, but today’s update (version 1.60) is the most significant thus far.

The new firmware adds the ‘Maps’ icon to your home screen and also gives you the option to take video recordings in the Photos app.

The Maps app is a slightly modified version of Google Maps Mobile. You can still get directions, put down markers and view satellite imagery. You can use this app on both 3G and WiFi versions of Vita, although WiFi will give you a more seamless experience due to superior download speeds.

When you boot up the Photos app and go into recording mode you’ll notice there is now a camcorder icon on the right menu. You can record videos in 16:9 or 4:3 ratio using either the front or rear camera. Any sound that the Vita’s mic picks up will also be recorded.

It’ll be interesting to see if Sony releases any new firmware updates in the two weeks leading up to the Vita’s worldwide launch. It would be great if PSone Classics emulation was added before February 22nd but that may be wishful thinking.

What features would you like to see added to PS Vita through future firmware updates? Let us know in the comments.

House of the Dead III dated, demo now available to PS Plus members

Lisa — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:40:00 +0200

A demo for The House of the Dead III is now available on the PlayStation Network, but zombie slayers take note, it’s exclusive to PS Plus members until the 21st of February.

To sweeten the deal even further for PS Plus members, you’ll be able to grab 30% off the game for two weeks (until the 28th of February), and get your hands on PS Plus exclusive free dynamic themes and avatars.

The House of the Dead III will be available exclusively on the PS3 on the 14th of February. It will cost $6.99 and if you buy the game before the 28th of February you’ll score a PSN avatar as a gift too!

The game’s features include: PlayStation Move compatible; Multiplayer mode; Multiple paths; Multiple rescue events; Ranking and grading system to track your shot accuracy; Trophies; Bonus unlockable PlayStation Home item; and Original creator interview.

Watch the trailer below if you need any more convincing:

Win double tickets to Star Wars: Episode 1 in 3D with Xbox South Africa!

Oliver — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:20:00 +0200

You don’t have to travel back in time and visit a galaxy far, far away for a chance to witness the birth of the Star Wars series of cinematic masterpieces - all you need to do is live in Johannesburg and enter El33tonline and Xbox 360 South Africa’s competition!

El33tonline and Xbox 360 South Africa are giving away 15 double-tickets for an opening day screening of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace 3D this Friday, February 10th, at Monte Casino in Johannesburg.

Why? Simply because we want as many people as possible to experience the movie in spectacular 3D and celebrate the upcoming release of Kinect Star Wars!

Zip over to El33tonline’s Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace 3D Competition page for details on how to win a double ticket to the movie - there are chances to win on El33tonline, Facebook and Twitter too!

This is a quick-fire competition and we need to find our winners before tomorrow - tell you friends and family to get entering, too!

New Uncharted 3 co-op adventure DLC now available

Lisa — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:38:00 +0200

The co-op missions in Uncharted 3 are some of my favourite, team work at its best in some really awesome adventures with Drake and his crew.

Well good news folks, because the downloadable content for Uncharted 3 that arrives on the PlayStation Network today includes a new co-op adventure, but this time you get to play as the villains!

According to developer Naughty Dog, “Downloading this fresh content will blow out the co-op storyline and expand the UNCHARTED series in ways that have never been done before.”

Bring. It. On.

The Fort Co-Op Adventure DLC will be available in today’s PlayStation Store update, and will, for the first time in the series, allow you to play co-op as the villains of the Uncharted universe. The adventure sees Zoran Lazarević, Eddy Raja and Harry Flynn “joining forces in a tale that further explores the mystery behind the Janus head statue from the on-disc co-op adventure.”

Watch the trailer below for a preview of this new adventure:

Uncharted fans will also be able to download new skins in the Rogues Skin Pack 1, Rogues Skin Pack 2 and Doughnut Skin Pack.

And don’t forget that on the 21st of February you’ll be able to download the Plaza, Temple, Train Wreck and Village maps in the Flashback Map Pack 2 DLC. These maps return with “all-new dynamic lighting effects, cutting-edge particle effects and a bevy of other fresh technical polish.”

You’ll be able to download the new DLC either individually or as part of the Fortune Hunter’s Club program ($24.99 for membership). Here’s what you can expect to pay for the new content if you purchase it standalone.

February 7, 2012 -Fort Co-Op Adventure: $5.99
February 7, 2012 –Doughnut Skin Pack: $1.99
February 7, 2012 –Rogues Skin Pack 1: $2.99
February 7, 2012 – Rogues Skin Pack 2: $2.99
February 21, 2012 – Flashback Map Pack 2: $9.99

Naughty Dog also hinted at a new DLC that would be coming after February – what do you make of the clue? Let us know in the comments section below.

Free Skyrim DLC and Skyrim Creation Kit!

Oltman — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:06:00 +0200

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim did not have any mod tools when it launched, yet the amount of mods that became available almost immediately was frightening. From new outfits to whole new areas and obviously multiple retexturing projects.

To make things a little easier for the modding community Bethesda have launched the Skyrim Creation Kit, the official mod tools for aspiring young modders out there!

To celebrate the launch of the Creation Kit, Bethesda Softworks also released a new High Resolution Texture pack for Skyrim, totally free! This is a hefty download with many textures now in a higher resolution, setting the PC version even more apart from its console counterparts.

But the feather in the cap has to be the inclusion of Steam Workshop support. The Steam workshop makes it easy to download and install mods for your games. This means you will not have to run any separate applications to activate or deactivate your mod, often one of the most tricky things to do in games.

It is obvious that Bethesda is taking the mod community of Skyrim very seriously. Notch one up for PC gaming!

Report: LittleBigPlanet Karting revealed with Move racing wheel

Oliver — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:05:00 +0200

At Sony’s currently-on-the-go Playstation-centric event, Destination PlayStation, a new kart racing challenger has entered the fray in the form of LittleBigPlanet Karting.

Starring the Sack people characters of LittleBigPlanet and set in the series’ unbounded, creative and colourful ‘Play, Create, Share’ universe, LittleBigPlanet Karting is said to support full stereo 3D.

The game will make use of a just-announced PlayStation Move-compatible racing wheel, which we would assume houses Sony’s motion controller to enable gamers to steer their karts around a track by twisting and turning the peripheral in mid-air.

News of LittleBigPlanet Karting first came to light with a Twitter post by Future Shop Gamer, which exclaimed:

“at [PlayStation] Destination Little Big Planet Cart racing announced for ps3. Move compatible wheel and 3D capable!”

An image of the logo and art has since made its way onto the internet, which you can glimpse below:

Source: Future Shop Gamer

Kinect Star Wars dated for April, 'dance mode' detailed with screens

Oliver — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:45:00 +0200

The long-awaited and delayed Kinect Star Wars action game for Xbox 360 and Kinect has been dated for April 3rd, and on launch will be available in two flavours: standalone or bundled with that awesome limited edition customised R2-D2 Xbox 360.

Five game modes will be included in Kinect Star Wars, namely Jedi Destiny: Dark Side Rising, Podracing, Rancor Rampage, Duels of Fate and… Galactic Dance Off.

What can you expect in Galactic Dance Off mode?

“Galactic Dance Off mode loaded with Star Wars-themed pop tunes, where those still honing their Jedi skills can take a break to battle Darth Vader on the dance floor or bust a move ‘Solo style.’”

Yes, quite.

You can see screenshots of each of the game modes included in Kinect Star Wars below:

US PlayStation Store Update for February 7th: Gotham City Impostors, Shank 2, Catherine

Tom — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:45:00 +0200

Woah! This week’s PlayStation Store update has so much gaming goodness that it’s difficult to know where to begin. From the digital version of Catherine ($39.99) to the Jak and Daxter Collection ($39.99) - there’s enough new content here to entertain you for a month, never mind a week.

Let’s start with all the freebies PlayStation Plus subscribers can now download. The latest episode of Qore is up for your viewing pleasure and there’s also a full game trial for the aforementioned Catherine. If you enjoy Move-enabled shooters then definitely give the PS Plus exclusive The House Of The Dead III demo a try. Free games this week include blasts from the past Final Fantasy V and The Simpsons Arcade Game.

PlayStation-themed reality show The Tester 3 starts today. You can download it in HD, SD or PSP format and there’ll be a new episode hitting the Store every week. I’m really looking forward to checking out what weird and wonderful challenges await the new crop of contestants!

Some of the PSN highlights this week include action side-scroller Shank 2 ($9.99) and off-the-wall multiplayer shooter Gotham City Impostors ($14.99).

Let us know which of these items you plan to add to your download queue.

PlayStation Plus

PSN Game: The Simpsons Arcade Game
minis:
- Hungry Giraffe
- Gold Medalist
PSone Classic: Final Fantasy V
Early Access Demo: The House Of The Dead III Exclusive Playstation Plus Demo
Media: Qore Episode 45 – February
Full Game Trial:
- Catherine

PSN Games

Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy ($14.99)
- The original Naughty Dog PS2 classic game Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy is remastered in HD, along with Trophy and 3D support! Relive the Jak and Daxter story on PS3 system!
Jak II ($14.99)
- The original Naughty Dog game Jak II furthers the adventures of the heroes Jak and Daxter. Jak II is fully remastered in HD, along with Trophy and 3D support. Relive the Jak and Daxter story on PS3 system!
Jak 3 ($14.99)
- Jak 3 is the last game in the Jak trilogy. Jak 3 is fully remastered in HD, along with Trophy and 3D support. Relive the Jak and Daxter story on PS3!
Shank 2 ($9.99)
- The ex-mob hitman is back in action with Shank 2. With the updated arsenal of weapons and combat system, Shank 2 raises the bar from its original.
The Simpsons Arcade Game ($9.99)
- The long-awaited home console port of the classic Simpsons arcade game is finally here! Join three of your friends as you chase down Smithers and Mr. Burns on the epic quest to save Maggie. Battle your way through 8 classic Springfield locations in this hilarious blast from the past!
Gotham City Impostors ($14.99)
- A 6 vs. 6 first person shooter, Gotham City Impostors is a multiplayer game unlike any other, giving players the opportunity to rebel against conformity as they customize their own characters.

PS3 Full Games

Jak and Daxter Collection ($39.99)
- The Dynamic Duo is back! The Jak and Daxter Collection features all three best-selling PlayStation 2 classic hits: Jax and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, Jak II and Jak 3 fully remastered in high definition, stereoscopic 3D and with Trophy support.
Top Spin 4 ($29.99)
- Top Spin 4 redefines the way you experience tennis. With the deepest player roster to date featuring 2K’s Signature Style and an enhanced Player Creator with a new My Player career mode, do you have what it takes to become #1 in the world?
LEGO Pirates Of The Caribbean ($39.99)
- LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game is an action adventure game bringing to life the Pirates of the Caribbean world and all its colorful characters in LEGO brick form. Players will experience all the memorable scenes from all four films in the humorous and quirky LEGO video games style.
Catherine ($39.99)
- Explore the pleasures and horrors of love as Vincent, a man with a hard choice to make: marry his longtime girlfriend Katherine or move on to the incredible blonde he just woke up next to—named Catherine! But beware! Make the wrong choice, and you could end up dead.

Game Demos (Free)

Jimmie Johnson’s Anything With An Engine Demo
- Kart Racing Where Everything and Anything Goes…Fast! Lead-footed bathers, dumpster drivers, lawn-mowers, bargain shoppers, sadistic caddies and many more race and battle their way toward glory in unique vehicles outfitted with custom weapon mods on fantastical stylized tracks strewn with themed hazards, traps and awesome jumps in a humor-packed race to the finish line. Demo includes 2 race modes, 2 tracks, and 2 player local split screen.
Cubixx HD Demo
- Cubixx HD is a fast paced action puzzle game which sends high scoring, combo chasing gameplay to the third dimension! Play through the epic 50 level arcade mode, challenge your skills to the limit in 50 challenges or take on the world in over 150 online leaderboards! If that isn’t enough you can join forces with friends in the 7 player co-op or destroy each other in the 7 player Deathmatch!
Gotham City Impostors Demo
- Download the Gotham City Impostors trial and play the game for free now!

Add-on Game Content

UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Add ons (x23) ($0.49 – $5.99 each)
Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3 - Weapon Expert Pack ($3.99)
Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning - Finesse Bonus Pack ($2.99)
Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning - Might Bonus Pack ($2.99)
Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning - Sorcery Bonus Pack ($2.99)
Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning House Of Valor (Online Pass Paid) ($9.99)
The King Of Fighters XIII Unlock Gallery ($2.99)
Final Fantasy XIII-�‐2 – Noel’s Outfit: Battle Attire ($2.99)
Final Fantasy XIII-�‐2 - Opponent: Lightning & Amodar ($2.99)
UFC Undisputed 3 -�‐ Ultimate Fights Rivals Pack (Free)
UFC Undisputed 3 -�‐ Ultimate Fights: Submission Pack (Free)
UFC Undisputed 3 Alistair Overeem ($0.99) UFC Undisputed 3 Season Pass ($16.99)
Rocksmith – Black By Pearl Jam ($2.99)
Rocksmith – Jeremy By Pearl Jam ($2.99)
Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-�‐7 - 5 Spell Pack ($1.99)

Rock Band 3

“Comedown” – Bush ($1.99)
“Diachylon” – Chaotrope ($1.99)
“Everything Zen” – Bush ($1.99)
“Foundation” – Unkindness ($1.99)
“Heavy Weather – The Storm ov The Undead” – Rainbowdragoneyes ($1.99)
“Machinehead” – Bush ($1.99)
“Real Wild Child” – Jerry Naylor ($1.99)
“Slaves to Substance” – Suicide Silence ($1.99)
Artist pack ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game album: Bush Pack 01. This pack includes “Comedown”, “Everything Zen” and “Machinehead”. By Bush.

Updates

Blacklight: Tango Down (Price Change) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $14.99)
Swarm (Price Change) (PS3) (now $4.99, original price $14.99)
Bloodrayne: Betrayal (Price Change) Sale (PS3) (now $9.99, original price $14.99)
Ys: I & II Chronicles (Price Change) (PSP) (now $14.99, original price $24.99)
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (Price Change) (PSP) (now $19.99, original price $29.99)

Avatars

Carnival Island Avatar Bundle 2 ($1.49)
Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning Avatars Bundle ($2.99)
Kingdoms Of Amalur Avatars (x10) ($0.49)

Game Videos (free)

Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational Game Video
The Tester Season 3 Episode 1
Starhawk Press Reactions Trailer
Starhawk Public Beta Welcome Trailer
ModNation Racers: Road Trip Features Video
Journey Music Trailer
Warlords: How To Play Trailer Part 1
Warlords: How To Play Trailer Part 2
Need For Speed: The Run Italian Pack Trailer
SSX: This Is SSX Trailer
SSX: It’s Tricky Trailer
SSX: Survive It Trailer
Binary Domain Bigger Than You Think Trailer
Yakuza Dead Souls: NPC Trailer
UFC Undisputed 3 Career Trailer
UFC Undisputed 3 Contenders Pack Gameplay Trailer
Rayman Origins Meet The New Crazy Trailer
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational Game Video
ModNation Racers: Road Trip Features Video
Wipeout 2048 Game Trailer

PS3 Themes

Hitman Absolution - Crossed – Hand Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning Premium Theme ($2.99)
Silent Hill 3 Premium Theme ($1.99)
Silent Hill 2 Premium Theme ($1.99)
Amazing Earth: Starry Night Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Abstract Color Swirls Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
In The Ring With Candice Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance Theme (Free)

PS3 Wallpapers (free)

Amy Wallpaper

PS2 Classics

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Movie ($9.99)

PlayStation Store for PSP

Videos

The Tester Season 3 Episode 1

Source: PlayStation Blog

CoD: MW3 Content Drop 3 revealed as new map, screens included

Oliver — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:35:00 +0200

Activision has revealed that the third planned and upcoming Content Drop for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will be a third new map, Overwatch, which will become available at the end of the month for Premium members of Call of Duty Elite, exclusively to Xbox LIVE.

Starting February 21st on Xbox 360 (and most probably a month later on PlayStation 3), Premium Elite members will be able to download Overwatch, a Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer map that is described thus:

“Overwatch drops you into a construction site atop a New York City skyscraper. The battle takes place along two levels in a near symmetrical layout, with the central bridge and side routes open to attack from multiple angles.

“Watch your every step, as a lack of safety barriers surrounding the perimeter leaves nothing between you and a 70 story fall to the ground below.”

As mentioned, this is the third Content Drop in a planned series of 20 such additions to Modern Warfare 3 that will release from now until September.

Want to see the full planned list of content? Mysteries abound at the Content Drop calendar.

PS3 firmware update 4.10 goes live, features revealed

Oliver — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0200

Sony Computer Entertainment has set live the latest firmware update for PlayStation 3, adding new features and a new terms of service agreement with the changeover from PlayStation Network accounts to Sony Entertainment Network accounts included.

Once firmware update 4.10 for PS3 has been downloaded, you’ll be asked to accept the new terms of service. Upon acceptance, your PSN account will be known as a SEN account, which SCE assures us is a change “in name only.”

“You’ll still play games online, still have access to the latest downloadable games and add-ons, and still experience a wide variety of movies, sports and music across PSN.”

An improvement being introduced with the 4.10 update includes “improved display speed” for the PS3’s internet browser - a much needed improvement.

As always, there are sure to be more features discovered as users dig into the firmware, and we’ll update here as new additions are revealed.

Source: US PlayStation Blog

Report: David Jaffe to leave Eat Sleep Play after Twisted Metal [Update]

Oliver — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:15:00 +0200

[Update] David Jaffe has stormed his own Twitter account to clarify the matter of his leaving Eat Sleep Play, posting numerous updates via multiple tweets. Get them all below. [End of Update]

In an interview with the Salt Lake City Tribune, Eat Sleep Play co-founder Scott Campbell has revealed that the company’s other co-founder (and long time development partner) David Jaffe is to leave the studio on completion of Twisted Metal.

Campbell said of Jaffe’s future plans:

“He’s excited to go into the casual space as well. He’s got some projects that he’s excited about. So we’re kind of going down two separate paths.”

The God of War and Twisted Metal designer has refuted the claim, somewhat, posting on his Twitter account:

“The rumors of me making casual games post TM- as many of you define them- are highly exaggerated,” said Jaffe.

Jaffe stopped short of denying that he will leave Eat Sleep Play following the release of Twisted Metal, but what is certain is that eight employees were recently let go from the company as it shifts focus from creating larger scale console games (such as Twisted Metal) to smaller mobile titles.

Campbell commented on the move to developing games for iPhone and iPad thus:

“It’s a platform that is in our pockets almost 24/7. It’s kind of the size and types of games we’re playing. You can certainly reach a lot more people. That’s pretty exciting for us.”

Does this point to some turbulence during the development of Twisted Metal? Do you think the quality of the game was affected by Jaffe’s decision to leave the company at the end of development?

Jaffe once famously decided to forego the gruelling development cycles of triple-A games like God of War to work on smaller games, with the result being the enjoyable (but maligned) Call All Cars. Do you think Jaffe is going to strike off to do something similar again?

Let us know your thoughts on this intriguing turn of events!

Twisted Metal is out on February 14th in the US and March 7th around the rest of the world.

[Update]

Here’s what David Jaffe had to say about his plans for leaving Eat Sleep Play, related to the world via his Twitter account:

Regarding his feelings on the ‘casual game’ moniker:

“Sometime2Day I will clear up the whole casual games thing. Short ver: never say never but I have zero plans to make games like FARMVILLE and ANGRY BIRDS. I never said what I was doing post TM (and I’m still on TM along with ESP for the next months as we launch it and balance it in real time and make sure it’s a perfect game and continue to support it). At the same time I will be opening a game studio here in San Diego because I really miss internal game development. Happy to share more details later”

Regarding the circumstances surrounding his leaving Eat Sleep Play:

“But if I may clear this up: I was not laid off. I co-own the company. There were a few lay offs and they were very painful to do for all involved. I’m leaving because- again- games are just getting2big to direct from 300 miles away&I miss the day2day of working direct w/team.”

“I am still WITH ESP and have not left and will not leave until we get TM launched and stick around2balance&bug fix&tune (probanother 1.5-3 months). Still being paid with ESP paycheck,etc.”

Regarding his next project:

“But I WILL be leaving2start new game studio. Talking2peeps about some big, huge next gen game ideas I’d love for us2make, as well as cool stuff in the browser space (action oriented, gamer centric)& a few things in between. Once DICE wraps& game launches, it’s company building time!Any game devs that want to chat joining a new SD action game co, please gimme a shout! Talk soon! :)”

Regarding his current plans:

“I have no idea what game we’ll make yet. Could be iphone, could be next gen console. Have barely done ANYTHING w/new co yet. Slammed with TM- all this gets serious once TM is launched, tuned, and balanced. As of now- and for a bit- TM is priority.”

And what of that ‘three game deal’ signed with Sony?

“It was 3 games OR 3 years and we’ve gone well beyond 3 years with TM”

And there you have it.

[End of Update]

Source: David Jaffe on Twitter and Salt Lake City Tribune

Win Final Fantasy XIIII-2 on Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3!

Oliver — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:35:00 +0200

Final Fantasy XIII-2 was recently released around the world on both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, signalling the return of an RPG series that was once considered the most cherished of videogames!

Final Fantasy XIII-2 is, according to Square Enix, Final Fantasy XIII done right, with a focus on accessibility, new features, new characters and streamlined gameplay - from the sounds of general buzz in and around the ‘net, the publisher has done a terrific job of winning back fans of this mighty series with its latest game!

El33tonline and Megarom are giving you a chance to win a copy of Final Fantasy XIII-2 on the platform of your choice (Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3), but to stand in line for the prize you’re going to need to know a thing or two about the more recent Final Fantasy games…

Make your way to El33tonline’s Final Fantasy XIII-2 Competition page to enter!

Microsoft Flight launches on leap day, latest screens and trailer released

Oltman — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:05:00 +0200

Microsoft decided to retire its amazing Flight Simulator series a few years back and the entire ‘Aces’ development squad was let go, but the rabid community wrote petitions and spam and who knows what else to convince Microsoft that there is still a market for a proper flight simulator without guns.

Microsoft Flight is the new version of this simulator, but it comes with a twist: It’s now a free to play game, with regions available for sale.

The launch title includes the main island of Hawaii, and the first DLC is available from day one via Game for Windows LIVE. The DLC includes a new plane and twenty new missions to enjoy across the rest of the Hawaiian islands.

With very realistic graphics that is apparently scalable to just about any PC and a new flight model that balances fun with realism, you can expect to have hours of fun flying around an island we all love, but have never been to.

Microsoft Flight launches on leap day, February 29th 2012!

Find more information at the Microsoft Flight website, and watch the latest trailer for the game below:

Microsoft Flight Gameplay Trailer

Brand new Darksiders II gameplay revealed in developer interview

Oliver — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:50:00 +0200

As highly anticipated games from companies of all descriptions seem to have been delayed by months (and even into 2013), Darksiders fans breathed a collective sigh of relief recently when THQ dated Darksiders II for the month of June. No exact release date yet, but it’s a start!

To keep the anticipation high, G4 recently went live with a video interview with Vigil Games general manager David Adams, once again talking about the differences between protagonists War and Death…

… but what’s special about this video is that it contains brand new gameplay footage from Darksiders II - catch it now:

Darksiders II - Developer Interview

PS3 Games - E3 2012 - Darksiders 2

You must know by now that El33tonline is desperately looking forward to Darksiders II, so that June launch window was a great announcement for us. You can look over our previous coverage of this action adventure game for more trailers and screenshots, and be sure to read Lisa’s exciting preview of the game, too.

Fate be Damned: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning launch trailer hits

Oliver — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:35:00 +0200

The long-awaited launch of the epic action RPG, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, has finally become a reality and gamers in the US are able to get their hands on Big Huge Games’ title today across Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

Those of us in European territories will have to wait until later this week, unfortunately, but that doesn’t mean we can’t all sit down and enjoy this hard-hitting launch trailer for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, together:

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning - The Change Trailer

Need to know more about Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning?

Then don’t hesitate to read over El33tonline’s preview and hands-on impressions, before rifling through our previous coverage for screenshots and lots more trailers.

Thatgamecompany reveals Journey is complete, release date expected soon

Tom — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:27:00 +0200

Journey is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated PSN titles of 2012 thanks to thatgamecompany’s award-winning efforts with prior PSN gems Flow and Flower.

The developer’s latest title has been almost three years in the making, and today game director Jenova Chen announced via Twitter that work on Journey has finally wrapped up.

Chen went on to say that Sony is working on finalising a release date for Journey, as “quite a few big releases are coming up”.

Many of us at El33tonline are quite enamoured with Journey already, so head over here for our comprehensive collection of previews and news stories for this fantastically original game.

Source: Eurogamer

Brainteaser Tuesday: Guess the Game - Episode 2

Oltman — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0200

Last week we tried a new feature called ‘Guess the Game’ where you, our wise and well gamed readers, are presented with two screenshots.

The first screenshot is of a classic game that really tests your knowledge of gaming from times past. The second is a cropping of a more recent news article on El33tonline, to test just how much attention you are paying when trawling around the site for your gaming fix.

Last week’s pictures were easy, it seems. A lot of you recognized Maniac Mansion right away. Maniac Mansion was the first game to use the SCUMM interface that later saw use in such classics as Monkey Island, Indiana Jones and Sam and Max. What is difficult, though, is the game itself. It’s one of the few adventure games that I am yet to finish!

The cropped image was of the sad news that Max Payne 3 has indeed been delayed. We all now need to wait until May before we can shave our heads and shoot bad guys in slow motion while diving behind cover.

Here is the original article and image:

For this week we have two new games waiting for you to guess who they are!

Classic Screenshot

This week’s classic game screenshot might be too easy for some, and others will have a hard time guessing what it is. Personally I had fun with it and have played every single game in the series apart from a recent Xbox LIVE release.

News Cropping

This week’s news is not bad at all. In fact it has me very excited. It is also more informative than good or bad, really, but that is just me voicing my opinions.

Well done to those who got it right last week - can you guess the games this week?