Games Round-Up discussion thread [Archive]

Gunn3r

07/31/11, 06:22 AM

Hey guys. Tyler here with the Releases and the miscellaneous news. This week is a little light, but expect a bit more from here on out as well.

NEWS

The Playstation Vita has a rumored release date of October 28th (http://www.destructoid.com/playstation-vita-to-launch-on-october-28--207640.phtml), this year.

Destructoid has written up a pretty sweet article on how to build a high end gaming PC for only $480. Check it out here. (http://www.destructoid.com/how-to-build-a-480-gaming-pc-to-take-on-battlefield-3-207064.phtml)

Quakecon starts on Aug. 4th at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas.

Notch, creator of Minecraft, insists that the recent uprising of Euclideon's extreme graphics technology is a scam. (http://kotaku.com/5827034/minecraft-creator-calls-bullshit-on-unlimited-detail-graphics-hype)

MICROSOFT

- Saints Row: The Third is reportedly getting a full year (http://www.destructoid.com/saints-row-the-third-to-get-a-year-of-dlc-after-launch-207294.phtml) of DLC support.

- Dues Ex: Human Revolution is officially gold, (http://www.destructoid.com/deus-ex-human-revolution-goes-gold-also-black-207195.phtml) and will be released on August 23rd.

- Please let this be true... Timesplitters 4. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/rumor-timesplitters-4-may-be-announced-soon/)

- New Red Dead (http://www.destructoid.com/rockstar-talks-free-myths-and-mavericks-pack-for-red-dead-207243.phtml) DLC in September. The pack will be known as 'Myths and Mavericks.'

NINTENDO

- Not a lot of news here this week - Many many games were sold. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/nintendo-has-one-million-seller-per-console-in-last-quarter/)

- Bit of Zelda news from SDCC: Skyward Sword for the Wii will have upgrades for items. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/24/the-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-will-offer-item-upgrades/)

- the 3DS is now 169$ USD, (http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-3ds-goes-169-old-customers-get-20-free-oldies-207276.phtml) but now anyone who bought before hand gets a ridiculous deal.

SONY

- Awwwwww! Toy Story DLC (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/pizza-planet-invades-littlebigplanet-2-with-toy-story-costumes-a/) kit for Little BigPlanet 2~

- Play Catherine. Play Catherine. PLAY CATHERINE. (http://ps3.ign.com/objects/083/083913.html) It's awesome.

- Brink has DLC ("Agents of Change") (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/118/1184956p1.html) coming out August 3rd.

EVERYTHING ELSE

EA Gets FTC Green Light (http://www.artificialfiction.com/2011/07/28/ea-gets-ftc-go-ahead-to-buy-popcap/) to Purchase PopCap

Humble Indie Bundle 3 updated (http://www.artificialfiction.com/2011/07/29/humble-indie-bundle-3-released/). Now includes Minecraft until August 14, and includes Humble Indie Bundle 2.

Harmonix gives away 3000 Rock Band songs (http://www.artificialfiction.com/2011/07/26/rock-band-3-hits-3000-songs-harmonix-gives-away-3000-songs/) as part of celebration for reaching 3000 released songs.

Middle Earth recreated in Minecraft (http://www.artificialfiction.com/2011/07/27/lord-of-the-minecraft-middleearth-in-blocks/). Close to 1:1 scale, and over 2000 man hours put into it.

Gearbox Software announces development of Borderlands 2 (http://www.artificialfiction.com/2011/08/03/gearbox-announces-borderlands-2-is-in-development/). Due Spring 2012.

RELEASES FOR THIS WEEK

Hacker Evolution: Duality
LIMBO
Pirates of Black Cove
Bleach: Soul Resureccion
Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet
Humble Indie Bundle 3 (Released Last Week, Updated this week)

CONTRIBUTORS: Gunn3r, Viva Sonata, mastershake4490

Linda Ferreira

07/31/11, 10:27 AM

okay, ill post a shitload of stuff tomorrow.

SONY
MICROSOFT
NINTENDO

Sounds good.

Quote me when you are ready.

Viva Sonata

07/31/11, 09:29 PM

Quote me when you are ready.

Hey kids. Gabriel here, aka Viva Sonata, to bring you up to speed with the Big 3~! Expect longer, more varied, and overall improved sections from me as the roundup goes on.

MICROSOFT

- Saints Row: The Third is reportedly getting a full year (http://www.destructoid.com/saints-row-the-third-to-get-a-year-of-dlc-after-launch-207294.phtml) of DLC support.

- Dues Ex: Human Revolution is officially gold, (http://www.destructoid.com/deus-ex-human-revolution-goes-gold-also-black-207195.phtml) and will be released on August 23rd.

- Please let this be true... Timesplitters 4. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/rumor-timesplitters-4-may-be-announced-soon/)

- New Red Dead (http://www.destructoid.com/rockstar-talks-free-myths-and-mavericks-pack-for-red-dead-207243.phtml) DLC in September. The pack will be known as 'Myths and Mavericks.'

NINTENDO

- Not a lot of news here this week - Many many games were sold. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/nintendo-has-one-million-seller-per-console-in-last-quarter/)

- Bit of Zelda news from SDCC: Skyward Sword for the Wii will have upgrades for items. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/24/the-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-will-offer-item-upgrades/)

- the 3DS is now 169$ USD, (http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-3ds-goes-169-old-customers-get-20-free-oldies-207276.phtml) but now anyone who bought before hand gets a ridiculous deal.

SONY

- Awwwwww! Toy Story DLC (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/pizza-planet-invades-littlebigplanet-2-with-toy-story-costumes-a/) kit for Little BigPlanet 2~

- Play Catherine. Play Catherine. PLAY CATHERINE. (http://ps3.ign.com/objects/083/083913.html) It's awesome.

- Brink has DLC ("Agents of Change") (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/118/1184956p1.html) coming out August 3rd.

Viva Sonata

08/02/11, 08:47 AM

okay, ill post a shitload of stuff tomorrow.

Oi!

saturday_snow_squall

08/02/11, 07:59 PM

Viva Sonata

08/02/11, 08:56 PM

i pray for your continued service as a savoir.

but on the real, it turns out i have been really swamped with stuff as of late so i haven't been able to do this yet. you can move my status down to an occasional contributor. ill post stuff when i haveeeeeee dat time.

Get this week done, and we can figure it out from there. Please and thank you.

saturday_snow_squall

08/02/11, 09:22 PM

NEWS:

The Playstation Vita has a rumored release date of October 28th (http://www.destructoid.com/playstation-vita-to-launch-on-october-28--207640.phtml), this year.

Destructoid has written up a pretty sweet article on how to build a high end gaming PC for only $480. Check it out here. (http://www.destructoid.com/how-to-build-a-480-gaming-pc-to-take-on-battlefield-3-207064.phtml)

Quakecon starts on Aug. 4th at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas.

Notch, creator of Minecraft, insists that the recent uprising of Euclideon's extreme graphics technology is a scam. (http://kotaku.com/5827034/minecraft-creator-calls-bullshit-on-unlimited-detail-graphics-hype)

Viva Sonata

08/03/11, 08:53 AM

For this week, whenever the roundup is ready for posting you can either just quote this post of mine and I will know to look here or you can email reviews@absolutepunk.net

mastershake just submitted. Quoting you about it because he forgot to.

Gunn3r

08/03/11, 10:38 AM

I also updated my post with a new story that came out today, as well as an update to a previous one.

Linda Ferreira

08/03/11, 02:03 PM

Oi!

i pray for your continued service as a savoir.

but on the real, it turns out i have been really swamped with stuff as of late so i haven't been able to do this yet. you can move my status down to an occasional contributor. ill post stuff when i haveeeeeee dat time.

I also updated my post with a new story that came out today, as well as an update to a previous one.
Thanks guys. It is posted now. Quote me if you need me to make any edits. And then we can start all over again for this weekend's edition.

Viva Sonata

08/03/11, 11:05 PM

I'll take on mastershake's load for now. Gunn3r, I should have everything up but Saturday afternoon, 5PM est.

saturday_snow_squall

08/04/11, 07:41 AM

I'll take on mastershake's load for now. Gunn3r, I should have everything up but Saturday afternoon, 5PM est.
ill occasionally pop in here and post stuff!

Gunn3r

08/04/11, 08:57 AM

I'll take on mastershake's load for now. Gunn3r, I should have everything up but Saturday afternoon, 5PM est.

Okay. I'll post everything up either Friday night, or Saturday afternoon (i.e. 6PM PST) as I have work in the mornings on the weekend.

Viva Sonata

08/04/11, 02:52 PM

Thanks guys. It is posted now. Quote me if you need me to make any edits. And then we can start all over again for this weekend's edition.

Check back here on Saturday night, Sunday morning and we should have everything. :]

Linda Ferreira

08/04/11, 03:02 PM

sounds great.

Viva Sonata

08/06/11, 10:14 AM

NEWS

- The world's top Xbox LIVE Gamerscore has just passed 600,000 (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/06/top-gamerscore-r-crosses-600-000/) points.

- The PS Vita, as well as doing your homework and filing your taxes, can also be used as a PS3 controller. (http://www.destructoid.com/playstation-vita-can-be-used-as-a-ps3-controller-207735.phtml) Is there anything this thing can't do?

- You know how awesome Catherine is? So does Mega64. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/mega64-goes-on-a-date-with-catherine/) This is hilarious, as is everything Mega64 does.

- MineCon 2011 details were released. (http://www.artificialfiction.com/2011/08/03/minecon-2011/) Don't forget to pack a pickaxe.

- Brink: Agents of Change is free (http://www.artificialfiction.com/2011/08/04/brink-dlc-released-free-for-2-weeks/) for two weeks. Yeah. Free. Download it.

- Artificial Fiction is giving away (http://www.artificialfiction.com/2011/08/04/contest-summer-bundle-blast/) 2 Humble Indie Bundle Steam keys. Again. Free. Who doesn't like free?

NINTENDO

- In 'Sorry for Accidentally Rhyming' news, Modern Warfare 3 will be released on the Wii. (http://www.destructoid.com/modern-warfare-3-officially-coming-to-the-wii-207903.phtml)

- Satoru Iwata, in a strange turn fo events, has publicly apologized (http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-ceo-apologizes-to-fans-over-3ds-price-cut-207760.phtml) for the 3DS' price cut.

- One of my favorite levels of all time, City Escape (http://www.destructoid.com/sonic-generations-city-escape-screens-208039.phtml), has been announced for Sonic Generations. A bittersweet feeling, really. Also, in ground breaking new developments from Sonic Team, old Sonic fans are 'hard to please.' (http://www.destructoid.com/sonic-team-old-school-sonic-fans-hard-to-please-208034.phtml)

MICROSOFT

- Dragon Age 2's new DLC, Legacy, is more or less the company showing that it 'listens to feedback and complaints.'[/url

- A patch for Mortal Kombat's online play will be released (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/biowares-laidlaw-da2-legacy-dlc-is-a-response-to-fan-complai/) August 9th.

- Check out this boss looking new game from Bethesda, the first person action game Dishonored. (http://www.destructoid.com/preview-dishonored-208102.phtml)

[U]SONY

- Band Hero developer Activision is being sued (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/maroon-5-singer-sues-activision-over-use-of-likeness-in-band-her/) by Adam Levine for using his likeness for their game without his permission. Attention rockstars: READ THE FINE PRINT.

- Twisted Metal, originally with an October 4th release date, has been pushed back (http://www.destructoid.com/damn-twisted-metal-delayed-to-early-2012-208045.phtml) to 'next year.'

- Check out (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/skyrim-collectors-edition-comes-with-unlimited-dragons-plus-on/) the Skyrim pre order bundle. It's pretty swee-HOLY SH*T IT'S A F*CKING DRAGON.

- BloodRayne: Betrayal, which looks fucking awesome, has been delayed on PSN until October 3rd. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/bloodrayne-xbla-delayed-until-oct-5-sf3-still-on-time/)

- New Batman outfits as DLC for Arkham City. (http://www.destructoid.com/yep-those-batman-arkham-city-outfits-will-be-dlc-208053.phtml) Check out the Batman Beyond threads.

- Did you get Catherine yet? Because it sold 200,000 copies in its first week. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/cake-catherine-sold-200-000-units-in-first-week/)

RELEASES
(Kind of a slow week...):

Fruit Ninja Kinect - (XBLA)
Spy Kids: All the Time in the World - (DS)
The Mysterious Case of Dr. Jekell and Mr. Hyde - (DS)
Puzzler World 2 - (DS)

Sources: PCGamer, Joystiq, Artificial Fiction, GameSpot, Destructoid, IGN, Kotaku

Contributors: Viva Sonata (http://www.absolutepunk.net/member.php?u=568592) and Gunn3r (http://www.absolutepunk.net/member.php?u=1246462)

Viva Sonata

08/06/11, 05:52 PM

Gunn3r, if you have one or two more news pieces, that'd be great!

Gunn3r

08/07/11, 06:04 AM

I'm at work right now, but I'll add more when I get home.

MineCon 2011 details were released. (http://www.artificialfiction.com/2011/08/03/minecon-2011/) Don't forget to pack a pickaxe.

Brink: Agents of Change is free (http://www.artificialfiction.com/2011/08/04/brink-dlc-released-free-for-2-weeks/) for two weeks. Yeah. Free. Download it.

Artificial Fiction is giving away (http://www.artificialfiction.com/2011/08/04/contest-summer-bundle-blast/) 2 Humble Indie Bundle Steam keys. Again. Free. Who doesn't like free?

Releases (Kind of a slow week...):
Fruit Ninja Kinect - (XBLA)
Spy Kids: All the Time in the World - (DS)
The Mysterious Case of Dr. Jekell and Mr. Hyde - (DS)
Puzzler World 2 - (DS)

Sources: PCGamer, Joystiq, Artificial Fiction, GameSpot

Linda Ferreira

08/07/11, 10:14 AM

Gunn3r, if you have one or two more news pieces, that'd be great!

I'm at work right now, but I'll add more when I get home.

I added Gunn3r's to Viva's. Quote me when you are done adding to your posts.

Viva Sonata

08/07/11, 03:42 PM

I added Gunn3r's to Viva's. Quote me when you are done adding to your posts.

I'm all set. Waiting on Gunn3r.

Gunn3r

08/07/11, 04:48 PM

I added Gunn3r's to Viva's. Quote me when you are done adding to your posts.

Go ahead and post it. I'll add the news to next weeks (as the story is still developing).

Linda Ferreira

08/07/11, 05:24 PM

I'm all set. Waiting on Gunn3r.

Go ahead and post it. I'll add the news to next weeks (as the story is still developing).
posted....let me know if I need to edit anything

I was going to try to bold things for you as lemontie suggested but could not figure out what to bold.

Viva Sonata

08/12/11, 07:36 PM

I'll be done with my section tomorrow night.

Gunn3r

08/13/11, 12:48 PM

It's not much, because I've been overloaded with work, and I don't have tomorrow to work on this, as I'll be at Warped, but here it goes:

EA won't release Battlefield 3 (http://www.artificialfiction.com/2011/08/11/ea-battlefield-3-wont-be-released-on-steam/) on Steam, and has pulled several major franchises from Steam.

Xbox users, clear some room on your hard drives or rage quit, because the install for RAGE (http://www.artificialfiction.com/2011/08/09/rage-install-over-22gb/)is over 22GB.

New details about Borderlands 2 (http://www.artificialfiction.com/2011/08/09/major-changes-in-store-for-borderlands-2/) was released. They're adding new guns. Since there weren't enough in the first game...

Valve announces new Counter Strike game. (http://store.steampowered.com/app/1800/?snr=1_550_552&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter) Counter terrorists win.

Releases:
Kyotokei (WiiWare)
Zombies Ruined My Day (XBLA)
Goals (XBL Indie)
Andromium (XBL Indie)

If I have time/if I can find some more news, I'll update this and make a new post to draw attention to the updates. However, if I don't post anything by tomorrow, just assume that it's complete and go ahead and post that.

Viva Sonata

08/14/11, 10:05 AM

NEWS
- EA won't release Battlefield 3 (http://www.artificialfiction.com/2011/08/11/ea-battlefield-3-wont-be-released-on-steam/) on Steam, and has pulled several major franchises from Steam.

- Xbox users, clear some room on your hard drives or rage quit, because the install for RAGE (http://www.artificialfiction.com/2011/08/09/rage-install-over-22gb/)is over 22GB.

- New details about Borderlands 2 (http://www.artificialfiction.com/2011/08/09/major-changes-in-store-for-borderlands-2/) was released. They're adding new guns. Since there weren't enough in the first game...

- Valve announces new Counter Strike game. (http://store.steampowered.com/app/1800/?snr=1_550_552&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter) Counter terrorists win.

SONY

- The Playstation Network is getting first dibs on the for Assassin's Creed: Revelations.

- Call of Duty: Black Ops' new map pack includes putting players (http://kotaku.com/5829561/playstation-3-gets-exclusive-september-assassins-creed-revelations-multiplayer-beta/gallery/1)on the moon. (http://www.destructoid.com/to-the-moon-in-call-of-duty-black-ops-rezurrection-208563.phtml)

- A final gasp for the PSP before the Vita hits shelves - new release bundles. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/madden-nfl-12-need-for-speed-shift-psp-bundle-announced/)

MICROSOFT

- Check out the indie games being released over the rest of the summer (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/indie-games-summer-uprising-sheds-light-on-its-release-schedule/) on XBLA.

- Rage will feature content that won't be accessable (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/buy-rage-new-and-get-free-sewer-access/) to anyone buying the game used without paying extra.

- For the three of you that care to know, Sonic 4 Episode 2 (http://www.destructoid.com/sonic-4-episode-2-still-around-update-coming-soon-208737.phtml) indo is 'coming soon.'

- Calling all Minecraft players - be a creeper on the go with these new kicks. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/put-creepers-on-your-sneakers-with-these-custom-minecraft-vans/)

NINTENDO

- Just Dance 2 has apparently hit the five million mark (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/just-dance-2-just-broke-5-million-copies-sold-in-the-us/) for US sales.

- Nintendo of America will be watching 'very closely' over Xenoblades Chronicles' performance in Europe.

- Subsequently, with this new release, you should read up on Operation Rainfall's (http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27436)progress. They're a group dedicated to bringing that and a couple of other games to America for localization.

- One more reason Nintendo's feeling pressure? The iPhone. (http://www.1up.com/news/nintendo-pressured-investors-bring-games-iphone)
[U]
RELEASES

Kyotokei (WiiWare)
Zombies Ruined My Day (XBLA)
Goals (XBL Indie)
Andromium (XBL Indie)

Sources: kotaku, destructoid, nintendoworldreport, 1up

Contributors: Viva Sonata (http://www.absolutepunk.net/member.php?u=568592) and Gunn3r (http://www.absolutepunk.net/member.php?u=1246462)

Viva Sonata

08/14/11, 10:47 AM

Maybe we should be bringing in a third person to round off some subjects that we miss...

Linda Ferreira

08/14/11, 07:32 PM

Maybe we should be bringing in a third person to round off some subjects that we miss...
posting now

Viva Sonata

08/19/11, 07:46 PM

posting now

Will begin to post news tomorrow, having it finished by Sunday.

Linda Ferreira

08/20/11, 05:36 PM

Will begin to post news tomorrow, having it finished by Sunday.
Great. Quote me when it is ready.

Viva Sonata

08/21/11, 09:11 AM

Hey, guys. Seeing as most of the news on the three major publishers is kinda running dry recently, I decided to dedicate this week's news to Europe's largest gaming exhibition, GamesCom, that occurred this week, and I'll run it down as best as I can!

PC

- MMO juggernaut developer NCSoft (Aion, City of Heroes) unveiled a brand new project, the sci-fi-fantasy-western-ish WildStar (http://www.cinemablend.com/games/GamesCom-2011-WildStar-Gameplay-Footage-Kills-Yetis-34418.html). Check out the first few minutes of gameplay. Looks badass.

- Also announced was the 1.5 patch for RIFT. (http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/20/gamescom-2011-more-details-on-rifts-patch-1-5/) The twelve people that play that game can check out what's to come.

- Portal 2 will get free DLC in mid-September. (http://www.techspot.com/news/45161-valve-free-dlc-for-portal-2-coming-in-mid-september.html) Maybe. Probably. This is Valve we're talking about.

- Two Worlds II is getting a rather large expansion expansion (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6330340/gamescom-two-worlds-2-pirates-of-the-flying-fortress-impressions).

- Samsung used this week to unveil a new gaming PC. (http://pc.gamespy.com/articles/118/1189221p1.html)

- More details for Battlefield 3, (http://gamescom.gamespot.com/story/6329549/gamescom-2011-battlefield-3-co-op-and-conquest-preview) Modern Warfare 3 (http://pc.ign.com/articles/118/1188343p1.html), and Skyrim. (http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/08/17/skyrim-wont-use-games-for-windows-live-on-pc/)

- There was a DOTA 2 tournament (http://dota2.com/tournaments/international/?l=english). Check that out, there are replays.

PLAYSATION 3/PS VITA

- Dark Souls, (http://www.sohood.com/crib/2011/08/21/dark-souls-gamescom-2011-trailer/)the follow up to 2009's Demon Souls, will be 'much harder' than the first and will have no DLC.

-More Resistance 3 (http://gamescom.gamespot.com/story/6329917/gamescom-2011-three-random-facts-about-resistance-3) details.

- Overkill Studios has announced Payday: The Heist (http://www.sohood.com/crib/2011/08/20/payday-the-heist-gamescom-2011-trailer/) as a PS3 exclusive.

- Electronic Arts and Activision got into some draaaamaaaaa. (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/112486-EA-Slings-More-Mud-at-Activision)

- I know it's not a Gamescom article, but check out this puzzle launch game for the Vita, Escape Route. (http://mygaming.co.za/news/news/13532-first-look-Vitas-Escape-Plan.html)

- Ninja Gaiden 3 will be Playstation MOVE compatible. (http://www.justpushstart.com/2011/08/16/gamescom-2011-ninja-gaiden-3-is-a-playstation-move-compatible/)

- Sony has announced a new model of the PSP. (http://itsthelingo.com/2011/08/16/gamescom-sony-announces-a-new-psp/) Yay?

- The PS Vita version of Resistance will, according to Nihilistic Studios, no loading screens. (http://itsthelingo.com/2011/08/17/resistance-for-ps-vita-has-no-loading-screens/)

- Gaming developer auteur Suda51's new project is called Lollipop Chainsaw.Um.... right. (http://gamescom.gamespot.com/story/6329631/gamescom-2011-lollipop-chainsaw-first-look-preview-dismemberment-101)

XBOX 360

- Xbox's Dashboard interface is getting another face-lift. (http://www.gamerlive.tv/article/gamescom-2011-microsofts-new-dashboard-gets-twist)

- More gameplay footage for the new Assassin's Creed. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmYaouXj7i0)

- More screens for the much-hyped Dishonored (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/112483-Gamescom-Spawns-Knife-Happy-Dishonored-Screens) are up.

- Check out this pile of small articles for new details on Mass Effect 3, (http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/118/1189375p1.html) Borderlands 2, Forza 4, and more.

NINTENDO WII/3DS

- The Wii console is getting a slimmer, not sure if want (http://itsthelingo.com/2011/08/17/gamescom-nintendo-announces-wii-redesign/) look, and will be available this holiday season.

- The only news I could find from Gamescom for Nintendo is that the 3DS' new Super Mario 3D Land, out November 13th, will include Sonic. (http://www.gamerlive.tv/article/gamescom-2011-sonic-invades-super-mario-3d-land) Son, I am disappoint.

source: destructoid, joystiq, cinemablend, gamespot, gamespy, Dota 2, sohood, The Escapist, gamerlive, itsthelingo, mygaming

Viva Sonata

08/21/11, 07:47 PM

Great. Quote me when it is ready.

I'm all set for my section. Gunn3r must be AWOL or something. Want me to throw something together before this goes live?

Linda Ferreira

08/22/11, 12:13 AM

I'm all set for my section. Gunn3r must be AWOL or something. Want me to throw something together before this goes live?
I was going to post it now. But I can wait if you want to do more.

Linda Ferreira

08/22/11, 09:37 AM

I'm all set for my section. Gunn3r must be AWOL or something. Want me to throw something together before this goes live?

Go ahead and post it. I'll add the news to next weeks (as the story is still developing).

I will post this on Monday after 5:00 p.m. left coast time, so submit whatever you want included before that time.

Viva Sonata

08/27/11, 03:04 PM

Might be delayed by the hurricane. Monday morning at the latest.

Linda Ferreira

08/28/11, 05:59 PM

Might be delayed by the hurricane. Monday morning at the latest.
Not a problem for me. Quote me whenever you are ready.

Linda Ferreira

08/28/11, 06:00 PM

Go ahead and post it. I'll add the news to next weeks (as the story is still developing).
Do you have anything to supply this week?

Viva Sonata

08/29/11, 11:40 AM

Do you have anything to supply this week?

Hey, guys, sorry for the wait - this bitch Irene totally took out my internet yesterday, maybe you've heard of her. Anyway, another major conference, PAX Prime, was this week, and there was much to be had in the console gaming world as well as outside! I'll be going by developer this week, just to try and make sure I don't misplace anything!

SANZARU GAMES

- Oh my god, the new footage for Sly Cooper 4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSlf89nrr20) makes me so relieved. Now officially hyped for this game.

SQUARE ENIX

- Final Fantasy XIII-2 has a new trailer for you to see! (http://www.cinemablend.com/games/Final-Fantasy-XIII-2-PAX-Prime-Trailer-Searches-Lightning-34625.html) Sounds a lot like Final Fantasy X-2. And we all know how that went.

- Final Fantasy Type-0, in other news, has been delayed (http://playstationlifestyle.net/2011/08/28/final-fantasy-type-0-delayed-as-expected/) to October 27th for release.

- Despite the new Deus Ex's wonderful and acclaimed performance both critically and commercially, GameStop has had to pull all PC copies of the game, and has since apologized (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501465_162-20098698-501465.html) over the affair.

- Check out a new 3DS RPG from Squeenix in the vein of Diablo, Heroes of Ruin (http://gotgame.com/2011/08/26/pax-prime-11-heroes-of-ruin/).

GEARBOX STUDIOS

- Borderlands 2 made a huge splash at PAX. Perhaps the coolest news all weekend, the group of attendees at Gearbox's panel were forced to swear an oath of loyalty (http://www.psu.com/Gearbox-makes-fans-swear-oath-of-loyalty-for-Borderlands-2--a012688-p0.php) to the studio and 2K Games in exchange for a code for a physical copy of Borderlands 2 when it went gold.

- Lotta new Borderlands 2 details. All four (http://www.gamepur.com/news/5097-all-four-borderlands-characters-will-return-borderlands-2.html) original characters are back, a new gun system (http://games.on.net/article/13583/Borderlands_Update_Adds_Steamworks_ to_Tell_Which_Guns_Suck) called Steamworks, and the world will be a third (http://www.gamingunion.net/news/borderlands-2-a-third-larger-than-predecessor--6229.html) larger than the first game's environment.

- More GoW3 goodies? Sure! (http://www.gamerlive.tv/article/pax-prime-2011-gears-war-3-vault)

- A new games based on the Aliens franchise, Infestation (http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/715836/aliens-infestation-arrives-in-the-us-on-october-11/), slipped under the PAX radar this weekend, but will be released September 30th in Europe andOctober 11th in America for the DS.

NINTENDO

- LOZ: Skyward Sword's pre-order package, for only 69.99, is pretty dope. (http://www.gamerlive.tv/article/pax-prime-2011-legend-zelda-skyward-sword-collectors-edition) For those who were wondering, I DID miss that last week, Nintendo announced the release date for Skyward Sword - November 18 in Europe, and 20th in the States.

BIOWARE

- BioWare sub-team Mythic announced a new Warhammer game, Wrath of Heroes (http://news.mmosite.com/content/2011-08-28/bioware_showcased_warhammer_online_ woh_at_pax_prime.shtml), for the PC. It will be free-to-play, under 1Gig to download, and looks kinda cool to me.

- Star Wars: TOR has a private beta beginning September 2nd (http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/bioware-mmo-project/1191281p1.html), and will run on weekends after that. No release date has been announced.

MICROSOFT

- A new beginning is on the horizon for the Halo franchise. The Reclaimer trilogy, (http://nexus404.com/Blog/2011/08/28/pax-prime-2011-halo-4-to-start-the-reclaimer-trilogy-343-industries-has-confirmed-the-name-of-the-next-trilogy-covenant-flood-probably-coming-back-along-with-warthogs/) confirmed by 343 Industries, will begin with Halo 4 and be released sometime next holiday.

- In the meantime, Halo: CE Anniversary is being released November 15th, and the pre-order bonus (http://nexus404.com/Blog/2011/07/18/halo-combat-evolved-anniversary-pre-order-bonuses-revealed-pre-order-halo-combat-evolved-anniversary-get-a-suit-of-armor-for-your-xbox-live-avatar-a-new-skull-to-use-in-game/) has just been revealed.

MOJANG

- Ladies and Gentlemen, Scrolls, (http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2011/08/trailer-for-scrolls-from-minecraft-developers-released-at-pax-prime.ars) the new game from the team behind Minecraft. The game, according to its trailer is 'coming eventually.'

sources: cinemablend, playstationlifestyle, CBSnews, gotgame, PSU, gamepur, gamingunion,games.on.net, mmonews, gamespy/joystiq, TFTS, gamerlive, G4TV

There you have it! If I missed anything, feel free to let me know or leave a reply with a link to an article about it and I'll add it to the original post. That's for your patience <3<3

trindaddy

08/29/11, 08:49 PM

Probably add the news from Halofest about the title update? It's going to change the game back closer to Halo CE but with armor abilities.

Linda Ferreira

08/30/11, 08:33 AM

Hey, guys, sorry for the wait - this bitch Irene totally took out my internet yesterday, maybe you've heard of her. Anyway, another major conference, PAX Prime, was this week, and there was much to be had in the console gaming world as well as outside!
There you have it! If I missed anything, feel free to let me know or leave a reply with a link to an article about it and I'll add it to the original post. That's for your patience <3<3

Sorry about the delay. It is posted now. Did you see the comment from trindaddy in this thread? Let me know how you want me to edit your roundup.

Viva Sonata

08/30/11, 08:41 AM

Probably add the news from Halofest about the title update? It's going to change the game back closer to Halo CE but with armor abilities.

Leave me a link with the news and I'll add it to the post!

trindaddy

08/30/11, 11:12 AM

Leave me a link with the news and I'll add it to the post!

http://halo.xbox.com/forums/games/f/7/p/22731/176499.aspx#176499 (B.s. Angel is the person who does the weekly updates and was on the panel of Hlaofest and such)

or

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/119/1190886p1.html

Linda Ferreira

09/02/11, 08:37 AM

Leave me a link with the news and I'll add it to the post!
trindaddy left a link so you can add his news to this week's submission

Deborah is going to help post your roundup this weekend. She knows to look in this thread, but you might also email her to let her know when it is ready. Her email is: deborah.remus@absolutepunk.net

Viva Sonata

09/03/11, 04:46 AM

trindaddy left a link so you can add his news to this week's submission

Deborah is going to help post your roundup this weekend. She knows to look in this thread, but you might also email her to let her know when it is ready. Her email is: deborah.remus@absolutepunk.net

Hey~ My internet is very limited right now, so I probably won't have this done until about Sunday night. Spent the whole week moving into a new place and we're still not done!

Viva Sonata

09/04/11, 12:25 PM

I thoroughly apologize for the wait on this - I moved into a new apartment and am currently sharing an ethernet cable. The next edition WILL be on time, as we're buying a router at the end of the week. Wanna help? Send Linda Ferreira a PM and she'll give you the rundown on how you can help make my life MUCH easier. K LOVE YOU BYE <3

Welcome back to another busy busy week in the gaming industry. First there was GamesCom, then PAX Prime, and now Call of Duty XP is overflowing the world with more news on the franchise than ever before. There's more to come down below, but for now, let's take a look at some of the highlights of this week.

CALL OF DUTY XP

- Modern Warfare 3 had a huge presence at the expo, naturally, with a first look at the online multiplayer (http://www.destructoid.com/quick-hands-on-with-modern-warfare-3-s-multiplayer-210469.phtml), new perks and weapons (http://www.destructoid.com/all-the-weapons-perks-and-more-in-modern-warfare-3-210466.phtml) to go with it and a new, revamped Killstreak system. (http://www.destructoid.com/modern-warfare-3-introduces-a-whole-new-killstreak-system-210442.phtml) New game modes (http://www.destructoid.com/new-mode-and-custom-game-types-come-to-modern-warfare-3-210440.phtml) also were highlighted. I like the idea of 'Kill Confirmed' mode.

- MW3's 'Hardened Edition' leaked recently, and preorder bonuses to go with it will round about the total price to $99.99 (http://www.destructoid.com/leaked-modern-warfare-3-hardened-edition-details-210319.phtml).

- Call of Duty: Elite, a new service, (http://www.destructoid.com/elite-brings-facebook-clan-support-to-modern-warfare-3-210434.phtml) will help bring a more social connection with Facebook compatibility and clan support. 'Premium' users of CoDE will get new weapons, content, and DLC before everyone else, but will cost $49.99 to have.

- Activision showed a side of generosity, and revealed that they funded a sequel to the fan-made, zero-profit film Find Marakov to be filmed (http://www.destructoid.com/activision-funds-sequel-to-call-of-duty-fan-film-210464.phtml) and premiered it tat the conference.

MISC.

- Deus Ex: Human Revolution will receive its first DLC, 'The Missing Link', inOctober. (http://www.bit-tech.net/news/gaming/2011/09/05/deus-ex-human-revolution-dlc-revealed/1)

- Speaking of Deus Ex, RACIST MUCH? (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/square-enix-responds-to-deus-ex-racial-controversy/) A journalist from Time Magazine thinks so.

- Epic Mickey 2 may already be in development. (http://www.destructoid.com/looks-like-epic-mickey-2-may-be-in-development-210015.phtml) Was that game even good?

- Atlus released a ton of new information pertaining to the Persona (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/08/31/persona_developments/) series. P4 rerelease, P4 Fighter AND P5? YES PLEASE.

- Duke Nukem might be getting a new game (http://kotaku.com/5835392/it-sounds-like-the-next-duke-nukem-game-will-be-better-and-will-be-revealed-soon) sooner than we think.

- A ban in Germany that was enacted in 1993 to prevent older teenagers from buying the game Doom has been lifted. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-14748027)

- Square Enix is confirmed to release the new title in its Dragon Quest series, Dragon Quest X, for the Wii and Wii U. (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/09/05/dqx_wii_and_wiiu/)

- Ever wonder why Minecraft isn't on Steam? The Word of Notch (http://notch.tumblr.com/post/9550850116/why-no-steam-notch) has spoken.

- Xbox LIVE Rewards will now be available in Australia and New Zealand. (http://www.vg247.com/2011/09/02/xbox-live-rewards-now-caters-to-au-nz/)

Sources: destructoid (much love for aking CODXP to handle!), joystiq, bit-tech, reddit, kotaku, BBC Tech VG 24/7

Linda Ferreira

09/05/11, 10:53 PM

NOT DONE.

quote me when you are done

Viva Sonata

09/06/11, 04:21 AM

quote me when you are done

All set and ready!

Linda Ferreira

09/06/11, 09:02 AM

All set and ready!Posted. Let me know if you want me to change anything. Did you include the link a couple of posts ago from the user last week?

Viva Sonata

09/06/11, 09:56 AM

I ended up just adding them to the original thread from last week.

Linda Ferreira

09/10/11, 10:18 PM

I ended up just adding them to the original thread from last week.
quote me when you are ready with this week's submission

Viva Sonata

09/11/11, 09:07 AM

We're back on track this week, and there's not a lot of major news to cover. I'm sorry about the lack of content, but I'm still looking for help, so if you wanna gimme a hand with the round-up, send Linda Ferreira a PM and we can work it out. <3 On with the news!

TOP STORIES

- A tragedy for the gaming world - the original forerunner of video game journalism, Bill Kunkel, died (http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2011/09/bill-kunkel-dies/) earlier today at 61.

- Mojang, the developer of the hit indie darling Minecraft, has leakedversion 1.8 of (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/minecraft-1-8-update-leaked-by-mojang/) the game.

- League of Legends is thinning the herd of players, as its Mac support (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/league-of-legends-will-shut-down-its-mac-client-tuesday-so-play/) will be ended in two days.

- Blizzard has announced that it is "very close" (http://www.vg247.com/2011/09/07/blizzard-very-close-to-starting-diablo-iii-public-beta/) to an open beta for its most recent project, the highly anticipated Diablo III.

- Max Payne 3 has finally been lifted from development hell, and will be released (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-09-08-max-payne-3-out-march-2012) in March 2012 for the PS3 and 360.

- Microsoft has been cracking down on Xbox Live, banning users (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/318019/ms-issuing-xbox-live-bans-for-marketplace-theft/) for alleged theft from the Marketplace.

- That price cut for the 3DS? It's done wonders for their sales. (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20103844-17/price-cut-helps-3ds-sales-soar-260-percent/)

- Team Ninja will have something up their sleeve For the upcoming (http://www.reddit.com/s/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/09/09/team_ninja_tgs/) Tokyo Game Show in Japan.

- The 3DS might get a second analong stick. (http://dvice.com/archives/2011/09/nintendo-3ds-ge-1.php) Improvement?

Sources: computerandvideogames, joystiq, vg247, wired gaming, eurogamer, CNet, DVICE

Viva Sonata

09/11/11, 02:56 PM

quote me when you are ready with this week's submission

All set.

Linda Ferreira

09/11/11, 03:01 PM

All set.

posting now

Linda Ferreira

09/12/11, 06:36 AM

Probably add the news from Halofest about the title update? It's going to change the game back closer to Halo CE but with armor abilities.

I saw that you mentioned that you kept up with Xbox and Nintendo news. If you want to work on those two sections it would help a lot. Post what you find during the week in this thread and we can add it in when the post goes live on Sunday. Make one post and edit it during the week as you find information that you want to include in the roundup. You can do all of the bolding and linking in your post and we can then just copy and paste it when the roundup is created.

Linda Ferreira

09/18/11, 09:23 AM

All set.
Quote me when you are ready for this week. I have not heard from anybody else willing to help you.

Viva Sonata

09/19/11, 08:46 AM

More big announcements AND Tokyo Game Show? Goddamned kids and their big fancy screens and their tiny phones. Anyway, trying something new this week that will hopefully spark discussion.

TOPIC OF THE WEEK: PS VITA VS. 3DS

- Sony's new handheld console, Vita, is arriving soon, and anticipation built with huge announcements at the Tokyo Game Show this week. With a whole bunch of big-named developers like Square Enix, Naughty Dog, and Koei onboard to release titles, it seems that the Vita proves to have a strong launch (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-09-19-vita-launch-line-up-preview) and holiday season. But that might come with a snag or two.

The recent release of the 3DS, along with the huge uproar and price cut, has led to the conclusion that people don't want to drop bank (http://recombu.com/news/playstation-vita-will-be-a-car-wreck-says-game-developer_M14909.html) on handheld consoles anymore, especially in a world full of iPhones and Androids. And even when they do get it, how much will games cost along side it? That's $299 for the console, and $40 more for a game, keep in mind. Don't forget memory cards! (http://www.destructoid.com/ps-vita-memory-cards-might-kill-your-wallet-211733.phtml)Shit's wicked steep.

- Nintendo had a huge press conference of its own pertaining to its new handheld. 3DS owners now have access to the 3DS eShop (http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2011/09/site_news_nintendo_lifes_eshop_appe arance), with over 1,200 titles expected by the end of this week. Also, franchises such as Fire Emblem, Kid Icarus are getting new titles, along with an add-on that gives the game a second analog stick. Check out a full rundown here. (http://www.1up.com/news/tgs-nintendo-press-conference-roundup-3ds-games-galore)

With the best yet to come for the 3DS, and the Vita coming soon, who won this time - Sony or Nintendo? Will you pick up a Vita? Will its flash and lineup be enough for you to buy it? Let the debate begin!

NEWS

- Check out a run down of this year's Tokyo Game show here. (http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/37301/Analysis_Tokyo_Game_Shows_Over__Wha t_Of_It.php)

- Sony's Japanese release of the Playstation Vita will be on December 17th, (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/318816/playstation-vita-release-date-december-17/) with 26 launch titles to go with it.

- Make a successful video game? Get a tax break. (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/11/technology/rich-tax-breaks-bolster-video-game-makers.html)

- Max Payne 3's first trailer is up. Take a look (http://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/18841/watch-the-first-trailer-for-max-payne-3.html) and, if you're me, get excited. The game's expected to drop March 2012.

- Dragon Age II's new DLC will star...Felicia Day. (http://kotaku.com/5840944/dragon-age-iis-new-dlc-stars-felicia-day-in-the-actual-game) Umm.... alright! Cool? I guess?

- Nintendo continues to talk big about Skyward Sword, saying that its gameplay will make it last up to 100 hours. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-will-be-between-50-and-100-hours/)

- PC gamers should check this out - a Game Boy-inspired (http://www.reddit.com/tb/kffoi) Super Smash Bros. 'demake,' free for download.

sources: eurogamer, recombu, gamasutra, NYTimes, 1UP, nintendolife, rockstargames, joystiq, kotaku, reddit, computerandvideogames

Viva Sonata

09/19/11, 08:48 AM

Quote me when you are ready for this week. I have not heard from anybody else willing to help you.

All set. Sorry for the wait!

Linda Ferreira

09/19/11, 09:13 AM

All set. Sorry for the wait!
posted
thanks
let me know if I need to make and edits

crowdediceb0x

09/19/11, 01:21 PM

Hey All-

I'd love to get in on this if you guys need some more help.

PM me or (preferably) send me an email at crowdedicebox@gmail.com

Thanks guys!

Joe

Viva Sonata

09/19/11, 01:35 PM

Hey All-

I'd love to get in on this if you guys need some more help.

PM me or (preferably) send me an email at crowdedicebox@gmail.com

Thanks guys!

Joe

Bless you, child. BLESS YOU.

Linda Ferreira

09/25/11, 08:28 AM

Hey All-

I'd love to get in on this if you guys need some more help.

PM me or (preferably) send me an email at crowdedicebox@gmail.com

Thanks guys!

Joe

Bless you, child. BLESS YOU.

quote me when you are ready

Viva Sonata

09/25/11, 12:14 PM

And we're back with another week of the roundup! Let's get to it <3

TOPIC OF THE WEEK

The New American Patenting System and How it Affects Video Games (http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6492/america_invents_what_the_new_.php)

In a new move to promore entrepreneurism and promote job increase, President Barack Obama signed the 'America Invents Act' last week that, in eighteen months, would adjust the patenting system in America to a 'first-to-file' process - the first to file the patent, gets the rights to it. For video game developers, that means no more court battles over who had the rights to what ideas.

But according to the article:
"The new law is decidedly a mixed bag for the video game industry," he said. "The promised sweeping reform never happened. The trolls remain alive and well in rural Marshall, Texas. It is not a simple matter to break down the pros and cons of the law. In part, this is due to the fact that the video game industry is made up of both large and small tech companies and what is good for one is not necessarily good for the other. Most prominently, the U.S. adoption of the first-to-file standard benefits large companies over small inventors who tend to shop tech around before filing an application.

... Steve S. Chang, an attorney who specializes in the games industry at law firm Banner & Witcoff, concurred that "a first-to-file system can create somewhat of a 'race' to the PTO [Patent Trade Office] among inventors, and this kind of system will be easier to handle for larger game companies that have the budget to file quickly. Smaller developers might lack the resources to immediately file applications for the various concepts they invent, so they could lose out on this race in some situations."
How will the new patenting system affect smaller, independent companies?

NEWS STORIES
- In possibly one of the coolest stories all year, an AIDS enzyme that has been untouched for a decade was cracked by a group of online gamers. (http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/games/online-gamers-crack-aids-enzyme-puzzle-20110919-1kgq2.html)

- The Binding of Isaac, from the man whose big success has been Super Meat Boy, will be released (http://edmundmcmillen.blogspot.com/2011/09/binding-of-isaac-release-date.html) on the 28th.

-Did you get Dark Souls early and start playing already? Tsk, tsk, (http://www.next-gen.biz/news/software-thwarts-early-dark-souls-players) says developer From Software. Your character's getting murdered.

- Final Fantasy XIII-2 is getting DLC. (http://www.siliconera.com/2011/09/19/final-fantasy-xiii-2-will-have-downloadable-content-lots-of-it/) Mucho DLC.

- PS3 players who missed out on the first Assassin's Creed can now play catch-up and receive a copy when they buy Assassin's Creed: Revelations (http://gamerant.com/assassins-creed-revelations-ps3-free-vivas-105451/).

- Anyone who receives DVDs from Netflix can add video games to the repetoire, but instead (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/netflixs-dvd-devision-renamed-qwikster-adds-games-by-mail/) can expect this from 'Qwikster.'

- The PC version of Batman: Arkham City has been delayed. (http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/09/20/bata-clang-batman-arkham-city-pc-version-delayed-until-november/)

-Code for HL2: Episode Three? (http://lambdageneration.com/posts/dota-2-client-leaked-including-actual-hl2-episode-three-code/) It couldn't be...

MMO NEWS
Lotta big stories this week in the MMO world, so it gets its own section.

- Diablo III's beta has been extended. That's the good news. The bad news? (http://geek.pikimal.com/2011/09/23/diablo-iii-delayed-until-2012-beta-extended/) the game itself got pushed back to 2012.

- Valve responded to upset fans about the leak of Dota 2 with assurance (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/dota-2-launch-moved-up-to-satisfy-seething-fans/) that the game would be released ASAP.

- Battlefield 3, the controversial 'CoD Killer,' is getting its open beta September 29th. (http://www.gameranx.com/updates/id/2986/article/battlefield-3-open-beta-starts-september-29/)

- World of Warcraft is getting patch 4.3 (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/blizzard-talks-about-patch-4-3-and-the-future-of-world-of-warcra/), which would end the Cataclysm story.

- Minecraft 1.9 was leaked (http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/223287/minecraft-1-9-prerelease-build-now-available/) by Mojang.

- Star Wars: The Old Republic will be released (http://www.vg247.com/2011/09/24/star-wars-the-old-republic-dated-for-december-in-us-and-eu/) December 20th in America, and the 21st in Europe.

- A beta for a new League of Legends game type, "Dominion (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/113218-League-of-Legends-Dominion-Opens-Limited-Beta)", has opened.

Sources: sydney morning herald, pikigeek, siliconera, gamerrant, PC Gaming, gameranx, gamasutra, joystiq, gamepro,edmundmcmillan's blogspot, VG24/7, escapistmagazine, edge, lambdageneration

Viva Sonata

09/26/11, 05:30 AM

quote me when you are ready

Go for it

Linda Ferreira

09/26/11, 07:53 AM

Go for it
Thanks. Posted. Let me know if I need to change anything.

Viva Sonata

09/26/11, 11:38 AM

Thanks. Posted. Let me know if I need to change anything.

Few quick adjustments.

How do you think the new patenting system will affect smaller, independent companies?

- Star Wars: The Old Republic will be released December 20th in America, and the 22nd in Europe.

Sorry about that D:

Linda Ferreira

10/01/11, 02:10 PM

Few quick adjustments.

quote me when you are ready for this week

Viva Sonata

10/02/11, 06:17 AM

Hey, everyone! Another week, another roundup of all the video games a hipster could ask for.

THIS WEEK IN GAMING

- Mojang, the developer of Minecraft led by Notch, is going to court (http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/37478/Mojang_Really_Silly_Bethesda_Scroll s_Case_Heads_To_Court.php) as Bethesda has sued over the Swedish developer's new game, Scrolls, claiming the title is too similar to their critically acclaimed series, Elder Scrolls. smh.

- Dead Space 3 has finally been announced, and the first details have been leaked. (http://www.siliconera.com/2011/09/26/dead-space-3-takes-place-on-a-frozen-planet-first-details-inside/) Warning: Some plot elements are spoiled!

- Remedy, the development team behind Max Payne, has dropped a few help wanted ads that tease at the possibility of a sequel to their hit (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-09-25-remedy-job-ad-hints-at-alan-wake-2) Alan Wake.

- Free. Portal 2 DLC. FREE. This week. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/free-portal-2-peer-review-dlc-drops-on-october-4/) GET IT.

- Skyrim news ahoy! This week, the voice cast (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-09-27-tesv-skyrim-voice-cast-revealed) that somehow, by some weird stroke of luck, includes more than five people, as well as perks and racial abilities (http://geek.pikimal.com/2011/09/26/skyrim-perks-and-racial-abilities-revealed/) for your viewing pleasure.

- So, that trailer for Dead Island was apparently so good, the movie studio Lionsgate (http://kotaku.com/5844317/lionsgate-is-making-a-movie-based-on-the-dead-island-trailer) is doing a movie based solely on it.

- Crysis has been for XBLA and PSN on October 2nd and will be twenty bucks. (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/crysis/news/6336583/crysis-firing-up-xbla-psn-october-4)

- A videographer who was trying to re enter the country from Canada has been detained (http://kotaku.com/5844439/homeland-security-detains-pro+gaming-commentator-seizes-hardware) by Homeland Security and all his footage of multiple fighting tournaments seized.

- LA Noire: Complete was greenlit by Rockstar, but only for the PC. (http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/223435/l-a-noire-complete-edition-for-pc-confirmed-by-rockstar/) The Complete version, along with refined visuals, will bundle all the DLC packs together.

- League of Legends' new game mode, 'Dominion', has been released. (http://ve3d.ign.com/articles/news/62291/League-of-Legends-Dominion-Now-Available)

Sources: gamasutra, siliconera, eurogamer, joystiq, pikigeek, kotaku, gamespot, andriasang, gamepro, ign

Viva Sonata

10/02/11, 01:51 PM

quote me when you are ready for this week

I'm all good. Post away! <3

Linda Ferreira

10/02/11, 02:15 PM

I'm all good. Post away! <3
posted. Quote me if I need to edit anything.

Linda Ferreira

10/08/11, 12:03 PM

I'm all good. Post away! <3
Quote me when you are ready this week.

Viva Sonata

10/08/11, 02:32 PM

Same AP games round up, same AP channel. :D In honor of the new release of We Are The In Crowd's new album, Best Intentions, I'm starting a new section called 'Rumor Mill,' which deals solely in murmurs of the mayhaps and possibilities in the gaming world.

TOPIC OF THE WEEK

DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT

- Earlier this week, Valve released the first DLC under the co-op section for it's smash game Portal 2, entitled 'Peer Review', for free. (http://arstechnica.com/gaming/reviews/2011/10/portal-2-peer-review-fun-but-missing-the-magic.ars) Those familiar with the franchise can beat the new section of the game in about a few hours, making the content worth its non-existent price.

Downloadable content has always been a slippery slope - most recently, the LA Noire: Complete Edition released for the PC has come under criticism. For 50$, one can buy the PC edition and buy all five DLC cases - totaling about an hour each - whilst PS3 and 360 owners buying the game new this spring only have, depending on where the game was bought, one new DLC pack and have had to buy the other four with a 'Rockstar Pass' for nearly thirty dollars more.

How does the promise of more content sway your interest in purchasing a game? How do you think it should be price?

THIS WEEK IN GAMING

- After five years, one highly successful game, and a bedlam of controversy, Team Bondi (http://www.next-gen.biz/news/team-bondi-close) is shutting down for good.

- A follow up the recent Bethesda/Mojang lawsuit: Bethesda has made a public statement (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/321654/bethesda-breaks-silence-on-scrolls-legal-row/) about both Notch's handling of the suit, and the recent refusal of Mojang's withdrawal of the trademark for the name of their new game, Scrolls. SERIOUSLY, guys?

- Indie smash game VVVVVV is coming to the 3DS (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/vvvvvv-coming-to-3ds-in-late-2011/), courtesy of the company that dd the same for N.

- Sony has announced a a bunch of new goodies for (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/10/05/gran-turismo-5-new-free-updates-dlc-and-price-drop/) Gran Turismo 5, including a price drop and free updates.

- Gears of War 3 has announced its first DLC pack - new characters, weapons, maps, all for 800 MS points (http://www.1up.com/news/gears-of-war-3-first-dlc-horde-command-pack).

- Game Informer's November cover reveals a follow up to the recent game, Transformers: War for Cybertron, which will be covered fully (http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/10/06/november-cover-revealed-transformers-fall-of-cybertron.aspx)once the issue drops October 11th.

- Batman: Arkham City has been met to a few early reviews, with two (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/321579/batman-arkham-city-review-97-in-gm-one-of-the-greatest-games-ever/) calling it 'one of the best games ever made.'

RUMOR MILL

- In addition to being seen in a new trailer for a movie, the XBox 720 looks more and more likely, with a bunch of new games (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/321218/alan-wake-2-being-readied-for-xbox-720-rumour/) being released into the Alan Wake, Fable, and other franchises in 2013.

- There are reports that most games for the upcoming PS Vita, such as the new Uncharted, are too big (http://www.shacknews.com/article/70496/vita-games-too-large-to-be-download-only-4gb-quoted) to fit the standard side data stick of 1.8 GB, and would have to shell out more money just to fit it. Uh oh.

- Ni No Kuni, the PS3 game being developed by Studio Ghibli [Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle] that drops in NA next year,, might have its localized title (http://kotaku.com/5845979/is-this-ni-no-kunis-official-english-title) already.

- In the Assassin's Creed universe, it looks like after Revelations and a final game in 2012 (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-10-03-first-details-on-2012s-assassins-creed), Ubi is releasing a new, yearly game to bring a possibly new character.

Sources: computer and video games, edge, ars technica, joystiq, playstation blog, eurogamer, kotaku

Viva Sonata

10/11/11, 05:48 AM

Quote me when you are ready this week.

There we go. So sorry for the wait!

Linda Ferreira

10/11/11, 08:45 AM

There we go. So sorry for the wait!

Thanks. I just posted it. Quote me if I need to edit anything.

Viva Sonata

10/11/11, 05:17 PM

Thanks. I just posted it. Quote me if I need to edit anything.

"buy the other four with a 'Rockstar Pass' for nearly twentydollars more."

Just that one bit and we're golden, hun. :D

Linda Ferreira

10/11/11, 06:56 PM

"buy the other four with a 'Rockstar Pass' for nearly twentydollars more."

Just that one bit and we're golden, hun. :D
fixed

Linda Ferreira

10/15/11, 09:02 AM

There we go. So sorry for the wait!
quote me whenever you are ready for this weekend

edit on 10/16: I am going to be away from the computer for a bit today, so you can both quote me and email deborah.remus@absolutepunk.net if you get your roundup ready today.

Viva Sonata

10/17/11, 07:32 AM

Welcome to another roundup. Always glad to be of service - sorry for the wait!

TOPIC OF THE WEEK

LOCALIZATION
This week, two major and contradicting news stories were revealed regarding localizing of videos games for other regions. Namco Bandai announced that it would publish the Studio Ghibli and Level-5 designed RPG, Ni No Kuni: THe Wrath of the White Witch, to both Europe and America (http://www.vg247.com/2011/10/15/namco-bandai-to-bring-ni-no-kuni-to-europe-us/) as well as Japan in 2012.

In contrast, Sega also made the announcement that its PSP tactical RPG, Valkyria Chronicles 3, woul not make the trip west at all (http://www.gamespot.com/psp/strategy/valkyria-chronicles-iii-unrecorded-chronicles/news/6339405/valkyria-chronicles-iii-not-coming-to-us-and-europe?tag=stitialclk;gamespace). The blame was set on the PSP's lack of popularity and low sales, despite its North American critical acclaim of the first two releases.

What are some games that you wish were brought to America over from Japan?

THIS WEEK IN GAMING

- Fallout mastermind Tim Cain has joined Obsidian Entertainment to work (http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/10/12/tim-cain-obsidian/) a new game titled Avengers Assemble.

- Mass Effect 3 has confirmed its long-rumored multiplayer mode, and can/will affect (http://geek.pikimal.com/2011/10/11/mass-effect-3-multiplayer-is-co-op-can-affect-main-story/) the main story. But it also will be integrated into an online pass system. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/mass-effect-3s-multiplayer-tied-to-online-pass/)

- More Skyrim goodies to boot. If you're chomping at the bit, you can spoil yourself a bit, because reddit leaked images of the game manual (http://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/l7ed5/i_got_my_hands_on_a_skyrim_manual/). Little fun fact for you as well; a beta tester for Skyrim has done a speed run of just under two hours. (http://www.bethblog.com/gate.php?referer=/index.php/2011/10/13/jeff-vs-sam-ii-the-skyrim-speedrun/)

- Are you lonely and misogynistic? Then chances are you've played the Leisure Suit Larry. There's gonna be more. (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/113610-Leisure-Suit-Larry-Creator-Will-Make-Sequels) yay.

- The one racing game you see in every movie theatre arcade, Daytona USA, onto XBLA by SEGA.

- Sony Network's top notch defense has let about [url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/10/11/an-important-message-from-sonys-chief-information-security-officer/]93,000 accounts (http://www.sega.co.uk/games/?t=EnglishUK&g=7400&v=4101[url) be compromised by hackers. And to think they would learn from their mistakes.

- The PS Move has been doing really well financially, selling more than eight million units (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6339626/ps-move-shipments-total-83-million?tag=newstop;title;2) since its release.

-TwistedPixel, the company behind such games as 'Splosion Man and The Gunstringer, has been bought by Microsoft. (http://majornelson.com/2011/10/12/welcome-twisted-pixel-to-microsoft-studios/)

- Sonic: Generations, the upcoming game in the franchise, has been confirmed for the PC (http://blogs.sega.com/2011/10/11/sonic-generations-confirmed-for-pc-digital-download/) by SEGA.

- Square Enix took this week to demonstrate a brand new, next-gen (http://www.develop-online.net/news/38856/In-pictures-Next-gen-Square-Enix-engine-vs-real-life) graphics engine. You know, because their visuals aren't dope enough already.

Source: Major Nelson, gamespot, the escapist, sega uk, reddit, playstation us, vg 24/7, pikmal, joystiq, sega us

Viva Sonata

10/20/11, 06:04 PM

quote me whenever you are ready for this weekend

edit on 10/16: I am going to be away from the computer for a bit today, so you can both quote me and email deborah.remus@absolutepunk.net if you get your roundup ready today.

I am SO sorry this is so behind. Please don't kill me.

Linda Ferreira

10/21/11, 07:52 AM

I am SO sorry this is so behind. Please don't kill me.
haha....that is ok.....just happy that you are willing to put it together for us. Posting now.

Viva Sonata

10/22/11, 11:12 AM

Hey, hey kids! Gabriel here with a ton more news for this weeks gaming round-up. Thank you so much for sticking with this, the fact that even only a few people read this make it all the more worth doing. C: <3 Here's to making up for last week in a big way!

RUMOR MILL

- Holy shit, remember those Xbox 720 Rumors? Well, now there's the 'Xbox Next (http://www.develop-online.net/news/38917/Sources-point-to-2013-launch-for-Xbox-Next).' We might even see it as early as 2013.

- Speaking of future gen consoles, Sony might have the Playstation 4 on the way. A design was leaked of a prototype that (http://asia.cnet.com/crave/an-uber-cool-playstation-4-design-concept-62209915.htm?tag=mncol;txt) would be made up of 60% recycled material, as well as a whole bunch of eco-friendly features added to it later on. Fueling this is the report of Sony working on projects for the Playstation 4. (http://www.develop-online.net/news/38916/Sony-studios-begin-PlayStation-4-projects)

- Uh oh~ Electronic Arts has been accused of bribing a few Norwegian gaming websites to give good scores for Battlefield 3. However, said websites deny any claims of such underhanded tactics. (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/113754-Norwegian-Gaming-Sites-Deny-Battlefield-3-Review-Shenanigans)

- New Pokemon game rumors are swirling as a partner of Nintendo recently register the url name pokemongray.com (http://geek.pikimal.com/2011/10/19/website-registered-for-pokmon-grayannouncement-soon/). The popular conclusion is tatit's a special edition of Pokemon Black and White.

THIS WEEK IN GAMING

- Another reason to get excited about Diablo III - anyone who buys a year's subscription to World of Warcraft will get Diablo III for free. (http://kotaku.com/5852180/diablo-iii-will-be-free-to-world-of-warcraft-annual-pass-subscribers)

- Starcraft II's new expansion, 'Heart of the Storm,' will have new single player missions (http://geek.pikimal.com/2011/10/21/blizzcon-2011-heart-of-the-swarm-single-player-details//) as well as major shifts in units. (http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/10/21/official-list-of-unit-changes-in-starcraft-iis-heart-of-the-swarm-expansion/)

- Gears Of War 3 will have its first DLC, a prequel to the game's story, release around the holidays, and the character General RAAM will allegedly be playable. (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/323199/gears-of-war-3-prequel-dlc-sounds-bonkers-play-as-general-raam/)

- Batman: Arkham City was released to much acclaim, and many are finding those that bought DLC bundles with the game to have coding issues. Warner Interactive has made their rebuttal, and (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/arkham-city-buyers-encounter-numerous-dlc-code-issues/) is working on a fix for this.

- Meanwhile, the PC port of the game will be released (http://www.reddit.com/s/http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/10/18/batman-arkham-city-pc-release-date-set-for-november-18-new-screenshots-swoop-in/) in America on November 18th.

- Red Orchestra 2: Heroes of Stalingrad will have its first expansion pack, Rising Storm, release in 2012. The expansion pack will cover the Pacific Theatre side of the war, with new weapons like the flame thrower being thrown into the mix.

- The PS Vita has an official America/European region release date. Both regions can expect the new handheld release [/url=http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/10/18/get-ready-ps-vita-is-coming-february-22nd/]on February 22nd (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-10-19-red-orchestra-2-expansion-announced). There will be games released for the new console that require a seperate memory card to buy. Here's a list of games to let you know (http://andriasang.com/comypk/) ahead of time how not to spend extra money.

- Notch has announced that (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/mojang-wins-interim-injunction-battle-can-keep-using-scrolls/) Mojang will be able to keep the name 'Scrolls' their upcoming project. Bethesda can appeal the ruling, but do they really need to draw this out?

- La Noire: The Complete Edition has been confirmed console release (http://www.shacknews.com/article/70698/la-noire-complete-edition-confirmed-consoles-too) as well as for the PC. Thank goodness.

- World of Warcraft recently got an announced fourth expansion pack, entitled 'Mists of Pandaria' (http://www.1up.com/news/mists-of-pandaria-fourth-wow-expansion), which will include a new race and class, as well as a level cap of 90.

- Thanks to some lifeless ne- I mean, faithful PSN Trophy collecters, Sony has increased (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/120/1200894p1.html) the Trophy Level cap from 50.

- Scary news from CCP, the company behind the MMO EVE- 20% (http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/ccp-layoffs-affect-20-of-worldwide-staff-company-focusing-on-e/?utm_campaign=Feed:+Massively+(Mass ively)&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=feedburner) of the company was laid off this week in order to help utilize their efforts solely towards EVE.

- Soul Calibur V has been announced, with both a surprise guest character being Ezio from Assassin's Creed (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/soulcalibur-v-launches-on-january-31-2012-ezio-sneaks-into-the/) and a January 31st, 2012 release date.

- In the recent trend started with God of War, Sly Cooper, and Splinter Cell, the Devil May Cry series will be rereleased in HD for February 2012. (http://www.vg247.com/2011/10/17/devil-may-cry-hd-collection-formally-announced-for-february-2012/)

- Mass Effect 3 will see a demo release (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/323299/mass-effect-3-demo-coming-in-january/) in January 2012.

-The Nintendo press conference yesterday went into more detail of the 3DS' upcoming capabilities, including 3D filming for up to ten minutes, (http://www.vg247.com/2011/10/21/report-3ds-3d-filming-lasts-up-to-ten-minutes/) as will as Hulu services.

Source: Crave, develop, kotaku/twitter, CNet asia, pikimal, joystiq, kotaku, computerandvideogames, vg 24/7, the escapist, massively, IGN, eurogamer

Viva Sonata

10/22/11, 12:29 PM

haha....that is ok.....just happy that you are willing to put it together for us. Posting now.

SURPRISE! :D

Linda Ferreira

10/22/11, 01:44 PM

SURPRISE! :D

woah.....big surprise....posting now

Linda Ferreira

10/29/11, 08:42 AM

SURPRISE! :D
quote me whenever you are ready with the next round-up

Viva Sonata

10/29/11, 11:02 AM

Get this done by tonight.

Viva Sonata

10/29/11, 04:19 PM

Happy Halloween. I'm typing this in a dress :DIt isn't the weekend if we don't have the video game round up kind of late! OK, well... it is, technically, but roundup time anyway WOOYEAHGO.

TOPIC OF THE WEEK

2011 IN NINTENDO

This week, a lot of news to cause much concern came from Nintendo, including, according to this article, more than a billion dollars (http://geek.pikimal.com/2011/10/26/nintendo-expected-to-post-over-1-32-billion-losses/) in losses. The article goes onto explain that the lack of true success for the 3DS and no investment into the smartphone gaming industry [The Vita looks mighty tasty] as key factors in these numbers. The company has spent a lot of time and money into the future, and it's no surprise - Skyward Sword drops in less than a month, which could assume some heavy damage control.

Do you think that 2011 for Nintendo was a failure? Will Skyward Sword and other releases be enough to turn the tables on this dramatic loss?

THIS WEEK IN GAMING

- According to sources close to Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto V has officially been announced and may or may not (http://kotaku.com/5853279/grand-theft-auto-v-will-be-set-in-los-angeles-may-star-multiple-characters) have more than one main character.

- One of my favorite stories this week - Planetside 2, an upcoming MMO/FPS hybrid, will allegedly take place on some of the biggest maps (http://www.pcgamer.com/2011/10/26/planetside-2-battles-set-on-eight-by-eight-kilometre-continents/) the genre has ever seen.

- BioWare has responded to fan's concerns about the Multiplayer aspect of Mass Effect 3, and have confirmed it to be 'very optional.' (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/324161/interviewsmass-effect-3-we-respect-fan-concern-multiplayer-is-very-optional/)

- Cool announcement from Valve - an in-depth map editor (http://www.develop-online.net/news/38942/Valve-building-Photoshop-like-editor-for-Portal-2) for Portal 2 that lets fans create new single and co-op test chambers.

- Wanna play Minecraft? Own an 360? Well, Mojang is bringing the indie smash exclusively to Xbox LIVE this coming spring. (http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/121/1210550p1.html)

- More news from Notch's team - Scrolls, while not free, will have 'free to play aspects (http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/38068/Mojang_Scrolls_Wont_Be_Free_But_Wil l_Contain_FreeToPlay_Aspects.php)' according to the leader himself.

- News about the Vita is nonstop - games can either save to the Vit's internal or a provided external memory card, but not both (http://andriasang.com/comyqn/).

- Also, want Flash on your Vita internet browser when it launches? Too bad! (http://www.shacknews.com/article/70787/playstation-vita-wont-support-flash-at-launch)

- But don't worry - for $299.99, you can buy a first-edition (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2011/10/27/get-your-hands-on-ps-vita-early-with-the-first-edition-bundle/) bundle and have your shiny new toy early.

- According to sales, the PS3 is the best selling console in Europe (http://www.vg247.com/2011/10/28/ps3-leading-2011-eu-console-sales-360-maintains-us-hold/) for 2011, with the 360 remaining top dog in the US.

Sources:pikmal, andriasang, ign, shacknews, us sony PS blog, pcgamer, computerandvieeogames, kotaku, vg247

Linda Ferreira

10/30/11, 09:55 AM

Get this done by tonight.
I assume you are still building the one in the post above and it is not ready yet.

Viva Sonata

10/30/11, 05:05 PM

I assume you are still building the one in the post above and it is not ready yet.

Very much. The Nor'easter knocked out my power and I've been working nonstop. If not tonight, then Monday afternoon for sure.

Viva Sonata

11/01/11, 07:08 AM

I assume you are still building the one in the post above and it is not ready yet.

Done and ready to go.

Linda Ferreira

11/01/11, 10:12 AM

Done and ready to go.
Great. I will post it now.

anthonydarko

11/02/11, 08:05 PM

I would like to ask if there is anyway I could help with the Round-Up possibly? It seems like there is only one person that does them (at least that's what I've gathered reading this thread) and I'd like to help him out if I could.

Linda Ferreira

11/05/11, 12:05 PM

Linda Ferreira

11/05/11, 12:07 PM

Done and ready to go.
Quote me when you are ready. Plus, be sure to respond to anthonydarko above and discuss how the two of you can put together the roundup.

anthonydarko

11/05/11, 12:34 PM

yes, yes, yes...he would love the help
Any particular section you want to focus on?

I could focus on the Sony stories since that tends to be my primary focus in gaming but I can help out with any section honestly. I have a few blocks of stories from this past week that I posted in the video game thread in Entertainment that can be submitted for this week's round-up if you like.

Viva Sonata

11/05/11, 02:10 PM

I could focus on the Sony stories since that tends to be my primary focus in gaming but I can help out with any section honestly. I have a few blocks of stories from this past week that I posted in the video game thread in Entertainment that can be submitted for this week's round-up if you like.

I gave up trying to compile stories into different categories - I pretty much just post either news [different stories about the same game etc.] or rumors together.

One thing you could definitely help me do is a topic of the week - if it doesn't float for next week then I'll just drop it altogether, but maybe you could spin something new with it.

So post your stories and if there are any that I don't have we'll use.

by the way THANK YOU.

Linda Ferreira

11/05/11, 09:08 PM

anthonydarko

11/05/11, 11:27 PM

I gave up trying to compile stories into different categories - I pretty much just post either news [different stories about the same game etc.] or rumors together.

One thing you could definitely help me do is a topic of the week - if it doesn't float for next week then I'll just drop it altogether, but maybe you could spin something new with it.

So post your stories and if there are any that I don't have we'll use.

by the way THANK YOU.

Well there are a few topics that could be used:
Online passes, since it's such a hot button issue currently in the gaming industry.
What is the readers game of the year?
What game did somebody enjoy the most this year?
What do you think is the future of Nintendo?

anthonydarko

11/05/11, 11:31 PM

Here are some stories that can be used:

According to MCVUK, Sony is only 1.3 million away from tying with Microsoft's 57.3 million worldwide console sales mark (http://kotaku.com/5855534/will-the-ps3-overtake-the-xbox-360-will-it-happen). Currently Sony has sold 56 million PS3s to date and with the holiday season just around the corner, it's very possible that Sony can overtake Microsoft's long time 2nd place spot in console sales.

On that positive note, there is is some bad news for Sony as the PS3's celebrated price drop this summer has cause the company to take a significant loss in their Q2 profits. (http://www.destructoid.com/ps3-price-drop-brings-q2-losses-for-sony-215041.phtml)

The ever popular Angry Birds franchise has hit the 500 million downloads mark (http://www.destructoid.com/angry-birds-franchise-hits-500-million-downloads-215066.phtml). This applies to both free and paid versions of the game naturally, spread across multiple platforms including moblie, console and the in-browser Google Chrome version released this past May.

Along with the shaky launch of Battlefield 3 last week, it has been reported that PC hackers have found a way to get around the mandatory Origin requirement to play online (http://www.destructoid.com/pc-hackers-playing-battlefield-3-online-without-origin-215029.phtml).

For those of you PS3 users whom like to share your purchased content with your friends, it's time to decided which one is worthy enough to receive. PSN game downloads will be limited from 5 consoles to 2 starting Nov. 18th. (http://www.destructoid.com/playstation-game-downloads-to-be-limited-to-two-consoles-215189.phtml)

It appears that Sony has a biometric controller in the works, as a recent patent for it has surfaced (http://www.destructoid.com/sony-patents-biometric-controllers-and-handheld-215036.phtml). Perhaps we'll see this issued with the PS4? Time will tell to whenever the controller will see the light of day.

Apparently quite a few people were looking forward to the massive punishment that is Dark Souls, as 1.5 million copies of the game has been shipped worldwide. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/dark-souls-ships-1-5-million-worldwide/)

Need a more compelling and energizing snack for gaming? Well then, look into GamerFood! (http://www.destructoid.com/gamerfood-a-snack-designed-for-gamers--215035.phtml) A nut based snack, it comes in three different flavors and contain ingredients such as caffeine, ginsing, and lysine.

For those who were bummed/pissed/confused/ at the radical redesign of Dante in the reboot of Devil May Cry,fear no more as it turns out that this Dante is in another universe parallel to the current one according to Team Ninja. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/dmcs-dante-sequestered-in-a-separate-universe/)
For PS3 users who actually care about Playstation Home, Thursday was a big day for you as the redesigned Home launched with a wide assortment of new and improved content. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/playstation-home-relaunches-on-ps3-tomorrow/)
According to Forbes, Youtube is currently planning on releasing a channel of original game related programming called Start. (http://kotaku.com/5855783/youtubes-original-programming--looking-to-focus-on-indie-game-development-pro-competition) The planned channel will feature videos of professional gaming, reality game shows and game related news programming.
For those of you who play DC Universe Online, time to put away your wallets. (http://www.destructoid.com/dc-universe-online-has-now-gone-free-to-play-215065.phtml) The game is now free to play, you can download it for free at the Playstation Store or the DC Universe website

anthonydarko

11/06/11, 12:04 PM

Here's another that can be used:

Gearbox Software, known for developing Borderlands and currently it's sequel, recently payed tribute (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/gearbox-and-claptrap-honor-late-borderlands-fan-with-eulogy-npc/) to one of the series's fans who recently passed away from cancer. The eulogy, which can be heard here (http://soundcloud.com/tony-12-2/claptrap-eulogy-for-michael/s-tmwpd), features the game's lovable and snarky robot Claptrap offering comforting words and a personal message from Gearbox Software.

anthonydarko

11/06/11, 05:37 PM

Hmm I'll have to bookmark some of the sites Viva uses since I mostly use Joystiq, Destructoid, Kotaku and IGN.

Viva Sonata

11/07/11, 01:48 PM

Hey hey hey. Another week, another collection of news from around the gaming world. Everyone welcome anthonydarko, who has been generous enough to give me an extra hand putting this together for you guys. :D

TOPIC OF THE WEEK

Do you guys read this shit? Should I even bother posting it?

THIS WEEK IN GAMING

- Sony's recent job listing hints at the possibility of a new God of War title. (http://www.vg247.com/2011/10/31/job-listing-says-sony-santa-monica-working-on-god-of-war/)

- Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. Eternal Darkness 2 might happen oh my god OH MY GOD. (http://kotaku.com/5855314/silicon-knights-cuts-half-of-staff-refocuses-on-one-of-its-most-requested-titles-for-the-next-generation)

- So, Spike TV is presents the 2011 Video Game Awards soon, and it looks like there'll be more than a few big surprises (http://www.1up.com/news/new-alan-wake-bioware-games-show-up-vgas) on the way.

- Fans of the controversial Dead Island can get amped for a sequel - Deep Silver Studios has officially trademarked the title Dead World (http://www.siliconera.com/2011/11/02/is-dead-world-the-sequel-to-dead-island/).

- Gearbox Studios has opened up about the recent disappointment Duke Nukem Forever, saying that the mostly negative press it got was "unfair" and that we as gamers "should be thankful that it even exists." (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-03-gearbox-duke-nukem-forever-wasnt-reviewed-fairly)

- Sad day for Counter Strike fans - the beta for the new release in the series, Global Operation[i], has been delayed. (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-10-31-valve-delays-counter-strike-go-beta)

- Soooooo, the new Rainbow 6 game footage put out by Game Informer is probably the coolest shit (http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/11/03/introducing-rainbow-6-patriots.aspx). Probably EVER.

- A new [I]Zelda title has been announced for the 3DS, and in an interview with Yoji Aonuma, it was stated that it would differ in story from the more recent (http://gematsu.com/2011/11/new-zelda-in-development-for-3ds) DS games.

- Check out this article about the current state of video game retail (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-01-limbo-dev-the-retail-model-is-broken). Interesting read from a great developer.

Viva Sonata

11/07/11, 03:30 PM

Quote me when you are ready. Plus, be sure to respond to anthonydarko above and discuss how the two of you can put together the roundup.

I'm all set, and I'm assuming anthony is the same.

I would like to take just next weekend off from the roundup, because I'll be in New York City for an audition. Is that cool?

Linda Ferreira

11/07/11, 06:51 PM

I'm all set, and I'm assuming anthony is the same.

I would like to take just next weekend off from the roundup, because I'll be in New York City for an audition. Is that cool?

Hmm I'll have to bookmark some of the sites Viva uses since I mostly use Joystiq, Destructoid, Kotaku and IGN.

I put the three threads together into one post. Does it look ok? Any changes needed? Quote me if there are.

Viva: cool for you to take a week off for your audition. Good luck with it.

Anthony: I'll post whatever you have next week. Quote me when you are ready for me to post it.

anthonydarko

11/07/11, 10:30 PM

Alright, I'll keep track of stories and post them at the end of the week.

Viva Sonata

11/08/11, 02:44 PM

Alright, I'll keep track of stories and post them at the end of the week.

Thanks man. Much obliged.

Linda Ferreira

11/12/11, 02:34 PM

Thanks man. Much obliged.

Alright, I'll keep track of stories and post them at the end of the week.
Quote me whenever you are ready for this week's round-up

anthonydarko

11/12/11, 03:07 PM

I'm compiling the stories at the moment. I'll post them in here when I get them all written and linked.

anthonydarko

11/13/11, 01:29 AM

Quote me whenever you are ready for this week's round-up

Well hello everyone, Anthony here for another week of the Gamer Round-Up! Viva is currently in New York so I've had this week's round-up on my shoulders. Hopefully things will go well with me with the reins.

TOPIC OF THE WEEK
Now that both games have been released, which game do you like the most? Battlefield 3 or Modern Warfare 3? What do you like about it or dislike about it? Did you get your money's worth? Let's press the issue!

THIS WEEK IN GAMING

Sony has announced that the Jak and Daxter series will be getting the HD collection treatment (http://www.destructoid.com/sony-confirms-jak-and-daxter-collection-for-playstation-3-215541.phtml). There's no release date as of yet, but Sony has stated that details are forthcoming.

For those who grew up with The Simpson's Arcade Game, it looks like the game is being prepped for a XBL/PSN release. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/the-simpsons-arcade-game-classified-in-australia/) However, there has been no word of a Coleco computer system port yet.

If you were looking forward to the remake of XCOM, it looks like you're going to have to wait a little bit longer. (http://www.destructoid.com/2k-delays-xcom-to-somewhere-between-2012-and-2013-215499.phtml) The game's release has been delayed from April 2012 at the earliest and March 2013 at the latest.

Rumors have been swirling about the next iteration of Xbox (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/rumor-next-xbox-to-be-windows-powered-going-apple-route/). The system is said to run on a modified version of Windows 9 with ARM architecture and will be "cheaper and far smaller" then the current 360.

In case you were wondering , Saints Row: The Third will require an online pass. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/saints-row-the-third-online-co-op-campaign-and-whored-mode-ga/)

Nintendo has announced they are considering of making a new 2D, top-down Zelda game for the 3DS. (http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-may-make-a-new-link-to-the-past-for-3ds-215494.phtml)

Following the release the highly anticipated MW3, the heavily promoted Elite service that launched with the game is off to (http://www.destructoid.com/call-of-duty-elite-getting-choked-by-mass-registrations-215420.phtml) a rough start (http://kotaku.com/5858045/call-of-dutys-elite-service-still-broken-but-getting-better?tag=call-of-duty). Activison is currently working on getting the service up and running and is offering a free month of Elite to those whom paid for a Premium membership. (http://www.destructoid.com/cod-elite-membership-extended-30-days-due-to-failures-215583.phtml)

For those who want their very own talking Cave Johnson portrait, ThinkGeek has got you covered. (http://www.destructoid.com/real-life-speaking-cave-johnson-portraits-from-thinkgeek-215480.phtml) This fine work of art comes with thirteen phrases, including the entire lemon rant, and can be yours for $39.99 (http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/collectibles/ea60/). Now if only ThinkGeek can get started on that mantis men serum.....

For those looking for cheap game deals this Black Friday, details for Wal-Mart's Black Friday sale have been released via an early preview of their Black Friday circular. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/walmart-black-friday-batman-battlefield-3-28-each-blue-wii/) The sale also happens to start on Thanksgiving at 10 PM sharp.

Best Buy's Black Friday deals have also made it's way to the internet. (http://www.destructoid.com/black-friday-best-buy-deals-revealed-start-saving-215657.phtml)
Gamestop's Black Friday deals can be seen here. (http://bfads.net/Ad/GameStop-2011)

While the release of Wii U is still a ways away, Team Ninja has announced that Ninja Gaiden 3 will launch with the system. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/11/ninja-gaiden-3-to-launch-alongside-wii-u/)

Apparently one man in Denver really wanted to play Modern Warfare 3 so much, he threatened to blow up a Best Buy for not allegedly not having his Hardened edition of the game preorder on file. (http://kotaku.com/5858535/blowing-up-a-best-buy-was-just-a-figure-of-speech-says-modern-warfare-fan-facing-a-shitload-of-trouble)

Steam, the staple of PC gaming, has been hacked. (http://kotaku.com/5858473/steam-hacked-valve-investigating-possible-credit-card-theft) Gabe Newell has released a personal apology for the attack. (http://store.steampowered.com/news/6761/)

According to the president of EA Games, Battlefield 4 will come out sometime in the future. (http://kotaku.com/5858191/report-inevitable-battlefield-4-mentioned-byeas-president)

Capcom, realizing money can be made in odd places, are charging for cheat codes for Dead Rising 2: Off The Record. (http://kotaku.com/5857773/capcom-charges-money-for-cheat-codes)

According to Blizzard, WOW subscriptions are down by 10%. (http://kotaku.com/5857733/world-of-warcraft-subscriptions-down-10)

Playdead has announced that Limbo has sold one million copies and is heading to Mac by the end of the year. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/limbo-celebrates-one-million-in-sales-with-mac-os-release-by-en/)

Ubisoft has announced the PC version of the upcoming Assassins Creed title will not feature their infamous "always on" online DRM. (http://www.destructoid.com/assassin-s-creed-revelations-pc-won-t-have-ubisoft-drm-215565.phtml)

Sources: Destructoid (http://www.destructoid.com/), Joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/), Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/), ThinkGeek (http://www.thinkgeek.com/)

anthonydarko

11/13/11, 01:43 AM

Also, I'd like to ask if it's cool that I post the link to the new video game thread in Entertainment. I started a new thread awhile back for everyone to post with, not just a certain few as the other one turned into, and I feel it could people a place to go outside the round-up to talk about games. Plus, it could introduce a number of the news posters to the forums as well. So if it's alright, I could add the link into the post.

Linda Ferreira

11/13/11, 09:49 AM

anthonydarko

11/13/11, 10:12 AM

yes, go for it
I will post what you have now and then add in the link when you complete it later. So quote me with the link that you want when you have it.

For those of you looking to discuss gaming out of the Round-Up, there is a thread in Entertainment that could suit your needs. (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=2439652)

Linda Ferreira

11/13/11, 12:40 PM

For those of you looking to discuss gaming out of the Round-Up, there is a thread in Entertainment that could suit your needs. (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=2439652)

Thanks. Added.

Viva Sonata

11/13/11, 05:07 PM

I'm compiling the stories at the moment. I'll post them in here when I get them all written and linked.

Let me know if you need to find anything. I'm back from NYC.

anthonydarko

11/18/11, 01:23 PM

Alright, I got my list of stories done early this week.

TOPIC OF THE WEEK
What game(s) are you going to play this holiday weekend? Anyone going out to brave the Black Friday crowds for some sweet deals?

THIS WEEK IN GAMING

In a new interview with PSM, Hideo Kojma announces that there will be a Metal Gear Solid 5 (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/tactical-espionage-announcement-kojima-working-on-metal-gear-so/). Time to go dust off the old cardbox box!

Telltale Games released the excellent Jurassic Park: The Game this week. However, a few naughty Telltale employees have been caught writing user reviews for it on Metacritic. (http://www.destructoid.com/telltale-employees-caught-reviewing-jurassic-park-216094.phtml) Looks like they forgot the magic word.

When Bethesda Games announced that they would give a lifetime supply of games to any parent who named their child Dovahkiin (Dragon speak for Dragonborn), they probably thought nobody would do it. That is until Eric and Megan Kellermeyer named their newborn Dovahkiin Tom Kellermeyer (http://www.destructoid.com/two-parents-actually-called-their-child-dovahkiin-216019.phtml), ensuring a lifetime of awesome games and a possible rough life for the little guy.

Square Enix has licensed the Unreal Engine 3 for development of several games. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/square-enix-licenses-unreal-engine-3-again-for-multiple-games/)

For those who didn't get to read the graphic novel that came with the collectors edition of Fallout: New Vegas, it is now available on the iTunes store for $2.99. (http://www.destructoid.com/fallout-new-vegas-graphic-novel-now-available-to-us-all-215966.phtml)

As a bonus for PS3 players of Saints Row: The Third, activating the online pass earns them a free digital copy of Saints Row 2. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/redeem-ps3-saints-row-3-online-pass-get-free-saints-row-2/)

After just 48 hours of release, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim sold around 3.5 million copies. (http://www.destructoid.com/skyrim-sells-around-3-5-million-copies-in-48-hours-215949.phtml)

Vivendi, the majority owner of Activision and Blizzard, has sold three percent of it's stock which is valued at $427 million dollars. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/vivendi-sells-427-million-in-activision-blizzard-stock/)

Rumor is going around that EA Games is pressuring Nintendo to use its Origin service exclusively (http://www.destructoid.com/rumor-ea-wants-wii-u-to-exclusively-use-origin-215778.phtml).

For those of you old enough to remember going to your local Funcoland at the mall, it's training video has recently surfaced onto the Internet. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/this-funcoland-training-video-is-taking-us-on-a-journey/) I strongly urge you to watch the two videos in the link, it's probably the most batshit training video ever created.

Sources: Destructoid (http://www.destructoid.com/), Joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/)

Linda Ferreira

11/19/11, 02:40 PM

Let me know if you need to find anything. I'm back from NYC.

Alright, I got my list of stories done early this week.

I strongly urge you to watch the two videos in the link, it's probably the most batshit training video ever created.
Quote me when everything is ready for the roundup

Linda Ferreira

11/20/11, 06:49 PM

Let me know if you need to find anything. I'm back from NYC.
Are you going to add anything or should I just go with what Anthony has?

Viva Sonata

11/20/11, 06:56 PM

Are you going to add anything or should I just go with what Anthony has?

I was gone all weekend. If you don't want to wait, post it now.

anthonydarko

11/20/11, 10:21 PM

I edited my post just in case.

Linda Ferreira

11/20/11, 11:32 PM

I was gone all weekend. If you don't want to wait, post it now.

I edited my post just in case.
I went ahead and posted what was already done. Let me know if I need to edit anything by quoting me.

Viva Sonata

11/26/11, 12:23 PM

Starting my piece for this week.

Viva Sonata

11/26/11, 12:33 PM

Hey, guys. After a few weeks off, I'm back on with the ever-wonderful anthonydarko and ready to go. :D

TOPIC OF THE WEEK

- Recently, titles like Call of Duty and Assassin's Creed have had new additions released for the holiday season, despite having predecessors release only a handful of months before. This is due to the increased demand and 'instant gratification' mentality that our country is rapidly adapting into our retail formula.

This week, Square Enix announced, courtesy of eurogamer (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-11-21-se-wants-to-release-a-final-fantasy-every-year-or-two) that it would soon be releasing a new canonical title in its flagship series, Final Fantasy, every year or two. This would break up the significant gaps between games [five between XI and XII, three between XII and XIII].

How do you feel about this new release plan that more and more companies are integrating into their releases? Are you happy to see new titles you're familiar with coming up every year, or does it take away from the games you play?

THIS WEEK IN GAMING

- More Squeenix news for you - a new studio is bring set up in Montreal to start work on the new (http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/38672/Square_Enix_Opening_Second_Montreal _Studio_For_New_Hitman_Creating_250 _Jobs.php) Hitman coming out. This will create 250 jobs. Woo!

- November 30th (http://www.videogamer.com/pc/cs_go/news/counter-strike_go_beta_to_go_live_on_novemb er_30.html) is the date that the new Counter Strike: GO beta goes live.

- You guys sick of Skyrim? Anyone? Oh, wait, no one will answer this because they're still playing it. Watch out for this Steam patch of the game, though. (http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2011/11/22/skyrim-patched-for-the-worse/)

- Speculation time; noclipping in Skyrim, which allows a hacked freeroam, gave one user to access to Morrowind and Cyrodiil, (http://geek.pikimal.com/2011/11/22/player-discovers-morrowind-cyrodiil-hidden-beyond-skyrim/) which were featured in previous Elder Scrolls games.

- BioWare's done a lot of diverse titles - apart from Mass Effect, Jade Empire, Baldur's Gate, a Sonic RPG for the DS, and now... a Command & Conquer title. (http://games.ign.com/articles/121/1213223p1.html)

- B'doop! The Xbox Dashboard update will officially happen December 6th. (http://majornelson.com/2011/11/22/xbox-360-dashboard-update-coming-december-6th/)

- The PS Vita launch title Ridge Racer seems a bit lacking - when purchased, only three courses (http://andriasang.com/comz2b/ridge_racer_courses/) will be available. The rest need to be downloaded. Another reason not to buy a Vita.

- More curveballs from Hideo Kojima - in addition to crazy news about Metal Gear Solid: Rising and a new project entitled Ogre, a new interview (http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co. uk/2011/11/21/metal-gear-solid-5-ps3-well-have-to-make-it-says-hideo-kojima/) has him talking about Metal Gear Solid 5.

- Sony recently announced that sales have increased for its motion sensory counterpart the PS move, (http://www.industrygamers.com/news/ps3s-move-closing-the-sales-gap-with-kinect/) catching up to the Xbox's new Kinect addition.

- Black Friday has come and gone and with it, stories of people committing violence all in the name of deals. In California, a woman pepper sprayed at least 5 people for a game console. (http://www.destructoid.com/black-friday-shoppers-pepper-sprayed-walmart-game-section-216473.phtml)

- For PC gamers looking forward to playing Ghost Recon: Future Soldier on their gaming rigs, that sadly will not happen. Ubisoft has announced that the title will not appear on the platform due to fears of piracy (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/ghost-recon-future-soldier-on-pc-replaced-by-ghost-recon-online/) and that Ghost Recon Online will take its place.

- After much protest and jeers from their PS3 customers for not including a free version of Battlefield 1943 with copies of Battlefield 3, EA has finally relented and is offering free copies of the game (http://www.destructoid.com/ea-surrenders-gives-battlefield-3-ps3-users-their-1943-216444.phtml) here. (https://1943redemption.battlefield.com/index.php)

- Rumor has it that a sequel to Dante's Inferno is on the way. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/rumor-writer-teases-dantes-inferno-sequel/) No word yet on if it's going to be over hyped like the last one however.

- For those who enjoy tinkering with game engines, the Doom 3 source code is now available. (http://www.destructoid.com/doom-3-source-code-now-available-216404.phtml)

- Looking for a reason to show why the CryEngine 3 is amazing? Look no further then ORM Entertainment's use of the engine for a Titantic simulator. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/render-me-like-one-of-your-french-girls-the-titanic-in-cryengin/) The video of the simulator can be found here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_IKqjb9TRY)

Sources: Joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/), Destructoid (http://www.destructoid.com/), eurogamer, gamasutra, videogamer, andriasang, ign, pikmal, rockpapershotgun, psm uk, industrygamers

Linda Ferreira

11/26/11, 03:15 PM

quote me when ready

anthonydarko

11/27/11, 12:16 PM

Let me round up some stories really quick, I've been gone from my computer the past few days.

Viva Sonata

11/27/11, 12:42 PM

Let me round up some stories really quick, I've been gone from my computer the past few days.

quote me when ready

Good to go

anthonydarko

11/27/11, 12:42 PM

quote me when ready

Black Friday has come and gone and with it, stories of people committing violence all in the name of deals. In California, a woman pepper sprayed at least 5 people for a game console. (http://www.destructoid.com/black-friday-shoppers-pepper-sprayed-walmart-game-section-216473.phtml)

For PC gamers looking forward to playing Ghost Recon: Future Soldier on their gaming rigs, that sadly will not happen. Ubisoft has announced that the title will not appear on the platform due to fears of piracy (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/ghost-recon-future-soldier-on-pc-replaced-by-ghost-recon-online/) and that Ghost Recon Online will take its place.

After much protest and jeers from their PS3 customers for not including a free version of Battlefield 1943 with copies of Battlefield 3, EA has finally relented and is offering free copies of the game (http://www.destructoid.com/ea-surrenders-gives-battlefield-3-ps3-users-their-1943-216444.phtml) here. (https://1943redemption.battlefield.com/index.php)

Rumor has it that a sequel to Dante's Inferno is on the way. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/rumor-writer-teases-dantes-inferno-sequel/) No word yet on if it's going to be over hyped like the last one however.

For those who enjoy tinkering with game engines, the Doom 3 source code is now available. (http://www.destructoid.com/doom-3-source-code-now-available-216404.phtml)

Looking for a reason to show why the CryEngine 3 is amazing? Look no further then ORM Entertainment's use of the engine for a Titantic simulator. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/render-me-like-one-of-your-french-girls-the-titanic-in-cryengin/) The video of the simulator can be found here. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_IKqjb9TRY)

Sources: Joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/), Destructoid (http://www.destructoid.com/)

Viva Sonata

11/27/11, 06:17 PM

Quote linda

anthonydarko

11/28/11, 12:09 AM

And done

Viva Sonata

12/01/11, 02:09 PM

And done

i would just start on this week's if she doesn't repsond by tomorrow.

anthonydarko

12/01/11, 02:26 PM

Alright, sounds good.

Linda Ferreira

12/01/11, 08:20 PM

i would just start on this week's if she doesn't repsond by tomorrow.

Alright, sounds good.
Wow. My quoter notifier did not work. I will post these now. Sorry.

Linda Ferreira

12/03/11, 07:25 AM

Sorry about the mix-up with posting the roundup last week. Lets try again this week. Quote me when you are ready.

Linda Ferreira

12/12/11, 10:32 AM

Alright, sounds good.

i would just start on this week's if she doesn't repsond by tomorrow.
Let me know when you are ready with the next roundup.

Viva Sonata

12/13/11, 07:27 AM

anthonydarko

12/17/11, 01:57 PM

Gabriel and anthony here. Lots to cover, so let's get to it.

TOPIC OF THE WEEK

- What are your reactions to the VGAs hosted by Spike? What are your impressions for some of the new games announced there (http://www.gamezine.co.uk/news-story/2011/12/13/spike-vgas-2011-metal-gear-rising-gets-overhaul)?

THIS WEEK IN GAMING

- Chrono Trigger is now available (http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/10/chrono-trigger-hits-the-app-store-lets-square-enix-fans-turn-ba/?m=false) in the App Store.

For those of you looking forward to having more then one PSN account on your brand spanking new Sony Vita, it looks like you're out of luck. Sony has announced that only one account can be used on the upcoming handheld, as it is tied to the hardware. (http://www.destructoid.com/now-sony-says-ps-vita-is-locked-to-a-single-account-218012.phtml)

In other Vita news, it has been reported that Vita games will ship with no physical manuals. (http://www.destructoid.com/horror-ps-vita-games-will-ship-without-manuals-218028.phtml)

After an unsuccessful first launch, a shutdown of a studio and the move to free to play, APB Reloaded has become a success on Steam. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/17/apb-reloaded-enjoying-success-via-steam-coming-to-store-shelves/) 130,000 people have registered in the game and plans are under way to re-release the game on store shelves with exclusive content for the paid version.

For those of you who have experienced the progress stopping bug in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Nintendo is on the case! (http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-will-patch-save-files-for-skyward-sword-bug-217989.phtml) The company is working on a patch to fix the issue and is offering customers a service to send in their SD cards or their system to the company to patch the save files in question.

For those of you who read this month's Game Informer cover story about the upcoming South Park RPG and is wondering what the mystery fifth class created by Cartman is, it is apparently "The Jew". (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/south-parks-fifth-character-class-is-the-jew/) The class is reported to be a mix of Paladin and Monk and will be "high risk, high reward".

Beware MW3 cheaters, as Infinity Ward is beginning to issue permabans that last 5000 days. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/infinity-ward-issuing-modern-warfare-3-bans-that-last-5000-days/)

While Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD will take us back to a time when skateboard games were fun, the famous soundtracks sadly will not be a part of the experience due to licensing issues. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/tony-hawk-pro-skater-hd-soundtrack-likely-wont-be-identical-to/) On the plus side however, there is a ton of great up and coming punk bands that could get some exposure from the new soundtrack.

For you vinyl nerds, the original Halo soundtrack is going to be released on limited edition green vinyl. (http://www.destructoid.com/limited-edition-green-vinyl-for-halo-combat-evolved-217837.phtml)

Despite the high octane trailer for Metal Gear Rising, Hideo Kojima has confirmed that a "stealth based Metal Gear Solid" will see the light of day in the near future. (http://www.destructoid.com/kojima-confirms-an-authentic-stealth-mgs-is-on-its-way-217809.phtml)

Activision has a great couple months, earning over 1 BILLION dollars from MW3. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/activision-trumpets-1-billion-for-modern-warfare-3/) In other news, all Activision employees will be getting dia

Linda Ferreira

12/18/11, 08:41 AM

Glad to see you guys started on this. Quote me when it is ready.

anthonydarko

12/19/11, 01:02 PM

Glad to see you guys started on this. Quote me when it is ready.
Since I don't think Viva is going to contribute anymore to this week's roundup, I think it's ready to be posted.

Hey hey everyone, Gabriel and Anthony here with another week of game news for you all! Lots to cover, so let's get to it!

TOPICS OF THE WEEK

- What are your reactions to the VGAs hosted by Spike? What are your impressions for some of the new games announced there (http://www.gamezine.co.uk/news-story/2011/12/13/spike-vgas-2011-metal-gear-rising-gets-overhaul)? Also, what games are you looking forward to getting this Christmas weekend?

THIS WEEK IN GAMING

Chrono Trigger is now available (http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/10/chrono-trigger-hits-the-app-store-lets-square-enix-fans-turn-ba/?m=false) in the App Store.

For those of you looking forward to having more then one PSN account on your brand spanking new Sony Vita, it looks like you're out of luck. Sony has announced that only one account can be used on the upcoming handheld, as it is tied to the hardware. (http://www.destructoid.com/now-sony-says-ps-vita-is-locked-to-a-single-account-218012.phtml)

In other Vita news, it has been reported that Vita games will ship with no physical manuals. (http://www.destructoid.com/horror-ps-vita-games-will-ship-without-manuals-218028.phtml)

After an unsuccessful first launch, a shutdown of a studio and the move to free to play, APB Reloaded has become a success on Steam. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/17/apb-reloaded-enjoying-success-via-steam-coming-to-store-shelves/) 130,000 people have registered in the game and plans are under way to re-release the game on store shelves with exclusive content for the paid version.

For those of you who have experienced the progress stopping bug in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Nintendo is on the case! (http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-will-patch-save-files-for-skyward-sword-bug-217989.phtml) The company is working on a patch to fix the issue and is offering customers a service to send in their SD cards or their system to the company to patch the save files in question.

For those of you who read this month's Game Informer cover story about the upcoming South Park RPG and is wondering what the mystery fifth class created by Cartman is, it is apparently "The Jew". (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/south-parks-fifth-character-class-is-the-jew/) The class is reported to be a mix of Paladin and Monk and will be "high risk, high reward".

Beware MW3 cheaters, as Infinity Ward is beginning to issue permabans that last 5000 days. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/infinity-ward-issuing-modern-warfare-3-bans-that-last-5000-days/)

While Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD will take us back to a time when skateboard games were fun, the famous soundtracks sadly will not be a part of the experience due to licensing issues. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/14/tony-hawk-pro-skater-hd-soundtrack-likely-wont-be-identical-to/) On the plus side however, there is a ton of great up and coming punk bands that could get some exposure from the new soundtrack. What current punk bands would you like to see on the new soundtrack?

For you vinyl nerds, the original Halo soundtrack is going to be released on limited edition green vinyl. (http://www.destructoid.com/limited-edition-green-vinyl-for-halo-combat-evolved-217837.phtml)

Despite the high octane trailer for Metal Gear Rising, Hideo Kojima has confirmed that a "stealth based Metal Gear Solid" will see the light of day in the near future. (http://www.destructoid.com/kojima-confirms-an-authentic-stealth-mgs-is-on-its-way-217809.phtml)

Activision has a great couple months, earning over 1 BILLION dollars from MW3. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/activision-trumpets-1-billion-for-modern-warfare-3/) In other news, all Activision employees will be getting diamonds grills as gifts this Christmas for both them and their pets.

Linda Ferreira

12/19/11, 01:19 PM

Since I don't think Viva is going to contribute anymore to this week's roundup, I think it's ready to be posted.

Hey hey everyone, Gabriel and Anthony here.

Thanks. Posted.

anthonydarko

12/25/11, 02:45 PM

Hello everyone, Anthony here for another week of the Gamer Round-Up! This week, I look back on one hell of a year for gamers and recap the biggest stories as well as keeping you up to date on happenings in the gaming world.

TOPICS OF THE WEEK
What is your game or top ten list of the year? What game(s) are you looking forward to in the new year?

My top ten list is as followed:
1. Batman: Arkham City
2. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
3. Portal 2
4. Battlefield 3
5 L.A Norie
6. Deus Ex: Human Revolution
7. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
8. Little Big Planet 2
9. Dead Space 2
10. FIFA 12

THIS WEEK IN GAMING

Staring January 1st, "gun-like" Avatar items will be taken off the Xbox Live Market due to a recent addition to the list of things that Microsoft prohibits their beloved Avatars from having or doing. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/psa-gun-like-avatar-items-disappearing-from-xblm-on-jan-1/) In other news, Microsoft will still promote shooters on XBL in light of this.

Last week, the highly anticipated Bioware MMO, Star Wars: The Old Republic, hits store shelves just in time for Christmas. So far, over 60 million game hours have been logged in with the title and 1,660,000 Sith Warriors and Jedi Knights have been created. (http://www.destructoid.com/swtor-logs-over-60-million-in-game-hours-218568.phtml)

There was a bit of an upset last week for gamers who reserved copies of The Last Guardian from Gamestop, as many of them received calls from the retailer staring that the game had been cancelled (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/last-guardian-apparently-removed-from-gamestops-release-schedul/). Thankfully for those gamers who were about to jump off the bridge, this was quickly debunked by Sony. The retailer apologized for the error, stating that the company took the game off their computer system due to the game not having a specific release date and that the game will be up for preorder again once an established release date has been announced.

For those wondering how much you'll have to pay for Playstation Vita memory cards, you're in luck! (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/official-vita-memory-card-pricing-is-slightly-better-than-expect/) Sony has announced the prices for the four different levels of storage capacity, with prices ranging from $19.99 for a 4GB card to $99.99 for a 32GB card.

In other Vita related news, Sony has announced the launch details for the US release. (http://www.destructoid.com/full-playstation-vita-us-launch-details-25-games-listed-218391.phtml) The handheld will be released on February 22nd and will include 25 launch titles, which will include Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3, FIFA Soccer, and Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational. There will also be a Starter Kit released alongside the Vita for $39.99, which will include a 4GB memory card, a pocket pouch, headphones, a protective screen film and other assorted accessories. The handheld will also come with 6 AR cards and a voucher for AR Play, a bundle of AR games.

Nintendo has finally announced a release for the anticipated Kid Icarus 3DS title.... for Japan. (http://www.destructoid.com/kid-icarus-gets-a-release-date-and-some-fun-new-facts-218537.phtml) The game will be released March 22nd in Japan and while there has been no Western release date yet, it is assumed that the title will launch on our shores shortly after. In other 3DS news, Enterbrain from Japan has announced that Nintendo has sold close to 4 million of them in Japan this year. (http://www.destructoid.com/3ds-to-pass-4-million-sold-mark-by-year-s-end-218388.phtml)

Speaking of other Nintendo news, the company has stated that the upcoming Wii U has a launch window from next June to the end of 2012. (http://www.destructoid.com/wii-u-launch-window-now-between-june-and-end-of-2012-218522.phtml) While there is no firm date for the release of the system, it is expected that Nintendo will reveal the official release date at the E3 2012 next May. The system will also be on display at CES 2012. (http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-is-bringing-wii-u-to-ces-2012-218197.phtml)

The company also reveled the official The Legend of Zelda timeline (http://www.destructoid.com/the-official-legend-of-zelda-timeline-revealed-218437.phtml), which is part of an art book of the series that has been released in Japan. (http://www.destructoid.com/new-zelda-art-book-from-nintendo-reconciles-timeline--218360.phtml) No word yet on if the book will be released here in the US.

Capcom has announced that they will be opening, of all things, a bar in Toyko next month. (http://www.destructoid.com/capcom-to-open-a-bar-in-tokyo-next-month-218411.phtml) The bar will feature Capcom game demo kiosks and will feature food and drinks centered around Capcom titles. The bar will also serve as a location to host talk events from game developers. The bar will open on the 25th.

For Battlefield 3 fans who missed out on getting the preorder Physical Warfare Pack, the DLC is now available to all for the wonderful price of free. (http://www.destructoid.com/battlefield-3-s-physical-warfare-pack-is-available-to-all-218275.phtml) The DLC pack features the Type 99 LMG, a flash suppressor for the SKS and instant access to the DAO-12 Shotgun and Flechette Ammo for the gun.

While this article is tongue in cheek, it does tell of President Obama making a stop at a local Best Buy to pick up a copy of Just Dance 3 for his two young daughters for Christmas. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/obama-goes-with-just-dance-3-over-dance-central-shames-a-nation/) Hopefully the president and his family had a nice Christmas Day dancing along to the game's numerous tracks.

And finally, Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling has announced that MW3 will receive it's first batch of DLC next month. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/first-modern-warfare-3-dlc-drops-january-24-on-xbox/) The upcoming DLC will feature 5 new maps and Bowling has also stated that upcoming DLC with also cover Spec Ops and "a variety of things that players have never seen before". The DLC will launch on January 24th with Xbox getting first dibs, while PS3 and PC players will receive the content at a later date due to Microsoft's exclusivity deal with Activision.

With that, let's all take a look back and review what was....

THE YEAR IN GAMING: 2011

Microsoft, who once was the top dog in the console wars in terms of content, took some strange turns this year. After last year's launch of Kinect, Microsoft has made much headway with promoting and advancing with the device. At this year's E3 convention, Kinect was clearly the main focus of their press conference, for better or worse. About 3/4th of the conference revolved around Kinect in some fashion, whether it be showing how Kinect could be used to enhance certain features in upcoming titles such as Mass Effect 3 and Ghost Recon: Future Solider to a slew of Kinect titles and Kinect Fun Labs, which utilizes the device for various features on the Xbox Dashboard. Along with the Kinect heavy announcements, Microsoft also announced that Xbox Live would be getting a slew of media applications, which including from the likes of UFC, HBO Go, BBC iPlayer, Skype, and other apps.

However, it became clear to many that Microsoft has taken a different direction with the 360, turning a once prominent gaming system to a family friendly, media hub instead. The system's once great collection of exclusive properties had now whittled down to only a few, with Kinect and media apps taking a front seat. Even with the announcement of Halo 4 and a new trilogy and the next successor in the Xbox line currently being developed, the future seems uncertain for Microsoft with these recent developments.

Sony, after making much headway in the past couple of years, nearly lost its momentum with one single event. On April 19th, an event no PS3 user will ever forget, the Playstation Network was hacked and 77 million PSN and Qriocity users' personal information, including credit card information, was stolen. Sony shut down PSN for 23 long days, preventing users from withdrawing their personal information and causing many to cancel their credit and debit cards in fear of identity theft. On May 2nd, Sony announced that Sony Online Entertainment had also been hacked, resulting in 12,000 credit card numbers from non-US cardholders and other information from 24.7 million accounts possibly being stolen and the service being shut down as well.

In that time, Sony received quite the backlash, from angry gamers being unable to play online and their information being stolen to the US Government, whom representatives demanded answers from Sony about the data breach. To make up for the attack, Sony America's CEO Jack Tretton personally apologized for the attack at Sony's E3 conference and the company offered compensation to all who was affected with the Welcome Back program, offering two free PS3 and two free PSN titles from a selection of 9 titles, the free use of Qriocity for 180 days, 30 days of Playstation Plus for free and a free dynamic theme for the PS3. In all, Sony miraculously survived the disaster and learned one hell of a lesson regarding security.

Nintendo, after riding the gravy train with the Wii for the past five years, decided it was time to announce it's next move in the console wars and declared they would debut its new console at this year's E3 convention. For weeks leading up to the event, gamers waited in battered breath to hear what was hopefully going to be a headstart into the next generation of consoles and Ninendo's big comeback in the console wars. However, at Nintendo's press conference, it seemed that wasn't the case when Nintendo proudly showed its new console, the Wii U. The announcement left much to be desired, ranging from a sense of disappointment regarding the system's use of current graphic technology versus using next-gen graphics to a great sense of confusion regarding much of its announcement revolving around the console's controller instead of the console itself.

While numerous third party companies and developers raved about the system and promised a slew of games to support the system, the future of Wii U remains to be seen going into the new year and one has to wonder whether the system will be Nintendo's next big hit or the next Virtual Boy.

This year was a big year for handheld systems. After announcing the handheld at last year's E3, Nintendo finally release the next iteration in the DS line, the 3DS, on March 27th. The launch however was marred by issues, ranging from lackluster launch titles to health risks involving the handheld's glasses-free 3D screen. With sales not living up to expectations, Nintendo cut the price of the handheld from $250 to $169 on July 28th and offered free content for users who bought it at the original price with the Ambassador Program.

Sony, not to be outdone, announced at their E3 conference their next step with the PSP platform with the Vita. The handheld showed a great leap in graphical power from the previous PSP handheld, being close to PS3 standards in the palms of your hand. The system launched in Japan this month and the handheld is currently planned for US release this upcoming February.

After being the butt of many a joke in the gaming and with the help of Gearbox Studios and Hell freezing over, the long awaited Duke Nukem Forever finally was release after an insane 14 years of development. The game however was critically panned across the board, which naturally was going to be the outcome of the once greatest example of vaporware. The Redner Group, a third party public relations firm who handled the PR for the game, lashed out against these poor reviews on Twitter and declared they would be reviewing who gets review copies of upcoming 2K Games titles, basing this on who doesn't subscribe to "today's venom". Surprising no one, 2K Games promptly relieved the company of their PR duties shortly afterwards.

This year saw the closest thing to a real war with Activision's highly anticipated shooter, Modern Warfare 3, going up against the company's long time rival EA Games with their next installment in the Battlefield series, Battlefield 3. For months, EA Games slung mud and took cheap shots at Activision while fans on both sides duked it out in a war of words on messageboards and comment sections on news stories for the games. In the end, Activision came up victorious in this war with sales of MW3 exceeding 1 billion dollars. However the true winners were gamers, for they had two awesome games with different playing styles to choose from.

This year also saw the release of many excellent and well received titles including Portal 2, Batman: Arkham City, Gears of War 3, Killzone 3, L.A. Noire, Uncharted 3, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Dead Space 2, Little Big Planet 2, etc.

There was also sad news this year, as companies such as Bizarre Creations, Team Bondi, Black Rock Studio, EA Visceral Melbourne and other studios, closed their doors for issues ranging from low game sales to internal strife.

So that was 2011 in a nutshell, it had its highs and it had its lows. Gamers had more choices then ever to explore new worlds, take on new challenges and enjoy probably one of the best slew of titles released in years. Now with 2012 only days, we can look to the horizon to where gaming will go next in the upcoming year.

Sources: Destructoid and Joystiq. Also a huge thank you to IGN for compiling all the stories from the past year and making the year review that much easier to do.

Linda Ferreira

12/27/11, 04:33 PM

quote me when you are ready

anthonydarko

12/27/11, 09:08 PM

quote me when you are ready

Hello everyone, Anthony here for another week of the Gamer Round-Up! This week, I look back on one hell of a year for gamers and recap the biggest stories as well as keeping you up to date on happenings in the gaming world.

TOPICS OF THE WEEK
What is your game or top ten list of the year? What game(s) are you looking forward to in the new year?

My top ten list is as followed:
1. Batman: Arkham City
2. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
3. Portal 2
4. Battlefield 3
5 L.A Norie
6. Deus Ex: Human Revolution
7. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
8. Little Big Planet 2
9. Dead Space 2
10. FIFA 12

THIS WEEK IN GAMING

Staring January 1st, "gun-like" Avatar items will be taken off the Xbox Live Market due to a recent addition to the list of things that Microsoft prohibits their beloved Avatars from having or doing. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/psa-gun-like-avatar-items-disappearing-from-xblm-on-jan-1/) In other news, Microsoft will still promote shooters on XBL in light of this.

Last week, the highly anticipated Bioware MMO, Star Wars: The Old Republic, hits store shelves just in time for Christmas. So far, over 60 million game hours have been logged in with the title and 1,660,000 Sith Warriors and Jedi Knights have been created. (http://www.destructoid.com/swtor-logs-over-60-million-in-game-hours-218568.phtml)

There was a bit of an upset last week for gamers who reserved copies of The Last Guardian from Gamestop, as many of them received calls from the retailer staring that the game had been cancelled (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/last-guardian-apparently-removed-from-gamestops-release-schedul/). Thankfully for those gamers who were about to jump off the bridge, this was quickly debunked by Sony. The retailer apologized for the error, stating that the company took the game off their computer system due to the game not having a specific release date and that the game will be up for preorder again once an established release date has been announced.

For those wondering how much you'll have to pay for Playstation Vita memory cards, you're in luck! (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/official-vita-memory-card-pricing-is-slightly-better-than-expect/) Sony has announced the prices for the four different levels of storage capacity, with prices ranging from $19.99 for a 4GB card to $99.99 for a 32GB card.

In other Vita related news, Sony has announced the launch details for the US release. (http://www.destructoid.com/full-playstation-vita-us-launch-details-25-games-listed-218391.phtml) The handheld will be released on February 22nd and will have 25 titles at launch, which will include Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3, FIFA Soccer, and Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational. There will also be a Starter Kit released alongside the Vita for $39.99, which will include a 4GB memory card, a pocket pouch, headphones, a protective screen film and other assorted accessories. The handheld will also come with 6 AR cards and a voucher for AR Play, a bundle of AR games.

Nintendo has finally announced a release date for the anticipated Kid Icarus 3DS title.... for Japan. (http://www.destructoid.com/kid-icarus-gets-a-release-date-and-some-fun-new-facts-218537.phtml) The game will be released March 22nd in Japan and while there has been no Western release date yet, it is assumed that the title will launch on our shores shortly after. In other 3DS news, Enterbrain from Japan has announced that Nintendo has sold close to 4 million of them in Japan this year. (http://www.destructoid.com/3ds-to-pass-4-million-sold-mark-by-year-s-end-218388.phtml)

Speaking of other Nintendo news, the company has stated that the upcoming Wii U has a launch window from next June to the end of 2012. (http://www.destructoid.com/wii-u-launch-window-now-between-june-and-end-of-2012-218522.phtml) While there is no firm date for the release of the system, it is expected that Nintendo will reveal the official release date at the E3 2012 next May. The system will also be on display at CES 2012. (http://www.destructoid.com/nintendo-is-bringing-wii-u-to-ces-2012-218197.phtml)

The company also reveled the official The Legend of Zelda timeline (http://www.destructoid.com/the-official-legend-of-zelda-timeline-revealed-218437.phtml), which is part of an art book of the series that has been released in Japan. (http://www.destructoid.com/new-zelda-art-book-from-nintendo-reconciles-timeline--218360.phtml) No word yet on if the book will be released here in the US.

Capcom has announced that they will be opening, of all things, a bar in Toyko next month. (http://www.destructoid.com/capcom-to-open-a-bar-in-tokyo-next-month-218411.phtml) The bar will feature Capcom game demo kiosks and will feature food and drinks centered around Capcom titles. The bar will also serve as a location to host talk events from game developers. The bar will open on the 25th.

For Battlefield 3 fans who missed out on getting the preorder Physical Warfare Pack, the DLC is now available to all for the wonderful price of free. (http://www.destructoid.com/battlefield-3-s-physical-warfare-pack-is-available-to-all-218275.phtml) The DLC pack features the Type 99 LMG, a flash suppressor for the SKS and instant access to the DAO-12 Shotgun and Flechette Ammo for the gun.

While this article is tongue in cheek, it does tell of President Obama making a stop at a local Best Buy to pick up a copy of Just Dance 3 for his two young daughters for Christmas. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/obama-goes-with-just-dance-3-over-dance-central-shames-a-nation/) Hopefully the president and his family had a nice Christmas Day dancing along to the game's numerous tracks.

And finally, Infinity Ward's Robert Bowling has announced that MW3 will receive it's first batch of DLC next month. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/first-modern-warfare-3-dlc-drops-january-24-on-xbox/) The upcoming DLC will feature 5 new maps and Bowling has also stated that upcoming DLC with also cover Spec Ops and "a variety of things that players have never seen before". The DLC will launch on January 24th with Xbox getting first dibs, while PS3 and PC players will receive the content at a later date due to Microsoft's exclusivity deal with Activision.

With that, let's all take a look back and review what was....

THE YEAR IN GAMING: 2011

Microsoft, who once was the top dog in the console wars in terms of content, took some strange turns this year. After last year's launch of Kinect, Microsoft has made much headway with promoting and advancing with the device. At this year's E3 convention, Kinect was clearly the main focus of their press conference, for better or worse. About 3/4th of the conference revolved around Kinect in some fashion, whether it be showing how Kinect could be used to enhance certain features in upcoming titles such as Mass Effect 3 and Ghost Recon: Future Solider to a slew of Kinect titles and Kinect Fun Labs, which utilizes the device for various features on the Xbox Dashboard. Along with the Kinect heavy announcements, Microsoft also announced that Xbox Live would be getting a slew of media applications, which including from the likes of UFC, HBO Go, BBC iPlayer, Skype, and other apps.

However, it became clear to many that Microsoft has taken a different direction with the 360, turning a once prominent gaming system to a family friendly, media hub instead. The system's once great collection of exclusive properties had now whittled down to only a few, with Kinect and media apps taking a front seat. Even with the announcement of Halo 4 and a new trilogy and the next successor in the Xbox line currently being developed, the future seems uncertain for Microsoft with these recent developments.

Sony, after making much headway in the past couple of years, nearly lost its momentum with one single event. On April 19th, an event no PS3 user will ever forget, the Playstation Network was hacked and 77 million PSN and Qriocity users' personal information, including credit card information, was stolen. Sony shut down PSN for 23 long days, preventing users from withdrawing their personal information and causing many to cancel their credit and debit cards in fear of identity theft. On May 2nd, Sony announced that Sony Online Entertainment had also been hacked, resulting in 12,000 credit card numbers from non-US cardholders and other information from 24.7 million accounts possibly being stolen and the service being shut down as well.

In that time, Sony received quite the backlash, from angry gamers being unable to play online and their information being stolen to the US Government, whom representatives demanded answers from Sony about the data breach. To make up for the attack, Sony America's CEO Jack Tretton personally apologized for the attack at Sony's E3 conference and the company offered compensation to all who was affected with the Welcome Back program, offering two free PS3 and two free PSN titles from a selection of 9 titles, the free use of Qriocity for 180 days, 30 days of Playstation Plus for free and a free dynamic theme for the PS3. In all, Sony miraculously survived the disaster and learned one hell of a lesson regarding security.

Nintendo, after riding the gravy train with the Wii for the past five years, decided it was time to announce it's next move in the console wars and declared they would debut its new console at this year's E3 convention. For weeks leading up to the event, gamers waited in battered breath to hear what was hopefully going to be a headstart into the next generation of consoles and Ninendo's big comeback in the console wars. However, at Nintendo's press conference, it seemed that wasn't the case when Nintendo proudly showed its new console, the Wii U. The announcement left much to be desired, ranging from a sense of disappointment regarding the system's use of current graphic technology versus using next-gen graphics to a great sense of confusion regarding much of its announcement revolving around the console's controller instead of the console itself.

While numerous third party companies and developers raved about the system and promised a slew of games to support the system, the future of Wii U remains to be seen going into the new year and one has to wonder whether the system will be Nintendo's next big hit or the next Virtual Boy.

This year was a big year for handheld systems. After announcing the handheld at last year's E3, Nintendo finally release the next iteration in the DS line, the 3DS, on March 27th. The launch however was marred by issues, ranging from lackluster launch titles to health risks involving the handheld's glasses-free 3D screen. With sales not living up to expectations, Nintendo cut the price of the handheld from $250 to $169 on July 28th and offered free content for users who bought it at the original price with the Ambassador Program.

Sony, not to be outdone, announced at their E3 conference their next step with the PSP platform with the Vita. The handheld showed a great leap in graphical power from the previous PSP handheld, being close to PS3 standards in the palms of your hand. The system launched in Japan this month and the handheld is currently planned for US release this upcoming February.

After being the butt of many a joke in the gaming and with the help of Gearbox Studios and Hell freezing over, the long awaited Duke Nukem Forever finally was release after an insane 14 years of development. The game however was critically panned across the board, which naturally was going to be the outcome of the once greatest example of vaporware. The Redner Group, a third party public relations firm who handled the PR for the game, lashed out against these poor reviews on Twitter and declared they would be reviewing who gets review copies of upcoming 2K Games titles, basing this on who doesn't subscribe to "today's venom". Surprising no one, 2K Games promptly relieved the company of their PR duties shortly afterwards.

This year saw the closest thing to a real war with Activision's highly anticipated shooter, Modern Warfare 3, going up against the company's long time rival EA Games with their next installment in the Battlefield series, Battlefield 3. For months, EA Games slung mud and took cheap shots at Activision while fans on both sides duked it out in a war of words on messageboards and comment sections on news stories for the games. In the end, Activision came up victorious in this war with sales of MW3 exceeding 1 billion dollars. However the true winners were gamers, for they had two awesome games with different playing styles to choose from.

This year also saw the release of many excellent and well received titles including Portal 2, Batman: Arkham City, Crysis 2, Gears of War 3, Forza 4, Killzone 3, L.A. Noire, Uncharted 3, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Dead Space 2, Little Big Planet 2, and others.

There was also sad news this year, as companies such as Bizarre Creations, Team Bondi, Black Rock Studio, EA Visceral Melbourne and other studios, closed their doors for issues ranging from low game sales to internal strife.

So that was 2011 in a nutshell, it had its highs and it had its lows. Gamers had more choices then ever to explore new worlds, take on new challenges and enjoy probably one of the best slew of titles released in years. Now with 2012 only days, we can look to the horizon to where gaming will go next in the upcoming year.

Sources: Destructoid and Joystiq. Also a huge thank you to IGN for compiling all the stories from the past year and making the year review that much easier to do.

Linda Ferreira

12/27/11, 10:25 PM

Hello everyone, Anthony here for another week of the Gamer Round-Up!

Sources: Destructoid and Joystiq. Also a huge thank you to IGN for compiling all the stories from the past year and making the year review that much easier to do.

Thanks. Posted. Let me know if I need to make any changes.

anthonydarko

12/27/11, 10:33 PM

Thanks. Posted. Let me know if I need to make any changes.

I made a slight error in the Duke Nukem section of the year round up, the first part should read: After being the butt of many a joke in the gaming world,
Also, the game was in development for 15 years, not 14 as I just learned.

Linda Ferreira

12/28/11, 10:17 AM

I made a slight error in the Duke Nukem section of the year round up, the first part should read: After being the butt of many a joke in the gaming world,
Also, the game was in development for 15 years, not 14 as I just learned.
fixed

anthonydarko

12/30/11, 03:31 PM

Hello everyone, Anthony here with the first Gamer Round-Up of 2012! I hope you had a happy and safe New Year's, now let's get down to business.

TOPICS OF THE WEEK
What game series would you like to see make a comeback this year? What game series do you think needs to take a seat on the sidelines this year?

THE WEEK IN GAMING

According to reports, the Wii U's online store is rumored to offer more non-game media apps then the Wii. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/rumor-wii-u-to-host-more-non-game-apps/) It has been suggested that apps like MLB.TV will run on the system and on the system's tablet controller, along with e-mail and social networking apps as well.

Sorry Half-Life fans, it looks like you've been "trolled" about the recent rumblings of Half-Life 3's upcoming release. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/valve-any-half-life-3-clues-are-community-trolling-the-communi/) According to Valve, there is no current ARG for the long-awaited title as it has been reported and that there is still no official plans for the sequel.

For gamers looking to get the Twisted Metal reboot this upcoming Valentine's Day, you'll be getting the gift of two games! (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/121/1215540p1.html) The limited edition version of the game will ship with a PSN voucher for a copy of Twisted Metal Black, the classic PS2 title in the series.

According to Torrentfreak, Crysis 2 was the most pirated PC game of the year (http://www.destructoid.com/most-pirated-games-of-2011-include-crysis-mario-gears-218757.phtml), with a whopping 3.9 million illegal downloads. Behind Crysis 2 on the list was Modern Warfare 3 with 3.6 million downloads and Battlefield 3 with 3.5 million downloads.

Apparently Activision doesn't like people fiddling around with the inter-workings of their Skylander toy/game line, as one programmer found out after receiving a cease & desist letter from the company's lawyers. (http://www.destructoid.com/man-gets-cease-desist-for-fiddling-with-skylanders-toys-218731.phtml) The man in question was tinkering with the game's portal device for a site he runs for fun and was not planning on sharing these findings on his site. However, the man cooperated with the legal order and agreed to not publish his findings for the sake of peace.

Ever wonder what if the Xbox 360 had a functioning DVR built into the system? Well according to recently surfaced patent filings, Microsoft apparently had the same idea too at one point. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/old-microsoft-patent-details-gaming-console-with-dvr-functionali/) Filed in the beginning of 2007, the patent shows plans for a console that had a built-in DVR application that could be able record during gameplay or when the system was turned off. Perhaps we'll see something similar with Microsoft's upcoming new Xbox?

The famous their-bark-is-worse-then-their-bite group Anonymous has announced they plan on "shutting down Sony's online system" due to their support of the SOPA bill. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/anonymous-is-apparently-gearing-up-to-shut-down-sony-again/) There is no word of when (or if) the "attack" will take place but the mouth breathing group declares that it will happen "soon". In other news, Anonymous users then created more shitty Rage Guy memes on 4chan and cried to their mothers that they are out of Mountain Dew and Cheetos.

After corporation Viacom sold the Guitar Hero/Rock Band developer Harmonix for a paltry sum of 50 dollars back in November 2010, it appears that decision has come back to haunt them. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/viacom-ordered-to-pay-harmonix-several-trucks-full-of-money/) Ex-shareholders in Harmonix have been awarded $338 million in a private arbitration decision, due to Viacom not paying the shareholders their performance-based bonuses that were agreed upon in 2006. Viacom is currently fighting the decision, by appealing in a Delaware court to have the decision overturned.

Speaking of Rock Band, a happy story from across the pond tells of 23 year old Marc Rodwell, whom lost 224 pounds playing Rock Band along with diet and other exercise. (http://www.destructoid.com/gamer-loses-224-pounds-playing-rock-band-218736.phtml) Previously weighing over a whopping 500 pounds (or 36-stone) and being told he wouldn't live to see his 24th birthday, Marc played the game's drums daily and burned off those calories until he reached his current weight. He will celebrate his 24th birthday this upcoming February, so good on you Marc and have a happy birthday!

IGN recently announced that the PS3 was the winner of their Console Showdown for 2011. (http://games.ign.com/articles/121/1215432p1.html) The decision was reached due to the strong release of first party title exclusives throughout the year, as well as the amount of high scores that PS3 titles received in reviews. Congrats Sony!

In a Are-You-Serious?! story, a man in China has paid the American dollar equivalent of 16,000 dollars for a digital sword for the MMO, Age of Wulin. (http://www.destructoid.com/man-buys-virtual-sword-for-unreleased-game-pays-16-000-218682.phtml) The real kicker in this story is that the MMO in question hasn't even been released yet, with an open beta being launched this spring. People and their money.....

Finally, after beginning the service in September, game retailer juggernaut GameStop has announced their iOS trade-in program has been a "success" (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/gamestop-ios-device-trade-ins-exceed-expectations/) While not giving away any specific numbers yet, the company has stated that the information will be released along with their holiday sales report.

This upcoming year in gaming is going to be exciting and with it, this Round-Up is going to have a few improvements added to it for the new year. Currently being planned is bringing back the platform-specific news sections in the Round-Up, along with a more even amount of news for each platform. Along with that, I'm also planning on adding a feature to the Round-Up that compiles multiple reviews of games from various news sources into a neat, organized section for easy access to different opinions and viewpoints on a specific title. I'd like to ask the readers of the Round-Up to what you all think of these ideas as well as any input to other features and improvements you'd like to see in the Round-Up, as I'd like for the Round-Up to be as user-involved as it can be.

Along with that, I'd like to invite readers whom haven't to come and check out the AP Video Game Thread in the Entertainment fourm. (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=2439652) Everyone is welcome to post and discuss their thoughts on gaming in there, as well as adding their XBL/PSN gamertags to the ever-growing list in the OP or even find some new people to play online with. So don't be shy, stop on in and say hello!

Alright with all that, that wraps this week's Gamer Round-Up and I'll see you all next week with a new slab of fresh gaming news for you!

News story links from this week's Round-Up are provided by Destructoid (http://www.destructoid.com/), Joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/) and IGN (http://www.ign.com/).

Linda Ferreira

12/30/11, 04:23 PM

Happy to see that you are starting on this. Quote me when you are ready to have it posted.

anthonydarko

01/01/12, 08:33 PM

Happy to see that you are starting on this. Quote me when you are ready to have it posted.
Here you are!

Hello everyone, Anthony here with the first Gamer Round-Up of 2012! I hope you had a happy and safe New Year's, now let's get down to business.

TOPICS OF THE WEEK
What game series would you like to see make a comeback this year? What game series do you think needs to take a seat on the sidelines this year?

THE WEEK IN GAMING

According to reports, the Wii U's online store is rumored to offer more non-game media apps then the Wii. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/rumor-wii-u-to-host-more-non-game-apps/) It has been suggested that apps like MLB.TV will run on the system and on the system's tablet controller, along with e-mail and social networking apps as well.

Sorry Half-Life fans, it looks like you've been "trolled" about the recent rumblings of Half-Life 3's upcoming release. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/valve-any-half-life-3-clues-are-community-trolling-the-communi/) According to Valve, there is no current ARG for the long-awaited title as it has been reported and that there is still no official plans for the sequel.

For gamers looking to get the Twisted Metal reboot this upcoming Valentine's Day, you'll be getting the gift of two games! (http://ps3.ign.com/articles/121/1215540p1.html) The limited edition version of the game will ship with a PSN voucher for a copy of Twisted Metal Black, the classic PS2 title in the series.

According to Torrentfreak, Crysis 2 was the most pirated PC game of the year (http://www.destructoid.com/most-pirated-games-of-2011-include-crysis-mario-gears-218757.phtml), with a whopping 3.9 million illegal downloads. Behind Crysis 2 on the list was Modern Warfare 3 with 3.6 million downloads and Battlefield 3 with 3.5 million downloads.

Apparently Activision doesn't like people fiddling around with the inter-workings of their Skylander toy/game line, as one programmer found out after receiving a cease & desist letter from the company's lawyers. (http://www.destructoid.com/man-gets-cease-desist-for-fiddling-with-skylanders-toys-218731.phtml) The man in question was tinkering with the game's portal device for a site he runs for fun and was not planning on sharing these findings on his site. However, the man cooperated with the legal order and agreed to not publish his findings for the sake of peace.

Ever wonder what if the Xbox 360 had a functioning DVR built into the system? Well according to recently surfaced patent filings, Microsoft apparently had the same idea too at one point. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/old-microsoft-patent-details-gaming-console-with-dvr-functionali/) Filed in the beginning of 2007, the patent shows plans for a console that had a built-in DVR application that could be able record during gameplay or when the system was turned off. Perhaps we'll see something similar with Microsoft's upcoming new Xbox?

The famous their-bark-is-worse-then-their-bite group Anonymous has announced they plan on "shutting down Sony's online system" due to their support of the SOPA bill. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/anonymous-is-apparently-gearing-up-to-shut-down-sony-again/) There is no word of when (or if) the "attack" will take place but the mouth breathing group declares that it will happen "soon". In other news, Anonymous users then created more shitty Rage Guy memes on 4chan and cried to their mothers that they are out of Mountain Dew and Cheetos.

After corporation Viacom sold the Guitar Hero/Rock Band developer Harmonix for a paltry sum of 50 dollars back in November 2010, it appears that decision has come back to haunt them. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/viacom-ordered-to-pay-harmonix-several-trucks-full-of-money/) Ex-shareholders in Harmonix have been awarded $338 million in a private arbitration decision, due to Viacom not paying the shareholders their performance-based bonuses that were agreed upon in 2006. Viacom is currently fighting the decision, by appealing in a Delaware court to have the decision overturned.

Speaking of Rock Band, a happy story from across the pond tells of 23 year old Marc Rodwell, whom lost 224 pounds playing Rock Band along with diet and other exercise. (http://www.destructoid.com/gamer-loses-224-pounds-playing-rock-band-218736.phtml) Previously weighing over a whopping 500 pounds (or 36-stone) and being told he wouldn't live to see his 24th birthday, Marc played the game's drums daily and burned off those calories until he reached his current weight. He will celebrate his 24th birthday this upcoming February, so good on you Marc and have a happy birthday!

IGN recently announced that the PS3 was the winner of their Console Showdown for 2011. (http://games.ign.com/articles/121/1215432p1.html) The decision was reached due to the strong release of first party title exclusives throughout the year, as well as the amount of high scores that PS3 titles received in reviews. Congrats Sony!

In a Are-You-Serious?! story, a man in China has paid the American dollar equivalent of 16,000 dollars for a digital sword for the MMO, Age of Wulin. (http://www.destructoid.com/man-buys-virtual-sword-for-unreleased-game-pays-16-000-218682.phtml) The real kicker in this story is that the MMO in question hasn't even been released yet, with an open beta being launched this spring. People and their money.....

Finally, after beginning the service in September, game retailer juggernaut GameStop has announced their iOS trade-in program has been a "success" (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/gamestop-ios-device-trade-ins-exceed-expectations/) While not giving away any specific numbers yet, the company has stated that the information will be released along with their holiday sales report.

This upcoming year in gaming is going to be exciting and with it, this Round-Up is going to have a few improvements added to it for the new year. Currently being planned is bringing back the platform-specific news sections in the Round-Up, along with a more even amount of news for each platform. Along with that, I'm also planning on adding a feature to the Round-Up that compiles multiple reviews of games from various news sources into a neat, organized section for easy access to different opinions and viewpoints on a specific title. I'd like to ask the readers of the Round-Up to what you all think of these ideas as well as any input to other features and improvements you'd like to see in the Round-Up, as I'd like for the Round-Up to be as user-involved as it can be.

Along with that, I'd like to invite readers whom haven't to come and check out the AP Video Game Thread in the Entertainment fourm. (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=2439652) Everyone is welcome to post and discuss their thoughts on gaming in there, as well as adding their XBL/PSN gamertags to the ever-growing list in the OP or even find some new people to play online with. So don't be shy, stop on in and say hello!

Alright with all that, that wraps this week's Gamer Round-Up and I'll see you all next week with a new slab of fresh gaming news for you!

News story links from this week's Round-Up are provided by Destructoid (http://www.destructoid.com/), Joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/) and IGN (http://www.ign.com/).

Linda Ferreira

01/02/12, 09:45 AM

Here you are!

Alright with all that, that wraps this week's Gamer Round-Up and I'll see you all next week with a new slab of fresh gaming news for you!

News story links from this week's Round-Up are provided by Destructoid (http://www.destructoid.com/), Joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/) and IGN (http://www.ign.com/).
Thanks. Posted.

anthonydarko

01/03/12, 11:48 PM

Adding some new topic dividers for the Round-Up. I'm going to try to evenly distribute the news and add sections based on platform.

TOPIC OF THE WEEK

THE WEEK IN GAMING

NINTENDO NEWS

MICROSOFT NEWS

SONY NEWS

PC NEWS

iOS/ANDROID NEWS

GENERAL GAME NEWS

ON SALE THIS WEEK
PSN
XBOX LIVE

THE WEEK IN REVIEWS

GAMES YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT THIS WEEK

anthonydarko

01/04/12, 12:00 AM

Hey, hey, hey! Anthony here for another week of the Gamer Round-Up! This week, along with the giving you the news as always, marks the beginning of the new layout! Hopefully you all like it!

TOPIC OF THE WEEK
What is your biggest pet peeve when playing online?

THE WEEK IN GAMING

NINTENDO NEWS

-Everyone's favorite game developer, Shigeru Miyamoto, has announced that he is currently heading up an "original title". While there is currently no word on what that title may be or when it will appear, perhaps details about the game may surface at E3 of the Tokyo Game Show this year. Time will tell I guess.

-After a sluggish start with the 3DS, Nintendo can take a breath of relief. (http://www.destructoid.com/nintendoomed-3ds-clears-four-million-sales-in-the-us-218905.phtml) Reports have come out that the handheld has found it's footing in the US, with over four million units sold in the past year.

-After reports last week about the Wii U's tablet controller potentially having apps, a new report has come out that the controller will also serve as an e-reader. (http://www.destructoid.com/new-rumor-pins-the-wii-u-as-being-an-e-reader-218885.phtml) The report follows that Nintendo is looking into offering access to a number of digital books, magazines and comics. There is also word that the controller could also have support for game manuals and strategy guides.

MICROSOFT NEWS

-According to reports, a serious issue involving the hacking of Xbox Live accounts and FIFA 12 is on the rise. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/xbox-live-fifa-hack-concerns-continue-to-escalate-microsoft-s/) I strongly encourage any XBL users here to read the article in the link and keep a close eye on your accounts.

-If current rumors are to be true, the next incarnation of the Xbox will debut at this year's E3. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/gary-oldman-spits-out-a-few-reznov-lines-on-conan-in-a-bowtie/)

SONY NEWS

-In the midst of reports of poor sales of the handheld after launch, reports are coming out that Japanese retailers are slashing prices for the Vita to boost sales. (http://www.destructoid.com/japanese-retailers-allegedly-cutting-ps-vita-prices-218985.phtml) A circulated image is currently making rounds of a Japanese retailer dropping the price of the handheld by 17%, going from an original price of ¥29,980 ($390) to ¥24,9999 ($325).

-According to reports, it appears the PS3 will be getting a video and photo editing app in the near future. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/ps3-video-editing-app-playmemories-studio-potentially-leaked-ahe/) The app was reveled ahead of time by a man with a cell phone at CES, days before the show opens. Expect some sort of official announcement at CES this week.

-PS3 users got the short end of the stick this week when the developer of the highly anticipated downloadable title Amy announced that the game would be $2.99 more then the Xbox 360 version, citing foreign exchange rates and the nature of Microsoft points. (http://www.destructoid.com/amy-s-playstation-3-price-to-be-decided-by-facebook-poll-219209.phtml) Naturally there was an a slew of complaints about this so the developer has put a Facebook poll up (https://apps.facebook.com/opinionpolls/poll?pid=AB7wI1BfT7Y) to let the people decide if the PS3 version should be $9.99 as well, with the catch that it'll be released a week later.

-For gamers who were patient and didn't buy Gran Turismo 5, you're in luck. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/gran-turismo-5-xl-edition-peels-out-on-jan-17/) Sony has announced recently that they are releasing a new version of the title called Gran Turismo 5 XL, which will include all updates up to Spec 2.0 on the disc, as well as 5 vouchers for DLC. It should hit stores on the 17th this month for a cool $40.

PC NEWS

-According to Best Buy, Diablo 3 would be on your computer sooner then you thought! (http://www.destructoid.com/diablo-iii-appears-to-have-a-release-date-219247.phtml) A display found at a Minnesota Best Buy stated that the long awaited game would be in stores on February 1st. However, Blizzard came by and smack down the rumor (http://pc.ign.com/articles/121/1216054p1.html), stating that there is still no official release date.

-Along with being one of the best developers out currently, Bioware now has another title to their name: Guinness World Record holders! (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/star-wars-the-old-republic-wins-guinness-award-for-most-voice-a/) The company received the honor for "Largest Entertainment Voice Over Project", with a staggering 200,000 line of recorded in-quest dialogue. Congrats Bioware!

-Steam, the ever popular game service, celebrates its seventh anniversary with it's sale growth hitting 100% for seven years straight. (http://www.destructoid.com/steam-celebrates-seventh-year-of-100-percent-sales-growth-219154.phtml) Keep up the good work, Valve!

iOS/ANDROID NEWS

-According to reports, it appears Rovio had one awesome Christmas day with Angry Birds. (http://www.destructoid.com/angry-birds-6-5-million-downloads-on-christmas-day-218996.phtml) Their massive hit was downloaded a staggering 6.5 million times on Christmas Day alone with both paid and free versions taken in account. Rovio has also announced that new releases are on the way for 2012, hopefully a version of Angry Birds with just the Black Bird and nothing but the Black Bird is one of them. I love that bird so much.

-According to the developer of the incredibly addictive Tiny Tower, the game routinely gets a million people playing the game every day. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/tiny-tower-not-so-tiny-has-one-million-daily-users-on-ios/) Not only that, those million people also account for over ten million sessions every day as well. Oh yeah, and keep in that this only the iOS version with the Android version's numbers not included.

-Those wanting to invest in an iPad for gaming reasons are going to get a big break in the future, if reports are correct. (http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/03/report-new-ipad-lineup-to-include-299-offering) Reports are coming out that Apple is currently planning on releasing two new iPads this year and to compete with the recent slew of tablets on the market, Apple is reportedly planning on continuing to sell the current iPad 2 at a cool $299. In other news, this writer is going to start saving his pennies.

GENERAL GAME NEWS

-Neil Tiles, who was the president of the G4 network for past few years, stepped down from running the network on Thursday (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/neal-tiles-steps-down-as-president-of-g4-adam-stotsky-takes-ove/). NBCUniversal, parent company of the network, has announced his replacement to be former marketing president Adam Stotsky. No word yet on what will happen to the network in light of the change-up but rumors are swirling around that there will be even more episodes of Cops, Campus PD and Cheaters to take place of all those pesky game shows no one likes.

-If you planning on buying a three-day pass to PAX East this year, it looks like you're out of luck. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/psa-pax-east-3-day-passes-sold-out-sorry-slowpokes/) Penny Arcade has announced that three-day passed for the event are officially sold out. Fret not however, as single day passes are still available.

-For some gamers, Shenmue III is the one game that they'd love to play, the game that ends the story of Ryo's quest to avenge his father. Recently, creator Yu Suzuki has expressed an interest in obtaining the Shenmue license from Sega (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/yu-suzuki-expresses-interest-in-obtaining-shenmue-license-from-s/) to develop what could be the long-awaited title. It may never happen but there is hope that the game will see the light of day sometime in the future.

And finally, Gary Oldman payed a visit to Conan this past week and during his visit, he recalls his voice-over work for the Call of Duty series. Check out this link (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/gary-oldman-spits-out-a-few-reznov-lines-on-conan-in-a-bowtie/) for the hilarious clip.

Well that's the week's news for you all! I was going to include a section on sales for XBL and PSN this week, however I felt it was clunky and poorly organized so it sadly got the ax this week. But fear not! The section will see the light of day as soon as I can streamline it to a more presentable level so keep your eyes peeled for the section making it's debut sometime in the future.

Also, be sure to check out the AP Video Game Thread in the Entertainment forum! (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=2439652) Continue on the ongoing discussion of gaming in there as well as adding your gamertag to the ever growing lists for XBL and PSN. Everyone is welcome so don't be shy, post to your heart's content!

Well that's it for this week, hope you enjoyed the round up this week and I'll see you all next week for another edition of the Gamer Round-Up!

Linda Ferreira

01/07/12, 07:57 PM

anthonydarko

01/08/12, 05:50 PM

quote me when you are ready.
great new format

Hey, hey, hey! Anthony here for another week of the Gamer Round-Up! This week, along with the giving you the news as always, marks the beginning of the new layout! Hopefully you all like it!

TOPIC OF THE WEEK
What is your biggest pet peeve when playing online?

THE WEEK IN GAMING

NINTENDO NEWS

-Everyone's favorite game developer, Shigeru Miyamoto, has announced that he is currently heading up an "original title". While there is currently no word on what that title may be or when it will appear, perhaps details about the game may surface at E3 of the Tokyo Game Show this year. Time will tell I guess.

-After a sluggish start with the 3DS, Nintendo can take a breath of relief. (http://www.destructoid.com/nintendoomed-3ds-clears-four-million-sales-in-the-us-218905.phtml) Reports have come out that the handheld has found it's footing in the US, with over four million units sold in the past year.

-After reports last week about the Wii U's tablet controller potentially having apps, a new report has come out that the controller will also serve as an e-reader. (http://www.destructoid.com/new-rumor-pins-the-wii-u-as-being-an-e-reader-218885.phtml) The report follows that Nintendo is looking into offering access to a number of digital books, magazines and comics. There is also word that the controller could also have support for game manuals and strategy guides.

MICROSOFT NEWS

-According to reports, a serious issue involving the hacking of Xbox Live accounts and FIFA 12 is on the rise. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/xbox-live-fifa-hack-concerns-continue-to-escalate-microsoft-s/) I strongly encourage any XBL users here to read the article in the link and keep a close eye on your accounts.

-If current rumors are to be true, the next incarnation of the Xbox will debut at this year's E3. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/gary-oldman-spits-out-a-few-reznov-lines-on-conan-in-a-bowtie/)

SONY NEWS

-In the midst of reports of poor sales of the handheld after launch, reports are coming out that Japanese retailers are slashing prices for the Vita to boost sales. (http://www.destructoid.com/japanese-retailers-allegedly-cutting-ps-vita-prices-218985.phtml) A circulated image is currently making rounds of a Japanese retailer dropping the price of the handheld by 17%, going from an original price of ¥29,980 ($390) to ¥24,9999 ($325).

-According to reports, it appears the PS3 will be getting a video and photo editing app in the near future. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/ps3-video-editing-app-playmemories-studio-potentially-leaked-ahe/) The app was reveled ahead of time by a man with a cell phone at CES, days before the show opens. Expect some sort of official announcement at CES this week.

-PS3 users got the short end of the stick this week when the developer of the highly anticipated downloadable title Amy announced that the game would be $2.99 more then the Xbox 360 version, citing foreign exchange rates and the nature of Microsoft points. (http://www.destructoid.com/amy-s-playstation-3-price-to-be-decided-by-facebook-poll-219209.phtml) Naturally there was an a slew of complaints about this so the developer has put a Facebook poll up (https://apps.facebook.com/opinionpolls/poll?pid=AB7wI1BfT7Y) to let the people decide if the PS3 version should be $9.99 as well, with the catch that it'll be released a week later.

-For gamers who were patient and didn't buy Gran Turismo 5, you're in luck. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/gran-turismo-5-xl-edition-peels-out-on-jan-17/) Sony has announced recently that they are releasing a new version of the title called Gran Turismo 5 XL, which will include all updates up to Spec 2.0 on the disc, as well as 5 vouchers for DLC. It should hit stores on the 17th this month for a cool $40.

PC NEWS

-According to Best Buy, Diablo 3 would be on your computer sooner then you thought! (http://www.destructoid.com/diablo-iii-appears-to-have-a-release-date-219247.phtml) A display found at a Minnesota Best Buy stated that the long awaited game would be in stores on February 1st. However, Blizzard came by and smack down the rumor (http://pc.ign.com/articles/121/1216054p1.html), stating that there is still no official release date.

-Along with being one of the best developers out currently, Bioware now has another title to their name: Guinness World Record holders! (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/star-wars-the-old-republic-wins-guinness-award-for-most-voice-a/) The company received the honor for "Largest Entertainment Voice Over Project", with a staggering 200,000 line of recorded in-quest dialogue. Congrats Bioware!

-Steam, the ever popular game service, celebrates its seventh anniversary with it's sale growth hitting 100% for seven years straight. (http://www.destructoid.com/steam-celebrates-seventh-year-of-100-percent-sales-growth-219154.phtml) Keep up the good work, Valve!

iOS/ANDROID NEWS

-According to reports, it appears Rovio had one awesome Christmas day with Angry Birds. (http://www.destructoid.com/angry-birds-6-5-million-downloads-on-christmas-day-218996.phtml) Their massive hit was downloaded a staggering 6.5 million times on Christmas Day alone with both paid and free versions taken in account. Rovio has also announced that new releases are on the way for 2012, hopefully a version of Angry Birds with just the Black Bird and nothing but the Black Bird is one of them. I love that bird so much.

-According to the developer of the incredibly addictive Tiny Tower, the game routinely gets a million people playing the game every day. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/tiny-tower-not-so-tiny-has-one-million-daily-users-on-ios/) Not only that, those million people also account for over ten million sessions every day as well. Oh yeah, and keep in that this only the iOS version with the Android version's numbers not included.

-Those wanting to invest in an iPad for gaming reasons are going to get a big break in the future, if reports are correct. (http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/01/03/report-new-ipad-lineup-to-include-299-offering) Reports are coming out that Apple is currently planning on releasing two new iPads this year and to compete with the recent slew of tablets on the market, Apple is reportedly planning on continuing to sell the current iPad 2 at a cool $299. In other news, this writer is going to start saving his pennies.

GENERAL GAME NEWS

-Neil Tiles, who was the president of the G4 network for past few years, stepped down from running the network on Thursday (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/neal-tiles-steps-down-as-president-of-g4-adam-stotsky-takes-ove/). NBCUniversal, parent company of the network, has announced his replacement to be former marketing president Adam Stotsky. No word yet on what will happen to the network in light of the change-up but rumors are swirling around that there will be even more episodes of Cops, Campus PD and Cheaters to take place of all those pesky game shows no one likes.

-If you planning on buying a three-day pass to PAX East this year, it looks like you're out of luck. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/psa-pax-east-3-day-passes-sold-out-sorry-slowpokes/) Penny Arcade has announced that three-day passed for the event are officially sold out. Fret not however, as single day passes are still available.

-For some gamers, Shenmue III is the one game that they'd love to play, the game that ends the story of Ryo's quest to avenge his father. Recently, creator Yu Suzuki has expressed an interest in obtaining the Shenmue license from Sega (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/yu-suzuki-expresses-interest-in-obtaining-shenmue-license-from-s/) to develop what could be the long-awaited title. It may never happen but there is hope that the game will see the light of day sometime in the future.

And finally, Gary Oldman payed a visit to Conan this past week and during his visit, he recalls his voice-over work for the Call of Duty series. Check out this link (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/gary-oldman-spits-out-a-few-reznov-lines-on-conan-in-a-bowtie/) for the hilarious clip.

Well that's the week's news for you all! I was going to include a section on sales for XBL and PSN this week, however I felt it was clunky and poorly organized so it sadly got the ax this week. But fear not! The section will see the light of day as soon as I can streamline it to a more presentable level so keep your eyes peeled for the section making it's debut sometime in the future.

Also, be sure to check out the AP Video Game Thread in the Entertainment forum! (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=2439652) Continue on the ongoing discussion of gaming in there as well as adding your gamertag to the ever growing lists for XBL and PSN. Everyone is welcome so don't be shy, post to your heart's content!

Well that's it for this week, hope you enjoyed the round up this week and I'll see you all next week for another edition of the Gamer Round-Up!

Linda Ferreira

01/08/12, 06:34 PM

anthonydarko

01/10/12, 10:33 AM

Why hello everyone, Anthony reporting in for another week of the Gamer Round-Up!

TOPIC OF THE WEEK
How do you feel about the rash of Xbox Live accounts being hacked lately?

THE WEEK IN GAMING

NINTENDO NEWS

-For those who take part in Club Nintendo will get a sweet deal this month. (http://www.destructoid.com/new-club-nintendo-game-rewards-include-majora-s-mask-219512.phtml) Four games are being offered this month, including the wonderful The Legend Of Zelda: Majora's Mask for 150 coins. Be sure to act soon however, as this deal ends on the 31st.

-At this week's CES, the Wii U was on full display for the press to try out Nintendo's new console contender. During an interview with Spike TV, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime told of a few new details about the system. (http://wii.ign.com/articles/121/1216237p1.html) The biggest bit of news was that Nintendo would be giving out more news about the system prior to E3 this year so keep your eyes peeled for more announcements in the coming months.

-In a world of apps that copy each other, Mole Kart sets out to copy Mario Kart (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/mole-kart-is-the-ios-mario-kart-rip-off-you-never-wanted/) The iOS title, developed by an Asian company, blatantly rips off the popular Nintendo franchise, right down to the copy and pasting of MK's tracks. You can watch the trailer for the game here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aebqrBYVq_0).

-In unsurprising news this week, the Wii officially became the best-selling current gen console in Europe, with over 30 millions units sold. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/wii-becomes-best-selling-current-generation-console-in-europe/)

MICROSOFT NEWS

SONY NEWS

PC NEWS

iOS/ANDROID NEWS

GENERAL GAME NEWS

Linda Ferreira

01/15/12, 10:03 AM

TOPIC OF THE WEEK

THE WEEK IN GAMING

NINTENDO NEWS

MICROSOFT NEWS

SONY NEWS

PC NEWS

iOS/ANDROID NEWS

GENERAL GAME NEWS
quote me when you are ready

Linda Ferreira

01/23/12, 12:49 PM

anthonydarko

01/23/12, 12:58 PM

Ready yet?

I can try to do this week's Round-Up quickly and get it done by tonight. I'll probably have to skip on using the layout and just compile as many stories as I can due to the amount of time I have. I've been busy with things lately so I haven't had much time to work on it, sorry about that.

anthonydarko

01/23/12, 01:03 PM

Hello everyone, Anthony here for another week of the Gamer Round-Up. This week is going to be a quick one, so strap yourselves in!

TOPIC OF THE WEEK
What do you think about the reveal for Resident Evil 6? Are you excited or not so excited?

THE WEEK IN GAMING

-Perhaps the biggest news to hit this week, Capcom revealed to the world Resident Evil 6 this past Thursday (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/resident-evil-6-re-revealed-by-capcom-arriving-november-20-on-3/). The title has a release date for November 20th this year and will be available for the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3 with no word yet of a PC or Wii U port. You can watch the three and a half minute reveal trailer here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmC1lZeQad4).

-It looks like you're going to have to wait a little bit longer to play the next chapter in the story of Max Payne, as the upcoming third title has been delayed (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/max-payne-3-delayed/). The title, originally slated for a March release, will now appear in the fiscal 2013 year with Take-Two taking a net loss in the process.

-In some odd news this week, a recent mod for Skyrim was released that replaces the dragons in the game with one of the ponies from My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/skyrim-mod-replaces-dragons-with-my-little-pony/) You can view a video of the mod here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCP9Jn2Q0cQ).

-Ken Livine, creative director for the upcoming Bioshock: Infinite, has announced that the game will feature a new mode called 1999 Mode. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/bioshock-infinite-to-include-tougher-1999-mode/) The new mode, of which it's tweaks and features have yet to be revealed, is promised to have a demanding difficulty level and a Game Over screen if you lack the resources to respawn.

-A coalition of game publishers, including Ubisoft, Atarti, and Codemasters, have announced last week that they are demanding their money from those who have pirated their games. (http://www.destructoid.com/atari-ubisoft-others-demanding-money-from-pirates-219767.phtml) The coalition, whom also comprises of other publishers, are preparing to take legal action against the pirates, due to lost profits.

-Bioware has announced that the new character for Mass Effect 3, James Vega, will be voiced by none other then late 90's teen idol, Freddy Prinze Jr. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/freddie-prinze-jr-to-voice-mass-effect-3s-james-vega/) The game is still scheduled to be released this March.

-Robomondo, the developer for the upcoming HD remake of Tony Hawk Pro Skater, has reveled a few more levels included in the remake. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/the-same-as-it-ever-was-tony-hawk-pro-skater-hd-screens-and-par/) The levels will include Mall, Phoenix, Hanger, Marseilles, and Venice along with the previously announced Warehouse and School 2. Also yes, the game will feature manuals and reverts.

-And finally, it appears that social game juggernaut Zynga has entered a bit of finical trouble. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/zyngas-paid-300-per-new-user-in-the-past-nine-months-says-ana/) The company's stock has been struggling in price and the company has been spending more money on less users, paying over 120 million dollars for advertising purposes when only 400,000 new users, which is about 300 dollars per user.

That's it for this week's Round-Up! Sorry it's not as organized or structured as I'd hope, I've been a tad busy lately and I didn't have the time to use the new layout but fear not! The regular Round-Up will appear next week with another slab of this week's gaming news. So see you guys next week!

This week's news has been brought to by Joystiq and Destructoid.

anthonydarko

01/23/12, 05:31 PM

Ready yet?

Hello everyone, Anthony here for another week of the Gamer Round-Up. This week is going to be a quick one, so strap yourselves in!

TOPIC OF THE WEEK
What do you think about the reveal for Resident Evil 6? Are you excited or not so excited?

THE WEEK IN GAMING

-Perhaps the biggest news to hit this week, Capcom revealed to the world Resident Evil 6 this past Thursday (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/resident-evil-6-re-revealed-by-capcom-arriving-november-20-on-3/). The title has a release date for November 20th this year and will be available for the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3 with no word yet of a PC or Wii U port. You can watch the three and a half minute reveal trailer here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmC1lZeQad4).

-It looks like you're going to have to wait a little bit longer to play the next chapter in the story of Max Payne, as the upcoming third title has been delayed (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/max-payne-3-delayed/). The title, originally slated for a March release, will now appear in the fiscal 2013 year with Take-Two taking a net loss in the process.

-In some odd news this week, a recent mod for Skyrim was released that replaces the dragons in the game with one of the ponies from My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/skyrim-mod-replaces-dragons-with-my-little-pony/) You can view a video of the mod here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCP9Jn2Q0cQ).

-Ken Livine, creative director for the upcoming Bioshock: Infinite, has announced that the game will feature a new mode called 1999 Mode. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/bioshock-infinite-to-include-tougher-1999-mode/) The new mode, of which it's tweaks and features have yet to be revealed, is promised to have a demanding difficulty level and a Game Over screen if you lack the resources to respawn.

-A coalition of game publishers, including Ubisoft, Atarti, and Codemasters, have announced last week that they are demanding their money from those who have pirated their games. (http://www.destructoid.com/atari-ubisoft-others-demanding-money-from-pirates-219767.phtml) The coalition, whom also comprises of other publishers, are preparing to take legal action against the pirates, due to lost profits.

-Bioware has announced that the new character for Mass Effect 3, James Vega, will be voiced by none other then late 90's teen idol, Freddy Prinze Jr. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/freddie-prinze-jr-to-voice-mass-effect-3s-james-vega/) The game is still scheduled to be released this March.

-Robomondo, the developer for the upcoming HD remake of Tony Hawk Pro Skater, has reveled a few more levels included in the remake. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/the-same-as-it-ever-was-tony-hawk-pro-skater-hd-screens-and-par/) The levels will include Mall, Phoenix, Hanger, Marseilles, and Venice along with the previously announced Warehouse and School 2. Also yes, the game will feature manuals and reverts.

-And finally, it appears that social game juggernaut Zynga has entered a bit of finical trouble. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/zyngas-paid-300-per-new-user-in-the-past-nine-months-says-ana/) The company's stock has been struggling in price and the company has been spending more money on less users, paying over 120 million dollars for advertising purposes when only 400,000 new users, which is about 300 dollars per user.

That's it for this week's Round-Up! Sorry it's not as organized or structured as I'd hope, I've been a tad busy lately and I didn't have the time to use the new layout but fear not! The regular Round-Up will appear next week with another slab of this week's gaming news. So see you guys next week!

This week's news has been brought to by Joystiq and Destructoid.

Linda Ferreira

01/23/12, 07:32 PM

Hello everyone, Anthony here for another week of the Gamer Round-Up. This week is going to be a quick one, so strap yourselves in!

toid.

Thanks. Posted.
Quote me when the next one is ready.

Linda Ferreira

02/04/12, 06:32 PM

I can try to do this week's Round-Up quickly and get it done by tonight. I'll probably have to skip on using the layout and just compile as many stories as I can due to the amount of time I have. I've been busy with things lately so I haven't had much time to work on it, sorry about that.
quote me when you are ready with the next one :-)

anthonydarko

02/05/12, 11:52 AM

Well hello everyone, Anthony here for this week's round up on Super Bowl Sunday. Go commercials!

TOPIC OF THE WEEK
What version of Madden is your favorite?

THE WEEK IN GAMING

MICROSOFT NEWS

-According to earnings reports, the Xbox 360 is now the top-selling console in the world. (http://www.destructoid.com/xbox-360-is-now-the-top-selling-console-worldwide-221052.phtml) Over 8.2 million units were sold in the last quarter, beating out Sony's 6.5 million and Nintendo's 5.6 million. However, Nintendo still holds the title for lifetime sales with the Wii, with 95 million sold compared to the 66 million Xbox 360's sold.

-Speaking of consoles, don't hold your breath for an announcement of a new Xbox this year. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/report-dont-expect-next-xbox-announcements-this-year/) Microsoft announced Monday that there's still life in the system and will not make any announcements about a new console at this year's E3. There's always next year....

-You wish you could use the Kinect on your PC? Well, now you can (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/kinect-for-windows-out-today/)! Microsoft released Kinect for Windows this past week, with the aim of it being used in various industries such as healthcare and manufacturing. The unit is available for $250.

SONY NEWS

-The Last Of Us, the upcoming Sony exclusive from Naughty Dog, will grace the cover of the upcoming issue of Game Informer. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-last-of-us-screens-put-joel-and-ellie-in-pittsburgh/) With the announcement comes a few screenshots of the title, which can be seen in the link. The issue should arrive this week for subscribers.

-Longtime SCEA president Kaz Hirai got a big promotion this week. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/sony-appoints-kaz-hirai-to-prez-and-ceo-replacing-sir-howard-st/) Hirai will be replacing Howard Stringer as the president and CEO of Sony Corp., with Stringer taking up the spot as chairman of the company's board of directors. Congrats Hirai!

-With that bit of good news, comes some bad news for Sony. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/sony-plans-on-2-9-billion-loss-for-the-year/) The company has announced that they are planning to take a 2.9 billion dollar loss for the year. Fingers have been pointed towards the company's TV, camera, and PC divisions, which the products have not been doing so well lately sale-wise.

-If you're planning on getting a Vita and you don't want to spend a lot of money, it looks like downloading titles is much cheaper then buying a physical copy (http://www.destructoid.com/vita-downloads-confirmed-cheaper-than-cartridges-220792.phtml).

PC NEWS

-Good news for you modders out there, as the Skyrim Creation Kit will be available on Steam this Tuesday (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-creation-kit-out-on-pc-this-tuesday-with-a-surprise/). The mod tools will be free of charge and will feature "a surprise"

GENERAL GAME NEWS

-Since it's Super Bowl Sunday, it's fitting to mention that the voting for the Madden NFL 13 cover star will begin on March 7th. (http://www.destructoid.com/madden-nfl-13-cover-opened-up-to-64-player-fan-vote-221055.phtml)This year, there will 64 candidates vying for a spot on the cover, with 2 candidates from each of the 32 NFL teams. The winner will get his mug on the cover and become yet another part of the Madden Curse.

-Speaking of Madden, the annual Super Bowl simulation declared that the Giants will take home the victory (http://www.destructoid.com/madden-nfl-12-says-giants-will-be-super-bowl-xlvi-champs-220683.phtml). The yearly tradition has had a solid track record of successfully predicting the winners, with six out of eight Super Bowls being correct. The only time it's been wrong was, funny enough, when the Giants dashed the Patriots perfect season in 2008, when the simulation declared the Patriots would be the victor.

-In some shocking news, EA has announced that the upcoming remake of Syndicate will NOT have an online pass (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/syndicate-will-not-have-an-online-pass-ea-confirms/).

-Do you love The Evil Dead? Do you love girls running around and killing zombies with a giant chainsaw? Well you're in luck, as the Gamestop preorder for the upcoming Lollipop Chainsaw will feature two exclusive outfits (http://www.destructoid.com/lollipop-chainsaw-pre-order-bonus-include-evil-dead-skin-220954.phtml), one of which is that of Ash from the Evil Dead series. The other outfit will be that of Jimmy Urine from Mindless Self Indulgence and is exclusive to PowerRewards members.

-Ever wonder to whom will be voicing characters in the upcoming Mass Effect 3? Well, the mystery is now over (http://www.destructoid.com/here-s-your-voice-cast-for-mass-effect-3-220769.phtml).

Well that's it for this week, I'm off to go stuff my face and laugh at funny commercials. See you all next week!

This week's round-up had been brought to you by Joystiq and Destructoid.

anthonydarko

02/05/12, 12:41 PM

quote me when you are ready with the next one :-)

Well hello everyone, Anthony here for this week's round up on Super Bowl Sunday. Go commercials!

TOPIC OF THE WEEK
What version of Madden is your favorite?

THE WEEK IN GAMING

MICROSOFT NEWS

-According to earnings reports, the Xbox 360 is now the top-selling console in the world. (http://www.destructoid.com/xbox-360-is-now-the-top-selling-console-worldwide-221052.phtml) Over 8.2 million units were sold in the last quarter, beating out Sony's 6.5 million and Nintendo's 5.6 million. However, Nintendo still holds the title for lifetime sales with the Wii, with 95 million sold compared to the 66 million Xbox 360's sold.

-Speaking of consoles, don't hold your breath for an announcement of a new Xbox this year. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/report-dont-expect-next-xbox-announcements-this-year/) Microsoft announced Monday that there's still life in the system and will not make any announcements about a new console at this year's E3. There's always next year....

-You wish you could use the Kinect on your PC? Well, now you can (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/kinect-for-windows-out-today/)! Microsoft released Kinect for Windows this past week, with the aim of it being used in various industries such as healthcare and manufacturing. The unit is available for $250.

SONY NEWS

-The Last Of Us, the upcoming Sony exclusive from Naughty Dog, will grace the cover of the upcoming issue of Game Informer. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/the-last-of-us-screens-put-joel-and-ellie-in-pittsburgh/) With the announcement comes a few screenshots of the title, which can be seen in the link. The issue should arrive this week for subscribers.

-Longtime SCEA president Kaz Hirai got a big promotion this week. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/sony-appoints-kaz-hirai-to-prez-and-ceo-replacing-sir-howard-st/) Hirai will be replacing Howard Stringer as the president and CEO of Sony Corp., with Stringer taking up the spot as chairman of the company's board of directors. Congrats Hirai!

-With that bit of good news, comes some bad news for Sony. (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/sony-plans-on-2-9-billion-loss-for-the-year/) The company has announced that they are planning to take a 2.9 billion dollar loss for the year. Fingers have been pointed towards the company's TV, camera, and PC divisions, which the products have not been doing so well lately sale-wise.

-If you're planning on getting a Vita and you don't want to spend a lot of money, it looks like downloading titles is much cheaper then buying a physical copy (http://www.destructoid.com/vita-downloads-confirmed-cheaper-than-cartridges-220792.phtml).

PC NEWS

-Good news for you modders out there, as the Skyrim Creation Kit will be available on Steam this Tuesday (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/skyrim-creation-kit-out-on-pc-this-tuesday-with-a-surprise/). The mod tools will be free of charge and will feature "a surprise"

GENERAL GAME NEWS

-Since it's Super Bowl Sunday, it's fitting to mention that the voting for the Madden NFL 13 cover star will begin on March 7th. (http://www.destructoid.com/madden-nfl-13-cover-opened-up-to-64-player-fan-vote-221055.phtml)This year, there will 64 candidates vying for a spot on the cover, with 2 candidates from each of the 32 NFL teams. The winner will get his mug on the cover and become yet another part of the Madden Curse.

-Speaking of Madden, the annual Super Bowl simulation declared that the Giants will take home the victory (http://www.destructoid.com/madden-nfl-12-says-giants-will-be-super-bowl-xlvi-champs-220683.phtml). The yearly tradition has had a solid track record of successfully predicting the winners, with six out of eight Super Bowls being correct. The only time it's been wrong was, funny enough, when the Giants dashed the Patriots perfect season in 2008, when the simulation declared the Patriots would be the victor.

-In some shocking news, EA has announced that the upcoming remake of Syndicate will NOT have an online pass (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/syndicate-will-not-have-an-online-pass-ea-confirms/).

-Do you love The Evil Dead? Do you love girls running around and killing zombies with a giant chainsaw? Well you're in luck, as the Gamestop preorder for the upcoming Lollipop Chainsaw will feature two exclusive outfits (http://www.destructoid.com/lollipop-chainsaw-pre-order-bonus-include-evil-dead-skin-220954.phtml), one of which is that of Ash from the Evil Dead series. The other outfit will be that of Jimmy Urine from Mindless Self Indulgence and is exclusive to PowerRewards members.

-Ever wonder to whom will be voicing characters in the upcoming Mass Effect 3? Well, the mystery is now over (http://www.destructoid.com/here-s-your-voice-cast-for-mass-effect-3-220769.phtml).

Well that's it for this week, I'm off to go stuff my face and laugh at funny commercials. See you all next week!

This week's round-up had been brought to you by Joystiq and Destructoid.

Linda Ferreira

02/05/12, 01:36 PM

Well hello everyone, Anthony here for this week's round up on Super Bowl Sunday. Go commercials!

.

Thanks. Posted.

anthonydarko

02/05/12, 01:40 PM

Thanks. Posted.

I was wondering if you can do a small edit on one of the stories. I made an error with the Lollipop Chainsaw story, it's PowerUp Rewards instead of PowerRewards.

Linda Ferreira

02/11/12, 12:14 PM

I was wondering if you can do a small edit on one of the stories. I made an error with the Lollipop Chainsaw story, it's PowerUp Rewards instead of PowerRewards.
fixed
quote me when you are ready with the next roundup

Linda Ferreira

02/18/12, 09:20 AM

I was wondering if you can do a small edit on one of the stories. I made an error with the Lollipop Chainsaw story, it's PowerUp Rewards instead of PowerRewards.
:wave: quote me when you are ready with the next roundup

anthonydarko

02/20/12, 07:02 AM

Well hello everyone, Anthony here for another week of the Gamer Round-Up!

TOPIC OF THE WEEK

What has been your favorite release so far this winter?

THE WEEK IN GAMING

NINTENDO NEWS

- Hulu Plus is now available for streaming on the Wii (http://www.destructoid.com/hulu-plus-for-the-wii-now-available-221952.phtml).

- Nintendo last week acquired (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/nintendo-acquires-video-research-middleware-company-mobiclip/) Mobiclip, a company that specializes in "highly optimized software technologies".

MICROSOFT NEWS

- According to 343 Industries, developers for the upcoming Halo 4, Master Chief's armor, and the game's HUD, is getting a makeover for the new title (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/halo-4-to-feature-one-heavy-master-chief/).

SONY NEWS

- The highly anticipated PSN title Journey will be available on March 13th for the price of $14.99 (http://www.destructoid.com/journey-comes-to-playstation-network-march-13-221946.phtml).

- The long time Sony franchise Twisted Metal is set to be turned into a film (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/report-sony-preparing-twisted-metal-movie/).

PC NEWS

- Wish you could Minecraft in real life? Well thanks to Lego, your dreams are now a reality (http://www.destructoid.com/lego-minecraft-set-coming-this-summer-first-pics-are-in-221971.phtml)! The world famous Dannish toy manufacturer has announced they will be selling various Lego sets of the popular title, which are expected to go on sale this summer.

- Apple's Game Center will be included (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/game-center-coming-to-os-x-mountain-lion/) in the upcoming OS X Mountain Lion update.

iOS/ANDROID NEWS

-Tired of seeing Angry Birds everywhere? Well, it looks like that's not going to go away anytime soon as Rovio announced it's next installment in the top selling franchise, Angry Birds Space (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/angry-birds-space-is-rovios-next-big-game/). The title naturally will be the tried and true Angry Birds the world has come to love, but in space! The title is expected to launch on March 22nd.

- As it was announced back in September, the original Max Payne will get an HD release for mobile devices (http://www.destructoid.com/original-max-payne-coming-to-mobile-devices-very-soon-221909.phtml). To date, there is no set release date for the port.

- Social game giant Zynga lost over $400 million dollars in 2011 (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/zynga-lost-over-400-million-in-2011-while-58-5-million-people-p/).

GENERAL GAME NEWS

- Good news for Boston fans of PAX East, as Penny Arcade as announced that the city will host the expo for the next decade (http://www.destructoid.com/pax-east-will-stay-in-boston-for-the-next-decade-222110.phtml). The event will stay in the city until 2023.

- Speaking of Penny Arcade, the popular webcomic will be teaming up with the ESRB to create a new series of advertisements to promote the ESRB's well-known rating system (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/esrb-and-penny-arcade-team-up-on-new-ratings-campaign/). This will be the second time PA has teamed up with the ESRB, doing a similar campaign back in 2006.

- It looks like COD: Black Ops 2 could in fact be a reality, according to an accidental listing of the title on Amazon France (http://www.destructoid.com/amazon-france-leaks-black-ops-2-222097.phtml).

- If the math is right, it will cost you about $870 (http://www.destructoid.com/it-will-cost-you-around-870-to-get-mass-effect-3-s-dlc-222045.phtml) to own all of the DLC for the upcoming Mass Effect 3.

- The MMO title Rift now has a Guinness World Record to it's name, thanks to setting a record for most in-game marriages in a 24-hour period (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/rift-sets-guinness-record-for-most-in-game-marriages/).

- The long awaited Assassin's Creed 3 will arrive on store shelves on October 30th (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/assassins-creed-3-arrives-on-october-30/).

- Capcom has revealed (http://www.destructoid.com/resident-evil-6-moving-shooting-no-t-virus-221823.phtml) various new details about the upcoming Resident Evil 6. Noteworthy details include the ability to run and shoot and, to which makes this writer quite bummed, there will be no T-Virus in the game. The game also is 50% complete.

- Fear not fans of L.A Noire, as Rockstar has not ruled out (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/more-la-noire-a-possibility-rockstar-not-in-a-rush-for-sequel/) the possibility of a sequel.

That's all for this week, folks! See you all next week!

This week's Round-Up has been brought to you by Joystiq and Destructoid.

anthonydarko

02/20/12, 08:05 AM

:wave: quote me when you are ready with the next roundup

Well hello everyone, Anthony here for another week of the Gamer Round-Up!

TOPIC OF THE WEEK

What has been your favorite release so far this winter?

THE WEEK IN GAMING

NINTENDO NEWS

- Hulu Plus is now available for streaming on the Wii (http://www.destructoid.com/hulu-plus-for-the-wii-now-available-221952.phtml).

- Nintendo last week acquired (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/nintendo-acquires-video-research-middleware-company-mobiclip/) Mobiclip, a company that specializes in "highly optimized software technologies".

MICROSOFT NEWS

- According to 343 Industries, developers for the upcoming Halo 4, Master Chief's armor, and the game's HUD, is getting a makeover for the new title (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/halo-4-to-feature-one-heavy-master-chief/).

SONY NEWS

- The highly anticipated PSN title Journey will be available on March 13th for the price of $14.99 (http://www.destructoid.com/journey-comes-to-playstation-network-march-13-221946.phtml).

- The long time Sony franchise Twisted Metal is set to be turned into a film (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/report-sony-preparing-twisted-metal-movie/).

PC NEWS

- Wish you could Minecraft in real life? Well thanks to Lego, your dreams are now a reality (http://www.destructoid.com/lego-minecraft-set-coming-this-summer-first-pics-are-in-221971.phtml)! The world famous Dannish toy manufacturer has announced they will be selling various Lego sets of the popular title, which are expected to go on sale this summer.

- Apple's Game Center will be included (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/game-center-coming-to-os-x-mountain-lion/) in the upcoming OS X Mountain Lion update.

iOS/ANDROID NEWS

-Tired of seeing Angry Birds everywhere? Well, it looks like that's not going to go away anytime soon as Rovio announced it's next installment in the top selling franchise, Angry Birds Space (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/angry-birds-space-is-rovios-next-big-game/). The title naturally will be the tried and true Angry Birds the world has come to love, but in space! The title is expected to launch on March 22nd.

- As it was announced back in September, the original Max Payne will get an HD release for mobile devices (http://www.destructoid.com/original-max-payne-coming-to-mobile-devices-very-soon-221909.phtml). To date, there is no set release date for the port.

- Social game giant Zynga lost over $400 million dollars in 2011 (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/zynga-lost-over-400-million-in-2011-while-58-5-million-people-p/).

GENERAL GAME NEWS

- Good news for Boston fans of PAX East, as Penny Arcade as announced that the city will host the expo for the next decade (http://www.destructoid.com/pax-east-will-stay-in-boston-for-the-next-decade-222110.phtml). The event will stay in the city until 2023.

- Speaking of Penny Arcade, the popular webcomic will be teaming up with the ESRB to create a new series of advertisements to promote the ESRB's well-known rating system (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/esrb-and-penny-arcade-team-up-on-new-ratings-campaign/). This will be the second time PA has teamed up with the ESRB, doing a similar campaign back in 2006.

- It looks like COD: Black Ops 2 could in fact be a reality, according to an accidental listing of the title on Amazon France (http://www.destructoid.com/amazon-france-leaks-black-ops-2-222097.phtml).

- If the math is right, it will cost you about $870 (http://www.destructoid.com/it-will-cost-you-around-870-to-get-mass-effect-3-s-dlc-222045.phtml) to own all of the DLC for the upcoming Mass Effect 3.

- The MMO title Rift now has a Guinness World Record to it's name, thanks to setting a record for most in-game marriages in a 24-hour period (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/rift-sets-guinness-record-for-most-in-game-marriages/).

- The long awaited Assassin's Creed 3 will arrive on store shelves on October 30th (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/assassins-creed-3-arrives-on-october-30/).

- Capcom has revealed (http://www.destructoid.com/resident-evil-6-moving-shooting-no-t-virus-221823.phtml) various new details about the upcoming Resident Evil 6. Noteworthy details include the ability to run and shoot and, to which makes this writer quite bummed, there will be no T-Virus in the game. The game also is 50% complete.

- Fear not fans of L.A Noire, as Rockstar has not ruled out (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/more-la-noire-a-possibility-rockstar-not-in-a-rush-for-sequel/) the possibility of a sequel.

That's all for this week, folks! See you all next week!

This week's Round-Up has been brought to you by Joystiq and Destructoid.

Linda Ferreira

02/20/12, 01:20 PM

Well hello everyone, Anthony here for another week of the Gamer Round-Up!

That's all for this week, folks! See you all next week!

This week's Round-Up has been brought to you by Joystiq and Destructoid.

Thanks. Posted. Let me know if I need to change anything.

Linda Ferreira

02/27/12, 10:02 AM

Well hello everyone, Anthony here for another week of the Gamer Round-Up!

TOPIC OF THE WEEK

This week's Round-Up has been brought to you by Joystiq and Destructoid.
quote me when you are ready with the next one

Linda Ferreira

03/03/12, 09:38 AM

anthonydarko

03/05/12, 02:10 PM

Anthony here with another week of the Gamer Round-Up!

TOPIC(s) OF THE WEEK

Who here is excited for the conclusion of Commander Shepard's story in Mass Effect 3? Better question, who here is giving up their social lives for awhile for this game?

Also, how would you guys feel about reviews being a part of the round-up? What other features would you like to see be included into the round-up?

THE WEEK IN GAMING

NINTENDO NEWS

- On the heels of last week's announcement of the long-awaited Assassin's Creed 3, Ubisoft has confirmed (http://www.destructoid.com/assassin-s-creed-iii-confirmed-for-wii-u-223193.phtml) that the game will appear on the Wii U.

-Due to "questionable religious content", Team Meat's The Binding of Issac will not appear (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/binding-of-isaac-not-coming-to-3ds-eshop/) on the 3DS eShop.

MICROSOFT NEWS

-New details about the upcoming Halo 4 have been revealed (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/halo-4-bringing-the-battle-rifle-back-introducing-unlockable-ab/).

-After a notable absence at launch, Porsche will finally appear in Forza 4 with an expansion pack (http://www.destructoid.com/porsche-returns-to-forza-4-in-may-as-an-expansion-pack-223167.phtml) being released this May. In other Forza news, the level cap will be risen up to 999 (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/forza-4-update-raising-level-cap-to-999-tomorrow/) with an online update.

SONY NEWS

-The upcoming PSN exclusive MMOFPS Dust 514 has gone free-to-play (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/04/dust-514-goes-free-to-play-vita-version-a-companion-app/).

PC NEWS

- PC juggernauts Valve is rumored (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/rumor-valve-working-on-steam-box-console-standard-with-custom/) to be developing a new console.

-Speaking of Valve, it's upcoming title Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has lost (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/counter-strike-global-offensive-loses-cross-play/) cross-play between PC and Mac versions.

GENERAL GAME NEWS

-In what is the biggest news from last week, details about the long-awaited Assassin's Creed 3 have been revealed (http://www.destructoid.com/assassin-s-creed-iii-reveal-trailer-shoots-guns-in-woods-223187.phtml).

-In other big news, the highly anticipated Bioshock: Infinite will be released on October16th (http://www.destructoid.com/bioshock-infinite-release-date-is-october-16-223006.phtml).

-The ever-popular Angry Birds will be getting its own theme park attraction (http://www.destructoid.com/angry-birds-theme-park-coming-to-finland-this-summer-223021.phtml) in Finland this summer.

-The schedule for the upcoming PAX East have been released (http://www.destructoid.com/the-pax-east-2012-panel-schedule-is-up-223123.phtml).

-Bad news for Euro gamers looking to get Mass Effect 3 from GAME, as the retailer is unable (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/game-not-stocking-mass-effect-3/) to stock the title.

-For Adventure Time fans, a fellow fan has created a video game intro (http://www.destructoid.com/here-s-what-adventure-time-the-game-should-look-like-223061.phtml).

-A Spanish retailer has slipped out the upcoming Black Ops sequel should be released (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/spanish-retailer-lists-call-of-duty-black-ops-2-for-november/) in the traditional November time frame.

-Rumors suggest that SimCity 5 will be revealed (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/simcity-5-rumors-building/) this week's Game Developers Conference. No word on a SimAnt sequel though.

GAMES YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT THIS WEEK

Mass Effect 3

Well, that's all for this week's round-up! I'll be shutting myself out the outside world for a little bit to play ME3 but I'll be back next week with another slab of news! If you're lucky, you just might see a review for it pop up with the next round-up;-)

anthonydarko

03/05/12, 02:56 PM

:wave: quote me when you are ready with the next one

Anthony here with another week of the Gamer Round-Up!

TOPIC(s) OF THE WEEK

Who here is excited for the conclusion of Commander Shepard's story in Mass Effect 3? Better question, who here is giving up their social lives for awhile for this game?

Also, how would you guys feel about reviews being a part of the round-up? What other features would you like to see be included into the round-up?

THE WEEK IN GAMING

NINTENDO NEWS

- On the heels of last week's announcement of the long-awaited Assassin's Creed 3, Ubisoft has confirmed (http://www.destructoid.com/assassin-s-creed-iii-confirmed-for-wii-u-223193.phtml) that the game will appear on the Wii U.

-Due to "questionable religious content", Team Meat's The Binding of Issac will not appear (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/binding-of-isaac-not-coming-to-3ds-eshop/) on the 3DS eShop.

MICROSOFT NEWS

-New details about the upcoming Halo 4 have been revealed (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/halo-4-bringing-the-battle-rifle-back-introducing-unlockable-ab/).

-After a notable absence at launch, Porsche will finally appear in Forza 4 with an expansion pack (http://www.destructoid.com/porsche-returns-to-forza-4-in-may-as-an-expansion-pack-223167.phtml) being released this May. In other Forza news, the level cap will be risen up to 999 (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/forza-4-update-raising-level-cap-to-999-tomorrow/) with an online update.

SONY NEWS

-The upcoming PSN exclusive MMOFPS Dust 514 has gone free-to-play (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/04/dust-514-goes-free-to-play-vita-version-a-companion-app/).

PC NEWS

- PC juggernauts Valve is rumored (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/03/rumor-valve-working-on-steam-box-console-standard-with-custom/) to be developing a new console.

-Speaking of Valve, it's upcoming title Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has lost (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/counter-strike-global-offensive-loses-cross-play/) cross-play between PC and Mac versions.

GENERAL GAME NEWS

-In what is the biggest news from last week, details about the long-awaited Assassin's Creed 3 have been revealed (http://www.destructoid.com/assassin-s-creed-iii-reveal-trailer-shoots-guns-in-woods-223187.phtml).

-In other big news, the highly anticipated Bioshock: Infinite will be released on October16th (http://www.destructoid.com/bioshock-infinite-release-date-is-october-16-223006.phtml).

-The ever-popular Angry Birds will be getting its own theme park attraction (http://www.destructoid.com/angry-birds-theme-park-coming-to-finland-this-summer-223021.phtml) in Finland this summer.

-The schedule for the upcoming PAX East have been released (http://www.destructoid.com/the-pax-east-2012-panel-schedule-is-up-223123.phtml).

-Bad news for Euro gamers looking to get Mass Effect 3 from GAME, as the retailer is unable (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/game-not-stocking-mass-effect-3/) to stock the title.

-For Adventure Time fans, a fellow fan has created a video game intro (http://www.destructoid.com/here-s-what-adventure-time-the-game-should-look-like-223061.phtml).

-A Spanish retailer has slipped out the upcoming Black Ops sequel should be released (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/spanish-retailer-lists-call-of-duty-black-ops-2-for-november/) in the traditional November time frame.

-Rumors suggest that SimCity 5 will be revealed (http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/simcity-5-rumors-building/) this week's Game Developers Conference. No word on a SimAnt sequel though.

GAMES YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT THIS WEEK

Mass Effect 3

Well, that's all for this week's round-up! I'll be shutting myself out the outside world for a little bit to play ME3 but I'll be back next week with another slab of news! If you're lucky, you just might see a review for it pop up with the next round-up;-)