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Death Rally goes free on iOS for a limited time

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If you've been waiting to check out Remedy's successful racer, Death Rally, now is probably the time to do it. The car-combat title is currently free on the Apple App Store. It's only free for "a limited time" however, so get it while the gettin's good.

Remedy is also giving away an iPad via the Death Rally Facebook page. To enter the giveaway, users have to simply "like" Death Rally on Facebook. You should probably actually try the game first, of course. Not that we're suggesting anyone would ever "like" something dishonestly.

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How to buy Minecraft on Xbox 360 for $5 less than on your Xbox 360 [update: no more!]

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Update: Best Buy's price for Minecraft is back at $20, unfortunately. Congrats to those of you who managed to snap up the lower price!

With the launch of Minecraft today on Xbox Live Arcade for the lofty price of 1600 MS Points ($20), we searched long and hard to discover a way to buy the game for a full 25 percent off. There was lava and exploding Creepers and this skeleton that kept shooting arrows – pretty harrowing stuff. Anyway, we sussed out this precise formula for snagging the game on the cheap. Follow along below ... if you dare.
  • Step 1: Go to Best Buy's website.
  • Step 2: Purchase Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition for $15 instead of the $20 it costs on Xbox Live Marketplace.
  • Step 3: Laugh and throw money in the air, you baller.

[Thanks KP!]

Wedbush thinks Grand Theft Auto 5 will launch in October

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With this morning's announcement that BioShock Infinite will now launch in February 2013, publisher Take-Two Interactive altered more than a game's launch date. Take-Two is a publicly traded company, and one fewer gigantic product launch during the holiday season – arguably Take-Two's only holiday product launch, unless you count fall launches of Borderlands 2 and XCOM: Enemy Unknown as "holiday" – means that shareholders will want to know what's up. That worry is reflected in Take-Two's stock price, which took a five percent hit since the market opened this morning.

But when Infinite got pushed out of the holiday season, it opened the slot up for another high-profile Take-Two-published title: Grand Theft Auto 5. "In our view, the delay opens the window for Grand Theft Auto V to be released in October 2012," Michael Pachter of Webush Securities wrote in an email this morning, echoing a release window leak from earlier this year.

In his eyes, Infinite wasn't just delayed to make it "something even more extraordinary," as Ken Levine put it, but because the folks at Rockstar, "notified Take-Two that GTA V would be ready for October." He believes this resulted in Take-Two offering Irrational Games an extra few months to prepare BioShock Infinite. His logic? "The studio [Rockstar Games] has scheduled every prior GTA release during that month (with GTA IV delayed to April 2008, due to bugs in the PS3 version)."

Furthermore, Pachter and co. speculate we could hear more about GTA 5's launch date "as early as May 22" during a scheduled quarterly investor call, or perhaps in a few more weeks at E3 2012. We've yet to hear back from Irrational, Rockstar, or Take-Two on the subject.

Mob Rules Games launches Kickstarter for Haunts: The Manse Macabre

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There are plenty of horror-themed video games out there, but not many can claim to be a turn-based haunted house. Enter Haunts: The Manse Macabre, the first game from Mob Rules Games, a studio founded by Cryptic Studios vets. Voted by fans to be the studio's first project, Haunts has one team investigating a haunted mansion, while the other team tries to put an end to those who would invade their home.

Haunts features a single-player campaign and online multiplayer for Mac, PC and Linux. The visuals are inspired by the work of Harry Clark and Edward Gorey, artists known for their iconic, creepy illustrations. The intruders choose a goal – recovering a specific artifact from the mansion, for example – which is unknown to the opposing team. Each team also selects its units in secret, making every game different.

Having raised over $40,000 from other sources, Mob Rules Games is running a Kickstarter for an additional $25,000 to finish the project. As expected, there are various rewards for different donation levels, but perhaps the most interesting is that every $5 donated nets donors an additional copy of the game, which they are free to keep, sell, give to a friend or just hoard.

Dragon's Dogma features asynchronous co-op 'Ur-Dragon' slaying

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Dragon's Dogma will feature a dragon so big, so dogmatic (why not) that it'll take the collective efforts of everyone playing to kill it. The "Ur-Dragon" is an event in which every player party will be able to fight the giant beast in their own games, with all damage dealt to it worldwide contributing to the depletion of its health.

The person to strike the final, decisive blow will get the "maximum reward," but players who cause damage will also receive item drops. Of course, if hacking away at a big old dragon weren't rewarding enough on its own, nobody would ever play Dragon's Dogma.

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I Am Alive tops April PSN downloads, just one Vita game charts

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Ubisoft's post-apocalypse third-person-survivor I Am Alive apparently struck a chord with PlayStation 3 owners last month, topping the PlayStation Network's download charts for April 2012, even edging out March's big PSN release, Journey.

The Walking Dead's game adaptation from Telltale managed more than a shambling start as well, taking up two spots on the top 10 with the season pass and first episode in third and fifth place, respectively. Just one Vita title landed on the list, Escape Plan, in the number 10 spot. All of this information – and more! – can be found in the latest PlayStation "Pulse" video, which we've dropped just below the break.

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Soul Sacrifice is Keiji Inafune's Vita game, features gruesome magic

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While Sony's Japan Studio is the only listed name on the teaser video for Soul Sacrifice, a new Famitsu story adds some other names to the roster. Former Capcom exec, current Comcept/Intercept head, and Neptunia mk2 weapon Keiji Inafune is in charge of planning on the Vita game for his company Comcept.

That would mean Soul Sacrifice is the Vita game he semi-accidentally announced, and then attempted to unannounce, earlier this year. Inafune is working with developer Marvelous AQL, with composers Yasunori Mitsuda and Wataru Hokoyama providing music.

The game allows players to cast powerful magic spells, but requires a payment ("Sacrifice") for each. You can sacrifice objects, but the most powerful spells require you to give up parts of your character's body – in an example given, you give up an eye to summon a Gorgon. The player has been enslaved by a sorcerer, and captured in a small cell, when a demonic book appears that allows the player to experience past magical battles – which you can do with up to four players.

Head to Famitsu now to see many, many screenshots and pieces of Comcept concept art.

Prototype 2 mutates with fresh DLC, iOS and Android companion apps

Causing mass destruction is easily the best part of Prototype 2, and a new batch of DLC should help you do that with a little more panache. The "Colossal Mayhem" pack adds a number of new goodies, including a "Thermobaric Boom-Stick" weapon and a number of new powers and skins for Heller, the game's protagonist. The pack is available now for $5 on PSN and Xbox Live.

The next round of DLC, available May 29, has already been announced as well. The "Excessive Force" pack will include a "Viral Infector" grenade launcher and yet more powers and skins. It will also sell for $5.

In other Prototype 2 news, a companion app has been released for Android and iOS. The app allows users to keep track of achievements and in-game collectible thanks to some handy maps that have all collectibles marked. The app itself is free, though it only includes one map, the Yellow Zone. The remaining two maps can be purchased for $2.

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Rumor: EA planning SimCity Social for Facebook [update]

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Domain registrations suggest that EA is planning to follow up its hit Facebook game The Sims Social with a Facebook-based SimCity. Last September, the publisher registered (or re-registered) "SimCitySocial.com," "SimCity-Social.com," and "SimCityFacebook.com," which, put together, provide evidence of a Facebook game called "SimCity Social."

Additionally, as SimsVIP reports, you can spot a Playfish SimCity Social URL ... if you load up http://apps.facebook.com/simcitysocial/ in Google Cache, stop the page before it redirects to Facebook, and view source. It's a lot of crazy steps to take in order to see some shaky, uncertain evidence, but it works.

Even if this game turns out to be real, there's no telling when EA will launch it. Outernauts will likely be EA's big Facebook launch this summer, and the publisher has been sitting on these URLs for months. Perhaps it'll be released next year alongside the other new SimCity.

[Thanks, Victor!]

Update: We came across this URL for a currently inactive "SimCity" app. The source, including the broken image on the front page, links back to Playfish. EA officially declined to comment to Joystiq.

Inside Xbox also ends in Europe

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Although Microsoft was a little cagey about the fate of Inside Xbox content in Europe last week, the company announced today that it will "effectively be retired in Europe." That means first-party content will no longer be produced, with everything transitioning to a third-party content model.

"So, to be clear and succinct: Inside Xbox is no more, as are our jobs," Dan Maher, Xbox Live Editor and host of SentUAMessage wrote on Twitter. "Your support during the last four years has meant the world to us."

The European shutdown comes a week after Microsoft announced the closure of first-party Inside Xbox production in the States and other territories.

Wolfenstein 3D celebrating its 20-year history by going free on browsers, iOS

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Yesterday, Wolfenstein 3D was a measly 19 years and 364 days old. Puh-shaw, we say. Today, however, the game is a full 20 years old, and id Software is throwing the classic FPS a celebration. Rather than sending all the game's fans party hats and individual slices of cake, though, id's ported Wolf 3D to web browsers, making it totally free!

But perhaps you're not around a computer at the moment, and you'd prefer to play on the go? id's got that covered too, making the iOS port of Wolfenstein 3D free for today only (the iTunes page still reflects a $1.99 price as of this writing, but Bethesda says it'll flip to free "later today").

Or maybe you've already played Wolf 3D more than you'll ever need to? Creator John Carmack recorded a director commentary aimed at superfans of the series, which we've embedded just below the break. Let us know if he talks about rockets at all!

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Two Guys from Andromeda Kickstart their 'SpaceVenture'

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When the "Two Guys from Andromeda," designers of the Space Quest series, announced their plans to reunite for a new sci-fi adventure game, we noted the surprising lack of a Kickstarter drive. Well, surprise! There's a Kickstarter drive now.

The Guys (Mark Crowe and Scott Murphy) are seeking the increasingly industry-standard $500,000 for their PC, Mac, Linux, iPad, and Android Tablet game. They've already gathered an impressive array of voice actors they'd like to be able to pay, including narrator Gary Owens, Rob Paulsen ("NARF!") and Ellen "GLaDOS" McLain.

Rewards for the drive include phyical "special edition" boxes, your name in the credits, t-shirts, collectible Buckazoid coins, and, in the highest tiers, your likeness in alien form on the box and/or in the game. You can even vote on hilarious death sequences.

[Thanks, Jess]

Outernauts is new Facebook game from Insomniac and EA

Insomniac Games (Ratchet and Clank, Resistance series) and Electronic Arts have teamed up on Outernauts, an adventure role-playing Facebook game. Outernauts are sent out into the galaxy to capture and train "exotic alien beasts" and unlock the secrets of the ancients while fighting in asynchronous battles.

"As we have demonstrated for nearly twenty years in the console games space, we're confident we can help evolve the definition of a game experience on Facebook," said Insomniac prez Ted Price. "With Outernauts, we are delivering a deep story with real RPG strategy, coupled with Insomniac's signature sense of humor."

The game popped up across galactic radar relays this past February following copyright registrations, and could be seen in stars after the creation of Insomniac Click. Outernauts will launch this summer and is currently in closed beta.

BioShock Infinite delayed to February 2013

Take-Two has delayed BioShock Infinite until February 26, 2013.

"When we announced the release date of BioShock Infinite in March, we felt pretty good about the timing. Since then, we've uncovered opportunities to make Infinite into something even more extraordinary," said Irrational Games Creative Director Ken Levine. "Therefore, to give our talented team the time they need to deliver the best Infinite possible, we've decided to move the game's release to February."

Levine also mentioned in a separate statement that the game will be going dark from here on out, noting it will not be shown at mega events E3 and Gamescom.

"That way, the next time you see our game, it will be essentially the product we intend to put in the box. Preparing for these events takes time away from development, time we're going to use instead to get the best version of Infinite into your hands in February."

Titan Books publishing Awakening: The Art of Halo 4 in November

If you prefer your books to be light on those word things, you might want to join us in our favorite pastime – perusing books with lots of pictures in them. Titan Books will produce such a collection of images centered around Halo 4, called Awakening: The Art of Halo 4.

It's a hardcover tome of concept art from 343 Industries highlighting "characters, weapons, vehicles, and environments" from this year's installment in Microsoft's popular franchise. "This collection will provide a detailed look at the art created specifically for Halo 4, with commentary by the creative team at 343 Industries," the announcement reads.

Awakening: The Art of Halo 4 will be available at your favorite Bookatorium in November, which conveniently happens to be when Halo 4 launches.

Alien Hominid has been played 20 million times on Newgrounds

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Before there was, uh, that other game called Alien Hominid (and Castle Crashers), there was the original Alien Hominid, a free browser run-and-gun game that debuted on Newgrounds. And that original game has now surpassed 20 million play sessions, The Behemoth has announced.

The brain child of Tom Fulp and Dan Paladin, Alien Hominid was built in Flash and released on Newgrounds way back in 2002. It would eventually be ported to the GameCube and PS2 in 2004 (and Europe would see Xbox and GameBoy Advance ports), then to Xbox Live Arcade in 2007. Currently, The Behemoth is working on Battleblock Theater.

'Legend of the Beast' DLC coming to ... Serious Sam HD: Second Encounter?

Like one of those headless-yet-somehow-screaming dudes popping out of nowhere, Croteam has managed to surprise us with a DLC announcement today. Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter will receive the Legend of the Beast DLC pack on May 15, extending the campaign and multiplayer experiences. The Legend of the Beast costs $4.99 and adds three new campaign missions, along with three new maps each for Brutal Survivor mode and Chaotic Versus mode. And again (weirdly), this is DLC for Serious Sam's second HD game, not the most recent Serious Sam 3.

In addition to the DLC, all Serious Sam HD: The Second Encounter's multiplayer modes – which include both co-operative and competitive-based modes – will be free for all through Steam on May 15. All you have to do is download the free, standalone multiplayer on or after May 15 and you're good to go.

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'The Last Laugh' DLC coming to DC Universe Online in June, adds new PvP content

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The Last Laugh, a new DLC pack that expands player-versus-player options in DC Universe Online, is set to arrive on PC and PlayStation 3 this June. In addition to introducing three different four-on-four battle scenarios (all conjured up by the actions of Batman's nemesis, The Joker), The Last Laugh adds a two-phase, 16-vs-16 scenario in which both sides try to take over the other's Headquarters. And there's a new weapon called The Shield, which can either be used to bash enemies, or hurled for a ranged attack, Captain America-style! (Wait ...)

Finally, there are two new Legends PvP characters to play as: Kilowog the Green Lantern, and Amon Sur from the Sinestro Corps. The pack is a free download for Legendary subscribers, and available for purchase by Free and Premium players. You can see what it all looks like in the gallery below.

Namco Bandai has solid fiscal year thanks to Dark Souls, arcade sales

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Namco Bandai saw a net income of 1.9 billion yen ($24 million) in its fiscal year 2012, with help from strong US sales of Dark Souls and Ace Combat Assault Horizon. Dark Souls sold 1.19 million units across the US and Europe, while Ace Combat Assault Horizon sold 1.07 million units in Japan, the US and Europe.

Across all platforms, Namco sold 23.3 million software units, led by 8.5 million for PS3, 4.2 million for PSP and 3.2 million for Xbox 360. Revenue from Namco's mobile sector increased, although number of paid subscribers dropped from 3.34 million to 2.15 million year-over-year. Sales of Namco's arcade game machines grew from 56 billion yen ($701.3 million) in FY 2011 to 73.4 billion yen ($919.2 million) in FY 2012.

The Dream Machine slips into your subconscious this Friday on Steam


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The Dream Machine
, the award-winning point-and-click adventure from Cockroach Inc., is hitting Steam on Friday, May 11. To celebrate, Cockroach has unleashed the above trailer, which shows off The Dream Machine's cardboard and clay art style, while hinting at the dark secrets buried deep within the game's conscious plot.

The Dream Machine has been nominated for IGF, Indiecade, and Indie Game Challenge awards, and has won Into the Pixel and indiePub contests. If you can't wait for the Steam launch or want to give the game a go, chapters one through three are available now via its main site, and all five planned chapters are available for purchase from the same place. Chapters four and five are expected to drop "as soon as they're done," which Cockroach almost-clarifies as being "in a slew of months."

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