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Dark Sector's multi-player modes are meager

by Majed Athab { Mar 3rd 2008 at 6:30PM }

Today, we've got some info on Dark Sector's two multi-player modes and we're not that impressed. The first mode is dubbed "infection" while the second takes on the equally viral-toned "epidemic." PS3 multi-player games can be played either on the PlayStation Network or by LAN. Unfortunately, unlike the Xbox 360 version that has all the following options, the PS3 version lacks Quick game, Custom game, and Ranked game options. Why? Beats us.

As for individual mode details, infection is basically a game of survival where one player is the game's protagonist, Hayden, while the others are Lasrian soldiers hunting him down. When Hayden is taken out, the soldier who dealt the lethal blow takes Hayden's place as the "infected" target for the next round. Epidemic is the standard team vs. team war, but each team has a leader (represented by Hayden) that must be taken out to end rounds.

In both modes, players who play as Hayden have access to all his Evolution Powers, Glaive, and elemental powers. Both modes are also playable on five maps and can support up to ten players. Friendly fire is not allowed in either mode. Now how about the prospect of future DLC? Nothing mentioned, but we'd expect there should be a lot because these modes really need more content in order to compete with other games and their offerings.

Details on Dark Sector's multiplayer modes, including 360 and PS3 differences

by Scott Jon Siegel { Mar 3rd 2008 at 6:30PM }

Dark Sector's two unique multiplayer modes have recently been detailed, along with some notes regarding the key differences between the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions. Gamers keeping score will be interested to know that the 360 wins this round with slightly better ranking and matching options, although both versions appear robust in the online department.

The game's "Infection" multiplayer mode pits one "infected" player against a legion of troopers, with a trooper taking over the role upon killing the target (similar to Halo's Juggernaut mode). The "Epidemic" mode is a standard team battle affair, except that teams only earn points by killing the opposing team's leader.

Both the 360 and PS3 versions of Dark Sector offer these mutiplayer modes via online play or LAN, and both support up to ten players per match with five maps to choose from. Leadersboards are present for both games, although the 360 version will use Microsoft's TrueSkill ranking system. Also included in the 360 version are Quick Game, Custom Game, and Ranked Game options, while PS3 users can only create, join, or search for multiplayer games. The game is scheduled for a spring 2008 release, although further delays certainly wouldn't be surprising.

More Dark Sector mutliplayer screens

by Xav de Matos { Mar 3rd 2008 at 5:15PM }

Fresh from releasing the details on the included multiplayer modes within Dark Sector, D3 Publisher has released nine new images of the competitive modes in action. Fans might remember Dark Sector as one of the first next-generation titles to ever be showcased way back in April 2004. After a massive shift from their original space-opera vision, developer Digital Extremes has transformed Dark Sector into a more mainstream action-shooter. The game has had its share of ups-and-downs but if these images do anything, they give us hope that the project is back on track to a Spring 08 release.

[Edited: Wording in this article to include developer Digital Extremes]

Gallery: Dark Sector, Multiplayer

PS Fanboy Wallpapers: Volume 19

by Chris Powell { Feb 16th 2008 at 8:00PM }

Every week, PSP and PS3 Fanboy will bring you new backgrounds for your Sony consoles, in resolutions up to 1080p. Download them directly to your PS3 by accessing PS3 Fanboy on your system. Download PSP wallpapers directly to your PSP by accessing the site wirelessly at m.pspfanboy.com. For those having trouble accessing the site on your PS3, please visit m.ps3fanboy.com or disable Javascript.

This weekend, we're focusing on Digital Extreme's upcoming PS3 title Dark Sector.

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PS Fanboy Wallpapers: Volume 19

by Chris Powell { Feb 16th 2008 at 8:00PM }

Every week, PSP and PS3 Fanboy will bring you new backgrounds for your Sony consoles, in resolutions up to 1080p. Download them directly to your PS3 by accessing PS3 Fanboy on your system. Download PSP wallpapers directly to your PSP by accessing the site wirelessly at m.pspfanboy.com.

This weekend, we're focusing on Digital Extreme's upcoming PS3 title Dark Sector.

Continued →

New videos shed light on Dark Sector

by Richard Mitchell { Dec 5th 2007 at 6:00PM }

Some fresh videos of Dark Sector have popped up at GameVideos. The videos are particularly illuminating concerning the game's storyline, which involves an operative being transformed by an alien infection. The video embedded above lays out the game's prologue, complete with Gordon-Freeman-style helicopter take down, infectious alien stabbing, and villainous monologue. The villainous monologue in particular is well done and gives us hope that the game's plot could be pretty interesting (or well presented at the very least). There are a handful of other gameplay videos too. Our favorite showcases the ability to control the main character's frisbee-knife thing in midair. Nice. Check it out after the break.

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TGS vids storm XBLM: SCIV, VF5, Ace Combat 6, more

by Richard Mitchell { Sep 20th 2007 at 9:35AM }

With the Tokyo Game Show officially kicking off today, a new batch of "Bringing It Home" content has landed on Xbox Live Marketplace. In addition to loads of new themes and gamer pictures, there are five new trailers for upcoming games. All told, there are new trailers for Virtua Fighter 5, Soul Calibur IV, Ace Combat 6, Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom, and Dark Sector. We're probably most intrigued by the Soul Calibur IV trailer, as it reveals a few more tidbits about the supposed final chapter in the series. Kingdom Under Fire: COD will likely disappoint fans of the series, as it isn't a true sequel, but rather a button mashing spree akin to Dynasty Warriors. Check out more trailers after the break. Now, if you'll excuses us, we have to continue crossing our fingers that we'll see a Ninja Gaiden 2 demo before the weekend is out.

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Dark Sector set for January 22nd, demo this Fall

by Jared Rea { Aug 23rd 2007 at 1:25AM }

You remember Dark Sector, right? After all, it was only the first "next-generation" game ever. It's gone through some significant changes since we last saw it and come this Fall, a demo will allow PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners a chance to go hands-on with it before it launches on January 22nd, 2008.

Dark Sector tells a Cold War tale of a secret agent who has been injected with a virus that allows him to pull a blade-like weapon from his body. It could stand a few cybernetic ninja if you ask us.

Read -- Dark Sector demo this fall [1UP]
Read -- Dark Sector dated [GameSpot]

Dark Sector demo hitting the PSN this fall

by Colin Torretta { Aug 22nd 2007 at 10:30PM }

In some ways, PlayStation 3 owners are like Tantalus. Forever desiring demos of upcoming titles and yet eternally denied by the cruel Sony gods. Sure, a GRAW 2 demo is nice, but what about Ratchet and Clank, Lair, Warhawk or a Heavenly Sword demo longer than 3.4 minutes? Well, if Sony isn't listening at the very least D3 Publishing and Digital Extremes are.

1Up is reporting that they received confirmation that both the PS3 and 360 will be getting a Dark Sector demo prior to launch, sometime between October and November. It's refreshing to hear that we'll be getting a demo around the same time as the 360 does, now if only more games would follow suit!

Dark Sector details reveal: no health or ammo bars, just you

by Nick Doerr { Jun 26th 2007 at 8:01PM }

We promised you before we had some more news about Dark Sector coming, so here we are dishing out the information fed to us through an official press release. Instead of narrating the darn thing, we thought we'd give you a fun summary of the information in our patented, copyrighted, unique list form. We're kidding! Lists are used in like, three other places.

It's a new IP! Not many games can say that. It's also boasting a great, cinematic story.
There is no HUD -- that is, a health bar or ammo count. No little menus on the screen to distract you from looking at the actual game. From the press release: "As the character takes damage he will begin to physically show it, ammunition levels will be displayed on guns, available weapons and inventory will be displayed on the character – all serving to keep the player focused on the character and the gameplay." We personally think this is a great move.
The controls are guaranteed to be simple and intuitive so you can master any skills fairly easily. If you tried to play Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes on the GameCube, you know how pesky an awkward controller setup can be.
The camera, as previously mentioned, is over-the-shoulder so you can not only make better movements, but will be "showing full visual of Hayden allowing for the player to make a connection with the character." A connection? Right.
Upgradeable weapons, stupendous AI, and a main character slightly reminiscent of Kratos in so much that he's cold-blooded and ruthless, gives no excuse for his actions, but as the story progresses, we start to understand him and see how the events of the game change him. Or something.

What's more, below, we've got a gallery of screenshots for you to check out. They're magically delicious and want your attention. We'll keep updating you on this game until it arrives early in 2008. Hopefully, Digital Extremes will have the foresight to give people a demo to play over the PSN before then!

Gallery: Dark Sector

Dark Sector may be the mutiplatform Gears of War

by Nick Doerr { Jun 26th 2007 at 1:00PM }

We've taken our jabs at Dark Sector before, but when it all comes down to it, we've gotten the impression from other people's hands-on with the game that it's actually something to look out for. In fact, it's been likened to Gears of War, which was apparently some game for the 360. We kid, we know what it is. IGN had a hands-on of the game and said "Digital Extremes, really, really likes Gears of War. Dark Sector plays and feels almost exactly like it -- right down to its cinematic storytelling, control scheme and visual style." There's even a context-sensitive action that controls the cover mechanics, as well as a shaky-cam when you bust into a sprint. Another major influence, both PSU and IGN report, is the similarity to Resident Evil 4's over-the-shoulder camera and aiming system.

While you get a small arsenal of weaponry, the Glaive is what sets the game apart from the ones it draws influence from. Not only can it destroy enemies in quick, painful stylings, not only can it get powered up by a bevy of elements, not only does it have a built-in light source and solve puzzles, but it can ... wait, that's about it. It's awesome, though. Every other weapon you pick up can be upgraded, a la Resident Evil 4. Your main character can also be powered up, a la KOTOR, with new abilities and powers.

Enemy AI? Brilliant, says IGN and brilliant at times says PSU. Graphics? Well, the game is being built on the PS3 as the primary platform and ported elsewhere, so we know we'll be getting the best game we can get as far as multiplatform titles go. What's more, is we've got some more info about this game coming to us later tonight. Stay tuned, as we'll give you some more details you might just find intriguing.

[Thanks, Justin!]

ESRB seeks to rate game trailers [update]

by Ross Miller { Jun 25th 2007 at 7:28PM }

The Entertainment Software Rating Board is looking to rate gameplay trailers, according to information obtained by Gamasutra.

Footage for D3 Publisher's Dark Sector was requested to be pulled because it contained "excessive or offensive content," even though it was behind an age gate. 2K Games told Gamasutra that they had to receive a separate rating for The Darkness trailer and that "game publishers that do not comply with the age gate requirement are subject to enforcement actions by the ESRB," though what those actions entail is not made clear.

If the ESRB is indeed moving to rate trailers, many questions are left unanswered. Our biggest concern would be with user-created footage and machinima. Would the ESRB see that as falling under their sphere of influence? Much like the Oblivion "skin-cident", could publishers be punished for content made by the community? And does the organization have the manpower to enforce such a policy change?

Update: Game Politics has provided some historical context to this news, noting that the ESRB's actions are not without precedent.

Is Dark Sector something to keep our eyes on?

by Nick Doerr { Jun 14th 2007 at 2:45PM }

When you first read any hands-on material, you generally groan in disappointment because all you hear is fluffy statements about this or that. People who are given hands-on time typically won't say anything negative about a game, as that would be rude. However, sometimes you can pick out choice phrases or words that connote whether or not a game, to put it bluntly, blows. So when Games Radar posted their hands-on, we were surprised to see none of that in their hands-on of Dark Sector, recently rescheduled for next year due to a busy Fall lineup (but Summer is still completely empty).

The game is a melting pot of ideas. If we were to blurt out the influences, we'd probably scream a list similar to this: Rygar, Resident Evil 4, Gears of War, Zelda, and Metroid. You've got your spinning disc thingy that cuts people up, your third person shooting style from RE4 and the cover system from GoW and you learn new skills and solve puzzles with said skills/items like in Zelda and Metroid.

What Games Radar said about the game graphically is pleasing -- it used to be fairly ugly, but they've complimented how it has turned out. Sure, it doesn't look the killer app for the PS3 and 360, but if your level of fun slows down after the holidays, this might just give you the shot of excitement you need.

Dark Sector slices calendar up, forgets about 2007 release

by Nick Doerr { Jun 13th 2007 at 2:30PM }

Thank goodness! You may be wondering why we've got our arms raised high in elation as we praise the heavens at the news of the anticipated Dark Sector getting pushed back to early 2008. It isn't that the game has hit a roadblock during production. It isn't that they don't feel the game is ready for people to play. The real reason is fairly obvious: every game known to man is trying to get pushed out the door during the holiday season of 2007. Dark Sector doesn't want to be yet another hit in your wallet or something that simply gets forgotten about. D3 wants their title to get noticed and so do we. Thanks for taking one for the consumer team, Dark Sector, and we'll see you in 2008.

Dark Sector removed from 'crowded' holiday season, due early 2008

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Jun 13th 2007 at 1:25PM }

Digital Extremes' Dark Sector, one of the first games to brandish the unnaturally shiny "next-gen" label, has been shoved out of its proposed holiday season release period and into the first quarter of 2008. A representative from D3Publishing tells FiringSquad, "We've decided to pull Dark Sector out of a very crowded holiday season and it is now slated for release in Q1 2008."

Apparently, the publisher believes that releasing a third-person sci-fi title into a throbbing crowd of anticipated games is a mistake. Of course, where D3 sees Dark Sector getting trampled, Midway sees Blacksite: Area 51 being hoisted up by Halo 3 and surfing the crowd. We'll see which decision fares better soon enough.