While most of the "new" gameplay elements and maps discussed in the above preview for Gears of War 2 aren't really "new" to the video game news consuming populous, it's still nice to see some of the game's fresh features in action. The preview is fairly comprehensive -- there's looks at some of the soon-to-be-covered-in-gore locales, the new gametypes (we absolutely cannot wait for meatflag), chainsaw duels, new weapons and executions, and brand new, colorful ways of describing acts of grisly violence from the game's all-growed-up iconic lead designer, Cliff Bleszinski. We can't think of a better way to spend eight and a half minutes of a Sunday afternoon than to watch beefy combatants get halved.
Get your daily dose of murder with this Gears of War 2 Multiplayer preview
While most of the "new" gameplay elements and maps discussed in the above preview for Gears of War 2 aren't really "new" to the video game news consuming populous, it's still nice to see some of the game's fresh features in action. The preview is fairly comprehensive -- there's looks at some of the soon-to-be-covered-in-gore locales, the new gametypes (we absolutely cannot wait for meatflag), chainsaw duels, new weapons and executions, and brand new, colorful ways of describing acts of grisly violence from the game's all-growed-up iconic lead designer, Cliff Bleszinski. We can't think of a better way to spend eight and a half minutes of a Sunday afternoon than to watch beefy combatants get halved.
MLG event reveals new Halo 3 multiplayer map: Cold Storage
Actually, the map closely resembles a level from Halo the first, titled "Chill Out". It was one of the game's more unique maps, due to it's smaller size and asymmetry -- though how those aspects will carry over into the remake has yet to be revealed, as Bungie has yet to "formally" announce said map. Apparently, speaking to a roomful of professional video game spectators doesn't count as a formal social engagement. Who'd have thunk it?
Far Cry 2 single player could last 25 hours! No 50! ... No 100!
Ubisoft Montreal creative workhorse Clint Hocking offered us an apparently inadequate estimate when he guessed that the campaign could be completed in as little as 25 hours, before adding that to see it all "you're looking at a 100-hour play experience." And, speaking to CVG, producer Louis-Pierre Pharand landed his estimate somewhere in the middle, suggesting 50 hours of play time to completion. Regardless of the varying possibilities, it's reasonable to expect that the shooter's single player experience will be long, evidence that not all devs are drinking from the same fountain as Phil Harrison.
Continue reading Far Cry 2 single player could last 25 hours! No 50! ... No 100!
Capcom: Multiple platforms 'segment' multiplayer market
"In an ideal world all the back ends would talk to each other so people could compete together and play together," commented Capcom USA development director Adam Boyes, who added that having multiple gaming platforms "segments the market for multiplayer." While we can see his point, particularly given Capcom's recent interest in taking its console games online, we still can't shake the notion that gamers are better off having multiple platforms competing to help spur innovation -- but don't let us speak for you. Do you like having multiple platforms, or would you rather have a single one for all your gaming wants and needs?
Gears of War 2 details emerge from X360 magazine
Imagine our excitement when we caught wind of the intimidating flood of details for the sequel's multiplayer component in the upcoming issue of UK's X360 magazine. There's a full list of said details on our Microsoft-related sister site, but to inspire you to continue reading, here's a few tantalizing buzzwords you'll find behind that link: Meatflag, Poison gas grenade, Flamethrower, Ten person multiplayer, Chainsaw duels, and last but certainly not least, Verandas. If that didn't sell you, we don't know what will.
[Via X3F]
Rockstar releases GTA IV multiplayer guide
SuperStardust HD devs planning split-screen multiplayer update
MTV's Stephen Totilo recently grilled Housemarque co-founder Ilari Kuittinen on the update, who commented that "a majority" of the development time spent on the update was focused on the new versus mode, which will feature "our 'sub' game modes and plenty of options so each gamer can tune the mode to suite their tastes." Even more interesting, Kuittinen adds that the team has been "experimenting with a game mode we call "Twin gun" mode (not disclosing specifics at the moment, maybe you can guess?) and how to make music generated levels, etc." It sounds like someone has spending a lot of time with Audiosurf, an addiction to which we can certainly relate.
[Via PS3 Fanboy]
PS3 GTA IV online multiplayer went down, back up [update]
While we've been playing Grand Theft Auto IV on Xbox Live for hours now, our pals over at PS3 Fanboy have had less luck. The gang -- meta moment alert! -- grabbed a cell phone and snapped a photo of the game's cell phone, specifically, the "error" message pictured above, confirming reports that the online multiplayer component of the PlayStation 3 version of GTA IV has not been accessible today (though it was last night, apparently). To be clear, this does not appear to be a network-wide issue; PSN seems to be functioning properly otherwise. Someone go give those Rockstar servers a good hard kick, will ya?
Continue reading PS3 GTA IV online multiplayer went down, back up [update]
GTA4 preview details online multiplayer modes
Among the interesting details discussed (some of which have also been revealed elsewhere):
- Previously rumored 16-player online play is confirmed.
- The online maps aren't changed in any way from single-player -- you can still drive vehicles from one end of the city to the other, if you want.
- There's no co-op option for the single-player missions, but many online modes allow for cooperation.
- Ranked online matches earn players in-game cash for character customization. Higher difficulty means more cash.
- Race mode can be played with or without weapons.
- The volume of other characters voices will vary depending on their distance from you. "So if you hear an enemy's voice, he's probably right behind you and it's too late."
Note: GameTap's servers are getting hit pretty hard, so the Read link may not load for a while.
Update: They're all live! GTA4.net has posted links to numerous multiplayer previews. (Thanks Cal!)
Sierra and Radical Entertainment remove multiplayer from Prototype

Those who harbored desires to go on Crackdown-esque romps through New York City with a genetically mutated pal will undoubtedly be crushed to learn that developer Radical Entertainment and publisher Sierra have decided to scrap Prototype's multiplayer mode in order to encourage players to truly delve into the single-player storyline, and, more truthfully, so they could meet their original Fall 2008 launch window.
Radical's Tim Bennison defended the decision in an interview with TeamXbox, hinting at a possibility of co-op functionality in post-release DLC, and confirming that "multiplayer will definitely be on the table from the start" when, should the game be well-received, it comes time for a sequel -- which we can only guess will be titled Reference Design, followed by the critically acclaimed Initial Model, and then the action-packed conclusion, Finished Product.
4-player arcade game with 'well known' superheroes in the works
The company has left us guessing as to what characters exactly will be included, stating only that players will take control of "earth's mightiest heroes" in co-op style gameplay, leaving us to wonder if we'll be dropping quarters to play as Superman or the Wonder Pets. Either way, as we remember how much fun we had playing Captain America and the Avengers in the 90's, this news already has us scrounging through couch cushions for loose change.
Alleged GTA IV multiplayer screens show dudes, guns, vehicles ... explosions
Today's most retro hack: Four-player Ocarina of Time
Okay, maybe we're overselling what is, at this point, just a video of an early, choppy test version the hack. But considering it comes from the same people that brought us the ability to play as Dark Link and fight an Arwing in Ocarina of Time, we have no doubt he'll be able to pull it off. Whether the final result turns out more like Four Swords Adventures or The Wand of Gamelon, though, is still anyone's guess.
[Thanks Tanks]
Three Overlord DLC packs on Live Marketplace

In last year's onslaught of groundbreaking, AAA titles, there was a a good chance for smaller gems to get lost in the shuffle -- case in point: Overlord. With wallets tightened in preparation of the year's later blockbuster releases, not many people shelled out the cash to pick up this clever Pikmin-esque treat, and our hopes for the previously announced trio of downloadable expansions for the game faded as the winter months passed.
However, just as surreptitiously as the game hit American store shelves, the three Overlord DLC packs recently crept onto Xbox Live Marketplace. For 800 MS Points you can grab the "Raising Hell" expansion, which adds some new levels and challenges to the single player campaign. The "Challenge Pack" goes for 400 MS Points, and adds 7 new multiplayer maps and a new campaign difficulty. And, for the low, low price of free, you can download a split-screen multiplayer mode to enjoy with a good friend, or better yet, your most trusted minion.
EA to refund Australian Medal of Honor Heroes 2 for lack of online play
Looking to retain some, erm, honor in the situation, publisher Electronic Arts is offering a refund. Said the company (via IGN), "We made an error in the documentation and marketing materials. We are very sorry to have caused confusion for our customers. We will provide a refund to anyone in Australia who wishes to return the game to EA because of the lack of online functionality." We couldn't find details on the support page as to how the refund will work, and EA is not giving a reason for the missing 32-player mayhem.
[Via NWF]





























