Wednesday, April 25, 2012
A Darksiders II Giveaway, Dragon's Dogma Demo, and World Gone Sour
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It's my night to blog and today has been a long day... we
are gonna to do this sharpish so I can get myself in bed before it's the day
after tomorrow.
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The good people behind Darksiders 2 have given me some codes
to help promote the brand-new Avatar gear that's now available in the XBL
Marketplace. You can get the full scoop in the PR/News/Info section down below,
but for right now, let me give away some stuff...
I've got two Necro Armor (male), one Necro Armor (female),
and two Reaper props on hand. Want one of these? Then tell me which of the
seven deadly sins is your favorite, and why. Keep it short, make it long, tell
me a joke, be serious... whatever.
Post your answers as a comment here at the blog and I'll
draw winners the next time I update. (Oh, and when you comment, please tell me
which item you want!)
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The Dragon’s Dogma demo is now out for both XBL and PSN, apparently.
I haven't had a chance to play it yet, but from what people have been telling
me, it sounds extremely similar to the demo they had running at last year's
PAX.
Given that we currently have a huge, yawning gap where a new
Monster Hunter should go, it seems as though Capcom is intending Dragon’s to
sort of (maybe? kinda?) fill it. I have no idea how successful that will be,
but I am wondering how the PR teams behind it are intending to sell it... apparently
some people are expecting it to be the next Skyrim, some (like me) are
expecting a Westernized Monster Hunter hybrid, and a whole lot of people don't
know what to expect. There have also been some major quality concerns raised,
though who knows how that will play out in the final version.
Given that the game is due to hit stores fairly soon, it's a
little alarming that there are still so many major question marks surrounding
it… I am definitely hoping for the best,
though.
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Oh, what have I been playing? Not much... game time has been
in short supply lately, but I have two Extreme tracks left to finish in Trials
Evo, and I've been inspired to go back and try to complete the final Extreme
that I never polished off in Trials HD. (and boy, did I come thisclose to doing
it today...) Props to @FatShadyLive for all his tips and words of encouragement!
Besides that, the wife and I were craving some two-player, so
I dug Skylanders out again and we started a new quest. My oldest son and I
almost beat it when he was here for spring break, but we didn't quite get the
job done.
In the interim, I picked up some new characters thanks to a mercy
shipment from @llandamaar in the UK (yes, I can confirm that overseas
Skylanders DO work here) so it's almost like playing a new game thanks to these
new additions. Stump Smash, I CHOOSE YOU!
Also, although I haven't played it yet myself, the wife
started World Gone Sour on XBLA and I have to say that it kind of blew my mind.
I expected a cheap, crappy license tie-in for Sour Patch Kids, but the game
seems to have a pretty solid platform and base and the writing is totally
mental. Swear words, a dark nihilistic tone, and several not-too-subtle sexual
references including a ‘your momma’s dildo’ one that almost had me falling out
of my chair.
I was only half-listening when my significant other was
playing through it, but I heard more than enough to convince me to pony up $5 and
check it out for myself a little bit later...
******************************PR/NEWS/INFO******************************
Bloodforge out Wednesday – Tobuscus Hosts Live Release
Day Event
Microsoft Studios has teamed up with several popular YouTube
gamers, known as the “Arcade NEXT All-Stars”, to host a live streaming
gameplay event showcasing each week’s new release, and Tobuscus will be
hosting the second live streaming Arcade NEXT event this Wednesday, April 25 at
5pm PST on Twitch.TV, playing Bloodforge. With a brutal combat system,
stunning art style, and a deeply compelling story, Bloodforge empowers you to
slaughter hordes of demonic soldiers, deformed worshippers, and the gods themselves,
using ferocious Rage Kills, devastating Rune attacks, and furious Weapon
Combos.
Watch the Bloodforge “Aftermath” trailer here:http://youtu.be/IBEe0eqiqc4 and
visit http://www.twitch.tv/xboxlivearcade to
stream the live event Wednesday. There will also be a chance to win prizes!
***
THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:
THQI) today launched a premium Avatar collection for
Darksiders II on
the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
The Xbox 360® Darksiders II Avatar Collection
features a broad selection of different items to customize your Avatar’s
appearance ranging from full armor sets to animated props and clothing. Prices
range from 80 to 400 Microsoft Points an item. A premium collection for the
PlayStation®3 is expected to be released at a later date.
To celebrate the launch of the Darksiders II Avatar
Collection THQ will be giving away a free Xbox LIVE Avatar t-shirt featuring a
design by game creator Joe Mad while stocks last. To find out how to claim your
Avatar t-shirt visit the Darksiders II Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/Darksiders.
Fans of the game can still pre-order copies of the Darksiders® II
Collector’s Edition while supplies last. This ultimate package includes
the Limited Edition version of the game as well as a life-sized replica Death
Mask with display stand, a unique in-game Shadow of Death armor and
scythe set with enhanced stats, a digital copy of the Darksiders II sound-track
and a hard-cover Darksiders II art book. The Collector’s Edition will
be available in limited quantities as a pre-order item only and is anticipated
to sell for around $99 USD.
For full information on the Collector’s Edition, Limited
Edition and pre-order bonuses available for Darksiders II check out
the Pre-order tab on www.facebook.com/Darksiders
Darksiders II is scheduled to be available for console
and PC in August 2012 with a WiiU™ version coming at a later date, for more information
check www.Darksiders.com.
***
What is Super Monday Night Combat?
Super Monday Night Combat is a free to play, strategic,
multiplayer shooter… and the most popular lethal sport of the future! It blends
intense tactical combat, a deep metagame, an ever-expanding roster of Pros, and
an ever-growing amount of customizations. Why fight in bombed out cities or
desert wastelands when you can have every kill streak judged by hilarious
sportscasters and cheering, or jeering, fans?
Key Features:
Free to Play
Super Monday Night Combat is free to play! Players can
choose from a rotation of free Pros to play every week and have a chance of
winning most customizations and gameplay improvements from our Post-Game Prize
system!
Unique Strategic Multiplayer Shooter
Super Monday Night Combat blends intense combat of a shooter
with lots of strategic depth. Shooting enemy players and bots, upgrading
skills, and using money wisely is key to being victorious.
The Rules Have Changed
Super Monday Night Combat has increased the roster of Pros,
the strategic depth of gameplay, the customization options and the amount of
metagame over it’s predecessor. On top of all that, the rules will continue to
change! Super Monday Night Combat is updated every week with balance and gameplay
improvements, and new content such as Pros, uniforms, taunts, weapons, game
modes, and maps!
Playable Pros
Each Pro comes with its own unique look, voice, taunts,
uniforms, weapons and skills. Pros are broken up into Commandos, Defenders,
Enforcers, Strikers, and Sharpshooters so you’ll have multiple to choose from
to fit your play style!
Customization
Customize how you look with mix and match Pro uniform
pieces, different weapons, and taunts. Then customize how you play by unlocking
and setting up endorsements and products.
Deep Metagame
Playing Super Monday Night Combat allows you, the agent, to
level up and earn combat credits to unlock lots of gameplay improvements.
Players can also collect various customizations to perfect your look!
Steam Trading (Coming Soon)
Share and trade items for Super Monday Night Combat and
across games using Steam Trading!
Super MNC Gameplay Overview Youtube:
***
Gamenauts today announced that their mega hit iOS game, Ninja
Fishing, is now fit to set sail on all iOS devices! After doubling its
content—a new world and new fish—since launch, a universal update has since
been made available on the iTunes App Store and is free for a limited time!
Now, iPad wielders can see the hefty ninja Otoro in full screen mode as he sails through the Tranquil Seas and shores of Dinosaur Island. There, Otoro will encounter a colorful cast of 60 modern and prehistoric fish to make the best plate of sushi. Earn gold with every fish slashed to purchase better hooks, more drill fuel, and a fancier boat, five in total including the Flaming Pumpkin Boat, Viking Ship and even a Time Machine!
Draw your rods and swords once again and fill that ever-growing ninja appetite that has already hit 4 million players worldwide! An even wider variety of sushi, more worlds, fish, and game modes are on the way to Ninja Fishing with the upcoming Treasure Hunting and Shipwreck Cove update coming soon!
Now, iPad wielders can see the hefty ninja Otoro in full screen mode as he sails through the Tranquil Seas and shores of Dinosaur Island. There, Otoro will encounter a colorful cast of 60 modern and prehistoric fish to make the best plate of sushi. Earn gold with every fish slashed to purchase better hooks, more drill fuel, and a fancier boat, five in total including the Flaming Pumpkin Boat, Viking Ship and even a Time Machine!
Draw your rods and swords once again and fill that ever-growing ninja appetite that has already hit 4 million players worldwide! An even wider variety of sushi, more worlds, fish, and game modes are on the way to Ninja Fishing with the upcoming Treasure Hunting and Shipwreck Cove update coming soon!
***
The creator of The Escapist’s Zero Punctuation Reviews (TM)
and author of 2010’s runaway hit novel Mogworld is back with his
hilarious follow-up! Jam takes the prophecies of the Mayans and turns
them on their ear, with a twist on the apocalypse that no one could have
expected! The first chapter will run in the newly released digital edition of Mogworld,
available today for Nook and Kobo eReaders.
Since 2007, Yahtzee Croshaw’s animated Zero Punctuation reviews have
packaged prescient criticism with frenetic animation, off-color humor, and
rapid-fire delivery, making him a household name in the gaming community. Mogworld was
his first foray into published fiction and has sold through multiple printings!
Now, the debut novel finally makes it’s way to tablet readers, marking the
beginning of Dark Horse’s foray into digital prose!
Additionally, readers will have a chance to get their first
look at Jam, which is set for release later this year. Jam, a dark
comedy pitting a handful of twenty-something slackers against a singularly
sticky apocalypse, which is set for release later this year. Mogworld is available today for both Barnes &
Noble’s NOOK™, as well as the Kobo Vox eReader. Jam arrives on sale
on October 10, in print as well as digitally.
***
Wizkids and National Entertainment Collectibles Association
(N.E.C.A.) today revealed the
2012 Free Comic Book Day figure to be distributed
at no cost to collectors, enthusiasts and fans at comic shops nationally on
Free Comic Book Day, Saturday, May 5th. The physical figure, Thor, comes from
the Marvel’s The Avengers HeroClix collection and will also contain a
code for its digital counterpart.
This year marks Wizkids’ fourth year participating in Free
Comic Book Day, offering comic book shops around the country a free Super Hero
figurine to distribute to shop-goers.
The free figure will be available on a first-come,
first-served basis starting on Free Comic Book Day, May 5 at comic and hobby
shops nationally. Single-figure boosters with “Free Comic Book Day” and
“Avengers Marquee” packaging will contain the figure.
Each figure will contain a free code for the figure’s
digital counterpart, which can be redeemed and used in the online game, HeroClix
Online. For a list of participating shops, visit www.freecomicbookday.com.
***
QuakeCon 2012 online pre-registration is set to open
Wednesday, April 25th!
While general admission to QuakeCon remains FREE for all
attendees, when pre-registration opens we will be offering premium packages.
These premium packages are limited and will be available on a first-come
first-serve basis. For details see below:
Swag Pack | Full of Limited Edition Items: $40 (Limit of 500 packages available)
· An
Official QuakeCon 2012 T-Shirt
· A Dishonored
Tallboy T-shirt
· A
Special Limited Edition Poster
BYOC Select-a-Seat | Includes Guaranteed Reserved Seating:
$30 (Limit of 1,500 packages available)
· Select
and Reserve a guaranteed seat of your choice in the BYOC area
· An
Official QuakeCon 2012 BYOC T-Shirt
QuakeCon done Quick | Includes Fast Passes for the Duration
of the Event: $50 (Limit of 350 packages available)
· Select
and Reserve a guaranteed seat of your choice in the BYOC area
· Express
lane fast-pass registration for the BYOC
· Express
lane fast-pass to every speaker, panel, and public event at QuakeCon
· Limited
reserved access seating for all panels, presentations, and events
· An
Official QuakeCon 2012 BYOC T-Shirt
Pre-registration for QuakeCon will begin Wednesday at 7:00pm
CST/8:00pm EST on http://registration.quakecon.org/.
QuakeCon, the ultimate video game festival, will take place
on-site at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, TX. Doors to QuakeCon will open
on Thursday, August 2nd at 9:00am Central and will remain open through
August 5th.
As always, the event remains FREE to general admission
and BYOC attendees thanks to the support of id and Bethesda Softworks, as
well as the QuakeCon volunteer staff and the 2012 event sponsors and
exhibitors.
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Posts
I'd have to go with gluttony. I *really* like food and drink. (I'm interested in either the male avatar costume or the prop...thanks!)
I don't have a XBOX so I'll keep my sin's to myself.
About Dragon's Dogma, I don't have a Monster Hunter background but a Dragon Age background. So for the first monster I was trying to figure out how to check my party status, trying to coordinate the attack, to find a range attack so I don't have to be right next to the monster to hit it... Finally, I just started following the strategy of waiting for my party to take the monster to the ground and then attacking it with my sword. I didn't feel comfortable with my party doing that much for me, maybe I'm used to less useful AI.
Is this a hack/slash game with a lot of AI help? I suppose it'd be a lot more fun with human companions (given that you play with humans that are fun to play with). Maybe I'm reading too much from a demo.
I'm going with sloth, because I'm too lazy to really pick one. I'd like the male armor, though I wouldn't mind the prop either.
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I must say Sloth, because sometimes I prefer to sleep than do other dutiessszzzzzz.... Uhm! What? Oh yes, sloth.
I'd take the Male Necro armor if you please (but if they're already taken that sweet prop would do).
Thanks for giving them away!
@vdh360
I must say Sloth, because I can sleep all day y all night y I continue with sleepy.
I want he Male Necro armor if you please.
Thank you so much for give away!
@Marcela_Catalan
Hey Rodrigo!
Based on what I saw in the demo, it seems like a modified version of Monster Hunter in that the combat is real-time. MH is more technical than what I saw in DD, but both use AI teammates to assist. I wouldn't say it was hack-and-slash since the character has multiple techniques and attacks, but yeah, it's pretty far removed from Dragon Age.