Update: Xseed Still Loves You, Wizardry Fans – You Just Need To Get With The Program…

Well, it looks as if Wizardry fans in the US hoping to see the upcoming Labyrinth of Lost Souls as a retail release will have to go all in on the digital version instead. I poked a note Xseed's way a few days ago and got back this reply:

Hi Greg,

Good to hear from you, and please excuse the late reply as things have been pretty busy with the launch of TiTS.*

Didn't see this article of yours before our Wizardry announcement, how funny. Unfortunately, we have no plans to release it on disc right now so no use holding a survey just yet, but perhaps we can consider something similar to Japan where the first one did so well as a digital game that they released it and its sequel together on one retail package later (of course that means sales here will have to be above expectations too for us to consider this).

Thanks for posting the news, glad you liked our announcement.

*Er, for the record… TiTS refers to The Legend of Heroes: Trails in The Sky, the new PSP role-playing epic just launched a few days ago. That acronym is banned on GameFaqs, as i amusingly found out while updating a post there with this news. My evolving thoughts over this (which may be helpful to the resolute die-hards grumbling away about a download-only release) can be distilled HERE. Read more »

Catherine Announcement Trailer (Late, But Still "Fun" to Watch)

Speaking of Atlus – I’d forgotten to run this nicely disturbing Catherine trailer from a few weeks back, so here you go – enjoy! I really can’t wait for this one, but now that it’s US-bound, I don’t need to spend too much money on the import version and bugging a few folks to assist in translating things. Awesome.

Brink Hands-ON: Splash Damage At The Top Of Their (& Your) Game

UK-based developer Splash Damage has every right to be chest-out, chin up proud of their upcoming shooter, Brink. The game is a total blast to play and everything from the deep character and weapons customization to the smartly paced addictiveness of the team-centered FPS gameplay is stellar stuff. I got to check the game out recently when Betheseda dropped into NYC with it (and InXile's fun RPG action/romp Hunted: The Demon's Forge) and yes, it's not only ridiculously impressive, it's designed so brilliantly that even non-FPS fans will want to pick up a controller and have a go. With its destroyed futuristic “Ark” setting and two groups pitted against each other in a race against time for what each sees as humanity's future, there's a solid sense of urgency under the trappings of what would be just another shooter du jour in less capable hands.Read more »

Earth Defense Force Insect Armgeddon Update: Pre-Order Kickoff GO!

D3Publisher of America has launched the pre-order program for its upcoming PS3 and Xbox 360 release Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon with a pretty neat deal for those who want a little more bang for their buck. GameStop and Best Buy locations will be offering those who slap down a deposit one of two different cool DLC weapons packs for the game's customizable armor sets.

July 5, 2011 is the official release date for the game and (YES!) D3 is dropping into NYC next week with EDFIA and a bunch of other upcoming titles, so expect a few hands-on reports once I finally come up for air. Three more screens and another trailer below the jump!Read more »

Sega Knows How To Throw A Par-Tay…


Yakuza 4 hits stores on March 15, 2011 exclusively for the PS3 and Sega held a little bash for the game in downtown NYC last night. The game is indeed ridiculously DEEP and nicely done from what I got to play. I think I ate more sushi than I’ve had in my entire life, but probably not…

Anyway, a review will go up once my copy of the game arrives and I get a good chunk of time into it.

WIN FREE STUFF! D3Publisher Announces Sweepstakes 4 Gamers Facebook Promotion!

Lazy ol' me is finishing up a few articles and reviews (yes, that Dead Space Weekend thing I mentioned to one or two of you a while back went well – all three games played back to back over the weekend), but while you're waiting for new stuff to read, why not enter a cool contest and try to score some MAJOR prizes? Below the jump, you must go, Padawan…

Read more »

Win Free Stuff! Anyone Want a Killzone 3 Moleskine Lined Journal?


I have ONE of these to give away, US residents ONLY (sorry you folks from up north and across the pond!). All you need to to is post a comment below and you’re in the drawing. feel free to get someone to sign up and post here if you’re not a Killzone fan. As long as they live in the U.S. of A., I’m not picky!

Of course, the winner needs to cough up an actual mailing address so they can get their prize. DON’T put your personal info in your post, of course! This is a pretty slick leather-bound journal with lined pages and a band to keep it shut. I think it’s 100 pages, but I didn’t crack it open to count them. Quite a cool item you won’t find in stores, so good luck!

Official-sounding rules below.

CONTEST RULES: OPEN TO US RESIDENTS ONLY! To enter: post ONE random comment here – that’s it. Winner will be chosen at random on Monday, March 7, 2011. Winner will be contacted via email or through the DAF site in order to get your correct US mailing address. Item will be shipped out within 48 hours after winner has been chosen. Cash value of cool prize: zero (unless you decide to sell it on ebay and make a profit).

Hunted: The Demon’s Forge Hands-On

Fans of tightly focused “old-school” hack & slash RPG’s as well as anyone looking for a hefty challenge should absolutely stick inXile’s upcoming PS3/Xbox 360 game on their to-do lists. At a recent Bethesda press event, I got to sit down with a final build of the game and was very impressed at the level of challenge in the game (and the presentation’s not bad either). While inXile has noted previously that Hunted’s cover-based gameplay is inspired by Epic’s Gears of War series, the fantasy trappings and two tough yet likable leads should appeal to both male and female gamers alike. I got a taste of both the single player and co-op story modes (with a fellow editor) and yes, you should click on down to read the real deal on what’s going to be a bit of a sleeper hit this June. Continue reading

Atlus to Set Catherine Loose on Gamers This Summer!


EXCELLENT. Thank you, Atlus! After a ton of interest from gamers outside of Japan even as the game’s developers said they had no plans to localize the PS3/360 game for Western audiences, the (no doubt going to be) Mature-rated horror/puzzle/strategy game hybrid is headed for a US release this summer. There was a HUGE teaser e-mail sent out last week that used the same pink background as well as a line from the game, so it was easy to figure out what was what. I ran a few movies on the other blog a few weeks back, but I’ll be updating.both sites with image galleries once I get shots of the US version in action. Awesome – I guess I’ll be getting both versions since they’re doing the dual cover thing (yeah, I’m THAT crazy).

Bulletstorm TV Spot Pokes Fun At The Classics…

Duty Calls, indeed! February 22nd is (*BOOM!*) right around the corner and Epic, People Can Fly and EA have a nice kick in the, er, you know where for you shooter fans. Fun and funny stuff here (screw the Faux news fake “reportage” about the game, folks) – pick it up (er, provided you’re of age).