ArcaniA – Gothic 4 to Get SecuROM Protection (No DRM!)

Posted on September 20, 2010 by geelw

I'm actually pleased by this latest ArcaniA news, as I've never had any major issues with SecuROM protection in the past. The most pesky thing in past PC titles I've installed has been the occasional multi-disc game where the security code was printed ON the disc that was supposed to have the code entered manually (kind of impossible to do with the game in the DVD drive!) or cases where a manual said to insert Disc 2 or 3 when it should have been Disc 1 or 4.

Anyway, No silly DRM issues and a one-time online registration means more folks can actually play the game and enjoy it without having to get cranky about being connected ALL the time. POW! Take THAT, you certain other publishers punishing consumers while making the pirates chuckle at your weak sauce attempts to stop them.*

ArcaniA – Gothic 4 hits stores on October 12, 2010 for Xbox 360 and PC. The PlayStation 3 version currently has no release date, but we'll update that as development continues.

(*No, I don't condone ANY sort of stealing of games, folks, BUT, I do hate the means in which major publishers kick honest gamers in the head with Draconian methods, grrrrr…)

Deus Ex: Human Revolution TGS Trailer

Posted on September 18, 2010 by geelw

The latest trailer for Eidos Montreal’s sci-fi epic shows off some nice visuals, an intentional palette choice that lends a generally downbeat tone to the action and well, some decent action. Square Enix might just have that game that clicks with a the action crowd…

Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor Kinect Trailer

Posted on September 18, 2010 by geelw

http://www.youtube.com/get_player

No gameplay here – just a dramatic chunk of From Software packing in the guts ‘n glory (‘n mechs) by channeling a bit of Spielberg. Very cool, indeed. Nice touch at the end – just when you think you’re about to see actual gamplay, the trailer is done and you’re left hanging (and possibly wanting to run down to that game shop to slap down cash for a Kinect).

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West Pre-Game Swag Is Noteworthy…

Posted on September 18, 2010 by geelw

Here’s some nifty Enslaved: Odyssey to the West gear courtesy Namco Bandai’s PR department (thanks guys!). I really like the striking Monkey silhouette T a lot. The “journal” is pretty cool as well, although I can’t see spoiling that artwork with my scribbles (even if it IS the same art on each and every page). Cool free swag or no, I’m pretty psyched to play the final version of this one. Back with more later…

Earth Defense Force Insect Armageddon Teaser Trailer

Posted on September 18, 2010 by geelw

http://www.youtube.com/get_player

This EDFIA teaser packs in 38 seconds of suspense while lending itself to as few minutes of questions. If it’s created using the upcoming game’s engine, I like the elements not found in the Sandlot-developed EDF titles such as the flames coming from buildings, exploding vehicles and blowing debris. That giant metal spider is a great touch, as are the redesigned spider models and better animation from those screaming civilians. OK, I’m sold – just get me some actual gameplay footage along with full details on all the game modes and I’ll be even more giddy.

Earth Defense Force Insect Armageddon Update: No Sandlot (!), BUT It’s Still Going To Be A Blast

Posted on September 17, 2010 by geelw

In only slightly shocking news (well, to some of you out there – I predicted this a few weeks back), Earth Defense Force series creator Sandlot is not involved in the development of the upcoming Earth Defense Force Insect Armageddon. Instead, D3 has announced that veteran developer Vicious Cycle (Dead Head Fred, The Return of Matt Hazard) has taken on programming duty for the upcoming third-person shooter set for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 as a Spring 2011 release. The company's Vicious Engine is quite a versatile one, so I'm expecting the game to be a more than worthy expansion to the groundwork laid by Sandlot.

Breaking down the announcement piece by piece, let's start with the cover art:

Excellently done and it's nice how it's a riff on the cover to EDF 2017 (I see flying ants or wasps are back in the mix – yes!). So far, so good…

As for the developer… Even if you've never heard of Vicious Cycle, I'll bet you've probably played some of their games…

Update: Knights in the Nightmare PSP Screens

Posted on September 17, 2010 by geelw

Six new screens from the upcoming PSP strategy/RPG/”bullet hell” shooter hybrid (*whew!*) set to hit retail and the PlayStation Network Store on November 9, 2010. Remember, for a limited time, buying a copy of either the retail or PSN version of the game nets you a FREE digital copy of the excellent PSP remake of Yggdra Union. Check out our other coverage of KITN here and here.

TGS 2010: Sony Announces Team Ico Collection, 3D Blu-Ray Firmware Update For PS3

Posted on September 16, 2010 by geelw

Of course, Walmart was dead-on. At TGS 2010, Sony has revealed that yes, Team Ico has been working away on that Ico and Shadow of the Colossus collection for the PS3. The games will be in HD, support 3D and hit retail in 2011. Another spectacular trailer for The Last Guardian (edit: NOW set for a “Holiday 2011” launch – ah well…) was shown as well and quite a few games were announced that will take advantage of 3D technology. Naturally, Sony will be releasing another firmware update for the PS3 that allows for 3D Blu-Ray viewing.

Now, I just need the cash to actually afford a full 3D setup…

Gallery Update: Superstars V8 Racing

Posted on September 15, 2010 by geelw

Six shiny new screens and two neat panel montages from Milestone's upcoming budget-priced PS3 exclusive racer, set to hit PSN this October thanks to the fine folks at O-Games. It may be a mere twenty bucks, but the game is packed with more than enough features to keep racing fans busy bees buzzing around tracks while they're waiting for a certain other high profile game on Sony's console. Love the four panel shots here, by the way! The make me want to go out and buy a new car even though I can't drive. Yeah, yeah… I live in NYC and the subway is my ride of choice.

Full game features ripped from the press release are just a click away…

The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn’s Quest Gallery Update

Posted on September 12, 2010 by geelw

PAX screens from all the versions of AQ after the jump – PS3/Wii/PSP and DS. Interestingly enough, Amazon still shows a PS2 version on their site with the same October 12 release date as the others, but we'll have to see if that one actually ships. I'm liking the cartoony visuals in the console versions – they're reminiscent of Torchlight a tiny bit, aren't they? based on available info, I'm gathering all the games will be pick up and play “casual” fun, but I find that sort of thing relaxing, believe it or not. We'll have to see how the Move controls stack up to the Wii version and if the portable games are as fun as a good chase 'n chop should be.