Skyrim getting DLC information, Kinect patch tomorrow

Bethesda will reveal the first details, albeit tidbits, for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's first downloadable content pack tomorrow, accompanied by the release of the action role-playing game's Kinect patch.

The Elder Scrolls Twitter account stated, "Be on the lookout for the first DLC info tomorrow."  Frustratingly, the developer won't be revealing much on the game's first DLC pack.

"A tidbit of info. Not a complete dload of info," clarified their VP of PR, Pete Hines. Still, it's more or less been revealed what the add-on might include.

Meanwhile, a patch for Skyrim's Xbox 360 version will see the inclusion of Kinect voice support, pertaining to Shouts and 200 or so other commands. Bethesda recently released a PDF depicting the various shouts within the update, as well as how to utilize them.

SOURCE: Neoseeker

Skyrim files found in last patch refer to Snow Elves, possible DLC content

When Bethesda announced Skyrim Kinect controls, they also teased plans to reveal more about the first Skyrim DLC soon.  Well, it's been a couple weeks, and we haven't heard anything yet, so players have taken matters into their own hands.  One Bethesda forum user posted some files he found following the last patch, pointing to the mention of "Snow Elves" and a "Snow Elf Prince," which many consider to be clues for the unannounced DLC.

If you don't know what a Snow Elf is, then we can only assume you either didn't play much of Skyrim or skipped all the lore stuff (shame on you).  These are the guys better known as "Falmer," the impish, blind creatures that lurk in Dwemer ruins.  They weren't always like that, you know, so we can thank the dwarves for enslaving the whole damn race and turning them into the monsters we know today.

In addition to Snow Elves, the files also refer to crossbows, so that's pretty awesome.  Here is a sample:

    Animations\[b]DLC01\Chair_SnowElfPrinceDialogueA.HKX[/b]
    Animations\[b]DLC01\Chair_SnowElfPrinceDialogueB.HKX[/b]
    Animations\[b]DLC01\Chair_SnowElfPrinceDialogueC.HKX[/b]
    Animations\[b]DLC01\Chair_SnowElfPrinceDialogueD.HKX[/b]
    Animations\[b]DLC01[/b]\Chair_SnowElfPrinceDialogueE.HKX
    Animations\[b]DLC01[/b]\Chair_SnowElfPrinceFireBall.HKX
    Animations\[b]DLC01[/b]\Chair_SnowElfPrinceSitIdle.HKX
    Animations[b]\DLC01\SnowElfPrinceAscensionBurning.HKX[/b]

    crossbow_direction_behavior.hkx
    Animations\CrossBow_1stP_Run.hkx
    Animations\CrossBow_1stP_Walk.hkx
    Animations\CrossBow_Aim.hkx
    Animations\CrossBow_Equip.hkx
    Animations\CrossBow_IdleDrawn.hkx
    Animations\CrossBow_IdleHeld.hkx
    Animations\CrossBow_Release.hkx

You have our permission to get excited.

SOURCE: Neoseeker

No blog name change but....

After a bit of feedback I will not change the blogs name. Although I am thinking of changing the URL into something smaller or at least something thats a bit easier to search for

Possible blog name change

Random video game news and facts doesn't seem to roll off the tongue to well. I m most likely going to change it, feel free to leave your suggestions

'Uncharted 3' Game of the Year Edition chock-full of multiplayer DLC

Everyone wants to be like Batman, including Nathan Drake. So if Batman: Arkham City can announce a Game of the Year Edition, so can Uncharted 3. After Sony confirmed that the Uncharted series has sold over 17 million copies as of April 2012, they added details for the upcoming GOTY copy. Expect the full game to be package with all of the game's DLC to-date.

It's mostly multiplayer skins, but here's what will be included:

• Classic Skins Pack 1-3
• Doughnut Skin Pack
• Rogues Skin Pack 1-2
• Drake's Deception Map Pack
• Flashback Map Packs 1-2
• Multiplayuer Accessory Pack
• Fort Co-Op Adventure
• Co-Op Shade Survival

Unless you're particularly into multiplayer, the Uncharted 3 Game of the Year Edition doesn't have much (beyond the standard single-player campaign) to offer you. You might be better off trying to find a lower priced copy of the original game. Keep in mind that Naughty Dog is on a two year development cycle with the Uncharted franchise, so you can expect a new Uncharted, with new multiplayer, in 2013 -- most likely.

SOURCE: Neoseeker

Kirby celebrates 20th anniversary with Wii collection

No matter what we might think about Nintendo's future, the company's various mascots will always have a special place in our hearts.  And who could possibly dislike Kirby, in all his marshmallowy pinkness? 

To celebrate Kirby's 20th anniversary, Nintendo announced a new Wii collection featuring various unspecificed Kirby titles.  They're calling it "a special anniversary software disc," which we're just going to refer to as "a game," for simplicity's sake.

The collection will be out later this year, and we've yet to hear what games will be included in the bundle.  We're assuming, however, that Nintendo will be dipping into their classics bin, considering the Wii has only seen two Kirby titles to date. 

Random game facts for 4/21/12 + 3000 View bonus!

Thank you followers for getting this blog to 3000 views!

• The secret boss Kurt Zisa in the first Kingdom Hearts was named via a contest held by Squaresoft in the US to promote the game.
• There’s a difference between the Japanese and US versions of Resident Evil 4. It occurs whenever Leon is killed by Mr Chainsaw. In the US version, his head is chopped off by the ‘saw. However, in the Japanese version, it cuts off part of Leon's face, exposing half of the front of Leon's skull and a single eyeball.
• Starcraft is the first computer game to have ever physically made it into space. It was sent aboard Shuttle mission STS-96 on May 27, 1999 by Mission Specialist Daniel T. Barry , who is also a Starcraft fan.
• If you select a sheep four times in Warcraft 2: Tides Of Darkness (keep clicking it with the left mouse button), the sheep will say “bo-ram-u”. This is the sheeps’ password from the 1995 movie Babe.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2 getting iOS release in the West

Smartphones may be all the rage, but compared to Asia, our collection of mobile games is downright sad.  Guess that means some folks might be grateful that Capcom is bringing their collection of mobile games westward.

Today, we're speficially referring to Marvel vs. Capcom 2, which will be hitting North America and Europe by way of Apple's App Store.  The iOS version will include 56 playable characters and a "Variable System" that just sounds like a fancier term for "tag team."  On iOS, this system also allows players to pull off "Team Hyper Combo" attacks using all three members on their team. 

So... if you really love Marvel vs. Capcom and happen to own an iPhone or iPad, this is probably pretty good news.  Expect this super compact version to arrive April 25.  We're thinking the game will look a tad better when viewed on your phone than these screenshots suggest.

SOURCE: Neoseeker

God of War: Ascension for the PlayStation 3 outed by Amazon

Tomorrow's big PlayStation announcement has come a little sooner than expected. God of War: Ascension for  the PlayStation 3 was outed just moments ago by Amazon, who put up a retail listing which includes a teaser trailer for the game. There's also a tentative release date of December 31, 2012, though that's likely just a placeholder to represent 2013's holiday season.

The product description from the listing reads:

"Join Kratos as he seeks freedom, redemption, and the clarity to avenge his family in the most ambitious God of War adventure in the series so far."

Most fans had guessed at a new God of War game from the announcement teaser on PlayStation's Facebook page, put up last Thursday. The general assumption however, was that it would be another handheld game for the Vita. A console title, likely a prequel to the main series, was definitely not what anyone expected, but given that Kratos is Sony's version of Mario or Master Chief it's difficult to be surprised.

The teaser trailer shows Kratos bound in blood, being taunted by various figures of mythology. A narrator mentions his life before being bound to vengeance, before challenging the Gods. Exactly how a prequel, likely featuring Kratos obeying Ares' will and destroying his enemies, could compare to the beyond belief battles of the main trilogy is left unexplained. Judging from all the blood in the trailer though, Sony isn't planning to displease fans of the franchise. There's always someone or something for Kratos to kill.

Expect Sony's official God of War: Ascension announcement tomorrow, and we'll make sure to keep you informed of any additional details they might provide.

SOURCE: Neoseeker (teaser trailer in the link)

Xbox LIVE offering free access to entertainment apps for one weekend

If you've been wondering what the big deal with all these Xbox LIVE apps is, be sure to log on this weekend.  Microsoft will be holding a free access weekend for all users to try some of the new entertainment apps, and you don't need Gold to participate.

Dubbed "Entertainment Unlocked," the weekend event will run between Thursday, April 19, through Monday, April 23, and in the U.S. unlocks the following apps for temporary use:

CinemaNow Crackle Dailymotion EPIX4 ESPN HBO GO Hulu Plus2 iHeartRadio Last.fm MSN

Netflix3 Syfy TMZ TODAY UFC Verizon VEVO Vudu Xfinity TV on Demand YouTube

Note that every region's weekend list might vary a bit.  A few apps will be available worldwide.

SOURCE: Neoseeker

Halo 4 lands first week of November, Rooster Teeth makes the announcement

You know what's great about November?  So many things, if you're in the United States.  It's the month of Thanksgiving, voting, and Halo 4.  This year, the latter two happen to land on the same day: November 6.  If you're not a U.S. resident, just disregard everything except the Halo part.

Two very special Red vs. Blue video break the big news, and knowing Rooster Teeth, amusement is to be expected.  Hey, wouldn't you take a week off work to play Halo  vote for the next president?  It's your duty as a patriot, and Sarge approves completely.

In "Remember to Not Forget," the Reds discuss ways of remembering November 6, none of which are practical.  A special U.S. version, "Save the Date," can be found a little further down and contains more voting jokes.

SOURCE: Neoseeker (RvB videos in the link)

Crysis 3 is official, takes you to an urban rainforest within New York City

After Crysis 3 showed up for purchase on Origin last week, EA has hastily put together a press release to make the game's announcement official. Players will take up the role of "Prophet" (or is it "Alkatraz") and return to New York, though much has changed since Crysis 2. New York is covered by a Nanodome, and inside this Liberty Dome seven sectors of rainforest, swamp and other treacherous environments await.

Prophet's "revenge mission" tasks him with discovering the purpose of the dome, which is touted as the Cell Corporation's method of cleansing the city of remaining Ceph forces. Naturally, their plans focus more on world domination. Expect to find few friends beyond your bow in Crysis 3, and plenty of enemy aliens, humans, and wild animals.

And of course it wouldn't be a modern game without a fancy edition and preorder bonuses! Crysis 3's Hunter Edition, which will retail for $60, unlocks a signature bow and its accessories along with ananosuit module, both for multiplayer. The special edition also provides early access to the game's multiplayer and an XP boost up to level 5 so you'll be ahead of the game on launch day.

Here's a list of potential preoder packs you might pick up from selected retailers. Each pack includes the base Crysis 3 game and the apparently not so special Hunter Edition content, along with these exclusives:

• Stalker Pack: Early access to the semi-auto Jackal shotgun. Comes with a silencer, custom weapon skin, and two in-game dog tags.
• Overkill Pack: Early access to the Typhoon assault rifle and skin. Includes two in-game dog tags.
• Predator Pack: Early access to the Feline submachine gun and exclusive camo, along with the two in-game dog tags.

I have a natural predisposition to be skeptical of a game whose press release has more info on preorder bonuses than on actual game content. Still, it's good to see Crysis going back into the jungle. However heavy-handed EA's marketing is, Crytek has a lot of talent and perhaps Crysis 3 will be a unique experience much like the original game.

Expect to see Crysis 3 on shelves in spring 2013 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

SOURCE: Neoseeker

Random gmae facts for 4/13/12

• Ico was originally meant to be released for the PlayStation, but the development was halted and then continued for the PlayStation 2. In the early version, Yorda had horns on her head, not Ico. You can find early concept footage of this on YouTube.
• The music for the first Jak & Daxter game was composed by Mark Mothersbaugh, a member of cult '80s band Devo, and composer of all of director Wes Anderson's films including The Royal Tenenbaums and The Life Aquatic.
• In the first Fallout, if you create your own character with less than 4 intelligence you can't converse with anyone; your only dialogue options are various grunts or other guttural noises. This makes the game insanely difficult to finish.

New Pokemon Black and White 2 images leaked

A few scans from the japanese magazine Corocoro have risen, giving new details for Pokemon Black and White 2. see the source link for the whole story

SOURCE: Serebii.net

Skyrim officially getting Kinect commands, over 200 of them

Looks like we'll be seeing yet another feature that appeared in Bethesda's internal Skyrim GameJam video.  Following the 1.5 update, which added kill cams for ranged and magic attacks, the studio is following up with an update just for 360.  See where this is headed?  That's right: Kinect commands.

The feature first popped up as a PC mod, and now the features are officially being added in an upcoming title update for Xbox 360, meaning it'll be free.  The Kinect compatibility update will introduce more than 200 voice commands to Skyrim, from the Shouts to menu access.  You can see a few in action below, in a trailer that was released with the announcement today.  Rest assured more will be revealed in the coming weeks.

SOURCE: Neoseeker (showcase video in link)

Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune thinks "you’re being too nice to Japanese games"

In a particularly candid interview with Wired magazine, Keiji Inafune gives a particularly in-depth look into how he views the Japanese gaming industry. Inafune typically has his quotes torn apart for the sake of sensationalist headlines, but here Keiji makes sure to explain his thoughts in detail. It's not as simple as Inafune disliking the Japanese scene, and he does a wonderful job of stating how close he is to the subject and what it means to him, without being confrontational.

"Let’s say your mother’s birthday was coming up and you wanted to get her something that would make her happy. And you came to me and you asked me, what can I get my mother that would make her happy? What’s the specific thing that I should buy her?
Someone who doesn’t know your mother might tell you that should send your mother on a vacation. But they actually don’t know whether or not it’ll make your mother happy.
This is an analogy for what I’m saying about the Japanese industry. If you ask me, “What should I get my mother?” I will tell you, “Chris, you need to appreciate your mother.” If you don’t have that feeling of appreciation in the first place, even if you send her on a vacation or give her a present, your mother won’t be happy."

This wonderful little analogy does a great job of showing Inafune's personal investment in the industry. "Mother" raised him and all Japanese developers, and Inafune believes it's currently unhappy. There are steps to make her feel better, or as Inafune is implying, steps to fix the industry and make it stronger. First, through appreciation and respect. How though, in more concrete terms, can you do that with an entire industry?

"You’re being too nice to Japanese games. You should be harsh when you feel the standards aren’t living up to what we had in the past. You should tell the truth about Japanese games not being what they used to be. Unless they get that criticism, Japanese game creators are just sitting on the glories of the past. They won’t get the message that the Western audience is turning its back on us."

You might say western gamers have been doing such a thing for quite a while now, but perhapsInafune's comments are directed more towards Japanese gamers. After all, it's one thing criticize your own mother, but someone else's?

Inafune goes on to discuss his views on the growing social and mobile market in both North America and Japan, and his work with his new studio. Inafune has been criticized for being all talk and no action in the past. Now that he has broken apart from Capcom however, he is free to pursue his ideals. Starting in a social medium allows him to bring a variety of people together in new ways. After all, if you can't persuade an industry to change through discourse, perhaps you can lead by example.

Check out Inafune's full interview at Wired, I'd recommend giving it a read because it provides a deeper look at the growing creative rift growing in the Japanese gaming industry.

SOURCE: Neoseeker

GameStop required to warn Californian customers of DLC/online pass costs for used games

GameStop has settled with law firm Baron and Budd over a Californian class action lawsuit regarding, wait for it, used games and downloadable content. The case discusses DLC or online features that are advertised on game packaging, but not included with used purchases. It argues that GameStop is taking advantage of consumers who are unaware of these extra costs.

Specifically, the settlement results in two result: firstly, if you've purchases a used game like I've described above, you may be able to recover $15 in cash and coupons for restitution; secondly,GameStop will be required to label and advertise the extra DLC costs of purchasing such a game in the future.

Attorney for Baron and Budd, Park Pifko, had this to say on the settlement:

“The in-store and online warnings are an important benefit under the settlement as well, because ifGameStop discloses the truth to consumers, it is unlikely that they will be able to continue selling used copies of certain games for only $5 less than the price of a new copy.  In fact, we already know that not long after the lawsuit was filed, GameStop lowered prices for used copies of many of the game titles identified in the lawsuit.”

Claim forms will be available on the the lawsuit's Facebook page soon, and keep in mind this is a California lawsuit, so if you're not from Cali you're out of luck.

It's tough to imagine what sort of widespread effect this lawsuit will have. At face value it seems like a win for used game purchasers, as GameStop will begin appropriately pricing games with extra costs forDLC and online passes.

Still, it's hard not to be disappointed that the scope of this case was whether GameStop was taking advantage of consumers, and not that publishers are taking advantage of GameStop and consumers. Advertising multiplayer on a box, but what's actually being sold is an account-tied license that provides access to multiplayer seems a bit exploitative. That's probably a bit too much to hope for, though.

SOURCE: Neoseeker

Lost Planet 3 will be a prequel, debut trailer shows familiar icy world

Capcom dropped a few bombs at their most recent CAPTIVATE event out in Rome, one of which is the continuation of Lost Planet, their non-horror third-person shooter.  That's right, I'm talking about Lost Planet 3. 

Interestingly enough, the now-trilogy's third installment leaves Capcom's hands and will be developed instead by California-based Spark Unlimited, whose existing lineup includes multiplatform titlesLegendary, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty, and Call of Duty: Finest Hour (on GameCube, no less).  Not that Capcom isn't providing plenty of direction.  The Japanese staff remains heavily involved in the new project, according to Capcom producer Andrew Szymanski, who remains based in Japan. 

In an interview with CVG, series co-creator Kenji Oguro expressed a desire to refocus the series withLost Planet 3, noting that the previous game put too much emphasis on multiplayer and online components.

"It's very different.  Lost Planet 2 focused on online and multiplayer but Lost Planet 3 has a very strong narrative focus. I've had a lot of ideas about the series that I haven't been able to realise until now - in particular how I can make the player perform a certain action or make them feel a certain way. These are the kinds of things I put a lot of thought into realising the third Lost Planet. In that regard, it kind of makes good on a lot the lingering ideas we had for the series in general."

Another major difference between the second and third games will be the environment.  Lost Planet 3, being a prequel, will feature the icy landscapes of EDN III rather than return to a tropical environments of Lost Planet 2.  A more story-driven campaign replaces the co-op focused one.

The new protagonist, who appears in the debut cinematic (below), is a working man named "Jim," one of the first colonists to hit EDN III.  He seems like a pretty likable guy, being a hard worker and supporting his family, but the Akrid obviously don't care about any of that.  Unfortunately for Jim and his fellow miners, technology hasn't advanced enough to produce the military-grade VS mechs we've become acquainted with.  Instead, the basic NEVEC Rig -- equipped with a drill and claw -- is all he's got.

Expect to see Lost Planet 3 the first half of 2013.  So still a way's away.

SOURCE: Neoseeker (also includes the announcement trailer)

Halo 4 will forgo Firefight, getting Spartan Ops mode instead

The next issue of Game Informer will proudly feature Halo 4 cover art and should offer the biggest info dump to date.  Naturally, a few details have leaked early, and fans have already begun discussing highlights from the yet-unreleased issue.

One user on NeoGAF compiled a ton of Halo 4 details taken from the magazine, though you'll need to pick up or borrow a copy of your own for the full coverage.  Interestingly, 343 Industries has dropped the horde-like Firefight from Halo 4, but co-op fans can turn to the new Spartan Ops to get their cooperative fix. 

The new Spartan Ops mode will support up to four players and feature online campaign-like missions, with its own movie sequences and backstory, offering players another means of experiencing Halo lore -- particularly that surrounding the UNSC Infinity and the Spartan IVs.  According to the Game Informerfeature, Spartan Ops should be comparable to the main campaign in both size and scope, and the gameplay will be primarily objective-based with regular weekly content updates.

More Spartan Ops missions, armor parts, armor abilities, and other items can be unlocked using the new "Spartain Points" currency. 

In the classic Team Slayer multiplayer mode, players may choose to respawn instantly after dying; it is unknown at this time whether the feature will extent to other game modes.  Random weapon drops (going by a random timer) will also be introduced, and multiplayer fans may be pleased to hear thatHalo 4 will finally allow players to join in-session matches.

Armor abilities will return as well, bringing a number of favorites like hologram, jetpack, and active camo, plus the all-new "Forerunner Vision," which allows the user to see through walls.  Sprint will now be a included as a default ability (as it should be). 

Keep an eye out for the May issue of Game Informer in your mailbox.  Or, you know, head to the nearest GameStop and check out their magazine/guide rack.

SOURCE: Neoseeker

Video game Easter Eggs + 2000 views

First off, thank you all for helping the blog reach 2000 views, that number sure is rising fast.

Also its Easter, and what better way to celebrate than to look back on the many hidden Easter eggs in gaming

Below are some articles containing lists of Easter eggs (I am with my family so I can be lazy today)

IGN eggs

Complex.com Eggs

Dark Souls Hits PC in August, has "New Bosses"

There are reports circulating that the latest issue of German mag PC Action contains not only confirmation that hardcore death simulator Dark Souls is headed to the PC, but that it features "new bosses".

Everything else, though, remains the same. It's apparently slated for an August release, and will be called the Dark Souls: Prepare to Dieedition.

The game's PC release was strongly hinted at last month when it was none-too-subtly teased in Australia's PC Powerplay.

We've contacted Namco Bandai for confirmation, and will update if we hear back.

SOURCE: Kotaku

Nintendo enlists Sonic co-creator Hirokazu Yasuhara

For years there has always been a struggle between two famous idols of retro gaming: Sonic and Mario. The rivals have always gone hand-in-hand with their associated companies for decades -- Sonic with Sega, and Mario with Nintendo.  Now the blue dude's co-creator, Hirokazu Yasuhara, has joined up with Nintendo.

In fact, according to Gamasutra, Hirokazu Yasuhara will be joining Nintendo's Software Technology division in Redmond, Washington. What he will be doing there is a mystery, since neither Yasuhara or Nintendo have relesed any details.

Yasuhara joined Sega back in 1988, where he and Yuji Naka birthed the Sonic franchise for Genesis and Saturn.  Since then, he's also worked with Naughty Dog and 2K Sports.  Prior to joining Nintendo, Yasuhara worked briefly at Namco Bandai.

Source: Neoseeker

Get Fallout 1 free for next two days

Blogmaster's note: this was posted yesterday so you only have one day

If you've never played the game that popularized the whole post-apocalyptic RPG thing, now's your chance: the original Fallout is free on digital distributor GOG for the next 48 hours, DRM-free and compatible with modern operating systems.

While a bit ancient in the graphics department, with the high resolution mod and a few others if you like, plus some patience, it shouldn't be hard to appreciate the immersive, addictive gameplay and atmosphere, plus the superb and occasionally hysterical dialogue.

Source: Neoseeker (also includes download link)

Skyrim 1.5 lands on Xbox 360 and PS3 today

While PC gamers have been enjoying Skyrim's 1.5 patch for the greater part of a month now, console owners have been patiently waiting their turn. Today is that day, as 1.5 is currently available on Xbox Live, and will be made available later today on PlayStation 3.

For a full list of bug fixes and feature additions check out Bethesda's blog post, but here are the main details of the patch:

• New cinematic kill cameras for projectile weapons and spells
• New kill moves and animations for melee weapons
• Smithing skill increases now factor in the created item’s value
• Improved visual transition when going underwater
• Improved distance LOD transition for snowy landscapes

Bethesda mentions that the average Skyrim player has invested only 85 hours in the game, reminding us all that we've been slacking off and should go finish those awesome Daedric Prince quests. Seriously though, how long has Lydia been locked inside Breezehome since you last played? Did you leave enough cabbages in your locker for her to eat?

Expect to hear more on what could likely be Skyrim's first DLC in the coming weeks and months. Kind of an ambiguous timeframe, but at least they aren't rushing out that horse armor like last time.

Source: Neoseeker

Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut ending DLC announced for free summer release

It's the conclusion many hoped for Mass Effect 3, but that that no one expected. BioWare announced today their plans to release Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut, an answer to thousands of fans' displeasure with the current ending in the game. The free DLC pack will add additional cinematics and epiloguescenes, but makes no mention of altering what's already there in any way. Expect it to release later this summer for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

Bioware head Ray Muzyka insists the new, robust ending is, "maintaining the team’s artistic vision for the end of this story arc in the Mass Effect universe," while also, "delivering the answers players are looking for." What BioWare obviously wants implied is that the ending is not being changed, it's just being fleshed out, and that they are not giving in to unreasonable demands. More of the same ending, versus a different one altogether.

As for what to expect content-wise, Mass Effect 3 executive producer Casey Hudson provides:

“We have reprioritized our post-launch development efforts to provide the fans who want more closure with even more context and clarity to the ending of the game, in a way that will feel more personalized for each player.”

As with most BioWare press releases in the past month, they close out by reminding us that Mass Effect 3  sold millions of copies and received over 75% perfect scores, though I'm not sure how many they counted, to be honest. Still, it's hard not to notice BioWare continues to be so dismissive over the matter, even in defeat. As if to say how dare fans force them to alter their perfect game, and at the same time completely and fully admitting how important it is to keep us happy.

Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut will be freely available from its launch in the summer through April 14, 2014. One can only assume it will then cost standard DLC prices, but be bundled with newly released copies of the game. There's no mention of whether you'll require an online code to access the DLC.

Update: BioWare has provided a handy FAQ that covers some of the more common questions fans have been asking, pertaining to Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut.

Source: Neoseeker

Pokemon + Nobunaga's Ambition headed to the US in June

Would you look at that! Pokémon + Nobunaga's Ambition is coming to the United States in the form ofPokémon Conquest. Given the premise and that this is a DS game, I had written it off as ever coming stateside. I suppose that's the raw power of Pokémon for you.

Speaking of which, if you're unfamiliar with the Japanese release of the game and just want to know more about those darned pocket monsters, Conquest will go all the way up to Generation V (Black and White) with around 200 Pokémon in total. It'll be hitting store shelves on June 18.

I'm curious to see how this performs over here. Probably fairly well, given the name alone. Presumably, there will be plenty of younger players who are unfamiliar with this type of gameplay, which is neat to think about. Expand those gaming horizons, kids.

Source: Destructiod

Mojang's next game '0x10c' revealed

Something interesting is brewing at Mojang, as the Minecraft creator goes to work on their next project.  The new game has been dubbed 0x10c, according to a recently-spotted website. 

No images are shown, and all you'll find on the still-bare webpage is an address from Mojang boss Notch.  In it, he reveals that 0x10c will be a space game, and an "ambitious" one at that:

Hi, I'm Notch, and this is my new game. It's going to be a space game, and it's quite ambitious!
The game is still extremely early in development, but like we did with Minecraft, we expect to release it early and let the players help me shape the game as it grows.
The cost of the game is still undecided, but it's likely there will be a monthly fee for joining the Multiverse as we are going to emulate all computers and physics even when players aren't logged in.

0x10c is still early in development, but Mojang did compile a short -- albeit vague -- list of gameplay features they're hoping to include.  Note these can change at any time, so don't get too excited just yet.

• Hard science fiction.
• Lots of engineering.
• Fully working computer system.
• Space battles against the AI or other players.
• Abandoned ships full of loot.
• Duct tape!
• Seamlessly landing on planets.
• Advanced economy system.
• Random encounters.
• Mining, trading, and looting.
• Single and multi player connected via the multiverse.

The premise of the game sounds pretty cool, if a bit weird.  You can read about the game's premise on the official website.

Source:Neoseeker

Video game recommendations -Kid Icarus Uprising-

Your friendly neighborhood blog master here, I'm experimenting with a new blog segment called Video game recomendations. Basically I will post games I have personally played and do a mini review on why I think they are awesome. ALSO SPOILER FREE

Just finished Kid Icarus Uprising today, I was amazed on how well made the game was, it had an excellent story and sported a full voice cast (which seems rare for Nintendo these days).

The games sports a lengthy story and HUGE arsenal of weapons which can be gained from levels and fusing two different weapons

Kid Icarus Uprising also has an adjustable difficulty level where you can bet hearts to increase the difficulty, which often results in better weapon strengths and more hearts from enemies

The multiplayer is actually pretty good, especially light versus dark where two teams of three duke it out 

I would recomend this game to anyone who owns a 3DS

I will also post my friend code, if you want me to add you please leave your friend code in a comment below(or email me it if your paranoid)

MY FRIEND CODE: 5069-4088-6500  

Ninja Gaiden 3 adding 'Ultimate Ninja' difficulty in April

Ryu Hayabusa might be a total stud, but that doesn't Ninja Gaiden fans were entirely happy with Ninja Gaiden 3's overall lower difficulty.  After all, i's not a real Ninja Gaiden game unless you've died at least 22 times within a span of 10 minutes to ninja dogs (or something). 

Well, Tecmo and Team NINJA apparently agree, because come April 24, they're putting out an "Ultimate Ninja" difficulty for free.  Maybe this will cool some of the complaints.  There is a catch, however; the Ultimate Ninja setting will only be free for the first month after it's out.

I'll tell you what's not free: Ninja Pack 1.  The newly released DLC pack is available today on PSN and Xbox LIVE for $10, which buys a number of customization items and some Ninja Trials packs.  If you'd rather stick with freebies, an update for both console versions adds Falcon's Talons for use in the story, plus a new multiplayer stage and higher level cap.

Source: Neoseeker

Random game facts for 4/2/12

Please note that yesterdays facts were false, APRIL FOOLS

• In the underground facility in Resident Evil 2 there's a locked room containing a dead Nemesis. Resident Evil 2 takes place after 3, which suggests Umbrella released more than one into Raccoon City.
• Super Mario World for the SNES took 29,000 hours to program. Luckily, it went on to sell 17 million copies and was the best-selling game of its generation.
• Sonic The Hedgehog 2 was one of the first ever games to have a simultaneous, worldwide release date. This was known amongst gamers as 'Sonic2sday', as it appeared in shops on a Tuesday. November 24, 1992 to be exact.

I am slowly running out of facts, so for the sake of keeping this blog alive I will probably post these facts once a week, although I will try to post more news stories to make up for it

1000 VIEWS!!!

We have reached our 100o view milestone, thank you all followers who helped us get this far

Random game "facts" for 4/1/12

• If you hold B while throwing a pokeball in pokemon red or blue version it will work like a Masterball
• there is a nudity cheat in the original ps1 Tomb Raider game
• Michael Jackson wrote the music for Sonic the Hedgehog 3