Shacknews Recent Articles http://www.shacknews.com/rss?recent_articles=1 en-us Killzone: Mercenary shoots onto Vita on September 10 http://www.shacknews.com/article/79251/killzone-mercenary-shoots-onto-vita-on-september-10 http://www.shacknews.com/article/79251/killzone-mercenary-shoots-onto-vita-on-september-10 <p>Vita-exclusive FPS <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/killzone-mercenary">Killzone: Mercenary</a> has a new release date: September 10th, one week earlier than <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/77634/killzone-mercenary-coming-to-vita-on-september-17">originally scheduled</a>. (Perhaps <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/77636/grand-theft-auto-5-landing-on-september-17">this</a> has something to do with the shift?) There's a pretty new trailer, but first, now that there's a solid release date, Sony must announce the requisite pre-order bonuses.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Watch: Pre-order bonuses detailed »" /></p><p>Included with early copies of the game is "Blackjack's Briefcase," which grants access to 48 hours of double XP and an in-game cash bonus. "You'll have enough Vektan Cash to pick up a new weapon before you even step foot on the battlefield," the <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/05/17/grab-killzone-mercenary-a-week-early-pre-order-bonuses-detailed/" target="blank">PlayStation.Blog</a> teases.</p><p>Here, take a look at the things you'll be able to shoot at:</p><p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/H6pRoOZhod8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> Fri, 17 May 2013 16:00:00 PDT Andrew Yoon Trion Worlds hit with more layoffs, Defiance team impacted http://www.shacknews.com/article/79250/trion-worlds-hit-with-more-layoffs-defiance-team-impacted http://www.shacknews.com/article/79250/trion-worlds-hit-with-more-layoffs-defiance-team-impacted <p>Trion Worlds has undergone yet another round of layoffs, a new report confirms. This follows layoffs in December, which <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/77014/trion-worlds-hit-with-layoffs-rift-team-impacted">largely affected</a> the Rift team. According to sources speaking to <a href="http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/05/17/trion-hit-by-massive-layoffs" target="blank">IGN</a>, "mostly Defiance support staff and dev staff" and "teams that provide generic responsibilities and services" have been let go.</p><p>It's unclear how many people were let go, but the report says that the bulk of the layoffs affect Trion's San Diego studio, where Defiance was developed.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: Rift unaffected by layoffs »" /></p><p>The company told IGN that the layoffs were "to best position Trion in a rapidly changing industry" and that Defiance's "progress from launch to ongoing development" led to the team reduction. "As we progress from launch to ongoing development of the game, we are adjusting our staffing levels to deliver new content and improved features. Rift, and our other titles in development, were unaffected by these changes," the representative said.</p><p>Rift will be making a transition to <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/79180/rift-going-free-to-play-on-june-12">free-to-play</a> on June 12th, while Defiance will get <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/79147/defiance-first-dlc-pack-detailed-show-renewed-for-second-season">DLC</a> as its tie-in show preps for a second season.</p> Fri, 17 May 2013 15:15:00 PDT Andrew Yoon Game & Wario was originally going to be pre-installed on Wii U http://www.shacknews.com/article/79249/game-wario-was-originally-going-to-be-pre-installed-on http://www.shacknews.com/article/79249/game-wario-was-originally-going-to-be-pre-installed-on <p><a href="https://www.shacknews.com/game/game-wario">Game & Wario</a> wasn't always meant to be a standalone game. The upcoming Wii U game was originally planned to be a small demo pre-installed on Nintendo's latest console. However, Nintendo's Goro Abe explained that trying to make an experience that would appeal to everyone ended up being too restrictive for the creative process, and led to the game spinning off into a full release.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: Had to cut 'crazy, out there ideas' »" /></p><p>"The original plan was that the game would come pre-installed on the Wii U console, so it wasn't actually conceived of as being part of the WarioWare series," Abe told Nintendo president Satoru Iwata in a <a href="http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wiiu/gameandwario/0/0" target="balnk">new column</a>. "We began working on something that we could present and which would be easy for people to pick up and play."</p><p>He explained that because these mini-games would come built into the console, "we didn't want something that would only appeal to a certain section of customers." However, it conflicted with the WarioWare team's goals. "The WarioWare team have always had free reign to come up with all kinds of zany ideas, but we now found that we had to restrain ourselves... we would put to one side all those crazy, out-there ideas that might have really appealed to certain players, but not to everyone."</p><p>But apparently, after playing the game, Nintendo's Yoshio Sakamoto told the team to "shake things up," and perhaps not take things so seriously. With the creative restrictions lifted, the team ended up coming up with "too many ideas for a game that was going to be pre-installed," Abe explained.</p><p>And so, Game & Wario was born, transformed into a full retail release. You can see the fruits of their labor in June when the game releases on Wii U.</p> Fri, 17 May 2013 13:45:00 PDT Andrew Yoon The Last of Us digital download lets you start playing sooner http://www.shacknews.com/article/79247/the-last-of-us-digital-download http://www.shacknews.com/article/79247/the-last-of-us-digital-download <p><a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/the-last-of-us">The Last of Us</a> will give PS3 gamers a small taste of PS4's new accessibility features. Like many recent retail releases on PS3, the game will be available for download via PlayStation Network at launch. However, you won't have to dread having to download dozens of gigabytes at once before you can start playing.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: Start playing when the game is 50% done »" /></p><p>Naughty Dog's creative director Neil Druckmann and The Last of Us game director Bruce Straley told <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/05/16/the-last-of-us-will-release-be-released-digitally-same-day-as-retail.aspx" target="Blank">Game Informer</a> that once you've downloaded fifty percent of the game, you'll be able to start playing. It isn't quite the instant gratification promised by Sony for PS4, but it's not too easy to retrofit new features onto old machines.</p><p>It's likely that the retail downloads will work similarly to the demo press received yesterday. Our digital copies of the game had a small initial download. Remaining data was then downloaded while the executable was running. Perhaps the PSN version of the full game will work in a similar way?</p> Fri, 17 May 2013 13:00:00 PDT Andrew Yoon Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection coming to PS3 in July for $50 http://www.shacknews.com/article/79246/metal-gear-solid-the-legacy-collection-coming-july-9 http://www.shacknews.com/article/79246/metal-gear-solid-the-legacy-collection-coming-july-9 <p>Konami announced today that Metal Gear Solid: The Legacy Collection will hit the PlayStation 3 on July 9, just barely missing its earlier stated target of <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/78845/metal-gear-solid-the-legacy-collection-coming-to-ps3-includes">June</a>. As previously reported, the collection includes Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2: HD Edition, Metal Gear Solid 3: HD Edition, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker HD Edition, Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions, and Metal Gear Solid 4: Trophy Edition. The original MSX Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2 are playable through MGS3. The two graphic novels from Ashley Woods detail the events of MGS1 and MGS2, and were previously only released on the PSP in North America.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: Price revealed »" /></p><p>Konami also revealed a price for the package: $49.99 for all eight games, two digital graphic novels, and the art book. And while many of the games will be included on the two Blu-ray discs, the PSone releases will be offered as a voucher. (That means you'll be able to play those games on your PSP and Vita, if you'd like!)</p> Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:00 PDT Steve Watts Weekend PC download deals: Borderlands 2 for $11 http://www.shacknews.com/article/79245/weekend-pc-download-deals-borderlands-2-for-11 http://www.shacknews.com/article/79245/weekend-pc-download-deals-borderlands-2-for-11 <p>This weekend has some cracking sales so it's hard to pick one headlining game, but Borderlands 2 for $11 is pretty darn good. Other exciting bargains include Sleeping Dogs for $6, Chivalry: Medieval Warfare for $7, Dark Souls for $8, The Walking Dead for $8, Batman: Arkham City GotY for $8, Hitman: Absolution for $9, Diablo 3 for $40, and a cracking bundle of XCOM: Enemy Unknown, Civilization IV Complete, and Civ V Gold for $20.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: Our wide selection of this weekend's deals »" /></p><p>Here's our selection of this weekend's PC deals:</p><p><h3>GameFly</h3></p><p><ul></p><p><li>Blood Bowl: Chaos Edition (Steam) - <a href="http://www.gamefly.com/Download-Blood-Bowl-Chaos-Edition/5004807/">$14.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Divinity II Director's Cut - <a href="http://www.gamefly.com/Download-Divinity-II-Developer%27s-Cut/5005041/">$9.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Farming Simulator 2013 - <a href="http://www.gamefly.com/Download-Farming-Simulator-2013/5004869/">$20.09 (33% off)</a></p><p><li>Runaway: A Twist of Fate - <a href="http://www.gamefly.com/Download-Runaway-A-Twist-of-Fate/153975/">$2.49 (75% off)</a></p><p></ul></p><p><div class="embedimage"><a href="/game/blood-bowl-chaos-edition/screenshots?gallery_id=23635&screen_id=617202"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/20121004/bloodbowchaosedition2_23635.nphd.jpg"/></a><span><a href="/game/blood-bowl-chaos-edition/screenshots?gallery_id=23635&screen_id=617202">Blood Bowl: Chaos Edition</a></span></div></p><p><h3>Amazon</h3></p><p>Amazon's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=dvg_homepage_quicklinks_deals?ie=UTF8&docId=1000716161&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-leftnav&pf_rd_r=2AF41ACC2FBA459C8A00&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1557143322&pf_rd_i=979455011" target="_blank">huge sale</a> includes so much more than just these:</p><p><ul></p><p><li>American McGee's Alice + Alice: Madness Returns + DLC (Origin) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alice-Madness-Complete-Collection-Download/dp/B00AKILZR4/">$7.49 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Amnesia: The Dark Descent - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cosmi-40563Amnesia1-Amnesia-Download/dp/B004K1F334/">$2.99 (85% off)</a></p><p><li>Bastion - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Warner-Bros-Bastion-Download/dp/B008VXCPRY/">$3.75 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Batman: Arkham Asylum (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Arkham-Asylum-GOTY-Online/dp/B008VXCPV0/">$5.00 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Batman: Arkham City GotY (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Arkham-City-GOTY-Download/dp/B00AHH5736/">$7.50 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Battlefield 3 (Origin) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Arts-40834ttlefield-32-Battlefield/dp/B005WWZUQ0/">$9.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>BioShock + BioShock 2 (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083W649I/">$4.99 (88% off)</a></p><p><li>BioShock + BioShock 2 + Spec Ops: The Line (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0091T6FQO/">$9.99 (89% off)</a></p><p><li>Borderlands GotY + Duke Nukem Forever + The Darkness II (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0091T6LFE/">$9.99 (90% off)</a></p><p><li>Civilization IV Complete + Civilization V Gold + XCOM: Enemy Unknown (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CPBZDPE/">$19.99 (83% off)</a></p><p><li>Company of Heroes GotY (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AR0CNDA/">$4.99 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Dark Souls (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00917DBUE/">$7.49 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Deadlight (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-DEADLIGHT-Download/dp/B00AR05D6O/">$3.75 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Deadlight + Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet + Iron Brigade + Mark of the Ninja + Toy Soldiers (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B1ULJI0/">$9.99 (86% off)</a></p><p><li>Dead Island GotY (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Island-Game-Edition-Online/dp/B008NAYASM/">$4.99 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Dead Space + Dead Space 2 (Origin) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Space-Dual-Pack-Download/dp/B0091UOX1W/">$7.99 (80% off)</a></p><p><li>Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Deus-Ex-Revolution-Standard-Download/dp/B005HRZ29K/">$4.99 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Dragon Age: Origins + DA:O - Awakening + Dragon Age II - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P28VBM/">$9.99 (80% off)</a></p><p><li>Fable + Fable III + DLC (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CPC8896/">$9.99 (87% off)</a></p><p><li>Iron Brigade (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Iron-Brigade-Online-Game-Code/dp/B00AR03O9M/">$3.75 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Magicka Collection (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0069TK0VU/">$4.99 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Mark of the Ninja (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Ninja-Online-Game-Code/dp/B00AR03OV0/">$3.75 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Mass Effect 3 Digital Deluxe (Origin) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Effect-Digital-Deluxe-Version-Download/dp/B0064TYRAU/">$8.99 (70% off)</a></p><p><li>Metro 2033 (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Silver-40470Metro-2033-Download/dp/B0047T7UE4/">$4.99 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Saints Row 2 (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Silver-40640aints-Row-29/dp/B004VNHVF4/">$3.75 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Saints Row: The Third - The Full Package (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Saints-Row-Third-Package-Download/dp/B009DL02E6/">$12.49 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>The Walking Dead (Steam) - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007WWW2C8/">$9.99 (60% off)</a></p><p></ul></p><p><div class="embedimage"><a href="/game/xcom-enemy-unknown/screenshots?gallery_id=23087&screen_id=603061"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/20120815/xcomeu_gc_mp_seccommvschrysui_23087.nphd.jpg"/></a><span><a href="/game/xcom-enemy-unknown/screenshots?gallery_id=23087&screen_id=603061">XCOM: Enemy Unknown</a></span></div></p><p><h3>Bitcon Bundle</h3></p><p><a href="https://www.thebitcoinbundle.com/">Pay what you want</a>--in Bitcoins--for a bundle of And Yet It Moves, Eufloria, a beta of Eufloria HD, Spirits, and World of Goo. I know, right?</p><p><div class="embedimage"><a href="/game/eufloria/screenshots?gallery_id=13049&screen_id=87377"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/sshots/Screenshot/13049/13049_4adf270ec8d2f.nphd.jpg"/></a><span><a href="/game/eufloria/screenshots?gallery_id=13049&screen_id=87377">Eufloria</a></span></div></p><p><h3>Blizzard</h3></p><p><ul></p><p><li>Diablo III - <a href="http://us.blizzard.com/store/details.xml?id=1100002016">$39.99 (33% off)</a></p><p></ul></p><p><div class="embedimage"><a href="/game/diablo-iii/screenshots?gallery_id=22076&screen_id=568735"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/20120514/wd_female_hallsagony_004_22076.nphd.jpg"/></a><span><a href="/game/diablo-iii/screenshots?gallery_id=22076&screen_id=568735">Diablo III</a></span></div></p><p><h3>GamersGate</h3></p><p><ul></p><p><li>Jagged Alliance: Back in Action (Steam) - <a href="http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-JABA/jagged-alliance-back-in-action">$9.99 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Jagged Alliance: Crossfire (Steam) - <a href="http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-JACF/jagged-alliance-crossfire">$7.49 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Jagged Alliance: Back in Action + JA: Crossfire + DLC (Steam) - <a href="http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-JACB/jagged-alliance-collectors-bundle">$13.98 (65% off)</a></p><p><li>Men of War - <a href="http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-MOW/men-of-war">$3.74 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Men of War: Assault Squad - <a href="http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-MOWAS/men-of-war-assault-squad">$7.49 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Men of War: Assault Squad GotY - <a href="http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-MOWASGOYE/men-of-war-assault-squad-game-of-the-year-edition">$9.99 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Men of War: Condemned Heroes - <a href="http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-MOWCH/men-of-war-condemned-heroes">$7.49 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Men of War: Red Tide - <a href="http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-MOWRT/men-of-war-red-tide">$4.99 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Men of War: Vietnam - <a href="http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-MOWV/men-of-war-vietnam">$8.74 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Men of War + MoW: Assault Squad GotY + MoW: Condemned Heroes + MoW: Red Tide + MoW: Vietnam SE - <a href="http://www.gamersgate.com/DDB-MOWCP/men-of-war-collector-pack-bundle">$17.50 (75% off)</a></p><p></ul></p><p>Friday:</p><p><ul></p><p><li>Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning GotY (Origin) - <a href="http://www.gamersgate.com/DDB-KOARC/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-collection-bundle">$7.49 (75% off)</a></p><p></ul></p><p><div class="embedimage"><a href="/game/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning/screenshots?gallery_id=21206&screen_id=536281"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/20120229/reckoning_dlc1_islandboggarts6_21206.nphd.jpg"/></a><span><a href="/game/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning/screenshots?gallery_id=21206&screen_id=536281">Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning</a></span></div></p><p><h3>Get Games</h3></p><p><ul></p><p><li>Hitman: Absolution - <a href="http://www.getgamesgo.com/product/hitman-absolution">$8.49 (66% off)</a></p><p><li>Just Cause 2 (Steam) - <a href="http://www.getgamesgo.com/product/just-cause-2">$3.74 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Quantum Conundrum (Steam) - <a href="http://www.getgamesgo.com/product/quantum-conundrum">$3.39 (66% off)</a></p><p><li>Rayman Origins - <a href="http://www.getgamesgo.com/product/rayman-origins">$9.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Sleeping Dogs (Steam) - <a href="http://www.getgamesgo.com/product/sleeping-dogs">$6.24 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Tomb Raider: Underworld (Steam) - <a href="http://www.getgamesgo.com/product/tomb-raider-underworld-steam">$2.24 (75% off)</a></p><p></ul></p><p><div class="embedimage"><a href="/game/sleeping-dogs/screenshots?gallery_id=22184&screen_id=572460"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/20120524/8590sleepingdogs_screen_fire_22184.nphd.jpg"/></a><span><a href="/game/sleeping-dogs/screenshots?gallery_id=22184&screen_id=572460">Sleeping Dogs</a></span></div></p><p><h3>GOG</h3></p><p>GOG's big <a href="http://www.gog.com/promo/ubisoft_weekend_promo_170513">Ubisoft sale</a> includes:</p><p><ul></p><p><li>Beyond Good & Evil - <a href="http://www.gog.com/gamecard/beyond_good_and_evil">$4.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Driver: Parallel Lines - <a href="http://www.gog.com/gamecard/driver_parallel_lines">$4.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Far Cry 2 - <a href="http://www.gog.com/gamecard/far_cry_2_fortunes_edition">$4.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Heroes of Might & Magic - <a href="http://www.gog.com/gamecard/heroes_of_might_and_magic">$4.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Heroes of Might & Magic 2 Gold - <a href="http://www.gog.com/gamecard/heroes_of_might_and_magic_2_gold_edition">$4.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Heroes of Might & Magic 3 Complete - <a href="http://www.gog.com/gamecard/heroes_of_might_and_magic_3_complete_edition">$4.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Heroes of Might & Magic 4 Complete - <a href="http://www.gog.com/gamecard/heroes_of_might_and_magic_4_complete">$4.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Heroes of Might & Magic 5 bundle - <a href="http://www.gog.com/gamecard/heroes_of_might_and_magic_5_bundle">$9.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Might and Magic 1-6 - <a href="http://www.gog.com/gamecard/might_and_magic_6_limited_edition">$4.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Might and Magic 7 - <a href="http://www.gog.com/gamecard/might_and_magic_7_for_blood_and_honor">$2.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Might and Magic 8 - <a href="http://www.gog.com/gamecard/might_and_magic_8_day_of_the_destroyer">$2.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Might and Magic 9 - <a href="http://www.gog.com/gamecard/might_and_magic_9">$2.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time - <a href="http://www.gog.com/gamecard/prince_of_persia_the_sands_of_time">$4.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon - <a href="http://www.gog.com/gamecard/tom_clancys_ghost_recon">$4.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell - <a href="http://www.gog.com/gamecard/splinter_cell">$4.99 (50% off)</a></p><p></ul></p><p><div class="embedimage"><a href="/game/prince-of-persia-the-sands-of-time/screenshots?gallery_id=4537&screen_id=13915"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/shack_images/sshots/psx2/poptst4.nphd.jpg"/></a><span><a href="/game/prince-of-persia-the-sands-of-time/screenshots?gallery_id=4537&screen_id=13915">Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time</a></span></div></p><p><h3>Green Man Gaming</h3></p><p>GMG offers 20% off most games with the code <b>GMG20-LLASD-D8WBQ</b>, which you'll need for most of (but not all) these prices:</p><p><ul></p><p><li>Alien Breed Trilogy (Steam) - <a href="http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/action/alien-breed-trilogy/">$7.36 (68% off)</a></p><p><li>Back to the Future: The Game (Steam) - <a href="http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/adventure/back-future-game/">$5.00 (80% off)</a></p><p><li>Borderlands 2 (Steam) - <a href="http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/rpgs/borderlands-2-na/">$10.88 (73% off)</a></p><p><li>Chivalry: Medieval Warfare (Steam) - <a href="http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/shooter/chivalry-medieval-warfare/">$6.80 (73% off)</a></p><p><li>Dawnstar - <a href="http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/action/dawnstar/">$4.00 (60% off)</a></p><p><li>Puzzle Agent 2 (Steam) - <a href="http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/adventure/puzzle-agent-2/">$4.00 (60% off)</a></p><p><li>Reus (Steam) - <a href="http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/strategy/reus/">$7.20 (28% off)</a></p><p><li>Tales of Monkey Island (Steam) - <a href="http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/adventure/tales-monkey-island/">$7.00 (80% off)</a></p><p><li>The Walking Dead (Steam) - <a href="http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/adventure/walking-dead-telltale-game-series/">$8.00 (68% off)</a></p><p><li>Worms Reloaded GotY (Steam) - <a href="http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/strategy/worms-reloaded-game-year-edition/">$5.00 (80% off)</a></p><p></ul></p><p>The code <b>GMG25-55FJ7-ADQ3P</b> gets you 25% off these:</p><p><ul></p><p><li>Company of Heroes 2 pre-order (Steam) - <a href="http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/strategy/company-heroes-2/">$45.00 (25% off)</a></p><p><li>Grid 2 pre-order (Steam) - <a href="http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/racing/grid-2/">$33.75 (32% off)</a></p><p><li>Resident Evil: Revelations pre-order (Steam) - <a href="http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/adventure/resident-evil-revelations/">$37.50 (25% off)</a></p><p><li>Total War: Rome II pre-order - <a href="http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/strategy/total-war-rome-ii/">$44.97 (25% off)</a></p><p></ul></p><p>The code <b>GMG30-JLLFD-2CQSV</b> gets you 30% off these:</p><p><ul></p><p><li>Borderlands 2 - DLC Season Pass (Steam) - <a href="http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/rpgs/borderlands-2-season-pass-na/">$21.00 (30% off)</a></p><p><li>Borderlands 2 - Psycho DLC (Steam) - <a href="http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/rpgs/borderlands-2-psycho-pack-dlc/">$7.00 (30% off)</a></p><p></ul></p><p><div class="embedimage"><a href="/game/borderlands-2/screenshots?gallery_id=25641&screen_id=658447"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/20130510/psycho_krieg_combat_25641.nphd.jpg"/></a><span><a href="/game/borderlands-2/screenshots?gallery_id=25641&screen_id=658447">Borderlands 2 Psycho DLC</a></span></div></p><p><h3>Groupees</h3></p><p><a href="http://groupees.com/bm8" target="_blank">Pay what you want</a> for Patrician IV, Slam Bolt Scrappers, Fairy Bloom Freesia, Paranutical Activity, and Radical Roach. Pay over $5 to also get Blood Bowl: Legendary Edition, Constant C, Blades of Time, and Drakensang.</p><p><div class="embedimage"><a href="/game/slam-bolt-scrappers/screenshots?gallery_id=24940&screen_id=645461"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/20130307/sbs_01_24940.nphd.jpg"/></a><span><a href="/game/slam-bolt-scrappers/screenshots?gallery_id=24940&screen_id=645461">Slam Bolt Scrappers</a></span></div></p><p><h3>Humble Bundle</h3></p><p><a href="http://www.humblebundle.com/">Pay what you want</a> for Costume Quest, Psychonauts, and Stacking. Beat the average price to also get Brutal Legend and eight of Double Fine's Amnesia Fortnight prototypes.</p><p><div class="embedimage"><a href="/game/brutal-legend/screenshots?gallery_id=24693&screen_id=640491"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/20130213/screenshot_01_24693.nphd.jpg"/></a><span><a href="/game/brutal-legend/screenshots?gallery_id=24693&screen_id=640491">Brutal Legend</a></span></div></p><p><h3>Impulse</h3></p><p><ul></p><p><li>Might & Magic Heroes VI Gold - <a href="http://impulsedriven.com/products/ESD-IMP-W4832">$14.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Street Fighter X Tekken - <a href="http://impulsedriven.com/products/ESD-IMP-W2909">$24.99 (50% off)</a></p><p></ul></p><p><div class="embedimage"><a href="/game/might-magic-heroes-vi/screenshots?gallery_id=18926&screen_id=453779"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/20110808/havensquaregardentcm2113238_18926.nphd.jpg"/></a><span><a href="/game/might-magic-heroes-vi/screenshots?gallery_id=18926&screen_id=453779">Might & Magic Heroes VI</a></span></div></p><p><h3>Indie Royale</h3></p><p><a href="http://www.indieroyale.com/" target="_blank">Pay what you want</a> for Burn Zombie, Burn!, Lucius, Plain Sight, Primal Fears, Alien Shooter 2, Droplitz, and Ironclads: Anthology.</p><p><div class="embedimage"><a href="/game/lucius/screenshots?gallery_id=22428&screen_id=580852"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/20120606/lucius_e3201101_22428.nphd.jpg"/></a><span><a href="/game/lucius/screenshots?gallery_id=22428&screen_id=580852">Lucius</a></span></div></p><p><h3>Steam</h3></p><p>As well as being on sale until Monday morning, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is free to play until Sunday afternoon. Click <a href="steam://install/730/">here</a> to install it through Steam.</p><p><ul></p><p><li>BIT.TRIP BEAT - <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/63700/">$2.49 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>BIT.TRIP CORE - <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/205060/">$2.49 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>BIT.TRIP RUNNER - <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/63710/">$2.49 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>BIT.TRIP VOID - <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/205070/">$2.49 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>BIT.TRIP BEAT + CORE + RUNNER + VOID + soundtracks - <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/sub/18772/">$11.98 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Borderlands GotY - <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/901566/">$7.49 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Borderlands GotY four-pack - <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/901566/">$22.49 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Borderlands 2 four-pack - <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/49520/">$40.79 (66% off)</a></p><p><li>Counter-Strike: Global Offensive - <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/730/">$7.49 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Guns of Icarus Online - <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/209080/">$9.99 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Postal - <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/232770/">$3.49 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>Postal 2 Complete - <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/223470/">$3.74 (75% off)</a></p><p><li>Retro City Rampage - <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/204630/">$7.49 (50% off)</a></p><p><li>X3: Terran Conflict + Albion Prelude DLC - <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/sub/12588/">$13.39 (33% off)</a></p><p></ul></p><p><div class="embedimage"><a href="/game/x3-terran-conflict/screenshots?gallery_id=11236&screen_id=75243"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/sshots/Screenshot/11236/11236_495e603193cb7.nphd.jpg"/></a><span><a href="/game/x3-terran-conflict/screenshots?gallery_id=11236&screen_id=75243">X3: Terran Conflict</a></span></div></p><p><h3>Vblank</h3></p><p><ul></p><p><li>Retro City Rampage (DRM-free + Steam) - <a href="http://retrocityrampage.com/buy.php">$7.49 (50% off)</a></p><p></ul></p><p><div class="embedimage"><a href="/game/retro-city-rampage/screenshots?gallery_id=23640&screen_id=617366"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/20121005/rcr_scrn_01_23640.nphd.jpg"/></a><span><a href="/game/retro-city-rampage/screenshots?gallery_id=23640&screen_id=617366">Retro City Rampage</a></span></div></p> Fri, 17 May 2013 12:30:00 PDT Alice O'Connor Madden NFL 25's $99 'Anniversary Edition' includes Sunday Ticket http://www.shacknews.com/article/79244/madden-nfl-25s-99-anniversary-edition-includes-sunday-ticket http://www.shacknews.com/article/79244/madden-nfl-25s-99-anniversary-edition-includes-sunday-ticket <p>EA Sports announced a limited Anniversary Edition of <a href="https://www.shacknews.com/game/madden-nfl-25">Madden 25</a> today. The $99 set comes with a one year subscription to DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket, which usually costs a <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/75522/nfl-sunday-ticket-returns-to-ps3-with-new-lower-price">few hundred bucks</a> by itself.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: Subscription details for customers, coupons offered »" /></p><p>If you don't already have DirecTV, the special edition includes a $10 off per month promo code to get the service, which will let you use the "NFL Sunday Ticket Max" too. If you already are a DirecTV and NFL Sunday Ticket subscriber, you can access it with your computer and mobile devices as well. Finally, if you're out of range of DirecTV service, you can at least get a code for a trial of the regular 17-week season to watch on your computer, tablet, or mobile device.</p><p>The Anniversary Edition will also include an exclusive Ultimate Team pack each week during the regular season. The special edition is exclusive to the online retailer <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Madden-NFL-25-Xbox-360/dp/B00AY1CT4U/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</p> Fri, 17 May 2013 11:30:00 PDT Steve Watts Final Fantasy 8 getting PC re-release (in Japan) http://www.shacknews.com/article/79243/final-fantasy-8-pc-announced-for-japan http://www.shacknews.com/article/79243/final-fantasy-8-pc-announced-for-japan <p>Square Enix is re-releasing <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/final-fantasy-viii">Final Fantasy 8</a> for PC in Japan. Much like Square's recent PC port of <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/75295/shack-psa-final-fantasy-vii-now-on-pc">Final Fantasy 7</a>, it will sport higher resolutions than the game did in 1999.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: FF7 port released last year »" /></p><p>The <a href="http://www.famitsu.com/news/201305/16033362.html">announcement</a> (via <a href="http://kotaku.com/first-look-at-hi-res-final-fantasy-viii-for-pc-508161832" target="_blank">Kotaku</a>) was light on details, so we don't know of a release date or if it will bring any other extra features. For now, it's only been announced for Japan, but an American release is almost guaranteed.</p><p>When FF7 was re-released on PC, it included achievements, cloud saves, and a "character booster" feature that allowed you to breeze through tough parts of the game to experience the story. It's likely that FF8 will follow that trend.</p><p><div class="embedimage"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/20130517/l_51947ac47a9b0_25718.nphd.jpg"/><span>Final Fantasy 8</span></div></p> Fri, 17 May 2013 10:30:00 PDT Steve Watts More Game Gear titles headed to 3DS eShop http://www.shacknews.com/article/79242/more-game-gear-titles-headed-to-3ds-eshop http://www.shacknews.com/article/79242/more-game-gear-titles-headed-to-3ds-eshop <p>Game Gear emulation on 3DS earned <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/72897/game-gear-3ds-review">high marks</a> from us when it launched, but its output since launch has been notably low. So low, in fact, that the three initial launch titles are still the only ones available. Nintendo has plans to change that, with a veritable flood of Game Gear titles making their way to the 3DS Virtual Console.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: Lots and lots of Sonic »" /></p><p>Today during the company's Nintendo Direct presentation, it showed a long list of Game Gear VC games on the way. They include Columns, Crystal Warriors, Defenders of Oasis, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, G-LOC: Air Battles, Shining Force 2: The Sword of Hajya, Sonic Blast, Sonic Drift 2, Sonic Labyrinth, Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Tails Adventure, and Vampire: Master of Darkness.</p><p>Nintendo didn't outline when these will hit the eShop, but company president Satoru Iwata promised "all of the games you see here will be releasing soon."</p> Fri, 17 May 2013 10:00:00 PDT Steve Watts Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance coming to PC http://www.shacknews.com/article/79241/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-coming-to-pc http://www.shacknews.com/article/79241/metal-gear-rising-revengeance-coming-to-pc <p>When <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/metal-gear-rising-revengeance">Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance</a> was still Metal Gear Solid: Rising, it was supposed to be coming to PC as well as Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Then, the PC edition was silently ditched. Now, it's back. Developer Platinum Games today confirmed that yes, lucky PCnauts will get to cut cyborgs into tiny pieces with a cybersword.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: Release date a mystery for now »" /></p><p>Metal Gear Solid overlord Hideo Kojima <a href="http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=558818" target="_blank">supposedly</a> announced it during the latest episode of his <a href="http://www.kjp.konami.jp/gs/hideoblog/2013/05/000474.html#more" target="_blank">podcast</a> but, as we don't speak Japanese, we'll go with the confirmation from Platinum creative director Jean Pierre Kellams.</p><p>"I am excited to see Rising hit the PC," Kellams said on <a href="https://twitter.com/PG_jp/status/335367956471087105" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, directing any further questions to Konami. Now, the publisher's rarely the most verbose or timely of companies, so its release date and whatnot are a mystery for now.</p><p>But still. Revengeance on PC. We lucky, lucky people. Here's the sort of fun we're getting:</p> Fri, 17 May 2013 09:30:00 PDT Alice O'Connor Nintendo to showcase E3 games at Best Buy this year http://www.shacknews.com/article/79240/nintendo-partners-with-best-buy-to-showcase-e3-line-up http://www.shacknews.com/article/79240/nintendo-partners-with-best-buy-to-showcase-e3-line-up <p>Although Nintendo <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/78895/nintendo-wont-have-an-e3-press-conference-this-year">won't have</a> a bombastic E3 keynote presentation like its competitors, that doesn't mean the company is going to sit idly by during the show. Instead, the company announced plans to give fans the opportunity to participate in this year's activities. Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime outlined a plan to let players try the company's E3 lineup without flying to Los Angeles.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: E3 'for the people' »" /></p><p>Calling their E3 focus "for the people," Fils-Aime said that approximately 100 Best Buy stores will have kiosks devoted Nintendo's unreleased E3 games. Don't expect the entire lineup, however. A press release clarified that only "<i>some</i> of the unreleased Wii U games" will be featured at the event (emphasis ours).</p><p>Nintendo plans on saving a few E3 announcements for another Nintendo Direct that will air "around the time of E3," according to company president Satoru Iwata. Nintendo <a href="https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/335416341957844992">tweeted</a> a few games we can expect to be discussed at that presentation: the new Smash Bros, Mario Kart, and a new 3D Mario game.</p> Fri, 17 May 2013 09:00:00 PDT Steve Watts Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault defending Vita next week http://www.shacknews.com/article/79239/ratchet-clank-full-frontal-assault-defending-vita-next-week http://www.shacknews.com/article/79239/ratchet-clank-full-frontal-assault-defending-vita-next-week <p>The Vita edition of <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/ratchet-clank-full-frontal-assault">Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault</a> was supposed to launch alongside its PS3 sibling last November, but the platform-o-tower defense's port simply <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/77746/ratchet-clank-full-frontal-assault-vita-delayed-to-spring">wasn't up to scratch</a>. It'll finally launch next Tuesday, Insomniac Games announced today, but out right now is a new multiplayer map and mode for PS3.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="My Awesome Caption" /></p><p>As promised, it includes a free copy of <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/ratchet-deadlocked">Ratchet & Clank: Deadlocked</a> in apology for the delay, and of course it's a cross-buy game so PS3 peeps automatically get it on Vita too.</p><p>But wait, there's more! Insomniac <a href="http://blog.us.playstation.com/2013/05/17/ratchet-clank-full-frontal-assault-updates/" target="_blank">explains</a> that a new patch for the PS3 version out today adds a new multiplayer map, based on Molonoth Fields from <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/ratchet-clank-future-a-crack-in-time">A Crack In Time</a>, and another mode aimed at "hardcore players."</p><p>The 2v2 Full Front Assault mode "eliminates the phases--so you can always capture nodes, build units, and attack the other team's base," said Insomniac's James Stevenson. "This results in a more dynamic, more strategic experience that will test players' skills more than ever before." See:</p><p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/a6hfxndSvxg?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> Fri, 17 May 2013 14:30:00 PDT Alice O'Connor Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games announced for Wii U http://www.shacknews.com/article/79238/mario-sonic-at-the-sochi-2014-olympic-winter-games-announced http://www.shacknews.com/article/79238/mario-sonic-at-the-sochi-2014-olympic-winter-games-announced <p>Playing a sport is easy, being good at one is hard, but being great at loads requires levels of speed, strength, and stamina that only portly plumbers and hedgehogs can summon. Next year's Winter Olympics brings another opportunity for Mario, Sonic and friends to show off their sporting prowess and by gum, they're jazzed to do so. (Nintendo and Sega today announced <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/mario-sonic-at-the-sochi-2014-olympic-winter-games">Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games</a> for Wii U, I'm saying.)</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Watch: More icy activities »" /></p><p>The sport 'em up offers arcade-y versions of the Winter Games various icy activities, including skiing, snowboarding, curling, ski jumping, speed skating, paired figure skating. It also has "dream events," strange sports set in the fictional worlds of Mario and Sonic so they can be a bit weirder. Think snowboarding with cannons which launch you, bobsled with loop-de-loops, and a skiing-snowboarding-bobsled combo.</p><p>Some use Wii Remote Plus, while others control with the GamePad, Curling, for example, has the curler drawing plans for sweepers to execute, while the biathlon uses the GamePad to aim the rifle.</p><p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/itKUv_jsUoU?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> Fri, 17 May 2013 08:30:00 PDT Alice O'Connor Pikmin 3 coming August 4, The Wonderful 101 coming September 15 http://www.shacknews.com/article/79237/nintendo-outlines-summer-release-dates http://www.shacknews.com/article/79237/nintendo-outlines-summer-release-dates <p>Nintendo outlined a slew of release dates during today's Nintendo Direct, which focused on its release plans for the summer. You'll be able to play <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/pikmin-3">Pikmin 3</a>, <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/the-wonderful-101">The Wonderful 101</a>, and <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/game-wario">Game & Wario</a> before autumn (technically) begins.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: Wario and Zelda dated »" /></p><p>The long-delayed Pikmin 3 is finally coming on August 4, assuming it doesn't get delayed again. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata talked a little about the story mode, which involves three new captains besides the series mainstay Olimar: Alph, Brittany, and Charlie. The trio are on a search for food to save their starving home planet. Iwata also detailed the control options for the game. You can use a GamePad, Pro Controller, or Wii Remote and Nunchuck using the GamePad as a monitor. The GamePad also supports off-screen play.</p><p>Game & Wario is coming June 23, for $39.99. Meanwhile, Platinum Games' The Wonderful 101 barely squeaks into a summer slot on September 15.</p><p>Finally, the Zelda games <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/legend-of-zelda-oracle-of-ages">Oracle of Ages</a> and <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/legend-of-zelda-oracle-of-seasons">Oracle of Seasons</a> are coming to 3DS on May 30. They'll normally be priced $5.99 each. Between May 30 and June 20 they'll be $4.99 apiece instead, to encourage players to pick up both versions since they're meant to be played in tandem.</p> Fri, 17 May 2013 07:57:20 PDT Steve Watts Sonic Lost World coming exclusively to Wii U and 3DS http://www.shacknews.com/article/79236/sonic-lost-world-coming-exclusively-to-wii-u-and-3ds http://www.shacknews.com/article/79236/sonic-lost-world-coming-exclusively-to-wii-u-and-3ds <p><i>Updated with additional details from Sega.</i></p><p>Sega's next Sonic the Hedgehog game, Sonic Lost World, will be exclusive to Nintendo Wii U and 3DS. "The onetime rivalry between Mario and Sonic has grown into a friendship that has never been closer," Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime said in the announcement.</p><p>According to Nintendo, this announcement demonstrates "the commitment we have to bringing great games to the Wii U platform." This comes a day after EA officially announced it was <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/79227/ea-confirms-no-games-in-development-for-the-wii-u">not developing</a> games for Nintendo's latest home console.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: Agreement covers 'next three titles' of Sonic franchise »" /></p><p>Sonic Lost World is actually just <i>one</i> of the games part of this deal. Sega later announced that Nintendo's exclusive relationship covers "the next three titles" in the series, and will make Nintendo consoles "the number one destination for Sonic gaming." Additional details are expected in the weeks to come.</p><p>"Sonic the Hedgehog has proven incredibly successful on Nintendo platforms and we are pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with Nintendo," Sega of America president John Cheng said in a prepared statement. "As we initiate this new exclusive partnership with the next three titles we believe that Wii U and Nintendo 3DS are ideal platforms to showcase the evolution of the Sonic brand."</p><p>While snagging exclusivity for Sonic the Hedgehog makes sense, given the close alignment of Nintendo and Sega's audiences, we're not sure if it's a particularly great sign. You know what system <i>also</i> had a lot of exclusive Sonic games? Dreamcast.</p> Fri, 17 May 2013 07:49:26 PDT Andrew Yoon New Super Luigi U coming as $20 DLC in June, or as $30 retail disc http://www.shacknews.com/article/79235/new-super-luigi-u-coming-in-june-and-as-retail http://www.shacknews.com/article/79235/new-super-luigi-u-coming-in-june-and-as-retail <p>How big is <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/77833/new-super-mario-bros-u-getting-large-scale-luigi-dlc">New Luigi U</a>, the brotherly themed DLC pack for <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/new-super-mario-bros-u">New Super Mario Bros U</a>? So big that it's not just a downloadable expansion anymore.</p><p>New Super Luigi U will launch as DLC on June 20 for $19.99. On August 25, it will hit stores for $29.99. Nintendo said this was to facilitate players who may not own the original game but want to play as Luigi.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: Nabbit the bunny added for multiplayer »" /></p><p>Nintendo also announced that, since Mario is no where to be found in this version of the game, they've added a new fourth character for multiplayer: the thieving bunny Nabbit. This character can't power-up using items like Luigi and the Toads, but he doesn't take damage when he touches enemies. Nintendo suggests he should be used by players who find 2D platforming challenging, and he's only available in multiplayer.</p><p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hVZYx071GdQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p> Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 PDT Steve Watts Report: Rainbow 6 Patriots pulled from retailer database http://www.shacknews.com/article/79234/report-rainbow-6-patriots-pulled-from-retailer-database http://www.shacknews.com/article/79234/report-rainbow-6-patriots-pulled-from-retailer-database <p>We haven't heard a peep from Ubisoft on <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/tom-clancys-rainbow-6-patriots">Rainbow 6 Patriots</a> in a while, and a recent move from a retailer has raised further questions about the game's fate. GameStop has reportedly pulled the game from its database, and a source claims those in charge "actively flipped a switch" rather than any kind of automated time-based removal.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: Rare to pull games from big publishers »" /></p><p>The source told <a href="http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/05/16/rainbow-6-patriots-pre-orders-removed-from-gamestop" target="_blank">IGN</a> that GameStop doesn't usually remove a game from a large publisher from its database until it is officially dead. It's even rarer to pull a game that has appeared as a <i>Game Informer</i> cover story, as it owns the magazine. This doesn't necessarily mean the game has been shelved, but it does once again raise the question of what will happen to it.</p><p>After creative director David Sears <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/72772/report-ubisoft-shakes-up-rainbow-6-patriots-team">left the project</a> in 2012, Ubisoft assured fans that it was still alive and "<a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/72805/ubisoft-evolving-the-vision-of-rainbow-6-patriots">evolving</a>." Late last year, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said the game has a <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/tom-clancys-rainbow-6-patriots/articles">good chance</a> of appearing on next-gen consoles.</p> Fri, 17 May 2013 07:30:00 PDT Steve Watts Men's Room Mayhem awkwardly shuffling into Vita next week http://www.shacknews.com/article/79233/mens-room-mayhem-sprayed-onto-vita-next-week http://www.shacknews.com/article/79233/mens-room-mayhem-sprayed-onto-vita-next-week <p>When Sony <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/75399/sony-closing-wipeout-dev-sce-studio-liverpool">shut down</a> <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/wipeout-hd">Wipeout</a> developer Studio Liverpool last year, a few former members banded together to set up Sawfly Studios. Its <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/79014/mens-room-mayhem-revealed-by-studio-liverpool-vets">first game</a> is, well, quite different to the futuristic racer--a urinary path-setting puzzler named <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/mens-room-mayhem">Men's Room Mayhem</a>. You'll get to play with it next week, publisher Ripstone announced today.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: Oh, the perils of 'men's room etiquette!' »" /></p><p>Men's Room Mayhem lets you live the glamorous life of a janitor/lord of bathrooms, directing chaps to stalls and urinals to relieve themselves. You score bonus points if you can keep everyone away from other men, because apparently that's a thing. And need to clean up too. Think a crass <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/flight-control">Flight Control</a> with violence if anyone acknowledges the existence of other men's genitals.</p><p>It'll hit Vita first as a downloadable release on May 21, priced at $1.99. PlayStation Plus members will get it half-price at first too. Cut-down iOS and Android editions will follow on May 23 for $0.99, selling the excised levels and mode in-game for a dollar apiece.</p><p><div class="embedimage"><a href="/game/mens-room-mayhem/screenshots?gallery_id=25707&screen_id=659890"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/20130517/mrm_screenshot__7__25707.nphd.png"/></a><span><a href="/game/mens-room-mayhem/screenshots?gallery_id=25707&screen_id=659890">Splish splash</a></span></div></p> Fri, 17 May 2013 06:45:00 PDT Alice O'Connor Jagged Alliance: Flashback downloadable 'diorama' shows off art style http://www.shacknews.com/article/79232/jagged-alliance-flashback-releases-downloadable-diorama http://www.shacknews.com/article/79232/jagged-alliance-flashback-releases-downloadable-diorama <p>With six days left on its <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/78855/jagged-alliance-flashback-launches-kickstarter">crowdfunding campaign</a>, retro "reset" <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/jagged-alliance-flashback">Jagged Alliance: Flashback</a> has only raised 65% of its goal. Oh, how tense! To tempt, tease and excite potential backers, developer Full Control has released a downloadable "diorama" with a rotatable in-engine peek at the art style it's bringing to the turn-based tactics 'em up.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: Influenced by Dishonored »" /></p><p>"The Jagged Alliance series have always been played out on temperate pacific islands--looking back at Back in Action and Jagged Alliance 2 from an artistic point of view--trife brown colors dominated the landscape," concept artist Jesper Andersen said. "We have been influenced by games such as <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/dishonored">Dishonored</a> that oozed dirty, dark and filthy visuals without succumbing to photo realistic textures. With Flashback we want to combine a realistic approach with strong colors to stand out from the masses."</p><p>Check it out for yourself by downloading the scene for <a href="http://www.jaggedallianceflashback.com/wp-content/uploads/JAF%20Frozen%20Scene%20PC.zip">PC</a>, <a href="http://www.jaggedallianceflashback.com/wp-content/uploads/JAF%20Frozen%20Scene%20Mac.zip">Mac</a> or <a href="http://www.jaggedallianceflashback.com/wp-content/uploads/JAF%20Frozen%20Scene%20Linux.zip">Linux</a>. It's not much, just a small square of terrain with men shooting each other, but it gives a taste.</p><p>Pledging at least $15 to the <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2079547763/jagged-alliance-flashback" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a> will get you a bundle of four classic Jagged Alliance games. If you want to actually receive Flashback--expected on PC, Mac and Linux in November 2014--you'll need to make that at least $25. Then more money can get you shiny extras and into the game and that usual Kickstarter stuff.</p><p>"But who is this Full Control and why do they deserve my money?" you may demand, furiously pounding a desk or other table-like item of furniture with your clenched fist. Well, it's a Danish studio responsible for <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/frontline-tactics">Frontline Tactics</a> and also the upcoming <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/space-hulk">Space Hulk</a>.</p> Fri, 17 May 2013 06:00:00 PDT Alice O'Connor The Last of Us preview: it's still good http://www.shacknews.com/article/79231/the-last-of-us-preview-its-still-good http://www.shacknews.com/article/79231/the-last-of-us-preview-its-still-good <p>If there's one thing I learned from my <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/77677/the-last-of-us-preview-surviving-horror">previous hands-on</a> with <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/the-last-of-us">The Last of Us</a>, it's that it's <i>not</i> Uncharted. Approach the game like Nathan Drake, and you'll find yourself staring at a Game Over screen in no time. Rushing towards armed baddies will get you shot and killed instantly; trying to take a clicker head-on will get you bitten; trying to make giant leaps of faith will have you plummet to your doom.</p><p>But, it <i>is</i> a Naughty Dog game, and playing through more of the single-player adventure revealed that The Last of Us can be as much a blockbuster as it is a thriller.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: An intelligent thrill ride »" /></p><p><div class="focalbox horizontal"><a href="/game/the-last-of-us/screenshots?gallery_id=25705&screen_id=659873"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/20130517/2013-05-16_22-06-50-7_25705.nssp.jpg" /></a><a href="/game/the-last-of-us/screenshots?gallery_id=25705&screen_id=659873"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/20130517/2013-05-16_22-06-50-6_25705.nssp.jpg" /></a><span><a href="/game/the-last-of-us/screenshots?gallery_id=25705&screen_id=659873">Last caption</a></span></div></p><p>For example, in one scene, Joel ends up walking into a trap that lifts him, leg up, dangling as bait on the ceiling. Ellie attempts to cut him down, but a horde of infected swarm the area. As you swing upside-down, you must fend off the infected, making sure that both you and Ellie can get away unscathed. When one of the clickers shows up, you know you're in trouble: a single bite means game over.</p><p>It's a scene that wouldn't be out of place in an Uncharted game. But this time, the threat seems so much more grave. Not only is health a commodity, but bullets are as well--so you're trained to make every bullet count. As your aim sways from side to side as you view the world upside-down, it's scary just thinking "maybe my clip is empty" as a clicker races towards you.</p><p>Later on in the game, an ambush from a gang of human survivors has you rushing for cover, trying to figure out the best way to get out alive. It may be missing the (literal) explosiveness of a typical encounter in Uncharted, but it's no less gripping. I remember taking someone hostage, putting a gun to his head, and walking out so that his gang could see me. I pulled the trigger--not because I thought it would be an effective strategy, but because I wanted the rest of the group to <i>fear</i> me.</p><p>It worked.</p><p>The Last of Us masterfully weaves between moments of tranquility, tension, and terror. There's a clear craftsmanship in every aspect of the game: whether you're fighting off infected, outsmarting human enemies, or simply navigating the environment, scavenging for supplies. As Naughty Dog slowly unravels more of their latest adventure, I'm excited to say that not only does it hold up, it gets even better.</p><p><div class="embedimage"><a href="/game/the-last-of-us/screenshots?gallery_id=25705&screen_id=659873"><img src="http://cf.shacknews.com/images/20130517/2013-05-16_22-06-50-1_25705.nphd.jpg"/></a><span><a href="/game/the-last-of-us/screenshots?gallery_id=25705&screen_id=659873">Crafting is essential in TLOU</a></span></div></p> Fri, 17 May 2013 00:01:00 PDT Andrew Yoon Weekend Confirmed 165 - Metro: Last Light, Fuse http://www.shacknews.com/article/79230/weekend-confirmed-165-metro-last-light-fuse http://www.shacknews.com/article/79230/weekend-confirmed-165-metro-last-light-fuse <p>This week, it's a special five-person edition of Weekend Confirmed! Hosts Garnett Lee and Jeff Cannata welcome in Shacknews' Andrew Yoon, Insomniac's James Stevenson, and Volition's Steve Jaros to discuss the Precursor Games Kickstarter and continue the look back at the previous generation by examining some of its most important games. Talk then turns to the Gran Turismo 6 announcement before adding some dream ideas for EA's future Star Wars titles. The show wraps up with some love for Metro: Last Light and a new round of finishing moves.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Listen: Weekend Confirmed Episode 165 »" /></p><p><b>Weekend Confirmed Ep. 165</b>: 5/17/2013</p><p>Subscription Links:</p><p><ul></p><p><li><a href="http://www.itunes.com/podcast?id=364678400">Subscribe to Weekend Confirmed in iTunes</a></p><p><li><a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/weekend-confirmed-the-video-game-show/episode/23938118">Weekend Confirmed can also be played directly on Stitcher</a></p><p><li><a href="http://www.shacknews.com/extras/podcast/weekendconfirmed.xml">Subscribe to Weekend Confirmed via RSS</a></p><p></ul></p><p>Here's a handy pop-up player so you can listen from right here on the page. Let us know how it works for you.</p><p><script src="http://player.podtrac.com/player/link.js?button=listen&rgb=000000&w=320&h=0&type=link&feed=http%3a%2f%2fwww.shacknews.com%2fextras%2fpodcast%2fweekendconfirmed.xml" type="text/javascript"></script></p><p>If you're viewing this in the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id335503017?mt=8">GameFly</a> application, you can <a href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/cf.shacknews.com/podcast/wknd_confirmed_051713_165.mp3">play Weekend Confirmed Episode 165</a> directly.</p><p>Weekend Confirmed comes in four segments to make it easy to listen to in segments or all at once. Here's the timing for this week's episode:</p><p><ul></p><p>Show Breakdown:</p><p>Round 1 - 00:00:34 - 00:30:04</p><p>Whatcha Been Playin Part 1 - 00:30:43 - 01:02:01</p><p>Whatcha Been Playin Part 2 - 01:03:13 - 01:31:24</p><p>Segment 4/Finishing Moves - 01:32:18 - 02:11:05</p><p></ul></p><p>Follow the Weekend Confirmed crew on Twitter, too!</p><p>Weekend Confirmed <a href="http://twitter.com/weekendconfirmd" target="blank">@WeekendConfirmd</a></p><p>Garnett Lee <a href="http://twitter.com/garnettlee" target="blank">@GarnettLee</a></p><p>Jeff Cannata <a href="http://twitter.com/jeffcannata" target="blank">@JeffCannata</a></p><p>Andrew Yoon <a href="http://twitter.com/scxzor" target="blank">@scxzor</a></p><p>James Stevenson <a href="http://twitter.com/jamesstevenson" target="blank">@JamesStevenson</a></p><p>Steve Jaros <a href="http://twitter.com/stevejaros" target="blank">@SteveJaros</a></p><p>Remember to join the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/weekendconfirmed" target="_blank">Official Facebook Weekend Confirmed Page</a> and add us to your Facebook routine. We'll be keeping you up with the latest on the show there as well.</p><p>Original music in the show by Del Rio. Check out his latest music video, I Brought It Here, featuring cameos from Jeff Cannata and Christian Spicer on <a href="http://youtu.be/dEr2wEp9-XQ" target="_blank">YouTube</a>. Get his latest Album, Club Tipsy on <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/club-tipsy/id540411958" target="_blank">iTunes</a>. Check out more, including the Super Mega Worm mix and other mash-ups on his <a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/delrio" target="_blank">ReverbNation</a> page or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/delriomusic" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page, and follow him on twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/delriomusic" target="_blank">@delriomusic</a>.</p> Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 PDT Ozzie Mejia The Elder Scrolls Online video explores gathering, crafting http://www.shacknews.com/article/79229/the-elder-scrolls-online-video-explores-gathering-crafting http://www.shacknews.com/article/79229/the-elder-scrolls-online-video-explores-gathering-crafting <p>Every massively multiplayer game has some sort of gathering mechanic where players can use items they find to craft useful things that they won't have to spend money on. <a href="https://www.shacknews.com/game/the-elder-scrolls-online">The Elder Scrolls Online</a> will be no different, as a new video talks about exploration and gathering in Tamriel.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Watch: How to gather and explore »" /></p><p>ZeniMax Online Creative Director Paul Sage talks about how exploring will make it easier to find plants, skins or other ingredients for crafting, saying that just about anything can be used in various recipes found throughout the world. Players can buy books from the Mage's Guild to get more information on the world, or find hidden locations that yield chests full of random loot.</p><p>Check out the trailer to see how things will work in TESO (which will be pretty much the same as most other MMOs).</p> Thu, 16 May 2013 16:30:00 PDT John Keefer April 2013 NPD: Injustice beats up the competition http://www.shacknews.com/article/79228/april-2013-npd-injustice-beats-up-the-competition http://www.shacknews.com/article/79228/april-2013-npd-injustice-beats-up-the-competition <p><a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/injustice-gods-among-us">Injustice: Gods Among Us</a> took the top position on the NPD charts last month. <a href="http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/dead-island-riptide" target="blank">Critically panned</a> Dead Island: Riptide took home the number two spot, proving that people still really like zombies, and that the original game actually managed to convert some fans.</p><p><a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/defiance">Defiance</a> also managed to crack the charts. The show has been doing well enough to be <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/79147/defiance-first-dlc-pack-detailed-show-renewed-for-second-season">renewed</a> for a second season, and it appears the game ain't doing so poorly itself. Finally, Lego City Undercover for 3DS manages to make the top 10--although its <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/lego-city-undercover">well-received</a>, bigger-budget Wii U counterpart is missing from the charts.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: EA suffers in latest sales chart »" /></p><p>Multiple NPD appearances are what separate the one-time sizzles from the <i>real</i> blockbusters, and <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/game/bioshock-infinite">BioShock Infinite</a> proves it has legs. Tomb Raider, on the other hand, disappeared from the top 10--perhaps reinforcing Square Enix's view that the game was <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/78625/square-enix-banked-on-tomb-raider-hitman-and-sleeping-dogs">a flop</a>. Both "of War" prequels disappeared from the charts as well, a feat that probably would have been <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/78756/analyst-gears-and-god-of-war-prequels-significantly-underperform">unlikely</a> if they were mainline sequels.</p><p>In hardware, Xbox 360 is the top-selling console of the month again, selling 133K units.</p><p>Here's the chart:</p><p><ul><b>Top 10 Games (New Physical Retail only; new releases bolded)</b></p><p><li><b>Injustice: Gods Among Us (360, PS3, Wii U)</b></li></p><p><li><b>Dead Island: Riptide (360, PS3, PC)</b></li></p><p><li>BioShock Infinite (360, PS3, PC)</li></p><p><li>Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (360, PS3, PC, Wii U)</li></p><p><li><b>Defiance (360, PS3, PC)</b></li></p><p><li>Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon (3DS)</li></p><p><li>NBA 2K13 (360, PS3, Wii, Wii U, PSP, PC)</li></p><p><li>Skylanders Giants (Wii, 360, PS3, 3DS, Wii U)</li></p><p><li><b>Lego City Undercover: The Chase Begins (3DS)</b></li></p><p><li>MLB 13: The Show (PS3, Vita)</li></p><p></ul></p><p>Once again, be mindful that "these sales figures represent new physical retail sales of hardware, software and accessories, which account for roughly 50 percent of the total consumer spend on games."</p> Thu, 16 May 2013 16:00:00 PDT Andrew Yoon EA confirms: 'no games in development for the Wii U' http://www.shacknews.com/article/79227/ea-confirms-no-games-in-development-for-the-wii-u http://www.shacknews.com/article/79227/ea-confirms-no-games-in-development-for-the-wii-u <p>EA spokesperson Jeff Brown confirmed to <a href="http://kotaku.com/ea-has-no-games-in-development-for-nintendos-wii-u-507588994" target="blank">Kotaku</a> that "we have no games in development for the Wii U currently."</p><p>The confirmation isn't entirely shocking, after EA announced that it had no plans to bring <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/79017/ea-nintendo-relationship-strong-despite-madden-nfl-25-not-coming">Madden NFL 25</a> to Nintendo's latest home console. However, the company said at the time that their relationship with Nintendo was "strong."</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: Frostbite doesn't support Wii U »" /></p><p>One reason for EA's absence on Nintendo's console could be the lack of <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/78427/battlefield-4-skipping-wii-u-to-avoid-spreading-too-thin">Frostbite</a> on the platform. With so many of EA's forthcoming titles using DICE's Battlefield engine, these games are unlikely to appear on Wii U.</p><p>Still, given EA's propensity for multi-platform releases, their lack of confidence in Wii U is quite remarkable. Third-parties haven't necessarily flocked to the platform, with the key exception of Ubisoft. It seems Nintendo is going to have to <a href="http://www.shacknews.com/article/78903/nintendo-boss-we-didnt-try-hard-enough-to-educate-users">increase its outreach</a> quite significantly if it wants to draw in more third-party support.</p> Thu, 16 May 2013 15:00:00 PDT Andrew Yoon Gears of War: Judgment 'Lost Relics' pack announced http://www.shacknews.com/article/79226/gears-of-war-judgment-lost-relics-pack-announced http://www.shacknews.com/article/79226/gears-of-war-judgment-lost-relics-pack-announced <p>Epic Games has announced the next downloadable content for <a href="https://www.shacknews.com/game/gears-of-war-judgment">Gears of War: Judgment</a>. It's titled the "Lost Relics" pack and will be coming in June. It include some new maps, an old favorite, and a new objective gametype, along with new weapon and armor skins.</p><p><shack:readmore caption="Read more: Checkout returns, Breakout debuts »" /></p><p>The <a href="http://epicgames.com/community/2013/05/gears-of-war-judgment-dlc-lost-relics/" target="_blank">Epic blog</a> detailed the pack. It will include the return of the Checkout map from <a href="https://www.shacknews.com/game/gears-of-war-3">Gears 3</a>, along with new maps Lost City, Museum, and the Overrun map, Ward.</p><p>A new game type, called Breakthrough, has two teams facing off with asymmetrical goals: one team with limited lives has to deliver a flag to a set location, while the other has unlimited resources and goes full-on defense. If the attacking team can break through the defense and deliver the flag before they run out of lives, they win.</p> Thu, 16 May 2013 14:30:00 PDT Steve Watts