Inc Gamers

Win RUSE Beta Keys

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:00:00 UTC

That's right kids, we've got some RUSE beta keys to giveaway, and in normal IncGamers fashion, we want you to caption the image below.All entries must be made in the comments section below, and all who enter, will receive a key...provided we have enough.If you know not of RUSE, then I shall fill you in. RUSE is another RTS game from Ubisoft, but unlike EndWar, won't be tied into the Tom Clancy universe, nor will it take advantage of voice recognition software.Instead, this will be a touching affair, with touch technology in Windows 7 supported. And it'll be set during that infamous war setting, WWII.As the commander of the battle, you'll be able to "fool" your opponent, whether it be AI or just a friend, using some of the strategic tools available for the first time in this kind of game...apparantely.If you want to find out more, you can check our RUSE game page here, but if you just want to get your hands on the beta key, then here's the image for you below. Add your caption for the shot in the comments below, and if you win, we'll be back in touch with you via your IncGamers account.Caption this shot in the comments below

Aion: New Mystery Video Next Week

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:00:00 UTC

The Aion community is all stirred up following a Twitter post by NCsoft's community team member, tamat.

The tweet hints that something cool will be unveiled next week: “On November 24th, we will be showing a movie that demonstrates the future of Aion with actual gameplay.”

Could it be a video of the flying Spiritmaster pets, new instances, new features or new quests? Now that patch 1.5.1 has sorted a lot of the common gripes people ahd with Aion, what does it still need? Add your thoughts.

Champions Online: Nemesis Confrontation Preview

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 UTC

Cryptic Studios has released a preview of the first new lair in Champions Online, the Nemesis Confrontation.

Players will finally be able to go head to head with their Nemesis by grouping up with friends and heading into the new instance. There, they will face their arch rival along with other foes including Shadow Destroyer.

The lair will go live on 24 November, bringing with it two new costume sets, new perks and a long list of new in-game items. Check out screenshots of the new location below, and find out more at the Champions site.

King's Bounty: Armored Princess Hits Steam

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 UTC

King's Bounty: Armored Princess has been released into the digital wilds.The sequel to sleeper hit King's Bounty: The Legend puts players in the metal shoes of Princess Amelie, searching the world for her mentor Bill Gilbert. Which puts me in mind of Bill Roper and Ron Gilbert, but then, I have problems.Expect the usual smattering of RPG conventions and turn-based strategy, with Rage spirits replaced by an oh-so-cute dragon which will doubtless assist against the hordes you'll have to slay.If it's anything like the first, it will be absolutely brilliant, and it's now on Steam for the princessly sum of £26.99 GBP.Check out our review of the original King's Bounty: The Legend over here while you wait for Armored Princess, which you've clearly just bought, to download.

MMO News Wrap-Up

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:00 UTC

Several exciting and noteworthy events occurred in the world of MMO gaming this week. Follow me, dear reader, through the week's big announcements, rumours and revelations which involve Age of Conan, The Secret World, World of Warcraft, Warhammer Online, Star Trek Online and Stargate Worlds in the weekly MMO wrap-up.

Modern Warfare Movie In The Works?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:00 UTC

Hollywood may be ready to jump on the Modern Warfare 2 bandwagon with a film adaptation.According to Scottish actor Kevin McKidd, who voices Soap MacTavish in the game, rumours of a Call of Duty film are currently circulating Hollywood."They were looking for a rough, Scottish actor in Hollywood they probably couldn't get Gerard Butler, so they got the No. 2 Gerard Butler, me. I had no idea it would be so huge, and now there are talks of a feature film," he told to PopWrap (via NYPost).When asked if he will reprise the role of Soap in the movie, McKidd replied "if the script is good, and Gerard isn't available [laughs], then absolutely." Modern Warfare 2 won’t be the first Activision game to get the film treatment – A World of Warcraft has reportedly been in production for a while, with Sam Raimi announced as director earlier this year.

Dark Void Movie In The Works

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:00 UTC

Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B Entertainment, is working on a theatrical adaptation of Dark Void with Capcom.Dark Void is a third-person shooter with a mix of aerial and ground combat which tells the tale of a pilot called Will who ends up passing through the Bermuda Triangle into The Void, an alternate dimension populated by aliens plotting to take over civilisation. And Nikola Tesla.Which means that a theatrical version should be a fairly entertaining prospect, particularly when it's a "potential starring vehicle for Pitt."The movie deal comes about through Plan B Entertainment's "Creative Partnership" with Reliance BIG Entertainment and Capcom. Reliance's chairman, Amit Khanna, said "We are delighted that our Creative Partnership with Plan B has led to this agreement to develop the Dark Void motion picture based on Dark Void along with Capcom and we look forward to future projects from them."So yes, the Dark Void motion picture is based on the Dark Void game due out in Europe in 22 January, which was based on the Dark Void idea by someone at Capcom.Check out our Dark Void preview, based on playtime with Dark Void, based on a Capcom Dark Void idea, to see why it could be a deeply entertaining post-Christmas game over here.

Dedicated Servers Coming To Aliens Vs. Predator

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 UTC

Rebellion has confirmed that Aliens vs. Predator will support dedicated servers.Coming less than a month after the developer ducked the question as to whether or not the forthcoming FPS would support dedicated servers on PC, Rebellion has finally confirmed the news to CVG."Despite rumours, Rebellion has always been planning to support dedicated servers for AvP PC and we can now officially confirm that this is the case," wrote Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley. "Rebellion has always appreciated fan support. We're really looking forward to the release of AvP as much as you guys are!"Which is sure to please those who've been upset by Modern Warfare 2's lack thereof, now that dedicated servers are the most important thing on the PC.

StarCraft 2 Updates Galore

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 UTC

Following a quiet spell, Blizzard has finally released some new media and information for its strategy sequel StarCraft 2.In today's update there's a new single player article which covers StarCraft II's Story Mode along with an official release of the video clips presented at the summer's single-player press reveal. There's also a multiplayer 1v1 map article which explains how to make a decent 1v1 map for the game, a character bio for Tychus Findlay and a short story called The Changeling. Finally, take a look at the new shots and art below. For all the latest StarCraft 2 news and information make sure you drop by the IncGamers StarCraft 2 channel.

Star Trek Online Open Beta Dates Announced

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 UTC

Atari and Cryptic Studios are gearing up for the 2 February launch of its Star Trek MMO by announcing the Open Beta dates.The news Star Trek and MMO fans have been waiting for, the open beta test dates will run from January 12, 2010 through to January 26, 2010.There will be a limit on keys it appears and they will be dished out on a first-come-first-served basis. Gamers wanting to take part can can access the open beta by visiting www.startrekonline.com.Also note, there is a closed beta, and if you keep your eyes on IncGamers in the coming weeks you may just be able to get on a beta key. "We are excited to announce the dates for the open beta phase as this is one of the final steps in launching Star Trek Online to the public," said Craig Zinkievich, executive producer on Star Trek Online."We are looking forward to the launch of our first-of-a-kind MMORPG with anticipation and excitement and we expect Star Trek Online to explode onto the scene, giving fans and gamers a Star Trek experience like no other."

BioShock 2 Special Edition Details

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:00 UTC

2K has revealed details of the BioShock 2 special edition which comes with a variety of art and audio goodies.Gamers wanting to spend a bit more cash on the the upcoming sequel, especially if you are into the game's music and art, can look forward to the following, which will be available for the PS3, 360 and PC:The Special Edition will come in 13"x13” premium packaging with special art on both the slipcase and the box cover.Three posters featuring vintage ads from Rapture (rolled),Vinyl 180g LP featuring the orchestral score from the original BioShock, a CD containing the BioShock 2 orchestral score, 164 page 8"x11" hardbound artbook chock full of developer commentaryBioShock 2 game.

The US price for this special edition comes in at $89.99 USD on the PC and $99.99 USD for the console versions. The game will be released on 9 February 2010.

Dragon Age: Origins: New DLC Announced

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:00:00 UTC

BioWare has announced “Return to Ostagar”, new DLC for its RPG Dragon Age: Origins.

The content will be available on the Xbox 360, PS3 and the PC sometime over the period our American friends like to call the “Holiday Season” in Europe and North America. The DLC pack allows players to revisit Ostagar and embark on a quest for the arms and armour of the once great King Cailan. Players also find out the King's secret political agenda, in the place the Grey Wardens were almost wiped out.

“We are very proud of the phenomenal launch of Dragon Age: Origins and we’re pleased to announce the next installment of downloadable content that will be available to fans of the game,” said Ray Muzyka, group general manager, RPG/MMO Group of EA, and co-founder, BioWare. “The Return to Ostagar DLC pack is a prime example of BioWare’s commitment to give fans a game that continuously offers new experiences and further enriches a storyline that has already received critical acclaim and positive feedback from the players.”

Return to Ostagar will be available for £3.99 GBP at the PlayStation Store, 400 BioWare points for the PC or 400 Microsoft points.See what we thought of the game in our review.

Dave Grossman On Tales Of Monkey Island

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:00 UTC

Telltale Games' design director talks Tales of Monkey Island as the series comes to a close.

New Bad Company 2 Video

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:00 UTC

EA and DICE have released another video for Battlefield: Bad Company 2. The Battlefield Moments Episode 2 trailer shows off more multiplayer gameplay from the Arica Harbour level, showcasing vehicular combat, sniping and some excellent particle effects.You’ll also see the impressive Destruction 2.0 in effect as a building is completely destroyed towards the end of the level.We recently spoke to DICE man Gordon Van Dyke about the highly anticipated shooter, check it in both video and text format here.[video=1017]

Torchlight MMO To Make Level Grinding Fun

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:00 UTC

Runic Games' Max Schaefer has told IncGamers that the forthcoming Torchlight MMO will "make the level grinding fun."The forthcoming MMO, a stand-alone title set to show off much more of Torchlight's world along with adding multiplayer capabilities, will play quite similarly to the recently-released single-player offering but is focused on being "a good, snappy action-RPG.""We want to make the level grinding fun," explained Schaefer. "We don't want to look for alternatives to the level grind - we want to make the grinding fun, and make the adventuring fun, and make dungeons cool, and getting your party together, getting a map, and going to some special dungeon should be a fun event - not a chore you do so you can get to the next level, so you can unlock something or get a particular item."According to Schaefer the MMO, due out in the next two years, will go "even further down the line of it being quicker, faster combat" when compared to most other RPGs on the market.Sounds interesting to us. Stay tuned for our full interview with Max Schaefer later today, and check out our Torchlight review.

Torchlight Dev: Era Of Huge, Expensive Games Is Over

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:00:00 UTC

Runic Games CEO Max Schaefer believes that in the current economic climate, smaller games will thrive.
Speaking to IncGamers, the Torchlight dev spent a bit of time reminiscing about his previous games, including Hellgate: London and Diablo 2, and we asked whether he could apply any lessons learned from Torchlight to their development if he could do them again."Yeah, I think so. I think that the era of the five-year, eighty-million dollar project is over," Schaefer responded. When we pointed out Blizzard, he laughed. "They have their own rules over there, for sure.""But as far as the economy downturn and a lot of failed projects out there, people are looking for faster, quicker development and cheaper development and less risk, and I think that there's a pretty good gap in the market right now between the casual game and the super big-budget project, and I think that customers will like it, especially since you can get a lot more product out," Schaefer mused.What do you think, readers? Big games won't completely vanish, but is it possible that plenty of devs not sheltered under the big-name publishers will shift gears away from gigantic projects?Stay tuned for our full interview with Schaefer later today, and check out our review of the jolly spiffing Torchlight elsewhere on the site.

Next Tale Of Monkey Island Dated

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:00 UTC

Telltale Games has announced a release date for the final instalment in the Tales of Monkey Island series. The Rise of the Pirate God is due for release on 8 December and will conclude the impressive episodic series, answering the “many vexing questions” which arose in the penultimate instalment. None more so than “how can you have another episode not that Guybrush is *gasp* dead?"He wanted what every young man wants - to loot, pillage, and sail the high seas in search of further looting and pillaging opportunities," said Dave Grossman, veteran Monkey Island game designer and writer."It's a great tragedy to see such a productive life seemingly cut off prematurely. And I'm not just saying that because he owes me money."Check out our review of the last episode, The Trial and Execution of Guybrush Threepwood here.

Tropico 3 Xbox LIVE Demo Released

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:00 UTC

Players can now get their hands on a Tropico 3 demo for the Xbox 360 from the LIVE Marketplace.

The demo includes two levels and a tutorial, providing hours of entertainment thanks to the ability to keep playing after completion of the missions. In Tropico 3, Players find themselves on the Caribbean paradise Island of Tropico where they take on the role of ‘El Presidente’.

Tropico 3 is out now in the UK for Xbox 360, RRP £39.99 GBP and for the PC £29.99 GBP.

Look out for our review of this in the coming weeks.

'Something Cool' Coming To Dragon Age: Origins Today

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:00 UTC

Dragon Age: Origins is due to get "something cool" today.A post made last night on the official Dragon Age Twitter reads "If I was a fan of Dragon Age: Origins, I'd be keeping my eye open for something cool coming tomorrow. Just saying."There's no word on what that "something cool" might be, but if we had to hazard a guess we'd figure DLC of some kind, considering it's supposed to have two years of DLC.Even without DLC, though, the game itself is absolutely brilliant. Anyone with a gaming PC who likes old-school RPGs would be wise to pick it up, going by our review.

Call Of Duty Getting Third Developer, MMO?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:00 UTC

Reports indicate that the Call of Duty franchise have a third developer working on it soon.Previously, development duties on the Call of Duty franchise have alternated on a yearly basis between Treyarch and Infinity Ward, but an LA Times article now indicates that a third development studio may be getting in on the action."[Activision] has aggressive expansion plans for Call of Duty. Although Infinity Ward and Treyarch have produced sequels in alternating years since 2005, the publisher now has a third development house working on future versions," writes the LA Times.The article also contained word that Activision is looking to turn the popular franchise into an MMO. A source close to the company told the LA Times that Activision is "considering adapting Call of Duty as a massively multiplayer online world," which again ties into the old rumours of Modern Warfare 2 subscription fees and paid services.If you don't have Modern Warfare 2, then check out our review to see what you're missing.