Killzone: Mercenary is a new first-person shooter in the Killzone series, developed specifically for the PlayStation Vita platform and powered by the stunning Killzone 3 engine.
Starting just after the ending of the original Killzone, and revisiting many of the events from the Killzone trilogy, the game puts players in the rugged combat boots of a mercenary named Arran Danner. Danner is a former UCA-soldier who has no qualms about taking on paid contracts from the ISA as well as the Helghast.
When a seemingly routine mission to evacuate the Vektan Ambassador and his family in Pyrrhus goes awry, Danner discovers that the outcome of the war could very well depend on the fate of the Ambassador’s young son. With both sides going through increasingly desperate lengths to get hold of the boy, he begins to wonder whether the price of victory is really worth the paycheck.
Killzone: Mercenary is set to launch in stores across Australia on 19th September 2013.
The action-driven, all-out warfare gameplay in Battlefield 3TM gets a massive boost this March as gamers engage in high-speed combat across four distinct maps in the all-new Battlefield 3TM: End Game digital expansion pack. Players can race through enemy lines using the new dirt bike, bringing speed and agility to the battlefield, or fight back aerial assaults with the new lightweight AA vehicles. Coordinate lightning fast attacks and defenses or take to the sky and engage in massive dog fights in the return of the two classic Battlefield game modes – Capture the Flag and Air Superiority. Buckle up, it’s time for battle! Fans looking to get the most out of their experience on the battlefield have that opportunity with Battlefield 3TM Premium. An innovative offering that provides members all five themed digital expansion packs including Battlefield 3TM: Back to Karkand, Battlefield 3TM:Close Quarters, Battlefield 3TM: Armored Kill, Battlefield 3TM: Aftermath as well as two week early access to Battlefield 3TM: End Game. These five digital expansion packs provide 20 new maps and weapons, over 10 new vehicles and 4 new game modes to the Battlefield 3 experience. Members will also receive a host of unique in-game items not available anywhere else, including the ACB-90 knife, a set of dog tags, and exclusive soldier and weapon camos. Battlefield 3 Premium members also gain access to powerful Battlelog features such as the ability to reset stats, queue priority into servers, and new decals for Platoon emblem - all for a one-time fee of $64.95 on PlayStation 3 and PC and for 4000 MS Points on Xbox 360. Whether players are looking to stand out with unique in-game items, early game access, or to use powerful new features, Battlefield 3 Premium delivers an unprecedented multiplayer experience.
Rockstar has announced that Grand Theft Auto V will be available on PS3 and Xbox 360 on September 17.
"We know this is about four months later than originally planned and we know that this short delay will come as a disappointment to many of you, but, trust us, it will be worth the extra time. GTAV is a massively ambitious and complex game and it simply needs a little more polish to be of the standard we and, more importantly, you require.
"To all Grand Theft Auto fans, please accept our apologies for the delay, and our promise that the entire team here is working very hard to make the game all it can be. We are doing all we can to help ensure it will meet if not exceed your expectations come September – we thank you for your support and patience."
Helsinki, Finland - 31 January 2013 - Finnish game developer Frozenbyte is relieved and excited to announce the release of its action game Trine 2: Director's Cut for Wii U™ in Australia and New Zealand. The game is released today with a launch discount of 25%, making it only AU$14.99 in Australia and NZ$19.99 in New Zealand. The discount lasts until February 28th.
"I apologize for the delay on behalf of myself and the whole team," says Joel Kinnunen, Vice President and Senior Producer on the game at Frozenbyte. "The blame for the delay lies solely with us, as we simply did not submit the required age rating information in time to make the Australian launch. Now that the launch is upon us, we've given the game a launch discount of 25% in part to apologize for the long delay."
Explaining the delay in more detail, Kinnunen continued:
"Game development is often very hectic at the end, and we made a conscious decision to make sure that we get all the required bits done for the North American and European releases. We felt like we didn't have time to focus on the Australian age rating process because we weren't very familiar with it, and it ended up being pushed to after the release submissions."
"The sad part is that the work we needed to do for the Australian age rating submission took roughly an hour. So one hour of time saved ended up causing a lot of frustration to us and all the gamers down under, and we understand how difficult the wait has been. In hindsight it ultimately boils down to one bad decision on my part and I'm deeply sorry about that!"
Trine 2: Director's Cut is released at the regular eShop update time on Thursday/Friday, which translates to 1 am (AEST) on February 1st in Australia, and at 3 am (NZST) on February 1st in New Zealand.
The game comes with the recent update that included support for the Wii U™ Pro Controller, Voice Chat for online multiplayer, improved graphics rendering and a bunch of minor gameplay features and fixes.
Trine 2: Director’s Cut is regularly priced at AU$19.99 in Australia and NZ$24.99 in New Zealand, and is available through the Nintendo eShop. The game features a total of 20 exciting levels full of adventure, including the recently released Goblin Menace expansion campaign and a Wii U exclusive level called the Dwarven Caverns, making Trine 2: Director's Cut the most comprehensive package of Trine 2 on any platform.
Sydney, Australia — January 25, 2012 — The time draws closer to fight for justice against a revolutionary turned tyrant in Assassin’s Creed III newest adventure, the Tyranny of King Washington. The Infamy, the first episode of a three-part tale, will be available on Microsoft’s Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and Windows PCs on February 19 and on PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system on February 20.
In the first episode of the Tyranny of King Washington series, our hero, Ratonhnhaké:ton, awakens from an unsettling dream to find that, despite his efforts to deliver justice in the newly-founded United States of America, a new king has been crowned – George Washington. The Infamy will take gamers through the beginning of the journey to dethrone King Washington.
The three upcoming episodes of the Tyranny of King Washington are available through the Assassin’s Creed III Season Pass, which is available for purchase for 2400 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE or $49.95 on the PlayStation® Network and Windows PC. The first episode, The Tyranny of King Washington: The Infamy, can also be purchased as a single DLC pack. Following The Infamy, The Tyranny of King Washington will continue in two additional content packs that let gamers experience an alternate history of the events following the American Revolution.
All Assassin’s Creed III downloadable content packs will also be available on the Wii U TM.
Assassin’s Creed III is now available on PlayStation®3, Xbox 360® and the Nintendo Wii U TM. For Windows PC gamers, the Assassin’s Creed III Deluxe Edition is available as a digital download and includes all future downloadable content.
About Assassin’s Creed III:
Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution in the late 18th century, Assassin’s Creed III introduces a new hero, Ratonhnhaké:ton, of Native American and English heritage. Adopting the name Connor, he becomes the new voice for justice in the ancient war between the Assassins and Templars. Gamers become an Assassin in the war for liberty against ruthless tyranny in the most stylised and fluid combat experiences in the franchise to date.
Assassin’s Creed III spans the Revolutionary War, taking gamers from the vibrant, untamed frontier and bustling colonial towns to the intense, chaotic battlefields where George Washington’s Continental Army clashed with the imposing British Army and the tumultuous high seas. Assassin’s Creed III features unprecedented scope and scale.
For more information on Assassin’s Creed III, please visit the Assassin’s Creed Official Website: http://www.assassinscreed.com
SYDNEY – January 25th, 2013 – Ubisoft® has announced that Might & Magic® Clash of Heroes, the 2009 and 2011 award winner and critically acclaimed puzzle game, launches today on iPhone and iPad at a price of $5.49.
Set in the Might and Magic universe, Might and Magic Clash of Heroes, is now coming on mobile platforms, adding new online features to this role-playing based game which blends together a story driven adventure and an innovative and dynamic combat system based on puzzle mechanics.
Initially released for Nintendo® DS, the game had been exceptionally received by critics and a successful revamped HD version was released later on PlayStation® Network and Xbox® LIVE Arcade. This new mobile version of the game brings together the best of these two previous iterations, combining the natural touch based interface with beautiful HD graphics.
Might and Magic Clash of Heroes takes place 40 years before the Heroes V saga. Scattered across five different regions of Ashan, 5 special heroes must travel their own dangerous paths to grow in strength, unravel a demonic plot, and ultimately save the world from Chaos.
Create offensive or defensive unit formations, learn advanced combos and make the best of your spells and artifacts to build up the right strategy and overcome your enemies. Defeat the enemy heroes by crossing their armies in standard battles. Launch into special challenges and Boss fights where your strategic skills will be put to a severe test.
In just a few short months, The Last of Us will launch and put the fate of Joel and Ellie into your hands as they embark on a brutal journey across a post-pandemic United States.
Right now, 7th May 2013 might seem like a long way away, so to help assuage the excruciating wait we have some very exciting news to share with you. We’re announcing today that players who pick up God of War: Ascension will be able to play an exclusive demo of The Last of Us when it becomes available at a later date.
We’ve teamed up with the development crew at Santa Monica Studio to include access to a chapter of The Last of Us in every copy of God of War: Ascension, so you won’t have to wait too long to get your hands on two of the biggest games of the year. You’ll simply have to load your God of War: Ascension disc into your PS3 and find The Last of Us listing on the main menu. There, you’ll find details on how you can access The Last of Us demo, for free, as soon as it becomes available.
We hope you’re as excited about this news as we are and we know what’s likely on your mind now: what will you be able to play? We’ll have more news about what’s in store for you after God of War: Ascensionlaunches in March. We hope your wait just got better!
Microsoft have advised that to celebrate the Australia Day holiday, Xbox live gold will be free for the duration of the event.
"Aussies connected to Xbox LIVE will be able to try the Xbox LIVE GOLD service for the weekend for free. This includes access to multiplayer gaming and video chat, both helpful to stay in touch with family and friends this Australia Day.
Free Xbox LIVE Gold Weekend start this Friday, Jan 25, 2013 5PM and finishes Jan 29, 2013 7AM."
It's worth noting that all of these sales are pending approval from U.S. bankruptcy court and nothing is finalized yet. A hearing is currently underway in Delaware.
SEGA has agreed to purchase Relic, developer of Company of Heroes 2 and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War.
Koch Media (owner of Dead Island publisher Deep Silver) has agreed to purchase Saints Row developer Volition as well as the publishing rights to the Metro franchise.
Crytek, who is currently developing Homefront 2, has purchased the rights to the Homefront franchise.
Take-Two (parent company of 2K and Rockstar) has agreed to purchase Turtle Rock Studios’ project codenamed Evolve. (Update: While Take Two was initially rumored to have acquired Darksiders publisher Vigil, it has since been revealed that this isn't the case)
According to Distressed Debt Investing, Ubisoft paid $3.2 million for South Park and $2.5 million for THQ Montreal, Koch Media paid $5.8 million for Metro and $22.3 million for Volition and Crytek paid $500,000 for Homefront. No bids were placed for Vigil.
Whilst it is sad that Vigil Games did not find a buyer during the auction, its nice to see so many devs picked up.
Bio: Thumpback was once a crew member of The Phantom Tide, the most fearsome pirate ship in all of Skylands. But the actual pirating part about being a pirate didn’t interest Thumpback so much as the benefits that came with travelling on a large ship. After all, his real passion was fishing. But when his chance came to finally ensnare the most elusive creature in the sky – the Leviathan Cloud Crab – he was pulled over board and carried off into the horizon. This was actually quite fortunate, because sometime later The Phantom Tide and its entire crew were banished to the Chest of Exile. Thumpback’s pirating days were over, but his legend as one of the first Skylanders had only just begun.
EYE-BRAWL I’ve got my eye on you!
Element: UNDEAD
Character Type: Giant
Bio: Throughout history, there have been many epic battles, though none more bizarre than the legendary brawl between the headless giant and the infamous flying eyeball. It all started with a staring contest, but with the headless giant having no eyes and the flying eyeball unable to blink, it soon escalated into an all out war as the two rivals fought fiercely throughout the land of the undead for over a hundred years! With neither opponent backing down, the two combatants were eventually struck with the realisation that if they were to combine their formidable powers, they would be a force to be reckoned with. By teaming up, the infamous flying eyeball and the headless giant became known as Eye-Brawl – one of the most powerful Skylanders ever known!
Another game that was announced during the Nintendo Direct was Wii U Party. Whilst next to nothing is known about the game, they did show some minigames in action.
Sydney, AUSTRALIA – January 23, 2013 –Ubisoft has announced ANNO 2070® Complete Edition for Windows PC. It contains the original game ANNO 2070®, the add-on ANNO 2070® Deep Ocean, previously released DLC, and exclusive premium content. ANNO 2070 Complete Edition is set for release on the 28th of March 2013.
Following up the award-winning strategy series, ANNO 2070 offers a new world full of challenges. Get in touch with one of the deepest economy systems featured in a city builder based on resources management, diplomacy and trade.
Exclusive premium content:
·The complete Anno 2070 Soundtrack
·The updated Tree of Technologies poster
Unlocked DLC content:
·The Development Package (2 bonus missions + Bonus portrait)
·Keeper 1.0 Package : Construction plan + science formulas
·Eden series package (Ornamental buildings & decorations)
·Central Statistical Package: New building in Global Trust design + science formulas
·Crisis Response Package (2 new missions)
·Distrust Series Package (Ornamental buildings & decorations)
·Silent Running Package: New submarine in Global Trust design + science formulas
·Nordamark series package: Ornemental buildings & decorations
A sad day in gaming as THQ is in the final stages of closing down. The CEO and President of THQ, Brian Farrell and Jason Rubin sent this letter to the employees.
To All THQ Employees:
We now have the answers we've been seeking through our financial restructuring and Chapter 11 case. While much will be written, here are the facts of the bids and auction that occurred t:
Yesterday morning, we received a competing bid for the operating business, along with Clearlake's offer, and numerous offers for separate assets. During an auction process that lasted over 22 hours, the final conclusion was that the separate-asset bids would net more than a single buyer for the majority of the company. Shortly, we will, present the results to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, which must concur with our assessment. The proposed sales of multiple assets is as follows : Sega agreed to purchase Relic Koch Media agreed to purchase Volition and Metro Crytek agreed to purchase Homefront Take 2 agreed purchase Evolve and Ubisoft agreed to purchase Montreal and South Park We expect these sales to close this week.
Some assets, including our publishing businesses and Vigil, along with some other intellectual properties are not included in the sale agreements. They will remain part of the Chapter 11 case. We will make every effort to find appropriate buyers, if possible.
What this means for employees
We expect that most employees of the entities included in the sale will be offered employment by the new owners. However, we cannot say what these owners may intend, and there will likely be some positions that will not be needed under the new ownership. You should receive notice this week or early next week if the new owners intend to extend employment to you. Please note that the terms of your new employment, including pay and benefits, may be different from the current terms of your employment with THQ.
If you are an employee of an entity that is not included in the sale, we regret that your position will end. A small number of our headquarters staff will continue to be employed by THQ beyond January 25 to assist with the transition. THQ has sufficient resources to pay these employees for work going forward, and we will be contacting these employees immediately to ensure their continued employment during this transition period. We are requesting the ability to offer certain severance pay to minimize disruption for employees of non-included entities as they determine the next steps in their careers.
We know you will have many questions about this news. We'll be meeting tomorrow when we return to talk through this announcement and to answer any questions you have. You will receive a benefits fact sheet and FAQs with answers to some questions that may be on your mind. Please review these materials closely.
A personal note
The work that you all have done as part of the THQ family is imaginative, creative, artistic and highly valued by our loyal gamers. We are proud of what we have accomplished despite today's outcome.
It has been our privilege to work alongside the entire THQ team. While the company will cease to exist, we are heartened that the majority of our studios and games will continue under new ownership. We were hoping that the entire company would remain intact, but we expect to hear good news from each of the separate entities that will be operating as part of new organizations.
For those THQ employees who are part of entities that are not included in the sale, we are confident that the talent you have displayed as part of THQ will be recognized as you take the next steps in your career.
Thank you all for your dedication and for sharing your talent with the THQ team. We wish you the best of luck and hope you will keep in touch.
Today, EA Sydney announced that The Sims 3 70s, 80s, & 90s Stuff Pack is now available across retailers in Australia and available for digital download on Origin.com. In the latest stuff pack to launch from The Sims 3 franchise, players will be able to recreate iconic looks from decades past inspired by the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. The pack includes fashion essentials, such as clothing, hairstyles and a facial hair and on-trend décor like a console stereo system, distressed furniture and arcade games to outfit Sims and their homes in stylish looks of yesteryear.
From the groovy 70s Sims will have all the right moves when boogying the night away in their flare jeans, bellbottoms and wide-collard suits. After a night of dancing the disco, Sims can continue the party with their very own Starlight Party Ball – the perfect décor piece to add that subtle bit of flare to any Sim home.
Next comes the 80s with big hair, bright colors and lots of fun. Sims will be ready to get physical as they throw on a leotard, legwarmers and a headband and hit the gym in true 80s fashion. Or if success is what they are after, Sims can dress in a vibrant suit with shoulder pads to bound up the career ladder. Whichever they choose, Sims will be dressed for success with the awesome attire introduced in this decade.
Finally, Sims get grunge in the 90s with tattered jeans, flannel t-shirts and layered tops. Alternatively, Sims opting for the 90s casual-chic style can don an asymmetrical hemline handkerchief skirt and rock a slick new hairdo. From this decade, Sims can outfit their homes with distressed and metal furniture creating a laid-back, rocker environment.
Ok, so Yoshi Yarn is not the final name of the game, the fact that we are getting a brand new Yoshi game for home console is a treat on its own. Taking the art style presented by Kirby's Epic Yarn, Yoshi is taking it a little further by going HD.
Eiji Aonuma the producer on the Legend of Zelda Series, was speaking overnight in the latest Nintendo Direct. The discussion did touch upon what they are aiming for in the new zelda game, check back later for more on that. But he also talked about the teams desire to do more hd work, like the with the E3 2011 demo.
One of those ideas turned into upgrading the artwork and game from the wind waker. See below
Now you can see the difference you can gaze upon the screens released for it. The Wind Waker game will release at some point on the Wii U, as a stop gap until we get the new game.
Nintendo had another one of their now famous Nintendo Directs last night. This particular one focused on the Wii U software from Nintendo.
They did showcase some new footage of The Wonderful 101, Bayonetta 2, a new game codenamed X from Monolith Soft and another new game from Atlus featuring the worlds of Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem. Take a look at the full breakdown. Check back for screens and videos soon.
Two Zelda Games: Eiji Aonuma, the producer of The Legend of Zelda series, revealed two entries in the series for Wii U.
Super Mario is on His Way: The Nintendo EAD Tokyo Software Development team that created the Super Mario Galaxy games for Wii and Super Mario 3D Land for Nintendo 3DS is working on a new 3D Mario action game for Wii U. The game is scheduled to be playable at this year's E3.
Buckle Up!: Nintendo is also working on a new installment of the hit Mario Kart franchise. This game is also planned to be playable at E3.
Yarn Yoshi: The team that created Kirby's Epic Yarn is hard at work on the first console game to feature Yoshi as the main character since 1998's Yoshi's Story for Nintendo 64. Takashi Tezuka, director of Yoshi's Island and Yoshi's Story, is supervising the development of the new game, which is set in a fanciful world of yarn and textiles.
Wii Fit U Communities: New features coming to Wii Fit Uinclude letting players create user communities on Miiverse from within the game. Community members can discuss exercises, BMI or weight changes and other health topics with other players as a way to encourage one another to reach their fitness goals. Similar functionality for other games is also planned.
Pikmin 3 Photos: The upcoming Pikmin 3 game includes a feature that lets players use the Wii U GamePad as a camera to share the same perspective as Pikmin and take close-up pictures of landscapes and creatures in the game and share them in Miiverse.
The Party Continues: A new installment in the Wii Partyfranchise is planned to launch this summer. The game features various play styles, including one that lets both players compete head-to-head using just the GamePad.
RPG Mashup: Nintendo has begun many collaborations with outside development partners to bring the best franchises and experiences to Wii U. In one such partnership, Nintendo and Atlus are working on a collaboration that features the Fire Emblem and Shin Megami Tensei franchises. A video trailer for the game was shown in the Nintendo Direct.
A New Game from Monolith Soft: Tetsuya Takahashi and the team at Monolith Soft that worked on Xenoblade for Wii are working on a new game. A video trailer for the game was shown in the Nintendo Direct.
More on the Way: Iwata shared a new trailer for The Wonderful 101. That game and GAME & WARIO are scheduled to launch in the first half of 2013. Iwata also showed a new video forBayonetta 2. That game and the new Super Smash Bros.installment are still on the way, but will need more development time before details can be revealed.
Virtual Console
Virtual Console for Wii U: A spring system update will add Virtual Console software to the Nintendo eShop for Wii U. The service will launch right after the spring update and will include a selection of NES and Super NES games, with Game Boy Advance games to be added in the future. The prices for NES and Super NES Virtual Console games for Wii U will be the same as they were for the Virtual Console on Wii. People who have already purchased the Wii version of a certain NES or Super NES Virtual Console game and transferred it to their Wii U console can buy the enhanced Wii U version of the same game for the reduced price of $1 for NES games and $1.50 for Super NES games.
Classic Games for 30 Cents! To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of the Famicom in Japan (which was known as the NES in the United States), Nintendo is making one NES or Super NES game available each month now through July at the anniversary price of just 30 cents. Each game will be available at that price for 30 days, and the first is the NES game Balloon Fight, which is now available in the Nintendo eShop for Wii U.
Social and System Enhancements
Miiverse Expands to Smartphones: Starting this spring, people will be able to browse Miiverse from their smartphones. Initially the experience will be browser-based, but Nintendo plans to create a dedicated Miiverse app in the future.
System Updates: Two major updates are on the way, one in the spring and one in the summer. The updates will introduce a wide range of functionality, such as Virtual Console capabilities and shortening the time it takes users to launch software or return to the menu screen.
