MechWarrior 5: OOohHHHhh YEAAHhhHHHHHH!!

I was pretty blindsided by this so I'm fuckin' stoked (yes, I'm old).

The game is being done by Pirahna Games. Here is the IGN first reveal:

MechWarrior Revealed

Smith and Tinker and Piranha Games are working on a full reboot of the acclaimed franchise.

July 8, 2009 - MechWarrior fans have been hoping, praying and anticipating a new game in the famed franchise ever since the last expansion pack for MechWarrior 4 was released in 2002. Now, seven years later, their prayers have been answered. IGN has the very first details about MechWarrior reboot that is currently in production at Smith and Tinker and Piranha games. Yes, that's right, reboot. Instead of this game becoming MechWarrior 5, the developers have decided to completely re-launch the entire franchise, calling this new title MechWarrior.

We spoke to the two main players involved with MechWarrior. First there's Jordan Weisman, co-founder of Smith and Tinker and co-founder of FASA, the company that created the BattleTech universe that MechWarrior is based upon. Second is Russ Bullock, president of Piranha Games. (For an in-depth discussion of the reboot and how it fits in the franchise, check out our exclusive interview.)

You may remember the MechWarrior games published by Activision, MicroProse, and Microsoft. The latter actually acquired FASA Interactive in the 1990s only to shutter the studio in 2007. However, the software giant retained the rights to the MechWarrior franchise. After leaving Microsoft, Weisman engaged in various pursuits before founding Smith and Tinker in 2007. That same year, Smith and Tinker acquired the rights to many FASA properties from Microsoft, including MechWarrior.

This new MechWarrior is set on the planet Deshler in the year 3015, and places players in the role of Adrian Khol, a wayward nobleman who prefers partying and shirking responsibility over his training and studies. However, when House Kurita launches a massive invasion to conquer Deshler, resulting in the death of his entire family, Khol discovers a purpose to fight for.

There are ambitious plans for this new MechWarrior. The original MechWarrior games were limited by technology; now with modern computing power, the developers are hoping to really capture the sense that you're piloting a giant, walking war machine in the middle of an incredibly dynamic battlefield. While the two companies are still talking to potential publishers that could determine the final production budget, Weisman and Bullock explained that they plan to have a full single-player campaign, as well as support for a four-player co-op campaign, and a full multiplayer suite.

One of the key features is a sense of information warfare, using everything from unmanned drones surveying the battlefield from above to light scout mechs relaying information to teammates. Weisman and Bullock both explained how they want every class of mech to really matter in this game; it's not just a race to the heaviest, most powerful mechs. The designers want to reward you for picking a mech and sticking with it -- you will gain experience and become better at piloting your chosen mech, and that will translate into better accuracy and damage with weapon systems. This way, a player could specialize in a light mech throughout the entire game if they choose. It also means there are multiple playthroughs with different mechs. The developers also said the game will change based on your chosen mech class.

While the developers didn't go into how many mechs will make the game, based on the video trailer and the discussions, we know of at least four. There's the Jenner (light class), both the Warhammer and the Rifleman(heavy class), and an Atlas Prime, a feared assault-class mech.

The game is being developed for the PC and the Xbox 360, though there isn't any idea of a release date yet, since the game is still in the middle of development and the companies are still talking to publishers. For more information, read the interview with Weisman and Bullock. We also dissect the trailer in a Rewind Theater. Check out the gallery for the very first screens of the game anywhere. Finally, keep checking back with us as we keep a very close eye on this exciting new project.

Ahhhh, someone pinch me!! 4 player co-op AND multiplayer. FUCK YEAH!

Grand Slam Theft Auto IV

Moar hookahs to get my health back for my face! Can't wait to play it!

Grand Theft Auto receives acclaim

Grand Theft Auto IV is expected to sell six million copies in a week.

Highly-anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto (GTA) IV has received a string of near-perfect reviews ahead of its worldwide release on Tuesday.

The game is expected to break records for the fastest-selling game of all time and many shops are opening their doors at midnight for gamers.

The game has been classified as 18 in the UK and Mature for US gamers.

In the US, regulators have reminded parents that the title is not designed for children under 17 years old.

In a joint statement the ESRB and the National Institute on Media and the Family urged parents to check ratings on games for their children.

It said: "With the latest installment of the Grand Theft Auto series... parents need to be reminded to make sure their kids are playing games appropriate for their age and level of maturity.

"It is critical that parents consider the assigned rating carefully."

GTA IV is set in a fictional New York.

The GTA series has proved incredibly popular and almost equally controversial in the last few years.

More than 70 million copies of the franchise's titles have been sold worldwide but the series has also been criticised for glorifying violence.

In 2005 the developers Rockstar were criticised after hackers found a way to play a normally inaccessible sex "mini-game" inside the title Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

The mini-game, dubbed Hot Coffee, was never designed to be played by gamers but was unlocked by hackers.

Controversy over Hot Coffee resulted in the title being re-rated in the US for adults only, and games being withdrawn from sale so that stickers with the new rating could be applied.

Reviews for Grand Theft Auto IV have been unanimous in their praise.

UK-based games website Eurogamer called it "game of the year" and handed it a 10 out of 10 review score, while the New York Times said it delivered a "new level of depth for an interactive entertainment experience".

Ace Combat 6: DLC Plane Designs

...I'm not sure why you'd waste money on this but...for 400 MS points it's yours!! Yay!! (Crickets.)

You can check out all the colours available here, but so far the Razgriz collection is looking the best!

COD4: The New Maps Revealed

I'm was slow on noticing all the descriptions on these (mainly since it'll be a while until/if we ever get them), but for you PS3 and 360 people, check out the maps you'll be paying for. (*snicker*) OR, if you STILL haven't picked the game up and want to play for the console, pick up the Game of the Year ed with a token for the map pack included:

Great news, Charlie Oscar Delta!

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare will soon gain some new battlefields in the form of a Variety Map Pack. The new downloadable maps will be available on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace in early April for 800 MS Points.

The critics are buzzing about Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare's new additions. See what IGN , GameSpot, TeamXbox and GameSpy had to say about the new Variety Map Pack. While you're there, don't miss the first gameplay footage videos of the new maps.

Below is a description of each of the four new maps...Check them out!

Individual DLC Map Descriptions:

Broadcast
Its size and alternating routes make "Broadcast" great for large team games. A large, multi-story television station with plenty of window vantage points creates the perfect setting for floor-to-floor combat. The station is surrounded by extensive outdoor areas consisting of a long parking lot, surrounding buildings with sniping hiding spots and side-rooftop access to the top and bottom floors of the television station.

Creek
A large wide open village in the woods, "Creek" consists of heavy foliage, great for sniper cover: a deep ravine offers an excellent vantage point for ambushes; an underground cave offers an alternate evasion route; and various multi-floor houses populate a patchwork of connected farmland. This extensive open map is great for snipers with plenty of natural coverage consisting of rocks and trees. There are various routes for advancement from both high and low vantage points over and underneath the hillsides. Another great map for large team games.

Chinatown
A modern revision of the classic Call of Duty "Carentan" map, "Chinatown" takes players to the foggy downtown district of a Chinatown. A night time setting, the cityscape is well lit by the full moon and the glow of brightly colored lanterns and neon lights from local businesses. This district offers a variety of open-street and interior settings, perfect for fire fights throughout the connected roads, courtyards, antique shops and markets within it. Great for all game types and players.

Killhouse
"Killhouse" is an enclosed warehouse made of plywood structures, mock-ups and speed-run courses used for training, creating the right mix of obstacles for small team games or free-for-alls with a variety of soft and hard cover points spread throughout the entire ground level

Also arriving soon is the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Game of the Year Edition, giving gamers the chance to experience the intense cinematic action of the original game while expanding the online experience of 2007's top-selling game by including a free token for the Variety Map Pack. The Game of the Year Edition is scheduled for release at all retailers nationwide on April 3rd.

We have PS3 news as well. In addition to confirming that the Variety Map Pack and Game of the Year Edition are headed to the PS3, we are happy to announce that the New PS3 Patch is Live!

Check out the improvements the new PS3 patch brings below:

• New Kill Cams - Everything that can kill you has a Kill Cam now: grenades, airstrikes, claymores, C4, M203 Rounds, RPGs, anything. Jump online, get owned and check them out. They're awesome, especially Grenades and M203 shots that go across the map and through a window.
  
  
• Improved Sniper Accuracy - The Sniper rifle accuracy has been improved. Your crosshair will be a better representation of where your shot will ultimately land. Try out a sniper class today and up those head shots!
  
  
• Improved ACOG Scope Accuracy - ACOG scopes accuracy on any weapon has been improved. Test it out, throw it on one of your classes and give it a go.
  
  
• Upgraded Spectator Cam - Now when you're a spectator you have the option to follow in 3rd person or 1st person. As well as rotate 360 degrees around the player you're watching. Next time you're dead in Search and Destroy, watch your teammates do stuff you know you could do better!
  

Additional Start Spawn Locations in All Maps - Added a minimum of 9 extra start spawns on each side of all maps

Hey Soldiers, We need your help deciding who the Photoshop Contest winner is. Just for voting you'll receive 1000 points!

Smash Brothers: Final Smash Mash Up

Yes, Star Fox did go there against Dedede. One of my faves for sure, although the Ice Climbers' move was pretty awesome.

Soul Caliber IV: Pretty Screenies

I was looking at a few more pictures of the upcoming "Soul Caliber IV" game for the PS3/XBOX 360, and I must say, they're gorgeous. Looking at the character illustrations attached to the article, it also looks like our fave SC ladies have picked up a few extra pounds as well in the T&A department (although according to her profile, Cassandra claims that she's lost weight).

Here's the official site (with Ivy's huge boobage to lead the way):

http://namco-ch.net/soulcalibur4/index.php

Meanwhile, gorgeous Hilda, gorgeous!!


And here's Cassie. You be the judge of whether the Hollywood Cabbage diet worked or not:

Still no more news about the SC movie though.

Call of Duty 5: Confirmed! (Plus Moar)

An article courtesy of our friends at CharlieOscarDelta:

Call of Duty 5 Confirmed

Guitar Hero 4 and more in the works too.

by Martin Robinson, IGN UK

UK, December 3, 2007 - Activision Blizzard has confirmed that Call of Duty 5 and Guitar Hero 4 are both in development just hours after news of the company's merger hit the wire. And while the news is unlikely to come as a shock, if Activision Blizzard's recent boasts are anything to go by we could see both of the series reaching bigger and better heights.

Indeed, during a conference call held today Activision CEO Robert Kotick and Jean-Benard Levy spoke of the company's huge projected success and hinted that many of Activision's franchise could learn a lot from the success of World of Warcraft, which has 9.3 million users across the world. More specifically, Kotick expressed a distinct interest in the subscription model employed by the WoW developer, although quite how it will work with Activision's other franchises - including a new racing title from the freshly-acquired Bizarre Creations - remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, World of Warcraft won't be coming to console any time soon, with Levy categorically stating that a current-gen version of the game was most certainly not in the works.

In a press release posted along with the call, the combined company outlined some of the pipelined games that the Activision side of Activision Blizzard will be contributing to the mnerger and releasing in the near future. (Vivendi/Sierra/Blizzard of course have Starcraft II as well as several other titles in production.) Included in the list are:

• Guitar Hero IV
  
• Call of Duty 5
  
• James Bond (2008)
  
• Tony Hawk (new - 10th franchise entry)
  
• New Dreamworks Titles (various franchises)
  
• New Marvel Titles (various franchises)
  
• Bizarre Creations' New Entry in Racing (following September 2007 acquisition)

No further detailers were announced for any of these titles, and no platform plans were listed for the games listed. IGN will have more on all of these games hopefully early in 2008.

Soul Caliber IV: A New Hope!?

Okay, I won't spoil it completely. Suffice to say, WTF!?

The game does look good though.

Looney Toons: Acme Arsenal

Ahhh, I love the bull. I want to ride him and shoot bullets out of his horns too!

Beautiful Katamari: MmMmm!! "Danketsu"' Song!

My fave song so far because it's so terribly stereotypical:

Beautiful Katamari...The Story So Far

The King and Queen of the Cosmos were playing Tennis with the Prince one day. Everything was going swimmingly until the King, who as we know is not only super duperly gorgeous but strong as well, serves up a powerful serve that goes wild and ends up opening a gaping Black Hole in the Universe which sucks up all the planets (even the fake planet Pluto). Now it's up to YOU, playing as the Prince of one of his cousins, to recreate the Solar System by rolling up as much shit as you possibly can.

That being said, despite me being a big Katamari fan, I have to admit that some of the fun of the series got sucked out along with the planets. I mean, there's still rolling up lots of shit to make the biggest katamari (or the fastest), only this time the King wants a certain category of your collection to be at the top to add to the spice. There's also still the silly sounds of folks saying, "Occupied," when you roll up a port-o-potty and random nekkid people running away from your Katamari. But the biggest fun sucker is...there's just ONE BIG STAGE with indoor and outdoor sections. There's nothing new. After completing the game (and it goes by fast) all you have is the same setting.

Anyhoo, a couple other things that peeve me:

1) Rolling seems harder to master (maybe because of the non-parallel placement of the sticks), and it actually took me a couple times to complete some of the touchier objectives (I accidentally rolled up a bunch of penguins in the 10,000 F challenge). I prefer the PS set up.

2) Lack of stages. You get normal and time attack (there's no reward for time attack--just a place on the Leader Boards) and the normal is the same ole' same ole' every time. In "We Love Katamari" some stages had up to 3 variants to test you.

3) You will be paying extra for stages coming out...NEXT WEEK. Sure the game was on the cheap side, but it was billed as a complete game. On 10/25/2007 we get to spend $10 more to download moar stages. And of course, all the stages I wanted to play, like the money collecting ones or the food eating ones, are supposedly packaged to download. *hiss hiss*

4) Online mode...is gay? It crashed like 80% of the time I tried it out.

5) NO SAVE THE PANDAS!?

6) All the music sounds the same. Although I do like the "Danketsu" parody song which a lot of anime fanbois/grrls will appreciate.

*sigh*

The verdict: Most likely, I will be paying for the extra stages after which I'll be going back to playing "We Love Katamari." :( Well, until rumours of a Wii/PS3 version come to fruition. *purr*

Halo Mini Movie Conclusion

Even though the movie's been scrapped, at least we still have these to watch:

Halo maker parts from Microsoft

Halo maker parts from Microsoft

Bungie, the developer of the hugely popular Halo series, is to part company with owner Microsoft.

In a statement, the two firms said they would "forge a new long-term partnership" based around new games.

The move will surprise many in the games industry, despite rumours about a split in recent weeks.

Bungie is now a privately held company in which Microsoft holds a minority stake. Recent release Halo 3 racked up $300m in its first week on sale.

The Halo series has sold more than 18 million copies worldwide since the first game was launched in 2001. Halo 3 has become the fastest selling game of all time following its launch on 25 September, with more than three million copies already sold.

Bungie now has a long-term publishing agreement with Microsoft Game Studios for future Halo titles.

Harold Ryan, studio head at Bungie, said Microsoft's platforms would remain the firm's "primary focus" but the move opens up the possibility of the studio developing for other consoles.

"Bungie is like a shark. We have to keep moving to survive," said Jason Jones, Bungie founder and partner.

Shane Kim, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios, said the company was "supporting Bungie's desire to return to its independent roots".

He said Microsoft would to invest in Halo entertainment property with Bungie and other partners, such as Peter Jackson, on "a new interactive series set in the Halo universe".

"We look forward to great success with Bungie as our long-term relationship continues to evolve through Halo-related titles and new IP (intellectual property) created by Bungie," he added.

Call of Duty 4: Beta To Conclude on Sunday

Per CharlieOscarDelta:

CoD4:MW Beta To Conclude on Sunday
2007-09-26 | Written By: Charlie Oscar Delta Staff

Charlie Oscar Delta -

Thank you for your participation in the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Xbox 360 Multiplayer Beta.

We have spent the last few weeks collecting feedback, talking with you on forums and using your comments to tweak and finalize the game. Your comments have been great and of course, it's been a blast playing with gamers from across the globe!

At this time, we're announcing the Beta will end on Sunday, September 30th. In the United States, you can visit GameStop and Best Buy to reserve your copy of the game. International users can visit www.callofduty.com for territory-specific pre-sell programs. CoD4:MW will be available on November 6th in North America, November 9th in Europe.

Thanks again for a great Beta!

-Charlie Oscar Delta Staff

*tear*

Not really. Hope this means that the PC Beta's coming out next! WAHAHA.

Operation Troy: Game Play Video

Hmmmmm.

It's looking kinda slow and clunky. Wonder how the FPS view would look...?

A couple more screenshots have been unveiled on the official site and not sure if it's available here too, but the JP XBox Market Place has some recent footage for download.

Official Site

Halo: Discovery Channel Exclusive Movie

You'll have to enter your birth date to watch but since the real movie's probably nevah gonna come out enjoy:

http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/last-one-standing/halo-sweeps/halo-sweeps.html

Mail Call: Halo 3 1 Hour Demo

Visit GameSpot's Halo Site for moar details.

Release Date: 9/25/07.

Ace Combat 6: High Def Long Trailer

Someone sent me the following link from Namco-ch.net, the Namco Bandai Game's Channel and it is quite gorgeous.

Thanks!

http://download.namco-ch.net/ace6/ace6_ft_hd.wmv

There is a bit of buffering but it's definitely got "Ace Combat"'s trade mark high quality stamp on it for story, music and cinematics. (Better than Dragon Wars! *snort*)

I'll have to keep checking this site for moar trailers!

Learn more about the game at:

http://www.acecombatsix.com/...US
http://www.acecombat.jp/ace6...JP

It's coming out 10/23/07 and they're accepting pre-orders now!

Operation: Troy TGS Trailer

The trailer from TGS 2007 courtesy of GameTrailers.com, hurray!

The video text roughly translates (I'm being lazy) to:

It's the "1 Year War's you experience with your entire body."

Break the mold of the usual "Gundam" game play up to now and experience the "real battlefield" that comes to life from an infantry soldier's perspective.

Take command of the giant war machines, the Mobile Suits or Tanks and Jeeps to conquer the battlefield!

Online Mode Play Types:

--Assault
--Conquest
--Survival Mode

Up to 10 people can enjoy online mode together whilst on voice chat.

Single Player:

--Mission Mode

Survive the 1 Year War as a nameless infantry soldier.

Receive additional Mobile Suits, Maps and Decals from your performance or through the Market Place.

Gundam Operation: Troy Video (Old)

AHAHAHAHAHAH. That douche bag tried to knife a Zaku!? I know that Zakus are made of cardboard and duct tape (true statement), but come on!? You want your Gold Knife Badge that much!? Anyhoo, vid is from a while back and hopefully it'll look a whole lot beddah now. It is rather BF2142 but more gorgeous!