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Showing posts from January, 2012

Mass Effect 3 Impressive Voice Cast

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Earlier today a video was released for BioWare's upcoming, high-anticipated action-RPG Mass Effect 3. However, this wasn't your regular gameplay or feature video. This piece of media showcased some of the amazing voice talent behind the characters of Mass Effect 3. Seth Green, Jennifer Hale, Martin Sheen and even IGN's own Jessica Chobot lend their voices to Joker, Female Shepard and the Illusive Man respectively. Many of you may even recognize Number Six, Tricia Helfer, from Battlestar Galactica as the voice of EDI. Mass Effect 3 launches in March with a demo schedule for release on February 14.

It Begins...Another Year of Great Games

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It is January 31st, the starting bell has rung and we are now off into the 2012 game year. Final Fantasy XIII-2 and Soul Calibur V are just two of the games that mark the beginning of this delightful year. It only gets better from here, February is a big month (check out Gametrailers February release video ), and every month after opening with Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning and The Darkness II. The highlight of February is the launch of the PlayStation Vita on February 22. Mass Effect 3 drops in March, Prototype 2 and The Witcher 2 drops in April while the end of the year doesn't get any slower with Resident Evil 6, BioShock Infinite and Metal Gear Rising Revengence. That's just the tip of the spear. There are still several titles that do not have confirmed release date as well as titles that have yet to be announced. Each month holds alot of possibilities and my wallet is already quivering at the mere thought of what those months may hold.

Dragon's Dogma Comes with Resident Evil 6 Demo

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If you're dying to get your hands on Resident Evil 6 but don't want to wait until November 20th to play it, here's your chance. It has been announced that Capcom's new action-RPG, Dragon's Dogma, will come packing an early access code to the Resident Evil 6 demo. Xbox 360 players will be able to access the demo earlier on July 3rd while others will get the demo in September. Dragon's Dogma will officially be released on May 22nd in the US and May 25th in Europe. [via X360A ]

Prototype 2 RadNet Edition

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Radical Entertainment has decided to give its upcoming game, Prototype 2, a new edition. The RadNet Edition, as it is called, will be out in limited quantities, meaning that only the first batch will be eligible. The RadNet Edition doesn't cost extra and comes bundled with a code that gives you access to special challenges, unique mutations, avatar items and themes and competitive scoring events. Prototype 2 is schedule for an April release on consoles with the PC release coming in late July. [via Kotaku ]

Syndicate Co-op Demo Dives In

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The Syndicate 4 player co-op demo has gone live. This new re-imagination of the classic 1993 game by Starbreeze Studios pushes it in a new direction. The demo has you teaming up to take down rival Syndicate Cayman Global and will let players experience using the games breach mechanic. Want more after the demo? the game is schedule for release on February 21 in the US and February 24 in Europe.

SSX and Reckoning Get Online Pass

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For those of you who are unaware, an Online Pass is a way for game companies to manage the rights of their games that have online functionality. This pass usually comes packaged with a new game and allows the gamer access to online features and bonus content. The brilliant minds at Electronic Arts have decided to put online passes into two of their upcoming games, SSX and Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. The latter, a single-player game, includes an online pass that grants you access to the an additional quest line giving gamers all the more reason to buy it new. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning drops Feb 7 and SSX Feb 28. What these passes boil down too is a way for the company to reduce the sale of used games while still being able to make a profit if it is bought used. Do you think more companies will begin to adapt this business model? And what do you think of online passes in general? [via Destructoid ]

Rumors: The Future of Microsoft's Xbox

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Over the past week there has been a lot of rumors and speculations on several aspects on what the next generation Xbox will be capable of. Now take everything you're about to read with a grain of salt as they are just rumors and have not officially been confirmed. In 2011 there were rumors that the next Xbox would be coming in 2012 and would be shown at this year's CES which never happened. It was also rumored that it would make an appearance at this years E3 but Microsoft has stated that there won't be anything new this year. E3 in 2013 also holds the possibility of being when Microsoft decides to reveal their new console with the release following shortly after. As CES 2012 has passed its safe to assume that the 2013 reveal for the next Xbox is more likely. Along with a rumored release date comes a new name. XBOX 720 seems like the next logical choice but rumors suggests the system has been codenamed XBOX LOOP. Next up hardware. One of the news bits about the next gen

Netflix Deep-sixes Game Rental Plan

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Those who were looking forward to Netflix's game rental service will have to find other means of doing so. Netflix has decided to drop their plan to implement a game rental service in addition to the movie rental and video streaming service. It seems that having a game rental element to Netflix wasn't something customers really cared much for.

Steam Goes Mobile

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The Steam Client is venturing into new territory with an app for mobile devices. The Steam App is now in a closed beta phase for both Android and iOS devices. Value's aim with this new piece of software is to allow Steam members to view a games screenshots, chat with friends, browse community groups, read the Steam News feed and check out the latest Steam sales. Downloading the app gets you access to the beta as long as Value gives the OK. It's good to see Value listening to what their customers want. Here's a link to either version. [via GamePolitics ]

Alien: Colonial Marines gets Delayed with New Trailer

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Chalk another one up to games delayed in 2012. Aliens: Colonial Marine by Gearbox Software was scheduled for a Spring release window but has now been pushed to this Fall. This may be sad news for many but here's a new cinematic trailer courtesy of IGN that is sure to help relieve some of that pain.

KoA: Reckoning, A New World To Discover

There is just something about the new Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning game by Electronic Arts and Big Huge Games that really gets you excited to play the it when it launches on February 7. This new trailer paints an effective picture of what your time in the game world will be like. Get More: GameTrailers.com , Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning - Exclusive - A Heroes Guide to Amalur: A New World To Discover HD , PC Games , PlayStation 3 , Xbox 360

Mass Effect 3 get Bonus Content before Release

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Mass Effect 3, BioWare's Action/RPG hits stores in March but it is already getting alot of attention. We've already heard that the Demo drops on February 14 and allows you to unlock in-game items. We've also heard that pre-ordering the game entitles you to more items depending on who you buy it from. That's a lot of incentives right? Wrong, EA plans on releasing a series of 8 ME inspired action figures. Each figure, apart from being pretty cool, has packaged with them a card that gives you a code for access to bonus in-game items. This means 8 cards for 8 different pieces of content. But wait there's more. [via GameInformer ] It has also been announced that the Art of Mass Effect Universe artbook will include a download code for the Collector's Rifle when you pre-order from Barnes & Nobles. Those who played ME2 should remember this sweet assault rifle. Along with the collector's rifle the artbook also comes with other content to make your game easier a

Delays...Oh How They Burn.

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In 2011, gamers had a year filled with games that missed there original release date. Although the year turned out to be a great one, waiting for a game to be released just to have it pushed back can be heart-wrenching. Gears of War 3 was delay almost five months and Mass Effect 3 was pushed into another year. It is now 2012, the year has just started and already games are seeing their original release date altered. Most recently Saber Interactive's Inversion was move from its February 7 release date to March 27 and while Max Payne 3 was originally scheduled for a March release, Take-Two has decided to move the game to a May release window. Here's the shortlist of delayed games (so far): Mass Effect 3 Demo [Delayed until February] SSX [Delayed 2 weeks] XCOM [Delayed until the next fiscal year] Anarchy Reigns [Delayed until July] Diablo III [Delayed, official release unknown] Gotham City Impostors [Delayed until February] Ghost Recon: Future Soldier [Delay until May]

Syndicate Demo Inbound

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According to Major Nelsons blog those who are looking to get their hands on the reboot of the Syndicate series will not have to wait much longer. The co-op demo is slated to be released on January 31 giving gamers a lot of time to get a feel for the game before its February 21 release date. Are you looking forward to this new Syndicate or would you have preferred an update to the original?

Bioshock Infinite get Tougher with 1999 Mode

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Apparently Take-Two and Irrational Games are doing something different with BioShock Infinite. In a Press Release , the developer announced a new "1999 Mode" which aims to offer a greater challenge to the game outside of just difficulty. Creative Director Ken Levine totes "In 1999 Mode, gamers face more permanent consequence of their gameplay decisions". The Press Release also goes on the state that this new mode will demand players pick specific specializations and focus on them. 1999 Mode is a result of a series of questions posed to fans about how they play BioShock games. The fans responded and the challenge is set. BioShock Infinite doesn't have a set release date but it is expected out this year. What do you think of the new mode? How challenging do you think it will be?

Mass Effect 3 Demo gets Release Date

Originally thought to have a January release date, the ME3 demo has been pushed back to February 14. This news comes via way of a new video released today showcasing Mass Effect 3 with Kinect functionality. This new function has alot of possibilities to increase the level of immersion for a player as the won't have to pause the game to issue commands or change weapons. Some may like it while others won't. What do you think of ME3 new Kinect feature. Get More: GameTrailers.com , Mass Effect 3 - Better With Kinect Featurette HD , PC Games , PlayStation 3 , Xbox 360 [via Gametrailers ]

The Fight Against SOPA/PIPA

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Today is January 18 and it marks a monumental day. Why? you ask, because several sites have decided to go on a blackout and shut down for 12 hours. Sites like Destructoid, GamePolitics, N4G and several other sites have jumped on to fight against this threat to the freedom that is the internet. Although the bill has lost some ground in the past few days it's still there lurking in the shadows. If you're interested in joining the blackout visit SopaStrike and obtain the relevant code for your site. You can also speak out by contacting Congress from this site.

New Challengers enter Street Fighter X Tekken

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A trailer showcasing some of the new fighters in Capcom's Street Fighter X Tekken was released today. Juri, Xiaoyu, Paul, Law, Vega and Balrog have been added to the roster of cross combatants, which is shaping up to be quite a list of unique and popular fighters. Additionally in another video M. Bison, Jin and Devil Jin make an appearance, hinting at the possibility of these characters appearing in the game. With the March 2012 release date slowly approaching will Capcom be able to satisfy both Tekken and Street Fighter fans?

Kingdom of Amalur: Reckoning Demo hits XBL Marketplace

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The Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning demo drops today on the XB Game Marketplace. Those who are eagerly awaiting this game can now get a taste of it by playing the Introductory level followed by a 45 minute session in the game world. As mentioned last week, playing the demo unlocks items for both Mass Effect 3 and Reckoning games respectively. Reckoning is schedule to be release on February 7 in the US and February 10 in EU. With many people still enjoying the world of Skyrim, how do you think Kingdoms of Amalur will fare when it's released?

The Darkness II Demo is Unleashed

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Jack Estacado and The Darkness are back to impale, decapitate and eat the hearts of those who want The Darkness for themselves. With new gameplay mechanics, modes and artistic direction The Darkness II ensnare fans and newcomers alike. Head over to the Game Marketplace and download the demo here and embrace the Darkness. The Darkness II officially launches on February 7, 2012.

XCOM Delayed

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If you were looking forward to the upcoming reboot of 2K Marins reboot of First-Person Shooter Strategy game X-COM then it looks like you'll have to wait awhile longer to get your hands on it--an entire year in fact. X-COM was scheduled to be released this March however 2K Marin has decided to push the game into the next fiscal year. Although you can't get your hands on X-COM this year you will be able to get you hands on the remake by Firaxis Games, X-COM: Enemy Unknown. Enemy Unknown is more closely tied to the original game and will include real-time strategy view and turn based combat. The reboot may not have its turn this year but you will get your X-COM fix for 2012.

Armored Core V gets Release Date

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Fans of the Armored Core series by From Software will be pleased to know that the newest installment, Armored Core V, will be released on March 20 in the US and March 23 in Europe. Pre-ordering the game from Gamestop nets you some extra weapons and parts to outfit your multiplayer mech with. [via joystiq ]

Ninja Gaiden 3 gets Collector's Edition

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It was revealed today that Tecmo Koei's new game Ninja Gaiden 3 will be getting a collector's edition. The collector's edition will feature an exclusive Ninja Gaiden 3 art book, the games soundtrack, and a "Duel of the Masked" collectible figure. The icing comes from the downloadable code for the Alpha "Scramble" stage demo in Dead or Alive 5. Ninja Gaiden 3 is scheduled to be launch on the Xbox 360 and PS3 on March 23. Also check out the new Multiplayer trailer in the Cinema section.

Earn In-game Items from ME3 and Reckoning demos

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In a great start to this mornings industry news, the demos for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning and Mass Effect 3 will both offer gamers a chance to receive in-game items. The Reckoning demo will unlock items for ME3 and itself respectively, while the ME3 demo will unlock items for Reckoning. Both demos are slated to be released this month so be on the lookout for them on the Game Marketplace. Check the list below for a look at the items you can get by playing each demo. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning demo item unlocks for Mass Effect 3: Reckoner Knight Armor: This armor will maximize damage done in close-quarters combat while a beefed–up power cell feeds energy into weapon systems to increase projectile velocity. The Chakram Launcher: This weapon uses a fabricator to manufacture lightweight, explosive ammunition discs. This weapon is earned after completing the Reckoning demo and watching the trailer at the end. Mass Effect 3 demo item unlocks for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning: N7

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier Delayed

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Say it ain't so...unfortunately it is. In a recent press release from Ubisoft, IP development director Adrian Lacey announced that instead of the March release window Ghost Recon: Future Soldier will now be released on May 22 in the US and May 24 in Europe. Fans and those eagerly anticipating the release of this game will be disappointed but there is a silver lining. Ubisoft has announced that there will be a multiplayer beta for the game will be available in April. On a scale of 1 to 10 how excited are you to play this game? [via joystiq ]

Kinect Motions for PCs

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At their CES 2012 Press Conference, Microsoft announced that the Kinect will officially be launched for Windows PCs. Coming February 1st PC gamers will get to experience all that Microsofts' motion gaming device has to offer.

Netflix and Vita

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The media streaming service, Netflix, will be making its way to the new Sony PlayStation Vita when it launches next month. Sony announced this at their CES 2012 Press Conference. With Netflix available on so many devices it wasn't hard to see this one coming.

Asura's Wrath gets Demo

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A game that may not be on everyone radar, Asura's Wrath, from the folks at CyberConnect2, just released a demo on Game Marketplace. If you were curious or up in the air about this one, now's the time to download it and try it out. As of right now it seems to be a GOLD EXCLUSIVE but others shouldn't have to wait long to get their hands on it. [via Major Nelson ]

House Party and You're Invited

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Similar to 2011 Xbox Live House Party Microsoft has released information on the 2012 House Party. Many of you will recognize the new Alan Wake: American Nightmare game as well as I Am Alive, which has been in the works for some time. EA's Warp and THQ's Nexuiz round out the list of games. [via GameInformer ]

Weekly Discussion: Retailer Specific Pre-Order Incentive

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As a consumer society we like, need and want different things and with a variety of options getting them can easily be achieved. When you apply this to the video game industry you get games in the various versions, from Regular to Limited Editions, to Collector’s and Deluxe Editions. In addition to these editions, retailers often take it upon themselves to offer pre-order incentives. Pre-Ordering will give you access to a specific item, weapon or accessory, a discount or some other incentive that is unique to the store to get customer to buy from that retailer. In 2011 we saw several games receive the incentives treatment and a few that received retailer specific incentives. Its now 2012 and retailers are back at it again. Mass Effect 3 and Prototype 2 have both been given retailer specific incentive months before their launch and you can guarantee a lot more will follow. As a result, gamers have to choose the incentive they really want but not necessarily from their regular retaile

Alien: Colonial Marines gets Collector's Edition

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The highly anticipated Aliens: Colonial Marines from Gearbox Software has just been spotted on the tracker with a collector edition. It comes with a highly detailed resin display model, exclusive in-game content and a new game mode call USCM Academy Firing Range. Slated to be released this years Aliens: Colonial Marines hopes to bring back the experience from the Alien flicks. Are you looking forward to this game? What do you think of the collectors edition? [Source: Gamekyo via Destructoid ]

CES

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The 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over the course of the week you can expect to hear and see news and reveals relating to every piece of technology that money can buy. Several sites will be following everything that comes out of CES, such as Engadget and Gizmodo . You can also check the official CES site for the latest buzz. Tech and gadget lovers get excited because this week is for you.

A Bit of Politics: The Industry and SOPA

Over the course of the week there has been a lot of news related to the , it's possible effects on the industry and its supporters. SOPA proposes that the power to sensor the internet be given to the entertainment industry. This means that they will get the ability to shutdown every unauthorized site with copyrighted material. This includes sites like YouTube, Facebook, blog sites just to name a few. This bill has the potential to affect the video game industry and that could be very bad for the industry. PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo . Several gaming companies have come forward to state their support for and against SOPA. The Entertainment Software Association, dedicated to serving the business and public affairs of companies that publish computer and video game, has come out and stated their support for the bill. As a result the ESA has taken several hits for their support. Since its inception more and more groups and people are fig

DmC Reboot Causes Death Threats

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Back in 2010, Capcom and Ninja Theory released a trailer with a dark haired protagonist by the name of Dante, the trailer ended with the name DmC-Devil May Cry. This was to become the reboot of the Devil May Cry series. However, the look of the new Dante didn't go over too well with series fans and creator Hideki Kamiya. A year and several gameplay videos later some of the fans have come aboard while others still protest Dante's new look. As a result Ninja Theory has taken a lot of negative comments about this redesign, the latest being death threats. We all love the video game industry, each in our own way. The industry innovates on a regular basis to keep the market growing. When did innovation become a bad thing? A reboot is done to add new life to a franchise and Ninja Theory is trying something new. In no way should they receive threats for taking a new direction with DmC. No matter how much you change him, the name Dante will always be synonymous with the white-haired

PS Vita Sales Decline

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Released on December 17, 2011 in Japan, the PS Vita saw good sales numbers during the first two days of launch. However the following weeks after its initial launch have not been as kind. In its third week the PS Vita sales dropped to 42, 648 well below the 321, 407 units sold in week 1 and 72, 479 units sold in week 2. These numbers are surprising; one would figure the PS Vita, in all its technical wonder, would produce constant numbers. This situation seems all too familiar as the Nintendo 3DS had similar problems. However, several months and a price drop later 3DS sales have picked up. It’s difficult to assess how this will translate when the Vita hits U.S. retailers next month but if sales mirror Japan, Sony may have to adapt a different approach. Is the price of the PS Vita hurting Sony’s sales? Is the need to buy additional hardware for the device the cause? Could it be the limitation of one PSN Account per device? What about the influx of tablets and mobile phones that makes

XNA Changes, Indie Developers Rejoice

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Good News everyone, it seems that Microsoft is giving Indie Developers something sweet for the new year. According to the post Microsoft has raised the size restrictions on indie games from 150MB to 500MB, reworked the pricing and raised the limit on how many games a developer can have. This is great news for anyone wanting to create their own game using XNA Game Studio and those who are currently using it. I see the quality of future indie games taking a great leap forward. What are your thoughts on the new changes? Check out the full post: XNA Team Blog [via GameInformer]

Zelda Anniversary Symphony Concert Series Announces New Dates

Music in video games is very important, it provides emotion, pacing and information from the game world. Its for this reason that I like the idea of having a concert to showcase a games outstanding music. The Zelda Anniversary Symphony Concert Series is something that both musicians and fans of the franchise can enjoy. Would you attend a concert if the music was from your favorite game? [Via GameInformer]

Top Picks for 2012

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With 2012 underway and the industry poised for another great year in gaming I bring you my top picks for 2012. With rumors of new hardware and games 2012 is already starting out strong and as I look through my Amazon list of pre-ordered games I cringe at the headshot my wallet will take this year. However, no matter the damage that hasn’t stopped me before. This list is based on the games I’m most looking forward to playing this year. Asura’s Wrath When I first saw this game I was blown away by it over the top cinematic action. I’m expecting this one to be quite an experience. Kingdom’s of Amalur: Reckoning I’m a huge RPG fan and Kindom’s of Amalur falls right into that category. Offering all the aspects of a traditional RPG plus new innovations, Reckoning will definitely appease fans of the genre. Mass Effect 3 Another great RPG, ME 3 is set to conclude the story of Commander Shepard and the Reapers as he faces their ensuing invasion. DMC Dante is back but not a

Rumor: The Wii U Might Become A Fully Functional E-Reader

When I first saw the Wii U reveal at last years E3 I was impressed. Nintendo always finds a way to innovate the industry and the Wii U aims to do just that. Apart from using the Wii U as a controller, it is now rumored to function as an e-reader. This news paints the Wii U not just as a video game device but as a digital media device as well. An appealing prospect from Nintendo for both non and hardcore gamers. Its now left to Nintendo to confirm or deny this rumor. Rumor: The Wii U Might Become A Fully Functional E-Reader - News - www.GameInformer.com

Discussion: Multiplayer vs Single-Player

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I want to start a weekly series of discussion post where a topic is picked and we have an open discussion of our thoughts and opinions. I have a few topics in mind but I open the floor to suggestions. In the video game industry, today's games usually have several modes unique to them. Two of those modes, single-player and multiplayer have become a norm for most game. Single-player is all about experiencing the story behind the game, watching beautifully rendered cut scenes and getting to know the main character(s). Multiplayer on the other hand is all about interacting with multiply players across the world while adhering to the game world and mechanics. There are a variety of different multiplayer game types, players may individually compete against two or more human contestants, work cooperatively to achieve a goal, or engage in a game type that incorporates any combination mentioned above. In the past few years the line between the two modes have started to blur, you can

Looking Ahead, 2012 Preview

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As we make our new year's resolutions and watch the sun rise on a new year it's time to take a look at the years upcoming games. In 2011 we saw it all in the video game industry and I have a feeling that 2012 will be similar for the industry. Like 2011, (see 2011 A Year in Video Game Review ) 2012 has games for everyone. New IPs like Lollipop Chainsaw and Anarchy Reigns, more HD Collections including Devil May Cry and Zone of the Ender and remakes with a twist, X-COM and Syndicate. The list goes on: Kingdoms of Amalur Aliens: Colonial Marines DMC The Darkness 2 SSX Asura's Wrath Final Fantasy XIII-X2 Mass Effect 3 Soul Calibur V Ghost Recon: Future Solider Dragons Dogma GTA V Prey 2 MG Rising: Revengeance Max Payne 3 Tomb Raider Borderland 2 Bioshock Infinite Transforme