Rumor Confirmed: Gears of War 3
Earlier this week, we reported a rumor that Gears of War 3 would be announced on CliffyB's late night appearance. Well, Clffy's been rescheduled to this upcoming Monday...but I guess someone forgot to tell the Inside Xbox crew. The Xbox team prematurely put the release date of Gears 3 on the Xbox Dashboard of Xbox Live members, because CliffyB was supposed to announce it the night before. This "leak" has now been removed from your Xbox, and Microsoft is refusing to comment. But we'd say it looks like our rumor was true. The "leak" does not mention specific dates, besides April 2011; but it is safe to assume, since our sources have been right so far, that April 11th, 2011 is the EPIC date.
Source: http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/gears-of-war-3-announced-by-your-xbox/
Enjoy!
The VGToday Crew
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Rumor: Gears of War 3
Wondering when your favorite chainsaw wielding friends will be returning? Well, we might have a clue. According to "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon", EPIC Games' game developer Cliff Bleszinski will be appearing this Thursday night to announce "his next game". Could this be Gears of War 3, or is this bogus? Hit the jump to find out!
First, let's start out with a quote from the Kotaku article on this appearance on "Late Night":The host of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon writes that the design director for popular Xbox 360 exclusive Gears of War will be on his show next week to debut his next game.
Game developer Cliff Bleszinski, who worked on both Gears of War and Gears of War 2, has not yet talked about when the final game in the trilogy will hit the Xbox 360. And it may not be Gears of War 3 that Bleszinski will be talking about.
Reached for comment this evening, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon producer Gavin Purcell told Kotaku that Bleszinski's appearance will include a chat with the show's host. He declined to say what game they would be talking about, but said it is very exciting.
In addition, we spotted this on Jimmy's twitter:Game designer Cliff Bleszinski (@therealcliffyb) debuts his new game on Late Night next Thur. Set your TiVos! And your Xboxes.
This could spark some interest? Notice how Fallon specified "Xboxes", and how Gears of War has been an Xbox Exclusive game thus far. Now, we'd like to mention that it seems only natural that Bleszinski's next game is Gears of War 3, because of the current Microsoft release schedule. Normally, Microsoft likes to spread out it's exclusive games, and have one major one a year. Here's how it's went so far:
So, you see how it makes sense to release Gears 3 this year, maybe on November 7th like the other two. One problem, Halo: Reach. Does it seem likely that Microsoft would release a Halo title, and a Gears of War title in the same year, or even in Q4 together? Very unlikely.
On to evidence #2. Edge Online reported in March that EPIC would release a trailer for Gears 3 on April 8th. April 8th? Yes, that is correct. That is the night CliffyB is expected to be on Jimmy Fallon. Interesting?
Well, Edge also continues to say that "Gears Of War 3 Releasing April 2011", and:We understand that the game could be completed as early as this year, but that Microsoft is keen to release it during a different window to Halo: Reach – rumoured to be launching in September 2010 – and Natal, which is set to arrive this holiday.
“Microsoft’s keen to avoid a clash with Halo: Reach and wants Natal to own Christmas. That’s why we won’t be seeing Gears Of War 3 until next year, but expect a major marketing push ahead of its release,” said our source.
So now this is starting to make sense, to avoid the Halo and Gears collision in Q4 2010 (Like we described above). This evidence is also supported by what EPIC's Vice-President, Mark Rein, had to say to G4TV:
"We don't have any games coming out in 2010," said Rein, "so from a games standpoint, it's more about our customers' games, right? Already this year we've seen some pretty great games this year...so that'll be kinda cool."
So, to us, it seems like Gears 3 will have to wait until 2011 to make it's bloody debut. Although, these are just rumors. Don't take all of this like it's confirmed. We are just giving you the information out there, you make your own conclusions! But just in case, set your calenders for April 11th 2011!
Enjoy!
The VGToday Crew
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E74 Under 3-Year Warranty
You heard it right, Microsoft is [finally] covering the E74 error message under the three year warranty that previously only included the 3 light "Red Rings of Death (RRoD)". Microsoft stated that the E74 message means that your box has general hardware failure, the same as the "RRoD", so it will be covered like the RRoD is. If you have EVER previously paid to have a E74 error repaired, Microsoft is contacting people to give out 100$ refunds. If you do not get contacted within a month, you are advised to call support.
Enjoy!
The VGToday Crew!
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Killzone 2 Review
Can a single title save Sony's plight and ignite flagging PS3 sales? It's unlikely. Is Guerrilla Games' effort a defining PS3 exclusive blockbuster, which will at least assure long-suffering PS3 owners? Definitely. Is it worth forking out for a PS3? ... Possibly.
Ever since Sony's infamous use of CG sequences to demonstrate the "possibilities" offered by the PS3 back in 2005, Guerrilla Games' flagship title has found itself under a tremendous degree of scrutiny. Could the PS3 actually manage to pull off the visual quality hinted towards, or was it all just smoke and mirrors? Let's admit it; it wouldn't be the first time Sony has resorted to such trickery.
If rumours are led to be believed then a considerable budget and access to Sony's finest tools, technology, and talent have certainly helped to ensure KillZone 2 is worthy of that footage. Purists could argue that such fidelity is restricted to a handful of sections within KillZone 2 and they're largely cut-scenes. But there's little denying that Guerrilla Games' first PS3 title is a visual masterpiece, eclipsing everything we've seen so far on the format and putting the likes of Gears of War into its place.
Picking up the events two years after the original KillZone, Guerrilla Games has deliberately ensured knowledge of the 2004 PS2 title is not a pre-requisite to enjoy the action. An entirely new cast of characters face this struggle between the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance (ISA) and the Helghan, with the return of Col. Jan Templar providing the only real link to the first game. The ISA's attack on the Helghast planet of Helghan also brings us up to date with the continuing battle between both factions and explores the deeper reasons of why.
So begins eight chapters of pretty intense shooter action. Let's get this out of the way immediately, KillZone 2 isn't the greatest first-person shooter ever created, but then again neither was Halo. Half Life 2 and Modern Warfare still manage to share that honour. But KillZone 2 doesn't need to be. Beyond ensuring a solid shooter experience, the key requisite for KillZone 2 is (rightfully or wrongfully) whether Guerrilla could actually pull it off. And in answer to this, PS3 fans will be happy to know it's a most certain yes. "Hollywood Realism" is the wonderfully opaque term Guerrilla Games has used to describe KillZone 2, something that actually isn't merely the hyperbole that it suggests. There's a constant sense of dynamism to KillZone 2 and the world of Helghan. Wind gushes across the Helghan terrain to create a convincing sense of atmosphere that you can almost feel, while the forceful physics engine creates a gameworld that's utterly believable. Objects fly across the sky when the action heats up, yet there's a sense of solidity to everything unlike the many flimsy, plastic examples we've seen in other shooters.
Unfortunately, although the game captures the visual flair of those trailers, it rarely manages to capture the diversity and concept in terms of the mission challenges and gameplay. All too often the game falls down into familiar territory, with only the occasional section straying beyond the genre's conventions of shooting increasingly tougher opponents. Although KillZone 2 ticks many of the boxes for a solid fps experience, throwing ambushes, squad, and solitary sections into the mix, the game's pacing and occasional bland level designs prevent it from reaching the echelons of the genre's finest. Guerrilla hasn't attempted to throw anything new into the mix, and who can blame them when the pressure was on to deliver the PS3's visual magnum opus? The strict reliance on the check boxes however is a little too stringent for our liking, and whilst sections such as the assault on a speeding train are solid enough, the overwhelming sensation is one of 'seen it all before'!
The assortment of arms is what you'd expect from a shooter with even the more creative Helghast weaponry failing to offer anything that feels particularly new. Equally the handful of sections that require you to jump aboard a tank feel as though they're included just because other shooters have vehicular sections. There are exceptions: jumping onboard the AA guns onboard the ISA Cruiser New Sun feels closer to Star Wars than most other attempts ("great kid, don't get cocky"), while the mech section later in the game is pretty remarkable - all the more surprising considering we're not traditionally fond of mechs in shooters (Quake IV anyone?).
The covering system is the exception. Its implementation can be compared to that of the Rainbow Six Vegas series, just without the gimmicky need to switch the view to a third-person. Tapping a shoulder button attaches you to the nearest wall or object, with the ability to move around it and lean and peek out of cover to shoot. It's not without its problems, but it does provide a more tangible blend of old-school PC style and newer examples without degenerating into the virtual equivalent of whack-a-mole.
Guerrilla certainly deserves credit for its implementation of motion-sensitive controls as well. Wisely opting to restrict its usage to the gimmicky nature that it deserves instead of trying to develop control setups inextricably based around it, KillZone 2 uses the SixAxis/DualShock 3 motion controls for subtle commands such as turning gauges, steadying your aim when sniping, or planting mines - brilliant. Thankfully it's also largely a solid game without the glitches or bugs that thwarted the original. AI is generally very impressive and puts up a good challenge, although the kamikaze technique of certain Helghan troops does provide a weakness that can easily be exploited. As did the availability of the Electricity Gun during a later stage, its imbalance completely removing the sense of challenge from a game that generally steps up in challenge suitably as it progresses.
Of course no shooter is worth its RRP on a single-player campaign alone. It's the online multiplayer that really makes KillZone 2 an essential purchase, and surprisingly where Guerrilla Games has been at their most inventive. Despite the clamour for online play, we've got to applaud Guerrilla Games for including the relatively rare addition of bot support.
With the inclusion of persistent careers linked with the XP system, KillZone 2 may not radically push the boundaries, but the 'Warzone' mode does at least provide something that feels fresh in a fiercely competitive genre. Essentially it's a compendium of tried-and-tested game types into one cohesive game. Such an example begins with the two teams attempting to gain control of command points, the victor winning the round, before the next objective is something like defending or attempting to assassinate a VIP. There's nothing particularly new but the idea to combine each type into one mode is genius, and you're left asking why nobody's really tried this before. The only potential pitfall for KillZone 2 to overcome is whether or not the PlayStation Network can sustain the huge number of hours we expect KillZone 2 to quickly notch up.
Final Rating: 9/10
Enjoy!
The VGToday Crew
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Fallout 3 Operation Anchorage DLC Priced and Dated
Bethesda released some more details about the DLC and we are here to bring that to you. First, the level cap will be raised for purchasers of the DLC from 20 to 30, but if you have finished the game with a character...you're out of luck, you have to start a new one for the DLC. Also, ninja armor (as seen above courtesy of Xbox360Fanboy) will become available. As puclically known, the DLc will also include areas in Alaska where you fight against Chinese survivors. The DLc is priced at 10$ (800 Microsoft Points) and is due to release this month for the Xbox 360 and Pc.
Enjoy!
The VGToday Crew
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Happy New Year!
Us at VGToday just wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year. We also have a special report from a Private Investigator finally proving how the Xbox 360 copied the Playstation 3! Click to view the rest of the post to see it!
Enjoy!
The VGToday Crew
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Cliffy B Must Be Crying About Now...
Epic Game's latest blockbuster release Gears of War 2 only held it's grip on the number one seat of the xbox live charts for a short while. It has now fallen down to the number four seat. Halo 3 is back to the number one, followed by CoD:WaW and CoD4...then Gears 2. This also means even slower matchmaking for the Gears folks. Hopefully those Christmas Sales will boost Cliffy B's confidence again, and ours!
Enjoy!
The VGToday Crew
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Banjo-Kazooie Delayed for XBLA
Banjoo-Kazooie, the 1998 platformer hit, is now delayed until December 3rd for release on the Xbox Live Arcade. The game will feature a new control scheme, compared to the original Nintendo 64 game, and HD graphics. There will be no there will be no additional content that was not on the original game. Microsoft says they delayed the release, from November 26th, because of problems with pro-orders of the full retail Banjo game, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. People that preordered the full game, got a code for the XBLA for free, 2 weeks before the public release of the XBLA game. Due to shipping errors, and the codes not arriving to many costumers, Microsoft is extending the "Exclusivity" period another week. Once again, the game will be available via XBLA on December 3rd for 1200 Microsoft Points (15$ USD).
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Fallout 3 First Impressions
Fallout 3, one of this year's Triple-A RPG's (Roleplaying Game) hit shelves this past Wednesday. The game places you in post-apocalyptic Washington, D.C. The game begins with you being born "in Vault 101", an underground fallout shelter, where you can custom the appearance of your character to be. You then have segments of your childhood, at one year old and your first time walking. This fits great into the walking and movement tutorial. Then you eventually turn 10 years of age and receive your Pip-Boy 3000, which is basically a personal PDA device strapped onto your arm. At this segment you meet some of the people in the Vault like Butch, the Overseer, Amata, etc.
I am going to stop there with story details to avoid spoilers, needless to say you soon escape the vault. Note, this is just my first impressions not a review as I have not finished the game fully yet. The game controls handle well and the graphics look amazing on my HDTV. You should save before leaving the vault because the opening scene is one of the best scenes in recent video games. Stepping out from the vault, the first sunlight you ever see hits your eyes and you are blinded for a few moments before adjusting to the light and seeing the ruins of, what used to be, Washington D.C. Not only is the scene great, but once you realize, "Hey, I can go ANYWHERE I can see right now" you realize this is what "Triple-A Game" really means. From atop the hill you exit the vault from you can see famous buildings such as the Washington Monument and the Interstate Super Highway.
From there it is up to you. You can proceed with your Main Story and go to a town named "Megaton". Megaton is a city built around an atomic bomb that landed but never exploded. This transitions into what I will talk about next, the moral choices in the game. Many RPGs try to bring this into their games...but Fallout 3 really succeeds. You will soon face a hard decision in Megaton that will ultimately shape how you play the game. When you enter Megaton you can, and will, go to the local Saloon. You meet a Mr. Burke who wants help detonating the A-bomb in the city so wipe the town off the map. Now, you can agree to this and go through with it. Or you can run to the sheriff you met when you first entered Megaton. I choose to be the "goody-goody" during my first play through so I immediately run to the Sheriff. I tell him what happened and we heads to the Saloon. After telling Burke he is arrested and turns his back for a second, Burke pulls out his 10mm Silenced Pistol. This is another point in the game that sees how you react to what is happening. You can sit and let the Sheriff die, or you can kill Burke before he assassinates the Sheriff. This is what RPGs are supposed to be like, your decisions REALLY matter. This is not some Peter Molyneux "fake" moral decisions as seen in past Fable games.
I will stop there and leave you to think upon what RPG you will be picking up this holiday season. With the November rush of games this year, Fallout 3 really stands out well in the crowd.
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Fallout 3 Succeeds...
...in bringing one of the best RPG experiences to date. Everything looks great and stepping out of the vault was one of the best gaming moments I've have in a long time. I even suggest saving before leaving the vault so you can see it again. It is one of those "Wow, this is what a good game looks and feels like!". I will have a full review up soon (Once I finish the story once). Below are the list of achievements:
Vault 101 Citizenship Award: 10 points
Got the Pip-Boy 3000
The G.O.A.T. Whisperer: 10 points
Took the G.O.A.T.
Escape!: 20 points
Completed "Escape!"
Following in His Footsteps: 20 points
Completed "Following in His Footsteps"
Galaxy News Radio: 20 points
Completed "Galaxy News Radio"
Scientific Pursuits: 20 points
Completed "Scientific Pursuits"
Tranquility Lane: 20 points
Completed "Tranquility Lane"
The Waters of Life: 20 points
Completed "The Waters of Life"
Picking up the Trail: 20 points
Completed "Picking up the Trail"
Rescue from Paradise: 20 points
Completed "Rescue from Paradise"
Finding the Garden of Eden: 20 points
Completed "Finding the Garden of Eden"
The American Dream: 20 points
Completed "The American Dream"
Take it Back!: 40 points
Completed "Take it Back!"
Big Trouble in Big Town: 20 points
Completed "Big Trouble in Big Town"
The Superhuman Gambit: 20 points
Completed "The Superhuman Gambit"
The Wasteland Survival Guide: 20 points
Completed "The Wasteland Survival Guide"
Those!: 20 points
Completed "Those!"
The Nuka-Cola Challenge: 20 points
Completed "The Nuka-Cola Challenge"
Head of State: 20 points
Completed "Head of State"
The Replicated Man: 20 points
Completed "The Replicated Man"
Blood Ties: 20 points
Completed "Blood Ties"
Oasis: 20 points
Completed "Oasis"
The Power of the Atom: 20 points
Completed "The Power of the Atom"
Tenpenny Tower: 20 points
Completed "Tenpenny Tower"
Strictly Business: 20 points
Completed "Strictly Business"
You Gotta Shoot 'Em in the Head: 20 points
Completed "You Gotta Shoot 'Em in the Head"
Stealing Independence: 20 points
Completed "Stealing Independence"
Trouble on the Homefront: 20 points
Completed "Trouble on the Homefront"
Agatha's Song: 20 points
Completed "Agatha's Song"
Reilly's Rangers: 20 points
Completed "Reilly's Rangers"
Reaver: 10 points
Reached Level 8 with Bad Karma
Mercenary: 10 points
Reached Level 8 with Neutral Karma
Protector: 10 points
Reached Level 8 with Good Karma
Harbinger of War: 20 points
Reached Level 14 with Bad Karma
Pinnacle of Survival: 20 points
Reached Level 14 with Neutral Karma
Ambassador of Peace: 20 points
Reached Level 14 with Good Karma
Scourge of Humanity: 30 points
Reached Level 20 with Bad Karma
Paradigm of Humanity: 30 points
Reached Level 20 with Neutral Karma
Last, Best Hope of Humanity: 30 points
Reached Level 20 with Good Karma
Weaponsmith: 30 points
Made one of every custom weapon
Doesn't Play Well with Others: 20 points
Killed 300 people
Slayer of Beasts: 20 points
Killed 300 creatures
Silver-Tongued Devil: 20 points
Won 50 Speech Challenges
Data Miner: 20 points
Hacked 50 terminals
Keys are for Cowards: 20 points
Picked 50 locks
One-Man Scouting Party: 20 points
Discovered 100 locations
Psychotic Prankster: 10 points
Placed a grenade or mine while pickpocketing
The Bigger They Are…: 20 points
Kill all the Super Mutant Behemoths
Yes, I Play with Dolls: 10 points
Collected 10 Vault-Tec Bobbleheads
Vault-Tec C.E.O.: 30 points
Collected 20 Vault-Tec Bobbleheads
Everyone enjoy!
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Xbox Live Returns
After one day (24 Hours) of no Xbox Live worldwide, it is back. Incase you didnt know what this update was, here is what Major Nelson said:
On Monday, 9/29/2008 from 12:01 AM PST for up to 24 hours, Xbox Live will be offline for maintenance. As a result, Xbox LIVE and the ‘My Xbox’ section of Xbox.com will be unavailable, and the Xbox forums will be in read only mode (you won’t be able to post.) The remainder of Xbox.com will be available with limited interruptions.
This service maintenance is in preparation for the new Xbox experience which will be available later this fall.
Let me reiterate: When the service returns, you will not have any new features and you will not have the new Xbox experience update. That will happen later this Fall.
So I will once again say for everyone that you will NOT be getting the new experience when you turn on your Xbox today.
Anyways, Xbox Live is back online and hit me up if you want to play, my gamertag is at the right.
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Welcome!
Welcome to my new blog. I have been in the "blogging business" for awhile now, and have blogs on Affiliate Marketing, and a blog on just general things I want to rant about. I closed those down so I could open up my own blog here and focus primarily on it.
This blog will contain reviews, previews, interviews (Hopefully!), editorials, and much more. I hope you will stick around and bare with me as I get some blogs up to start me off. I'd appreciate to have you subscribe to the blog, and/or even "follow" me, if you are a Blogger.com user.
That is it for my opening post, hope to write more soon. Until then,
Lava~
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