Author: Mike Gutierrez
Resident Evil 4 HD, Code Veronica X HD gameplay is looking pretty good
On the upcoming episode of the Warp Zoned podcast, we talk about Ashley from Resident Evil 4, and how she’s one of our most hated characters in gaming. If you’re someone who loathed her, you better get used to the idea of spending a lot more time with her, as you’re probably going to want to pick up the high definition remake of RE4. It’s looking really great, as is Resident Evil Code: Veronica X HD, which you can see after the jump.
Resident Evil 4 HD releases on the PlayStation Store and Xbox 360 Games on Demand on September 20, with Resident Evil Code: Veronica X HD arrriving on both platforms a week later, on September 27. (more…)
Redesigned Xbox 360 headset and remote coming in November
Xbox 360 has a big holiday season coming up, and it’s only appropriate that new accessories are on the way. This year, Microsoft will be shipping a redesigned Xbox 360 headset as well as remote controller. In addition to sporting new, super-shiny designs, they’ve also got some new features to brag about. The headset comes with different ear pieces and sports “Blue Tooth Mode.” While the headset uses the standard radio frequencies to communicate with your Xbox, putting it in Blue Tooth mode allows you to use it with other Blue Tooth devices, such as cell phones, computers, and… wait, what was that other thingy? Oh, right, PlayStation 3s. The remote controller is your standard device, but it will be compatible with Microsoft’s vague Live TV services coming to Xbox Live.
For more information and some sweet shiny pics, head over to Major Nelson’s blog.
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North “Fellowship” trailer is kind of emotional
Despite featuring a stereotypical fantasy narration, the latest trailer for The Lord of the Rings: War in the North really goes at the heart of what friendship and courage are all about. Although completely rendered in CGI, it gets you amped for the story and excited for the co-operative gameplay.
War in the North will hit PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 on August 24. You can get an arrow quiver if you pre-order it.
Choose the official female Shepard for Mass Effect 3
Fans and critics alike praised Jennifer Hale’s portrayal of the female version of Commander Shepard in the highly acclaimed Mass Effect games. As the feminine version of the protagonist garners more attention, BioWare wants to shine more of the spotlight on her with an official rendition. Fans may go to this Facebook page to let their voice be heard and “Like” their choice for the official, standard version of Commander Shepard for Mass Effect 3. Right now, contestant number five, featured left, appears to have a clear lead, with an alleged 2,300 votes. As the only blond of the lot, it would appear fans are subconsciously associating Mass Effect with Metroid, or there’s a strong Aryan demographic amongst Mass Effect fans.
Personally, I applaud BioWare for letting fans have a say in the development of the game. We’ve all seen how well that’s worked out in the past.
Level-5 North American subsidiary now open for business
Japanese power-house developer Level-5, known for the Professor Layton and modern Dragon Quest games, opened the doors for Level-5 International America, Inc., as well as its website and community presence. This is a big step forward for the developer, with CEO Akihiro Hino stating, “Level-5 IA will not only release games developed in Japan, but we are also planning to create original content for the U.S.”
While many Japanese developers and publishers stumble while trying to break into the “Western” market, I have a feeling the geniuses at Level-5 will find creative ways to utilize the new studio and bring unique experiences to gamers.
White Knight Chronicles II, the latest console game from the studio, will release in September for the PlayStation 3.
Gamers unite for campaign to bring back Mega Man Legends 3
Capcom has had a string of bad news last week, none more disappointing than the cancellation of Mega Man Legends 3 for the Nintendo 3DS. Die-hard fans have responded in a number of ways, but none as classy or hopeful as the group “100,000 Strong for Bringing Back Mega Man Legends 3.” Hoping to take the high ground in this mess, the group states, “we want them [Capcom] to see the error of their ways, not go out of business.” You can keep up to date with the group through their official site, Facebook page, or by following them on Twitter.
Their cause is a noble endeavor and we at Warp Zoned wish them the best of luck. If you have a second be sure to like their Facebook, it’s the least you could do for dedicated fans of a much-missed franchise.
Nintendo sheds more light on 2012 Zelda Symphony tour
Nintendo recently hashed out more of the details on the upcoming Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony tour. Speaking with Destructoid, Nintendo’s Bill Trinen said the 2012 global tour will differ from the October 21 show in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles show is an extension of a Japanese concert Zelda composer Koji Kondo put on, featuring a set list “hand-picked by Koji Kondo and his team.” This is a kind of “three time only” event, as a final show will take place at an unannounced European venue before the global tour kicks off in 2012.
The 2012 tour will focus on North America and the U.S., and will likely feature a distinct set list from the October show. JMP Productions, also known for PLAY! – A Video Game Symphony, will manage the run. There’s currently no plans beyond next year, but Trinen promised it would be pretty extensive.
Tickets for the October 21 event go on sale August 1 and you can get more information on the upcoming tour from the official site.
Epic hints at more Unreal universe titles
Unreal Tournament III was kind of amazing. With cross-platform play between PC and PlayStation 3, keyboard & mouse support for the latter, as well as the ability to put any mod off the internet on that version, it was the ultimate bridge between PC and console gaming, something no title since has come close to matching. Some saw it as a simplification, but I would absolutely love to see what Epic does with a new entry.
Epic Games President Mike Capps acknowledged that Unreal has been off the shelf a little too long since it’s last 2007 release. “It’s been a long time since we shipped an Unreal game, and it’s an awfully loved franchise that we hold pretty dear here. We haven’t been giving it the attention it deserves because we’ve been focusing on Gears of War and we’re still a relatively small company.” Capps went on to say that Unreal may have plans in their upcoming business strategies. “We’ve been sort of focused on making new properties, which you’ve seen with Shadow Complex, BulletStorm and Infinity Blade, but sometimes I think just as a businessman that maybe we should be spending some more time with our existing franchises.”
I love it when business and fandom collide.