Warp Zoned Presents
Author: Mike Gutierrez
Uncharted 3 going for the multiplayer throne, new details are overwhelming
Uncharted 2 had a strong multiplayer offering, but it didn’t feature the same map count, mode diversity, or depth of customization that some of the more established online juggernauts entail. Naughty Dog is looking to take it to the next level with their second bite at the apple, with tons of new features for Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. These will include sprinting in multiplayer, tag team deathmatch, free for all, and being able to kick your enemies off of a ledge.
But there’s even more. As Community Manager Arne Meyer gushed in the PlayStation Blog, there will be a ton of customizations, from character skins to usable weapon upgrades, like scopes and bigger clips. There are new Boosters as well, though they’ve included the favorites from the second game, too. There’s also an in-game reward system, an underdog option called Power Play, Late Join which will help keep matches full, ties to social media, and multiplayer co-op – though they couldn’t say much about that, and I’m more interested in the single-player co-op options, which is something the fans have been clamoring for.
You’ll be able to witness the glory in a multiplayer beta for InFamous 2 purchasers and PlayStation Plus subscribers that opens on June 28. Check the video above for these features in action with some epic, jaw-dropping moments, and hit the jump for a full interview (courtesy of GamerLive.tv) with Naughty Dog’s Co-President, Christophe Balestra.
I don’t know if I can wait until 11/1/11 for this game to be released. (more…)
Posted in News, PS3
Tagged Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception
PS3 blurs the line between PC and console with Under Siege on May 3
Under Siege has been in development for quite some time, but it’s coming out shortly for the PlayStation 3 on May 3. Priced at $19.99, the game is a Real Time Strategy title where players engage in tactical combat in a fantasy setting. The game will come with a host of features you’d expect from a PC title in the genre, including a map and mode editor, video recording, screenshot capture, and more. It also contains sweet console features like splitscreen play and custom soundtrack. With PlayStation Move support mitigating the incompetence of a controller with such titles, Under Siege sounds like an awesome blend of PC and console gaming.
Posted in News
Zipper entices you to buy new copies with “SOCOM Pro”
We’ve seen publishers struggle against the second-hand market of used games with numerous programs and initiatives, from Online Pass to Project Ten Dollar. Sony and Zipper are taking a page out of EA’s book with the announcement of SOCOM Pro with all new copies of SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs.
This Pro version will give all purchasers of new copies a PlayStation Network redemption code. Redeeming it gives you access to the SOCOM Pro custom game types, many of which you may be familiar with if you participated in the beta. The four modes initially available will include “Community Day Classic,” “Last Defense Run ‘n Gun,” “SCRUM,” and “Sniper Alley.” Players will also get a little extra firepower in their arsenal, with the classic M-16 and AK-47 both available for use in the game.
Zipper has teased future additions for the service, which include “exclusive multiplayer maps, various co-op additions, dedicated leaderboards, and lots more.” If you don’t buy a new copy of the game, you can purchase SOCOM Pro for $14.99 from the PlayStation Store, but not until April 26.
I’m usually for “Project Ten Dollar”-ish programs, mostly because I almost exclusively buy new games; I just hope this doesn’t dilute the potential for custom lobbies or divide the community too much. We’ll see the effects of this when SOCOM 4 launches on the PlayStation 3 tomorrow.
Posted in News, PS3
Tagged SOCOM 4: US Navy SEALs
American McGee’s Alice returns with Alice: Madness Returns
Yo dawg, I heard you like Alice, so I… nevermind. American McGee had a little exchange with CVG, discussing how a game without multiplayer can achieve the longevity of of the typical modern game. He disclosed that Alice: Madness Returns will have a strong DLC stream flowing throughout its lifespan, such as dresses that will augment Alice’s powers and change how you have to play the game.
However, the most impressive feature, beefing up the game’s content offering, will be the inclusion of its predecessor, American McGee’s Alice, with all console copies of the game. The formerly PC/Mac-only game will be available via a download code given with all copies of the sequel on the PS3 and Xbox 360. There’s no word yet on if it’ll be available to people who didn’t purchase Alice: Madness Returns or if PC buyers will receive the downloadable bonus.
Alice: Madness Returns releases for PC, Mac, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 on June 14.
UPDATE: EA has informed Joystiq that they’re not ready to comment on this, saying “Unfortunately, we do not have information in regards to Alice: Madness Returns including the original Alice game.”
Posted in News, PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Tagged Alice: Madness Returns, American McGee's Alice
PlayStation 3: Over 50 million served
Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. has announced that the PlayStation 3 has reached a milestone in sales, pushing over 50 million consoles since it launched in 2006. As Microsoft made a similar announcement just this past January, this means that the PS3 has accomplished the same feat almost a full year faster than the Xbox 360.
Sony released a number of statistics along with the announcement: over 8 million PlayStation Move units have been sold (the same number Microsoft claimed for Kinect in January) and over 75 million PlayStation Network accounts have been registered across 59 countries.
With Blu-Ray support, free online multiplayer, and a solid exclusive lineup year in and year out, it’s no wonder why the PS3 has been such a hit. Since launching with a lofty price tag, the media has constantly derided the console for not being as successful as the 360, an assumption made rather confusing in light of this recent news.
Rumors grow stronger for Nintendo HD console
The whispers have spoken incessantly about it, the gamers have begged for it, and Michael Pachter has said it would fail. Ladies and gentlemen, the High Definition successor to the Wii is coming very close to its confirmation.
Game Informer reports multiple sources have confirmed that Nintendo will definitely unveil an HD console at this year’s E3, if not sooner. The common denominator from all sources is that it will run in High Definition; whether it will surpass, compete with, or fall short of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 is up in the air.
Apparently, Nintendo is showing the console to third party publishers already, in order to garner support early on, and possibly even go after the western gamer. This could remedy the lack of third party support that has plagued Nintendo since the N64 days.
I declare the plausible speculation season for this year’s E3 TO BE OPEN for gamers.
Final Fantasy V out on European PSN
We caught word a little more than a week ago that Final Fantasy V was being brought to the PSN with some additional cutscenes. It seems the European PlayStation Store has updated, bringing FFV to the PSOne Classics section.
First Vagrant Story, now this? Someone at SCE Europe must have a good connection at Square Enix. Maybe Sir Howard Stringer is a big fan of Ex-Death… Oh well, hopefully it just means we can expect it next week. If not, our PSPs can be occupied with Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection, coming out next Tuesday.
Posted in News, PS3, PSP
Tagged Final Fantasy V