Condemned
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Cult horror franchise owner seeks indie dev for new 'Condemned' game
Condemned is coming back. Maybe. A few days ago, former Monolith Productions (Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, No One Lives Forever) boss Jace Hall posted something very interesting to Facebook: He wants to find an indie game development team to pick up the reigns of his Xbox 360 cult-classic franchise, Condemned, and make another game where you battle supernatural creatures and deranged hobos. He owns the rights to the horror franchise, but despite consistent demand, he's too busy with other projects to work on a new game himself. Thankfully for Condemned fans, Hall's got a plan.
Halloween Horror Streams: Shadow of Condemned: Criminal Origins
Shadow of Mordor isn't a scary game. Building up pressure in high stakes scenarios is something it excels at, but making with the scares? Not these orcs. Developer Monolith Productions probably just needed a break, though. It's coming off a decade of smart, very scary games. Condemned: Criminal Origins looms large among them. One of the very first games out there for Xbox 360, Condemned's murder mystery still has power, hence why it's a perfect selection for our Halloween Horror Streams. Starting at 4:00PM EST on Joystiq.com/Twitch, we'll be streaming the PC version of Condemned for your pleasure. Xav de Matos (@Xav), a man who readily admits to being terribly frightened by first-person horror games, will take the helm. Anthony John Agnello (@ajohnagnello) will hang in the chat offering moral support. Joystiq.com/Twitch broadcasts every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:00PM EST, but we stream at other times too so make sure to follow us on Twitch to know when we're live. [Images: Sega]
Hyperspace Beacon: One step forward...
You might notice that the Hyperspace Beacon changed its face a bit. That's because I'm reporting from the Guild Summit in Austin, Texas -- BioWare's headquarters. Over 250 guilds and fan sites were invited to not only see the team's plans for Star Wars: The Old Republic but also voice their ideas for what they want from the game. Of course, a game carrying the Star Wars name appeals to a large diverse group of people, and not just because of the Star Wars IP; BioWare has created a name for itself with incredible story-driven games like Mass Effect 3, which released this morning. Among the pre-summit discussion was the question of whether and how much BioWare leans on the Star Wars IP for the success of the game. The consensus among the guild leaders I spoke to was an interesting and surprising one: Although BioWare certainly leaned on Star Wars for the story elements of the game, the lack of huge success for the most recent LucasArts games suggests that the Star Wars IP actually leaned on BioWare's reputation. When I jumped into Q&A with the guild leaders, I half-expected a bunch of over-enthusiastic fanboys. I was pleasantly surprised to find that, although they were fans, those invited to this summit were very level-headed and oftentimes critical of the game's development. Thankfully, during the course of the summit, the developers were equally willing to address these concerns.
Science picks Dead Space 2 as 360's scariest game
You could rely on your friends, game critics or helpful GameStop sales associates to tell you which games are scary, but that's so two-thousand-and-late. We're sticking with science, thanks to this helpful feature from Gamasutra, which used player feedback and biometric data to rate not only the most frightening games, but their most horrifying moments. [Update: The study itself was conducted by Vertical Slice, so if you're looking for dream jobs in the research field, that's where we'd start.) A victor was picked, but some of the study's other conclusions were more interesting. For instance: The threat of combat was typically scarier than combat itself. Also, gore, while provocative, wasn't, particularly frightening. The game that understood those concepts the best? Well, that would be Dead Space 2, which took the brass ring over Condemned, Alan Wake and Resident Evil 5. Presumably, Sherlock Holmes: Nemesis was not in the running.
Condemned to Games on Demand
Now that Sega's Condemned has been added to the Xbox Live Games on Demand service (for $19.99), you can get started with the suspense even before you play it! Turn the lights off, curl up on the couch with some popcorn and just watch it download. When will it be finished? No one knows! Condemned is available everywhere but Australia, India, Japan and New Zealand. Instead, in Japan -- and Japan only -- Guilty Gear 2: Overture has been added to Games On Demand for ¥2,940 ($32.75). Additionally, in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan, Ridge Racer 6 is now available -- also for ¥2,940 in Japan, with prices varying by region. Shortcut: Add Condemned to your download queue [via Xbox.com]
Monolith hiring for new 'first-person action game'
Monolith Productions -- the developers behind titles such as F.E.A.R., Condemned, and, if you're an older gamer, No One Lives Forever -- are looking for a software engineer for a "triple-A next-generation console title," as a recent job posting on the developer's site points out. Further down into the nitty-gritty of the listing, you'll find a brief description for this new Xbox 360, PS3, and PC title: "Work closely with engineers, designers, and artists on the creation of game systems for a cutting-edge first-person action game on PlayStation 3, XBox 360 and PC." And, sadly, that's about all of the information on the game the job listing provides. With F.E.A.R. 2 releasing this past February, we'd be hard-pressed to consider a new entry in that series, so we're crossing our fingers for a new No One Lives Forever. [Via IGN]
ASA bans Condemned 2 telly ad five months late
The UK's Advertising Standards Authority has banned a pair of Condemned 2: Bloodshot commercials, just a little over five months after the game's release. Unlike the whopping 26 complaints that got a Kane & Lynch ad banned, the Condemned 2 spot was washed away in the deluge of ... nine complaints. Despite the pair of violent commercials being cleared for post-9PM showing, the ASA determined that "viewers were likely to find those scenes offensive and distressing and to see them as condoning real violence and cruelty." Check out what we believe to be one of the offensive ads, after the break. [Via GamePolitics]
Condemned 2 demo hits Xbox Live
We're a little nervous about a new demo for Condemned 2 that was released on Xbox Live this morning. It's not that it's not worth your time (it is) or your money (it's free). We're just concerned that you'll get the wrong idea about Condemned 2 from the provided sample. If it's the first level of the game, believe us when we say it gets way better. The enemies get smarter, the environments more varied, the weapons get cooler the deeper you get into the game, so don't go getting turned off by the demo slice. We should warn you though that the new Ethan Thomas voice guy doesn't get any less awful. We pine for you, Greg Grunberg. We pine.%Gallery-5081%
Zero Punctuation loves Condemned 2 ... until halfway through
Zero Punctuation's Yahtzee beats up sleep-deprived hobos this week for his Condemned 2: Bloodshot review and, up until the midway point, was all set to name it "game of the year." Apparently, Condemned 2 suffers from the same disease which afflicted Indigo Prophecy (Fahrenheit to our European friends), where the game took a left turn halfway through and players were introduced to concepts that ruined everything built up to that point. Those who played Indigo Prophecy (and were enjoying themselves) probably remember the moment that game went from intriguing to ridiculous. Get your homeless-beating fix after the break with this week's NSFW review of Condemned 2: Bloodshot.
Offset your sin footprint with OffSetTheEvil.com
We know that playing Condemned 2 is a brutal, blunt experience and it seems that Sega does too. OffSetTheEvil.com allows you to balance your karma by "offsetting the evil" much like you would with your carbon footprint. Thankfully, offsetting evil doesn't cost a penny - instead you simply need to explore the sickly sweet saturday-morning cartoon of a website. Once there you can make yourself feel less wicked by playing a ridiculous flash game involving helping horses across a river. Don't worry if they fall in, though. They still love you! If that's not for you then explore the Forest of Fairy Flowers, with hidden links to sites which will teach you to dance or show videos of the Teletubbies. There's plenty more content to reduce your sin footprint included on the site. If you can handle it, that is.
Metareview: Condemned 2 (PS3, 360)
As one of the earlier Xbox 360 first-person titles, reviewers probably judged the first Condemned with slightly rose-tinted glasses. As such, we were a littler unsure what the response would be to Monolith's follow-up, Condemned 2: Bloodshot. So far, the game seems to be faring really well with improved crime-scene investigating and combat, as well as plenty of scares. 1UP (91/100): "This first-person action-shooter-cum-supernatural thriller follows the events of the first game. But while the spooks are similar -- think ambient sounds, disrupted vision, and yes, monster closets -- developer Monolith has fine-tuned the gameplay." GameTrailers (80/100): "The original Condemned was really the first of its kind. The first-person pugilism, investigative challenges, and somber tone have been expanded for Bloodshot. Still, the experience remains relatively the same-just more supernatural and less plausible this time around." Game Informer (88/100): "Condemned 2: Bloodshot is probably the best survival horror title we've seen this generation. The online multiplayer modes aren't going to blow your mind, but they are a thoughtful addition. It's got a higher level of action than its predecessor, and some gorgeous horror backdrops." Gallery: Condemned 2: Bloodshot (Xbox 360, PS3)
Shipping this week: Ethan's back edition
While for many this week represents one game and one game only, we would be remiss if we didn't point out that Condemned 2: Bloodshot is heading to stores as well (at least we think it is). Condemned was one of the best games of the Xbox 360 launch lineup and, based on what we've seen, Bloodshot looks to build upon its predecessor's success. Also, football (the non-US kind) fans have something to be happy about in Pro Evolution Soccer 2008. Unfortunately, that's all 360 fans get this week, so we hope you like beating people to a bloody pulp for no good reason or, if that's not your thing, you can always pick up Condemned 2.
New games this week: Super Smash Bros. Brawl edition
What, are you surprised? The featured game this week is none other than Super Smash Bros. Brawl. We'd almost like to give it to George of the Jungle for going toe-to-toe on the Wii with Smash. Keep on chasing that rainbow, George. If you're in the mood for something a bit less brawly, this week also marks the release of Condemned 2: Revenge of the Zombos Bloodshot. We've got a full list for you right after the break. %Gallery-8530%
Condemned 2 possibly delayed until April 4th?
Previously scheduled for release on the 11th of March, PlayFrance is now reporting that Sega has delayed the game further, pushing back the release to April 4th. With the demo for the game having also having been pushed back and now with no final release date of its own, it isn't difficult to see how the final game is not ready for release. Plus, the demo's delay is not the only sign of minor hang-ups, as the latest dev diary discusses the fact that the game has not gone to final certification due to a host of factors including, but not limited to, feature-creep. With the dev diary still listing the game as hitting the 11th, having been posted on the 7th, and discussing the fact the game hits "next month" there is still some question as to the official release date. But with both PlayFrance and Amazon listing the game as hitting on April 4th, it's possible that this title is condemned to hit late. [Read, PlayFrance] [Read, Condemned 2: Dev Diary]
Bloodshot commercial scares us (in a good way)
It's really hard to come by interesting office stories. "So this one time, Bill-from-accounting and I were sitting in the break room, right?" See? It's already boring. But how about this one: "Hey, remember that time when all the filing cabinets started bleeding and we were attacked by demons with mouths full of metal?" Much more interesting. It would seem, then, that this Condemned 2: Bloodshot commercial was concocted for the sole purpose of proving that an office can be scary (and not in that dead end job, "I'll never make manager" kind of way). Indeed, the commercial is pretty frightening, but it begs the question: what other locations could use a spooky makeover? Our vote: the DMV.
Condemned 2 Xbox Live achievements detailed
Information leaked earlier this week highlighting achievements in the upcoming survival horror romp Condemned 2: Bloodshot left us scratching our heads as we pondered precisely what "5 scoops of everything" or "You never forget your first time" really meant. Now, Sega has clarified things a bit, sending over a detailed synopsis of what we can expect to have to do in order to feed our Gamerscore with an additional 1000 zesty points. In total, the game will offer 565 points in the single player campaign, with the remaining 435 requiring players to take on the game's new multiplayer modes. In the interest of soiling virgin eyes, we've moved the complete breakdown of Condemned 2's 40 achievements after the break. [Via press release] %Gallery-5081%
Condemned 2 achievements revealed, creepy
360Sync had an exclusive first-look at the achievements for the upcoming survival-horror game, Condemned 2: Bloodshot. The sequel to the 2005 Xbox 360 launch title has achievement tasks that will sound mighty familiar to gamers, including finding various television sets and completing the game without the use of a firearm. While the achievements, as they often do, have vague descriptions to them we're a little scared to ask what the "A La Mode: 5 scoops of everything," achievement could possibly stand for. Also, we're not even going to talk about the "Survivor King: Bum Rush Survivor multiple times" cheevo. We'd hate to throw out spoilers!
PSN Thursday: Sadists rejoice with new PAIN character
Not through pummeling your pixelated pals with PAIN? Well, this week the PSN update will allow you to procure for a pittance a pirate to persistently pound into pavement. Skurv Dogg is a new downloadable character for PSN's PAIN at a mere $.99. Beyond that there's your normal serving of Rock Band DLC with a side order of No Doubt for Guitar Hero III. Want more? Um, there's the Star Trek teaser trailer in glorious HD to fill your television screen for a little over a minute. Check out the complete list of content after the break and go say hi to the gentlemen at PS3 Fanboy for European update details.
Condemned 2: Bloodshot demo inbound [Update]
Update: Major Nelson told us he doesn't know details on an upcoming Condemned 2: Bloodshot demo. The demo detail page has been edited to say, "Coming soon is the free Marketplace demo giving a glimpse into the incredibly brutal world of Condemned 2: Bloodshot™." Rest assured Condemned 2: Bloodshot is most certainly a Mature rated game and those interested in finding out why may be able to very soon. Currently the bottom of the Xbox.com product page for Condemned 2: Bloodshot reads, "Experience it now with the free demo." Clicking ahead brings you to a description page, which has a published date of February 27, that outlines the demo experience: "This free Marketplace demo gives you a glimpse into the incredibly brutal world of Condemned 2: Bloodshot™. You begin outside the lowest, seediest dive in town and your situation goes downhill from there, starting with a rapidly escalating fight with some back alley-thugs that show you the ropes of the combat system." After a few sweeps of the Xbox Live Marketplace we can safely say the demo isn't up yet but considering the March 11, 2008 release date is quickly approaching it may only be a matter of time before we're breaking a chair over someones head. You know, someone who isn't an X3F intern - but don't worry it's cool because they don't get paid, so they don't have any rights. [Thanks, MightyHealthy]
Condemned 2's multiplayer modes revealed
Sega said awhile back that Condemned 2: Bloodshot would feature online multiplayer, but we never really knew exactly what that would entail, until now. Sega revealed today that Condemned, which ships on March 11, will feature four online multiplayer modes that supports up to eight players simultaneously.Those modes are: Crime Scene is a round-based competition to find and protect valuable evidence within the Condemned universe. One team will use its forensic tools to track and scan the evidence while the opposing team will do everything in its power to keep the evidence hidden and protected. Bum Rush is a team-based race against time. With three minutes before one team can safely be evacuated, players must hold off an onslaught of attacks by the other team until the timer runs out to stand a chance of survival. Deathmatch is the classic free-for-all mode. Players can use every weapon they can find to dispatch enemies as quickly as possible in this melee battle royale. The player with the highest score at the end of the time limit wins. Team Deathmatch is the team-based version of the classic free-for-all mode. Working together, players pick up weapons from the environment and fight off as many enemies as possible before the clock runs down. The team with the highest score after the time limit wins. It appears Sega's giving players the standard multiplayer modes that we've all come to love, but Crime Scene sounds pretty interesting as it is the only one to be centered around the game's excellent forensic tool system. The more we hear from this game, the more excited we get. We can't wait until March!
