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Counterfeiters already have fake 'BTTF' Nikes with power laces
Nike won't have its Back to the Future 2 kicks on shelves until next year, but it looks like the folks who make their money selling knockoffs aren't waiting around. Since Nike announced the Mags with power laces will be a very limited edition available only via auction, we can expect a healthy market for fakes. Kicks On Fire points out this Instagram video by fake_education -- an account that generally points out ways to tell real shoes from their unauthorized twins -- showing a power lacing system already integrated with a pair of knockoff Mags. Of course we're sure you would never stoop so low as to intentionally buy fakes, but when Marty McFly's futuristic shoes start to surface in suspicious quantities and prices, remember this video.
Nike's power-laced 'Back to the Future' shoes arrive in 2016
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few hours, then you know today is Back to the Future Day. In the trilogy's second film, Michael J. Fox's character Martin Seamus McFly, better known as Marty, gave us a glimpse of how things would look on October 21st, 2015. And even though the future according to the movie may have not been fully accurate (which is okay), Marty's power-laced Nike sneakers are indeed a reality. While the sportswear juggernaut did release the Mag in 2011, that version didn't use the self-lacing technology we saw in Back to the Future Part II. But don't worry, the actual Marty McFly shoes are coming in spring 2016, Nike has confirmed. Tinker Hatfield, Nike's VP of creative concepts and the man who designed the Mags, also sent a letter to Fox saying, "Although the project started as science fiction, we're now proud to turn that fiction into fact."
Back to the future: Nike designer touts 2015 arrival for Marty McFly's Power Laces
Back in 2011, Nike MAGs brought the futuristic looks of Marty McFly to the feet of sneaker collectors. There was just one problem: the fashionably-lit footwear from Back to the Future II was lacking its key feature. Well, now it seems that the iconic Power Laces will finally arrive in 2015. Nike designer Tinker Hatfield confirmed that the closure is on the way next year at a recent appearance at the Jordan Brand's Flight Lab. "Are we gonna see Power Laces in 2015? To that, I say yes!," Hatfield said. In case you've forgotten, the pair of MAGs in the movie were all the rage in 2015, so the schedule lines up. As the folks over at Sole Collector note, the question remains whether we'll see a new Power Lace-equipped version of the MAGs or if the add-on will arrive on a completely new model that laces itself. If you're not into waiting or high-tech sneakers, the 2011 release is currently available on eBay for around $8,000.
MAG, SOCOM PS3 servers signing off for good
Servers for MAG, SOCOM 4, and SOCOM: Confrontation are shutting down on January 28, 2014, Sony has announced. As it stands, the server shutdowns will essentially make MAG and Confrontation obsolete, due to their reliance on online play. The news follows the closure of MAG and SOCOM studio Zipper Interactive last year. When asked then about future SOCOM entries, Sony Worldwide Studios chief Shuhei Yoshida said his company never retires a franchise. Nonetheless, today's news will sound like a death knell for fans of the long-running shooter series, and certainly as one for MAG, which will go offline two days short of its fourth birthday.
MAG shutting down in January
MAG used to be a thing here at Massively. We wrote about it a fair amount way back in 2010, and some of us played a fair bit of it around that same period. Sadly, Sony has decided to shutter the PlayStation 3 shooter effective January 28, 2014. The news came via the official PlayStation Twitter feed earlier today. MAG development studio Zipper Interactive closed its doors in March of 2012.
The Game Archaeologist dials up Phantasy Star Online: The players
After last week's foray into the colorful world of Phantasy Star Online, I knew I had to step it up for a great follow-through. That's why I got in touch with three excellent MMO bloggers who have long histories with PSO and were more than eager to share their perspective on this unique game world! The Game Archaeologist: Who the heck are you and how did you first get into Phantasy Star Online? What class and race did you play? David: I'm David Lambert, but many people know me better as Branick, host and producer of the LOTRO Academy podcast. I first got into Phantasy Star Online with the original Dreamcast release, which I picked up only about two weeks after it came out. I actually had eight different characters (I bought six VMUs in addition to the two I already had specifically for this purpose), but I definitely favored the HUcast. I wasn't big on using techniques, and the HUcast had the highest attack power in the game.
Vita shooter Unit 13 deploys on March 6
Unit 13, Zipper Interactive's pocket-purposed over-the-shoulder shooter, will be released for the Vita on March 6, 2012. This is in line with Zipper Interactive president Brian Soderberg's original prediction for a "right around Vita launch" release window; seeing as the Vita hits US shores on February 22, we suppose that's close enough to still count. Zipper Interactive is, of course, best known for creating 1998's Top Gun: Hornet's Nest for Windows PC. It's also the studio responsible for 2010's MAG and the SOCOM series, which we're guessing probably factored into Unit 13's development more than any Tom Cruise-based development experience.
The Firing Line: Defining the MMO shooter
Hello shooter fans, and welcome back to Massively's Firing Line. Last week's inaugural column hit the ground running with a visit to Hi-Rez Studios and a preview of the company's new Tribes: Ascend title. This week I'd like to pull back a little bit and lay the groundwork for some of the things we'll be talking about over time. When I talk about MMO shooters with friends and colleagues, one of the first things mentioned is the definition of the term. Everyone knows what a shooter is (or at least what he thinks it is), and everyone knows what an MMO is (although thanks to MOBAs and the social networking explosion, the definition of the latter grows murkier by the day). Can we all agree on the definition of an MMO shooter, though? Probably not, and to be honest, that's perfectly OK.
Introducing Engadget Distro!
Say hello to Engadget Distro. At its most molecular level, it's nothing more than a series of ones and zeros, cobbled together in a compiler and made to look like words and images on Apple's iPad. But in reality, it's something far greater -- something that the entire Engadget staff couldn't be more proud to have their names on. Distro is the week in technology news, distilled down and reformatted into a beautiful, offline view that can be enjoyed anywhere. You know, like one of those regional jets still awaiting their rightful Gogo injection. We've got a team of designers and editors toiling around the clock to assemble our best long-form feature content and reviews, re-wrapping it in a fashion that takes full advantage of a little thing called "multitouch." As of now, we've got plans to launch Distro on the iPad soon (as in, super soon!), but you can bet we're already hammering away on versions for the other major tablet platforms. Rest assured, we're as eager to finish them as anyone, and yes, they'll all be absolutely free of charge. For those who find themselves a touch overwhelmed with the sheer torrent of news that occurs in this space each and every day, Distro offers a relaxing, peaceful alternative. Sort of like morphine, but available sans a prescription. We'll be showing off a sneak peek during tonight's live Engadget Show (tune in here!), and we'll be sure to keep you abreast of our launch date as it draws closer. For now, have a look at what Distro will bring in the video after the break. We hope you enjoy. %Gallery-134423%
EON Magazine issue 24 looks back at EVE Online's Apocrypha expansion
Issue 24 of EVE Online's quarterly official magazine EON hit the shelves this month, bringing a fresh dose of internet spaceships to coffee tables and bathrooms everywhere. Produced by MMM Publishing and written by a growing cast of writers from within the EVE community, EON provides something solid for fans of EVE to hold on to and acts as a snapshot in time or record of the game as it evolves. Recent big news stories and nullsec wars are detailed in each issue, along with editorial pieces, fiction, interviews and guides. The latest issue is a wormhole special, with a huge focus on 2009's incredibly successful Apocrypha expansion and the hidden wormhole systems it brought to EVE. In addition to the second part of Pottsey's background on the ancient Sleeper race locked away in wormhole systems, the magazine contains testflights of the four strategic cruisers produced from materials discovered in wormhole space. A fantastically insightful article on the making of Apocrypha also delves into the gritty details of how CCP put its entire weight behind one incredible expansion during a time of real world economic turmoil. Skip past the cut for a breakdown of everything in EON Issue 24 and my impressions from reading through it.
The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The highlights
Unlike fantasy, the sci-fi genre has had a rocky relationship with MMORPGs. While studios have tried just as hard to make and promote them, there seems to be a curse that hovers over most of these games. From the canceled (Earth & Beyond, The Matrix Online, Tabula Rasa) to the radically retinkered (Star Wars Galaxies) to the relatively niche (Anarchy Online, Star Trek Online), sci-fi struggles to be seen as relevant and embraced as its bigger brother. That isn't to say that these games or the genre is worthless, just that it's a harder sell to both investors and players to throw players into the future than the mythical past. Fortunately, the industry hasn't given up on these games, and some of these titles -- such as EVE Online -- have proven that they're worth pursuing. And if science fiction is a difficult sell, first-person shooters are doubly difficult in the MMO space. After all, it's not as though the world is suffering a shortage of FPS titles that can be played without a monthly subscription. To convince players to part with a monthly payment, the studio has to make a powerful, compelling case as to why its MMOFPS is worthy of that premium price. Enter PlanetSide, circa 2003. While sci-fi MMOs, multi-faction PvP and online shooters had been done separately at that point, PlanetSide stepped up to the plate to combine all three into a persistent war on an alien planet. Due to popular demand, this month we'll be setting our sights to the far reaches of the galaxy and beyond as we explore one of the more unique MMOs in existence. Today let's take a look at what made PlanetSide a unique twinkle in SOE's eyes by counting down the highlights of this futuristic war.
EON Magazine issue 22 tackles Incarna, surviving the EVE fanfest and more
These days it seems like every MMO has some form of microtransaction system or merchandising deal. It's clear that players don't seem to mind spending a little extra on their MMO hobbies now and then, whether it's for an in-game item to cut out some of the grind or a geeky T-shirt to show off to friends. Several online games even have their own dedicated magazines, and EVE Online is no exception. Published four times per year, EON magazine by MMM Publishing provides guides, interviews, sneak peeks at upcoming expansions, fan-written chronicles, and big news from across New Eden. Issue 22 of EON popped through my letter-box a few days ago, and I've spent most of today thoroughly absorbed in its pages. This quarter's mag focuses on the Sansha incursions happening across EVE and the upcoming Incarna expansion with its long-awaited walking-in-space feature. Also in this edition is a featured look at the rise and fall of the Band of Brothers alliance, a guide to surviving your first time at the annual Fanfest in Iceland, and all the usual features. This issue will be the first officially released under the name EON -- the previous name of the magazine being E-ON. Skip past the cut for a roundup of what you'll find in EON magazine issue 22 and my impressions of its content.
MAG birthday celebrations net players extra experience points
Oh, MAG. You're such a sweetheart! It's your first birthday, and while customarily that means that we should be showering you with thoughtful presents and too-expensive, flowery-worded cards, you're the one who's giving gifts to us! For instance, you're increasing the game's "Happy Hour" experience bonus (a boosted XP rate the player has during his or her first hour of play each day) to 256 percent from January 26 through January 30? Oh, you shouldn't have! Other promotions planned for the massive shooter's first anniversary include a temporary switch to "Faction Neutral" maps for the Domination and Acquisition game modes (available for the same time period listed above), as well as a chance to play against the Zipper QA team on the morning of January 26. Actually, they're probably very, very good at the game. We're not sure that being repeatedly decimated by MAG professionals is a very good present, now that we think about it.
PSN Tuesday: Mega holiday edition overflowing with goodies
We honestly don't even know where to begin with this week's PSN update -- it's like staring down the business end of a five-foot Philly cheesesteak. There are demos for Dead Space 2, Mass Effect 2 and LittleBigPlanet 2. Not interested in demos? Well, there's RISK: Factions and Echochrome 2 for PS3 and Valkyria Chronicles 2 for super cheap on PSP. It really is an amazing update for the holidays. Check out the full PSN update after the break. (Philly cheesesteak not available, sold separately.) Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list: (Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)
Unlimited, full-game MAG trial coming to PlayStation Plus tomorrow
PlayStation Plus subscribers have been getting access to a number of cool bonuses as of late, but a new MAG promotion may be one of the more novel perks yet. Following tomorrow's PSN update, a "Full Game Trial" of MAG will be available to download in the Plus section of the PlayStation Store. However, unlike most Plus content, you'll have access to this content for as long as your membership is active. Of course, there's a catch: This is still only a game trial. Although you'll be able to play with and against actual owners of the game online for as long as you want, the full-game trial has an artificial level cap. You'll only be able to advance your MAG character up to level 8, enough to unlock access to the game's signature 256-player mode. Any experience you earn after level 8 will go unrewarded until you purchase the full digital license for $30. The trial's level cap means you won't be able to become a squad leader or change your faction either, but if you want to keep playing for free, simply put an artificial cap on your gameplay goals, too: Become the greatest level-8 soldier of all time.
MAG 2.10 update adds multiqueue, in-game screenshots
Though we've been lax, nay, negligent about tending the Joystiq clan we created, we're happy to see the under-appreciated MAG still chugging along. Today fans get the 2.10 update, which allows in-game screenshots and the ability to queue for several game modes simultaneously. There's an XP bonus for players who line up for more modes, which seems like an extremely smart way of managing a community that may be losing players to newer shooters. If you'd like to peruse the full list, you can find it right here. We hope it's enough to distract you from the sting of being abandoned by your fearless, absentee Joystiq leaders. [Thanks, Peter]
E-ON Magazine issue 21 round-up
We regularly spend money on our favourite MMOs, be it in the form of a monthly subscription fee or a microtransaction purchase. We often spend more time and money on our favourite online retreats than we spend on other hobbies, and yet few MMOs have their own dedicated magazine the way other hobbies do. EVE Online players are fortunate enough to have the quarterly EVE magazine E-ON to spread out across their coffee tables. Produced by MMM Publishing, E-ON is guaranteed to be 100% EVE from cover to cover. Even the advertisements in it are for EVE corporations and services rather than paid ads for other games. I've been slowly reading my way through Issue 21 since it popped through my letterbox and have definitely enjoyed it. This issue focuses on live events and the upcoming Incursion expansion, with a special feature on EVE's annual fanfest event in Iceland. The issue also contains guides to faction warfare militia fleets, EVE's various communication tools and the first of a series on Drones. Interviews this time around include CCP's video producer Stevie Ward and Technical Director in the fight against lag, Derek Wise. As usual, the magazine contains the latest war reports from nullsec, an awesome new piece of EVE fiction and the impressive layouts and graphics that readers have come to expect. Skip past the cut for a breakdown of what you can expect from E-ON issue 21 and my impressions of the issue.
MAG Escalation DLC out November 2
The next round of MAG DLC, the Escalation pack, is set to arrive on November 2 for $9.99. The DLC adds the new Escalation mode, which some players may have tried during the recent beta. Escalation has each of the three 32-player teams attempting to take over two of three objectives. Should any team manage this feat, gameplay moves on to phase two, and said team must now defend a fourth objective for as long as possible. If the fourth objective falls, gameplay reverts back to phase one. Play continues until one team has reached a certain number of points or time runs out. In essence, Escalation sounds like a remixed version of Battlefield: Bad Company 2's Rush mode (which is by no means a bad thing). The Escalation pack also adds three new maps -- Isla de Magma, Silverback Ridge and Radiant Barrens -- along with nine new weapons. To celebrate the Escalation pack, some other MAG goodies will be discounted on PSN come release day. First up, the Interdiction DLC will be reduced from $9.99 to $4.99. A $14.99 MAG starter kit will also available, bundling together the Escalation and Interdiction DLC along with a 30-day trial of two additional character slots, six PS3 avatars and three dynamic themes. Sounds like a pretty good deal for MAG newcomers. %Gallery-106206%
MAG dev demonstrates Move support, it only does point and spray (video)
The PlayStation Move is out, and gamers everywhere are throwing away their DualShock controllers, spirits carried aloft by the liberating breeze of motion gaming. Okay not really, but if more traditional games had Move support baked-in that might be the case. 256-player MAG has recently been given a taste, and level designer Ben Jones is taking a moment to show off how motion gaming looks in this uber shooter. As you can see, the baton acts for aiming, turning, and shanking, while a nunchuck (or second controller) handles the moving duties. We're not entirely convinced of the accuracy playing in this mode, especially given how the video focuses almost entirely on close-range, full-auto carnage, but Mr. Jones says he believes this to be a "lateral transition from keyboard and mouse?" So, PC gamers, you buying it?
MAG developer diary showcases Move support
If you need a little convincing before you think about introducing the PlayStation Move peripheral into your tightly regimented MAG strategies, you should probably check out the developer diary posted below. Don't think about it as a ball-tipped motion controller: Think of it like a marshal's baton.
