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Details on Dark Sector's multiplayer modes, including 360 and PS3 differences
Dark Sector's two unique multiplayer modes have recently been detailed, along with some notes regarding the key differences between the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions. Gamers keeping score will be interested to know that the 360 wins this round with slightly better ranking and matching options, although both versions appear robust in the online department.The game's "Infection" multiplayer mode pits one "infected" player against a legion of troopers, with a trooper taking over the role upon killing the target (similar to Halo's Juggernaut mode). The "Epidemic" mode is a standard team battle affair, except that teams only earn points by killing the opposing team's leader.Both the 360 and PS3 versions of Dark Sector offer these mutiplayer modes via online play or LAN, and both support up to ten players per match with five maps to choose from. Leadersboards are present for both games, although the 360 version will use Microsoft's TrueSkill ranking system. Also included in the 360 version are Quick Game, Custom Game, and Ranked Game options, while PS3 users can only create, join, or search for multiplayer games. The game is scheduled for a spring 2008 release, although further delays certainly wouldn't be surprising.
More Dark Sector mutliplayer screens
Fresh from releasing the details on the included multiplayer modes within Dark Sector, D3 Publisher has released nine new images of the competitive modes in action. Fans might remember Dark Sector as one of the first next-generation titles to ever be showcased way back in April 2004. After a massive shift from their original space-opera vision, developer Digital Extremes has transformed Dark Sector into a more mainstream action-shooter. The game has had its share of ups-and-downs but if these images do anything, they give us hope that the project is back on track to a Spring 08 release.[Edited: Wording in this article to include developer Digital Extremes]%Gallery-17062%
Dark Sector Multiplayer Details and Screens
Originally on of the very first "next-gen" titles unveiled, Dark Sector is finally gearing up for release, and is shaping up to be a solid (if late to the party) title. The game's multiplayer was recently shown to a handful of news outlets, and the impressions and details coming out of them are rather promising. The third-person action game will have a host of multiplayer options, with gametypes such as Infection (similar to Juggernaut), and "Epidemic" (similar to VIP). Not only are there many gametype options, but the other features for the game are rather robust as well, with a full leaderboard (complete with so-called TrueSkill), as well as bot support. Funnily enough, only us 360 gamers will be getting the more advanced matchmaking features such as quick, custom and ranked games. Whether this is because Microsoft aided in the multiplayer side of things is unknown, but we undoubtedly got the better deal here. Dark Sector releases on the twenty-fifth, until then, check the multiplayer gallery below.%Gallery-17062%
Dark Sector had some trouble running on PS3
We mean exactly what we said. Dark Sector was having some of the usual PS3 development issues. Josh Austin, producer for Digital Extreme's title, said these words: "So, yeah, this is the PS3 version, umm... it looks just as good as the 360 version, which we're very happy about. Towards the end we started having some serious conversations about what we were gonna do, uh, but we ended up pulling it off, so we're very proud of that." When asked for clarification, he said "It was just not running as well as the 360."Hardly confirmation for proposed any sort of proposed cancellation, but it does lead one to believe there were some major issues with the PS3 version -- as usual. Everyone's got to get that first hot wing down before they can start eating the rest. If they spit it out, they'll never be able to handle the sauce. Who said food analogies were silly?
PS Fanboy Wallpapers: Volume 19
Every week, PSP and PS3 Fanboy will bring you new backgrounds for your Sony consoles, in resolutions up to 1080p. Download them directly to your PS3 by accessing PS3 Fanboy on your system. Download PSP wallpapers directly to your PSP by accessing the site wirelessly at m.pspfanboy.com. For those having trouble accessing the site on your PS3, please visit m.ps3fanboy.com or disable Javascript.This weekend, we're focusing on Digital Extreme's upcoming PS3 title Dark Sector.
No classification for Dark Sector in Australia
We've been kind of milquetoast on Dark Sector, the first "next gen" game ever announced, for reasons ranging from its completely uninspiring title to ... well, it's basically the title. But now that the game has been denied a rating by Australian classification board the OFLC, we're totally in to it.How could they not see how their plan would backfire? Check this line from their report: "When Hayden cuts off his opponent's limb with the glaive, large amounts of blood spray forth from the stump and the injured person screams in agony which increases the impact." Umm, we'd like to write something about how awesome that sounds, but we're a little busy pre-ordering eight copies. IGN guesses the game will be softened and resubmitted, but unless they're going to insist that the stumps are actually spraying strawberry preserves, it sounds like they have a lot of work ahead of them.
PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 48
Star Ocean: First Departure intro (10.6MB) Also featured: Devil May Cry 4, Dark Sector, NiGHTS Into Dreams, Condemned 2: Bloodshot
Rosenbaum gives voice to Dark Sector
Although he's best known for playing Lex Luthor on Smallville, Michael Rosenbaum has some significant voice-acting credits to his name and will give sound to the lead role of D3's Dark Sector. Although the game is slated for a Spring '08 release now, it's a bit strange that D3 just announced Rosenbaum would voice the protagonist considering the game was originally supposed to release last year.The Rosenbaum announcement is actually the first we've heard of Dark Sector since it went ... well, dark late in '07. Hopefully this will be the beginning of the announcement wagon for the game and we'll have something to play over the summer -- once we dig ourselves out of the Q4 '07 games.
New videos shed light on Dark Sector
Some fresh videos of Dark Sector have popped up at GameVideos. The videos are particularly illuminating concerning the game's storyline, which involves an operative being transformed by an alien infection. The video embedded above lays out the game's prologue, complete with Gordon-Freeman-style helicopter take down, infectious alien stabbing, and villainous monologue. The villainous monologue in particular is well done and gives us hope that the game's plot could be pretty interesting (or well presented at the very least). There are a handful of other gameplay videos too. Our favorite showcases the ability to control the main character's frisbee-knife thing in midair. Nice. Check it out after the break.
What's been happening with Dark Sector?
Why do we need a game that seems to play like Sam Fisher and Gabe Logan had a weird, mutant Rygar-like child? Because Dark Sector insists we cut people up with a boomerang. That's really the main draw to this game, as a lot of previews don't say much else about it. The glaive does seem interesting though, and developers D3 added a Heavenly Sword-like aftertouch where you can control the weapon in midair as you slice through multiple enemies.The game used to revolve around that. You'd have to put that weapon away to pull out a handgun -- lame. Not anymore. Dual-wielding has made its entrance and appears to make the game a tad bit more worthwhile. In fact, gunfighting seems to take priority over your throwing blade, somehow. Lots of black market weapon upgrades, et cetera. IGN mentions that the hand-to-hand, er, hand-to-glaive combat is a little iffy, but with a 2008 release, there still might be time to patch it up. Here's hoping the game turns out to be something special, because we'd hate to be disappointed with something that lets you throw a giant cutting blade around at will.
TGS vids storm XBLM: SCIV, VF5, Ace Combat 6, more
With the Tokyo Game Show officially kicking off today, a new batch of "Bringing It Home" content has landed on Xbox Live Marketplace. In addition to loads of new themes and gamer pictures, there are five new trailers for upcoming games. All told, there are new trailers for Virtua Fighter 5, Soul Calibur IV, Ace Combat 6, Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom, and Dark Sector. We're probably most intrigued by the Soul Calibur IV trailer, as it reveals a few more tidbits about the supposed final chapter in the series. Kingdom Under Fire: COD will likely disappoint fans of the series, as it isn't a true sequel, but rather a button mashing spree akin to Dynasty Warriors. Check out more trailers after the break. Now, if you'll excuses us, we have to continue crossing our fingers that we'll see a Ninja Gaiden 2 demo before the weekend is out.
Dark Sector teaser trailer warns hero of being erased
It's been a while since we've heard anything on Dark Sector, then we get this short video clip of some dude vaguely resembling Morgan Freeman warning our anti-hero that people want him erased. At the end of the video, the main character gets some crazy Venom-like mask covering his head, but we don't get to see that. Who knows if that'll play into the game at all, but we can say this cut scene, at least, looks as good as all the old screenshots we've seen. Still, it'll take a little more than a thirty second clip to wow us! We'll keep you posted as more videos come up for air.
Dark Sector details reveal: no health or ammo bars, just you
We promised you before we had some more news about Dark Sector coming, so here we are dishing out the information fed to us through an official press release. Instead of narrating the darn thing, we thought we'd give you a fun summary of the information in our patented, copyrighted, unique list form. We're kidding! Lists are used in like, three other places. It's a new IP! Not many games can say that. It's also boasting a great, cinematic story. There is no HUD -- that is, a health bar or ammo count. No little menus on the screen to distract you from looking at the actual game. From the press release: "As the character takes damage he will begin to physically show it, ammunition levels will be displayed on guns, available weapons and inventory will be displayed on the character – all serving to keep the player focused on the character and the gameplay." We personally think this is a great move. The controls are guaranteed to be simple and intuitive so you can master any skills fairly easily. If you tried to play Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes on the GameCube, you know how pesky an awkward controller setup can be. The camera, as previously mentioned, is over-the-shoulder so you can not only make better movements, but will be "showing full visual of Hayden allowing for the player to make a connection with the character." A connection? Right. Upgradeable weapons, stupendous AI, and a main character slightly reminiscent of Kratos in so much that he's cold-blooded and ruthless, gives no excuse for his actions, but as the story progresses, we start to understand him and see how the events of the game change him. Or something. What's more, below, we've got a gallery of screenshots for you to check out. They're magically delicious and want your attention. We'll keep updating you on this game until it arrives early in 2008. Hopefully, Digital Extremes will have the foresight to give people a demo to play over the PSN before then!%Gallery-3217%
Dark Sector may be the mutiplatform Gears of War
We've taken our jabs at Dark Sector before, but when it all comes down to it, we've gotten the impression from other people's hands-on with the game that it's actually something to look out for. In fact, it's been likened to Gears of War, which was apparently some game for the 360. We kid, we know what it is. IGN had a hands-on of the game and said "Digital Extremes, really, really likes Gears of War. Dark Sector plays and feels almost exactly like it -- right down to its cinematic storytelling, control scheme and visual style." There's even a context-sensitive action that controls the cover mechanics, as well as a shaky-cam when you bust into a sprint. Another major influence, both PSU and IGN report, is the similarity to Resident Evil 4's over-the-shoulder camera and aiming system.While you get a small arsenal of weaponry, the Glaive is what sets the game apart from the ones it draws influence from. Not only can it destroy enemies in quick, painful stylings, not only can it get powered up by a bevy of elements, not only does it have a built-in light source and solve puzzles, but it can ... wait, that's about it. It's awesome, though. Every other weapon you pick up can be upgraded, a la Resident Evil 4. Your main character can also be powered up, a la KOTOR, with new abilities and powers.Enemy AI? Brilliant, says IGN and brilliant at times says PSU. Graphics? Well, the game is being built on the PS3 as the primary platform and ported elsewhere, so we know we'll be getting the best game we can get as far as multiplatform titles go. What's more, is we've got some more info about this game coming to us later tonight. Stay tuned, as we'll give you some more details you might just find intriguing.[Thanks, Justin!]
ESRB seeks to rate game trailers [update]
The Entertainment Software Rating Board is looking to rate gameplay trailers, according to information obtained by Gamasutra. Footage for D3 Publisher's Dark Sector was requested to be pulled because it contained "excessive or offensive content," even though it was behind an age gate. 2K Games told Gamasutra that they had to receive a separate rating for The Darkness trailer and that "game publishers that do not comply with the age gate requirement are subject to enforcement actions by the ESRB," though what those actions entail is not made clear.If the ESRB is indeed moving to rate trailers, many questions are left unanswered. Our biggest concern would be with user-created footage and machinima. Would the ESRB see that as falling under their sphere of influence? Much like the Oblivion "skin-cident", could publishers be punished for content made by the community? And does the organization have the manpower to enforce such a policy change?Update: Game Politics has provided some historical context to this news, noting that the ESRB's actions are not without precedent.
Is Dark Sector something to keep our eyes on?
When you first read any hands-on material, you generally groan in disappointment because all you hear is fluffy statements about this or that. People who are given hands-on time typically won't say anything negative about a game, as that would be rude. However, sometimes you can pick out choice phrases or words that connote whether or not a game, to put it bluntly, blows. So when Games Radar posted their hands-on, we were surprised to see none of that in their hands-on of Dark Sector, recently rescheduled for next year due to a busy Fall lineup (but Summer is still completely empty).The game is a melting pot of ideas. If we were to blurt out the influences, we'd probably scream a list similar to this: Rygar, Resident Evil 4, Gears of War, Zelda, and Metroid. You've got your spinning disc thingy that cuts people up, your third person shooting style from RE4 and the cover system from GoW and you learn new skills and solve puzzles with said skills/items like in Zelda and Metroid. What Games Radar said about the game graphically is pleasing -- it used to be fairly ugly, but they've complimented how it has turned out. Sure, it doesn't look the killer app for the PS3 and 360, but if your level of fun slows down after the holidays, this might just give you the shot of excitement you need.
Dark Sector slices calendar up, forgets about 2007 release
Thank goodness! You may be wondering why we've got our arms raised high in elation as we praise the heavens at the news of the anticipated Dark Sector getting pushed back to early 2008. It isn't that the game has hit a roadblock during production. It isn't that they don't feel the game is ready for people to play. The real reason is fairly obvious: every game known to man is trying to get pushed out the door during the holiday season of 2007. Dark Sector doesn't want to be yet another hit in your wallet or something that simply gets forgotten about. D3 wants their title to get noticed and so do we. Thanks for taking one for the consumer team, Dark Sector, and we'll see you in 2008.
Dark Sector removed from 'crowded' holiday season, due early 2008
Digital Extremes' Dark Sector, one of the first games to brandish the unnaturally shiny "next-gen" label, has been shoved out of its proposed holiday season release period and into the first quarter of 2008. A representative from D3Publishing tells FiringSquad, "We've decided to pull Dark Sector out of a very crowded holiday season and it is now slated for release in Q1 2008."Apparently, the publisher believes that releasing a third-person sci-fi title into a throbbing crowd of anticipated games is a mistake. Of course, where D3 sees Dark Sector getting trampled, Midway sees Blacksite: Area 51 being hoisted up by Halo 3 and surfing the crowd. We'll see which decision fares better soon enough.
Dark Sector goes dark until 2008
Playstation Universe reports that Dark Sector, the space-espionage thriller turned Eastern-European alien invasion action game, has been delayed. Originally billed as the first next-gen (now current-gen) game, Dark Sector has been pushed back to 2008. Why? According to Tamara Sanderson, a representative of D3Publisher, the game has been delayed in order to avoid this year's packed holiday season. Considering the oncoming deluge of holiday titles -- Alone in the Dark 5, Assassin's Creed, and of course GTAIV and Halo 3 -- we can't exactly find fault with D3's logic.Let's just hope Dark Sector makes it out before the next development shift hits and someone turns it into a goofy kart racer.
SGD '07: Dark Sector screenshots eviscerate you
One of the first next-gen titles to ever be announced has a new batch of screenshots via Sony's Gamer's Day 2007. While there are only three pictures of Dark Sector, they look incredible and are well worth checking out. The futuristic third-person shooter puts you in the shoes of Hayden Tenno, a black-ops agent investigating post Cold War secrets.%Gallery-3217%
