gearbox
Latest
'Duke Nukem 3D' re-release adds new levels from the original team
If Duke Nukem Forever convinced you that cheesy one-liners, bad puns and juvenile action-hero humor is best left in the 90s, you're in luck. Gearbox Software just announced that it's bringing back the original Duke Nukem 3D in a special 20th Anniversary Edition World Tour that packs in 8 new levels, a ton of freshly recorded voice lines and a modest graphics update. Even better, all this new content was designed by much of the 1996 classic's original team.
'Battleborn' turned gaming cinematics into high art
The best part of Battleborn is its prologue cinematic. That's not to say the game itself isn't any good -- in fact, it's a wonderful single- and multiplayer experience for the fantastical first-person-shooter crowd. However, the opening video is divine. It's evocative, rich and effortlessly cool, built on a base of smooth hip-hop and anime-inspired, neon-coated illustrations. When I think of Battleborn, my mind is immediately saturated in the cinematic's soulful rhythm. This is a new brand of video game artistry. As a game, Battleborn doesn't feature cartoon characters; it's a fully realized 3D experience from Gearbox, the creators of Borderlands. In the same vein as Borderlands, Battleborn is highly stylized, but it looks nothing like the opening cinematic. That was on purpose.
Snag 'Tales from the Borderlands' on disc in April
In Tales from the Borderlands, Telltale Games turns Gearbox's frantic alien shooter into a narrative-driven point-and-click adventure, broken into five episodes that were released across 2014 and 2015. All of these action-packed, emotional episodes will be collected in physical form on April 26th for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC. Rejoice, completionists and collectors alike.
You don't have to know 'Borderlands' to play 'Tales from the Borderlands'
The final trailer for Tales from the Borderlands, the narrative-driven point-and-click adventure game from Telltale, is full of action, guns, humor, drama, raw emotion and a catchy chiptune-inspired soundtrack. It's a bit like the game itself (which is good, since it's a trailer for exactly that). If you're worried about diving into this game blind, Engadget's former sister site Joystiq reviewed the premiere episode back in November 2014 and had the following to say: "Regardless of your level of Borderlands experience, Tales from the Borderlands is a witty, well-written adventure with broad appeal. And yeah, there's a dick joke or two." The fifth and final installment of Tales from the Borderlands drops on October 20th for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PC and Mac; October 21st for Xbox One and Xbox 360; and October 22nd for iOS and Android.
'Battleborn' seduced me with arcade spirit and role-playing style
Battleborn looked like it would be my kryptonite. When Gearbox Software showed the game to a group of reporters at a pre-E3 event, the roster of 25 characters looked like League of Legends clones, all of them clashing like a teenage anime enthusiast's backup Tumblr. That the studio emphasized a 5-vs.-5 competitive mode, where players would hit and shoot each other in online matches, only further entrenched its cosmetic similarity to that game. What's more, Gearbox promised that playing Battleborn would be all about the "ding" moment, when you level up your character in each match; again just like League of Legends. All those signifiers on top of a name that made it sound like an off-brand He-Man playset, and Battleborn came off like everything I detest about modern gaming. Then I played a co-operative story mission with four other people and never wanted to stop.
'Homeworld: Remastered' is beautiful, but it's not the sequel you want
Homeworld: Remastered Collection, the revival of the much-loved strategy games from 1999 and 2003, launches tomorrow. Texas-based Borderlands studio Gearbox Software rescued the titles from obscurity after a decade of legal red-tape and spent the last two years remastering the games for modern machines. Gearbox made a similar play with the long-in-development Duke Nukem Forever. This is no Duke Nukem Forever. Thankfully.
Inside Gearbox's plan to resurrect 'Homeworld' with 12-year-old tools
Homeworld Remastered is arriving as a Steam download on February 25th, 16 years after it originally launched. The game and its 2003 sequel spent the last 12 years languishing in THQ's vaults before being rescued by Gearbox Software. Doesn't ring a bell? Gearbox is the studio behind the highly lauded Borderlands series, the universally derided Duke Nukem Forever and the largely panned Aliens: Colonial Marines. Rather than just push the titles out for a quick nostalgia hit, however, the company spent the last two years giving Homeworld a high-definition remaster so that it looks as good as we remember. In the run up to the launch, I spoke with Gearbox's Brian Martel and Chris Faylor to talk about reviving the game.
Gearbox seeks help crafting the next Borderlands entry
Given the massive success of Borderlands 2 and the lesser but still significant success of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, it comes as little surprise that Gearbox is planning another entry in the over-the-top post-apocalyptic shooter franchise. "We are recruiting for next Borderlands. This is the big one," Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford recently tweeted, before offering his business email address to anyone who could be described as an "industry badass." Pitchford outlines no other qualifications, as the studio is seeking myriad people, from writers to art designers to engine programmers. Beyond the help-wanted ad, neither Pitchford nor Gearbox has offered any further information on the next Borderlands game. It will probably feature some iteration of robotic irritant Claptrap and vibrant, color-coded weaponry, but otherwise we're in the dark. [Image: Randy Pitchford/Gearbox]
Gearbox's beautiful 'Homeworld' remake reaches PCs February 25th
If you're a long-time PC gamer, you probably have a soft spot for the Homeworld series. Relic's epic saga was both eye-catching and proof that real-time strategy could work in the void of space. However, time hasn't been kind to the games -- the first came out when 3D graphics cards were relatively new, and THQ's acquisition of Relic (plus its eventual bankruptcy) made follow-ups difficult. At last, though, you'll have a way to relive the Mothership's journey while doing justice to your modern gaming rig. Gearbox, which bought the rights to the series, has revealed that its previously teased Homeworld Remastered Collection will reach Windows PCs on February 25th. The remake spruces up just about every aspect of the two Homeworld games, ranging from much better-looking ship models and effects to reworked cutscenes. You also get a beta multiplayer experience that merges the online modes of both titles.
Homeworld Remastered Collection coming February 25
Homeworld Remastered Collection, a compilation that includes Gearbox's modern take on Relic Software's strategy game series, will make contact with Steam on February 25. As announced during Gearbox's presentation at PAX South 2015, the bundle includes original and updated versions of Homeworld 1 & 2, with Gearbox's recreations featuring new voice recordings and a remastered score. Homeworld Remastered Collection will provide commanders with space fleets for $34.99 at launch, though a 15 percent discount ($29.74) is available to those who preorder. The bundle also grants access to Homeworld Remastered's Steam multiplayer beta, a mode that serves as a joined multiplayer mode for both games. Races, maps, game modes and features from both games will be ready for battle once the multiplayer beta launches. [Image: Gearbox]
'Borderlands' on PS4 and Xbox One comes in a $399 edition with a robot
No, the trend of recycling games for modern consoles isn't over yet -- if anything, it's gathering steam. Gearbox and 2K have unveiled Borderlands: The Handsome Collection, a bundle that spruces up both Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (along with their downloadable content) for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. If you buy the garden variety $60 edition when it arrives on March 24th, you'll get the obligatory improved graphics, cross-platform saved games and four-way split-screen cooperative action. They're nice touches, although it's hard to see a die-hard fan buying this role-playing influenced shooter a second time just for those perks. This is more for first-timers who missed what all the fuss was about.
Borderlands 2, Pre-Sequel bundle announced for PS4, Xbox One
Let's be honest, we all saw this coming: Publisher 2K has assembled The Handsome Collection, which includes Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel (with all DLC) on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The collection launches March 24 and 27 in North America and internationally, respectively. There will also be a Borderlands: The Handsome Collection Claptrap-in-a-Box Edition, which includes everything in the standard mega box, with the addition of a remote controlled Claptrap steward robot, a collectible steel case and 12 "exclusive" lithographs. Where as the standard bundle will cost $60, the limited run of 5,000 Claptrap-in-a-Box Edition will cost $399. In fairness, a real Claptrap, along with research and development, would cost much more.
Borderlands Online unloads hard details before testing begins
If you desperately want to play Borderlands Online but have no access to the upcoming China-only title, maybe the hard details on the game's systems will make you feel better. Or maybe they'll make you want to play it more; hard to say. The game will feature four classes: Soldier, which can summon a mobile turret; Hunter, which marks and weakens the target with a drone; Siren, which uses a little bird made out of fire to burn things; and Berserker, which can, well, go berserk. Five categories of weapon will be available, with four of the categories locked to classes (Sniper Rifles for Hunters, for example) and Pistols being available for everyone. The game's first test, running from the 23rd to the 27th, will feature three towns with six instanced areas each for gameplay. Take a gander at the full details and some early press screenshots if you just can't find out enough about this new installment of the franchise.
Just when you thought it was safe: Missing Aliens games back on Steam
It's like that bit at the end of Alien. You're finally able to relax in the knowledge that it's all over, you're safe. You give Jones a hug, put him in the cryotube, get undressed down to your skimpy underthings, all ready to chill. Then suddenly... OH CRAP. You aren't safe. You never were. You thought you'd escaped, but Aliens: Colonial Marines and Aliens vs. Predator 2010 are... Still. On. Steam. And you're in nothing but your undergarbs. The two Aliens games mysteriously left the Steam station last week, but now they've returned with just as little explanation. The new year timing suggests licensing issues played their part, but there's not been any official comment on the matter - we've reached out to publisher Sega to find out more. In any case, the important thing is they're back, everything appears to be in order, and you should probably get some clothes on. Update: Sega had no comment for Joystiq, perhaps lest the Aliens hear it. [Image: Sega]
Aliens: Colonial Marines, AvP (2010) vacate Steam's air ducts
The age of digital distribution brings with it many joys: sales are frequent, there's less clutter around the home, and no more blowing into cartridges. Unfortunately, it also brings unique disadvantages, such as games suddenly disappearing from digital marketplaces. Such is the tale of Aliens: Colonial Marines and Alien Vs. Predator (the 2010 version) on Steam. It's likely that the games being removed from Steam is due to a licensing issue, considering that the games (which utilize properties owned by 20th Century Fox) were available right up until 2015 started. However, it's interesting to note that Aliens: Colonial Marines is still available as a digital purchase on both PSN and the Xbox Marketplace, while AvP is available not on the former, but the latter. Alien: Isolation is still available on all fronts, and the original version of Aliens Vs. Predator from 2000 is also still up for grabs on Steam. We've reached out to publisher Sega for more information, and will update if we hear back. In the meantime, stay frosty. [Image: Sega]
Borderlands Online will use heavy instancing
So, Borderlands Online. You know, that popular game-turned-MMO conversion that we'll probably never get to see in the West? At least we have a few new details that will taunt us forever with our lack of this sci-fi western title. The title looks to be a more instance-heavy MMO, akin to Dragon Nest or the original Guild Wars, with co-op adventure zones but no mass shared open world zone. Instanced MMO gaming isn't everyone's cup of tea, of course, but it doesn't automatically mean it will be horrible, just different. Other details that Chinese game site Sina discovered is that there will be over 20 million guns, plenty of hidden secrets, and some form of PvP.
Borderlands Online confirmed for a Chinese release
Remember that crazy rumor from last week that Borderlands was going to be an MMO? It was so crazy and unbelievable you just had to laugh. It was also completely true, and it's now confirmed that Borderlands Online will be coming to China, published by Shanda Games and developed by Gearbox. There are no apparent plans to bring the game to the US. Four classes will be available in Borderlands Online: Warrior, Ranger, Wizard, and Berserker. The game is planned for a release in 2015; a mobile title is also in development, although it's unclear whether it will be a tie-in to the online game or a port of an existing title. So, yes, that crazy rumor was apparently right on the money.
Rumor: A Borderlands MMO might be in the works
Back in February this year, Randy Pitchford, CEO and president of Gearbox, specifically stated that the developer was not working on Borderlands 3. In fact, the most he'd say on the matter was that the team knew a sequel would have to be massive and impressive. All fairly standard interview stuff. Not too long ago, a Chinese site for publisher Shanda Games was discovered, with what certainly appears to be a silhouette of the franchise's iconic robot Claptrap. This would all seem completely unrelated if not for the fact that Pitchford had stressed both the need for a massive game and the possibility of making the next Borderlands title into something endless, akin to League of Legends. None of this serves as a single smoking gun, but if you look at all the evidence through the right lens, it does start to appear awfully gun-like. Then again, this is Borderlands; everything looks gun-like.
Tales from the Borderlands rollin', rollin', rollin' out today
The first episode of Telltale's Tales from the Borderlands hits Steam across the globe later today, as well as PS4 and PS3 in North America. Next up are the Xbox One and Xbox 360, with worldwide releases due tomorrow, November 26, and December 3 respectively. Last but not least, PS owners in Europe also join the episodic party on December 3. As for prices, on PlayStations and Xboxen each individual episode is $5. On PSN there's the option to purchase all five episodes in a $20 season pass, while on Xbox Live you can get Episodes 2-5 in a $15 season pass upgrade. On Steam the asking price for the season is $25, which you can bring down to $22.49 with a pre-purchase. Finally, Telltale's previously said the first episode should hit iOS and Android before the end of the year. To see the launch trailer in action, move 'em on and head 'em out past the break. Also, that title is not referencing Limp Bizkit - you guys are just the Durst.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel's fifth playable character is Jack
"That looks a lot like Handsome Jack," you might say to yourself as you look at the image above. You're right, but looks can be deceiving - Jack is the fifth playable character in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, but as his class (The Doppelganger) suggests, he's simply a look-alike body double. As was revealed by Gearbox Software at PAX Australia, Jack will be available on November 11 in the Handsome Jack Doppelganger Pack, which is included in The Pre-Sequel's season pass or offered as a $9.99 standalone piece of DLC. Striking resemblance aside, Jack's Expendable Action skill spawns two Digi-Jacks, which fight to their very deaths before respawning beside Jack for as long as the skill is active. As is the Borderlands norm, his skill tree is split into three divisions; the tank and grenade-buffing "The Hero of this Story," the co-op and Fight for Your Life-focused "Greater Good," and "Free Enterprise," which grants buffs depending on your gun's manufacturer and encourages frequent weapon switchups. There are three remaining pieces of DLC still under wraps for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC's loot-n-shoot, but an additional character, a level cap boost and a new campaign are currently part of Gearbox and 2K Australia's future plans for The Pre-Sequel. In Senior Reporter Jess Conditt's recent review, she noted that while The Pre-Sequel "boasts the loot of a full Borderlands game, it's missing a touch of depth and a dash of polish." [Image: 2K Games]
