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Borderlands 2 baddies are smarter than you think
Well, at least the AI programming behind each enemy in Borderlands 2 is smarter than anything in the first Borderlands – the baddies themselves are victims of the rancid planet Pandora and probably wouldn't pass a first-grade spelling test. They will, however, blow your brains out.Jasper Foreman, lead AI programmer at Gearbox Software, sat down with us (on the floor in a hallway of the Hard Rock Hotel, right outside of San Diego Comic-Con central), to describe a handful of enemies we can expect to see in the new Borderlands and the tech that makes them smarter than ever.There are 15-20 separate enemies in Borderlands 2, but each type has numerous variants, bringing the total number of foes somewhere between 200-300. Foreman once tried to count them all by running a script, but with the complex descriptors composing each enemy it was impossible to locate every one. Suffice it to say, there are a lot.%Gallery-161206%
Marvel Heroes chief: 'It's very Diablo-like'
Gazillion founder David Brevik opened up in an interview at Comic-Con, talking about Marvel Heroes' strong suits (pun intended). When asked about how this title will keep players coming back for more, Brevik said "It's very Diablo-like: random levels and lots of items that drop. It's very addictive gameplay, as well as lots of endgame content that we haven't talked about yet." Brevik also discussed the game's story, which pits players against a nefarious plot by Doctor Doom. The key parts of the story will be told in over an hour's worth of motion comics. The team is strongly leaning on the Marvel IP to draw in fans and is relying on well-known heroes and classic locations to make geeks happy. When asked why players will not be allowed to make their own superheroes but instead will be forced to play one of Marvel's pre-existing characters, Brevik said that the game's system is just more compelling. While he admits that there could be 20 Spideys all in the same area, he points out that players have the option of switching their active character or choosing a different costume. You can watch the full video after the jump!
Sam Raimi off World of Warcraft film in light of Oz: The Great and Powerful
Camp director extraordinaire Sam Raimi is no longer in charge of the World of Warcraft film, he tells Crave Online. "They don't have me directing World of Warcraft anymore," he told the site. "Because when I took the Oz job, they had to move on to another director. They had to start making it."Given that Oz: The Great and Powerful is due out next March, it stands to reason that Raimi's been off the WoW film for some time – and that the film may actually be in production. Blizzard has yet to comment publicly on the news, or to say who is replacing Raimi, but we've reached out for more info.News arose that Raimi was out as early as October 2010, when Deadline reported that Raimi was out (due to his Oz gig) and the WoW film was on hold. It appears that the information was accurate, though it's still unclear whether or not the WoW film has begun production.
Two Defiance videos emerge from SDCC
Two new videos about Defiance, the upcoming third-person shooter coupled with a television show, have emerged from San Diego Comic-Con 2012. While sometimes only snippets of videos highlighting key things get released, the first video actually serves folks who couldn't attend to the entire Defiance panel. During the 54-minute video, developers and actors of the Syfy and Trion collaboration discuss the game/television show combination and field questions from the audience. In the second video (which is much smaller by comparison at 13 minutes), Rob Hill, senior producer, and Grant Bowler, the actor who stars as the lead in both the game and the show, discuss the project further. They touch on the background of the post-apocalyptic world setting and discuss how the game and show will influence each other and evolve together. This video also shows game footage of vehicles and combat. The game, which begins before the show, will launch simultaneously on all three platforms: PC, XBox 360, and PS3. You can check out both videos after the break.
Meet Bill, the grizzled elderly gentleman in The Last of Us
Bill's doing fine on his own ... then Ellie and Joel come busting through his boobytraps, calling on old favors for him to piece together a workable vehicle. Like so many characters we've seen in The Last of Us, Bill isn't what we'd call "all there." The end of society will do that to a man, it seems.
Konami calls Metal Gear Solid 5 Comic-Con screens 'fake rumours,' denies secret reveal
Screens depicting a logo for Metal Gear Solid 5 tie the game to Hideo Kojima's mysterious "Project Ogre;" the screens were allegedly leaked out of this weekend's San Diego Comic-Con, from a behind-closed-doors presentation given by Kojima to developers, showing off the Fox Engine. At least, that'd be a reasonable story to believe – but Konami's saying it's all bunk.After (irresponsibly) tweeting ambiguous notes like, "Fake or real, we love a bit of speculation! #ogre #mgs5," Konami's UK account directly clarified that, "Seriously, just in case the #pinch #salt hashtags weren't enough - the chap who claims to have set up the fake rumours has been in touch," as spotted by Kotaku's Jason Schreier.Project Ogre is Kojima's current in-development game, though few details are known about its theme, or gameplay, or ... well, much of anything regarding it. Kojima has also spoken of a fifth Metal Gear Solid game, though its unclear if development of that game is already underway.Whether or not the game was shown behind closed doors, Kojima was definitely at Comic-Con this past weekend, and he appeared to be showing something secret. Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinski tweeted, "Just got pulled into a back room at Comic Con by @HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN and showed some crazy new secret stuff. Wow." We're doing pretty much everything we can right here to not make a lurid joke.
Marvel Heroes Comic-Con trailer shows off combat
If you haven't been watching this year's San Diego Comic-Con closely to see what tidbits are revealed, don't worry -- we've got you covered. One such tidbit is the new Marvel Heroes trailer released by Gazillion Entertainment as part of the free-to-play game's panel at the convention. Although short, the video shows off a few of the playable superheroes demonstrating their evil-vanquishing moves. For 40 seconds, fans can watch Iron Man, Black Panther, Captain America, The Hulk, Human Torch, Deadpool, and Black Widow kick, smash, pound, and blast their foes. Check out the combat preview in the video after the break.
Baird explains the finer details of Gears of War: Judgment's 'OverRun' mode
When Gears of War: Judgment is launched next March, its "OverRun" mode will add a new wrinkle to the multiplayer you've grown accustomed to in Gears titles. For instance, you can totally ride a blood mount! See what we mean above.%Gallery-160442%
Injustice's two newest fighters pulverize (and get pulverized) in Comic-Con trailer
Wondering what Nightwing and ... uh ... that Cyborg dude will play like in NetherRealms' next big game, Injustice: Gods Among Us? Well too bad! Er, rather, you can find out above. Sorry about making you feel bad.
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 hitting NA in Spring 2013
Come Spring 2013, North America will find itself directly in the path of another ninja-infused meteorological phenomenon. Namco Bandai has confirmed an English version of Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and has set up the first playable version at this week's San Diego Comic-Con.Once again developed by the world's biggest Naruto fans at CyberConnect 2, this latest installment in the over-the-top fighting series pushes further into the story laid down by the popular manga, its sequel, and approximately 9,856 anime episodes.Ultimate Ninja Storm 3 is the first in the series to pair the gorgeous cel-shaded art with 3D display support – "for the ultimate Ninja immersion experience," it says here. If you've been following the franchise for a while, however, you're probably wondering how 3D could happen before anti-aliasing. %Gallery-160280%
Bleszinski: Fortnite on PC 'primary and first,' other platforms not ruled out
Having announced Fortnite as Epic Games' first Unreal Engine 4 game, "exclusively for the PC," Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinski took to Twitter this afternoon to make some breathing room. "We wouldn't rule out the possibility of other platforms later," he wrote. That is, while Fortnite will be "primary and first" on PC, it may not be exclusive to the platform forever.Given that Fortnite is built using UE4, it stands to reason that those "other platforms" won't be of the current generation (none of Microsoft's, Sony's, or Nintendo's current hardware can run UE4-based games). What might they be, then? We'll have to wait until the next console generation to find out, it sounds like.%Gallery-160290%
Fortnite is Epic's first Unreal Engine 4 game, heading exclusively to PC
Fortnite is Epic's first Unreal Engine 4 game and it'll ship "exclusively for the PC," Epic Games' Cliff Bleszinksi said today during a San Diego Comic-Con 2012 panel. "We're here and we're announcing that this is a PC-designed game, it's shipping exclusively for the PC," he told a crowd of attendees."Next-gen's here. It's been here. It's a high-end PC," Bleszinski said. He added that the dudebro-free Fortnite didn't "make sense" for Unreal Engine 3, and cheered PCs as being part of Epic's "heritage."Fortnite, which sees characters building bunkers and emplacements to defend against the monsters of the night, was suspected of being a PC exclusive earlier this year when it popped up on a LinkedIn listing for PC. The listing was quickly changed after we brought it to the attention of Epic Games.We'll have more from Epic's SDCC panel as soon as we can (it's still going on!).
Syfy photo contest to award trip to Defiance premier party
Folks attending Comic-Con 2012 in San Diego or even just generally in the convention area have most likely seen some form of promotion for Syfy and Trion's transmedia project, the upcoming MMO shooter Defiance. If you have, a picture could be worth more than 1,000 words -- it could be worth a trip to the Defiance premier party in April 2013! To enter the contest, fans need to take a picture of any Defiance promotion at Comic-Con and either upload it to the official entry form, email an entry, or tweet a link of the picture to @DefianceWorld #DiscoverDefiance. The contest is open to US residents 18 years and older and will end on July 16th, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. EDT. Full contest rules are available on the official entry form.
Transformers: Fall of Cybertron multiplayer rolls out at San Diego Comic-Con 2012
Activision has a whole mess of stuff planned for this year's San Diego Comic-Con, starting with the first taste of multiplayer in Transformers: Fall of Cybertron.High Moon Studios will announce a new Marvel game (likely Hit Monkey) during a panel on Saturday, and Activision will also show off new footage of both 007 Legends and the recently announced FPS tie-in for The Walking Dead. For Activision's full San Diego Comic-Con 2012 schedule, hit up the source link below.
Blizzard's schedule for Comic-Con 2012
Are you headed to the magic, the wonder, the majesty of Comic-Con 2012? The San Diego Comic-Con has evolved into something far more than just comics -- it's now about all kinds of geek entertainment, including video games. While Blizzard won't have a booth at Comic-Con, they'll still have a presence and even a panel for attendees. If you're lucky enough to be headed to geek mecca this weekend, take some time to check out the following. Blizzard Entertainment product showcase Thursday, July 12 Room 6BCF If you've never been to this panel, it's worth attending. While the panel doesn't discuss game development or release dates, it does talk about the other side of Blizzard's products -- the comics, books, action figures, toys and other material they release in conjunction with their games. There is a Q&A at the end of the panel, which will include Chris Metzen and be moderated by Kat Hunter. Add it to your schedule if you're wondering what's going on in the world of Blizzard merchandise! Blizzard Entertainment autograph signings Insight Editions Booth #1035 Want to get your favorite Blizzard stuff autographed? Here's your chance. Friday morning from 10-11:30 a.m., you'll find Micky Neilson, Flint Dille and Matt Burns happily scrawling their signature for you, and from 4-5 p.m. on Friday, Chris Metzen and Samwise Didier will be signing. The Insight Editions booth will also have a sneak peek at the upcoming The Art of Blizzard book, so stopping by is advised! Christie Golden autograph signings Christie Golden has written a ton for Blizzard, and if you've got one of her books, getting it signed is a great idea. Christie will be at the Cryptozoic Store on Thursday between 7-8 p.m. and at the Mysterious Galaxy booth, #1119, from 4-5 p.m. on Thursday. Please note that the Cryptozoic Store is not at the convention, but it's a just a few blocks away; the address is 411 Market Street, downtown. Having gone to Comic-Con a few years, I can tell you that the best way to make sure you get into a panel or an autograph section is to get there early. I can't stress this enough. If you have something to sign, make sure it's not buried in a backpack -- and it's helpful to put a bookmark in the page you want signed, too, if you're bringing a book! Blizzard also has a host of licensing partners showing off all kinds of products from sculptures to books to the WoW TCG. Check out the full post on the official website for more information.
PlanetSide 2 will be playable on Friday at SDCC
If you're making the trek out to California for the San Diego Comic-Con, you probably already know about most of what to expect. But the team behind PlanetSide 2 just surprised any fans en route to the convention with the announcement that PS2 will be playable on Friday. From noon until 9:00 p.m. PDT, players can try out the current build of the game, chat with the development team, and even pick up a special set of Empire-themed dog tags. Some fans can't make the trek out to San Diego for the game, of course. These fans have to look forward to the game's upcoming beta test, but there's good news on that front as well. Matt Higby has clarified via Twitter that the beta will occur sometime before the end of July, meaning that beta testers will get to start in on the game very soon. So even if you can't make it out to the convention, you won't be deprived of the game too much longer. [Thanks to Dengar and Scott for the tips!]
Game of Thrones Seven Kingdoms releases its first trailer
We know a little bit about the game, but up until now, nothing has actually been seen of the upcoming Game of Thrones Seven Kingdoms. But the wait is now over, as a trailer for the browser-based game has been unveiled to show off some of what players can expect when the game finally goes live. And if you're hoping for the opportunity to cross swords with rival houses in a massive political battle... well, that does seem to be on the plate. There's admittedly not too much that can be displayed via a trailer running under a minute long. But the trailer does show off the graphics and some hints of the combat, which looks to be very much a matter of skill. Check out the full trailer just past the break, and keep your eyes open for more information as the game ramps up for more reveals at San Diego Comic-Con. [Update: George R.R. Martin himself has also posted the video and the original press release. He notes that he'll be at SDCC checking out the game at the Dark Horse booth.]
Raid, Ruin, Sleep, and Dream with Square Enix at Comic-Con
Square Enix is going to be basically everywhere at San Diego Comic-Con this weekend, with playable demos in multiple locations, panels, and various other events. The booth (number 3829) will host demos of Hitman Absolution, Kingdom Hearts 3D, Sleeping Dogs, and Tomb Raider.In addition, Kingdom Hearts and Heroes of Ruin will be at the "Nintendo Lounge" at the Marriott Marquis & Marina. Square games will also be on display at the GameSpot Gameroom, Spike booth, and the Xbox Lounge.In addition to all that, Square Enix will sponsor the "Nerd HQ" event and show off its games there, including over 20 playable Tomb Raider demo stations. There will also be a Tomb Raider panel on Saturday, a Hitman "photo sniping contest," a cosplay event, and several other ways to spend your whole Comic-Con only looking at one publisher's video game lineup.
The Walking Dead FPS's Comic-Con swag is all ears
Like, literally. As in, "Here's a necklace of zombie ears," which might be a bit less disgusting if it weren't a necklace of human ears. San Diego Comic-Con attendees can snag the gruesome jewelry by rushing over to Activision's booth and (ugh) pre-ordering the upcoming Terminal Reality-developed Walking Dead FPS.Only the first 100 on-site pre-orders get the "extremely limited edition version of Daryl's 'walker ears' necklace," so, uh, don't rush if you don't want the super creepy necklace. We're kinda leaning toward that option, actually.The Walking Dead first-person shooter is getting its first big showing at SDCC 2012, but it won't be playable. Take a look at the 2013 title in a new trailer below the break.%Gallery-159964%
Get an extra large hands-on with the 3DS XL at San Diego Comic-Con 2012
You and your buddy Peter always go to San Diego Comic Con, sure, but do you always get a chance to be the first people in North America to touch Nintendo's next handheld? The answer is no, because you don't. But this year, you totally will, as Nintendo's bringing the 3DS XL.The Japanese game publisher's also bringing a variety of games for you to play, including New Super Mario Bros. 2, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate, and ... uh, Kid Icarus. Okay, okay – outside of those three and a couple others, the rest of the games are kinda not so new. But hey, Just Dance 4 on Wii will also be there! Yeah!Head past the break for the full list.
