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Seen@PAX East: Bomberman says hello
Someone tried to tell us this was a character from the BioShock universe, but we think we recognize Bomberman when we see him.
Spec Ops: The Line narrative trailer ripped from the headlines
In fairness, the trailer above for Spec Ops: The Line was likely cut and produced over the course of a few months. As such, its "ripped from current headlines" nature isn't really 2K Games or Yager's fault, but it does make for an awkward juxtaposition against recent news.
BioShock Infinite's sad men with giant hands, exposed!
BioShock Infinite's version of Big Daddies sometimes resemble George Washington, and other times they're terrifying giants with exposed hearts and enormous porcelain hands. Take a look at the latter group in the latest trailer, just above.
Christie offers 4K upgrade kit for 2K projector that you couldn't afford to begin with
For the eight millionaires who've been watching the pre-release of Killer Elite on their in-home Christie CP2230, we've got exemplary news for you: your already-amazing image quality is about to get even better. The same projector that was chosen to reside in the Academy Theater at Lighthouse International in New York City -- and the same one that remains mysteriously devoid of an MSRP across the world wide web -- now has a similarly sticker-less upgrade kit to consider. The Christie 4K upgrade package includes an entire 4K light engine assembly (replete with a trio of 1.38-inch TI 4K DMDs), an integrator rod assembly and an upgrade label. Yeah, a label. It's like that. Hit the source links for the requisite phone numbers, or better yet, just forward the whole thing to your butler.
NBA 2K11 3D for PS3 launched as Best Buy timed exclusive today
Just when we thought we were getting out from under the spectre of exclusive 3D releases on Blu-ray we're hit with one from a very unexpected source in the form of an exclusive NBA 2K11 3D for PS3 SKU, available only at Best Buy. The only apparent difference in this version is its support for stereoscopic 3DTVs (not the first sports title this year to do it, Madden 2011 features anaglyph 3D on any TV with a code, but really, why try?), but for now you won't be able to get it anywhere else. Already have the game or plan on pick it up elsewhere? Expect a software update adding 3D to all PS3 versions (no cross-platform 3D for the Xbox 360 version on this one, leave that to Call of Duty: Black Ops and Crysis) in January according to Ron from 2KSports, for now enjoy the new trailer for the 3D version (embedded) and expect a post on the official PlayStation Blog.
Borderlands 'Claptrap' DLC review: They, robot
I have a long list of my favorite robots, but here are the top five: Old Bob from Disney's The Black Hole, Marvin from Hitchhiker's Guide, Daleks from Doctor Who (Update: Fine, they aren't robots. The editorial staff sincerely regrets the error, nerdlingers.), Keanu Reeves (he's The One, which makes him, like, king of robots) and the many Claptraps from Borderlands. Every single entry on this list has put me through the full gamut of emotions at one time or another, be it laughter, annoyance, anger, tears, boredom or whatever other emotions humans have. That proves, scientifically, that robots make things better. The folks at Gearbox know this better than anyone and have created "Claptrap's New Robot Revolution" where the clever, quipping companions you've rescued countless times throughout your days on Pandora have broken through the firewall of subservience and, much to the Hyperion Corporation's chagrin, decided to pay back the planet's ruthlessness in full. Led by the Interplanetary Ninja Assassin Claptrap (INAC) -- your old friend from such hits as the Arid Badlands and the loading screen -- the machines have assimilated the local flora and fauna, reskinning bandits and skags alike with Claptrap components. %Gallery-101838%
2K responds to BioShock 2 Metro Pack DLC complaints
Joystiq has received numerous reports from BioShock 2 players who have been unable to play the new multiplayer maps since purchasing the Metro Pack DLC last week. Elizabeth Tobey, senior manager of interactive marketing for 2K, has responded to this issue on the 2K forums. It's not a glitch, but a design choice: 2K has not yet created a DLC-only online multiplayer playlist. Said Tobey, "We couldn't assume all players would purchase the new maps, so we made a design decision to unify the player base and make sure no one got split up." In order to play a new map in a public match, explained Tobey, all players in the match must own the DLC (obviously). If anyone doesn't have the DLC, the match automatically reverts to base maps. Tobey noted that the easiest way to play the new maps would be to set up a private match and indicated in a separate thread that the development team is considering the creation of a playlist exclusively for the Metro Pack maps. In the same thread, Tobey addressed another complaint about the new DLC involving the included Rebirth option, which lets rank 50 players reset their level in exchange for a special mask item. The feature is apparently wiping players' leaderboard ranking and online stats. Tobey assured that the BioShock 2 team is "looking into" the Rebirth issue. [Via Eurogamer] Source - 2K Forums Source - 2K Forums
Mafia 2 dev diary takes care of some business
For gangsters, it's not all slick suits and waiting around to scoop up whatever has fallen off the back of the truck. Sometimes, you have to roll up the sleeves of that expensive suit you can't explain how you have come to possess and put in some work -- some dirty work. And that's the focal point of this Mafia 2 developer diary. Protagonist Vito Scaletta shows he's just as good at slinging lead as he is throwing his fists around. But, he's also not afraid to do more damage by setting cars on fire and leading the coppers on a chase around the city. Our personal favorite, however, has to be his proficiency at rolling grenades beneath cars. We like to call that move "The Lebowski." Anyway, hit the play button on the player above and enjoy. Consider it an offer you can't refuse.
BioShock 2 'Metro Pack' DLC re-dated May 11
2K has announced that the erroneously dated BioShock 2 Metro Pack DLC now has an actual release date: Tuesday, May 11. The Metro Pack adds six maps to the multiplayer mode and will be available on PSN and Xbox Live for $10. 2K is also releasing some additional DLC alongside the Metro Pack. First up is a $2 character pack, which adds two new characters to multiplayer. In addition, players can also grab the free download for "Kill'Em'Kindly," a new multiplayer mode that has players "fight to the death with golf clubs." That disturbing, guttural sound you just heard was the collective "ugh" of everyone who has ever played the original BioShock.
MLB 2K10 showcases numbers in 'Stats & Splits' trailer
Nothing says "It's seriously snowing, again?" like a new trailer for MLB 2K10 focusing on the "real language" of baseball. Being pro chair sitters, we're not really able to vouch for the validity of this trailer's claims about the vernacular of the diamond, but we can make the claim that the uncanny valley of video games is being crossed by sports. We certainly aren't sports buffs, but some of the graphics look damn near real life. And yes, whatever the announcers are saying could be spoken in mistranslated Mandarin Chinese for all we know, but that doesn't make the visuals any less impressive. Nope, we're not any more excited to play this game now than we were before seeing the trailer, but the baseball fans among you will assuredly find the video embedded above for this Tuesday's MLB 2K10 helpful in sating your desires for another few days. We'd say go play some baseball in the meantime, but, well, you know. All that snow. %Gallery-86204%
Sid Meier's Civilization V coming to PC this fall
In its latest, unyielding attempt to subvert societal productivity, 2K Games has announced Sid Meier's Civilization V, the latest entry in the venerable strategy series. Set to debut on PC this Fall, Civilization V brings "an astonishing new engine" to the polite, turn-based proceedings and promises to excel the franchise with "the introduction of hexagon tiles allowing for deeper strategy, more realistic gameplay and stunning organic landscapes for players to explore as they expand their empire." Most hexcellent news indeed. "Each new version of Civilization presents exciting challenges for our team," said Sid Meier of Sid Meier's Civilization fame. '"Thankfully, ideas on how to bring new and fun experiences to Civ players never seem to stop flowing. From fully animated leaders and realistic landscapes, new combat tactics, expanded diplomacy and shared mods, we're excited for players to see the new vision our team at Firaxis has brought to the series." And expect to share your vision with others, as 2K notes that Civilization V will feature an "extensive suite" of community, modding and multiplayer components. It just wouldn't be an accurate model of civilization if you couldn't diplomatically destroy your online friends. %Gallery-85934%
X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom
Puzzle-platforming fans, rejoice, for The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom is here. The game employs simple platforming skills combined with time control mechanics, great music and a very unique art style. See it all in action in the latest episode of XBLA in Brief. Should you wish to take the plunge into the world of time-bending pie theft, the full version is 800 ($10). Shortcut: Download the trial version of P.B. Winterbottom [via Xbox.com] [iTunes] Subscribe to X3F TV directly in iTunes. [Zune] Subscribe to the X3F TV directly. [RSS] Add the X3F TV feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [M4V] Download the M4V directly.
Next Borderlands DLC, 'The Secret Armory of General Knoxx' announced
click to enlarge Gearbox Software and 2K Games have revealed the name -- and first solid details -- for the third DLC expansion to Borderlands. Called The Secret Armory of General Knoxx, the new content is pitched as having "never-before-seen enemies in a huge new environment complete with tons of brand new missions." New weapons and items are also promised, along with a previously confirmed raising of the character level cap from 50 to ... an undisclosed limit. Still, Gearbox states there will be "new challenges and opportunities for growth for characters from around level 34 to level 50." No release timetable has been announced, but we've contacted 2K for additional info. First screens in the gallery below! %Gallery-84191%
Canadians can enter the Borderlands for $40
Much like Batman: Arkham Asylum's sale price during its initial release, Canadian retailers are giving players a break with the upcoming shooter Borderlands. For a limited time, Futureshop, Walmart and Best Buy are offering the Gearbox title for the discounted price of $39.96 on both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Borderlands hits stores on October 20, giving Canadians plenty of time to dig out of their snow covered homes.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Technical foul: 2K looking into framerate issues in NBA 2K10
Posting on the official 2K forums, an admin has stated that the developer is aware of reported framerate issues encountered by several players in NBA 2K10. He's also put out a call to readers to describe any encounters with the slowdown, with the hopes that problems can be identified and resolved. The thread has grown to 25 pages at the time of writing this post.If you've run into the problem yourself, get over to the relevant thread and recount that traumatic experience with as much detail as you can. Heck of a way to celebrate a franchise's 10th anniversary, eh?[Thanks, Mark!]
2K bringing P.B. Winterbottom, Axel and Pixel to XBLA
click for more pixels (and Axels, we suppose) It's likely been a while since you've thought of Odd Gentlemen's The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom, the extremely promising puzzle platformer that appeared on our radar during GDC 2008. Here's an update: We got the great news from 2K that it will bring the game exclusively to XBLA in early 2010. In the same missive, 2K also confirmed the Czech-developed point-and-click adventure, Axel and Pixel (which looks similarly delightful in the below screens and the game's official site), as another XBLA exclusive. Luckily, the wait's not so brutal, as you'll only have to hold out until this fall to give it a try. %Gallery-71001%
Borderlands DLC 'already in motion'
Borderlands isn't even out yet. Sure, you know about its three million weapon combinations, but you also know that's not enough. Don't worry, because Gearbox is on the job, as company president (and consummate yarn-spinner) Randy Pitchford informs Eurogamer that DLC is "already in motion." He says that "people are going to be surprised" by what the content is, and how soon it will arrive. He adds that Gearbox will be monitoring what players want after the game launches in October, so the company can adjust DLC plans accordingly.An announcement regarding the first batch of DLC should be made "soon." We have no way of knowing what the DLC will be, but we're assuming that exploding spiders and flaming midgets will be involved.
'Early 2010' is a 'realistic' release for BioShock 2 [update]
Update: Call it a failure in translation. The representative meant PAX in Seattle and not PAX East in Boston. The company currently has no plans for PAX East. The rep followed up that "'early 2010' is a much more realistic release date than 'second quarter 2010.'"Speaking to a 2K Games representative at GamesCom, Joystiq learned that a new BioShock 2 trailer is set to be revealed at next year's PAX East show, which will also be host to a strong presence from the company. With the undersea sequel still being promoted during the last week of March, we were able confirm the obvious implication: BioShock 2 won't be out during the cluttered first quarter of 2010.Instead, it seems we'll make our long-awaited return to Rapture in the second half of the first half of 2010.
Get a MotionPlus with NHL 2K10 in Canada
Nintendo has already, to the surprise of many, partnered with EA to bundle MotionPlus peripherals with sports games. Now, according to a Canadian retail listing, the company is collaborating with another third party on a bundle. Futureshop lists an NHL 2K10 package featuring 2K Sports' hockey game (and its utterly terrifying box art) and a MotionPlus, for $69.99 (about $63 USD). Amazon.ca also shows the same bundle at a $10 discount. These seemingly Canada-exclusive bundles will ship concurrently with the standalone release on September 15. [Via GoNintendo]
Oblivion, Bioshock bundle doesn't feature Game of the Year edition
Well, the Bioshock and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion bundle just got a lot less interesting. We put in word to Bethesda's Pete Hines asking which version of Oblivion would be included in the bundle, and he got back to us with this most sad news: It's the original game. That means it's not the Game of the Year edition including Shivering Isles, the lengthy expansion featuring the hilarious Daedric Prince of Madness, Sheogorath.
