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Evolve alpha uncaged on PS4 following firmware troubles
It's late to the hunting party, but the PS4 is finally up and running in Evolve's "Big Alpha" test. 2K also announced it's extending the closed alpha until 12PM PT tomorrow, November 4 (3PM ET, 8PM UK), and that's not just for PS4 but Xbox One and PC too. After successfully launching the second Evolve alpha on other platforms, 2K had to postpone it on PS4 after issues with the console's new 2.00 firmware. In fairness, problems with the PS4 update aren't limited to Turtle Rock's alpha by any means, with numerous user reports noting a range of post-patch oddities. To that effect, Sony's official PlayStation account tweeted last night, "We're aware of issues happening post PS4 2.00 firmware, including some freezes and boot errors. [We are] working to resolve [them] ASAP, will update soon."
Evolve's alpha test delayed on PS4 due to firmware issues
Evolve's "Big Alpha" test has been postponed on PlayStation 4, 2K announced today. After the PS4's recent version 2.0 firmware update resulted in a number of issues for players, the publisher also began "experiencing difficulties with the Evolve Big Alpha" on Sony's home console. "PlayStation and 2K are working together on a resolution," 2K noted. The test was expected to hit PS4, Xbox One and PC this weekend, and it will still happen for the latter two systems. PS4 owners that happen to have an Xbox One or PC capable of playing Evolve are encouraged to use the registration code "05379-29749-32069" and referral code "EvolveBigAlpha4v1" to register for the alpha test on either of those systems via Turtle Rock Studios' site. Those suffering from the PS4's Rest Mode issues after the version 2.0 system update may also want to consider trying one possible fix listed here. Evolve will launch on February 10, 2015. Update: 2K has addressed the issues stalling the hunt on PS4 in the following statement: "2K, Turtle Rock Studios and PlayStation continue to work hard to resolve the difficulties affecting the Evolve Big Alpha on PlayStation 4. Evolve's closed alpha test is still playable on Xbox One and PC. We thank our PS4 users for their continued patience. More information will be provided at the Evolve website, Twitter and Facebook pages as it becomes available." [Image: 2K Games]
Take-Two reports slight bump in revenue for Q2
Take-Two reported $126.3 million in revenue for the second quarter (ending September 30), a slight increase compared to the $125.4 million in revenue the publisher reported last quarter. It also represents a 15.1 percent decline compared to the same quarter last year, a period that itself didn't benefit from the launch of GTA 5, but rather The Bureau: XCOM Declassified and Borderlands 2 GOTY. By comparison, Take-Two didn't have many releases in the past quarter, save for three mobile games: Civilization Revolution 2, BioShock and WWE SuperCard. The company also reported a net loss of $41.4 million for the quarter, representing a 66.7 percent improvement year-over-year, yet a 16.9 percent decline from its net losses for the last quarter ($35.4 million). With games like NBA 2K15, WWE 2K15, Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel and Civilization: Beyond Earth arriving during the following quarter, Take-Two increased its non-GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) net revenue projections from $745 million to $760 million for Q3 2015. [Image: Take-Two]
The Borderlands timeline unfurled
With the recent release of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, Gearbox knows it may have some fans with questions on how the series' timeline is organized. That's understandable when your latest game is sub-titled "The Pre-Sequel." To bring order to the chaos, the series developer offered an "ultimate Borderlands timeline" on its blog late last week. The comic-style timeline divulges major plot points from before the original Borderlands through its direct sequel, Borderlands 2. Viewers beware: Gearbox didn't shy away from spoiling those major events in the timeline, including that of The Pre-Sequel. Our review of the latest game noted that the game is "missing just a bit of soul," but still "has the makings of a pretty great Borderlands game." The series' overarching story will continue with The Walking Dead developer Telltale's adventure game, Tales From the Borderlands, which is expected to launch this year. [Image: Gearbox Software]
WWE 2K15 season pass includes three new rivarlies
2K Sports detailed its downloadable content plans for WWE 2K15 today, divulging information on the game's season pass program as well. The wrestling game will receive three additional 2K Showcase stories, two character packs and one moves pack. The game's 2K Showcase mode features two historical rivalries, John Cena versus CM Punk as well as Triple H versus Shawn Michaels, as Yuke's and Visual Concepts' major single-player feature. The three additional rivalries are One More Match (2011's Randy Orton versus Christian rivalry), Hall of Pain (the top matches of Mark Henry) and Path of the Warrior (the career of Ultimate Warrior) for $10 each. Those 2K Showcase bonuses as well as the WWE Diva Paige and the game's "accelerator" on-disc content unlock tool will all be part of the $25 season pass. The other three pieces of DLC, which are not included in WWE 2K15's season pass, add over 30 new moves ($4), WCW superstars like Diamond Dallas Page and Lex Luger ($8) and NXT wrestlers such as JBL, Adam Rose and Emma ($7) to the game. WWE 2K15 will launch on October 28 for PS3 and Xbox 360, then on November 18 for PS4 and Xbox One. Those that pre-order the game will receive two playable versions of WCW icon Sting as well. [Image: 2K Sports]
NBA 2K card-battling app now available
We're all adults here and recognize that fantasy football/baseball is just Dungeons and Dragons for jocks, right? Ok, well, here we go with My NBA 2K15 for mobile devices, which is essentially Magic: The Gathering of Hearthstone for the polyester and nylon uniform set. As PocketGamer notes, the card battler appears to be a replacement for a more traditional mobile basketball game. It features in-app credit purchases and over 1000 cards featuring players who compete through a season of numbers crunching, with the ability to make purchases that transfer to NBA 2K15. The companion app is available for both iOS and Google Play devices.
Evolve's closed 'big alpha' test hits Halloween weekend
Evolve's "Big Alpha" test is scheduled to begin on October 30, 2K announced today. The closed alpha phase will be available to Xbox One players through November 2, while PS4 and PC players will have access from October 31 to November 2. Those interested in participating in the alpha test can register for "priority access" on Xbox One through 2K's website. Pre-order customers will have a guaranteed spot in the Halloween weekend alpha on their platform of choice. The "Big Alpha" test requires that PS4 and Xbox One users have a PS Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscription, respectively. Turtle Rock Studios also offered a special limited-use code for "a couple thousand" alpha testers to register with on its blog. The four-versus-one multiplayer shooter was delayed in August after a previous alpha test, and will launch on February 10, 2015. [Image: 2K]
'NBA 2K15's' face scanning creates frightening players
NBA 2K15 arrived today, and with it comes a face-scanning feature that allows you to create a player based on your appearance. Well, as you might expect, the results when you don't sit still are... interesting. The folks over at SB Nation compiled a few of the most awesomely terrible creations, and they're quite scary. Of course, I'm interested to see what this means for the return of "NBA Y2K" in a few weeks. Looking to avoid transforming yourself into some sort of goblin? Here are a few tips for a proper scan. If only you could opt for EA's rig for a bit more accuracy.
NHL 2K faces off on iOS, Android today [Update: Nope, it's delayed]
Update: This just in from 2K - "The global launch of NHL 2K is being delayed to ensure we are able to offer our fans the best gaming experience possible, on all compatible mobile devices. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, but will keep you updated on the title's expected availability as it is confirmed." The mobile return of NHL 2K takes center ice today on iOS and Android, 2K confirmed to Joystiq. Announced last month, the game is the first in 2K Sports' hockey series to launch in four years since NHL 2K11 for Wii and iOS. The "complete and portable All-Star NHL experience" costs $7.99 and will receive live roster updates as the hockey season carries on. Developed by Visual Concepts and Virtuos, NHL 2K includes 2K's trademark multi-season My Career mode (which WWE 2K15 will also feature in its own way) as well as a quick Mini-Rink three-on-three mode. Players can also participate in asynchronous turn-based shootouts with one another or take their favorite teams through a full NHL season. NHL 2K also includes a Winter Classic outdoor arena as well as a Free Skate mode for players to practice their skills. [Image: 2K Sports]
Get a push, win the belt in WWE 2K15's 'My Career' mode
2K Sports offered details today on WWE 2K15's other career mode, My Career. Much like the mode of the same name in Visual Concepts' NBA 2K series, in My Career, players take a custom wrestler through the career path of a WWE superstar. The mode begins by having players learn the ropes at the Orlando-based WWE Performance Center, eventually headlining WrestleMania and winning the top championship titles in the company. The mode features seasoned trainer Bill DeMott and general manager Vickie Guerrero, the latter setting matches and giving wrestlers goals to advance their career. As the journey unfolds, wrestlers improve their attributes and unlock new abilities and moves while developing alliances and rivalries with others on the WWE roster. With each decision a player makes in My Career, the crowd's reaction will change and "multiple branching storylines, surprises, twists and turns" will manifest, complimenting the game's other, historical career mode, 2K Showcase. WWE 2K15 will launch October 28 for Xbox 360 and PS3, arriving later on November 18 for PS4 and Xbox One. [Image: 2K Sports]
WWE 2K15 gameplay trailer jumps the boogie
It may be 2014, but this WWE 2K15 trailer is partying like it's 1999. Set to Kid Rock's "Bawitdaba," the video flashes the entrances of wrestlers like Randy Orton, John Cena and Brock Lesnar before showing off moves in the ring like Rey Mysterio's 619. WWE 2K15 will launch October 28 for Xbox 360 and PS3. The game's PS4 and Xbox One versions were delayed to November 18 earlier this month. Those that pre-order the wrestling game will receive two versions of the iconic WCW wrestler Sting. The marquee story mode for this year's WWE game from Yuke's is 2K Showcase, which spotlights the lengthy feuds between Shawn Michaels and Triple H as well as John Cena and CM Punk. The historical mini-documentary-style mode spans 33 matches and unlocks additional attire, wrestlers and championship titles for use in the rest of the game. [Image: 2K Sports]
BioShock Infinite: Complete Edition listings point to Nov. release [update]
Update: A 2K spokesperson confirmed to IGN that BioShock Infinite Complete Edition is on the way. The spokeperson said, "We can confirm that the BioShock Infinite Complete Edition is coming to Xbox 360, PS3, and PC later this year, and we will be sharing more information about it very soon." BioShock Infinite may rise again in a new Complete Edition, going by listings on GameStop and Amazon Canada. Both retailers have the re-packaged edition of Irrational's game for Xbox 360 and PS3, priced $40 (US & CND) and due for release on November 4. 2K has not announced any new versions of BioShock Infinite, so we've reached out to the publisher for clarification. The box art on GameStop says the Complete Edition "includes all add-on packs." Also, the product details list the base game plus the Clash in the Clouds arena combat mode, the pair of Burial at Sea episodes, the Columbia's Finest gear and upgrades pack, and the similar Early Bird Special add-on pack which came with the season pass.
NBA 2K15 scans your face, thinks you're beautiful
NBA 2K15 will feature the ability for players to scan their faces into the game and onto the bodies of digital athletes. 2K Sports revealed the feature in a tutorial video, which instructs prospective virtual basketballers to hold the PlayStation Camera six to 12 inches away from their faces. After slowly turning their head both ways, players will find their mapped mugs in the game, at which point they can fine-tune their features. Created players can then be used in MyCareer mode, where they will likely get dunked on by cover star Kevin Durant. While the tutorial mentioned the PlayStation Camera by name, 2K says the feature uses "first-party camera hardware." The publisher also doesn't specify whether the feature is locked to a given console, indicating that Xbox One players can use the Kinect to scan their faces as well. NBA 2K15 will launch October 7 for PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. [Image: 2K]
NHL 2K series returns to mobile this fall
2K announced the return of its NHL 2K hockey video game brand today with the aptly-named NHL 2K. The game is in development for iOS and Android devices as a "premium mobile game" slated to launch this fall for $7.99. Players will take to the ice in classic NHL Winter Classic, Free Skate and Shootout modes, a three-on-three Mini-Rink mode, a "detailed" My Career mode and turn-based multiplayer shootouts. NHL 2K is the first entry in the series to surface in four years, the last being 2010's NHL 2K11 for Wii and iOS. The latest game is the result of a cooperative effort between NBA 2K developer Visual Concepts and Virtuos Games, the same studio that lent a hand to Square Enix with Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster in January. NHL 2K will include iCloud support on iOS devices, NHL GameCenter Live connectivity and MFi controller support. [Image: 2K]
WWE 2K15 delayed to November on next-gen
WWE 2K15 has been delayed to November 18 in North America on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, 2K announced today. The international release of the game on the next-gen systems has also been pushed back to November 21. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game will still arrive on October 28 in North America and October 31 internationally, as originally announced in May. "Visual Concepts and Yukes are committed to delivering the most authentic and action-packed WWE experience to date, including release for the very first time on next-generation consoles," Visual Concepts President Greg Thomas said via press release. "The additional development time enables our talented teams to ensure the WWE 2K15 next-gen experience fully meets our expectations." The game will feature a historical rivalry mode that focuses on two feuds in WWE's history: CM Punk versus John Cena and Triple H versus Shawn Michaels. [Image: 2K Sports]
NBA 2K15 wonders "What if?" in MyTeam trailer
2K Sports recently offered a new trailer and details for NBA 2K15's MyTeam mode. Similar to EA Sports' various Ultimate Team modes, MyTeam has players building a squad of basketballers from across the sport's history, improving their team gradually over time. One of the ways they'll be able to build their team this year is through a real-time auction house, seen in a few of the game's screens provided by 2K. Players will also have a challenge mode to put their team through its paces in several "What if?" fantasy scenarios. 2K Sports plans to add both multiplayer and weekly challenges to MyTeam throughout the year as well as user-created content. NBA 2K15 will launch October 7 for PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. [Image: 2K Sports]
Spec Ops: The Line narrative lead, Evolve writer leaves 2K
Walt Williams, a writer at 2K Games and lead narrative designer on Spec Ops: The Line, has left the studio. Williams revealed his departure via Twitter, saying he was "sad to announce" that September 5 would be his last day. Williams clarified that he'll still be working in the games industry, but "in the background." As for his final projects with 2K, both Evolve and Civilization: Beyond Earth will have Williams' name stamped on them, under the title Senior Writer/Designer. [Image: 2K Games]
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel season pass, pre-order Slaughter Pit announced
In case you were worried about running out of loot to hoard in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, a $30 season pass has been announced for Gearbox and 2K Australia's upcoming shootout on Pandora's moon. The pass will last for four additional content packs, which a related press release notes will include "new characters, missions and experiences." Vault hunters wary of preemptive bulk DLC purchases will still be able to pick up the packs individually as they release for $9.99 apiece. As is the modern custom, bonus content called the Shock Drop Slaughter Pit can also be earned by pre-ordering The Pre-Sequel from select retailers. Those waiting on holiday sales to stock up on this year's remaining games won't miss out on the Slaughter Pit though, as the press release adds it will be available for purchase later on. [Image: 2K Games]
Get back on the hunt: A second Evolve alpha is coming
If an invite to Evolve's upcoming closed alpha is your white whale, you've got two (constructive) options: Play a round of Evolve at 2K's PAX Prime booth (Level 4, booths 814 and 1414), or stalk Evolve's social media channels and the Turtle Rock forums. Hunting game at Prime will earn you an invitation to register, but "additional chances" can be tracked down on Twitter, Facebook and the forums. Unfortunately, putting down your first monster is going to be a lot like real-world hunting – the alpha's reveal post doesn't specify when the event will begin, so you'll need to keep a determined watch on the aforementioned channels or your inbox. The upcoming expedition will follow a separate alpha from July which must have thinned out Turtle Rock's monster supply, as Evolve was rescheduled for February 10, 2015 days after the alpha went live. [Image: 2K Games]
'BioShock' arrives on iOS with a heavy price tag
It took 2K Games a little longer than originally expected, but the publisher has finally released its iOS version of the original BioShock. The mobile version of the popular title is compatible with newer iPhones and iPads, which means you're out of luck if you have, say, an aging 4S handset or an older tablet from Apple. Naturally, you can expect a familiar storyline, so be ready to shoot a lot of weird-looking creatures. For those of you looking forward to it, just be prepared to pay a premium -- BioShock for iOS is a whopping $15 on the App Store. There are no in-app purchases in sight, however, meaning that you'll get the full game experience from the get go, rather than having to buy add-ons here and there.
