brothers-in-arms
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Activision producer: Gearbox making 'a crappy war game' [update: Treyarch responds]
Update: We've clarified that, while Treyarch is owned by Activision, Heller is in fact an Activision – and not a Treyarch – employee. To that end, Treyarch's Community Manager posted a classy message on the Xbox.com forums distancing their team from the Activision rep's comment and stating, "We have nothing but respect for the guys and gals at Gearbox." Nicely handled, Treyarch!Original: We normally don't like it when developers start taking potshots at each other, it's really not the sort of -- oh, who are we kidding? We love it when developers take potshots, it's one of our absolute favorite things, and this video interview from Eurogamer has a doozy courtesy of Treyarch Activision senior producer Noah Heller. When asked about Gearbox's forthcoming Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway, Heller said they didn't consider it during development of Call of Duty: World at War, dismissing Hell as "a crappy war game." Continuing the burnination, Heller added that Gearbox "isn't even the same league" as Treyarch's effort. You might think we're misrepresenting the quote by taking it out of context, but it's somehow even more MEGAowch when watched in context (at about 1:00 in).[Thanks, Jordan]
Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway deploys August 26
Ubisoft announced today that Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway is indeed going to make its previously projected August window and come out August 26 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC (via GameSpot). Gearbox's Nazi neck-stabbing World War II shooter tells the story of two soldiers trying to secure a piece of German-controlled road that may or may not be owned by a certain Prince of Darkness.
Get all the Ubidays 08 content at Big Download
By now you've undoubtedly seen the trailers for Beyond Good & Evil 2, Prince of Persia and Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X., but more than likely you've only witnessed the Ubisoft library in standard def blurriness. Well our little brother site , Big Download has you covered with high-def downloads for all of Ubisoft's upcoming games. Head over to Big Download now, or click on each title below to bring you to its respective download page. Beyond Good & Evil 2 Teaser Prince of Persia Teaser Speed Drawing (Prince) Speed Drawing (Elika, the Prince's new ally) Shaun White Snowboarding Intro Trailer Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. Trailer Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway Trailer
Download the Ubidays 2008 trailers here
If you're interested in owning an HD copy of the Beyond Good & Evil 2 teaser trailer (and really, who isn't?), our file sharing friends at BigDownload (Update: and GameDaily) are offering all the HD trailers from yesterday's Ubidays 2008 event as, erm, big downloads. Check out all the trailers below, including two Prince of Persia speed sketches of the Prince and Elika (here's a game: count the number of times the artist changes brush settings). Beyond Good & Evil 2 teaser (217 MB) Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway trailer (111 MB) Prince of Persia teaser (62 MB) Prince of Persia speed drawing: Prince (9.4 MB) Prince of Persia speed drawing: Elika (13 MB) Raving Rabbids TV Party gameplay trailer (59 MB) Raving Rabbids TV Party teaser (55 MB) Tom Clancy's EndWar trailer (111 MB) Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. trailer (181 MB) Shaun White Snowboarding intro (150 MB) Shaun White Snowboarding trailer (110 MB) Soul Calibur IV Yoda gameplay trailer (25 MB) Soul Calibur IV Darth Vader gameplay trailer (31 MB) Soul Calibur IV cinematical trailer (106 MB) Rabbids, Persian Princes and Beyond Good & Evil 2? Check out all our coverage (and a bountiful amount of screenshots) from Ubisoft's Ubidays 2008 event.
DS Daily: That tricky extra dimension
Tecmo's announcement that Tecmo Bowl: Kickoff would be a "classic 2D game" cheered us no end. Too often for our liking, developers seem desperate to recreate the kind of 3D games we'd find on beefier home consoles, and the results are rarely pretty. This blogger recently got around to trying out Brothers in Arms (on the advice that the game was a technical marvel), and found it to be a mess of treacly frame rates and choppy visuals. If World War II had moved at this pace, we'd still be fighting.Occasionally, however, 3D on the DS does work, and quite splendidly in some instances. It may sound odd, but I still consider Nintendogs to be one of the best uses of 3D on the platform, simply because it wouldn't have been a tenth as engaging in 2D. How about you, dear reader? What do you consider to be the finest 3D offerings on our humble handheld?
Brothers In Arms: Hell's Highway in August, multiplayer redesigned
Ever since BIA went MIA last fall, we've been waiting for an update on the construction of Hell's Highway. Turns out the interstate paved with the hardened souls of the damned will open this summer, as a new trailer (embedded after the break!) announces Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway is "Coming August 2008." And yes, Nazi neck-stabbin' confirmed, finally.In addition to today's video announcement, Gearbox has apparently been working on a "totally redesigned online component" for the game, reports Eurogamer. Hell's Highway will supposedly feature "dozens" of players on each team and somehow incorporate the squad-based gameplay that defines the single-player campaign (that is, if you're willing to take orders from foulmouthed tweens).
Brothers in Arms: HH slated for August [update]
Update: Wouldn't you know, the August release is true. Confirmation of the release is revealed at the end of the new Hell's Highway "Face Stab" trailer which we embedded after the break. Thanks, Mr Gooooly.So, here's the story. Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway has been on the fast track to delays-ville, where its release date has been speeding through delay after delay since 2007. Then, last September, we learned that 2007 would see no Hell's Highway release and a general 2008 release was set. Now, according to Gamersyde who didn't list their news source (for shame!), Ubisoft is slating Hell's Highway for an August (European?) release. But so far we've spotted everything from April to May to June release rumors across the interwebs, so we don't know how much validity we can give to this latest August rumor. Though, if this August release turns out to be fact, you can color us impressed. We have $20 riding on the game being delayed into 2009.[Thanks, Hooligunn]
Gearbox Software defends in-game ad deal
Gearbox Software founder, Randy Pitchford, has commented on the developer's blog regarding its recent in-game advertisement agreement with Double Fusion, quelling concerns that Brothers in Arms would become Brothers in Ads. "We respect any contempt for exploitive advertising that negatively effects the integrity or the quality of the game because we, as hardcore gamers, share that same contempt," writes Pitchford. He further emphasizes, "We hate exploitive advertising that doesn't offer value to the gamer."In the category of advertising Gearbox doesn't hate, lies the kind that improves authenticity. Gearbox provides the example of a Philips factory in Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway, a historical site which would detract from authenticity sans the appropriate (and accurate to 1944) branding. Pitchford also lists increased budgets and out-of-game promotion as potential benefits that "we hope come from Double Fusion helping to connect Gearbox with advertisers." "If you see in-game ads for some stupid product that has nothing to do with the context in which it occurs and actually detracts from the experience, then you can feel justified in bashing the developer, publisher, or advertiser that made that decision," concludes Pitchford. Fair enough -- but we'd better not be stopping at a Burger King in our trek across Borderlands, mister.
GameplayHD's videogame animated series "Sacred Road" launches this fall
Voom's GameplayHD channel has a new 3D animated action series on the way, Sacred Road. As if we weren't already getting enough HD gaming in (CoD4 anyone?), the new series is being created entirely within a videogame engine, taking Red vs. Blue's concept to a whole new level. With graphical assets courtesy of Gearbox Software's Brothers in Arms game, Sacred Road is about a group of WWII soldiers caught up fighting Nazi's with an army of undead World War I fighters at their command. Check it out this fall, either on GameplayHD or via the website.[Via GameIndustry.com]
Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 looks like crap
You got to love those Ubiports.Maybe it's just IGN's embeddable player, but Brothers in Arms looks bad. It looks like a bad port of the PS2 version of the game (which, itself, was a bad port of the Xbox and PC game). So, as perplexed as we initially were at the choice to bring a 3 year old game onto the Wii, we're putting on our skeptic glasses something fierce now. Unless this game is free with some UPCs from a box of Count Chocula or something, we can't imagine wanting to buy it.[Thanks, Drew!]
First Brothers in Arms game to be updated to Wii this November
We can't imagine why Ubisoft and Nintendo would want to put a game that is creeping up on 3 years of age onto the Wii. Seriously, we can't think of a single reason for Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 to be on the Wii other than it might reach a new audience on Nintendo's platform, having never released on the GameCube (it was available on PC, Xbox and PS2). Regardless, it's still an older title.Now, it's a given the game will feature motion-sensitive controls, but what other improvements could Ubisoft hope to make to the title to validate it on the Wii? Maybe there will be Wi-Fi play, considering the game enjoyed online mutliplayer?
Brothers in Arms Hell's Highway delayed into 08
Just in case you were eagerly awaiting Ubisoft's WWII shooter Brothers in Arms Hell's Highway (which was tentatively scheduled for release this holiday) you can quit being eager, because it has been delayed into next year. Ubisoft revealed that Hell's Highway won't be finished for release this year instead targeting it for a fourth fiscal quarter release which should land somewhere between January and March of 2008. But good news Brothers in Arms fans, Call of Duty 4 is good times and will be available this November. Don't worry ... you can thank us later.
Metareview: Brothers in Arms DS
Considering the look of it, Brothers in Arms DS has been a game to watch since the moment it was announced. DS games are forging new 3D ground lately, and with all the rich textures and increased action, we diehards have been busily chewing our nails and wondering just how all these games would play out. Early verdicts are in on Brothers in Arms, and so far, things are looking alright. Print media seems to be scoring the title higher than online reviewers, but that may change as more reviews trickle in.CVG -- 77%: "The first thing that gets you about Brothers on DS is just how incredible it looks and sounds. Okay, it's not the PC or 360 versions but as far as DS games go, this is up there with the best of them ... Brothers In Arms DS is a good little action-shooter that makes great use of the DS's unique interface. With the tactical aspect of its gameplay removed in favour of a linear action approach, it loses some of its style and identity, but it's nevertheless the first war shooter for DS, and sets a high standard to beat."Eurogamer -- 60%: "Despite brevity, simplicity, and the slow turning, it's really very exciting to be playing an FPS of this complexity on the DS. The above problems are significant, but never stop the fun of blamming your way through a level, sniping out distant soldiers, or, best of all, explodifying everything in a tank. The story is hugely underwritten, but ultimately unimportant; the motivation, always the need to reach B from A without the Ns shooting you in the face with their Gs ... With some tighter programming, and far fewer invisible barriers and dumb deaths, BiA could have been rather good. As it is - flawed and fun - it's a fantastic signpost."So what's the word? At this point, it looks like Metroid Prime: Hunters fans need to look no further than Brothers in Arms for a chance to get their shooter on. While the game loses some of what makes the franchise unique, it's a great mark of what's to come -- and anytime a word like "explodifying" comes into play, there may just be something worth checking out.
Ubisoft dates Haze, Splinter Cell, Raving Rabbids 2, more [update]
Ubisoft has revealed the release dates for all of its major 2007 titles, asking the majority of them to form a neat line in November and proceed to remove the contents of your wallet one by one. You're more than welcome to make a fuss about it, but having the sneaky men of Assassin's Creed and Splinter Cell: Conviction within grasp of your neck renders such action unwise. A more notable entry in the release schedule (as posted by Eurogamer) is Free Radical's sci-political first-person shooter, Haze, previously described as "leading on PS3" in a display of timed exclusivity: Haze (PS3) -- 23 November Oh, you'll be wanting the release date for the other platforms as well: Haze (Xbox 360, PC) -- 30 November [Update: Oh dear, Ubisoft has removed the Xbox 360 and PC versions of Haze from the current release list. We're waiting to hear back from Ubisoft on the matter.] Other key titles dated after the break include Assassin's Creed, Dark Messiah: Elements, Rayman Raving Rabbids 2, Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway, and Splinter Cell: Conviction.
Ubisoft dates its winter titles
It's been said by many people for months now: 2007 looks to be a big year for gamers. It seems like every company is pulling out all the stops and quality games are getting ready to rain from the heavens. Some say that 2007 may be the best year EVAR. True or not, Ubisoft is playing a large role in the 360's holiday season. As proof of that, Eurogamer has unveiled Ubisoft's official release list for this holiday season, including planned release dates for major titles like Assassin's Creed and Splinter Cell Conviction. Check out the list after the break.
Uber Ubisoft Ubidays video roundup
Ubisoft's Ubidays event in Paris spawned almost as many video trailers as it did announcements. Thanks to the wonders of embeddable streaming video, we're able to put them all in a single post for your viewing pleasure and/or displeasure, depending on the game. Naruto: Rise of a Ninja (Xbox 360) Loosely based on the 837,212 episodes of popular anime, Naruto, this cel-shaded action game seems to strongly encourage you to leap through trees, punch older men and generally behave like a ninja who's under the constant scrutiny of kids. No sudden decapitations like that other guy.
Undercover Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway trailer
Ubisoft's goodies from Ubidays continue to roll on out, this time, we've got a trailer for their World War II First Person Shooter, Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway. Unfortunately, the audio is from the presentation floor, but it still gives a good look at what to expect. It even shows off a few glimpses of the game's cover system. Xboxyde has a torrent for a high resolution video available for download. For an embedded quick fix, though, check out the video after the break. It's looking ... ahem ... solid.
New Brothers in Arms shots
DS games are looking pretty hot lately, but Brothers in Arms is just so gorgeous that we can't help but wonder what the catch is ... like maybe it will give us cancer or completely suck or something. Probably not, but we'll be keeping an eye out for anything that could cause lasting harm, either physical or emotional.While you ponder our weird paranoias, check out the screens. They're after the jump.
Photoshop + bad scans = Brothers in Arms screenshots
The scans we had for you yesterday of images from Brothers in Arms look like they got a clean-up job, because they now almost resemble actual screenshots. Well, screenshots rendered by a pointilist, perhaps, but at least we can get a good idea of how the game will look. It's much more impressive this way!Check out the two other screens after the jump.
Brothers in Arms crossing over to Nintendo DS
Our slumber party pals over at DS Fanboy have caught word that Ubisoft's World War II epic, Brothers in Arms, will be making its way over to the Nintendo DS sometime in the near future.Though short on details, they can confirm that the touch screen battle will feature 3 different campaigns that span across 16 missions and several countries of war. It may also include a lot of Nazi killing. Just a hunch.Hop on over to their side of the fence for some good ol' fashioned blurry photos and speculation.
