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'Assassin's Creed Origins' could arrive on October 27th
Ubisoft is expected to launch a new Assassin's Creed at E3 2017, but some Game Informer subscribers who got their next issue early might already have the details the developer plans to announce. Based on photographs of the magazine posted by HungryGhost57 on Reddit and Imgur, the new entry in the series entitled Assassin's Creed Origins will be released on October 27th with the tagline: "As an empire falls, a brotherhood rises." The announcement's accompanying illustrations show the titular assassin against a backdrop of pyramids and sphinxes, just like the retail pre-order card that was also leaked a couple of days ago.
Gameinformer: Portal 2 confirmed for Mac, Steam on the way for May
Scans from the April 2010 issue of Gameinformer have confirmed that Portal 2, the sequel to Valve's wildly popular and critically acclaimed game Portal, will be released in fall of 2010 for the Xbox 360, PC, and Mac (as reported on MacRumors). No, your eyes do not deceive you: Portal 2 is coming to the Mac this fall. More on the Valve front: TUAW reader Jason let us know that Gameinformer's April 2010 issue also confirms a May launch of Steam for the Mac. This was rumored several weeks ago based on some WebKit & Mac-specific content in the Steam beta, and pretty well locked in by Valve's viral leaks of Mac-themed 'reimagined' advertisements last week. (The final one is a bit of a give-away... read the copy.) "There is an article on page 22, News, 'Mac Gets Its Steam On' - Valve preps May launch on Apple platform," Jason tells us. He also says the article itself states, "Valve will start a beta program this spring, with a full launch targeted for May [...] If you already have a Steam account but want to use it on your brand-new Macbook, for instance, your Steam keys will still work." That last part is pretty huge; from the sounds of it, if you already bought PC versions of games on Steam, you won't have to pay again to download Mac versions of the same games. That should be a huge relief to Mac gamers who've been booting into Windows to get some gaming done. We haven't been able to confirm this reader tip, so if any of you have access to the same issue of Gameinformer and can confirm what Jason's told us, let us know in the comments.
Game Informer drops Crackdown 2 details
If the debut trailer for Crackdown 2 (which was revealed at E3 earlier this year) left you completely befuddled, don't fret -- you're not in the minority. However, Game Informer's recent write-up on Ruffian Games' open-world sequel explains the supernatural beasties hinted at in the teaser -- apparently, during a mission in Crackdown, your character unknowingly unleashed a virus into the city that caused portions of the population to mutate into hulking, violent brutes. Good going, stupid.The GI article also explains that the five upgradable stats in the first game will reappear in Crackdown 2, but will unlock new abilities as they're powered up. There are also some new armaments in the mix -- including something called a "magnetic grenade," which is capable of sticking enemies to moving vehicles. Oh, Ruffian Games. You are too good to us.[Via IGN]
Survey finds Xbox 360 is played five times as often as Wii, five times more likely to fail than PS3
Ready for some numbers this morning? Some scary, scary numbers for Xbox 360 gamers? Game Informer, current king of the smoldering ruins of the print gaming magazine empire, polled about 5,000 of its readers to get a feel for their gaming experiences, including just how many of them had unlocked the fabled "Red Ring of Death" achievement. We'd heard estimates ranging from 16 to 30 percent, but even the most pessimistic guesses don't line up with the survey's findings of a staggeringly high 54.2 percent failure rate. That's five times higher than the PS3's 10.6 percent, with the Wii coming in at 6.8 percent. Mind you, the Xbox 360 was the most played console, with over 40 percent of Xbox gamers button mashing for three to five hours a day, compared to 37 percent of PS3 gamers, and less than an hour's worth of gaming per day for 41.4 percent of Wii owners. However, game consoles should be designed to shrug off marathon sessions and just keep on spewing polygons, something that the first revisions of Microsoft's baby obviously couldn't manage. That said, there are some problems with this survey; as far as we can tell there was no verification made that respondents actually own the consoles that they indicated they did, and we all know how people like having fun at Microsoft's expense. Also, the survey was naturally only of readers of the magazine itself, who don't necessarily line up with the gaming world at large. But, it's impossible to deny there's truth in these numbers. Indeed, it's hard not to think they're too low, as you'll be hard-pressed to find an original Xbox 360 that hasn't thrown up the three-light salute. Even so, there's nothing to be proud of in Sony's 10.6 percent failure rate, or even Nintendo's 6.8, particularly given that system's relative lack of attention. All are much higher than the three percent most consumer electronics companies strive for -- and that Microsoft initially (incorrectly) claimed its console was managing. [Via TG Daily, The Consumerist]
BioWare likes WoW but thinks it can do better
GameInformer published an interview with BioWare President Greg Zeschuk and CEO Ray Muzyka in its December 2007 issue. Most of the questions in the interview focused on the EA acquisition, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age, but one did probe for information on the (KotOR?) MMO in development at BioWare's Austin studio.Both Zeschuk and Muzyka admitted to being players and fans of World of Warcraft, but expressed dissatisfaction with the way that making progress in the game is so time-consuming that "it's almost like having another job." They said they are thinking about ways to make the genre more accessible and easier to "pick up and play and have fun.""We certainly like the games," said Muzyka, "but the staying power hasn't been as strong. They totally enthrall a certain set of people, but we thought about how to make it an experience where you don't have to have a massive investment of itme."Blizzard had similar aspirations with World of Warcraft, and it succeeded in its goal; WoW is far more accessible than previous entries in the genre. Can BioWare expand the appeal of MMOs even further?
New York Times on tough times for game mags
Do you read video game magazines? Come on, you can be honest. Just because we try to provide you with all the online gaming news and views you need doesn't mean we don't expect you to occasionally feel the urge to read something printed on glossy paper. We won't get mad. Honest. Why aren't you answering us? YOU THINK WE'RE FAT DON'T YOU!Oh, we don't know why we're even worried. After all, we were just reading in today's New York Times how magazines are having a real tough time attracting readers, what with their outdated news and limited space. Sure they'll try to lure you in with special issues and in-depth features, but your attention span is so short that you probably won't bother reading them, no matter how much you say you want them. You'll just tune them out like ... hey, are you even still reading this? WHY DO YOU NEVER LISTEN TO US? *SOB*
Game Informer gives Mass Effect a 9.75
We've been rabidly anticipating Mass Effect for such a long time now, it's a relief to learn that, according to Game Informer at least, we haven't been wasting our energy. In their forthcoming November issue, the magazine awarded the game a 9.75, just a quarter-point shy of its highest honor. With the opener "Not since Star Wars made its theatrical debut in 1977 has there been a universe so full of wonder and awe," the review starts with a healthy dollop of praise and keeps piling it on. There is some criticism though of the game's action sequences. "Most of the skirmishes," the review reads, "which begin and end in the blink of an eye run into balancing issues, problematic AI and a difficultly in comprehending what is transpiring." ... Wow, so that's just a quarter-point worth of problem? We'd hate to see what it takes to get a 9.5.[Thanks, Morphy]
Gearbox's Borderlands revealed on Game Informer cover
With a tag line like "Diablo meets Mad Max," how can you not take the bait? Gearbox Software's Borderlands is the cover story in the September issue of Game Informer. Described as an RPG-shooter, with 4-player online co-op support, Borderlands appears to mimic the space gansta aesthetic that was so brilliantly captured in the dusty Gibson films of yesteryear -- not unlike id's new project Rage. How Diablo elements play into the dune buggy battlin' should be explained once the full cover story has been perused.Developer Gearbox has earned critical props for its Brothers in Arms games, which are often overlooked in the rotting heap of World War II shooters. The latest in that series, Hell's Highway (due in November), showed great promise during an E3 demo, but once again, was lost in the swirl of game previews, and has an uphill battle at retail, facing a very competitive holiday lineup. But if Gearbox stays dedicated to top-tier technical and production qualities, as seen in Brothers in Arms, than Borderlands could be the commercial success this studio is capable of developing. This is one to watch.
Shane Kim talks Japan, Peter Jackson, 2008
Speaking to Game Informer, head of Microsoft Game Studios, Shane Kim, has a lot to say about the current state of the Xbox. The main focuses of the interview are Microsoft's 2008 lineup, the 360's performance in Japan, and the Games for Windows brand. Of particular interest is the discussion on games likely to be released in 2008. Microsoft's E3 keynote focused only on 2007. Addressing the question of 2008 and games like Alan Wake, Too Human, and Fable 2, Kim notes that these titles are not "way out in the future" and that Microsoft would not be talking about them if they were. Kim also tantalizingly applied this reasoning to Peter Jackson's Halo project.Another of the more bizarre moments of the interview occurred during the discussion on Microsoft's performance in Japan. According to Kim, Resident Evil 5 for the Xbox 360 was supposed to be "the big announcement." We're a little puzzled by this -- as was Game Informer -- considering the game was announced for PS3 and 360 just over two years ago. Read the full interview after the jump.
Duke Nukem Forever pic sighted in Game Informer
Remember when we said another Duke Nukem Forever image prior to summer's end would indicate an "imminent apocalypse?" Time to prepare your shelters because 3D Realms threw in a new picture of DNF in the latest issue of Game Informer alongside the unveiling of Earth No More.The picture itself is rather non-revealing -- even more so than the previous two pictures of Duke and a Pork Nemesis. Over at the DNF forums, 3DR staffer Joe Siegler said that he cannot post a higher-resolution image online but agreed to the suggestion that the screenshot's inclusion in the magazine might get more people to read about Earth No More. Sneaky tactic, indeed -- at least Duke is being used somehow.Just a reminder, we are now in the year 10 A.D. ("After Duke"), a decade since the unveiling of DNF.
3D Realms hints at new project, Earth No More
3D Realms just announced their latest sci-fi/horror/suspense based game and is being tight lipped about the all the juicy details. Over on their blog, 3D Realms talks about Earth No More being their latest project and only teases about the details, because all the goods will be revealed in the July 2007 issue of Game Informer. Though, they did throw us a bone by posting a few quotes from the Game Informer article including details on a gun that works like a reverse proton pack called the Linker and how enemy AI will group together to take you down. They also mentioned that the team is pulling inspiration from movies like 28 Days Later, The Thing, Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Aliens to nail the kind of suspense and horror that these movies bring to the table. But that's about it as any other details will have to come from Game Informer. Patience friends, patience.
A deluge of Rock Band details courtesy of Game Informer
For a game which we've known very little about since it was announced, having so many Rock Band details elucidated so suddenly is like Christmas come early. Except, if that were the case, we'd have the game by now. There's too much for us to discuss fully, so we'll focus on the points we find most interesting. Emphasis is on the online play, with a strong community based system (read: Myspace clone) for finding other bandmates, the ability to create a band logo and to customise your avatar. There is no clarification of whether PS3 and 360 users will be able to play together. We strongly hope they will. Due to Microsoft requiring special circuit boards for their peripherals, the controllers will be console specific. The guitars will have ten frets. The normal five near the top of the neck and an extra five near the bottom, used exclusively for solos. There is also a five-way effects switch, with purchasable effects such as Flange and Wah. We've always wanted to fit those words into a post. USB microphones will be supported, giving us another reason to pick up Singstar when it's released. The drum controller promises to be a "TV dinner tray stand, only cooler," which could go either way, really. We hope it'll be a decent sized piece of equipment. It will come with wooden drum sticks and have four pads to hit with them. Check out the rest of the details at NeoGAF and, if you want to see the accompanying images, pick up the latest issue of Game Informer. We certainly will.[Via CVG]
Nintendo denies executive exodus
If, as was rumored earlier in the week, Nintendo really is losing some of its top marketing staff, they're not saying so at the moment. As you may already know, Game Informer Online reported on Wednesday that the relocation of Big N's marketing to NYC was forcing the departure of top marketing and PR people like Beth Llewelyn, Perrin Kaplan and George Harrison. But that's not the case (at least, not at the moment), according to a Nintendo statement reported by Pro-G. "In terms of the execs you name leaving we have not heard anything regarding that speculation (and it remains speculation) and we aren't commenting further on those rumours at this time," the statement says. Of course, that doesn't mean that it won't still happen ... only that nobody's willing to talk. We'll keep you updated.
The fog is lifted from Haze in a new interview
"And on those days when there be no news, let there instead be a full bounty of interviews", so spoke the god of Games Journalism (who sounds suspiciously like a pirate ... ). This Haze interview makes the third one so far today. It differs from the others, however, insofar as Game Informer have laid the piece out as a summary of the new information they've gleaned from Creative Director David Doak, rather than the normal question-and-answer format. To be honest, this makes for a more interesting read for us. The summary includes information on the story and philosophy behind the game. It appears that Free Radical will be making both an anti-war and an anti-drug statement with Haze, as you fight in a corporate military team which relies on a drug called Nectar to provide enhanced abilities to its troops. Nectar will feature heavily within the game, reducing combat damage and improving aim while obscuring your vision (hence the title, 'Haze', we suppose) and causing you to attack your allies if you happen to overdose. Sounds really interesting, if only because it's so different from Free Radical's most famous series, Timesplitters. Stylistically it's completely different but we're hoping its storyline is just as entertaining. Other details harvested from the interview include information on multiplayer gameplay. Haze will have four player co-operative play online and, presumably, offline too. There will also be 24 person online deathmatch and assault modes. Though levels for these will be limited at first, due to Free Radical's belief in the cliche 'quality over quantity', there is every chance that there will be downloadable map packs available after the game's release. Read the full article for more information and check out the screenshots. Haze is going to be a big seller when it comes out this christmas and we can't wait to get our hands on it.[Via PS3Forums]
Game Informer agrees: PSP failure is a myth
The June issue of Game Informer has a feature about gaming's big questions. One of these is whether or not the PSP is a failure. Unsurprisingly, these claims are reduced to nothing more than simple falsities, spouted by Sony haters. As the Game Informer article smartly states: "How does selling 10 million units equate to failure?" Amongst many reasons listed is the undeniable fact that the PSP is the first serious portable competitor of Nintendo to find success. Before the DS Lite came out, PSP was actually beating DS in sales (according to NPD). To sum it up, no rational, unbiased gamer can list the PSP as a failure. We all know the PSP is a success, it's just nice to see the often PSP hating press finally agree with us.
Nintendo moving on up ...
... to the East side, to a deluxe apartment in the sky.In all seriousness, the company could be looking to relocate its troops somewhere else, as Game Informer reports Nintendo is looking to relocate to greener pastures outside of the Microsoft-inhabited Redmond, Washington. Of the potential cities in the U.S. where they could relocate, apparently San Francisco and New York are in the top running. Nintendo of America employees also supposedly received notification yesterday regarding this move, offering them severance packages should they not wish to relocate. These new offices could be opened as early as this Fall.With the Nintendo World Store in New York, we're confident that Nintendo might go there since the large store already gives them a good presence with the public. Of course, the rain and cold could be something they aren't looking forward to, so San Francisco would be a natural choice given that situation (also, it's closer to Japan). And with all the different branches of Nintendo of America having a presence in Redmond, Washington, this move is definitely going to affect the entire company. Here's to hoping it's a good one, should it come to pass!
Game Informer answers GTAIV questions on 'copters and more
When they weren't defending their exclusive coverage, the guys at Game Informer (at least Andrew Reiner, "the only journalist so far to have seen Grand Theft Auto IV in action") were answering questions sent in by GTA4.net. So, no flying? Reiner: "There are no airplanes in the game, but flying is still there. One means of this is the helicopter." One means, eh? How about "good looking chicks"? Reiner: " ... ." Okay, moving on. Are there seasons? Reiner: "Time of day definitely progresses, but whether it progresses throughout an entire calendar year remains to be seen." How about ladyfriends? Reiner: "What is with you people and your woman-related questions."We were thinking the same thing, but don't be discouraged! There's a couple interesting responses tangled up between some of the more inane questions so, if GI's exclusive coverage didn't sate your GTA-ppetite, click that Read link and give 'em a second chance. Oh, and boats are in.
Game Informer defends GTA IV 'exclusive' coverage
Kevin Gifford's Game Mag Weaseling is a column run on GameSetWatch where he discusses coverage by the game magazines. In a recent article about Game Informer's "coverage" of Grand Theft Auto IV, Gifford said the piece was full of "glorified feature lists enhanced with developer quotes and insulated by hundred of words of filler."Well, Game Informer's Editor in Chief Andy McNamara wasn't going to take that lightly, writing to the site, "I fail to see how getting world exclusive content that you can't get anywhere else isn't offering our readers something unique and worth the price of a magazine?"Essentially where Gifford and GameSetWatch stood their ground was that the coverage felt managed by Rockstar -- well, of course it was. Rockstar gave GI the pictures, quotes and whatever else they wanted to. It's not like GI infiltrated the Rockstar building and retrieved the information for their readers. There was some deal made and GI got the exclusive -- good for them, it shows the muscle that comes with 2 million hard-sold Gamestop customers subscribers. If you're happy with that ending and don't want to hear a potential spoiler, enjoy that ending for this post and don't look after the break!
Silent Hill Origins rises from the dead
Silent Hill: Origins had seemingly disappeared from the public eye, with many (including ourselves) fearing its cancellation. The game showed early promise, with impressive graphics and Resident Evil 4-style gameplay. However, it wasn't long until there were reports of troubled development: Climax, the game's developer, laid off numerous employees. Then, it was conspicuously absent from Konami's Gamers Day.Well, looks our fears were unwarranted. Game Informer has a new exclusive preview up: "The kicker was that even though the game was on a much smaller screen, our hands sweated and heart pounded as if we were playing a full-on entry in the series. If you're sensitive to scary content you'll probably not be playing this with the lights out and headphones on like the game recommends. With that said, it looks like Climax is on the right track with Origins."We're incredibly relieved that the game has taken a turn for the better. Check out Game Informer for more screenshots and videos.[Via NeoGAF]
GTA IV briefing in Game Informer, multiplayer and more
Game Informer gets the scoop on GTAIV in the May issue (not on "newsstands" yet), getting a peek at the Xbox 360 work-in-progress running on a debug unit. So, what's new besides what we saw in the trailer? Lots. Setting: re-created Liberty City (better mirrors real-world NYC; smaller "geographical mass" than San Andreas, but more densely populated) MetLife building = "Getalife" Statue of Liberty = "Statue of Happiness" DUMBO = "BOABO" (Beneath the Offramp of the Algonquin Bridge Overpass Area includes an adaptation of four of NYC's boroughs (no love for Staten Island), and a section of Jersey: Manhattan = "Algonquin" (The Lenape did speak an Algonquin language from which our word "Manhattan" is derived) Brooklyn = "Broker" Queens = "Dukes" (a duke ranks just below a prince) Bronx = "Bohan" New Jersey = "Alderney" (also named for one of the British Channel Islands -- or a breed of cattle) Main character: Niko Bellic; "Eastern European" ('cause who really keeps track of the countries over there?) Lured to Liberty by cousin Roman's suspicious emails (Roman claims to be living the America Dream: 2 women, 4 hot tubs, and 15 sports cars); Roman actually operates a rundown taxi depot in Broker and has gotten himself into a "load of trouble" NEWS FLASH: "Many of Niko's activities revolve around being a criminal"
