Relic
Latest
'Company of Heroes 3' will take the classic RTS series to the Mediterranean in 2022
Eight years after its second entry, a new Company of Heroes game is in development at Relic Entertainment.
Fossil will give you 300 new smartwatch options in 2017
Fossil swore that it would introduce smartwatches across all its brands, and it's definitely making good on that promise... although the result is a tad overwhelming. The company has announced that it's launching 300 (!) hybrid and touchscreen styles in 2017, and that includes brands that are both introducing their very first wearables as well as veterans jumping into the Android Wear arena. When all is said and done, most of Fossil's labels will have at least some kind of smartwatch on store shelves. We won't go into every single model (do you have a few hours?), but there are some definite highlights.
'Jet Set Radio' is absolutely free on Steam
Cupid may have left you high and dry, but have no fear: Sega wants you to have some free games to make up for it. See, as part of the publisher's Make War Not Love event this year, everyone on Steam can grab gratis copies of Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe and all of Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit. Just hit the promo's Steam page to add the games to your library of (mostly) unplayed games.
'Halo' on Xbox One gets even more 'Halo' next month
If you've stuck with Halo: The Master Chief Collection this long you deserve a reward, and folks who played during the game's disastrous launch window last year will soon have theirs. As a 343 Industries rep writes on Halo Waypoint, the promised, free Halo 3: ODST expansion is "on track" to be part of next month's content update. Beyond that, the patch also adds the revamped "Relic" multiplayer map into the fold. Remember -- ODST isn't a total overhaul along the lines of Halo 2, it's just the old game running at 1080p and 60 FPS. "Relic," however is getting the full remaster treatment and even a new name that'll be revealed at a later date. For the rest of this month's patch notes, be sure to hit the links below.
Gearbox's beautiful 'Homeworld' remake reaches PCs February 25th
If you're a long-time PC gamer, you probably have a soft spot for the Homeworld series. Relic's epic saga was both eye-catching and proof that real-time strategy could work in the void of space. However, time hasn't been kind to the games -- the first came out when 3D graphics cards were relatively new, and THQ's acquisition of Relic (plus its eventual bankruptcy) made follow-ups difficult. At last, though, you'll have a way to relive the Mothership's journey while doing justice to your modern gaming rig. Gearbox, which bought the rights to the series, has revealed that its previously teased Homeworld Remastered Collection will reach Windows PCs on February 25th. The remake spruces up just about every aspect of the two Homeworld games, ranging from much better-looking ship models and effects to reworked cutscenes. You also get a beta multiplayer experience that merges the online modes of both titles.
Darkfall patches in relics
Darkfall Unholy Wars really requires PvP to function properly; it's one of the big elements of the game. That's why the new Relic system was introduced to help encourage inter-Clan warfare, provide more benefit to Clan holdings, and generally shake up the established order of things. Nine relics randomly spawn throughout the world, and players who find them can bring them back to their Clans' churches to receive a global buff as long as the church is standing. Relics can also be destroyed by taking out the structure that holds them or via a special altar, both of which will cause the item to respawn at another random location throughout the game world. The intent is obviously to encourage players to go to war over the relics, stealing them from foes or ensuring that no one can benefit from their presence. Time will tell how successful the system is; take a gander at all the details if you're considering jumping in to hunt some relics yourself. [Thanks to Jane for the tip!]
Darkfall relics to add CTF mechanics, promote clan raiding
Relics are coming to Darkfall, sometime in November according to an Aventurine forum post. What are relics? They're basically items that will spawn randomly around Agon that players may pick up and transport to a clan holding. The mechanic is intended to add a capture-the-flag activity to Darkfall while simultaneously increasing the value of clan holdings and promoting clan raids.
Company of Heroes 2: The Western Front Armies rolls out on June 24
Would-be generals will soon have a less expensive route to joining the virtual World War 2 battlefields of Company of Heroes 2, thanks to the June 24 release of The Western Front Armies. As we explained last month, The Western Front Armies is a standalone addition to Company of Heroes 2 that both introduces new content and allows those without a copy of Company of Heroes 2 to enjoy its multiplayer component. Along with transporting players to the titular Western Front, the addition introduces two new armies: the US Forces and the German Oberkommando West. Additionally, The Western Front Armies includes eight new multiplayer maps, as well as an "extended progression system" that should introduce a few new tricks to the existing Company of Heroes 2 factions. The Western Front Armies is currently available for pre-order at a price of $20. Those who already own Company of Heroes 2 will be pleased to hear that both the US Forces and German Oberkommando West will be available for purchase as individual DLC additions. [Image: Sega]
Total War: Rome 2, Company of Heroes 2 brawl for free DLC this weekend
In defiance of this weekend's imminent corporate-sponsored romance, Sega has decided to push strategy gamers toward corporate-sponsored violence with the aptly titled "Make War Not Love" promotion. The rules are simple: During the course of the weekend, Sega will tally all victories earned by players in Total War: Rome 2 and Company of Heroes 2. Whichever game has the more active, successful community will receive free downloadable content. In the case of Total War: Rome 2, players will be awarded the Beasts of War add-on, while those playing Company of Heroes 2 will find two new multiplayer Commanders available at no additional charge. To further sweeten the temptation toward virtual bloodshed, Sega is also discounting both strategy games by 50 percent from now until Monday, February 17 at 10AM PT. Would-be virtual generals can now purchase Total War: Rome 2 for $30 while Company of Heroes 2 can be had for $20. [Image: Sega]
Company of Heroes 2 summer multi map out today, winter on Sept. 10
Company of Heroes 2 developer Relic has added new graphics, fresh design and extra letters to the series' classic multiplayer map, Semois, now named Semoskiy. The upgraded map comes in two free variants, summer and winter, with summer available in today's patch, and winter due on September 10.
Company of Heroes 2 sales halted in Russia
The sale of real-time strategy game Company of Heroes 2 has ceased in Russia, a Sega spokesman told VideoGamer. The decision to halt sales followed complaints about the game's depiction of the Soviet military, which were directed to 1C-SoftKlab, a Russian retailer that recently opted to stop selling the game. "Sega and Relic are aware of the press stories circulating concerning Company of Heroes 2 and the historical context of the game from a Russian perspective," Sega said in a statement. "At this time we cannot offer any further comment, however we are taking this issue very seriously and are investigating these concerns thoroughly with all relevant partners." Controversy surrounding Company of Heroes 2 stemmed from its portrayal of the Soviet army during World War 2, which depicts "the best of the USSR as an instantly evil thing," according to vocal detractors. A petition demanding Valve remove the game from Steam has amassed 17,160 supporters, who claim the game is an inaccurate representation of events from the war, as it shows Russian soldiers fighting without being properly equipped for battle.
Molten Games picks up NCsoft funding, former Blizzard and SOE execs
NCSoft and Molten Games want you to know about... Molten Games. What is Molten Games? It's a new San Diego-based company that says it's "focused on breaking free from the traditional developer/publisher relationship and putting gameplay first and foremost." That's nice, we hear some of you saying, but why should you care? According to Molten, you should care for two reasons. Number one, the firm has secured a multi-million dollar investment nest egg from NCSoft. Reason number two, or more accurately, reasons two, three, and four, are team members Paul Della Bitta, former global head of e-sports and community at Blizzard, Jungwon Hahn, former head of Blizzard's Korean office, and Blaine Smith, former senior producer at SOE and a veteran of Relic's Company of Heroes and Dawn of War franchises. So, there you go. Molten says it will release information pertaining to its first online game "at a later date." [Source: Molten press release]
Gearbox remaking Homeworld 1 and 2 for Windows
Gearbox announced plans at PAX Australia to warp drive HD remakes of Homeworld 1 and 2 to Windows this year, following their recent acquisition of the franchise from THQ for $1.35 million. Direct ports of the original games will also be made available on unspecified digital distribution platforms for Windows. Gearbox Software CCO Brian Martel expressed his fondness for the series in April after the purchase, stating his intent to make them "accessible on today's leading digital platforms" in a statement released by Gearbox. Relic Games, creator of the Homeworld franchise, was sold to SEGA during the liquidation of THQ's assets and is currently working on Company of Heroes 2. Part of the Homeworld development team has since left the mother ship to begin work on a more grounded RTS, Hardware: Shipbreakers.
HTC confirms One S will no longer receive Android updates
It's not a Nexus, so suspend your disbelief: HTC's One S will not be getting any further Android updates. That's right, One S owners, your device is now officially a relic. In a statement released to the press, HTC today confirmed that the mid-ranger, which bowed last year in tandem with the One X, will remain frozen on 4.1.1 Jelly Bean. That means current owners will have to look elsewhere (read: developer forums) for unofficial access to Sense 5 ROMs and the latest tweaks Google's packed into Android 4.2 updates. We can't really lament the loss of BlinkFeed, but it sure would've been nice to see HTC port Zoe over to the device. At the very least, this makes a strong case for that Google Play edition One and its promise of consistent updates.
Company of Heroes 2 review: Cold front
It hasn't been easy to wait for with Company of Heroes 2. First, it's been seven years since the original was released and achieved instant-classic status. It was a sharp change from almost everything else in real-time strategy, and cemented developer Relic's reputation as one of the best strategy studios in PC gaming. An Eastern Front expansion or sequel seemed like a no-brainer, but Relic never got around to it, and Company of Heroes was set aside as Relic became a Warhammer 40K studio. With Relic finally returning to Company of Heroes in a sequel set against the bloody grandeur and brutality of the Eastern Front, greatness seemed preordained. Which is probably why simple goodness feels slightly disappointing. Company of Heroes 2 just feels like More Company of Heroes. It's still a great design, but most of its sequel's innovations are fairly conservative, and along the way it's also borrowing some dubious features from modern mainstream shooters, like a grindy progression system filled with perks and unlocks. Even the Eastern Front never quite comes alive. RTS games are partly powered by how well they communicate their theme, how well they connect the game you're playing to the story it's telling, and Company of Heroes 2 sometimes seems a little more like an Eastern Front skin than a fresh take on an old design.%Gallery-192671%
Company of Heroes 2 open beta extended through June 23
The Company of Heroes 2 open beta, originally scheduled to conclude yesterday, has been extended through this Sunday, June 23, until midnight Pacific. In this latest phase of testing, beta recruits will have access to new multiplayer maps in the rotation. Players will also receive double XP this weekend in auto match multiplayer modes. A general reminder that all that major wartime experience will transfer over to the full game if players pick up CoH 2 within 60 days of launch (and use the same steam account as the beta). Company of Heroes 2 storms the Stalingrad of retail next Tuesday, June 25.
Homeworld creators dive into new 3D RTS, Hardware: Shipbreakers
The original team behind the Homeworld series has a new, 3D RTS game called Hardware: Shipbreakers, launching in closed beta in Q4 2013. Shipbreakers comes from Blackbird Interactive, founded by developers who created Homeworld and the executive producer of Homeworld 2, Dan Irish. The first gameplay trailer for Shipbreakers has a squad of air- and land-based vehicles search the remains of a downed spaceship, with a glimpse of the overhead RTS command scheme. All gameplay footage in the trailer is in-game and real-time, Blackbird says. Those interested in getting down with that closed beta can sign up for a potential spot on Blackbird's site.
Company of Heroes 2 attacks with battlefield trailer
At the complete opposite end from the cinematic trailer recently released for Company of Heroes 2, here's a clip full of explosions, scenery and flashy praise on screen. COH2 survives the cold, harsh Russian winter on June 25... don't think about that line too hard.
Attend a 'Theatre of War' in Company of Heroes 2
Sega recently announced a new mode for Company of Heroes 2 called Theatre of War. Shipping with the game in June, the mode will include new solo and cooperative scenarios based in different, well, theaters of war. Sorry, theatres. The game will launch with 18 missions from noteworthy battles in 1941 in the Theatre of War mode, nine for each of the German and Soviet Red Army factions. At later dates, Relic will add new missions to the mode for Company of Heroes 2 players to download. The game will launch June 25 on PC. %Gallery-187462%
Homeworld intellectual property purchased by Gearbox Software
Gearbox Software, best known for the Borderlands series, has purchased the rights to the Homeworld intellectual property during the recent THQ back catalog auction round.Gearbox Chief Creative Officer Brian Martel has "great love and respect for Relic's brilliant, fun and innovative game and personally spearheaded the acquisition," according to a studio statement.The company's subspace communication continues: "Brian intends as first priority to direct Gearbox's interest to preserve and assemble the purest form of the original acclaimed and beloved games, Homeworld and Homeworld 2, with the intent of making them accessible on today's leading digital platforms."The Homeworld series was originally developed by Relic Entertainment, which was purchased by Sega during a previous round of the THQ bankruptcy auctions.It is unclear at this time if Sega bid on Homeworld. We do know that Galactic Civilization developer and Sins of a Solar Empire publisher Stardock was in the running. CEO Brad Wardell tweeted us, "I'm surprised. I was wondering who had outbid us. It'll be interesting to see what they do with it. As long as I get [Homeworld 3]!"
