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Oblivion content free for the holidays
The gift giving bug is out in full force as the shopping season crescendos to its ultimate finale. In this spirit of giving, Bethesda has announced that they will offer free Oblivion Marketplace content starting this Friday, December 22. The offer will run until December 31. Before anyone asks, no, it's not Knights of the Nine. No, the content to be offered will in fact be Mehrune's Razor, which debuted back in June. Normally 250 points, it will be free just in time for the holidays. In case you've forgotten what Mehrune's Razor is all about, check out our previous post, here.But seriously though, are there any Oblivion owners that haven't already bought this?[Via XUG]
USA Today: Gaming's best and worst of 2006
USA Today published their critique of the best and worst 2006 had to offer in the video game industry. Not that these kinds of articles aren't a dime a dozen now a days, but it's an interesting read no matter. A few interesting highlights would be awards for Best First-Person Shooter going to Gears of War (shouldn't that be best second person shooter?), Best Game going to Oblivion, and the Playstation 3 taking home the Worst Console Launch of 2006 award (stiff competition). We're also intrigued by the Worst Industry Trend award going to micro-payments, which I'm sure most people would agree with. Although, micro-payments aren't that big of a deal as long as they are of value and aren't overpriced ... damn horse.[Via Digg]
Star Trek Legacy rewards the red shirts
It's a rule in Star Trek, if you see a guy you've never seen before, and he's wearing a red shirt, he's going to die. Typically these unlucky crew members are brought along on away missions, where they will be eaten by a vicious monster or mangled by a robot or otherwise lethally harmed. In the spirit of the red-shirts, Star Trek: Legacy includes a special achievement: the Anonymous Red-Shirt award. The achievement -- 5 points -- is awarded for being the first player that is destroyed in a 4 person multiplayer game. The other achievements all have names that will probably make sense to die-hard Trek fans, too. The reviews for the game have been mixed so far, but it's nice to see some interesting achievements.[Thanks, un1qu3 n3wy0rk]
Star Trek: Legacy story dematerializes
digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/Disappointed_by_Star_Trek_Legacy_Many_of_the_story_elements_were_cut_out'; Those of you hoping that Star Trek: Legacy will add a bold, new chapter in the Star Trek universe may be disappointed. In a recent forum post, one of Legacy's writers, Derek Chester, warns players that many story elements have been cut from the game. Chester reveals that many intended elements never made it into the game, including rendered cinematics and a great deal of the story that tied the different eras together. In fact, it seems that enough of the story has been cut that Chester will be opening a thread specifically to answer questions about the missing pieces (he even mentions the possibility of novelizing it).We haven't played the game, so we don't know if the overall story is actually broken or if the cut material deals with minutia that only a Trek fan would care about. Still, you'd think a Star Trek game would be all about fan service to begin with. After all, it's not like Legacy is going to sell a million copies to the Madden crowd*. *No offense to the Madden loving Trekkies out there.[Thanks, Scott "Bamelin" Strickland]A brief shift in the time space continuum caused this story to be published yesterday. We have since repaired the rift and brought it back to the present.
Metareview: Star Trek Tactical Assault
You guys guessed it! The new Star Trek game on PSP didn't fare too well at all. The series certainly looks like it's on its dying breath: no new movie, no new television series, and no good games. Let's find out why the critics disliked Bethesda's offering for the franchise: G4TV (60/100) - "The actual ship controls leave something to be desired... Since weapons need time to charge between each burst, combat is also rather slow-paced-particularly before your officers reach higher ranks. Overall, the action feels too slow for an action game, yet too arcade-like for a real tactical experience." GameSpot (62/100) - "Star Trek: Tactical Assault is brimming with good ideas that just don't feel fleshed out. It's got a nice strategic concept but doesn't run far enough with it. Even with two lengthy campaigns and skirmish options, it doesn't feel quite complete. The underused license is also a shame because a little Captain Kirk goes a long way. Trekkies will find Tactical Assault worth a look, but there isn't enough Star Trek or strategy to give life to the game's promising concept." IGN (64/100) - "As far as Trek games go, Tactical Assault beats out many of its predecessors. Sadly, that's not too hard to do. It offers a decent mix of strategy and action, though both halves never gel very well. The option to pilot several vessels in two different campaigns is definitely nice, but the story and missions could have used more variety. Lastly, Tactical Assault looks and sounds the part, though Trek aficionados will still find the game's presentation ho-hum."
Oblivion Knights of the Nine add-on reviewed
Eurogamer has reviewed Oblivion's largest content expansion to date, Knights of the Nine. The 800-point download ($10) was released this past Wednesday amidst a flurry of Xbox Live content unleashed during Thanksgiving week.Knights of the Nine doesn't stray too far from Oblivion's established mechanics. In that sense, if you found the initial offering to be spoiled by repetition, this pint-sized expansion is unlikely to win back your interest. But Knights of the Nine does offer a sizeable questline and some new content (items, Aurorans, etc.) for those that continue to comb the land of Cyrodiil.[For those keeping score: Eurogamer bestowed an 8/10]
Oblivion: Knights of the Nine now available
Boy, when it rains it pours. Microsoft is making damned sure that 360 owners stay glued to the couch this Thanksgiving. After all, MS wouldn't want you going outside to score a Wii or PS3 on Black Friday now would they? First, Small Arms is released. Then Video Marketplace goes live. Tomorrow we have the Lost Planet multiplayer demo, and now, now we get new content for Obliovion. Entitled Knights of the Nine, the new content is the not so exclusive expansion that will be packaged with the PS3 version. The content is supposed to be epic in scope, giving players access to new items, new enemies to fight, and a new faction to join (guess what their name is ...). Unfortunately, we still have memories of Morrowind destroying our old Xbox's poor little disc drive, so we've been shy about Oblivion. Have any of our Oblivionites out there dropped 800 points for this yet?
You got Halo in my Oblivion!
If you thought a Spartan was out of place in Dead or Alive 4, your head just might explode when you see one in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Entitled the "Spartan Project," this Oblivion mod adds a brand new Halo themed mission to the game. The story actually borrows from Bungie's official explanation for a Spartan in DOA4. A ship from the future gets caught in a timespace rift, and crash lands in Oblivion's timespace. As the hero, you find a broken energy sword, take it to the local (mad) scientist, and he asks you to investigate further. After all is said and done, you wind up with the energy sword, Mjolnir armor, and even a Covenant plasma shield. All in all it sounds pretty cool. Unfortunately, this mod is PC only. Check out a video after the break.
Oblivion slips from PS3 launch, expansion for PC, 360 late Nov
It's a phenomenon known as déjà vu. It's a phenomenon known as -- oh, forget it ... Bethesda has dropped The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion from PlayStation 3's launch lineup, conjuring up memories of last year's delay, when the title was scratched from Xbox 360's holiday roster. The PS3 version has been pushed to the first quarter of 2007.Bethesda clarified that the Knights of the Nine expansion (built into the PS3 version) will be released for PC on November 21 and includes all previously released downloadable content. Knights of the Nine content will also be offered to Xbox 360 players, via Xbox Live Marketplace, on the same date. A standalone download (just including Knights of the Nine content) will be released for PC on December 4 for $9.99.
Is Oblivion doomed to be delayed? Speculations, schmeculations...
It's rumor alert! That's all this is. Perhaps someone has heard more news one way or another since it surfaced, but let's assume not for now. What's the deal? Well, the PS3 super-secret launch title, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, may not be super-secret anymore but it also may not be a launch title. Let us explain the basis of this rumor and you can either digest it properly or spit it out due to its bitter taste. Retail listings, friends. That is what spawned this rumor. EB/Gamestop (let's try to find a collective title for them, like EBStop) has the title listed for a December 4th release -- which is in the "launch window" but falls short of a true launch title. Wal-Mart, whose heart lies within us all, the consumers, doesn't have the game listed as available until January 27th, 2007... which is actually my birthday in case anyone cares (insert smiley face with halo here). To contrast, Circuit City and other online stores still have the title listed as November 19th, which is probably the closest you can get. What do you guys think? Is EBStop and the 'Mart being too cautious, or is there something to this?
Bethesda's Rogue Warrior to battle Ubi's Tom Clancy forces
Bethesda Softworks and Zombie Studios want a piece of the tactical-shooter market. The two are teaming up to adapt Dick Marcinko's Rogue Warrior book series into an Unreal 3-driven FPS for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.Rogue Warrior will undoubtedly go up against any number of Ubisoft's established Tom Clancy franchises of similar nature, including Ghost Recon and Rainbow Six, when it releases later next year. It's a difficult challenge, but there are a few details that are already setting Bethesda's project apart.Rogue Warrior's campaign mode will feature on-the-fly (jump-in, jump-out) co-op, similar to what Epic's offering in Gears of War, only Bethesda and Zombie plan to allow up to four players. On the multiplayer side, a map generating system using "tiles" is reported to provide 200 unique map variations on both day and night settings. Rogue Warrior will also benefit from a total of 10 multiplayer modes. Watch out, Ubi![Thanks, Matt]
First Rogue Warrior screens
We told you that Bethesda was partnering with Zombie Studios to create a new FPS on Wednesday. Now we have the first handful of screenshots from the game, titled Rogue Warrior. Said Mark Long, producer at Zombie Studios,"Rogue Warrior is the game we've been waiting to make for years. We're using terrific technology in a way that's different from other games - we have a unique HUD and control system for your teammates, on-the-fly co-op play, and we've really focused our efforts on making multiplayer more fun and challenging by giving you lots of modes and hundreds of maps you can see and play. We're thrilled to be working with Bethesda on this new initiative using a brand we know and love." We've now uncovered a handful of screenshots from the game. The screens aren't the greatest quality -- they almost look like scans -- but they do give us an idea of the game's graphical fidelity. The images look decent, though certain parts -- notably the ground texture -- have a last gen quality to them. Still, the graphics are likely to improve considering the game was officially announced only days ago. Also, the custom map feature sounds interesting as well. We've all played GRAW, and many of you have tried the Rainbow Six: Vegas demo, so what do you think? Does Rogue Warrior stand a chance?
Bethesda sets its sights on the FPS genre
According to the latest issue of OXM (Via 360Monster), Bethesda is working on a new first person shooter with Zombie Studios. Entitled Rogue Warrior, Bethesda hopes to make a game that will compete with the likes of GRAW and Rainbow 6: Vegas. Gamers will recognize Zombie Studios as the developers of Shadow Ops. The article doesn't specify, but a quick search revealed a book about anti-terrorism with the same title, upon which the game may be based. Bethesda hopes to separate Rogue Warrior from similar games by spicing up the multiplayer options. One particularly interesting feature is the ability of each team to configure a map prior to a match. The maps are composed of three sections. Each team chooses an outer section, while the computer randomly decides the center section. The player chosen sections are kept secret from the opposing team. Thus, each team starts in familiar territory and must venture into unknown territory. It is Bethesda's hope that this will keep the experience fresh. Sounds like a pretty cool feature to us. What do you think?
Oblivion gets Nine Knights, expansion set on Nov 21 [update 1]
Bethesda has announced its eigth mini-expansion for Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The latest download, Knights of the Nine will feature a new faction you can join, a sorcerer-king (and demonic minions, of course) that you can defeat, and the holy armor and weapons of the Divine Crusader to take for yourself. No price has been announced. Knights of the Nine will be available for download through the usual channels (XBLM, OblivionDownloads.com) as well as a boxed expansion set (for PC only) that includes all the downloadable content (currently valued at $13.53, or $11.54 sans Horse Armor). The PlayStation 3 version of Oblivion will come with Knights of the Nine. It was originally thought that this quest would be "exclusive," but we all know how finicky that word can be.[Thanks, PaleGringo][Update 1: clarified boxed package is PC only. Sorry Xbox gamers!]
PS3 Oblivion's exclusive quest explained
News that Oblivion was going to be PlayStation 3's "surprise" launch title was disappointing in the sense that we'd been anticipating the port since April, but the official confirmation did instantly boost the prospects of the PS3 launch lineup for those of us who haven't had a chance to tromp around Cyrodiil. But what about Oblivion vets? Is there a reason for us to invest in another version of Bethesda's masterpiece?As previously revealed, the PS3 edition will include an additional faction, the Knights of the Nine. A new -- and allegedly, exclusive -- questline with focus on restoring the Knights' order, adding a reported 10–20 hours of gameplay. The incentive: you'll gain access to "super-powerful" relics. The catch: if you raise your infamy level you'll be suspended from the faction and those relics will be removed from your possession.Will this new content motivate you to play well behaved? Will it motivate you to revisit Cyrodiil if you already came, saw, and conquered?
How modders saved Oblivion [update 1]
[Update: We covered this exact article yesterday. Consider this a different angle and color me foolish.]Pixel Rage has compiled a list of user-made modifications for Oblivion that should never have been necessary (i.e. features that should have been in the game out of the box). Oblivion, for all its praise, is strewn with bugs and other maladies that degrade the overall experience. You might find that harsh and overcritical, but we think its warranted to hold a title that spent over three years in development (on an engine the developer had been using for almost eight years) to higher standards. The modifications listed include: More realistic weather patterns, vegetation, and habitat, including the addition of birds and insects. Murkier, more transparent / realistic water effects. Light that shines through windows at night. Adding side effects to drinking too much wine (it's about time we get double vision for dipping to much into Skingrad's finest ... ). Inventory list customization. Interjections of silence within the constant soundtrack (a clever way to add to the atmosphere). Unique icons for spells. Various quest-specific fixes. It's wonderful to see the community perfect the game, but what are Xbox 360 owners to do? When the "vampire cure" quest was found to be broken, PC users could fix the problem themselves, while console gamers were forced to reload an earlier save (or, in worst situations, restart the game). Bethesda is currently working on Fallout 3 using a variation of the same engine used in Morrowind / Oblivion; let's hope they get the kinks out this time.[via Penny Arcade]
Oblivion PSP: less tromp, more romp
OPM's got the scoop on PSP's Oblivion. Sounds like Bethesda will strip out the open world, focusing on dungeon romps. Did you really believe they'd do otherwise?We'll still get create-a-character and have access to 18 of the 21 skills featured in the original Oblivion, but no word on cross-link features between the PSP version and the PS3 edition. And no word on load times either ... ... ... But the developers do cite Metroid Prime as a source of inspiration. Well then, how about throwin' in a morph ball ability?
Bethesda releases new Tactical Assault screens
In the wake of Bethesda's Oblivion heading to the PSP next year, poor old Star Trek: Tactical Assault seems to have been lost in the shuffle. At least it has to most of us gamers, but I'm sure it hasn't to you Trekkies out there.Well, to said Trekkies, I'm sure you'll be eager to hear Bethesda has just released about a dozen new Tactical Assault screens. Just in case you didn't know, long-time Star Trek writer, D.C. Fontana, is penning Tactical Assault's script, and the game is a space-based, tactical-strategy game set in the original Star Trek universe. Tactical Assault is set to release Oct. 3.[Via Bethesda]
Bethesda confirms Oblivion to PSP in Spring 2007
Yesterday, we broke news that 1UP broke news of the Official Playstation Magazine breaking news of Oblivion heading to the PSP and PS3. Did ya get all that?Well, now we get confirmation right from the source. Yeah, that's right, Bethesda has issued a press release confirming Oblivion is headed to the PSP in spring 2007. In America, the game will be published by Bethesda, while Ubisoft will publish it in Europe.As if you didn't already know, this is a huge win for the PSP and PS3. I don't think there's anyone in their right mind who would argue that the PSP is the only major handheld system on the market that has enough horsepower to properly handle a game like Oblivion.It's times like this that help me forget about things like hardware sales charts and focus on the massive amount of great games on the PSP's horizon. It truly is a great time to be a gamer.[Via Bethesda]
Mysterious PS3 launch title is Oblivion
Remember when the folks at the Official Playstation Magazine declared than an upcoming issue would reveal a surprise PS3 launch title? A game so magnificently obscure and unexpected, a launch game "that you have not heard of?" The answer has finally come in the editorial team's latest podcast -- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Don't worry, we've never heard of it either. Sounds rather pretentious.The podcast does provide some clarification with regards to how Bethesda's in-your-face epic could possibly have been labeled as a game you've been completely oblivious (har har) to. Correction: it's a launch game you've never heard of, in the sense that you've never heard of it being a PS3 launch game. Obviously, Halo 3, Space Channel 5 and Pikmin would all have been fair guesses. Ah, we jest.According to OPM, the PS3 version of Oblivion will include new content and enhancements, likely referring to a bevy of equine protection items and the vicious eradication of problematic insects seen in the Xbox 360 and PC versions. 1UP specifically mentions a new faction, the Knights of the Nine, entering the world of Cyrodiil and providing the player with new quests. In addition, they also confirm a PSP game, Elder Scrolls Travels: Oblivion. More information on both titles will surely arrive in the next few weeks.Listen -- about three quarters of the way inRead -- a new faction and a PSP OblivionBehold -- the first batch of PS3 screenshots[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
