comic-con
Latest
SDCC 09: City of Heroes devs on the future of player-created content
This week marked the annual pilgrimage to Comic-Con International in San Diego for the comics and gaming faithful, and a number of superhero MMO developers were there as well to whip the fanboys (and girls) into a frenzy. When you think about it, comic conventions are as big for superhero games as other events like E3 and PAX. Massively was on the ground at SDCC this year and among the games we took a look at was, not surprisingly, City of Heroes. We caught up with City of Heroes game designers Joe Morrissey and Matt "Positron" Miller who shared with us a bit about how things have changed in the game in recent months, and gave us some info about the content and features on the way in Issue 16: Power Spectrum.%Gallery-68649%
SDCC 09: Aion demo and interview
Our very own Editor in Chief, Elizabeth Harper attended San Diego Comic Con this week and had a number of interesting interviews. One in particular was with the NC West Aion community team. Many things were covered, some of which you probably already know. Here's the stuff you may not have been aware of.Aion will be launching with a maximum level of 50 -- and there was a bit of vocal inflection on the word "launching." Does this mean NCsoft plans on increasing the level cap at some point in the future? Speaking of launching, the North American and European community feedback has been extremely positive about Aion launching at version 1.5 -- the same version Korea is currently at.As for Korea, they may be leading the development of Aion, but NA/EU feedback will affect the game's direction. NCsoft feels it is important for players all over the world to enjoy Aion. One example of western influence on the game is that it will be launching with many more instances than originally intended because apparently we're big fans of dungeons in this neck of the woods.
Blizzard starts selling gold (coins)
I don't have a lot of detail on this, but the news from Comic-Con is that Blizzard is finally starting to sell gold! Collectible WoW-inspired gold, silver, and copper coins, that is. What did you think I was talking about? They'll come in both Horde and Alliance versions, and are being made by DC Unlimited. DC also handles the WoW comic, so that's unsurprising. If we hear anything more on pricing and/or availability, we'll be sure to let you know.
Comic-Con 2009: Microsoft's Frankie talks Halo Waypoint
Pictured: enthusiasts living the Halo lifestyle And by "talks," we mean "briefly mentions." Yesterday during the Halo Comic-Con panel, which was almost entirely focused on the upcoming anime series, Halo Legends, consummate Halo shepherd Frank O'Connor spoke about Waypoint and what it means. "Halo Waypoint is something you can experience on your couch, then early next year, on DVD and digital formats. It will be the digital hub for all things Halo, [to] look at your Halo career, and enjoy your Halo lifestyle."Halo lifestyle? What does that even mean? An Xbox Live version of Home, where you're outfitting your own Master Chief's digital den with photos and Covenant couches? We'll have to wait and see.
DC Universe Online creators talk about S.T.A.R. Labs and game storylines
Comic-Con International is underway in San Diego, and we're already hearing some news about the superhero MMO genre. The latest info about DC Universe Online comes from a Wired article by Frank Rose which focuses on S.T.A.R. Labs, the futuristic glass and steel location familiar to anyone who grew up reading DC comic books or watched the Superman animated TV series. S.T.A.R. Labs, short for Scientific and Technical Advanced Research Laboratories, will be a hub of storyline activity in the MMO. It's fitting, as this is a place where great scientific advances are made, but also a place where things can go horribly wrong. This means it's perfect neutral ground to be incorporated into DC Universe Online, and the location will tie in with the respective storylines of the game's heroes and villains.
Comic-Con 2009: New Lost Planet 2 screens are educational
The best screenshots don't just show off a game, they teach you something. For instance, from these new Lost Planet 2 screens that Capcom just dropped at ComiC-Con, we learned that we don't really have any Lost Planet experts on staff.So you'll have to bear with us if we don't know exactly what it is we're showing you. There's definitely a robot suit or two and ... are those trains in that one? Really hard-ass trains? It's anyone's guess. %Gallery-68608%
An early peek at the DC Universe Online storyline
DC Universe Online is a superhero MMO in development at Sony Online Entertainment, but one that we didn't get to see much of at E3 2009. That's not going to be the situation with Comic-Con International which is happening this week in San Diego. The DC Universe Online team will be on hand and will hopefully reveal more about the game. While you won't get to play as Superman, Batman, or Wonder Woman, you will begin the game as a hero who fights alongside such comic book icons. In fact, once you roll a character you'll choose a specialty from among super powers, tech powers, or magic powers. That choice will determine the storyline you begin with, according to info revealed in a Variety article. Sony Online Entertainment gave Chris Morris from Variety's 'The Cut Scene' an exclusive on how players will begin the game.
'The Guild' scheduled to raid Comic-Con
If referencing one of the world's most popular online games on a regular basis doesn't give them enough "geek cred," cast members of the popular "internet TV show," The Guild, will be on hand for a laundry list of events during this week's San Diego Comic-Con.Internet darling Felicia Day and other stars of The Guild are holding a panel discussion on Friday, July 24, at 10:30AM (Pacific), with promises of a sneak peak at season three of the show and an exclusive Comic-Con video. Festivities continue with The Guild panel signing autographs from noon until 1PM and conclude with a Game with Fame session where The Guild cast will throw down in some hardcore Marvel vs. Capcom 2 action at 2PM. The Guild: Season 3 is slated to hit Xbox Live this fall and our hearts always.
'South Park Let's Go Tower Defense Play!' hits XBLA Oct. 7, premiering at Comic-Con
The mysterious South Park Xbox Live Arcade game now has an official genre, release date and big public reveal at San Diego Comic-Con. South Park Let's Go Tower Defense Play! is a tower defense game that'll launch "exclusively" on Xbox this October 7, which is allegedly when the next season of the long-running animated series starts.Also, during Comic-Con, there is a panel entitled "Save South Park One Snowball at a Time," which is where the game will be premiered. It's from 3:30-4:30PM in room 6A ... feel free to take your HD camera and send us some video.
Special edition Mad Catz Street Fighter IV controllers set for limited engagement at Comic-Con
Heading to Comic-Con this year? If not, you'll be missing out on a limited edition Street Fighter IV-branded FightSticks and FightPads from Mad Catz, with button layouts designed to maximize your hadouken-throwing efficiency and with a design the Joystiq crew labels as inspired by Sagat (the character) -- a perfect complement to your Tournament Edition sticks. According to Capcom's official blog, only 500 of each have been made, divided evenly between PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The pad will cost you $49.99, the sticks $179.99, and the online auction resale value guaranteed to be even more.[Via Joystiq]
Limited edition Mad Catz SFIV controllers available at Comic-Con
Do you want to be the envy of all your fighting game opponents without actually having to be any good at fighting games? Mad Catz has created a set of exclusive Street Fighter IV controllers, to be available only at the San Diego Comic-Con (July 23-26) in limited numbers (500 FightPads each for PlayStation 3 and Xbox, and 250 Tournament Edition FightSticks for each console). Both controllers feature a color scheme and artwork inspired by Sagat -- the art appears to represent his trademark scar. The FightStick features new details like Hadouken arrow diagrams on the joystick dust cover. It'll sell for $179.99 at the show, and for significantly more later on eBay. The FightPads will be available for $49.99.%Gallery-68356%
Ubisoft holding Assassin's Creed 2 panel at Comic-Con
As if the opportunity to see hairy dudes dressed like their favorite female member of the Teen Titans wasn't tantalizing enough, we East Coasters have another reason to be sad for missing out on Comic-Con: Ubisoft announced today that it will hold an Assassin's Creed 2 panel during the event on July 23, featuring clips of some short films coming this holiday season based on the title.It's also the first public showing of gameplay, so if you've been dying to see it in action and in person, this is your chance. Just try not to sit too close to Mr. Miss Martian.
DCUO's BFF competition is underway
DC Universe Online and SOE want to know who you would choose as your DCUO "BFF". BFF in this particular case can refer to either Best Friend Forever or Best Foe Forever, so there's room for those characters you love to hate too: The DCUO BFF Promotion lets eligible participants submit a video of up to 30 seconds to explain why they would like to virtually meet, fight and become BFFs with their chosen character in-game. There's a short movie on the front page of the DCUO official site encouraging folks to get into character for their entries, though it also warns that tight spandex might be taking things a step too far. Our take? If you can pull it off, go for it!Entries can be made through MySpace, or in person at the SOE booth at San Diego Comic-Con, with judging duty to be performed by the DCUO MySpace Friends. The two winners will score a "Lex Luthor in Power Armor" poster, signed by the DCUO dev team and Jim Lee. If this news has you getting ready to dust off your favorite superhero outfit and enter, make sure the submission is in before the competition closes on the 15th of August at 1:59AM PT.
Spyborgs team up to attack retail September 29
Capcom has finally announced a date for its new Wii brawler, Spyborgs. The cooperative action game from Bionic Games will be out in North America on September 29. Originally announced at Capcom's Captivate '08 event, Spyborgs underwent major retooling, becoming a bit less "kiddie"-looking in the process. As the new boxart shows (in full after the break), the game carries a T rating.If you're eager to try out Spyborgs before September, you still have a week to plan a trip to the San Diego Comic-Con, where Capcom will offer the first public demo, as well as some unspecified Spyborgs-related giveaways. At the moment, Capcom seems to be the best reason to attend Comic-Con.%Gallery-24211%
Dungeon Fighter Online heading to land of comics and cosplay next week
Nexon is taking Dungeon Fighter Online to Comic-Con next week with a preview of the game, plus contests and -- surprise -- girls dressed in game-related costumes. We had a pleasant experience with the game at E3, so if you're attending and wondering whether or not you should go, we'd recommend stopping by to play a little.Oh yeah, those girls dressed in Dungeon Fighter Online costumes? They'll be handing out discs with five bucks of Nexon cash. Additionally, Nexon will be making daily presentations at 1pm where fans can learn more about DFO and it's arcade-y, hacking, slashing and looting ways. So drop on by, grab some loot (we heard game posters will be at the booth) and enjoy yourselves. We'll just be sitting here letting our envy slowly overtake us until we destroy an inanimate object in a fit of jealousy.%Gallery-65064%
Sega reveals Comic-Con 2009 lineup; Iron Man 2 making first appearance
Sega has confirmed its Comic-Con 2009 lineup, which will see the first appearance of Iron Man 2. Hopefully, the new title, being developed internally by Sega, will avoid the first's 45 Metacritic score.Beyond that, the company plans to show off Planet 51, Bayonetta and Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing. The booth number is 5229 and San Diego Comic-Con takes place next week, July 23-26. Don't be shocked by all the game companies in attendance.
LucasArts: 'Several world exclusive announcements' at Comic-Con
LucasArts has re-entered our hearts this week thanks to the company's Monkey Island and retro shenanigans. In fact, we'd almost completely forgotten that it created all those Star Wars games. But it has -- with one very special upcoming title in the works. Star Wars: The Old Republic may not be the only Star Wars title in production though, if a recent announcement email regarding the company's San Diego Comic-Con schedule is to be believed. The email states that "there will be several world exclusive announcements at the Star Wars Spectacular keynote." Whether these are new game announcements or something new regarding The Old Republic, we've no idea, but we'll definitely be in attendance to see what's on offer. Best case scenario? Special edition remakes -- Secret of Monkey Island style -- of X-Wing and TIE Fighter. Do want.
Details of Blizzard presence at Comic Con
The schedule for the 2009 San Diego Comic Con is finally starting to emerge, and Blizzard has now confirmed details of its presence there.It looks like Blizzard is going to be running a panel on Thursday, July 23rd (the first officlal day of the con, which this year is July 23rd to 26th) with Chris Metzen and a host of people associated with Blizzard products from Upper Deck, Wildstorm, Tokyopop, and J!nx. Interestingly, Nick Carpenter, the creative director for Blizzard cinematics, is also going to be there, so it looks like this might be a particularly good opportunity to get information about Blizzard's lore and art direction, on top of the Warcraft comics, minis, and cards. I've included the full list of panel attendees behind the cut, and as of now the panel looks to be scheduled in Room 6BCF.If anyone's interested in what the Blizzard Comic Con panel was like last year and the nature of the questions answered, here's our 2008 write-up. Do we have any readers who are going to Comic Con this year?
Valve showing off Left 4 Dead 2's 'Swamp Fever' at Comic-Con
Click image for larger dancing zombies A red-hot press release just landed in our inbox, informing us that Valve will be on-hand at San Diego's Comic-Con to show off a new campaign in Left 4 Dead 2 titled "Swamp Fever." If you're at the show, the game is in the EA Gaming Lounge from 2-9 pm Thursday-Saturday, and 12-5 pm on Sunday, and can be found at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Hotel, 401 K. Street. The above image is the only piece of media we received from the new campaign, but it's enough to cause wild speculation. Can we get struck by lightning? Do zombies like dancing in the rain? Have the undead found Jesus? We need answers! While we track someone down to find out, feel free to sup on our fresh, new screens in the gallery below. %Gallery-67753%
DC Universe teases their Comic-Con exclusive poster
Who does this lovely face belong to? That's for you to decide as DC Universe Online teases their exclusive San Diego Comic-Con poster on their Myspace blog.The full poster, which will be given out to anyone who visits the DCUO booth at Comic-Con, hasn't been revealed just yet. However, according to bad puns placed on official blogs, we will be "clawing" to get our hands on one. Catwoman? Huntress? (We're voting for Catwoman, personally.) Either way, it looks like another iconic hero will be revealed and confirmed as appearing in the final game. Now all we have to do is barge our way into Comic-Con, use our ingenious grapple guns to swing over across the convention floor, and then steal all of the posters so no one will ever know who the new hero is. Then that will lead into our plans for world domination... oh, wait, we probably shouldn't have blogged that out loud.Um, er... Who do you guys think it is?
