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E308: First footage of DC Universe Online
Did you hear? Jim Lee showed up at the E3 2008 Sony press conference and not only talked about DC Universe Online, but showed it too! Our initial thoughts on the video? While purportedly still pretty early on (even though Lee mentioned that they'd been working on the project for three years now) the footage doesn't look bad at all. However, it does remind us quite a bit of the EverQuest 2 graphics engine. We just hope that it's only a visual resemblance and not a technical one -- as that engine has some troubles we'd rather like to not see in DC Universe Online.It's quite nice to see all of our favorite characters represented in this trailer. We even get some Black Adam love, which was entirely unexpected! We're sure to have more information about the game for you as E3 continues, so stay tuned, go order some spandex and keep your bat-radar on! Hungry for more DCUO news? Massively got the scoop at E3 from Creative Director Chris Cao, SOE-Austin VP of development John Blakely, and Executive Creative Director for the project, Jim Lee. Check out the roundup of all the DCUO coverage from E3 including interviews, screenshots, a full breakdown of the trailer and analysis of DCUO's role on the console. Plus, don't miss the rest of our E3 coverage!
Blizzard releases preview of World of Warcraft comic #9
If you're a Lore Nerd like Alex and I are, you've probably at least been following the storyline of the World of Warcraft Comic, and you know it's likely going to have a pretty big impact on WoTLK lore, as King Varian Wrynn returns and we finally get an end to the Missing Diplomat Storyline. Issue #9 continues the journey of Lo'gosh and his companions as they travel toward Ironforge and brings a familiar old villain into the light as well. Blizzard has posted the first few pages of the issue on the official WoW site. I have to admit, I have one major reservation about the story.
Lego Batman game should be better than the movies
Batman Forever and Batman & Robin (OH SICK! YUCK! GROSS!) were pretty awful. Nay, they were horrendous. However, that isn't actually evidence to suggest the upcoming LEGO Batman game will be bad. In fact, the LEGO series hasn't had one misstep so far, with both the Star Wars and Indiana Jones iterations achieving exactly what they set out to do.The official LEGO Batman website has been launched, and it immediately causes a stir of excitement. All the cheesy parts of the worst movies that didn't work in a live-action setting should work just fine with LEGO characters, and the site presentation is incredibly engaging. With in-depth character profiles and new videos (check out the awesome campy clip above), you'll want to piece together everything you can in anticipation for LEGO Batman. Piece? LEGOS? Forget it.%Gallery-13236%[Via press release]
DC Unlimited releases Series 2 of the Warcraft action figures
DC Comics has released series 2 of their World of Warcraft action figures. Coming after series 1, and the next series due in November, this set includes a Draenei Paladin, a Gnome Warrior (looking great despite being mounted), a Human Warrior (rocking the Sword of a Thousand Truths), a Night Elf Druid, and a Troll Priest. You can see pictures of all the figures below -- they look great as usual, but as usual, it would be even better to have actual figures of our characters that look this good. Too bad FigurePrints hasn't got that figured out yet.Are you planning on picking one of these up? You can get them from the DC direct sales site, or at a comics and hobby retailer near you. Looks like MSRP is around $14.99, but as with all of this collectible stuff, your mileage may vary.[via WorldofWar]%Gallery-27171%
LEGO Batman screens, or how to desexy the ladies
Sick of the likes of Lara Croft jiggling up your video games? Looks like the LEGO games franchise has the answer to the bulging and bursting ladies of gaming. Poison Ivy might be a sexpot in other media, from comics to television to film, but in LEGO Gotham City, she gives a whole new meaning to brickhouse. Check out her blocky style, as well as some other new images from the multi-platform title, in our gallery below.%Gallery-13236%[Via press release]
Walt Simonson comics to be published in book form
Walt Simonson's World of Warcraft comics will be published as a graphic novel by Titan Books who has obtained the rights from DC comics. The rights include publication in the UK and Ireland and is set for release on September 26. The book will be a collectible priced at £16.99 (about $33.82 USD). This volume of the book will include the first seven comics, which was drawn by Ludo Lullabi. The story follows a human who washes up on the shores of Kalimdor with no memory and is subsequently enslaved by Orc shaman Rehgar Earthfury. The book form of the comic will become available for purchase by North America's readers on July 30 for $19.99 USD. World of Warcraft Issue #9 of the comic will go on sale for $2.99 USD on July 16. The comics are written by Walter Simonson; Art by Jon Buran and Jerome K. Moore; Covers by Samwise Didier and Ludo Lullabi.
DC Comics swoops in and saves the XBLM
The entire Super Friends crew is coming to an Xbox Live Marketplace near you ... that is if you live in the States. Microsoft and DC Comics have partnered to launch a new DC Comics network onto the XBLM, allowing gamers to purchase their favorite DC Comics based television shows. So far, they've committed to releasing episodes of Batman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond, Superman: The Fleischer Cartoons, Super Friends, The Adventures of Batman and Aquaman as well as DC based 360 theme and gamer picture downloads. Exciting stuff, especially when you've had nothing but Dark Knight on the mind for the past few months.[Thanks, Jarvis Slacks]
First super details on Sony's DC Universe Online
Breaking a new title into the MMO market is difficult, as any game developer whose name isn't synonymous with an overabundance of frosty precipitation will attest -- especially when your title fits into a particular niche already explored by another developer. For instance, NCSoft's City of Heroes cornered the super hero MMO market when it debuted in 2004, creating an intimidating hurdle that other online vigilante simulators have yet to attempt to vault.The latest issue of Edge magazine features an interview with Jim Lee, creative director for Sony's upcoming DC Universe Online, who reveals the steps Sony is taking to set their title apart from NCSoft's. With their inclusion of a number of recognizable faces from DC's voluminous roster, and their focus on making the title a "kick-ass hybrid between a traditional MMO and a first-person action console game", the apparent differences between the two games are clear. As long as there's a rich, intricate fish-controlling engine, we'll give it a shot.
Ed Boon clarifies Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe fatalities
In a brief interview with Gamespot, Midway's Ed Boon has (once again) discussed the return of fatalities in upcoming cross-brand brawler, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. The infamous finishing moves will be performed by all Mortal Kombatants and DC Comics villains, but not by any of DC's untarnished heroes. You know, the ones "who don't kill that often." Instead, nicer folks like The Flash will have "brutalities," moves which inflict pain upon the recipients without totally murdering them.Of course, don't expect the levels of violence and depravity to be quite up there (down there?) with previous Mortal Kombat games, as Ed Boon mentions that this Unreal-powered showdown is still pushing a slightly Tamer boundary. "Certain animations, blood effects, and sound effects that we have in the game are really pushing the T-rating envelope," he said. We're sure gore hounds will find this worthy of debate, but we're more concerned about everything that happens before the fatality. Let's hope E3 grants us the opportunity to beat the snot out of that smug Superman.%Gallery-23376%
MK VS DCU: Flash, Power Girl, tie-in komic & more
Well it's been a strange project from day one, and while we were hoping that MK VS DCU wouldn't be market-tested and exploited to death, it looks like that simply won't be helped. A recent issue of the UK-based magazine X360 seems to confirm that the Flash, Robin (really?), Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Black Canary, Hawkman & Powergirl will all make appearances in the game. Also, the article does mention a possible two game deal, as well as DLC for the first game, hinting that they'd like you to buy even more content for this nuttiness.Additionally, and perhaps not so surprisingly in retrospect, there was the news that the game will have a tie-in comic to go along with it. Apparently the storyline for it has been completed and contains some sort of gigantic, life changing twist. Comic fans we may be, but color us underwhelmed.
New DC Comic series to reveal Ashbringer's backstory
One of the most endearing new stories to be introduced into the Warcraft mythos by WoW is that of the Ashbringer, the blade of the Scarlet Highlord Mograine, which slew the Scourge by the hundreds and might have singlehandedly redeemed Azeroth, were it not for the treachery of his son, Renault. Unfortunately, beyond that and a little scene in Old Hillsbrad where we see the first steps of its creation, we don't really know much else of the story behind the fabled blade. In September 2008, we'll learn a little bit more of it. On September 10th, DC Comics' Wildstorm division will release the first of a 4 issue miniseries that covers the history of the Ashbringer, both the sword and the wielder, Alexandros Mograine. The series is being written by Blizzard Creative Director Mickey Nielson, with art by Ludo Lullabi and Tony Washington. The first book will feature cover art by Chris Robinson, with a variant cover by Lullabi and Washington. I know I'm excited. In fact, I think I'll call my local comics store now and make sure they'll carry it. Then again, I'm also a bit concerned. If this comic book gives us Ashbringer backstory that's important to WoTLK, does that mean they aren't releasing it until the series is done? I don't want to wait til 2009 to play a Death Knight, that's for sure!
LEGO Batman trailer shows off multiple in-game characters
In the video above for upcoming LEGO Batman, we get a glimpse into some of the co-op fun (which you might have seen already), as Batman and what we're assuming is Nightwing (been awhile since we read a comic, sadly) tear through downtown Gotham. They're not the only visible characters, however, as the Penguin gets some face time in also. And, speaking of downtown Gotham, the city really is brought to life incredibly well in the game, wouldn't you say?%Gallery-13236%
DC Universe Online: still being worked on, artists named
Even with Marvel Universe Online now cancelled (and Champions Online rising in its place) there's been surprisingly little revealed about the shadowy DC Comics contender from Sony Online Entertainment. Last we heard, John Smedley was hoping to deliver the first glimpse of DC Universe Online to the media later this summer, probably at E3. Despite the lack of available details, we can at least be assured that it's still taking shape. According to Austin Craigslist, there are currently positions outstanding for a producer and a senior artist on the Outsource Team.
MK vs DC survey asks what you want in a potential 'Kollector's Edition'
Hot off the heels of announcing a new podcast related to the development of the upcoming fighter, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, a potential list of special edition extras was teased today. Gamers on Midway's mailing list for more info on MK vs. DC were treated with a survey earlier today that asked which extra they would be interested in if a "Kollector's Edition" was made available.Possible extras include: Comic Book Art Book Soundtrack T-shirt Animation Cell Exclusive DC video Making of MK vs DC video To be honest we'd like something a bit cooler that deserves the extra few dollars. Not that an art book isn't nice, but how about a statue of Batman punching the lights out of Sub-Zero? Or you know, Kryptonite. In case Superman loses it and someone needs to take him out. Think we'd still prefer the statue, actually.
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe crossing over in Fall '08
Despite the trailer koming out earlier today, here's the "official" announcement of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. The storyline for the game will be written by the "Mortal Kombat creative team," with comic writers Jimmy Palmiotti (Painkiller Jane, Marvel Nights, Jonah Hex, 21 Down) and Justin Gray (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight, JLA Classified, Punisher Red X-Mas, The Resistance), and will weave the Mortal Kombat and DC Universe's together into a cohesive narrative -- at least, that's the plan.Ed Boon, executive producer for Mortal Kombat, says, "Players will now be able to answer the question: what would happen if Batman fought Sub Zero?" It's an interesting question to think about now, but we're pretty confident that up until 24 hours ago -- when news of this game first started leaking out -- that pairing never came up in a "Picard vs. Kirk" style geek-off. We're sure to learn a lot more about this non M-rated version of Mortal Kombat at E3. For now, philosophically speaking, if a Mortal Kombat game doesn't have fatalities, is it still Mortal Kombat?
DC set to publish Gears of War comic in Oct.
As if the Prototype series wasn't enough, DC Comics has inked a deal to produce a comic book series for another high profile gaming franchise that some of you may be familiar with. A lil' franchise that goes by the name of Gears of War ... have you heard?The Gears of War comic will debut later this October with a storyline focused on bridging the gap between the first Gears installment and Gears of War 2 which is set to release in November. More Gears storyline, more Gears artwork and more Gears goodness? Count us in with guns a blazing!
DC Comics to publish Gears of War series
DC Comics has been busy today, first announcing its kooperation with fighting series stalwart, Mortal Kombat in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe and also announcing plans for a comic book series based on the Gears of War franchise. We're quite certain that none of this has to do with the New York Comic-Con which, totally coincidentally, got underway today. The series, due in October – again, we're sure this has nothing to do with Gears of War 2: Chainsaw Boogaloo – will be published under DC's WildStorm imprint, whom you may remember from the World of Warcraft comic. No word on the creative team responsible for curb-stomping the video game into the confines of the comic book format, but we're sure any number of lonely high-schoolers with notebooks full of pictures of rifles with chainsaw bayonets would kill for the job.
DC creates all new Prototype comic series
Sierra Entertainment and DC Comics have joined forces to bring comic book enthusiasts some new material to page through this August with the release of a brand new Prototype comic book series. Just in time for Prototype's Fall retail release! Details are extremely light, but here's to hopefully seeing a dark, gritty and bloody comic series full of twisted gore. One that has plenty of beautiful artwork, but is light on words. Because we all know that too many words make comics into books and that's never any fun. And because we always want to end a Prototype blog on a whiny note, we beg you Sierra, please bring back our Prototype multiplayer ... please?
Prototype comic coming from DC this August
Whether its capturing New York in a room to promote it or breaking out the wallet for a Barry Pepper-caliber talent, it's clear that Sierra is counting on Prototype being a hit. Now, the company has found a new avenue for the game's story of "a genetically mutated shape-shifter with no memory of his past hell-bent on solving the mystery of his existence," with a Prototype comic series coming from DC in August on the Wildstorm imprint.Since the game itself isn't due until fall, we're hoping that it will offer some early insight into the game's plot. We're also hoping it comes out the same weeks as Buffy: Season Eight, or we may just forget to pick it up entirely.
Smedley: PS3 has "massive advantage over PC" for MMOs
GameDaily landed an interview with SOE president John Smedley in the wake of the recent corporate shuffle that moved SOE into the PlayStation family. Smedley said a lot more this time than he did when he spoke with WarCry last week. He commented on the departure of Sony Pictures head honcho Yair Landau, saying that it's only a coincidence that the SOE move happened at the same time. He also suggested that the move is a bit like "coming home," since EverQuest was originally developed under SCEA's banner.Most interestingly, though, he said that while SOE is committed to multi-platform releases (read: PC and PS3), he believes the PS3 has a "massive advantage" over the PC for developers and publishers of MMOs. This is because because the system is "a stable platform where every customer has an online box ... and we don't have to worry about graphics cards or anything like that." That this is an advantage is true; that's why a lot of the recent growth in the industry is in web-based games that will run on any hardware (like Sherwood). But it'll be interesting to see how The Agency and the DC Comics MMO do on the PS3.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
