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Warm up NHL 15's ice with an August demo
You can break in your skates early in an incoming demo for NHL 15, announced today during EA's Gamescom 2014 presentation. The rink will open early on Xbox One and PS4 on August 26.
Report: Madden NFL 15 demo only for EA Access buyers
There won't be a freely available demo of Madden NFL 15 for players to download this year, an EA rep has confirmed to Joystiq. The publisher made a habit of offering a downloadable demo for its annual pro football series since December 2005, when it launched the demo for Madden NFL 2006. A demo for the game will reportedly be available only to Xbox One owners that also subscribe to EA Access, according to an EA representative that spoke with Polygon. The publisher revealed EA Access in late July as an Xbox One subscription service offering full access to its games for $5 per month (or $30 per year). EA Access members also have the opportunity to play major EA releases on a limited basis up to five days before the game's launch. Madden 15 will launch August 26 for Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360 and PS3 and will include strategy tutorials in its Skills Trainer mode, an "overhaul" to its defensive mechanics as well as the addition of player confidence in its franchise mode. [Image: EA Sports]
World of Warships on board for Gamescom 2014
Fans of Wargaming's selection of multiplayer military games will be happy to hear that the naval battle MMO World of Warships will be available to play during Gamescom 2014 next month. This will be the game's first public debut as a playable demo for anyone in attendance. Gamescom will be held from August 13 - 17 in Cologne, Germany, and Wargaming aims to go big again this year with game presentations, talk shows, on-stage giveaways, and more on its 720-square-meter stage in Hall 8. [Source: Wargaming press release]
Japan's new Bravely Default demo offers four free chapters
There are demos, and then there are demos that make half the game free. Step in a new Bravely Default demo out July 28 in Japan, which will let 3DS owners play chapters 1-4 of the Square Enix game without spending a single yen. So that's something like 30 hours at least of high-quality, old-school JRPG action for free. That, Square Enix, is some demo. Of course, you don't get that kind of offer without a catch, but it's only the exclusion of voice acting. Japanese audio is added back in with a 2,000 yen download (around $19.62 converted), which also adds the rest of the game with saves carried over. A multilingual alternative with English audio will be available starting August 7, priced 2,500 yen ($24.52.)
FIFA 14, UFC paid Xbox One demos a 'system error,' says EA rep [update]
Xbox One users sensed an apocalypse when they found the system's online store charging $5/£4 for demos of EA games FIFA 14 and EA Sports UFC this morning. However, according to an EA Australia representative, panic stations needn't be manned just yet as the listings are the result of a system error. The EA representative told Polygon that the demos should reset to free within the next 24 hours. The representative also noted the error isn't on the PlayStation Network, and we've verified the demos remain free on PS4. When we approached an EA UK representative he wasn't able to offer official comment at the time of publication. A system error isn't hard to believe considering prior to today the FIFA 14 demo had been free for more than half a year. Also, it's more than a bit odd for it be free on one system and paid on another. In any case, if for some mad reason you're thinking of purchasing one of the demos, wait it out and hopefully we'll get further word from EA soon. Also, if this is an error let's hope EA and Microsoft will be issuing out refunds. Update: An EA UK representative confirmed to Joystiq the priced demos were "due to a technical error," which has now been corrected. We've confirmed both the UFC demo and FIFA 14 demo have been reverted to free.
E3 2014: PlanetSide 2 PS4 demo showcases visuals, performance
While PlanetSide 2 has been out since the end of 2012 on the PC, it isn't due out on PlayStation 4 until later this year. At E3 2014, we got a hands-on demo of the game with lead game designer Luke Sigmund and executive producer Clint Worley to check out how the console version of the MMOFPS is coming along. And it's definitely coming along. Sigmund said that In order to get PS2 ready for release on the PS4, the team has been focusing a lot of attention on optimization and getting the controls feeling right. Currently, the team is doing daily playtests to get feedback on the look and feel of the builds. Sigmund emphasized, "The things we are focusing on for the PS4 are usability, new player experience, and optimization. For us, it's just a matter of getting it right. We don't want to put it out there and not be happy with the way it looks." So how does it look right now? Pretty darn good!
Oculus Rift and Alien: Isolation: I see you
Alien: Isolation is running in prototype form on Oculus Rift at E3. Two things about that: The full game isn't coming to Oculus Rift for sure just yet. It's terrifying. Creative Lead Al Hope first saw the Oculus Rift's horror potential after a demo at GDC in 2013, he told Joystiq. Creative Assembly decided to give it a try and built the demo now stalking the booths of E3 2014. "To be clear, what we announced last night is that we're showing a prototype of Alien: Isolation on Oculus Rift," Hope said. He made it clear that a demo didn't equate a full game, at least not for now. This is a blessing and a curse, because Alien: Isolation on Oculus Rift is great, and also greatly horrifying. We sat down with it on Oculus Rift dev kit 2.0, and those few dark minutes were easily 10,000 times scarier than the standard controller-and-screen version.
EA Sports UFC clinches June 3 demo, submits new gameplay video
EA Sports UFC is just a few weeks from entering the digital octagon on June 17 for PS4 and Xbox One, but those looking to get a few practice rounds in can download its demo next week. The demo, which features co-cover athletes Alexander Gustafsson and reigning light heavyweight champion Jon "Bones" Jones, will be available June 3 for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. EA also offered a new entry in its gameplay video series this week, detailing the game's strategic submission system. The trailer shows Ronda Rousey getting the upper hand on Miesha Tate and ultimately submitting her via her popular armbar move. As detailed in a developer blog, the submission mechanic in the game features a HUD similar to that of THQ's final MMA game, UFC Undisputed 3, in which players must flick the right stick in one of four directions to either advance their submission attempt or defend against the attacker. Past videos showed off EA Sports UFC's career mode, which starts players out in its owner version of The Ultimate Fighter reality show, gave players a glimpse at the playable legend Bruce Lee in action and also showed a full round of fighting between Jose Aldo and Anthony Pettis. [Image: EA Sports]
Wii U Smash Bros. (might be) coming to a Best Buy near you
Nintendo has partnered with electronics retailer Best Buy to present a series of in-store demos for the upcoming Wii U version of Super Smash Bros. next month at select locations nationwide. Nintendo's "Super Smash Bros. Smash-Fest" will be held at more than 100 Best Buy locations on June 11 from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. and June 14 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. local time, giving players a chance to compete in four-person local multiplayer battles. A full list of participating stores is available at Best Buy's website. The event follows up on a similar E3 showcase from last year that gave Best Buy customers an early look at Mario Kart 8. The first 70 attendees who pre-order the 3DS or Wii U versions of Super Smash Bros. at each event will receive a limited-edition gold coin collectible, in addition to a $5 Rewards Zone certificate upon the game's release. Super Smash Bros. will launch for the Nintendo 3DS this summer, and the Wii U edition will hit retail in the winter. [Image: Nintendo / Best Buy]
Ragnarok Odyssey ACE nets demo, crossover DLC this month
Xseed's recently launched PS Vita and PlayStation 3 action-RPG Ragnarok Odyssey ACE will receive a bounty of free add-on content in the weeks leading up to a demo version hitting the PlayStation Network. Starting this week, Ragnarok Odyssey ACE players can pick up the Gapap Tentacle and Homesick Sakura headpieces for free, along with additional clothing inspired by fellow Vita action-RPG Soul Sacrifice. May 6 will see the release of character accessories inspired by GungHo's MMORPG Emil Chronicle Online, while an exclusive helmet and background music from the mobile hit Puzzle & Dragons joins Ragnarok's free DLC lineup on May 13. A demo of Ragnarok Odyssey ACE will premiere for the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita on May 13. [Image: Xseed]
Massively's first look at sandbox Shards Online
How many games have you played only to find yourself uttering the phrase, "If only I could run my own server"? Chances are, there at least one or two titles you''d love to make into a private playground for select friends using your own personal ruleset. Lucky for you, in Shards Online, you'll be able to do precisely that! Announced last month, this upcoming sandbox by former Mythic Entertainment devs is built on the premise that players will run the majority of the virtual worlds how they want to. Do you want a fantasy world where you can boot those who ruin immersion? You got it! What about the ability to take over mobs and fight the players while spouting personalized comments? Yup, that too. What if you want a hardcore world where survival is for the fittest? Mm-hmm, starving to death is an option, as is permadeath. And how about a world where gameplay unfolds around players as they explore rather than offers questing on rails? That's the theory behind the game. But how do these ideas hold up in practice? Last week I sat down with Citadel Studios co-founder Derek Brinkmann to witness a demonstration of Shards Online and talk all about the plans for the game. And what I saw certainly looks promising! So if this idea tantalizes your gaming taste buds, keep reading to get the scoop. I've even added a teaser video.
The Denpa Men 3 debuts May 8, demo coming next week
Genius Sonority's AR-enhanced dungeon crawler The Denpa Men 3: Rise of the Digitoll is due to arrive in North America and Europe on May 8 via the Nintendo 3DS eShop, Nintendo announced this week. Released in 2012, The Denpa Men is a turn-based RPG in which players pluck party members from invisible Wi-Fi hotspots using the 3DS's camera. A sequel, The Denpa Men 2: Beyond the Waves, hit the eShop shortly thereafter, adding online multiplayer battles to the mix. A demo version of The Denpa Men 3 will hit the eShop on May 1. Players will be able to transfer their demo progress to the full version upon its launch. [Image: Nintendo]
The Blackwell Epiphany demo launches ahead of April 24 release
A demo for The Blackwell Epiphany is available now, just ahead of the independent adventure game's April 24 release date. Developed by Wadjet Eye Games, Epiphany is the fifth and final game in the Blackwell series, which first began in 2006. As a guest on a special PAX East edition of the Super Joystiq Podcast, Wadjet Eye's Dave Gilbert discussed the upcoming game, remaining independent since his development career began and the engine that powers his studio's projects. Wadjet Eye is also well known for the adventure titles Gemini Rue and Resonance. At launch, The Blackwell Epiphany will be available for $14.99 via the developer's site, GOG.com, Steam and other online distributors. Pre-ordering the title from Wadjet Eye's website includes a DRM-free copy of the game, redeemable Steam key, soundtrack and exclusive behind-the-scenes development videos. [Image: Wadjet Eye Games]
PAX East 2014: First impressions of Warlords of Draenor
The biggest problem that Warlords of Draenor is facing right now is one of first impressions. This isn't a mark against World of Warcraft so much as it's the nature of the beast. I wrote a while back about how World of Warcraft can't really be back, all things considered; it's too firmly a part of the establishment to ever shake the image that it's created over the past several years. You know what it is. You know how it plays. Odds are good that you've played it. Warlords of Draenor also features no new races, no new classes, no overhaul of the talent system, and in the build I got to play, very few of the new models. That's where the first impression problem crops up. A lot of the things that are being baked into the expansion just don't show up at first glance. That isn't to say that the first glance is bad, just that it overwhelmingly sends the message of "this is still World of Warcraft; no need for elaboration."
Let fists fly before you buy with upcoming EA Sports UFC demo
While not as monumental or unexpected as yesterday's news that legendary martial artist Bruce Lee will join the EA Sports UFC roster, it is nice to learn that EA is planning to release a demo for the combat sports game. Yesterday, a fan asked the game's official Twitter account about the possibility of a demo, and was met with an affirmative response. "Yup," EA's account tweeted. "There will be a demo." Unfortunately, EA has offered no mention of when the demo might debut, but it's safe to say it will appear either before or shortly after the June 17 Xbox One and PlayStation 4 launch of EA Sports UFC. According to developer EA Canada, more information on the demo will appear shortly. [Image: EA]
Don't be on the lookout for a Watch Dogs demo
Over the past few days, Watch Dogs creative director Jonathan Morin has been deluged by anxious fans asking about a potential demo for the open-world adventure - a demo that, Morin claims, is not in development. "Dude relax, I receive too much tweets," Morin replied to one Twitter user who had repeatedly badgered the developer for an answer. "[There is] no demo planned before release. Sorry for the wait, doing my best," he added. The next day, Morin was asked to explain this lack of a Watch Dogs demo. "Doing Demos take time, the focus is on the game," he tweeted. "You will see more footage before release. Be patient & thanks for your passion." Watch Dogs is slated for release on May 27. It will debut on the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. A Wii U version of Watch Dogs is also in development, but we haven't heard anything on when that version will be released since Ubisoft delayed the game in February. [Image: Ubisoft]
Sci-fi sandbox Proven Lands goes roguelike on Greenlight with demo
Berlin-based indie developer Thesetales launched a Kickstarter project and Steam Greenlight page for its roguelike game Proven Lands this week. The third-person sci-fi game is available to check out in its pre-alpha state in a proof of concept PC demo. Proven Lands features an optional five-episode main story arc in which players control Teruo Nakamura, named after a real-life soldier of the Japanese Imperial Army "who did not surrender until 1974." The game also includes an AI-driven story engine that generates a "one-off adventure" based on randomly-generated elements. Thesetales cites Don't Starve and Starbound among its inspirations, which is readily apparent in the hunt-and-gather style gameplay shown in its Kickstarter pitch video. A recent update on the project's crowdfunding page notes plans for multiplayer modes in some capacity as well. Thesetales is seeking £299,000 ($497,177) by April 12 to bring Proven Lands to PC in the first quarter of 2015, followed by Mac and iOS in the second quarter, then Linux and Android at a later date. Those that pledge roughly $15/£9/11 euros will receive a digital copy of the game when it launches. [Image: Thesetales]
Firefox stops being polite, starts getting Unreal Engine 4 in tech demo
Mozilla offered up a new trailer this week that shows Unreal Engine 4 tech demos running in Firefox. The games shown are seemingly running without the use of plugins in the popular browser. The software company added Unreal Engine 3 support to the browser last June.
Call of Duty: Ghosts multiplayer demo hits Xbox One, Xbox 360 this weekend
In a first for the series, Activision will host a free multiplayer weekend for Call of Duty: Ghosts on the Xbox One and Xbox 360 starting March 7. The downloadable demo offers up the Strikezone, Warhawk, and Prison Break maps across a selection of gameplay modes, including Search and Rescue, Domination and Team Deathmatch. Players will also get to sample the co-op Extinction mode, in which a team of soldiers fend off alien invaders on the Point of Contact map. The multiplayer demo is open to all Xbox Live members, regardless of Gold subscription status. Call of Duty: Ghosts' free weekend continues through Monday, March 10. [Image: Activision]
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 demo made available to all
If you want to try a bite-sized portion of Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, look no further than a demo that's out now on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC. It was limited to purchasers of Mirror of Fate HD or the Lords of Shadow Collection, but now every bat in the belfry can have a go. The demo begins with Gabriel Belmont in the form of Dracula, dispensing hack-and-slash with his newly acquired powers and weapons, like the soul-stealing Void Sword and the deadly Chaos Claws. Things soon escalate, and Dracula finds himself defeating wave after wave of enemies as he tries to ascend a titan-like mechanical knight - as you do. If you'd rather wait for the game proper before seeing it for yourself, you don't have long to hold out. Lords of Shadow 2 swoops into North America in two weeks time on February 25, and Europe a few days later on February 28. [Image: Konami]
