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Lightning Returns demo out today, Amazon pre-orders get bonus Yuna DLC
You've seen all the trailers - so many trailers - but you can can finally check out Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 for yourself today. The JRPG's demo is available on Xbox Live, and it should hit PSN in North America later today, and Europe tomorrow. If you need extra incentive beyond sheer curiousness, if you use the game's social media themed Outerworld service in the demo to submit a battle score, you'll unlock an outfit for Lightning based on Final Fantasy 6's Siegfried - the outfit transfers over to the full game. Meanwhile, PS3 players who just try the demo unlock an Utsusemi Samurai outfit for the main game too. As if the returning heroine's wardrobe isn't already fit to burst, there's also news today of bonus Yuna garb with Amazon US pre-orders, along with the FF10 summoner's staff and victory pose. That's in addition to the Cloud-based pre-order bonuses, by the way. Somewhere beneath the ever-burgeoning pile of outfits is the game itself, which is due on PS3 and Xbox 360 in North America on February 11, and on February 14 in Europe.
Dead Rising 3 demo available now, first DLC out Christmas Eve
If you're not dead set on Dead Rising 3, don't dead fret: There's a new demo on the Xbox Games Store with your name on it. Hop to the New Game Demos section to check it out. Also, publisher Microsoft revealed details on the game's first piece of story DLC, "Operation Eagle." A Microsoft spokesperson told Joystiq the DLC will be available on December 24. First, the demo: It restricts you to a 20-minute sojourn at Los Perdidos, but if you want another go by the end of it, you can. Each Gamertag can take the demo for a spin two times, but no more than that. As for Operation Eagle, as the name suggests there's a Federal air to the storyline: The President of the United States is missing, and your mission as Spec Ops Commander Adam Kane is to find her - or, as Microsoft's press release puts it, "capture" her. Sounds a bit like an undead version of 24 - or as it's otherwise known, Live Another Day. The Operation Eagle mission features five new weapons, a new combo weapon, a new vehicle, and of course some new rags to wear. It's the first of four major pieces of DLC announced for Dead Rising 3, all available via the $30 season pass. If you just want in for Operation Eagle, its standalone tag is $10.
Xbox One does not require demos, devs to make that decision
The Xbox 360 featured a demo for every Xbox Live Arcade release. It had to, because Microsoft made that a mandate. For the Xbox One however, things have changed, and now developers decide whether or not they want to release a demo. "It is (and always has been) up to game developers to do demos for their own games," wrote Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb on his blog. "They'll [sic] be more demos for Xbox One as the platform goes forward." Hryb was later asked why Microsoft changed its demo policy, but offered no response to that question. Hryb's statement came in response to discussion of Peggle 2, a recent release that offers players a free demo. That's good, but problematically the Xbox One interface does nothing to separate what were previously considered Arcade games from their retail brethren. As a result, finding the demo is more difficult than it reasonably should be.
Goodbye Deponia demo says hello to PC, Mac on Steam
A free demo for Goodbye Deponia, the third and final game in Daedalic's Deponia series, is available now on Steam for PC and Mac. The demo offers the first chapter of Goodbye Deponia. The game launched in full on October 17 and it's currently $20. A premium edition runs $25 and includes the soundtrack, concept art, animation workbook and a book introducing the Deponia world, while the complete Deponia trilogy goes for $48, all on Steam. If you're ready to say sayonara to Deponia's wacky, adventurous world, grab the demo or dive right into the final game right here.
PlayStation 4's live launch event begins at 11PM ET, check out the UI first (video)
It's almost time for the PlayStation 4 to arrive. With just a few minutes left before consoles go on sale on the east coast, you should definitely check out our in-depth review if you haven't already. Once you're through with that, take a peek after the break for a nine minute video dive into the system's UI as Sony VP Eric Lempel shows off the system's menus, store, live game broadcasting features, social feeds and much more. Sure it's cutting the timing kind of close, but whether you're still on the fence, waiting for a delivery or sticking it out in line outside a local retailer, this will give a good idea of what the system can offer. Once you're done comparing it to Microsoft's demonstration from last week (and downloading the day one patch and apps), check out the Sony launch event -- the live stream starts at 11PM ET. The Ustream feed is embedded after the break, but you can also watch it on the PS3's Live Events app, DirecTV, or Spike TV.
Oh snap: Microsoft demos Xbox One's snap feature in new video
Microsoft's Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer Yusuf Mehdi guided players through a demo of the Xbox One's snap feature in the latest video for the home console slated to launch on November 22. The system's Kinect-based snap commands allows players to watch TV, surf the web and check on their friends list during games like Forza 5, the racing game Mehdi happens to play during the demo. Our recent impressions of the Xbox One's dashboard features noted that the system cannot snap two games side-by-side, as the operating system gives priority to games like Forza 5 and Dead Rising 3. Besides, you'd have to be some kind of secret octopus to pull off a feat like playing two games at once.
Want to test drive an Xbox One? Go to a Microsoft store
If today's deluge of Xbox One news has you itching to try it out yourself ahead of this month's launch, Microsoft has good news for you. Redmond's retail stores will have demo kiosks of the new console set up, and you can play any game you want, as long as it's Forza Motorsport 5. Want more? If you kick the next-gen console's tires, you'll be entered to win a Forza prize pack that includes a Polk soundbar, Ferrari racing wheel and a $2,000 gift card to use toward a new TV. Sure, Microsoft stores might not be as ubiquitous as Sony's PlayStation 4 demo locations, but at least these preview spots stay in one place.
Microsoft's 12-minute Xbox One demo shows off the dashboard, Kinect and apps
With only two weeks until the Xbox One hits the shelves, Microsoft's marketing blitz continues with a 12-minute video demonstration of its next-gen console in action. Xbox executives Yusuf Mehdi and Marc Whitten highlight some of Kinect's new features, showing how users can switch to their personalized dashboard using just their voice, or use its 1080p camera to engage in a live Skype video call. We're also treated to some real-world examples of the Xbox One's snappy multitasking features, which we first saw in the "Meet Xbox One" video late last month, reinforcing the speed at which the system can switch between the dashboard and a paused game (in this case Forza Motorsport 5). These features, of course, are just a few of the several fascinating abilities we got to witness this week -- you can digest it all right here.
Mega Man 2.5D fan-made demo out now
Indie developer Peter Sjöstrand has released a beta PC version of Mega Man 2.5D, a fan-made Mega Man series tribute that incorporates elements from the 8-bit games Mega Man 2 and Mega Man 3. The demo version presents a remade version of Shadow Man's stage from Mega Man 3, expanded with new challenges and designed with co-op play in mind. A single-player mode is not included -- as a two-player team, Mega Man and Proto Man must solve a number of co-op puzzles on their way to a climactic end-of-level battle. The beta release marks the first playable version of Mega Man 2.5D, which was initially teased as a proof-of-concept video in 2009. Sjöstrand is currently polling fans to determine which classic level should be featured in the next update, with available options including Quick Man, Metal Man, Snake Man, Wood Man, Air Man, Gemini Man, Magnet Man, Wave Man, and Cut Man.
Indie teleportation platformer Aaru's Awakening beams down a demo
Lumenox Games, an indie studio hailing from Iceland, has issued a free demo for Aaru's Awakening, its upcoming hand-drawn teleportation-based platformer. The story of Aaru's Awakening centers around Aaru, a gorilla-like creature who is on a quest to destroy an evil entity. Players must navigate through the world of Lumenox, which is comprised of Dawn, Day, Dusk and Night, in search of this evil force. Aaru's Awakening launches early next year for the PC and Mac, and is currently seeking votes through Steam Greenlight. You can pre-order the game now for $15.
Xbox One's Snap multitasking feature demonstrated with Killer Instinct and IE (video)
The Xbox One's launch is moving ever closer, but we still have yet to see many of its vaunted software features running live in the wild. While there are a number of stories about why that is (unfinished / buggy software, licensing issues etc.), this video taken on a dev kit shows the console's "Snap" multitasking feature at work. Posted by Game On Daily, the video (embedded after the break) shows a user navigating through websites using Internet Explorer on a side window while taking a break from Killer Instinct. The description says it's from an Xbox One devkit, and it's not clear how recent the software build shown is -- according to Microsoft's Albert Penello it's an old build, games no longer get squished and current builds are "way faster." Things seem to work quickly and smoothly, flashing from the game, to the browser playing a YouTube video, to the dashboard and back again, although the game is unceremoniously squashed to the side. For a more polished and packaged impression of what multitasking can do, there's also the demo video recently posted by Machinima (also included after the break), showing its "wingman" feature in action. A Snap feature that's apparently optimized for certain titles including Dead Rising 3, it brings relevant game tips and info to the TV screen while you play, and can be controlled by voice commands with Kinect. We'll have to get our hands on the final hardware to see what this feature brings to real life gaming experiences, so for now these videos will have to do.
New TUG video gives lesson in physics and crafting
If you dropped a ton of rocks and a ton of feathers from the top of Nerd Kingdom's office, which would hit the ground first? It doesn't matter; the fun is in watching them fall! And you can watch a variety of things falling in TUG's newest video, from stools to rocks to torches -- even trees! The video gives a visual lesson on the physics of the world, with items rotating naturally in the air then bouncing and rolling around once they hit the ground or each other. Add to that some horizontal velocity as things are hurled through the air and the whole things feels very organic. The gameplay display continues with a course in resource acquisition and combination; the natural elements gathered nearby are crafted into a simple weapon/tool. Study these new elements for yourself in the video below, then class dismissed!
PS4 demo kiosks will let you try out Sony's baby, if you can find one
If you're itching to go hands on with the PlayStation 4's super comfy DualShock 4 prior to next month's launch, Sony has you covered. Today the company announced it's rolling out PS4 demo kiosks stocked with a handful of games to select retailers, and to help you locate one, Kaz and friends setup a website to find a store near you. It isn't working exactly as planned however, and instead of showing if your local Best Buy or GameStop has a unit on display, it's populating results with rather peculiar listings in addition to Sony stores. Numerous tweets are reporting units listed everywhere from solar panel companies to massage parlors; our only local setup is listed at a computer shop, for instance. We called a local Best Buy and were told the store had a unit set up, but a trio of GameStops said they wen't sure if or when they'd have one. Even if you have to call your favorite store and check availability before trekking out, it might be more convenient than Microsoft's major-city bus tour.
Sony: Try the PS4 at newly installed demo kiosks
Sony's got good news for those of you hoping to test out the PlayStation 4 prior to its launch: By visiting select retailers, players can try the PS4 right this very minute. According to Sony, these demo kiosks will be gradually rolled out over the coming weeks, leading up to the PS4 launch. Sony Stores, GameStop, Target, Wal-Mart and Best Buy are most likely to receive kiosks first, though Sony claims that other retailers will also be participating. This means nothing to you if there's not a participating store in your area, but helpfully Sony has also issued a list of which stores now feature PS4 kiosks. If you visit Experience PlayStation and enter your zip code, you'll be presented with a map of all stores carrying PS4 demo stations within your area. The system seems to be a bit glitchy at the moment - according to Experience PlayStation, the PS4 kiosk nearest my apartment is supposedly inside "The Wood Doctor," a hardware store specializing in kitchen remodeling - but Sony has assured us that this is a temporary problem.
Lego Marvel Super Heroes PC demo swings into action
PC-owning fans of both comic books and sharp, angular blocks can now find a free demo of Lego Marvel Super Heroes on the game's official website. As Eurogamer points out, the demo is relatively short look at the game's virtual Manhattan but does include playable Iron Man and Hulk sections as well as appearances by Sandman and the Abomination. Developer TT Games announced the PC demo release during last weekend's New York Comic Con, alongside similar demos for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, which should arrive later this week. Lego Marvel Super Heroes is slated for retail release on November 15, at which point you can find it on the Nintendo DS and 3DS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Vita, Wii U and Windows platforms. Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions of Lego Marvel Super Heroes are slated to be released as launch titles for those consoles.
The Stanley Parable demo hits Steam, full version out October 17
A demo version of Davey Wreden's first-person interactive short story The Stanley Parable is out now on Steam ahead of the full version's scheduled launch on October 17. Built on a Half-Life 2 mod project from 2011, The Stanley Parable is a brief, narrated experience that reflects on player choice and free will within an office setting. The demo version serves up a unique story with original content not featured in the full game, making it worth a playthrough for fans of the original mod.
ArenaNet extends Guild Wars 2 sale, free trial
Developer ArenaNet has announced that the ongoing Guild Wars 2 free trial will be extended through next week. Instead of ending today as initially planned, European and American players will be able to experience the MMORPG free of charge until Monday, October 7 at 3AM EST. ArenaNet is also extending its sale on Guild Wars 2, a bargain which now comes to an end on Wednesday, October 9 at 3AM EST. Until that time, prospective adventurers can purchase the Digital Heroic Version of Guild Wars 2 for $40 ($10 less than its standard price) or the Digital Deluxe Edition for $45 (a $25 discount from its normal $70 price tag). As ArenaNet points out, Guild Wars 2 requires no subscription fees; once you've purchased the game, it's yours to enjoy.
Elliptic Labs releases ultrasound gesturing SDK for Android, will soon integrate into smartphones
Elliptic Labs has already spruced up a number of tablets by adding the ability to gesture instead of make contact with a touchpanel, and starting this week, it'll bring a similar source of wizardry to Android. The 20-member team is demoing a prototype here at CEATEC in Japan, showcasing the benefits of its ultrasound gesturing technology over the conventional camera-based magic that already ships in smartphones far and wide. In a nutshell, you need one or two inexpensive (under $1 a pop) chips from Murata baked into the phone; from there, Elliptic Labs' software handles the rest. It allows users to gesture in various directions with multiple hands without having to keep their hands in front of the camera... or atop the phone at all, actually. (To be clear, that box around the phone is only there for the demo; consumer-friendly versions will have the hardware bolted right onto the PCB within.) The goal here is to make it easy for consumers to flip through slideshows and craft a new high score in Fruit Ninja without having to grease up their display. Company representatives told us that existing prototypes were already operating at sub-100ms latency, and for a bit of perspective, most touchscreens can only claim ~120ms response times. It's hoping to get its tech integrated into future phones from the major Android players (you can bet that Samsung, LG, HTC and the whole lot have at least heard the pitch), and while it won't ever be added to existing phones, devs with games that could benefit from a newfangled kind of gesturing can look for an Android SDK to land in the very near future. Mat Smith contributed to this report.
Neo's Land voxel-based building demo now available
Did our Neo's Land preview whet your appetite for voxel-based MMO creativity earlier this month? If so, you'll want to know that starting today, you can log into the game's website and play around with a set of editing tools that allow for dungeon creation, terrain sculpting, house construction, and more! Though the building demo is web-based, developer NeoJac notes that the full game will feature a traditional client/server model when it launches in 2014. Don't forget that you can help fund Neo's Land via its ongoing Kickstarter drive. [Source: NeoJac press release]
Embers of Caerus September update details explorable demo and team changes
Forsaken Studios has released its September development update video this weekend for Embers of Caerus, and in it, we get details on a new community manager, some issues the team is having with funding, and the upcoming exploration demo that's in the works with a new engine. As technical director Dave Belcher explains in the video, the investment hurdle merely means that the team will need to step it up a bit to show off more of what the game is at this point, with the possibility of more crowd funding in the future. Belcher explains that the game will be moving from Havok's Vision engine to the Unity engine (temporarily) for new prototypes, which should help show potential investors (both large and small) what the game is all about. Check out the entire 18-minute video just after the jump for more on what the team has been up to in the last few busy months.
