e3-2013
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World of Tanks Xbox 360 Edition open beta in 'relatively near future'
World of Tanks Xbox 360 Edition will enter open beta in the "relatively near future," Wargaming General Manager Denny Thorley said during a demo at E3. The beta will begin in North America and Canada, and roll out to other countries later on. Beta registration is open now at the game's website. The beta will likely include four maps and a majority of the full game's 60 total tanks at first, Thorley said. World of Tanks Xbox 360 Edition won't feature cross-play between PC and console. It supports online multiplayer for up to 30 players – 15 vs. 15 – with no single-player or local multiplayer content at launch. Wargaming may add single-player tutorials or other comparable content in the future. It's free-to-play for Xbox Live Gold members, and all other Live users will get a free seven-day trial. The monetization strategy on XBLA will be slightly different than its PC predecessor, though Thorley said he couldn't go into detail about specific packages. "I think you're going to find some similarities," Thorley said. "There are areas that may be slightly different." The major differences between the PC and Xbox 360 versions of World of Tanks will be the control scheme – surprise, the console edition uses a controller – and some user interface tweaks to better suit a couch perspective.%Gallery-191128%
E3 2013: ArcheAge beta signups are live [Updated]
Zomg, ArcheAge beta signups are live! In the West! How cool is that? It's so cool that I could really just stop writing this post now and leave it at that. Seems we have this acceptable word count thing, though, so let's see. ArcheAge is a fantasy sandpark that's been in development for nearly six years by Korea's XLGAMES. Lineage creator Jake Song is the brains behind the game, and Trion Worlds is publishing the title for the western market. The game's feature set is too long to list here, but it includes open PvP, sieges, extensive player housing, hang-gliders, sailing ships, steampunk tractors, and a whole lot more that you can learn about via our ArcheAge category and dedicated column. Don't forget to look for our ArcheAge E3 interview later this week. [Update]: We've added the ArcheAge teaser trailer shown to the media at this week's E3. Watch it after the cut. [Thanks Soren!] %Gallery-191137%
Sony throws down new games, new footage, and the gauntlet at E3 2013
Sony finished day 0 of E3 2013 with a bang, following up on its PlayStation 4 console announcement from earlier this year with some more game teases and reveals, and then laying down one of the most memorable E3 moments ever, with Jack Tretton taking full advantage of the public discontent with Microsoft's Xbox One licensing policies. Here's a post-conference rundown of what exactly took place at the Sony event last night.
Microsoft briefing reveals Titanfall, Killer Instinct revival and next-gen Halo
Microsoft kicked off yesterday's firestorm of E3 announcements with a press briefing focused on its plans for the Xbox One, launching in November at $499. Minutes before Microsoft's conference began, Rare's Danny Isaac revealed Kinect Sports Rivals, an Xbox One launch title that uses the console's improved Kinect sensor for a new collection of minigames. Microsoft began its briefing with a look at Konami's Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain. Despite initial speculation as to whether it was a platform exclusive, it was later confirmed that The Phantom Pain is still planned for release on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4. Microsoft then dedicated a few minutes to the Xbox 360 before moving on to the Xbox One. A new Xbox 360 hardware model was announced, along with news that Xbox Live Gold members would receive two free games per month up until the release of the Xbox One. Gold members can now grab Fable III free of charge, and Halo 3 and Assassin's Creed II will be available for free starting July 1. The company additionally revealed that a free-to-play Xbox 360 version of World of Tanks is in the works. The console's Summer of Arcade lineup was later detailed, and is set to launch in August.
Wii Fit Trainer will battle the bulge in Super Smash Bros.
In a "one more thing" moment at the Nintendo event this morning, it was announced that the Wii Fit Trainer will join the battle in Super Smash Bros. This follows this morning's announcement of new characters The Villager from Animal Crossing and Mega Man.%Gallery-191100%
E3 2013: Final Fantasy XIV gets PlayStation 4 berth
While we've known for some time that Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will be coming out on the PlayStation 3 later this year, we have new confirmation that the title will be making the jump to the console's baby brother. FFXIV was announced as one of PlayStation 4's upcoming games in 2014 at the Sony E3 keynote address, as Sony has the exclusive rights to the title. While there isn't a set date for the PS4 release, Square-Enix Producer Naoki Yoshida encouraged console fans to start playing on the PS3 and make the switch later, as character data will be transferrable between the versions. "While waiting for PlayStation 4 there is no reason not to start your adventure on the PlayStation 3," he said. The release of the updated Final Fantasy XIV for the PC and PS3 will happen on August 27th. You can watch the new E3 trailer for FFXIV after the jump. [Thanks to William for the tip!]
Bayonetta 2 to include two-player mode
In addition to Bayonetta 2's single player experience, the game will also feature a two-player mode. The feature was just announced at a Nintendo E3 presentation. There are no further details at this time, but we'll be sure to follow up. New screenshots of the Wii U game have also been released, which show off monstrous angels and Bayonetta's adorable new pixie cut in equal measure.%Gallery-191090%
E3 2013: Behaviour announces Warhammer 40k: Eternal Crusade
"In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war." These are the ominous words that greet visitors of the brand-new website for Warhammer 40k: Eternal Crusade. The game, announced today and in development at Behaviour Interactive (with the support of Games Workshop, of course), is a third-person action MMORPG set in a persistent world. Details are scant as the title's unveiling has just begun, currently sitting at phase one of nine. The only clear information available on the official site is a targeted release window of late 2015. We'll have more for you tomorrow after we sit down with Behaviour's head of online games, Miguel Caron, at E3, but for now, here's the press release blurby: Montreal, 10th June, 2013 – Behaviour Interactive and Games Workshop® proudly announce a new online game in the Warhammer® 40,000® universe: Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade. Behaviour Interactive has obtained the rights to create a wholly new MMORPG persistent war experience for PC, PS4 and Xbox One set in Games Workshop's universe of the 41st Millennium. In the game, players choose a Warhammer 40,000® race and fight directly as one of their warriors in massive conflicts for territory. It will be up to each faction's community to determine their own destiny as they vie for control of an entire planet. Massively's on the ground in Los Angeles during the week of June 10-13, bringing you all the best news from E3 2013. We're covering everything from WildStar and Elder Scrolls Online and ArcheAge to FFXIV's inbound revamp and TERA's latest update, so stay tuned!
The Last Guardian is 'on hiatus'
The Last Guardian is "on hiatus," Sony CEO Jack Tretton told Game Trailers. "We got so many projects out there from so many great teams, projects never ultimately go away," Tretton said. "So The Last Guardian is certainly not going away, but it's on hiatus right now." Last we heard, The Last Guardian designer Fumito Ueda said the game was still in development, but Sony controlled any actual launch plans. The Last Guardian has been on (and off) our radar since E3 2009, when it was announced for PS3, coming from the team behind Ico and Shadow of the Colossus.
Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl maps out 3DS this fall
Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl will bring dungeon-crawling anime cartography to the 3DS sometime this fall, Atlus announced this morning. When it launches, this semi-remake of the original Etrian Odyssey will be available in both physical and digital flavors, the later provided through the 3DS eShop. The game's Story mode, which features voice acting and animated cutscenes created by the folks who handled those duties for Persona 4 Golden and Persona 4 Arena, is a first for the franchise. Likewise, the new "Grimoire Stone" system forgoes class skill limitations found in previous entries by allowing players to assign skills and create hybridized characters themselves. Meanwhile, Classic mode is an updated, 3D version of the original Etrian Odyssey, enhanced with the Grimoire Stone system and made flexible by three new difficulty modes: Picnic, Standard and Expert.%Gallery-191075%
Kingdom Hearts 3, Final Fantasy 15 coming to Xbox One
While featured heavily in yesterday's Sony E3 keynote, both Kingdom Hearts 3 and Final Fantasy 15 are also coming to Xbox One as well as PS4. Shinji Hashimoto, producer at Square Enix, announced the news this morning at a Square Enix event in Los Angeles (via Siliconera). Kingdom Hearts 3 is said to feature a more mature Sora, the Keyblade-wielding protagonist of the series. Final Fantasy 15 – previously known as Final Fantasy Versus 13 – will use DirectX 11, making it easier to develop for both Xbox One and PS4 since both consoles are built on x86 architecture.
Bayonetta rocks a new do in Bayonetta 2 gameplay trailer
There's a lot going on in this Bayonetta 2 trailer. Angels are slaughtered, giant monsters are fought and plenty of flashy torture attacks are unleashed. At one point, Bayonetta sprouts wings. She's also sporting a new hairdo. Under normal circumstances, that wouldn't mean much, but given Bayonetta's relationship with hair, it's pretty significant.
New 'Yoshi's Island' game called 'Yoshi's New Island'
We guess that's new...? Yeah, let's go with new. This footage for Yoshi's New Island, a new platformer for 3DS, is probably also new, so enjoy. The game will launch "this holiday season." %Gallery-191130%
Zelda 3DS is now The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
Following this morning's E3 Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo sneakily released the above trailer for The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, the official name for the new The Legend of Zelda game coming to 3DS.%Gallery-191135%
New Monolith Soft game 'X' coming to Wii U in 2014
X, a new game from Monolith Soft, is coming to Wii U in 2014. "The goal is to create a large-scale open world that players can explore seamlessly," Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said during the E3 Nintendo Direct stream today. Monolith Soft's previous game was Wii RPG Xenoblade Chronicles.
Super Smash Bros. coming to 3DS, Wii U in 2014; Mega Man joins fray
During this morning's E3 Nintendo Direct, as promised, the Big N showed off the new Super Smash Bros. It's apparently just called Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS. The company announced the game will launch in 2014. New characters not seen in the series before were The Villager from Animal Crossing and Mega Man has joined the crew. Previous combatants also shown included Mario, Kirby, Pikachu, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus and Bowser.%Gallery-191099%
Wii Fit U delayed to December
Wii Fit U, the latest entry in Nintendo's fitness series, has stumbled on the old jogging trail. Originally slated for the first half of 2013, the game will now be released in December. The news comes courtesy of Nintendo president Satoru Iwata in the company's E3 Nintendo Direct presentation. As announced at last year's E3, the game will incorporate a special pedometer called the Fit Meter.
Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD hits Wii U in October
Nintendo just announced the HD remaster of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker sets sail for the Wii U this October. Nintendo also detailed that it's altering the original GameCube game's Tingle Tuner functionality with the Game Boy Advance. In the 1080p Wii U remaster it'll be titled Tingle Bottle, and will be compatible with Miiverse. The tingly feature will see Miiverse messages will appear in bottles on the shores of players' games.%Gallery-191110%
Mario Kart 8 races to Wii U Spring 2014
During today's E3 Nintendo Direct stream, president Satoru Iwata revealed Mario Kart 8 for Wii U. This new entry in the series will launch in Spring 2014. Last month, Nintendo teased not only a new Mario Kart, but also the new Smash Bros. and more. You can watch the ongoing Nintendo Direct stream here.%Gallery-191096%
Wii Party U announced for Wii U, coming in October
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata announced Wii Party U for the Wii U during the company's Nintendo Direct stream today. This sequel to Wii Party was initially announced at a January Nintendo Direct event, but now has a full title and an October 2013 release date. A gameplay trailer for the game showed four-player mini-game competitions, including ones in which players race animals around a track and another where four players use one Wii U Game Pad. Wii Party U will include 80 different mini-games.wii party u %Gallery-191103%
