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'Fallout 4' special edition comes with a Pip-Boy for your phone
I don't know about you, but I've wanted a Pip-Boy of my own since I first played Fallout 3. With the Pip-Boy Edition of Fallout 4, I'll finally be able to make that happen with a real-life wrist-bound stat-tracker and menu system. The wearable (I use that term lightly) comes with a companion app that'll be available on Android and iOS, too. The mobile love doesn't stop there either, because tonight Bethesda is releasing Fallout Shelter, an app that lets you design your own shelter in the game, tonight on iOS. Are your bathroom breaks ready?
Bethesda launches a hub for all things 'Fallout,' 'Doom' and more
Bethesda.net is the new hub where all of Bethesda's news, mods and content will reside, as announced today during the company's pre-E3 press conference. Bethesda.net was revealed in tandem with the new Doom and its Snapmap functionality, which lets players create and share levels and gameplay modes across platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.
Here's that 'Fallout 4' trailer you're looking for
Fallout 4 is coming to Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC, and so far, this is what it looks like. First, the rumors are true: Fallout 4 is set in Boston, as demonstrated by scenes from an alternate-universe Scollay Square, the real-life Boston city center established in 1838 and demolished in 1962, plus other landmarks in the video. Second: That voice you hear is definitely series narrator Ron Perlman. Bethesda's 24-hour Fallout 4 teaser site hit zero this morning, revealing a trailer and pre-order links, plus a nudge to tune into the company's presentation at E3 on June 14th. The teaser site also went live a tad early, letting the world peek platform details and a few screenshots ahead of the actual announcement. Watch the first Fallout 4 trailer below.
'Fallout 4' is coming to Xbox One, PS4 and PC
In the four-plus years since Fallout: New Vegas was released, gamers have been waiting for developer Bethesda to confirm the next title in the super-popular franchise. The company had us salivating when it dropped a new 24-hour counter on its website yesterday, but even before the timer has reached its conclusion, we finally have confirmation of the next instalment: it'll be called Fallout 4 and it's coming to Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC. Details are scarce but it appears that the game will center on the city of Boston, judging from the leaked screenshot below. Amazon, Best Buy and GameStop are also listed as official stockists, suggesting they could begin accepting pre-orders from today. We can expect more news at 10AM ET when the game's teaser site goes live, showing us the first official trailer and what we can expect to see at Bethesda's E3 showcase on June 14th.
Original Fallout games are once again Steam-powered
When Bethesda took over the rights to the Fallout franchise from previous holder Interplay in January, the company promised to have Fallout, Fallout 2, and Fallout Tactics back on Steam "at the earliest date possible." Turns out, the earliest possible date was earlier this week, a turnaround of just more than five months. As announced on the Bethesda blog, all three games support Steam Cloud saves, Fallout and Fallout 2 can run in either high-resolution or classic low-res mode, and Fallout Tactics is currently not compatible with Windows 8. Each game is $9.99 apiece or $19.99 when bundled together as the Fallout Classic Collection. Or rather, they would be, if the Steam Summer Sale weren't currently going on, marking individual titles down to $4.99 and the Classic pack to $12.99. Isn't that a nice case of coincidental timing? [Image: Bethesda]
Working Pip-Boy 3000 from Fallout built for NASA challenge
A fully functional Pip-Boy 3000 has emerged from the vault of Team Reno, a five-member group of people way, way smarter than us. The device can display relative humidity, altitude, latitude and longitude, atmospheric pressure, ambient temperature, object temperature and of course, radiation levels. It was created as part of NASA's SpaceApps Challenge, which asked designers to create wearable technology for future space travelers. "We wanted to make a piece of popular science fiction into a reality so we chose the Pip-Boy 3000 from the game Fallout 3," the team wrote regarding their entry. "The goal was to bring environmental sensors into an easy-to-use cuff device that could help a wearer determine if their environment is safe for navigation or helmet removal." Team Reno consists of Colin Loretz, Ashley Hennefer, Andrew Warren, Christopher Baker and Ben Hammel. Remember those names, for when the Great War nukes us into oblivion, they'll be the ones you'll want to search out for gear to survive the wasteland. [Image: Team Reno]
Zenimax Media files trademark for 'Nuka Cola'
Bethesda Softworks parent company Zenimax Media recently filed three separate trademark applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the term "Nuka Cola," a phrase that should be very familiar to Fallout fans. Not just the favorite carbonated beverage of the post-apocalypse, Nuka Cola is also a handy energy source, and wily vault dwellers have even been known to craft the sugary goop into a deadly weapon. While it's currently unclear what Zenimax plans to do in the event the trademark is granted, it is notable that the applications were filed "based on intent to use," as opposed to "based on use in commerce," despite the fact that Nuka Cola appears frequently in both Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas. This suggests that instead of attempting to protect an existing product, Zenimax has new plans for the Nuka Cola name. When contacted, Zenimax offered no further information, but we can be reasonably sure the media company is not planning to launch a line of Fallout-themed soft drinks. Two of the trademark applications apply specifically to computer games and related electronic services, while the third applies to branded clothing items. About a year ago, Zenimax renewed its trademark on the Fallout name, however, so it's possible this Nuka Cola trademark may tie in to any upcoming sequels Bethesda has planned for the roleplaying franchise. [Image: Zenimax Media]
Combat, AI, balance improvements planned for Wasteland 2
Following a month of beta testing, developer inXile Entertainment has outlined its plans for post-apocalyptic roleplaying game Wasteland 2, and it looks like the studio has its work cut out for it. Alongside the typical bug fixes, inXile hopes to focus primarily on improving the game's combat mechanics. "Destructible cover was part of this last update as a first pass with more fine-tuning to come," writes creator Brian Fargo on the game's Kickstarter page. "[W]e will likely add a crouching stance with a variety of tactical applications; we're going over a lot of the encounter design to more carefully detail tactics-changing factors like ladders or destructible cover; and we're in the first testing stages to explore adding a special attack system that'll allow you to invest AP to make specific kinds of attacks based on your weapon types and the skill levels you've achieved in those weapons ... things like spread shots or steady shots." Fargo adds that combat in Wasteland 2 is currently in the very early stages of development and that the final version of the game will feature vastly improved enemy AI, as well as additional special attacks and skills that can damage groups of enemies. Beyond combat improvements, inXile's list of goals for Wasteland 2 is lengthy. It includes "several balance passes on everything in the world," creating a new minimap, changing the in-game font, tweaking the UI seen when bartering with other characters, and adding additional, "satisfying" death animations, among a host of other changes.
Bethesda working to bring old Fallout games back to Steam
The trio of Fallouts that vanished off the face of digital distribution are set to reappear on Steam, thanks to Bethesda. According to tweets published yesterday, the company is working to bring Fallout, Fallout 2, and Fallout Tactics there "at the earliest date possible." The games' removal from portals, including GOG, was precipitated by Bethesda taking over full franchise rights on January 1, 2014. Bethesda reached a settlement with former holder Interplay back in 2012, after years of legal dispute that trace back to Interplay's plans to develop a Fallout MMO. As for returning the games to GOG, which gave them away for free in its recent winter sale, Bethesda tweeted it'll "have a look at other options once we handle Steam." We've reached out to the company for more details.
PSA: Fallout, Fallout 2 and Fallout Tactics pulled from GOG.com
Digital distribution channel GOG.com has pulled Fallout, Fallout 2 and Fallout Tactics from its virtual shelves. The decision is in regards to new IP owner Bethesda, which officially took over full franchise rights from Interplay as of January 1, 2014. The settlement between the two companies was reached early last year after years of litigation over a Fallout MMO in development at Interplay. If you've purchased any of these Fallout games through GOG prior to Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 3:59PM GMT, you can still re-download through the "My Games" section, but new customers are hereby barred from purchasing and downloading these games through GOG from here on out.
Wasteland 2 beta open to backers; Steam Early Access arrives tomorrow
If you threw at least $55 at inXile Entertainment's heavily-anticipated, crowdfunded Wasteland 2, your generosity is paying off: As of this morning, you have access to a playable beta test of the post-apocalyptic roleplaying game. Entering the beta is easy. If you backed Wasteland 2 to the tune of $55 or greater, you should have received log-in credentials for the Wasteland 2 Ranger Center. Visit that site, enter your information, and suddenly you're the owner of a Steam key redeemable for the beta. Keep in mind, though, this is only a limited portion of the game, including "the first four major areas ... and related minor maps, along with character creation, world map travel, and random encounters." Developer inXile Entertainment claims that new areas will be added to the beta as time goes by, but in the meantime it has offered a handy guide to all there is to see in the game's current incarnation. Those who didn't fund Wasteland 2 aren't going to be left out in the dusty, irradiated cold, however. Today's announcement also brings word that the Wasteland 2 beta will hit Steam Early Access on December 13. Access to the Steam Early Access beta won't be free, though by paying for the chance to play Wasteland 2 before its public release, you're helping to fund the game's development. That said, there's currently no word on the price point attached to the Wasteland 2 Steam Early Access beta.
Get three free Fallouts today in GOG's Winter Sale
Fallout, Fallout 2 and Fallout Tactics are free on GOG right now through Saturday, December 14 at 9AM ET. All this free Fallout is in celebration of GOG's 2013 DRM-Free Winter Sale, which offers more than 600 games for at least 50 percent off through December 29 at 9AM ET. GOG has roped in a few well-known YouTube personalities to promote daily sales of up to 75 percent off, and GOG users can vote on bundles they wish to see 80 percent off the following day. GOG members are also able to choose one of three daily mystery deals. All purchases are covered by GOG's 30-day money-back guarantee, which allows players to get their money back if a game doesn't run or has game-breaking bugs. The Fallout series is officially changing owners – from Interplay to Bethesda – on January 1, and GOG will have to remove Fallout, Fallout 2 and Fallout Tactics from its library. But they're free now, so go on and grab 'em.
Perfect Ten: Why we need more post-apocalyptic MMOs
With the recent re-release of the 1988 classic RPG Wasteland and the development progress of Wasteland 2, my mind's swimming in post-apocalyptic wonderment these days. Aside from those titles and the insanely popular Fallout series, post-apoc hasn't proven to be as popular a setting for games as it is in, say, film, TV, and novels. And when it comes to MMOs, the only major effort that's been made to produce a similar title has been limited to Fallen Earth (and in a lesser sense, Defiance and Xsyon). Now, I love me some Fallen Earth, especially as of late, but every time I log in it makes me think of just how rich and fertile this setting is for MMO studios. Considering just how rampant fantasy titles are, I feel strongly that devs need to be exploring outside this well-trod path to other genres, and the post-apocalypse is a perfect place to start. Here are my reasons that we need more post-apoc MMOs, and no, I'm not going to list "rampant prostitution and drug use" because that would also apply to a Los Angeles MMO.
After Reset may be the Fallout 3 we never got
Before Bethesda acquired the rights to the Fallout universe, there was another Fallout 3 in development. We'll almost certainly never see that game completed, but with any luck a new Kickstarter project can take its place. In development at Black Cloud Studios, After Reset is a post-apocalyptic roleplaying game that, while far from finished, already looks much like the first two Fallout games. Scant gameplay is shown in the footage above, but Black Cloud claims the game will feature a massive global map players are free to explore, so long as they have the water to do so. In their wanderings, players will encounter various tribes, raiders and slave traders - the kind of human detritus you'd expect to find in either a Mad Max film or Fallout game. From a gameplay perspective, After Reset is said to feature a core story centering on your characters, stories focused on each of the game's playable companions and, most crucially, a non-linear narrative that hinges mainly on player choice. The core rule set is a blend of Fallout's "SPECIAL" system and Dungeons & Dragons 3.5, a design decision that Black Cloud believes will make the game instantly intuitive to anyone who has played the earlier Fallouts, Baldur's Gate or Neverwinter Nights. Currently, After Reset has raised $18,065 of its $900,000 goal, with 26 days remaining. Assuming After Reset reaches its goal and makes its way to retail, it will be available on PC, Mac and Linux.
Wasteland 2 delayed due to increased scope
A recent update to inXile Entertainment's Kickstarter page for Wasteland 2 revealed that the game's initial October release will instead mark the beginning of its beta testing. The delay stems from the game's Kickstarter gathering $2 million more than the requested funds. "This feature complete playable is about 6 weeks behind where I had wanted it to be but I can't be too surprised considering the increased scope," the statement reads. "We have been able to accomplish so much in so little time by our experience, fantastic team and tools." The next month will be spent implementing all basic gameplay mechanics, including the combat system, world map travel and AI functionality for all the characters you're inevitably going to slaughter in cold blood. Interplay and inXile founder Brian Fargo co-designed the original Wasteland in 1988 and is leading development for Wasteland 2. Fallout 1 and 2 composer Mark Morgan, Wasteland co-creator Michael Stackpole, and Fallout co-creator Jason Anderson are all involved with Wasteland 2. Those who donated $55 or more to Wasteland 2's Kickstarter campaign will gain access to the barren, desolate wasteland in October.
The Perfect Ten: Franchises that would make great MMOs
Any MMO player worth his or her salt has a binder full of ideas for games, usually based on a favorite book, television, or movie franchise. We've talked about it before. We've discussed whether or not it's a good idea to even have IP-driven MMOs. But you know what we've never done? We've never consulted me. I'm hurt, to be honest. I know that I'm just one of millions of MMO players, but I have a binder too! It's a vintage Trapper Keeper with a wizard on the cover who is dashing among abstract geometric shapes. My mom thought it was cool and my friends think it's totally rad. Inside are the secrets to hit MMOs that studios are just too scared to make but would be bigger than World of Warcraft if someone would just take the chance. I know it. Today I'm going to open up that binder and shove my ideas in your face. And then, knowing how these things go, I will raise up every geek voice against my picks in the comments section. Bring it on. My wizard can handle all of you.
Fallout trademark covers a TV show in an apocalyptic paradise
Bethesda may be looking toward the future of its franchises, trademarking the Fallout brand for the purposes of using it in "entertainment services in the nature of an on-going television program set in a post-nuclear apocalyptic world," according to a USPTO listing. We thought Desperate Housewives had the "reality we would never want to live in" genre covered, but the more, the merrier.Fallout forum member Conor Murton posted about the trademark today and Bethesda has yet to comment on the listing. Bethesda could simply be protecting its franchise, or it could have more active plans.
Fallout: Lanius fan film shows off its first trailer
Fallout: Lanius is a large-scale, in-depth fan homage to Fallout: New Vegas, with real-life actors playing out the origin story of Legate Lanius. The creators, a team from Australia, want to capture a true cinematic experience, something "more than just another Fallout fan film." The video above is our first glimpse at that vision.The Lanius team snagged New Vegas voice actor Mitch Lewis for the film, and they're using input from Obsidian's Chris Avellone and John Gonzalez. The Indiegogo drive for Lanius has nine days remaining and the project has already received more than the $10,000 it requested. With that cash, Lanius should be able to provide some friendly competition to Wayside Creations' Fallout: Nuka Break series.If anything, check out those soaring landscape shots in the teaser video. The apocalypse sure is gorgeous.
Pay-what-you-want Interplay bundles on GOG for a limited time
In addition to all that Mac OSX hoo-haa that happened earlier today, GOG announced a trio of pay-what-you-want Interplay bundles, featuring games such as Shattered Steel, Messiah, Earthworm Jim and Fallout.Available for the next 14 days, the bundles' incentivized pricing structure should be familiar to anyone who's bought a Humble Bundle. Any price entered will purchase the basic bundle of eight Interplay games, which includes Conquest of the New World and Evolva, among other things. Paying more than the average price ($11.50 as of press time) unlocks 12 more games, and dropping down $35.00 or more brings the bundle's total up to 32 games.The $35 bundle also includes 21 different soundtracks, 37 wallpapers, 410 pieces of artwork, a 205-page "Fallout Bible" and "much more." Click here for the full list of games in each bundle.
The Game Archaeologist: Dark Sun Online
Computer RPG players in the late '80s and early '90s were surely familiar with Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI) and its now-infamous Gold Box series. The series, so named because of their distinctive gold packaging, ran on a solid engine that helped the company churn out over a dozen titles within a five-year span. From Dungeons & Dragons' Pool of Radiance to Buck Rogers: Countdown to Doomsday, these titles quickly became revered among the gaming community. I personally have very fond memories of playing both Buck Rogers titles, despite not having ever watched the show. While the Gold Box series has not become as timeless or replayable as late '90s classics like Baldur's Gate and Fallout, they definitely had a huge impact on the PC scene and helped elevate the CRPG genre. Following the Gold Box engine, SSI went on to produce another engine that it used for a completely new series set in the D&D campaign setting of Dark Sun. Dark Sun: Shattered Lands (1993) and Dark Sun: Wake of the Ravager (1994) were both modest hits, and when it came time for a third game in the series, SSI decided to make the leap to the then-untested realm of online gaming. What followed was a wild two-year experiment in MMOs that happened prior to the Ultima Online and EverQuest generation. While ultimately unsuccessful in achieving its potential or gaining a large audience, Dark Sun Online: Crimson Sands made a valiant attempt at achieving the inevitable future of gaming.
