first-personshooter
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Elusive 'Overwatch' hero Sombra is now available to everyone
Blizzard has been teasing the second post-launch Overwatch character, Sombra, for months -- cryptic clues and leaks have been floating around since the first extra character showed up. At last, though, she's here. After about a week of public testing, Blizzard has released a finished update that brings Sombra's stealthy hacking to PC, PS4 and Xbox One players. To recap, she's an "infiltrator" who can temporarily become invisible, teleport to a beacon, disable enemy shields with EMP blasts and hack both health kits as well as Torbjörn's turrets. She's who you send in to undermine a stubborn defense before your main assault.
Far Cry 4 arrives November 18th on current, last-gen consoles and PC
Amidst talk of its 2014 financials, Ubisoft hid a sliver of information that will please fans of open-world, first-person shooters: Far Cry 4 exists, and it's coming out this year. Ubisoft Montreal -- with the help of developers at Red Storm and the company's other dev shops in Toronto, Kiev and Shanghai -- is bringing the title to PC, PS4, Xbox One, PS3 and Xbox 360 on November 18th in the US, and on November 20th in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In the fourth installment of the franchise, players will roam the mountainous terrain of Kyrat, a region of the Himalayas with a "despotic self-appointed king."
Delta Six controller gets redesigned, Kickstarted
Most video game controllers sporting a firearm form factor are a far cry from realistic -- bright colors, odd shapes and obvious thumbsticks leave many accessories looking more like toys than weapons. Not David Kotkin's Delta Six. This gun-shaped controller's first prototype looked so much like a real rifle, Kotkin told us, it had to be redesigned. An orange tip, whitewashed body and a few less authentic looking components don't make the Delta Six look any less believable as a digital soldier's modern musket, but it does make it less likely to be mistaken for the real McCoy. The peripheral's internals haven't changed though -- an accelerometer to help players aim and turn, cheek-sensing pressure sensors (for looking down the scope), faux-recoil and its assortment of modular components are still all on target. Like all budding hardware projects these days, the Delta Six is looking towards the crowd to source its production. According to the peripheral's Kickstarter page, the Delta Six will be available between July and August next year, boasting compatibility with the Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii U and even the OUYA. Pitching in $89 buys the basic submachine gun body (with a free rifle attachment for first-week buyers), and subsequent levels tack on additional attachments, bonus items and more. Kotkin needs $500,000 to make his rifle-shaped dream a reality. Like-minded FPS gamers can join him at the source link below. Not a dreamer? Feel free to read on for the official press release (plus a video and an additional image), instead.
Delta Six controller brings fragging to life, worries your friends
Chances are you know someone who takes their CoD a little too seriously -- well, this peripheral is for them. The Delta Six controller is the latest brainchild of Avenger inventor David Kotkin, made to please hardcore FPS gamers with immersive and responsive input. A built-in accelerometer is used for aiming, while the faux recoil and acting out a reload will put you closer to real combat than an appearance on Stars Earn Stripes. The hardware also features a scattering of pressure sensors -- allowing you, for example, to bring up the sights by meeting cheek with gun body, or if you're feeling lazy, squeezing the side of it instead. Depending on your class bias, you can add and retract plastic from the main frame for an SMG, assault or sniper rifle form factor (see below for the gist). There's no word on availability, or if it will actually improve your game, but the price is slated as $89 at launch. After the break is a short product demo in video form, although we suggest you skip straight to 1:30 to avoid the awkward live-action CTF scene.
Cliff Bleszinski quits Epic Games, leaves us with an Unreal feeling
Fall must be the season for sea changes in the game industry. Just weeks after BioWare's founders retired, key Epic Games veteran and Design Director Cliff Bleszinski (known to many as just CliffyB) is hanging up his hat. He simply describes it as taking a "much needed break," which makes sense when you see his development experience: he joined Epic's crew with Dare to Dream Volume One in 1993 and has nurtured virtually every major (and often minor) game franchise at the company since, including the Jazz Jackrabbit platformers, untold numbers of games in the Unreal line and most recently the Gears of War series. Bleszinski hasn't said where he's headed next, although it's hard to imagine him switching professions like the two BioWare doctors -- for many, he's synonymous with certain eras of first- and third-person shooters. Wherever he goes, we wish him the best of success.
Ask Engadget: best gaming mouse for first-person shooters?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Alex, who seems to be sick and tired (but mostly sick) of doing poorly in deathmatches due to a troublesome mouse. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I'm thinking about getting an Alienware M14x. What's the best gaming mouse for first person shooters?" That's about as brief as they come, folks. We're guessing he wants something on the portable side given his machine of choice, and while we'd personally recommend the Orochi, we're sure the hivemind has a few answers, too. Spill 'em in comments below!
Super Mario reimagined as a first-person game, conquers the castle of our hearts (video)
You've seen Super Mario evolve from a modest 2D sprite into a 3D world-exploring superhero mechanic, but have you ever seen life through his eyes? Here's your opportunity, as a fanmade animation treats us to a first-person view of the intrepid Italian's adventures through the familiar World 1-1. There are kill streaks, achievements like "headbanger" and "pole dancer," and some extremely realistic sound effects to set the mood. The priceless video follows after the break.
TUAW's Daily App: Archetype
Well now, this one's interesting. Archetype is a brand new title on the App Store that's aiming to put what seems like a big budget experience on Apple's small screen. The game is made by MunkyFun (a company led by ex-LucasArts developer Nick Pavis) and published by Villian, "an independent producer and publisher of portable game titles" that seems to have a history in mobile gaming, but not much of a website. Basically, Archetype is purporting to be Eliminate without Ngmoco -- a full-featured multiplayer FPS without any of the microtransactions or other nonsense. And it lives up to the hype. The controls will take some getting used to, even if you're a WASD veteran. In just 30 seconds on Wi-Fi, I was loaded up and playing a 5v5 deathmatch FPS game. Even on an Edge connection, I was able to play smoothly, and even pull off a kill -- I don't know what kind of code witchery makes that possible, but it works. The graphics don't really compare to modern console shooters, but I think the multiplayer gameplay easily beats Metroid: Prime Hunters and the current crop of iPhone shooters. Of course, the game still has to deal with the issues of the genre -- if you're not a twitch gamer, you'll likely get murdered very quickly, and while there are plenty of high-ping people to play with now, it's not clear what will happen if the servers get overloaded or, conversely, if the crowd thins out. You're still playing a FPS on an iPhone, and I'd much rather play a shooter on my PC or a console than this. But given the limitations of the genre and the device, Archetype is certainly an impressive title. You're still kind of going in blind at US$2.99 -- Archetype doesn't have a free version to try yet. But if you can expect to put three bucks of your time into playing this surprisingly solid multiplayer FPS, by all means, jump on in.
Gunman for iPhone finally makes augmented reality awesome
First-person shooters are great stress releases for a world fraught with nagging bosses, horrible traffic, and dry cleaners that screw up your pants, but there's a problem -- the people you're shooting are just collections of polygons on an electronic display. The solution, of course, is to combine the world's love of the FPS genre with real friends and loved ones, and that's exactly where Gunman for iPhone comes into play. Using the phone as your gun and the camera as your scope, you can seek out up to three other opponents in local multiplayer matches or take the hunt global using Foursquare -- when you score a kill, you can post a shot of your unsuspecting victim straight to Twitter. If nothing else, this seems like it'd be a fantastic workout and a cheaper substitute for a full laser tag rig, making it perhaps the best use of augmented reality to date. Score it now in the App Store for $2.99 -- follow the break for the full press release.
Next Call of Duty answered, previewed
If the mention of World War II still compels you to go about shooting things (typically Nazis) from a first-person perspective, you'd best check out 1Up's weeklong feature that promises to detail every pixel, polygon and private that constitutes the upcoming Call of Duty 3. Taking over from Infinity Ward, developer Treyarch is keen on capitalizing on next-gen technology and the creative freedoms it provides -- with any luck, that means we'll actually be able to open doors in this one. Oh well, we suppose loads of on-screen enemies and trampled blades of grass are just as useful.The screenshots and video provided are enough to convince us of the game's technical gravitas, but we're obviously much more interested in the Wii version and how it looks to take advantage of the unique control system. A small blurb in the first part of the preview suggests how, while at the same time suggesting that the other two versions of the game are the main focus here. "The Wii version, in development outside Treyarch, shows some potential to bring the player into the game during the Battle Actions in a way the PS3 and 360 won't be able to. Actually wrestling with a German for his gun or actually disarming that explosive are things only the Wii will let you do this gen."Battle actions are Call of Duty's answer to Shenmue's Quick Timer Events. At certain points during the game, you're required to press certain buttons in order to escape a cinematic struggle or situation. Failure is likely to result in far more unpleasantness than getting smacked in the head by some Japanese kid's soccerball. These sound particularly intriguing if done correctly for the Wii and should make up for some of its inevitable graphical shortcomings. Even then, we have to wonder how long it'll take before we grow tired of crawling through trenches and taking out tanks. Is World War II the new Hoth?[Thanks to everyone that sent this in!]
Ubisoft on Wii: A good place to put our money
The good folks at Infendo have posted an interview with Ubisoft president, Laurent Detoc, taken from the June 2006 issue of Fast Money. In it, Mr. Detoc justifies Ubisoft's decision to give Nintendo a Wii exclusive in the form of first-person shoot 'n slash, Red Steel. Detoc points out that this year, "we'll be the only publisher besides Nintendo that'll have an exclusive title--Red Steel, a first-person shooter game--released for the new Wii console when it debuts [in November]. People think this is crazy. Nobody is paying attention to Nintendo. Everyone has been obsessed with the Xbox 360 and Sony's [upcoming] PlayStation 3."He praises the system's unique controller and its ability to create new ways of playing games, and indicates that being first out of the gate will give them a major advantage. "It seemed like a good place to put our money. For my competition, it's too late to have a game out for the Wii by Christmas. They can't do it. But we did it. We will be there. Maybe Wii will fail, and I'll look like an idiot. But if it succeeds, then we will have a new brand on our hands that could be worth up to $100 million"We think that Mr. Detoc might be making a mistake by directly connecting the success of Red Steel to the success of the Wii. After all, the game's E3 showing, for lack of a better expression, just didn't cut mustard. Pass the Metroid Prime 3, please.[Note: According to Infendo, all instances of "Revolution" have been changed to "Wii". What a relief.]
ZOMG: Ubisoft announces "Red Steel"
From the didn't-see-this-one-coming department is a new Ubisoft press release which reveals a brand new, totally unheard of FPS for the Revolution called Red Steel. The game sees players wielding the Revolution's magic wanger like a gun or a sword, either blasting opponents in the face with superb accuracy or slicing them up with unbridled malice. It all sounds very exciting."We’re honored to announce this exciting new franchise and we’re confident that Red Steel will be the must-have title for the Revolution when it launches,” says Serge Hascoet, chief creative officer at Ubisoft. Nintendo's very own Reggie Fils-Aime adds that, "Nintendo is excited to have Ubisoft bring Red Steel to the Revolution launch lineup."Amidst all the excitement, you may spot the official confirmation that Red Steel will be an exclusive Revolution launch title (one down, nineteen to go). Mr. Hascoet states that, "We have been working closely with Nintendo to take full advantage of the innovative controller to create a thrilling experience that can only exist on the Revolution.” That's certainly excellent news, since having a familiar and creaky genre such as the first-person shooter around will definitely help with easing sceptics into the new control system. Let's just hope developers don't dwell on the familiar for too long.
Even more Red Steel info unsheathed
Moz La Punk has obtained some substantial information from Game Informer's article on Red Steel, the Ubisoft first-person Revolution extravaganza which exploded onto the Internet this weekend. It's a lengthy read, but I've captured some of the highlights for those that have little in the ways of time, energy or attention span (see also: modern human being). Ubisoft is working closely with Nintendo on the project. They pitched it to Iwata and Miyamoto who liked the idea enough to not have the French team of designers executed. In the initial stages of the game, you're a reckless killing machine. By the end of it, you'll be an efficient and graceful murderer. The game clearly encourages you to better yourself. "The goal...is to use five bullets to kill five enemies". That is, if you ignore how much fun it is to kill one enemy with 45 bullets. Look at that ragdoll convulse! The game has bullet time. Cheer ecstatically or roll eyes as you feel appropriate. Accuracy is your friend: Shooting the gun out of an enemy's hand may prove to be more useful than shooting him in the face. Disarming him allows you to get nice and close with your sword. [Insert additional "disarming" joke here.] Depending on your performance and action, in-game characters will either loathe or respect you. It's easier to get your way with those that respect you. Especially the ladies. "Flailing your sword isn't a smart idea." Instead, specific motions will initiate deadly special attacks and combos. (It is not mentioned whether flailing your gun is smart or not.) Missions in the game can be completed in any order and are given out by either a sword master or a gun master. You need to show them both respect, or they'll treat you worse than Uma Thurman. You'll attempt to sway gang leaders to your cause. If that doesn't work, you'll have to sway them to an early and painful death. Aside from the usual split-screen gameplay, Ubisoft is working on secret, original multiplayer modes. Given their track record with the Splinter Cell series, I'd expect these to be very good indeed. "Aiming with the controller is as simple as using a laser pointer. You point your hand at a target and hit the trigger on the underside of the controller to fire." AI characters focus on "risk management", a term which apparently includes jumping over tables. "You signal "yes/no" answers by nodding the controller up or down or shaking it from side to side." Read that again. You nod your head with the controller as a form of communication with in-game characters. That is the single greatest thing ever. Red Steel is looking to be something very special. I always thought it would be a first-party Nintendo title that would really get the Revolution excitement rolling, but this is the game that finds itself in the enviable position of not only promoting its own concepts, but those of the Revolution itself. It's fair to say that a lot more people "get" the Revolution now than before this game surfaced. Whether or not this FPS lives up to its ideals is yet to be decided, but its value as an iillustrative example of the Revolution's potential is clear.[Thanks fischju! Color enhanced image courtesy of Kellan.]
Red Steel revealed: First Revolution screenshots [Update 1]
Some shots from the May issue of Game Informer have found their way onto the internet, ready for us to awkwardly gawk at them and marvel at the Revolution game they spectacularly reveal. Developed by Ubisoft and packed with explosive gunplay (and swordplay), Red Steel looks set to take full advantage of the Revmote, albeit in an unsurprising way. After all, it doesn't require much thought to make the connection between pointing a remote and pointing a gun. I look forward to Jack Thompson quoting that sentence soon.On the obvious matter of graphics, it seems like the Revolution can produce some very capable images, at least if one assumes that these aren't concept renders and are actually running off an official development kit. It's impossible to make out any of the text, barring the note on the bottom right which points out that your in-game character will tilt his gun as you tilt the controller. I suspect this also means that you can easily bash people in the face with the butt of your gun by performing a swift arm motion. And really, isn't bashing people in the face what the Revolution is all about?Hit the "Read" link for more images.[Thanks el moco!]
Metroid Prime Hunters commercial all dark and edgy
So, I have this great idea for a Metroid Prime Hunters commercial. Since it would have to appeal to those hip kids of today, the content would have to be dark, gritty and just generally disagreeable. A post-apocalyptic future is obviously the way to go, perhaps with some neon lights and masked strangers thrown in for good measure. With the setting established, we next turn to the other increasingly popular thing amongst teenagers today: Death! Let's have bodies just fall from the sky, complete with a slick narrator saying something like "More ways to die" or something cool like that. Following that, we could have some game footage, but that's not really important. Great pitch, huh?Oh? It's already been done?[Original IGN video here. Thanks dwarpdesign!]
Metroid Prime Hunters punishes chumps
Oh disconnectors, how we loathe thee and thy cowardly response to defeat. According to an interesting interview hype piece at the official Nintendo site, Metroid Prime: Hunters will be keeping track of those who disconnect from a Wi-Fi game in an effort to avoid tarnishing their online records. Mario Kart DS was another game that fell victim to this "strategy", a fact that has encouraged Nintendo to implement and liberally dish out "chump points"."We track a stat that the game calls Connection Percentage, but that I've been calling the Chump Meter. It keeps track of anyone who boots off. So, if I'm beating some kid and he tries to disconnect to avoid the loss, he'll be punished for that. When he turns the game back on, the game will know what happened and it will then hand out some Chump Points."The game will also be able to distinguish between intentional disconnections and the forgivable ones caused by your router unexpectedly exploding. This is certainly excellent news that will soothe many a temper, especially considering that Metroid Prime: Hunters is likely to be one of the most aggressively competitive games on Nintendo's Wi-Fi service thus far. [Thanks Nmaster!]
Metroid Prime Hunters: Screenshot extravaganza
The chaps over at the British Gaming Blog have posted a glut of Metroid Prime Hunters images for your personal and potentially depraved enjoyment. By "glut", of course, mean 42. If we had said "plethora" or "volley", we would have obviously meant considerably less than 42. However, had we said "cornucopia"...well, you'd be even happier than you are now.As you gaze at these lovely screens (some old, some new), be sure to constantly remind yourself that the game's release is but a scant few weeks away. [Thanks, JonathanEx!]
