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Borderlands premiere features a 'helluvalotta guns'
Borderlands made its video premiere last night during Spike's VGAs with this quaint trailer narrated by (spoiler alert!) a cruelly deformed hottie. Your guide to the unnamed planet of Borderlands informs you that there are more ideal vacation getaways than this, pegging you as either a 'fool' or 'criminal' (perhaps hinting at the inclusion of choice-gameplay similar to Mass Effect's Paragon/Renegade system). The planet, which features the requisite Ice Level, is rife with bandits and untamed wildlife, just the sorta snag to cut your visit short unless you've got help, er, guns -- make that -- "a helluvalotta guns" (this is an RPG-shooter after all). Oh, and don't forget to visit the Vault -- it's got a big, glowing entrance. You can't miss it!
First Brothers in Arms game to be updated to Wii this November
We can't imagine why Ubisoft and Nintendo would want to put a game that is creeping up on 3 years of age onto the Wii. Seriously, we can't think of a single reason for Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30 to be on the Wii other than it might reach a new audience on Nintendo's platform, having never released on the GameCube (it was available on PC, Xbox and PS2). Regardless, it's still an older title.Now, it's a given the game will feature motion-sensitive controls, but what other improvements could Ubisoft hope to make to the title to validate it on the Wii? Maybe there will be Wi-Fi play, considering the game enjoyed online mutliplayer?
Gearbox bringing Samba de Amigo sequel to Wii
Is it possible to have a rumored confirmation? If so, then consider this post a rumored confirmation that a new Samba de Amigo game is coming to the Wii. It's rumored because we haven't actually gotten our hands on the supposed source -- the latest issue of Nintendo Power, an alleged cover scan of which (above) is currently circulating around the internet . It's confirmation because numerous sources around the 'net are reporting the issue goes past the previous rumors and offers official confirmation that the game is in development from publisher Sega and new developer Gearbox Software (the Brothers in Arms guys).The issue doesn't contain details on the gameplay, though the soundtrack will supposedly have "a mix of new and classic tunes." While we're a little apprehensive about FPS developer Gearbox's ability to take on the rhythm genre and the Wii remote's ability to accurately recreate the maraca-shaking of the Dreamcast original, we'll take what we can get when it comes to more monkeys with maracas.[Via NintendoWiiFanboy]
Nintendo Power confirms Samba de Amigo
GoNintendo readers spotted something interesting in this month's Nintendo Power. And it would have been hard for them not to-- it's right on the cover there. Samba de Amigo is indeed coming to the Wii! As card-carrying Sega fanboys (with a specialization in Dreamcast-era Sega, to be exact) we couldn't be more thrilled. What a perfect game/controller combination-- almost as perfect as the real Samba controllers.Oh, but wait. According to the GoNintendo post, the new game is being made by Gearbox Software, who we can assure you is not Sonic Team. In fact, their history features nothing but FPS games and one Tony Hawk port. A very interesting choice to develop your bouncy, cartoony rhythm game, Sega. A very interesting choice indeed. Gearbox employees-- if you're reading, here's a special message from us to you. Please don't screw up the game about a monkey shaking maracas in time to Ricky Martin songs. We're not saying you're not good developers-- far from it-- but this is about as different from Counter-Strike as a game could be.
Correction: Borderlands will NOT require Xbox 360 hard drive
Despite Gearbox President Randy Pitchford's best guess, his studio's forthcoming co-op shooter Borderlands will not require an Xbox 360 hard drive. In a comment made last week, Pitchford assumed the game would require the optional drive because it "seems impossible that a game that is doing as much as Borderlands and pushing the limit so much with all the weapons and equipment and character stuff can actually do it all in memory and streaming from the media." Well, according to Lead Programmer Steve Jones, Borderlands can and will operate without the use of the hard drive. Jones did add that the game "will take full advantage of the [Xbox 360] hard drive if it is present" (we assume the PC and PS3 versions will utilize their respective storage drives too). Currently, Microsoft's policy permits MMO developers to require the use of a hard drive pending approval from Microsoft. All other games must be able to function without the use of the drive, though a recent mock-up of the Call of Duty 4 box art, featuring a "storage required" label (later confirmed to be made up), has raised suspicion that the policy is still open to revision.
Borderlands on the 360 will require a HDD
Concluding a Games Convention demo of the 2008 release Borderlands (that Diablo meets Mad Max shooter), the president of Gearbox Randy Pitchford confirmed with 1UP that when the game releases, it will require a HDD if played on the Xbox 360. Pitchford is fully aware of Microsoft's opinion on HDD required games, but still sticks to his studios' development guns stating that Borderlands needs a caching HDD due to the unique nature of the game and all its randomly generated missions of randomness. Honestly, we're just curious to see how Microsoft will handle games and developers when talk of HDD required games begins to bubble up. Cue death stare!
Gearbox's Borderlands to be published by 2K
Borderlands, the upcoming Mad Max-ish, Diablo-esque action game from Gearbox, has been picked up by publisher 2K Games (who are releasing a little game called BioShock next week, by the way). Known for their work on the Brothers In Arms series, Gearbox is crafting Borderlands as an action game with RPG elements and 4 player online co-op. In other words, it sounds like just the thing to cure what ails you (and a hell of a lot of fun to boot). President of 2K, Christoph Hartmann, notes that Borderlands will play host to "revolutionary new technology" that allows for the creation of "thousands of unique, randomly generated missions, weapons and situations." With such lofty promises in tow, Hartmann concludes that Borderlands "will raise the bar for next gen action games."We'll have to wait and see though, as the game isn't scheduled to release until the end of 2008. For more info on Borderlands, keep an eye out for the September Game Informer, of which the contents will no doubt be scoured for the benefit of X3F readers everywhere.[Via Joystiq]
2K Games picks up Borderlands, Gearbox's new shooter
2K Games, who are on the cusp of releasing another "groundbreaking" FPS next week with BioShock, have just announced that they'll be publishing Gearbox Software's latest, Borderlands. Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K, gushed, "By utilizing revolutionary new technology to create thousands of unique, randomly generated missions, weapons and situations, Borderlands will raise the bar for next gen action games."Part of that raised bar is also the game's cooperative online experience, which allows for four players to "share the same game experience simultaneously" by joining or leaving the game at any time. Hate other people? Go through in single-player mode (you grump). If you think this sounds like a more action-oriented Hellgate: London, you're not alone. Borderlands will be available Holiday 2008 for PS3, Xbox 360, and Games for Windows.
Gearbox's Borderlands revealed on Game Informer cover
With a tag line like "Diablo meets Mad Max," how can you not take the bait? Gearbox Software's Borderlands is the cover story in the September issue of Game Informer. Described as an RPG-shooter, with 4-player online co-op support, Borderlands appears to mimic the space gansta aesthetic that was so brilliantly captured in the dusty Gibson films of yesteryear -- not unlike id's new project Rage. How Diablo elements play into the dune buggy battlin' should be explained once the full cover story has been perused.Developer Gearbox has earned critical props for its Brothers in Arms games, which are often overlooked in the rotting heap of World War II shooters. The latest in that series, Hell's Highway (due in November), showed great promise during an E3 demo, but once again, was lost in the swirl of game previews, and has an uphill battle at retail, facing a very competitive holiday lineup. But if Gearbox stays dedicated to top-tier technical and production qualities, as seen in Brothers in Arms, than Borderlands could be the commercial success this studio is capable of developing. This is one to watch.
Metareview: Brothers in Arms DS
Considering the look of it, Brothers in Arms DS has been a game to watch since the moment it was announced. DS games are forging new 3D ground lately, and with all the rich textures and increased action, we diehards have been busily chewing our nails and wondering just how all these games would play out. Early verdicts are in on Brothers in Arms, and so far, things are looking alright. Print media seems to be scoring the title higher than online reviewers, but that may change as more reviews trickle in.CVG -- 77%: "The first thing that gets you about Brothers on DS is just how incredible it looks and sounds. Okay, it's not the PC or 360 versions but as far as DS games go, this is up there with the best of them ... Brothers In Arms DS is a good little action-shooter that makes great use of the DS's unique interface. With the tactical aspect of its gameplay removed in favour of a linear action approach, it loses some of its style and identity, but it's nevertheless the first war shooter for DS, and sets a high standard to beat."Eurogamer -- 60%: "Despite brevity, simplicity, and the slow turning, it's really very exciting to be playing an FPS of this complexity on the DS. The above problems are significant, but never stop the fun of blamming your way through a level, sniping out distant soldiers, or, best of all, explodifying everything in a tank. The story is hugely underwritten, but ultimately unimportant; the motivation, always the need to reach B from A without the Ns shooting you in the face with their Gs ... With some tighter programming, and far fewer invisible barriers and dumb deaths, BiA could have been rather good. As it is - flawed and fun - it's a fantastic signpost."So what's the word? At this point, it looks like Metroid Prime: Hunters fans need to look no further than Brothers in Arms for a chance to get their shooter on. While the game loses some of what makes the franchise unique, it's a great mark of what's to come -- and anytime a word like "explodifying" comes into play, there may just be something worth checking out.
Aliens FPS details emerge, play as a Marine
GameSpot recently got the chance to sit down with Randy Pitchford, founder of Gearbox, at the Ubidays 2007 event held last week in Paris. Among other topics, Pitchford revealed a few details regarding the upcoming Aliens FPS title being developed by Gearbox and published by SEGA. While he revealed no specific details about the gameplay, he did note that players would take on the role of a Colonial Marine, similar to the characters in the film. According to Pitchford, "Our game's about becoming a Colonial Marine, and looking at it from the Colonial Marines' perspective." We imagine that this is music to the ears of Aliens fans everywhere. Pitchford also revealed that Gearbox has a limited collaborative relationship with Obsidian, who is handling development of the Aliens RPG.In other news, Gearbox is also in the beginning stages of developing a game based on Heat, the iconic 1995 crime film. Aliens and Heat, strange bedfellows indeed.
SMU's Guildhall awards game design degrees
The Guildhall, Southern Methodist University's video game design graduate program, has awarded the world's first master's degrees in video game development. Twenty-four graduates received "Master of Interactive Technology degrees" in "Digital Game Development" on March 24. Commencement speaker Randy Pitchford of Gearbox said, "The granting of advanced degrees from accredited universities is crucial to the future of our industry... You never know how important someone will become in time. Bill Gates was nobody [30] years ago." Gates probably shoudn't be the poster boy for higher education, since he dropped out of school to start Microsoft, but whatevs, right?
Photoshop + bad scans = Brothers in Arms screenshots
The scans we had for you yesterday of images from Brothers in Arms look like they got a clean-up job, because they now almost resemble actual screenshots. Well, screenshots rendered by a pointilist, perhaps, but at least we can get a good idea of how the game will look. It's much more impressive this way!Check out the two other screens after the jump.
Gearbox to develop Sega's Alien FPS
Sega has revealed that Brothers in Arms creator Gearbox will develop its Alien FPS. The announcement comes padded with a lil' promise, as Sega has declared the shooter "will retain the atmospheric look and feel of the original films" -- we'll interpret this line to be a reference to Alien and Aliens, not the additional sequels (and certainly not AVP).With the game not scheduled for release until 2009, neither Sega or Gearbox is saying much else. Should we assume, given Gearbox's history, that this Alien FPS will be squad-based, with a touch of strategy?See also:Alien games to burst out of Sega's chestObsidian to helm Aliens RPG for Sega
Hell's Highway: Bigger, longer and uncut
Here's a longer, larger version of that Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway trailer from a day ago. I still say there's nothing more touching in video game land than having a sqadmate pick shards of metal out of your bloody arm.[Thanks Snuggles420]
BiA: Hell's Highway Leipzig trailer
WWII games are a dime a dirty dozen, but I still love'em, especially if it's from Gearbox. Check out this three minute trailer for Brother's in Arms: Hell's Highway over at TeamXbox.
Gearbox pledges Wii support, another WWII shooter likely
Add Gearbox (Brothers in Arms series) to the growing list of third party Wii developers. Speaking with IGN, company president Randy Pitchford confirmed, "Gearbox Software is enthusiastically supporting the Wii."Currently, Gearbox is developing Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway for PS3 and Xbox 360. It's unclear if a version of this same title will be released for Wii -- similar to what's being done with Call of Duty 3 -- or if Gearbox will design an entirely new game for Nintendo's console, which, if this is the case, will still likely be a Brothers in Arms installment. Several months ago, an alleged Ubisoft (publisher of Brothers in Arms) release list was leaked onto the internet and featured an unnamed Brothers in Arms title for Wii.
Brothers in Arms takes Highway to Hell
Ubisoft and Gearbox have announced Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway, the third installment in their successful WWII shooter franchise. The game will be powered by the Unreal 3 engine, and is currently in development for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and the PC.Technically, Highway was first announced as BIA3 at last year's Tokyo Game Show, when Sony released the PS3's initial game lineup. The new story will follow the 101st Airborne Division as Operation Market Garden unfolds with next gen visuals and a redesigned online component.Hell's Highway is scheduled for a holiday 2006 release.
