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Haze PSN demo hits in Europe, coming to US tomorrow
It's been a long time coming, but Ubisoft's Free Radical-developed shooter, Haze, has finally been given the demo treatment, with the publisher sending word that a single and multiplayer-flavored demo is now available over PSN in Europe and that the same hors d'oeuvre will make the rounds in the U.S. starting May 8. As if offering apology for Haze's numerous delays, the demo will include both a sampling of the game's single player campaign called "Salva Region," as well as "drop-in drop-out" co-op multiplayer for up to four players online or over a LAN, or with two players via split-screen. We're sure that there is some "coming out of the haze" joke to be made here, but honestly, after months of waiting we're simply all joked out.
Haze demo available in the US tomorrow
Jealous of Europe's PlayStation Day demo of Haze? Don't worry -- Free Radical's upcoming PS3 FPS game will be available to test in tomorrow's weekly PSN update. The demo, which clocks in at about 1.4GB, features two-player split-screen action and four-player online co-op. Will the game live up to its incredible hype when the masses finally have a chance to play the demo?%Gallery-8168%
This Haze interview is Korn-y
You haven't heard? Korn has a new song for the upcoming PS3 FPS, Haze. (Haven't seen it? Watch it here.) Surprisingly, the interview is very mellow, and goes into how the band was "inspired" by money the game's unique story of revenge.
Haze + Korn + You = new video contest
Gametrailers.com has teamed up with Ubisoft for a new Haze contest. Starting today, Haze fans can download footage from the game and Korn and create new "mash-up" videos for prizes. This supposedly annual challenge is "a special project close to the heart of our CGO (chief gaming officer) Geoff Keighley." Seriously. The winning entry will be shown on GameTrailers TV.The first place winner will win a 46" Sony HDTV, a PS3 system, customized guitar signed by Korn, and $1,000. To enter, visit GameTrailers.
The very-awesome Haze official site
We're hoping Ubisoft's Haze official website is a good indicator on how much effort went into creating the game. While most official sites do little more than give a few screenshots and videos, the Haze site goes above and beyond, creating a truly cinematic experience that puts other sites to shame. Yes, you'll need a decently equipped rig to experience the site, but it's truly worthwhile.Prepare to be inundated by a surprising blast of videos and flashy animations. After a few clicks, you'll be thrust into your first interactive mission. Wow.If Haze, the video game, has the same production values as the website, then maybe it might actually be good. We'll all find out soon enough.
Korn's Haze-inspired music assaults our ears
We were initially indifferent when first told of nu metal rockers Korn's vocal enthusiasm for Haze, or as vocalist Jonathan Davis so eloquently calls it, "the shit." However, after now exposing our ears to the band's Haze-inspired title track, we can't help but hope that the aural assault will be kept at an absolute minimum once Ubisoft pushes the game from out of the mist.The two and a half minute scream session not withstanding, the video does show off a bevy of CG and gameplay for Free Radical's overly-yellow shooter, which is currently circled -- in pencil mind you -- on our calender for release around May 20 or so, which should be right around the time our ears stop ringing.
Awaken to the sound of Korn's Haze single
There's nothing like the sound of hard rock in the morning to wake you up from your half-asleep haziness that is the "every morning ritual." You wake up, go to the bathroom, consume your corn-based cereals -- the usual. But this morning is different. Today, you awaken to the sound of Korn's Haze single, a song inspired by the upcoming Haze game. Enjoy the ear-ache inducing noise; it might pump you up for the rest of the day. Perhaps a little too much, so you might want to take some nectar along to calm you down.
Haze demo strikes PS Store in early May
Click for high-resolution image. Free Radical's upcoming PS3 FPS title, Haze, is going to strike the PSN with a downloadable demo in early May. The game, now set for a May 20th release in North America, will feature comprehensive single and multiplayer modes, including a 4-player co-op mode. There's not much else to say, since this game really has ebbed in and out of the spotlight for over a year. We know it all, we know it's been delayed, and we know a demo is coming before it releases. Just let us get it in our hands and we'll finally know this game actually exists and is complete.[Via Joystiq]%Gallery-8168%
Haze gets May demo, slightly earlier release
Haze's hazy path to becoming an actual, released game became a little more concrete today, with Ubisoft's announcement of a May PSN demo and yet another new release date for the somewhat issue-prone first-person shooter. Surprisingly enough, the new May 20 date is actually three days earlier than the previously "definite" May 23 release (though that may have applied to Europe only). It might not seem like much, but after more delays than we can count (not literally), any move in the other direction is a welcome announcement. Will this release date be the final one? As the Magic 8-Ball might say: "Outlook hazy, try again later."
Haze 'definitely' coming May 23, says Ubisoft
Yeah, yeah. The folks at Eurogamer have heard Ubisoft's latest cry that a wolf is "definitely" bound to emerge from the dense development forest on May 23rd. Though it's still comically unclear whether Free Radical's heavily scripted first-person shooter, Haze, only has a taste for the PS3 flock, it would be in Ubisoft's best interests to stick to a date before the townsfolk decide it's not really worth going outside (if they haven't already).Since we're still keen on that 4-player co-op, we remain hopeful that Haze will sink its teeth into us Aesop. Err, ASAP.
Haze release date really real, finally final
Haze's release date has officially been locked down and is not set to change again. Ever. CVG is reporting that it has confirmed with Ubisoft that May 23rd is the date that the game will be available in Europe. Haze has been in release limbo for several months now, after it failed to make its November 2007 release date and was pushed to early 2008. Then, in late January, it was pushed back even further with a vague "fiscal 2008/2009" date attached.Now, however, we can be certain that we'll be getting our hands on the Nectar infused shooter on May 23rd in Europe. Though there's currently no word on a US release date. It may not have impressed us much at the Play.com Live event, but we're still intrigued. If only to get closure on what has been one of the most confusing releases we've ever known.
First Look: Remnants of Skystone
One particular flavor of science fiction that's gotten short shrift by MMOs is Steampunk, the variant that combines our love of gearwork with mad science. Fortunately, Flipline Studios will redress that omission with its upcoming 2D, side-scrolling adventurer, Remnants of Skystone. Set in a future wherein an alien race called the Mimics have claimed the Earth as theirs, covering it with a poisonous miasma called the Haze, humans have taken to the skies in the floating city called Nidaria. Players can expect a game experience somewhat in the manner of MapleStory, where players may team up to explore and retake the ground from the alien menace.No word yet on whether this will be free-to-play or subscription, but it does mention it will be for PCs and Macs. Remnants of Skystone is set to release late this year on kongregate.com. For a full look at how this title's developing, check out the RoS blog. The site also features screenshots and a bit of world history, so whet your appetite and getcher goggles on -- full steam ahead![Thanks, Tony!]
Are you sure you want more Haze media?
Free Radical's long awaited might-be-but-probably-isn't-going-to-be-exclusive Haze is finally getting closer. But, after watching this gameplay montage, do you really want it? The lackluster environments, animation and graphics do little to showcase the PS3's true capabilities. Perhaps the ambitious multiplayer gameplay will do more than justify the rather lifeless visuals of this FPS. You be the judge: check it out in HD.
Ubisoft reneges on Haze release date
Forget what Ubisoft announced yesterday about Haze clearing for a May 22 release; now the game's release is back to the full month of May. It's become so convoluted that we can't keep Haze's release date saga straight anymore, but at least there are firm answers about the game's PS3 exclusivity ... oh, wait.We're starting to wonder if the marketing department at Ubisoft isn't on its own form of Nectar (the psychotropic drug in Haze). It really shouldn't be this hard to craft a message on one game's release date and exclusivity.
Haze 'officially' coming May 22
Can it be true this time? Ubisoft has told MCV that Free Radical's Haze is expected to hit retailers May 22. The perpetually delayed, ambiguously exclusive shooter was original set to come out last December.The above picture isn't actually from Haze, but a snapshot of our good friend Jonas, who has been waiting for the game since it was announced and has resorted to screaming into his homemade Haze mask every time it gets delayed. Please don't make him don the helmet again, Ubisoft.
EB pulls plug on radical Haze promotion [Update]
You may remember last week reading about a Canadian EB promotion that would allow you to buy Haze, play it for a week and then return it to the store for full credit. It's a great promotion, but we're not sure it makes a lot of dollars and sense for Ubisoft. That's probably a good clue as to why we're sadly reporting that the deal is no more.MTV was told by Ubisoft that "there had been a miscommunication between the publisher's Canadian arm and the EB Games retail chain in Canada." You know, the offer seems pretty self-explanatory to us, we're not sure how a miscommunication could have happened.EB Games: Wait, so you want us to give people full price back if they return the game within a week?Ubisoft: Absolutely.EB Games hangs up.Ubisoft: Oh, and by full price we mean $30. Hello? Are you still there?[Update: Reader Duggy promptly pointed out that this ad is still on the EB Canada website. So, what does that mean? We're trying to find out.]
Haze PS3 exclusivity clouds over ... again
And the dance goes on. The ongoing question of is it or isn't it regarding the PS3 exclusivity of developer Free Radical's upcoming FPS Haze continued this morning with reps from publisher Ubisoft back peddling on an earlier report that the game would never show its face on the Xbox 360. In a new report by CVG, Ubi has 'clarified' things, stating that the game will simply remain an exclusive to Sony's platform "for now." Well now, we're glad that's clear as mud.While the game was originally announced for both consoles as well as the PC, reports have gone back and forth for some time now as to whether or not the game would be released for multiple platforms, with this latest development seeming to lend weight to the game being a timed exclusive. Even so, with Haze's PS3 release fast approaching and the game still failing to impress when shown during this month's Play.com in London, the big question should not be whether or not the game makes it other platforms, but rather if anyone will care.
Haze exclusivity debacle rages on
It isn't that we really care if a game like Haze is permanently exclusive or a timed exclusive for the PS3, but it seems to remain a popular debate. Looking back on Ubisoft's history regarding exclusivity for the game, it's pretty funny to note how many times they've flipped their own words or have had them misconstrued by the media. The latest rumor was that Haze would only be on the PS3 forever -- we even posted about it the other day. Now Ubisoft is saying they have not ruled out a 360 version. Truth be told, none of this stuff even matters if the game never gets released. It's been way, way, way overdue.
Haze madness continues, PS3 exclusive "for now"
The Haze exclusivity circus got itself a new act today. After representatives at a Play.com event were shouting to the hills that Haze would forever remain a PS3 exclusive title, CVG contacted Ubisoft for comment. Ubisoft responded that Haze will remain a PS3 exclusive "for now." In other words, the timed exclusive theory is gaining more ground. We can't help but once again be reminded of the ridiculous back and forth regarding Assassin's Creed exclusivity. We all know how that turned out, and it's looking like Haze is headed in the same direction. Frankly, it's getting out of hand. Hence, Picard facepalm.
Ubisoft says Haze to remain PS3 exclusive
Ubisoft representatives reaffirmed that Haze will remain a PS3 exclusive at the recent Play.com Live event. According to Ripten, "they said in a resolute fashion that the game is not just a PS3 timed exclusive, but will never make its way onto any other platform."Good news? Perhaps. But our very own Jem Alexander attended the Live event, where he was able to play the hotly anticipated FPS. Apparently, "the company presented an underwhelming single-player demo which never managed to really amaze." Unfortunately, the demo lacked the visual flair expected of a PS3 exclusive: "the environments didn't seem particularly inspired and boasted only a minimal level of destructibility." And the gameplay? Well, you can read more.We know that there are many that are seriously anticipating this release, touting it as a strong reason to pick up the PS3. However, this initial hands-on doesn't have our expectations high. Perhaps it was simply a bad demonstration. However, unless things shape up in the final build, this is one "exclusive" that we wouldn't mind losing to a multiplatform release.
