sdcc-2012
Latest
Epic's Fortnite is a 'fresh and bubbly' co-op survival sandbox game
Epic Games kicked off our experience at Comic-Con this year with a panel about Fortnite, the oft-mentioned but not yet seen game that serves as the studio's followup to Gears of War. Producer Tanya Jessen, Lead Artist Pete Ellis, and Design Director Cliff Bleszinski talked at length about the game, revealing it to be a mashup of Minecraft, The Walking Dead and Team Fortress 2. It's designed and built in Unreal Engine 4, and destined for a PC-only launch.Jessen described Fortnite as a "co-op sandbox survival game" with three different elements. Scavenging will allow players to go out into the ruined world and find items and materials wherever they can. Building will let players first erect and then customize various structures of all shapes and sizes. Combat, the last part of the game, pits players against creepy yet "Looney Tunes-inspired" monsters attempting to take those structures down."This is not just a game for people who like shooters or RPGS," said Jessen. "It's a game for everybody." And according to Bleszinski, Fortnite is a big change internally from what the studio has been working on more recently. "It's been really fresh for us," he said. "We've had like six years of Gears and we've perfected the art of killing. Fortnite is serving as a fresh change of pace for us."%Gallery-160290%
Fortnite is Epic's first Unreal Engine 4 game, heading exclusively to PC
Fortnite is Epic's first Unreal Engine 4 game and it'll ship "exclusively for the PC," Epic Games' Cliff Bleszinksi said today during a San Diego Comic-Con 2012 panel. "We're here and we're announcing that this is a PC-designed game, it's shipping exclusively for the PC," he told a crowd of attendees."Next-gen's here. It's been here. It's a high-end PC," Bleszinski said. He added that the dudebro-free Fortnite didn't "make sense" for Unreal Engine 3, and cheered PCs as being part of Epic's "heritage."Fortnite, which sees characters building bunkers and emplacements to defend against the monsters of the night, was suspected of being a PC exclusive earlier this year when it popped up on a LinkedIn listing for PC. The listing was quickly changed after we brought it to the attention of Epic Games.We'll have more from Epic's SDCC panel as soon as we can (it's still going on!).
Transformers: Fall of Cybertron multiplayer rolls out at San Diego Comic-Con 2012
Activision has a whole mess of stuff planned for this year's San Diego Comic-Con, starting with the first taste of multiplayer in Transformers: Fall of Cybertron.High Moon Studios will announce a new Marvel game (likely Hit Monkey) during a panel on Saturday, and Activision will also show off new footage of both 007 Legends and the recently announced FPS tie-in for The Walking Dead. For Activision's full San Diego Comic-Con 2012 schedule, hit up the source link below.
Nightwing and Cyborg coming to Injustice: Gods Among Us
Comic-Con just opened up its show floor for Preview Night, and in among the booths is a new playable version of Injustice: Gods Among Us, with two new heroes. Nightwing and Cyborg have joined the fight in Netherrealm's gritty fighting game. Nightwing (aka Dick Grayson, the original Robin) is a nimble staff-wielding fighter, and Cyborg is a heavy hitter, with strong close attacks backed up with laser shots and missile strikes.We'll get a chance to play both of these heroes tomorrow on the show floor, and we'll let you know how the game is looking these days. Comic-Con runs through the weekend, so stay tuned for lots more four-color-based news from San Diego.
Spartacus Legends is based on Spartacus show, fighting for consoles in 2013
Ubisoft is developing a fighting game based on the Starz original series, Spartacus. The game is Spartacus Legends, and the show is Spartacus. And the game is Spartacus. And the movie is Spartacus. And we are Spartacus. (It had to be done; quit groaning and move on.)Spartacus Legends is set to launch in early 2013 for "your favorite console," although we assume SNES is out of the question on this one, no matter how "old-school" the series itself is. Spartacus Legends is based on characters from the television series and includes thousands of weapon combinations and a skill system to customize individual characters, including Spartacus and Crixus.Spartacus Legends will feature offline and online multiplayer in brutal arena battles. The game will be playable at the Starz Media booth at San Diego Comic-Con, running Thursday, July 12 to Sunday, July 15.%Gallery-160198%
PlanetSide 2 will be playable on Friday at SDCC
If you're making the trek out to California for the San Diego Comic-Con, you probably already know about most of what to expect. But the team behind PlanetSide 2 just surprised any fans en route to the convention with the announcement that PS2 will be playable on Friday. From noon until 9:00 p.m. PDT, players can try out the current build of the game, chat with the development team, and even pick up a special set of Empire-themed dog tags. Some fans can't make the trek out to San Diego for the game, of course. These fans have to look forward to the game's upcoming beta test, but there's good news on that front as well. Matt Higby has clarified via Twitter that the beta will occur sometime before the end of July, meaning that beta testers will get to start in on the game very soon. So even if you can't make it out to the convention, you won't be deprived of the game too much longer. [Thanks to Dengar and Scott for the tips!]
Game of Thrones Seven Kingdoms releases its first trailer
We know a little bit about the game, but up until now, nothing has actually been seen of the upcoming Game of Thrones Seven Kingdoms. But the wait is now over, as a trailer for the browser-based game has been unveiled to show off some of what players can expect when the game finally goes live. And if you're hoping for the opportunity to cross swords with rival houses in a massive political battle... well, that does seem to be on the plate. There's admittedly not too much that can be displayed via a trailer running under a minute long. But the trailer does show off the graphics and some hints of the combat, which looks to be very much a matter of skill. Check out the full trailer just past the break, and keep your eyes open for more information as the game ramps up for more reveals at San Diego Comic-Con. [Update: George R.R. Martin himself has also posted the video and the original press release. He notes that he'll be at SDCC checking out the game at the Dark Horse booth.]
Capcom plans panels and booth action for SDCC next weekend
Capcom has nailed down its lineup for the San Diego Comic-Con next weekend, and there's going to be a whole lot "Cap-ening" down there. Booth #4844 will host demos of Devil May Cry, Lost Planet 3, Okami HD, Resident Evil 6, and the Vita version of Street Fighter X Tekken. There'll be plenty of merch on sale, too, and Capcom will host some contests and giveaways.Capcom also has four panels throughout the weekend: on the 25th Anniversary of Street Fighter, behind the scenes on Resident Evil 6, a combined panel on Lost Planet 3 and Devil May Cry, and a "World of Capcom" panel, featuring all of the current projects and a big Q&A session. Capcom's official blog will be streaming from the show floor all weekend, and we'll be down there capturing as much of the news as we can. Capische?
The Walking Dead FPS's Comic-Con swag is all ears
Like, literally. As in, "Here's a necklace of zombie ears," which might be a bit less disgusting if it weren't a necklace of human ears. San Diego Comic-Con attendees can snag the gruesome jewelry by rushing over to Activision's booth and (ugh) pre-ordering the upcoming Terminal Reality-developed Walking Dead FPS.Only the first 100 on-site pre-orders get the "extremely limited edition version of Daryl's 'walker ears' necklace," so, uh, don't rush if you don't want the super creepy necklace. We're kinda leaning toward that option, actually.The Walking Dead first-person shooter is getting its first big showing at SDCC 2012, but it won't be playable. Take a look at the 2013 title in a new trailer below the break.%Gallery-159964%
Get an extra large hands-on with the 3DS XL at San Diego Comic-Con 2012
You and your buddy Peter always go to San Diego Comic Con, sure, but do you always get a chance to be the first people in North America to touch Nintendo's next handheld? The answer is no, because you don't. But this year, you totally will, as Nintendo's bringing the 3DS XL.The Japanese game publisher's also bringing a variety of games for you to play, including New Super Mario Bros. 2, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate, and ... uh, Kid Icarus. Okay, okay – outside of those three and a couple others, the rest of the games are kinda not so new. But hey, Just Dance 4 on Wii will also be there! Yeah!Head past the break for the full list.
Sony plans Last of Us, Beyond: Two Souls, PS All-Stars panels for SDCC
Sony has rounded up everything it's is doing at the San Diego Comic Con next week, and between the panels, the announcements, and various playable game on the floor, there's a lot going down. The Last of Us and Beyond: Two Souls (which each made a big splash at E3) are getting panels of their own, while The Unfinished Swan panel will show off the upcoming game's art. The PlayStation All-Stars panel will reveal two more playable characters for the upcoming cross-franchise beatdown.Additionally, the GT Academy National Finals will be taking place near the convention center in the Gaslight District, complete with a chance for passers-by to join the tournament at the last minute. There'll be plenty of demos on the show floor too, including quite a few PS Vita games. Joystiq will, of course, be in attendance at the show this year, and we'll bring you every crumb of Comic-Con news we can find.
The last Catwoman Riddler trophy is exclusively at Comic-Con
You might think you've collected all of Catwoman's Riddler trophies in Arkham City, but you're wrong! It turns out the Riddler has crafted one more puzzle, hiding one last trophy at the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con. There's only one way to unlock these 8-pound, LED-lit replicas, and that's to put down a $100 pre-order at the TriForce booth. Granted, that's not really much of a riddle, but there's certainly an element of challenge associated with opening your wallet.Only 100 of these puppies (kittens?) will be manufactured and, to make them even rarer, Comic-Con will be the only opportunity to place a pre-order. The full price to throw one of these real trophies onto the pile of digital trophies you've already collected? $400. Me-yow.Check out a high-resolution image of the trophy in the gallery below.%Gallery-158600%
Prepare yourself for Sonic Boom 2012 at SDCC
The House of Blues in San Diego will play host to Sonic Boom 2012 on Friday, July 13, during the San Diego Comic Con. Comic Con badges will not be required to enter the event, although what the event actually is still remains completely unknown, save for the fact that Sega's ultimate goal is to "make it a great time for Sonic fans of all ages." Last year's Sonic Boom centered mostly on Sonic Generations, prize giveaways and a musical performance by Crush 40, the greatest band in the world.If we had to guess, we'd figure that this year's Sonic Boom will focus mostly on Sonic 4: Episode 2, since that's the only pressing Sonic release on our immediate horizon. We'll be keeping our collective ear to the ground for more Crush 40 live show Sonic Boom 2012 news as it develops.
San Diego Comic-Con will sell you some friends from Marvel vs. Capcom 3
If your friend to pocket ratio is ridiculously pocket-heavy, San Diego Comic-Con will have an exclusive deal on Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Minimates to solve all your loneliness woes and fill those empty voids on your cargo pants. At Entertainment Earth Booth #2343, Toys"R"Us will be selling a limited number of Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Minimates, including Iron Man in stealth armor, Red Hulk, Morrigan and Zero. For those unable to snag a ticket to San Diego Comic-Con (everyone), Toys"R"Us will be selling the exclusive Minimates online at Toysrus.com/comiccon2011 beginning the final day of Comic-Con, Sunday, July 24.
