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Carnivores HD brings the hunt to PS3 today
Today marks the debut of Carnivores HD, a new entry in the long-running hunting franchise from developer Vogster Enertainment, which trades relatively harmless wildlife like bears and lions for something a bit more impressive: Dinosaurs. "You'll be hunting Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Ceratosaurus, and finally a T-Rex," writes project lead Artem Kuryavchenko on the PlayStation.blog. "There are also flying Pteranodons, and small and peaceful Gallimimuses. Each level is an island about two square miles in size, and features a unique environment. There are deserts and jungles, volcanic islands, and deep forests. Each level comes in three flavors: daytime, evening, and misty." Kuryavchenko also claims that the wildlife found in Carnivores HD features AI which allows it to behave as it may have in the primordial wilds. Dinosaurs can use both sight and smell to track players and one another (predatory dinos have a tendency to eat non-predatory dinos), and wounded animals will react in fear to the player's presence. Hunters are outfitted with a rifle, a sniper rifle and a crossbow, and are given the option of using either lethal rounds or tranquilizer darts as the mood strikes them. Carnivores HD appears on the PlayStation Network Store as of today.
CrimeCraft expansion to feature persistent territory control, quickplay options
Remember CrimeCraft? We do, and the tragically titled actioner is still alive and kicking (or shooting, perhaps). We bring this up because Vogster is readying its second major expansion, GangWars, which is scheduled to launch on December 5th. The update adds more of a traditional MMO feel to what is otherwise a lobby-based game. New territory wars mechanics are the culprit, and they allow gangs to own and control sections of the game's persistent Sunrise City environment. Curiously, Vogster is also implementing a new quickplay system which offers access to CrimeCraft's "core gameplay features through a simplified interface that lets you shortcut RPG gameplay and get right to the action." CrimeCraft boasts 20 unique maps and 11 gameplay modes. Learn more about the game, and sign up for free, at the official website. Before you go, though, check out the territory wars trailer after the break. [Source: Vogster press release]
Rise and Shiny recap: CrimeCraft
The first thing I want to do when hearing about a game's poor quality is try it myself. I've found that unless the complaints specify performance issues, the real problem is that the gameplay just didn't mesh well with the person issuing the complaint. Often, those folks talk in general specifics like "Everyone hates the skillsets" or "No one liked that last patch." Gamers are great at declaring what "everyone" likes or dislikes, as though they have access to information that not even the developers themselves have. A good rule of thumb is that the more a player mentions "everyone," the more he is probably wrong. CrimeCraft is one of these games, but for different reasons. As I asked around about the game, most people I heard from simply complained about its resemblance to the original All Points Bulletin. And since APB had issues, surely CrimeCraft must as well. Players also commented on how they heard it was busted or that didn't play well at all or that it was just a really bad game. So I had to dig in. What did I find? Click past the cut and I'll tell you.
CrimeCraft's episodic 'Bleedout' expansion starts Dec. 4
CrimeCraft, Vogster's free-to-play MMO, is getting its first expansion, a ten-week episodic event called Bleedout. Each week features artwork by a different comic book artist, including Ben Templesmith, Howard Chaykin and Zach Howard. The expansion also includes new missions that, judging by the trailer after the break, mostly involve shooting people in the head and/or neck. We suppose the expansion's title should have been our first clue. The first episode of Bleedout will launch on December 4 at 7PM ET.
NintendoWare Weekly: X-Scape, Ben 10, Wild Guns
Even though it's a holiday here in the US, Nintendo has released a plethora of new downloadable titles for the Wii and DSi. It's a great thing, not simply because OMG moar gamez, but because it gives us a distraction from the day's festivities. There's only so much of Aunt Linda's trip to the Grand Canyon we can listen to, you know? %Gallery-86442%
CrimeCraft's executive producer talks on the game's strengths
CrimeCraft may have launched with a bang, but that bang appeared to be less of a gunshot and more of a car backfiring. Vogster Entertainment's MMOFPS was met with somewhat mixed reviews, moved to a free-to-play model, and found itself banned in Australia. But the game persists, and executive producer Matt McEnerney recently sat down with Warcry to discuss issues ranging from the Australia ban to the game's focus. In a rather refreshing moment, McEnerney flatly states that the game is not for everyone, going on to state that those players who fall under Bartle's classification of Explorer or Socializer will be less likely to enjoy the game. It's a positive mark of candor, and certainly helps strengthen McEnerney's points on what the gae is trying to do and what it's best at. The interview also covers the current endgame option, whiich focus heavily on PvP amidst the game's warring families of gangs. On the Australia ban, the producer's statement is essentially one that the government can ban the game from shelves but not hard drives -- which strikes us as a little criminal, but when you're talking about a game called CrimeCraft, do you really expect much different? Those interested in the game should take a look at the full interview, which is a bit more honest in places than we've come to expect from the genre.
One Shots: Bad Santas
While you're unlikely to find Billy Bob Thornton running around in the landscape of CrimeCraft, recently players were treated to all the strange Santas they could handle in the recent holiday event "Mall Santa Photo Booth." Now as to how some weirded-out Terminator Santa got in there, we've no idea. Thankfully Victor B. was there to capture this image from the event, and might be able to shed some light on it: CrimeCraft is a persistent online third-person shooter with an "over-the-shoulder" view similar to Gears of War. It takes place in a near future urban metropolis that revolves around gang warfare. Players can create gangs, craft weaponry, tailor clothes, and manufacture drugs. Game play in instances features a kill streak reward system similar to COD4. It grants experience points, which allows a player to upgrade their skills (skills are like perks such as martyrdom and explosives).Well, perhaps a reader will explain the festive cyborg-looking thing on the left, eh? If you'd like to join in the fun, send in screenshots from your favorite MMO to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com. Be sure to add your name, the name of the game, and a quick description in the email. We'll post the image out here for everyone to check out and give you the credit! Also, please make sure your screenshot is at least 1024 pixels across and has no visible UI elements. %Gallery-9798%
CrimeCraft banned in Australia
Vogster's MMOFPS CrimeCraft hasn't had the easiest time, and it took another hit last week when it was banned in Australia. The Australian Classification Board refused classification of the game thanks to the availability of Boosts, drugs that give the player character various buffs. The reason given? "In the board's opinion, there is insufficient delineation between the 'fictional drugs' available in game and real-world proscribed drugs." The board elaborated a bit on their decision, pointing out strong similarities to real-world drugs: "In addition, the names of boosts mimic the chemicals and colloquial names of proscribed drugs. Examples include K-Dust, Birth, Chimera, Majoun, Betadyne ResistX and Zymek Stim-Ex, as well as the anabolics Raze and Frenzy." Australia currently does not have any sort of R18+ classification, so a game that would receive that rating is banned. Valve worked around this in October by submitting a censored version of Left 4 Dead 2, so CrimeCraft may not be entirely without hope.
CrimeCraft heading for Facebook and iPhones
There's no doubt CrimeCraft has been seeing some tough times since its launch. Nevertheless, that's not stopping Vogster Entertainment from paving new development paths. They're currently working on CrimeCraft: Kingpin, which is essentially a way to interface with the game through Facebook or the iPhone application.While details aren't clear at this point, Vogster is saying players will be able to complete missions, build gangs, buy weapons and equipment and develop rivalries in battles all while climbing up leaderboards. The top player will of course earn the rank of -- you guessed it -- Kingpin.Integration into the PC game offers CrimeCraft: Kingpin an opportunity to stand out amongst the ever-growing crowd of Facebook and iPhone apps. Leveraging that advantage will go a long way to getting people interested in the newly free-to-play model of the game.
CrimeCraft goes free-to-play 'by the end of October'
Possibly in an effort to assuage the recent financial woes of publisher Vogster Entertainment, MMOFPS CrimeCraft will go free-to-play "by the end of October." According to a press release issued by the company yesterday, the game will go into an "unlimited free trial" later this month, though a two-tiered monthly subscription will now be offered -- $4.99/month or $9.99/month. The difference between the two plans, though not explicitly detailed, will consist of "customization, skill slots, speed of experience gain and inventory capacity." Best Buy's retail exclusivity agreement with Vogster will be slightly altered as well, with consumers receiving "three months of online game time as well as access to 100 in-game gold bars and a number of exclusive in-game items." Hopefully that will make up for the less than thrilling gameplay we've heard so much about.
CrimeCraft prepares for a conversion to free to play, announces first content update
The newly(ish) launched MMOFPS CrimeCraft made a bombshell of an announcement today, revealing that they were dropping their current subscription/boxed product model in favor of a free-to-play model.CrimeCraft, which retails for 40 bucks at Best Buy and FutureShop, will be unleashing an "unlimited free trial" for their game along with a content update at the end of this month. Users who participate in this "unlimited free trial" will have the option to upgrade to a subscription based account in one of two flavors -- a 4.99 a month subscription or a 9.99 a month version. The difference between these two subscriptions comes down to customization, number of available skill slots, and the speed of experience gain.So what about those people who paid the 40 dollars for the software? Well, you'll be getting an "Original Gangster" tag and icon for your character, a third free month of the 9.99 subscription plan, exclusive access to upcoming content, and more unannounced in-game items.
Vogster Entertainment restructures, focusing on CrimeCraft
Vogster Entertainment may not be closing as has been rumored, but the publisher has announced significant changes to its business model. Speciifically, it the company is "restructuring to focus its resources toward the enhancement and expansion of content for their recently launched CrimeCraft shooter-MMO hybrid." The statement alludes to "significant staffing changes," and notes that the New York-area headquarters is still open -- with no mention of the Chicago, Moscow, or Kiev offices."Vogster has seen a number of releases this year," vice president of development Daniel Prousline said in the statement. "As an independent developer, we need to be very strategic in our use of available resources and shift from already launched titles to support the ongoing development and growth of CrimeCraft." "We regret the necessary staffing changes and the talented employees that this impacts, but it is an unavoidable step in moving to the operational stage of CrimeCraft and optimizing for the development of yet to be announced titles." The company promises new content and "major announcements" related to the title at an upcoming press event.
Vogster Entertainment restructures, confirms office closings
Vogster Entertainment, the maker of recently launched MMO CrimeCraft, confirmed that the company has restructured its resources, though its New Jersey headquarters still remains operational. The announcement comes following rumors from various sources that the company has completely shuttered, including a post from Giantbomb.com which stated employees at its Kiev, Ukraine office have updated their social networking profiles to "imply that they're looking for work."Vogster has just issued a statement to Massively saying that it is "restructuring to focus its resources toward the enhancement and expansion" of Crimecraft."As an independent developer, we need to be very strategic in our use of available resources and shift from already launched titles to support the ongoing development and growth of CrimeCraft," said Vogster's VP of development Daniel Prousline in a press statement. "We regret the necessary staffing changes and the talented employees that this impacts, but it is an unavoidable step in moving to the operational stage of CrimeCraft and optimizing for the development of yet to be announced titles."
One Shots: Makes being bad look good
We've sent out the call several times recently for players to send in screenshots of places we hadn't seen before, and we're glad to report that we've finally managed to land one from CrimeCraft. This inner-city One Shots was sent to us by Ivan, who sends in his thoughts: Just thought since [CrimeCraft] doesn't seem to be getting any love, I would drop a screen shot. This is the midtown district. A couple of skyscrapers in the distance. Notice the in game ads which I think fit in with the world very nicely; the little game that could. I think it has lots of potential. [I've] been having a blast.if you're playing an MMO we haven't seen, we want to hear from you! Just email your images and thoughts in to oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name and a brief description of the area. We'll post them out here for everyone to check out and give you the nod for sending it in. %Gallery-9798%
CrimeCraft launches, producer responds to naysayers
You still may be knee-deep in recent news about an expansion for a little game called World of Warcraft, but there are also a few other games being released before then -- like CrimeCraft, for instance. Developed by Vogster Entertainment, the crime-themed MMO (called a Persistent World Next-Gen Shooter or "PWNS" by its developers) has shipped and is available exclusively at Best Buy today. But ever since the gang-on-gang shooter's been announced, it's been criticized for just about every aspect -- its name, its business model, its crafting system -- you name it. "You have to take it with a grain of salt," said senior content producer Mike Donatelli of the criticism in an e-mail to Massively.com. "Some people had a preconceived idea of what they wanted us to be. They thought we were [Grand Theft Auto IV] online, and it's just not the case... There are a lot of risks, which is the reason why you haven't really seen a game like CrimeCraft before." As the former content design lead for Warhammer Online, Donatelli also spoke a variety of topics, including what he learned from his work at Mythic, what it's like to be at an independent developer and what we can expect for CrimeCraft following launch.
CrimeCraft's digital download options and bonuses
CrimeCraft's launch date is just around the corner now, and if you haven't pre-ordered yet but plan on doing so, there really isn't a lot of time left! While the retail distribution of the game in North America and Canada is exclusive to particular stores (Best Buy for NA and Future Shop in Canada), there are a few choices when it comes to making a digital purchase. Future players will be able to buy and download the title from CrimeCraft.com, Direct2Drive (IGN), Steam and Best Buy Digital. All of the digital downloads come with a few in-game perks (different from each other), and all of them bar Steam offer some extras for pre-ordering. No matter which way you go, the suggested price of US$49.95 includes two months of premium subscription, including a ration of gold bars that are used for in-game microtransactions. All of the information you need to know in order to make your choice is just past the break -- be sure to check it out if you plan on getting CrimeCraft digitally.
E3 2009: CrimeCraft producer says game is the next step for Call of Duty, Halo players
All Points Bulletin wasn't the only crime-themed MMO I saw at E3 last week. I also got to check out Vogster Entertainment's CrimeCraft. Just before the conference, the developer announced an August 25 release date, a monthly subscription as their business model and an exclusive deal with Best Buy. On the floor, associate producer Aaron Krasnov laid down what's new in the game, how it's different from APB, the help he got from former Warhammer Online developers and how CrimeCraft is a natural progression for players of Halo and Call of Duty.
CrimeCraft to be sold exclusively for North America at Best Buy
One of the titles gamers can look forward to this summer is CrimeCraft, a hybrid of a shooter and urban MMO from Vogster Entertainment, to be published by THQ Inc. in August. Vogster and THQ have taken a somewhat surprising step towards distribution of CrimeCraft in North America; the title will be sold exclusively at Best Buy, either in-store or online. The exclusivity of this deal may bring some perks to CrimeCraft players. The official release states: "Consumers who purchase CrimeCraft at Best Buy will receive two months of free play time and a number of exclusive in-game items, including two in-game t-shirts from acclaimed real-world fashion labels and a combat backpack for their avatar. Gamers will also receive a virtual Best Buy discount card that allows them to purchase in-game items at a reduced cost. Those gamers pre-ordering CrimeCraft via Best Buy retail stores or online at www.bestbuy.com, will additionally receive virtual in-game shoes from Ecko Unltd., created by fashion icon Marc Ecko, access to play the pre-release version of the game during beta, and three days' head start at the game's launch."Pre-orders begin on May 31st (online) or on June 7th (in stores). CrimeCraft is still slated for an August 25th launch.%Gallery-48843%
CrimeCraft trailer looks at troublemaker Gerome Mills
In the latest vignette for Crimecraft, Vogster's MMOFPS set to grace PCs on August 25 (and "other consoles down the road"), the game's producer gives us a look at one of the game's main characters, Gerome Mills. It's mostly a tech demo showing off Gerome in his many forms (from concept art to low poly model to in-game), but the producer also provides us with some insight into the character. Spoiler alert: He's a totally bad dude.
CrimeCraft launch date set for August 25
CrimeCraft from Vogster Entertainment bills itself as a 'persistent world next-gen shooter' (aka PWNS), set in a near-future city where society has decayed. The city has become a savage place and players will need to band together in gangs in order to survive, which could prove to be a hit with gamers into urban crime titles. We announced earlier in the week that CrimeCraft has entered closed beta but beyond our coverage of the title from GDC 2009 we hadn't received a firm release date. The wait is over now though; Vogster Entertainment has announced that CrimeCraft will launch on August 25th, meaning it may well be the first of the shooter/MMO hybrid games to go live.%Gallery-48843%
