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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%
Unbound Saga will beat 'em up on XBLA
Vogster has revealed that Unbound Saga is coming to Xbox Live Arcade. If you generally stick to the Xbox spectrum of the gaming world, there's a fair chance you haven't heard of Unbound Saga. Released last year for the PSP, Unbound Saga is a side-scrolling beat-'em-up with more than a passing resemblance to the old 16-bit title Comix Zone (also available on XBLA, incidentally). It didn't exactly bring in the best reviews -- even our brief time with it at NY Comic-Con 2009 was unimpressive. Aside from that, the beat-'em-up genre already has some standout titles on XBLA, especially with the recent edition of Final Fight: Double Impact. That said, the XBLA version of Unbound Saga brings with it the addition of cooperative play, which was missing from the PSP version. It also appears to have improved graphics. Check out a new trailer after the break. [Via GamerBytes]
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.
CrimeCraft: Kingpin bowls over your iPhone today
Yes, bowling puns. We know not everyone appreciates a good cheesy joke, but today's a seemingly auspicious day for MMO iPhone and Facebook apps. It's hard to imagine what self respecting game doesn't have a tiny socially-networked counterpart. You can consume details on Kingpin over on its official page, although if you've played any of these "build a gang" type games before you probably know what's in store. If you're wondering just why you should check out this app -- aside from the fact that it's shiny and new -- then be aware that the first 50 players to hit max level in Kingpin will earn a CrimeCraft AUG that offers an experience and a money bonus. Also in the wings are a limited number of CrimeCraft gold bar packages, the Valley Forge Federalist, an assault rifle with five "slots" and a five slot submachine gun, the R-Sys Smilodon.
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's 'drug use' prevents Australian classification
Vogster's freeish-to-play MMO, CrimeCraft, has been effectively banned from Australia. The beleaguered publisher's online title won't make it to the country in its current form due to "drug use related to incentives or rewards." The same complaint was aimed at Fallout 3 last year.Gamespot UK reports the Australian Classification Board's main objection was to the use of "boosts," the drugs used in the game. The board declared there was "insufficient delineation between the 'fictional drugs' available in game and real-world proscribed drugs." On the bright side, Vogster can thank Australia's lack of a mature classification for video games -- and Attorney General Michael Atkinson's opposition to an R18+ rating -- for getting the game some press.%Gallery-48843%
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.
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.
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.
CrimeCraft open beta starts today
After a reportedly successful closed beta, Vogster's CrimeCraft is opening its beta to anyone interesting in trying the Persistent World Next-Gen Shooter (PWNS) before its launch on August 25th. The closed beta, which began in May, had ended on Monday in anticipation of this new open beta.The doors open today at 5pm EDT to anyone who downloads the client and signs up at Fileplanet or IGN. If you were already part of the closed beta program, all you'll need to do is patch up and play. For more information on CrimeCraft, including interviews and event demos, check out our complete coverage.[Edit: As pointed out in the comments, this open beta is for US and Canada only]
TUAW at E3: Robocalypse: Mobile Mayhem for iPhone
I'm spending the week at E3, and while iPhone games are somewhat few and far between (odds are that we'll see most of the App Store's goods next week at WWDC), there are a few gems to find out on the floor. In the Vogster booth, I got to play Robocalypse: Mobile Mayhem. It was originally seen on the DS as a classic real-time strategy title, in the style of Warcraft and Starcraft, and it's kept that standard gameplay on the iPhone -- you can create units and control them along with heroes, tech up with different buildings, and control bases and maps. The top screen of the DS has become two panels on the side of the iPhone's screen, but navigation is still pretty easy -- click to select units, click to direct them. Hardcore strategy fans won't find any surprises, but it is a solid, classic-style RTS that runs well.There will be 17 singleplayer missions shipping with the game, and the team is working on getting multiplayer to work as well -- it currently works over WiFi, and they're aiming to even allow online play before it releases to the App Store in August. Vogster producer Alan Martin even told us that they found developing for the iPhone even easier than the DS -- different factions in the game are shown by applying different colors to the units, and while on the DS they had to make sprites for each color, the iPhone allowed them to simply change the primary colors with a variable. RTS fans especially should be sure to give the game a look
Wanted for breaking the law: Vogster's CrimeCraft
***NOTICE TO ALL GAMERS*** FROM: The Joystiq Office of Law EnforcementRE: Vogster's CrimeCraft, a "persistent world next-gen shooter" due out August 25th.Attention: CrimeCraft is to be considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached in a video game store. Stay away at all costs.Last seen location: E3 2009, in the Vogster booth.
Best Buy steals exclusive rights to sell CrimeCraft, THQ distributing
Hey, you there. Want a copy of Vogster's upcoming MMO CrimeCraft? You'd best get in line at Best Buy then, as Big Download reports that Vogster has made a deal with THQ to distribute the game exclusively to the big box retailer. The game will be available both in-store and on Best Buy's website. Players will be rewarded with two months of free play and some in-game shirts from "acclaimed real-world fashion labels" just for purchasing the game. If that still isn't enough to make you feel special, those who pre-order the title will also get an exclusive pair of in-game Ecko kicks (that's street for "shoes," we think), access to the ongoing beta and access to the retail game a full three days early.The rest of us normal folk can pick up the game (only at Best Buy, remember) when it releases on August 25.
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 to steal PC gamers' free time on August 25
Vogster must be pleased with the results of the beta for its upcoming MMOFPS, CrimeCraft, as it's gone ahead and nailed down a release date. Slated to hit consoles sometime "down the road," the game will arrive for PC on August 25.This news comes a day after Crackdown developer Realtime Worlds announced that its entry into the emerging sub-genre of crime-themed MMOs, All Points Bulletin, would be showcased at next month's E3. Fortunately, the show's floorplan doesn't have the companies located next to each other, otherwise we'd expect an epic Nerf war to ensue between the two.
CrimeCraft closed beta open for business
Let's be honest, if you're into Vogster's MMOFPS CrimeCraft enough that you applied for the beta, you probably already know that the closed beta started this past week. Here's the unfortunate part: If you weren't one of the fine folks accepted, you're not going to be hearing much about the game from those playing it in the beta. Big surprise, Vogster doesn't want those folks telling the whole world about its still in-development game and has handed over a hefty NDA (non-disclosure agreement) along with the keys to to its game. Luckily, as our sisters from another adoption agency at Big Download note, a closed forum on the CrimeCraft website allows for those in the beta to speak about the game to their heart's content. And of course we'll have plenty of juicy details for you when we get a hands-on with the game at E3 2009. Hey! That's only two weeks away![Via Big Download]
