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Microsoft responds to Polytron's Fez patch claims
Developer Polytron issued a statement two days ago, saying that a save issue affecting a small number of Fez players would no longer be resolved with an additional patch. Microsoft, who Polytron laid the brunt of fault on for demanding an expensive fee to certify and issue the new patch, has now shared its side with Giant Bomb."Polytron and their investor, Trapdoor, made the decision not to work on an additional title update for Fez," the statement starts. "Microsoft Studios chose to support this decision based on the belief that Polytron/Trapdoor were in the best position to determine what the acceptable quality level is for their game. While we do not disclose the cost of Title Updates, we did offer to work with Trapdoor to make sure that wasn't a blocking issue. We remain huge fans of Fez."That last part is perhaps the most interesting, since Polytron claimed Microsoft's price for a new title update was $10,000 – this statement makes it sound like Microsoft may have been willing to negotiate on the price.In the meantime, you can keep playing an improved post-patch Fez, in the hopes that your save makes it through the whole adventure. Polytron says less than one percent of players have succumbed to the bug.
Minecraft XBLA sells 3 million
Minecraft for Xbox Live Arcade has now surpassed 3 million units sold. The announcement comes via Twitter from Mojang's lord of the blocks, Markus "Notch" Persson, who wrote this morning: "I got told Minecraft for XBLA passed three million sales today!"The $20 downloadable title launched on May 7 and sold a million units in five days. It then reached two million sales in early June. Minecraft for XBLA has also enjoyed significant support through updates, the latest (v 1.73) having gone live last week.
Skulls of the Shogun launching alongside Windows 8 this October [Update: Delayed]
Skulls of the Shogun isn't just an Xbox Live Arcade game, y'all. It's also a Windows 8 game, a Windows Phone 7 game, and a Surface game. So when Microsoft announced the launch date for Windows 8 yesterday, we couldn't help but wonder if that meant Skulls of the Shogun would launch alongside it. "The plan is to sim-ship on Win 8 (desktop, and both versions of Surface), Windows Phone 7 and XBLA in the same week," 17-bit's Jake Kazdal told us. So, uh, sounds like it!He added one caveat. "We're certainly shooting for day one release with Win 8, and it looks very likely, but nothing is set in stone yet," he said. Windows 8 launches on October 26, meaning you'll likely have your hands on those shogun skulls ahead of Halloween. And considering the dev studio's former name is Haunted Temple, that seems rather fitting, no?Update: Skulls of the Shogun missed its Windows 8 launch, but is now scheduled to hit on January 30 for XBLA, Windows 8, Windows Surface and Windows Phone.
Developer won't patch XBLA game because Microsoft would charge 'tens of thousands' of dollars
Seeing as how so much software is moving to online distribution, the significance of this controversy might extend far beyond gaming and XBLA. For now, however, the spotlight is firmly on Microsoft and the way it charges developers for testing their games and patches, after a well-known developer made an unusually public complaint. In a post on its official blog, Polytron said it would not patch a rare game-saving bug in its popular title Fez, because Microsoft would charge it "tens of thousands of dollars to re-certify the game." It added that "had Fez been released on Steam instead of XBLA," the problem would have been fixed "right away" and at no cost to the developer, which strongly hints that it'll jump to another platform as soon as its XBLA exclusivity expires. Responses to the story over at our sister site Joystiq are decidedly mixed, with some folks outraged that Microsoft's high maintenance attitude could hold back improvements in this way while others suspect Polytron of blame-shifting.
Polytron bringing back Fez patch, won't fix save issues
After seeing major issues with a patch released for Fez on XBLA, Polytron and Microsoft decided to pull the patch from servers, returning the game to an earlier version. But now Polytron has posted that the patch is coming back, and it will not, repeat not, be fixing the issue where players may lose their save.Why's that? It's a numbers game, says Polytron. The patch fixes multiple issues with the game (including framerating and loading problems, death loops, and more), and the save corruption issue affects less than one percent of players overall. Because sending out another patch to fix the first patch would cost Polytron "tens of thousands of dollars" to get the game re-certified by Microsoft, the patch is coming back, and any players thus affected by the save issue will just have to deal with it.Polytron points to this as a major drawback with Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade service, in that the company charges exorbitant fees to developers to release even free updates and content. "Had Fez been released on Steam instead of XBLA," posts Polytron, "the game would have been fixed two weeks after release, at no cost to us." Does that mean a Steam version is in progress? "Only a few months left to our XBLA exclusivity!" says the company on Twitter.
Minecraft XBLA gets pistons, much more in tomorrow's 1.73 update
Minecraft's Xbox 360 version continues to march forward, with the latest update (1.73) bringing "pistons and sticky pistons," "stackable fences," and a whole mess of other items, functions, and skins to your handcrafted block world. There are even 40 new character skins, some of which can be seen above. The update doesn't include NPCs, villages, or the much desired Adventure Mode, but 4J Studios promises those will come in time.The patch, which corrects some errors too, goes live tomorrow at 2AM UTC. The full list of changes is right after the break.
Awesomenauts update out soon, adding new characters and balance tweaks
The Awesomenauts update that Ronimo has been teasing for two months is "almost ready," according to a post from the developer on PlayStation Blog. The update will make some tweaks to the game's balance and items, and add two new characters. The new combatants, first discovered in May, are Coco Nebulon (complete with hover-board) and Derpl Zork, a slug who utilizes a walking tank.Coco uses electricity attacks that are good at harassing enemies and punishing those who chase her. Derpl, meanwhile, seems to be an area-control specialist and is able to turn his tank into a stationary turret.There's no specific launch date for the update just yet, though Ronimo promises it will be "very, very soon." The update, characters included, will be free on both Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network.%Gallery-160188%
Portal 2 goes Games on Demand, 50% off sales abound on Xbox Live
Been trying to pick up the Xbox version Portal 2 but haven't managed to open a portal from the couch to your local retailer? Xbox Live has the answer, as Portal 2 is now available on Games on Demand, according to Major Nelson.Apart from GLaDOS and Wheatley's intrusion of Xbox Live, there are some pretty substantial sales going on. This week, a load of Bethesda DLC is 50 percent off, including the "Shivering Isles" and "Knights of the Nine" expansions for Oblivion and every piece of Fallout 3 DLC. Several Xbox Live Arcade games are 50 percent off as well this week, including Section 8: Prejudice, The Splatters, Hydro Thunder Hurricane, Hydrophobia and the excellent Toy Soldiers: Cold War.
Van Helsing gameplay footage is diabolically familiar
Remember the slickly produced teaser trailer for The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing? It turns out that said trailer was pretty far removed from the actual gameplay. Based on newly released footage, it appears that Van Helsing's PC and XBLA adventure will be of the dungeon-crawling variety.
NiGHTS Into Dreams gets a sweet sixteen present: an HD re-release on XBLA, PSN, and PC [update]
Everyone's favorite surreal flying game for Sega Saturn, "NiGHTS into dreams...." is getting an HD rebirth "this fall" from Sega. Planned for Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, and PC, NiGHTS is an HD update of the original Sega Saturn release from 1996. Not that you weren't expecting one, of course.Beyond the beautified graphics, Sega's adding a 16:9 aspect ratio, leaderboards, Achievements/Trophies, and "an optional Saturn Mode" (which reverts the game back to 1996 graphics). No release date is given just yet beyond the amorphous "fall," but there is the snazzy new trailer above. And these screens below. And hey, if you can't wait, you could always go play the game right now on your Saturn.Update: We asked Sega whether the Christmas NiGHTS content would be part of the HD re-release, and were told, "Can't confirm anything about that yet." We have to keep an eye out in "the coming weeks," as Sega has "a lot of stuff in the air right now for this year."%Gallery-159788%
Marvel vs Capcom two-pack headed to XBLA and PSN this September as 'Marvel vs Capcom Origins'
"Marvel vs Capcom Origins" combines the original Marvel vs Capcom with Marvel Super Heroes, slaps a $15 price tag on it, and makes it all digital this September. Capcom announced the project this morning just ahead of upcoming fighting tournament EVO 2012 (which laces up this weekend), releasing the appropriately cheesy trailer seen above.Like Street Fighter 3: Third Strike before it, "MvCO" includes various updates: "graphics filters, dynamic challenges, and online play with spectator modes and replay saving," according to Capcom. Of course, for the hardest core of fans, none of this talk matters comparatively with actually playing the game. Thankfully, plenty of those folks are attending EVO, where the game will make its first playable appearance.It's unclear who's doing the port job for this (Wreckateer dev Iron Galaxy handled Third Strike), but we've reached out to Capcom for more info.Update: Iron Galaxy confirmed to Joystiq that it's behind the port job in Marvel vs Capcom Origins.%Gallery-159784%
Spelunky review: Obtainer of rare antiquities, giver of aneurysms
Spelunky, an Xbox Live Arcade revamp of a free PC indie game, straddles the line between insurmountable addiction and a precise extractor of self-hatred. Like other rare indie gems, such as Metanet's N series, Spelunky is equal parts diabolical and ingenious.The concept is simple: explore worlds filled with treacherous obstacles while collecting treasures and attempting to survive. You start the game with a standard whip along with a few climbing ropes and bombs, which are used to carve out a path to the level's exit. Each randomly generated level is filled with traps, enemies, and environmental disasters awaiting your unnamed adventurer. Survival may be the primary goal, but Spelunky's secondary objective is to make players regret the follies of poor split-second decisions.It's the kind of experience you hate yourself for loving, but love it you shall.%Gallery-104645%
Trials Evolution sure has some crazy looking user-generated content
Maybe you haven't played Trials Evolution in a while and you don't realize how much totally bananas user-generated content is available to be played, totally free? RedLynx and Ubisoft put together the trailer above to remind you of just that.
Quantum Conundrum confuses PSN on July 10, XBLA on July 11
Those without the requisite hardware to run Quantum Conundrum on the PC will have to wait until July. Quantum Conundrum will come to PSN on July 10 for $14.99, and XBLA on July 11 for 1200 MS Points ($15).If you prefer to pick up Quantum Conundrum through Steam, it's now available on the PC for $14.99. Putting down $19.99 for a Steam pass will also earn you the soundtrack and two future DLC puzzle packs.
Sonic Adventure 2 spotted on Xbox.com
Sonic's apparently too fast for whoever moderates Xbox.com content. A listing for Sonic Adventure 2 has appeared on the official Xbox site, complete with a handful of screenshots (one with some PlayStation buttons!) and a description. The listing was pulled from the US Xbox.com, though the UK version has yet to be taken down. No downloads are available but, given that the port doesn't even officially exist yet, that's not surprising.The listing claims the game features all of Sonic Adventure 2's original content, Chao Gardens and all, now in high definition. Given Sega has already re-released the original Sonic Adventure, it only makes sense that the sequel would be as well. We've contacted Sega to learn more.[Thanks, Phoenixumn.]
XBLA Summer of Arcade 2012 detailed, Tony Hawk kickflips it off on July 18
XBLA's Summer of Arcade 2012 begins on July 18 with the HD-ified rebirth of Tony Hawk Pro Skater for 1200 MS Points ($15). The following week, Iron Galaxy's Angry Birds meets Boom Blox Kinect flinger Wreckateer arrives for 800 MS Points ($10), with Deadlight, Hybrid, and Dust: An Elysian Tail launching in the subsequent weeks, all for 1200 MS Points ($15) a pop.Microsoft is offering an incentive (as always) to spur multiple Summer of Arcade purchases, giving those who snag "any three of the above titles" a free 400 MS Points ($5). From the look of things, that won't be too hard a sell.Additionally, Tony Hawk Pro Skater HD is heading to PlayStation Network "a few weeks" after it launches on Xbox Live Arcade, but the rest of the Summer of Arcade games are exclusive to 360 (at least for now).
Guardians of Middle-earth brings MOBA to XBLA and PSN
Monolith Productions has one of the most varied histories in video game development. The studio first cut its teeth on first-person shooters, finding a cult hit in the popular No One Lives Forever series. Then, it was a vast experiment with The Matrix Online, before coming back to shooters with the Fear and Condemned series of games. And now, the company's trying to reinvent itself yet again with two licensed downloadable titles for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment: first Gotham City Imposters from earlier this year, and now Guardians of Middle-earth.Guardians of Middle-earth is a weird one. It's a licensed Lord of The Rings title, starring characters from Tolkien's series. It's a MOBA game, similar to League of Legends or DOTA 2, featuring Tolkien's characters fighting it out across a battlefield full of AI-controlled troops. And it's a complicated, deep online multiplayer title, designed for competitive play."What's so weird about that?" you ask? It's being developed only for consoles.%Gallery-157247%
Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 launches on June 20
Time to break out your good staff of summoning because Wizards of the Coast will launch the next installment in its Duels of the Planeswalkers series later this month. Magic: The Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 will launch worldwide on June 20 for Xbox Live Arcade, PSN, Steam on PC – and, for the first time, iPad.As for pricing, it's not necessarily a given that Duels 2013 will be a $10 title – Wizards reps would not confirm pricing.%Gallery-157177%
Summer of Arcade: Deadlight, Wreckateer, Tony Hawk HD, Dust: An Elysian Tale and Hybrid
During pre-show coverage of Microsoft's E3 press conference, Microsoft Studios head Phil Spencer revealed the lineup of this year's Summer of Arcade promotion.The first game he talked about was Hyrbid, 5th Cell's jetpack-driven multiplayer shooter. This was followed by a brief vignette of Deadlight, the Tequila Works side-scroller set in a post-apocalyptic world. Next was Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD from Robomodo, followed by Wreckateer for Kinect. Rounding out the list is Dust: An Elysian Tale.There's no word on when Summer of Arcade kicks off – summer, right? – but considering Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD drops in on July 11, at least we have some idea of the Summer of Arcade window.
The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing stakes claim on XBLA, PC
Neocore, known for the King Arthur series, has announced The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing, an action RPG "loosely" based on Bram Stoker's famous novel, Dracula. The game stars the famous vampire hunter's twinkly-eyed son – who has an apparent predilection for goofy hats – and "sets players on a fantastical journey to Borgovia, a kingdom on the very edge of Eastern Europe, and the perilous lands surrounding it." Borgovia, naturally, is overrun with monsters, monsters that presumably need slaying.The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing is slated to arrive by the end of 2012 on PC and Xbox Live Arcade. Watch young Van Helsing think about killing a vampire in the trailer above.%Gallery-156547%
