Articles: News

Bizarre Creations Says Farewell Today After Activision Closes Down Studio

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:44:36 +0000

In January 2011, Activision announced that they are shutting the doors at the studio that has brought you hits like Project Gotham Racing, Geometry Wars, and Boom Boom Rocket. Today is the final day for Bizarre Creations and they have put together a video to say goodbye.

We here at Gamercide wish the faces behind Bizarre Creations nothing but the best in their future endeavors.

video via Vimeo (via Joystiq)

Man Hears "Guilty" in Brutal Beating of a Child Over GTAIV

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:23:34 +0000

Rocky Donadio, an ex-soldier from Fort Sill has been found guilty in the brutal beating of his 8 year old girlfriend's son.

The beating took place in April 2009, after the 8 year old deleted Donadio's GTA IV game save. The beating was so severe that the child's intestines burst and he had to spend 5 months in the hospital recovering. According to KSWO, when the child was able to speak to police about the incident he told them that Donadio "had stomped on his stomach because he had erased an X-Box game."

When the incident occurred, the boy's mother and Donadio told police that he fell out of his bed. When police discovered the severity of the boys injuries, they pressed the couple and found out the horrible story.

The jury has sentenced Donadio to 75 years in prison.

via KSWO

New Rage Trailer

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:04:14 +0000

[jwplayer config=agegate" mediaid="3842" plugins="agegate-2]

RAGE features intense first-person shooter action, breakneck vehicle combat, an expansive world to explore and jaw-dropping graphics powered by id’s revolutionary id Tech™ 5 technology. Set in the not-too-distant future after an asteroid impacts Earth, you emerge into a vast wasteland to discover humanity working to rebuild itself against such forces as bandit gangs, mutants, and more. From the pioneers of first-person shooter gameplay, RAGE promises an experience like no other.

RAGE is slated for release on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC in North America on September 13^th and across Europe on September 16^th. For more information on RAGE visit www.RAGE.com.

This trailer features an original track, Burning Jacob’s Ladder, by singer Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees, Queens of the Stone Age, Gutter Twins).

Deal of the Day - Alan Wake Download

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:20:43 +0000

Have yet to play and experience Remedy Entertainment's 2010 thriller, Alan Wake?

Amazon is running a deal where you can purchase the full game via a downloadable code for the Xbox 360 for as little as $4.00 plus shipping. The full game will take up 6.3 GB of space on your hard drive.

(Thanks Kevin)

Castlevania Lords of Shadows DLC Delayed

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:51:18 +0000

Reverie, one of the upcoming DLC packs from Konami for Castlevania Lords of Shadows has been pushed back one month. Reverie was suppose to release this month, but Konami announced on Castlevania's Facebook page that the content has been delayed until some time in March.

No news on whether this will change the release date for the other DLC "Resurrection" which is suppose to release in April.

via Eurogamer

Is the Kinect Getting It's First Twisted Pixel Games Title?

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:34:28 +0000

It appears that Twisted Pixel Games who brought 'Splosion Man, Comic Jumper: The Adventures of Captain Smiley, and The Maw to an Xbox Live Arcade near you might be adding a Kinect Xbox Live Arcade to that list. If what appeared on Xbox.com earlier (it has since been removed) is true then The Gunstringer, the newest game on Twisted Pixel's lineup is headed for the Arcade.

The Gunstringer which is a western style Kinect friendly game will have gamers controlling a puppet as he seeks revenge on the western frontier. No news on an official release date, however Twisted Pixel stated that they expect it be completed in 2011.

via Joystiq

Playstation Move Rifle Peripheral Courtesy of CTA Digital

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:55:23 +0000

Nothing says, "come get some" more than a rifle with a glowing round pink light attached above the barrel. CTA Digital developed a rifle peripheral for those of you looking to get a more "hardcore, realistic" experience according to the video. We all know that nothing says hardcore more than a guy sitting on his couch, waving a plastic rifle around with a light at the end of it.

via Joystiq

Quote of the Day - Rapper/Actor Ice-T Talks Gaming and More

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:37:09 +0000

In a recent expletive filled interview with Game Informer, rapper turned actor Ice-T talks about his video game habits and why your kill/death ratio isn't going to get you any action.

"...I have a clan on Call of Duty, and when you start telling me your kill/death ratio – I don’t give a f---. You really going to pick up a b---- by telling her your kill/death ratio? That doesn’t really matter. "

Thank you Captain Obvious.

via Game Informer

Noob Saibot is Back in Mortal Kombat

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:32:20 +0000

The Mortal Kombat reboot is marking the return of Noob Saibot. Saibot was first introduced to fans of the brutal fighting game in Mortal Kombat II. It was later revealed in Mortal Kombat: Deception that Noob Siabot is actually the original Sub-Zero.

via

New Batman: Arkham City Screens Are Out

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:25:09 +0000

The latest batch of screens for Batman: Arkham City are out and boy are they full of lovely in depth detailing.

Dumbass of the Day - Games On Demand Additions Looking to Take Your Money

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:09:52 +0000

Today's Dumbass of the Day or the Dumbass Move of the Day is courtesy of Games on Demand, Xbox Live's digital download service. Announced today were the latest additions to the Games on Demand service and it is an example of sheer stupidity and outrageous prices.

If you have yet to get your hands on Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare 2, you can purchase it on Games on Demand for a whopping $59.99. Keep in mind that this game released November 10, 2009 and can be purchased on Amazon for $35.00 and a used copy can be purchased at video game retail king GameStop for $23.00.

Also available for purchase are Aliens vs. Predator for $30.00 and Rapala Tournament Fishing for $20.00.

Microsoft you should be ashamed of yourself for putting those prices on not just these games that are available in Games on Demand, but all of them. Most of those games don't even deserve $5.00 added to the purchase price especially after they have been out for almost a couple years and belong at the bottom of any gaming barrel.

On behalf of gamers everywhere I issue a huge thank you for showing how much you care about us and that you have indeed proved yourself to be the Dumbass of the Day.

via Joystiq

Boy Kills Mother Over Playstation

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:06:04 +0000

Sad news has surfaced out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

16 year old Kendall Anderson attempted to kill his mother two times and when both attempts failed, he beat her to death with a chair leg after Kendall's mother Rashida Anderson took away his Playstation.

On Thanksgiving, Kendall and Rashida had gotten into a lengthy argument when Rashida decided to take his Playstation away as punishment. The next day Kendall spent three hours debating if he should kill his mother or not and ultimately decided to do so while she was sleeping.

On the first attempt, Kendall tried to beat her to death with a hammer. When that failed he decided to "cremate" her putting her body into the stove in the kitchen. The third and final attempt to kill his mother proved fatal as he beat her with a chair leg. He then took her lifeless body and hid it in the alley behind their house.

According to Hot Blooded Gaming, the 11th grader is now facing charges of murder, possession of an instrument of crime, and abuse of a corpse.

Reflecting on his murderous actions Kendall told the court, "If I could, I would not do it again. I really miss my mom . . . she was the only person who cared for me."

via Philly.com (Thanks Chris)

Get Super Mario All-Stars Before It's Gone!

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:00:51 +0000

It should come as no surprise that the 2 million dollar seller on the Wii, Super Mario All-Stars 25th Anniversary Edition is doing so well. After all, Mario is not only a fan favorite of every age, but he is also one of Nintendo's flag ship characters. However it might come as a surprise to some fans that despite selling well since it's release in December of last year, Nintendo is going to stop shipping the game to North American retailers on March 13.

Costing $30, fans of the series can get their hands on all of the Mario classics including Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels, Super Mario Bros. 3, as well as a book that explains the history behind the plumber and an audio soundtrack of the series music.

via IGN

Double Fine - Taking on Sesame Street

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:42:06 +0000

In a rather odd announcement, Double Fine which has brought such games as Brutal Legend and the recently released title Stacking to a living room near you, has announced that they are working on a new title. A family friendly title if you will.

Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster is being developed by Double Fine for the Kinect and is aimed at getting the children and family gaming together in a fun, friendly, and educational environment.

According to The Escapist, the game will feature all of the children's beloved Sesame Street characters including Elmo and will teach children about their emotions and making friends.

This family friendly Kinect title will be releasing in Fall 2011.

via The Escapist

Duke Nukem Pre-Order Goodies From Wal-Mart and GameStop

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:46:09 +0000

We know that Duke Nukem has Balls of Steels, but what about a Big Package?

Video game retailing giant, GameStop is offering the "Duke's Big Package" pre-order special which includes an in game EGO boost, Big Head mode, and t-shirt pack.

Also getting in the pre-order bonuses is Wal-Mart. If you pre-order the game through Wal-Mart you will receive a Duke Nukem Forever trucker hat for your pretty little head.

The long awaited and extremely overdue Duke Nukem Forever hits a gaming shelf near you on May 3rd, 2011.

via Duke Nukem Forever

Dumbass of the Day - Man Tries to Blackmail Nintendo

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:44:10 +0000

Today's Dumbass of the Day is brought to you by an unnamed male out of Spain. This dumbass thought he could blackmail Nintendo and get away with it. He is now sitting pretty in jail.

On February 6th, the male approached Nintendo and said that he was going to post over 4,000 Nintendo users information online after hacking into the system and obtaining the personal information of the users who made purchases in the Wii and DSi stores. He attempted to blackmail Nintendo and when they didn't pay him no mind, he posted close to 1,000 users information online on forums and websites.

He threatened Nintendo again by claiming that he was going to post more of the individuals information online and this prompted Nintendo to take action. Spanish police found the dumbass and tossed him jail. He is now being charged with disclosure of secrets and extortion.

According to TG Daily Spanish police said, "According to the expert report... the hacker searched, consulted and modified information from many clients, and also downloaded 55 agendas of multinational events to be conducted in seven different cities in February,".

What have we learned here boys and girls? Threatening a big name company will get you nowhere except a ticket in jail.

via BBC

Deal of the Week - Black Light: Tango Down

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:39:21 +0000

Ignition Entertainment and Zombie Studio's XBLA downloadable title, Black Light: Tango Down is this week's, Deal of the Week.

Released on July 7, 2010, Black Light: Tango Down focuses on online multiplayer where you can find yourself playing the standard mulitplayer shooter staples, Team Deathmatch, Deathmatch, and Control Point. Ignition and Zombie tried to add a co-op element into the game, but unfortunately the co-op mode "Black Ops" received mixed and mostly negative reviews.

Black Light: Tango Down released for 120o MS points and is being discounted to 600 MS points until Monday, February 21.

via Major Nelson

Dumbass of the Day - Farmville for Dummies Book

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:05:59 +0000

Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Kyle Orland. Kyle writes for popular gaming website like Gamasutra and Joystiq. Kyle thought it was necessary to write a help book about the hugely successful Zynga social game, Farmville. Speaking with Ars Technica, Orland describes why he feels that the world needs a "Farmville for Dummies" book.

According to Orland, people who play Farmville do not play many video games and therefore need a book detailing how to a play a game that already practically changes your diapers, puts a bottle in your mouth, and teaches you how eat.

"Sure, Farmville isn't a particularly difficult game—it practically holds your hand in telling you how to play, and there's a limited amount of strategy to playing,

"Some of the sections of the game—especially the farmer's market and some aspects of animal tending—require multiple, time-lapsed steps to complete successfully, and the game only gives one screen of text-heavy explanation for how to go about them."

Okay, moving on to actually doing things in Farmville such as growing your crops and items attained by leveling up.

"The book also gives a lot of details and reference that might not be apparent to a casual player,

"For instance, we outline a few somewhat-seedy methods for leveling up quickly by doing a few repetitive tasks over and over, lay out what items are unlocked at what levels, and suggest the most time- and cost-effective crops for different points in the game."

Seriously Kyle Orland? You could not do anything better with your time then writing a book about Farmville for people who might not understand a rather simple and no brain game?

Thank you Kyle Orland for reminding us all why Dumbass of the Day exists.

via Ars Technica

Halo Reach - Defiant Map Pack

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 09:08:29 +0000

Halo: Reach's new map pack will be delivered to you sometime this March for 800 Microsoft points. The "Defiant Map Pack" will feature 3 new maps and an added 150 gamerscore points.

Condemned can hold 6-12 players and is in a space station above Reach.

Unearthed is firefight map on a mine and refinery on Reach.

Highlands takes place on a wooded training preserve on Reach. 8-16 players can take on Highlands.

via Major Nelson

Fail of the Week Award - Activision vs. Fox News

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 09:58:25 +0000

Like a phoenix, the Fail of the Week Award is rising out of the ashes to bring to you another fail-rific recap of all things fail in the gaming industry. This week's contenders are the "countless sequels, prequels, special editions, we want your money" Activision and the "we love to do reports on things we know absolutely nothing about like video games" Fox News. Let's stand the competition side by side and get the full details in this week's Fail of the Week showdown.

Activision Fail

After announcing that the Guitar Hero franchise is done along with True Crime, Activision was slapped in the face by analysts who said they did it all themselves. You can't blame analysts for saying that considering the amount of Guitar Hero games that was released since the original debuted in 2005. Seriously Activision, do we really need different Guitar Hero's and expansions for a guitar game? Get real. All we needed is one great Guitar Hero game that is supported by even better DLC and then maybe a second Guitar Hero that introduces new features.

Moving on to one of the biggest series in video game history, Call of Duty. Activision announced this week that another studio will be making Call of Duty content bringing the number of studios working on Call of Duty up to five. Beachhead is the latest addition and will responsible for developing digital content that one analyst Michael Pachter is almost certain that Beachhead will be charging for a pay to play online Call of Duty game. He is even estimating that there will also be charges for weapons used in the game. If Activision makes good on those claims, it sounds like gamers will have another EA on their hands charging for every little penny that they can squeeze out of eager gamer's pockets.

Fox News Fail

Fox News decided to do another amazing and ground breaking study claiming that gamers who purchase and play Epic Games and People Can Fly's Bulletstorm, that they will go on a raping rampage and rape everything in sight.

According to Dr. Jerry Weichman, a clinical psychologist at the Hoag Neurosciences Institute in Southern California, claims that playing Bulletstorm will cause "significant damage" when speaking about how this game will effect younger gamers.

“Violent video games like Bulletstorm have the potential to send the message that violence and insults with sexual innuendos are the way to handle disputes and problems.”

To continue this knowledge filled study, another psychiatrist and book author, Carole Lieberman states that the increase of rapes is because of these video games.

“The increase in rapes can be attributed in large part to the playing out of [sexual] scenes in video games.”

Fox News further goes on to pick apart the ESRB rating of "M" and how Bulletstorm's definition of the "M" rating is still to graphic.

"To be fair, the online-only ESRB warning for Bulletstorm does spell out the objectionable content -- and even that is too graphic to reproduce entirely...."

From this "study" are we as gamers to assume that every violence filled game we play will have us turning into sexual "hump everything in sight" humans that want to shoot aliens and make magic orbs fly out of our hands as we navigate through town in a drunken stupor?

And the winner is......

Fox News for their ridiculous "insight" into the world of violent video games. We get it Fox News, you hate video games that will make soccer moms scream and stuffy business type dads say, "my precious child cannot see this!".

What Fox Nails fails to realize is that game developers and publishers are not responsible for what content younger children and teenagers see and play. They are not the parents of todays youth and cannot be held responsible for little Johnny getting a peek of video game breasts and hearing "f*** you", the same as the stores that sell these video games to minors. Can the employee at the cash register give all of the information to the parents standing in line with Johnny to try to let them know that the game they are about to purchase is violent, bloody, and graphic really be held responsible when the parent who is to busy texting on their cell phone or does not know anything about the game says, "we'll take it"? What more do you want developers and publishers who abide by the ESRB ratings and store employees who can only sell "M" rated games to adults or with parents permission to do Fox News?

Fox News, because of your fail worthy "study" you have received the Fail of the Week Award. Now excuse me, I must go do pleasurable things to the tree in my backyard, because your study is making me do so.

2K Games Announces Duke Nukem Forever Balls of Steel Edition!

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:09:28 +0000

Come Get Some! 2K Games Announces Duke Nukem Forever®

Balls of Steel Edition!

New York, NY February 11, 2011 – Duke’s got them - and now you can too. 2K Games and Gearbox Software are proud to announce the Duke Nukem Forever® Balls of Steel edition! Arriving alongside the standard editions on May 3, 2011, the Duke Nukem Forever Balls of Steel edition for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC is a must-have for those who have been awaiting the return of the King.

Priced at $99.99, this edition, available exclusively at GameStop* and Amazon*, contains a copy of the game with exclusive Balls of Steel cover art and the following cool items:

Collectible bust of the greatest alien ass-kicker of all-time
Numbered, limited-edition certificate of authenticity

100-page hardcover book: The History, Legacy & Legend: Duke Nukem Forever Art from the Vault

Duke Nukem Forever postcard series

Duke Nukem Forever radioactive emblem sticker

Duke Nukem Forever collectable comic book

Duke Nukem Forever foldable paper craft

Duke Nukem Forever poker chips

Duke Nukem Forever mini-card deck

Duke Nukem Forever radioactive emblem dice

Duke Nukem is one of the biggest and most recognizable brands in the interactive entertainment industry. Irreverent, politically incorrect, and uber macho, Duke Nukem is the perfect, uncompromising ass-kicking hero to remedy the overdose of today’s gaming archetypes. Duke brings his signature brand of babe-lovin’, cigar-smoking, beer-chugging and ass-kicking action as he saves the Earth and its babes from hordes of invading aliens. Where will you be when Duke Nukem Forever launches? Better mark your calendars, Duke’s legend is being told this May.

For more information on Duke Nukem Forever, including where to pre-order a copy, please visit www.dukenukemforever.com. Duke Nukem Forever is rated M for Mature by the ESRB.

Analyst is Certain that Activision Will be Charging For Beachhead's Call of Duty

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:03:58 +0000

Analyst Michael Pachter says that, "I'm certain to my core," when it comes to whether or not Activision will start charging gamers to play Call of Duty online when it comes to the newly announced project that is being taken on Beachhead.

According to G4TV, Pachter said that Project Beachhead will be charging for the mulitplayer and that there might also be charges for weapons or $1.00 each or a monthly subscription to access all of them.

If this turns out to be true, it will interesting to see which console's sales will go up and if fans will revolt or will fall in line and pay to play.

via G4TV

Family Guy and Spiderman to Get Games in 2011

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:41:20 +0000

Activision sure doesn't waste time. They may have nailed the coffin shut for Guitar Hero and True Crime, however Activision confirmed that Family Guy and Spiderman will both be getting games sometime this year.

Comfirmed today by Activision's Eric Hirshberg was this little piece of news and that they will also be adding another Cabela's hunting game to the mix as well as games for the final Transformers movie, Transformers 3 and X-Men: First Class.

According to Hirshberg, “These are all strong franchises with passionate niche audiences that can achieve repeatable and profitable success.”

Tell that to Guitar Hero Mr. Hirshberg.

via Games Radar

Paradox Interactive Announces Heavyweight Line-up for GDC 2011

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:39:34 +0000

Prepare for a Magicka “Surprise”, Mount & Blade: With Fire & Sword, Pirates of Black Cove, Defenders of Ardania and Supreme Ruler: Cold War Playable at Event!

NEW YORK – February 11th, 2011 – Paradox Interactive has today announced a strong line-up of playable titles for this year’s Game Developers Conference taking place in San Francisco between February 28th and March 4th.

The renowned developer and publisher will be showing off a variety of upcoming games including the newest addition to their acclaimed Mount & Blade series entitled Mount & Blade: With Fire & Sword and a new tower defense game set in the Majesty universe titled Defenders of Ardania, the first Paradox title releasing on iPad. Paradox Interactive will be present between February 28th and March 4th and will be available for game demos and interview.

The full line-up of titles that will be available for demo opportunities during the conference:

Magicka “Surprise”

The best-selling Magicka is a satirical fantasy action-adventure game where up to four players embark on a grand adventure to save their world from certain doom using a fully dynamic spell system. Players combine elements to cast spells and wreak havoc and devastation on the minions of darkness. Enough said. So what is the Magicka surprise? We won´t say until GDC. But here is a clue – it is not what you think it is.

Watch the Magicka release trailer here:

Mount & Blade: With Fire & Sword

Mount & Blade: With Fire & Sword features great new additions to the Mount & Blade experience such as fully customizable troops, new siege options, and an exciting new age of weaponry. With Fire & Sword also builds and expands upon the highly regarded combat system from Mount & Blade: Warband by introducing firearms to the battlefield and also opening up exciting new play-styles and options. In addition to the enhanced singleplayer mode, With Fire and Sword also provides a host of original multiplayer content.

Watch the announcement trailer here:

Pirates of Black Cove

It’s the 16th century, the golden era of pirates, and this is your chance to become the pirate king and conquer the Caribbean. Start out as a humble pirate and earn fame and notoriety to become a recognized pirate captain by getting promotions within the pirate brotherhood, requiring players to use force, guile, and even deceit. As you are promoted to higher ranks, you will own, manage and develop parts of the stronghold and entice other captains to join your fleet. Combining elements from fast-paced naval combat to light town management, Pirates of Black Cove is a game no pirate fan should miss.

Watch the teaser trailer here:

Defenders of Ardania

Defenders of Ardania is a next-generation tower defense game set in the rich fantasy world of Majesty, but with a twist. Besides the addictive core mechanics of placing towers to stop advancing enemy units, Defenders of Ardania also allows players to take on the role of the attackers seeking to conquer the enemy base.

Supreme Ruler: Cold War

Building on Supreme Ruler 2010 and Supreme Ruler 2020, BattleGoat Studios invites you to relive the tension and uncertainty of the Cold War. As the 1950’s approaches, the Korean War looms, the Arms Race intensifies, the Berlin Crisis leads to the formation of NATO, and the world anticipates a new World War. As leader of the United States or the Soviet Union, you must make the correct Economic, Diplomatic, Domestic and Military decisions to successfully navigate your country through this dangerous historical era and increase your nation’s Sphere of Influence on the world stage.

About Paradox Interactive

Since 1999, Paradox Interactive has been a leading global developer and publisher of PC-based strategy games. World-renowned for its strategy catalog, the company holds a particularly strong presence in the United States and Europe. Its steadily-growing portfolio includes originally developed titles such as the critically acclaimed Europa Universalis, Crusader Kings, Victoria and the Hearts of Iron franchises, as well as publishing titles such as the Mount&Blade series, The Kings' Crusade, Majesty 2, Cities in Motion and Magicka. Paradox made an explosive entry onto consoles during 2010 with the release of Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West. For more information, please visit www.paradoxplaza.com and follow www.facebook.com/ParadoxInteractive and www.twitter.com/pdxinteractive

Help Decide Albion's Fate

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:31:37 +0000

Lionhead Studios is reaching out to Fable fans for their input to help decide the fate of Albion with a survey.

The quick survey asks which features like british humor, customizing your character, being a hero, co-op, and more you prefer over the others. You rank each of them from 13 being the highest to 1 being the lowest.

Hopefully Lionhead will take the time to read the surveys, because with how Fable III turned out, they will need all the help they can get for the next one.

via Games Radar