JJ Abrams seems to have a new goal in mind: take the busiest man in Hollywood title from Guillermo del Toro. Not only is JJ still finishing his second Star Trek movie (with a third in the pipe) and committing himself to Star Wars: Episode VII, he’s also talking with Valve‘s Gabe Newell to make Half-Life and Portal films, plus a gaming collaboration. The discussion started during an on-stage conversation at the DICE Summit last week. For now, it seems like a couple of creative guys are just talking about projects that could be fun, but the conversation definitely took a tone that indicates real discussions with real results will be had. I’m intrigued.
With Sony expected to announce their next-gen console next week we should be very close to announcements about a whole slew of launch games. At least one, possibly two of those games may be coming from Avalanche Studios. CEO Christofer Sundberg’s LinkedIn profile indicates the company is working two next-gen titles. One is “new installment in a very well-known game series.” The “sandbox action game” is being published Square Enix. Smart money is on this being Just Cause 3. The other title is an “open-world action game” based on “a well-known movie license.” This is likely the Mad Max: Fury Road tie-in that Avalanche was attached to a few months ago.
A long-held rumor tying Activision to Nickelodeon’s newest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise has now been confirmed. Apparently three games are planned for the series, with the first hitting shelves this summer. Which is a little disconcerting considering they didn’t actually announce a developer. Activision hasn’t always been well-known for taking care of their licensed franchises. The Turtles have a long gaming history with some ups and downs. They’re definitely overdue for a top shelf game that appeals to old and new fans. Personally, I’m hoping Activision gets Beenox on development. They’ve done pretty well with Spider-Man, including Shattered Dimensions featuring unique gameplay segments as four different characters.
Expect a new Assassin’s Creed title this year. This isn’t exactly news since it’s basically assumed at this point in the franchise’s life. But it’s official now, as Ubisoft has announced a new entry in the series with a new hero will be coming in Fiscal 2014 (April 2013-March 2014). This came out of an investment call, so no details were revealed. Apparently a new team will be taking the lead on the project, but several studios will be contributing as is usual for the franchise.
Meanwhile, back at the cave, a Time-Warner investment call has also revealed the next Batman Arkham game will likely be releasing this year. During the call, CFO John K. Martin stated that they “…also have a strong games release this year, which will include the next release in the Batman Arkham franchise. So all in all, we expect Warners to post another very strong year in 2013. And with a little luck, the year should be as good or maybe even a little bit better than 2012.” Rocksteady has been rumored for a while to be working on a Silver Age-inspired prequel rather than another gritty version. Is Martin talking about that game? Or is it separate from the core Arkham titles and a sequel is on the way from another developer?
Capcom is celebrating its 30th anniversary with Capcom Arcade Cabinet, a series of old arcade titles releasing on PSN and XBLA over the coming months. It will start February 20, 2013 with Game Pack 1. In the first pack, Black Tiger will be free, while 1943: Battle of Midway and Avenger will be $3.99 each or combined for $4.99. Four more three-packs will be coming with each game running $3.99 or $9.99 for the lump. Additionally, a 17 game mega-pack will be available in late May for $29.99 That will include all five prior packs, plus two mysterious bonus games (likely Strider and Ghouls ‘n’ Ghosts).
- GAME PACK 2 | March 5th (separately March 19th)
- Ghosts ‘n Goblins
- Gun.Smoke
- Section Z
- GAME PACK 3 | March 19th (separately April 2nd)
- Side Arms
- The Speed Rumbler
- Exed Exes (Savage Bees)
- GAME PACK 4 | April 2nd (separately April 16th)
- Commando
- Legendary Wings
- Trojan
- GAME PACK 5 – April 16th (separately April 30th)
- 1942
- SonSon
- Pirate Ship Higemaru
A new combatant has apparently entered the Injustice: Gods Among Us arena. Virtually nothing was said, but Ed Boon did release a picture that seems to indicate Killer Croc will be a playable character. I suppose this could just be from a cut-scene, as you can see Riddler and Penguin in the background clearly not participating in the fight. Regardless, the game is starting to look a little heavy on the Bat. Batman, Joker, Harley Quinn, Catwoman, Solomon Grundy, Bane, and Nightwing are already confirmed. Bruce’s extended family is quite well-suited to a darkly violent fighting game, but they’re really going to need more characters from the larger DC universe if they want to keep it balanced. Then again, maybe it’s not supposed to be balanced. We don’t know the story line. Perhaps the motivation for the conflict comes from the Bat-verse.
Then again, maybe they’re already working on that balance, as they’ve announced Captain Marvel (AKA billy Batson, Shazam) as well. Have to admit, I’m liking this costume:
Bungie is getting set to launch a much larger reveal of their mysterious next project, Destiny. It was expected that any major announcement would come at GDC in March, but the developer now has a seven day countdown on their website. There’s some sort of puzzle element to it as well, but it’s stumped me. The countdown will apparently take us to this Sunday. I don’t know what’s coming, but I can’t help thinking that it’s only a few days before Sony’s big press conference.
High Moon Studios has narrowed the release window for the upcoming Deadpool game. Looks like you’ll be stepping into the Merc-with-a-mouth’s shoes this Summer. I’d still like to see something more specific, but I also like that they’re keeping it open instead of locking into a date they may need to push back. I have my reservations, but I’m actually pretty excited for this. Pre-orders are available now.
