If you can’t stand anticipation just scroll to the bottom right now. Seriously, my stomach still has that weird excitement mixed with anxiety thing that I can never explain. I can’t even tell you how downright giddy I am about this news. But, if you like the suspense, just start reading the news in order. There isn’t a whole lot this week.
To start, I was putting some serious thought into how I was going to summarize the press release for Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, including some dubious Kinect features, in a Quick Hits style paragraph. There’s a lot to see. Thankfully, SenadorKooch already had a full story with all the details and some nice pictures.
Preorder incentives have been announced for Binary Domain. The first, the “Dan Marshall” Pack, applies to your single player character (Dan Marshall, odd how that works, isn’t it). This pack gives Dan the SOWSAR-17 SBMOD Type G Assault Rifle. I don’t know what that means either, but apparently it’s a lot better than his default weapon. You’ll also get three assault perks: Physical Enhancement, Protective Coating, and Quick Prompt. Those beef up Dan’s strength, resiliency, and speed, respectively. The other pack is for multiplayer. Not one for complicated names, SEGA is calling this one “The Multiplayer Pack.” This will come with the “Outside High Rise, Upper City” map. Having read the rest of the names, I’m thinking you can guess where that one will take place. But it’s not just a map, this will also open up the Ninja class for both teams, the Hoga Type 69 Sniper Rifle for distance assaults, and the Yamato-0 Handgun for more up close battles. Pre-order now to get these benfits on release day, February 14, 2012.
After the huge announcement of Ezio as a playable character in Soul Calibur V, Namco Bandai is now showing off the Collector’s Edition. It’s pretty standard fare. You’ll get the typical art book, Making Of… DVD, and soundtrack. This one also includes two DLC armors, Paladin and Dark Knight, plus a parchment letter and art print signed by the staff. What sets this edition apart is the packaging, resembling a high end, hardbound book. No price announced yet, but this looks like your average $80 collector set. Look for the game on January 31st.
Valve loves its fans. Or at least it seems that way. The recent free add-on, “Peer Review” for Portal 2 has gotten a great reception. And now the team is working on the second expansion, Level Editor. I’ve seen a lot of user-generated content in games like Little Big Planet, inFAMOUS 2, and ModNation Racers, not to mention a plethora of PC titles over the years. A lot of the levels can be pretty hit or miss, but when they hit they can be amazing. Knowing Valve, and the kind of weirdos that love Portal as much as I do, this level editor should put on an amazing show. No word yet on when it will be available – Valve is slow, but steady. I wouldn’t expect it until early next year. Also, this hasn’t actually been confirmed for consoles yet. Considering the titles mentioned above, I don’t see any reason not to include on PS3, and I’m certain XBox Live would also be up to the task.
When you open up your Battlefield 3 limited edition today, pay attention to the inserts. You should find one hinting at an official announcement of Medal of Honor 2. The artwork is striking, and on the back you’ll find the Medal of Honor web address and an ESRB Pending logo. The success of the recent reboot means a sequel is a no-brainer, and with Battlefield 3 behind them, it’s high time Danger Close focus their efforts on the sequel to their other shooter.
I’m not sure I dare admit this, but when I first saw this announcement my heart actually fluttered and a very non-manly sound escaped my lips. I’m a shill and I know it. But that doesn’t change the fact that an official announcement from Rockstar about Grand Theft Auto V makes my testicles crinkle. It’s been rumored for months, with multiple casting call leaks for characters that obviously fit the GTA universe. Now it’s official. I wish I had more information, but that’s all we have for now. Well, that and the first trailer should be making its debut on November 2nd. You’ll do well to check Rockstar’s website as soon as possible next Wednesday. In the meantime, all it shows is this:
Yay. Nothing I have to say tops that announcement. So, have a great week and come back Friday for more of the best news in bite size chunks.