Before we get into the news, can I start an internet rumor? My PS3 recently downloaded a patch for Telltale’s “The Wolf Among Us.” The same game is, coincidentally, on the PSN 14 for ’14 sale starting today. With a promise that we would get a release date for episode two soon after the holidays, I’m saying it’s coming out next week (if it’s not on today’s update that is). Let’s just say I really hope I’m right, as the wait has resulted in a death threat from my favorite bartender, who bought the season pass on my recommendation. One could say she’s a bit anxious to resume the role of Bigby. [Edit: Telltale has since confirmed that Episode Two is actually coming the first week of February, a little later than I rumored. They also stated that the subsequent three episodes should be coming on a more regular basis.]
There are some great deals in the PSN 14 for 14 sale.
What’s definitely coming with today’s update is “Bioshock Infinite” for free on PS Plus. This was announced to be coming January, but we can now confirm that it’s this week. This also moves “Oddworld Stranger’s Wrath” for Vita and “ICO” on PS3 into last chance mode. They’ll be leaving the IGC next week.
“Outlast” has been confirmed as the next PS4 game on PS Plus. This comes from Red Barrels’ Facebook page where they have announced “’Outlast’ will be free in February for all PlayStation Plus users (PS4 only).” So what is “Outlast”? It’s a horror title and your character, a journalist, is trying to escape an insane asylum. You are unarmed, and there is no combat, but you will still need to avoid physical conflict. Just, look forward to this one, okay?
Undead Labs, developer of “State of Decay,” has signed a multi-year deal with Microsoft for multiple new titles. According to founder Jeff Strain on the company blog, “I wanted to let you know we’ve signed an agreement to extend our development relationship with Microsoft Studios. We’ll be able to share details later this year, but as with State of Decay, we think it’s best if we just keep our heads down and build some prototypes before we talk too much. For now, suffice it to say there are big things going on with State of Decay.” Released on XBLA in June 2013, “State of Decay” received much critical acclaim, winning multiple awards from the various and sundry outlets that bestow them upon video games and game developers.
Retro gamers can look forward to a slew of great classics over the coming month. Starting today, MonkeyPaw Games is kicking off their Retro Rush campaign with the PSOne classic “Double Dragon” (the fighter based on the film) on PSN. This is the first of several new games in the campaign which will continue with PSOne imports “Lucifer Ring” (January 21), “The Firemen 2: Pete and Danny” (January 28), “Hyper Crazy Climber” (February 4), “Wolf Fang” (February 11), and “Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return” (February 18). Each game will be $5.99, with the exception of “Tomba! 2” which will be $9.99.
Blizzard has not announced “Diablo III” for the XBox One (though it is confirmed to be coming to 360, PS3, and PS4), but that hasn’t stopped Best Buy Canada from putting it on their site with a “coming soon” release date. This is not a confirmation that game is coming, since placeholder listings are not uncommon. We’ll need to wait for official announcement from Blizzard, but I would honestly be surprised if this doesn’t happen.
That wraps the news for this week’s early edition. Come back Friday for more of the happenings this week.