Welcome to the first of June everyone. How is it possible that this year is already approaching the halfway point? Didn’t we just have the holiday glut of 2011 games? And is it just me or has this year started off really slow? The only games sticking out in my mind as notable releases so far are Mass Effect 3 and Diablo III. Well, that and the Vita, but I still haven’t gotten one. There has to be some more. What am I missing? Regardless, news time:
There’s been a huge shift in leadership over THQ, the long-suffering publisher Saints’ Row, Red Faction, and others. Danny Bilson left the company earlier this week, coinciding with Jason Rubin‘s appointment as company president. Rubin founded Naughty Dog with Andy Gavin back in 1984. Before leaving ND in 2004, Rubin was directly involved in the creation of the Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter franchises. He is now in charge of all development, marketing, and publishing for THQ. According to THQ’s CEO, Brian Farrell, “Jason’s proven track record in the industry speaks for itself, and he is one of the brightest minds in the business. We believe he can be a game changer and can contribute immensely to executing on our strategy of delivering quality connected core game experiences.” Which is all probably true. Meanwhile, the only official word regarding Bilson’s exit is that it allows him to “pursue other interests.” That doesn’t necessarily sound voluntary.
EA released a Dead Space 3 graphic novel short earlier this week. It’s kind of a strange release as it was basically unannounced, and it ties into a game that isn’t officially announced either. The novel introduces Jason Carver, an Earthgov Sergeant. Carver sees an attack on the marker site during patrol on Uxor, with a mass of necromorphs being released. Carver must fight his way back to the colony and his place in the Dead Space universe. The official Dead Space site says “this is just the start of John Carver’s saga.” Presumably Carver will have some sort of role in Dead Space 3. Does that mean Isaac Clarke is out? Could this be the FPS version of the game Ea hinted a while back? There’s been plenty of rumors and leaks, but nothing official about the game. I have a feeling that will all change next week at E3.
Sony made a big whoops with their European Store update this week. They temporarily made the Battlefield 3 Premium Edition available for purchase. According to the product descriptio, which has since been removed, it’s actually available on June 4th. Presumably that is correct and we’ll see it launch officially on Tuesday. Unfortunately, this means Sony has basically stolen EA’s thunder of announcing this at a pre-E3 press conference. The list price was £39.99/€49.99/AU$79.95. Take that for what you will regarding US pricing. The last we heard in this week’s early edition was to expect a $60 price tag.
Warner Bros. Games and Monolith have announced Guardians of Middle Earth, a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) title coming to PSN and XBLA this Fall ($15 and 1200 MSP, respectively). The game will feature 5 vs 5 battles with more than twenty guardians. Playable characters may include Gandalf, Sauron, Gollum, and others. There will also be additional releases to tie in with the upcoming film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. In-game chat, stats, leaderboards, and all of the other staples of MOBA are expected.
Doom will always hold a special place in a lot of hearts for introducing a generation of gamers to the violent explosiveness of a the FPS. There were others, but Doom always seems to be the historical lynchpin. To celebrate that legacy, Bethesda has announced the release of Doom 3: BFG Edition. This will be the definitive release of the game, featuring HD graphics, 5.1 surround, and 3D support. The package will include the full game, the “Resurrection of Evil” add-on, and “The Lost Mission” (seven new levels). The entire game will also now feature an armor-mounted flashlight, making it a little safer to explore those dark corridors. If that isn’t enough game for you, Doom and Doom 2 will also be included. Oh yeah, it’s also got trophies/achievements if you’re into that sort of thing. Release is scheduled for this Fall.
Zen Studios is expanding beyond pinball with what appears to be the ultimate casual game melting pot. CastleStorm looks like equal parts tower defense, Angry Birds tower destruction, and real time strategy. I’m not sure how a mishmash of genres like that is going to work, but I have to admit that I’m inclined to play anything that lets me throw a sheep out of a catapult. That’s only part of the game though. You’ll also need to build up defenses around your castle, and can assault your opponent with ground troops as well. In all honesty, my first thoughts on the concept were not good. If it were coming from Ronimo I’d probably just write it off immediately as I haven’t really enjoyed anything they’ve done. But this comes from Zen Studios, so I am definitely keeping an open mind. Release is set for “later in 2012.”
Cd Projekt Red (The Witcher) has announced their next game. Cyberpunk is a 1980’s pen and paper RPG by Mike Pondmsith that they’re converting into a top-shelf video game. While we know Pondmsith is collaborating, we’re pretty short on all other details. We know it will be “a mature RPG for a mature audience,” “advanced RPG mechanics,” and a “gigantic arsenal.” Release dates and platforms have not been announced, but look for more information soon.
Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault has been announced and is coming to PSN this Fall. This release, in addition to the R&C HD Collection is all part of the 10 year anniversary of the franchise. The original third person camera is returning, and the controls wil feel more like the PS2 originals. That’s all the details for now, but Insomniac has promised more information soon and a special surprise for North America.
Ubisoft is expected to announce Splinter Cell: Blacklist at E3 next week. The game will reportedly take place directly after 2010’s Conviction. This will also be the first full title from Ubisoft Toronto. The story looks to be Sam focusing on some of his black list targets. Look for more next week.
We’ve got a small lead on one of the topics Microsoft is expected to present at their E3 press conference. The “XBox Music Center” looks to be a music streaming service for the console, birthed from the Paris-based Musiwave that Microsoft bought in 2007. We’ll have to wait for E3 to get details, but this looks like a possible rival to Sony’s Qriocity (or Music Unlimited, or whatever the hell they’re now calling that thing no one uses).
We’ve learned a few more details about the upcoming Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse. The game will be an expansion of the “Road to the Multiverse” episode of the show. Players will control Stewie or Brian (or both in co-op), and each has unique abilities. You’ll be taking on several different characters in levels around the Quahog multiverse, with Bertram (Stewie’s evil twin) as your main adversary. We’re expecting more details on the multiplayer component soon. The game is scheduled for Fall 2012.
DLC for Dark Souls is headed to consoles. The expansion brings “The Artorias of the Abyss” portion of the PC’s Prepare to Die Edition to console platforms. This adds new areas, new enemies, new bosses, and new equipment. As you’d expect, it will also be stupid hard. If you like your video games to punish you, set aside $15 for this winter.
Ahead of three, with promises of more info at the event, LucasArts has announced Star Wars 1313. Zombietron has more. Looks like a harder-edged, fancier version of Lethal Alliance for the PSP. Playing that one made me realize you don’t have to be a Jedi to have fun in a Star Wars game. Unfortunately, my save game glitched and would kill my PSP everytime I tried to play it so I never finished.
That’s it for the week from me. We’ll be back with more VGQH on Tuesday as we begin the E3 coverage in earnest. Also, keep a close on BSR! as we have a few people covering the even on site as well.