A new “Champions Bundle” has been announced for Halo 4. It sounds like 343 doesn’t want to end their DLC support anytime soon. The new bundle will consist of three separate additions: Bullseye Pack (480MSP; two multiplayer maps, Pitfall and Vertigo; a sports-themed Spartan armor; and new gravball game type, Ricochet.), Infinity Armor Pack (240MSP; legendary new armor), and Steel Skin Pack (240MSP; steampunk style for UNSC, Covenant, and Forerunner weapons). The “Champions Bundle” will discount the three individual add-ons by netting you all of them for 800MSP. It is scheduled for release on August 20, 2013.
Despite getting trashed in the reviews when it launched, Aliens: Colonial Marines has some new DLC planned. This comes from the description of several new trophies/achievements for the game that point to new campaign content. The new campaign is called “Stasis Interrupted” and one of the trophies will require you to complete it on “Ultimate Badass” difficulty. No word yet when it releases or for how much; but it usually comes pretty quickly once the trophies update so it may be today.
Randy Pitchford of Gearbox spoke to the Nerdist podcast recently. In the conversation he affirmed that more DLC is on the way for Borderlands 2, despite the Season Pass coming to its completion: “Everyone was under the expectations that those would be the four DLC’s and that’s it. We are going to do more, we are going to do some other things. I don’t have details exactly of it yet cause were not ready to announce what the other things are. We got more stuff in the hopper that we’re planning and getting pretty excited about. So if you’re a Borderlands 2 fan you don’t have to be afraid that that’s the end of it.” That’s not all he revealed though. As you’d expect, Gearbox is working a next-gen title, but that’s all he’ll say about it. We don’t if it’s a new IP, which consoles, when it’s coming, just that it exists.
The deals for this year’s Summer of Arcade on XBLA have been revealed. It all starts on August 7th with Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons for 1200MSP. Charlie Murder is next on August 14th (800MSP), followed by Flashback on August 21st (800MSP). A favorite franchise of the ‘bots, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, closes the deal August 28th for 1200MSP. As a special bonus, you’ll get a free Souls Pack for Ascend: Hand of Kul when you buy any two of the featured titles.
Naughty Dog is once again proving themselves to be a golden-egg laying goose for Sony. The Last of Us has passed the 3.4million mark for units sold – in only three weeks. Critical acclaim has been coming quick for this title and it’s already a strong contender for Game of the Year. In many circles this sits alongside Bioshock Infinite as redefining the landscape of interactive narrative. Congratulations to Naughty Dog on what appears to be an unequivocal success. I can’t wait to see what they bring to the next generation.
Ever wonder how game designers come up with all of those achievements? Apparently Lionhead Studios has the same question. They’re turning to you to design an achievement for Fable Anniversary. If you’ve got an idea for one you can submit a title, description, and tile design. Lionhead will choose the five best, then pit them against one another in a public vote. If your achievement wins, it will be included in the game along with your name in the credits. Does this sound like your kind of creative contest? Check out their website for full details and instructions for submitting. Good Luck!
Ninja Theory apparently has several positions for a new AAA console title. From what’s available in each job description (Senior Designer, Technical Director, Lead Character Artist, and others), it appears the new game will include shooting, melee combat, and stealth mechanics. No word on which consoles (presumably next-gen) or a franchise. Ninja Theory has had critical, if not commercial, success with several titles this generation including Heavenly Sword, Enslaved, and DMC.
In addition to the previously announced Summer Blast Sale (up to 80% off for PS Plus members) this week’s newest addition to Sony’s Instant Game Collection is none other than Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee. It will be free for all PS+ subscribers starting with today’s store update. Be ready to seek guidance from the Almighty Raisin. And don’t forget to pick up Ron Gilbert’s The Cave while you still can. It’s leaving the IGC next week -and it’s a fantastic game.
If you want a free upgrade to the limited edition of Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster, just get your preorder in now. The upgrade will include concept art book packaging. Nothing major, but it’s free and the artwork for this franchise has always been gorgeous. Then again, they’re offering a preorder upgrade but they still haven’t said when the game will release. It is planned for sometime this year.
If you want to see how much has changed with the HD upgrade, Zombietron has the comparison video.
That’s all for this week’s early edition. Stay cool in the heat gamers, and stay classy.