My apologies, it’s a bit of a slow news week. At least we have a few stories worth mentioning.
I tried to be one of those guys that didn’t pay The Walking Dead until the entire season was released on a disc. Then Sony went and gave me the first two episodes for free with PlayStation Plus. After that I bought the third straightaway and I’m now twitching in anticipation of the fourth. If you’ve held better than I did, your patience will be rewarded this Christmas. That is, if someone loves you enough to buy you the full season for PS3 or 360 on December 4th. Price is not announced but I’d be shocked if it’s higher than the piecemeal price of $25. I’m guessing it will actually be the season pass price of $20. More importantly, this also tells us that the final two episodes will surely be released well before the disc version. Also, calling it season one provides a hint that we could well see another season. Here’s hoping.
In a similar fashion, but far less exciting, THQ and Volition will be releasing a “Full Package” version of Saints’Row: The Third. The title here says it all, as the combo pack will include all three of the main DLC packs (Genkibowl VII, Gangstas in Space, and The Trouble With Clones), plus 30 more smaller releases. They literally mean ALL of the DLC. The game itself is about as over the top and looney as they come, but it’s rare to see one with such extensive DLC coverage. I’d assume that the release of the “Full Package” signals the end of that DLC support. Get your package on November 6th.
Does anyone care about a return of Ecco the Dolphin? I mean, it was fun back in the day, and I didn’t hate replaying it on the Ultimate Genesis Collection disc. But does it really need a revival? The series creator, Ed Annunziata, seems to think so. According to Twitter, he’s “putting the band back together,” starting with original composer Spencer Nielsen. So far, that’s all he seems to have. Well, that and some whiteboard designing levels. Ooh look, a dolphin and some water, this looks like something worth a few million dollars in development money. More on this if and when it becomes a credible story.
The first expansion for Darksiders II is coming today. For those who bought the game new, you’ll be getting the “Argul’s Tomb” add-on for free. Everyone else, prepare to fork out $6.99 (560MSP). The expansion includes two new dungeons, new legendary loot, and new boss battles. The “Death Rides” pack, formerly a pre-order incentive, is also becoming available to everyone at the same price. The WiiU version, coming at the console’s launch, will include both of these packs as well as all other pre-order packs.
Sony is pushing a new program, PSN Day 1 Digital, to release more top tier games via PSN on their retail release date. With the Fall and holiday glut of games nearly upon us, now’s the perfect oppportunity for them to push this feature. I haven’t confirmed that they’ll all be available at midnight, but that has usually been the case so far. Several have a 10% discount for PS+ members if you preorder now. The perfect scenario for this would be to preorder the games with your PS+ discount, and have your nightly update just start the download and install automatically. No need to stay up late, and your game is waiting for you after breakfast. Here’s the list of the first eight games in the new program:
- Resident Evil 6 (10/2/12, $59.99)
- NBA 2K13 (10/2/12, $59.99, PS+ 10%)
- Dishonored (10/9/12, $59.99, PS+ 10%)
- Doom 3: BFG Edition (10/16/12, $39.99, PS+ 10%)
- 007: Legends (10/16/12, $59.99)
- Medal of Honor: Warfighter (10/23/12, $59.99)
- Need for Speed: Most Wanted (10/30/12, $59.99, PS+ 10%)
- Assassin’s Creed III (10/30/12, $59.99)
As I mentioned, a bit of a slow week. That might continue for some time, but you won’t care for much longer because the games will be coming. Let’s finish today with a spoilerific rumor about Shepard’s next chapter.
SPOILER WARNING
Several fans are claiming to have cracked the code on the upcoming “Omega” DLC for Mass Effect 3. This should be filed under rumor, but these are the same folks who were previously right about “Leviathan.” In the script, Aria T’Loak convinces Commander Shepard to board the command ship leading a blockade to prevent supplies from reaching Omega Station. Before Anakin Skywalker can destroy the ship… Oh wait, wrong space saga. In retaliation, Cerberus assaults Omega’s shield, without which the station will be subject to destruction by meteors and other space-faring dangers. It will be Shepard’s task to stop the assault before the barriers fall. Of course, when this all takes place is up for debate, as a release date has not been announced. We are, however, expecting to see it “soon.”
/SPOILER WARNING