Weekly Video Game News and Game Trailers – 03/02/2013
By Patrick Newman
Tactical Intervention Details
The follow-up game from the designer of Counter-Strike is a free-to-play shooter called Tactical Intervention. Due March 28th, Minh “Gooseman” Le’s project is a terrorist vs. peacekeeper FPS with multiple modes such as Hostage Rescue, VIP Escort, and straight up deathmatch. Vehicular combat will also be available in Tactical Intervention, setting it significantly apart from its forerunner.
Rambo: The Video Game Voice Over Talent
A recent announcement from Reef Entertainment, currently hard at work on Rambo: The Video Game, confirms that the publisher will be using Richard Crenna and Sylvester Stallone’s voices from the classic film series. Rambo: The Video Game traces the path of Sly’s one-man army through the first three films of the franchise, and will include famous dialogue exchanges and “rage screams” from the movies. The game is due to hit stores sometime this year for the PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
The Last of Us – Story Cutdown Trailer
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Star Wars 1313 Delayed
According to Kotaku, Star Wars 1313, a planned open-world RPG in the vein of Knights of the Old Republic, has been frozen in development since Disney acquired the rights to Star Wars earlier this year. Three independent sources elaborated to Kotaku that Star Wars 1313 might miss its originally planned unveiling at E3 and be pushed to 2014, at the earliest. When pressed by GameSpot for comment, a LucasArts representative denied that the project had been cancelled and simply said, “LucasArts has been working diligently to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities that the new Star Wars movies present… Star Wars 1313 continues production.”
GameFly Cuts
Dave Hodess, CEO of the on-demand and by-mail gaming rental service GameFly, has recently restructured his company, laying off 15 percent of its workforce. Though the recently dropped employees would probably tell a different story, Hodess insists that the cuts would institute no significant changes. “Aside from a greater focus in our software development efforts, we’re not making any significant changes in our console subscription or digital download businesses. GameFly remains profitable with a strong balance sheet,” Hodess told Joystiq.
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate Simon’s Story
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More Metal Gear Rising Spin-offs in the Future?
Though initially reluctant to participate in spin-off stories from his most iconic and respected creation, Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima was apparently invigorated by the experience of making Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. Even if he hasn’t officially signed off on any further spin-offs, the fact that the gaming auteur is open to allowing outside developers to expand the game’s universe speaks well of the possibility. In an IGN interview, Kojima said, “Initially we thought this spin-off with Metal Gear Rising was kind of an exception; it was a new thing for us. But that said, it went remarkably well, and working with Platinum Games we were able to achieve a sort of synergy where the final product was greater than the sum of its parts.”
Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel to be more Realistic
In a grudging submission to the (gradually) growing maturity of its fan base, Visceral Games has told Eurogamer that their upcoming Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel will be toned down from the “frat-boy-esque” atmosphere of its predecessor. Citing the market’s preference for “realistic” shooters, Visceral is hoping to meet gamers in the middle by making something “Michael Bay-esque” but with a more realistic edge. Designer Greg Rizzer spoke to the changes by telling Eurogamer, “The previous Army of Two games had a real frat-boy-esque tone to them. We’ve kind of reeled that in a little bit, but we certainly wanted to still be over-the-top.”
Injustice: Gods Among Us – Battle Arena Aquaman vs. Cyborg Fight Video
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PlayStation Plus and the PlayStation 4
Any doubts that the PlayStation Plus subscription service will be washed out with the arrival of the PlayStation 4 should be laid to rest. Jim Ryan, the Sony Computer Entertainment president/CEO, told the PlayStation Blog that Plus will have a significant role in plans for the new console. “We’re not yet in a position to disclose our plans for the future of PlayStation Plus,” Ryan said, “But there will definitely be a prominent role to play for it in the PlayStation 4 landscape.” Additionally, Ryan said that he expects the PlayStation 3 to continue thriving beyond the arrival of its successor, citing the still-relevant PlayStation 2 as an example of these consoles’ longevity. Said Ryan, “PS3 is a very important part of our portfolio, certainly in 2013, 2014 and probably beyond that.”
Willem Dafoe in Quantic Dream’s Beyond: Two Souls
A-list character actor Willem Dafoe has officially been confirmed as the acting counterpart to Ellen Page in Quantic Dream’s Beyond: Two Souls. In the game, Dafoe will be playing Nathan Dawkins, a government scientist. The actor’s likeness, glimpsed in several advance stills, seems to have been integrated into the gameplay seamlessly. The game’s release date has been set at October 8th this year. Those who pre-order Beyond: Two Souls at GameStop will receive an exclusive, 30-minute playable scene.
Gears of War: Judgment – The Markza Weapons Trailer
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From the PunchDrunkGamer Forums:
* Gearbox ’embezzled’ Aliens: Colonial Marines money
* Gears of War: Judgment VIP Season Pass Offers Big Savings and Exclusive Multiplayer Content
* Spiders Studio and Focus Home Interactive unveil Bound by Flame
* Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Announces LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes for Wii U
Bonus Game Trailer: Halo 4 – Majestic Map Pack Strategy for Monolith
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