Welcome to the PDG April 2012 New Video Game Release Guide
By PDG Staff
Blacklight: Retribution (PC)
April 3, 2012
Blacklight Retribution is a fast paced, adrenaline pumping first person shooter (FPS) based in a futuristic urban warzone. Blacklight Retribution provides FPS enthusiasts with a massive arsenal of weaponry and gear ranging from bleeding edge side arms to massive mechanized hardsuits…
Key Features:
* HRV – The first in-game tool that players should learn how to use effectively is the Hyper Reality Visor or HRV for short. Pressing V will activate HRV enabling the player to see through walls, locate opponents, team mates, weapon depots, and even detect a weak point in the structure of the Hardsuit.
* Weapon Depots – Weapon depots are small kiosks scattered throughout each map where players can spend combat points earned in battle to obtain upgraded weapons, refill ammo and health and deploy the obliterating Hardsuit.
* Hardsuit – Armed with a minigun and railgun the Hardsuit is the ultimate weapon. Purchase a laser designator at a weapon depot and find an empty spot on the ground with a clear descent path from the sky. Hold down fire for a few seconds to trigger the drop.
Kinect: Star Wars (Xbox 360)
April 3, 2012
Kinect Star Wars brings the Star Wars Universe to life like never before. Harnessing the controller-free power of Kinect for Xbox 360, Kinect Star Wars allows fans to physically experience training as a Jedi, using the Force and battling with a lightsaber. Using full body motions, players can live out the ultimate Star Wars fantasy, no controller required.
Key Features:
* Enter the Galaxy – True to the Star Wars you know and love, stunning visuals transport you into the Star Wars Universe, complete with iconic characters, vehicles, ships, droids and much more.
* Use the Force – Drawing on iconic moments from the motion pictures, Kinect Star Wars allows you to enter the Star Wars Universe to experience a wide variety of physical play.
* Customize your training – Experience the breadth of the Star Wars Universe as you wield a lightsaber and train to be a Jedi master, become a champion Pod racer, master the Force, pilot iconic ships and Speeder Bikes, and much more.
* Join forces – Share the Force with friends through co-op, competitive and duel modes. Easy jump in and out lets a second player join in instantly on the Jedi action.
May the Force be with you!
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (Xbox 360)
April 17, 2012
The award-winning PC RPG comes to Xbox 360! The player is Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster slayer, a witcher. Entangled in the political turmoil that engulfed Temeria, Geralt helped quell the rebellion of the Order of the Flaming Rose. Soon after, he saved King Foltest’s life when the monarch was attacked by a witcher-like assassin. He continues to protect the king, serving as his bodyguard as Foltest strives to bring peace to his kingdom.
The Order’s last bastions have yielded to the royal army, yet one more task remains – the Baroness La Valette announced her secession from the realm, and her fortress must be taken. A month after the attempted assassination, Foltest’s armies stand at the gates of La Valette Castle, preparing for a final assault. Still at Foltest’s side, Geralt is among them, unable to begin his personal quest to discover the mysterious assassin’s origin and identity…
Thanks to the new, ultra-modern REDengine, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings features both beautiful graphics and sophisticated in-game mechanics, drawing players into the most lively and believable world ever created in a video game. A completely immersive visual experience, The Witcher 2 on Xbox 360 is arguably the best-looking RPG ever to come to consoles.
Defining new standards for realistic, non-linear game narration, The Witcher 2 spins a mature, thought-provoking tale to produce one of the most complex and unique RPGs ever released on consoles. In addition to its epic story, the game features a complex combat system that uniquely combines dynamic action and tactical depth.
Key Xbox 360 Features:
* Additional hours of gameplay for the Xbox 360 – New major adventures set in previously unseen locations, expanding the story and introducing new characters, mysteries and monsters.
* New Game Introduction and cinematics – All new animations and cut scenes, including a new, three and a half minute pre-rendered cinematic depicting the assassination of King Demavend of Aedirn. BAFTA Award winner and Academy Award nominee Tomasz Baginski brings this key historical event to life, setting the stage for the story told in The Witcher 2.
* Upgraded interface, designed specifically for the Xbox 360 – Game camera and targeting have been redesigned for the Xbox, and with upgraded pad controls, players will now be able to experience fully The Witcher 2′s spectacular and thrilling combat.
House of the Dead 4 (PS3)
April 17, 2012
Lock and load! Use grenades and your automatic rifle to plow through hordes of evil creatures!
Welcome to AMS headquarters, three years after the death of Caleb Goldman—the mastermind behind the creature infestations. All has been well since his death, but suddenly, an earthquake strikes and hordes of evil creatures infiltrate your home base. To make matters worse, an enemy from the past threatens massive nuclear destruction. Left with only your automatic rifles and a handful of grenades, you must escape the creatures and save the world before it’s too late!
Key Features:
* PlayStationMove Ready – Use your PlayStationMove Motion Controller or the Sharp Shooter accessory to shoot your way through waves of evil creatures.
* 8 Gory Levels in HD – With 28 unique types of evil creatures spread across 8 graphically-enhanced levels, killing has never been more realistic and satisfying.
* Co-op Play – With co-op play, you can turn story mode into a killing party for two.
* PlayStationHome Reward – Unlock an exclusive reward through in-game accomplishments to enhance your Home experience.
Prototype 2 (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
April 24, 2012
The sequel to Radical Entertainment’s best-selling open-world action game of 2009, Prototype 2 takes the unsurpassed carnage of the original Prototype and continues the experience of becoming the ultimate shape-shifting weapon. You are Sgt James Heller, husband to a deceased wife and child and a soldier left simply to die.
As the game’s all-new infected protagonist, players will experience Sgt James Heller cutting a bloody swathe through the wastelands of post-viral New York Zero. Equipped with unparalleled new shape-shifting powers, players will gradually build a vast genetic arsenal of deadly new biological weapons and abilities as they hunt, kill and consume their way toward the ultimate goal – to kill… Alex… Mercer!
Are you ready to murder your maker?
Key Features:
* Prepare to unleash the ultimate form of shape-shifting devastation – Sgt James Heller’s incredible new Tendril power lets you lift and tear apart cars and military vehicles, ensnare powerful infected beasts and even rip large groups of enemies to shreds. Get ready to unleash hell!
* Imagine having the power to track down any enemy by unleashing a powerful sonar-pulse from your body! – Sgt James Heller brings an all new dimension to the Prototype experience by letting you Hunt, Kill and become anyone standing in your way. Disguise yourself as a soldier, scientist or anyone at all whilst absorbing their memories and acquiring new abilities. It doesn’t get any better than this!
* Gamers will experience the epic story of Sgt James Heller attempting to take down the devil himself… Alex Mercer – Unraveled against the explosive backdrop of New York Zero and it’s vicious factions warring for control over the infection, Prototype 2 sets the stage for the ultimate showdown “event” video game of 2012.
* Utilizing the unparalleled technology of Radical’s proprietary ‘Titanium 2.0’ engine – Prototype 2 will redefine gamer’s expectations of over-the-top open world action. Witness building-sized infected behemoths bullrushing entire city streets, whilst gliding and parkouring across swarms of highly trained Blackwatch soldiers.
Risen 2: Dark Waters (PC)
April 27, 2012 (May 25 for the Xbox 360 & PS3)
Many horrible years have passed since the Gods abandoned the world and the titans rose from the confines of their prisons. They devastated everything in their path with unstoppable force.
However, there is a place on the southern tip of the Old Empire which still seems safe from the clutches of the Titans – the “Crystal Fortress” in Caldera. It is the headquarters of the Inquisition and a place of refuge for the people. It is repeatedly attacked by sea monsters, and supply ships are sunk en route. Nobody knows how long the walls will hold; food and weapons are gradually running out.
The nameless hero, devastated by the developments on Faranga, now drowns his sorrows in rum in the harbour town Caldera. As the situation grows more and more dire due to the shortage of food, he sets out on a mission to put an end to the sea monsters once and for all.
During his adventurous journey he not only faces new and immense challenges, he also meets old acquaintances who help him on his quest.
Key Features:
* A Unique Pirate Fantasy Setting – Risen 2 features an open world complete with copious amounts of rum, firearms, dirty tricks and a brand new voodoo magic style.
* One of the Most Intense, Immersive Game Worlds Ever Created – Risen 2 will fully envelop its players in its world with a full day/night cycle, dynamic weather patterns, NPCs with daily routines who react based on your behavior, and even creature AI with routine behaviors such as scavenging and sleeping that are impacted by the time of day.
* Every Gameplay Decision Made Has a Consequence – Risen 2 allows players to shape their game experience and even the game world itself depending on their actions and choices. Your choices may change the character’s skill set, NPC relationships, or even potential quest lines.
* A True Role-Playing-Oriented Experience – A perfect blend of classical RPG gameplay and a fresh, unique underlying game world.
* Several Unique Islands – All lovingly designed by hand with no copy and paste set pieces, encourage exploration and adventure while the player hunts for secret treasures and hidden areas.
* New Visual Technology – High-res texturing, gorgeous weather, water and light/shadow effects, a fully revamped character animation system and an exhaustive NPC character model design which greatly reduces the chance of “clone” NPCs.
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