Articles by Asterick
I really, REALLY like it when people find hidden or unused content in games. Debug modes, little test maps, commented out items. I love them all. Left 4 Dead 2 is no exception. Not only did some industrious modders find an unfound character model, they found an entirely new entity!
Typing the following block of code (PC version only, kthx) in the console will get you a little surprise.
map atrium
sv_cheats 1
z_forcezombiemodelname common_male_jimmy
z_forcezombiemodel 1
That's right, Mr. Jimmy Gibbs Jr. in the flesh. his horrible, reanimated flesh. He's a beast, but he does come with a new batch of one liners from the main characters. Worth buying the PC version? What's that steam, you want my $50? Fine.
Hidden Jimmy Gibbs Zombie! :D [L4Dmods.com]
[via Kotaku, where I blatantly stole the screenshot]
Deal of the Week: 3 on 3 NHL Arcade (400 Microsoft Points)
EA SPORTS Freestyle™ welcomes you to the fast paced world of arcade hockey. From the same team that brought you NHL® 09 comes a 3 on 3 experience that throws conventional hockey, and its rules, out the window. Choose from the NHL's top players and bring them into this no rules hockey game where big hits rule the day. The Trial Mode gives you a taste of the greatness that is 3 on 3 NHL® Arcade, to get a full bite, download the full version today. The full version offers 8 Powerups, Online Game modes, Leaderboards and Achievements.
Arcade: Gyromancer (1200 points)
Gyromancer is a puzzle-role playing game (RPG) featuring a unique battle system based on Bejeweled Twist combined with elements of Square Enix role-playing games. This is one experience you won't want to miss. Try it now!
Arcade: Diner Dash (800 points)
Diner Dash®, the number one PC time-management game has landed onto Xbox LIVE®! Guide Flo, a former office-worker turned restaurateur, as she builds up her diner empire. Go online and face players in head to head matches to see who's the best Flo. Join up with a friend or another player online for a Team Dash game where your team takes on six other players to see whose diner is the best in town'
The Beatles Rock Band: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1080 Microsoft Points)
- "A Day In The Life" (160 Microsoft Points)
- "Lovely Rita" (160 Microsoft Points)
- "When I'm Sixty-Four" (160 Microsoft Points)
- "Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite!" (160 Microsoft Points)
- "She's Leaving Home" (160 Microsoft Points)
- "Fixing A Hole" (160 Microsoft Points)
- "Within You Without You" (160 Microsoft Points)
- "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)" (160 Microsoft Points)
Games on Demand: Grid
Race Driver: GRID is all about the race. It's a stunning world of motorsport brought to life, from racing muscle cars through the iconic streets of San Francisco and competing in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race to drifting around the docks of Yokohama. Jump behind the wheel of exhilarating racing cars in the most aggressive, spectacular wheel-to-wheel races you've ever experienced - then prove yourself online. Welcome to GRID: racing just got exciting again.
It's not uncommon for the games industry to lose someone. Death is something that that happens all the time, but it's rare to see an Icon so often ignored, and so frequently used as Tao, game designer Kenichi Nishi's beloved canine. Unfortunately, Tao has recently passed away from kidney complications.
Tao was no stranger to the video games industry. Tao has been in more video games than I care to count. Most US gamers will best recognize Tao from his starring role as the family hound in game Chibi Robo, while not an astonishing hit in the US, it was a game that I personally loved. Tao has also appeared in several other games such as Giftpia and Captain Rainbow, games I own but cannot read.
I know I am not the most sentimental person on the planet, but Tao was an inspiration to the game community and he will be sorely missed.
All Dogs Go To Heaven: Kenichi Nishi's Tao Passes [Game Set Watch]
Updates
- Tank Battles Price Drop (now $6.99)
Downloadable Games
- Braid ($14.99)
Braid is an artful puzzle-platformer where the player manipulates the flow of time in strange and unusual ways. In each world, time behaves differently, and it is time's strangeness that creates the puzzles. The time behaviors include: rewinding, independent time streams, time that is tied to space, parallel realities, time dilation, and perhaps more. Braid treats the player's time as precious; there is no filler. Each puzzle shows the player something new about the game world.
- Star Trek: D-A-C ($9.99)
Star Trek: D-A-C is a fast-paced, top-down space shooter inspired by the new motion picture. This pick-up and play game allows you and your friends to choose from 5 classes of starships (from a list including the all-new U.S.S. Enterprise) and battle it out solo or online! Enlist in Starfleet or join the Romulan Empire as you battle with up to 11 friends in game play modes including: Solo Play, Online VS, and Online Co-op. Choose your side, fire your weapons, boldly go!
- Pinball Heroes - High Velocity Bowling ($3.99)
Virtual pinball game based on the hit PS3 downloadable game "High Velocity Bowling."
- Pinball Heroes - Hot Shots Golf ($3.99)
Virtual pinball game based on the hit video game series "Hot Shots Golf."
- Pinball Heroes - PAIN ($3.99)
Virtual pinball game based on the hit PS3 downloadable game "PAIN."
- Pinball Heroes - UNCHARTED ($3.99)
Virtual pinball game based on the hit PS3 series "UNCHARTED."
- Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble ($39.99)
As the toughest student in school, it's up to you to prove your badassitude when all the schools in the nation get together for a weeklong trip to the historic city of Kyouto. In this free-roaming brawler, take to the streets and kick ass to rise to the top in the world of delinquents. Hunt down more than 45 boss enemies, each with their own schedules, and dispense righteous beatdowns before stealing their respect, territory, and special moves.
PSP minis
PSone Classics: PS3/PSP
- Command & Conquer: Red Alert ($5.99)
Re-live the glory of the first Red Alert in the Command & Conquer franchise with this downloadable PSOne classic. Imagine an alternate history where Hitler never existed, and the USSR and Stalin rose to power and begin a full scale invasion of Europe. Welcome to Red Alert, comrade. Wage World War II like never before as the Allied faction and restore freedom, or claim Europe for the glory of the Soviet Union in over 25 strategic missions.
Game Demos (free)
- Inferno Pool Demo
Inferno Pool is a revolutionary, simultaneous multi-player Pool action game, where every ball you pot is dropped onto your opponents table. Battle against your friends locally or compete against the world online. Learn punishing skill shots to unleash Inferno Mode and humiliate your opponents. This is Pool on fire!
- NCAA Basketball 10 Demo
See the game like it has never been seen before, with authentic broadcasting presentations from the all-star announcing crews of Dick Vitale, Brad Nessler, and Erin Andrews of ESPN, and Gus Johnson and Bill Raftery of CBS Sports. Enjoy ultimate control over your team's strategy and style of play, including real Motion Offensive Systems. From the broadcast table to the hardwood - it's all there in NCAA Basketball 10.
- MX Vs. ATV Reflex Demo
Playable on either MX or ATV. 6 tutorial lessons, 1 National event, 1 Freestyle event.
- Star Trek: D-A-C Demo
Star Trek: D-A-C is a fast-paced, top-down space shooter inspired by the new motion picture. This pick-up and play game allows you and your friends to choose from 5 classes of starships (from a list including the all-new U.S.S. Enterprise) and battle it out solo or online! Enlist in Starfleet or join the Romulan Empire as you battle with up to 11 friends in game play modes including: Solo Play, Online VS, and Online Co-op. Choose your side, fire your weapons, boldly go!
Dwarf Fortress is easily the most complicated game I can think of for the PC. Seriously, that game has more buttons than a kanji touch typing RTS. The game is a lot of damn fun once you figure out the menus and figure out how to issue commands. The first time one of my dwarves freaked out, got possessed and created a little idol for people to worship, I was in love.
Now, what else makes this game nearly impossible to pick up? the cryptic display. Seriously, the ascii only goes so far. There are some nice sprite packs out there, but they never really feel... complete. Enter Stonesense, the isometric visualizer. It renders Dwarf Fortress in beautiful 3/4 view pixel glory. Hotness. Now, it is a huge CPU suck on an already pretty hefty game and the sprite set is incomplete at best, but frankly, I think you'll all manage.
Stonesense - The isometric visualizer, official thread [Dwarf Fortress forums]
Games on Demand: MONOPOLY
From EA Casual Entertainment, MONOPOLY™ is reinvented with a party twist! With a host of current-day cities and landmarks from all over the world, this new version lets you wheel and deal and compete to own some of the most recognized locations on Earth. Host the ultimate MONOPOLY party with family and friends to experience classic and global versions of MONOPOLY with digital gameplay.
Arcade: 0D Beat Drop (800 Microsoft Points)
The fusion of "rhythm" and "puzzle" creates a completely new kind of game in 0D Beat Drop! Drop pieces along with the beat, and go for the win with explosive chains. In addition to the single player mode with over 100 stages, online play includes options such as playing against a single player, playing with four players total, or having a team battle! The unique "Beat-O-Matic" function analyzes your own songs and lets you use them in the game. Feel the rhythm of the beat!
Arcade: Encleverment Experiment (800 Microsoft Points)
A myriad of mini-games to make your mind more magnificent await in the Encleverment Experiment! Join Professor Ivor Question in his lab and test your mental faculties to the limit. One to four players compete in 16 mind-bending games, collecting Noodles (the currency of geniuses!) to spend on over 50 collectable Mascots. Or Take-A-Test and track your ongoing Encleverment over time! Train the four quadrants of your brain or use the Home-Made game feature to create your own quiz shows. With 15 in-game opponents to beat, many multiplayer modes, full Avatar support and the Professor as your guide, the Encleverment never ends!
Arcade: NBA Unrivaled (1200 Microsoft points)
Paying homage to the old school look and feel of the arcade classics, NBA UNRIVALED™ brings back all of the intensity and pulse pounding action--AMPLIFIED! Hit the hardwood with the 2009-2010 NBA season's team and player rosters with current stats, logos and jerseys. Ball your way up to the top of the league with unthinkable slams and outrageous plays to get the crowd pumped for momentum on your side!
Deal of the Week: Saints Row 2 'Ultor Exposed' (560 Microsoft Points)
Disgruntled Ultor microbiologist Tera Patrick holds the key to the corporation's illicit research activities and revenue generating schemes. Help Tera dismantle the Ultor Corporation by exposing the megacorp's seedy operations to the citizens of Stilwater. Battle through three all new co-op enabled missions. Commandeer new air and ground vehicles including attack aircraft and luxury sports cars. Customize your character with new hairstyles, law enforcement uniforms, and all new clothes. Own the streets in new Strong Arm and Gangsta Brawl multiplayer maps. These are your Saints and this is your city like you've never seen it before...fully exposed!
Rock Band
- "Smash It Up" -- The Damned (160 Microsoft Points)
- "Club Foot" -- Kasabian (160 Microsoft Points)
- SpongeBob SquarePants Pack 02 (240 Microsoft Points)
- "A Day Like This" -- SpongeBob SquarePants (80 Microsoft Points)
- "Employee of the Month" -- SpongeBob SquarePants (80 Microsoft Points)
- "Ridin' the Hook" -- SpongeBob SquarePants (80 Microsoft Points)
- The White Stripes Pack 01 (440 Microsoft Points)
- "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground" -- The White Stripes (160 Microsoft Points)
- "Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine" -- The White Stripes (160 Microsoft Points)
- "Icky Thump" -- The White Stripes (160 Microsoft Points)
Okay, I know GayGamer isn't exactly Gamasutra... or Ars Technica, but when I see tech news that makes me scream holy f**k, you better believe that I'm going to report on it. No sooner than Unity Indie became free (nice little 3d engine with web deployability, check it out), Epic Megagames dropped a huge bombshell.
The Unreal Development Kit is now freely available for non-commercial use. That means all you crazy indie kids out there can use it to make all your wildest 3d dreams. Remember Shadow Complex? Same stuff. There was Undertow too but that was not nearly as much fun.
There are also a few commercial licenses out there for the indie kids.
- Commercial development license is $2,500 a seat.
- $5,000 Royalty free, then Epic takes 25% cut of all proceeds
Both seem fairly reasonable for someone of the indie field.
Not a developer? Doesn't matter. This means cheap engine for people who can't afford it, which means good games for low low prices.
Unreal Development Kit [TIG Source]
Updates
- Mercury Bundle 2 Sale - Includes Archer Maclean's Mercury and Mercury Meltdown (now $9.99)
- This is Shane Bettenhausen from Ignition Entertainment with a quick heads-up about a killer PlayStation Store promotion that kicks off today. For a limited time, you'll be able to snag two great PSP games-the classic Archer Maclean's Mercury and its supercharged sequel, Mercury Meltdown--for the shockingly low total of only $9.99. Check out this video!
- TV Show King Price Drop (now $6.99)
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine Weapon X Arena Pack Price Drop (now $4.99)
Downloadable Games
- Military Madness: Nectaris ($9.99)
The Military is back for a new generation of recruits! The classic turn-based strategy series Military Madness, a.k.a. Nectaris, is exploding onto PlayStation Network. With an all-new graphical barrage, an all-new commander unit, online team and vs. multiplayer, and a platoon of other new features, this is the maddest game in the series yet!
- Numblast ($4.99)
- Prepare yourself for a number puzzle game that's easy to play, totally addictive and laced with dreamlike, surreal undertones: are you ready for Numblast™?
- Ben 10 Alien Force ($19.99)
- Ben 10: Protector of Earth ($14.99)
- Crimson Room: Reverse ($7.99)
- Class of Heroes ($39.99)
- Dungeon Maker: Hunting Ground ($14.99)
- Creature Defense ($7.99)
- Numblast PSP ($4.99)
- Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron PSP ($29.99)
- Star Wars Clone Wars: Republic Heroes ($29.99)
- Dissidia Final Fantasy ($39.99)
- Ghostbusters The Video Game PSP ($29.99)
PSone Classics: PS3/PSP
- Gex($5.99)
Gex, the lovable couch-potato lizard, has been sucked into the wild worlds of the media dimensions! Help him escape in this classic side-scroller from Crystal Dynamics.
Game Demos (free)
- Trine Demo
Download the Trine demo which contains the first two levels. You can play in solo or with friends in co-operation. Adventure, Action and Contemplation await you in the world of Trine. Lots of traps and an army of skeletons are waiting for you!
- Military Madness: Nectaris Demo
- The Military is back for a new generation of recruits! The classic turn-based strategy series Military Madness, a.k.a. Nectaris, is exploding onto PlayStation Network. This demo features four single-player campaign maps and local multiplayer for 2 people on one 2-player-specific multiplayer map. The full game also showcases online team and vs. multiplayer and a platoon of other new features, making this the maddest game in the series yet!
- MotorStorm Arctic Edge Demo (free)
I do love getting mail from these guys. Especially now that I've actually met the crew. As I'm sure most of you are aware by now I've got a little man crush on CommanderVideo. The video game character, not Alex Neuse's XBLA account. That would be weird. Now, as many of you are aware the third installment, BIT.TRIP VOID, demoed this year at PAX. Now, It is finally getting launched to the public. Here are a small list of features:
- Up to 4 Player Local Co-op!
- Mid-Level Checkpoints!
- Epic Boss Battles!
- Nunchuk & Classic Controller Support!
- A Rockin' Chipmusic-Inspired Soundtrack!
- Special Chipmusic Guest Star Nullsleep!
- Synesthetic Music/Art/Gameplay Interaction!
- Hyper-realistic Retro Cutscenes!
Release date time: 10.27.09 Japan, 11.23.09 USA. Why those crazy asians get it first is beyond me. I may just have to drive down to their office and steal a dev kit. Or two.
Also, while not directly relating to game news, Gaijin Games is also sponsoring Blip Festival 2009. This is a big chiptune themed spectacular, running for 3 days featuring some very talented musicians. I, unfortunately, will not be attending this year as New York is quite a trek, but I encourage all you east coasters to lend them your support!
Demo: Left 4 Dead 2Dash Text: The sequel to the best-selling and critically-acclaimed co-operative multiplayer smash from Valve®, Left 4 Dead™ 2 promises to become one of 2009's top-selling games and set a new benchmark for co-operative action games. Left 4 Dead 2 takes place at roughly the same time as the original, and leads four new "Survivors" through the southeastern United States -- from Savannah, Georgia to New Orleans' French Quarter. The title adds melee combat, new monsters and weapons, the AI Director 2.0, and more to create a larger game than the original. Visit www.l4d.com for more information.
Games on Demand: Battlefield 2: MC
Battlefield 2: Modern Combat explodes onto Xbox 360, bringing the field of battle to life like never before. Bullets whiz by and score the environments around you, spent minigun shells rain down from hovering helicopters, and explosions shatter your field of vision. Delivering the over-the-top action of the award-winning Battlefield™ franchise, Battlefield 2: Modern Combat lets you wage modern war your way. Battlefield 2: Modern Combat delivers the Battlefield franchise's trademark multiplayer action on Xbox Live, delivering ferocious 24 player online battles. Fighting for one of 4 sides - the US, the European Union, the Chinese, or the newly formed Middle East Coalition - and armed with the latest modern weaponry, you are given full control over the 30+ vehicles in the game.
Games on Demand: Far Cry 2Far Cry® 2 is a true open-world FPS where every decision you make affects the outcome of the game. The first sequel to the award-winning franchise takes you to one of the most beautiful and hostile environments in the world - AFRICA. You are a gun for hire, trapped in a war-torn African state, stricken with malaria and forced to make deals with corrupt warlords. Your mission is to hunt down and kill The Jackal. This evil arms dealer has been perpetuating this conflict for years, wreaking havoc on the land an all of its innocent people. Run, swim, drive, fly, shoot, fight and smash your way through over 50km² of open world. Beware though, sometimes the hunter can become the hunted.
Arcade: Wallace & Gromit Ep. 2: The last resort (800 Microsoft Points)
Join Wallace & Gromit in The Last Resort™, the second tale in their newest adventure series. When unrelenting rain ruins their holiday plans, Wallace & Gromit transform their cellar into a makeshift resort. After a customer is clocked on the head by an unknown assailant, it's up to Gromit to find out whodunnit... with a little help from Wallace's latest invention, the Deduct-o-matic!
Arcade: Wallace & Gromit Ep. 3: Muzzled! (800 Microsoft Points)
Join Wallace & Gromit once again in Muzzled!™, the third tale in their newest adventure series by Telltale! When the storm from "The Last Resort" destroys the local dog shelter, the swindling Monty Muzzle comes to town. Muzzle preys on the townspeople by offering to hold a grand fundraising fair to rebuild a shelter, with the main draw being his mechanized "Muzzler" carousel ride. But when Gromit realizes that Muzzle's intentions aren't exactly charitable, he must foil the huckster's plot in order to save both the town's investment and rescue his canine friends.
Arcade: Wallace & Gromit Ep. 4: The Bogey Man (800 Microsoft Points)
Join Wallace & Gromit in The Bogey Man™, the final tale in their newest adventure series by Telltale! When the Morning Lamppost announces the upcoming wedding of Wallace and his neighbor, Felicity Flitt, the inventor is as shocked as anyone. It's up to Gromit to extricate his master from this tangled situation, but his plan plunges Wallace into a new thicket--"Prickly Thicket", a country club rich in history, mystery and malice. Wallace and Gromit will have to solve an ancient mystery, compete in Great Britain's craziest golf tournament, and face off against a diabolical machine!
Deal of the week: COD4 Variety Map Pack for 50% off (400 Microsoft Points)
Reinforcements have arrived! The Variety Map Pack includes four new multiplayer maps featuring a variety of locations. "Creek," a wide-open village ravaged by combat where concealment is the difference between life and death; "Broadcast," fight throughout an enemy communications building with confined corridors and wide-open parking lots; "Chinatown," a foggy downtown district, lit only by a full moon and the neon glow of the city; and "Killhouse," featuring a desolate training warehouse filled with a variety of building mock-ups and soft and hard cover points.
And girls who like girls who like rumble packs!
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