Mature Gaming » 2k

Borderlands 2 concept interview emerges

gazzara — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:02:43 +0000

2K Games have just uploaded a new concept trailer onto youtube which can be seen below.

The 4+ minute interview with concept designer Scott Kester explains the thinking behind some of the new guns, characters, locations and creatures in Borderlands 2.

There is a wait, however, for the release of Borderlands 2 with the release expected in 2013.

NBA 2K12 demo goes live

gazzara — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:55:54 +0000

2K Sports today announced that a free demo of NBA 2K12 is now available on the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation Network for PlayStation 3.

The demo allows players to relive this past season’s exciting NBA Finals and play one quarter as the Miami Heat or Dallas Mavericks. The demo showcases many of this year’s improvements, including an all-new post play system for full 360-degree player movement to dominate the paint, total shot stick control for more intuitive offensive moves, and updated visuals complete with dynamic broadcast-style pre-game highlight reels.

This year’s edition of NBA 2K, the top-selling and top-rated NBA video game simulation franchise, will allow players to take control of some of the most iconic names and teams in NBA history, such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Julius Irving, and put them head-to-head against other classic and modern-day teams to create NBA dream matchups and end the debate over the “NBA’s Greatest” once and for all.

NBA 2K12 is rated 3+ and will be available October 7, 2011. Visit www.pegi.info for updated rating information.

Duke Nukem Forever – Review (PS3, 360) – Better Late Than Never!

gazzara — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:16:28 +0000

I was initially thinking of publishing this review 12 years down line as an ode to the Duke Nukem game that has finally emerged.

This, as you can appreciate, would probably not appease 2K Games or Gearbox although I hope that they would find the humour in it. The real reason, however, is to really sit back and take stock of what has happened to a game that had so much promise, but from what has been written in the initial reviews has delivered so little.

I didn’t want to be hell bent on destroying a game that has so much history both behind itself and the franchise as others have done. After all, no matter how long DNF has taken to rear its somewhat ugly head, it needs to be treated with a little respect.

We all know about the problems that have arisen from Duke Nukem Forever. The unforgivably bad graphics in places and a translation of code that is stuck between the rooting, tooting, six shooting, ass booting male chauvinistic gun fest past that made the originals so successful and the formula that makes the Call Of Duty franchise a yearly wankfest amongst pre pubescent teens (as well as a few of us too – right!).

The nativity of being able to add so much sexual inuendo into a game without the fear of persecution from any media form that is willing to side with a politician to proclaim that the game was the main cause for a rape in court is long gone. What you see now is a game that needs to shock in order to feel complete which is not the case at all. Unfortunately, so much has gone into interpreting what 3D Realms was looking for that the guts of the game has literally got Lost In Translation. If a game has ever deserved to be the equivalent of Terry Gilliam’s Lost In La Mancha then Duke Nukem Forever is it.

Please don’t get me wrong. The way I am writing this may seem to come across as another hack following suit and ripping this game a new ass hole but in some kind of sadistic way, I have quite enjoyed the experience, despite its many flaws. The aliens themselves have become a lot more intelligent, ducking and driving their way through various levels with great aplomb which will gain respect as you look for the next bit of cover to stop Duke, the man, myth and legend getting a thorough work over. The multiplayer, as well, is fun and brings me back to the basics of online play, despite its updated versions of capture the flag, sorry babe amongst other game types. The simplicity of the move, kill a shit load of aliens, pick some stuff up and move again style of play will appeal more to a 40 year old arthritic OG (original gamer) than the present day youngster that is full of mouthy bollocks, but having reflexes like a frigging fox. Maybe it is because I am reaching 40 and have experienced Duke the way that few of the younger crowd may have experienced him in the past. Perhaps, for me, it is more about re-living my younger days, laughing out loud and every one liner that Duke spilled out, although those one liners seem to come a lot faster and often (no pun intended!) I think, for me, it may well be about nostalgia rather than the overall quality of the title and the older guys around us may well feel that way too.

There’s a lot to be said for the comedy and bravado that Duke Nukem games provided but unfortunately Gearbox have missed the boat on Duke Nukem Forever aiming to shock in a 90′s way rather than bring Duke into the present day or keep him for the break glass in case of a shitty gaming year emergency that may happen sooner or later. One thing is for sure though. When Gearbox acquired the Duke franchise from the dead, rigomortised hands of 3D realms when the rights were bought they should have buried any resemblance of what 3D Realms had created and started from scratch using their present day skills that were beautifully shown in Borderlands as well as understood what made Duke the icon he is today rather than try to translate what 3D Realms had already taken a ridiculous amount of years to try to produce which in the end killed their studio.

The good news though is that the Duke is back but unfortunately has lost a lot of the franchise’s charm due to modern day mechanics like only carrying to guns at a time, an attempt at a deep and evolving storyline plus new style health bars and Ego point recharges that only add to Duke looking weak. The simplicity in Duke’s past of having rediculous guns that kill anything in its sights plus an invincible feeling Duke minus a serious storyline in Duke 3D only added to it’s charm and taking those things away somewhat alienates Duke Nukem Forever into the what if bin.

For those of you that are Duke fans you will find this pleasurable, if not slightly frustrating, and will be worth completing the Duke collection, after all you’ve waited long enough. For those that have never experienced the franchise then it will be perhaps worth a rental before deciding whether to make a full purchase.

One thing is for sure though. Duke deserves another chance to make things right and I really think that Gearbox can do it given some time and starting from scratch. If that happens remains to be seen but I really hope that it happens – after Borderlands 2 that is!

Borderlands 2: Teaser Trailer

gazzara — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:16:40 +0000

You know you are all desperate for it, Pandora will be upon us again next year as Gearbox get over the headache of Duke Nukem and bring back one of their greatest new franchises.

As you are aware, Borderlands 2 will be playable at GamesCom and to celebrate, Gearbox have released a cheeky little teaser trailer. Check out the missing headwear!

Civilization comes to Facebook

gazzara — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:09:12 +0000

2K Games has announced that Sid Meier’s Civilization World for Facebook, the newest entry from the genre-defining strategy-based franchise, is now available.

Civilization World takes the series’ famously addictive style of gameplay and makes it easier than ever to play with friends on the world’s largest social platform. Developed at Firaxis Games by legendary game designer and creator of the Civilization series, Sid Meier, Civilization World offers a deep, robust gameplay experience, and an end goal for all players to strive towards. Players can now take charge of their civilizations and jump into Civilization World by logging into their Facebook account and accessing this app page: apps.facebook.com/civworld.

“With over ten million units sold worldwide, Sid Meier’s Civilization is world renowned as one of the greatest strategy game franchises,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “We’re excited to bring this fun and social game to people on Facebook, enabling fans of the series to play Civilization World from almost anywhere in the world; while offering newcomers a chance to enjoy this addictive strategy gameplay that has fascinated gamers for two decades.”

Civilization World is set in a persistent online world where players collaborate with friends to become the strongest nation to accomplish an end goal of becoming the world’s most powerful civilization. Players manage and grow their own city to maximize its production and happiness, and later team up with friends to win great battles, forge powerful alliances, grant clever treaties, and create sinister schemes to outwit and overpower adversaries. Citizens can share technology to jump ahead of rivals, pass important civics and vote on vital policies, spy on enemies, and create the great wonders of the world. From the Dark Ages to the Space Age, collaborative efforts with real community leaders and ideas allow for intellect and cunning to win loyalties, battles and eras to create the most powerful nation in the world.

“Our team set out to create an exciting Civilization game for Facebook where for the first time, players can join with their friends to build a powerful empire and rule the world,” said Sid Meier, Director of Creative Development at Firaxis Games. “Civilization World is a fun and engaging game that both fans of the series and fans of Facebook games will find immediately addictive, and we look forward to adding to the experience as the game continues to evolve in this dynamic new gaming world.”

Civilization World is now available for free, and accessible to everyone with a Flash-enabled browser and a Facebook account to play anywhere at any time. To log into the game, please visit: apps.facebook.com/civworld. For more information on Civilization World, please visit http://www.facebook.com/civworld.

2K Games finally date XCOM

gazzara — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:08:13 +0000

2K Games announced today that XCOM, the intense sci-fi thriller in development at its 2K Marin studio, will be coming to the Xbox 360, PS3 and Windows PC on March 6, 2012 in North America and March 9, 2012 internationally.

XCOM is a gripping tactical action experience set in mid-century America, where the player leads an elite field team of specialised government agents into battle – combining deep, visceral gunplay with powerful sci-fi abilities. Together, they face a vicious and otherworldly enemy, who conspires to shatter our world and rebuild it in their own image.

“Every time I think of XCOM it gives me the chills, the kind that come from standing witness to the corruption and destruction of your world as you stand powerless to prevent it,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “I’m pleased to announce today that we will be bringing this experience to an even broader audience when XCOM comes to the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC in March 2012.”

Featuring a bold new origin story told from a first-person perspective, XCOM pits Special Agent William Carter and his veteran team against the threat of human extinction. But every enemy is an opportunity – players will strike surgically against the alien menace, capture their technology, and by the science of desperation – turn the invaders’ weapons against them. Armed with these lethal new tools of war, players will command their squad on XCOM’s front lines: Main Street, USA.

Duke Nukem fans to get free DLC

gazzara — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:03:22 +0000

Gearbox Software and 2K Games have today announced that fans of the Duke Nukem Forever game will be receiving the first multiplayer DLC free of charge as a thank you for supporting the title.

There is a catch, however, and that is that you would have needed to be a member of the First Access Club which has signed up as of today. Codes were being given out recently at The Gadget Show Live event as well as being part of your Duke Nukem Forever pre-order or a thank you for buying the Borderlands Game Of The Year Edition.

Here is what Gearbox had to say in an e-mail sent to every First Access Club member.

“Hello First Access Member,

As the launch date for Duke Nukem Forever approaches, we would like to offer a heartfelt thanks to you, the true believers who have already placed your bet on Duke with your pre-order, or Borderlands Game of the Year purchase. As a sign of our appreciation, Gearbox Software and 2K Games are thrilled to present every First Access Club member who has registered as of today the very first Duke Nukem Forever multiplayer downloadable add-on for free!* Surprise! Thank you again for all of your support. We’re almost there.

Hail to the King, Baby!

Gearbox Software and 2K Games”

Duke Nukem Forever has gone gold, is really, really here and will be in stores on June 10th for EU and 14th in America.

Duke Nukem Forever demo is dated

gazzara — Mon, 16 May 2011 23:23:32 +0000

News has just come in that Gearbox and 2k games have announced the release date for the Duke Nukem Forever demo.

The demo date is precisely one week from launch of the much anticipated title and will be available only to members of the First Access Club.

The e-mail states:-

“Where were you the first time you played Duke Nukem Forever?

You’ll have your answer on June 3 when the Duke Nukem Forever demo is released exclusively through the First Access Club.

Only First Access Club members like yourself will get to sample the most legendary shooter of all time before the long-awaited game is released on June 10 (International) and June 14 (North America).

Get ready. It’s almost here.”

Well, we’ve already had a chance to complete a couple of levels in a hands on event and our findings can be seen here.

Duke Nukem sits for official portrait to celebrate royal wedding

gazzara — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:29:49 +0000

2K Games and Duke Nukem proudly present the portrait ‘Untitled: I’m So Awesome, I Don’t Even Need To Name It’, an oil-on-board portrait celebrating the forthcoming release of Duke Nukem Forever (and the Royal Wedding).

The specially commissioned piece was painstakingly crafted by renowned portrait artist Frank Frid and took a record 350 man hours to create. It was painted in a single sitting.

The portrait will be unveiled to the public prior to the Royal Wedding before moving to a more permanent exhibition space as part of the Duke Nukem Forever launch celebrations. 2K Games is also creating a limited run of 200 signed prints that will be partly used to raise money for charity.

Gallery

“As usual, I look awesome,” said Duke of the 35” x 23” masterpiece. “I’m clearly the Royal story everyone should be talking about this week.”

Duke Nukem Forever will be released in the UK on June 10^th. For more information on Duke Nukem Forever, please visit www.dukenukemforever.com.

Duke Nukem Accolades trailer rolls into town

gazzara — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:48:54 +0000

In a surprise little twist today, Gearbox have released an accolades trailer for Duke Nukem Forever that is uncensored and full of glorious gameplay.

We all love a bit of Duke and I’m sure you will too when it releases in June. We managed to get some hands on time with it at the Gadget Show Live event. Here’s what we had to say!