Mature Gaming » gearbox

Aliens: Colonial Marines release date slips again

gazzara — Mon, 21 May 2012 23:43:00 +0000

Sega, Gearbox and Twentieth Century Fox have, through a positive sounding statement announced that long awaited game, Aliens: Colonial Marines has been held back, yet again.

The highly anticipated first-person shooter Aliens: Colonial Marines will, apparently, be in stores worldwide on February 12, 2013. As the authentic addition to the ALIENS franchise canon, the game’s stunning visuals and adrenaline pumping action will deliver breathtakingly immersive single, cooperative and competitive multi-player modes.

Providing for an innovative asymmetrical competitive multiplayer experience, Aliens: Colonial Marines lets players fight in first person as the ultimate combatants – the United States Colonial Marines, or in third person as the universe’s deadliest killers – the Xenomorphs. Plunging into familiar and new environments from the iconic film franchise, players will have to fight the fear and face the true horrors of the ALIENS universe.

Sega, as you may know, have had a major restructure following poor performances in the European and American markets which may have had a part to play in this title being held back. That said, this title has been a long time coming and the thought of having to wait yet again may put a lot of people off.

We’ll let you know more as soon as we know more.

2K chooses SteamWorks to deliver PC version of Borderlands 2

gazzara — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:12:51 +0000

2K Games, Gearbox Software and Valve today announced an agreement to power all PC versions of the highly anticipated Borderlands 2 with Steamworks when the game launches on September 18, 2012 in North America and September 21, 2012 internationally.

Borderlands 2 players will enjoy the benefits of Steamworks features, such as Steam Achievements, downloadable content, auto-updating, multiplayer matchmaking, Steam Cloud support and more. Customers who purchase the PC retail version of Borderlands 2 will also be able to enjoy all the great Steamworks features as well. Borderlands 2 features all-new characters and skills, imaginative and diverse new environments with unique missions and enemies, and more exciting, fun weapons, equipment and loot than ever before.

All of these features come together in a story that takes players to the world of Pandora to take down the notorious Handsome Jack and his corrupt Hyperion Corporation as a solo campaign or with up to four cooperative players. To pre-order Borderlands 2, please visit www.borderlands2.com/preorder.

Grab a gun – Borderlands 2 has been dated!

gazzara — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:41:25 +0000

2K Games and Gearbox Software announced today that Borderlands 2, the sequel to the multi-million unit selling breakout hit, Borderlands, will be available on the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC in North America on September 18, 2012 and internationally on September 21, 2012.

Currently in development by Gearbox Software, Borderlands 2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed four-player cooperative shooter-looter that combined intense first-person mayhem with role-playing gameplay. In addition, fans who pre-order the title from participating retailers will receive access to the Borderlands 2 Premiere Club, including rewarding in-game items and bonuses.

Living up to the mantra “bigger, better and more badass,” Borderlands 2 features all-new characters; skills; imaginative, diverse new environments with unique missions and enemies; and more exciting and fun weapons, equipment and loot than ever before. All of these features come together in a story that takes players to the world of Pandora to take down the notorious Handsome Jack and his corrupt Hyperion Corporation as a solo campaign or with up to four cooperative players.

“The addictive gameplay and shooting and looting mayhem of the first Borderlands is back and better than ever in Borderlands 2, taking the franchise to an entirely new level,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “With more guns, more enemies, more missions, an engaging story and all-new characters, Borderlands 2 promises to bring a new era to gaming this fall.”

Borderlands 2 will allow friends to play together locally via split-screen, as well as online with drop-in-drop-out capabilities. With seamless cooperative gameplay and action,Borderlands 2 is extremely accessible for gamers and their friends to play alone or together in a variety of configurations.

“Borderlands 2 is a passion project, through and through,” said Randy Pitchford, President of Gearbox Software. “The result is a sequel that has improved every successful aspect of Borderlands while innovating with an all-new experience.”

Gamers who pre-order Borderlands 2 from participating retailers will gain access to theBorderlands 2 Premiere Club, allowing them to download the Gearbox Gun Pack, a Golden Key and the Vault Hunter’s Relic. The Gearbox Gun Pack is a collection of unique guns to help players begin their journey on Pandora. The Golden Key is an in-game item used to unlock a rare item in the mysterious Golden Sanctuary Loot Chest found in Borderlands 2. The Vault Hunter’s Relic is an in-game item that boosts players’ gear-hunting fortune while playing solo or teaming up with friends. To pre-order Borderlands 2 please visit www.borderlands2.com/preorder.

Borderlands 2 is not yet rated by PEGI.

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!

Borderlands 2 finally confirmed

gazzara — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 17:15:29 +0000

2K Games and Gearbox Software announced today that the sequel to the extravasplosive breakout hit, Borderlands™, is currently in development at world-renowned developer Gearbox Software.

Coming to the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Windows PC during Take-Two’s fiscal year 2013 beginning on April 1, 2012, Borderlands 2 is the epic sequel to the ultimate four-player Role-Playing Shooter loot fest. Combining invention and evolution, Borderlands 2 features all new characters, skills, environments, enemies, weapons and equipment, which come together in an ambitiously crafted story. Players will reveal secrets, and escalate mysteries of theBorderlands universe as they adventure across the unexplored new areas of Pandora.

2K Games and Gearbox Software are taking this show on the road, and fans and media will be able to get their first look at the game at Gamescom 2011 from August 17 – August 21, and at PAX Prime (Booth #3417) from August 26 – August 28.

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.

Aliens: Colonial Marines finally dated for Spring 2012

gazzara — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:39:40 +0000

SEGA today announced that the highly-anticipated first-person shooter, Aliens: Colonial Marines, will be launching in spring 2012 on PC, PS3 and the Xbox 360.

In partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products and developed by critically acclaimed studio Gearbox Software, Aliens: Colonial Marines will bring new levels of bone-chilling suspense and adrenaline-filled action to the renowned franchise. The game pits players against the universe’s ultimate alien killing machines, the Xenomorphs, in claustrophobic environments guaranteed to produce blood curdling thrills that the movie is renowned for. A first look of the game is presented in the South Hall at SEGA’s booth #2023, at this week’s E3 in Los Angeles.

“To Gearbox Software and its peers throughout the industry, ALIENS is one of the most influential science fiction properties of all time,” said Randy Pitchford, President of Gearbox Software. “Aliens: Colonial Marines, designed as an interactive successor to the landmark films from Twentieth Century Fox, is a dream project about which our studio is deeply committed and passionate.”

“Aliens: Colonial Marines will be THE definitive ALIENS gaming experience,” said Gary Knight, Senior Vice President of Marketing at SEGA Europe and SEGA of America. “Gearbox Software are doing a brilliant job translating the thrill and horror that ALIENS stands for into an action-packed shooter experience with co-operative gameplay at its core.”

Gary Rosenfeld, Senior Vice President of New Media for Fox Consumer Products added, “It’s no easy task to take on one of the most influential films of all-time, but SEGA and Gearbox are not going to disappoint. This game will be a must-have for fans of the ALIENS franchise and gamers around the globe.”

Aliens: Colonial Marines begins with an ostensibly abandoned ship, the U.S.S. Sulaco, recovered in orbit around LV-426. Players lead a group of highly trained United States Colonial Marines as they board the deserted craft to uncover the fate of the crew. They will have to fight to survive unspeakable horrors and their own anxieties as they chase down the truth behind a galaxy-spanning deception that places humanity at the mercy of the most murderous and deadly species in the universe. Aliens: Colonial Marines features authentic environments, such as the surface of LV-426 and Hadley’s Hope, weapons inspired by the film series and is designed to provide an exhilarating and engaging new chapter in the Aliens universe.

Aliens: Colonial Marines will be available spring 2012 on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.

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.

Spend a night with Gearbox’s Randy Pitchford

gazzara — Thu, 05 May 2011 10:20:50 +0000

Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox Software and saviour of Duke Nukem, will be taking part in a question and answer session at BAFTA HQ on Wednesday 11^th May.

Hosted by GameSpot UK’s Johnny Chiodini, questions will focus on Duke Nukem, his resurrection and the story behind the rise, fall and re-birth of the self proclaimed ‘King of Shooters’.

BAFTA will also host the unveiling of Duke Nukem’s official portrait. Painstakingly crafted by portrait artist Frank Frid, the 35” by 23” oil painting took 350 man hours to create. Limited-edition prints, signed by Randy Pitchford, will be available on the evening.

Tickets for the evening can be purchased via this link –
http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_london&query=detail&event=445170&interface=bafta

Randy Pitchford is one of three owners and founders of Gearbox software and under his guidance as President and CEO, Gearbox has grown from an idea into a leading independent game development studio with titles that have sold over 20 million units worldwide earning over $500 million.

Venue: BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LN
Public tickets £5 (includes a complimentary drink) – please note that this event is for over-18s only.