Mature Gaming » id

Wolfenstein 3D released as free to play browser game

gazzara — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:53:10 +0000

Zenimax and ID Software are marking the 20^th Anniversary of Wolfenstein 3D, the original, and now legendary, game that launched the first person shooter genre by releasing a free-to-play browser version of the game.

You can now play the classic PC game directly in browser at: wolfenstein.bethsoft.com or on the Wolfenstein Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/wolfenstein.

There has also been a little podcast released which can be seen and heard below detailing the life of Wolfenstein 3D with commentary and gameplay by ID Software co-founder, John Carmack. Trust me, you’ll learn everything about the game, it’s a real eye opener. Check it out below:-

Quake Live gets free premium weekend – added content available

gazzara — Tue, 01 May 2012 10:04:13 +0000

Bethesda are pleased to announce a content update for Pro and Premium subscribers to QUAKE LIVE, id Software’s browser-based free-to-play first person shooter, with the addition of the Premium Pak 12.

With this update, Pro Start-a-Match players get five new game modes, a new Start-a-Match interface that offers in-depth match customization options, more than 200 customization settings, and four new premium arenas. The Premium Pak 12 update is available at quakelive.com.

Check out details on the Premium Pak 12 new game modes and arenas on Bethblog here: http://www.bethblog.com/2012/04/30/quake-live-premium-pack-12/

In addition, all QUAKE LIVE premium content will be free beginning today through Sunday, May 6^th. During this Free Premium Week, new Premium and Pro Subscribers will receive one or two free two-week Pro Subscription Tokens which can be redeemed to extend their subscription or gifted to a friend.

The Free Premium Week content includes:

· Over 50 Premium Arenas
· 6 Premium Game Modes
· All Premium in-game Features
· No payment or credit card required

The Premium Subscription, which can be purchased for $1.99 per month, billed annually, includes:

· Access to over 50 QUAKE LIVE Premium only maps. Premium maps are a combination of brand new maps and frequently requested community favorites from previous QUAKE games such as Aerowalk, Overkill, Japanese Castles, and Spider Crossings
· Exclusive premium level awards
· Create your own clan and join up to five separate clans
· Access to Premium Scoreboards and Statistics in-game
· Match statistics stored for six months
· Premium Pak 12 updated content

The Pro Subscription, which can be purchased for $3.99 per month, billed annually, includes all of the premium subscription features as well as:

· The ability to start your own game server, specify a server location, determine the game mode and invite who you want to join you
· With the Pro Subscription, you can invite five friends with Standard level memberships to play with you in any Premium level map
· Exclusive pro awards
· Create your own clan and join up to ten separate clans
· Match statistics stored for 12 months
· Premium Pak 12 updated content

The QUAKE LIVE ‘Standard’ version is still free to play and includes friend lists, access to one clan, matchmaking, and stats tracking delivered through a web browser with more than 40 arenas and five game modes.

To create a QUAKE LIVE account and for more information please visit: http://www.quakelive.com.

Doom reborn on Xbox Live and available now

gazzara — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:14:35 +0000

Bethesda and ID Software are proud to announce that the 1993 smash hit Doom is available now on Xbox Live Marketplace.

Face off against Hell’s army as you experience the revolution of DOOM. Lay waste to hordes of demonic monsters with an arsenal of classic weapons including the infamous BFG 9000. Take the deathmatch online via LIVE and battle your friends for dominance of the leaderboards, or team-up with a friend in co-op.

DOOM is available for download for 400 Microsoft Points.

RAGE – Review (360, PS3, PC)

gazzara — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:14:47 +0000

ID Software is one of the most recognisable developers in gaming history. The forefather and creator of the FPS genre, the instigator of driving graphics forward and a risk taker in the industry that always paid dividends in whatever ID attempted.

With classic titles like Doom, Quake and Wolfenstein each cementing themselves into gaming’s lofty heritage as innovating titles it would be hard to imagine that any title released today by ID Software will be looked at with the same anticipation and furvour, searching for that little bit of ID Software gold that will propel gaming into the next dimension.

Likes
- Fluid control system
- Outstanding A.I.
- Detailed presentation
- Solid FPS experience
- FPS genre re-defined
- I.D. doing what it does best
Dislikes
- Poor narrative
- Weak multiplayer

Well, RAGE’s message is more to the companies that have developed games in their genre, rather than providing the schematic to the next level, RAGE is telling people “this is how an FPS should be done!” FPS’s in this generation,amongst others, provide the same backbone, day in, day out and can feel droll, boring and and to be honest pretty broken. Frame rates drop at the slightest whiff of serious action and much touted A.I. improvements become a game of spot the animation and remember the sequence.

Move over contenders because the daddy is back delivering three of the main staples of a shooter, well thought out and designed levels that allow for smooth, fast paced action in an environment that is beautiful to look at and does not drop a frame, even when the going gets … well … ludicrous. Artificial Intelligence that for once, is actually pretty intelligent and gunplay and control mechanics that feel satisfying with every thump of a shottie!

RAGE sets its stall out as a FPS first and sort of dabbles into RPG territory without becoming too geeky. Initial impressions will immediately get you thinking Fallout with a Borderlands art presentation but when you peel back the layers and get to the root of the game you will soon understand that although the main quest/side quest mechanics of Fallout ring true this game does not rely on stat heavy gameplay but a faster paced beast that does away with all the technicalities in terms of your place in a world that has been brought back to basics by a meteor strike, sending Earth into an apocalyptic dystopia. Whilst connections will be made to the art style of the game and how Borderlands looks similar, you only have to look a little closer to see how detailed the environments of RAGE are and that the two games are worlds apart in the looks department.

Most FPS games are not really know for their storylines and crafting of an immersive narrative and this, to a point, is something that RAGE also follows. However, the lack of depth is counter balanced by a good pacing throughout that will give you enough of a tickle to get you from point A to Point B, sometimes via point C with enough of a direction to make it feel all worthwhile and whilst some of the characters you will meet come across as emotionless in their approach to the storyline will give you enough titbits, information or quest runs to give them a validity and place within RAGE’s world.

I.D. Software could have been complacent with the design of RAGE and got away with an on rails shooter that would still be head and shoulders above quite a few out there but, in their ultimate wisdom to take the game further and reach out to people have taken some of Bethesda Studios’ tried and trusted RPG tricks from their hits series Fallout and Elder Scrolls and implemented them into RAGE. I did tsay that it had some loose RPG features in the game and have become small but ever so important features that make RAGE stand out from the generic FPS crowd. Schematics and basic looting form an extra dimension to RAGE’s arsenal and although not as deep and dynamic as Fallout’s fare provide enough depth to add an extra element to your survival in RAGE’s world. Being able to collect gears and spare parts to create your own tools and weapons adds a necessary immersion alongside a new ammo system that allows you to marry new ammo upgrades to your weapon that is beautifully fluid throughout and can be worked even during a firefight.

And, firefights and combat melees are where this game can proudly pitch its “Who’s The Daddy” flag. We know it, you know it and everybody knows from previous I.D. Software titles that when you absolutely, positively, most definitely need a shooter that gives you the satisfaction of blowing the doors off then accept no substitute!

The way the narrow and open areas are designed with enough cover to be necessary, directing you to certain areas without it necessarily being on rails is absolute genius. Every battle feels satisfactory and every kill leaves you with a feeling of accomplishment. The fact that you have a heavy duty (or light) weapon in your hand that inflict damage that can be felt when you make contact with an enemy puts RAGE at the top of the tree for being one of the most immersive experiences there is out there in this genre. Mutants drop with a satisfying rally of pellets from a cartridge or two that have ejaculated from that hefty combat shotgun or a reign of death from one of the many interesting and varied weapons within the game. Whether it be the usual pistols and rifles seen in any FPS to the more intimate or bizarre weaponry like wingsticks and rocket launchers, each will have personality and customisation options from various vendors around the world to feel that will make for a very rewarding experience.

The A.I. itself is also a challenge in that you won’t be looking for the next routine animation to start which will allow you to second guess what will happen next, oh no. Instead you are treated to unpredictable enemies that have their own agenda, will look for cover, bleed and get injured like yourself, shout for help, call you a “fucker” on the odd occasion and generally act like an enemy should. These guys are here for the long term and if you think you’re in for a quick bit of one shot, one kill action then think again. Very rare will you get a head shot which will put some of these down in one hit. They injure and hid behind cover with the best of them, some even hobbling over to a friend for a boost on occasion which all adds to the dynamics and balance of the game.

Overall, RAGE is one hell of an experience. The three discs of content supplied tell you that the game is not going to be a quick 12 hour run through an also excels in its adept ability to be all things to all men and add a stamp of authenticity on a somewhat sterile genre. Vehicle combat, upgrades and travel are also present and serve not only as a vehicle to get to various quests quickly but can also provide enough depth to keep you entertained along the way. Mini games and side quests are also dotted around to add more depth to an already heady package with co-operative options to allow you to play with friends online too but multiplayer only serves as a side salad to a 72oz steak and fries that covers this FPS dish and although could well be tweaked to add weight but may ultimately fall to the might of online bohemoths like Battlefield and Call Of Duty titles.

RAGE does the important things well and adds a little mustard to the already juicy main course. I.D. Software again proves that although the FPS genre is more barren with ideas than the Gobi desert, there is still one studio that can provide a creative oasis for you to drink from.

Rage pre-order upgrades detailed

gazzara — Thu, 19 May 2011 12:01:24 +0000

ID Software has today confirmed that anyone pre-ordering Rage through participating retailers will automatically be upgraded to the Anarchy Edition of the game.

This special edition includes the following items:

Double Barrel Shotgun

Wasteland settler design and ingenuity! Features compact form factor with plenty of muscle to take out everything from mutants, bandits and maybe even a lone Authority Enforcer.

Crimson Elite Armour

This is the most sought-after armour in the wasteland. Constructed of hardened plate armour, this gear was created specifically to withstand the toughest wasteland battles. It also features larger component storage, allowing you to carry more parts that will aid in the fabrication of advanced engineering items.

Fists of Rage

A classic weapon for close quarters combat. When you’ve run out of ammunition and fists are the only option, these razor sharp knuckle blades will give you that combat edge.

Rat Rod Buggy

Improve your odds of survival in the wasteland with this vehicle that comes equipped with a front smash guard and durable protection.

To qualify for this offer you will need to pre-order your game through one of three retailers that are participating at present:-

Amazon

GAME

HMV

For more information, don’t forget to visit www.RAGE.com

Prey 2 announced

gazzara — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:22:04 +0000

Bethesda today announced that Prey 2, the sequel to the popular 2006 game, is scheduled for release in 2012 and will be available for Xbox 360, PS3 and Games for Windows. First details on the game will be revealed in the May issue of PSM3.

Prey 2 is being developed by Human Head Studios, the studio that created Prey, the original, award-winning game. Prey 2 is being built on the cutting edge id tech engine from id Software.

“We are thrilled to be working with Bethesda on Prey 2,” said Chris Rhinehart, project lead. “Prey 2 will provide gamers the opportunity to explore a new facet of the Prey universe, one that offers fast-paced action in an open, alien world. We’re excited to show gamers the title we have been working on and hope they will be as excited by this title as we are.”

2K Games announce Duke Nukem Forever Balls Of Steel Edition

gazzara — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:05:24 +0000

Duke’s got them – and now you can too. 2K Games and Gearbox Software are proud to announce the Duke Nukem Forever Balls of Steel edition!

Arriving alongside the standard editions on May 3, 2011, the Duke Nukem Forever Balls of Steel edition for the PS3, Xbox 360 and Windows PC is a must-have for those who have been awaiting the return of the King.

This edition contains a copy of the game with exclusive Balls of Steel cover art and the following cool items:

Collectible bust of the greatest alien ass-kicker of all-time
Numbered, limited-edition certificate of authenticity
100-page hardcover book: The History, Legacy & Legend: Duke Nukem Forever Art from the Vault
Duke Nukem Forever postcard series
Duke Nukem Forever radioactive emblem sticker
Duke Nukem Forever collectable comic book
Duke Nukem Forever foldable paper craft
Duke Nukem Forever poker chips
Duke Nukem Forever mini-card deck
Duke Nukem Forever radioactive emblem dice

Duke Nukem is one of the biggest and most recognizable brands in the interactive entertainment industry. Irreverent, politically incorrect, and uber macho, Duke Nukem is the perfect, uncompromising ass-kicking hero to remedy the overdose of today’s gaming archetypes. Duke brings his signature brand of babe-lovin’, cigar-smoking, beer-chugging and ass-kicking action as he saves the Earth and its babes from hordes of invading aliens. Where will you be when Duke Nukem Forever launches? Better mark your calendars, Duke’s legend is being told this May.

Rage website relaunches

gazzara — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:27:25 +0000

ID Software is pleased to announce that they’ve released new screenshots for RAGE. They can check these out on the newly relaunched official site – www.rage.com.

RAGE features intense first-person shooter action, breakneck vehicle combat, an expansive world to explore and jaw-dropping graphics powered by id’s revolutionary id Tech 5 technology. Set in the not-too-distant future after an asteroid impacts Earth, you emerge into a vast wasteland to discover humanity working to rebuild itself against such forces as bandit gangs, mutants, and more. From the pioneers of first-person shooter gameplay, RAGE promises an experience like no other.

RAGE is slated for release on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC in North America on September 13, 2011 and across Europe on September 16, 2011.

Quake Arena Arcade fires onto Xbox Live

gazzara — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:42:43 +0000

Quake Arena Arcade rumbles onto Xbox Live Arcade, introducing the challenge and adrenaline rush of THE definitive, competitive first-person shooter to a new generation of gladiators.

Frag up to fifteen of your best friends, closest enemies or complete strangers in six game types over Xbox Live, including ‘Deathmatch’, ‘Capture the Flag’, and ‘Harvester’ modes.

Humiliate your opponents with twelve brutal weapons including the Lightning Gun, the Chain Gun and the time-honored Rocket Launcher. With over thirty classic maps, twelve Xbox-exclusive arenas, HD and Widescreen support, and a brand new Single Player campaign… experience Quakelike never before.

Key Features:

Enter the Fragfest

Supports up to 16-player ‘Free for All’ and team-based battles over Xbox LIVE and System Link.

Deadly Arenas

Lava-filled ruins, deserted military bases and the chaotic void of outer space are your battlegrounds.

Quad Damage

Over 15 pick-ups, power-ups, items and runes to boost your health, armor, ammo and abilities.

Become an Arena Legend

Compete in over 75 missions, challenges and boss matches, in your pursuit to defeat Xaero, the Arena Champion.

Claw Your Way to the Top

Check your standings against other gladiators on the Xbox LIVE leader boards and earn up to 12 achievements as you fight your way to fame.

Hone Your Skills

Create a custom bot-match in any arena, in any game type.

Quake Arena Arcade is now available on Xbox live for 1200 microsoft points.

Reviewed: Doom II (XBLA)

gazzara — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:15:00 +0000

Everyone who is worth their salt will remember the birth of the modern day fps that was popularised in 1993 by ID Software’s gorefest, Doom.

One of the first games to provide on the PC, 3d spacial awareness with a heady mix of gore, Doom revolutionised the genre and office dogs worldwide linked up their work PC’s for a lunch time session of multiplayer too. So popular was the game that the media soon jumped on the “games need banning” bandwagon and the attention it brought not only helped sell millions of extra copies but cemented Doom’s place in the history of games as one of the defining moments in the genre ever.

Flash forward 17 years and ID Software has ported Doom’s sequel, Doom II to xbox live so that you can relive countless memories of yesteryear on your xbox 360 hard drive. The game itself downloads at just over 36mb and with so many other DLC titles using a lot
more memory you would initially think that not too much attention has been paid to the port itself.

Well, not so. Doom II has been transferred into the marketplace with perfection to the asthetics of the original. All the pixallated graphics are there and the classic look, feel, sound and movement do not seem to be tampered with from what I can remember of the original. For those of you who are too young to remember the original franchise or that their parents wouldn’t allow you to play it, then Doom and Doom II are the original archetypal FPS’s. Simply put, all hell (literally) has broken loose and you must find your way to the exit of each level whilst keeping yourself alive, finding bigger and better weapons to take on the enemy, keeping your ammo well stocked and defeat some meaty bosses to progress and finish the game.

The movement and control system work very well here indeed and many of you will remember cutting your teeth with the simplicity of move, strafe and fire for survival that have grown up with you to this very day. All the controls have been mapped ideally for the xbox 360 control system and geared for today’s traditional FPS layout. That pretty good seeing as there is no way of mapping the buttons yourself.

All the weapons and enemies that were in the original Doom make a welcome return here with some additions to the family to keep you on your toes. There’s nothing like getting down to a small amount of ammo only for one of the dastardly elementals to come around the corner wanting a ruck. Cue the strafing and running to try and protect yourself whilst you hunt around trying to find something to take them down with in what can only be called some of the most well designed fps maps that you will ever come across. Well, you wouldn’t expect anything else from ID Software to be honest as they have spent years getting it bang on in every single game they release. By the way, if you are looking for a beastly weapon then the Super Shottie for the win!

The campaign itself has had an addition of an extra chapter to it. No Rest For The Living is its name so you can expect a few new levels to blast through which adds a little something to it. For those of you who like hunting for secrets then you will get more than your monies worth here for a lot of searching around a level. Big guns can be found ahead of time if you know where to look or are lucky enough to stumble upon it.

As with Doom on XBL, Doom II also has its multiplayer options deeply rooted in within the game. After all, that is partly what it is famed for! Online deathmatches a plenty can be held as well as going local for some friend on friend action. Online, like its predecessor, it does falter a little with lag. It is not that off putting and doesn’t make you feel as though you want to put the game down but it is apparent and something that needs mentioning. But all in all a good blast with plenty of bodies getting mauled and enough to put a smile on your face whilst slaying some random victim has never been so satisfying.

Given the age of Doom II, it stands up very well to the modern day FPS’s. Great level design with rewarding gameplay that is unforgiving and can prove hard as nails will have you spending many an hour trying to complete it. I love the way ID Software has stayed faithful to the original game and not felt the need to cater to the COD generation and adapt the game with modern graphics and some other overhauls. It is definitely worthy of the money to buy it and the reminiscence value itself should be enough for you to want to make the purchase.