QUAKECON INFORMATION ANNOUNCED!

Alert - Quakecon Information Announced!

Originally Published by Blast Away the Game Review on 1/30/2014

Notice: I did not write this article. This is from Bethesda.

2014 Dates Announced

WHAT:

QuakeCon® will once again host thousands of gamers from across the globe for the ultimate video game festival featuring North America’s largest BYOC (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) LAN Party. QuakeCon 2014 is open to the public and attendance is FREE thanks to the support of id® Software and Bethesda Softworks®, the QuakeCon volunteer staff, and the 2014 event sponsors and exhibitors.

WHEN:
QuakeCon will take place Thursday, July 17 – Sunday, July 20, 2014.

WHERE:

The Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas.

You can make room reservations at the Hilton Anatole Hotel by calling 1-800-Hiltons or 1-800-445-8667 or going online to:https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=10750560. Special room rate of $159.00 per night when you reference QuakeCon 2014!

WHY:

In its 19th year, QuakeCon is a non-stop celebration of games and the people who play them, where thousands of gamers join together to play on a world-class network, culminating in North America’s largest BYOC (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) LAN party.

And, of course, QuakeCon also offers plenty of excitement for those who don't bring their own computer. Bethesda will be showing some of their upcoming games and will offer attendees the chance to go hands on with some of their most anticipated titles for the first time. In addition, the world's leading technology companies will be on site demonstrating their latest hardware and software developments. Each day of QuakeCon is packed with game presentations, contests, entertainment, announcements, panel discussions, parties and more!

QuakeCon welcomes a wide array of companies showcasing the industry's most influential games, hardware and services. For information on becoming a QuakeCon exhibitor or sponsor, please email sponsor@quakecon.org.

For more information visit www.quakecon.org.

Imperial Edition for The Elder Scrolls® Online and Online Store!

Imperial Edition for The Elder Scrolls® Online and Online Store!

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 1/30/2014

Written by Dustin Murphy

Are you interested in The Elder Scrolls® Online by Bethesda? I know I have been. The Elder Scrolls® Online has gotten some rock heavy content releases as we approach the release in the upcoming months for PC and later this summer for home consoles. Today our amazing friends over at Bethesda Softworks®, a ZeniMax® Media company, has announced the Imperial Edition of The Elder Scrolls® Online. Us here at B.A.T.G.R. have been given some information to present to you our readers to give you some idea of what it is! They are also happy to announced the newly launched TESO store over at store.elderscrollsonline.com

With the launch of the Imperial Edition once the game releases we've been given an amazing and well sorted list for what will be contained within the Imperial Edition. So lets take a look below. The Elder Scrolls Online Physical Imperial Edition includes:

• Molag Bal Statue. A 12” statue featuring Molag Bal, Daedric Prince of domination and enslavement.
• The Improved Emperor’s Guide to Tamriel. A 224-page illustrated guide annotated by the Imperial scholar, Flaccus Terentius.
• Physical Map of Tamriel. A 21” x 26” printed map detailing Alliance-controlled zones and the ultimate conquest: Cyrodiil. 
• Steelbook™ Packaging. A limited edition steel case decorated in the color of the Imperials.
• Exclusive Collection of Digital Content.
• Play as an Imperial: Become an Imperial and play in any Alliance. -Gain unique bonuses, crafting styles, gear, and more.
• White Imperial Horse: Summon this Imperial mount and journey through Tamriel with speed.
• Mudcrab Vanity Pet: Explore Tamriel with a mudcrab pet scuttling along by your side.
• Rings of Mara: Complete the Ritual of Mara with a friend and receive an experience bonus when you play together.

Unfortunately, the Physical Imperial Edition for TESO is going to be very low in quantity, which means one thing - pre-order now to make sure you get it. The Physical Imperial Edition will run you 99.99 USD before local taxes, which isn't bad for all that is included.

The Elder Scrolls Online Digital Imperial Edition includes the base game and all digital content outlined for the Physical Imperial Edition above and retails for $79.99. Downside? No physical stuff, which is nice stuff to have. Read below for the rest of the information that has been provided by Bethesda/Zenimax regarding this product Quite a bit still to go!

All those who pre-order or pre-purchase either the Imperial Edition or the Standard Edition in physical or digital formats will also receive The Explorer’s Pack bonus at launch, which includes: Scuttler vanity pet, four bonus treasure maps, and the ability to play as any of the nine races in any Alliance.

Early Access bonuses will also be offered to those pre-ordering or pre-purchasing a PC/Mac version. A five (5) day early access bonus will be offered to those who pre-purchase the Digital Imperial Edition or the Digital Standard Edition through The Elder Scrolls Online Store. Additional early access programs are also available through participating retailers.

The Elder Scrolls Online, developed by ZeniMax Online Studios, is the latest chapter of the award-winning franchise and will bring the legendary experience online for the first time. Players can choose their own style of play as they embark upon an epic adventure across all of Tamriel, playing alone on heroic quests as in previous Elder Scrolls games, exploring the huge, rich world with a few friends, or joining with hundreds of others in massive PvP battles to save the Empire.

The Elder Scrolls® Online will be available worldwide on April 4, 2014 for PC and Mac users. Versions for the PlayStation®4 system and the Xbox One® will be arriving on retail shelves in June 2014.


The Elder Scrolls Online has been rated M for Mature by the ESRB.

About ZeniMax Media Inc.
ZeniMax Media is a privately owned media organization headquartered outside Washington DC with international publishing offices in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Eindhoven, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Sydney. Through its subsidiaries, ZeniMax Media creates and publishes original interactive entertainment content for consoles, the PC, and handheld/wireless devices. ZeniMax Media divisions include Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, Arkane Studios, Tango Gameworks, MachineGames, Battlecry Studios, ZeniMax Online Studios, ZeniMax Europe Ltd., ZeniMax Asia K.K., ZeniMax Asia Pacific Limited, and ZeniMax Australia Pty Ltd. For more information on ZeniMax Media, visit: www.zenimax.com.

About Bethesda Softworks
Bethesda Softworks, part of the ZeniMax Media Inc. family of companies, is a worldwide publisher of interactive entertainment software. Titles featured under the Bethesda label include such blockbuster franchises as The Elder Scrolls®, DOOM®, QUAKE®, Fallout®, Wolfenstein®, Dishonored®, Prey® and RAGE®. For more information on Bethesda Softworks’ products, visit www.bethsoft.com.

About ZeniMax Online Studios
ZeniMax Online Studios, a division of ZeniMax Media Inc., was established to become a leading developer of online games, with special focus on Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Games (MMORPGs). ZeniMax Online Studios is located in Hunt Valley, Maryland. For more information on ZeniMax Online Studios, visit www.zenimaxonline.com.

The Elder Scrolls, Skyrim, Bethesda Game Studios, Dishonored, Arkane, The Evil Within, Tango Gameworks, MachineGames, Battlecry Studios, Prey, Bethesda, Bethesda Softworks, ZeniMax and their related logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of ZeniMax Media Inc. in the United States and/or in other countries. Fallout is a registered trademark or trademark of Bethesda Softworks LLC in the United States and/or in other countries. id, id Software, DOOM, QUAKE, Wolfenstein and RAGE are registered trademarks or trademarks of id Software LLC in the United States and/or in other countries. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. “PS4” is a trademark of the same company. Other product and company names referenced herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved.

YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z Special Edition Announced!

Special Edition for Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z Announced!

Originally Published by Blast Away the Game Review on 1/29/2014

Notice: A message from our friends over at Team NINJA!

Posted by: Dustin Murphy.

Tecmo Koei America today announced details for the Special Edition of YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z. The Special Edition, containing exciting free extras, will be available at launch in limited supply for fans that purchase the retail game for either the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft or PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system when it launches on March 18th. Additionally, Team NINJA today released new screenshots of the bloodthirsty cyber ninja Yaiba Kamikaze going toe-to-toe with the legendary leader of the Hayabusa Clan, Ryu Hayabusa.

The Special Edition of YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z will include an exclusive full color comic book by Dark Horse Comics, exclusive Yaiba themed DLC costumes for both Ryu Hayabusa and Momiji for use in Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate and an original soundtrack in both the PS3 (via download voucher) and Xbox360 (included on physical disc) versions. The limited run can be picked up wherever copies are sold while supplies last. In celebration of this news, Team NINJA has released new assets giving fans a sneak peak at the chaos that will ensue when these two shadow warriors collide.

The sparks from katana fly in all new in-game screenshots as Yaiba comes face to face with the steely gaze of the ultimate ninja, Ryu Hayabusa. Spoiler alert: Yaiba doesn’t care. His lust for revenge burns deep within every aching cyber implant. Even with Momiji in the background supporting Ryu, Yaiba plans to use his cyber fists and bloody fail to make Ryu feel his pain. But, Ryu is no chump. A master of elemental ninpo, skilled combatant of both sword and bow, the dragon ninja has no plans of being bested by this cyber freak. Can Yaiba withstand Ryu’s barrage of ninpo magic and avoid falling victim of the Izuna Drop or is he doomed for the same cold fate yet again?

In YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z, players will battle fierce zombies as Yaiba, a cyborg ninja who will do anything to get revenge and stay alive. Cleaved in two, he is brought back to life with cyber-technology. Brandishing his ninja sword and the mecha weapons in his cyber arm, he slaughters zombies with brutal, over-the-top abandon. Step into a stylized living comic book where stunning graphics depict a world gone mad. Hordes of undead can only be stopped by Yaiba’s willingness to use any means necessary to get the job done. Will he kill by turning his cyber arm into a razor chainsaw for slicing up undead—or just rip off an opponent’s arms to use as zombie nunchucks? Both possibilities fill Yaiba’s heart with twisted laughter in this upcoming collaboration between famed developers Team NINJA and comcept’s Keiji Inafune.

YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z will be available for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Steam® (PC) March 18, 2014. This title has been rated M (Mature) by the ESRB.

More information about YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z can be found atwww.YaibaNGZ.com, on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/YaibaNinjaGaidenZ and Twitterhttps://twitter.com/YaibaNGZ.

For more news about Team NINJA, visit http://teamninja-studio.com/, and don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/teamninjastudio and follow us on Twitter @TeamNINJAStudio.

Toukiden: Age of Demons PS Vita Demo Out Now

Toukiden: The Age of Demons Demo Available Now for PS Vita!

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 1/22/2014

Written by Dustin Murphy

As of today (January 22nd, 2014) the now launched demo for Toukiden: The Age of Demons can now be found on the PlayStation®. The game itself is slated to release on February 11th, 2014 in North America.

The demo spans over the first and second chapters of the game, the demo will run players an expected 10 hours, which includes the games full character creation, all six weapon types and equipment upgrades. What does this mean? An amazing set up to welcome players to the new entry to the PlayStation® Vita. With it comes a trial of the online portion, which allows players to take part in a rather large role in the games team focus for Toukiden: The Age of Demons. In the release verion of the game, players will be able to team up with three other players in order to try and defeat the Oni. Want more? Well the demo also allows players to fully experience the battle system as well as co-op with up to seven multiplayer missions for them to take head on.

Players can carry on their save data-equipment, obtained weapons, armor, mitama, materials (up to 30 slots), story progress, and a part of their Haku (in-game currency of course)- over to the full version of the game.

Following a ground breaking success in Japan, with sales reaching 470,000 units (a feat all the more impressive for an original IP) Toukiden: The Age of Demons is bringing the fight for survival across North America on February 11, 2014.

To keep updated on TOUKIDEN: THE AGE OF DEMONS news please follow us on: www.facebook.com/koeigames and follow our blog at www.tecmokoeiamerica.com/toukiden/.

Summary

Set against a backdrop inspired by various historical periods of Japan, TOUKIDEN: THE AGE OF DEMONS tells the tale of humanity’s last stand for survival. When monstrous demons (Oni) of varying strength and size invaded the world through cracks in space and time and started attacking humans, the only opposition came from the Slayers; a caste that has always secretly protected mankind from their murderous intent.

Eight years after time warped and Oni appeared, a brave young Slayer embarks on a journey to thin the numbers of the enemy and help humanity survive. Players take the role of this young warrior and can fully customise their characters, weapons and armour and form a group of hunters to take down the destructive Oni.

About TECMO KOEI AMERICA CORP:

TECMO KOEI AMERICA CORP. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Burlingame, California. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of TECMO KOEI HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. TECMO is best known for the Dead or Alive®, Ninja Gaiden®, Tecmo Bowl®, and Fatal Frame® series. KOEI is best known for its Dynasty Warriors® and Samurai Warriors® franchises. On April 1, 2009, TECMO KOEI HOLDINGS CO., LTD was established as a result of the TECMO, LTD. and KOEI Co., Ltd. merger.

Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z Digital Comic Announced

Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z Digital Comic Series Announced

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 1/22/2014

Written by Dustin Murphy

Notice: Check out Blast Away the Game Review for the full gallery for the first three pages.

 Interested in Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z like many others? Want to know a bit of how it started? You're in luck. Earlier today Team NINJA and Dark Horse Comics has announced that they are have started up a three part Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z series, which will provide a backstory behind the events that lead up to the launching title. Yaiba will take a break from his day job of slaughtering countless hordes of zombies in the entry comic to tell a tale of his sword's history so that it could become known as "Heartless" as he recounts the origin story of Miss Monday. Interested still? Initially releasing as a digital title, the comic will release beside the game, allowing for a hands on impression of it as a physical release.

 Wanting a release date? Don't hold your breath too much longer, we'll be seeing it here in North America on March 18th of this year. the series is brought to life by Writers Tim Seeley and Josh Emmons, Arist Rafael Ortiz, Colorist Carlos Badilla with special cover art by James Harren. The comic will be available for free as a download over at www.digital.darkhorse.com, as well as through the Dark Horse Comics app (available through both iTunes & Google Play). Additional information can be found over at this ?URL: https://digital.darkhorse.com/profile/4128.yaiba-ninja-gaiden-z-1/

Original Information about the upcoming title:
In YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z, players will battle fierce zombies as Yaiba, a cyborg ninja who will do anything to get revenge and stay alive. Cleaved in two, he is brought back to life with cyber-technology. Brandishing his ninja sword and the mecha weapons in his cyber arm, he slaughters zombies with brutal, over-the-top abandon. Step into a stylized living comic book where stunning graphics depict a world gone mad. Hordes of undead can only be stopped by Yaiba’s willingness to use any means necessary to get the job done. Will he kill by turning his cyber arm into a razor chainsaw for slicing up undead—or just rip off an opponent’s arms to use as zombie nunchucks? Both possibilities fill Yaiba’s heart with twisted laughter in this collaboration between famed developers Team NINJA and comcept’s Keiji Inafune.

YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z will be available for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Steam® (PC) March 18, 2014. This title has been rated M (Mature) by the ESRB.

More information about YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z can be found at www.YaibaNGZ.com, on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/YaibaNinjaGaidenZ and Twitter: https://twitter.com/YaibaNGZ.

For more news about Team NINJA, visit: http://teamninja-studio.com/, and don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/teamninjastudio and follow us on Twitter @TeamNINJAStudio.

Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z Not Planned for PS Vita or 3DS Currently.

Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z on Handheld? Team NINJA Responds

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 1/21/2014

Written by Dustin Murphy

  As always, I'm excited when you the readers ask questions whether here (our Facebook Page), Twitter, or even on Google+. It shows us that you the readers are curious and one of the big ones I've gotten is simple; will the latest installment go to handheld? Well I hate saying this, but at this moment, no. According to our contacts over at Tecmo Koei and Team NINJA, there is no plans at this time to deviate from their currently development path. Luckily though, those of you still interested in playing it can still get it on PC, 360 and PS3. We hope to see the next generation hit the line up in the future.

Official Statement:

  "So as of now Tecmo and Team NINJA have only announced the Xbox 360, PS3 and Steam (PC) versions of Yaiba. We unfortunately don’t have any other news beyond that at the moment, but we will definitely keep you posted if and when additional skus are announced." - Tecmo Koei PR

We here at B.A.T.G.R. will also keep you informed. Stay tuned for upcoming news and reviews.

Deception IV: Blood Ties for PS3 and PS Vita Release Date Announced

Tecmo Koei's Deception IV: Blood Ties Release Date Announced

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 1/17/2014

Written by Dustin Murphy

For official screenshots and artwork: Deception IV: Blood Ties Gallery 

In an email from Tecmo Koei on the behalf of them are excited to tell you that their newest and upcoming title for the PS Vita, Deception IV: Blood Ties, will launch in North America on March 25th of this year. So what does that mean? PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®Vita owners, grab your handhelds, dust them off, and get ready for a strategy focused game to refresh your consoles with if you've been on your PlayStation®4's.

This game is an imaginative follow up of their classic title, "Tecmo's Deception", which many of you will remember as a 1996 release on the original PlayStation®. Many of you will enjoy the twisted take of playing on the side of evil taking on a strategic offensive. What's this game's focus? Well let us tell you! Deception IV: Blood Ties is a strategy-focused action game revolving around a deceitful main character known as the Devil's daughter, whom is assisted by three demonic thralls, whom she uses to help defeat her enemies through trickery. Interested yet? Keep reading as we give you a bit more taste for this game.

In the game as mentioned you are playing the Devil's daughter, Laegrinna, an animated fragment of an imprisoned Devil's soul. While battling her way through enemies, she is mischievously luring them into a rather deadly trap filled area, which she tricks them into by luring them out. Want to know more? Your traps include rolling blouders, spiked walls to spring boards, iron maidens, human cannons (queue crash dummies), falling bathtubs (who ever said a bath couldn't be deadly?), and our probably going to be favorite of all, deadly banana peels. You - the player can choose from a rather satisfying multitude of dramatic, sadistic, and rather comical traps to help finish off the enemy, and let us say; we don't expect it to be anything less than your play style and sense of humor.

However, as stated by the team, simply setting traps is not enough, as they will need to be activated in turn. Timing in this will play a very important role, as untimely activation's could play a deadly role, such as killing your own character in a trap, or even causing enemies to catch her. With all this comes something rather useful though, depending on which way and enemy is killed and or captured, the Devil's three servants - Veruza, Caelea and Lilia (each representing a different aspect of cruelty: Sadistic Torment, Elaborate Death, and Humiliating Demise) - will reward points and of course upgraded traps. Who doesn't want a banana peel that could become more deadlier and humiliating?

Those playing the PlayStation®3 version of DECEPTION IV: BLOOD TIES will be able to upload their combos online or challenge other players to beat their highest-scoring, funniest, or most sadistic combos.

The PlayStation®Vita version boasts additional features, like Cross Play and Cross Saves between PS3/ PSVITA and touch-screen functions to select and activate traps.

For more information please check out our friends below:

DECEPTION IV: BLOOD TIES is produced by the creator of Fatal Frame, Keisuke Kikuchi and developed by Tecmo Koei. The franchise as a whole has sold more than 800,000 copies globally. For more news and information on DECEPTION IV: BLOOD TIES please follow us on https://www.facebook.com/tecmokoeiamerica or visit www.tecmokoeiamerica.com/deception4. This title has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

TECMO KOEI AMERICA CORP. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Burlingame, California. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of TECMO KOEI HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. TECMO is best known for the Dead or Alive®, Ninja Gaiden®, Tecmo Bowl®, and Fatal Frame® series. KOEI is best known for its Dynasty Warriors® and Samurai Warriors® franchises. On April 1, 2009, TECMO KOEI HOLDINGS CO., LTD was established as a result of the TECMO, LTD. and KOEI Co., Ltd. merger.

Opinion: Are Games Not Being Properly Developed?

Opinion: Are Games Not Being Properly Developed?

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 1/14/2014

Written by Dustin Murphy

 As gamer's we are all used to one thing; patches. Patches are becoming a bigger thing than ever with the release of newer games and consoles. It seems that many of these games are getting them more consistently now than ever within the past few years. Some of these updates also include day one updates just for games to work the way they should have right out of the box. Does this seem to be an epidemic that is now a mindset that the industry has taken on as a whole?

 In late November we got a peek at what became one of the biggest ill-received launches in gaming history (or at least for me) with Battlefield 4. The game itself is plagued with bugs, patches, and now some stability tweaks to make sure the game functions as it should have when it launched on all major platforms with the exception of the Wii U. It makes it seem as if the gaming industry has forgotten how to be proud of a product, to show that they care, and have thoroughly tested it. This only seems to be an occurrence with the more recent titles as they launch or have launched. What is the cause of this? Well my take is simple - launch windows. It seems that developers are concerned about making launch windows, that they are running out of time, and that they hurt their profits as well as reputations by taking their time. The biggest and most noticeable push back is Watch_Dogs by Ubisoft. Supposed to have launched in November of 2013, Watch_Dogs was set to storm the new consoles with a host of features no game has had to date, and that was its pull. Now with games such Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Infamous: Second Son (set to launch in February of this year), and now Battlefield 4 being out interest is being lost.

 What was the reason for the delay? Well according to Ubisoft's statements that are floating around the news industry, it's because of quality of the game, and that is something they've stood firm on since the announcement at E3 in 2012. We can only hope that this shows that having delayed a game does not necessarily mean the product will hurt because of it. With it having been a launch title for the PlayStation 4 and XBox One the stock's that Ubisoft has did see a bit of a punch. Though does this set a practice that many game companies can afford to do? Some of them can't. With smaller companies such as XSeed, Atlus, the once hurting Capcom, these sales are something they need in order to keep bringing games across the shores, which leads to their amazing attention to detail and polished games when they launch.

 With many games launching across the next generation of consoles, we can only hope that highly polished games become a practice, and if it doesn't? Expect a lot of updates in the future of a game. 

 A good showing of this is the state that Battlefield 4 is currently in. The game has been struggling since it's launch back in November of 2013. The game has been suffering from graphics bugs, game stability problems, and of course game save bugs for next generation consoles and reportedly PC. This is starting to make many gamer's lose trust in Electronic Arts as a whole. Unfortunately as a publisher, it also could effect their upcoming games by developer BioWare who has been hard at work on their next installments for Dragon Age and Mass Effect. Hopefully we don't see this coming up in the future of Electronic Arts published games. Another good example of this problem is Silent Hill HD on the XBox 360. Unfortunately this game saw many bugs with the XBox 360 version including the following: FPS drops, save data corruptions, console hard-locks related to Silent Hill 3, and of course bugs that allowed for puzzles to be incomplete. While the PS3 version saw a host of bug fixes, we are stuck on the XBox 360 having an unplayable game that was replaced by Konami for different games, but only to people who had bought the game at launch. Unfortunately this demonstrates that the practice has surfaced once before from a famed and classic franchise.

 One of the biggest demonstrations though of a troubled game is Aliens: Colonial Marines published by SEGA. The title has set itself up to be one of the most amazingly realistic Aliens games to hit the market. The title originally intended to put players in a ultra-realistic setting that mimicked the realistic and terrifying atmosphere that Ridley Scott had created back in 1986 with Aliens. As the game got delayed multiple times over the span of countless years, players, SEGA, and even the industry seemed to suspect something was wrong with the development process over at Gearbox. Unfortunately to many who didn't know, the game was passed off to multiple studios, and the failure to communicate began. With little help from Gearbox according to sources that remained anonymous to multiple gaming news sites, the game was suffering major problems as Gearbox focused on Borderlands 2, which was already working on new downloadable content. As the work was sent to TimeGate as well as Nerve Software, things seemed to unravel, and that's when it fell apart. Unfortunately what was released to the gaming community demonstrated how bad the game had suffered in its development process. Though this easily reflects the lack of interest that's taken into games by other parties than those whom had passion for them. While the game itself suffered from the lack of graphics displayed at more than one convention and of course even seemed half-developed, the story while odd remained interesting, and in some way became the only redeeming factor of the title itself. 

 However, the above mentioned also demonstrates an idea that sometimes the passion just isn't there, that the drive to make the most astounding and well rounded game isn't being tried for. This is becoming a problem that many gamer's have yet to truly say anything about and when they do, they get lashed out by developers, and of course made to feel as if they don't matter. Hopefully, we see this change in the future. If not, the future of gaming could be grim, and that's not something many gamer's can hope for or want.

 When you buy a game are you used to day one updates? Do you think games aren't being thoroughly enough worked on? Let me know in the comments your stance on this and what you expect from a game when it launches.

Battlefield 4 Gets Patched Heavily Once More (Updated with XBox One Notes)

Battlefield 4 Gets a Barrage of Updates for Multiple Platforms

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 1/14/2014

Source: Battlelog - Battlefield Control Center

Written by Dustin Murphy

 Battlefield 4 has seen the rockiest launch of any game I've ever owned when it comes to bugs. From crashing, to losing saves, to funny UI issues, it's been a travesty for those involved. Unfortunately it has also earned Battlefield creator D.I.C.E. to almost be fully discredited due to them being owned by parent company Electronic Arts. Fortunately it seems D.I.C.E. has listened to their fans and begun to work on improvements that "should" fix the game. For the notes read below:

[Updated]

[Jan 14 Xbox One Updates Notes]

• Various fixes for improving general stability
• Fixed various random deadlocks (the so called "sound loop crash")
• Fixed flickering in map and minimap on Rogue Transmission and Operation Locker
• Fixed issue with player spawning under the map in Lancang Dam
• Fixed broken collision on containers with open doors. The bug previously made grenades bounce back even though the doors were open
• Fixed an occasional bug where players could experience intermittent engine sound dropouts when driving wheeled IFVs
• Fixed camera glitch when switching weapons while moving in crouch
• China Rising: Fixed animation glitch for motorbike passengers ocuring when aiming
• Increased damage by 25% for the Stealth Jet 20mm cannons
• Normalized repair rates across all vehicles. Vehicles with lower health points, like aircraft and transport vehicles, now repair more slowly than before
• Fixed a bug where the M1 Abrams Coaxial HMG ammo box was occasionally blocking the driver's camera
• Fix for friendly marker not always showing when needed to, resulting in players shooting team members
• Fixed problem with killer health in kill card not being correctly updated (showing 100% health even though the soldier was hurt)
• Fixed a bug where players' rank icons in the scoreboard would not be updated
• Fixed issue with soldier health showing 1 HP in killcard instead of 0 HP
• Fixed a player feedback timing issue where blood was appearing before other damage indicators, and before damage was actually done
• Reduced the risk of single player campaign save file becoming corrupt

[Original Post]

| Jan 13 PC Game Update Notes |

-Various fixes for improving general stability 
-Fixed a memory leak issue occurring after level shutdowns, which could result in a out-of-memory crash in longer play sessions 
-Additional fix for the "sound loop" deadlock when running High/Ultra graphics settings 
-Added a warning for using Legacy AMD drivers that were out of date 
-Fixed a player feedback timing issue where blood was appearing before other damage indicators, and before damage was actually done 
-Fixed a bug where players’ rank icons on the scoreboard would not be updated 
-Fix for Asian users unable to start Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4 on Windows 8.1 
-Normalized repair rates across all vehicles. 
-Fixed problem with killer health in kill card not being correctly updated (showing 100% health even though the soldier was hurt)
-Fix for friendly marker not always showing when needed to, resulting in players shooting team members 
-Fixed a bug where a Main Battle Tank Coaxial HMG ammo box was occasionally blocking the driver’s camera 
-Increased damage by 25% for the Stealth Jet 20mm cannons. 
-Stealth Jets now have more similar handling attributes to each other. F35 & J-20 are slightly more agile, Su-50 is less agile. 
-Attack Jets now have more similar handling attributes to each other, and all 3 are now slightly less agile than earlier 
-Fixed camera glitch when switching weapons while moving in crouch 
-Fixed an occasional bug where players could experience intermittent engine sound dropouts when driving wheeled IFVs 
-Fix for player spawning under the map when deploying on Lancang Dam 
-Fixed flickering in map and minimap on Rogue Transmission and Operation Locker

| Jan 14 PS3 Game Update Notes | 

-Various fixes for improving general stability 
-Fixed a player feedback timing issue where blood was appearing before other damage indicators, and before damage was actually done 
-Fix for bug where it looked like soldier was dying with 1 health instead of 0 
-Fixed a bug where players’ rank icons on the scoreboard would not be updated 
-Normalized repair rates across all vehicles. Vehicles with lower health points, like aircraft and transport vehicles, now repair more slowly than before 
-Fixed problem with killer health in kill card not being correctly updated (showing 100% health even though he was just hurt) 
-Fix for friendly marker not always showing when needed to, resulting in players shooting team members 
-Fixed a bug where the M1 Abrams Coaxial HMG ammo box was occasionally blocking the driver’s camera 
-Increased damage by 25% for the Stealth Jet 20mm cannons 
-Stealth Jets now have more similar handling attributes to eachother. F35 & J-20 are slightly more agile, Su-50 is less agile 
-Attack Jets now have more similar handling attributes to each other, and all 3 are now slightly less agile than earlier 
-Fixed camera glitch when switching weapons while moving in crouch 
-Fixed an occasional bug where players could experience intermittent engine sound dropouts when driving wheeled IFVs 
-China Rising: Fixed animation glitch for motorbike passengers ocuring when aiming 
-Fix for first and third person soldier animations being out of sync while doing transition changes. This could potentially make the player get hit while in cover behind a wall or other obstacle

| Jan 14 PS4 Game Update Notes |

-Various fixes for improving general stability 
-Fixed flickering in map and minimap on Rogue Transmission and Operation Locker 
-Fixed issue with player spawning under the map in Lancang Dam
-Increased damage by 25% for the Stealth Jet 20mm cannons 
-Normalized repair rates across all vehicles. Vehicles with lower health points, like aircraft and transport vehicles, now repair more slowly than before 
-Fixed a bug where the M1 Abrams Coaxial HMG ammo box was occasionally blocking the driver’s camera 
-Fix for friendly marker not always showing when needed to, resulting in players shooting team members 
-Fixed problem with killer health in kill card not being correctly updated (showing 100% health even though the soldier was hurt)
-EU Players: Fixed bug where game wouldn’t start when when the console was running in any of these languages: Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Czech, Brazilian Portuguese 
-Fix for bug where it looked like soldier was dying with 1 health instead of 0 
-Fixed a player feedback timing issue where blood was appearing before other damage indicators, and before damage was actually done

 For those of you wondering it seems that theese are the official notes that are coming out of D.I.C.E. and are targeting the most troubled versions. However, we are not sure where the notes are for the XBox 360 and the XBox One are, but we can only assume they are coming soon or are close if not similar to that of the PS3 and PS4 notes. If you have downloaded these patches are and experiencing bugs, let us know in the comments below, and what you did to experience them. We also always suggest letting the developers know over at Battlefield here on Facebook or even the Battlelog below.

Current 2014 Game Release List

Current 2014 Game Release List

Originally Published on Blast Away the Game Review on 1/13/2014

Edited by Dustin Murphy

Upcoming Games for 2014 (Will be updated):

Note: Some Dates are possible place holders

1/28: Tomb Raider Definitive Edition (PS4/X1)

2/7: Bravely Default (3DS)

2/11: Toukiden: The Age of Demons (Vita)

2/18: Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII (PS3/360)

2/18: Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare (X1/360)

2/18: Ragnarok Odyssey ACE (PS3/Vita)

2/18: Rayman Legends (PS4/X1)

2/21: Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U)

2/25: Thief (PC/PS4/X1)

3/11: Dark Souls II (PS3/360)

3/11: Titanfall (PC/X1/360)

3/18: Final Fantasy X-X2 HD (PS3/Vita)

3/18: Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes (PS3/PS4/X1/360)

3/25: Diablo III: Reaper of Souls (PC)

3/31: Dying Light (PC/PS3/PS4/X1/360)

3/31: LEGO The Movie (3DS/PC/PS3/PS4/X1/Wii U/Vita/360)

3/31: LEGO The Hobbit (3DS/PC/PS3/PS4/X1/Wii U/Vita/360)

4/15: Conception II: Children of the Seven Stars (Vita)

4/22: Demon Gaze (Vita)

5/1: Bayonetta 2 (Wii U)

5/31: Mad Max ((3DS/PC/PS3/PS4/X1/Wii U/Vita/360)

6/30: Watch Dogs (3DS/PC/PS3/PS4/X1/Wii U/Vita/360)

Kickstarter Project - Dodge Wars: Battle for Mount Olypmus

Dodge Wars: Battle for Mount Olympus on Kickstarter

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 1/12/14

Written by Dustin Murphy

 Before I even go on to go about mentioning things on this game, I want to first and fore most point out, Angie was one to actually bring this to light for me. When it comes to kick starters, indie and or arcade games, I'm all about supporting them when it comes to independent games looking to make it out, but sometimes the resources just aren't there. What drew my attention to Dodge Wars: Battle for Mount Olypmus was simple - creativity. The game boasts itself as a competition between the youthful deities in their younger days versing the well known Titans in a individual story each character has that is told in a comic book-esque style. What seemed attractive about the game is the sheer originality behind it, something that allows for a unique game to possibly sprout from Kickstarter kind of like Mighty No. 9, and even Warframe. Not that this game will have the scale of players or possible attractiveness to it, but it seems like one to look into none-the-less. 

 The demo video is pre-rendered it seems using alpha-gameplay footage, with some very nicely touched up animations, and alpha models. The game also boasts character customization with armor, specials and of course abilities as each character has their own. The game also speaks of a 3v3 multiplayer lobby allowing for players to go head to head with 5 friends (6 players with you included) on teams of three. What seems fun about this idea is the fact it's focus is on community, getting out, having fun, and overall pelting each other with dodge-balls.

 Some of the pledge possibilities include (the best ones starting at 12 dollars) a DRM free soundtrack in MP3 format, or for fifteen dollars PSN/PC Codes (PS4 only folks) with an Armor of the Olympian, Armor of Leviathan, portal arena, and all previous tiers. Some of the tiers include game code(s) for PC/PSN (PS4), character armors, work with the development tea, and so forth. The game already seems to be heading towards the needed fifty thousand dollar goal, but it would be nice to see it actually make head way and for players that truly are anticipating such a creative title to jump on board. We can only hope the game is absolutely fun as it looks. For more information on Dodge Wars: Battle for Mount Olympus, take the link below, and check it out. For those wanting to donate, this game looks like one meant to have fun, and we can only hope that it gets a solid release.

To pledge or to find more information: Kickstarter - Dodge Wars: Battle for Mt. Olypmus

Note: At this time kick-starter codes for PSN are only available for North America.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance for PC Works Offline With Update

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance for PC Works Offline With Update

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 1/10/2014

Written by Dustin Murphy

Source: Polygon

 It's always unfortunate to hear about games that run into issues with online connectivity being required. It's even worse when the Windows PC or MAC version of a game depends on a connection even though there is not a multiplayer aspect of it. Unfortunately the consumers who bought the Windows PC Version of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance were recently plagued by this issue. However, thanks to Konami, according to Polygon, this has been taken care of.

 According to their article, the game was patched last night and now will allow players to play the game as it was intended to, offline or online depending on player preference. For those that download the new version of the game post-patch will not run into this problem according to their article, which states each comment was made by Steven Key, Konami's European Brand Manager for Kojima Productions.

 For the full article take the link below.

Polygon - Metal Gear Rising Revengeance Patched to Fix Offline Play on Windows PC

Opinion: Should Game Reboots Stop?

Opinion: Should Game Reboots Stop?

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 1/10/2014

Written by Dustin Murphy

 Gaming has always had games that cease to amaze and shine throughout the years as they pass. However, what happens to those that could have kept going, but didn't? In recent years we've seen famed franchises get their reboot, a spin off, eighth or ninth game (not including all the spin offs that had possibilities) or ones that just simply died due to reboots. With Square-Enix having decided recently to once more re-release the famed reboot of Tomb Raider, it was surprising not to see a big tide of fans say they would or would not get it, and simply because it's full price. Lets not forget the glamorous and love-to-hate Dante from the new DMC Devil May Cry, which was quite enjoyable compared to the originals. When such high money drawing names, should reboots end, and if so where?

 Within recent years we've seen games like Silent Hill, Hitman, Resident Evil, and even Tomb Raider take a leap into sales, some good and some bad. For the first three? Not so good as the series seem to be growing stale, losing steam, and overall lacking innovation that made the other games just what they were - classics. With the return of Resident Evil in Resident Evil 6, the wear and tear of the series began to show for the worst, which is not saying a lot for a series that originated back in the days of PlayStation One. After the events of the series, it seemed Resident Evil trying to take on multiple stories has finally lost direction, has begun to tail spin, and unfortunately break down from the course it originated with. Capcom has also stated that they aren't seeing a reboot as a possibility with the next generation of consoles (which are of course available now). With a reboot we can only hope that the series goes to take a spin for the better with keeping to a story that actually makes sense, doesn't span multiple story paths, nor gets itself lost. Unfortunately, this has shown a few times, Hitman being one of them with Hitman Absolution. Unfortunately the game took a great spin in the right direction, but with rumors having been coursing out over time of a cancellation, we can only hope the reassurances of a cancellation not having happened runs true. 

 With reboots being more of a common thing, should we grow comfortable with it, should the gaming industry listen to the fans, or should we just let games die a peaceful death instead of running them into the ground?

 With the question above being one that is so loosely worded, it can be assumed that there are a few possibilities. One of them I would like to think should be the path of listening to us, the community, the gamer's, the people that drive business, and of course not running a series into the ground. Luckily we've seen a few reboots that deserved a head nod in their direction, but in contrast, we've also seen a few that should be locked in a vault, never released, nor mentioned again. What series are those you may mention? Well I could be broad, mean, and absolutely horrific, but I'm not so lets leave that to your imagination as we all have our own lists of disapproval. However! Lets state that reboots are not always bad, take Parasite Eve's third entry, The Third Birthday, which was a stellar remake. The Third Birthday featured amazing mechanics that played upon the original story, mechanics, appearances, background, and theory. For the first time ever, we were also able to have a full voice acted Aya Brea, which did not disappoint. With Square-Enix though can we really expect any less? It's only a wonder if we will see this "reboot" of sorts continue on and breath life into a series that is classic, carries a heavy fan base, and has a lot of potential to feed off the ending of Parasite Eve: The Third Birthday.

 Is there any other series that could use a reboot? Well there are a few, but some of them are best let where they rare, and for good reason. Series such as Onimusha, Genji, and even Dino Crisis have found themselves in a grave where it is best left to rest. That being due to a story conflict, lack of profit, or just a series that had no true room left to maneuver from the spot it was left in.

  We know you readers have a bit of gaming history in you and have a series you would love to see remade, rebooted, or even remastered, and guess what? We want to know what those games are in the comments section below. Want to speak your opinion? We take positive and negative feedback and also will respond to private messages if sent if you wish not to speak publicly. 

Alien: Isolation - Trailer First Impressions - Can Anyone Hear You Scream in Outer Space?

Aliens: Isolation - Trailer Impressions

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 1/7/2014

Written by Dustin Murphy

 When it comes to the Alien universe created by Ridley Scott, I'm a stickler for detail, atmosphere, and true-raw-fear. Unfortunately the last installment into the Alien universe concerned me after having seen multiple delays starting back with the announcement on PS2 by publisher SEGA. Over the years the game had gone through multiple transitions of what we would consider development flops. After having gone through so many, it was clear on launch something went wrong, and we got to experience it first hand. Aliens: Colonial Marines, was what I considered an absolute abomination graphically, atmospherically, and play wise. The story one the other hand was the only redeeming factor behind it. After having put my distaste back into place for the damage it suffered, I was truly able to enjoy it, and unfortunately not as much as I had hoped.

  This afternoon though that hope was reignited when the trailer for the new horror survival title, "Aliens: Isolation" premiered on SEGA's YouTube page, I was amazed, and left truly shaken. The fear I had once had instilled into me by the original movie, once more returned, and left me weak at my core. It left the fact that the first time I saw a chest buster, Xenomorph, and crazed robot forever stained in my head become renewed. With the work Creative Assembly and SEGA have put into it in coordination with Century 21, we can only hope to get a true Alien movie experience. Seemingly taking place sometime between Alien and Aliens or maybe even Aliens and Alien 3, we can assume that we are taking on the role of someone in Ripley's family and are looking for a mother, sister, grandmother, and or aunt only to start uncovering a truly gritty, fog filled, light flashing, pulse pounding, scream filled, metal clanking, outer space horrorfest. Why do I say this? With the history of the Alien series, I can only suspect a few things, SEGA will not disappoint (or so we hope) and give us an authentic game that isn't focused just on dark corridors, Xenomorph nest like areas, and of course awkward human like Alien creatures. As a fan of the series, it's hard not to be a bit disappointed in the past few (AvP or Aliens: Colonial Marines anyone?) installments. With a restored hope, it can only be wondered how this will go down, how we can see things going, and the direction it takes. My own questions are still the following:

• When is this taking place?
• If it's a horror survival, which it appears to be, what game mechanics will be present?
• Will the story be told through voice over communications, data logs, and or video recordings?
• Where is the game taking place? LV-92? The starship? Mother (the original ship)? Earth? A moon? A Weyland Corporation base? Too many scenarios for this one.
• Why are we there? Are we looking for Ripley and the missing team? 
• How will the game place itself in a cannon like setting story wise or will it be its own thing?

 With the game having been in production for over 3 years, we can only hope that Sega and Creative Assembly can restore the player fan base, and of course faith in the Alien games. Only time can tell. Stay tuned as we have reached out to Creative Assembly for more information on this game.

 Official Trailer will require a log-in via YouTube, and also requires verification that you are at least 18 years of age or older. Alien: Isolation - Official Trailer

Warframe PS4 Hands on Impressions - Ninjas Play Free (Game Version Update 11)

Warframe Hands on Impressions for PlayStation 4

Originally Published and Copyrighted by Blast Away the Game Review on 1/7/2014

Written by Dustin Murphy

Pros:

• Easy to access mission listing through the "Play" option.
• Main menu is easy to navigate and very self explanatory.
• Controls are easy to learn and take on the Dualshock 4 quite well.
• Characters are easy to farm and allow for a wide variety of roles.
• Very well crafted Free to Play that doesn't encourage money use.
• Future cross-play with PC will allow for a large population of players.
• Very group oriented game that focuses on community via clans and item research only available via clan.

Cons:

• Inventory slots are highly a highly recommended purchase for those who wish to expand their Warframe collection and or weapons.
• Alerts sometimes won't show correctly and or bug the main menu with the arsenal appearance.
• Four Revives a day sets a challenge higher than some players may be used to.
• Mission bugs such as lag, texture loading, disconnects, and failed to join player can become an issue.

  When it comes to Warframe it's hard to even give the game a review score or even visit it like a review since all in all, at its core, this game is a free-to-play space ninja dungeon crawler. When it comes to free-to-play titles, I'm not unknown to their costs, that I will have to pay into it; this is no different. Warframe is what I would consider as my personal flagship title for Sony's PlayStation 4, this bodes well for the console as well as the game, and has lived up to the expectation. With only a few minor hiccups, bugs, and disconnects as well as the slow loader; Warframe has yet to cease in making me want to play it. As a title that focuses on a conflict between the threats of the universe; Corpus, Grineer, and Infested. Players will find themselves waging missions against each faction, which in turn is an attempt to stop a ruling corruption from occurring, which is where the Warframes take part. With a story that is heavily codex oriented, players are highly suggested to scan enemies, loot crates, and interactive pieces in order to get more information pertaining to these. Why? Well it will simplify much of the information and questions that a player may have.

  In Warframe there is quite an interesting fact that many will state - pay to win. When it comes to Warframe many will take that stance due to the fact the title is a free to play, but one that does not eat at your wallet, and does not force you to spend. Instead I would like to refer the game like I would titles such as Hellgate: London (You know, that World of Warcraft meets Diablo MMO back on Windows XP?). Instead of fighting ugly demons, running through Piccadilly Square, and parts of London, Warframe puts players in outer space and in control of a ninja called a Tenno. Tenno being the race of people who use the Warframes. With the game we see several very familiar aspects; classes, abilities, and weapons. Different set ups you say?! Well yes I do. These set up allow for a very different play style for each person, not limited to different powers, weapons, mods (think of them as upgrades since they are) and of course polarization (resetting of item or Warframe). Do not when doing this polarization, you do get more powerful in the long run, but do note; it will not effect your overall rank anymore after the first set of thirty levels. Now back to the focus point. When it comes down to it, Warframe is a game that focuses on a few things, but one in particular - community. Warframe luckily has adjusted to cater to those who want a third person shooter that is focused on multiple objective types such as; defense, mobile defense, survival, capture, rescue, and of course boss fights (assassination missions). Each of these missions will vary one how they play, as every map is random generated, but uses a random tile set for the appearance it already has laid out. However, the path players will take can be changed completely from mission to mission.

  Warframe is one of those free to plays I would highly suggest to players who have PlayStation 4 and or PC as the game is constantly evolving and will allow for a unique experience. We do suggest taking time to learn the game by looking at control schemes, visiting earlier missions, and eventually moving onto harder difficulties. Stay tuned in the future as we will introduce our true review and give you a PC and PS4 Cross-Play, Blast Away the Game Review, exclusive review.