If Microsoft ultimately went with "Xbox" for its home console, what were the alternatives? Edge has posted a list of rejected names, and they're pretty great in a "What were they thinking?" way. To be fair, naming can be a shockingly difficult task; one I wouldn't wish on my enemies.

"First, there were our code names, which were WEP -- 'Windows Entertainment Project' -- designed to make Microsoft executives comfortable, Midway -- 'Midway between a PC and a console or 'Battle of Midway' -- you decide -- and DirectX Box, which was shortened to xbox in email very early on," Seamus Blackley, a founding member of the Xbox team, told the outlet.

"When we got the first approval, Kevin [Bachus] was told we had to get a new name, because 'xbox' wasn't legally sound, so against his judgment he did so, and got the phase two, or 'car' names," he continued. "These were so bad we didn't even save them, but I remember making fun of one of them by calling it the 'Microsoft Bunduss.' Then we got the 'acronym' phase from the naming geniuses." A few examples of these include "FACE (Full Action Center)," "MARC (Microsoft Action Reality Center)," and "TSO (Three, Six, Zero)."

Rightfully so, Blackley referred to these acronyms as "crap." Eventually, the team "decided we just wanted to risk it and go with Xbox -- since that’s what everyone called it anyway -- and they wanted, for some unknowable reason, to call it '11-X' or 'Eleven-X.' Finally, we told them no, but still had to decide: X-Box, xBox, XboX, Xbox, X-box…" They made the right call.

11-X, WEP, Midway, CyberPlayGround, FACE – the rejected names for Microsoft’s first console [Edge]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/forget-xbox-here-are-names-microsoft-could-ve-gone-with-257620.phtml

Shea Hoffpauer of GamersBliss.com discusses how avid gamers can still be surprised by the popular games they've never played using a personal example - Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305337/better-late-than-never-knights-of-the-old-republic

It's been a long while since I've read or watched Saint Seiya, but I'm looking forward to the new PS3 exclusive, Saint Seiya Brave Soldiers. All the flashy action from the series looks to be preserved, as the angelic battles unfold through some pretty impressive gameplay demonstrations.

Namco Bandai has also announced a European collector's edition that comes with a figurine. Right now the game is only announced for Europe, but if it never comes overseas (Saint Seiya games typically do not) it'll be easy enough to import for your [relatively] region-free PS3.

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/this-saint-seiya-brave-soldiers-ps3-trailer-is-flashy-257596.phtml

CraveOnline writes: "Valve is attending this year's Gamescom. I know, you're probably saying it attends every year, but this time is different."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305355/valve-has-a-gamescom-booth-game-s-to-reveal

While we continue to wait for the second season of Telltales Walking Dead game, they decided to release a special episode as DLC for season one called 400 Days. 400 Days does not feature Lee and Clementine like season one, but instead focuses on a different group of characters and how they are living in the world full of Walkers. This episode also bridges the gap between the two seasons as we might see more of this cast in the future. 400 Days, which costs five dollars on PSN, PC, and iOS (400 Microsoft Points on XBL), is a refreshing take on the Walking Dead universe just by the fact we get to see it from more characters perspectives. Even just more of Entertainment Fuses 2012 game of the year is a good thing as well if youre itching to play more and get a taste of what to expect in the second season.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305330/entertainment-fuse-the-walking-dead-400-days-review-ps3-bridging-the-gap-for-season-2

Myself, Jay Malone, takes a look at Adult Swim's latest game: Fist Puncher.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304997/gaming-trend-fist-puncher-review

MonsterVine: "For over a year the only way for PC players to enjoy a Mortal Kombat game was to deal with that horrid Mortal Kombat Kollection port and now PC players will finally be able to sink their teeth into one of the best fighters of 2011."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304967/mortal-kombat-komplete-edition-review-monstervine

A short new development video from the team behind the Elder Scrolls Online teases us with yet another glimpse at how combat looks from a first-person perspective in the upcoming MMORPG. Released this week by developers Zenimax Online Studios, the video introduces the Kwama, a monster sure to torment us allin first or third-person viewwhen the game launches next year.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305215/new-elder-scrolls-online-dev-video-shows-new-monsters-first-person-camera

LGN: "Just hours after issuing a handful of screens for Dark, Kalypso Media has now issued a trailer for the vampire-themed game, marking its launch on the PC and Xbox 360, and showing us bits of gameplay as players assume the role of a newborne vampire and develop and evolve various skills making their way to the top of the food chain."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304880/dark-launch-trailer

If you donated at least $36 to the Skullgirls Indiegogo project, you'll be able to activate a beta copy of the game on Steam, compliments of your Humble Store account. Alternatively, you can still donate $36 or $81 to Lab Zero Games and nab an account that way. Updates are expected to flood this build, and just like every other beta, input for Lab Zero Games is appreciated.

The new DLC character Squigly is playable, so make sure you go ahead and test it out with the controller or fighting stick of your choice!

Skullgirls PC beta [Shoryuken]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/skullgirls-pc-beta-launches-for-indiegogo-givers-257595.phtml

LGN: "Kalypso Medias Dark is now available on the PC and Xbox 360, and we have a new batch of screenshots from Realmforge Studios stealth-action game with RPG elements to mark the occasion."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304872/new-screenshots-of-vampire-themed-dark-released

A pair of user-made Capture Point maps -- "Process" and "Standin," if you follow the community's work -- are on the horizon for Team Fortress 2 as part of a looming update. Valve also says it will address bugs and exploits with "a list of patch notes longer than a stalemate on Hydro."

In the first of a promised few blog posts on the matter, the company describes how years of content updates have led to unforeseen consequences. If gamers can exploit it, they will. Thankfully, it sounds like most of the existing maps have been revisited as part of this cleanup effort. I'm curious to see what else is included in the update if it all takes multiple posts to explain.

Move Those Maps Up! [Team Fortress]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/meet-team-fortress-2-s-next-two-community-made-maps-257623.phtml

Richard Bailey of TheKoalition writes: March 5th, 2013 marked one full month since the release of Visceral Games notorious survival horror space thriller Dead Space 3. This date was also important because rumors had been swirling throughout the day that EA was considering canceling the series due to poor financial sales. After several sources close to EA denied these claims over and over again, I started to think specifically about several shortcomings I experienced with the game in regards to how the finished product turned out. In this article, I take things a bit further by elaborating on why I feel this is the most disappointing entry in the franchise yet. So without further ado, I now present to you my four concrete reasons why Dead Space 3 is the worst sequel in the series.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305329/why-dead-space-3-is-the-worst-sequel-in-the-series

OnlySP: Horror games have been making a comeback as of late, with games like Amnesia and Slender being the talk of many. However, a new contender in the mix may be the scariest of all if all the previews from websites like IGN are to be believed. We recently had a chance to speak with the developers of Outlast, an upcoming survival horror game coming to the PC this summer and PS4 in early 2014. Three members of the development team, Philippe Morin, David Chateauneuf and Hugo Dallaire took the time to answer our questions. We hope you enjoy the interview and learn some more about what could be the scariest game youll play this summer.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305132/outlast-will-be-the-scariest-game-you-play-this-summer-interview

Warp Zoned writes: "Remember Me, developed by Dontnod Entertainment and published by Capcom, snuck up on me earlier this month. Its a third-person action-adventure game which relies heavily on melee combat. From the outset, it seemed to be the full package, with stunning visuals, a fascinating female lead character, and a compelling story. But is it a game worth remembering, or a game youd rather soon forget?"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305129/remember-me-review-warp-zoned

Yet another unique-looking 3DS game has emerged, and this time, it's Hero Bank from Sega -- a self described "battle-life RPG" that involves a young boy fighting to pay off his one-billion-yen debt. The more pumped you get the crowd, the more money you earn, which makes it easier to upgrade and pay off your debt. Like New Super Mario Bros. 2's "one-million-coin" goal, this will no doubt appeal to completionists everywhere.

Visually, the game is looking pretty neat, and I'm really digging the designs, so I hope it comes westward at some point. Plus, it has a kid who looks like Frankenstein with a mouse on his shoulder. Sold!

Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/pay-off-your-debt-with-sega-s-hero-bank-257592.phtml

Much of the actual history is marked by the Spanish and Portuguese conquests. Sometimes we forget that one day we own half the world, with an empire to rival many other history. We may not have entered into many wars, but the achievements of our Spanish neighbors were quite bloody. Expeditions Conqueror explores this part of the story, leaving the player taking control of an explorer in the Americas. In addition to our character, the player can hire hunters, doctors, soldiers, among others. Unlike a traditional RTS, here the player has to worry about other small details. Not having a doctor for example can be a fatal mistake. We are talking about the time in which a small wound could infect and kill. Soldiers are also weak hunters and having food is essential for survival.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305325/expeditions-conquistador-review-combocaster

Metal Arcade: Jason Bakker writes: Despite its repetitive gameplay, Deadpool stands out with its stellar comedy writing and craziness. Deadpool is one of those characters that people will either love or hate. There really is no in-between. The fourth-wall breaking Merc With A Mouth tends to spout offensive nonsense and often finds himself in completely insane situations, even for a comic book character. Thats what makes him so special, though watching Deadpool make an ass of himself and poke fun at the sullen, stoic heroes around him (like Wolverine and Cable) will crack you up, and his juvenile nature is what makes his character memorable. High Moon Studios definitely gets the character, and Deadpool the game is overflowing with vulgarity, callousness and hilarity. The deranged humor (brought to life by veteran voice actor Nolan North) is what makes Deadpool worth playing, but luckily theres a decent game underneath it all as well.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305313/deadpool-review-metal-arcade

Nick magnetizes some blocks and summons Cthulhu in Magrunner: Dark Pulse.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305213/magrunner-dark-pulse-video-showcase

Nick and Chris explore dungeons and drop references in sidescrolling RPG UnEpic!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305211/unepic-video-showcase

Nick checks out the rogue-lite that spans generations with Rogue Legacy!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305214/rogue-legacy-video-showcase

411mania - During the tail end of my E3 excursion this year, the last game I got to check out was The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. CD Projekt Red showed us the special behind-closed-doors, hands-off demo preview of the game. Wild Hunt marks the first entry in the franchise to be featured on a PlayStation console, which makes me especially excited. Projekt Red is marketing this as the "final chapter" in The Witcher saga as well. The Witcher 3 looks like it will offer a massive, immersive, and epic medieval fantasy gaming experience unlike anything we've ever seen before. In this new adventure, the Nilfgaard Empire has invaded and taken over the Northern Kingdoms. Approximately six months have passed since the events of the second game. The early part of the demo showcased a cinematic of a village under siege and what appears to be a dark force in the sky, an eerie flying longship. This dark force is apparently the deadly, tyrannical threat called the Wild Hunt.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305274/411mania-the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-preview

The team behind Driver: San Francisco is back behind the wheel with this multiplayer racer.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305134/first-look-the-crew-prima-games

GP writer Jordan discusses 15 upcoming indie games that look to be fantastic.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305328/independence-day-15-upcoming-indie-games-to-have-on-your-radar

This Walking Dead DLC turned out to be an interesting interim episode between seasons one and two. Marcus Mac Dhonnagáin sheds some light on 400 Days.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305222/press2reset-review-the-walking-dead-400-days

VVV: "The GT Academy has been a resounding success when it comes to discovering untapped talent on the track, turning avid racing gamers into top tier real life motor sport drivers. NASCAR is now running a similar imitative to find fresh driving talent. Known as NASCAR Next, it aims to spotlight the sport's young rising stars - eight of which happen to be seasoned iRacing drivers out of the thirteen that make up the 2013 class. "



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305095/eight-iracing-drivers-selected-for-real-life-nascar-next-rising-stars

In case you couldn't get enough browser-based games and oddly named Kingdom Hearts entries, Kingdom Hearts X[chi] is coming to browsers soon in Japan. As indicated in the trailer above, the game will utilize a chibi-esque artstyle, and will feature old worlds re-used from prior games, including Agrabah, the Dwarf Woodlands, and Wonderland.

X[chi] will allow you to customize and upgrade your own hero as you battle with the game's card-based combat system and take on select enemies with friends. If you're interested, you may be able to get in on the Japanese beta in the near future.

Kingdom Hearts [Twitter]

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/initial-details-for-kingdom-hearts-x-chi-emerge-257590.phtml

EA is hiking prices of its upcoming PC games in India by as much as 133%. In response, gamers have thronged to Twitter with the #EAPCIndia campaign, which is picking up steam and getting quite a bit of media attention.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1304863/indian-gamers-react-to-ea-pc-price-hike-with-eapcindia-campaign

If it's been a while since you paid much attention to Mercenary Kings , you'll want to get the side-scrolling shooter back on your radar by watching this new trailer. It's officially here to announce that the title is hitting Steam Early Access on July 22, 2013 but also serves as an excellent little recap of what makes this look appealing. (The robo-snails, obviously.)

"We are well aware that we're behind our schedule, but we believe it's for the best," Tribute Games wrote in a Kickstarter update. "Because we've sailed past our 75k goal, we decided to spend more time to work on the game (adding more levels and the online component have been time consuming). The Early Access Version of the game will end up being a beefed up version of our first milestone. Then, Early Access will allow us to follow our plan to keep working on the game until we make the best possible version of Mercenary Kings!"

Kickstarter backers who contributed $15 or more will get this version of Mercenary Kings as their digital copy of the game. For everyone else, it's going to be $15 during the Early Access phase and $20 afterwards. Good to know.

via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/early-version-of-mercenary-kings-playable-this-month-257619.phtml

Grant Bowler discusses the evolution of Lawkeeper Nolan, the plague and how the Defiance TV series and game will evolve in this exclusive interview.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305302/actor-grant-bowler-talks-defiance-mmo-game-and-tv-series-gamerhubtv

Kotaku - Did he ever end up noticing the rail and reach the beach in time? We'll never know but this Arma III montage has a lot of great gif-y moments. Let's dig into these and other popular GIFs this week.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1305267/just-an-average-day-in-arma-iii