Wednesday, January 1, 2014

News::GameTrailers Game of the Year Awards - Best Platformer

Jump! Run! Jump some more! Heres our award for the Best Platforming game this year. (3:45)



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428292/gametrailers-game-of-the-year-awards-best-platformer

News::Bundle Gameplay - Indie Royale Debut 8 Bundle

GG3 sets in the new year like the old one ended, by providing gameplay commentary to some of the finest game deals around the globe. In the latest Indie Royale promotion, the Debut 8 Bundle has a 8 inspiring games on offer. Claustrophobia is the roguelike to be illustrated, to give a sense of what other great adventures this deal has.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428091/bundle-gameplay-indie-royale-debut-8-bundle

News::Killing with traps in new Deception IV gameplay footage


Tecmo Koei has released three videos demonstrating the gameplay of Deception IV: Blood Ties, coming to PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita. In each, a different person is killed by a complex set of traps chained together, including bear traps, wall spikes, an iron maiden and so much more.


What appears to be new in this installment is an increase in the number of traps you can implement at one time. In prior games, players were limited to one trap each of floor, wall and ceiling types. Here we see five traps being used at once, with three of them assigned to the 'X' button and selections made with L & R. You know what this means? Mad combos, that's what it means.


I want this badly. The Deception series is one of my all-time favorites and stands apart as a very different kind of game to play. You're constantly on the defensive, always running, but when you manage to get a group of traps set and an enemy walks right into your nefarious plans, it is sublime. I wish Tecmo would tell me when this is releasing in North America, because I am so ready to give them money for it.


Killing with traps in new Deception IV gameplay footage screenshot


Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/killing-with-traps-in-new-deception-iv-gameplay-footage-268298.phtml

News::TSA Game Of The Year 2013 - Overall Winner

This is it. This is the big one. The winner of the TSA Overall Game of the Year 2013 is the video game we consider to be the most enjoyable, interesting and arresting example of this impossibly varied medium we love so much.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428284/tsa-game-of-the-year-2013-overall-winner

News::MikeG's 2013 Visual Novel of the Year (Twinfinite)

As you hopefully know already from last weeks epic run of GOTY goodness capped by Twinfinites official Games of the Year, there were a ton of games from 2013 that deserve at least a little bit of spotlight. Some moreso than others, but we all had our favorites from the year. On the first day of 2014, well take a look at some of the top three visual novels released in 2013 (yes, there were at least three) and possibly crown one to rule them all!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428154/mikegs-2013-visual-novel-of-the-year-twinfinite

News::Lords Of The Fallen Will Take At Least 15 Hours To Finish, Potentially Infinite With New Game +

Lords of the Fallen, the upcoming game by Deck 13 and CI Games Studio, has been on our radar for quite some time now. The RPG, which is being produced by Tomasz Gop, perhaps best known for his former role as producer of The Witcher series, looks to restore difficulty and complexity to the RPG genre.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428212/lords-of-the-fallen-will-take-at-least-15-hours-to-finish-potentially-infinite-with-new-game

News::Bill from The Last of Us voted as GLAAD's most intriguing

As Dtoid's Game of the Year for 2013, The Last of Us is a title that hit all the right notes for players, and will likely go down as one of the most memorable games of the last generation. It was earnest, brutal, and uncompromising in its view of a world gone sideways. And now it seems that GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) has taken a liking to it as well.


During the organization's roundup of the most intriguing characters for 2013, featuring personalities from works of fiction such as Orange is the New Black, Blue is the Warmest Color, and Orphan Black, the character of Bill from The Last of Us also made an appearance on the list. It's pretty surprising to see a videogame character make the cut, and the writers at GLAAD definitely had a lot to say about him.


"One of the characters the player encounters over the course of the game is Bill, an unstable loner in the town of Lincoln with a talent for fixing things. Through dialogue and backstory, the player learns that Bill once had a partner named Frank who he loved, but the plague drove them apart and led Frank to a bitter end. Both helpful and contentious, Bill is as deeply flawed but wholly unique a gay character found in any storytelling medium this year."


It's not too often you see gay characters in games portrayed in a modest and non-stereotypical way. One of the greatest strengths The Last of Us had was its storytelling and characterization, and much of it was very subtle.


The most intriguing new LGBT characters of 2013 [GLAAD]










Bill from The Last of Us voted as GLAAD's most intriguing screenshot


Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/bill-from-the-last-of-us-voted-as-glaad-s-most-intriguing-268300.phtml

News::'Y2K' is a Killer7 EarthBound Hipster Hybrid Heaven

Ackk Studios, creators of the Game Boy-influenced, color-themed RPG Two Brothers has revealed a few screens of their next game, currently codenamed Project Y2K. Details on the game remain scant, but a little Twitter digging revealed a few incidental details, such as influences like David O'Reilly (Her , Adventure Time , Eat My Sharts ), Takashi Marukami (Jellyfish Eyes , Superflat First Love), Killer7, EarthBound, and the "Hipster" stereotype. Seems like a dream come true, though I hope the game doesn't give hipsters too hard of a time. Out of all the fashion-obsessed groups in modern culture today, they seem to get the most flack, while sexy male models and the real housewives continue to get away relatively unscathed.


Right now the game is running on the PS4, though its likely coming to Wii U and PC as well. We've got Ackk Studios scheduled to appear on Sup Holmes on January 26th. Hopefully we can squeeze some information from them about this promising new game on that date.


'Y2K' is a Killer7 EarthBound Hipster Hybrid Heaven screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/-y2k-is-a-killer7-earthbound-hipster-hybrid-heaven-268296.phtml

News::Marvel Games Are Disappearing From Steam, PSN, and Xbox Live

Ricky writes, "Gamers took notice early this morning after a NeoGAF user pointed out that the High Moon Studios adaptation of Marvel Comics Deadpool had conspicuously disappeared off every major digital gaming platform; Steam, Playstation Network, and Xbox Live are all missing the Merc with a Mouths latest video game outing, which received less than stellar reviews when it launched earlier this year. But thats hardly a reason to drop a game from every digital network imaginable, so what happened?"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428262/marvel-games-are-disappearing-from-steam-psn-and-xbox-live

News::Some Marvel games have vanished from Steam, PSN, XBL

Deadpool, a game that released on June 25, 2013, is no longer available for purchase on Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, or Steam -- and it's not alone.


Other games presumably impacted by a licensing agreement with Marvel coming to a close include Spider-Man: Friend or Foe, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows, Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, Spider-Man: Edge of Time, X-Men: The Official Game, X-Men Destiny, and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Game Informer has confirmed this list with Activision.


I'm unaware of what development on Deadpool was like behind the scenes at High Moon Studios and can only wager a guess knowing Activision served as publisher, but it's obvious the property wasn't given the budget and time frame it deserved. And now it's gone. Such a waste. As for the other titles, I'm bummed I never downloaded X-Men Origins: Wolverine.


Deadpool And Other Marvel Games Disappear From Steam, Xbox Live, And PSN [Game Informer]


Some Marvel games have vanished from Steam, PSN, XBL screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/some-marvel-games-have-vanished-from-steam-psn-xbl-268301.phtml

News::Report: Bethesdas The Elder Scrolls Online Development Cost Is In Hundreds Of Millions

Dylan Z of iGR reports: "Industry sources have cited the development costs for The Elder Scrolls Online to be in the multiple hundred million dollar neighborhood."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428238/report-bethesdas-the-elder-scrolls-online-development-cost-is-in-hundreds-of-millions

News::Good news for those of you patiently waiting for A Bird Story, the follow-up to indie darling To The

News::Steam sale: The Walking Dead S2, Rayman, Mortal Kombat

Happy new year!


I don't know about the rest of you, but despite last night's festivities, the first thing I did after waking up today was check out the new Steam deals. It's become a routine, for better or worse.


Daily deals:



  • You Need a Budget 4 ($14.99)

  • Just Cause 2 ($2.99)

  • Civilization V ($7.49)

  • The Walking Dead Season Two ($18.74)

  • Valdis Story: Abyssal City ($3.74)

  • Castle Story ($13.39)

  • Test Drive Unlimited 2 ($4.99)

  • Hammerwatch ($3.39)

  • Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition ($10.19)


I don't find this to be a very compelling group, but I do quite like the current set of flash sales: Legend of Grimrock ($2.99), Interstellar Marines ($5.09), Rayman Legends ($19.99), and Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition ($7.49). Also, VVVVVV is down to $0.49 thanks to a community vote. Not owning the game at this point would just be odd. Sell some Steam trading cards, if you must. For those of you who have played it, how is Valdis Story? Looks neat!


Steam sale: The Walking Dead S2, Rayman, Mortal Kombat screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/steam-sale-the-walking-dead-s2-rayman-mortal-kombat-268299.phtml

News::The Cat Lady Review| Twinfinte

Susan Ashworths stress was at its peak. After being reminded of her ever-growing bill pile, being harassed by a crow, and seeing a teddy bear, she was barely holding on from having a breakdown. Thanks to a literal red bar in the corner of the screen, I was able to gauge how close Susan was to cracking. Moving her through the apartment at molasses like pace, I answered the knocking at my door. What greeted me was an ugly-drawn man, who proceeded to scream his head off at me as off-colored text popped up on the screen. During the yelling, I was able to choose a few different responses, none of which felt to have any effect on the out come of this tussle. After the argument was over, control over Susan was ripped from my hands and I watched as she paced around a room accompanied by an awkward soundtrack with vocals. As she punched? a mirror (its hard to tell because of the animations), the music kicked up a notch to sound heavy. Heavy music is to sound as close to Linkin Park as pos...



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428210/the-cat-lady-review-twinfinte

News::Impressions: Starbound

Back in 2011, Re-Logic released Terraria , which gained massive popularity for its procedurally generated sandbox gameplay that had combat and objectives for those wanting more than just a place to go and dig.


It was a surprise hit for me, and I ended up spending hundreds of hours with it. Eventually, life happened and Terraria's creator Andrew "Redigit" Spinks announced that it would not be updated any more, but also that artist Finn "Tiy" Brice had moved on to form Chucklefish, whose first project would be what many consider to be a spiritual successor to Re-Logic's title, but set in space. Starbound was born.


Fans backed the project fervently, with its homegrown crowdfunding campaign topping a million dollars in under a month. Currently, they have sold over 180,000 pre-orders, taking in more than $3.7 million in support of the project. Starbound is an indie sensation, but while it does strive to be seen as its own entity, it will always be compared to its predecessor.


For the most part, comparisons between Terraria and Starbound are apt, and they provide a good starting point for discussion, but in the end Starbound is much more than just "Terraria in space."


Impressions: Starbound screenshot


Read more...



via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/impressions-starbound-268241.phtml

News::Babys First Roguelike (A Sword of the Stars: The Pit N4G Review)

What began as a space-4X series of the same name, developer Kerberos Productions has now extrapolated the SOTS universe and plunked that into a roguelike dungeon-crawler template. The setting is Arbuda IV, a retirement settlement for hardened veterans uninterested in rest or active military service. A plague has spread wildly across this paradise and has turned humans into flesh-eating monsters. Theres currently no known cure. Hope lies within the Feldspar Mountains: an alien facility told in myths and ghost stories known as The Pit may contain something to cure this ravaging disease. The only thing thats certain is that anyone whos gone into those mountains has never returned.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428227/babys-first-roguelike-a-sword-of-the-stars-the-pit-n4g-review

News::Steam Holiday Sale Day 14: Civilization 75% Off, The Walking Dead S2 25% and VVVVVV for Half a Buck

Its the new year, and Steam is kicking it off with a new round of deal of its long-running Holiday Sale, as usual today there are some definitely interesting discounts.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428193/steam-holiday-sale-day-14-civilization-75-off-the-walking-dead-s2-25-and-vvvvvv-for-half-a-buck

News::War of the Vikings Artwork depict various locales

Paradox Interactive and Fatshark have issued three pieces of concept art depicting some of the varied locales in War of the Vikings, their upcoming close-quarters action game set for release on the PC in early 2014.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428132/war-of-the-vikings-artwork-depict-various-locales

News::Shenmue's Ryo Hazuki returns in All-Stars Racing mobile

Sega has been teasing the return of Ryo Hazuki recently -- a character previously absent from Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed . At this time I can confirm that he will indeed be returning to the franchise, but for right now, only in the iOS and Android versions of the game -- which launches tomorrow.


Ryo uses a classic Sega arcade cabinet as his ride, with references to Out Run, Space Harrier, and Hang-On, depending on what surface it's on. In order to unlock him, you have to complete a full streak of weekly challenges -- a mobile-centric feature that allows you to enter certain race types on a time limit.


Stay tuned for our full thoughts on the mobile version of the game.


Shenmue's Ryo Hazuki returns in All-Stars Racing mobile screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/shenmue-s-ryo-hazuki-returns-in-all-stars-racing-mobile-268256.phtml

News::Game of the Year 2013 Part 1: Genre Awards

With 2013 quickly coming to a close staffs at NoobFeed have been hard at work discussing, voting and coming up with a list of this year's best games. After much deliberation and a bit of cordial arguing they decided on a solid list of 2013's defining games. So without further ado here are NoobFeed's Game of the Year 2013 Genre Awards.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1427771/game-of-the-year-2013-part-1-genre-awards

News::Batman: Arkham Origins: Initiation Review | Destructoid

DT - "I was pretty disappointed with Arkham Origins. Maybe not as crushingly disappointed as Jim was, but I still felt like it was the weakest entry in the Arkham saga so far, and Warner Bros. Montreal didn't really do anything to make me confident in the future of the series."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428169/batman-arkham-origins-initiation-review-destructoid

News::Ex High Moon Studios employee on 'Deadpool' troubled development

On Tuesday, a former High Moon Studios employee opened up on the company's troubled development of "Deadpool", for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428162/ex-high-moon-studios-employee-on-deadpool-troubled-development

News::New Final Fantasy VII Play Arts Kai Vincent Valentine Now Available

Following the launch of two new figures in the Final Fantasy VII Play Arts Kai range, a new arrival sees one of the most long awaited characters: Vincent Valentine from the Final Fantasy VII series finally make it to the Play Arts Kai range. An ace gunman who was a former member of the Turks, as a result of the hideous experiments he was subjected to by the Shinra Company, Vincent has the ability to transform into ageless and indestructible monsters.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428097/new-final-fantasy-vii-play-arts-kai-vincent-valentine-now-available

News::To the Moon just got a new free mini-episode

While Kan Geo is still had at work with his follow-up to To the Moon , A Bird Story , you can grab a free episode for the former right now. It's a small consolation for the delay of his new work, and it's basically a gaiden that references the original game.


If you haven't played To the Moon yet, consider it. It's a wonderful, heartwarming little experience that's incredibly easy to digest -- especially over a holiday.


To the Moon [Steam via Joystiq]


To the Moon just got a new free mini-episode screenshot






via destructoid http://www.destructoid.com/to-the-moon-just-got-a-new-free-mini-episode-268291.phtml

News::GameCenter CX - 161 - Derby Stallion

News::Xbox Live Customer Support: No. 1 Among Baseball Fans

News::Batman: Arkham Origins gets new story DLC in 2014

LGN: "After teasing us with various images the past weeks, Warner Bros have finally confirmed that their special announcement is that Batman: Arkham Origins will be getting new story-based DLC this year."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428118/batman-arkham-origins-gets-new-story-dlc-in-2014

News::Kotaku Editors' 10 Favorite Games of 2013

News::Play Legits 2013 Game of The Year

"After days of voting and waiting, its time. Here is your Official Game of The Year." -Play Legit



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1427987/play-legits-2013-game-of-the-year

News::Play Legits Best of 2013 Winners

"Heres the gaming industrys best offerings in 2013. We nominated, you voted. Now the results are in! Categories range from Best Zombie, Actors, Graphics, Next-Gen, to the Biggest Disappointment of the year." -Play Legit



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1427984/play-legits-best-of-2013-winners

News::In-depth Review: Journey of a Roach - Electronic Theatre

Daedalic Entertainments Journey of a Roach is a videogame that wins points based on its subject matter alone. Its the story of two cockroaches that have survived a nuclear explosion and the issues they face with everyday life following the extermination of most life on Earth. Theres more personality bleeding from these two insects without ever saying a word than there is in any number of po-faced military simulations; more humour and more social commentary than most big budget videogames. Its almost as if playing the videogame is a bridge between the highlights.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428103/in-depth-review-journey-of-a-roach-electronic-theatre

News::Project Cars racing game screenshots go for ultra-realism

Slightly Mad Studios has released 60 new screenshots for its upcoming racing game Project Cars, showing off some of the cars players will find in the game and its various environments. The developer also promised that there's no funny business going on with the images. They are all pulled directly from the an early development version of the game distributed to community members and have not been doctored in any way, the studio said. "As usual, all shots show purely in-game footage that has not been made in any special photo mode, using no post-processing or filters that aren't available during the actual gameplay," the studio said. "What you see below is what you experience while driving!"



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428124/project-cars-racing-game-screenshots-go-for-ultra-realism

News::In-depth Review: Contrast - Electronic Theatre

The arrival of digital distribution on videogame consoles has lead to some interesting new opportunities. Where once it was merely retro re-releases for pocket money prices the Xbox LIVE Arcade and PlayStation Store have blossomed and become a home for videogames that may otherwise never have been given the opportunity to shine. Contrast is one such videogame: an elegant platform adventure that carries a subject matter so far removed from military might and race drivers that its unlikely to have ever got off the starting grid as a retail product.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428126/in-depth-review-contrast-electronic-theatre

News::LEGO Marvel Superheroes Review (Invision Game Community)

The story of the game sees spy Nick Fury call on Marvel Heroes including Thor, Spider-Man, the Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man, Hawkeye, Deadpool, Wolverine and the Black Widow to save Earth from Loki and Galactus. Expect the LEGO series' trademark family-friendly platform/brawler/puzzle gameplay. There are over 100 characters to unlock



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428106/lego-marvel-superheroes-review-invision-game-community

News::Hacktivists and Watch Dogs: How real-world threats inspired Ubisoft Montreal's new open-world

Once relegated to campy and inaccurate parodies in Hollywood movies, hacking is increasingly becoming a part of our daily lives. With the PlayStation Network, LinkedIn, Twitter and, most recently, Target all being attacked, as well as the countless attacks fielded by various "hacktivist" groups, computer technology and security issues are becoming impossible to ignore. The group known as LulzSec, a disparate band of anarchists, managed to take down over a dozen websites and services, including the PSN, for months.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1427901/hacktivists-and-watch-dogs-how-real-world-threats-inspired-ubisoft-montreals-new-open-world

News::Adventure Time: Explore The Dungeon Because I DONT KNOW! Review (Invision Game Community)

Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I DONT KNOW! is a brand new action game from the creative minds of Pendleton Ward (creator of the award-winning Adventure Time animated series) and game developer WayForward, and is the follow-up to the mathematical, algebraic, and radical success of last years IGN Editors Choice recipient Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Whyd You Steal Our Garbage?!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428105/adventure-time-explore-the-dungeon-because-i-dont-know-review-invision-game-community

News::2013 Games Of The Year

TheControllerOnline - Declaring one game to be the best game out of all the ones weve played in 2013 is a strange call to have to make so, weve decided that this year, instead of trying to decide on one game of the year for 2013, well compile a list of our top games from the past year.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428003/2013-games-of-the-year

News::The Walking Dead Season Two All That Remains Review | Metal Arcade

You know a developer must be doing something right when they can spend a whole year cruelly tugging at your heartstrings, before slowly tearing the whole thing out altogether and still have you coming back for more. And that is precisely the case with Telltales The Walking Dead series. After the conclusion of Season One left us all laying in the fetal position, sobbing and whimpering, Telltale tided us over with the short but sweet 400 Days DLC. Now the developer has finally released the first episode of Season Two of their critically acclaimed point-and-click adventure series, based on Robert Kirkmans comic book series. Titled All That Remains, does this new installment live up to the lofty expectations left by its predecessor?



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428011/the-walking-dead-season-two-all-that-remains-review-metal-arcade

News::Five Facts - Call of Duty

Ray and Geoff talk all things Call of Duty in this week's episode of Five Facts!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428012/five-facts-call-of-duty

News::Warframe Review | MMOsite

MMOsite: A fresh breath of air over all the casino trash titles that are out there. A true F2P game that rivals most Box titles. Sick and tired of hackers? This game is great!



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428090/warframe-review-mmosite

News::Southeast Asias first offline Hearthstone tournament concludes in Singapore

Games in Asia: "The regions first offline Hearthstone tournament concluded yesterday in Singapore as a part of the GE3 community gaming event. Organized by Hearthstone Alley (who we managed to speak to as well, stay tuned for their interview!), the three day tournament saw 24 participants, who battled it out in a fierce double elimination group stage format."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1427365/southeast-asias-first-offline-hearthstone-tournament-concludes-in-singapore

News::6 Best Motocross Games

The best motocross game you can lay your hands on can be any one of these six titles.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1427295/6-best-motocross-games

News::Lunia Online Global server to shut its doors on the stroke of New Year

As announced recently, Lunia Online Global will be shutting down on 1st January 2014, 24:00 (PST). For the past year or so, Korean developer All-M was operating the global English server based on donations from the gamers, and lack of funding is 1 of the core reasons for the closure.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1427577/lunia-online-global-server-to-shut-its-doors-on-the-stroke-of-new-year

News::Legend of the Condor Heroes: Zero Debut test phase to begin next week

Over in China, the debut test phase for Legend of the Condor Heroes: Zero will begin on 7th January 2014. If you have not read, this is Perfect Worlds first self-developed, non-target console grade 3D action MMORPG. Zero is also the flagship product for Perfect World China in 2014.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1427578/legend-of-the-condor-heroes-zero-debut-test-phase-to-begin-next-week

News::Elite Lord of Alliance Debut test phase to begin early next month

One of the lesser titles scheduled for a 2014 release, Netmarbles Elite Lord of Alliance will be entering its debut test phase on 8th January. ELOA will have a quarter view camera (similar to Diablo) instead of a 3rd person one, according to reports, thus featuring a non-target combat system.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1427580/elite-lord-of-alliance-debut-test-phase-to-begin-early-next-month

News::Ladies Code named as spokesgirls for Mabinogi Heroes update

With the new Lynn character arriving early next year, Nexon has revealed the official spokesgirls for the update, with the honor going to Korean female pop group Ladies Code.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1427723/ladies-code-named-as-spokesgirls-for-mabinogi-heroes-update

News::The Most Overlooked Characters of the Year

BT writes: "What makes a good character? For over two years I have been asking that question and showing prime examples of video game characters and what makes them work. We have seen rampaging murderers, mythic heroes, tragic villains, and cerebral storytelling that many of us may have never considered before. One of the best aspects of these character studies, however, is how new entries are introduced to the playing public. This year alone we saw a breadth of memorable personalities, some of which have become iconic gaming celebrities almost overnight. Sadly, I feel my colleagues at Blistered Thumbs missed the mark with their own list Certainly, the cast of Grand Theft Auto V and Joel and Ellie from The Last of Us are shoo-ins on any list, but the overall piece felt flat in comparison to the richness of who else could have been mentioned. With this in mind, I figure the best way to honor these overlooked characters is to simply highlight them, together, in a good old-fashio...



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1427793/the-most-overlooked-characters-of-the-year

News::MMO Culture A short and simple recap for the year ending 2013

MMO Culture: "Unlike the major gaming website, I can only touch on a few things which come into my mind as I type since I am pretty busy with some other work stuff. Just to recap things a little bit, MMO Culture is still a 1-man army with me handling everything from news to editing of images, videos and interviews. I will like to apologize for my horrid/ torrid grammatical mistakes over the year, as there are really just 24 hours each day and not enough for me to really go through what I typed (poor excuse, I know). Still, let us head on to the main topic, a recap of 2013 for online gaming."



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428085/mmo-culture-a-short-and-simple-recap-for-the-year-ending-2013

News::TERA China 2 new game trailers revealed as debut test phase looms

The last regional server to launch, it is indeed weird knowing TERA China will be lagging behind other servers by at around a year. No matter, the debut test phase will begin on 9th January 2014 in the worlds biggest gaming market, and publisher Kalends have 2 new trailers for display.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1428084/tera-china-2-new-game-trailers-revealed-as-debut-test-phase-looms

News::AGRs Most Wanted Series Brought From The Dead 2013

So we at AGR already did our choices of best games for 2013. Now the AGR staff also talked about what game series we'd love to bring back from the dead. Im sure there are many IPs that never really took off or one of the sequels failed to warrant another addition to the series. We at AGR voted on what IPs wed love to see back in action with a brand new title, not a remake of an old game but a new title built from the ground up with the modern day consoles and PCs in mind.



via N4G: pc news feed http://n4g.com/news/1427932/agrs-most-wanted-series-brought-from-the-dead-2013