The V.G.F. Report

Video Game Friday is here!  I'm looking into revamping the video game report in some way so bear with me as it may appear sporadically till after the first of the year!  But with Call Of Duty Black Ops breaking all kinds of sales records, some news has come down from Activistion and Infinity Ward, the developers behind Modern Warfare 1 and 2.

Source, gamespot.com) Global media giant Vivendi owns a controlling stake in the world's biggest game publisher, Activision Blizzard. So when Vivendi chairman and CEO Jean-Bernard Levy spoke at the Morgan Stanley TMT conference this week in Barcelona, it wasn't odd that the subject turned to the Call of Duty franchise.
      The Financial Times reports that, unsurprisingly, Levy was thrilled with the $650 million, five-day sales performance of Call of Duty: Black Ops, which broke Modern Warfare 2's record-breaking five-day sales of $550 million.
      "We have broken our own record. I am very, very pleased," Levy said. "The Treyarch studio, which made this year's game, has done better than what Infinity Ward could achieve a year ago."
Levy went on to directly discuss Infinity Ward, which was beset by mass staff defections after Activision fired studio heads Vince Zampella and Jason West in March. He said that Activision has "got over" the problems and fully rebuilt Infinity Ward. "We have reconstructed Infinity Ward, [and] we are very happy with the way we have been able to reconstruct it," said Levy. Papers filed in a May lawsuit confirmed the studio is currently working on Modern Warfare 3.
      The executive went on to say that going forward, the Call of Duty series will have a three-studio strategy, with Treyarch, Infinity Ward, and Sledgehammer Games each working on an offshoot of the franchise. Though little is known about the latter's unnamed COD game, it is rumored it will be a science fiction spin-off of the franchise
      "We believe this set-up of studios...has demonstrated it can do very well, for sure," said Levy, even though Sledgehammer's game has yet to see the light of day.

I think this is great news.  Perhaps it will be too many Call Of Duty games, but we get a Modern Warfare 3 out of it because dammit, I want to know how the story ends after that wide opened ending to part 2!!!

The V.G.F. Report

Video Game Friday is back!  This may become an every other week column with industry news a bit slow right now since it's all about the new holiday releases.  but have no fear, any big video game news will always be found here!  So a little game called Call Of Duty Black Ops comes out next week.  You may have heard of it and well before it even gets released, Activision confirmed that the next COD game is already on schedule for Fall 2011! You can view the launch trailer for Black Ops below!

XBox Kinect

The Kinect launched yesterday, with Microsoft expecting to sell 5 million units by Christmas.  Seems a bit high because I have a lot of friends that play Xbox and none of them plan on getting it.  The 150 dollar price point for a add on is a bit steep for some people.  The technology is very cool and it should do well as more games come out for it in the future!

The V.G.F. Report

Fridays are awesome because it's time for The Video Game Friday Report!  So let's get started!

Mario Is 25 Years Old

Nintendo today announced that on November 7 retailers will begin selling a red Nintendo Wii bundle, the Wii Remote Plus, a new DSi XL bundle, and a new game, FlingSmash.  The new Wii package--in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros.--will include a red system, copies of New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Wii Sports, a Wii Remote Plus, and everything else normally associated with the system. It will debut at $200 and will be a limited edition. Also being released on November 7 will be a new $180 DSi XL bundle. Similar to the Wii package, the DSi XL bundle is also a limited edition and is colored red in honor of the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. This package will include a DSi XL with three themed graphics on its face, a copy of Mario Kart DS, and three preinstalled titles: Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math, and Photo Clock.

NBA Jam Coming to Xbox 360 &  Playstation 3

     A Sports has finally announced an official price point and release date for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of NBA Jam. However, those with a proclivity for online play might not be thrilled.
The arcade basketball title will drive the lane for high-definition consoles on November 17 at the same $50 price point as the Wii version. The game was originally set to be included exclusively with copies of NBA Elite before that game was indefinitely postponed in late September.
      When the game ships, players will be able to take part in the game's Remix Tour and Classic Campaign but will have only limited access to the game's online multiplayer component.
According to EA Sports, players choosing to take their skills online will have only one avenue in which to do so on launch day. Players can jump into the classic two-vs.-two online mode on day one but will have to wait until December for a content update that will bring a host of new features.
      Those with connected consoles who download the free title update, due out at an unspecified date in December, will score Remix Games. These games include Backboard Smash, Domination Free-for-All, Elimination, and 21, and they are playable both online and off.
      Also due out with the content update will be Jam Party, an online mode where players can invite up to three others to play. Finally, with the December update players will be able to take their skills to the next level in Online Progression. This mode lets players build and level their character through a series of online challenges.

The V.G.F. Report

It's been a slow week for video game news, in fact it's been a slow week in general for all kinds of news! So a game many people are excited for had it's demo hit consoles this past week and that is Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II.  The demo is awesome and I can't wait for the game!  Below is the official launch trailer to get your force blood pumping!

Red Dead Redemption Undead Nightmare will hit the PSN and XBL on October 26th for $10 bucks to download.  Rockstar is also putting out a stand alone disc with this plus the previously released DLC packs for 30 bucks in stores!

The V.G.F. Report

It's video game Friday but honestly it's been a slow week for everything.  Zach Snyder stole most of the thunder this week with the announcement that he would be directing Superman and after that, not much has happened!  Even in the world of video games!  However, many people don't know but a major update is coming to X-Box Live on November 1st as the Kinect gets ready to launch.

Microsoft will issue a new update for Xbox Live. ESPN, Zune Music, and additional features such as Netflix search and updates to the Zune video interface will be a part of this new version. Here are some other features of the new X-Box Live Dashboard:

1. Improved voice quality – the audio codec is being updated to improve Xbox Live Party chat audio quality. So grab your friends and jump into a multiplayer game, catch a big sports event, watch a movie or do all three.

2. Improved experience for changing your Gamertag – choosing a new Gamertag? If the Gamertag you're looking for is already taken, your Avatar will spin a wheel and we will provide five other Gamertag suggestions at a time for you to choose from.

3. Streamlined in-dashboard virtual keyboard – we've taken the existing QWERTY keyboard in-dash and made it easier to use for scenarios that involve repeated text entry, for example when signing up for Live within the dashboard.

4. Improved Xbox Live Marketplace UI and browse experience – the Games Marketplace has been re-organized to provide streamlined access to the games and content you want, reducing the number of steps it takes to get to a download.

5. Avatar changes – we've made your Avatars slightly more proportional so you can better play Kinect games

6. Easier to get on a wireless network – trying to connect to a wireless network? With the next update, you'll see a list of all the wireless networks within range when you go into network settings. From there, you'll be able to select a new network or further configure the network you're connected to.

7. Ability to sign-out other controllers in the sign-in UI – we're adding the ability to sign-out profiles on other controllers in the sign-in UI within the Guide. This is especially useful when playing games like Rock Band.

8. New browse experience for 100% completed games – you spent a lot of time and effort earning those Achievements, so instead of only being able to view your first dozen completed games, we're giving you a new and better way to browse all of them.

Lastly I've got the trailer for Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare.  The new DLC due in the next month or so.  Check it out!

The V.G.F. Report

Video game Friday.....and here we go!

Gears Of War 3 has been delayed.  In a statement this morning, Microsoft Game Studios announced that Gears of War 3 is being pushed back into fall 2011 to serve as one of the publishing label's Q4 anchor titles. Indeed, Microsoft is already predicting it will be the "biggest entertainment launch of 2011."
      "The teams at Microsoft Game Studios and Epic Games have done great work thus far readying the title for release in the spring of 2011," the company said in a statement.      "However, we've elected to move the launch of Gears of War 3 until fall 2011 to make it the marquee title for the holiday season."
      Gears of War 3 will offer an apocalyptic finale to the series, which has sold 12 million copies to date. According to Microsoft, the last human city has been obliterated, with Marcus Fenix trying to protect the remaining humans from the Locust horde and from newer, deadlier foes, the mutating Lambeth.

Red Dead Redemption Undead Nightmare

After three DLC packs of multiplayer add on's, Red Dead Redemption is offering a new single player add on but it's not what you would think.  It doesn't add to the story or give new content in the continuity of the game.  Instead it's an alternate reality story where you fight zombies!  Zombies are extremely popular right now so why not!!  And it's the theme for Comicpalooza this year so it's appropriate! 

     The Undead Nightmare pack includes an entirely new and lengthy single-player campaign in addition to new multiplayer modes, weapons, zombie animals, mythical creatures, and a new secret location.
      Rockstar has not announced a release date for the Undead Nightmare pack. It's priced at 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox Live or $9.99 on PlayStation Network.

 

Medal Of Honor - Taliban Get A New Name

Electronic Arts announced it is renaming the opposing side in the game's multiplayer to "Opposing Force" in response to the media controversy that erupted last month when it was discovered players could pit Taliban forces against U.S. soldiers. 

     Greg Goodrich, Executive Producer on Medal of Honor, said "There was lots of debate back and forth about this. The fundamental game hasn't changed, it's still the same. We made this change while maintaining the integrity of the game.
     "We made the change after a long consideration."
     Goodrich said there was no pressure to make the change at the team level and stressed that renaming the Taliban in multiplayer will not affect the single-player campaign. All of the selectable character models and imagery will remain the same.
     He also said the name change is permanent as it was hard-coded into the game before retail copies were printed and shipped out.

The V.G.F. Report

It's Video Game Fridayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!  And here it is!

DC Universe Online

DC universe Online is coming to PC and Playstation 3 in the very near future and Jim Lee recently sat down and commentated on some things in a director's trailer.  Check it out here as well as the original trailer for the game!!





Star Wars The Old Republic

Bioware has given a  reason to players to play something else besides Jedi class when The Old Republic hits next spring.  Smugglers will have a constant companion in Bowdaar, a Wookiee gladiator who started his career in the arenas on the moon Nar Shaddaa, also known as the Smuggler’s Moon. It sounds like Bowdaar will work like a pet in Warcraft, for use as a tank or crowd control as the situation warrants.  Smugglers can either specialize in dual-wield Gunslinging becoming  “master of the trick shot” and “first to dive for cover and willing to take advantage of every opportunity." There's also the stealth based Scoundrel who doesn’t have time for “politeness or a fair fight”, and tends to always shoot first and ask questions later.

Red Dad Redemption Double XP Weekend

Red Dead Redemption is an awesome game but i ahve yet to get into the multiplayer too much. This weekend though your deadly efforts will be rewarded handsomely for the next three days as Rockstar is holding its second double XP weekend for the hit western shooter.

The V.G.F. Report

It's Video Game Friday!! A little game called Halo: Reach launched this week and more so here's what is going on!

Halo: Reach

In the first 24 hours after the game went on sale on September 14, the game raked in over $200 million in the United States and Europe. (Canada was not mentioned.) Though not enough to beat the multiplatform Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's record of $310 million in 24 hours, it was enough to best Halo 3's $170 million day-one haul in September 2007. The last Halo game, 2009's Halo 3: ODST, made $125 million in just over two weeks.

Blu-Ray 3D Playback Coming To PS3

Sony continued its 3D initiative by announcing that the next PlayStation 3 firmware update would add 3D Blu-ray movie playback capabilities to the platform. Currently, it is the only console to offer standard Blu-ray playback and/or 3D gaming.
The 3D-enabling update, v3.50, will be pushed to consoles via the PlayStation Network on September 21, 2010--next Tuesday. However, only a few Blu-ray titles currently have 3D versions, including Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and the just-released Monster House. A 3D-compatible television is also required to view the games in 3D, with Sony's electronics business offer offering several models in its Bravia line of high-definition televisions.

Epic Mickey Will Launch November 30th

Combining elements of the action adventure, role-playing, and platforming genres, Epic Mickey sees Disney's storied mouse braving the dreary bluffs of the Wasteland. The alternate dimension is populated by a variety of characters from Disney's stable, and Mickey must complete his family-friendly quest with the aid of his trusty paint brush. With the tool, players are able to alter the way the world looks, painting in some areas while thinning others.
Carrying a $50 price tag for the standard edition, Epic Mickey will also be available in a $70 package. The collector's edition includes a 5-inch Epic Mickey figurine, an Epic Mickey-themed skin and faceplate for the Wii, and a behind-the-scenes bonus video.It will hit on November 30th!

That's it for today's report loko for more to come next week with a  preview of coming games for this fall!

The V.G.F. Report

It's Video Game Friday and it's been a slow week for game news but here's a couple of things to check out!

Marvel Vs Capcom 3: Fate Of Two Worlds Episode 2 Trailer

This highly anticipate sequel continues to heat up and this new trailer reveals another new character.  Check it out!

Dead Rising 2: Case Zero

This XBox Live Arcade prequel hit last week and for 400 points it features 5 hours of gameplay to tide you over until Dead Rising 2 hits.  Check it out now on your Xbox 360 console!







Tron Evolution

The highly anticipated Tron Legacy hits theaters this Christmas and here is a trailer for the game which takes palce between the original Tron and the sequel called Tron Evolution!

The V.G.F. Report

Welcome to the Video Game Friday report!!  The latest round up of happenings in video games all in one place for you!!

The big news this week is that XBox Live is raising prices for their service for the first time since 2002.  Some people don't seem to mind and others aren't to happy about it.  I'm an avid XBox player and I'm kinda upset that it's going to cost me more money for a Gold Membership to play games on  a companies console which already has more money than everyone.  You can read my full rant here.

Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions Trailer
Here's the awesome new trailer for the new multiplatform Spider-man game!




Duke Nukem Forever

The long rumored and in development new Duke Nukem game will release in 2011 on the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC as confirmed at PAX 2010.  That's all I got other than the creepy screen shot to the left!











Batman Arkham City

Several screenshots of the upcoming Batman Arkham City game hit this week.  here's a few more to check out!!

The V.G.F. (Video Game Friday) Report

Welcome to VGF.  Every Friday look right here at the Comicpalooza Blog for a report on the latest video game happenings! From trailers to DLC announcements, to more this will be the place for a quick weekly roundup! And remember Comicpalooza holds video game events throughout the year so stay tuned for the next great event!


First up it's the latest trailer for Halo!


Halo: Reach "Deliver Hope" Trailer

Halo: Reach Xbox 360 Trailer - Deliver Hope Live-Action Trailer

Red Dead Redemption DLC Pack "Liars and Cheats"

Rockstar today announced that the Liars and Cheats pack will mount up on Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network on September 21. Further, the content pack will come bundled with the previously announced Free Roam pack, which adds new Free Roam challenges, posse scoring/leaderboards, seven new gang hideouts, and four fresh hunting grounds.
The Liars and Cheats Pack (800 MS points, or $9.99) adds goods for the title's single- and multiplayer components. The content brings new multiplayer horse races with mounted combat, an attack-and-defend multiplayer mode called Stronghold, 15 new multiplayer characters, and multiplayer versions of Liars Dice and poker. The Liars and Cheats Pack also adds the explosive rifle, which can be used in both single- and multiplayer.
      Rockstar had originally planned to release the Free Roam pack as a free download, but due to "platform networks’ restrictions on numbers of free packs [Rockstar] can give away," the developer said it was forced to bundle it with the Liars and Cheats pack.
     Looking ahead, Rockstar plans to release the Undead Nightmare Pack "later this fall." The pack adds an entirely new single-player campaign that follows protagonist John Marston and his attempt to find a cure for an infectious zombie outbreak. Additionally, the Undead Nightmare Pack adds new gameplay mechanics, weapons, zombie animals, mythical creatures, a new location, and fresh multiplayer modes (Source: videogames.com)

NBA Jam - NBA Jam is returning to homes everywhere exclusively on the Wii this fall.  Check out this awesome trailer for the arcade basketball game!

More NBA Jam Info