PC Game News

OGPlanet has announced the launch of Tactical Intervention, the new Minh “Gooseman” Le multiplayer game.

“After months (and months) of Beta Testing, Tactical Intervention has finally launched!
We are very excited to present Minh Le’s newest game to the world.
We are also grateful to those who have helped us come this far, especially those who participated in beta testing and gave us feedback.

We are still very open to your suggestions and comments, so feel free to voice your opinion on our forum or send us a help desk ticket should you have any trouble playing TI.

Thank you for your continued support of Tactical Intervention  and see you all in game!!”

A new project on Kickstarter is calling itself the successor of the Half-Life mod The Specialists, and with good reason, as it’s being developed by some of the same people.

“We need your help to finish the first version of the game, codename Boogaloo, by the end of the summer. This means at least two agent models, six weapons, six style skills, four to six levels and three stunts. This is a small feature set compared to a triple-A game, but we want to focus on a small feature set and make it the best it can be before we move on. Subsequent versions will feature more ways of being stylish, more stunts, more weapons, more maps, more agents, more style skills.

That’s a lot of work, but if we need to take time off from our jobs and schoolwork this summer to focus on the game then we can finish it. The date of delivery of the game (and all physical rewards) will be August 2013, or in other words, in six months. We already have a playable “beta” with all of the core mechanics in place, and to finish we need to fill in the gaps in the art and refine the design.”

Paradox Interactive today announced Magicka: Wizard Wars, an upcoming action PvP multiplayer game based on the Magicka series.

“This game will be the first title developed by Paradox North, a new studio within Paradox Interactive comprised of industry veterans with extensive experience in game creation and wizard staff repair. The development team at Paradox North is composed of former members of reputable Stockholm-based development studios both AAA and indie, and they all look really nice in robes.

In Magicka: Wizard Wars, two teams of four wizards each will go head-to-lightning-bolt on the field of battle, wielding a wealth of magic spells as players adapt their tactics on the fly in response to their opponents. In true Magicka fashion, victory will go to the team whose wizards can combine the craftiest casts – and who can avoid the most friendly fire. With short battles, persistent character progression, and plenty of laughter, Magicka: Wizard Wars is perfect for a few quick games to unwind after work – or a forty-hour binge over the weekend. Paradox promises not to judge.”

Valve today announced the addition of an experimental virtual reality mode for Team Fortress 2, which will support the Oculus Rift.

“Anyone with an Oculus Rift Developer Kit will be able to use their device to play all of Team Fortress 2 on the PC. All game modes and classes are supported with the new Virtual Reality mode.

“When we first played an early version of Virtual Reality mode in Team Fortress we were blown away by the immersion we experienced.”, said Joe Ludwig at Valve. “VR is just getting started, but it is going to have a big impact on gaming. This update will let us share that experience with more of the Team Fortress community.”

“Valve’s done an incredible job bringing Team Fortress 2 to virtual reality! TF2 is the most-played game in my Steam library, so you can imagine how excited I am to play it in the Rift with all of our backers,” said Palmer Luckey, Founder of Oculus VR, Inc.

In addition to gaining access to the new Virtual Reality mode, owners of the Oculus Rift will also be granted a unique Oculus Rift in-game hat. Steam codes to redeem for this item will be sent out by Oculus.”

Electronic Arts today announced that John Riccitiello will step down as CEO and member of the board effective March 30th. Larry Probst was chosen as the Executive Chairman to fill in until a new CEO is appointed.

“We thank John for his contributions to EA since he was appointed CEO in 2007, especially the passion, dedication and energy he brought to the Company every single day,” said Mr. Probst. “John has worked hard to lead the Company through challenging transitions in our industry, and was instrumental in driving our very significant growth in digital revenues. We appreciate John’s leadership and the many important strategic initiatives he has driven for the Company. We have mutually agreed that this is the right time for a leadership transition.”

Blizzard Entertainment today announced the launch of StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm, an expansion to the popular RTS game.

“Players can now purchase Heart of the Swarm in retail stores throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Russia, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, as well as digitally via the game’s official website. Release plans for mainland China will be announced at a later date.

Heart of the Swarm picks up the story where StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty® left off, focusing on Kerrigan’s quest to reunite the Swarm and exact revenge on Arcturus Mengsk. Over the course of 20 campaign missions, players will follow Kerrigan as she sweeps across the galaxy, incorporating a variety of distinctive zerg species into her brood. Kerrigan will grow in strength from mission to mission, and players will be able to customize her with powerful new abilities, as well as evolve various zerg strains into fearsome new subspecies to suit their play style.

New weapons of war also debut in Heart of the Swarm’s multiplayer, including new units such as Terran Hellbats, Zerg Swarm Hosts, and Protoss Tempests, while certain existing units from Wings of Liberty will be updated with new capabilities. In addition, several new features will enhance the game experience, including group and clan systems; training and versus-A.I. modes, to help new players transition from the campaign into multiplayer; unranked matchmaking; Global Play, enabling players to battle others in different regions around the world; additional stat tracking; user interface improvements; an enhanced physics system, for more visceral-looking battles; “Watch With Others” and “Take Command,” to watch replays with friends as well as jump in and assume control at any point; a leveling system that gives Heart of the Swarm players a new way to earn customization options for their online profiles; and much more.”

Cyanide Studios today released work-in-progress screenshots from Dogs of War Online, revealing the new title.

“Dogs of War Online is a turn-based, tactical arena game with gameplay heavily influenced by the eponymous board game published by Rackham. Players are tasked with creating a squad of mercenaries made up of units of their choosing, and must send them to fight in fierce battles against other players. Movement and contact are based on a system of hexagonal boxes.

The player must also demonstrate leadership qualities and cope with frequent unexpected events related to the life of a mercenary company: desertion, tension between soldiers, and theft, among other problems.

To ensure that soldiers do not spend their free time ransacking the neighborhood, players will be able to send them on missions between battles and thus increase winnings.

Finally, each player will be able to customize existing mercenaries or grow armies by acquiring items and new units.

Set in a world where honor is an unknown concept, Dogs of War Online offers three armies at its launch: Ram, composed of undead minions, each one more sinister than the other; Lion, with its seemingly noble knights who are better known for their greed and deceit; and Wolfen, dangerous predators who consider every stranger their prey.

Today’s screenshots give a glimpse of a Confrontation between the Lion and Wolfen!”

SEGA today announced that Company of Heroes 2 has been pushed back to a new release date of June 25th for North American and Europe.

“Originally slated for earlier in 2013, Relic Entertainment is using the additional time to help Company of Heroes 2 meet the high standard set by its predecessor, the highest rated strategy game of all time *. Underpinned by the cutting-edge Essence 3.0 Engineâ„¢, Company of Heroes 2 brings tactical strategy to life like never before, thanks to the realistic ColdTechâ„¢ weather system, the revolutionary dynamic line of sight system, TrueSightâ„¢ and realistic destructibility.

Jonathan Dowdeswell, Executive Producer of Company of Heroes 2 commented “Our acquisition by SEGA has given us the chance to work with a new partner that has a great track record of working with long standing PC franchises, It gives us great confidence to know that we have a well aligned team working to bring the best experience we can to gamers around the world.”

“We hate to disappoint our fans with a later than expected date as we know they are eager to play but we feel that the additional time will help the team deliver the high quality sequel fans deserve.” commented Greg Wilson, Producer of Company of Heroes 2. “However, the wait won’t be long as players will soon be able to help us test and balance multiplayer in the upcoming Closed Beta. Details will follow shortly.”

For more information check www.companyofheroes.com“

The list of new PC game releases, Blu-ray releases, and movies opening the week of March 5th, 2013.

PC games:

• Masters of the World: Geopolitical Simulator 3
• SimCity
• The Sims 3: University Life
• Tomb Raider

Movies opening this week:

• Beyond the Hills (limited)
• Dead Man Down (limited)
• Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey (limited)
• Emperor (limited)
• Oz the Great and the Powerful
• The ABCs of Death (limited)
• The Silence (limited)

Blu-ray releases:

• Bret Hitman Hart: The Dungeon Collection
• Interview with a Hitman
• Lay the Favorite
• Lego Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu Season Two
• Marine 3: Homefront
• Muay Thai Warrior
• Murdock Mysteries, Season Five
• Nativity Story
• Nightmare on Elm Street Collection
• Ocean Giants
• One Night with the King
• Playing for Keeps
• Red Dawn
• Revelation Road
• Schindler’s List 20th Anniversary Ed.
• Son of Sardaar
• The Great Spy Chase
• The Intouchables
• Ultramarines: Warhammer
• Valtari Film Experiment
• Waiting for Lightning
• Westworld
• Wreck-It Ralph

Valve today announced that Counter-Strike: Condition Zero is the latest game in the Valve catalog to make its Linux debut.

“CS:CZ is the fifth Valve title to be released for Linux and, with its release, pushes the total number of Linux games available on Steam to 80.

Launched just three weeks ago, the Steam for Linux client is available for free from the Ubuntu Software Center. More Valve titles are heading to Linux in the coming weeks and months.

For more information, please visit https://steamcommunity.com/linux“

The 5th Android Humble Bundle has been released, which is also available for Windows, Mac and Linux. This bundle includes Beat Hazard Ultra, Dynamite Jack, Solar 2, NightSky, and Super Hexagon and Dungeon Defenders if you pay more than the average.

“Humble Bundle with Android 5 includes six mind-blowing games and several ear-pleasing soundtracks. Pay what you want for the musically-powered arcade shooter Beat Hazard Ultra; the top-down stealth action game Dynamite Jack; the open world intergalactic Solar 2 (tablet recommended); and physics puzzle platformer NightSky HD. If you pay more than the average, you’ll also get the frenetic action game Super Hexagon and tower defense RPG Dungeon Defenders!

Pay what you want. If you bought all of these fantastic mobile and desktop games separately, they’d cost you about $110. But we’re letting you name your price!

The games are DRM-free and work great on Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux.”

SEGA today announced the release of the Gold Edition of Shogun 2: Total War.

“Total War SHOGUN 2 GOLD Edition charts the entire history of the Samurai culture and puts you at the center of Japan’s most thrilling historical conflicts. This stunning collection comprises the BAFTA award-winning Shogun 2 and its smash-hit expansions Rise of The Samurai and the BAFTA-nominated Fall of The Samurai. This wealth of content offers strategy gamers hundreds of hours of entertainment.

The North American GOLD Edition includes all three titles, and is available at retailers today (March 5th). The European and Australian version of the GOLD Edition is available in retailers from Friday March 8th.”

As promised, the Arma 3 alpha version is now available for purchase on Steam.

“Purchase the Arma 3 Alpha now to receive immediate access to the Alpha, 3 Alpha Lite invites for your friends (available March 14th to June 18th 2013) as well as Beta access and the Full game upon it’s release!

In the Alpha, you’ll be able to explore Stratis Island, enjoy a taste of Arma 3’s diverse gameplay, and team up with your friends to fight against enemies in 2 co-op mulitplayer scenarios! There are also 8 different vehicles featured in the Alpha and a collection of weapons to help customize your loadout.

In celebration of the Alpha’s launch, we’re also discounting all previous Arma titles! Now until March 12th at 10AM Pacific time, take 50% off the entire Arma and Arma II series of games!”

Ubisoft today announced Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, the next upcoming Assassin’s Creed game that will revolve around the age of pirates. The game will be released on October 29th for consoles but a US PC date doesn’t seem to be available at the moment.

“Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag tells the story of Edward Kenway, a young British man with a thirst for danger and adventure, who falls from privateering for the Royal Navy into piracy as the war between the major Empires comes to an end. Edward is a fierce pirate and seasoned fighter who soon finds himself embroiled in the ancient war between Assassins and Templars. Set at the dawn of the 18th Century, the game features some of the most infamous pirates in history, such as Blackbeard and Charles Vane, and takes players on a journey throughout the West Indies during a turbulent and violent period of time later to become known as the Golden Age of Pirates.

Gameplay in Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag is based upon the franchise’s proven tenets. Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag features a vast open world with more than 50 navigable locations. Combat combines the weaponry of the Assassin’s Order with armaments of the era, and rewards both daring and stealth. And the series’ acclaimed multiplayer experience is more varied and ruthless than ever in Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag.”

Announcement trailer:

Edward Kenway introduction trailer:

Paradox Interactive today announced that Open Beta test for Salem has begun. The game can be downloaded from the official site.

“In Salem, players can step into the well-worn boots of brave pilgrims, arriving in a fledgling settlement and attempting to carve out their new homes in the untamed wilderness. To survive, pilgrims will need to learn from the land to boost their skills, scavenge for food, and harvest natural resources in a wide-open sandbox environment to craft tools and homes, and even establish their own in-game settlements. Danger lurks around every corner, however, and between wild animals, unseen perils, and their fellow players, surviving Salem is no lean feat: there are few restrictions on Player-versus-Player (PvP) attacks, no law except what the community makes, and in Salem, death is permanent.

By designing Salem with less of a traditional MMO structure, and instead presenting players with a persistent community sandbox with high-stakes consequences for conflict, Paradox and Seatribe are allowing the Salem community to shape their own experiences. The in-game society that has sprung up during closed beta – including a bustling barter-based economy, vigilantes and mob justice, and rival settlements, have all happened as a result of players’ choices and actions. With the new addition of more players during open beta, it will be fascinating to discover what the community ultimately makes of the world of Salem.

To give new players an idea what they’re in for, Paradox Interactive has released a new video featuring “Tarp Marpton” who continues his documentation of the new world. In Salem players may assume the role of Pilgrims, bandits, natives or whatever they please. Welcome to the community driven MMO.”