Written By Kom Limpulnam on Kamis, 31 Juli 2014 | 11.52
Sony's streaming games service, PlayStation Now, launches into open beta tomorrow, July 31, on PlayStation 4 in the United States and Canada. If you're a PS4 owner in either of those countries, you'll be able to pay to play certain PlayStation 3 games without ever downloading them or putting a physical disc in the system. Even with so many new users about to begin using it in less than a day, there remain numerous questions about Now and how it'll work--questions Sony continues to avoid providing answers to.
GameSpot recently spoke with PlayStation Now senior director Jack Buser and Gaikai senior VP Robert Stevenson about the service, which they are happy to note is the first of its kind on consoles. Sony says more than 50 publishers have signed on to offer their games through Now, although an exact list of games planned for it has not been made available. (More will be added "all the time," according to Buser.) The company still won't give exact numbers for how much data you can expect Now to use--a real issue for those in dorms or with ISPs that have data caps--but Stevenson says, "You can think of it [as] very comparable to movie streaming. It's not exactly the same, but it's similar." We'd previously heard you will need a 5 megabits-per-second connection for a "good experience."
A closed beta that's been running since earlier this year has provided Sony with a lot of data to work with--more than 300,000 hours have been streamed so far--that it's already used to improve Now. "Some areas we've really focused on have been in the [user experience], making sure that users really understand the service as we go into open beta," Stevenson says. The Now beta has been using its own dedicated app, but the PlayStation Store itself will become the home for the service as it enters open beta, which presents new challenges. Sony has changed the messaging it uses and tried to ensure people aren't confused when they go to rent a game.
Stevenson also highlighted the addition of cloud saves partway through the closed beta, which allow users to save their game and then resume it on another device at a later time. There are also plans for a new $1.99 price option for certain rentals that is $1 less than the lowest price we've previously heard about. And Sony will make it clearer when streaming games offer DLC, which is said to be part of the reason why rentals during the closed beta could be more expensive than buying a brand-new physical copy.
These kinds of refinements are to be expected, and are no doubt critical to Now achieving a real degree of success. But just as important are many of the issues gamers have been wondering about since Now was announced in January: How will a subscription option work, and when will see one? Can I get free or discounted access to games that I can verify I already own (reportedly the answer is no)? Who is this for? Unfortunately, neither Buser nor Stevenson were willing to provide us with the kinds of answers we were looking for.
"I think, ultimately, you look to this vision of expanding to a wide number of devices and you can imagine that there is this very rich catalog of PlayStation 3 games available to them." -- Jack Buser
Repeatedly describing the service as being in "early days," the two shied away from answering questions about the particulars of a subscription option. Sony is aware of the interest in such an option, and Stevenson says it's "researching exactly how to deliver that. We've got some really strong ideas, but nothing to disclose today in terms of timeline or pricing or anything of that sort."
Fair enough, but how about the way Now will deal with users who own a supported game and would like to stream it to their PS4? "[We have] nothing to discuss at this time," Buser says. "As I mentioned, we are going into open beta on PS4. It will be a rental offering, you'll see a variety of different durations, and, again, a variety of different price points. You'll see durations as short as four hours for an evening of fun--something where maybe you maybe want to come in and just check out a game--you'll see longer durations, like 30 days, 90 days. And Robert talked a lot about the cloud save feature, where you can try out a game for a short duration, save your game to our cloud servers, decide you want to continue playing, rent for a longer duration, and pick up where you left off.
"You know, this is a beta, we are listening to our customers, and if customers want to see features or functions as part of PlayStation Now, they should feel free to let us know. And we'll be collecting that feedback as part of this open beta process."
You'll notice there was no specific mention of what we asked about, something which happened again when we asked about The Last of Us, which has been shown to be playable using Now but was released this week on PS4 as The Last of Us Remastered. Considering PS4 owners who never owned a PS3 now have a way to play the game, who is Sony targeting with the Now version of a game like this? "We're entering into open beta on PlayStation 4, so this particular period is all about the beta and hearing about people's experiences and how things are going," Buser answers. "I think, ultimately, you look to this vision of expanding to a wide number of devices and you can imagine that there is this very rich catalog of PlayStation 3 games available to them.
"It's all about giving the PlayStation community options on how they want to access content." -- Jack Buser
"We're making this available to the PlayStation 4 community. Many of these titles are going to be brand new to these folks, because they're new to the PlayStation ecosystem, and the PlayStation 4 is maybe their first PlayStation device. And as we expand beyond there, you can imagine an entirely new type of customer who maybe doesn't even have a game console of any sort, who is going to be experiencing this rich catalog for the very first time, and really understand the thing we, in the industry, have known for so long, which is how wonderful these experiences are. The different types of content will fill different kinds of needs depending upon who that target customer is as we move forward."
Stevenson reiterated the idea that Now presents PS4 owners who never got to play The Last of Us on PS3 with a way to do so. (He didn't mention that Remastered does this.) We brought up the fact that Sony is, in a way, competing with itself in a case like this; for a PS4 owner who can choose to pick up Remastered--an improved version of the game--what is the appeal of being able to stream the PS3 version? "Well I think, in general, we're just interested in providing options for our gamers, just to give them the freedom to discover and play games in ways never before possible," Buser says. "So I think we look at all these options as existing symbiotically with one another. It's all about giving the PlayStation community options on how they want to access content. And I think PlayStation Now is really a part of that larger vision for the platform itself."
This was similar to what Buser tells us when asked about the possibility of new games being released directly onto PlayStation Now. "I couldn't comment on that concept specifically," he says. "One thing that's exciting about PlayStation Now is that you have a whole bunch of people who are new to PlayStation in general who own a PlayStation 4, and they might have missed out on a lot of these great PlayStation 3 titles. I think that's one of the things that show some of the power of PlayStation Now as a game-streaming service. So both ourselves at PlayStation as well as publishing partners are really exciting about introducing these amazing PlayStation 3 games to customers who own PS4 but are maybe new to PlayStation. I think that's really exciting."
Even with the open beta kicking off on PS4 tomorrow, many issues will remain unanswered for the time being; the beta will only offer rentals and Sony can point to the beta label to explain why it has so few answers about the service.
But at least we'll have options.
Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on Twitter @TheSmokingManX
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
So is GameSpot going to explain the biggest news of the day, which was their firing of 12 employees, including 2 guys who have been here for over 10 years (Ryan and Justin)?
I feel like this community deserves some explanation beyond the impersonal, cold-hearted PR blurb of:
"We did some shifting of internal resources as part of our long-term content and user engagement strategy. A few positions were impacted."
Written By Kom Limpulnam on Rabu, 30 Juli 2014 | 11.52
Gamespot's Site MashupGS News - New Call of Duty Story Trailer; "EA Access" Revealed for Xbox OneHand of Fate Early Access ReviewEA Announces $5/Month Xbox One Subscription Program; Gives You Unlimited Access to Games [UPDATE]GameStop Shares Tumble After EA Access AnnouncementLittleBigPlanet 3 Preorder Bonuses Include Dragon Age: Inquisition CostumesGrab FIFA World Cup for $18, Battlefield 4 DLC 33% Off on Xbox 360 During This Week's Deals With GoldFirefall, The Last of Us, Comic-Con Recap - The LobbyCall of Duty: Advanced Warfare Is "Not the Same Old Call of Duty"Following E3 Controversy, New Assassin's Creed Unity Trailer Shows Off Female CharacterQuick Look: HalfwayTop 5 Skyrim Mods of the Week - Skyrim is now CheeseGS News Update: EA Announces a $5 a Month Xbox One Subscription Service$120 Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Collector's Edition Gets You All of ThisCall of Duty: Advanced Warfare Trailer Sets up the Story, Offers a Glimpse of MultiplayerXbox One Now Available for Preorder in China
rss:9d9437cc2bdadfdb0c2a6594385b5cf5548bd329 rss_modified:rss:9d9437cc2bdadfdb0c2a6594385b5cf5548bd329 http://www.gamespot.com/mashup/ Gamespot's Everything Feed! News, Reviews, Videos. Exploding with content? You bet. en-us Tue, 29 Jul 2014 20:52:56 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-new-call-of-duty-story-trailer-ea-access-r/2300-6420549/ 2300-6420549Tue, 29 Jul 2014 16:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/hand-of-fate-early-access-review/1100-6421383/ GameSpot's early access reviews evaluate unfinished games that are nonetheless available for purchase by the public. While the games in question are not considered finished by their creators, you may still devote money, time, and bandwidth for the privilege of playing them before they are complete. The review below critiques a work in progress, and represents a snapshot of the game at the time of the review's publication.
Every step of your journey is determined by the flip of a card in Hand of Fate, a sweet blend of card game and action role-playing game that deals out nerdy pleasures aplenty to match its unpredictable punishment. Not knowing whether your next move will reveal an ambush of skeleton warriors or a secret dungeon filled with loot to aid you in your journey is all part of the fun. Deck building, risk-vs.-reward strategizing, and twitch reflexes collide in this engrossing fantasy game of chance. Hand of Fate is deeply rooted at the intersection of tabletop gaming tradition and Diablo-esque click-brawler action, giving it serious potential to blossom into a major genre itch-scratcher with a little more time under the knife.
Tabletop RPGs--card-based or otherwise--often come with a dizzying set of rules that take time and patience to wrap your brain around. In its current tutorial-less state, Hand of Fate throws you right into the meat of the gameplay without any real guidance, but like any good fantasy card game, its rule system packs necessary depth without being so complex that you can't get a feel for it after a few rounds. Right now, learning as you go poses only a minor speed bump that fades into familiarity once you have a couple of matches behind you.
Hopefully, grammar errors will be repaired in future updates.
You're seated in a dimly lit room across from a mysterious cloaked opponent--who's one part card dealer, one part dungeon master--and each randomly generated adventure you dive into unfolds on the tabletop space between you. Matches begin with the dealer placing cards facedown in different dungeon-like configurations. Every turn you move a small figurine one space across the layouts, stopping to turn over each card you land on and deal with whatever surprise encounters await.
Your overarching mission in every game is to sniff out and defeat the dungeon's boss. Getting to each boss alive with enough strength to survive the encounter is a challenge on its own. Adding another neat wrinkle to the mix, every step you take consumes food, which is a precious resource. Food restores your health a little each move when you have it, but running out causes damage. Ill planning or unfortunate mishaps can lead you to starvation before you even get to the boss. This makes managing your food, and the gold needed to buy it, an important balancing act as you push your way into the unknown.
Unexpected twists and intense battles you stumble into along the way make the journey all the more interesting. The encounters you face run a wide gamut, ranging from traps and combat scenarios to item shops and quests. Most are accompanied by a snippet of narrative and a choice for you to consider. You might be asked to help a stranger in need or decide whether to pursue a treasure-hunting opportunity, for example. Your chances of success in many choice-based encounters rely on picking wisely in three-card-monte-style shuffles. Succeeding can earn you helpful reward cards, though failure forces you to draw pain cards that have negative effects or throw you into combat. The latter is where the game takes a very different turn from its tabletop roots.
Ain't nobody gonna break my stride, except for the Money Bags card.
Engaging in combat drops you into third-person action RPG arena battles against human and monstrous foes alike. Running around these tight but slickly designed map areas, you control a burly warrior who dishes out a clobbering as you click to attack, block, and dodge. It's a great change of pace--both visually and gameplay-wise--that also gives more life to the gameworld you're exploring through the card-based narratives. As far as the fighting goes, it's pretty straightforward stuff. You trade blows, dodge magic and missiles, dish out counterattacks, and flit around the mob trying to take your foes down without getting caught in the melee.
These twitch-heavy brawls are messy, chaotic fun that lasts just long enough to whet your whistle and switch up the tabletop vibe, but they're also one area where Hands of Fate's beta status pokes through at the seams. Combat mechanics are sloppy in spots, and the rigid camera angle offers a sometimes cramped view of the action. If you're not packing more powerful gear when you run into battle, it's also easy to get steamrolled by bosses and larger mobs of enemies. Therefore, the weapons, armor, and buff cards you amass and equip on a given run play a big role in how well you fare when it comes to caving skulls in, and it's the main way to bolster your hero's capabilities as you push toward each boss encounter.
Today is a good day to die.
Modular, ever-evolving gameplay goes a long way to keeping you in the game. Completing quests, defeating bosses, and surviving obstacles unlocks new equipment and encounter cards with every run. You can build out your deck, tweaking the experience each time by selecting the potential range of gear and risky-but-rewarding encounters in any given match. This encourages replay naturally and takes the sting out of getting clobbered in mid-run. I died a lot in my quest to best the realm's boss baddies, and often in horrible ways, but the possibility of a different outcome and my ability to influence it by throwing new cards into the mix spurred me onward.
For the tabletop RGP set, Hand of Fate's appeal is undeniable. This beta is finely tuned to make you want to sit down and test your wits over and over again, even if the game lacks a few finishing touches. Tremendous replay value and skillful execution trump the weaker aspects, and I'm confident that this will be one to watch as it pushes closer to completion.
What's There?
A deep and accessible card-based tabletop game/action RPG hybrid with high replayability.
What's To Come?
The introduction and tutorial are missing in this current beta, though those elements, along with a final boss and updated audio, are planned to be added in for launch. Additional cards and expansions are likely too.
What Does it Cost?
$24.99, available via the Steam store.
When Will it Be Finished?
No specific date yet announced.
What's the Verdict?
Hand of Fate packs all the engagement of a tabletop RPG, but injects some excitement into the mix with action-centric combat sequences and unpredictable encounters. What's here is a blast, even if the game is still missing a few important ingredients.
This story has been updated with additional details about the service.
The first game available in an early trial version will be Madden 15 sometime ahead of its August launch.
The program does not change EA's current plans for demo/beta access to games. An EA representative says, "Traditional demos and betas will still exist."
Digital content (such as DLC and maps) will be sold separately, but at a 10% discount. An EA represnentative clarified, "Once you purchase any DLC, it is yours to own, even if your membership lapses. All of your progression is retained."
Games will be downloaded, not streamed. Your game progress is also saved by the system, so the EA representative says, "Even if you lapse as a member, and then decide to come back, you'd be able to pick up where you left off."
The original story appears below:
Electronic Arts today announced a new subscription program for Xbox One called "EA Access." For $5/month (or $30/year), you get endless access to The Vault, a collection of digital EA games.
EA Access is available today in beta for some users, with a wider launch planned to arrive "soon." The current games included in The Vault are FIFA 14, Madden NFL 25, Peggle 2, and Battlefield 4. More titles will be added "soon," EA says, pointing out that you're getting access to more than $100 worth of games for $5/month.
According to EA, you will have "unlimited" access to the four games during the beta. It is unclear if the same "unlimited" nature of the service will apply when the service rolls out in full later on.
"At EA, we are always looking for new ways to make it easier for gamers to play more EA games across all platforms, and we are excited about what EA Access will offer to players on Xbox One," EA said in a statement on its website.
In addition to access to multiple games in The Vault, an EA Access subscription gets you 10% off on purchases of EA digital content for Xbox One games through the Xbox Games Store. This includes full games and memberships like Battlefield 4 Premium. However, EA cautions that, conditions, limitations, and exclusions apply.
Another component of EA Access is that with a subscription, you'll get to play trial versions of new EA titles "up to" five days before their official release date. This begins with upcoming sports games like Madden NFL 15, NHL 15, FIFA 15, and NBA Live 15, as well as Dragon Age: Inquisition.
If you decide to upgrade to the full version of a game, your progress will carry forward, allowing you to pick up right where you left off. EA Access subscriptions will also be sold in physical stores, including GameStop, as well as online retailers like Amazon.
It remains to be seen what kind of fine print there may be for EA Access. You can read more about EA Access as the program's just-launched website.
GameStop shares fell today by more than 5 percent following Electronic Arts' announcement of a special streaming service for Xbox One that could have negative implications for the retailer's business. As you can see in the chart below, GameStop shares began to fall immediately after the announcement of EA Access.
EA Access hurts GameStop, at least in theory, because it incentivizes digital spending. However, GameStop will sell EA Access subscription cards in its stores, and the retailer has already proven that the proliferation of digital gaming is not really the thorn in its side that some make it out to be.
GameStop's share value today.
The stock market is inherently volatile and dramatic fluctuation in share value is no strange thing for GameStop. After Sony announced its own streaming service, PlayStation Now, back in January, GameStop shares tumbled, but later rebounded.
Colin Sebastian, an analyst at Robert W. Baird, says in a note to investors today that EA Access isn't likely to disrupt GameStop's business in any meaningful way. "While new subscription programs have the potential to disrupt/disintermediate the retail channel, there is little evidence to date to support that similar programs have taken the retailer's market share," he said.
Meanwhile, Sterne Agee analyst Arvind Bhatia says it's too early to tell if EA Access will be troublesome to GameStop. "In the current form, we don't think it's that disruptive to GameStop," Bhatia said.
We have reached out to a GameStop representative for comment and will update this post with anything we hear back.
EA Access has been immediately compared to Netflix, in that you will pay a fee ($5/month or $30/year) for access to a library of games, which you then have unlimited access to. Also included with your membership are discounts on digital content and the ability to play upcoming games five days before anyone else. A beta for EA Access is available now for select Xbox One owners, while a wider rollout is expected to happen soon. The first four games included with EA Access are Battlefield 4, Madden NFL 25, FIFA 14, and Peggle 2.
In a post on the PlayStation Blog today, Sony officially announced that LittleBigPlanet 3 will launch across PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 on November 18. The game was officially announced at E3 last month, where it was given a vague release date of sometime this fall.
Sony also today announced the preorder bonuses for LittleBigPlanet 3. Preorder the game anywhere and you'll receive an adorable Sackboy plush toy. Meanwhile, Target shoppers will get the toy alongside a special hat (for the toy), which is exclusive to the retailer.
In addition, a special Dragon Age: Inquisition costume pack will be included with the Day 1 Edition of LittleBigPlanet 3, which anyone who preorders the game will be automatically upgraded to. This goes for preorders placed at physical retailers and online. On top of that, the LittleBigPlanet 3 Day 1 Edition also includes costumes for popular PlayStation characters like Nathan Drake (Uncharted), Ellie (The Last of Us), Delsin (Infamous: Second Son), and a Helghan soldier (Killzone).
There are also retailer-specific preorder bonuses for LittleBigPlanet 3. GameStop shoppers will receive the Mythical Creatures Costume Pack, Best Buy customers get the Hidden Creatures Costume Pack, and Amazon buyers will receive the PlayStation Favorites Costume Pack. A breakdown of the three bundles is available in the images below.
Finally, all preorders for LittleBigPlanet 3 come with instant access to the LittleBigPlanet 3 t-shirt pack. This means that the moment you preorder the game, you'll receive special in-game t-shirts for previously released games like LittleBigPlanet 2, LittleBigPlanet for PlayStation Vita, and LittleBigPlanet Karting. When LittleBigPlanet 3 is released this November, you'll also be able to have your character wear the shirt in that game.
The preorder bonuses mentioned in this post are for North America only. Sony will share details for European LittleBigPlanet fans in the time ahead.
LittleBigPlanet 3 is the first entry in the core series developed outside of franchise creator Media Molecule. Sumo Digital is developing the game, while Media Molecule is working on an unannounced PS4 game.
The newest set of deals for games and content on Xbox is now live. This week's Deals with Gold features a number of EA Sports games as well as some Battlefield 4 content for heavily reduced prices.
Good news for sports fans: you can pick up FIFA World Cup Brazil for $18 and NHL 14 for $25 this week. Battlefield 4 owners can grab all of the released DLC packs for 33 percent off, as well. Remember, to take advantage of these deals, you must be an Xbox Live Gold subscriber.
You can check out the full list of deals below. Games are linked to their download pages on the Xbox website.
This year's Call of Duty game, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, is "not the same old Call of Duty," according to developer Sledgehammer Games. Speaking with VentureBeat, studio co-founder Michael Condrey laid out the reasons why this year's game will be one to remember.
"With three years and a new engine and a new generation of hardware and a new brand, you'll see this is not the same old Call of Duty," Condrey said. "We had the people, the resources, and the time."
Condrey's boasting about the game didn't end there, however. "This has the scale and the scope of the equivalent of four Hollywood movies in it," he said. "It has hundreds of hours of multiplayer gameplay. It has full cooperative mode. It takes an army of industry vets to create this kind of content."
Activision announced in May a new three-year, three-studio production schedule for the Call of Duty brand. The extra year of development will make it so gamers are blown away by every new entry, according to Activision.
"This game had to be done from scratch. This is really a brand new franchise within Call of Duty. It's a new intellectual property" -- Sledgehammer co-founder Glen Schofield
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is such a new Call of Duty experience, Sledgehammer Games says, that it should in fact be thought of as a new intellectual property.
"We really upgraded the characters with a new facial system. We are lighting the game in a new way. All of it is new," Sledgehammer Games co-founder Glen Schofield said. "It's next-generation, and it's 40 years in the future. There is really nothing you can borrow. This game had to be done from scratch. This is really a brand new franchise within Call of Duty. It's a new intellectual property."
Prior to Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare's official announcement, Activision--which owns Sledgehammer Games--said that the game was "perhaps the best Call of Duty game ever created." That quote came from Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare changes up the traditional Call of Duty format by introducing exoskeleton suits, which give players a range of super-abilities like increased dexterity and the ability to climb up walls using magnetic gloves. There is even a new Just Cause-style grappling hook system in Advanced Warfare, which we got a quick look at in today's new trailer.
In other Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare news, Activision today announced the game's three collector's editions, which range in price from $80-$120.
Do you think Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare can live up to the hype? Chime in with your thoughts in the comments!
In Ubisoft's upcoming free-running game Assassin's Creed Unity, you take control of an Assassin named Arno. He fights in the French Revolution against tyranny and, of course, the Templar organization. But the newest Unity trailer published today suggests that Arno's motivations aren't nearly so clear, and that he seems to be involved with a Templar woman.
In the trailer, Arno races through the streets of Paris to a city square where an execution takes place. He's too late to rescue all of the victims, but that seems to not be the point: the Assassin cuts through the French soldiers guarding the guillotine and reaches the last person in line. This person is a woman, who we know is named Elise. She will be featured prominently throughout the story as a main character.
Most notably, however, is that she wears a Templar cross. Arno collaborates with her, fighting against soldiers who encircle them. According to a press release, Elise is "an independent young noblewoman [who] is determined to secure her place in the Templar dynasty amidst the chaos of the French Revolution. Her quest leads her to cross paths with Arno and establish an unlikely bond with him."
This trailer and the announcement of Elise follow several weeks of controversy after an Ubisoft developer stated that making female playable characters would have doubled the workload. Ubisoft later clarified this, explaining that everyone will play as Arno and that there would be strong female characters in Unity.
Recently, Ubisoft said that Unity will be the "best entry point since Assassin's Creed 1." A previous trailer also showed off the revolution and Arno's motivations for joining the rebels. The game launches on October 28 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
What do you think about this friendship between a Templar and an Assassin? Let us know in the comments.
Alex Newhouse is an editorial intern at GameSpot, and you can follow him on Twitter @alexbnewhouse
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
Gamers looking to go big with this fall's Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare are in luck, as the collector's editions for the game were announced today and they come with premium price tags.
The $120 "Atlas Pro Edition," which is described as the "ultimate package," features the Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare season pass, a collectible steelbook, the Welcome to Atlas: Advanced Soldier Manual, and a collection of digital content including weapons, a multiplayer map (the Gorge), and the game's soundtrack .
Meanwhile, the $80 "Atlas Limited Edition" does not include the Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare season pass, but it does come with the Gorge multiplayer map, as well the Soldier Manual, steelbook case, and various in-game digital content like a special exoskeleton and helmet.
The full contents of the Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Atlas Pro Edition and Atlas Limited Edition are available on the game's website.
A special Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Digital Pro Edition is also available for preorder. The $100 bundle includes the game's season pass, as as well as the bonus Gorge multiplayer map, and various in-game items like weapons and a player card. As its name suggest, this is a digital-only bundle.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare launches November 4 for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC. Earlier today, Activision released an all-new story trailer for the game, which sets up the campaign and even offers a brief tease of the multiplayer mode.
The newest trailer for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare was released by Activision today, and this one focuses on the story of the game's campaign mode.
After opening up with an Abraham Lincoln quote about testing someone's character by giving him or her power, a voice explains the details of "the first global terrorist attack in history." This sends the "world into chaos," and with the United States government and military "crippled," the country turns to a private military company, Atlas. This is the company run by Jonathan Irons, the character played by actor Kevin Spacey.
We see how Atlas is given a tremendous amount of power, resulting in Irons arguing that Atlas can take military action without the consent of Congress--which later in the trailer leads to the phrase "power changes everything."
At the end of the video, we get a brief look at the game's multiplayer component before it's teased that the multiplayer world premiere is coming on August 11. Little about the multiplayer mode is known, but we have heard it will include the future tech featured so prominently in Advanced Warfare's campaign.
What do you make of the new trailer? Do you, like me, suddenly find yourself much more interested in the game? Let us know in the comments.
Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on Twitter @TheSmokingManX
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
Gamers in China can now preorder the Xbox One exclusively through the website JD.com, according to a report from Reuters. On July 31, Xbox fans at Shanghai's ChinaJoy Expo will also be able to preorder the system at the JD.com exhibition booth.
China Telecom Corporation--the country's third largest telecommunications company--has an exclusive contract to sell the console to its 30 million broadband subscribers.
When contacted for comment, a Microsoft spokesperson didn't offer any new details, but said the company would be sharing more about its plans to launch Xbox One in China "soon."
Microsoft's system will be the first gaming console released in mainland China since the government banned console sales in 2000, due to concerns that video games could negatively impact mental health. The ban was lifted last September.
Upon lifting the 14-year ban, the Chinese government published a list of censorship rules for console games. For example, any games that "threaten China's national unity, sovereignty or territorial integrity" would be banned.
The Xbox One launches in China this September. Microsoft and China Telecom didn't include the price or exact release date of the Xbox One in China. However, the Xbox One goes on sale September 4 in Japan. In May, Sony announced plans to bring the PlayStation 4 to China, but no dates have been confirmed yet.
Robbie Palmer is an intern at GameSpot, and you can follow him on Twitter @Robbie_Palmer
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
]]> 1100-6421367Tue, 29 Jul 2014 10:45:00 -0700
Gamespot's Site MashupGS News - New Call of Duty Story Trailer; "EA Access" Revealed for Xbox OneHand of Fate Early Access ReviewEA Announces $5/Month Xbox One Subscription Program; Gives You Unlimited Access to Games [UPDATE]GameStop Shares Tumble After EA Access AnnouncementLittleBigPlanet 3 Preorder Bonuses Include Dragon Age: Inquisition CostumesGrab FIFA World Cup for $18, Battlefield 4 DLC 33% Off on Xbox 360 During This Week's Deals With GoldFirefall, The Last of Us, Comic-Con Recap - The LobbyCall of Duty: Advanced Warfare Is "Not the Same Old Call of Duty"Following E3 Controversy, New Assassin's Creed Unity Trailer Shows Off Female CharacterQuick Look: HalfwayTop 5 Skyrim Mods of the Week - Skyrim is now CheeseGS News Update: EA Announces a $5 a Month Xbox One Subscription Service$120 Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Collector's Edition Gets You All of ThisCall of Duty: Advanced Warfare Trailer Sets up the Story, Offers a Glimpse of MultiplayerXbox One Now Available for Preorder in China
rss:9d9437cc2bdadfdb0c2a6594385b5cf5548bd329 rss_modified:rss:9d9437cc2bdadfdb0c2a6594385b5cf5548bd329 http://www.gamespot.com/mashup/ Gamespot's Everything Feed! News, Reviews, Videos. Exploding with content? You bet. en-us Tue, 29 Jul 2014 20:52:56 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-new-call-of-duty-story-trailer-ea-access-r/2300-6420549/ 2300-6420549Tue, 29 Jul 2014 16:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/hand-of-fate-early-access-review/1100-6421383/ GameSpot's early access reviews evaluate unfinished games that are nonetheless available for purchase by the public. While the games in question are not considered finished by their creators, you may still devote money, time, and bandwidth for the privilege of playing them before they are complete. The review below critiques a work in progress, and represents a snapshot of the game at the time of the review's publication.
Every step of your journey is determined by the flip of a card in Hand of Fate, a sweet blend of card game and action role-playing game that deals out nerdy pleasures aplenty to match its unpredictable punishment. Not knowing whether your next move will reveal an ambush of skeleton warriors or a secret dungeon filled with loot to aid you in your journey is all part of the fun. Deck building, risk-vs.-reward strategizing, and twitch reflexes collide in this engrossing fantasy game of chance. Hand of Fate is deeply rooted at the intersection of tabletop gaming tradition and Diablo-esque click-brawler action, giving it serious potential to blossom into a major genre itch-scratcher with a little more time under the knife.
Tabletop RPGs--card-based or otherwise--often come with a dizzying set of rules that take time and patience to wrap your brain around. In its current tutorial-less state, Hand of Fate throws you right into the meat of the gameplay without any real guidance, but like any good fantasy card game, its rule system packs necessary depth without being so complex that you can't get a feel for it after a few rounds. Right now, learning as you go poses only a minor speed bump that fades into familiarity once you have a couple of matches behind you.
Hopefully, grammar errors will be repaired in future updates.
You're seated in a dimly lit room across from a mysterious cloaked opponent--who's one part card dealer, one part dungeon master--and each randomly generated adventure you dive into unfolds on the tabletop space between you. Matches begin with the dealer placing cards facedown in different dungeon-like configurations. Every turn you move a small figurine one space across the layouts, stopping to turn over each card you land on and deal with whatever surprise encounters await.
Your overarching mission in every game is to sniff out and defeat the dungeon's boss. Getting to each boss alive with enough strength to survive the encounter is a challenge on its own. Adding another neat wrinkle to the mix, every step you take consumes food, which is a precious resource. Food restores your health a little each move when you have it, but running out causes damage. Ill planning or unfortunate mishaps can lead you to starvation before you even get to the boss. This makes managing your food, and the gold needed to buy it, an important balancing act as you push your way into the unknown.
Unexpected twists and intense battles you stumble into along the way make the journey all the more interesting. The encounters you face run a wide gamut, ranging from traps and combat scenarios to item shops and quests. Most are accompanied by a snippet of narrative and a choice for you to consider. You might be asked to help a stranger in need or decide whether to pursue a treasure-hunting opportunity, for example. Your chances of success in many choice-based encounters rely on picking wisely in three-card-monte-style shuffles. Succeeding can earn you helpful reward cards, though failure forces you to draw pain cards that have negative effects or throw you into combat. The latter is where the game takes a very different turn from its tabletop roots.
Ain't nobody gonna break my stride, except for the Money Bags card.
Engaging in combat drops you into third-person action RPG arena battles against human and monstrous foes alike. Running around these tight but slickly designed map areas, you control a burly warrior who dishes out a clobbering as you click to attack, block, and dodge. It's a great change of pace--both visually and gameplay-wise--that also gives more life to the gameworld you're exploring through the card-based narratives. As far as the fighting goes, it's pretty straightforward stuff. You trade blows, dodge magic and missiles, dish out counterattacks, and flit around the mob trying to take your foes down without getting caught in the melee.
These twitch-heavy brawls are messy, chaotic fun that lasts just long enough to whet your whistle and switch up the tabletop vibe, but they're also one area where Hands of Fate's beta status pokes through at the seams. Combat mechanics are sloppy in spots, and the rigid camera angle offers a sometimes cramped view of the action. If you're not packing more powerful gear when you run into battle, it's also easy to get steamrolled by bosses and larger mobs of enemies. Therefore, the weapons, armor, and buff cards you amass and equip on a given run play a big role in how well you fare when it comes to caving skulls in, and it's the main way to bolster your hero's capabilities as you push toward each boss encounter.
Today is a good day to die.
Modular, ever-evolving gameplay goes a long way to keeping you in the game. Completing quests, defeating bosses, and surviving obstacles unlocks new equipment and encounter cards with every run. You can build out your deck, tweaking the experience each time by selecting the potential range of gear and risky-but-rewarding encounters in any given match. This encourages replay naturally and takes the sting out of getting clobbered in mid-run. I died a lot in my quest to best the realm's boss baddies, and often in horrible ways, but the possibility of a different outcome and my ability to influence it by throwing new cards into the mix spurred me onward.
For the tabletop RGP set, Hand of Fate's appeal is undeniable. This beta is finely tuned to make you want to sit down and test your wits over and over again, even if the game lacks a few finishing touches. Tremendous replay value and skillful execution trump the weaker aspects, and I'm confident that this will be one to watch as it pushes closer to completion.
What's There?
A deep and accessible card-based tabletop game/action RPG hybrid with high replayability.
What's To Come?
The introduction and tutorial are missing in this current beta, though those elements, along with a final boss and updated audio, are planned to be added in for launch. Additional cards and expansions are likely too.
What Does it Cost?
$24.99, available via the Steam store.
When Will it Be Finished?
No specific date yet announced.
What's the Verdict?
Hand of Fate packs all the engagement of a tabletop RPG, but injects some excitement into the mix with action-centric combat sequences and unpredictable encounters. What's here is a blast, even if the game is still missing a few important ingredients.
This story has been updated with additional details about the service.
The first game available in an early trial version will be Madden 15 sometime ahead of its August launch.
The program does not change EA's current plans for demo/beta access to games. An EA representative says, "Traditional demos and betas will still exist."
Digital content (such as DLC and maps) will be sold separately, but at a 10% discount. An EA represnentative clarified, "Once you purchase any DLC, it is yours to own, even if your membership lapses. All of your progression is retained."
Games will be downloaded, not streamed. Your game progress is also saved by the system, so the EA representative says, "Even if you lapse as a member, and then decide to come back, you'd be able to pick up where you left off."
The original story appears below:
Electronic Arts today announced a new subscription program for Xbox One called "EA Access." For $5/month (or $30/year), you get endless access to The Vault, a collection of digital EA games.
EA Access is available today in beta for some users, with a wider launch planned to arrive "soon." The current games included in The Vault are FIFA 14, Madden NFL 25, Peggle 2, and Battlefield 4. More titles will be added "soon," EA says, pointing out that you're getting access to more than $100 worth of games for $5/month.
According to EA, you will have "unlimited" access to the four games during the beta. It is unclear if the same "unlimited" nature of the service will apply when the service rolls out in full later on.
"At EA, we are always looking for new ways to make it easier for gamers to play more EA games across all platforms, and we are excited about what EA Access will offer to players on Xbox One," EA said in a statement on its website.
In addition to access to multiple games in The Vault, an EA Access subscription gets you 10% off on purchases of EA digital content for Xbox One games through the Xbox Games Store. This includes full games and memberships like Battlefield 4 Premium. However, EA cautions that, conditions, limitations, and exclusions apply.
Another component of EA Access is that with a subscription, you'll get to play trial versions of new EA titles "up to" five days before their official release date. This begins with upcoming sports games like Madden NFL 15, NHL 15, FIFA 15, and NBA Live 15, as well as Dragon Age: Inquisition.
If you decide to upgrade to the full version of a game, your progress will carry forward, allowing you to pick up right where you left off. EA Access subscriptions will also be sold in physical stores, including GameStop, as well as online retailers like Amazon.
It remains to be seen what kind of fine print there may be for EA Access. You can read more about EA Access as the program's just-launched website.
GameStop shares fell today by more than 5 percent following Electronic Arts' announcement of a special streaming service for Xbox One that could have negative implications for the retailer's business. As you can see in the chart below, GameStop shares began to fall immediately after the announcement of EA Access.
EA Access hurts GameStop, at least in theory, because it incentivizes digital spending. However, GameStop will sell EA Access subscription cards in its stores, and the retailer has already proven that the proliferation of digital gaming is not really the thorn in its side that some make it out to be.
GameStop's share value today.
The stock market is inherently volatile and dramatic fluctuation in share value is no strange thing for GameStop. After Sony announced its own streaming service, PlayStation Now, back in January, GameStop shares tumbled, but later rebounded.
Colin Sebastian, an analyst at Robert W. Baird, says in a note to investors today that EA Access isn't likely to disrupt GameStop's business in any meaningful way. "While new subscription programs have the potential to disrupt/disintermediate the retail channel, there is little evidence to date to support that similar programs have taken the retailer's market share," he said.
Meanwhile, Sterne Agee analyst Arvind Bhatia says it's too early to tell if EA Access will be troublesome to GameStop. "In the current form, we don't think it's that disruptive to GameStop," Bhatia said.
We have reached out to a GameStop representative for comment and will update this post with anything we hear back.
EA Access has been immediately compared to Netflix, in that you will pay a fee ($5/month or $30/year) for access to a library of games, which you then have unlimited access to. Also included with your membership are discounts on digital content and the ability to play upcoming games five days before anyone else. A beta for EA Access is available now for select Xbox One owners, while a wider rollout is expected to happen soon. The first four games included with EA Access are Battlefield 4, Madden NFL 25, FIFA 14, and Peggle 2.
In a post on the PlayStation Blog today, Sony officially announced that LittleBigPlanet 3 will launch across PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 on November 18. The game was officially announced at E3 last month, where it was given a vague release date of sometime this fall.
Sony also today announced the preorder bonuses for LittleBigPlanet 3. Preorder the game anywhere and you'll receive an adorable Sackboy plush toy. Meanwhile, Target shoppers will get the toy alongside a special hat (for the toy), which is exclusive to the retailer.
In addition, a special Dragon Age: Inquisition costume pack will be included with the Day 1 Edition of LittleBigPlanet 3, which anyone who preorders the game will be automatically upgraded to. This goes for preorders placed at physical retailers and online. On top of that, the LittleBigPlanet 3 Day 1 Edition also includes costumes for popular PlayStation characters like Nathan Drake (Uncharted), Ellie (The Last of Us), Delsin (Infamous: Second Son), and a Helghan soldier (Killzone).
There are also retailer-specific preorder bonuses for LittleBigPlanet 3. GameStop shoppers will receive the Mythical Creatures Costume Pack, Best Buy customers get the Hidden Creatures Costume Pack, and Amazon buyers will receive the PlayStation Favorites Costume Pack. A breakdown of the three bundles is available in the images below.
Finally, all preorders for LittleBigPlanet 3 come with instant access to the LittleBigPlanet 3 t-shirt pack. This means that the moment you preorder the game, you'll receive special in-game t-shirts for previously released games like LittleBigPlanet 2, LittleBigPlanet for PlayStation Vita, and LittleBigPlanet Karting. When LittleBigPlanet 3 is released this November, you'll also be able to have your character wear the shirt in that game.
The preorder bonuses mentioned in this post are for North America only. Sony will share details for European LittleBigPlanet fans in the time ahead.
LittleBigPlanet 3 is the first entry in the core series developed outside of franchise creator Media Molecule. Sumo Digital is developing the game, while Media Molecule is working on an unannounced PS4 game.
The newest set of deals for games and content on Xbox is now live. This week's Deals with Gold features a number of EA Sports games as well as some Battlefield 4 content for heavily reduced prices.
Good news for sports fans: you can pick up FIFA World Cup Brazil for $18 and NHL 14 for $25 this week. Battlefield 4 owners can grab all of the released DLC packs for 33 percent off, as well. Remember, to take advantage of these deals, you must be an Xbox Live Gold subscriber.
You can check out the full list of deals below. Games are linked to their download pages on the Xbox website.
This year's Call of Duty game, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, is "not the same old Call of Duty," according to developer Sledgehammer Games. Speaking with VentureBeat, studio co-founder Michael Condrey laid out the reasons why this year's game will be one to remember.
"With three years and a new engine and a new generation of hardware and a new brand, you'll see this is not the same old Call of Duty," Condrey said. "We had the people, the resources, and the time."
Condrey's boasting about the game didn't end there, however. "This has the scale and the scope of the equivalent of four Hollywood movies in it," he said. "It has hundreds of hours of multiplayer gameplay. It has full cooperative mode. It takes an army of industry vets to create this kind of content."
Activision announced in May a new three-year, three-studio production schedule for the Call of Duty brand. The extra year of development will make it so gamers are blown away by every new entry, according to Activision.
"This game had to be done from scratch. This is really a brand new franchise within Call of Duty. It's a new intellectual property" -- Sledgehammer co-founder Glen Schofield
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is such a new Call of Duty experience, Sledgehammer Games says, that it should in fact be thought of as a new intellectual property.
"We really upgraded the characters with a new facial system. We are lighting the game in a new way. All of it is new," Sledgehammer Games co-founder Glen Schofield said. "It's next-generation, and it's 40 years in the future. There is really nothing you can borrow. This game had to be done from scratch. This is really a brand new franchise within Call of Duty. It's a new intellectual property."
Prior to Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare's official announcement, Activision--which owns Sledgehammer Games--said that the game was "perhaps the best Call of Duty game ever created." That quote came from Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare changes up the traditional Call of Duty format by introducing exoskeleton suits, which give players a range of super-abilities like increased dexterity and the ability to climb up walls using magnetic gloves. There is even a new Just Cause-style grappling hook system in Advanced Warfare, which we got a quick look at in today's new trailer.
In other Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare news, Activision today announced the game's three collector's editions, which range in price from $80-$120.
Do you think Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare can live up to the hype? Chime in with your thoughts in the comments!
In Ubisoft's upcoming free-running game Assassin's Creed Unity, you take control of an Assassin named Arno. He fights in the French Revolution against tyranny and, of course, the Templar organization. But the newest Unity trailer published today suggests that Arno's motivations aren't nearly so clear, and that he seems to be involved with a Templar woman.
In the trailer, Arno races through the streets of Paris to a city square where an execution takes place. He's too late to rescue all of the victims, but that seems to not be the point: the Assassin cuts through the French soldiers guarding the guillotine and reaches the last person in line. This person is a woman, who we know is named Elise. She will be featured prominently throughout the story as a main character.
Most notably, however, is that she wears a Templar cross. Arno collaborates with her, fighting against soldiers who encircle them. According to a press release, Elise is "an independent young noblewoman [who] is determined to secure her place in the Templar dynasty amidst the chaos of the French Revolution. Her quest leads her to cross paths with Arno and establish an unlikely bond with him."
This trailer and the announcement of Elise follow several weeks of controversy after an Ubisoft developer stated that making female playable characters would have doubled the workload. Ubisoft later clarified this, explaining that everyone will play as Arno and that there would be strong female characters in Unity.
Recently, Ubisoft said that Unity will be the "best entry point since Assassin's Creed 1." A previous trailer also showed off the revolution and Arno's motivations for joining the rebels. The game launches on October 28 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
What do you think about this friendship between a Templar and an Assassin? Let us know in the comments.
Alex Newhouse is an editorial intern at GameSpot, and you can follow him on Twitter @alexbnewhouse
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
Gamers looking to go big with this fall's Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare are in luck, as the collector's editions for the game were announced today and they come with premium price tags.
The $120 "Atlas Pro Edition," which is described as the "ultimate package," features the Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare season pass, a collectible steelbook, the Welcome to Atlas: Advanced Soldier Manual, and a collection of digital content including weapons, a multiplayer map (the Gorge), and the game's soundtrack .
Meanwhile, the $80 "Atlas Limited Edition" does not include the Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare season pass, but it does come with the Gorge multiplayer map, as well the Soldier Manual, steelbook case, and various in-game digital content like a special exoskeleton and helmet.
The full contents of the Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Atlas Pro Edition and Atlas Limited Edition are available on the game's website.
A special Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Digital Pro Edition is also available for preorder. The $100 bundle includes the game's season pass, as as well as the bonus Gorge multiplayer map, and various in-game items like weapons and a player card. As its name suggest, this is a digital-only bundle.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare launches November 4 for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC. Earlier today, Activision released an all-new story trailer for the game, which sets up the campaign and even offers a brief tease of the multiplayer mode.
The newest trailer for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare was released by Activision today, and this one focuses on the story of the game's campaign mode.
After opening up with an Abraham Lincoln quote about testing someone's character by giving him or her power, a voice explains the details of "the first global terrorist attack in history." This sends the "world into chaos," and with the United States government and military "crippled," the country turns to a private military company, Atlas. This is the company run by Jonathan Irons, the character played by actor Kevin Spacey.
We see how Atlas is given a tremendous amount of power, resulting in Irons arguing that Atlas can take military action without the consent of Congress--which later in the trailer leads to the phrase "power changes everything."
At the end of the video, we get a brief look at the game's multiplayer component before it's teased that the multiplayer world premiere is coming on August 11. Little about the multiplayer mode is known, but we have heard it will include the future tech featured so prominently in Advanced Warfare's campaign.
What do you make of the new trailer? Do you, like me, suddenly find yourself much more interested in the game? Let us know in the comments.
Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on Twitter @TheSmokingManX
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
Gamers in China can now preorder the Xbox One exclusively through the website JD.com, according to a report from Reuters. On July 31, Xbox fans at Shanghai's ChinaJoy Expo will also be able to preorder the system at the JD.com exhibition booth.
China Telecom Corporation--the country's third largest telecommunications company--has an exclusive contract to sell the console to its 30 million broadband subscribers.
When contacted for comment, a Microsoft spokesperson didn't offer any new details, but said the company would be sharing more about its plans to launch Xbox One in China "soon."
Microsoft's system will be the first gaming console released in mainland China since the government banned console sales in 2000, due to concerns that video games could negatively impact mental health. The ban was lifted last September.
Upon lifting the 14-year ban, the Chinese government published a list of censorship rules for console games. For example, any games that "threaten China's national unity, sovereignty or territorial integrity" would be banned.
The Xbox One launches in China this September. Microsoft and China Telecom didn't include the price or exact release date of the Xbox One in China. However, the Xbox One goes on sale September 4 in Japan. In May, Sony announced plans to bring the PlayStation 4 to China, but no dates have been confirmed yet.
Robbie Palmer is an intern at GameSpot, and you can follow him on Twitter @Robbie_Palmer
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
Written By Kom Limpulnam on Selasa, 29 Juli 2014 | 11.52
Back in April, we reported on a rumor that the PlayStation 4 was getting MP3 support. Nothing official came from Sony, but many people thought it likely that the console would get some sort of external music compatibility at some point. Recently, we got more evidence that such an update is in the works.
According to reddit user IWorkForSony, who has been verified by r/PS4 subreddit moderators as a Sony employee, Sony is currently developing an update for the PS4 that will bring MP3 and video player support by the holiday season. The user also said that DLNA media server support will come some time in 2015.
The user went on to address the upcoming public beta test for PlayStation Now, Sony's game streaming service that's been in private beta for a few months. When someone asked about rumors circulating that owners of PlayStation 3 games may get free access to those same titles via PS Now, IWorkForSony negated the possibility. "Those rumors are wrong," he wrote. "Entitlements for PS3 games won't carry over to PS Now." As for the reason why Sony will not provide discounts, he explained, "Unfortunately, it just doesn't make business sense for Sony to transfer entitlements to PS Now. Streaming games costs them money."
Finally, he revealed that a subscription model for PS Now is still in the works, and that the beta is to test different pricing models.
This week, the user also revealed that the PlayStation Mobile app is getting a substantial overhaul. "There's a redesign in the works," he stated. "It should be more functional and modern (read: less cheesy blue boxes)."
As for the legitimacy of IWorkForSony, I reached out to the moderators and they confirmed that he has provided evidence as to his employment at Sony. Mod IceBreak wrote, "We saw things that pretty much guarantee [he] works for Sony. Besides that there were debug unit OS pictures. I can't elaborate more than that or share the pictures due to the anonymity of the user but I also want to let you know what we used to verify [him]."
We've asked Sony for comment and will update this story if we receive word. Will you take advantage of MP3 support on the PS4? Let us know in the comments.
Alex Newhouse is an editorial intern at GameSpot, and you can follow him on Twitter @alexbnewhouse
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
Video game retailer GameStop is currently is holding a summer sale with some decent discounts which looks set to end around 8/17.
After digging around, the best deal on an individual game is the Mass Effect Trilogy as a PC download for $10. Note that this version of the game requires Origin to download and play.
If you're looking to build a console bundle starting with a use system, you can get some pretty decent deals. The best bundles include:
You can also put together your own used console bundle and choose your own games through the GameSpot deal site, but then you're limited to two free video game add-ons.
Any great deals you've found in the sale? Let us know in the comments below!
Written By Kom Limpulnam on Senin, 28 Juli 2014 | 11.52
Bandai Namco's free-to-play 2-on-2 PC fighting game Rise of Incarnates' will hold a closed beta in the United States from August 8 through August 17.
Designed by developers who previously worked on SoulCalibur, Tekken and Gundam Extreme, Rise of Incarnates features 2-on-2, "unfettered 3D battles" on the ground and in the air, and real-world battlegrounds. The different playable characters, or "Incarnates," will have their own unique skills and powers, and the game will allow you to craft your own playstyle.
When the closed beta starts you'll be able to play as Mephistopheles, Lilith, Grim Reaper, and Ares, while Brynhildr and another level will be added on August 13. Paris and New York City will be the only playable levels at first.
Bandai Namco will also be testing the game's monetization during the beta, offering a selection of purchasable in-game character customization options, though it hasn't revealed specific prices.
Bandai Namco says that it's made significant improvements to the game based on player feedback since its alpha phase. It now has an improved user interface and tutorials, and input improvements should make the controls more responsive as well.
You can sign up for the Rise of Incarnates closed beta in the United States on the game's official website.
For more on Rise of Incarnates, be sure to catch up with our previous coverage.
Rust developer Facepunch Studios has announced it's working on Riftlight, a twin stick shooter with RPG elements for the PC.
In a post to the company's website, Facepunch developer Adam Woolridge explained that in addition to traditional twin stick shooter gameplay you see in games like Geometry Wars or Renegade Ops, Riftlight will have loot, character levels, abilities, and talent trees.
You'll be able to choose from three different classes, tentatively called Ranged, Caster, and Melee. The Ranged class will play like a traditional shooter with abilities that allow you to avoid damage and increase fire power. The Caster class will be more vulnerable, but able to use powerful area of effect attacks. Finally, the Melee class will have a close range energy beam that gets bigger the more damage you deal with it, and shrinks down as you stop attacking.
Riftlight will also feature cooperative play, and Woolridge hopes you'll want to replay it to get better loot, and take on random missions with random level layouts.
He says that the game is still very early in development, but you can read a lot more about what is currently working and what he plans to add to the game here. It sounds like a good premise, and the art that he's published so far looks colorful and interesting.
Written By Kom Limpulnam on Jumat, 25 Juli 2014 | 11.52
As part of Epic Games' most recent Unreal Tournament live stream, the developers of the new shooter showed off a look at what art director Chris Perna calls a "working concept art." Effectively, we get a tour of a work-in-progress level which shows off some gorgeous artwork that stands out from many of the shooters that currently dominate the market.
Perna says he was "try[ing] to come up with a look that can kind of drive direction across the project." It's by no means a finished project, and consists of pieces from previously created work, but Perna says, "I think the overall look is clean; it will allow characters to pop off the background.
When checking out the video (jump to the 1:31 mark to see the level), keep in mind that the game is still very early, hence the great deal of screen tearing that can be seen. Also of note is the fact that what's seen in the video is not necessarily indicative of what the rest of the game will look like.
"This is not the look for the entire game," Perna says. " This, in my mind, represents kind of the sci-fi/industrial look. We could go grimier with this."
Perna also talked about the overall look he wants to have in the game, drawing on the Batman films to illustrate his point. "To me, Unreal--and the entire franchise--has always been, I used to use this term a lot, a Tim Burton Batman-type of caricature of itself," Perna explains.
"And where I'd like to go with the new franchise is more of a Chris Nolan kind of Batman Begins… just something a little more polished, a little more realis[tic], but without going over the top and doing kind of like what we did with Gears [of War] or [Unreal Tournament 3] and making everything dark and grimy and grungy. I think you can still have detailed environments that look amazing, and add color, and have visual clarity--and have your cake and eat it, too, basically."
The new Unreal Tournament was announced back in May. It will be developed by a small team and will be completely free when it's released. To make money, Epic will take a cut of sales through a store it will offer that allows modders to sell content to players. Epic has been doing regular live streams featuring discussions with its developers, who are working with the game's community to design the game.
What do you think about the look of this map and what Perna's vision is for the game? Let us know in the comments.
Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on Twitter @TheSmokingManX
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
Written By Kom Limpulnam on Kamis, 24 Juli 2014 | 11.53
Gamespot's Site MashupWhy do MMORPG Subscription Fees Still Exist?GameSpot at Comic-Con 2014!GS News - PS4 Gets A System Update; Xbox One Sales Figures Unveiled!Six Upcoming Vita Games That Are as Interesting as They Are WeirdQuick Look: Gods Will Be WatchingWildStar Daggerstone Pass PvP GameplayDestiny Beta Class Guide - The HunterDestiny's Tower Hub World WalkthroughPS4's Newest System Update Focuses on Improving Stability Once AgainThe Crew Beta First ImpressionsThe Crew: Cruising Around the Closed BetaBatman: Arkham Knight Preorder BonusesWatch Dogs Fan Mod That Improves Graphics Gets Final ReleaseHalo: Nightfall To Star Mike Colter As Agent LockeXbox One and Xbox 360 Ship 1.1 Million Consoles Combined From April-June
http://auth.gamespot.com/ Gamespot's Everything Feed! News, Reviews, Videos. Exploding with content? You bet. en-us Wed, 23 Jul 2014 20:41:34 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/why-do-mmorpg-subscription-fees-still-exist/2300-6420410/ MMO fees used to be normal, but times change. So why do Elder Scrolls Online, WildStar, and Final Fantasy XIV still use them? We asked, they answered. Wed, 23 Jul 2014 18:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/why-do-mmorpg-subscription-fees-still-exist/2300-6420410/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gamespot-at-comic-con-2014/2300-6420408/ GameSpot will be live from Comic-Con 2014 all week. Check out this montage of our previous exploits and make sure you join us for coverage of all your favorite comic games and more. Wed, 23 Jul 2014 17:14:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gamespot-at-comic-con-2014/2300-6420408/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-ps4-gets-a-system-update-xbox-one-sales-fi/2300-6420403/ Microsoft finally update us on their console sales, the PS4 continues to get tune-ups, and the world of Bungie's Destiny opens to Xbox users! Wed, 23 Jul 2014 16:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-ps4-gets-a-system-update-xbox-one-sales-fi/2300-6420403/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/six-upcoming-vita-games-that-are-as-interesting-as/2300-6420404/ Tom McShea runs down six titles that are worth investigating and on their way to your Vita. Wed, 23 Jul 2014 15:10:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/six-upcoming-vita-games-that-are-as-interesting-as/2300-6420404/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/quick-look-gods-will-be-watching/2300-6420383/ Watch extended gameplay footage from Gods Will Be Watching featuring the Giant Bomb crew. Wed, 23 Jul 2014 12:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/quick-look-gods-will-be-watching/2300-6420383/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/wildstar-daggerstone-pass-pvp-gameplay/2300-6420393/ In this gameplay montage, we tackle the new PvP map in WildStar's recent Sabotage update. Wed, 23 Jul 2014 10:57:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/wildstar-daggerstone-pass-pvp-gameplay/2300-6420393/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/destiny-beta-class-guide-the-hunter/2300-6420385/ The perfect blend of long-range death dealing and close-quarters stopping power, the Hunter gives you the freedom to choose your play style on a moment-to-moment basis and dynamically shift it as the situation requires. Wed, 23 Jul 2014 09:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/destiny-beta-class-guide-the-hunter/2300-6420385/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destinys-tower-hub-world-walkthrough/1100-6421208/ <p style="">If you've had a chance to jump into the Destiny beta test going on now, you'll probably have seen the Tower. The hub world for Bungie's upcoming shooter is where you can outfit your Guardian with the coolest gear, weapons, and insignias so that you can enter the fray in style.</p><p style="">But there are a lot of vendors on the Tower, and they're spread out over a wide area. It can be confusing figuring out who sells what and where, so we've presented each storefront here. Check out our breakdown of the Tower below.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602464-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.55.35+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602464" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602464-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.55.35+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602464"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602464-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.55.35+am.png"></a></figure><p style="">You can find the map of the Tower at several robot-like figures standing near the entrances to the different regions. There are four main areas of the Tower: Tower Watch, where you spawn, Tower North, Traveler's Walk/Hall of Guardians, and Tower Hangar.</p><p style="">Locations of vendors will be given relative to Tower Watch, as if you are looking toward Traveler's Walk.</p><h2>Tower Watch</h2><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602467-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.01.24+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602467" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602467-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.01.24+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602467"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602467-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.01.24+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">When you enter the Tower, you'll be in Tower Watch. If you face toward Traveler's Walk, away from the landscape, immediately ahead and to your left will be Special Orders. This vendor seems to peddle exotic and interesting items sent to the Tower from Earth and the planets.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602468-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.02.11+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602468" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602468-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.02.11+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602468"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602468-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.02.11+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Continuing toward Traveler's Walk, you'll pass the Postmaster on your right. This is where Guardians can leave messages or items for other Guardians for pickup when they return to the Tower.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602469-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.03.30+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602469" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602469-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.03.30+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602469"><img src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602469-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.03.30+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">At the far left end of Tower Watch, next to the staircase that leads to the Hall of Guardians, the Bounty Tracker sets up shop. This is where you can take on contracts that'll net you rewards if you complete them. In a sense, this is where you can take on side quests to do while you're off completing story missions.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602470-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.05.12+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602470" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602470-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.05.12+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602470"><img src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602470-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.05.12+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Directly across from the Bounty Tracker, on the right side of the staircase, is the Gunsmith. This is where you can buy all sorts of weaponry, from handcannons to marksman rifles to assault rifles. Of course, these guns have level requirements and potentially class requirements, so make sure your Guardian is compatible before you throw down your hard-earned cash.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602462-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.49.39+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602462" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602462-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.49.39+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602462"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602462-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.49.39+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">The Cryptarch sells his services to the right of where you first spawn into the Tower, near the entrance to the Tower Hangar. Occasionally, you'll come across guns and gear that are locked by an encryption. You can pay the Cryptarch to unlock them for you and make them usable.</p><h2>Tower North</h2><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602463-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.54.32+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602463" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602463-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.54.32+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602463"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602463-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.54.32+am.png"></a></figure><p style="">To the left of Tower Watch, there's a series of tunnels that will lead you into the open room called Tower North. Immediately to your right, after you enter the area, you'll find the Guardian Outfitter. This woman sells several emblems and shaders to customize your Guardian's appearance even more.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602465-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.56.14+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602465" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602465-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.56.14+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602465"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602465-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.56.14+am.png"></a></figure><p style="">To the left, across from the outfitter, you can talk to the New Monarchy recruiter. One of the three factions in the beta, the New Monarchy offers emblems and armor for you if you fight for the group in the player-vs.-player Crucible arena. You'll need to be a fairly high level to get the New Monarchy gear, but it certainly looks cool.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602466-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.59.00+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602466" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602466-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.59.00+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602466"><img src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602466-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.59.00+am.png"></a></figure><p style="">If you walk further into the room, there's a spiral staircase that leads to the mysterious Speaker. He studies the Traveler and is said to speak with its voice. He sells unique and exotic armor for high-level Guardians and emblems for them to emblazon their armor with the signs of the Traveler. If you "explore the Light's mysteries," the Speaker has the gear for you.</p><h2>Hall of Guardians/Traveler's Walk</h2><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602457-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.14.20+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602457" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602457-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.14.20+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602457"><img src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602457-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.14.20+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Directly in front of Tower Watch, where you start, is a staircase that leads down to the Hall of Guardians and Traveler's Walk. The first vendors in this area are the Crucible Handler and Quartermaster. The Handler gives you access to the Crucible and outfits you with gear for the arena.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602510-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.15.00+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602510" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602510-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.15.00+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602510"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602510-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.15.00+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">The Quartermaster sells more weapons for the Crucible, but also provides cosmetic upgrades for your vehicle. This is where you'll make your Guardian stand out when you enter the player-vs.-player chaos of the Crucible.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602459-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.15.41+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602459" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602459-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.15.41+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602459"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602459-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.15.41+pm.png"></a></figure><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602460-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.16.06+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602460" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602460-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.16.06+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602460"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602460-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.16.06+pm.png"></a></figure><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602461-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.16.20+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602461" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602461-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.16.20+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602461"><img src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602461-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.16.20+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Next, you'll enter a room with a large table and three armored people crowded around. These are the vanguards, the leaders of each class of Guardian. They have high-level, class-specific armor armor as well as some emblems. They also help to guide new Guardians.</p><h2>Tower Hangar</h2><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602471-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.16.38+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602471" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602471-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.16.38+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602471"><img src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602471-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.16.38+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Going to the right from Tower Watch, you'll walk through some tunnels and enter into the final region of the Tower, Tower Hangar. To your left as you walk in is the recruiter for the Dead Orbit faction, from whom you can buy Crucible weapons and armor as well as emblems all customized for Dead Orbit. You can join their cause and take the fight to the New Monarchy and Future War Cult in the Crucible.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602472-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.17.41+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602472" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602472-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.17.41+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602472"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602472-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.17.41+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Next, you can walk up a short flight of stairs to the Shipwright, where you can buy new spaceships and Shrikes (speeder bikes). You can customize the appearance of your ship during loading screens and cutscenes, and you can buy better, faster, and stronger shrikes to zip you around maps during missions.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602473-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.19.07+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602473" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602473-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.19.07+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602473"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602473-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.19.07+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Up another flight of stairs, in a lounge, you can find the Future War Cult faction. Here, you can equip yourself with FWC weapons and emblems to fight against New Monarchy and Dead Orbit in the Crucible.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602474-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.20.17+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602474" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602474-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.20.17+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602474"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602474-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.20.17+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Finally, the Vanguard Quartermaster sets up shop in the Hangar. He provides high-level equipment for those Guardians who hit level 20 and become Vanguards themselves. Check him out when you rank up high enough; there are some good weapons on sale.</p><p style="">If you've played the Destiny beta, who do you buy from most at the Tower? Let us know in the comments!</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Alex Newhouse is an editorial intern at GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/alexbnewhouse" rel="nofollow">Twitter @alexbnewhouse</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Wed, 23 Jul 2014 09:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destinys-tower-hub-world-walkthrough/1100-6421208/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4s-newest-system-update-focuses-on-improving-sta/1100-6421258/ <figure data-ref-id="1300-2605541" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605541-ps4.jpg" data-size="large" data-align="center" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605541-ps4.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605541"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2605541-ps4.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">The latest <a href="/ps4/" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation 4</a> system update is now available. Unfortunately for those hoping it includes some new features, this one deals exclusively with system stability.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">PS4 owners who turn on their console today will find the 1.74 update available for download. The one and only item listed in the notes for it is identical to what we've seen for several updates in a row: "System software stability during use of some features has been improved."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Addressing stability was the lone change in the last two system updates, versions <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-update-1-71-now-available-improving-system-stability/1100-6420058/" data-ref-id="1100-6420058">1.71</a> and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-v1-72-update-hitting-soon-will-improve-software-stability/1100-6420712/" data-ref-id="1100-6420712">1.72</a>, both of which were released in June. An update numbered 1.73 was apparently skipped (or someone at Sony just doesn't like the number).</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The last PS4 update to include any new features--or even so much as a specific note about what was changed--was the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/playstation-4-1-70-update-out-now-full-feature-list-revealed/1100-6419309/" data-ref-id="1100-6419309">1.70 update released on April 30</a>. <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-update-1-70-will-arrive-next-week-bringing-sharefactory-and-disabling-hdcp/1100-6419203/" data-ref-id="1100-6419203">That was a major update</a>, introducing a new video editor, brightness settings for the DualShock 4's light bar, a way to disable HDCP, preloading support, and a number of other features. To date, it's one of only two system updates (not counting the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-s-day-one-patch-detailed/1100-6415785/" data-ref-id="1100-6415785">one available at launch</a>) to offer more than stability improvements and other small refinements.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">While Sony has been relatively slow in releasing new feature updates--Microsoft has been releasing <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-august-update-detailed-new-friends-sectio/1100-6421196/" data-ref-id="1100-6421196">monthly system updates for Xbox One</a>--it has nonetheless been the top-selling console since its release. As of April 6, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-reports-7-million-playstation-4-consoles-sold-worldwide/1100-6419044/" data-ref-id="1100-6419044">7 million PS4s had been sold</a> worldwide.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Sony solicits ideas from fans for new features, and allows them to vote on those they would like to see implemented through system updates. Currently, the most popular PS4 ideas on the <a href="http://share.blog.us.playstation.com/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation Blog Share website</a> include a way to change your PlayStation Network name, improved media support, notifications for friends coming online (or going offline), and a way to delete listings for games you've earned no trophies in.</p><p style="">What features would you most like to see in a future PS4 system update? Let us know in the comments.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Wed, 23 Jul 2014 08:59:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4s-newest-system-update-focuses-on-improving-sta/1100-6421258/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/the-crew-beta-first-impressions/2300-6420384/ Kevin took a spin with The Crew PC beta, and although it is shaping up to be a top gear game, it needs a tune up before it is ready to race off the shelves. Wed, 23 Jul 2014 08:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/the-crew-beta-first-impressions/2300-6420384/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-crew-cruising-around-the-closed-beta/1100-6421244/ <p style="">If you've played <a href="/reviews/assassin-s-creed-iv-black-flag-review/1900-6415509/" data-ref-id="1900-6415509">Assassin's Creed</a>, <a href="/reviews/far-cry-3-review/1900-6400893/" data-ref-id="1900-6400893">Far Cry</a>, or <a href="/reviews/watch-dogs-review/1900-6415770/" data-ref-id="1900-6415770">Watch Dogs</a>, then you are intimately acquainted with the Ubisoft open-world formula, and The Crew will surely ring similar bells. This upcoming driving game takes place in a large and lavishly produced online world stuffed with things to do and minor challenges to overcome. It sends you from location to location, busying you with tasks that seem connected in the vaguest of ways. The Crew is afraid you might become distracted, and so it provides its own distractions, reminding you of the many dozens of things you could be doing while you're headed towards another dozen things. There is always another waypoint to drive to, another goal to accomplish, another cutscene to watch, and another vehicle to drive.</p><p style="">The smorgasbord of activities includes street racing, drag racing, offroad chases, delivery missions, and more. Simply driving from one point to another means potentially activating drive-through challenges, and suddenly you're zooming around digital slalom gates or accelerating up ramps to catch some air. It's tempting to stop and enjoy this condensed vision of the United States: The Crew is lush and colorful, and scripted races often feature commercial jets or crop dusters soaring above for no more reason than to provide visual and thematic drama. However, the game is always insisting you stay on the move.</p><div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6420384" data-width="854" data-height="480"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6420384/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style="">This is a formula that works, but it's also a formula that toes the line between keeping you busy and making you feel like you're just going through the motions. I've been playing the game's closed beta test, and I am not yet sure that The Crew will land on the proper side of that line. I can't deny its appeal, however. The beta speeds ahead from the moment you sign in, with a chase sequence that keeps you roaring forward. From there, I've gone to Detroit to Chicago to St. Louis to New York and places in between, pursuing missions and other tasks that earn me new parts that spruce up my two current vehicles, a Ford Mustang and a Ford Focus. I also earn perk points that I can spend on upgrades that provide boosts like experience bonuses.</p><p style="">In some sense, The Crew embraces the traditional role-playing formula and applies it to an open-world driving game. I rush to the next objective, I perform a task like chasing down rival gang members or rushing someone to another section of the map, and I earn a reward. It's the loot loop, compelling in that primal way that games like <a href="/reviews/diablo-iii-review/1900-6414230/" data-ref-id="1900-6414230">Diablo</a> so often are, and like in an action RPG, I am not necessarily alone in this world. I wouldn't call The Crew a massively multiplayer game, but you still share your gameplay session with others, and you can join up with them to free roam cities and the stretches in between. If you don't know any of these folks (and considering The Crew beta uses Ubisoft's UPlay portal as its social hub, you may not), you can invite nearby players to join you whenever you activate a mission. Conversely, you frequently receive random requests to join others in their own cooperative tasks, and can join them with the press of a button. Afterwards, you and your crew can roam about together, or you can go your separate ways once the task is complete.</p><figure data-embed-type="gallery" 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href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2605079-acrevcrew+-+crew+-+2014-07-21+04-47-21+%28p%2935.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605079" ><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2605079-acrevcrew+-+crew+-+2014-07-21+04-47-21+%28p%2935.jpg"></a><a href="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2605080-acrevcrew+-+crew+-+2014-07-21+04-47-21+%28p%2940.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605080" ><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2605080-acrevcrew+-+crew+-+2014-07-21+04-47-21+%28p%2940.jpg"></a><a href="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2605081-acrevcrew+-+crew+-+2014-07-21+04-47-21+%28p%2945.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605081" ><img src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2605081-acrevcrew+-+crew+-+2014-07-21+04-47-21+%28p%2945.jpg"></a><a href="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2605082-acrevcrew+-+crew+-+2014-07-21+04-47-21+%28p%2960.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605082" ><img src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2605082-acrevcrew+-+crew+-+2014-07-21+04-47-21+%28p%2960.jpg"></a><figcaption>Click above for images from The Crew closed beta. </figcaption></figure><p style="">This structure allows you to easily hop from place to place provided you've already driven once to the area you're visiting. Occasionally, I bounced from one city to another using the quick travel system, but I enjoyed driving across the beautiful stretches of midwestern farms and towns, even though those expanses are far smaller than their real life counterparts. (I drove from Chicago to New York in under ten minutes.) There are moments, however, when I long for a thematic thread to tie The Crew together that's stronger than the neverending quest for more powerful cars. I suppose the story is Ubisoft's attempt to ground The Crew in a theme, but at least in the beta, it is absolute nonsense, full of ridiculous dialogue that lacks the gung-ho silliness that could have made it mindless fun. It's a parade of meaningless characters floating around a protagonist with the face of Gordon Freeman, the voice of Booker DeWitt, and the personality of a used tissue.</p><p style="">As for the driving, I admit I am spoiled by <a href="/reviews/need-for-speed-rivals-review/1900-6415555/" data-ref-id="1900-6415555">Need for Speed: Rivals</a>' slick handling. In The Crew beta, vehicles don't behave consistently, sometimes careening off of the smallest objects as if they'd bounced from a trampoline. Making contact with other vehicles doesn't always result in the collision you expect, but rather might send you ricocheting away as if the cars were covered with a thick layer of rubber. There's undoubtedly plenty of time to tune up the physics, of course, but it was hard not to notice the quirks. In The Crew beta, the driving is serviceable; it's the sheer variety of tasks and the constant call to group up, to go to a different city, to do one of a dozen available challenges that keeps you on the move.</p><div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6420337" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6420337/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style="">Lest I sound overly judgmental regarding a game in closed beta, let it be said that I'm looking forward to seeing how The Crew blossoms as the game nears its full release this November. It's a big and ultradetailed game that in its current beta state comes as across as random and unfocused. A few major tune-ups could make The Crew an appealingly smooth ride, and one that you could put a lot of miles on.</p> Wed, 23 Jul 2014 08:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-crew-cruising-around-the-closed-beta/1100-6421244/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/batman-arkham-knight-preorder-bonuses/1100-6421257/ <div data-height="100%" data-width="100%" data-ref-id="2300-6419479" data-embed-type="video"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6419479/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="/batman-arkham-knight/" data-ref-id="false">Batman: Arkham Knight</a> may not be coming until next year, but preorder it through GameStop and you'll be entitled to a downloadable content pack that lets you play as Red Hood.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">With today being Batman Day, GameStop announced the Red Hood Story Pack. There were no details shared beyond the fact that you'll get the chance to play as Red Hood, who is traditionally a Batman villain. Given this is a "story pack," we can probably expect this to entail more than just a reskinned version of Batman.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">This a GameStop-exclusive DLC pack, meaning a GameStop preorder is the only way to get your hands on it. Doing so will also entitle you to the previously announced Harley Quinn Story Pack. That DLC includes four challenge maps and lets you play as Harley and "utilize her unique weapons, gadgets, and abilities." This preorder bonus, unlike the Red Hood DLC, is available through other retailers.</p><figure data-ref-id="1300-2605524" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605524-arkham.jpg" data-size="large" data-align="center" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605524-arkham.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605524"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2605524-arkham.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">The only other preorder bonus to be announced so far is one through Walmart for a "prototype Batmobile." We don't yet know exactly what it entails, but this version of the Batmobile is said to include "exclusive gameplay features."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">We'll keep this story updated with any additional bonuses announced between now and Arkham Knight's launch.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Combined with the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-batman-arkham-knight-includes-playstation-exclusive-content/1100-6420293/" data-ref-id="1100-6420293">PlayStation-exclusive Scarecrow nightmare missions</a> announced at E3, it's going to be difficult to get your hands on every bit of Arkham Knight content that's out there. At least in the case of the preorder bonus DLC, though, it's possible it could be sold as standard DLC at some point following Arkham Knight's launch.</p><p style="">Originally scheduled for release this fall, Arkham Knight was <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/batman-arkham-knight-for-xbox-one-ps4-and-pc-delayed-to-2015/1100-6420046/" data-ref-id="1100-6420046">delayed last month until sometime in 2015</a>. The version of Gotham City available for players to explore is "five times larger than the game world of Arkham City" according to its developer. For more on Arkham Knight--which is coming only to Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC--<a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-the-next-gen-scale-of-batman-arkham-knight/1100-6420382/" data-ref-id="1100-6420382">check out our latest preview here</a>.</p><p style="">Which DLC pack are you most interested in trying? Will it convince you to preorder? Let us know in the comments.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Wed, 23 Jul 2014 07:56:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/batman-arkham-knight-preorder-bonuses/1100-6421257/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-fan-mod-that-improves-graphics-gets-fin/1100-6421256/ <figure data-size="large" data-ref-id="1300-2605513,1300-2605514" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605513-watchdogsmod.png,http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605514-watchdogsmodno.png" data-embed-type="comparison" data-resize-urls="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2605513-watchdogsmod.png,http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2605514-watchdogsmodno.png" data-resized="" data-resize-url=""><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605513-watchdogsmod.png" data-ref-id="1300-2605513" ><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2605513-watchdogsmod.png"></a><a href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605514-watchdogsmodno.png" data-ref-id="1300-2605514" ><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2605514-watchdogsmodno.png"></a><figcaption>Move the slider to compare Watch Dogs with (left) and without TheWorse's mod</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">The <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-mod-adds-dynamic-shadows-from-headlights-bloom-and-other-improvements/1100-6420498/" data-ref-id="1100-6420498">fan mod that dramatically improves the graphics</a> in <a href="/watch-dogs/" data-ref-id="false">Watch Dogs</a> on PC has been updated yet again, with this most recent release being its final one, according to its creator.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">In a <a href="http://www.theworsemod.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/theworse-mod-10-released.html" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">post on his blog</a>, modder Frederico "TheWorse" Rojas released version 1.0 of his mod, which introduces several new changes, including tweaking rain, the bloom effect during storms, and the game's camera. He explains, "This is the last release of my modification. I did my best to improve graphics and performance as much as I could without degrading the quality."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">You can download <a href="http://www.theworsemod.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/theworse-mod-10-released.html" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">two different versions</a> of the mod: one featuring a texture pack from another modder, Maldo, that can help reduce stuttering; and one that doesn't include these textures.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The mod was originally released early last month on the Guru3D <a href="http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=390114" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">forums</a> and claimed to, among other things, activate effects that were still contained in the game's code but were rendered inaccessible to players. <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-mod-adds-dynamic-shadows-from-headlights-bloom-and-other-improvements/1100-6420498/" data-ref-id="1100-6420498">Ubisoft later confirmed</a> there were indeed such options buried in the code, explaining that they had been intentionally kept away from gamers because of their effect on performance and gameplay.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"The dev team is completely dedicated to getting the most out of each platform, so the notion that we would actively downgrade quality is contrary to everything we've set out to achieve," Ubisoft said following the mod's initial release. "We test and optimize our games for each platform on which they're released, striving for the best possible quality. The PC version does indeed contain some old, unused render settings that were deactivated for a variety of reasons, including possible impacts on visual fidelity, stability, performance and overall gameplay quality."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Ubisoft went on to describe the problems that could arise from using the mod, saying, it "subjectively enhances the game's visual fidelity in certain situations but also can have various negative impacts. Those could range from performance issues, to difficulty in reading the environment in order to appreciate the gameplay, to potentially making the game less enjoyable or even unstable."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Watch Dogs was released on May 27 and became <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-becomes-fastest-selling-game-in-ubisoft-s-history/1100-6419933/" data-ref-id="1100-6419933">Ubisoft's fastest-selling game ever</a>. In just one week, it <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-sells-4-million-copies-in-first-week-needs-2-million-more-to-match-assassin-s-creed-s-lifetime-tally/1100-6420059/" data-ref-id="1100-6420059">sold over four million copies</a>, and has gone on <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-ships-8-million-units-helping-ubisoft-s/1100-6421026/" data-ref-id="1100-6421026">to ship over 8 million copies</a>. It was also the top-selling game at retail in the US during <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/top-10-game-sales-according-to-npd-may-2014-watch-dogs-on-top/1100-6420523/" data-ref-id="1100-6420523">May</a> and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-was-best-selling-sku-in-us-for-june-w/1100-6421189/" data-ref-id="1100-6421189">June</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">If you have the PC version of Watch Dogs, have you given TheWorse's mod a try? Let us know what your experience has been like in the comments.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col">Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Wed, 23 Jul 2014 07:14:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-fan-mod-that-improves-graphics-gets-fin/1100-6421256/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-nightfall-to-star-mike-colter-as-agent-locke/1100-6421255/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/280/2802776/2605387-sdcc-2014-halo-nightfall-locke-determined-jpg.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605387" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/280/2802776/2605387-sdcc-2014-halo-nightfall-locke-determined-jpg.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605387"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/280/2802776/2605387-sdcc-2014-halo-nightfall-locke-determined-jpg.jpg"></a></figure><p style="">Mike Colter has been announced as the protagonist of live-action miniseries Halo: Nightfall. Colter is best known for his role in the CBS drama, <i>The Good Wife</i>. He will play the character Agent Jameson Locke.</p><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/280/2802776/2605397-9942405372-25324.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605397" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/280/2802776/2605397-9942405372-25324.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605397"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_small/280/2802776/2605397-9942405372-25324.jpg"></a><figcaption>Agent Jameson Locke on the Halo 5: Guardians teaser.</figcaption></figure><p style="">No further details were given, although footage from the series will be revealed for the first time at San Diego Comic-Con this Thursday at 11:45 a.m. PT.</p><p style="">Agent Locke <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-halo-5-s-mysterious-spartan-named-agent-locke-backstory-coming-in-nightfall/1100-6420433/" data-ref-id="1100-6420433">first appeared as a featured character in the</a> <a href="/halo-5-guardians/" data-ref-id="false">Halo 5: Guardians </a>teaser image. According to 343 Industries head Bonnie Ross, the character will have "a key role in Halo 5: Guardians". His backstory and origin will be explored in Halo: Nightfall, which is being directed by <em>Alien</em> director Ridley Scott. The first episode will debut around the release of the Halo: Master Chief Collection on November 11.</p><p style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Zorine Te is an associate editor at GameSpot, and you can follow her on <a href="https://twitter.com/ztharli" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @ztharli</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table><p style=""> </p><p style=""> </p><p style=""> </p><p style=""> </p><p style=""> </p> Tue, 22 Jul 2014 23:14:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-nightfall-to-star-mike-colter-as-agent-locke/1100-6421255/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-and-xbox-360-ship-1-1-million-consoles-co/1100-6421253/ <figure data-ref-id="1300-2605244" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605244-xbox1.jpg" data-size="large" data-align="center" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605244-xbox1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605244"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2605244-xbox1.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">Microsoft sold in a total of 1.1 million Xbox One and Xbox 360 consoles during its fiscal fourth quarter (April 1 - June 30), the company announced today as part of its quarterly earnings report.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">As has been common with the sales numbers Microsoft has provided for its gaming consoles this year, it's important to note that "sold in" refers to the number of consoles shipped to retailers. This is as opposed to the number of consoles actually sold through to consumers--a figure we haven't been updated on since Microsoft <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-sold-3-million-units-in-2013-microsoft-says/1100-6416955/" data-ref-id="1100-6416955">announced 3 million Xbox One consoles had been sold</a> to consumers as of December 31.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The 1.1 million consoles shipped is a steep drop compared to the prior three months, when <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-ships-1-2-million-to-retailers-during-2014-s-first-quarter/1100-6419194/" data-ref-id="1100-6419194">Microsoft shipped 2 million consoles</a> (1.2 million of which were Xbox Ones). The company noted that it "drew down channel inventory" during this most recent quarter, referencing plans it announced in April to slow shipments in order to allow retailers to sell the consoles they already have on store shelves.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Without providing any specific figures, Microsoft announced last week that <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-sales-more-than-double-during-june-in-us-/1100-6421168/" data-ref-id="1100-6421168">Xbox One sales had "more than double[d]" in June</a> (as compared with May) following the release of the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-399-xbox-one-out-now-xbox-360-sales-rise-to-84-million/1100-6420231/" data-ref-id="1100-6420231">$400 Kinect-less model</a>. That system went on sale on June 9 and brought the system's price down to that of Sony's PlayStation 4, which has <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-tops-june-2014-npd-sales-chart-despite-xbox-on/1100-6421187/" data-ref-id="1100-6421187">outsold the Xbox One to date</a>. As of April 6, the PS4 had <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-reports-7-million-playstation-4-consoles-sold-worldwide/1100-6419044/" data-ref-id="1100-6419044">sold 7 million units worldwide</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">As part of its earnings report, Microsoft renamed its Devices & Consumer Hardware group, which will now be known as the Computing and Gaming Hardware group. Despite the name change, it will continue to include both Xbox and Surface. During Q4, the group posted revenue of $1.44 billion, a 23-percent year-over-year increase. That was thanks in part to a 14-percent increase in revenue for the Xbox platform (which accounts for the Xbox One and Xbox 360). Revenue for Microsoft as a whole was up 18 percent to $23.4 billion.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">CEO Satya Nadella recently <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-remains-a-focus-at-microsoft-as-company-drops/1100-6421024/" data-ref-id="1100-6421024">offered a showing of support for Xbox</a>, though the platform was not completely unaffected by the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-layoffs-greater-than-expected-up-to-18-0/1100-6421171/" data-ref-id="1100-6421171">layoffs outlined last week</a>. Most notably, Xbox Entertainment Studios--the group responsible for developing original TV programming for Xbox--<a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-shutting-down-xbox-entertainment-studios/1100-6421179/" data-ref-id="1100-6421179">is being shut down</a>. A select number of its projects (including <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-halo-5-s-mysterious-spartan-named-agent-locke-backstory-coming-in-nightfall/1100-6420433/" data-ref-id="1100-6420433"><em>Halo: Nightfall</em></a>, the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-tv-show-won-t-be-filler-microsoft-says/1100-6416982/" data-ref-id="1100-6416982">Halo TV series</a>, and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-exclusive-quantum-break-s-live-action-sho/1100-6421215/" data-ref-id="1100-6421215">Quantum Break</a>) will be unaffected.</p><p style="">In a formal statement today, Nadella briefly discussed the decision to refocus on gaming with Xbox One. "With our decision to specifically focus on gaming, we expect to close Xbox Entertainment Studios and streamline our investments in Music and Video," he said. "We will invest in our core console gaming and Xbox Live with a view towards the broader PC and mobile opportunity. I hope you can see that we have bold ambitions and we have made a lot of progress."</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Tue, 22 Jul 2014 17:54:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-and-xbox-360-ship-1-1-million-consoles-co/1100-6421253/
Gamespot's Site MashupWhy do MMORPG Subscription Fees Still Exist?GameSpot at Comic-Con 2014!GS News - PS4 Gets A System Update; Xbox One Sales Figures Unveiled!Six Upcoming Vita Games That Are as Interesting as They Are WeirdQuick Look: Gods Will Be WatchingWildStar Daggerstone Pass PvP GameplayDestiny Beta Class Guide - The HunterDestiny's Tower Hub World WalkthroughPS4's Newest System Update Focuses on Improving Stability Once AgainThe Crew Beta First ImpressionsThe Crew: Cruising Around the Closed BetaBatman: Arkham Knight Preorder BonusesWatch Dogs Fan Mod That Improves Graphics Gets Final ReleaseHalo: Nightfall To Star Mike Colter As Agent LockeXbox One and Xbox 360 Ship 1.1 Million Consoles Combined From April-June
http://auth.gamespot.com/ Gamespot's Everything Feed! News, Reviews, Videos. Exploding with content? You bet. en-us Wed, 23 Jul 2014 20:41:34 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/why-do-mmorpg-subscription-fees-still-exist/2300-6420410/ MMO fees used to be normal, but times change. So why do Elder Scrolls Online, WildStar, and Final Fantasy XIV still use them? We asked, they answered. Wed, 23 Jul 2014 18:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/why-do-mmorpg-subscription-fees-still-exist/2300-6420410/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gamespot-at-comic-con-2014/2300-6420408/ GameSpot will be live from Comic-Con 2014 all week. Check out this montage of our previous exploits and make sure you join us for coverage of all your favorite comic games and more. Wed, 23 Jul 2014 17:14:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gamespot-at-comic-con-2014/2300-6420408/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-ps4-gets-a-system-update-xbox-one-sales-fi/2300-6420403/ Microsoft finally update us on their console sales, the PS4 continues to get tune-ups, and the world of Bungie's Destiny opens to Xbox users! Wed, 23 Jul 2014 16:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-ps4-gets-a-system-update-xbox-one-sales-fi/2300-6420403/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/six-upcoming-vita-games-that-are-as-interesting-as/2300-6420404/ Tom McShea runs down six titles that are worth investigating and on their way to your Vita. Wed, 23 Jul 2014 15:10:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/six-upcoming-vita-games-that-are-as-interesting-as/2300-6420404/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/quick-look-gods-will-be-watching/2300-6420383/ Watch extended gameplay footage from Gods Will Be Watching featuring the Giant Bomb crew. Wed, 23 Jul 2014 12:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/quick-look-gods-will-be-watching/2300-6420383/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/wildstar-daggerstone-pass-pvp-gameplay/2300-6420393/ In this gameplay montage, we tackle the new PvP map in WildStar's recent Sabotage update. Wed, 23 Jul 2014 10:57:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/wildstar-daggerstone-pass-pvp-gameplay/2300-6420393/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/destiny-beta-class-guide-the-hunter/2300-6420385/ The perfect blend of long-range death dealing and close-quarters stopping power, the Hunter gives you the freedom to choose your play style on a moment-to-moment basis and dynamically shift it as the situation requires. Wed, 23 Jul 2014 09:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/destiny-beta-class-guide-the-hunter/2300-6420385/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destinys-tower-hub-world-walkthrough/1100-6421208/ <p style="">If you've had a chance to jump into the Destiny beta test going on now, you'll probably have seen the Tower. The hub world for Bungie's upcoming shooter is where you can outfit your Guardian with the coolest gear, weapons, and insignias so that you can enter the fray in style.</p><p style="">But there are a lot of vendors on the Tower, and they're spread out over a wide area. It can be confusing figuring out who sells what and where, so we've presented each storefront here. Check out our breakdown of the Tower below.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602464-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.55.35+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602464" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602464-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.55.35+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602464"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602464-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.55.35+am.png"></a></figure><p style="">You can find the map of the Tower at several robot-like figures standing near the entrances to the different regions. There are four main areas of the Tower: Tower Watch, where you spawn, Tower North, Traveler's Walk/Hall of Guardians, and Tower Hangar.</p><p style="">Locations of vendors will be given relative to Tower Watch, as if you are looking toward Traveler's Walk.</p><h2>Tower Watch</h2><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602467-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.01.24+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602467" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602467-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.01.24+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602467"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602467-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.01.24+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">When you enter the Tower, you'll be in Tower Watch. If you face toward Traveler's Walk, away from the landscape, immediately ahead and to your left will be Special Orders. This vendor seems to peddle exotic and interesting items sent to the Tower from Earth and the planets.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602468-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.02.11+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602468" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602468-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.02.11+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602468"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602468-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.02.11+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Continuing toward Traveler's Walk, you'll pass the Postmaster on your right. This is where Guardians can leave messages or items for other Guardians for pickup when they return to the Tower.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602469-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.03.30+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602469" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602469-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.03.30+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602469"><img src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602469-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.03.30+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">At the far left end of Tower Watch, next to the staircase that leads to the Hall of Guardians, the Bounty Tracker sets up shop. This is where you can take on contracts that'll net you rewards if you complete them. In a sense, this is where you can take on side quests to do while you're off completing story missions.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602470-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.05.12+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602470" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602470-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.05.12+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602470"><img src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602470-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.05.12+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Directly across from the Bounty Tracker, on the right side of the staircase, is the Gunsmith. This is where you can buy all sorts of weaponry, from handcannons to marksman rifles to assault rifles. Of course, these guns have level requirements and potentially class requirements, so make sure your Guardian is compatible before you throw down your hard-earned cash.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602462-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.49.39+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602462" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602462-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.49.39+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602462"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602462-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.49.39+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">The Cryptarch sells his services to the right of where you first spawn into the Tower, near the entrance to the Tower Hangar. Occasionally, you'll come across guns and gear that are locked by an encryption. You can pay the Cryptarch to unlock them for you and make them usable.</p><h2>Tower North</h2><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602463-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.54.32+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602463" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602463-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.54.32+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602463"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602463-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.54.32+am.png"></a></figure><p style="">To the left of Tower Watch, there's a series of tunnels that will lead you into the open room called Tower North. Immediately to your right, after you enter the area, you'll find the Guardian Outfitter. This woman sells several emblems and shaders to customize your Guardian's appearance even more.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602465-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.56.14+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602465" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602465-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.56.14+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602465"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602465-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.56.14+am.png"></a></figure><p style="">To the left, across from the outfitter, you can talk to the New Monarchy recruiter. One of the three factions in the beta, the New Monarchy offers emblems and armor for you if you fight for the group in the player-vs.-player Crucible arena. You'll need to be a fairly high level to get the New Monarchy gear, but it certainly looks cool.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602466-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.59.00+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602466" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602466-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.59.00+am.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602466"><img src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602466-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+11.59.00+am.png"></a></figure><p style="">If you walk further into the room, there's a spiral staircase that leads to the mysterious Speaker. He studies the Traveler and is said to speak with its voice. He sells unique and exotic armor for high-level Guardians and emblems for them to emblazon their armor with the signs of the Traveler. If you "explore the Light's mysteries," the Speaker has the gear for you.</p><h2>Hall of Guardians/Traveler's Walk</h2><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602457-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.14.20+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602457" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602457-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.14.20+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602457"><img src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602457-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.14.20+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Directly in front of Tower Watch, where you start, is a staircase that leads down to the Hall of Guardians and Traveler's Walk. The first vendors in this area are the Crucible Handler and Quartermaster. The Handler gives you access to the Crucible and outfits you with gear for the arena.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602510-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.15.00+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602510" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602510-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.15.00+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602510"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602510-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.15.00+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">The Quartermaster sells more weapons for the Crucible, but also provides cosmetic upgrades for your vehicle. This is where you'll make your Guardian stand out when you enter the player-vs.-player chaos of the Crucible.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602459-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.15.41+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602459" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602459-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.15.41+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602459"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602459-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.15.41+pm.png"></a></figure><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602460-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.16.06+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602460" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602460-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.16.06+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602460"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602460-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.16.06+pm.png"></a></figure><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602461-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.16.20+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602461" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602461-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.16.20+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602461"><img src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602461-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+2.16.20+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Next, you'll enter a room with a large table and three armored people crowded around. These are the vanguards, the leaders of each class of Guardian. They have high-level, class-specific armor armor as well as some emblems. They also help to guide new Guardians.</p><h2>Tower Hangar</h2><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602471-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.16.38+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602471" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602471-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.16.38+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602471"><img src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602471-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.16.38+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Going to the right from Tower Watch, you'll walk through some tunnels and enter into the final region of the Tower, Tower Hangar. To your left as you walk in is the recruiter for the Dead Orbit faction, from whom you can buy Crucible weapons and armor as well as emblems all customized for Dead Orbit. You can join their cause and take the fight to the New Monarchy and Future War Cult in the Crucible.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602472-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.17.41+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602472" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602472-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.17.41+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602472"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602472-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.17.41+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Next, you can walk up a short flight of stairs to the Shipwright, where you can buy new spaceships and Shrikes (speeder bikes). You can customize the appearance of your ship during loading screens and cutscenes, and you can buy better, faster, and stronger shrikes to zip you around maps during missions.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602473-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.19.07+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602473" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602473-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.19.07+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602473"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602473-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.19.07+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Up another flight of stairs, in a lounge, you can find the Future War Cult faction. Here, you can equip yourself with FWC weapons and emblems to fight against New Monarchy and Dead Orbit in the Crucible.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602474-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.20.17+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602474" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1539/15391776/2602474-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.20.17+pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-2602474"><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1539/15391776/2602474-screen+shot+2014-07-18+at+12.20.17+pm.png"></a></figure><p style="">Finally, the Vanguard Quartermaster sets up shop in the Hangar. He provides high-level equipment for those Guardians who hit level 20 and become Vanguards themselves. Check him out when you rank up high enough; there are some good weapons on sale.</p><p style="">If you've played the Destiny beta, who do you buy from most at the Tower? Let us know in the comments!</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Alex Newhouse is an editorial intern at GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/alexbnewhouse" rel="nofollow">Twitter @alexbnewhouse</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Wed, 23 Jul 2014 09:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/destinys-tower-hub-world-walkthrough/1100-6421208/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4s-newest-system-update-focuses-on-improving-sta/1100-6421258/ <figure data-ref-id="1300-2605541" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605541-ps4.jpg" data-size="large" data-align="center" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605541-ps4.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605541"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2605541-ps4.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">The latest <a href="/ps4/" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation 4</a> system update is now available. Unfortunately for those hoping it includes some new features, this one deals exclusively with system stability.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">PS4 owners who turn on their console today will find the 1.74 update available for download. The one and only item listed in the notes for it is identical to what we've seen for several updates in a row: "System software stability during use of some features has been improved."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Addressing stability was the lone change in the last two system updates, versions <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-update-1-71-now-available-improving-system-stability/1100-6420058/" data-ref-id="1100-6420058">1.71</a> and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-v1-72-update-hitting-soon-will-improve-software-stability/1100-6420712/" data-ref-id="1100-6420712">1.72</a>, both of which were released in June. An update numbered 1.73 was apparently skipped (or someone at Sony just doesn't like the number).</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The last PS4 update to include any new features--or even so much as a specific note about what was changed--was the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/playstation-4-1-70-update-out-now-full-feature-list-revealed/1100-6419309/" data-ref-id="1100-6419309">1.70 update released on April 30</a>. <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-update-1-70-will-arrive-next-week-bringing-sharefactory-and-disabling-hdcp/1100-6419203/" data-ref-id="1100-6419203">That was a major update</a>, introducing a new video editor, brightness settings for the DualShock 4's light bar, a way to disable HDCP, preloading support, and a number of other features. To date, it's one of only two system updates (not counting the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-s-day-one-patch-detailed/1100-6415785/" data-ref-id="1100-6415785">one available at launch</a>) to offer more than stability improvements and other small refinements.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">While Sony has been relatively slow in releasing new feature updates--Microsoft has been releasing <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-august-update-detailed-new-friends-sectio/1100-6421196/" data-ref-id="1100-6421196">monthly system updates for Xbox One</a>--it has nonetheless been the top-selling console since its release. As of April 6, <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-reports-7-million-playstation-4-consoles-sold-worldwide/1100-6419044/" data-ref-id="1100-6419044">7 million PS4s had been sold</a> worldwide.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Sony solicits ideas from fans for new features, and allows them to vote on those they would like to see implemented through system updates. Currently, the most popular PS4 ideas on the <a href="http://share.blog.us.playstation.com/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">PlayStation Blog Share website</a> include a way to change your PlayStation Network name, improved media support, notifications for friends coming online (or going offline), and a way to delete listings for games you've earned no trophies in.</p><p style="">What features would you most like to see in a future PS4 system update? Let us know in the comments.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Wed, 23 Jul 2014 08:59:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4s-newest-system-update-focuses-on-improving-sta/1100-6421258/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/the-crew-beta-first-impressions/2300-6420384/ Kevin took a spin with The Crew PC beta, and although it is shaping up to be a top gear game, it needs a tune up before it is ready to race off the shelves. Wed, 23 Jul 2014 08:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/the-crew-beta-first-impressions/2300-6420384/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-crew-cruising-around-the-closed-beta/1100-6421244/ <p style="">If you've played <a href="/reviews/assassin-s-creed-iv-black-flag-review/1900-6415509/" data-ref-id="1900-6415509">Assassin's Creed</a>, <a href="/reviews/far-cry-3-review/1900-6400893/" data-ref-id="1900-6400893">Far Cry</a>, or <a href="/reviews/watch-dogs-review/1900-6415770/" data-ref-id="1900-6415770">Watch Dogs</a>, then you are intimately acquainted with the Ubisoft open-world formula, and The Crew will surely ring similar bells. This upcoming driving game takes place in a large and lavishly produced online world stuffed with things to do and minor challenges to overcome. It sends you from location to location, busying you with tasks that seem connected in the vaguest of ways. The Crew is afraid you might become distracted, and so it provides its own distractions, reminding you of the many dozens of things you could be doing while you're headed towards another dozen things. There is always another waypoint to drive to, another goal to accomplish, another cutscene to watch, and another vehicle to drive.</p><p style="">The smorgasbord of activities includes street racing, drag racing, offroad chases, delivery missions, and more. Simply driving from one point to another means potentially activating drive-through challenges, and suddenly you're zooming around digital slalom gates or accelerating up ramps to catch some air. It's tempting to stop and enjoy this condensed vision of the United States: The Crew is lush and colorful, and scripted races often feature commercial jets or crop dusters soaring above for no more reason than to provide visual and thematic drama. However, the game is always insisting you stay on the move.</p><div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6420384" data-width="854" data-height="480"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6420384/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style="">This is a formula that works, but it's also a formula that toes the line between keeping you busy and making you feel like you're just going through the motions. I've been playing the game's closed beta test, and I am not yet sure that The Crew will land on the proper side of that line. I can't deny its appeal, however. The beta speeds ahead from the moment you sign in, with a chase sequence that keeps you roaring forward. From there, I've gone to Detroit to Chicago to St. Louis to New York and places in between, pursuing missions and other tasks that earn me new parts that spruce up my two current vehicles, a Ford Mustang and a Ford Focus. I also earn perk points that I can spend on upgrades that provide boosts like experience bonuses.</p><p style="">In some sense, The Crew embraces the traditional role-playing formula and applies it to an open-world driving game. I rush to the next objective, I perform a task like chasing down rival gang members or rushing someone to another section of the map, and I earn a reward. It's the loot loop, compelling in that primal way that games like <a href="/reviews/diablo-iii-review/1900-6414230/" data-ref-id="1900-6414230">Diablo</a> so often are, and like in an action RPG, I am not necessarily alone in this world. I wouldn't call The Crew a massively multiplayer game, but you still share your gameplay session with others, and you can join up with them to free roam cities and the stretches in between. If you don't know any of these folks (and considering The Crew beta uses Ubisoft's UPlay portal as its social hub, you may not), you can invite nearby players to join you whenever you activate a mission. Conversely, you frequently receive random requests to join others in their own cooperative tasks, and can join them with the press of a button. Afterwards, you and your crew can roam about together, or you can go your separate ways once the task is complete.</p><figure data-embed-type="gallery" 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href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2605079-acrevcrew+-+crew+-+2014-07-21+04-47-21+%28p%2935.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605079" ><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2605079-acrevcrew+-+crew+-+2014-07-21+04-47-21+%28p%2935.jpg"></a><a href="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2605080-acrevcrew+-+crew+-+2014-07-21+04-47-21+%28p%2940.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605080" ><img src="http://static3.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2605080-acrevcrew+-+crew+-+2014-07-21+04-47-21+%28p%2940.jpg"></a><a href="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2605081-acrevcrew+-+crew+-+2014-07-21+04-47-21+%28p%2945.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605081" ><img src="http://static4.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2605081-acrevcrew+-+crew+-+2014-07-21+04-47-21+%28p%2945.jpg"></a><a href="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/original/416/4161502/2605082-acrevcrew+-+crew+-+2014-07-21+04-47-21+%28p%2960.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605082" ><img src="http://static5.gamespot.com/uploads/square_avatar/416/4161502/2605082-acrevcrew+-+crew+-+2014-07-21+04-47-21+%28p%2960.jpg"></a><figcaption>Click above for images from The Crew closed beta. </figcaption></figure><p style="">This structure allows you to easily hop from place to place provided you've already driven once to the area you're visiting. Occasionally, I bounced from one city to another using the quick travel system, but I enjoyed driving across the beautiful stretches of midwestern farms and towns, even though those expanses are far smaller than their real life counterparts. (I drove from Chicago to New York in under ten minutes.) There are moments, however, when I long for a thematic thread to tie The Crew together that's stronger than the neverending quest for more powerful cars. I suppose the story is Ubisoft's attempt to ground The Crew in a theme, but at least in the beta, it is absolute nonsense, full of ridiculous dialogue that lacks the gung-ho silliness that could have made it mindless fun. It's a parade of meaningless characters floating around a protagonist with the face of Gordon Freeman, the voice of Booker DeWitt, and the personality of a used tissue.</p><p style="">As for the driving, I admit I am spoiled by <a href="/reviews/need-for-speed-rivals-review/1900-6415555/" data-ref-id="1900-6415555">Need for Speed: Rivals</a>' slick handling. In The Crew beta, vehicles don't behave consistently, sometimes careening off of the smallest objects as if they'd bounced from a trampoline. Making contact with other vehicles doesn't always result in the collision you expect, but rather might send you ricocheting away as if the cars were covered with a thick layer of rubber. There's undoubtedly plenty of time to tune up the physics, of course, but it was hard not to notice the quirks. In The Crew beta, the driving is serviceable; it's the sheer variety of tasks and the constant call to group up, to go to a different city, to do one of a dozen available challenges that keeps you on the move.</p><div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6420337" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6420337/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style="">Lest I sound overly judgmental regarding a game in closed beta, let it be said that I'm looking forward to seeing how The Crew blossoms as the game nears its full release this November. It's a big and ultradetailed game that in its current beta state comes as across as random and unfocused. A few major tune-ups could make The Crew an appealingly smooth ride, and one that you could put a lot of miles on.</p> Wed, 23 Jul 2014 08:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-crew-cruising-around-the-closed-beta/1100-6421244/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/batman-arkham-knight-preorder-bonuses/1100-6421257/ <div data-height="100%" data-width="100%" data-ref-id="2300-6419479" data-embed-type="video"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6419479/" width="100%" height="100%" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="/batman-arkham-knight/" data-ref-id="false">Batman: Arkham Knight</a> may not be coming until next year, but preorder it through GameStop and you'll be entitled to a downloadable content pack that lets you play as Red Hood.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">With today being Batman Day, GameStop announced the Red Hood Story Pack. There were no details shared beyond the fact that you'll get the chance to play as Red Hood, who is traditionally a Batman villain. Given this is a "story pack," we can probably expect this to entail more than just a reskinned version of Batman.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">This a GameStop-exclusive DLC pack, meaning a GameStop preorder is the only way to get your hands on it. Doing so will also entitle you to the previously announced Harley Quinn Story Pack. That DLC includes four challenge maps and lets you play as Harley and "utilize her unique weapons, gadgets, and abilities." This preorder bonus, unlike the Red Hood DLC, is available through other retailers.</p><figure data-ref-id="1300-2605524" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605524-arkham.jpg" data-size="large" data-align="center" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605524-arkham.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605524"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2605524-arkham.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">The only other preorder bonus to be announced so far is one through Walmart for a "prototype Batmobile." We don't yet know exactly what it entails, but this version of the Batmobile is said to include "exclusive gameplay features."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">We'll keep this story updated with any additional bonuses announced between now and Arkham Knight's launch.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Combined with the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-batman-arkham-knight-includes-playstation-exclusive-content/1100-6420293/" data-ref-id="1100-6420293">PlayStation-exclusive Scarecrow nightmare missions</a> announced at E3, it's going to be difficult to get your hands on every bit of Arkham Knight content that's out there. At least in the case of the preorder bonus DLC, though, it's possible it could be sold as standard DLC at some point following Arkham Knight's launch.</p><p style="">Originally scheduled for release this fall, Arkham Knight was <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/batman-arkham-knight-for-xbox-one-ps4-and-pc-delayed-to-2015/1100-6420046/" data-ref-id="1100-6420046">delayed last month until sometime in 2015</a>. The version of Gotham City available for players to explore is "five times larger than the game world of Arkham City" according to its developer. For more on Arkham Knight--which is coming only to Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC--<a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-the-next-gen-scale-of-batman-arkham-knight/1100-6420382/" data-ref-id="1100-6420382">check out our latest preview here</a>.</p><p style="">Which DLC pack are you most interested in trying? Will it convince you to preorder? Let us know in the comments.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Wed, 23 Jul 2014 07:56:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/batman-arkham-knight-preorder-bonuses/1100-6421257/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-fan-mod-that-improves-graphics-gets-fin/1100-6421256/ <figure data-size="large" data-ref-id="1300-2605513,1300-2605514" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605513-watchdogsmod.png,http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605514-watchdogsmodno.png" data-embed-type="comparison" data-resize-urls="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2605513-watchdogsmod.png,http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2605514-watchdogsmodno.png" data-resized="" data-resize-url=""><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605513-watchdogsmod.png" data-ref-id="1300-2605513" ><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2605513-watchdogsmod.png"></a><a href="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605514-watchdogsmodno.png" data-ref-id="1300-2605514" ><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2605514-watchdogsmodno.png"></a><figcaption>Move the slider to compare Watch Dogs with (left) and without TheWorse's mod</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">The <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-mod-adds-dynamic-shadows-from-headlights-bloom-and-other-improvements/1100-6420498/" data-ref-id="1100-6420498">fan mod that dramatically improves the graphics</a> in <a href="/watch-dogs/" data-ref-id="false">Watch Dogs</a> on PC has been updated yet again, with this most recent release being its final one, according to its creator.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">In a <a href="http://www.theworsemod.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/theworse-mod-10-released.html" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">post on his blog</a>, modder Frederico "TheWorse" Rojas released version 1.0 of his mod, which introduces several new changes, including tweaking rain, the bloom effect during storms, and the game's camera. He explains, "This is the last release of my modification. I did my best to improve graphics and performance as much as I could without degrading the quality."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">You can download <a href="http://www.theworsemod.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/theworse-mod-10-released.html" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">two different versions</a> of the mod: one featuring a texture pack from another modder, Maldo, that can help reduce stuttering; and one that doesn't include these textures.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The mod was originally released early last month on the Guru3D <a href="http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=390114" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">forums</a> and claimed to, among other things, activate effects that were still contained in the game's code but were rendered inaccessible to players. <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-mod-adds-dynamic-shadows-from-headlights-bloom-and-other-improvements/1100-6420498/" data-ref-id="1100-6420498">Ubisoft later confirmed</a> there were indeed such options buried in the code, explaining that they had been intentionally kept away from gamers because of their effect on performance and gameplay.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"The dev team is completely dedicated to getting the most out of each platform, so the notion that we would actively downgrade quality is contrary to everything we've set out to achieve," Ubisoft said following the mod's initial release. "We test and optimize our games for each platform on which they're released, striving for the best possible quality. The PC version does indeed contain some old, unused render settings that were deactivated for a variety of reasons, including possible impacts on visual fidelity, stability, performance and overall gameplay quality."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Ubisoft went on to describe the problems that could arise from using the mod, saying, it "subjectively enhances the game's visual fidelity in certain situations but also can have various negative impacts. Those could range from performance issues, to difficulty in reading the environment in order to appreciate the gameplay, to potentially making the game less enjoyable or even unstable."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Watch Dogs was released on May 27 and became <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-becomes-fastest-selling-game-in-ubisoft-s-history/1100-6419933/" data-ref-id="1100-6419933">Ubisoft's fastest-selling game ever</a>. In just one week, it <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-sells-4-million-copies-in-first-week-needs-2-million-more-to-match-assassin-s-creed-s-lifetime-tally/1100-6420059/" data-ref-id="1100-6420059">sold over four million copies</a>, and has gone on <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-ships-8-million-units-helping-ubisoft-s/1100-6421026/" data-ref-id="1100-6421026">to ship over 8 million copies</a>. It was also the top-selling game at retail in the US during <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/top-10-game-sales-according-to-npd-may-2014-watch-dogs-on-top/1100-6420523/" data-ref-id="1100-6420523">May</a> and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-was-best-selling-sku-in-us-for-june-w/1100-6421189/" data-ref-id="1100-6421189">June</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">If you have the PC version of Watch Dogs, have you given TheWorse's mod a try? Let us know what your experience has been like in the comments.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col">Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Wed, 23 Jul 2014 07:14:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/watch-dogs-fan-mod-that-improves-graphics-gets-fin/1100-6421256/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-nightfall-to-star-mike-colter-as-agent-locke/1100-6421255/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/280/2802776/2605387-sdcc-2014-halo-nightfall-locke-determined-jpg.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605387" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/280/2802776/2605387-sdcc-2014-halo-nightfall-locke-determined-jpg.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605387"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/280/2802776/2605387-sdcc-2014-halo-nightfall-locke-determined-jpg.jpg"></a></figure><p style="">Mike Colter has been announced as the protagonist of live-action miniseries Halo: Nightfall. Colter is best known for his role in the CBS drama, <i>The Good Wife</i>. He will play the character Agent Jameson Locke.</p><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/280/2802776/2605397-9942405372-25324.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605397" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/280/2802776/2605397-9942405372-25324.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605397"><img src="http://static2.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_small/280/2802776/2605397-9942405372-25324.jpg"></a><figcaption>Agent Jameson Locke on the Halo 5: Guardians teaser.</figcaption></figure><p style="">No further details were given, although footage from the series will be revealed for the first time at San Diego Comic-Con this Thursday at 11:45 a.m. PT.</p><p style="">Agent Locke <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-halo-5-s-mysterious-spartan-named-agent-locke-backstory-coming-in-nightfall/1100-6420433/" data-ref-id="1100-6420433">first appeared as a featured character in the</a> <a href="/halo-5-guardians/" data-ref-id="false">Halo 5: Guardians </a>teaser image. According to 343 Industries head Bonnie Ross, the character will have "a key role in Halo 5: Guardians". His backstory and origin will be explored in Halo: Nightfall, which is being directed by <em>Alien</em> director Ridley Scott. The first episode will debut around the release of the Halo: Master Chief Collection on November 11.</p><p style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Zorine Te is an associate editor at GameSpot, and you can follow her on <a href="https://twitter.com/ztharli" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @ztharli</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table><p style=""> </p><p style=""> </p><p style=""> </p><p style=""> </p><p style=""> </p> Tue, 22 Jul 2014 23:14:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-nightfall-to-star-mike-colter-as-agent-locke/1100-6421255/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-and-xbox-360-ship-1-1-million-consoles-co/1100-6421253/ <figure data-ref-id="1300-2605244" data-img-src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605244-xbox1.jpg" data-size="large" data-align="center" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/original/123/1239113/2605244-xbox1.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2605244"><img src="http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/123/1239113/2605244-xbox1.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">Microsoft sold in a total of 1.1 million Xbox One and Xbox 360 consoles during its fiscal fourth quarter (April 1 - June 30), the company announced today as part of its quarterly earnings report.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">As has been common with the sales numbers Microsoft has provided for its gaming consoles this year, it's important to note that "sold in" refers to the number of consoles shipped to retailers. This is as opposed to the number of consoles actually sold through to consumers--a figure we haven't been updated on since Microsoft <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-sold-3-million-units-in-2013-microsoft-says/1100-6416955/" data-ref-id="1100-6416955">announced 3 million Xbox One consoles had been sold</a> to consumers as of December 31.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The 1.1 million consoles shipped is a steep drop compared to the prior three months, when <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-ships-1-2-million-to-retailers-during-2014-s-first-quarter/1100-6419194/" data-ref-id="1100-6419194">Microsoft shipped 2 million consoles</a> (1.2 million of which were Xbox Ones). The company noted that it "drew down channel inventory" during this most recent quarter, referencing plans it announced in April to slow shipments in order to allow retailers to sell the consoles they already have on store shelves.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Without providing any specific figures, Microsoft announced last week that <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-sales-more-than-double-during-june-in-us-/1100-6421168/" data-ref-id="1100-6421168">Xbox One sales had "more than double[d]" in June</a> (as compared with May) following the release of the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-399-xbox-one-out-now-xbox-360-sales-rise-to-84-million/1100-6420231/" data-ref-id="1100-6420231">$400 Kinect-less model</a>. That system went on sale on June 9 and brought the system's price down to that of Sony's PlayStation 4, which has <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps4-tops-june-2014-npd-sales-chart-despite-xbox-on/1100-6421187/" data-ref-id="1100-6421187">outsold the Xbox One to date</a>. As of April 6, the PS4 had <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-reports-7-million-playstation-4-consoles-sold-worldwide/1100-6419044/" data-ref-id="1100-6419044">sold 7 million units worldwide</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">As part of its earnings report, Microsoft renamed its Devices & Consumer Hardware group, which will now be known as the Computing and Gaming Hardware group. Despite the name change, it will continue to include both Xbox and Surface. During Q4, the group posted revenue of $1.44 billion, a 23-percent year-over-year increase. That was thanks in part to a 14-percent increase in revenue for the Xbox platform (which accounts for the Xbox One and Xbox 360). Revenue for Microsoft as a whole was up 18 percent to $23.4 billion.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">CEO Satya Nadella recently <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-remains-a-focus-at-microsoft-as-company-drops/1100-6421024/" data-ref-id="1100-6421024">offered a showing of support for Xbox</a>, though the platform was not completely unaffected by the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-layoffs-greater-than-expected-up-to-18-0/1100-6421171/" data-ref-id="1100-6421171">layoffs outlined last week</a>. Most notably, Xbox Entertainment Studios--the group responsible for developing original TV programming for Xbox--<a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-shutting-down-xbox-entertainment-studios/1100-6421179/" data-ref-id="1100-6421179">is being shut down</a>. A select number of its projects (including <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2014-halo-5-s-mysterious-spartan-named-agent-locke-backstory-coming-in-nightfall/1100-6420433/" data-ref-id="1100-6420433"><em>Halo: Nightfall</em></a>, the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-tv-show-won-t-be-filler-microsoft-says/1100-6416982/" data-ref-id="1100-6416982">Halo TV series</a>, and <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-exclusive-quantum-break-s-live-action-sho/1100-6421215/" data-ref-id="1100-6421215">Quantum Break</a>) will be unaffected.</p><p style="">In a formal statement today, Nadella briefly discussed the decision to refocus on gaming with Xbox One. "With our decision to specifically focus on gaming, we expect to close Xbox Entertainment Studios and streamline our investments in Music and Video," he said. "We will invest in our core console gaming and Xbox Live with a view towards the broader PC and mobile opportunity. I hope you can see that we have bold ambitions and we have made a lot of progress."</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Chris Pereira is a freelance writer for GameSpot, and you can follow him on <a href="https://twitter.com/thesmokingmanx" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Twitter @TheSmokingManX</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><em><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com</strong></em></td></tr></tbody></table> Tue, 22 Jul 2014 17:54:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-and-xbox-360-ship-1-1-million-consoles-co/1100-6421253/
