Crazy hard drive install requirements, a new way to play Angry Birds, virtual games getting yanked and given out for free, plus Dead Island and another Mortal Kombat movie on the way. A lots been happening in the world of games, so time to check out the highlights.
Microsoft sent out a celebratory press release to proclaim that the latest installment of the Gears of War franchise has sold 3,000,000 copies in the first week alone. They state: "[Gears] has already grossed more than any 2011 video game to date." So anyone who thinks there's not going to be a Gears of War 4 is sadly mistaken.
Technical Details For Console Version Of Rage Revealed
Bethesda recently detailed all the trouble console gamers will have to go through in order to play Rage on something other than a PC. The Xbox 360 edition will come on three discs, which is further proof that DVDs are getting way too small for AAA games these days. Meanwhile, the PS3 version will require an 8GB install on the hard disk, which also emphasizes how puny the single speed lens machine has truly become.
Skyrim's All Star Cast Has Also Been Revealed
Bethesda also disclosed the celebrity voice talent that will be appearing in Elder Scrolls V. Included are assorted stars of the big and small screen, as well as the stage: Christopher Plummer, Max Von Sydow, Joan Allen, and Lynda Carter. Yes, Wonder Woman. You also have Michael Hogan from Battlestar Galactica, Vladimir Kulich from The 13th Warrior, Claudia Christian from Babylon 5, Renee Victor from Weeds, plus more.
Dead Space 3 Will Supposedly Take Place On Hoth
A few details regarding the third installment of Dead Space (which has yet to be formally announced) began circulating across the Internet. Basically, instead of the deep, dark expanses of space, part 3 will take place on a frozen planet, one that might be filled with bright, white snow. Though maybe Isaac Clarke explores the white powder at night, who knows.
As part of their offensive against the Apple iPad, and iOS to a certain extent, Amazon unveiled a new line of ultra affordable variants of their popular e-readers. The cheapest comes in at $80 is a barebones, WiFi only base model, and the most expensive is a $200 Android powered tablet that allows for easy access to all of Amazon's streaming services. It will also play Android games.
Zynga's Profits Dip 95% In Just One Year
The makers of all those Facebook games that everyone loves to hate will be happy to know that they may no longer be a thorn to all self-respecting gamer's side: reports indicate a sharp, 95% drop in profits in just one year. $27.2 million was made in Q2 of 2010, but in Q2 of 2011, they made $1.3 million. Ouch.
Once Again, Print Is Dead
UK based Future Publishing Limited revealed this week that they might be shutting down their American print operations. This included all three of the officially sanctioned console-specific magazines: Nintendo Power, Official Xbox Magazine, and PlayStation: The Official Magazine. Bad news for those who prefer the printed page for all their gaming news. All six of you.
A movie based upon the zombie infestation on a tropical resort game is in the works, courtesy of Lions Gate. It was revealed that the ball got rolling a number of months ago, well before the game came out. The inspiration was from that debut trailer that got everyone talking, and which raised expectations for the game, which were sadly never met. Hopefully the movie will do better.
Psychonauts Finally Available On Apple Hardware
Eternally the second class citizens of gaming, Mac gamers have yet another thing to finally play if they haven't already done so: the 6 year old cult hit Psychonauts has been ported to OS X. Not only that, but there's a supplemental iOS app that provides commentary for the game. Which is further proof on the real reason why the tides have changed for iOS more than anything else. Speaking off...
R-Type Being Pulled From The Virtual Console Today
For fans of old school space shoot 'em ups, specifically the classic R-Type, yet another opportunity to own a part of history will be gone by day's end. The Sega Master System edition is being pulled from the Wii's Virtual Console service, which is rather unprecedented. Except for all the other times that other versions of the game have been yanked from other services. No reason has been stated, though everyone knows the publisher, Irem, has serious financial troubles. It's also further evidence that even virtual goods are in jeopardy if there's real life woes happening.
Four Swords Anniversary Edition Released, For Free
Meanwhile, those with either a DSi, DSi XL, or 3DS can download a special anniversary edition of The Legend of Zedla: Four Swords. In addition to the four player designed multiplayer mode of the Game Boy Advanced originals, there's also a brand new single player experience, for those who lack buddies with the necessary hardware. On top of all that are brand new levels that are nods to previous Zelda games. Four Swords Anniversary Edition will remain free until early next year, when it then goes on sale officially.
Due to the overwhelming success of the MK video game reboot, New Line Cinema has expressed interest in rebooting the film franchise as well. And the person they have on tap is none other than Kevin Tancharoen, who created a short that gave a taste of what his idea of a MK flick would be like, which in turn led to a successful web exclusive Mortal Kombat series that ultimately impressed the studio chief. So basically, his plan totally worked out in the end.
