Gaming Blog

A few days ago we posted an article about the PC versions of Mass Effect and Spore containing some worrying copy protection methods that would require users to validate each game online every ten days. While I expressed concern that such a move could go horribly wrong, others were more vocal — chief among them the BioWare fans who absolutely railed against the somewhat harsh measures.

Well, BioWare has said it listened “very closely” to the fans (though really, you didn’t need a hearing aid to register such fury from PC gamers) and has now opted to back away from the incredibly strict authentication methods. Mass Effect will now only require validation when you first run the game and when you download additional content. How about that, eh? Kicking your legs around and screaming actually works sometimes!

From BioWare’s FAQ on the matter:

BioWare has always listened very closely to its fans and we made this decision to ensure we are delivering the best possible experience to them. To all the fans including our many friends in the armed services and internationally who expressed concerns that they would not be able re-authenticate as often as required, EA and BioWare want you to know that your feedback is important to us.

So there you have it. One of those rare moments of victory for the consumer, and an easier validation process for any PC gamers looking to buy Mass Effect. One can only imagine that Spore will similarly back out of this verification process, but that remains to be seen.

New version to pack enhanced multiplayer, online and community-driven features.

Criterion is bringing its hit arcade racer, Burnout Paradise, to PC.

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It looks like EA has made a turn-around in response to fan outrage at its plans for a complicated DRM scheme in two high-profile PC games due out later this year.

Word came out yesterday that Spore (from Sims-meister Will Wright) and the PC version of Xbox 360 hit …

Filed under: Screens

We immediately cried out, “Bullshots!” when we sighted these screenshots released with Battle Rage: The Robot Wars’ Wii press release today, but then we remembered that a PC version of the fighter is also in the works.

With a quick comparison comparing the image resolution with other screens for Wii games (and a bit of common sense), we were able to confirm our suspicions that these shots are, indeed, too good to be true. That said, if graphical detail isn’t a primary concern for you, jump into the gallery for three new screenshots of the four-player arena combat game.

And, while the images might not be for the Wii release, there’s no doubt that this European boxart is! The cover actually looks badass, you know, despite Data Design Interactive’s out-of-place Popcorn Arcade branding.

Details about the actual game: 20 weapons, 10 arenas, 8 robots, special melee/ranged weapons for each robot, customizable robots, arcade mode, team battles, 2036 setting, yadda yadda yadda, convicts trying to earn their freedom by battling mechs for a bored society’s entertainment.

[Via press release]

No one can argue with the fact that last year’s BioShock was a milestone in interactive storytelling as far as a video game is concerned. 2K Games was able to create such a unique setting and mood all while engaging us in a thrilling narrative like nothing we’ve seen before. Naturally, an experience such as this seemed ultimately destined for the big screen, and now Variety is reporting that Universal Studios will be the company bringing the underwater city of Rapture to a theater near you.

But perhaps the biggest news to come out of all this is whom Universal has lined up to direct the dystopian drama. Gore Verbinski, famed director of the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, has signed on while accomplished screenwriter John Logan (Sweeny Todd, The Aviator) is in talks to write the script.

It would appear that all the pieces are in place for BioShock to break the curse of disappointing movies adapted from video games. Even more encouraging, Verbinski says that BioShock has the strongest narrative of any game he’s played, which is why he wants to bring it to the silver screen. Just promise us there won’t be any CG Big Daddies and you’re already headed in the right direction….

In what might be one of the most random yet brilliant ideas in the history of PC games; DreamLore have come up with a game titled Stalin Vs Martians. The whole concept is fairly obvious from the name; you are the russians, and you have to take down the martians, who are invading your country. It’s such a wonderful idea, and the developer seems so down to earth that we can forgive the slightly poor graphics, and old fashioned RTS style.
Check out images, FAQs and descriptions at the official site.

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Capcom have announced that the 4th installment of the massively popular Devil May Cry series is set to hit PCs in the summer. Despite being a game that is rather unsuited to keyboard controls, the PC versions have enjoyed a mild success and we welcome the next game in the series. Apparently graphics will be upgraded, and new modes will be available, plus the slightly silly and PR only boast that it can do 120fps in cutscenes….
Via GameInfoWire

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After what seems like decades of development (it was actually 4 years, but what the hell!), Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures has finally gone gold, meaning it’s fully complete, and ready for release. The game has been one of the few pipped to be serious challengers to WoW’s crown (unlikely, in my opinion), and it most definitely has had the development time and refinement to do well at least.
The game is set to be released on the 20th of May in the US and the 23rd in Europe.
Via Blues

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