Crysis 3 officially announced by EA

It was bound to happen but I wasn't expecting a new Crysis announcement in 2012. EA officially announced the game and is set for a 2013 release. No trailer or anything yet but there is a few pictures and cover art(above) now released showing Prophet wielding a bow. The setting is yet again New York City but 24 years after the events of Crysis 2.  Here's the officaly description of the game from EA:

Set in 2047, Prophet is on a revenge mission after uncovering the truth behind Cell Corporation's motives for building the quarantined Nanodomes. The citizens were told that the giant citywide structures were resurrected to protect the population and to cleanse these metropolises of the remnants of Ceph forces. In reality, the Nanodomes are CELL's covert attempt at a land and technology grab in their quest for global domination. With Alien Ceph lurking around every corner and human enemies on the attack, nobody is safe in the path of vengeance. Everyone is a target in Prophet's quest for retribution.

And without gameplay or even a trailer, EA also announces what you can get if you pre-ordering the game right now at Origin.com. Pre-order and you get the Hunter pack which includes:

• Become the Ultimate Hunter Online – Get early access to the new signature Crysis 3 bow, bow attachment, and "Hunter" Nanosuit module for use in Crysis 3 Multiplayer.

• Multiplayer Head Start – Get a bonus XP boost up to Level 5 and gain the ability to unlock custom loadouts early.

• Look Sharp – Customize your loadout, plus get a unique bow skin and three exclusive “Hunter” themed dog tags.

In addition to receiving the Crysis 3 Hunter Edition, select retailers are offering gamers that pre-order Crysis 3 the following early multiplayer unlocks:

• Stalker Pack — Includes the base game, all Hunter Edition content and the following early multiplayer unlocks: for players who like to stalk their prey from the shadows the Stalker Pack provides early multiplayer access to the deadly semi-auto Jackal shotgun. This powerful, close-range shotgun comes with a unique silencer attachment, custom weapon skin and two exclusive themed in-game dog tags.
• Overkill Pack — Includes the base game, all Hunter Edition content and the following early multiplayer unlocks: the Overkill Pack features early multiplayer access to the Typhoon assault weapon and skin. Spewing 500 rounds a second, the Typhoon gives players the ability to go guns blazing to take back the Liberty Dome. Also included are two exclusive Overkill themed in-game dog tags.
• Predator Pack — Includes the base game, all the Hunter Edition content and the following early multiplayer unlocks: the Predator Pack delivers early multiplayer access to the Feline submachine gun and exclusive camo. With an extremely fast rate of fire and a 60 round magazine the Feline is highly effective and deadly, at short range.

Crysis 3 is out next year 2013. Check out the first screenshots released below.

[Source: EA, GameInformer]

Thank You Firaxis, XCOM: Enemy Unknown Announced

You have no idea how happy I am with this announcement. The classic strategy game is being recreated. This is the reboot XCOM fans want. Game Informer revealed the game's existence by making it as their front cover of their first issue of the year.

The XCOM shooter announced last year is its own game. While 2K has their own plans for their XCOM game, Firaxis Studio has a different plan - Bringing the classic back by recreating the famous strategy game. The studio knows their strategy games, they are the developers of the Civilization games so XCOM fans, the game is in good hands.

It’s been a dream of ours to recreate X-COM with our unique creative vision. We’re huge fans of the original game and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to re-envision a game that is as beloved as X-COM,” said Firaxis head Steve Martin.

“We were careful to keep XCOM: Enemy Unknown true to the elements that made X-COM such a revered game while delivering an entirely new story and gameplay experience for both die-hard X-COM fans and newcomers to the franchise.

Here's a video showing gameplay of the old XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

It's coming out this fall for Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. Thanks Gameinformer for revealing the news. You just made my day. Can't wait to play XCOM once again.

[Source: Gameinformer]

[Update - fake]Bloody Roar 5 in production

[Update] - argh! apparently the Bloody Roar 5 announcement was a big fake. Damn it trolls! it would have been awesome seeing a new Bloody Roar too.... ok time to move on.

Original - Hudson Soft announced via twitter that the next title for the Bloody Roar series is currently in production. Not much information was given but it's good to know that they haven't forgotten about the series because I'm sure a lot of gamers out there have been dying for a next-gen Bloody Roar.

The last game, Bloody Roar 4, was released back on Playstation 2 in 2003,  The only information about the game so far is that they're aiming for a 2012 release for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

I think it's about time for the Bloody Roar series to be revived. I still remember the first two Bloody Roars and having loads of fun with it, but when 3 and 4 came out, well lets just say Tekken became my type of fighting game during that time.

[Source: Gematsu]

Dragon Quest X revealed for Wii and Wii U

Square Enix revealed this for the Wii years ago but never came to light. Now their revealing it again but this time with an online focus.  It will be out for the Wii and Wii U next year and will be called Dragon Quest X Online.  Yes, the latest installment which makes the Dragon Quest series reach double digits will be in a form of an MMO. It is still not certain what type of MMO it will be. Will it be the traditional MMORPGs? or just a small group similar to Monster Hunter Online(only released in Japan). Regardless of how this game will be, Andriasang mentions that the Dragon Quest X Online website contains a TBA on "usage fee".  Still not officially confirmed but knowing how this goes, it will have the traditional monthly fees aside from the initial purchase of the game.

Dragon Quest X Online will have Wii and Wii U compatibility so players can play with each other no matter what version they decide to pick up. Of course, Wii U will have an advantage since it will have improved graphics. 3DS compatibility was also mentioned but not confirmed at the moment.

In regards to gameplay, the only info out is that players may craft weapons and own their own property. They will also include a feature that makes players use their friend's character as an NPC when their offline. That's it so far.

Level-5 developed the last 2 games but so far only Square Enix was mentioned in this project.

The game is set for a 2012 release and since its also developed for the Wii U, a release date of Dragon Quest X Online should be around the time of the Wii U release. That's a long way from now. So fans of the series don't hold you breath waiting for this one. They also mentioned a beta before release.

Trailer is now up on YouTube together with a lengthy presentation of the game. You can't understand a single thing, but you get to see the game in action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU2nZlF5Mjc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr_NapIqlDo [Source: Joystiq, Gameinformer, Destructoid]