Gamer's Source 4-29-2014 / 4-30-2014

Hello and welcome to the Gamer's Source, your destination for gaming information. There was so little news yesterday, I decided to cram TWO days worth of news into one article. Nintendo has publicly announced it's E3 plans and SOE's online pass is now available for it's MMO's. So. without further ado, the news:

NUMBER One!

Nintendo has announced it's E3 plans, and they will be similar to last year. Forgoing the live presentation, the company will instead have a live event on June 10th to showcase where Nintendo will be going with it's games. On top of this, the company will also be streaming live demos during E3 so viewers at home can see them. 

This is pretty close to the direction Nintendo has been hinting at. This format allows the company to be flexible with what it shows as well as give viewers at home a glimpse at the inside of Nintendo's E3, something that Sony and Microsoft have to rely on gaming journalist outlets to do. Very interesting approach indeed. We will have to see if it pays off for the company.  

NUMBER Two!!

Sony Entertainment Online has finally released the cross game monthly pass. For $15 a month, players get access to EverQuest, EverQuest Next, H1Z1,PlanetSide 2 and Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. On top of access to all of these games, players also get 500 credits of in game cash per month as well as 10% discounts on all in game stores.

This is such an interesting business model. In a time when so many MMO's are dropping monthly fees and embracing free to play in order to bring people in to pay for extras, this seems like another attempt to keep the monthly fee around and make it worth while for gmaers. I think it's brilliant. Most players will only play one or two of the games available (since MMO's take up so much time to get far) and handing out discounts is minor for Sony but a big win for players. Overall, I really hope this is successful because, like Sony's Cross-Buy and Cross-Save, it's a win-win for both players and Sony.

Number THREE!!!

The Xbox One will be launching in China this September, along side the bevy of other territories. Partnering with home entertainment firm BesTV, Microsoft has worked out a deal to launch the system in the country a few short months after the 14 year console ban has lifted.

This is so good for Microsoft. China is a market many game companies have been trying to get in on, and the fact that Microsoft can add the territory to it's launch is amazing, both perception and profits wise. Sony hasn't announced a launch of the PS4 in the country, and seeing as how China and Japanese politics are really shaky, and Chinese politics effect business dealings, I wouldn't bet on a PS4 launch in the country anytime soon. Way to go Microsoft. 

Number FOUR!!!!

Ty Corey Franck, personal assistant to George R.R. Martin, will be assisting in the creation of Telltale's Game of Thrones game.  This is not a huge surprise to fans who follow the studio, but it's good news none the less to see that the original creator is interested enough in this side project to assign someone important to him on the project. Personally, it has alleviated some of the worries I had for the game, despite not seeing anything else about the game.

NUMBER FIVE!!!!!

Nintendo is pulling out all the stops with the launch of Mario Kart 8. For fans who purchase the game around launch, a free digital Wii U game will be available to them (either Super Mario Bros U, Wii Party U, Pikmin 3 or Legend of Zelda: Windwaker HD). On top of that, the company is launching a bundle that will include the Wii U Deluxe, the Wii U Pro Controller, Mario Kart 8 and a steering wheel holster for the Wii controller.

It seems that Nintendo is starting to acknowledge that the Wii U needs help. This is great to hear, as there are plenty of gamers and families who have been on the fence about the console and just need that little push to jump on the band wagon. With very little coming out in May, maybe these incentives will help boost sales for the fledgling console.

And, per usual, here's a list of smaller news stories out today:

• Amazing Spider-Man 2 IS out for Xbox One today, despite rumors of delay.
• DriveClub is being released on October 7th.
• Three more indie games announced for Sony platforms.
• Injustice: God's Among Us 2 is reportedly in development.
• Watch_Dogs Season Pass detailed. 
• Blizzard is bringing it's games to the Philippines.
• Minecraft sells 15 million on PC.
• Resogun content teased again by Housemarque.
• Outlast DLC hits PS4 and PC next week.
• Left 4 Dead coming to arcades in Japan.
• Mass Effect 4 in the middle of development.
• DriveClub delay due to Dynamic Menu design needing refinement.
• Sony files 'Bloodborne' trademark.
• Disney has announced 'Disney Infinity Marvel Super Heroes'.
• New Games with Gold announced for May.

And that's all folks! Please make sure you leave some comments down below. I'd love to hear what news interests you. Don't be afraid to share this site with other fellow gamers, or even non-gamers, though I doubt they will understand much of what goes on here. Lastly, as always, keep the conversation going. 

Gamer's Source 4-28-2014

Hello and welcome to the Gamer's Source, your destination for gaming information. Naughty Dog loses another and Dark Souls developer From Software is being bought out. So, without further ado, the news:

NUMBER One!

Lead Character Artist Micheal Knowland has left Naughty Dog. This will be the fourth major loss for the developer in the past two months. I would love to be a fly on the wall at that developer. With so many major players leaving, it really is a wonder as to what is going on. Uncharted 4 is in development, possibly development limbo, and it's a good bet to think that the Last of Us 2 is underway as well. Hopefully we get some good news at E3 and some reassurance.

NUMBER Two!!

The myth about millions of Atari E.T. games being buried in the desert is true! Xbox Entertainment has excavated the New Mexico landfill this past weekend to find copies of the fabled game most often coined as the game that brought down the gaming industry in 1983. More details to come later this week. The footage will then be incorporated into the documentary Atari: Game Over.

As a gamer, this is exciting news. For an industry that is so young, there are so many myths and urban legends out there perpetuated by fans that it's great to see one of these come true. History is important to remember, especially one involving such a downturn for the industry. I personally can't wait for the full documentary to release. 

Number THREE!!!

From Software has been bought out by Japanese publisher Kadokawa. The famous developer behind Dark Souls and Demon Souls will have 80% of it's stock transferred ownership to the publisher. From Software will now work alongside the development side of Kadokawa games, known for it's smaller titles such as Natural Doctrine and Demon's Gaze. Kadokawa says the partnership will benefit both companies as it looks to expand to more platforms and territories. 

This is great for fans of the Dark Souls, as this will ensure the game continues to come out. Hopefully Kadokawa won't want to mess with the development team too much, as each game seems to garner much acclaim from fans and critics alike. I'll be interested to see what Kadokawa means by 'expanding to more platforms', as the publisher has been keen on Sony's handheld, and I personally would love to see a Dark Souls on Vita.   

And, per usual, here is a small list of straight forward stories:

• Megaman Battle Network 3 is on it's way to Wii U.
• Mass Effect Trilogy for PS4 and Xbox One spotted.

And that's all for today! Not much news, but some news none the less. As always, leave some comments down below. Tell me what you think about From Software being bought out or the Atari grave site. Please share this with your friends and family who love gaming. And, as always, keep the conversation going.  

Gamer's Source 4-25-2014

Hello and welcome to the Gamer's Source, your destination for today's gaming conversation. GameStop is refocusing it's business model and Unreal Engine's subscription model will now include consoles. SO, without further ado, the news:

Gaming New Years Resolutions 2014

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With 2013 finally in the bag and 2014 upon us, I’m a little late to the table with some New Year’s resolutions. Regardless, I always enjoy coming up with some resolutions that help broaden my horizons, especially when it comes gaming. So just like last year, here are a few gaming resolutions I wish to live out this year.

Gamer's Source 4-23-2014

Hello and welcome to the Gamer's Source, your destination for gaming news and converstation. Microsoft has finally announced the Japanese release date for Xbox One and Apple finally adds labels for games with in app purchases. So, without further ado, the news:

Gamer's Source 4-2--2014

Welcome to the Gamer's Source, your destination for daily gaming news. Fatal Frame sequel is in development and Bandai Namco announces a new IP, and it's free-to-play. So, without further ado, the news:

Gamer's Source 4-21-2014

Welcome to the Gamer's Source, your destination for gaming news. The Assassin's Creed franchise has sold quite a few copies and Nintendo is in a lawsuit (once again) for technology infringement. So, without further ado, the news:

Gamer's Source 4-17-2014

Welcome to the Gamer's Source, your destination for gaming news. Sony has announced a new PS4 update that will excite users and Titanfall almost came to Sony's handheld. SO, without further ado, the news:

Gamer's Source 4-16-2014

Hello and welcome to another edition of the Gamer's Source, your destination for gaming news. Sony has decided to sell its shares of Square Enix and longtime running conference Gaymer X is shutting down. So, with out further ado, the news:

Gamer's Source 4-10-2014

After a day of much needed rest, the Source is back. Welcome to the Gamer's Source, your destination for gaming news. Sony Entertainment Online announces a new MMO and inFamous: Second Son sells over 1 million copies. So, without further ado, the news...

Trials and Executions Amongst Friends

Quick Note: Though it suffers from a small identity crisis and some odd pacing, Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc is still a fun time with a great story and really interesting play style. For fans of the point and click Adventure games, like Walking Dead or Zero Escape series, this is one you should check out. 

My taste in gaming has changed quite drastically over the years. For a long time I refused to play anything that wasn't a JRPG. Then I slowly moved towards the story driven action games. These days I try to play every possible genre to keep my mind open to new things and to be able to part of the gaming conversation. Two years ago, I don't think I would have enjoyed Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc as much as I did today. That's not to say the game doesn't have any flaws, but there's a great story and solid gameplay that makes those flaws easier to over look.

Gamer's Source 4-15-2014

Hello and welcome to the Gamer's Source, your destination for gaming news stories of the day. Lots of Ubisoft news, between Watch_Dogs helping The Division and news on Good and Evil 2. So, without further ado, the news:

Gamer's Source 4-14-2014 Weekend Update

Welcome to the Gamer's Source, your destination for gaming news and information. This past weekend was PAX, and as such, there's a lot of stories. SO without further ado, the news:

Gamer's Source 4-8-2014

Welcome to the Gamer's Source, your place for daily gaming news. Microsoft is detailing the next Xbox One update and Sony and Unity unite for PS Mobile. So, without further ado, the news:

Gamer's Source 4-7-2014

Welcome to the Gamer's Source, your destination for gaming news. A rumor of a new Borderlands game is circulating the net and Microsoft is apparently eyeing emulation for Xbox One. So, without further ado, the news:

Enjoy Your Power with inFamous Second Son

Quick Note: Second Son is SO good. For any one who enjoys exploring open worlds with lots of stuff to do and play around with all sorts of abilities given to you, this is the game for you. Though the story falls off towards the end of the game, it still hits home pretty well and playing with all the powers is so much fun. If you own a PS4 you need to buy this game. 

inFamous has always been a big franchise for me. The idea of an every man gaining crazy super powers and tearing around giant cities appeals to the little boy in me, but the choices of being good or bad brings out the hero (or villain) in me. So when Second Son was announced for PS4, I was ecstatic. Sucker Punch should be proud of this game because it is a fine accomplishment and a perfect representation of what inFamous and inFamous 2 have been building up to.

Gamer's Source 4-6-2014 Weekend Roundup

Welcome to the Gamer's Source, your destination for gaming news. As always, I have scoured the internet to bring you today's gaming news in one handy little article. Numerous games are losing their online servers at the end of May and Microsoft is (eventually) bringing external memory support to the Xbox One. SO, without further ado, the news:

Gamer's Source 4-3-2014

Welcome to the Gamer's Source, your destination for today's gaming news. Microsoft Studios are getting hit with some layoffs and 38 Studios subpoenas are going out to the key people involved in the studios closure and loss of $75 million. So, without further ado, the news:

Virtual Worlds: Video Game Locations I Want to Visit

Videogames have always been this interactive form of escapism. For years I would play my Game Boy Color with Pokemon Yellow while riding in the car between Ohio and North Carolina to dive into the world of Kanto and avoid the boring real world drive. Over the years, as my game tastes have expanded, I've come to find so many different worlds that I would love to go and visit. Here are a few:

Gamer's Source 4-1-2014

Welcome to another Gamer's Source, the place to find today's gaming news. It's April Fools, which means you can't believe everything you read, except for here! Microsoft is still working out the kinks in it's ID@Xbox program and some Mega Man classics come to 3DS Virtual Console. So, without further ado, the news:

Oh A Pirate's Life for Me

Quick Note: From one end of the Caribbean to the other, Black Flag is a joy. If you've never liked Assassin's Creed games, you probably wont change your mind, but if you've felt the franchise has been stagnant, rejoice because the magic is back. 

Assassin's Creed games are hard to judge. On the surface, platforming around giant open worlds looking for treasures and finding viewpoints to sync up is a lot of fun. Taking over the map and exploring the rich, historic levels can be breath taking at times. However, the franchise has fallen into a slog. Most of the main missions are repetitive in a very not fun kind of way, the combat system is still stuck in 2009 when the second installment came out and there tend to be some frustrating bugs while taking on the hardest, most important tasks. Black Flag may not have fixed all of these problems, but the pirate themed game is a big improvement on the franchise.