Xbox Live Deals Of The Week - Oct 18th, 2011

This week is a focus on Halo Reach DLC. 50% off! Enjoy!

1. 

   Halo: Reach

   Halo: Reach - Defiant Map Pack

   821

   • RELEASE DATE: 3/15/2011
   • GAME RATING: M (Mature)
   • GENRE: Shooter
     400
     800
2. 

   Halo: Reach

   Halo: Reach - Noble Map Pack

   709

   • RELEASE DATE: 11/30/2010
   • GAME RATING: M (Mature)
   • GENRE: Shooter
     400
     800
     

Deus Ex "Missing Link" DLC Out Today - 1200 MP ($15)

Deus Ex: Human Revolution's new, highly anticipated DLC "Missing Link" is out today! You can get your Deus Ex on for $15, or 1200MP .

Mass Effect 3's Co-op Is Part Of "Project $10"

Bioware's newest installation of Mass Effect will feature the strange, albeit welcome edition of Multiplayer. While many of the finer details of the games multiplayer have yet to be release, EA has stated that the game will be affected by it's "EA Online Pass" scheme wherein you must purchase the multiplayer add-on if you bought the game used. For those who buy it new, the game will come with a redemption code on the inside of the case.

The full press release is below, where Bioware also clarified that it is not Commander Shepard and his crew that will be featured in multiplayer. The multiplayers story arc is different, but is still within the Mass Effect canon.

BioWare Unveils Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War System Featuring Series Debut of Multiplayer 

Fight the Galactic War from New Fronts and Platforms Including Four-Player Co-Operative Multiplayer 

EDMONTON, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Earth has been captured, the galaxy is on the verge of total extinction, and it's up to you as Commander Shepard to assemble the counter offensive and take Earth back. Award-winning developer BioWare, a label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), announced today that multiplayer will be coming to the critically-acclaimed Mass Effect™ series for the very first time as part of the new Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War system. With the Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War system, players will fight for the survival of the galaxy against an ancient alien race known only as, Reapers, in both the single player campaign and through a suite of Mass Effect games and applications. Progress made in each of the components of the system, including the new multiplayer mode, will directly link back to the player's main campaign, helping Commander Shepard rally the forces of the galaxy to eliminate the Reaper threat once and for all. The Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War feature can be activated via the Online Pass code found in every new copy of Mass Effect 3. The Mass Effect 3 Online Pass can also be purchased separately on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. 

"The theme of galactic war in Mass Effect 3 presents us with the perfect opportunity to introduce multiplayer into the Mass Effect series," said Casey Hudson, Executive Producer of the Mass Effect series. "Multiplayer not only features amazing combat and deep customization options, but it will give players another way to help the war effort against the Reapers in the main event -- the single player campaign."
Featuring four-player cooperative gameplay, multiplayer in Mass Effect 3 puts players in the role of a team of elite Special Forces soldiers sent to protect resources and assets that can help the war effort against the Reapers. Players will have the option of playing as one of six classes and from six different races: Human, Krogan, Asari, Drell, Salarian and Turian. 

Multiplayer and other components of the Mass Effect 3: Galaxy at War system provide alternative ways for players to wage the final war against the Reapers. The new system will also connect players to their BioWare Social Network accounts to stay up to date on the latest Mass Effect 3 news and access downloadable content (DLC) and add-ons.
The Mass Effect franchise is one of the most highly decorated series in the history of games, having earned over 200 awards worldwide. Mass Effect 3 arrives on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC in North America on March 6, 2012 and in Europe on March 9, 2012. For more information on Mass Effect 3, please visit http://masseffect.com, follow the game on Twitter at http://twitter.com/masseffect or "like" the game on Facebook at http://facebook.com/masseffect.

Best Commercial Ever

This is by far the best commercial I've ever seen, especially one involving games. Enjoy!

Crysis 1 Now Out - $20

For those who were unfortunate enough to own a computer when Crysis 1 came out, and had to live with the frustration of knowing that there will never be enough change in the couch to afford a computer strong enough to play Crysis 1, can now purchase the beautiful game via PSN and Xbox Live Marketplace, for $20. It also features new lighting, new effects and new nanosuit controls. However, It is just the single player version. No word is multiplayer will eventually be added as a feature.

Amazon Kindle Fire - 7" Android

Amazon has decided that it will be the one that can stand up to the iPad 2's  (or iPad 3) dominance. The contestant is Amazon's Kindle Fire, a 7" Tablet that will feature the Android Operating Software. At $199, it will lose some of the most sought-after features for most tablets such as an embedded camera, 3g network access, and a microphone. It will have wi-fi, however. It seems it will make most of its use with off-line apps. 

The Kindle Fire will feature all of the Android's crazy popular games such as Crazy Birds, and Cut The Rope! Since Amazon has their own marketplace, lush with many great apps, and as well as a free app of the day, this tablet may just take off. I'm hoping it will, at least. 

Google+ Gets CityVille

Google, looking to pull all of the stops with its Google+ service, has managed to get Zynga on board for a game on the new social networking site. Google now has the mega-popular CityVille on it's Google+ service. You can find the game here: CityVille for Google+

You can find us on Google+!

Source: CNET

Xbox Live Extravaganza

It would seem that Microsoft has decided to hold a huge sale called "Extreme Shopping". Better grab these games while the getting is good!

• Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter –
- 400 MS Points/$5 (down from 1200 MS Points)

• Outland
– 400 MS Points/$5 (down from 800 MS Points)

• Yar's Revenge
– 400 MS Points/$5 (down from 800 MS Points)

• Islands of Wafku
– 400 MS Points/$5 (down from 800 MS Points)

• Trouble Witches Neo
– 400/$5 (down from 800 MS Points)

• Bionic Commando: Rearmed
– 400 MS Points/$5 (down from 800 MS Points)

• Bionic Commando: Rearmed 2
– 600 MS Points/$7.50 (down from 1200 MS Points)

• Trials HD
– 600 MS Points/$7.50 (down from 1200 MS Points)

• Shank
– 600 MS Points/$7.50 (down from 1200 MS Points)

• Monday Night Combat
– 600 MS Points/$7.50 (down from 1200 MS Points)

• Moon Diver
- 600 MS Points/$7.50 (down from 1200 MS Points)

• Section 8 Prejudice
– 800 MS Points/$10 (down from 1200 MS Points)

• Might & Magic Clash of Heroes
– 800 MS Points/$10 (down from 1200 MS Points)

• Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime
– 400 MS Points/$5 (down from 800 MS Points)

• Dungeons & Dragons Daggerdale
– 800 MS Points/$10 (down from 1200 MS Points)

• Blade Kitten
– 400 MS Points/$5 (down from 800 MS Points)

• The Maw
– 400 MS Points/$5 (down from 800 MS Points)

• Star Raiders
– 400 MS Points/$5 (down from 800 MS Points)

Source: Xbox Live Marketplace / 

Deals Page Updated

Just wanted everyone to know I updated my deals page. Check it out!

Savepoint Game News: Deals Page

Minecraft: Pocket Edition To Grace Your Android On Sept 29th!

Minecraft: Pocket Edition will soon grace your soon-to-be-even-more-beloved Android devices in just three days. Three days! While the game may be just a build-and-construct version of the main game, it will still feature multiplayer across your local wireless network (Wi-fi). The game will probably be in the same ballpark cost as the Xperia Play version, at $6.99. 

On August 16, 2011, Minecraft – Pocket Edition was released exclusively for the Xperia Play for $6.99 USD.
The first, and current, version of the software concentrates on the creative building aspect of the game, and allows for multiplay across a local wireless network

Source: Mojang Twitter, Wikipedia

Bodycount Developer Shutting Down

Guildford studio's, the creators of the not-so-wonderful Bodycount, is in the process of being reviewed for termination. Bodycount was, by all means, a massive failure. It is about as memorable as what you ate for lunch 5 days ago (which probably isn't memorable). Codemasters is preparing to lay off the 66 developers of Guildford Studio. If the review goes bad for Guildford, they can look forward to being closed down within 30 days.

According to Codemasters:

Guildford is being closed so Codemasters can focus on and beef up the successful racing team at Warwickshire HQ (Dirt, Grid, F1 Online, EGO engine). Additionally, a new team will be formed alongside the F1 2011 team in Birmingham to work on "a new racing IP".

It's always a shame to see people lose their jobs, especially in this economy. I'm wishing the best of luck to the developers. I'm hoping that this can be taken as optimistically as possible, and that the layoff will present them with better employment opportunities.

Source: Eurogamer

New "Tales of..." Namco Bandai Game Announced In Less Than Two Days

What more is there to say, really? Namco Bandai is planning to announce a new "Tales of..." title in less than 48 hours. This is just on the heels of its Tales of Xillia release. Other than the fact that it is a new game in the series namesake, nothing else is known. Yet. 

Click here to see the countdown. 

Via: Siliconera, Joystiq
Source: Bandai Namco

Dues Ex: Human Revolution Now $34.99 On Amazon

Developer	Eidos Montreal
Publisher	Square Enix
Platforms	OnLive, Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, Playstation 3
Release Date	-
Genre	Action Role-playing
Modes	Single
MetaRating	89

Dues Ex: Human Revolution is now only $34.99 on Amazon.com, a whopping 42% off for a brand new game. If for some reason you haven't bought it yet, I would definitely buy it now. The sale is available for Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC. 

Deus Ex: Human Revolution on Amazon. 

Metro 2033 On Sale Onlive Today for $5

Developer	4A Games
Publisher	THQ
Platforms	OnLive
Release Date	-
Genre	Survival Horror, First Person Shooter
Modes	Single
MetaRating	81

The FPS game Metro 2033 is now on sale for the PC Game distribution center OnLive. This is part of OnLive's "Five Dollar Fridays". This is an amazing price for an even more amazing game. If you have a capable connection, love survival horrors and can deal with OnLive's less than admirable always-on internet mode, this is nothing but the smartest $5 you can spend. 

Source: Onlive: Metro 2033

Nintendo Weekly Update - Week Of August 28th

Castrum - Here's your weekly Nintendo systems release list. Nothing much this week of note:

WiiWare

• Trenches Generals (Fishing Cactus, 1-2 players, 700 Wii Points): A side-view tower defense game in which you defend your bunker using an assortment of soldiers and your very own trench.

3DS eShop

• Pac-Man (Game Boy) (Nintendo, 1 player, $3.99): When we were your age, we had to play Pac-Man with a scrolling maze, in black and white. And we liked it!

DSiWare

• House M.D. - Blue Meanie (Legacy Interactive, 1 player, $7.99/800 DSi Points): Yes, they're still doing these episodic House games on DSiWare. It wasn't a hallucination.
• GO Series Fishing Resort (Gamebridge, 1 player, $1.99/200 DSi Points): A simple, touch-controlled fishin' game.

Source: Joystiq

Modern Warfare 3 Themed Xbox 360 Exposed

MjolnirX - Major Nelson has announced a new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3-themed Xbox 360. It will, of course, be the super-sized 320GB model, and will come with two themed wireless controllers. The Xbox also has custom sounds for powering on and opening the disc tray, like the now-delayed Star Wars-themed Xbox 360. If having a gun-metal gray console is going to clash with your carefully-selected TV stand in your Feng Shui-arranged house, fear not. The controllers will be available separately for $60, and will include download codes for in-game content not yet announced. 

Microsoft also announced an Xbox 360-themed Bluetooth headset which will be $70, and will also come with an exclusive download code for DLC. This may be to compete with Turtle Beach's themed headsets. The bundle also includes, of course, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and a month of free Xbox Live Gold. 

This monster bundle will cost $399, which isn't too bad of a deal, but it seems like a long way to go for a new, probably unnecessary console. It is due out on November 8th, 2011.  

Source: Major Nelson

Dungeon Siege 3 "Treasures of the Sun" Out In October

MjolnirX - Dungeon Siege 3 will be getting some fancy new expansions that sound just downright great. The new expansion is titled "Treasures of the Sun". It'll be available on both the Xbox 360 for 800MP and the PS3 for $9.99.

New features include raising the level cap from level 30 to level 35, re-allocation of your talent and proficiency points that can be moved around to better suit your new level cap, and a new enhancing system also lets you boost your armor for the new dungeons.

Press Release:

DUNGEON SIEGE III Downloadable Content Details Revealed

DUNGEON SIEGE III: TREASURES OF THE SUN Adds Hours of Hack 'n' Slash Gameplay, New Story Arc and Action-Packed Quests

LOS ANGELES (September 1, 2011) - Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in the Americas, announced today a robust downloadable content (DLC) pack for DUNGEON SIEGE® III will be available in October. Introducing several additional hours of gameplay, players will enjoy more of the World of Ehb with DUNGEON SIEGE III: TREASURES OF THE SUN™ as it offers a brand new plot arc, additional quests, new enemies and tons more loot.

In DUNGEON SIEGE III: TREASURES OF THE SUN, players will extend their journey and travel beyond the borders of Ehb to an all-new environment: the Aranoi Desert. On their search for a lost Legion hero, players will fight through hordes of new villains only to find a forgotten abbey hiding a long-lost secret: the greatest treasure of the Azunite faith.

Further supporting the hours of new content in the expansion, developer Obsidian Entertainment has introduced several refinements to the systems and mechanics of DUNGEON SIEGE III:

New abilities: Players will be able to attain mastery of the arcane through powerful new attack, defense and healing abilities.

Level up to 35: DUNGEON SIEGE III: TREASURES OF THE SUN will further power up players by raising DUNGEON SIEGE III's existing level cap from 30 to 35.

More monsters and items: Players will encounter new monsters in the Aranoi Desert-including mummies and giant skeletons-and will find more powerful items, adding to the thousands already available in DUNGEON SIEGE III.

Reallocate Talent & Proficiency Points: Players can reallocate points spent in Proficiencies and Talents, enabling changes to character customization throughout the campaign.

New Enchanting System: Transmuting items now gives players chances at gaining powerful new Vials that allow them to enhance their weapons and armor through the DLC's new enchanting system.

DUNGEON SIEGE III: TREASURES OF THE SUN is anticipated for release in October for $9.99. Players can download the DLC via Steam® (Windows PC), Xbox LIVE online entertainment network (Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft) and the PlayStation®Network.


About DUNGEON SIEGE III

DUNGEON SIEGE III is now available at retailers in North America for Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 system and Windows PC via Steam. DUNGEON SIEGE III is rated T (Teen). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. For more information about DUNGEON SIEGE III, please visit the official website at www.dungeonsiege.com or the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DungeonSiege3.

About Obsidian Entertainment

Obsidian Entertainment is an entertainment software development company passionately dedicated to making high quality role playing games for Windows PC and console systems. Obsidian was founded in 2003 by five game development veterans who've produced, programmed and/or designed award-winning role playing games for a variety of platforms over the last 15 years: Feargus Urquhart, Chris Parker, Darren Monahan, Chris Avellone and Chris Jones. Obsidian Entertainment's Web site can be found at http://www.obsidian.net.

About Square Enix, Inc.

Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 100 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 58 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 35 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://www.square-enix.com/na/.

DUNGEON SIEGE III © 2011 SQUARE ENIX, INC. All Rights Reserved. DUNGEON SIEGE,DUNGEON SIEGE III: TREASURES OF THE SUN, DRAGON QUEST, EIDOS, FINAL FANTASY, SPACE INVADERS, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, TOMB RAIDER and TAITO are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix Group. "PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Windows, Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. OBSIDIAN ENTERTAINMENT is a registered trademark of Obsidian Entertainment, Inc. STEAM is a registered trademark of Valve Corporation.

GOG.com - Ultima 1+2+3

Castrum - The three original Ultima games, which I myself have never tried, are now available at GOG.com in a 3-pack for $6.00:

http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/ultima_1_2_3

Xbox Live - Deals Of The Week: 08/30/11 - 09/06/11

MjolnirX - The Xbox Live Deals Of The Week for August 30th - September 6th. Enjoy!

1. 

   Gatling Gears

   4,692

   • RELEASE DATE: 6/20/2011
   • GAME RATING: E10 (Everyone 10+)
   • GENRE: Action & Adventure, Strategy & Simulation
     400
   • 800
2. 

   Full Game - Metal Arms™: Glitch in the System

   5,886

   • ORIGINAL RELEASE DATE: 11/1/2003
   • GAME RATING: T (Teen)
   • GENRE: Action & Adventure
   • 800
   • 1200
3. 

   BioShock 2

   Minerva's Den

   1,170

   • RELEASE DATE: 8/31/2010
   • GAME RATING: M (Mature)
   • GENRE: Action & Adventure, Shooter
   • 400
   • 800

   
   
4. 

   Borderlands

   New Revolution

   1,922

   • RELEASE DATE: 9/28/2010
   • GAME RATING: M (Mature)
   • GENRE: Shooter
   • 400
   • 800

   
   

   
   

Hard Reset Release Date/Specs Announced

Castrum - Hard Reset, the indie FPS-RPG that looks like a AAA game, will be out on Steam on September 13th for $30.

Here's the Specs your PC will need to run it:

MINIMUM:
OS: Windows XP/Vista/7
Processor: 2.5 GHz Intel Pentium 4 / AMD Athlon 64
RAM: 2 GB
Graphics card: 512 MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800GS / ATI Radeon HD 3870 or better
Sound Card: DirectX Compatible
DirectX: DirectX 9.0c
Hard Drive: 4 GB free hard drive space

RECOMMENDED:
OS: Windows XP/Vista/7
Processor: Intel Quad Core 2.3 GHz / AMD Phenom II x4 2.5 GHz
RAM: 3 GB
Graphics card: 512 MB NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GT / ATI Radeon HD 4870 or better
Sound Card: DirectX Compatible
DirectX: DirectX 9.0c
Hard Drive: 4 GB free hard drive space

Source: Kotaku