Gearbox releases 'Ultimate Greedy Bastards Pack"

Gearbox today released on all platforms, the 'Ultimate Vault Hunter Upgrade Pack' which I have so kindly dubbed, 'The Ultimate Greedy Bastards Pack'.  Now, if you are like me and have played the original Borderlands, the level cap increase update was awesome and couldn't have come sooner, an update that just had to come out because before the first DLC was released, you were already maxed, so other than loving the game, you weren't earning anything for all those big bad guys you were killing.  Thankfully, the level cap update was retro-active and FREE.

Now, fast-forward to Borderlands 2.  Another awesome game that I poured hours upon hours into, loving every minute of it.  Then Gearbox starts making bad decisions, greedy decisions.  Not only did they make their 'Season Pass' unable to be shared between consoles in the same household (thank you for wasting my $29.99 for something only ONE person in my house can play; just think if you were a parent with three kids, that is $89.97 just for DLC!!!), but now you want an additional $4.99 from me, so I can level up?!?  Wow Gearbox, wow.  Of course, they frame it like you are getting an awesome deal, the level cap goes from 50 to 61, you get access to a third play through titled 'Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode', extra storage capacity, access to the new pearlescent-colored (the rarest) weapons in the game and my favorite, a variety of bug fixes.  All things I would love, and really love to be retro-active.  But seriously, $4.99 for something that should be free and a way to give a big thanks to all your ultimate fans.  Not a happy camper.  I guess one good thing can be said, at least they are offering the upgrade pack for free to those who shelled out $29.99 for the Season Pass.

New Yoshi game coming to Wii U

New Yoshi game for Wii U

Nintendo has announced a new Yoshi game is being developed for the Wii U.  This will be the first Yoshi game Nintendo has released since Yoshi's Story in 1998.

The development team of Kirby's Epic Yarn (2010) is the team behind the new Yoshi game.  While I personally, think the game looks closer to a knock off of PlayStation 3's Little Big Planet than it does a variation of Kirby's Epic Yarn, only time will tell if it can compete against LBP and it's huge success. Not much more detail has been released other than these screenshots but you can expect it to be a side-scrolling adventure.

New Yoshi side-scrolling adventure, too close to Little Big Planet?

'Revolution' DLC Map Pack VidDoc

Coming Jan 29 2013 to XBOX360 for 1200 Microsoft Points/$14.99 USD or through the Season Pass.

Looks like a killer set of maps (4 multiplayer, 1 zombie), all unique and with interesting elements and in-game hazards.  Also, the first time ever is the release of a new weapon with DLC, a SMG that is a SMG/Assault Rifle hybrid called, The Peacekeeper. Zombie fans can enjoy a new zombie map and a new game mode, where you can play as the zombie.

Tomb Raider" "Survivor" Trailer

BioShock Infinite : VGA 2012 Trailer

BioShock Infinite

Mr. Torque's Campaign of Carnage - Borderlands 2 DLC

Gearbox Software has announces it will be releasing it's second DLC for Borderlands 2 titled, 'Mr. Torque's Campaign of Carnage'.  Included in the DLC will be new NPC's, new bosses, new heads, new skins, new currency for Torque weapons, new storyline, new quests, new areas to explore and much more!

The DLC will be available on the XBOX Live Marketplace on Nov 20 2012 for 800 Microsoft Points (or if you have the Season Pass you can download it for free). Check out the short (SUPER short) preview trailer.

'Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate's Booty' + the Mechromancer, First Review

Gearbox Software has announced that the first DLC for Borderlands 2 will be hitting our consoles on Oct 16 2012 for 800 Microsoft Points or $9.99 USD.  If you signed up for the Borderlands 2 Season Pass, this DLC is included.  The new DLC is titled, "Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate's Booty", not much else is known at this time but I am sure we can expect some new areas, new weapons and new enemies.  I can't wait!

Also, earlier this week Gearbox released an update to the game that fixed a lot of major issues such as stacking skill icons resetting, multiplayer bugs, co-op issues and red loot chests only spawning certain items. Along with the update came a new character class, Gaige the Mechromancer, which I started playing yesterday.  I just finished killing Captain Flynt and am around level 7 so I haven't got too far into her skill trees however, from what I see thus far, she is a good mix between some of the other players skills (self healing, strong elemental damage) along with the addition of some new ones such as her 'Anarchy Stacks' and she has a robot companion, Deathtrap, who is just that.  Deathtrap seems to deal quite a large amount of damage through melee attacks and can move around the battlefield.  He lasts quite a long time, maybe around the same length as the Commando's turret, if not longer. My only complaint thus far as playing as the Mechromancer, her dialogue. She sounds like an annoying school girl, maybe a slightly older version of Tiny Tina and it has a way of grating on you after a while.  I do love her striped stalkings though.

Mechromancer class coming Oct 16 2012

Gearbox Software has released this new screen showing off it's newest class coming to Borderlands 2, the new 'Mechromancer'.  The DLC is scheduled to be released on Oct 16 2012.  If you pre-ordered from certain locations such as GameStop or are a member of the Premiere Club than the DLC will be free, otherwise you can expect to shell out 800 Microsoft Points or $9.99 USD.

Minecraft: 360 Getting Adventure Update - Soon

Coming Soon!

The next update, the 'adventure' update is one that most players have been hoping for, adding more to the console version of the game, bringing it closer to the PC version (not much closer but still, it's something).  The update will put NPC (non playable characters) into the game, villages, strongholds and abandoned mineshafts.  It will also add Creative Mode, which has been an issue due to the amount of RAM with the XBOX 360.

"We're still working on 1.8.2 (the Adventure update). A few things left to add, more work on the Creative Mode interface, then lots of test," from 4J Studios Twitter feed.

Plants vs. Zombies 2 Coming 2013

Prepare your lawn mowers, get your sunflowers planted, because the zombie waves are coming for your brains...again. PopCap's success Plants vs Zombies has announced a sequel will be arriving in Spring 2013.  PopCap isn't giving much details but expect new features, seeds, settings and situations.

Platform announcements have not yet been made but assuming it is anything like the first one, it will release on every platform known to man.

Rage: The Scorchers, July 14th DLC?

The Scorchers - Potential DLC for Rage

A PEGI rating, the European video game content rating system, was filed a week ago for Rage: The Scorchers listing ZeniMax and Bethesda as European publishers in the filing.  No formal announcements have been made from Bethesda or id but it can't be far behind.  The rating also had a date attached to the content, Jul 14 2012 for PC, XBOX 360 and PS3.

The Scorchers are one of the six bandit clans in Rage, and the only one that didn't make it into the full game. There are even screen shots of them, as shown above, and they would make a perfect DLC - and it's about damn time for some DLC for this game if you ask me.

Paper Mario Sticker Star E3 Gameplay Demo

Assassin's Creed 3 Frontier Gameplay Demo

New Super Mario Bros. U, E3 Trailer

The new Wing Suit in action in New Super Mario Bros. U

During the E3 press conference today, Nintendo announced the New Super Mario Bros. U, which will obviously release with the Wii U console.  The game will continue with it's side scrolling four-player co-op gameplay, as with previous New Super Mario Bros. titles.

One of the interesting new features relating to the new tablet style controller, is that one player can pick up the Wii Gamepad and make changes to the level during gameplay.  In 'Boost Mode', the player using the Gamepad will place blocks that will help characters speed along the level.

You can expect more Mario classic greatness to come along with the game, such as the new wing suit, ability to blow bubbles, and more.

Borderlands 2 Ultimate Loot Chest Limited Edition

Ultimate Loot Chest Limited Edition

Gearbox has revealed the Special Editions for Borderlands 2, coming this fall.  The coolest by far is the Ultimate Look Chest Limited Edition that gives you a replica loot chest to store your crap (see photo above).  It's worth buying for that alone!

Here is what comes with each edition:

Standard

• The Game

Deluxe Vault Hunter's Collection Edition

• The Game
• An authentic Marcus Kincaid bobble head
• Hardbound art book
• Map of Pandora
• Comic book download
• Four sticker set

Ultimate Loot Chest Limited Edition

• The Game
• An authentic Marcus Kincaid bobble head
• Hardbound art book
• Map of Pandora
• Comic book download
• Four sticker set
• Replica loot chest
• SteelBook case, numbered certificate of authenticity
• Creatures of Pandora wide format ID chart
• Four lithograph postcards

Harley Quinn's Revenge

Harley Quinn's Revenge, DLC for Batman: Arkham City, has been announced and is going to be available on the XBOX Live Marketplace and PlayStation Network on May 30 2012, no pricing yet.  It will also be packed into the Game of the Year edition of Batman: Arkham City.

What can you expect?  Not much details have been released but I think it is safe to say, Harley is grieving but don't expect her to mope around, she's pissed and will no doubt have a few tricks up her sleeve.

Harley Quinn's Revenge (Batman: Arkham City)

New Super Mario Bros. 2 coming to 3DS

Screen for upcoming New Super Mario Bros. 2 - Power Leaf in action

Nintendo has officially announced the release of New Super Mario Bros. 2, a follow up to the original New Super Mario Bros., a classic 2D side-scroller on the Nintendo DS.  The Power Leaf will be making a return, giving Mario the Raccoon Tail fan favorite from Super Mario Bros. 3 (Nintendo).  The game also will feature some of the other characters from Mario including Luigi, the big question is, will he and possible others be playable?

New Super Mario Bros. 2 is scheduled to launch on Aug 2012 for US and Japan.

Little Big Planet Karting in 2012

Sony has formally announced it's newest collaboration project from developers United Front Games (ModNation Racers) and Media Molecule (Little Big Planet), Little Big Planet Karting.  Karting will follow they "Play. Create. Share." motto that has been such a huge success for the Little Big Planet franchise, allowing players to create their own tracks, make game rules and weapons, customize their sackboy, karts, track scenery, etc. and then share it all over the PlayStation Network. The game will also feature objective-based missions, boss battles, mini-games and obviously competitive and cooperative races.

No word on an official date as of yet, but it will be in 2012. Watch the announce trailer below.

Kingdoms of Amalur DLC & Mini Review

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

EA has announced the first piece of DLC for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning which will be out on Mar 20 2012 for XBOX360, PlayStation, Origin and Steam (prices not yet announced).  The new DLC titled, 'Legend of Dead Kel' is expected to be "gigantic", adding an entirely new continent, Gallows End, to the already massive game including new enemies, dungeons, items, player housing and tons of exploring.  Let's take a look;

• New Questline of Epic Proportions: The Legend of Dead Kel is only part of the story of Gallows End. It intertwines with side quests, dungeons and entertaining new characters.
• New Enemies, Dungeons & Loot: Multiple new enemies, enemy variants, a new dungeon type (Dverga Fastings), three new twists of Fate, eight new armor sets, eight new shields and 18 new unique weapons.
• Massive Stash: New player housing, Gravehal Keep is a massive estate with multiple buildings, side quests, back stories and perks. Possible upgrades as well.
• Explore your Heart Out: The DLC offers 15% additional land to traverse and explore in the already massive world. 

MINI REVIEW: If you have yet to experience KOA: Reckoning, I highly recommend it! It feels like a combination of Fable and Dragon Age Origins with the styling of Kameo paired with amazing environments and music straight from a major motion picture.  The story can be a bit weak and points but there is so much to be done, so much to explore and so much loot to be had it will keep you glued to the game for days! I am already 60 hours in and feel as if I am maybe about 1/2 way through (note: I am pursuing all side quests and exploring every dungeon, building and open world area because I love loot).

Borderlands 2 dated, 'Doomsday' Trailer

Borderlands 2 release date has been announced, Sept 18 2012 for North America and Sept 21 2012 internationally for PC, XBOX 360 and PlayStation 3.



Gearbox also announced they will be offering access to a Premier Club for those who pre-order from participating retailers.  Included with the pre-order Premier Club comes the Gearbox Gun Pack, a Golden Key and the Vault Hunter's Relic.  The skinny on each: the gun pack includes a collection of unique guns to help the player get started in Pandora.  The golden key unlocks a rare item in the Golden Sanctuary Loot Chest.  The Relic in an in-game item that boosts players' gear hunting fortune.