Popular first-person shooter game, Call of Duty: Black Ops, has released its first downloadable content–a map pack with five all new locales spanning the globe available on Xbox Live. Proving its popularity the Xbox Live status page is warning users that its servers are buckling under the massive demand and the service is in alert. “Users may be unable to purchase the following DLC for Call of Duty: Black Ops: First Strike: Pack 1 when using the Xbox console. This content is available in the COD Black Ops in game store and from Xbox.com”
Microsoft is telling gamers to either purchase the First Strike DLC straight from the Call of Duty: Black Ops in-game store or the Xbox.com web portal in lieu of using Xbox Live Marketplace. It’s not surprising gamers are having problems purchasing the map pack since it comes in at 646.37 MB.
The five new maps include four original multiplayer maps and one new of zombie level that Call of Duty is famous for:
-Berlin Wall: Action takes place at Checkpoint Charlie and players are thrown into the Cold War Berlin
-Stadium: Close-quarters fighting inside a pro hockey rink
-Kowloon: Taken from the single-player campaign. Players will traverse the iconic rooftops of Kowloon City, Hong Kong.
-Discovery: An abandoned Nazi outpost abandoned on the coast of Antarctica
-Ascension: Zombie map where gamers will fight Soviet zombies, zombie monkeys in Cold War Soviet launch facility
“The team has given it their all, as we crafted maps in First Strike while taking into account our community to make sure that this content delivers compelling unique experiences that will appeal to all different play styles,” said Mark Lamia, studio head of Treyarch.
Call of Duty: Black Ops First Strike DLC map pack is available now for 1,200 MS points of $15.
If you are like me you may appreciate a cool case mod for a computer or game console, but lack the artistic skill and vision needed to roll your own mod. In that instance there is a new case for the Xbox 360 called the MLG Vault case that looks like a custom casemod, but is a readymade case that just wraps around your game console.
One side of the MLG Vault is a bronze looking mask that has eyes that glow in different colors. On the other side of the case is what appears to be Donald Duck’s mouth. That Donald snout is designed to hold your headphones when you aren’t wearing them.
The catch to this case is that it will only fit the new slim black version, if you are rocking the original Xbox 360 design you are out of luck. The case will also support custom name badges and is supposed to leave the ventilation on the case unaffected to prevent overheating.
Duke Nukem Forever will officially launch on May 3 2011 in the US, followed by a May 6 international release, bringing to the end more than a decade of waiting among gamers. Arriving for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, the title will be released by 2K Games and Gearbox Software, who took over development after 3D Realms folded in 2009.
Video after the cut
Previous rumors suggested a late May release after pre-order listings were spotted at Amazon, but many would-be buyers remained wary of the title.
Pre-orders are now being taken for the new release dates, priced at $47.99 for the PC version, $56.99 for the PS3 version, and $59.82 for the Xbox 360 version (all at Amazon). More details in the press release and video below.
Press Release:
Duke Nukem Forever® Set to Kick Ass and Chew Bubblegum Starting May 3, 2011
Bodacious, EGO-dosed action game brings over-the-top FUN and non-PC humor back to games
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–2K Games and Gearbox Software announced today what will be a landmark date in gaming history – legendary hero Duke Nukem will make his triumphant return in Duke Nukem Forever® on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC on May 3, 2011 in North America and May 6, 2011 internationally!
“The moment fans all over the world have been waiting for is almost here”
Duke Nukem is one of the biggest and most recognizable brands in the interactive entertainment industry. Irreverent, non-PC, and uber macho, Duke Nukem is the perfect, uncompromising ass-kicking hero to remedy the overdose of today’s gaming archetypes. Duke brings his signature brand of babe-lovin’, cigar-smoking, beer-chugging and ass-kicking action as he saves the Earth and its babes from hordes of invading aliens. Where will you be when Duke Nukem Forever launches? Better mark your calendars, Duke’s legend is being told this May and his brand new trailer, viewable at www.dukenukemforever.com, promises to blow your mind!
“The moment fans all over the world have been waiting for is almost here,” declared Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “May 3, 2011 marks Duke’s return as he unleashes his brash and brutally honest wit on the world. His return is going to be epic and one that will make video gaming history!”
Put on your shades and prepare to step into the boots of Duke Nukem, whose legend has reached epic proportions in the years since his last adventure. The alien hordes are invading and only Duke can save the world. Pig cops, alien shrink rays and enormous alien bosses can’t stop our hero from accomplishing his one and only goal: to save the world, save the babes and to be a bad-ass while doing it. The King arrives with an arsenal of over-the-top weapons, non-stop action, and unprecedented levels of interactivity. This game puts the pedal to the metal and tongue firmly in cheek. Shoot hoops, lift weights, read adult magazines, draw crude messages on whiteboards or ogle the many hot women that occupy Duke’s life – that is if you can pull yourself away long enough from destroying alien invaders. Duke Nukem was and will forever be a gaming icon, and this is his legend.
“When I said goodbye to 3D Realms and the original Duke Nukem 3D team in 1997 and soon after founded Gearbox Software, I never in my wildest dreams imagined that a day like today would come,” said Randy Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software. “Today I am proud, humbled and even astounded to announce that the day is coming at last for all gamers to be a part of video game history: Duke Nukem Forever will launch worldwide this May!”
Players looking to get access to the Duke Nukem Forever playable demo before it is publicly released can join the Duke Nukem Forever First Access Club. A membership certificate for the Duke Nukem Forever First Access Club is included within the Borderlands™ Game of the Year edition, where customers will be able to experience the definitive, value-packed collection of the critically acclaimed and best-selling Role-Playing-Shooter that has captured the imagination and attention of single-player and cooperative gamers around the world.
For more information on Duke Nukem Forever, including where to pre-order a copy, please visit www.dukenukemforever.com. Duke Nukem Forever is rated M for Mature by the ESRB.
2K Games is a division of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).
About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, iPhone®, iPod® touch and iPad™. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K, which publishes its titles under 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.
About Gearbox Software
Gearbox Software is respected industry wide for the award winning, best-selling original and licensed video games they have developed for major video game platforms. Founded in 1999 and located near Dallas, TX, Gearbox Software is well known for the creation and development of their original blockbuster franchise, Borderlands, and has developed numerous top selling add-on packs for Borderlands. Additionally Gearbox now has ownership of the Duke Nukem franchise, created and developed the Brothers in Arms series and developed games and added value to many of the industry’s top franchises including Halo, Half-Life, Tony Hawk, James Bond and others. Gearbox Software’s success has been enabled and supported through several key mutually beneficial business relationships with strong publishing partners including Activision, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft Entertainment, Microsoft Games Studios, Sega of America and Take-Two/2K Games.
Currently Gearbox Software is in development with Duke Nukem Forever published by 2K Games, Aliens: Colonial Marines, published by Sega, and other unannounced AAA games for multiple platforms including the Microsoft Xbox 360, PlayStation®3 system, Nintendo Wii, Windows PC, Mac, Nintendo DS, PSP and more.
“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, the Windows Start button, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies, and “Games for Windows” and the Windows Start button logo are used under license from Microsoft.
All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.
Razer is typically known as a PC gaming company with all sorts of keyboard and mice for gamers to use to get their game on. Razer has other gear too and the company branched out at CES when it pulled the wraps of a new controller for the Xbox 360 called the Onza.
The controller is really cool and has a lot of features that Xbox 360 gamers will like. The sticks on the controller have force feedback and a port for the Xbox 360 headsets for talking while you game. The tournament edition controller surface has a non-slip rubber coating to keep your grip even when you get sweaty palms after hours of gaming.
The keys use Razer hyperesponse buttons so you can click them faster to get the edge in your favorite game. A tournament version of the controller has adjustable force for the sticks for even more adjustability. The controller also has two more buttons that can be programmed for other controls. You can pre-order the Onza right now for $49.99 for the tournament edition or $39.99 for the standard.
Razer is typically known as a PC gaming company with all sorts of keyboard and mice for gamers to use to get their game on. Razer has other gear too and the company branched out at CES when it pulled the wraps of a new controller for the Xbox 360 called the Onza.
The controller is really cool and has a lot of features that Xbox 360 gamers will like. The sticks on the controller have force feedback and a port for the Xbox 360 headsets for talking while you game. The tournament edition controller surface has a non-slip rubber coating to keep your grip even when you get sweaty palms after hours of gaming.
The keys use Razer hyperesponse buttons so you can click them faster to get the edge in your favorite game. A tournament version of the controller has adjustable force for the sticks for even more adjustability. The controller also has two more buttons that can be programmed for other controls. You can pre-order the Onza right now for $49.99 for the tournament edition or $39.99 for the standard.
For the developers behind Brink, Bethesda Software has a chance at making a First Person Shooter (FPS) interesting again. While there’s plenty of alternatives out there, Brink looks to be one that’s both creative in its artwork, story, and the implementation of weapons in the title. Other titles, like Borderlands, showed that a diverse, and in-depth customization option for weapons leads to a lot of players having a lot of fun. Brink looks to do the same thing all over again. And to show off a bit of the customization, here’s a video after the cut that does all that and more.
Splash Damage’s song is the main feature of the small video, we believe. Especially in that it’s recreated in the short gameplay clip using only the weapons in the game. You’ll have to watch it to appreciate it. Keep in mind, though, that the upcoming title may not be officially rated by the ESRB yet, it’s looking to us that there’s going to definitely be a Maure rating, and there’s plenty of violence in the clip below.
Brink will be released later this year for Microsoft’s Xbox 360, Sony’s PlayStation 3, and the PC.
Since the launch of Microsoft’s peripheral, Kinect, it’s been flying off the shelves. And while casual gamers are enjoying the device, it’s also been getting a lot of attention from the types that like to do things on their own. The Kinect has been used to let a robot help you work out, and even help in surgery. The hacks are certainly all over the place, and while Microsoft wasn’t particularly warm to the idea at first, the company is certainly enjoying the idea now. So much so, in fact, that it may turn out the company is getting ready to deliver official drivers, and a software developer’s kit (SDK) for Windows.
Microsoft sees the Kinect peripheral as an open platform now, but there’s no doubt that the Redmond-based company would want those out there to use their official drivers, as well as an SDK that they created. Steve Ballmer, at this past Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, wouldn’t give an exact date, but he did say that the company was looking at supporting the Windows-based PC for Kinect usage in the future. His answer was vague enough that the time table is pretty wide open.
The information comes from unnamed sources that are reportedly “familiar with the matter,” and so right now it seems that we’ve got to label this one as a rumor, and nothing more. However, with Microsoft openly saying that they support the open platform that Kinect was built upon, and semi-confirming upcoming support for Windows, it seems like it’s only going to be a matter of time before we start seeing some official PC support. That only seems to further the question: is your Kinect collecting dust, or not?
It’s not a major dashboard update, but Microsoft has officially added a previously removed feature to the non-gaming console, and promises that a few more tweaks are still incoming. This particular dashboard update, while bringing back to the “Boot-to-Disc” option, is meant for one thing, and one thing only: to stop pirates from using the Xbox 360 console. And, if forum members are any indicator, it looks like Microsoft has been successful so far.
The update is officially known as the “Anti-PIracy 2.5 update.” The update removes the option for owners of a flashed Xbox 360 firmware to load bootleg titles on their console. The update itself is mandatory if you want to play on Xbox LIVE. The update does indeed bring back “Boot-to-Disc,” which was a feature that was removed in a previous update to try and stop illegal usage of bootleg games.
As for those subtle tweaks, Major Nelson says that the GamerCards that players use will be changed. You won’t be able to see which “Gamer Zone” another player is in, and the cards will be taking a darker shade. The changes to the gamer cards will be implemented on January 20th. You can see a video below of the new dashboard update in action.
If you’re a gamer, and you know other gamers, then you’ve probably had at least one conversation that focused on whether or not the Xbox 360 is better than the PlayStation 3, or vice versa. It’s a heated debate, for sure, but if you’ve been talking about whether or not each of the consoles is a better gaming console, then Steve Ballmer can clear everything up for you rather quickly. In a recent interview, Ballmer opined that the Xbox 360 isn’t, in fact, a gaming console at all. No, it’s something much more.
Steve Ballmer had an interview with USA Today’s Maria Bartiromo, and informed her that “Xbox isn’t a gaming console.” He added that, “Xbox is a family entertainment center. It’s a place to socialize. It’s a place to watch TV.” Obviously, while Ballmer can’t ignore the fact that the majority of the Xbox 360′s success has come from videogames, he is focusing on the bigger picture, and offering up a far more generalized title for Microsoft’s console, instead of shoving it down into a specific niche.
Of course, Ballmer couldn’t go without talking about the recently released Kinect peripheral. He pointed out that the device is female-friendly, and hopes that women will opt-in to play more games, due to the lack of joystick-heavy controllers. The CEO wants to draw in more players, more of a demographic than just the “gamer.” He wants to bring in the whole family, which is pretty obvious from the marketing campaign that Microsoft has been trying to sell the Kinect with since its launch.
The big question is, how do you feel about Microsoft’s CEO saying the company’s videogame console isn’t a gaming console?
A few days ago a fellow SlashGear columnist Don Reisinger elaborated on how his Kinect was collecting dust. If I put myself in Don’s shoes I can relate to his article and his questioning of whether or not the Kinect can meet the needs of hard core gamers and a hard core gaming experience. I, however, in coming at it from a different angle, have a completely different experience with my Kinect.
Before I go much further, you need to know that for all intents and purposes I am a hard core gamer. I have grown up spending not an insignificant amount of time being entertained by video games. My father, being a long time analyst in the industry, worked on an early project with Nintendo and their first console. He brought one home during the project and I was hooked.
I’ve owned every major fixed and mobile gaming console since, and I can say video games are my guilty pleasure. That being said, after getting married my video game addiction became harder to maintain. To quote Brodie from Mallrats “Hell hath no fury like a woman’s scorn for SEGA.” How true this quote is, as video games – or more specifically me playing video games – instantly changes her generally cheery disposition.
In order to get my fill I had to start playing after my wife and kids went to bed; I would sneak out into the living room and get my fix. This is why when the Wii first came out I saw a way that me, my wife and even my kids could all play video games together. I was quoted when the Nintendo’s motion gaming console first launched as saying that “the Wii was the board game of a new generation” and I still feel I am right. However, even though the Wii was inviting for people of all ages, it still required the primary barrier to entry to gaming, the remote.
Granted it is a simplified and more intuitive remote but it is a remote none-the-less. My then five and three year olds still had trouble using it. I noticed as well that there was still a slight learning curve for those who have never used a remote to play video games. This is where the Kinect came in.
Since having the Kinect in my home I have found that as a family we use it a great deal more, even more than our Wii. My now seven and five year olds have taken to it and are able to compete and play without barriers or frustration. When they have friends over it is one of the first things they want to show off and play. Friends of theirs who have never played video games pick it right up and it’s instantly a party hit. I’m not sure our experience would be the same if all we had was the Wii.
I personally doubt the Wii or the Kinect will ever appeal or replace the experience of a hard core gamer. I do however believe that both platforms are fulfilling the job they were created to fulfill. Namely, making it easy for non-gamers to start gaming by eliminating the complexity of a controller filled with buttons.
For me, what the Wii failed at for us as a family the Kinect succeeded at. I now have a way to engage in interactive entertainment with all the members of my household. So unlike Don I’m not looking forward to developers trying to figure out how to appeal to me as a hard core gamer. I am looking forward to developers creating new and innovative ways for me and my family to jump, swing, dance, kick and more all while playing video games together as a family.
