Gaming - Page 1109

Microsoft had a lot to talk about during E3, but the Kinect peripheral was noticeably absent from discussions. Don't worry, however, as the company is "absolutely continuing to support Kinect," according to Xbox executive Aaron Greenberg, in a statement made to GameSpot.

The company will support Kinect "where it makes sense," as there are a number of Xbox Kinect users - when the Xbox One launched in 2013, all bundles included a Kinect. Even though gamers can purchase the Xbox One without a Kinect, Microsoft simply cannot abandon its Kinect users.

"We really want Kinect to be a choice for customers. For me, I love it; I turn my Xbox One with Kinect; I use it for entertainment; I use it to do screenshots and all that. I like to be able to have my hands on the controller and use voice commands. But, frankly, a lot of people also want a better value and don't want to have to pay for it. So we're not going to force people to do that. We give people the choice."

Microsoft earned praise from gamers after it announced the Xbox One would be backward compatible, so owners are able to play their Xbox 360 games on the next-generation console. Xbox One Preview Program members can currently test 21 Xbox 360 titles on the Xbox One, and can expect "hundreds" of titles to be supported by the end of the year.

The company also created a poll to ask which game titles Xbox One owners wanted to see, and Red Dead Redemption topped the list (with more than 39,000 votes). Of the top 10 games voted on, four Call of Duty video games made the list.

The full list, based on gamer votes: Red Dead Redemption, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Halo: Reach, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Gears of War 3, Call of Duty, Black Ops, Fallout 3, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, and Mass Effect 3.

E3 2015 - Square Enix unveiled the latest Hitman game at E3 2015, with the game simply titled 'Hitman'. We should expect it to be released on December 8.

Square Enix started off the new Hitman with a trailer teasing a global banking conspiracy, with Agent 47 right in the middle of it, of course. Better yet, the developer has said that all DLC will be free, with no season pass on offer. Io's Hannes Seifert told VideoGamer: "Everything we ship on December 8 will be completely finished, it will be a very polished experience. It's also going to be a very big game. There are other products that sell a game for $60 and then try to sell you a Season Pass for another $40 on top, so you spend $100 or $120 for all the stuff that happens later on. We said no, we don't want to do that".

He added: "We think it's wrong to approach players like that because players want to be part of that experience but they don't necessarily want to be ripped off. What we're going to sell is all of that but it's for a one-price package".

Fallout 4 was one of the best games unveiled at E3 2015, but during an interview with GameSpot, Bethesda boss Pete Hines had some sad words to say about the graphics in Fallout 4.

Hines said that the complex crafting system and extensive interactive environments required some graphical compromises, where he added: "Everything that we do is a balance. We could make the best looking game possible, but we dial some of that back in order to allow for all of these other things". Hines also added: "If you want to pick flowers and make potions all day, then that's what you're role-playing. If you want to go shoot everybody in the head with a laser-musket, then that's what you're role-playing".

Personally, I think Bethesda is having to compromise in the graphics department in Fallout 4 because of the lackluster hardware found in the Xbox One and PS4. If it were a PC only game, there would be absolutely no need to water down the graphics, or compromise any part of the game, period.

Microsoft's decision to support backward compatibility for Xbox One gamers trying to play their Xbox 360 game consoles has earned praise from GameStop. In addition to supporting gamers, the decision could make for an easier transition from the Xbox 360 to Xbox One, according to a GameStop official.

"Microsoft, at this E3, decided to introduce backward compatibility into their system. That's obviously something people are looking for," said Eric Bright, director of merchandising for GameStop, in a statement to GameSpot. "And GameStop will be ready, whether you're looking to purchase Xbox 360 games or trade yours in, we'll be there."

The new backward compatibility is available for Xbox Preview members, and will expand to more Xbox One gamers before the end of the year.

Microsoft recently announced that backward compatibility will allow Xbox One owners to play Xbox 360 game titles, and it was a unique offering. For Sony PlayStation 4 gamers, don't expect the same feature anytime soon so you can play your old PlayStation 3 games.

"The backward compatibility news was interesting," said Shuhei Yoshida, head of worldwide studios at Sony Computers Entertainment, in a statement to Polygon. "The technology involved must be very challenging. I'm interested in seeing the list of titles."

Instead, paying PS4 gamers can use PlayStation Now to play older game titles - but native backward compatibility shouldn't be expected. However, Sony will continue developing and supporting new features for the PS4, as more gamers look to upgrade their consoles.

E3 2015 - The Coalition Studio announced Gears of War: Ultimate Edition during the PC Gaming Show at E3 2015, something that will be hitting the PC with 4K resolution and DirectX 12 support when Windows 10 launches next month.

Gears of War: Ultimate Edition will be rocking mouse and keyboard support, as well as the typical controller support that console gamers are used to. On the Xbox One, we can expect Gears of War: Ultimate Edition to rock along at 1080p 60FPS, which is a very nice touch for the Xbox One. The beta is available for Xbox One users, too.

The remastered version of Gears of War features refreshed visuals and reworked cutscenes thanks to animation studio Plastic Wax. According to Polygon's sources, the Gears of War remake is being worked on by Splash Damage, which worked on Brink and Dirty Bomb.

E3 2015 - Much of the attention during E3 has been on PC and console games, but there is a growing presence of mobile game titles. Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson recently spoke about how critical mobile gaming is for the company, which has almost 250 different mobile titles available to gamers.

"Mobile is already important. We had more than 700 million downloads of our games last year. We have 160, 170 million monthly active users playing our games every month," Wilson said in a statement to GamesBeat. "There's going to be another 300 or 600 million devices or something launched this year alone. We went from 200 million players to two billion players in large part because of mobile devices. It's already super important to us. I'm proud of what we're doing.

Hardcore games such as Madden NFL being streamlined to Madden NFL Mobile indicate how EA wants to cater to Apple iOS and Google Android smartphone and tablet owners. Looking ahead, Wilson said that GMs are reporting the importance of mobile gaming directly to him - and he's listening to the feedback.

In an interview with GameSpot, a Capcom employee stated that Street Fighter V will not be released on Xbox - even though previous titles have been.

Although fans were speculating an Xbox release, the representative stated: "the reality is that this is a real partnership [with Sony]. We are console exclusive for this franchise for this numbered run." Claiming its new buddy Sony is certainly a helpful one, the source from Capcom continued "We're not talking about how we're handling post-launch content, but I can say the relationship with Sony does open doors for things we haven't been able to do in the past."

Phil Spencer, Xbox Games executive, told GameSpot that these things sometimes happen, adding that "I'd love it if Xbox fans could play all the games, but business just makes some deals happen. It's all part of competition."

E3 2015 - If you've got a little more violence in mind, Devolver Digital has shown off its new title Mother Russia Bleeds through Sony in its E3 Keynote recently. Reminding us a little of the games of yesteryear, Devolver has added it's traditional pixelated blood bath twist to things.

With pre-Alpha footage all that is currently on hand, this PC and PlayStation 4 title is expected for launch in 2016 and features an ultra-violent co-op brawler playstyle centered around an alternate universe U.S.S.R regime. Based on a crew of street brawlers, you can team up with three of your friends to join in on the action.

The fighters are apparently vying for freedom, fighting against "an oppressive criminal authority and crippling drug addictions through any means necessary" as stated in a recent press release.

E3 2015 - After months of teasing, Killzone developer Guerrilla Games has unveiled their open world RPG at E3, known as Horizon: Zero Dawn.

Horizon: Zero Dawn is a PS4 exclusive action RPG, set in a world after humanity has fallen to shreds, with the cities of the world turned into wastelands, filled with foliage, trees and life. In Horizon: Zero Dawn, you'll play as Aloy, a killer hunter, where you'll be able to explore the vast environments that are filled with mysterious mechanized creatures that pose a considerable threat. There are tribal societies to mingle with, ancient artifacts, and advanced technologies that you'll be introduced to in Horizon: Zero Dawn.

A full list of features is available below:

E3 2015 - Ubisoft has announced a new IP franchise at E3 2015, something known as For Honor. For Honor will let you play as one of the three great warrior legacies: a Knight, Viking, or a mysterious Samurai.

For Honor lets you step into the huge war between these three warriors, with Ubisoft describing the game as a "fast-paced, competitive experience mixing skill, strategy, and teamplay with visceral melee combat". For Honor's innovative control system is called 'The Art of Battle' giving you total control over your heroes. Each hero has their own specific skills and weapons, too.

Ubisoft's ambitious game will be available on Xbox One, PS4 and PC with some slick key features:

E3 2015 - During the Sony E3 press conference, Shenmue 3 made announced. Shenmue 3 has its own hashtag on Twitter as #SaveShenmue, which has hit Kickstarter where it will be securing $2 million.

At the time of writing, it was at $762,862 but even after a few minutes I refreshed the page to see it at $782,325 - which means it's raising around $20,000 every 2-3 minutes at this point in time. There are over 9000 backers so far, with Shenmue 3 being a "true sequel to the classic open world action RPG games, Shenmue and Shenmue 2. Created for modern platforms (PC and PlayStation 4) and built in Unreal 4, Shenmue 3 will continue the legacy of Shenmue".

20 minutes after writing this story, the pledges have reached $942,369 - so close to $200,000 has been raised in 20 minutes... Wow.

E3 2015 - Electronic Arts is preparing to launch Star Wars: Battlefront later this year, and hopes it will become an instant best seller. Based on the Frostbite game engine, EA wants to blend a great gaming experience using the same engine that DICE uses for Battlefield. EA COO Peter Moore said the game has been in development for about two-and-a-half years, and the following trailer was made from PlayStation 4 gameplay:

Even though this is technically Battlefront 3, EA chose not to use the name since it's promoting the game as a franchise reboot. Gamers will be able to play as Boba Fett, Darth Vader, main characters of the Galactic Empire, or the Rebellion.

If all goes according to plan, EA wants to sell at least 10 million copies of Star Wars: Battlefront.

E3 2015 - Electronic Arts will release EA SPORTS NHL 16 on September 15 in North America, with a European launch taking place on September 17.

Hockey fans can expect additional levels of depth in single player and team modes, with better gameplay balance and innovation. EA SPORTS is including 6v6 Online Team Play, Online Couch CO-Op, or EA SPORTS Hockey League for online play. Oh, and you'll even be able to enjoy playoff beards in the new game - as EA wanted to be sure to include one of the "oldest and most iconic traditions in hockey," according to the game studio.

If you pre-order NHL 16 now, you'll receive $15 credit towards the Hockey Ultimate Team content.

E3 2015 - During its E3 press conference, Electronic Arts unveiled new details about the upcoming open world Need For Speed video game.

The new title is being promoted as a project that combines different aspects of previous titles, "from the customization of Need For Speed Underground, to the world of Need For Speed Carbon," according to Marcus Nilsson, executive producer at Ghost Games.

The title will also feature five new event types for gamers: Speed, Style, Build, Crew, and Outlaw. "We're bringing in Five Ways to Play to ensure that your gameplay experience is all your own and helps propel your progression every second, every minute," Nilsson said.

E3 2015 - During the Microsoft E3 press conference today, Frontier Developments has announced Elite: Dangerous for the Xbox One's Game Preview Program.

As part of the Xbox Game Preview Program, you can purchase the Elite: Dangerous game preview for $30.99. The game runs at 1080p on the Xbox One, and features new controls customized specifically for the gamepad.

The open world space adventure game allows you to begin with a small starship, a few credits, and your imagination - as you'll need to pick up the skills, knowledge, wealth and power to persevere in the futuristic space world. Starting next month, Elite: Dangerous console players will be able to jump into the Close Quarter Championships (CQC), a PVP feature in custom-built arenas inside the Elite: Dangerous galaxy.

E3 2015 - In a rather unexpected move, Microsoft has decided to make it possible to play Xbox 360 games on the Xbox One. The company will include the backward compatibility for at least 100 titles starting this Christmas, with additional support branching to other games later down the road.

Those of you with digital Xbox 360 titles will simply find the game in your Xbox One library once Microsoft rolls out support. It's a clever move by Microsoft to try to woo gamers, many with large collections of Xbox 360 titles, to hopefully purchase an Xbox One sooner rather than later.

"If you've been waiting to move from your Xbox 360, now's the time," said Phil Spencer, head of the Xbox division.

E3 2015 - With the sea of announcements from Bethesda this morning, including Doom 4, Dishonored 2, and Fallout 4, the news of the Fallout 4 Special Edition including a real-life Pip-Boy got fans of Fallout salivating.

The special edition of the game will include a real-life Pip-Boy that you can strap to your wrist, and use your Android or iOS smartphone with. If you're a Fallout fan, you know that you'll be pre-ordering this. Bethesda hasn't released any numbers on Fallout 4 yet, but I'd dare say this will be an extremely limited edition item that is going to sell out in less than 30 seconds.

E3 2015 - Bethesda showed off Doom 4 and Dishonored 2 during E3, but it was Fallout 4 that had the crowd going nuts. The studio has been working on Fallout 4 since 2009, right after Fallout 3 was released.

You can play as both a male and female character in Fallout 4, another large change from the previous titles in the franchise. Fallout 4 starts before the nuclear bombs dropped and caused the world to go into turmoil, another large change for the franchise. Character creation is done before the bombs drop, where you can completely modify the look of your character and all of his or her facial features and hair.

You survive the nuclear attack, but emerge from Vault 111 some 200 years after the attack. Your city has been demolished, but it's an "enormous, dynamic world" where you can "create any character you want, go wherever you want, and do whatever you want", according to Bethesda.