VinWarrior

Hey Everyone, Omega/Edward here, and I have teamed up with Connor Kenway to announce my first ever playdate, and the second playdate of the new year, Remember Where It All Began, or RWIAB. This playdate will be held January 11th at 8:00pm EST, and will feature the games Halo 3 and Halo: Reach (Mythic Disc or all DLC required for Halo 3) And will feature a variety of gametypes from the standard CTF, to the odd ones like Toilet Bowl and Hunger Games. We hope to have a variety of old and new members show up at the event to take one last brawl in the Pit, to play one last time on Halo 3 and Reach, and Remember where it all began.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to whoever made this, whether it was you or someone else, Thank you. This is a summary of my memories in all these places, and how games aren't just objects or programs... They're memories to us... Thank you, I wish I could like this more then once.

Assassin's Creed IV by a longshot, it is my personal favorite in the series due to it's sheer excitement and setting, amazingly written story and characters, and atmosphere. My second would likely be Brotherhood, Brotherhood was awesome.

Microsoft recently revealed that originally there was debate as to whether the disc drive should be removed from the Xbox One or not, making the console digital download only. When speaking to OXM, Phil Spencer, Microsoft Studios' Boss, revealed that even as late as E3, after the original burn and crash announcement, talk went about if the company "Could get away with" removing the disc drive and making it download restricted, thought ultimately, game size stood in the way as it didn't come down to making sense with the team. "Obviously, after the announcement and E3, there was some feedback about what people wanted to change," he stated. He explained further, "There was a real discussion about whether we should have an optical disc drive in Xbox One or if we could get away with a purely disc-less console, but when you start looking at bandwidth and game size, it does create issues." The team decided in the end to go the safe route and include a Blu-ray disc drive on the console, and give people an easier and faster way to install their content. Phil also mentioned the company's focus on a digital ecosystem and trying to revolve around it with the next Xbox console. A big issue most have with digital games is of course ownership: Having a physical disc gives a sense of reassurance and a sense of possession for a gamer, that digital games seem to be lacking. Source: IGN

Congrats Onsokumaru, I couldn't think of anyone better to ring in 2014's amazement. Keep up the amazing work with playdates and community events!

Researchers at NASA's Jet Propulusion Laboratory are experimenting with robots using the Xbox One Kinect sensor and Oculus Rift. The team has been using the gaming technology to take control of a robotic arm called JACO in real time. According to NASA, the way it works is by combining the position tracking from Microsoft's Kinect and the rotational tracking of the Oculus to create a first-person view for their operator. Once the operator is set, he can then perform simple tasks like picking up blocks. If the tests prove successful, future applications could include using the technology on the Robonaut 2 humanoid on the International Space Station. This isn't the first time NASA has used gaming technology. Earlier in 2013, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory used an Ocolus Rift paired up with an Omni Treadmill to recreate what it's like walking on the surface of Mars. Source: IGN

Warner Bros. has updated its Batman Arkham Facebook Page on New Year's Eve with a message saying "all-new story DLC coming in 2014." The accompanying image shows an award for the "Wayne Foundation Humanitarian of the Year" that depicts a woman holding up a diamond-shaped heart with shards of ice in the background, hinting at the wife of Mr. Freeze, Nora Fries, whom Mr. Freeze put in Cryogenic slumber in an attempt to prolong her life while he searches for a cure for her disease. This DLC could predict Mr. Freeze's beginnings, and tell his tragic tale in a light never before seen. Mr. Freeze did appear in a past Arkham game, Arkham City, as his past is explained in files, but this could give us a more real re-enactment of his journey. ^Freeze as he appears in City^ Source: IGN

January Third at 10:00pm... FINALLY A TIME I'M ABLE TO COME AT, EXPECT ME THERE! BTW what game is this on? I didn't see it listed above, so, sorry if it is actually there

Welcome to the forums, it is good to finally see another Fan fiction writer around here, I cannot wait to see what you put out!

In a recent interview with Game Informer, Bungie technical art director Ryan Ellis said that at one point during the development of their upcoming franchise, Destiny, the game was going to be strictly a third person shooter. “We actually at one point were third-person only,” Ellis said. “There are some third-person elements in the game still. That’s important for gameplay, but also to show off your cool moves and show off the cool armor that you get. We wanted to make an amazing action game, and we decided first-person was the right place to do that.” If you’ve watched any of the gameplay footage, you’ve seen that when a character does certain moves, the camera zooms out to third person briefly so the full effect can be seen. It’s similar to assassinations in the last few Halo games, which employ a similar tactic. It’s understandable why Bungie ultimately decided on keeping the game first person. If Destiny is going to be some form of a cross between Halo and Borderlands, it’s probably likely for the best to keep the FPS tradition alive with the new amalgam. Halo players are likely going to expect Destiny to feel somewhat familiar, and as we’ve learned from Borderlands, when you spend ages trying to find an awesome weapon, you want an up close and personal view of it at all times to inspect and admire it. Still though, It is understandable as to why third person was considered. It’s not only guns that the player can collect in Destiny, it’s armor as well. But what’s the point of collecting cool armor if you, the player, can only see it in a menu or loadout screen? Rather, it’s your enemy who will see how incredible you look most of the time, rather than you getting a view yourself. I will also say that despite the idea that first person games are more immersive and characters more understandable because they “put you in the shoes” of your hero, I’ve grown far more attached to characters who I was actually able to see at all times in third person games. Whether it’s Commander Shepard from Mass Effect or my amazing self-created protagonist from Saints Row, those are characters I grew to love. Yes, partially because of the writing of each game, but also because I was constantly exposed to them via a third person view. It’s harder to get attached to a character you rarely see, hence why Master Chief and I don’t exactly have the same sort of bond. RPGs in general are pretty well served by having a third person view as the focus is always on collecting bigger and badder weapons and armor. The Elder Scrolls, for instance, usually lets you switch back and forth between first and third person at your leisure. Dark Souls is third person, same with The Witcher, and so on. But these mainly focus on swordplay, which is easier to manage in that view. Destiny is sort of a genre crossing game. It’s a hybrid of FPS/MMO/RPG and probably a few more acronyms past that. Given its core DNA from Halo and Borderlands, however, first person probably was the right path to go down, despite the disadvantages it can bring. I’d look forward to the game in any format, but I think Bungie has earned our trust at this point with a ten year blockbuster like Halo, and for sure know what they’re doing. Source: Forbes

Bethesda has revealed that The Elder Scroll Online's version of Cyrodil will take around 30 minutes to traverse north to south. The information comes courtesy of an Elitist Jerks Forum Q&A with lead PvP developer Brian Wheeler, who also took some time to explain how the more competitive elements of the game would work. Cyrodil is the main PvP (player versus player) area of the game, so due the fact it'll take so long to cross means it's going to be pretty sizeable. Wheeler also explained that if one of the game's Alliances is in the lead, then its players will earn fewer Campaign points for things like capturing keeps, while members of the other two Alliances that are trailing will get bonuses. Presumably this is to encourage the losing teams not to throw in the towel. He also reassured players that there will be a serious place for skill and tactics in TESO's PvP combat thanks to its action-focus. "Skill is a tricky thing to measure as when most people talk about skill in Elder Scrolls it’s referring to headshots with a bow, blocking, power attacks or dodging at the right time," he wrote. "In Elder Scrolls Online we have many opportunities for players to show their skill as we also have blocking, roll dodging, and sneaking up on enemy players without getting detected. “There are opportunities to block power attacks which knock your enemy off balance, opening them up for a power attack of your own! That being said we do have to account for network latency so while it’s not pinpoint, there is some wiggle room for dodging that we’ve found to work quite nice in our Cyrodiil battles.” Source: IGN

A recent update to PEGI shows an Xbox One variant of Warframe assigned a rating of 18 for Graphic Violence. Oddly enough, it's release date is marked as today, December 31st. Warframe is currently playable for free on the PC and Playstation 4. Digital Extremes, the development company, said that they would consider a port to the Xbox One after learning of the option of self-publishing. IGN attempted to reach out to Digital Extremes, who kept in the dark on the matter saying it has nothing to announce at this time. Source: http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/12/31/pegi-lists-warframe-for-xbox-one

^Front of the controller^ Celebrity console modder Ben Heck has created a single-handed Xbox One controller mod, designed to be accessible for gamers with a disability preventing them from using two hands. The creation of the controller will be chronicled on this Friday's installment of element14's The Ben Heck Show. A teaser for the program gives a first glimpse at the unit, as do the images posted above and below. The controller, which features the left-trigger on its backside next to the battery, is designed for right-handed individuals because, "that's the most common request," Heck said. It's not clear if Heck also plans to create a left-handed Xbox One controller or if he will produce more than one unit. Heck is donating the controller to the Able Gamers Foundation, a charity aimed at making video games more accessible for those with disabilities. This is not the first time Heck has a created a single-handed controller, as he did the same on an Xbox 360 Controller years ago, completely overhauling the controller in the process. ^Back of the controller^ Source: http://www.gamespot.com/articles/modder-creates-single-handed-xbox-one-controller/1100-6416866/

Microsoft has filed a trademark for a game called "Throne Together." Unfortunately the trademark application, which was filed on December 19th, 2013 and only appeared on the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) last night, doesn't give any details about the title, Throne Together, other than letting us know it's game software. For now it's unclear what Microsoft has up its sleeve, but considering the company has promised new IPs for its successful Xbox One console, could this be our first hint at the one of them? Source: http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/12/30/microsoft-files-trademark-for-new-game-throne-together

A group called D.E.R.P. has intermittently taken down multiple gaming sites and servers today via DDoS attacks. Riot Games' League of Legends servers took the brunt of the attack, as the NA/EU/OCE servers have been down for a good portion of the day, as was the LoL website and forums. The group also managed to take down the Dota 2 servers for a while, as well as Club Penguin, Battle.net, and EA.com. The group originally began the DDoS attacks with a few Tweets about League of Legends: @DerpTrolling They then began cyber-terrorizing other sites, including Battle.net, After which they began to speak with PhantomL0rd, a popular streamer on Twitch. He was playing a game of Dota 2 and they reached out to him to say if he lost the game they would take down Dota 2. He didn't win. They also got bored at some point and took down EA's website. Later in the day, DERP convinced PhantomL0rd to play Club Penguin, which turned out to be a mistake on his part, as they hacked into that as well. PhantomL0rd, who streamed most of the series of events, asked DERP what their main objectives were. "For the lulz," they responded. They also mentioned their dismay of money hungry companies. At the time of this writing, PhantomL0rd had to step away from his computer as he believed police officers were coming to his home. Most problems are being sorted out, but no word was released from the companies on the matter. Source: IGN

I remember you from a loooooong time ago, welcome back bud. -OMEGA

Welcome to the forums mate, love the signature by the way,

I recently picked up my Playstation 4 and three Next-Generation games, so, I thought I would give everyone a recap on the system about a month after it's Launch. I will start with the system itself. PS4 The system took all of 10 minutes to set up, definitely a good start. The vibe of the menu is mellow and relaxing, making you want to just stay and relax. The real issue was PSN, which was down at the time. Multiple problems left and right that left me annoyed to a point of quitting all-together and going to play my PS3. The system seems to work now though, and smoothly. The system itself aesthetically is beautiful and sleek. It was midnight black with a clean and flat surface, reminding me of a blade. The light in the middle can be confusing though, yellow when off, blue when starting, white when playing. Dualshock 4 This was quite a treat during my experience. Wonderfully designed and easy to pick up and play. The touchpad is an amazing addition, working with things like the map on Assassin's Creed, and the OWL drone in Killzone. My main problem is the sticks, which feel cheap and thrown on. I would say a step up from the original. Assassin's Creed IV My first game for this console, and quite a treat for me. This game is a significant step up from the original with interesting settings, funny and interesting dialogue and characters like Charles Vane and James Kidd. Edward Kenway is a step up from his boring grandson, being both hilarious and competent as a main character. I am about 3 quarters in the game, and I am already attached to multiple characters. As next gen experience goes, graphics are stunning, but community is slim and poorly done still. Killzone: Shadow Fall This is the main exclusive, and, is what will judge the system to most... Well, I can't say I'm too happy. The game itself is beautiful... Like seriously, it is utterly beautiful. Stunning lighting and shadows, this game is an amazing leap in it's visuals. It does it's job as a tech demo for what is possible on Next Gen... But, it's mostly disappointment from there. A poorly done A.I. with pinpoint accuracy and seemingly no sense for cover. Storywise, I was confused and just at a loss, and trust me, I read up on the story, it is interesting on paper, but some plot points have major holes. With a forgettable protagonist and forgettable goals, this game feels cobbled together and not fully realized. Even then, at moments it feels like it had a goal, and it was going to be interesting and good, but was rushed. Guns feel different, and segments are quite amazing. Even the OWL drone is a fun mechanic used lightly, kind of like the Skyhook. Call of Duty: Ghosts Okay... I hated this game originally... I wanted nothing to do with it, but, I decided to play it... I'm thankful I did. Story is actually fun and intriguing. Characters are less emotionally attachable and lovable as in Black Ops, but it's still fun as hell. I have not actually played the multiplayer yet, but, I can guess it is horrible, I'll likely put an update up later to confirm/deny that.

Killzone: Merc or ACIII: Liberation... Plus, it's worth getting for The Walking Dead and Borderlands 2 alone.

Wouldn't happen, Rockstar is a multi-platform publisher, so it's a 99% chance they're going to release it on the PS4, Xbox One, and likely PC.

Battlefield 4 has been banned in China after the release of the China Rising DLC. According to Techie News, the Chinese Government accused EA, Published of Battlefield, of creating a form of cultural invasion. China Rising is Battlefield 4's first expansion. Set on the Chinese mainland, it contains new maps, modes, vehicles, assignments, and weapons and follows the fictional story of Admiral Chang, who wants to overthrow the government. With the release, China's Ministry of Culture wants to ban all forms of Battlefield 4, and plans to prohibit the sale of physical copies of the game and all related downloads, demos, patches, and news. News site PCGames.com reports BF4 has been characterized as illegal on the grounds that it "endangers national security and cultural aggression." Electronic Arts declined to comment on the matter, but considering it doesn't sell Battlefield 4 in China, the ruling might not come to matter too much. What is troubling for the company is the delay of the DLC where the game isn't banned. In a recent comment to IGN regarding the delay of the China Rising DLC, EA said, "We know many of our players are frustrated, and we feel your pain. We will not stop until this is right." Source: http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/12/27/battlefield-4-banned-in-china-over-controversial-dlc View full article

Battlefield 4 has been banned in China after the release of the China Rising DLC. According to Techie News, the Chinese Government accused EA, Published by Battlefield, of creating a form of cultural invasion. China Rising is Battlefield 4's first expansion. Set on the Chinese mainland, it contains new maps, modes, vehicles, assignments, and weapons and follows the fictional story of Admiral Chang, who wants to overthrow the government. With the release, China's Ministry of Culture wants to ban all forms of Battlefield 4, and plans to prohibit the sale of physical copies of the game and all related downloads, demos, patches, and news. News site PCGames.com reports BF4 has been characterized as illegal on the grounds that it "endangers national security and cultural aggression." Electronic Arts declined to comment on the matter, but considering it doesn't sell Battlefield 4 in China, the ruling might not come to matter too much. What is troubling for the company is the delay of the DLC where the game isn't banned. In a recent comment to IGN regarding the delay of the China Rising DLC, EA said, "We know many of our players are frustrated, and we feel your pain. We will not stop until this is right." Source: http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/12/27/battlefield-4-banned-in-china-over-controversial-dlc This post has been promoted to an article