Attack of the Fanboy » NEWS http://attackofthefanboy.com Video Games! Wed, 23 May 2012 13:27:47 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 The longer Rockstar waits to release GTA V, the bigger the risk, says analysthttp://attackofthefanboy.com/news/longer-rockstar-waits-release-gta-bigger-risk-analyst/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/longer-rockstar-waits-release-gta-bigger-risk-analyst/#comments Wed, 23 May 2012 13:27:47 +0000 Al McCarthy http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84932 The longer Rockstar waits to release GTA V, the bigger the risk, says analyst

Take-Two delivered its quarterly earnings report yesterday evening and despite giving any concrete dates to go by, their financial guidance could indicate that Rockstar could have GTA V ready by early 2013.  The company which issues forward looking statements about its future earnings potential for the fiscal year points to a strong one for the publisher.  Industry analysts have already started disceting the information, and at least one believes that GTA V will arrive in less than a year's time.

'Rockstar unlikely to risk delay very far in the face of potential next-gen consoles'Michael Pachter said in his Take-Two research notes that the "Guidance strongly implies the release of Grand Theft Auto V in FY:13.  Although management did not provide a release date or window for GTA V, its FY:13 revenue guidance is unattainable without a huge seller from Rockstar.  Also we believe that the game's developers are unlikely to risk delay very far into CY 2013 and face declining current-generation software sales in the face of potential introduction of next-generation consoles that year or the next."

Many expected more information about Rockstar's next Grand Theft Auto title out of Take Two's Conference call.  So close to E3, we're expecting at least something out of the Rockstar camp in the coming weeks, about the title which was revealed last year.  Earlier this month, a list was found buried in the Max Payne 3 game code that may or may not be a complete rundown of GTA V's vehicular options.

]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/longer-rockstar-waits-release-gta-bigger-risk-analyst/feed/ 2 Xbox 360 could see trouble in the U.S.http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/xbox-360-trouble/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/xbox-360-trouble/#comments Wed, 23 May 2012 11:54:09 +0000 Al McCarthy http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84927 Xbox 360 could see trouble in the U.S.

Microsoft and Motorola have been embroiled in a legal battle over technology used in the Xbox 360.  While this isn't the first we've heard of the fight, latest developments point to the Xbox 360 possibly seeing a ban in the United States for the Xbox 360 Slim 4GB and 250 GB models.

Judge David Shaw recommended that because of the patent infringement, Microsoft should post a bond "equal to 7 percent of the declared value of unsold Xbox inventory already in the country" alongside the ban of future imports.  This recommendation comes after his determination that Microsoft is infact infringing on four of Motorola's patent back in April.

Microsoft's defense at this point is that a ban of the Xbox 360 "does not serve the public interest because it would leave consumers of video game consoles with only two options to satisfy their needs: the Sony PlayStation and the Nintendo Wii."

On the basis that enforcing intellectual property rights is of greater importance than consumer choice, Shaw rejected Microsoft's argument.

Source: Courthouse News]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/xbox-360-trouble/feed/ 3 The Return of Ghost Recon sees a positive receptionhttp://attackofthefanboy.com/news/return-ghost-recon-sees-positive-reception/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/return-ghost-recon-sees-positive-reception/#comments Wed, 23 May 2012 02:41:57 +0000 Bill Hess http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84919 The Return of Ghost Recon sees a positive reception

Ghost Recon Future Soldier launched today, and after a extended hiatus the franchise returned to a generally positive reception from critics.  With an even stronger focus on battlefield technology, the tactical shooter takes a somewhat different approach than what most developers have been doing as of late.

Reviews have been "generally favorable" in aggregate, commending Ubisoft for a smooth transition of the franchise yet again.  Here are a selection of reviews that we read today, and our video review of Ghost Recon Future Soldier.

Machinma - 90 - GRFS is a solid entry in the shooter genre, and one of the standout third-person shooter experiences on any console. The emphasis on intel and squads make this a must-have for anyone looking to play as a team and work together.

Joystiq - 90 - It's one of the best military shooters I've played. It doesn't push the boundaries of what we expect from that genre, but Future Soldier takes an approach that leaves little room for stagnant gameplay or retreading ground.

Destructoid - 90 - A great title... Between the impressive campaign, the myriad of co-op options and the added replayability of the mission challenges, as well as the expansive multiplayer component, it's as solid a package as military shooters provide.

Game Trailers -83 - If you buy games for the single-player experience it's hard to recommend Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. Once you hop online it's a different story as the tactical, objective-driven modes manage to fill the five-year void left since the release of the superior Advanced Warfighter 2. It's heavily reliant on teammates who are willing to play specific roles, but with a group of dedicated soldiers it's a war that you'll want to keep fighting.

Attack of the Fanboy Video Review




Edge - 80 - Future Soldier exemplifies a developer honouring the 'fun first' ethos of its publisher's canon, even as it stays true to the seriousness of its espionage licence. Yes, it's lost some tactical edge, but a disciplined commitment to entertainment focuses the experience. In the overmasculine world of the thirdperson shooter, this is a game that stands out for being delicately beautiful even as it delivers brutal thrills.

Game Spot - 75 - Though the standard gunplay isn't very exciting, stealthly skill shots and diverse combat scenarios provide a lot of entertaining and satisfying moments.

VideoGamer - 70 - Occasionally ambitious but ultimately too afraid to deviate from the genre's well-worn formulas, Ghost Recon: Future Soldier feels like it's stuck in the past.

 ]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/return-ghost-recon-sees-positive-reception/feed/ 1 Game Critics can’t seem to agree on Dragon’s Dogmahttp://attackofthefanboy.com/news/game-critics-agree-dragons-dogma/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/game-critics-agree-dragons-dogma/#comments Tue, 22 May 2012 10:12:38 +0000 Bill Hess http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84879 Game Critics cant seem to agree on Dragons Dogma

Capcom's latest release seems to have critics inable to agree on whether the game is great or absolutely horrible. The brand new franchise for Capcom marks a different type of adventure than what the publisher has been throwing at its fan-base in recent history. By most accounts its a cross between Skyrim and Dark Souls, two of the best RPG's of 2011. The problem is, not everyone gives this RPG the thumbs up.

Scores from respected gaming publications range from 90 all the way down to 40 on a 100 point scale. Some feature glowing praise, while others shred the ambitious title in nearly every aspect. Here are a few review scores from Metacritic and other sources.

Beefjack - 93 - Dragon’s Dogma is still a phenomenal piece of work. Very little of the game is particularly original, true, but it does a fantastic job with all the different influences it’s riffing on or building on top of.

The level design and unforgettable bosses surpass even that of Skyrim. Game Revolution - 90 - The level design and unforgettable bosses surpass even that of Skyrim. In that light, its noticeable hiccups become merely growing pains in the face of a powerful, new idea, one that's sorely needed in an industry saturated with sequels and spin-offs. Inspired by both Dark Souls and Skyrim in almost all the best ways possible, it presents an open world that's wrought with danger, yet begging for adventure, and shows that Capcom is ready to take a leap of faith. And so should you.

Game Trailers - 87 - If you're the kind of player that can get completely lost in these sorts of open world RPGs, you're going to eat Dragon's Dogma alive. However much its reach exceeds its grasp in certain respects, this ambitious game succeeds in taking the form in an altogether welcome direction--one that does not sacrifice minute-to-minute gameplay on the altar of expansiveness.

Game Informer - 85 - Combat feels like a necessary part of the game's design, rather than something that was begrudgingly added to provide interaction between cutscenes. I left the game feeling that I made my mark on Gransys the way I chose to, instead of being escorted from plot point to plot point. When you're talking about an open-world game, I can't think of higher praise.

EGM - 75 - Dragon’s Dogma is a fascinating and very enjoyable new take on the fantasy genre by Capcom, one that has a lot of promise held within it—but one which also sees some of that promise squashed due to the inclusion of an unneeded and annoying gimmick.

Destructoid - 75 - Just be aware that, for all the absorbing and exciting things to be found in Gransys, there are almost as many disappointing and infuriating things to let you down. Just grit your teeth, fight through the pain, and the rewards are there.

Polygon - 70 - Like many of the Western RPGs that influenced it, Dragon's Dogma is an uneven experience, but it's one that rewards patience and perseverance, and it's a bold argument for why Japanese developers should continue making RPGs, with or without the inspiration from this side of the Pacific.

Edge - 70 - When Dragon’s Dogma succeeds, it offers a potent piece of alchemy – a studio that helped define the Japanese action genre redefining the Japanese roleplaying game. Capcom might not have crafted the kind of world in which players will invest, but it understands the powerful draw of party building and gear tweaking, the immediate thrills of slashing and spellcasting, and the spirit of adventure in sallying forth on a dragon hunt.

Eurogamer - 70 - Dragon's Dogma is a game soundtracked by screaming guitars and a hyperactive orchestra; a game whose story is told with showboating faux-Shakespearean flourish; a game set within acres of countryside scrawled with boastful castles; a game fronted by a hero whose heart has been plucked from his chest by a dragon's fingernails. Despite all of this, it is also a game that understands the value of understatement.

Any brief flickers of fun I came across were consistently extinguished by the game's oppressive flaws.Now Gamer - 61 - The combat is usually pretty satisfying, if sometimes clumsy to the point of being unfair, and even if the ‘unique’ stuff falls mostly very flat, RPG fundamentals like exploration, character development, customisation, looting, crafting and storytelling are executed to a decent standard. The problem is that there are several much better RPGs around right now.

Official Xbox Magazine - 60 - Much like the main character's chest cavity, this RPG ultimately feels hollow, with no real heart.

Joystiq - 40 - Any brief flickers of fun I came across were consistently extinguished by the game's oppressive flaws.]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/game-critics-agree-dragons-dogma/feed/ 5 Bungie confirms Destiny to arrive next yearhttp://attackofthefanboy.com/news/bungie-confirms-destiny-arrive-year/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/bungie-confirms-destiny-arrive-year/#comments Tue, 22 May 2012 09:29:53 +0000 Al McCarthy http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84875 Bungie confirms Destiny to arrive next year

Yesterday a report out of Los Angeles gave us our first details of Bungie's secretive project that they've been working on for the last couple of years. Project Destiny is no secret, what it is however, is still unknown. In the report, a release schedule was leaked that had Bungie making four titles in the "Destiny" series over the course of eight years, with expansion packs released on odd years. The report did indicate that "Destiny" was a shooter/sci-fantasy/massively multiplayer experience.

Bungie replied to the reports by taking to B-Net to confirm the 2013 release window.

In a post titled "Well that just happened...", Bungie writes:

"So yeah. While we're not ready to show you what we've been working on, we can confirm that we are hard at work on our new universe. We can't wait for you to see it. See you starside in 2013."

The report also explained that Bungie's new entry will be a timed-exclusive on the Xbox 360.  For how long was not revealed.]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/bungie-confirms-destiny-arrive-year/feed/ 6 Account thefts on the rise with Diablo III releasehttp://attackofthefanboy.com/news/account-thefts-rise-diablo-iii-release/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/account-thefts-rise-diablo-iii-release/#comments Tue, 22 May 2012 09:09:13 +0000 Al McCarthy http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84871 Account thefts on the rise with Diablo III release

As fans were counting down the days to Diablo III's release, the farthest thing from their mind was probably having their account stolen just one week after release. Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened to a few poor souls who've taken to the Blizzard forums to air their grievances.

Account theft in the digital world is big business apparently, as these thieves sell digital currency for that of the real world variety, but Blizzard says that these account compromises are "historically in-line" with other game releases.

A representative told Joystiq "Historically, the release of a new game -- such as a World of Warcraft expansion will result in an increase in reports of individual account compromises, and that's exactly what we're seeing now with Diablo 3. We know how frustrating it can be to become the victim of account theft, and as always, we're dedicated to doing everything we can to help our players keep their Battle.net accounts safe and we appreciate everyone who's doing their part to help protect their accounts as well."

Securing your account is free if you have a mobile device that supports the Battle.net Authenticator App. If you don't, they also sell keyfob authenticators for $6.50. For iPhone and iPad users you can snag a mobile authenticator from iTunes. For Android users you can get a mobile authenticator on Google Play.

For those of you that don't have a mobile device, I'd like to start by telling you that it's 2012. Since you've likely been a coma for the last ten years, alot has changed since your "accident". You made a wise choice in picking up Diablo III straight from the hospital, and to secure your account you can pick up a physical authenticator at the Blizzard store.

]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/account-thefts-rise-diablo-iii-release/feed/ 0 Forza Motorsport Porsche Expansion Pack Set for Releasehttp://attackofthefanboy.com/news/forza-motorsport-porsche-expansion-pack-set-release/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/forza-motorsport-porsche-expansion-pack-set-release/#comments Tue, 22 May 2012 08:47:27 +0000 Bill Hess http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84867 Forza Motorsport Porsche Expansion Pack Set for ReleaseLater today, Forza Motorsport 4 fans will finally be able to add Porsche to the long list of vehicles in the racer. After shipping minus the iconic brand due to licensing problems, the Porsche expansion pack will feature 30 cars to race with, or just marvel at in-game.

Alongside the garage full of cars, there will be 20 new Porsche themed events added to the game as well. Turn 10 also says that Porsche models will be added to the AI racing field of vehicles so don't be surprised when you come across a competitor with one, or snag one as level reward.

The Porsche Expansion should be available later today for 250 Microsoft Points.]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/forza-motorsport-porsche-expansion-pack-set-release/feed/ 4 Devil May Cry sees delay to January 2013http://attackofthefanboy.com/screenshots/devil-cry-sees-delay-january-2013/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/screenshots/devil-cry-sees-delay-january-2013/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 23:57:19 +0000 Al McCarthy http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84824 Devil May Cry sees delay to January 2013

Devil May Cry will not be arriving this year, according to a recent statement out of Capcom.  Developed by Ninja Theory, the franchise reboot has been rescheduled for January 15th, 2013.  Though Capcom has delayed the release of the title, they did reveal one new character for the game.

Kat is a former runaway that joined The Order very early in her life. She is a medium and a gifted psychic who can see into Limbo, the demon realm, but not directly interact with it in the way that Dante does. She is the right hand girl to the Leader of The Order and devotes her life to him, often putting herself in grave danger to gather intelligence from Limbo.

There is a sweet innocence about Kat’s world view and logic, but when it comes to her specialist subject, the demon realm, she is an undoubted expert. Kat is The Order’s ‘eyes and ears’ and is tasked with guiding Dante on his mission through Limbo.

Look for DMC on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 next January with a PC release later that year.

DMC Kat Screenshots


Devil May Cry sees delay to January 2013 Devil May Cry sees delay to January 2013 Devil May Cry sees delay to January 2013 ]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/screenshots/devil-cry-sees-delay-january-2013/feed/ 2 Bungie’s next game will be Xbox exclusive, details uncovered in legal documentshttp://attackofthefanboy.com/news/bungies-game-xbox-exclusive-details-uncovered-legal-documents/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/bungies-game-xbox-exclusive-details-uncovered-legal-documents/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 23:33:19 +0000 Al McCarthy http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84820 Bungies next game will be Xbox exclusive, details uncovered in legal documents

Apparently Bungie's next title is due to arrive exclusively on the Xbox 360 in 2013, according to recently uncovered court documents discovered by the L.A. Times. After leaving the shadow of Microsoft's umbrella, Bungie signed on with Activision back in 2010, and has agreed to a four game deal, with four downloadable add-ons over the course of eight years. The first game in the franchise codenamed "Destiny", is due exclusively on the Xbox 360 in 2013, with a possible release on other platforms at a later date and on the next generation Xbox 720.

Stemming from Activision's recent legal battle with Jason West and Vincent Zampella, the court documents uncovered other details about what to expect from Bungie in their next game. The "Destiny Property" as is described in the contract  is a "Massively multiplayer, sci-fantasy, action shooter game".

According to the contract, Bungie is set to release new titles in Fall of 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019 with DLC releases in Fall 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020.  Bungie themselves have yet to announce anything specifically in regards to their next project, but if a 2013 release is on the calendar, it shouldn't be long before we hear something from the Washington based studio responsible for the creation of the Halo franchise.]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/bungies-game-xbox-exclusive-details-uncovered-legal-documents/feed/ 15 Critics praise Diablo III despite abysmal user reviewshttp://attackofthefanboy.com/news/critics-praise-diablo-iii-abysmal-user-reviews/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/critics-praise-diablo-iii-abysmal-user-reviews/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 23:06:13 +0000 William Schwartz http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84810 Critics praise Diablo III despite abysmal user reviews

Critics have showered praise on Blizzard Entertainment's latest work with Diablo III.  The Dungeon Crawling sequel has recieved mostly positive reviews from news outlets, but fans don't seem to have the same opinion.  According to the review aggregator Metacritic, there's quite a discrepancy between what critics are saying and what users are saying.

While Diablo III has critic based metascore of 89 out of a possible 100, users have rated the title a paltry 4.1 out of a possible ten.  Here's a selection of reviews from metacritic, and elsewhere.

"Blizzard's expertise is staggering," says Joystiq's Mike SchrammKotaku - Yes - Because the action role-playing game that launched a thousand clones remains the most viscerally entertaining way to click your mouse several hundred thousand times.

Joystiq - 100 - At its core, Diablo 3 is a series of combat encounters and, when you realize just how carefully it's put together, Blizzard's expertise is staggering.

RPGamer - 100 -  It takes the core experience that made Diablo II great and makes it less frustrating and, more importantly, much more accessible. Where Diablo II encouraged careful planning and forethought, Diablo III encourages experimentation and fun. And hey, if you're not down with that, Torchlight II is right around the corner.

Machinima - 95 - With Diablo III, Blizzard made one of the most approachable and enjoyable games in the world even better. In fact, aside from the annoying online-only infrastructure, I can't imagine a single thing I would change to make this game better. That's when you know you have a classic on your hands, and that's also when you know you should play this game as much as you can.

Wired - 90 - It was one of the best cooperative experiences I've ever had in a video game, and I don't even know who those people were. I've made my concerns about the storytelling in this game clear, but maybe that's not as big of an issue. I came away from Diablo III with a great story to tell, one of my own making.

Some critics discounting the entire game for day one server issues in Diablo IIIGame Arena - 65 - I've played 28 hours of Diablo 3 (according to the in-game measurement) - but this isn't the whole story. I've spent six hours not playing it - nearly a quarter of my time total. With no competitive multiplayer,  constant network related issues and what I feel is negative movement in terms of the 'loot' metagame, Diablo 3 in its current state isn't something I see myself playing any more.

Digital Noob - 50 - Overall, while there aren’t too many flaws, their severity make it impossible to even try to fake a good score. The requirement of a constant connection kills gameplay if the servers are ever so slightly unstable, or your cat unplugs your router, and the story is just so dull and uneventful that, despite all my hoping and wishing, I have no real want to go back and play through. I will, of course, to see how all the classes handle, and possibly push through Nightmare mode.

Gamer Tech TV - 40 -   Diablo 3 is a watered down cynical game which in its current state its single player mode is broken.

Attack of the Fanboy Video Review


]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/critics-praise-diablo-iii-abysmal-user-reviews/feed/ 6 New Castlevania title could see E3 announcementhttp://attackofthefanboy.com/news/castlevania-title-e3-announcement/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/castlevania-title-e3-announcement/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 22:30:42 +0000 Al McCarthy http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84807 New Castlevania title could see E3 announcement

A new rumor suggests Konami is readying an E3 announcement of a brand new Castlevania title for Nintendo's 3DS called Castlevania: Mirror of Fate.  A Dutch gaming website outed the news earlier and was discovered by NeoGaf users before the website was asked that the information be taken down.

The site then updated their original message to readers:  "Although Konami asked us to get the original message offline, we have found proof thatalternative proof Castlevania: Mirror of Fate is in development for the Nintendo 3DS. To justify it we put online this message again."


No further details about the title were revealed, but they did note that David Cox and Enric Alvarez (two developers that worked on Lords of Shadow) are working on the handheld title.







]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/castlevania-title-e3-announcement/feed/ 0 Microsoft offering refunds for Minecraft Xbox 360 Editionhttp://attackofthefanboy.com/news/microsoft-offering-refunds-minecraft-xbox-360-edition/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/microsoft-offering-refunds-minecraft-xbox-360-edition/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 22:17:18 +0000 Al McCarthy http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84803 Microsoft offering refunds for Minecraft Xbox 360 Edition

Minecraft on the Xbox 360 turned out to be a hugely popular game, but unfortunately for some, the game wasn't all it was cracked up to be if you don't own a high definition television.  The XBLA version of the game advertises the feature of local split-screen cooperative play, but only for those with HD televisions.

The problem wouldn't have been an issue, but purchasers had no way of knowing this stipulation, as it wasn't listed in the features or requirements for the game.  If you happen to be one of the affected Minecraft players that wants to get a refund, you'll need to contact Microsoft's customer support department.  Microsoft has since updated their marketplace listing for the title, and issued the following statement.

"We updated our pre-sale notification to inform customers that an HD screen is required for the split-screen multiplayer feature on Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition. If a player does not have an HD screen and purchased this game prior to the notification update, they are eligible for a full refund through customer support."]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/microsoft-offering-refunds-minecraft-xbox-360-edition/feed/ 5 Diablo 3 Real Money Auction House moved to May 29thhttp://attackofthefanboy.com/news/diablo-3-real-money-auction-house-moved-29th/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/diablo-3-real-money-auction-house-moved-29th/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 21:53:06 +0000 Al McCarthy http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84799 Diablo 3 Real Money Auction House moved to May 29th

As Diablo fans very well may know, tommorrow marks the day that Blizzard had scheduled to release the Real-Money Auction House for Diablo III.  Unfortunately, the game's launch was marred with server issues and the release date of this feature has been pushed back.

Blizzard has announced a new "estimated date" for the release of the new system, and it's one week later on May 29th.  When the real-money auction house finally does go live, you'll be able to sell your Diablo III treasures for real-world currency.

Of course, you'll be subject to transaction fees and other stipulations so you may want to take a look at Blizzard's Guide to the Auction house before you start planning for your new life as a virtual treasure hunter.  You can find that guide here.]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/diablo-3-real-money-auction-house-moved-29th/feed/ 0 Get keyed up for combat with Ghost Recon Commanderhttp://attackofthefanboy.com/screenshots/keyed-combat-ghost-recon-commander/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/screenshots/keyed-combat-ghost-recon-commander/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 21:28:37 +0000 Al McCarthy http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84781 Get keyed up for combat with Ghost Recon Commander

Ubisoft has launched Ghost Recon Commander on Facebook earlier today. Commander is a free-to-play browser based title that allows players to tackle 10 replayable missions on three difficulty levels. Ghost Recon Commander can be played as a stand-alone title or players can tie the experience into the overall Ghost Recon universe.

“As a longtime fan of the Ghost Recon franchise, I wanted to make a game that would appeal to me both as a fan and a gamer,” said Brenda Garno Brathwaite, lead game designer and cofounder of Loot Drop. “Ghost Recon Commander highlights the tactical gameplay that fans of the series will enjoy in a social environment that’s accessible to all types of gamers.”

Playing the Facebook based title will allow players to earn exclusive weapons, weapons skins and bonuses for either Ubisoft full-scale F2P titles, Ghost Recon Online and Ghost Recon Future Soldier. Ghost Recon Commander players can also gain unlockables for the browser based titles by playing the Ghost Recon Future Soldier.

You snag the Facebook app here.

Ghost Recon Commander Screenshots


Get keyed up for combat with Ghost Recon Commander Get keyed up for combat with Ghost Recon Commander Get keyed up for combat with Ghost Recon Commander Get keyed up for combat with Ghost Recon Commander Get keyed up for combat with Ghost Recon Commander Get keyed up for combat with Ghost Recon Commander Get keyed up for combat with Ghost Recon Commander Get keyed up for combat with Ghost Recon Commander Get keyed up for combat with Ghost Recon Commander Get keyed up for combat with Ghost Recon Commander Get keyed up for combat with Ghost Recon Commander Get keyed up for combat with Ghost Recon Commander Get keyed up for combat with Ghost Recon Commander Get keyed up for combat with Ghost Recon Commander Get keyed up for combat with Ghost Recon Commander ]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/screenshots/keyed-combat-ghost-recon-commander/feed/ 0 Aliens: Colonial Marines dated for Feb 2013http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/aliens-colonial-marines-dated-feb-2013/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/aliens-colonial-marines-dated-feb-2013/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 13:28:53 +0000 Al McCarthy http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84757

Aliens: Colonial Marines dated for Feb 2013This morning Gearbox Software announced a release date for Aliens: Colonial Marines.  The long-awaited shooter is set to release on February 12, 2013 according to a press release from Sega containing the announcement, which would mark a delay from the original target date of Fall 2012.  Aliens: Colonial Marines is said to be the first "authentic addition to the ALIENS franchise canon."

"I am thrilled to announce the definitive launch date,"  said Gearbox's Randy Pitchford "Aliens: Colonial Marines is the culmination of a life-time of inspiration from the films and relentless passion and drive from the exceptionally talented development team behind the scenes."

Aliens: Colonial Marines begins with an ostensibly abandoned ship, the U.S.S. Sulaco, recovered in orbit around LV-426. Players lead a group of highly trained United States Colonial Marines as they board the deserted craft to uncover the fate of the crew. They will have to fight to survive unspeakable horrors and their own anxieties as they chase down the truth behind a galaxy-spanning deception that places humanity at the mercy of the most murderous and deadly species in the universe.

Aliens: Colonial Marines is due to head to the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, and PC.]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/aliens-colonial-marines-dated-feb-2013/feed/ 0 Rare gearing up for AAA next-gen console releaseshttp://attackofthefanboy.com/news/rare-gearing-aaa-nextgen-console-releases/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/rare-gearing-aaa-nextgen-console-releases/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 11:16:34 +0000 Al McCarthy http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84750 Rare gearing up for AAA next gen console releases

At one point in time, Rare was one of the most beloved developers in gaming. The UK developer is responsible for franchises like Killer Instinct, Conker, Banjo-Kazooie, Perfect Dark, and others. After Microsoft acquired the company, they've been slaving away in the Kinect mines, with little to no news of "core" games on the way.

New job listings discovered by Superannuation see the developer are pointing towards a promising lineup from Rare on the next Xbox, whenever it arrives.

"The successful candidate will be joining at a time where the studio is looking to move into new areas and develop new IPs for future platforms," says the listing looking for a senior product manager who'll be responsible for "multiple AAA future console releases".

This could be somewhat bittersweet news for Rare fans. Since the listing mentions "New IPs", it doesn't look like these next gen titles will be sequels to established franchises like the ones listed above.]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/rare-gearing-aaa-nextgen-console-releases/feed/ 2 Used Games on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox 720 will keep the video game industry alivehttp://attackofthefanboy.com/news/games-playstation-4-xbox-720-video-game-industry-alive/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/games-playstation-4-xbox-720-video-game-industry-alive/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 10:49:43 +0000 Al McCarthy http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84745 Used Games on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox 720 will keep the video game industry alive

The used game market has been a hot topic over the last few years. Developers and publishers have moved to online pass schemes that attempt to recoup some money from gamers who choose to purchase their games on the cheap. There has even been talk of next generation hardware like the Xbox 720 or PlayStation 4 eliminating the used game market completely, though not everyone is buying it. Michael Pachter of Wedbush Securities has been one of the critics of this rumor.

This weekend, Pachter elaborated on this viewpoint in his "Pach-Attack" web series.

"I think the industry will disintegrate; I think there will be no more video games if next-gen consoles don't support used games," a pretty strong stance from the analyst. “Why would the next-gen consoles not support used games? Sony doesn’t sell that much software; maybe 10% of sales are Sony products. Everything else, the other 90%, is third-party. Sony isn’t going to help its overall sales that much – let’s go with 1%, 2%,” he continued.

Pachter also believes that if either Sony or Microsoft did decide to tackle used-games with disc protection or other measures, it would give an advantage to the one who did not, and he doesn't think either Microsoft or Sony are "stupid enough" to do that.

“Because most people don’t finish new games in a week. Most people take thrtee weeks to a month to finish games. Not everybody buys a game the first day. You probably don’t get that many games traded in; in reality about 40% of games get traded back in.”

By Pachter's numbers, the reality of the used games market and their effects on the bottom-line of game publishers is minimal, compared to the damage that eliminating them completely brings. ]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/games-playstation-4-xbox-720-video-game-industry-alive/feed/ 2 Valve teaming with Overkill for Left 4 Dead projecthttp://attackofthefanboy.com/news/valve-teaming-overkill-left-4-dead-project/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/valve-teaming-overkill-left-4-dead-project/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 10:32:49 +0000 William Schwartz http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84742 Valve teaming with Overkill for Left 4 Dead project

Valve is teaming up with Overkill Entertainment for a new project that could fuse Left 4 Dead and Payday: The Heist. A recent post on the company's official website relayed the announcement calling it a "cooperative initiative" between the two companies.

"As preceptive gamers will have noticed, several hints have recently been dropped that PAYDAY The Heist, which has led to various rumors. We are excited to be able to confirm that an in-depth collaboration between OVERKILL and Valve is currently in production.

We are working on a very cool blend of PAYDAY and Left 4 Dead. I am sure it is so exciting that it will have some players check into the hospital before we are done."

Payday: The Heist certainly had its striking similarities to the Left 4 Dead series anyway. We'll soon see what the two companies are cooking up, Overkill says that there are more "infectious details" on the way.
]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/valve-teaming-overkill-left-4-dead-project/feed/ 1 Actors talk Mass Effect 3 extended endinghttp://attackofthefanboy.com/news/actors-talk-mass-effect-3-extended/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/actors-talk-mass-effect-3-extended/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 09:27:13 +0000 Al McCarthy http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84738 Actors talk Mass Effect 3 extended ending

After fan outrage prompted Bioware to rethink their ending for Mass Effect 3, we've heard little about the "Extended Cut" that is supposed to give fans more closure for the series. Well, you can chalk up at least three character cameos for the DLC. Lance Henriksen, Tricia Helfer, and Raphael Sbarge have all confirmed that they been recently working with Bioware to fill in the blanks for fans, with extra voice recording sessions for the game.

Henriksen and Helfer who play Admiral Hackett and EDI respectively, told G4 that they've both been doing voiceover work for the Mass Effect 3 extended ending. "I just did another session with them. They were saying there's a bit of a problem with the abruptness of the ending," Henriksen said in a recent interview.

"We did a whole series of things to add to the end of the game, to live up to the quality they've been doing."

Earlier this month, Sbarge (who plays Kaidan) tweeted his involvement in the project claiming that he had been "pulled back in Mass Effect". Mass Effect 3's extended cut ending is scheduled to arrive this summer as a free piece of DLC. ]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/actors-talk-mass-effect-3-extended/feed/ 0 Ghost Recon is “Smart Shooter” compared to Call of Duty, says Ubisofthttp://attackofthefanboy.com/news/ghost-recon-smart-shooter-compared-call-duty-ubisoft/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/ghost-recon-smart-shooter-compared-call-duty-ubisoft/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 08:44:33 +0000 Al McCarthy http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84733 Ghost Recon is Smart Shooter compared to Call of Duty, says Ubisoft

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier is getting set to release this week, and Ubisoft has fired another shot at its competitors in a recent interview. Jean-Marc Geffroy, the Creative Director on GRFS claims that players turn to their game when they are looking to play a "smart shooter".

"You always want to achieve success and satisfy players. We believe we provide new innovations and a different experience than our FPS rivals. The pacing, tactical layers, use of technology and Teamwork in Single, Coop and MP provide something unique and different for fans of military shooters.

"Run and gun can be fun, but if you want a smart shooter play Recon"

The foundations of Ghost Recon are extremely important. We pride ourselves on providing a truly authentic experience and insight into the world of special forces. Run and gun can be fun, but if you want a smart shooter you can come and play a bit of Recon."

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier follows a highly trained team of elite special-ops soldiers as they dispatch their enemies with cutting-edge military hardware. The game will be available on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on May 22nd.]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/ghost-recon-smart-shooter-compared-call-duty-ubisoft/feed/ 0 New This Week in Video Gameshttp://attackofthefanboy.com/news/week-video-games-15/ http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/week-video-games-15/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 02:35:03 +0000 Bill Hess http://attackofthefanboy.com/?p=84723 New This Week in Video Games

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier - Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 - In Ghost Recon Future Soldier join an elite team of highly trained, cut-throat special-ops soldiers. Armed to the teeth with unrivalled combat technology and cutting-edge military hardware, Ghost Recon takes you to the globe's most deadly warzones to hunt down the highest value targets.

Dragon's Dogma - Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 - Dragon's Dogma is an exciting new franchise which redefines the single player Action-RPG genre. Developed by the team that produced some of Capcom's greatest action games, Dragon's Dogma is set in a huge open world that offers exhilarating and fulfilling action combat game with the freedom to explore and interact in a rich, living and breathing world. Additional features include: classic RPG questing gameplay and classes, unique flexible party combat using trainable AI companions known as Pawns, extreme customization of player characters and party companions, Xbox LIVE integration that allows the sharing of Pawns, a dynamic in-game 24-hour day/night cycle, and post-launch downloadable content.

Editor's Choice:
Ghost Recon: Future Soldier
Sorcery - PlayStation 3 - Sorcery is a single player action role-playing game (RPG) for PlayStation 3 that utilizes Sony's PlayStation Move control system to create a dungeon crawling adventure like none before it. With the extreme motion controlled sensitivity of the PlayStation Move motion controller and PlayStation Eye camera peripheral accessory combination* players enter, interact with and explore a world where their growing expertise with spells and potions will be the difference between the salvation of the world and its domination. Features include a one-to-one relation between player movements to character actions, strategic spell use, transformative potions and additional support of the PlayStation Move navigation controller.

Men in Black: Alien Crisis - Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo 3DS - We work for highly funded, yet unofficial government agency; our mission is to monitor extra terrestrial activity on Earth, WE ARE THE MEN IN BLACK. Now it’s your turn to suit up as one of us to eliminate the scum of the universe, using an arsenal of futuristic weaponry, incapacitating devices and space-age technology.

Joy Ride Turbo - Xbox 360 - From the Kinect Joy Ride creators comes Joy Ride Turbo, a controller-based arcade racer delivering precision handling and crazy stunts with more thrills, speed, & mayhem! In the new Stunt Park, you’re free to show off! There’s no limit to the whacky tour de force you achieve with friends. It’s a vibrant playground for your car - jump off cliffs, shoot from a cannon, & more. Plus, explore and find collectibles that unlock cars – giving you an edge for faster races and death-defying tricks. Race new tracks, old favorites and 3 modes of play: Battle Race, Pro Race & Time Trial.

DiRT Showdown - PC - DiRT Showdown is the new arcade racing game from the team that brought you the award-winning DiRT series, uncaged in 2012. Pick up and play controls combine with electrifying events, frenzied crowds and stunning graphics to deliver high octane, dive in and drive thrills from event one.

Alan Wake's American Nightmare - PC - In this brand new standalone experience, Alan Wake fights the herald of darkness, the evil Mr. Scratch! A thrilling new storyline, hordes of creepy enemies, serious firepower and beautiful Arizona locations, combined with a fun and challenging new game mode make this a must for Alan Wake veterans, and the perfect jumping on point for new players! Play the full-fledged Story Mode, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat as you fight to stop your murderous evil double to take back your life... and change reality itself! But there’s more to this nightmare – in the action-packed Arcade Mode, you’ll need to master the Fight with Light mechanic.]]> http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/week-video-games-15/feed/ 0