Big Download Blog http://news.bigdownload.com Big Download Blog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://news.bigdownload.com/media/feedlogo.gif Big Download Blog http://news.bigdownload.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[GoG.com adds Mob Rule to line up of games]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/gog-com-adds-mob-rule-to-line-up-of-games/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/gog-com-adds-mob-rule-to-line-up-of-games/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/gog-com-adds-mob-rule-to-line-up-of-games/#commentsFiled under:

GoG.com's list of classic PC games to purchase and download has increased by one today. The service announced that the title Mob Rule is now available giving folks a chance to try out this 1999 released game from developer Studio 3 Interactive and publisher Kalypso Media.

The game itself is kind of a sequel to a previous title also available on GoG.com, Constructor. Mob Rule is at its heart a city simulation game but this time you also have elements of organized crime to deal with. You can rise up in the ranks and become a "made man" if you complete various tasks. The game, which comes with a free soundtrack download, is now available from GoG.com for just $5.99.

GoG.com adds Mob Rule to line up of games originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gog.comKalypso-mediamob-rulestudio-3-interactiveTue, 09 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes: Going Rogue to be released in July]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/city-of-heroes-going-rogue-to-be-released-in-july/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/city-of-heroes-going-rogue-to-be-released-in-july/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/city-of-heroes-going-rogue-to-be-released-in-july/#commentsFiled under:

City of Heroes players may be getting a big content update for the game in April but today publisher NCsoft announced that the long awaited commercial expansion pack to the super hero MMO, Going Rogue, now has a July 2010 release date. The expansion pack, as we have reported on before, takes place in a parallel world called Praetoria where hero characters can become villains and vice versa. The beta test for the expansion will start this spring.

NCsoft has announced that beginning on March 2, City of Heroes players will be able to pre-order Going Rogue for $29.99. Those that do will get immediate access to a new Dual Pistols power set. They can also access a Demon Summoning power in April. NCsoft will also sell the City of Heroes Going Rogue Complete Collection for $39.99 for new players to the MMO. Those that purchase the collection will get access to exclusive in-game items including Alpha-Omega themed auras and costume sets, the Shadowy Presence power, and more.

City of Heroes: Going Rogue to be released in July originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguencsoftparagon-studiosTue, 09 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes to get revamped graphics in next free update]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/city-of-heroes-to-get-revamped-graphics-in-next-free-update/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/city-of-heroes-to-get-revamped-graphics-in-next-free-update/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/city-of-heroes-to-get-revamped-graphics-in-next-free-update/#commentsFiled under:

NCsoft's long running super hero MMO City of Heroes is getting a big graphics upgrade as part of its next free content update. The publisher announced today that "Issue 17" will bring the new Ultra Mode to the game that will let players see the game world with new shadows, lighting and water effects. You can check out the visual changes in the screenshot gallery below.

In addition to Ultra Mode, the Issue 17 update will have players fight a new enemy that will "match them blow for blow". The update, also titled Dark Mirror, will have new missions, new badges, new player emotes and allow for level 20 characters to have access to Epic Archetypes. The update will also have new UI improvements, updates to the game's Mission Architect feature and more. It will be made made available to the game's subscribers in April.

Gallery: City of Heroes Ultra Mode Screenshots

City of Heroes to get revamped graphics in next free update originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-heroes-issue-17dark-mirrorncsoftparagon-studiosTue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Download: Unreal Development Kit February 2010 Beta]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/download-unreal-development-kit-february-2010-beta/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/download-unreal-development-kit-february-2010-beta/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/download-unreal-development-kit-february-2010-beta/#commentsFiled under: ,


The Unreal Development Kit (UDK) beta, a free-to-use version of the Unreal Engine 3 development tools, has been updated with the latest updates and improvements. Continue reading after the jump for a complete list of changes and visit the official website for more information.

Download Unreal Development Kit February 2010 Beta (536 MB)
Check out all Unreal Development Kit related Downloads

Gallery: Unreal Development Kit

Continue reading Download: Unreal Development Kit February 2010 Beta

Download: Unreal Development Kit February 2010 Beta originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>development-toolepicgame-developmentudkunreal-development-kitunreal-engine-3Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Left 4 Dead 2 sells over 2.9 million copies in retail stores]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/left-4-dead-2-sells-over-2-9-million-copies-in-retail-stores/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/left-4-dead-2-sells-over-2-9-million-copies-in-retail-stores/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/left-4-dead-2-sells-over-2-9-million-copies-in-retail-stores/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Last December, Valve announced that their zombie co-op shooter Left 4 Dead 2 had sold over 2 million copies in retail stores in the game's first two weeks of release. This week, Electronic Arts, which distributed the game in retail stores, announced during their conference call to investors that the game has sold over 2.9 million copies worldwide for both the PC and Xbox 360 ports.

Naturally both these numbers do not include the number of PC copies of the game that have been sold directly via Valve's Steam client. Valve has kept those numbers completely secret but its likely that if added to the retail sales it would increase the total unit sales to well over 3 million copies.

Gallery: Left 4 Dead 2 Screenshots

Left 4 Dead 2 sells over 2.9 million copies in retail stores originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsleft-4-dead-2valvevalve-softwareTue, 09 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the third time the charm for Myst Online: Uru Live?]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/is-the-third-time-the-charm-for-myst-online-uru-live/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/is-the-third-time-the-charm-for-myst-online-uru-live/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/is-the-third-time-the-charm-for-myst-online-uru-live/#commentsFiled under:

Over the years we have seen a number of high profile MMO games bit the dust. The Sims Online, Shadowbane, The Maxtrix Online, and Tabula Rasa are just a few examples of titles that tried and failed to find an audience. Until this week we would have also put Myst Online: Uru Live as one of those titles but it seems this game has more lives than a virtual cat.

Cyan Worlds' adventure-themed MMO has already had two lives; as a multiplayer component for Uru: Ages Beyond Myst that didn't get past the beta stage. GameTap revived the game on their service in 2007 but shut it down a year later due to lack of subscribers. Now Cyan has turned Uru Live into an open source game project and have launched a free-to-play server (although they are taking donations). Will this unique way to relaunch an MMO succeed? Good question.

Is the third time the charm for Myst Online: Uru Live? originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyan-worldsmyst-online-uru-liveuru-ages-beyond-mysturu-liveTue, 09 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Has EA canceled Dead Space 2 for PC?]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/has-ea-canceled-dead-space-2-for-pc/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/has-ea-canceled-dead-space-2-for-pc/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/has-ea-canceled-dead-space-2-for-pc/#commentsFiled under:

In 2008 Electronic Arts released the first Dead Space game for the PC and we liked it. We liked it a lot. So we were happy to learn that the sequel, Dead Space 2, was also coming to the PC. However it looks like things may have changed. As part of EA's newly revealed schedule of upcoming games for their next fiscal year they announced that Dead Space 2 would be released in the first quarter of 2011 . . . but did not list the PC as one of its platforms.

Blue's News reports they heard back from an EA spokesperson who told them, "As of right now a PC sku is not in the plan". That's all they got out of the publisher so we have contacted EA for a more detailed explanation. We are hoping the PC port has just been pushed back rather than canceled.

Gallery: Dead Space 2 Screenshots

Has EA canceled Dead Space 2 for PC? originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-spacedead-space-2eaElectronic-Artsvisceral-gamesTue, 09 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo III female Monk officially revealed]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/diablo-iii-female-monk-officially-revealed/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/diablo-iii-female-monk-officially-revealed/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/diablo-iii-female-monk-officially-revealed/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Jace Hall Show had the honor of showing off the first images of the Diablo III female Monk character but now the action-RPG's official web site has made the look of the character official. The web page featuring the monk class is now showing the character art for the female version of the class.

There's also a look at what the character's visuals look like with the in-game character model. Both the concept art and the character render make the female monk look like a cross between Annie Lennox and Jennifer Love Hewitt. At least that's how it looks to us. Your mileage may vary.

Gallery: Diablo III Screenshots


Diablo III female Monk officially revealed originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentdiablo-3diablo-iiiTue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Future Soldier announced; confirmed for PC [Update]]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/tom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldier-announced-will-it-come/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/tom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldier-announced-will-it-come/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/09/tom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldier-announced-will-it-come/#commentsFiled under:

We had a feeling about this last week and for once we were right. Ubisoft has officially announced what they have been teasing us about for a year. A new Ghost Recon shooter game is in the works. Officially titled Ghost Recon Future Soldier, the game is due for release before the end of 2010. Ubisoft trademarked the title late last year.

Developed by Ubisoft's Paris studio, the publisher is keeping most details of the game to itself. It does state that the game will feature "prototype high-tech weaponry" and high end tech along with both single and multiplayer modes. There's no official word yet if the game will be released for the PC although almost all of the previous Ghost Recon games have been released for the PC platform.

Update: A "tweet" on the Twitter page of Ubisoft's community manager Kimi Matsuzaki states, "For those wondering: We will tell more about the PC version later." A later "tweet" seems to indicate the PC port will be released sometime after the console versions.

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Future Soldier announced; confirmed for PC [Update] originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghost-recontom-clancytom-clancys-ghost-recon-future-soldierubisoftTue, 09 Feb 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Sims and Spore games planned for the PC in 2011]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/new-sims-and-spore-games-planned-for-the-pc-in-2011/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/new-sims-and-spore-games-planned-for-the-pc-in-2011/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/new-sims-and-spore-games-planned-for-the-pc-in-2011/#commentsFiled under:

It's not a shock to learn that the best selling PC retail game of 2009 will be getting some follow up releases in the next year. As part of Electronic Arts' financial results today, their schedule of games for their next fiscal year shows some kind of new Sims game due for release in the first quarter of 2011 for the PC. From the placement on the schedule this may be some kind of new Sims game rather than just an expansion pack for 2009's The Sims 3.

Also due for release at the same time is a new Spore game from the publisher. EA hasn't been as generous about expanding 2008's alien evolution sim for the PC as they have with their Sims titles. The last expansion pack for the game was released last summer.

New Sims and Spore games planned for the PC in 2011 originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-maxisElectronic-Artsspore-creature-creatorthe-sims-3-world-adventuresMon, 08 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What does a "far reaching" plan for Mass Effect 2 mean?]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/what-does-a-far-reaching-plan-for-mass-effect-2-mean/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/what-does-a-far-reaching-plan-for-mass-effect-2-mean/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/what-does-a-far-reaching-plan-for-mass-effect-2-mean/#commentsFiled under: ,

During Electronic Arts' financial conference call with analysts, EA execs mentioned something in passing; they had "far reaching" plans for their just released sci-fi RPG Mass Effect 2 in their fiscal fourth quarter of 2011 (January-March 2011). While this may mean some kind of downloadable content for the game, the suggestion seems to be something more is in the works?

Is it a big expansion pack? Is it a full-fledged sequel to BioWare' acclaimed game (although that seems unlikely)? At the moment, EA is not saying what that "far reaching" statement means. An EA spokesperson would not comment to our sister site Joystiq on the matter, saying only, "Both Dragon Age and Mass Effect are referenced in the FY11 SKU plan." Hmmmm.....

Gallery: Mass Effect 2 Screenshots

What does a "far reaching" plan for Mass Effect 2 mean? originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaElectronic-Artsmass-effect-2-pcMon, 08 Feb 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms hits the 8 million registered player mark]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/free-realms-hits-the-8-million-registered-player-mark/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/free-realms-hits-the-8-million-registered-player-mark/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/free-realms-hits-the-8-million-registered-player-mark/#commentsFiled under:

Sony Online officially launched their free-to-play fantasy MMO Free Realms in April 2009 but today the publisher announced that in less than a year the game has hit the 8 million registered player mark. Since its launch the game has added a number of features including player housing as well as holding a number of live events such as the upcoming Valentine's Day themed Festival of Hearts.

While Free Realms has apparently been successful there's no word yet if Sony Online plan to extend the free-to-play model to upcoming games. Officially the publisher still has DC Universe Online and The Agency in development and the company has hinted about a major revamp of their Planetside game.

Free Realms hits the 8 million registered player mark originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmssony-onlinesony-online-entertainmentMon, 08 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Mass Effect 2 save games might not work in Mass Effect 3]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/some-mass-effect-2-save-games-might-not-work-in-mass-effect-3/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/some-mass-effect-2-save-games-might-not-work-in-mass-effect-3/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/some-mass-effect-2-save-games-might-not-work-in-mass-effect-3/#commentsFiled under: ,


BioWare's cool way that they incorporate save games from the original Mass Effect into the new Mass Effect 2 will continue when BioWare comes out with Mass Effect 3 in two year's time. But Game Informer points out that not all Mass Effect 2 save games will work with the third game in the sci-fi RPG trilogy.

The reason? If the main character Shepard gets killed at the end of Mass Effect 2, well, that's a problem. BioWare's Casey Hudson states, "If you have a dead Shepard at the end of Mass Effect 2, that saved game won't import into Mass Effect 3. You can play Mass Effect 3 if you died in Mass Effect 2 of course, but you'll have to create a new Shepard." That means Shepard is supposed to appear in all three games so players should not be cavalier about using him in Mass Effect 2.

Gallery: Mass Effect 2 Screenshots

Some Mass Effect 2 save games might not work in Mass Effect 3 originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bioware-MMOeaElectronic-Artsmass-effectmass-effect-2-pcmass-effect-3Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeon Fighter Online trailer pulls out its heavy hitting monsters]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/dungeon-fighter-online-trailer-pulls-out-its-heavy-hitting-monst/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/dungeon-fighter-online-trailer-pulls-out-its-heavy-hitting-monst/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/dungeon-fighter-online-trailer-pulls-out-its-heavy-hitting-monst/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Download Video

Dungeon Fighter Online recently went live with the Threshold of Power update, which raises the level cap to 50 and adds all-new abilities to the free-to-play side-scrolling online fighting game. Now that players have access to some fantastic upper-level powers, they need worthy creatures to use them on. As this video showing off some of the new boss monsters demonstrates, players will have plenty to challenges to punch and kick through.

Continue after the jump for a trailer showing off some of the new skills that are included in Threshold of Power along with some tips from the developers on how to overcome these bosses.

Download Dungeon Fighter Online 'High Level Monsters' Trailer (515 MB)
Download Dungeon Fighter Online 'Level 50 Skills' Trailer (206 MB)
Check out all Dungeon Fighter Online downloads

Gallery: Dungeon Fighter Online

Continue reading Dungeon Fighter Online trailer pulls out its heavy hitting monsters

Dungeon Fighter Online trailer pulls out its heavy hitting monsters originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dungeon-fighter-onlinefree-to-playnexonthreshold-of-powertrailerMon, 08 Feb 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Steam puts nearly all Total War games on sale this week]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/steam-puts-nearly-all-total-war-games-on-sale-this-week/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/steam-puts-nearly-all-total-war-games-on-sale-this-week/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/steam-puts-nearly-all-total-war-games-on-sale-this-week/#commentsFiled under:

Valve's Steam service starts their price cuts a little earlier than usual this week with the announcement that nearly all of the Total War games on their service are on sale from now until next Monday. The historical RTS game series from developer The Creative Assembly is composed of several games and three of them (Rome: Total War, Medieval II: Total War and Empire Total War) are a part of the Steam sale this week.

Those games as well as the Rome and Medieval II expansion packs are all 66 percent off for the entire week and the Total War Mega Pack which has all five games is 66 percent of as well. In additional, the downloadable extras for Empire Total War are all 10 percent off this week. This sale does not include Napoleon: Total War which is available for pre-order before its release later this month.

Steam puts nearly all Total War games on sale this week originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Empire-Total-Warempire-total-war-dlcmedieval-total-war-2rome-total-warsegathe-creative-assemblytotal-warMon, 08 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Mass Effect 2 armor and weapon coming Tuesday]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/free-mass-effect-2-armor-and-weapon-coming-tuesday/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/free-mass-effect-2-armor-and-weapon-coming-tuesday/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/free-mass-effect-2-armor-and-weapon-coming-tuesday/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BioWare promised last week that some free downloads would be coming for Mass Effect 2 players and today they revealed that a new armor and a new weapon will be made available via the game's Cerberus Network sometime on Tuesday. The first item, the Cerberus assault armor, increase health, sheilds and heavy weapon ammo by 10 percent for the player character that uses it.

The new weapon that will be included in the update is the M-22a Eviscerator Shotgun which uses armor-piercing rounds and has a longer range than normal shotguns. If you use it be aware that this weapon "violates several intergalactic weapons treaties." Which of course makes us want this even more.

Gallery: Mass Effect 2 Screenshots

Free Mass Effect 2 armor and weapon coming Tuesday originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaElectronic-Artsmass-effect-2-pcthe-cerberus-networkMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Medal of Honor game now due in third quarter 2010]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/next-medal-of-honor-game-now-due-in-third-quarter-2010/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/next-medal-of-honor-game-now-due-in-third-quarter-2010/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/next-medal-of-honor-game-now-due-in-third-quarter-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,

It looks like Electronic Arts is going back to war a bit faster than anticipated. During their financial press release today, the publisher announced that their next Medal of Honor game is now currently scheduled to be released in their second 2011 fiscal quarter, which means a third quarter 2010 calendar release (between July and September).

The game's earlier release is perhaps a way for EA to get the game out before Activision releases their next Call of Duty game which, while not officially announced is expected to be released in the fall quarter of 2010. As we have reported before, the new Medal of Honor game is set in modern day Afghanistan and will feature a single player campaign made by EA's Los Angeles studios and multiplayer modes made by Digital Illusions.

Next Medal of Honor game now due in third quarter 2010 originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DICEdigital-illusionseaEaLandElectronic-Artsmedal-of-honorMon, 08 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA cuts losses in latest financial results but still below expectations]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/ea-cuts-losses-in-latest-financial-results-but-still-below-expec/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/ea-cuts-losses-in-latest-financial-results-but-still-below-expec/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/ea-cuts-losses-in-latest-financial-results-but-still-below-expec/#commentsFiled under:

Electronic Arts has cut its losses for its last fiscal quarter but the final numbers were still below expectations from financial analysts. Today EA announced that revenues from their third fiscal quarter 2010 (which ended December 31, 2009) came in at $1.243 billion. This compares to revenues of $1.654 billion for the same period a year ago.

EA still suffered a net loss of $82 million for the past quarter but that's still a lot better than the loss of $641 million for the same period a year ago. EA had already warned investors that their quarter results would be below their previous predictions due in part to lower than expected holiday game sales.

EA cuts losses in latest financial results but still below expectations originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-ArtsMon, 08 Feb 2010 17:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Second R.U.S.E dev video writes a great story]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/second-r-u-s-e-dev-video-writes-a-great-story/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/second-r-u-s-e-dev-video-writes-a-great-story/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/second-r-u-s-e-dev-video-writes-a-great-story/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Download HD Video

The second Making of R.U.S.E video introduces viewers to scriptwriter Jeff Spock, who talks about the storyline (which involves World War II generals trying to outsmart each other) and the challenges of writing for a video game. For more information, viewers can check out the first video, which discusses the game's unique technology.

R.U.S.E is a strategy game that emphasizes deception and bluffing the enemy. It is expected to release sometime in the spring.

Download HD The Making of R.U.S.E, Part 2 (92 MB)
Download HD The Making of R.U.S.E, Part 1 (120 MB)
Check out all R.U.S.E. downloads

Gallery: RUSE Screenshots

Second R.U.S.E dev video writes a great story originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-scenesdeveloper-diaryeugen-systemjeff-spockrtsrusestrategyubisoftvideoMon, 08 Feb 2010 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic-People Can Fly game due in first quarter 2011]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/epic-people-can-fly-game-due-in-first-quarter-2011/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/epic-people-can-fly-game-due-in-first-quarter-2011/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/epic-people-can-fly-game-due-in-first-quarter-2011/#commentsFiled under:

In the summer of 2008, Electronic Arts announced they would be publishing a new action game from developer Epic Games and their subsidiary People Can Fly (creators of the original Painkiller). Little has been revealed about the game since that announcement. Today, however, EA has confirmed a first quarter 2011 time frame for the game's release.

That falls inside EA's fourth quarter 2011 fiscal time schedule. Interestingly EA's press release states that the game will be a co-publishing deal but there's no word yet on what the other publisher will be. Last December, People Can Fly registered the name "Bulletstorm" but there's no word if that title is the one that will be used for this game.

Epic-People Can Fly game due in first quarter 2011 originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsepic-gamespeople-can-flyMon, 08 Feb 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Three upcoming Need For Speed PC games in a year? [Update]]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/three-need-for-speed-pc-games-in-a-year/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/three-need-for-speed-pc-games-in-a-year/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/three-need-for-speed-pc-games-in-a-year/#commentsFiled under:

For a short while it looks like Electronic Arts might abandon, or at least put on hold, their Need For Speed racing franchise after the poor critical notices and sales of 2008's Need For Speed Undercover. But the series got a lift thank to the release of Need For Speed Shift last year. Now as part of EA's financial press release today, they apparently have plans to release three Need For Speed games for the PC platform in their fiscal 2011 year.

Due out in the first fiscal quarter (April-June 2010) is the previously announced free-to-play game Need For Speed World Online. Two more games in the series will be released in the fall 2010 calendar quarter as well as the first quarter of the calendar year of 2011. It's very possible that one of those games will be developed by Criterion Games which has already been revealed as making a new Need For Speed game.

Update: During their financial conference call EA execs did confim that the Criterion-developed Need For Speed game would be released in the fourth quarter.

Three upcoming Need For Speed PC games in a year? [Update] originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterion-gameseaElectronic-Artsneed-for-speedNeed-For-Speed-World-OnlineMon, 08 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 2 due in fourth quarter 2010]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/crysis-2-due-in-fourth-quarter-2010/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/crysis-2-due-in-fourth-quarter-2010/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/crysis-2-due-in-fourth-quarter-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,

Looks like we will be putting on the Nanosuit to combat some aliens by the end of the year. As part of their financial press release today, Electronic Arts announced that Crysis 2, the sequel to the sci-fi first person shooter from developer Crytek, will be coming out in EA's fiscal 2011 third quarter. That's the same as the fourth quarter 2010 calendar year (October-December).

As we have reported before, this will be the first game in the series that will be released for consoles as well as the PC. It's also the first game to use Crytek's CryEngine 3 technology . Crysis 2 is supposed to move the setting of the first game from a tropical Pacific island to the urban jungle of New York City.

Crysis 2 due in fourth quarter 2010 originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cryengine-3crysis-2crytek-ukeaElectronic-ArtsMon, 08 Feb 2010 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New Dragon Age game coming in first quarter 2011 [Update]]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/new-dragon-age-game-coming-in-first-quarter-2011/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/new-dragon-age-game-coming-in-first-quarter-2011/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/new-dragon-age-game-coming-in-first-quarter-2011/#commentsFiled under: ,

Electronic Arts is apparently very pleased with the release of BioWare's fantasy RPG Dragon Age Origins. So much so in fact that the publisher has already revealed in their new fiscal 2011 release schedule their plans to release a new game in the franchise sometime in their fourth fiscal quarter. That is equal to a first quarter 2011 (January-March) calendar release date.

Dragon Age Origins was a major critical hit when it was released in November 2009 and the game has already spawned a number of paid downloadable content expansions. A retail expansion, Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening, is due for release in March.

Update: During their financial conference call EA exec stated that Dragon Age Origins sold 2.7 million copies worldwide. That total includes both PC and console sales.

Gallery: Dragon Age Origins Screenshots

New Dragon Age game coming in first quarter 2011 [Update] originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaredragon-agedragon-age-originseaElectronic-ArtsMon, 08 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[All Points Bulletin officially delayed to third quarter 2010]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/all-points-bulletin-officially-delayed-to-third-quarter-2010/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/all-points-bulletin-officially-delayed-to-third-quarter-2010/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/all-points-bulletin-officially-delayed-to-third-quarter-2010/#commentsFiled under:

We were expecting this to happen but now its official. All Points Bulletin (APB) the urban themed shooter MMO from developer Real Time Worlds, will not make its previously announced first quarter 2010 release date. As part of their financial press announcement, the game's publisher Electronic Arts has now confirmed that they are now targeting a release sometime in the third quarter of 2010 (July-September) (or EA's fiscal 2011 second quarter).

Real Time Worlds has apparently already begun closed beta testing for APB last fall. The developer has been pretty silent on the game's status for some time but if EA sticks with this current time line for APB's release we should be getting more news on the game's progress soon.

Gallery: All Points Bulletin (APB)

All Points Bulletin officially delayed to third quarter 2010 originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapp storeAppStoreeaElectronic-Artsreal-time-worldsMon, 08 Feb 2010 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft: Sequel to Tom Clancy's EndWar "on the backburner"]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/ubisoft-sequel-to-tom-clancys-endwar-on-the-backburner/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/ubisoft-sequel-to-tom-clancys-endwar-on-the-backburner/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/ubisoft-sequel-to-tom-clancys-endwar-on-the-backburner/#commentsFiled under:

Ubisoft had high hopes for Tom Clancy's EndWar when it was first released for consoles in 2008 and for the PC in 2009. Before it came out the publisher said the near-future military RTS game would be a revolution for games due to its use of voice commands for controlling the game's units. However the final product was slammed by critics for being too simple in its gameplay design.

While Ubisoft creative director Michael De Plater stated last year that sales of the game were good enough to warrant a sequel, VG247.com now quotes him as saying, "It's on the backburner" when asked about the status of an EndWar sequel. It's possible that Ubisoft's worse than expected financial results have put a number of upcoming games on hold.

Ubisoft: Sequel to Tom Clancy's EndWar "on the backburner" originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>endwarendwar-2tom-clancys-endwarubisoftMon, 08 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka trailer shows a game unlike any other... or is it?]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/magicka-trailer-shows-a-game-unlike-any-other-or-is-it/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/magicka-trailer-shows-a-game-unlike-any-other-or-is-it/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/magicka-trailer-shows-a-game-unlike-any-other-or-is-it/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Download HD Video

Magicka is a action fantasy game that satirizes action RPG adventures. In it, up to four players can come together and combine their powers to cooperatively overcome great obstacles - although it's quite possible for allies to fall "accidentally" fall victim to friend-fire. This humor-themed action adventure game is expected to release sometime late this year. Continue after the jump to watch another trailer and an interview with developer Johan Pilestedt, CEO of the Arrowhead Games Studios, who goes in-depth on the gameplay features of Magicka.

"In Magicka, up to four players take on a grand adventure to save their world from certain doom using a fully dynamic spell system. The adventure mode takes the players across three different levels, ranging from the lush forests of mountain valleys to the frozen halls of the Mountain King where wits and creative thinking are keys to victory. "

Download HD Magicka Trailer (66 MB)
Download HD Magicka Teaser Trailer (66 MB)
Download HD Magicka 'Johan Pilestedt' Interview Video (94 MB)

Gallery: Magicka Screenshots

Continue reading Magicka trailer shows a game unlike any other... or is it?

Magicka trailer shows a game unlike any other... or is it? originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-games-studiosinterviewjohan-pilestedtmagickaparadox-interactivetrailervideoMon, 08 Feb 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shattered Horizon offers update and screenshots for next expansion]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/shattered-horizon-offers-update-and-screenshots-for-next-expansi/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/shattered-horizon-offers-update-and-screenshots-for-next-expansi/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/shattered-horizon-offers-update-and-screenshots-for-next-expansi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's been a while since we have heard anything new on the Shattered Horizon front but today the zero-g first person shooter's developer Futuremark Games Studio offered an update and new screenshots from the upcoming free Moonbase expansion pack.

As we have reported before the free expansion will contain four new maps which when released will double the number of levels in the full game. The locations include a mass driver installation, a lunar hotel, a communication dish that was once on the Moon and a cargo ship. There's still no word on when the Moonbase expansion pack will be made available. Last December it was revealed that layoffs had occurred at Futuremark Games Studios although it was not clear how many people on the team were dismissed.

Gallery: Shattered Horizon


Shattered Horizon offers update and screenshots for next expansion originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>futuremark-games-studioshattered-horizonshattered-horizon-moonbaseMon, 08 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix reports solid financial results]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/square-enix-reports-solid-financial-results/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/square-enix-reports-solid-financial-results/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/square-enix-reports-solid-financial-results/#commentsFiled under: ,

Japanese-based game publisher Square Enix seems to be avoiding some of the issues that have hit other game publishers recently, at least in terms of financial results. The company announced that for the first nine months of their current fiscal year, revenues were up by 31 percent compared to the same time period a year ago. Net profits were also up 48 percent compared to a year ago.

Square Enix, which bought Eidos in 2009, is now saying their full fiscal year, which ends on March 31, will see their revenues up 33 percent and their net income up a whopping 58 percent compared to their last fiscal year. Square Enix has Supreme Commander 2 coming out March 2 and Just Cause 2 under their Eidos brand on March 23

Square Enix reports solid financial results originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eidosjust-cause-2square-enixsupreme-commander-2Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dudebro II announced; Duke Nukem's voice actor in cast]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/dudebro-ii-announced-duke-nukems-voice-actor-in-cast/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/dudebro-ii-announced-duke-nukems-voice-actor-in-cast/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/dudebro-ii-announced-duke-nukems-voice-actor-in-cast/#commentsFiled under: ,

First, we don't think this is a way early April Fool's joke but on the surface it certainly could pass for one. A newly announced game development company called Grimoire Assembly Forge (made up of 100 forum posters at the NeoGAF message boards) has revealed its first game project; a free browser based title called (deep breath) "Dudebro - My S*** Is F***** Up So I Got to Shoot/Slice You II: It's Straight-Up Dawg Time" (exhale).

Yep, this game is designed to be a parody of a number of typical gaming cliches. Even the game's title makes it a sequel to a game that wasn't released because "sequels are always more awesome than original games - as all hardcore gamer dudes know." The 3D top down shooter will have John Dudebro as the lead character along with his sidekick Habemus Chicken. They will have to fight off a number of enemies that "threatens the world's brodiocity." The press release says that while paying tribute to previous games, it will also give some respect to the old school action genre with "power-ups, pixel art story sequences and ridiculous boss fights."

The game, which will use the Unity 3D engine, has also secured the voice talents of Jon St/ John who is best known as the voice of 3d Realms' Duke Nukem character. Dudebro II is due for release later this summer.

[Via Blue's News]

Dudebro II announced; Duke Nukem's voice actor in cast originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dudebrodudebro-iiduke-nukemGrimoire-Assembly-Forgejon-st-johnneogafunity-3dunity-engineMon, 08 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Championship Manager Online to shut down April 30]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/championship-manager-online-to-shut-down-april-30/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/championship-manager-online-to-shut-down-april-30/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/championship-manager-online-to-shut-down-april-30/#commentsFiled under: ,

European football management gamer fans will soon have one less outlet to play on. This past weekend the Championship Manager Online web site's forums announced that the game, developed by Sweden based Jadestone, would shut down its servers on April 30. The forum post put the blame on low user numbers for the game which launched in 2005, saying, "It just wasn't enough to fit a strategic plan somewhere."

The ultimate decision to shut down the game came from Eidos and the forum post stated, "The decision was made unilaterally by them, and we are not at liberty to comment on any reasoning. " It's important to point out that this decision will likely not affect the regular yearly Championship Manager game series.

Championship Manager Online to shut down April 30 originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championship-manager-onlineeidosjadestoneMon, 08 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Natural Selection 2 pre-alpha video footage has teeth]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/natural-selection-2-pre-alpha-video-footage-has-teeth/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/natural-selection-2-pre-alpha-video-footage-has-teeth/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/natural-selection-2-pre-alpha-video-footage-has-teeth/#commentsFiled under: ,

The indie spirit of developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment continues as they work on their sci-fi FPS-RTS hybrid game Natural Selection 2. The developer has been pretty shy about releasing actual media from the game but this weekend they posted a brief gameplay trailer on YouTube.

The pre-alpha footage, which can be seen after the jump, shows off some space marine action which includes showing off some auto-cannon action. It also shows some brief alien battle action that really has some teeth behind it. As we have reported before,the developer is letting its in-house level editor be released for anyone who pre-orders the game. Natural Selection 2 is due for release later this year.

Gallery: Natural Selection 2

Continue reading Natural Selection 2 pre-alpha video footage has teeth

Natural Selection 2 pre-alpha video footage has teeth originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>natural-selection-2unknown-worldsunknown-worlds-entertainmentMon, 08 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars announced]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/lego-star-wars-iii-the-clone-wars-announced/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/lego-star-wars-iii-the-clone-wars-announced/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/lego-star-wars-iii-the-clone-wars-announced/#commentsFiled under:

LucasArts loves their Lego-based games. After releasing several games based on the six Star Wars movies and two Indiana Jones games, the publisher is teaming up once again with developer Traveller's Tales for the latest game in the series, Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars. The game is based on the popular CGI animated series that's in its second year on the Cartoon Network.

The game itself will not only feature characters from the TV series but some characters from the Star Wars movies as well. You can also expect to use extra abilities like long distance Jedi attacks, lightsaber slicing and more. The game is due for release for the PC and pretty much every other game platforms this fall.

Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars announced originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lego-star-warslego-star-wars-iii-the-clone-warslucasartstravellers-talesMon, 08 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield Bad Company 2 and Global Agenda top Steam weekly sale list]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/battlefield-bad-company-2-and-global-agenda-top-steam-weekly-sal/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/battlefield-bad-company-2-and-global-agenda-top-steam-weekly-sal/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/battlefield-bad-company-2-and-global-agenda-top-steam-weekly-sal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Pre-orders for the PC version of Battlefield Bad Company 2 continue to do well on Steam. The latest weekly top 10 sales list for the download service shows the upcoming first person shooter at the number one position. However, the indie FPS MMO Global Agenda from Hi-Rez Studios came in at number two for the past week. The game officially launched on February 1. Steam is currently the only place to download the game (Hi-Rez is also selling a box copy via Amazon.com).

BioShock 2, due for release next week, comes in at number three on the list with Mass Effect 2 and Modern Warfare 2 at number four and five, respectively: The full list is as follows:

1. Battlefield Bad Company 2 - Digital Illusions/EA
2. Global Agenda - Hi-Rez Studios
3. BioShock 2 - 2K Marin/2K Games
4. Mass Effect 2 - BioWare/EA
5. Modern Warfare 2 - Infinity Ward/Activision
6. Aliens Vs Predator - Rebellion/Sega
7. Mass Effect 2 Digital Deluxe Edition - BioWare/EA
8. Titan Quest Gold - THQ
9. Left 4 Dead 2 - Valve
10. Star Trek Online Digital Deluxe Edition - Cryptic Studios/Atari

Battlefield Bad Company 2 and Global Agenda top Steam weekly sale list originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-bad-company-2bioshock-2call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2global-agendamass-effect-2modern-warfare-2steamMon, 08 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week In PC Games: February 8-14]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/this-week-in-pc-games-february-8-14/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/this-week-in-pc-games-february-8-14/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/08/this-week-in-pc-games-february-8-14/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This week's new PC game releases include a sequel to an acclaimed first person shooter, a mini-expansion to a great space strategy game and a downloadable action game based on a long running sci-fi TV and movie franchise that isn't Star Trek. In addition to those games, players will be able to download a unit add-on for Empire: Total War (Elite Units of the East) and a new game in the Galcon strategy game series (Galcon Fusion). Also scheduled to ship to stores this week is Windchaser, a fantasy RPG that was first released in Europe back in 2008.

BioShock 2: 2K Marin takes on the first person shooter franchise with this sequel to the 2007 game that was first created by Irrational Games. The single player game takes place 10 years after the original with the player now in the role of a prototype Big Daddy in the underwater city of Rapture. The sequel also has a multiplayer mode, developed by Digital Extremes, that takes place just before the fall of Rapture.

Gallery: BioShock 2 Screenshots


Continue reading This Week In PC Games: February 8-14

This Week In PC Games: February 8-14 originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-2empire-total-war-elite-units-of-the-eastgalcon-fusionSins-of-a-Solar-Empiresins-of-a-solar-empire-diplomacysins-of-a-solar-empire-trinitystargate-resistancewindchaserMon, 08 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Best of Big Download: February 1-7]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/the-best-of-big-download-february-1-7/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/the-best-of-big-download-february-1-7/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/the-best-of-big-download-february-1-7/#commentsFiled under:

Hey, how about that big game with the two teams? And wow, what about all that snow, huh? And . . . oh we will never be a stand up comic. Just check out Big Download's highlights for the last week.
Exclusive features

Continue reading The Best of Big Download: February 1-7

The Best of Big Download: February 1-7 originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Art of Tomb Raider limited edition art book announced]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/art-of-tomb-raider-limited-edition-art-book-announced/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/art-of-tomb-raider-limited-edition-art-book-announced/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/art-of-tomb-raider-limited-edition-art-book-announced/#commentsFiled under: ,


There's no doubt that one of the most well known and most influential game series of all time are the Tomb Raider titles from Eidos (now owned by Square Enix). Now comes word that a limited edition book, The Art of Tomb Raider, is being prepped for release early in March.

Published by Dreams and Visions Press, the book will be shipped as two hardcovers put inside a slipcase with artwork that you can see above. The two hardcovers will feature over 500 total pages containing "every significant piece of Tomb Raider art from all the games." Only 2,000 copies of the book will be released and will be priced at $110.

Art of Tomb Raider limited edition art book announced originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-of-tomb-raiderEidoslara-croftSquare-Enixtomb-raiderSun, 07 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Just Cause 2 demo confirmed for PC]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/just-cause-2-demo-confirmed-for-pc/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/just-cause-2-demo-confirmed-for-pc/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/just-cause-2-demo-confirmed-for-pc/#commentsFiled under:

Usually open world action games don't get the demo treatment but that apparently won't be the case with Just Cause 2. The upcoming sequel to the Avalanche Studios-developed game will indeed be getting a playable demo.

The info comes from the Twitter page of Eidos community manager Mike Oldman who later "tweeted" that the demo would indeed be released for the PC in addition to its console platforms. There's no word yet on when the demo will be released or what content will be contained in it although Oldman did say, in his humble opinion, that "it's awesome". The full game is still due to ship to store on March 23.

Gallery: Just Cause 2


Just Cause 2 demo confirmed for PC originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avalanche-studiosediosjust-cause-2just-cause-2-demosquare-enix-europeSun, 07 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online novel details revealed]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/star-trek-online-novel-details-revealed/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/star-trek-online-novel-details-revealed/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/star-trek-online-novel-details-revealed/#commentsFiled under: ,

A while back it was revealed that the just launched MMO Star Trek Online would be getting a tie-in novel from Pocket Books. Now more info on that tie-in novel, The Needs of the Many, has been posted on the web site of Pocket Book's parent company Simon and Schuster.

The novel itself seems to center on a conflict between the Federation and Species 8472 (first introduced in the Star Trek Voyager TV series). Interestingly it looks like the novel will be co-written by a fictional character, Jake Sisko. He's the grown up son of Star Trek Deep Space Nine's lead character Captain Ben Sisko. The novel, who lists frequent Trek novelist Michael A Martin as the "other" co-writer, is due for release in late March.

Gallery: Star Trek Online Screenshots


Star Trek Online novel details revealed originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ataricryptic-studiospocket-booksStar-Trek-MMOstar-trek-onlinestar-trek-online-the-needs-of-the-manySun, 07 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroes of Neweth official release date coming in April?]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/heroes-of-neweth-official-release-date-coming-in-april/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/heroes-of-neweth-official-release-date-coming-in-april/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/heroes-of-neweth-official-release-date-coming-in-april/#commentsFiled under: ,

While technically Heroes of Neweth has been in closed beta for several months, it's been pretty easy to gain access to the beta for S2 Games' upcoming Defense of the Ancients-inspired multiplayer RTS game. We've been awaiting word on when when the final commercial game will be released and in a recent fan podcast call HoNCast some info was revealed about the game's final release date.

S2 Games' marketing manager Laura Baker stated during the podcast that the open beta for the game would be ready "soon" and that S2 Games was going to hold a launch party for Heroes of Newerth on March 25 in San Fransisco. While that date may not be when the actual game is released, she stated they are looking at the month of April for the final commercia version of the game to be ready. As we have reported before the final version will be sold for $30.

Gallery: Heroes Of Newerth Screenshots


Heroes of Neweth official release date coming in April? originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defense-of-the-ancientsheroes-of-newerths2-gamesSun, 07 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock 2 action figures and props ship to stores]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/bioshock-2-action-figures-and-props-ship-to-stores/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/bioshock-2-action-figures-and-props-ship-to-stores/http://news.bigdownload.com/2010/02/07/bioshock-2-action-figures-and-props-ship-to-stores/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Last July it was announced that the action figure company NECA would release action figures based on BioShock 2. Now comes word that those action figures have begun to ship to stores. Obviously their release are being timed with the release of the 2K Marin-Digital Extremes first person shooter sequel.

In fact one of the figures, the Big Daddy Deluxe version, has been in stores since November. The BioShock 2 series 1 figures are now avaiable which include the Big Sister and Subject Delta (the player character). In addition NECA is selling two life-sized game props; a Big Daddy plush toy and a Eve Hypo Syringe. You can order all the action figures and props at the NECA web site.

Gallery: BioShock 2 Screenshots


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Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-games2k-marinbioshock-2bioshock-2-action-figuresnecaSun, 07 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST