launch posts

You've probably been hearing buzz around the internet about Warhammer Online, and if you haven't then it's likely you will very soon. The game is launching today and with that comes the surge of new game discussion. This isn't anything new, as there was buzz around the Age of Conan launch, too. So why is this particular game so special that you'd want to know about it? Follow the break and I'll give you the low-down.

The game that reboots the Alone in the Dark franchise hit retail shelves in Europe on Friday. It will release in North America on Tuesday. The reviews are trickling in, and so far it sounds like the game is a work of flawed genius. But reviews aren't the only harbingers of the the imminent release; a new trailer and three gameplay videos hit the web over the weekend as well.

The trailer (embedded above) is long and epic. It shows off some of the game's spectacular production values. The three gameplay videos are very distinct. One shows melee combat and fire, another depicts the act of jacking a car and driving through a collapsing garage, and another still demonstrates some Prince of Persia-style ledge shuffling and platforming.

The expertly ported PC version of Mass Effect hit store shelves shelves today. Whether you still haven't picked it up, or you've already bought it but want to peak a few hours ahead, we have a new video for you, in "glorious high definition," to borrow what has by now become a cliché!

The 720p video depicts a female Colonel Shepherd and her team purging an underground lair of zombie-like Thorian enemies, inching closer to eliminating a sentient, mind-controlling plant hidden beneath the ramshackle homes of tragedy-stricken human colonists.

We won't spoil any of the finer narrative details for you, but check the video out; it offers a glimpse of the game's excellent third-person, tactical combat system.

Download the Mass Effect Combat Video 3 from Big Download.

If consoles are becoming a battleground of shooters, PC releases are fighting the war with an abundance of MMO titles.

This week brings us Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures from developer Funcom and publisher Edios Interactive. Promising over-the-top action and gore, Age of Conan looks to grab a piece of the lucrative online gaming space.

Also dropping this week is the first game based on the popular Penny Arcade license from Vancouver based Hothead Games. Episode One drops digitally via Play Green House and promises a solid 10ish-hour experience.

Full list of releases for the week ending May 24, including dates and links to stories for each title, available after the jump.