14 contents

Games Slip
To 2015, But 2014
Holds Strong
E
3 was an interesting battleground this
year, despite the fact that the press con-
ferences were average, the news was
predictable, and the videos were (mostly)
pre-rendered. Surprisingly, for how safe it all
felt, I’m excited about the holiday ahead.
Our annual E3 Hot 50 (pg. 36) sheds light
on what we loved from the show. The list
of games we had to choose from was long,
ANDY McNAMARA and that’s a good thing. A lot of high-quality
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF games are on the horizon, and that news
andy@gameinformer.com should put a smile on any gamer’s face.
While there is always a moment of dis-
appointment for all the games that slipped
Read my column or
out of 2014 and into 2015, this holiday should
comment on this letter at
still have a great selection of releases.
gameinformer.com/mag or
October alone is just insane (assuming there
follow @GI_AndyMc
are no additional delays), with Dragon Age:
Inquisition, Alien: Isolation, Evolve, Assassin’s
Creed Unity, Middle-earth: Shadow of
Mordor, Battlefield: Hardline, Super Smash
Bros. (3DS), Sunset Overdrive, The Evil
Within, DriveClub, Bayonetta 2, Skylanders:
Trap Team…and that doesn’t include any
“fall” releases that might hit or digital-only
games that tend to get release dates at the
last second. It also doesn’t take into account
games like Destiny that hit in September, or
Far Cry 4 or Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
that release in November. Make sure you clear
your calendars and stock up the fridge.
When you look at the games that slipped
into 2015 combined with all the announce-
ments from E3, it looks like next year could
see more groundbreaking titles than we’ve
seen in over a decade (though I suspect a
few will slip into 2016).
While E3 may have lacked some flash,
there are an amazing number of games on
the horizon, including Battleborn, which
visit gameinformer.com daily for the latest and greatest, and follow @gameinformer on Twitter

skipped E3 to grace our cover this month

(pg. 24). While other games at E3 brought
trailers, we sat down and played Battleborn,
and I’m excited to say that Gearbox is trying
to change the way we look at cooperative
first-person shooters again.
Enjoy the issue. More than 90 games
are featured in the pages ahead, so if
you can’t find something to love you are
reading the wrong magazine.

Cheers,

Battleborn
Gearbox has developed a new IP with a universe’s worth of
characters, all waiting to fight one another for the last star in the
cosmos. It’s a hero-based competitive and co-op multiplayer
shooter that you will only find on new-generation consoles, and
we have the first details. by Tim Turi
2
 games index

A Story About My Uncle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Alien: Isolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Among the Sleep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Assassin’s Creed Unity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Axiom Verge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Batman: Arkham Knight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Battleborn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Battlefield: Hardline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Battleheart Legacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

08 94
Bayonetta 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
E3 2014 Reports Below . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Bloodborne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Civilization: Beyond Earth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Code Name S.T.E.A.M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
CounterSpy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Crackdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Crew, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Dawngate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Dead Island 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Deep Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Destiny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
2014 Division, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Hot 50
Doom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Dragon Age: Inquisition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Dreadnought . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

86
DriveClub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Photophile Dying Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
EarthNight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
EA Sports UFC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Entwined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Evil Within, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Evolve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Fable Legends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Far Cry 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Fenix Rage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
FIFA 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Forza Horizon 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Galak-Z: The Dimensional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Gauntlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Grand Theft Auto V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Grid Autosport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Halo 5: Guardians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

36 93 Halo: The Master Chief Collection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Helldivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
90
76
Homefront: The Revolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Hyper Light Drifter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Hyrule Warriors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
#IDARB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Inside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Legend of Zelda, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Let it Die . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
LittleBigPlanet 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Madden NFL 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Mass Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Mirror’s Edge 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Mortal Kombat X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Murdered: Soul Suspect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
95 Valiant Hearts: The Great War 18 The Indies Of E3 2014 Never Alone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
[New BioWare IP] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
[New Criterion Project] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
No Man’s Sky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

regulars Order: 1886, The. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ori and the Blind Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
68
60
Phantom Dust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Pillars of Eternity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

»Readers
4 Feedback
share their
»E3 82014
Connect
offered an impres-
»As 36 Previews
we do every year, we’ve
»This92month
Reviews
we solve a
Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire. . . . . . . . . . . .
Pushmo World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
88
97
Rainbow Six Siege. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
enthusiasm for empathy sive look at what we can gathered a list of our 50 mystery from the other side Rise of the Tomb Raider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Scalebound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
games, question criticism expect from the new gen- favorite titles we saw at E3 in Murdered: Soul Suspect, Skylanders: Trap Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
of buggy goat simulators, eration of gaming consoles. 2014 and order them from take a look at the latest Splatoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Star Wars: Battlefront . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
and demand to know why We take a look at the our favorite, to not quite entry in the Grid series, see Sunset Overdrive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Texas doesn’t get blown up press conferences of the our favorite, but still worth World War I from a different Super Smash Bros. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Super Ultra Dead Rising 3
more in video games. big publishers, remark on getting excited about. We angle in Valiant Hearts: The Arcade Remix Hyper Edition DX Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Tomodachi Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
virtual reality’s presence at also round up the games Great War, and try to wrap Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
the show, and highlight a that weren’t playable at the our head around Nintendo’s Valiant Hearts: The Great War. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Velocity 2X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
few indie titles we thought show, but we can’t wait to bizarre Tomodachi Life. WildStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
stood out. get our hands on. Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Witness, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
World of Warships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
CORRECTION: In our FIFA 15 preview in issue 255, we mistakenly attributed “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and the Yellow Wall to Arsenal and Xenoblade Chronicles X. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Bayern Munich. They belong to the teams/fans of Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, respectively. Our apologies to the teams and their fans. Yoshi’s Woolly World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

contents 3
feedback
Based on the letters we received this month, empathy games
and couch co-op are extremely popular with our readers. And
goat simulators. Platform-exclusive content? Not so much…

Story Time The New System Seller? Gaming For All

I just read your Call of Duty: Advanced After watching this year’s E3 press conferences I read your article “Creating Controllers For
Warfare cover story. I’m a huge Battlefield and your video recaps, I’m very excited for the All Disabilities” in issue 254, and I honestly
fan, but I’ll admit, Call of Duty’s single- fantastic and long-awaited explosion of games almost cried. The amount of effort that
player campaigns are always better than on the horizon. However, I was disappointed Special Effect puts into helping out those
Battlefield’s forgettable campaigns. When with the large amount of platform-exclusive who are unable to use a conventional con-
I read how Sledgehammer is approaching content being released for many of these troller is incredible. Their constant monitoring
the story, I was deeply impressed. But then upcoming games. For example, PS4 owners of each developing case is very touching,
I realized something. Isn’t it pointless to make will get some pretty cool extras with Destiny, and it makes me so happy that there are
a campaign for a game that many people including a special edition system, early beta people who go above and beyond to help
only play for the multiplayer? My dad and his access, etc., while Xbox owners have always others. Thank you for the article; it absolutely
friends are huge Call of Duty fans, but they gotten new DLC for the Call of Duty games made my day.
openly admit that they couldn’t care less first. Sometimes a system even gets extra mis- Corey Mattingly
about the story. I know Advanced Warfare’s sions, such as with Watch Dogs. At that point via email
promising campaign won’t be easy to make, it seems like developers are punishing gamers
and many are going to overlook it. Do you for purchasing one system over the other. It I just want to tell you guys how happy I am
think it’s worth the effort? seems like it’s all about which company will pay that there is a company like Special Effect
A.J. Figueroa more for exclusive content just so they can say out there! I say this because I am paralyzed
via email it’s better on their system. from the waist down due to a plane crash.
Andrew Long When I lost the ability to play sports, it was
While Call of Duty’s multiplayer offer- via email devastating, but I have always had video
ings are the primary destination for many games to help me deal with it. I always
fans, many gamers still enjoy the series’ That’s exactly what it’s about, Andrew. thought about what it must be like for the
bombastic single-player campaigns. Due to the rising cost of game development, people I have met who are paralyzed from
Perhaps the extra attention and effort console manufacturers are less willing to the neck down. I wished there was some-
Sledgehammer is spending on Advanced shell out the cash necessary to secure a thing I could do to help them also have video
Warfare’s narrative will convince some third-party exclusive title anymore. Instead, games to escape or better deal with their
new players to check out the solo con- they complement their first-party offerings trials. I just heard of Special Effect today and
tent, but either way, we can’t really fault with timed exclusives or DLC – a practice we will give donations to them for many years
the developer for trying to offer gamers don’t see disappearing anytime soon. While to come. Thank you for letting your read-
the complete package. For more on missing out on some extra content is annoy- ers know that there is hope for people with
Advanced Warfare, head to gamein- ing, it sure beats not being able to play a physical disabilities to still have something
former.com/advancedwarfare for our full game at all. After all, would you rather be late they can play with their friends and be on an
month of bonus coverage. to the Destiny beta, or not play Destiny at all? equal playing field!
Ben Harris
via email

In an industry where gamers are constant-

ly inventing new ways to troll and grief
each other, Special Effect is a wonderful
reminder of the lengths some people
will go to share the joy our hobby can
evoke and bring a smile to a worthy
Contact Us person’s face. To help their efforts, head
feedback@gameinformer.com to specialeffect.org.uk
4
 Don’t Mess With Texas? Rated “E” For Empathy Short Answers To
I love video games, especially war games. I want to thank Kimberley Wallace for her Readers’ Burning
However, in all of the military shooters, the excellent article on empathy games (Demon
themes are the same; some terrorist gets Slayers, issue 254). This article voiced some of
Questions:
a hold of something they shouldn’t have and the thoughts I’ve had about the gaming indus- “When are you going to post an
wreaks havoc on major cities in the United try and its handling of adult subject matter. I article on grandma gamers?”
States. But I’ve noticed that they never fea- think many of today’s major publishers release
Wait, is that what “GG”
ture Texas. What gives?! Texas is the fifth games with content – such as violence and
stands for?
largest market in the United States; if you’re language – that isn’t necessarily mature, but
looking at real-life scenarios for terrorism, instead panders to the target audience’s lack
“What is the highest level that
Texas is potentially a major target, yet is of maturity. I’m glad to see more and more
you can get on Wizard 101?”
never mentioned or seen in these games. developers tackle truly mature themes, like
I’m not sure if the developers of games like dealing with cancer or having a relationship Is Gandalf a level?
Call of Duty just really hate San Francisco with an alcoholic father. I wish all developers We heard from a number of readers this Because we’re totally as cool
and so they continually destroy it, or if could possess the creativity and drive to really month who appreciated our look at empa- as Gandalf.
people still haven’t figured out that there’s explore meaningful themes and storytelling. thy games and those developers tack-
more to Texas than cows and ranches. David Stubbs ling adult issues in games. However, we
“Do you guys know why
So what gives? Where’s the love for Lone via email wouldn’t want all developers to address
Titanfall, one of the most hyped
Star State? such serious topics; video games are
games of the year, failed?”
Michael Benningfield I am a 50-year-old guy who has been playing capable of offering all kinds of different
Dallas, TX video games since I was a teenager. I loved experiences, from the sophomoric to the You’re not living in reality.
the Demon Slayers article, which introduced serious. The industry isn’t “growing up” as
We’re not sure if that’s the kind of love me to a genre of gaming I did not know much as it is diversifying – something we
you should be seeking for your home existed. I am always impressed at how the can all be thankful for. Groan-
state, Michael, but it is comical how gaming industry has evolved and matured over Worthiest Line
many times we’ve seen the Golden Gate the years and with games like Heavy Rain and Billy Goat Guff In A Feedback
Bridge get blown up in games. If the the indie titles you referenced in the article, Do you guys have a sense of humor? Your
Letter:
saying “Everything is bigger in Texas” also I am psyched to see this trend continue. Game Infarcer features are quite funny,
applies to set-piece moments, however, Sam Spink but I was frustrated by your review of Goat “In truth I love your publication –
you might be on to something… via email Simulator. Yes, it is a small, broken, and that is the real reason behind
stupid game – that is where most of the fun my vitriol.”
lies! I, for one, have always enjoyed exploit-
ing glitches in games. So when I played
Goat Simulator, I played it for hours because
of all the stupid and funny glitches like fall-
Question
ing through the map, neck distortion, and Of The Month:
my stupid goat head sticking through walls Which game company do you
and then flipping out. These glitches made think will have the best holiday
the game even more enjoyable; I agree that this year and why?
without those glitches the game would get
very boring after 10 minutes. The great thing
about glitches is that you can play a game
for hours and still find more of them. This is
the only time I’ve gotten frustrated at Game
Informer and I hope it’s the last.
Dashiell Gregory
via email

We’ve received a lot of complaints about

our review scores being too low over the
years, but this is the first time we’ve been
called out for not appreciating a game’s
glitches. It certainly proves the age-old
adage: One man’s buggy goat simulator
is another man’s game of the year.
gi spy

(Left) At this year’s

Minneapolis Comic-Con, the
GI crew talked comedian
Gilbert Gottfried into narrating
some of our favorite games.
Hear his voiceover work at
gameinformer.com
(Right) EA’s Tammy Levine
hugs her number-one fan –
California’s lieutenant governor
Gavin Newsom – at Michael
Pachter’s annual Wedbush
Morgan E3 party

GI SPY
continued on page 8

CANDID PHOTOS FROM THE VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY

feedback 5
 On Your Mind

What’s Next For Multiplayer? I’d really like to see skill-based matchmaking
In issue 254, we asked readers what improve- improve. I don’t feel like any developer has
ment they would like to see in new-gen multi- really knocked that out of the park recently. I’m
player games. While some readers reached for tired of Battlefield contests being decided by
the sky, most pine for a decidedly old-school 600 tickets, Titanfall games being decided by
feature. Here are some responses: 150 attrition points, and Call of Duty matches
being decided by 35 kills. I know there are tons
I know this may sound ridiculous, but what I of variables in multiplayer games that make it
really want from new-gen multiplayer is more tough to balance, but think how great it would
local multiplayer games. Sony and Microsoft’s be if almost every multiplayer match came down
libraries consist mostly of online multiplayer to the wire.
30% New-Gen
Multiplayer Desires games, or mundane local multiplayer experi- Matt Wingler
24% E3 Excitement ences. Nintendo is the only one still embracing
20% Requests For local multiplayer, with games like Super Smash One improvement I’m dying to see is better devel-
More Couch Co-op Bros. and Super Mario Kart 8. I don’t want to oper commitment to online launches. Despite the
18% Newfound always rely on my Nintendo every time my fact that we’ve had online gaming for over two
Empathy Game Fans
friends come over. decades, companies still get launches wrong. This
04% Call Of Titanfall
Jokes (Haters Gonna Hate)
Jose Corrales last year alone, we’ve seen games like GTA V,
02% Requests For
Battlefield 4, and numerous sports games utterly
Fewer M-Rated Games If I saw fewer subscription services and a little blow their launches. And yet game companies
(From Kids) more co-op, and I’d be a pretty happy camper. keep pushing for an online-centric future? What
02% Video Game- reality do they live in?
Inspired Poetry
Jake Reed Bobby B.

(Left) Some of the talented

folks from Visceral Games
started the celebrations early in
Santa Monica, California after
showing off Battlefield: Hardline
at Pre-E3 Judge’s Week
(Right) Tim Turi also headed
out to California early to see
Insomniac’s wacky open-world
action game, Sunset Overdrive.
Here he is with Insomniac’s
James Stevenson, and
Microsoft’s Blaine Howard

6
 gallery
1

WINNER
1 Crystal Mielcarek
The gang from Earthbound may look cute, but we wouldn’t want
to run into them in a dark alley

2 Roberto Palacios
This Kirby-inspired artwork is adorable, until you realize
that cat is tearing open a portal to Carcosa

3 Junior Balthazard
The detail on Leonardo is exceptional, even if it is based
on the weird CGI redesign of the new Michael Bay movie

4 Steven Sliwa
Barret would make a great life coach – if you’re willing
to overlook the Gatling-gun arm, of course

» Submit your art for a chance to win our monthly prize. Please include your name and return address. Entries become the property of Game Informer and cannot be returned.
Send to: Game Informer Reader Art Contest | 724 First Street North, 3rd Floor | Mpls, MN 55401 or Email to: ReaderArt@gameinformer.com

(Left) Once E3 started, we

locked Tetris creator Alexey
Pajitnov, Threes creator Asher
Vollmer, and The Tetris Company’s
Henk Rogers in a room together
to discuss game design. Watch
their candid conversation at
gameinformer.com
(Right) While the other GI
editors were hard at work writing
previews at E3, Dan “The Mack”
Tack partied with Zeno Group’s
Audrey Adair and Nicolette Song

feedback 7
NOTABLES
10 microsoft report card

12 sony report card

14 nintendo report card

16 virtual reality makes a

real appearance at e3

18 impulse: the indie games

of e3 2014

20 massive: wildstar

8
W
With less than a year under their belts,
both Sony and Microsoft are still in the
show-me stage with their new consoles.
The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One took cen-
ter stage again at this year’s E3.
Having already distanced itself from
Kinect by unbundling it and dropping
the Xbox One price by $100 before the
show, Microsoft spent all of its press
conference focused on games, announc-
ing new titles like Crackdown, Ori
and the Blind Forest, and Playdead’s
follow up to Limbo, Inside. Transition-
with a strong lineup of indie games (No
Man’s Sky, Abzû) alongside its triple-A
offerings (LittleBigPlanet 3, The Order:
1886). The Japanese platform also had a
few surprises under its belt – including
From Software’s Dark Souls II follow-up,
Bloodborne – and viewers got a sneak
peek at Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End.
While groundbreaking announcements
showcasing the untapped potential of
the new consoles may have been lacking,
third-party publishers had no shortage
of quality titles in their lineups. Games
ing repeatedly from demos to trailers, like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Evolve,
the information-packed press conference Destiny, and Batman: Arkham Knight all
moved as quickly as Microsoft hopes signal a bright future.
Xbox Ones jump off the shelf with its new Read on for comprehensive recap of
price point. all of the headline-grabbing announce-
Entrenched firmly in the pole position ments that occurred during the 2014
for console sales, Sony flexed its muscles Electronic Entertainment Expo.

connect 9
 Halo: The Master
Chief Collection

Rise of the Tomb Raider

A
Microsoft Plays It Safe & Steady
After suffering a total and embarrassing loss to Sony last year, Microsoft used this E3 and some crazy DLC for Dead Rising 3
were unexpected, but not jaw-dropping.
to regain some lost ground. Coming into the show with a second-place console (recently Microsoft had bigger surprises wait-
ing for the second part of the briefing,
decoupled from its Kinect requirement), Microsoft showed off a mix of new and familiar
devoted to games releasing in 2015 and
titles, several of which are exclusive to Xbox One. However, even with some surprises, the later. Square Enix revealed Rise of the
Tomb Raider (its follow-up to 2013’s
company didn’t gather enough momentum to secure a decisive victory. popular reboot), and Limbo developer
Playdead showed off Inside (which is
With a new generation under way, with a minimum of posturing and bravado. Creed Unity, and Sunset Overdrive not exclusive to Xbox One, but will debut
simply boasting about what is possible During this first major appearance since (an Xbox One exclusive) gave extended on the console). CD Projekt RED’s The
on your system is no longer sufficient. his promotion in March, Spencer acknow- glimpses into these big titles. Forza Witcher 3: Wild Hunt looked great in
Customers own the hardware, and they ledged that Xbox One has been made Horizon 2, Evolve, and Dragon Age: action, as did The Division from Ubisoft.
want reassurance that their purchases better through community feedback. He Inquisition turned heads with more While those post-2014 releases are
were worthwhile. Microsoft delivered then moved quickly to the game demos, traditional trailers. Bonnie Ross from all multiplatform, Microsoft also had a
on that front. Like last year, this press without wasting a word talking about 343 Industries took the stage to ann- few exciting exclusives on hand. A new
conference focused entirely on games. media partnerships, Kinect, or TV. It was ounce the comprehensive Halo: The Crackdown from original creator Dave
Unlike last year, the presentation did not a smart move, and may signal a change Master Chief Collection, which is the Jones is in the works, the obscure Xbox
come on the heels of a botched console in the message surrounding Xbox One, crown jewel in Microsoft’s 2014 lineup. exclusive Phantom Dust is being rebooted,
reveal, nor was it followed by a drastic putting the all-in-one concept on the Not every game on display was a and Platinum Games is working on a new
reversal of policy, resulting in a more back burner. resounding hit; reaction to Fable Legends IP called Scalebound. The Scalebound
consistent message and positive recep- The games-first approach was a suc- was mixed, and the addition of Conker team is led by Hideki Kamiya – the direc-
tion among gamers. cess, initially showing off titles on the to Project Spark was the only notable tor behind Bayonetta, Viewtiful Joe,
Phil Spencer – newly appointed head way in 2014. Gameplay demos of Call aspect of its showing. The release of the Okami, and the original Devil May Cry.
of Xbox – kicked off the press conference of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Assassin’s Nürburgring track for Forza Motorsport 5 The press conference ended without

10
 Kinect Adrif
After cutting the device out of the Xbox One bundle, Microsoft barely acknowledged its
Kinect camera at E3. Despite the company’s previous insistence that Kinect is still an
important aspect of the Xbox One, only a handful of featured titles incorporate the device
in significant ways, like the indie game FRU and two titles from Harmonix (Fantasia and
Dance Central Spotlight). If this trajectory continues, the peripheral is unlikely to ever
receive the support it needs to form a game that justifies its existence, effectively making
it dead in the water.

Indie Love
Lots of ID@Xbox projects shared the
spotlight with the heavy hitters, both on
the show floor and the Microsoft stage.
Perhaps this move was Microsoft’s re-
sponse to the accolades Sony received
last year for its indie focus, but it worked.
Indie titles like Cuphead (left), #IDARB,
Below, Fenix Rage, and Frui (above)
had people talking. Check out Impulse
on page 18 to read about the notable
downloadable titles from the show.

a shocking tease or crescendo. Spencer fact that Black Tusk Studios is working
Scalebound
concluded with a promise to continue let- on a new entry in the juggernaut first-
ting feedback from the community shape party franchise.
the Xbox One experience. No-shows aside, putting the spotlight
As the closing montage reel played, on games was a step in the right direction
gamers were left to wonder about the for Microsoft, but it doesn’t fix the core
titles that weren’t given much atten- problem. If the company hoped to close
tion. Halo 5: Guardians was only shown the gap between the Xbox One and the
briefly, paving the way for the Master PlayStation 4, it needed to bring a more
Chief Collection’s reveal. Gears of War exciting 2014 lineup – not one filled with
wasn’t mentioned at all, despite the safe and predictable titles. Joe Juba

Fnal Grade
Microsoft’s performance is a step up over last year, but it still
failed to make a good case for its new hardware. With all
of the cross-generation and cross-platform content, the reasons to own an Xbox One
specifically are still few. Yes, plenty of good games are coming to the system this year,
but the most memorable moments of the press conference came in the post-2014 section.
That means that Xbox One owners will have had their consoles for over a year before the
compelling, exclusive games start releasing with any regularity. The long-term projects
look interesting, but that doesn’t do much good if the console’s immediate future hinges
on a bunch of Halo games you’ve already played.

connect 11
 Uncharted 4:
A Thief’s End

T
Sony Stands Pat
The PlayStation 4 is off to a good start since its launch last November, leading Microsoft Broforce, and the upcoming The Talos
Principle from Serious Sam’s Croteam.
in global sales with over seven million systems sold as of April. Yet, the next wave of Similarly, Sony has a deal with Paradox
software that truly takes advantage may be further out in the future than consumers Interactive to make the console maker
the first stop for Magicka 2 and Paradox’s
would like. Sony’s E3 press conference highlighted the bright future of the PlayStation 4, other titles. Finally, Sony caught the atten-
tion of the gaming community with two
but it also unwittingly shone a light on the fact that in the short-term – 2014 – the majority games that will debut on Sony’s systems –
of Sony’s first-party studios are either reloading from launch or have yet to bring their Abzû and No Man’s Sky. The former is a
new title from the art director on Journey,
projects to the system. and the latter by Joe Danger’s Hello
Games is what some called the game of
To bolster its relatively shallow first- these third-party titles is a good attempt early From Software titles. Bringing the show (see page 44 for more).
party 2014 PS4 roster – DriveClub, by Sony to try and brand those games the next From Software creation into These titles may not be true Sony
LittleBigPlanet 3, The Last of Us for the PS4 even though they are also the fold is a big win after seeing the exclusives, and how much they move the
Remastered, and Infamous: First Light appearing on other platforms. success of the Demon’s Souls and console-war needle in Sony’s direction
DLC – Sony highlighted a clutch of titles One of the big reveals of the press Dark Souls franchises. is debatable, but they certainly bolster
from third parties that are exclusive in conference was the renewal of Sony’s Sony also highlighted a number of Sony’s software roster. They also force
some fashion or have exclusive content partnership with From Software for a games that will either be console exclu- consumers to consider how long they
on the PS4. The company has struck new game called Bloodborne. Sony sives (also appearing on PC) or are can tolerate waiting for these titles to
deals for big-name titles this year like declined to publish Demon’s Souls in the timed to come out on PlayStation sys- eventually appear on another system.
Destiny, Batman: Arkham Knight, and West (after doing so in Japan in 2009), tems first. The crowd was surprised Sony appears to be making good on its
Far Cry 4 to feature exclusive content letting Atlus handle the game while by the announcement of the resurrec- previously stated commitment to indie
or early access via betas on PlayStation Bandai Namco published its spiritual- tion of Tim Schafer’s adventure classic gaming, and it could end up striking gold
platforms. Destiny in particular is getting successor franchise, Dark Souls. Sony Grim Fandango for PS4 and Vita, and if one of these games becomes the next
the special treatment, complete with a will publish Bloodborne in 2015 (for- Sony followed it up with news that all big indie thing.
bundle with the system and an exclusive merly known as Project Beast), and the of publisher Devolver Digital's titles will Just when the press conference got
multiplayer map and co-op content. game – by Hidetaka Miyazaki – shares appear on Sony platforms first. This rolling, however, Sony detoured to
Nabbing exclusive components for the hardcore action/RPG spirit of those includes Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, talk about other efforts like bringing

12
 PlayStation Now
Sony announced that the streaming service starts its open beta on the PS4 in the U.S.
and Canada on July 31, with PS3 and Vita following shortly after. By the end of the year
PlayStation Now will also be available on select Sony TVs. The service’s beta starts
with more than 100 PS3 titles from publishers such as Activision, Atlus, Double Fine,
Electronic Arts, Sega, Sony, Square Enix, Telltale Games, Warner Bros. and more. Titles
specifically mentioned include Dead Space 3, God of War: Ascension, Metal Gear Solid V:
Ground Zeroes, Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus, and Ultra Street Fighter IV. Sony says the
beta will be used to gather feedback on PlayStation Now, including testing out a range
of rental durations and prices.

Let it Die, a free-to-play hack n’ slash title by

photo: Chris Weeks/Getty Images for Sony Computer Entertainment America Suda 51, was originally called Lily Bergamo.
It’s scheduled to come out in 2015

Battlefield: Hardline’s beta comes first to PS4 and PC,

leaving Xbox One users out until the fall

Abzû

PlayStation TV to the West for $99, press conference concluded with multi-
continued development on the Project system games like Grand Theft Auto V photo: Chris Weeks/Getty Images for
Morpheus VR headset, PlayStation and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Sony Computer Entertainment America
Now (see sidebar), Vita, and the Powers Pain – strong titles that don’t offer any
comic-book show. These are laudable significant difference on the console.
endeavors, but they are secondary in the Wrapping up the press conference with
context of transitioning the brand from stunning in-engine footage of Naughty
its launch phase to kicking the console Dog’s Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
generation into the next year. brought the conversation back to where
Sony clearly wasn’t going for the jugular it belonged – arguing the superiority of
of competitor Microsoft and when the the PS4. Matthew Kato

F nal Grade
For now Sony seems to be content with not blowing its lead,
with third parties doing most of the heavy-lifting for the PS4
in the short term. While the system will see plenty of titles this year and beyond, Sony
refrained from overly pressing its advantage over the Xbox One. Even a symbolic price
cut or perhaps including the PlayStation camera for free as a dig at Microsoft having to
drop the Kinect, would have been an alpha-dog assertion of superiority.
With titles like The Order: 1886 (see page 68 for more) and Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
in 2015, next year should be a great one for the system in regards to Sony’s first-
party studios – an area where the company has an advantage over Microsoft. In fact,
Sony’s E3 2015 presentation could be packed with titles like The Last Guardian, and
new offerings from Guerrilla Games (which is working on a non-Killzone title), Media
Molecule, Polyphony Digital, and Sony Santa Monica (God of War) – but that’s an E3
press conference for another time.

connect 13
L
Nintendo Bounces Back – But Is It Enough?
Last year, Nintendo abandoned a traditional E3 press conference in favor of a Nintendo The first revealed that players can bring
Miis into Super Smash Bros. (see page
Direct stream and an awkward press preview event held at its E3 booth before the show 61). The second unveiled “Amiibos” –
opened. Like most of the company’s 2013, it was a misstep, failing to generate any buzz for small figurines of Nintendo characters
that players can bring into their game by
the Wii U to carry into the latter half of the year. setting them on the Wii U GamePad. On
the one hand, it amounted to Nintendo’s
This year, the company put all of its Sony’s overlong and sometimes awk- style of the popular Robot Chicken) admission that it should have bought
eggs in one basket: a Nintendo Direct ward press conference. tweaking past Nintendo press confer- Skylanders when Toys for Bob had
video presentation beamed out to the However, our opinions of a press con- ences – as well entitled game journalists. offered to sell. On the other, Amiibos
world early on the first day of E3 2014. ference often have as much to do with Unlike many past Nintendo attempts at have a lot of commercial potential and
This focus paid off. In terms of both our expectations. Sony was never going humor it was actually funny – and even make good use of the Wii U’s controller.
production values and reception, it to top last year’s celebratory smackdown a little hip. From there, some impressive Super Smash Bros. is the first game to
was the company’s most successful of Microsoft’s unpopular anti-used game special effects transformed Reggie use Amiibos, but support is also being
Direct to date – earning kudos on social policies, and Nintendo was not likely to and Nintendo head Satoru Iwata into added to Mario Kart 8 and other past
media and from the online press. Many repeat last year’s stunted affair. Super Smash Bros. combatants, which Wii U games, as well as some unspeci-
declared that Nintendo had “won” E3, The Direct started with a Ken-doll served as segues into two related fied 3DS titles. Amiibo characters can
besting Microsoft’s slim offerings and Reggie Fils-Aime (animated in the announcements. level up in unique ways, have customiz-
able special moves, and even be used
as an A.I. co-op or sparring partner.
All of your Amiibo’s customization set-
tings are stored in the figure, so you
can bring them over to a friend’s house
to have them battle other people or
their Amiibos.
From there, the Nintendo Direct video
switched to one of the oldest tricks in the

Deal With The Devil

Nintendo hasn’t had much luck garnering
third-party support, but it did announce a
high-profile acquisition at E3: a deal to pub-
lish Valhalla Game Studios’ Devil’s Third.
Valhalla is the studio formed by former Team
Ninja head Tomonobu Itagaki, the creator of
the Dead or Alive series. Devil’s Third was
originally going to be published by now-
defunct THQ for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox
360. Now, Nintendo has stepped in to save
the project, and has another promising game
from an outside studio to go along with
Miis are now playable in Super Smash Bros.
Bayonetta 2 and Xenoblade Chronicles X.

14
 Fnal Grade
Give Nintendo credit; this Direct was its most entertaining,
polished E3 presentation in recent memory. It was short and
to-the-point (something last year’s E3 champ, Sony, should learn from) and it put the
emphasis squarely on the company’s strength: its excellent first-party games. Big franchises
like Zelda and Super Smash Bros. made waves, but Nintendo also revealed promising new
properties like Yoshi’s Woolly World and Mario Maker. While Amiibo appears to be the rare
case of Nintendo following the crowd instead of leading it, Skylanders and Disney Infinity
have proven that collectible figurines are a lucrative market segment. Overall, Nintendo
comes out of this E3 enjoying better PR than it’s had in a few years.
However, it’s important to understand the difference between “winning” E3 and
winning the console battle. Despite this strong showing, we saw few indicators that the
Wii U is going to seriously challenge the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. As with Sony and
Microsoft, many of the products Nintendo showed this year won’t release until 2015. Add
in the fact that the third parties have almost totally abandoned Wii U, and you have a
company that still faces some considerable challenges. That said, E3 2014 was a step in
the right direction for Nintendo.

Splatoon

A new, HD The Legend of Zelda

entry is in the works for Wii U

E3 promotional book – footage of two point-and-click mechanic on the Wii U

well-dressed Japanese men shopping GamePad, an Monolith Soft's Xenoblade
for yarn. The pair, Nintendo’s Takashi Chronicles X.
Tezuka and Good-Feel Ltd.’s Etsunobu This impressive lineup was marred
Ebisu, then showed off one of E3’s solely by the fact that Captain Toad is
most interesting-looking games: Yoshi's the only newly-announced game due this
Woolly World, a gorgeous-looking spiri- holiday season, when the ailing Wii U
tual successor to Kirby’s Epic Yarn. The desperately needs new games. Though
use of yarn textures in HD, as well as a only teased by Shigeru Miyamoto at the
host of creative 2D platforming design, end of the Nintendo Direct, the pub-
tab this game as one of Nintendo’s lisher announced a new Star Fox game
usual can’t-miss in-house projects. for Wii U as well, which uses an odd
Nintendo’s conference was loaded motion-based control scheme.
with other new game announcements. Aside from the post-Direct announce-
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, based ment of Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. (an
on the Super Mario 3D World engine, intriguing steampunk-themed game set
looked appealing, as did a Kirby and the in London developed by Fire Emblem/ including an all-too-brief glimpse of the Nintendo’s E3 Direct showcased a lot
Rainbow Curse, which uses a drawing Advanced Wars creators Intelligent new HD The Legend of Zelda game for of notable games, but a dark cloud still
mechanic on the Wii U GamePad similar Systems), the 3DS received almost Wii U. Creator Eiji Aunoma said this is hovered over the presentation – the
to the DS title Kirby: Canvas Curse. The no push from Nintendo during E3 – an the first truly open-world 3D Zelda game. lack of third-party software support.
surprise announcement was Splatoon, odd move considering that this system Link and company will appear in stores Worse, prior to the show, Ubisoft’s Yves
an odd multiplayer game in which has been paying the bills for the last this year in Hyrule Warriors, the Zelda- Guillemot revealed that his company is
players use paintguns to claim territory few years. meets-Dynasty Warriors game that got actually sitting on finished Wii U games
by covering the levels with squid ink. Outside of Super Smash Bros., which a long segment but still looks relatively until the install base grows. Nothing
The most intriguing were Mario Maker, will anchor Nintendo’s holiday season, unimpressive. Pokémon Omega Ruby Nintendo showed at E3 may do much to
which enables users to create their own Nintendo also gave us updates on and Alpha Sapphire look solid and change this attitude among other publish-
2D Mario platformer levels with a simple some previously announced projects, should prove to be bankable products. ers in the industry. Matt Helgeson

Yoshi's Woolly World

Where's Samus?
Once again, Nintendo neglected its
third-most iconic franchise. Metroid was
nowhere to be found in Nintendo’s
Direct presentation or in its E3 booth.
It has now been four years since a
Metroid game release, and that was
Team Ninja’s mediocre Metroid: Other M.
Even if a full-on Wii U game isn’t in the
cards, a 2D classic-style Metroid game
for the 3DS would have been well-
received by fans and the press. Let’s
hope Nintendo is saving some surprises
for later in the year.

connect 15
Virtual Reality Makes A Real Appearance At E3

E
3 might not have been the showcase for Paul Bettner, is a platformer in the style his company would be a major player
of Super Mario 3D World. It’s still very rushing a product that doesn’t offer a
virtual reality that this March’s Game Dev- much a work in progress and the camera great experience out the door.
eloper’s Conference was, but that doesn't needs work, but as a proof of concept Oculus is nearing its final testing, and
for third-person VR gaming it gets the assures us that there won’t be a third
mean the enthusiasm is waning. Since job done. developer kit. “We’re locking down the
Facebook’s purchase of Oculus VR, attention The second demo, a virtual-reality ver- consumer spec,” Mitchell says. “We’re on
has only amplified. “It’s changed for us… sion of the Kickstarter darling Superhot, track to ship [developer kit 2] in July. The
allowed players to bend around moving retail Rift will double as a developer kit.”
because some of the national media start- bullets just like Neo from The Matrix, all Without a fixed timeline, possibly to keep
ed to write about VR,” says Sony president while seated in their chairs. Superhot competitors from rushing to beat them,
is coming to PC, and developer Superhot it’s not yet clear when we’ll be bringing
of worldwide studios Shuhei Yoshida. “It’s Team has hinted at an interest in console home an Oculus retail unit.
Facebook, it’s Sony, it’s Oculus – it’s a much bigger story.” releases. Things are starting to heat up, though.
We were most impressed by Creative Oculus hired Naughty Dog co-founder
We went hands-on with three demos for each head-mounted Assembly’s demo of Alien: Isolation, and former THQ president Jason Rubin to
display to see with our own eyes how things are coming along. which showcased how horror gaming head up its worldwide studios, former EA
could make the leap to head-mounted Partners lead David DeMartini to focus
displays. The goal of the demo is to on developer relations, and former Steam
escape the xenomorph – a frightening, boss Jason Holtman to aid with the dis-
by Mike Futter impossible task. After the alien inevitably tribution platform. This signals a spin-up
pounces, looking down shows its spiked for content creation. In order for the Rift
tail protruding through your chest. Even to succeed at market, there need to be
more terrifying is looking up to find the compelling experiences for it on day one.
Sony gave us a chance to play the same in limited form at GDC, but because creature’s hand seemingly inches from We’re looking forward to finding out
demo of Eve: Valkyrie we tried at GDC, of signal interference, this was our first your face. It was definitely a disturbing exactly when “day one” is. The demos
but it also brought along two more chance with it. Using PlayStation Move experience that amplifies the terror. are impressive, but the shine is starting
Morpheus demos. Street Luge thrusts controllers, players are cast in a virtual The modest showing at E3 proved to wear off, and consumers are getting
players onto a downhill course as they environment and interact with a dummy, that both Sony and Oculus are taking eager to bring one home. It’s time to start
lie back on a beanbag. With no con- touch it, lift its hand, and then pick up a measured approaches, with Oculus’ big- talking about full experiences, long-term
trollers to worry about, this demo was sword and hack it to bits. gest concern that someone will poison wearability, and what it means to have a
designed to show off head tracking with Oculus had a big presence on the E3 the well before they are ready. “What we virtual-reality device in your home. Until
the PlayStation Camera and the glowing show floor, offering up three new experi- don’t want is for someone to ship bad those conversations start happening, it’s
blue lights on the head-mounted display. ences. Lucky’s Tale by Playful Corp., VR,” says Oculus VP of product Nate hard to understand what the VR revolu-
The second demo, Castle, was available headed by Words with Friends creator Mitchell. The most devastating thing for tion means for the average user.
16 connect
 g.b.u.
The Good

THE GOOD, THE BAD, & THE UGLY

FINAL FANTASY TYPE-0 (originally introduced as FF Agito XIII) is
coming to new-gen systems in North America.
The game came out for PSP in Japan in 2011, and now a remastered version is headed to PS4 and Xbox One at some
undisclosed time in the future.
Quotable

“Right now, the

technology isn’t

VALVE has delayed its Steam Machine

The Bad

quite there yet, in

and Steam controller into 2015, our view. Certainly,
citing the need to refine the controller based on devel- it’s something we’re
oper and consumer feedback. Valve’s digital gaming looking at. We look
PC Steam Machine uses the Linux-based SteamOS, at a wide range of
and the controller attempts to merge keyboard/mouse technologies. When
functionality into a controller form that includes haptic it’s there and enables
feedback. There’s no word on if this will affect the release a fun experience,
of Steam Machines from third-party manufacturers. we’ll be there, too.”

The Ugly

NEW FRANCHISES
from the major first-and third-party publishers were
scarce at this E3. Sure, Nintendo revealed a handful of
new titles, Sony announced From Software's Bloodborne,
and Platinum Games showed off a new concept called
Scalebound. But when you compare this crop to the bold,
boundary-challenging concepts like Assassin’s Creed,
BioShock, and Mass Effect publishers were showcasing
at this juncture last generation, it's clear that gamers
looking for titles that aren't sequels will have to wait a
little longer or invest heavily in the indie scene. – Nintendo of America
president Reggie Fils-Aime
on virtual reality
connect 17
impulse The Indies
Of E3 2014
by Matt Miller

E
ach passing year fi nds E3 doing
a better job of embracing indies,
and 2014 was no exception. To
claim that I’m going to write
about the indies of E3 is perhaps unfair;
dozens of great-looking independent pro-
jects were scattered around the show floor,
with particular hot spots at the Microsoft,
Sony, and IndieCade booths. Since there’s
no way to adequately encapsulate them
all in just a couple of pages, I’ve chosen
six projects for inclusion here both because
they had great showings, and we’ve yet to
feature them.

I happened upon EarthNight as a happy and slashing through monsters. One of the game, and finally settled in the direction of
surprise at Sony’s booth, and the visual two characters is built for more experienced an eight-player arena-sports game that the
presentation immediately caught my eye. players, and offers added control and speed creative director, Mike Mika, has described
Once I played it, I was totally sold. Developer but with increased complexity. Hidden collect- as a cross between Super Smash Bros. and
Cleaversoft has taken the popular runner genre ibles are scattered on each dragon, waiting NBA Jam. Dozens of distinct characters are
so prevalent in mobile gaming and applied a to be found. A stellar chiptune soundtrack selectable before heading into the fray, which
critical eye to crafting a deeper, more robust accompanies you on your run. EarthNight sees you and your team leaping between
experience. You control one of two characters got its hooks in me right away, and I predict platforms to grab a ball and fling it into the
living in Earth’s orbit after dragons have taken I won’t be the only one. opposite team’s goal. Pulses of energy push
over the planet. Fed up with confinement, your The story of #IDARB’s creation is almost as away nearby players as you volley for control.
hero or heroine leaps out into the atmosphere interesting as the game itself. Other Ocean The action is fast and chaotic, and occa-
on a quest to retake the planet. Gameplay Interactive began #IDARB (an acronym for sional half-time minigames are inserted to
begins with a fall through the sky until you It Draws A Red Box) with a simple premise mix things up, like one where the team that
drop onto one of the many dragons flitting encompassed by the name – the picture of makes the most noise for the microphone
through the air. At that point, the action shifts a single red box on screen. From there, the wins. This intriguing mix of crowdsourcing
to a more traditional 2D runner perspective, team took the game to Twitter and asked for and game development will hit Xbox One first
and you charge along from left to right, leaping suggestions for how to proceed. It became later this summer.
across the dragon’s back, collecting pick-ups, a platformer, then a competitive deathmatch CounterSpy comes to us from independent
game studio Dynamighty, but with publishing
support from Sony. Set in an alternate his-
tory version of the Cold War, players are cast
as an agent of Counter, a non-governmental
spy agency working to control two competing
superpowers, the imperialists and socialists,
and prevent worldwide disaster. Both world
powers are threatening to blow up the moon
with nuclear weapons, which sounds like a
crazy premise until you learn that in the real
world the U.S. Air Force actually considered
detonating a nuke on the lunar surface in
the late 1950s. Your spy moves through 2D
side-scrolling levels as he infiltrates heavily
guarded complexes. Stealth is the goal, but
Looking for more great indepen- EarthNight when necessary, you can hop into cover and
dent and downloadable games? PS4, Vita, iOS, Android, PC, Mac the action seamlessly shifts into a third-person
Check out regular updates at 3D shooting view so you can take out guards.
#IDARB
gameinformer.com/impulse. Xbox One You’re always working against time and the
For more in this issue, read our escalating threat of a DEFCON clock that
E3 Hot 50 entries on No Man’s leads to mutually assured destruction. Each
Sky (p. 45), Below (p. 57), Ori time you play, levels are structured differently
and the Blind Forest (p. 60), through a simple procedural generation, so
Axiom Verge (p. 66), The Witness the action and sneaking remains fresh. I really
(p. 71), Dreadnought (p. 71), liked Counterspy’s sharp aesthetic and clever
Galak-Z: The Dimensional (p. 72), mix of gameplay styles. We can expect a
Helldivers (p. 76), Hyper Light release on PS4, PS3, and Vita before the end
Drifter (p. 77), and Everybody’s of the year, with a different mobile version due
Gone to the Rapture (p. 82) sometime after that.
18
 CounterSpy Never Alone
PS4, PS3, Vita PS4, Xbox One, PC

Velocity 2X Fenix Rage

PS4, Vita PS4, Xbox One, PC

Futurlab’s Velocity 2X is hard to wrap your hungry for the next hardcore trial. Fenix Rage of the storytelling traditions of the Iñupiat
head around until you get your hands on it. can’t avoid comparisons to the excellent Alaska Native people. The project comes
Building off the formula established in the Super Meat Boy, but I found that a number of through a cooperative development venture
previous franchise entry, Velocity 2X sends gameplay mechanics set this newer project between Upper One Games and E-Line Media,
you hurtling through space taking out enemy apart. You control Fenix, a fiery little creature and aims to find new avenues to communicate
ships in a classic top-down perspective as an on a quest for revenge and cookies as he the cultural stories of Alaska Natives through
energetic electronica soundtrack (composed moves from one seemingly impossible level the explicit cooperation and involvement of the
by Killzone’s award-winning Joris de Man) to the next. His movement set allows him to tribal elders whose families carry the tales. A
drills into your brain. The major feature that jump indefinitely and regularly dash across young girl sets out to discover the source of an
sets the game apart is the ability to teleport short distances in midair, which challenges endless blizzard, and she is soon joined by an
past impassable walls as you surge forward the initial assumption that the game is purely a arctic fox that becomes a second controllable
across the screen. In addition, 2X adds the platformer. Instead, much of the action in Fenix character. The levels I looked at focused on
ability to dock your ship and run around Rage occurs above the platforms, as you flit the interdependence of these two characters.
on-foot through 2D platforming levels, where between crowded groups of enemies and dan- The fox might climb to a high platform to lower
your pilot has the same rapid-fire teleporting gerous moving traps. A first glance at many a path for the girl, and the girl might push a
ability as her ship. Whichever mode you’re in, levels had me wondering how it’s even pos- box into place for the fox to cross. Never Alone
the tone of the game is all about incredible sible to get through to the level-ending cookie. presents haunting visuals and a pervasive
speed and flashy futuristic visuals. It has the I foresee equal measures of skill-based fun sense of the cold winter through which the pair
hypnotic quality that fans of the genre long and maddening frustration in store for devoted travels, and I found myself thoroughly engaged
for, in which you find yourself rapidly falling players when the game releases later this year in the spirit-rich world of the game. The devel-
into a hyper-focused flow of movement and on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. opers shared with me that they’re interested
shooting. Velocity 2X will hit PS4 and Vita Never Alone has been crafted with a dual in the potential of exploring other worldwide
later this summer. goal in mind. Mechanically, it’s a puzzle/ native cultures in subsequent games, which
I had the chance to play several levels of platformer that draws comparisons to games strikes me as an intriguing source of narrative
Green Lava Studios’ Fenix Rage at E3, and like Limbo and Braid. However, at its heart, to tap. The promising Never Alone heads to
it’s an easy recommendation to those gamers Never Alone is a tribute to and continuation PS4, Xbox One, and PC this fall.
connect 19
massive
WildStar
An action-MMORPG all-star

C
arbine Studios has finally found that Holy Grail of MMORPGs in WildStar, MMORPG to date. Players can decorate a
a title that feels like the ever-elusive, often sought-after action-MMORPG. wide plot of land with a huge variety of items
that can be crafted, found, and purchased.
While not straying far from conventional application of many systems, such Some of the most exciting drops in the game
as questing, leveling, and PvP battlegrounds, every system has a layer on top to are not massive swords or giant guns, but
differentiate it from the rest of the pack within the confi nes of a brilliantly execut- desks, beds, or carpets for player housing.
These décor items add experience bonuses
ed action shell that keeps players engaged and invested. At the core, that’s what for resting at home. On top of the customiza-
makes WildStar brilliant – no matter what kind of player you are, there’s a constant tion options from these posters and trinkets,
stream of activities to participate in so things never get stale. each plot can be outfitted with a variety of
functional crafting stations, resource nodes,
minigames, and even small adventures for
the housing owner and friends. It’s fun to just
by Daniel Tack hang out at a neighbor’s house and see what
minigame options are available, and maybe
take home a plush carrot-doll prize to place
The stage is set in a cartoony space dual- a decade. If you’re only into PvP, players can on your bedside table.
faction backdrop, but don’t be fooled by the level all the way to cap solely through battle- While players unlock skills and abilities on
cute Chuas or jovial dialogue. WildStar has grounds and then suit up for the guild vs. guild the way to level 50, there’s another aspect to
options for players of every level of time and warplot endgame. each character designed to sync up with each
skill commitment, but also has the hardest of An eight-slot hotbar paired with a “tele- player’s personal play style. Four “paths” can
the hardcore options available for genre veter- graph” battle system sets the stage for some be paired with any class to provide additional
ans. The dungeons are on par with many other of the most compelling MMORPG combat quests and locations of interest in each zone
titles’ raids in terms of difficulty, boasting some I’ve ever experienced. While many in the and give special abilities. Do you like holding
of the most challenging MMO content one can genre have chased four or five slot hotbars off waves of mobs, performing assassination
find anywhere. If competitive PvE is your thing, with swapping functionality, WildStar simply missions, and uncovering storage containers
WildStar delivers on a level we haven’t seen in gives players eight core abilities at a time filled with frag grenades and sniper rifles? The
that can be swapped on the fly to mix up soldier path is probably for you. Like buff-
builds mid-adventure. Combat flow feels ing yourself and faction friends by creating
right, moving from pack to pack with quests enhancement machines, taxi spawn points,
popping up and challenges being issued. loot, experience, and reputation boost nodes?
Sprinting, double-jumping, and evasive roll- The settler is the best way to approach your
ing are seamlessly integrated into the mix to journey in Nexus. Like finding those out-
create a rewarding combat experience that of-the-way spots in every zone and special
makes it tough to even imagine going back to areas? Try the explorer. For the lore junkie,
tab targeting titles. Quests are standard fare there’s the scientist path, which tasks you with
for the most part – Kill X, collect Y – but when using a special robot companion to discover
challenges to perform other tasks in the area the world’s hidden history.
are popping up for additional rewards, things MMORPGs are shifting entities that can live
feel fast-paced and almost arcade-like. The and die from decisions made down the line,
action is continuous and constant, and players but WildStar’s launch is enough for me to keep
are rewarded with short-term buffs for mowing this one in the spotlight for the foreseeable
through packs of enemies and earning double, future. WildStar serves up compelling combat,
triple, and super kills. fun customization, and a deluge of content
WildStar may also have the distinction of offerings that should keep even the most
having the best implemented housing of any hardcore genre enthusiast satisfied.
20 connect
timeline 01

05 Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed

13 15

26 Dark Souls II: Crown

of the Old Iron King DLC 26 Madden NFL 15

29.1 Professor Layton

vs. Phoenix Wright
19 Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition

22.1

20

2014

continuing storyline? The answer is return ing cast members like Bruce
likely no. We just go to see our idols Willis, Jessica Alba, Mickey Rourke,
from the ‘90s shoot chainguns and and Rosario Dawson. That’s impres-
throw grenades with their old-man sive star power, but the distinctive,
arms. This entry stars popular actors comic-inspired art direction returns

August
Harrison Ford, Jason Statham, Jet to steal the show.
Li, and Wesley Snipes. It also fea-
tures Mel Gibson. 22.2 Insomnia52
Host to one of the world’s largest
19 New Releases LAN parties, Insomnia52 is a three-
01 Marvel Tests 08.2 Produced By 13 Gamescom 2014 › Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition day event held in Ricoh Arena in
Its Limits Michael Bay Called “E3 Overseas” by many in (PS4, Xbox One, PS3, 360) Conventry, England. Outside of the
Getting people to see Iron Man and After a lengthy hiatus, the Teenage the video game industry, Gamescom › Plants vs. Zombies: Garden sleepless multiplayer gaming, this
The Avengers was a no-brainer. Thor Mutant Ninja Turtles return to the- 2014 offers new looks at upcoming Warfare (PS4, PS3) festival offers tournaments, panels,
and Captain America might have aters today. If you are expecting games from almost every publisher › Tales of Xillia 2 (PS3) separate Minecraft and YouTuber
been stretches, but people flocked people in cheesy rubber suits, you’re in the industry. The show is held in zones, and a retail sector.
to theaters to see them. Today going to be disappointed; the turtles Cologne, Germany, and runs from 20 DC’s 52 New Worlds
Marvel puts its audience’s patience are highly detailed, beautifully ani- August 13-17. Be kind to the game Grant Morrison is bringing back DC 26 New Releases
to the true test with the release of mated, and guaranteed to freak you developers, folks. They are in midst Comics’ multiverse in a big way in › Dark Souls II: Crown of the Old
Guardians of the Galaxy. It features out. Don’t worry, Megan Fox plays of back-to-back conventions. a new comic called The Multiversity. Iron King DLC (PS3, 360, PC)
a talking space raccoon, a fighting the leading role of April O’Neil, and This issue, shipping today, takes › Madden NFL 15
space tree, and that dude from Parks Michael Bay is producing, so you 14 SOE Live 2014 readers to Earth-18, where the (PS4, Xbox One, PS3, 360)
and Recreation. If people pay money know this movie has to be good. Over the next three days, Sony Justice Riders preside; Earth-43, to › The Walking Dead: Season 4
to see this, they’ll pay money for Online Entertainment is outlining the get to know the Vampire League; to (Blu-ray, DVD)
anything; prepare for announcements 12 New Releases future of EverQuest Next, Landmark, other Earths containing such char-
of movies based on Night Hawk, › Disgaea 4: A Promise PlanetSide 2, H1Z1, and DC Universe acters as Dino-Cop, Lady Quark, 29.1 New Releases
Marrow, Spider-Ham, and Daredevil. Revisited (Vita) Online. For those attending this event and the Nazi New Reichsmen, and › Professor Layton vs. Phoenix
› Hohokum (PS4, PS3, Vita) at Las Vegas’ Planet Hollywood, the Atomic Knights of Justice. Wright (3DS)
05 New Releases › Risen 3: Titan Lords (PS3, 360) events include a Landmark mega- The first issue of Multiversity
› Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed build, dev panels, parties, and a game spans 48-pages and contains six 29.2 PAX Prime
(PS3, Vita) 13 Silent Hill Returns room that is open to all. different stories. Penny Arcade’s popular expo hap-
› Need for Speed (Blu-ray, DVD) Konami hasn’t announced a new pens four times a year now, but
› Sacred 3 (PS3, 360, PC) Silent Hill game yet, but IDW is 15 I Know That Guy: 22.1 About Damn Time Seattle’s PAX Prime is still the big-
releasing a comic pre-quel to the The Movie The original Sin City came out nine gest show and the place to be for
08.1 New Releases 2012 entry titled Silent Hill Downpour: Sylvester Stallone’s juggernaut years ago, but directors Robert cosplayers and people wanting to
› Ultra Street Fighter IV Anne’s Story. Penned by Tom Waltz, action franchise, The Expendables, Rodriguez and Frank Miller have get a look at upcoming games. The
(PS3, 360, PC) the co-writer of the Downpour game, is back for a third installment today. teamed up again for the next chap- show is sold out, but you can always
this tale fills in the blanks of Anne Does anyone even care what hap- ter. Sin City: A Dame To Kill For turn to gameinformer.com for live
Marie Cunningham’s story. pens in these movies? Is there a hits theaters today, and features updates and the latest news.
22 connect
 FAR
BEYOND
PANDORA'S
BOX

by Tim Turi
Bat
24
 » PLATFORM
PlayStation 4
Xbox One • PC
» STYLE
1 or 2-Player Action
(10-Player Online)
» PUBLISHER
2K Games
» DEVELOPER
Gearbox Software
» RELEASE
2015

tleborn
GEARBOX BLENDS A UNIVERSE’S WORTH OF BADASS HEROES
IN A NEW CO-OP/COMPETITIVE MULTIPLAYER FRANCHISE

cover story 25
 irst-person shooters are a core part of Gearbox’s pedigree. The studio got its start
developing spin-offs of the legendary Half-Life, porting Halo: Combat Evolved to the
PC with online multiplayer, and creating the World War II series Brothers in Arms.
Gearbox dramatically broke out of its comfort zone with Borderlands, an inven-
tive hybrid of slick FPS gameplay,
loot-grabbing, and RPG progression. A The Borderlands franchise is alive and well, with two successful main
entries, a “pre-sequel” on the way to last-gen consoles, and a story-
striking art style and absurd sense of driven Telltale spin-off releasing soon. However, just as Gearbox hit full
stride last generation, it also endured two major stumbling blocks. The
humor made the exotic cocktail even developer revived 3D Realms’ doomed Duke Nukem Forever, but its
harsh critical reception suggested the long-delayed sequel may have
more enticing. been better off a myth. Aliens: Colonial Marines further tainted the
waters, with scorned xenomorph fans crying out that Gearbox’s early
previews didn’t accurately reflect the final, rough release.
For the new console generation, Gearbox’s most obvious bet would
have been to deliver a glimmering new entry in the Borderlands series.
Instead, the developer is once again showcasing its knack for genre
hybridization in an imaginative new IP built around campaign co-op
and competitive multiplayer.

BLENDING GENRES ONCE AGAIN

Borderlands wowed gamers in 2009 by combining twitch shooter action
and satisfying RPG progression. Gearbox is back to creating an “I didn’t
even know I wanted that” experience with Battleborn. It’s a first-person
game through and through, but simply calling it a shooter would be
a misrepresentation. A huge cast of playable characters, all locked
in battle around the last star in the universe, brings strikingly unique
gameplay styles to the table.
This tremendous variety of heroes provides an eclectic mix of genre
tropes and first-person gameplay styles. Some characters carry rifles,
pistols, and Gatling guns, while others launch cursed arrows or teleki-
netic swords. Some characters play like they’re from entirely different
genres, such as a Sith-inspired dual blade-wielding space samurai, or
a bipedal mushroom man that sprouts poisonous fungus patches. The
roster of wildly different characters is reminiscent of all-star fighting
game mash-ups like Super Smash Bros. or the ever-expanding casts
of MOBAs.
Speaking of MOBAs, Gearbox is leading the reveal of Battleborn
26
 Why Not Make
Borderlands 3?
With 2K Australia hard at work on Borderlands:
The Pre-Sequel for last-gen consoles, fans may be
wondering why Gearbox isn’t working on a big,
bold in-house follow-up for the new consoles.
“There’s a point where it’s like, ‘What should
the next Borderlands be? Should there be another
Borderlands, and what should it be?’” says Randy
Pitchford, president of Gearbox Software. “We
had that discussion and there was this weird
mixed bag. On one level it’s like, ‘Woah.’ If you’re
going to do something that’s called Borderlands 3
and it’s going to be done in this next-generation
environment, there’s a whole bunch of ideas that
come around of what has to happen in order for
that to live up to what that needs to be.”
Gearbox rounded up the lingering ideas they
had for filling in the Borderlands series’ gaps –
including telling the villainous Handsome Jack’s
backstory and flying the vault hunters to the
moon – and entrusted 2K Australia with creating
the game.
“[2K Australia’s involvement] did two things,”
Rath is ambushed in this campaign Pitchford says. “It took care of that real deep
mission after responding to a distress call
interest we had [in continuing the story], but it
also changed the nature of the pressure of what
Borderlands 3 had to be for us. If there’s going to
be a Borderlands 3 and what that would be. We
with a five-versus-five multiplayer mode called Incursion that draws accelerated progression system.
imagine what that might be, and frankly it scared
obvious inspiration from games like League of Legends and DOTA. The Character leveling in Battleborn bor-
us. It’s like, ‘That’s so crazy and so big that I’m
elongated battlefield we saw features multiple twisting paths flanking rows another page from MOBAs. Gearbox
not sure we can succeed.’”
a broad lane running down the middle. Robot minions (manufactured wants players to hop into games with their
Gearbox is by no means ruling out
by the industrious Last Light Consortium), pour forth from two bases friends no matter how much experience
Borderlands 3 for this console generation, but for
on either end of the map. The squat little bots march toward a pair of they have, so it is embracing a speedy lev-
now the developer’s interest is set squarely on
huge, mechanical spider sentries guarding each team’s base. Like pro- eling system that resets after each match.
making Battleborn the best it can be.
jectile-firing towers gating players’ progress in MOBA matches, these Dubbed the Helix, pulling up this leveling
spiders devastate players who get too close with a salvo of missiles, menu presents players with two choices
laser beams, and more. By protecting the minions’ march towards the that can be selected with a quick tap of
spiders, players help them to launch a combined attack against their a trigger button. These options generally
powerful shields. With the shields down, teams of up to five can whittle augment existing abilities, like adding frost
away the arachnid’s health and eventually siege the enemy’s base. bullets that slow enemies or increasing jump height. Oftentimes these
Incursion’s concept may be recognizable to MOBA players, but choices are at odds, presenting players with the choice of focusing
Gearbox’s signature first-person gameplay changes the experience on mobility or increased defense, for example. Level seven unlocks a
dramatically. Even if you’re not familiar with MOBAs, the accesible FPS powerful ultimate ability that can turn the tides of battle. It’s a fresh take
controls allow players to engage in the exciting tug-of-war battles that on first-person multiplayer matches, which in the case of shooters like
make the highly competitive genre so exciting. The host of wildly differ- Call of Duty can become imbalanced due to progression systems that
ent characters offers tons of play-style options, deepened further by an imbue longtime players with over-powered unlocks.

Battleborn features a variety of multiplayer maps

cover story 27
 and struggle. Some of it’s for resources,
some of it’s personal, and everybody
seems to ignoring the big threat up north
that’s about to plow over the realm. We
got to imagine in the future upcoming
ideas of Martin’s they’re going to have to
learn to put aside some of those differ-
ences and deal with that common threat.
Thinking about that has been some really
great inspiration.”
For now, Gearbox isn’t sharing any fur-
ther details about the Varelsi’s true intent
and exact role in gameplay. However, we
know the shadowy creatures play a part
in multiplayer and the campaign, offering
new enemies to fight beyond rival factions;
we can only speculate that the unaligned
Varelsi might act as neutral NPCs that
players can attack and gain experience
from in multiplayer. Given Gearbox’s infat-
The fight spills over onto the Jennerit home uation with enemies united by a common
world of Tempest, another multiplayer map foe, the Varelsi also have the potential to
disrupt matches with surprise attacks,
prompting both sides to temporarily unite
and distinguish the dark menace.
TWINKLE LITTLE STAR The factions vying for the last energy source in the universe are a
Battleborn’s unique multiplayer matches and five-player campaign are motley bunch from different reaches of the galaxy. The rush towards
tied together through a story about multiple factions racing toward Solus has brought together groups of space travelers that may have
Solus, the last star burning in the universe. Every other solar body in never crossed paths if all the stars weren’t veiled in darkness. This
the cosmos has been snuffed out by a dark, mysterious force called collection of desperate travelers blows the creative doors for Gearbox
the Varelsi. This enigmatic threat steadily mounts as the factions fight wide open, allowing them to bring together factions that might not nar-
amongst themselves for dominance over the last solar system. Each ratively gel well together.
faction has its own unique band of champion fighters, called battle- On one hand you have the L.L.C. (Last Light Consortium), a techno-
born, united under their respective banners. Gearbox points to the logically advanced group mainly composed of robots looking to make
kingdom-based warring of an immensely popular HBO series as inspi- money off the war for Solus. These eccentric profiteers are decked out
ration, which also features a mysterious, indiscriminate murder machine in custom Victorian Age-inspired styles, showcasing their wealth and
primed to obliterate the temperamental factions. elitist attitudes. The L.L.C. would fit nicely into any light-hearted sci-fi
“One of the really early campaign motivations for creating the factions epic. But on the other hand you have the Eldrid, a faction of woodland
was Game of Thrones,” says creative director Randy Varnell. “We’re all dwellers plucked straight from a high fantasy tale. These creatures
huge nerds for Game of Thrones and have been for years. We love the worship the mysterious beauty of the universe, eager to keep it intact
fact that one of the things that [George R.R. Martin] did with that was without needlessly exploiting its dwindling resources. Bow-wielding
he created characters that aren’t unilaterally good or bad. elves and bowler hat-wearing butler bots may not blend well together
“There are a lot of reasons for these groups in the kingdom to fight on paper, but therein lies the strength of Battleborn.

A joint team assault on the gigantic S1 “Widow”

spider sentry is necessary for gaining ground

28
The Factions Of The Solus System
Meet the opposing groups of Battleborn, all fighting for living space in the universe’s last solar system.

THE PEACEKEEPERS THE LAST LIGHT THE ROGUES THE ELDRID THE JENNERIT EMPIRE
Think of the Peacekeepers as CONSORTIUM (L.L.C.) This band of misfits is composed At first glance, the Eldrid look In stark contrast to the Eldrid,
the intergalactic space-police This economic and technological of the unaffiliated free peoples of like an assortment of nature- the expansionistic Jennerit
analog to America’s role in powerhouse is a collective mostly the Solus System. The factions loving fantasy tropes. But this Empire is happy to bend nature
world politics. Once a massive made up of business-minded of Battleborn are all cosmeti- collection of mushroom people, to its will. This empire sought
fleet of many ships, the fading robots. The L.L.C. used to be cally unique from one another, tall, bow-wielding elves, and for years to unlock eternal life.
stars and resulting lost planets an important extension of the but that diversity is taken to more aren’t quite what they The Jennerit eventually unlocked
have greatly diminished the Peacekeepers, but splintered new extremes with the Rogues. seem. The Eldrid aren’t only in the key to immortality by setting
Peacekeepers’ presence. Lead off as the United Peacekeeping This shady lot is a collection of tune with nature, they worship their planet, Tempest, into a fixed
writer Aaron Linde says the Republic’s wealth and influ- mercenaries, smugglers, pirates, the mathematics and physics that orbit around the sun that allows
Peacekeepers are rounding ence began to dwindle. Now refugees, and other undesirables drive the universe. This ancient them to continually harvest huge
up their remaining “Battlestar unburdened of the Peacekeepers’ hailing from all corners of the society has made it their duty amounts of energy. This energy
Galactica-sized fleet” and head- stiff ethics, the L.L.C. is free to universe and all races. True to to observe, study, and archive powers their empire and converts
ing for Solus. The faction once become filthy rich as the uni- their fractured nature, the Rogues the cosmos’ mysteries in vast them into the Sustained – beings
relied on its vast military might verse’s biggest arms dealer. The call an asteroid belt at the far planet-sized knowledge deposi- that do not die of natural causes
to solve interstellar disputes, L.L.C. supply chaotic battlefields edge of the Solus System home. tories. The Eldrid practiced non- but can still be killed. The
but now has to adapt in these with hundreds of minions and They settle on the larger chunks combative isolationism until the Sustained nobles hold themselves
dire times. Making matters giant spider mechs, all from the of planet in the Detritus Ring and Varelsi wiped out their precious above the lower, mortal castes of
worse, they settled late in the comfort of their self-sustaining sustain themselves by harvesting archives. Motivated into action the Jennerit Empire. While the
game on the semi-terraformed Arc fleet. The numerous robots wayward scrap. by the Varelsi’s interloping and faction isn’t evil in intent, they
planet of Bliss, where the only and few organic members of the “If you take a bunch of civiliza- the darkening stars, the Eldrid don’t mind wiping out planets
vacant spots are covered in ice L.L.C. wear their wealth and tions, grab them all by the neck now take up arms to defend to secure resources for their per-
and snow. elitism on their sleeves with top and shake the crap out of them, their lush, resource-rich home petually living elite. When a sun
“They can be draconian, they hats, monocles, canes, and more. whatever falls loose is basically planet of Ekkunar against the burns out, the Jennerit simply
can be beauracratic, but at the Phoebe, the genius descendent the Rogues,” Linde says. encroaching factions. hitch their power-generating
end of the day they are a pure- of influential human L.L.C. engi- “They see their roles in the uni- planet to a tremendous ship and
hearted bunch,” Linde says. neers, even wears a Victorian verse as stewards of the cosmos, set course for the next solar body.
Age hoop skirt. in so much as they believe the Presently, the Jennerit are head-
“They certainly don’t want cosmos to be a grand engine, ing for Solus.
everyone to destroy themselves, and they’re an expression of that “They’re not quite as distaste-
because then they have no pur- engine,” Linde says. “It’s their ful of genocide as most,” Linde
pose,” Linde says. “But they don’t role in the universe to be the says. “They’re kind of jerks.”
want people to stop dying, either, observers of that engine. They
because that would cut into want to see it play out to its
their profits.” natural conclusion, and they’ve
got front-row seats for it.”
cover story 29
 A SolAr Melting Pot video games these days where we gravitate towards these games with
The race to the center of the universe has brought together a rogues strong characters.”
gallery of quirky characters. Gearbox is taking the storytelling of The merciless Jennerit Empire is host to two archetypal warriors
Battleborn seriously, but the developer is putting gameplay and fun Gearbox wanted to get into the game yet fit into the story in meaningful
first when it comes to creating these wildly different interstellar travel- ways. Rath is an obvious, bad-ass homage to the lightsaber-wielding
ers. If someone on the development team has a wacky idea for a new villains of Star Wars. Early on Gearbox developers stumped themselves
Battleborn, Gearbox bends the fiction to accommodate the newcomer. trying to decide if the sword-wielding killer should dual wield a pair of
“It’s kind of like grown-up action figures,” Varnell says. “You go to energy-infused katanas or lug around a massive sword reminiscent of
any game developer studio ever – and [Game Informer] is probably the spikey-haired JRPG characters. The team asked themselves “Why not
same way – we put our little icons on our desks of the things we love. both?” and gave Rath access to three swords.
There’s always something so powerful about characters. I’ve got my For the other announced Jennerit character, Caldarius, Gearbox
original Star Wars action figures’ Darth Vader collector’s case. started with a simple yet noble blueprint of “Jetpack Soldier.” The team
“They’re very precious to me, but they’re not in great condition. wanted an armored super soldier reminiscent of science-fiction heroes
They’ve been buried in sand, molded in clay, and even burnt a little bit. and giant robots from Japanese anime.
I don’t know how that happened. They’ve been shot with BB guns and “Caldarius is the iconoclastic, Evangelion, Gundam, space marine,
everything else. But there’s something so great about that experience super suit-type guy,” Varnell says. “There’s a little bit of Samus. A little
we take from our childhood and into our adulthood and just rally around bit of anime and several different things in him.”
these characters. I think we’re seeing a resurgence in that as adults in The Rogue faction is a catch-all collection of unaligned misfits

The LSS Trammel lands on Dry Amenine, a desert

region on the Eldrid’s home world of Ekkunar

This Ekkunar jungle is

home to the Unearthed map

30
banding together so they don’t get
steamrolled by the other intergalactic
exiles. Reyna Valeria (alias: The Valkyrie)
is the leader of the patchwork organiza-
tion, supporting her allies on the battle-
field with heals and buffs.
Another example of Battleborn’s
flexible universe is Montana, an ele-
phant-sized, musclebound, bubblegum-
chewing commando with a Gatling gun.
While Gearbox isn’t commenting on the
connection, Montana appears in the
trailer for the studio’s canceled Furious
Four game. His official backstory isn’t
completely filled in yet, but Gearbox’s
willingness to emigrate Montana ignites
the imagination regarding other possible
crossovers. Publisher 2K has a robust
catalog of possible characters that would
be perfect fits for Battleborn’s character-
driven mayhem, not the least of which
are Gearbox’s own vault hunters from the
Borderlands franchise.
“I won’t say that we haven’t talked
about [including vault hunters], but it’s
really important that Battleborn is its own universe first and that it has battlefield by implementing unique insults exchanged between spe-
its own tone and its own style and that it can grow its legs,” Varnell cific matchups. Gun down Rath while playing Montana and you’ll hear
says. “But it is a universe. It’s a vast universe with who knows what. It’s him brag about killing Dracula. Should Rath get revenge on Montana
set way, way in the future and so I can’t say that [vault hunter charac- you might hear him slam all gun users as cowards too afraid to clash
ters] would never happen…” swords. The earthly elven archer, Thorn, is the butt of a van-load of
Don’t let the dire stakes of Battleborn’s cataclysmic premise fool you; hippy jokes, including the promise of sprinkling granola on her grave
Gearbox isn’t eschewing the goofiness of Borderlands for a straight- and that she “smells like camping.” If Borderlands is a rapid-fire barrage
faced space opera. The Battleborn are a colorful bunch brimming with of hit-and-miss jokes, Battleborn feels more like laser-focused jabs that
creative insults and comments to sling alongside their attacks. For punctuate in-the-moment action.
example, the aforementioned Montana unabashedly loves the thrill of “We have this humor that just sort of seeps out,” Varnell says. “Early
battle with a childlike glee. Get him rolling on a kill streak and he enthu- in the project we wanted it to be more serious, but as we got going
siastically bellows, “I just want everybody to know I’m having a great it’s just too hard not to get some of that humor and amusement back
time,” as he shreds enemies to bits with his Gatling gun. in there. I don’t know that it’s going to be the same type of tone of
Gearbox is taking advantage of all the mismatched characters on the humor as in Borderlands, but it certainly has a little bit more of that
light-hearted attitude.”
Clever mockery and one-liners are great for making each moment
more entertaining, but they’re not the best vehicle for delivering an
impactful narrative. Gearbox says the five-player co-op campaign
unravels more of the story, including further insight on the warring fac-
tions and the mysterious Varelsi threat.
“We love when players play together, and when players get in that
play space together,” Varnell says. “In a hero game – a game that has a
diverse amount of heroes and RPG loops and all that – we want to give
you a lot of different ways to play it. Certainly one of the ways we want
you to play the game is with people against these galactic foes like the
Varelsi and other robots and all sorts of other weird, wild creatures that
we can dream up.”
Further campaign details are scarce, except that Gearbox says it
is being “built for replayability.” Whether this means a short, fighting
game-esque series of co-op matches against A.I. or something more
is to be determined. But from the sounds of it, Gearbox wants to check
expectations that the campaign will be on par with Borderlands’ 30
hour-plus adventures.

The Jennerit Empire has spent centuries perfecting

their flair for ominous, geometric architecture

cover story 31
 Meet The Heroic Battleborn
Gearbox hopes to have around 20 characters playable when the game releases. Meet nine of the revealed cast:

name: OSCAR MIKE name: THORN name: RATH name: MARQUIS

faction: Peacekeepers faction: Eldrid faction: Jennerit faction: L.L.C.
This consummate space marine is This lithe, nimble elf lived on the This seasoned swordsman has had This snappily dressed robot was
unflinchingly earnest in his exu- planet of Ekkunar in the Solus unnaturally long experience with formerly a butler for Phoebe’s
berant love of battle. But for all System long before the rival a blade thanks to the Jennerit prestigious family of early Last
his noisy military jargon, he’s not factions appeared and started Empire’s immortal Sustaining Light Consortium founders. After
quick to discuss his past. There blowing things up. She honed process. Formerly among the elite centuries of loyal servitude,
are many like Oscar Mike in the her skills and knack for survival guard for the Jennerit Empress, Marquis’ programming has been
United Peacekeeping Republics while growing up on the frontier – Rath abandoned the position when swapped out with a new A.I.
who unquestioningly follow abilities that will be put to the test infighting broke out within the that has made him slightly more
orders and deliver justice on the against warring groups and the upper class. Rath is less interested unhinged. Ever the gentleman,
battlefield. He’s what you’ve come tightening Varelsi stranglehold. in power struggles and more con- this robot still wears a bowler
to expect and appreciate in space- She’s a conflicted battleborn, cerned with sticking his energy- cap that he clutches to his metal
faring armed forces. wrestling with her non-aggressive imbued katanas through enemies skull as he tally-hos across
On the battlefield, Oscar Mike upbringing as the mounting galac- on the frontlines. the battlefield.
deals consistent, pestering tic threats force her into the fray. Rath forgoes the clumsy Uninterested in dirtying his
medium-range damage with his Thorn is a fast, powerful mid- firearms of the battlefield in hands with close combat, Marquis’
rifle and grenades. Call of Duty range glass cannon without a exchange for three swords he fancy cane transforms into a
fans will feel right at home with shield. Her curse magic allows handcrafted. He dual wields a pair sniper rifle for long-ranged gun-
his grounded traversal and precise her to charge up arrows for added of blades, slicing vertically and play. Players can aim down the
iron-sight aiming. His trusty frag damage the longer they’re pulled horizontally with presses of the cane-rifle and adjust the level
grenade deals a blast of damage to back in her bow. Playing her effi- trigger buttons. He raises his third of zoom using an analog stick.
enemies’ health, while his pulse ciently requires patience, steady sword – a massive blade remi- Marquis can deploy an explosive
grenade drains the shields of foes aim, and the wisdom for when niscent of Cloud Strife’s buster robot owl named Hoodini to patrol
in the area. His airstrike ultimate to retreat into the shadows. Her sword – overhead when preparing a small area and detonate on ene-
ability allows him to call down a generous jump allows her to leap for his catalytic smash attack. mies that come too close. Marquis
barrage of laser-guided missiles out of enemies’ view and reach The resulting ground slam sends can also throw down another area-
great for quickly finishing off heights many cannot. Thorn can enemies into the air, setting them of-effect ability that slows time
wounded opposition or dealing a knock a cluster of arrows for a up for his short-range energy pro- for anyone who steps through it,
wide swath of damage. spread shot and lay down an jectile fired when he crosses his becoming easy fodder for his rifle.
aura of corruption to hurt and blades. For Rath’s ultimate ability, For his ultimate, Marquis charges
slow down enemies. Her ulti- Dreadwind, he becomes a spin- up and fires a large single shot of
mate ability unleashes a deadly ning whirlwind of death that can deadly energy that glides across
scalewolf, a lightning-fast canine obliterate foes too slow to seek the battlefield, arcing electricity
companion that hones in on and higher ground. towards nearby enemies.
devastates targets.

ENTERING THE GALACTIC FRAY out of the jungle while spinning, lighting up, and glowing.”
While the campaign remains a question mark, Gearbox is far enough An onscreen minimap shows off the twisting, complex series of paths
along in development that we played a handful of multiplayer matches. ahead. Players can also mark enemies once spotted on the battlefield,
We cut our teeth on the five-on-five, MOBA-inspired game mode, making them temporarily trackable on the map. For players who struggle
Incursion. The build was up and running on PCs, complete with a wired in battles against more experienced players, Gearbox is implementing a
Xbox 360 controller and mouse/keyboard. variety of NPCs to tear up.
Forever drawn to the dark side, I chose Rath as my starting character. “One thing we realized is it kind of sucks when you’re playing a com-
Teams start out in their base, watching as a door slowly lowers to reveal petitive game and you’re coming in and you’re not at the top of your
a lush, green jungle stretching into the distance. This map, Unearthed, is game,” Pitchford says. “If you’re a new player coming into Call of Duty
just one example of a variety of battlegrounds Gearbox has in the works. right now, it completely sucks because everybody on your own team
“Not only does it have that kind of Avatar-type of alien jungle feel to calls you every racial slur and sexual-orientation insult you can possibly
it, we wanted something that was a little more unique in ours,” Varnell imagine if you’re not the best player possible. And then you can’t do
says. “We put in these massive golems from an ancient civilization. anything because the other team is so skilled.
You’re going to see them starting to almost come alive and power up “The fix for that is this really clever, in my opinion, concept of layering
32
name: MONTANA name: REYNA name: MIKO name: PHOEBE name: CALDARIUS
faction: Peacekeepers faction: Rogues faction: Eldrid faction: L.L.C. faction: Jennerit
The bubblegum-chewing Montana The unaffiliated free peoples This mushroom-headed creature Phoebe is the last in a long line This armored, jetpack-wearing
is four times the size of any bat- settled on the Detritus Ring hails from a planet of genetically of brilliant inventors that helped champion is a lower caste Jennerit
tleborn revealed so far. This hulk’s asteroid belt and answer to no identical fungus life forms. When shape the highly profitable and that fought his way to the elite
time serving the Peacekeepers has one, except sometimes Reyna. the Eldrid discovered Miko they technologically advanced Last ranks of the immortal Sustained.
strained the ideals he once held This faction’s defacto commander took the sentient fungal entity Light Consortium. Her human Caldarius excelled in broadcasted
dear, but his gusto for combat is leads the ragtag crew when dire with them, thusly saving the traits, like emotion and mortal- gladiatorial tournaments and won
alive and well. Montana’s tremen- circumstances require coopera- being from the impending demise ity, make her an oddity among the prize of eternal life when he
dous personality isn’t just for his tion. Referred to some as Valkyrie, of the colony. When Miko speaks, the robotic leaders of the L.L.C. emerged victorious. The Sustained
own amusement – he uses it as a Reyna is a supportive leader that it refers to itself as “we,” continu- The robotic butler-turned-sniper, made true to their promise and
tool to motivate his fellow broth- does all she can to keep her allies ing the legion-esque collective Marquis, was formerly the loyal granted him immortality, but
ers in arms. in healthy, fighting shape. consciousness of its home world. servant of Phoebe’s family. locked him away for a long, long
Montana is an easy target on Reyna carries a pistol into Like any hardy fungus, Miko is However, Phoebe excused Marquis time to put him in his place. After
the field, but he can soak up battle in one hand and wears a built for survival, complete with a from his duties when altera- emerging from his prolonged
a good deal of damage while laser-firing command glove on generous health regeneration rate tions to his A.I. caused him to detention, Caldarius is ready to
peppering enemies with his the other. Energy projectiles fired and multiple self-healing abilities. become unstable. take out his pent-up aggression
humongous minigun. This beefy from her command glove whittle The creature is also an indispens- This brilliant aristocrat’s pres- in battle.
machine gun can be augmented down enemies’ shields, while her able medic with decent speed ence on the battlefield is immedi- Caldarius is a hunter killer that
to blast frost bullets that slow six-shooter chips away at their and kunais for dealing mid-range ately noticeable. A set of floating can handily chase down targets,
enemies and decrease overheat- health. Her command glove also damage. Miko can toss down a rapiers hovers above her, con- dash in for an assassination, and
ing, or flame rounds that boost fires friendly energy blasts that cloud of spores that deals damage trolled by some techno-wizardry retreat into the air via his jetpack
damage but cause the gun to seize home in on allies and give them a to nearby foes and slows them or magic powers. Phoebe can before anyone can retaliate. He
up more quickly. While among temporary over shied. On the flip down. The fungus’ mushroom cap stab and slash with her airborne wields a submachine gun and
the slowest of the battleborn, side, she can fire another burst can be removed and thrown on the blades, and completing a combo a sword for up-close damage,
Montana can close the distance that locks in on and marks speci- ground for its special ability, creat- against a foe enhances her suite of which become even deadlier when
with a speedy dash that knocks fied enemy targets. The priority- ing a healing aura that also dam- other abilities. Her abilities let her combined with his blinding flash
enemies backward. For Montana’s target status allows teammates ages enemies caught in its radius. teleport short distances or unleash grenade. The character’s abilities
Mansformation ultimate ability, to deal damage on the mark that a flurry of telekinetic rapier aren’t set in stone, but Gearbox
he coats himself in steel, leaps bypasses shields. Reyna’s ultimate attacks directly in front of her. envisions an ultimate attack
into the air, and crashes down on ability lets her teleport to any ally For her ultimate ability, Phoebe where Caldarius slams into the
a targeted area to deal damage as on the battlefield to either heal a digs her heels in and prepares to ground from above to deal a huge
huge as his frame. friend at the last minute or escape parry an oncoming attack. If she splash of damage.
the fray. deflects an incoming assault, she
retaliates by directing her entire
floating arsenal of rapiers towards
the unfortunate soul.

the competitive game on top of the player-versus-environment game. The Helix leveling system makes choosing Rath’s skill augments and
When we talk about the minions in Minion Robotics, there are all these new abilities quick and easy, which is important for staying alive on the
war machines that are fighting and when you play the PvE game you battlefield. Two columns of available upgrades appear on screen with the
realize there’s a mission.” push of a button, which can be quickly selected by pressing the left or
The enemy team’s robotic minions encroach on our defensive spider right trigger. Rath deals devastating melee damage, but inexperienced
bot before I encounter another player-controlled Battleborn. I use these players (me) run the risk of getting mobbed by the opposing team. After
short, admittedly adorable little machines as whetstones to get a feel several deaths, I steer Rath away from Helix upgrades that increase
for Rath’s swordplay. Plates of armor dent and fall off of the minions as power – like an attack boost when health is low – and toward more
I get used to the rhythm of his basic dual sword swipes. defensive perks like increased movement speed when my shields bust.
One ability causes Rath to draw back his massive broadsword over- While I fail to become a slicing ‘n’ dicing powerhouse, I help out the team
head and pull the camera out to third-person. A targeting aura projects by destroying the enemy’s minions. This lets our own minions fan out
onto the ground, allowing me to aim a strike that smashes into the around the opposing spider robot, wear down its shields, and deal some
ground and sends enemies into the air. Mincing defenseless airborne damage. It’s a close match, but we lose when the winner is determined
minions is a devilishly fun time, and it’s enough to level up. by point totals after the 30-minute mark.
cover story 33
 The deadly Varelsi attack Montana and his
teammates in the wilderness of Ekkunar

I find better luck in the next round as Thorn. The elven huntress battlefield. Montana may be powerful, but his tre-
starts off as a fairly unremarkable bow-wielder with slightly increased mendous character model makes him an easy
mobility and a slow rate of fire. Not as immediately deadly as Rath, she target at a distance. Team him up with the sentient
becomes a lithe predator on her trek to level 20. Drawing back her bow mushroom medic, Miko, and you’ve got a combo
charges up an arrow infused with curse magic. The longer you charge it, that could give the opposing forces a tough time.
the stronger it gets. Her bow isn’t as user-friendly as a rifle, but getting Even better, Miko can steer away from heal-focused
a feel for the arrow’s arc and plunking off big chunks of enemies’ health Helix augments and instead focus on boosting allies’
is satisfying. Like Rath, players can choose skills that either boost attack power.
her ability to stay alive or deal extra damage. In this case, I choose to Battleborn’s diverse characters look and act like
increase Thorn’s jump distance and turn her melee attack into a Force they’re ripped from a variety of genres, but even
push-like backward boost. more impressive is the fact that they all control like they’re from differ-
“Bunny-hopping in shooters has always been an issue, but with her ent games. Oscar Mike, the consummate space marine, is the perfect
we just embrace it,” Varnell says. “It’s part of how we balance the starting point for players more accustomed to modern shooters like Call
character. It’s how she survives without a shield and moves around of Duty. His iron-sight aiming, grenade selection, and airstrike special
this wilderness.” ability make him a familiar yet satisfying point of entry. On the other end
Suddenly I’m leaping through previously inaccessible breaks in the of the spectrum, lining up first-person sword slashes with Rath feels
brush, soaring across elevated areas that once required careful plat- more like timing out combos in a fighting game. Launching an enemy
forming, and bunny hopping out of harm’s way when things get hairy. into the air with Rath’s ground smash and executing a mid-air finisher is
Toss in her area-of-effect curse aura and multi-arrow blast and I’m just as satisfying as nailing a flying knockout in Street Fighter II.
taking down enemies left and right. A clean, striking art style unites the charismatic collective under the
Racking up kills isn’t a guaranteed path to victory. My team won guidance of Gearbox veterans and a visual-effects legend. Art direc-
matches when we focused on protecting our marching minions, work- tor Scott Kester, one of the developers responsible for Borderlands’
ing together to take down enemy spider bots, and barking out enemy unique comic-book veneer, returns for this project. He’s joined by
locations. Support characters like Miko also have vital roles on the effects director Michel Gagne, a film animation-effects veteran with
decades of experience including The Iron
Giant, Mortal Kombat, Star Wars: The Clone
Wars, the PS3 game Insanely Twisted Shadow
Planet, and much more. His experience trans-
lates perfectly into Battleborn’s clean visuals,
accentuated with swirling puffs of smoke and
explosions that burst with the personality of
their corresponding characters. The colorful,
elegant visuals aren’t just attractive, they’re
downright necessary for reading the chaotic
flow of battle.

AN EXPANDING BATTLEFIELD
Gearbox wants all Battleborn characters to
start matches at level one to ensure players
can match up with their friends anytime, but
there are plans for meaningful meta progress
as well. A handful of characters are available
from the start, but you must work through
the cooperative campaign and multiplayer
matches to unlock the rest. Gearbox isn’t
going into specifics regarding how many
battleborn will be available from the start, but
hopes to include around 20 on retails discs.
Similar to the Borderlands series or MOBAs,
Pitchford suggests that more characters will
become available as DLC down the road.
Players also earn in-game currency through
playing matches and performing well, which
can be used to purchase alternate skill
34
 Each hero has multiple build options, allowing players
to customize their character to suit their play style

upgrades and character skins. Every battleborn comes with his or Rath’s deadly whirlwind attack making players rage-quit? With the new
her own stock Helix skill path, but purchasing additional abilities lets tech, Gearbox can adjust the experience faster than ever.
you customize what powers become available on the path to level 20. The last console generation was a rollercoaster for Gearbox. The
Character skins offer a unique look that make your battleborn stand out inventive Borderlands series solidified the studio as a creative power-
on the battlefield. Gearbox isn’t sure whether duplicate characters will house, but the team’s struggle to deliver on existing licenses smudged
be permitted on a single team, but purchased skins could help differen- its track record. Gearbox is charging into the new generation with an
tiate teammates. I spotted a “Dark Elf” skin for Thorn as one example exciting, original project that’s already a ton of fun at this early point in
of an alternate aesthetic. development. Gearbox is back to doing what it does best: making the
“We want this to become a hobby for us and for our players, where game nobody asked for but everyone should want.
we’re always developing our player’s profile,” Pitchford says. “The idea “Battleborn is the biggest thing we’ve ever done by a long shot,”
of Bad-Ass Ranks in Borderlands 2 is [small] in comparison to the ambi- Pitchford says. “It’s the most ambitious thing we’ve ever done. We
tions of what this could be.” have more energy, more people, and more mindshare dedicated to
While not as flashy as new duds or abilities, Gearbox is also taking this effort than we’ve ever had for any project ever. As a matter of fact
advantage of the powerful data-collecting tech this new console gen- I think that by the time it ships, the amount of effort that’s gone into
eration affords to help shape the battlefield to players’ needs. For Battleborn will be greater than the first 10 years of Gearbox’s existence
Borderlands 2, Gearbox subtly tweaked under-the-hood balance met- all added together.” \
rics without big annoying updates by logging them into the Shift net-
work. Gearbox plans on continuing this trend with dedicated servers, Learn more about Battleborn via our month of exclusive online features, including extended hands-
allowing the team to adjust Battleborn’s delicate balance in response to on impressions, extensive video interviews, and more detailed breakdowns of the first playable
fan feedback and information collected from thousands of matches. Is characters, at www.gameinformer.com/battleborn

Players can spend currency earned on the battlefield to

teleport further out on the battlefield from home base

cover story 35
 2014

Ho� 50
he PlayStation 4 and Xbox
One are just starting to come
of age, which means publishers
and developers finally have a firm
grasp of how to leverage the increased
horsepower of these systems. That ex-
pertise came into focus at E3, where a
deep lineup of impressive titles con-
vinced naysayers that console gaming
is here to stay. Nintendo also gave the
Wii U a much-needed jolt of enthusi-
asm, and even though we didn’t see
as many 3DS titles as we would have
liked, a couple managed to pique our
interest. As always, PC gamers have
plenty to look forward to as well.
The industry still may be short on
original new concepts, but fans of all
platforms should have no shortage
of quality titles to choose from as we
move through the rest of 2014 and
into 2015. Here are the 50 games at
the show that impressed the Game
Informer staff the most.

36
 Evolve
The Kraken captivates E3 attendees
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PC Style: 1-Player Shooter (5-Player Online) Publisher: 2K Games Developer: Turtle Rock Studios Release: October 21

E
volve’s asymmetrical four- Whereas Goliath’s anthropomorphic combat. Aftershock allows Kraken to other journalists. At the advice of a devel-
versus-one multiplayer matches frame was designed to feel familiar to smash into the ground, dealing major oper from Turtle Rock, I place my initial
have been engaging from the anyone who has ever seen a King Kong electrical damage to nearby enemies, but skill points in the Kraken’s ranged abili-
first time we laid hands on the or Godzilla movie, Kraken’s body is a the rest of the squid-like creature’s abili- ties, leaving aftershock locked for later
game for our February cover story, mess of tentacles and talons, and its ties can be performed from a distance, down my evolutional timeline.
but we’ve been eager to see how new face splits apart below the eyes into a allowing Kraken to stay airborne while on I spend the first few minutes of the
player-controlled hunters and monsters long gaping maw full of deadly teeth. The the offensive. Banshee mines are electri- match getting accustomed to control-
would shake up the shooter’s intrigu- differences between Goliath and Kraken cal orbs that slowly target nearby enemies ling the Kraken and feeding on wildlife to
ing mix of cooperative and competitive extend to the gameplay as well; Goliath after deployment and explode on contact. level up. The new monster’s hover ability
gameplay. Last issue we showcased is a melee-focused brute, whose thick Vortex sends out a directed shockwave provides a good view of the map and
four new hunters, which, like the first skin and sheer power allow the creature that blasts hunters off their feet, dealing allows me to effortlessly glide between
tier of human characters, all have their to thrive in close-quarter encounters minor damage in the process. Finally, rocky outcrops and up canyon walls.
own unique weapons and abilities. against the opposing team. While Kraken lightning strike summons several electri- While the Kraken’s spiky tentacles do
However, Turtle Rock Studios was can bound across the ground using its cal charges that slowly converge on the a decent amount of damage against
keeping one more big reveal up its arms and legs, pressing the jump button player’s reticle and send down massive the random beasts I come across, my
sleeve for this year’s E3, in the form of allows it to float in the direction the player lightning bolts from the heavens. Thanks vortex attack proves invaluable; a single
the massive, Cthulhu-esque monster is aiming. This ability to hover above the to Evolve’s recent skill-point redesign, blast of the ability knocks down the A.I.-
called the Kraken. Like the Goliath battlefield makes it perfect for ranged the player controlling the monster can controlled beasts, allowing me to finish
before it, Evolve’s newest metamor- combat. Kraken isn’t as fundamentally upgrade each ability up to three times them off, feed, and be on the move again
phic beast didn’t disappoint during our tough as Goliath, so gliding around the when staging up, allowing them to spread in a matter of seconds. It serves as good
hands-on demo. outskirts of combat and using the ver- their points out evenly or focus on maxing practice for the player-controlled hunt-
The Kraken provides a whole differ- ticality of the environment to evade the out a single attack or two. ers who are stalking me from the shad-
ent play style and design aesthetic for hunters is highly recommended. Our demo on the E3 show floor pits me ows somewhere out in the sprawling,
Evolve’s would-be monster players. Kraken’s abilities also facilitate ranged against two of my fellow editors and two open environment.
37
 While the Kraken is capable of moving on the ground, you're
better off using its hover ability to float above the battlefield

I manage to stage up to level two destroying it is an alternate win condi-

before encountering my pursuers for the tion for the monster, so the squad of
first time. Daisy, Maggie’s bloodhound- hunters double-times it to my location.
esque Trapjaw companion, is the first to However, I have no desire to squeak out
locate me, and the rest of the pack is hot an objective-based victory.
on her heels. I make a concerted effort to The fight that ensues is as epic as
stay out of range of Hyde’s flamethrower any video game boss fight, as the tide
to avoid becoming fried calamari. I alter- of battle shifts between our opposing
nate between my lightning strike and teams. Bucket’s sentry guns once again
banshee-mine attacks, while occasionally shower me in a hail of gunfire, and I must
using my vortex ability to keep my foes hover around the buildings of the facility
separated and blast them off of ledges. for cover. The support character continu-
When the squad’s support member – a ally pelts me with rockets from his guided
bipedal robot named Bucket – lays down missile launcher, whittling away at my
a few autonomous sentry guns that add shield while Hyde hurls toxic grenades
even more firepower to the fight, I decide at me and compounds the damage with
it’s time to tuck tentacle and run. I disori- fire from his minigun. Despite the chaos,
ent my foes with one final lightning strike, I focus my attention squarely on the
then dash off through the air. squad’s medic, Lazarus; he has the ability
I stay on the move and recover by to raise his teammates from the dead, so
feasting on more animals. Distinct even if I do manage to kill off one of my my overpowered abilities, I destroy the but I’m looking forward to discovering
behaviors start to emerge as I encounter opponents, I’d have to guard the corpse generator for good measure, bringing a more for myself.
different creatures; some species are as long as he’s alive. decisive end to the match. The compelling match-ups of Evolve’s
aggressive and attack me on sight, while At times the coordinated attacks of The play-style differences between the hunt mode drew massive crowds to 2K’s
others are territorial and fight me for the the hunters feels overwhelming, but the Kraken and the Goliath were striking, but booth all week during E3, right up until
tasty corpses I’ve worked so hard to newly formed crew sports a fatal flaw; I was also impressed by how much the the close of the show. Our hands-on time
attain. I do a poor job of avoiding resting they have a tendency to stick in a tight tactics vary between hunters. Lazarus’ with the Kraken and new hunters gave us
flocks of Bat Rays, which kick up into the pack when on offense, which allows me revival ability was a serious thorn in my another tantalizing glimpse at the amount
sky and alert the hunters to my presence. to swallow them up with my maxed- side, but Val’s medgun would have let her of variety and replayability Turtle Rock is
I wouldn’t find out until after the match out lightning strikes. Eventually I kill off heal teammates from a distance, allow- striving to attain, and earned Evolve our
that my opponents were running into their Lazarus, and the tide permanently shifts ing the pack to split up and avoid my Best In Show award. All that’s left now is
own problems with planet Shear’s native in my favor. Confident in my lead, I slam stronger attacks. While Bucket’s sentry the long road to October 22, which will
wildlife, which gave me enough time to down onto Hyde with my aftershock guns dished out a good deal of damage, undoubtedly be paved with more exciting
evolve into Kraken’s third and final stage. attack, and finish him off with melee Hank’s orbital barrage could’ve punished reveals. Jeff Marchiafava
I use the extra skill points to max out strikes. Bucket and Maggie put up a me for lingering in one spot for too long,
my lightning strike and vortex abilities, noble fight, but with their efforts divided a bad habit I caught myself doing more Find out what our match was like from the hunters’
then set out for a final showdown. I pick and reinforcements still a minute away, than once. I can’t imagine what kind of perspectives and get more hands-on impres-
a fight by heading to the map’s dam and they don’t stand a chance. After finishing advanced strategies and ability combina- sions by reading our Evolve Editor Roundtable
attacking its large electrical generator; them off with punishing combos from tions veteran players will come up with, at gameinformer.com/mag.

38
The Kraken's banshee mines creates floating energy
orbs that seek out players and explode on impact

�� Ful� Lineup
Turtle Rock Studios still isn’t
talking about Evolve’s additional
gameplay modes, single-player
content, or progression system.
However, the developer did con-
firm the final number of playable
characters. Evolve will ship with
a total of twelve hunters, three
monsters, and over a dozen maps.
Those who pre-order the game
will receive a free fourth monster
via DLC sometime after launch.
Given the developer’s enthusi-
asm for the game and experience
creating quality expansions for
Left 4 Dead, we’re guessing that
will only be the beginning.

The Kraken can glide effortlessly between rocky outcrops,

so trapping him with the Mobile Arena is imperative.

39
 Batman: Arkham Knight
The Batmobile injects new elements into the Arkham formula
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PC Style: 1-Player Action Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Developer: Rocksteady Studios Release: 2015

I
n the last issue, we showed you the a tow cable launches out. You jam on The strafing ability is perfect for little more powerful shots to take them down.
first look at the Batmobile’s trans- reverse and the Batmobile burns rubber, tweaks necessary to line up with a ramp In regards to these seemingly deadly
formation into battle mode. Now bending the edge of the busted bridge for a big jump or to simply turn around. munitions, the Batmobile auto-detects
we’re back to dig deeper. back to form a ramp. Holding down the The Batmobile’s maneuverability comes when you’re targeting a human and
We return to Ace Chemicals to stop triangle button fires up the jet engine in handy for vehicular battles as well. switches over to non-lethal rounds.
villain Arkham Knight’s hostage scheme in the back, allowing the Batmobile to Enemy trucks line up green lasers that These have a faint smoke trail as they fly
in a lengthy hands-on demo of the charge up some instant speed to jump change to red once they’ve targeted you. through the air and knock humans over
PlayStation 4 version. In a traditional the gap instead of having to back up and At this point, it’s easy to tap a button to with a satisfying thud. Batman can even
Arkham game you'd swoop in and trade gain momentum the old-fashioned way. perform a quick dash move and dodge run people over safely. When you bump
off between combat and stealth sec- This standard pursuit mode feels like a the barrage. Offense includes infinite- into people, the entire Batmobile turns
tions until you reached the end. For this typical fast car, however it’s not the best ammo machine guns and a rocket blue with electricity and the guys fall over
mission, and for much of the game, for the tight corridors of the chemical launcher that runs on a cooldown. If you stunned. It’s a stretch, but I’d rather have
the Batmobile is an integral part of plant. By holding down the left trigger, it connect enough shots without getting that than enemies constantly jumping out
the gameplay. changes to battle mode instantly, reveal- hit, you can unleash a barrage of homing of the way like grasshoppers.
A wide chasm is all that’s left of the ing one of the most maneuverable vehi- missiles to finish off several foes at once. If you feel like getting your hands dirty,
bridge that led to the plant. You drive cles I’ve ever controlled. Not only does it Higher-powered enemy vehicles are the Batmobile also helps out with melee
Batman’s signature ride to the edge and work great for battles, it’s nimble enough invulnerable to Batman’s machine gun combat. Once you build up a combo,
a small prompt appears. Tap R1 and to scoot along narrow, twisting bridges. “bullets” so you’ll have to build up the a prompt appears onscreen for some
40
 Battle mode handles like a dream

A mass of troops and vehicles guards Ace Chemicals

vehicular assistance. If you mash the two

face buttons simultaneously, Batman
uppercuts the foe into the air and the
Batmobile’s stunner cannon targets and
blasts him like a clay pigeon.
The Batmobile isn’t all offense. It also
comes into play during puzzles. At one
point, you blow up a wall with explosive
gel to access the next hostage and
there’s some hot steam blasting out of a
pipe underneath. At the tap of a button
you can control the Batmobile remotely,
clamp the towrope onto a pipe further up
the line, and yank it off to prevent steam
from making it to Batman’s position.
Once you rescue the hostage, he
doesn’t just say “Thanks, Batman” and
somehow mysteriously teleport back to
the police waiting back on the other side
of the bridge as in standard video game
logic. You must summon the Batmobile
to your position and the entire back end
opens up, revealing a concealed pas-
senger seat (There’s no room in the main
cockpit for civilians, c’mon). Then you
drive him over and personally drop him
off. Rocksteady says this seat comes into
play for enemies as well, so maybe we’ll
see some bounty missions back in the
main city area.
Batman: Arkham Knight has slipped
into 2015, but if the extra development
time is going to produce more highly pol-
ished, inventive gameplay then I can sit
outside Gotham City limits for as long as
it takes. Bryan Vore
41
 Destiny
First step into a larger world
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PlayStation 3 • Xbox 360 Style: Online Multiplayer Shooter Publisher: Activision Developer: Bungie Release: September 9

B
ungie released a public alpha vanity items like new ships and personal
version of Destiny to coincide vehicles (think Star Wars speeder bikes).
with E3, giving players their first The majority of sellers take the primary
chance to extensively explore currency of the game, called glimmer,
one of the game zones, several mis- but others require special marks earned
sions, the social hub, and competitive in the competitive or high-end coopera-
play. Depending on how you looked at tive missions. I also like the idea of the
it, it was either an impressive slice of bounty board found at the Tower; play-
pre-release fun, or a maddening tease ers can select several of these bounties
that makes September seem even to be active at any one point, and each
further away. offers rewards for objectives like killing a
While limited in scope, the alpha proved large number of enemies without dying,
a worthwhile proof of concept, making or completing a requisite number of
good on many of the ambitious promises precision kills.
made so far. Equally important (but less The solo and cooperative content I
acknowledged), these several days of played brought me back to the now
game access helped prove that the tech familiar environs of Old Russia on Earth.
works. Player meet-ups, matchmaking, While the locale has been the main area for the full game, but I enjoyed the Earth’s moon is the sight of “First Light,”
and public events all worked seamlessly showcased since the game’s announce- battles. As for storytelling, too little was a large lunar facility with plenty of room
on PS4, and the servers remained rock- ment, it was enlightening to finally get on display in these missions to draw any on the periphery for vehicle combat.
solid for this early test. to explore the zone freely. The area is an conclusions about how strong or weak it Competitive play feels like a natural
One of the most enlightening aspects entertaining mix of large outdoor open might be. evolution of Bungie’s Halo framework,
of this early version was a glimpse at arenas and dimly lit underground cor- The competitive Crucible mode lets but the addition of super abilities, more
the Tower – the social and vendor hub ridors. In between major story missions you jump your character from PvE to varied weaponry, and vertical movement
that beats at the heart of Destiny. Home or strikes, players can pick up simple PvP with ease. Match-made games actions ensure that everyone is going to
of the player character guardians, the missions from beacons scattered around allowed me to explore two distinct maps, have to learn some new tricks.
Tower is the place that feels most akin to the zone, which serve as incentives to but only one game mode: Control. This The alpha is a small slice of the over-
a traditional MMO. Players move around move you around the area to interesting six-on-six style of play should be familiar all game, and it leaves some impor-
in third-person with their helmets off to combat sites. to even the most casual competitive tant questions unanswered. Plot and
showcase their character’s appearance. At any time, friends can join up into a multiplayer fan; three flags must be characters remain almost completely
Genre standards like a post office and a fireteam and explore the game together. controlled to farm points, and additional under wraps, high-level play is yet to be
bank vault allow the sending of messages The story missions and cooperative points are gained for taking out players. detailed, and the other worlds of the solar
and the storing of items to pass between strikes offer more structured content, The Earth-based “Rusted Lands” offers a system remain virtually invisible. However,
different characters on your account. with included narrative moments, check- tightly clustered complex of ruined build- I can say with authority that what I played
Numerous vendors are scattered points, and bosses to confront. The ings to fight over, where control is often was enough to convince me of Destiny’s
throughout the Tower, offering weapons small number of these missions in the determined by the team that is most potential, and I’m already thinking about
and armor that help move your character alpha were little more than a taste of the adept at capitalizing on the vertical move- what my next character for the summer
up the power ladder, but also cosmetic broader experience that’s been prom ised ment modes to reach elevated perches. beta might be. Matt Miller
42
 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Going all out for Geralt’s last hurrah
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PC Style: 1-Player Role-Playing Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Developer: CD Projekt RED Release: February 24

T
he Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is
bit tersweet. On one hand, CD
Projekt RED is giving its all to
the project and it shows – the
visuals are breathtaking and the choice-
and-consequence storytelling is strong
as ever. On the other hand, this is
protagonist Geralt of Rivia’s final adven-
ture. Thankfully, he’s going out like a
witcher should. CD Projekt RED is pro-
viding him the biggest stage possible:
an open-world game with opportunities
and choices around each corner.
What’s immediately striking is how
alive the world feels. As Geralt walks the
streets of Novigrad, the largest city in the
game, he runs into children fighting over
who will play the witch they pretend to magical powers. His witcher senses still She can channel spirits for three differ- this to save its life, but what if it’s telling
burn. These exchanges feel authentic, prove fruitful for finding enemy traces, ent women, beautifully showcased on a the truth? In the demo, Geralt chooses to
and the NPC chatter is cleverly writ- like footsteps to keep him on the right tapestry. These women hold the key to kill it. After our quest, we go back to the
ten. The world appears boundless, with trail. New here is Geralt’s access to a the ashen-haired woman. We must fulfill man, who slices off his ear like it’s no big
towers, bridges, and the sea visible in crossbow to help him shoot down flying a favor first, which leads Geralt to a man deal, giving us what the spirits wanted.
the distance. This isn’t merely decora- enemies like harpies. who needs him to destroy a tree monster When Geralt brings the ear back, the
tion; CD Projekt RED says if you see Geralt soon hits his first obstacle: A that’s cursing his village. At this point, the beautiful ladies from the tapestry trans-
something, you can interact with it, often monster child referred to as a godling mission is starting to become dependent form into their true selves. Let’s just say
revealing hidden paths and treasures. has information but lost his voice. Geralt on fetch quests, but the next event turns they’re more grotesque than the pretty
In our live demo, Geralt continues on a must restore it if he wants answers, so he things around by bringing what we know picture we previously saw. We then get
quest to find the “ashen-haired woman.” follows the godling. Through the murky and love about The Witcher. As we’re a glimpse of the ashen-haired woman,
Longtime fans should have an inkling of swamps, Geralt encounters drowners, about to slay the tree monster, it pleads who fans will recognize as Triss, except
who he’s pursuing. dead bodies that guards dispose of by for us not to kill it saying, “Only I can her hair is now gray. That’s enough to
The basic premise and gameplay throwing them in the water. Now they’ve save the children.” leave us intrigued, but as the demo
remain unchanged, but Geralt looks come back to pester anyone who goes On our way, we passed an orphanage closes, we see the impact of the choice
quicker on his feet. He still has a silver through their territories. with children playing outside. At this to kill the tree. The orphanage has disap-
sword for monsters and a steel one to Geralt restores the godling’s voice, moment, Geralt’s path branches. Can we peared; the children are nowhere in sight.
fell humans, alongside his handy set of who then leads him to an elderly woman. trust this creature? It could just be saying Kimberley Wallace
43
 No Man’s Sky
Hello Games’ project shines at Sony’s press conference
Platform: PlayStation 4 (TBA) Style: 1-Player Action/Adventure Publisher: Hello Games Developer: Hello Games Release: TBA

I
n our feature on No Man’s Sky shown in the primary trailer. We start
last issue, we spoke at length with in a dim cave full of stalactites, rock
managing director Sean Murray formations, and strange vegetation. A
and teased what we knew about bright, sunny landscape awaits outside.
what would happen at its E3 showing. We look back and see another open-
The game received a mar quee spot in ing about a kilometer away. Heading
the middle of Sony’s press conference outside, we see abundant wildlife
with Murray appearing onstage to show- consisting of everything from deer to
case two video clips and announce massive dinosaurs. A group of ships
the game’s “console debut” on PS4. zip across the sky above, sending the
The presentation made major waves wildlife scattering.
and stood out against Sony heavy hit- We hop in a nearby ship and soar into
ters like Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End the sky toward a planet hanging in the
and Bloodborne. In fact, in an informal distance. A.I. wingmen (a later upgrade)
Game Informer twitter poll, No Man’s fly to our aid as we blast up asteroids. like Minecraft and DayZ, but I’ve started In gameplay and footage shown so
Sky came in number one as game of A convoy of freighters and fighters to come to terms with it. I find it super far, we’ve seen many ships and several
the show. drops out of hyperspace nearby and interesting now and I try and convince structures created by intelligent life, but
For those unfamiliar with the concept, we peacefully cruise through it in the everyone to play those games because players shouldn’t expect bustling cities
No Man’s Sky starts every player on opposite direction. We pass through the the industry’s swung really far in this and widespread civilization. “The early
their own unique planet at the edge of atmosphere of a barren, red planet, and direction. At E3, teenagers come run- Star Wars films, the original three, that’s
the galaxy. The team has created an set down for a landing. ning up and they’re super excited. what I think of — Tatooine and things
entire procedurally generated galaxy to At the close of the demo we pep- They’ve grown up with those kinds of like that, the feeling of the frontier,”
explore, brimming with endless varia- pered Murray with questions, and it’s games and they don’t ask any of those Murray says. “It was dangerous and
tions of terrain, creatures, and plant clear he’s heard them all before. “Most questions. It’s only old farts like me exciting. And then I think of the more
life. The general goal is to journey to of you grew up with Mario and SNES who are like ‘Who are you?’ and ‘How recent films that I personally found less
the center of the galaxy in your space- and Genesis, and my world for so long many weapons?’ They expect to just be interesting. They had a lot of cities and
ship toward ever-increasing danger was like missions and quests and levels landed in that universe and just go crazy they had the senate and they had the
and rewards. and progression and stats and rank and do whatever they want. They find council, less what sci-fi is to me, this
We caught a real-time demo with the and story and narrative. That was really The Last of Us, which I love, to be con- exciting kind of thing. That’s what we
team to see a little more of the location important to me,” Murray says. “I didn’t fusing because there’s so little choice.” want, this real feeling of exploration.
44
 Surprise� B� Your Ow� Gam�
“I’ve had the strangest conversations of
any game I have ever worked on, where
things happen that you absolutely don’t
expect to happen,” says managing direc-
tor Sean Murray. “I was in some caves and
found some glowing bacteria, and I didn’t
think that the planet I was on could sup-
port life. And then I found it really deep
down there was actually some water in
this cave and there was some bacteria
growing there. It’s not a great story, but
it’s an amazing moment where you’re
like, ‘It’s down here and surviving and
I never thought it could. It found a way
to live.’ You have these great moments
where you’re witnessing something that
you’ve created finding a way to survive
where you didn’t expect it to survive or to
surprise you in a way you didn’t expect.”

Just seeing what’s out there.”

One thing you shouldn’t expect to
see much of is other players. While
there technically is multiplayer in No
Man’s Sky, everyone is light years apart
from each other. Even if you wanted to
meet up with a friend, you’d have to
acquire a ship with lots of fuel capacity
and hyperdrive range and spend untold
hours trying to reach the same planet at
the same time. “I would say think about
it in terms of Journey. We want people
to have a feeling like there are other
people in the world, but it is not the way
people will play,” Murray says. “Even on
a planet, if you think of just landing any-
where on Earth and just trying to meet
up, it’s a difficult thing to do. It’s more
likely that you’ll just see something by
chance and getting a feeling for it and
that being a moment.”
Hello Games is still in the thick of
development, with no estimated release
date. A game this ambitious and open
seems like it would be difficult to call
finished. We’re hoping the next time we
see No Man’s Sky it’ll be far enough “I need to stress this isn’t a game about dinosaurs,” says managing director Sean
along that we can get our hands Murray. “All of the tweets that were just like, ‘Space dinosaurs! This is the best
game ever!’ People seem happy with just that and we’re like, ‘We’re making an
on it and get a real taste of galactic
infinite number of creatures. Please do not pigeonhole us as the dinosaur game!’”
explora tion. Bryan Vore
45
 06 Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
Sledgehammer’s campaign-crafting prowess already shines through
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PC Style: 1-Player Shooter (Online TBA) Publisher: Activision Developer: Sledgehammer Games Release: November 4

O
ver the years the Call of Duty climb just as the chopper’s searchlight is once. A massive energy blast obliter- have me hopeful that Sledgehammer
single-player campaigns have about to reveal him. Suddenly, the Exo ates hostile tanks that roll into view. An is bringing a much-needed breath of
scrambled to outdo them- suit’s cloaking ability comes online and EMP blast makes short work of pesky fresh air into the franchise’s campaign
selves with more exciting but Mitchell blends in with the stony surface. helicopters, killing their systems and structure. The Exo suit looks like a blast
predictable set-piece moments, like The chopper loses them and the pair sending them crashing to the ground to control when it’s up and running,
dropping nukes or apocalyptic assaults slinks into the cover of the woods. in flames. but Sledgehammer’s skill in using its
on sleepy suburbs. Yet one of the most The gameplay shifts from an intense These contrasting sections – along absence as a narrative device suggests
beloved missions in the entire series escape to a careful, deliberate sneaking with the previously shown trek into this futuristic entry is in the right hands.
is Modern Warfare’s “All Ghillied Up,” mission past a handful of armed guards. the creepy, flooded slums of Detroit – Tim Turi
two snipers’ tense, slow-paced crawl Their touch-and-go Exo suits leave
behind enemy lines. Sledgehammer them without their significant battlefield
Games, staffed by many veterans from advantage. The two sneak past the
the original Dead Space, are experts in guards, occasionally using their cloaks
narrative pacing and understand that as the slowly recharging battery allows.
for every Golden Gate Bridge terror- At one point, they take cover behind a
ist attack you need something more fallen tree as a sizeable unit of heavily
subtle to offset it. The studio’s skill is armored troopers loudly stomps through
on full display during a trek through the woods in ominous rhythm.
the Bulgarian mountains that shifts the The two soldiers eventually meet up
mood dramatically in a short timeframe. with the rest of their squad and uncover
The action begins on the outskirts of a a hidden laboratory deep in the woods
forest with a broken squad of Exo-suited beneath an optic-camouflage canopy.
super soldiers fleeing from an attack The team sabotages the research facil-
chopper. Unfortunately, the batteries ity and other sensitive enemy resources
on their ability-enhancing exoskeletons before discovering an experimental
are completely drained, forcing them to hover tank. The soldiers quickly decide
duck and weave as the chopper takes to commandeer the armored craft and
potshots. The duo scrambles up a small begin an action-packed escape form
cliff leading into the forest. Protagonist the premises. Salvos of anti-personnel
Private Mitchell falters during his clumsy missiles snuff out dozens of enemies at
46
 Far Cry 4
Turning a gun for hire loose
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PlayStation 3 • Xbox 360 • PC Style: 1-Player Shooter (2-Player Online Co-op, Multiplayer TBA)
Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Montreal Release: November 18

W
ith open worlds teeming features one of these strongholds, which when responding to attacks from afar. explosion took out the elephant, but
with wildlife to hunt and is nearly impossible to take when you The mortar shots drove us away from I was able to retreat to a room in the
outposts to overrun, the first venture into the area. As you take the base, so we decided to switch up fortress where I stumbled upon a
Far Cry campaigns have down outposts and turn the region our approach. Landing on the other side rocket launcher.
always seemed like natural candidates toward your cause, the fortress will of the fortress, I jumped on the back A helicopter arrived for the fortress’
for cooperative play. With Far Cry 4, begin to show weaknesses. of an elephant and led a charge right last stand, and we peppered it with
you can finally bring a friend along for I teamed up with an Ubisoft repre- through the fortress gates. The power rockets until it crashed into the coun-
the ride. sentative to test the defenses of one of of these majestic beasts is impres- tryside. This was just my first taste of
Though you can’t team up to complete these fortresses. To begin our assault sive, as they crush enemies underfoot, marauding through a Far Cry world with
the story missions, any time you are we both hopped on the Buzzard, a small toss them to the side with their trunk, a friend, and I look forward to continuing
exploring the open world you can call in helicopter that gives you a great vantage and ram through vehicles. The ensu ing the campaign. Matt Bertz
support with the Guns For Hire feature. point but has hardly any armor, leaving
Here, a friend, stranger, or A.I. compan- you exposed to gunfire from below. With
ion can drop into your world to even the my comrade marking targets with his
odds against whatever threat emerges binoculars, I lobbed grenades toward
from the Himalayan setting. clustered groups of enemies on the
Taking a fortress is one of the most ground. The soldiers aren’t helpless
likely scenarios where you’ll appreci- against these attacks; in response they
ate having extra firepower. Each major started shooting mortars in our direction,
region of the fictional territory of Kyrat one of the new tactics enemies have

Playin� Wit� A Frien� For Fre�

One of the surprises of the Sony press conference occurred when Ubisoft revealed that
you could join a friend in Far Cry 4 even if you don’t own the game, provided you are
playing on PlayStation 3 or PlayStation 4. All you need to do is download a separate
client from the PlayStation Store to take control of Hurk, an ally who also appeared
in Far Cry 3.

47
 Bloodborne
Dark Souls creators make an exclusive deal with Sony
Platform: PlayStation 4 Style: 1-Player Action/Role-Playing Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Developer: From Software, SCE Japan Release: 2015

G
iven the success of Dark functionality being added to a host of Estus Flask quaffing, to restore life. We torch to explore pitch-black areas to
Souls II this past year, weapons. The signature, extendable saw don’t know if this is tied to a limited use discover danger and treasure, and can
Sony landing the next From blade serves as a close-range melee item or is some player ability. After a few also use the torch as a weapon to light
Software game is a big boost option alongside the crowd-controlling kills, the player’s outfit is drenched in the opponents aflame.
to its exclusivity lineup. Bloodborne blunderbuss, and we’re told that there is blood of enemies, showing the title isn’t Fog gates, enemy swing chains, ram-
is a slick, stylish Victorian gothic- a considerable range of options beyond afraid to embrace a gory vision that goes pant rolling, and many of the other Souls
horror action/RPG with mechanics that these to discover and choose from. far beyond what we’ve come to expect staples form an underlying framework for
appear firmly rooted in From Software’s It wasn’t explicitly stated that play- from Souls games. a beautiful new setting that seems to be
previous series. ers would be collecting resources from Those that remember the lighting story-driven rather than an open-world
Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls direc- killing monsters, but the swirl of energy fiasco from Dark Souls II will be pleased construct where the story is formed via
tor Hidetaka Miyazaki returns to orches- and accompanying sound made it seem to hear that dramatic lighting effects item descriptions and detail-driven minu-
trate the grand design behind this dark like resource collection is similar to soul are present and seem to be the focal tia. We witness torch-wielding townsfolk
fantasy. Players must seek out the cure acquisition from the Souls titles. Players point of interior area exploration. Players marching through the streets, burning
for a horrible curse that has turned the can also stop and heal, reminiscent of swap out their offhand weapon for a a massive beast in the square. Should
city of Yharnam into a breeding ground
of transformed citizens and monsters
from nightmares.
From what we’ve seen, Bloodborne
takes an aggressive angle on Souls-style
combat. The difficulty level and precision
that players may be familiar with from
the Souls games are preserved. Evasion
and timing are still critical aspects, but
there appears to be less of an emphasis
on blocking and more focus on aggres-
sive assaults and encounters featuring
multiple enemies.
Gone are the days of timidly entering
a boss room and holding up your shield
to analyze the opponent; life and death
decisions must now be made in the heat
of combat. Magic spells seem absent
Ring the bell to clear the streets from the throng of townsfolk
in what we’ve seen so far, with their
48
 The streets are not safe at night. They’re actually never safe here
we wander into the horde or search for
another solution? Players interact with
the environment in a number of ways to
trigger events, such as ringing a bell to
clear out a throng of townsfolk to open
up a path ahead.
Some aspects of the Souls games,
such as calling in an NPC to help through
a summoning sigil, appear to have been
moved to a new method based on the
live gameplay demo we saw at E3. In it,
the player encounters another hunter
facing down two huge beasts – help-
ing the NPC out is your choice, but if
you do, he or she will appear during the
area’s boss battle and assist with dis-
patching the enemy.
The demo highlighted all kinds of
twisted creatures from corrupted,
bloated crows, turned townsfolk, plague
dogs, an abomination banging on a
door, and an enormous area boss fought
on a bridge. The encounter, accompa-
nied by Souls-style boss music, is remi-
niscent of the Taurus Demon boss battle
from Dark Souls with darker undertones.
Bloodborne may have many of the
systems that make the Souls games
amazing experiences underneath the
hood, but on the surface there’s a slick
coat of blood that makes this PS4 exclu-
sive look like a tantalizing treat when it
arrives next year. Daniel Tack
49
 09 Assassin’s Creed Unity
No man is an island
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PC Style: 1 to 4-Player Action Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal/Toronto/Quebec/Annecy/Bucharest/Kiev/Shanghai/Singapore Release: October 28

T
he first new-gen exclusive back drop is the dramatic and brutally previous entries, with more opportuni- suite of abilities to the fight, thanks to
entry in the Assassin’s Creed violent events of the French Revolution. ties to engage directly with the conflicts, Unity’s new upgrade mechanic. Steering
franchise looks the part. From Paris is a sprawling metropolis twice crimes, and day-to-day activities of the the game more in the role-playing direc-
its incredibly detailed crowds the size of the land area depicted in citizenry. Equally important, these dense tion, major missions now provide skill-
to its immaculate presentation of French Assassin’s Creed III, with one out of crowds can slow down Arno as well as point rewards, which can be spent to
Revolution-era Paris, Unity is a visual every four buildings now complete with his targets, making rooftop and inside add or improve Arno’s active skills, like
marvel even before accounting for the an interior. Landmarks like the Louvre, building movement more important lockpicking, disguise, or eagle vision. In
centerpiece new feature – cooperative the Bastille, and the Luxembourg than ever. addition, many weapon and equipment
play for up to four friends. It’s hard to Gardens are all present. I had a brief Cooperative play is integrated into the options also offer skill buffs, so the visual
wrap one’s head around the idea that tour of the Notre Dame Cathedral and campaign, but only on certain missions. style of your character helps speak to his
eight Ubisoft studios are now credited its breathtaking nave, filled with sun- The in-game locations for meet-ups are skill specialties.
as part of the production for this huge beams slanting in from the windows. taverns, where you find the “ghosts” Assassin’s Creed Unity is one of a
game – a testament to the amount of Notre Dame has around a dozen distinct of friends who are also actively play- small handful of new-gen exclusives
work that can go in to a triple-A project entrances to track down, illustrating the ing at the same time. By approaching targeting release before the end of 2014;
on the newest consoles and PCs. depth of content Ubisoft is putting into their ghost, if they’re at a joinable part my multiple demos at E3 revealed a
Unity stars a new assassin named one of the game’s centerpiece locations. of the game, you can hop in and start at relatively polished gaming experience,
Arno Victor Dorian, a man of French and While Paris’ impressive architecture the most recent checkpoint. Up to four with several months of development
Austrian descent who joins the assas- is beautiful, attention is easily shifted players can join together in this fashion, yet ahead. Lingering questions about
sins on a quest of redemption after the to the large crowds that populate the offering some intriguing new coordinated mission structure and story will have a
death of his adoptive father, for which streets. One thousand individual A.I. options to confront mission objectives. profound effect on how Unity turns out,
he blames himself. Like the franchise driven characters can act and move You always appear as Arno in your but my first impressions of the game
entries that preceded it, Unity focuses on within the crowd at one time, giving Arno own game, while fellow players in the as a whole have me very enthusias-
this personal tale amid the backdrop of a wealth of possibilities for mischief. The Brotherhood look like other assassins. tic about where the series is headed.
major historical events. In this case, that crowd is more alive and active than in However, each of you brings your own Matt Miller
50
Cooperative play is a major new feature, allowing up to
four friends to work together on some campaign missions

A quarter of all the buildings in Paris now have interiors to explore

51
 Alien: Isolation
Tension continues to rise in this sci-fi survival-horror game
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PlayStation 3 • Xbox 360 • PC Style: 1-Player Action Publisher: Sega Developer: The Creative Assembly Release: October 7

L
ast time I was in Sevastopol a beeline toward the first waypoint. That flare, if it spotted its origin, or if there play a part in Alien: Isolation, but I hadn’t
Station, I didn’t have any tools to worked out as well as you might imagine. was something else going on altogether. seen it in action until this second demo.
keep me alive as a xenomorph After a few seconds, my sprint was inter- All I can say for certain is that I learned Amanda can combine various compo-
did its best to track me down. rupted as the xenomorph lunged and Amanda Ripley can’t outrun an alien, nents to create a variety of useful items,
Staying silent and out of sight was the killed me. and that hiding in a locker only works if such as med kits and tools to distract
only viable approach, since this isn’t a Next, I took a more methodical you get in there undetected. I was in the the xenomorph or other enemies. That’s
game about taking on the alien head-on, approach. I grabbed some crafting com- locker for an instant before being uncer- right – you aren’t only in danger of being
strapped with weapons. The latest play- ponents from a nearby table, as well as emoniously yanked out and killed again. attacked by a ridiculously powerful alien.
able demo didn’t change that core phi- a flare. As I inched through a doorway, The creature’s spawning location Sevastopol Station is also host to a
losophy – if anything, it helped reinforce I spied the creature at the far end of a seemed to be random in the demo, number of survivors and androids. Some
just how helpless it feels to be hunted. corridor. It didn’t see me, so I thought which ramped up what was already a of these inhabitants provide aid, or only
I was dropped into a challenge mode, it would be a great time to distract it. I tense experience. Couple that with the want to be left alone. Others, however,
where I had to make it through a sec- flicked the flare into life, and threw the creature’s cunning A.I., and Isolation has are so traumatized by the alien’s attacks
tion of the decommissioned station’s sputtering tube into the corner nearest all the ingredients necessary to generate that they’ve become (or are programed
living quarters, gathering victims’ dog the xeno. My plan was to run down the plenty of survival-horror memories. to be) hostile.
tags along the way. In my first attempt, opposite hallway while its attention was Sega showed off some other elements The synthetic humans are particularly
I ignored the ominous pings from my temporarily diverted. That didn’t work, of the game in a non-interactive presen- fearsome opponents. Even though the
ever-present motion tracker and made either. I don’t know if it saw me light the tation. We’ve known that crafting would Weyland-Yutani knockoffs aren’t as
sophisticated as their brand-name coun-
Even mre is a temporary setback for these androids terparts, they’re able to detect Amanda
and are keen to enforce security proto-
cols. In the demo, I watched an android
relentlessly follow her even after being
attacked and set alight with a flame-
thrower. She was only able to destroy
the machine after using an EMP grenade
to stun it, following up with a decisive
melee attack.
Everything I’ve seen (and played) of the
game so far points to a fiercely accurate
adaptation of the classic Alien film. Even
surrounded by the din of E3, I couldn’t
help but feel startled and vulnerable
by Alien: Isolation – I can’t wait to see
how the atmosphere holds up at home.
Jeff Cork
52
 Rainbow Six Siege
Team Rainbow emerges with a new tactical plan
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PC Style: 10-Player Online Shooter Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Ubisoft Montreal Release: 2015

F
or Tom Clancy fans, E3 2014 title that stresses tactics is stepping into ultra-competitive market, Ubisoft knew it team sends in drones to note enemy
brought both good and bad the vacuum. needed to bring something significantly positions and locate the hostage they
news. The unfortunate real- In the six years since the last Rainbow different to the table. Enter Rainbow must recover to win the round while the
ity was that after burning Six game, the multiplayer landscape Six Siege. defenders barricade their entrenched
through several leadership groups, has changed drastically. Call of Duty Siege takes the tactical strategy at position in anticipation of the assault
Ubisoft couldn’t fulfill the promise of has released five titles during this long the core of the Rainbow Six brand and with barbed wire, deployable shields,
our December 2011 cover-story game – absence, and Battlefield has success- builds outward, introducing new five-on- and mines.
Rainbow Six Patriots – and has indefi- fully migrated its brand to consoles, with five competitive matches that test play- After this brief reconnaissance period,
nitely suspended development. The four big sellers released in that span as ers’ wits as much as their twitch skills. the infiltration begins. The attackers can
good news is that a multiplayer-centric well. To re-establish its position in this Before a match starts, the attack ing choose to assault a weak entry point
together, or split up for greater efficiency.
Options include breaching doors, base-
ment entries, and rappelling up the
building to crash through windows.
Meanwhile, the defenders brace them-
selves for the onslaught.
The combat is lethal, and with no
respawns available, moving cautiously is
strongly encouraged. To keep the action
from devolving into cover-based bullet
exchanges around corners and through
doors, Ubisoft has introduced a powerful
destruction mechanic that allows play-
ers to make their own firing lines through
walls, doors, ceilings, and floors. This
further adds to the tension.
Many of the other Rainbow Six staples,
such as unique classes, upgradable
weapons, and different armor options
that affect your mobility are also coming
to Siege. Ubisoft says it has plans for
other modes beyond elimination, and will
Taking cover behind a teammate's sheild is a smart way to withstand oncoming fire in a pinch
share those at a later date. Matt Bertz
53
 Dragon Age: Inquisition
Arguments, espionage, and consequences:
Dragon Age on a much larger scale
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PlayStation 3 • Xbox 360 • PC Style: 1-Player Role-Playing Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: BioWare Release: October 7

D
ragon Age: Inquisition is play space of Dragon Age: Origins in
BioWare’s chance to pull out its entirety.”
the red carpet for its biggest As Inquisitor, your job is to grow your
game to date. This is espe- influence and power. You decide how to
cially important as Dragon Age II scaled proceed at the war table, which is where
back from the original game. Everything you command your forces, agents, and
from the past two games has been build- spies. The war table is also where you
ing to Inquisition’s climax, increasing determine where your story goes next,
fans’ expectations. At E3, BioWare’s live such as searching for new locales, send-
demo showcased the team’s confidence ing your agents out on missions, and
in its work. “This is the Dragon Age game choosing which objectives to pursue.
we’ve always wanted to make,” says You’re in charge, but rule wisely, as your
creative director Mike Laidlaw. decisions factor into branching paths
Thedas is now embroiled in war with and unlock exclusive content.
larger threats lurking; tears are open- This wouldn’t be Dragon Age without
ing in the sky, allowing demons into the arguments or consequences, so expect
world. The world reflects this chaos; those to tie into your choices, right down You can’t please everyone, and part a tank right into the fray. Once you select
war-torn lands are filled with fires, broken to which characters you tap for certain of your role as the Inquisitor is decid- positions, you set the moves into motion
structures, and NPCs commenting on missions. During the demo, Leliana was ing your leadership type: Will you rule and can always adjust your tactics if they
the state of the events. These aren’t the brought into a mission to hunt down a with an iron first, or try to diplomatically aren’t working.
linear environments we saw in Dragon corrupt mage. She took a much more reason with others? Dragon Age: Inquisition is the series’
Age II. The word’s vastness is evident; ruthless approach than you’d expect Even the battlefield is full of decisions. biggest undertaking yet, and so far it
something in the distance is always vying from her, since she’s consumed with You can get right into the action, or if you looks as if everything we love about
for your attention, whether it’s wildlife restoring the world. “Sending Leliana want to assess the situation, you can use Dragon Age is here, but on a much
or majestic mountains. “Inquisition is into here was a decision that we made, tactical view. This approach allows you grander scale. From fierce battles to
the biggest Dragon Age game,” Laidlaw and it’s one that will have conse- to pause the action and choose the best tough decision-making, life will be any-
says. According to Laidlaw, the area quences,” Laidlaw says. “In fact, it may placement for your character, like posi- thing but easy as you step into the role of
we saw in the demo is “larger than the damage our relationship going forward.” tioning archers on high ledges or sending the Inquisitor. Kimberley Wallace
54
 Middle-earth: Shadow Of Mordor
Sauron’s legions have a new leader
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PlayStation 3 • Xbox 360 • PC Style: 1-Player Action
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Developer: Monolith Productions Release: October 7

T
he Lord Sauron has been lying unveiled Shadow of Mordor’s unique caragor and then use the wild, lion-like to exploit in a later fight.
in wait for centuries, so when Nemesis system, which randomly gener- animal to work my way up a cliff face near At this point, I could make another run
this Necromancer preps his ates Sauron’s legions, creating a social a war chief’s stronghold. at the war chief’s fortress or chase down
return, his armies lay waste to hierarchy where each Uruk grunt has his I try to sneak through this fortress, but the Uruk who killed me, but while I try to
the surrounding countryside, sacrific- own special traits and weaknesses. This am quickly spotted, and several Uruk decide, another Uruk seeks me out. This
ing anyone who gets in their way. The system alters each playthrough based on captains overwhelm me. I fire a wraith Uruk has a special tracking ability and
victims of these sacrifices include a players’ actions. At E3, I put that system arrow into a bonfire, which causes an has been hunting me down ever since I
ranger of the Black Gate named Talion to the test, and watched Sauron’s armies explosion that takes out a few grunts, but sneaked through his camp earlier in the
and his entire family. However, Talion bend to my whims. it’s not enough. I’m eventually overtaken. game. I make short work of his guards
is refused a peaceful death thanks to a The demo dropped me into the land Death is not the end in Shadow of and use my wraith powers to bring him
restless spirit of vengeance that pos- of Nurn, where a queen named Marwen Mordor, however, because my wraith under my command.
sesses his body, effectively making him has asked Talion to help shore up the companion soon brings me back to life. Now that I have dominated an Uruk,
immortal. This wraith points Talion at rebellion’s defenses by using his wraith While I was “down,” time marched for- he will complete quests for me. I could
Sauron’s army and sets him off on a powers to possess and command several ward, and the Uruk who killed me was send him after the war chief himself, but
quest for vengeance that reshapes the local war chiefs. I set off across the land, promoted to captain. A few of the grunts that seems like a suicide mission, so I
land of Mordor. but traveling by foot is too slow, so I use that I blasted with fire have also devel- command him to usurp one of the war
In our cover story last December, we my wraith abilities to shadow mount a oped a fear of fire, which I might be able chief’s bodyguards. After issuing these
orders, I could just go about my business
Talion prepares to give an Uruk a close shave; and wait for the Uruk to finish his job,
he'll probably take too much off the top
but I want to make sure this gets done.
I follow him to his encounter with the
bodyguard and use my bow to snipe the
bodyguard’s companions from a nearby
tower, ensuring that my guy kills his foe
and assumes his new spot as the war
chief’s bodyguard.
Now that I have a man on the inside, my
assault against the war chief should go
smoother, but just to be sure, I spend the
next half hour possessing a couple other
captains and sending them on missions
to infiltrate the war chief’s fortress. The
next time I go after the war chief, there is
going to be another slaughter, but I won’t
be the one who ends up with his head
on a pike. I just wish I didn’t have to wait
until October to finish infiltrating Sauron’s
ranks, because I’ve got a lot of Uruk left
to bend to my will. Ben Reeves
55
 Civilization: Beyond Earth
New directions within a familiar framework
Platform: PC • Mac Style: 1-Player Strategy (8-Player Online) Publisher: 2K Games Developer: Firaxis Release: Fall

I
f you’ve played Civilization before, Firaxis handles the tech tree. In clas- fashion. Some of the technology choices is optional, the extra perks are often
you’ll be able to hop right into sic Civilization games, technological contain special perks or units for worth pursuing.
the next cosmic chapter of the progress was easy to chart thanks to specific affinities. The uncolonized planets are teeming
Civilization series. But along with recorded history that chronicled a linear Players also engage with quests for with miasma, a dangerous substance
its many franchise similarities, Beyond progression from pottery to the printing the first time in a Civilization game. that hurts your units if they finish their
Earth brings a significant amount of dif- press, but with Beyond Earth looking to These help tell the story of your civiliza- turn in a polluted square. This substance
ferences that keep the gameplay fresh. the future there’s no need to speculate tion as you progress through a game also heals alien life forms that take on
Forget negotiations with Napoleon, get in a single line. Instead, players are in meaningful ways, and depending on the role of the barbarian or unaffiliated
ready to touch down and colonize an introduced to the “tech web,” which your decisions, offer incentives for build- faction in this Civilization title. After play-
alien planet. allows them to freely move about and ing various upgrades and units or per- ing for a bit at E3, I’m ready to start the
Beyond Earth sets players on a path invest in technologies in a non- linear forming tasks. While completing these countdown to launch. Daniel Tack
to embrace one of three affinities each
playthrough. These affinities, which are
essentially ideologies on how to deal
with the next era of human development,
give players access to special units,
bonuses, and win conditions beyond
the standard domination victory. Players
choose to progress toward the goals of
Purity, Harmony, or Supremacy over the
course of each game. Affinities all play
different from each other, adding a new
layer of strategy to the game far beyond
custom culture units and bonuses.
Beyond Earth also changes how
56
 Below
A dark quest for a better game
Platform: Xbox One • PC Style: 1-Player Action/Adventure Publisher: Capy Games Developer: Capy Games Release: TBD

W
e’ve covered Capy
Games’ modern take
on the roguelike a few
times since its debut
during Microsoft’s E3 press conference
last year. The game stars an adventurer
who explores a mysterious island full of
procedurally generated rooms where
one wrong move could spell death.
Once this character inevitably falls, the
cycle starts again with a new adventurer,
though the player retains all of the les-
sons learned last time. The idea is that
the each new character ventures further
and further into the depths, eventually
learning the skills to survive all the way
through. While this core concept remains The PAX demo also included a hunger/ Laser-blasting spherical robots guard healing and dispatch a larger more chal-
the same, many of the finer details are constitution mechanic that players had this new zone. The shield holds up lenging boss in your first try, but we’ll
constantly iterated upon to create the to manage. This was left behind for E3. against this attack and gives you time figure it out.”
smoothest experience. “We’ve not necessarily thrown that idea to observe the drones’ patterns. Players Due to Capy’s experimental process
Crafting was only hinted at in April’s out, but decided to remove it for the E3 must dash in close for a quick sword and dedication to getting it right, Below
PAX East demo, but it was opened up demo and see how that felt,” Vella says. slash between shots and be careful not still has no clear release window, nor
fully at E3. While exploring the dungeon “See if it relieves some player confusion to get surrounded or risk a blast to the will it anytime soon. Vella says that there
you could, for example, collect a con- and questions like, ‘What is that thing in back while blocking another shot. are still plans to add more “pretty big
tainer, some water, and an indigenous the right hand corner of my screen every We still have yet to see traditional boss pillars” that are not in the current build,
plant, and combine them to make a health time I enter a new level?’” characters outside of a black tentacle ranging from weapons and enemies
potion. In a game where you can bleed to Capy didn’t only tweak feature sets; smoke monster in one of the trailers. So to multiplayer elements to larger story
death from any injury, knowing this recipe it also unlocked more of the world. how do you go about creating a boss components. “There’s still a ton of work
is more important than ever. “Crafting Previous demos consisted mostly of when every enemy in the game has the to be done on the game for sure,” Vella
is something that is meant to be rela- natural cave structures filled with organic capability to kill the protagonist in one admits. “But the reason we started
tively light,” says Capy president Nathan and ethereal monsters, but the latest hit? “That’s definitely something that showing it at PAX East and E3 was
Vella. “You don’t have a ton of options in build allowed skilled players to access we’re trying to figure out on our end as because we felt really confident that the
terms of combining 12 different things. a new zone that is obviously crafted, well,” Vella says. “It’s not going to be core of the game — the combat, the
Those combinations are not explained, carved, and built by something or some- easy on us to integrate big things like exploration, the survival, the art style,
like everything in the game, but they are one. “The game is not just, ‘Hey, you’re bosses or large-scale enemies because the music — all of that was at a state
always the same.” This means once play- always in caves,’” Vella says. “There’s a of how the health system works and where we were very happy with it. We
ers discover a recipe, they’ll have it for- lot more variation and a lot more of the how the game is permadeath and how felt like it was a great time to start shov-
ever as long as they remember it (keeping world to explore than just what you see it’s not a loot grab. There’s not a billion ing a controller in peoples’ hands and
a notepad nearby is probably a good call). when you arrive in the depths.” potions for you to find so you can keep watching what they do.” Bryan Vore
57
 Mortal Kombat X
Let the blood flow
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PlayStation 3 • Xbox 360 • PC Style: 1 or 2-Player Fighting (Online Multiplayer TBA)
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Developer: NetherRealm Studios Release: 2015

N
etherRealm’s Injustice: Gods is the new character-variations system. time. If the opponent isn’t blocking, the nose-breaking knee to the face.
Among Us, was a great fight- After selecting a fighter, players can then camera zooms in during key moments in As cringe-inducing as the X-rays are,
ing game, but with a different choose one of three specialized move- the combo to show the bones, muscles, they’re always going to be beat by MK’s
fighting system and Teen- sets. For example, Cassie Cage’s Brawler and guts getting annihilated. New char- signature fatalities. The button combos
rating levels of violence due to the use variation makes her fists glow and adds acter Kotal Kahn stabs people through were extremely simplified for the demo
of DC Comics characters, it had a very an air powerslam and takedown. With the neck with his ancient dagger, grabs so we could pull off the moves easily. My
different vibe than the studio’s traditional Spec Ops, she wears more militaristic both sides of the weapon, twists the head favorite kill so far goes to Cassie. She
offerings. If you’ve missed the blood gear and is able call down missile strikes like a corkscrew, and finishes it off with a shoots out the opponent’s kneecaps,
and gore, Mortal Kombat X cranks it up from the sky. Selecting Hollywood results
to new heights with the added power of in her dad’s signature sunglasses and
new-gen consoles. nutcracker attack.
NetherRealm came out strong at All of these variations add more options
E3 with a playable demo featuring six for players, but it can triple the develop-
characters, four of which are new to ment headaches when you’re trying to
the series. In addition to MK mainstays make everything balanced across the
Scorpion and Sub-Zero, we battled as board. The team is prepared to do the
Cassie Cage (the daughter of Johnny extra work to incorporate new elements.
Cage and Sonya Blade), the insect-like “It makes balancing a lot harder, and
D’Vorah, Aztec god Kotal Kahn, and two- we're going to get all those pro players in
for-one fighting pair Ferra and Torr. This the studio and give them as much time
focus on new faces runs beyond just the on the game as possible,” Boon says.
debut demo. “I think, according to my “I really think you need to do that. I don't
immediate memory, we're introducing want us to put out a game that’s MK 9.5
more characters in this game than we and just has nicer graphics.”
have since the first Mortal Kombat game,” X-ray specials return, and they're more
says NeatherRealm creative director and gruesome than ever. For those unfamiliar,
Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon. you build up a meter throughout the battle
Adding to the roster variety even further and pull both trigger buttons at the same
58
 Kotal Kahn launches D’Vorah

Scorpion’s Ninjutsu variation includes unique sword attacks

follows with a pistol shot to the forehead, this makes you wonder if anything is off
takes out some bubble gum she’s chew- limits when it comes to fatalities. “There
ing, and plugs the head wound. The have been a few that have been pitched
gum expands into a blood-filled bubble that are just like 'No, no, that crosses the
before popping and splattering every- line,’” Boon says. “The fatality meetings
where. I also enjoyed when Torr lifts up are some of the more entertaining and
an opponent by the arms and Ferra cuts disappointing for the person that’s pitch-
them in half from top to bottom. Gore like ing it. Someone stands up and they start
acting it out, and we're like, ‘We can't
New two-in-one character Ferra/Torr do that.’”
The demo debuted three new arenas
that look great and include several
interactive elements. The Snow Forest
features logs and branches that you can
pick up and smash people with or throw
at them. You can even perform swinging
gymnastic kicks by grabbing a branch snatch them out of the air and toss them there are benefits. It’s definitely something
in mid-air. The Outworld Marketplace at your opponent. that’s going to play a major role in peo-
has all manner of beasts and vendors in NetherRealm isn’t going into specif- ple’s experience playing Mortal Kombat.”
the background and includes throwable ics yet, but it sounds like there are some Mortal Kombat X looks to have all the
barrels and old ladies. Cove is basically major plans in the works for online play right ingredients to live up to the high
a pirate-ship dock with waves crashing and features. “As far as the gameplay quality (and sales) bar set by the most
in the background. Fighters can jump off is concerned, I think the main thing is recent title, and this is only the first small
the dock posts, run up the side of the the online component,” Boon says. peek. “[Mortal Kombat 9] was the highest
ship on one side and flip to the center of “We’re going to be introducing this online selling Mortal Kombat of all the games,”
the map to escape attacks, or swing on a metagame that everyone participates in. Boon says. “Who would have thought
chain hook. Drowned bodies pop up out It’s an online experience that is persistent. 22 years later that would have been the
of the water randomly and it’s possible to Everyone is going to be playing it, and case?” Bryan Vore
59
 Ori And The Blind Forest
A new action platformer four years in the making

Platform: Xbox One • PC Style: 1-Player Action/Platforming Publisher: Microsoft Studios Developer: Moon Studios Release: Fall

S
andwiched between giant animals and lush visuals call to mind stones scattered around a level. save at any point. However, because
triple-A reveals at Microsoft’s Studio Ghibli animation, which is no I played a rewarding demo that it’s a finite supply, you must think care-
E3 briefing was a surprising surprise, as Moon Studios cites those helped to demonstrate Ori and the fully about when and where to set your
announcement from a studio few films as inspiration. Blind Forest’s many strong points. checkpoints. Wait too long (or forget)
knew about. Ori and the Blind Forest The beautiful storybook visuals bely Initially, Ori is largely helpless in his and you risk having to replay an espe-
is the brainchild of Moon Studios, a the truth about Ori’s gameplay; namely, wanderings, until he encounters a small cially challenging fight or platforming
small indie studio made up of develop- it’s very challenging. Jumping and blue floating light spirit that helps him sequence. Save too frequently, and you
ers working together virtually via Skype movement controls are precise and deal with the more dangerous forest won’t be able to set a checkpoint after
from across the world. The team has responsive, which is necessary to nail denizens. This attack can be flung out one of those hard sections.
been crafting its first title for the last four the wall-jumping, spike-avoiding, and at enemies a certain number of times Some games have too many features
years. The game melds the traditions platform-landing demanded by even before it needs a brief recharge. The or moving parts to get a clear picture of
of Metroid and Castlevania with taut the early sections of the game. New number of attacks needed before a during a busy show like E3, but not Ori
and responsive platforming inspired by upgrades crop up on a regular basis, recharge is just one of several upgrades and the Blind Forest. While much of the
games like Super Meat Boy. from health increases to navigation abili- Ori can get through skill points he quiet charm and grace of Ori may have
Ori is a diminutive forest spirit making ties. Progress is handled through inter- acquires on his journey. In addition to been hard to grasp during the show,
his way through the dangers of a mys- spersed gates; opening any given gate the standard upgrade picks-ups (like the solid gameplay, excellent platform-
tical wood. The anthropomorphized requires the gathering of several key wall jump) these chosen skills help ing, and high production values make
customize Ori to your satisfaction. this an easy pick for a game to keep
Moon Studios is exploring an intrigu- an eye on. It may have been a smaller
ing approach to game saves. Players downloadable game, but Microsoft
collect a form of energy as they wander should rejoice that it has such a prom-
through the world and fight enemies, ising console exclusive on its roster.
and this energy can be expended to  Matt Miller

60
 Super Smash Bros.
Nintendo’s mascots equip themselves for combat
Platform: Wii U • 3DS Style: 1 to 4-Player Fighting (4-Player Online) Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Sora Ltd., Bandai Namco Games Release: October 3 (3DS), Holiday (Wii U)

S
ince the series’ introduction on slower but hits multiple times. or against Amiibo figure data much features fundamentally change how
the Nintendo 64 in 1999, Smash Special moves aren’t the only way like a normal CPU opponent. However, players use their favorite Smash Bros.
Bros. has been setting players that players can customize their fight- these Amiibo fighters gain experience characters. We look forward to crafting
free to create their own epic ers, because the Smash Bros. cast with every fight and can eventually our own perfect roster of brawlers when
fantasy battles. However, these fight- can now take advantage of equip- become more challenging than a level Super Smash Bros. releases for the
ers’ attributes have always been fixed ment. Characters can equip up to three nine CPU opponent. 3DS on October 3 and for the Wii U this
statistics. With the newest installment, items, and the gear they use modifies Many of Super Smash Bros.’ new Holiday season.  Ben Reeves
players get to reshape their favorite their strengths and weaknesses. For
characters into brawlers that fit their example, ultra-lightweight shoes
unique desires. allow a character to move faster, but
In classic Smash Bros. fashion, play- their attack power is also reduced.
ers can unleash a series of special Alternatively, high-power gloves beef A Few New Challengers Approach
moves for each character by holding up a character’s punches while making During E3, Nintendo added a few new fighters to their roster. Here’s a quick rundown of
down different directions on the analog it easier for them to get launched out what to expect from these new characters.
stick and tapping the special-attack of the arena. Unfortunately, many of
button. However, players are no longer these customization options are only Mii Fighters
limited to a character’s predetermined be available in the With Friends mode Smash Bros. fans can create their own fighters based on Nin-
special attacks. Before a match begins, and not in the more competitive With tendo’s Mii avatar system. Miis come in three different flavors.
you can customize a fighter by swap- Anyone mode. Mii Brawlers fight up close in furious hand-to-hand combat.
ping out each directional special attack The final feature that Nintendo Mii Swordfighters use heavy-hitting melee weapons, but move
with one of three different attacks – announced at E3 was Amiibo function- a bit slower than Brawlers. Finally, Mii Gunners attack other
creating a total of 12 different special ality. Using near-field communication players from a distance using a wide range of projectile weap-
attacks for each character. For example, technology, Smash Bros. players can ons. The character creator that Nintendo demoed at the show
Mario’s standard fireball attack can be save game data to their Amiibo figures was robust enough to allow Sora to create Mii-like facsimiles of
swapped out for either a smaller, faster by holding them up against their Wii U Ice-T, Elijah Wood, and Abraham Lincoln.
fireball, or a fire orb that is bigger and GamePad. Players can fight alongside
Palutena
The Goddess of Light and leader of Kid Icarus’ Angel Land
makes her fighting debut in Super Smash Bros. Palutena glides
across the battlefield, using her staff and shield to battle foes.
Her move set features a lot of quick, teleporting dodges, spin-
ning staff attacks, and light spells that repel foes or ignite
the air around them in a fireworks display. One of her bigger
attacks creates a black hole that sucks every opponent into the
center of the screen and then bombards them with a beam of
pure energy.

Pac-Man
Nintendo has pretty much tapped every top-level character it
owns for the Smash Bros. franchise, but that doesn’t mean the
publisher is out of big surprises for the roster. Namco’s popu-
lar dot-chomper Pac-Man is joining the Smash Bros. cast. This
arcade legend attacks other players by throwing power pellets
and creating poisoned fruit bombs. Pac-Man’s final smash
allows him to transform into a giant version of his classic
2D pizza shape and chew up everything on screen.
Woah! How come no one ever told us that Palutena has a hot sister?

61
 Metal Gear Solid V:
The Phantom Pain
Looking to the past to build a better future
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PlayStation 3 • Xbox 360 Style: 1-Player Action Publisher: Konami Developer: Kojima Productions Release: 2015

R
eleased on PSP and later as out the first enemies he encounters, sneak in undetected. The Phantom Pain. It gave us a chance
part of the HD collections on quickly getting to work adding more sol- Once inside, Big Boss begins taking to acclimate to the new controls and
last-gen consoles, Metal Gear diers to his cause using the FRS. pictures of the intel he needs, and relo- get a setup for the story, but it is just
Solid: Peace Walker is an The big change to the FRS from Peace cates a prisoner outside to be airlifted an appetizer for the full meal. Big
entry many may have missed. One of Walker is now you can airlift almost back to base. Much in the same way Boss’ arsenal of tricks seems hugely
the most important and differentiating anything out of the battlefield to Mother Big Boss completes the level in Ground expanded for the follow-up, and with
elements of that release was the use Base – an area you can now visit, Zeroes, he calls in a helicopter lift at a the help of the FSR and the constantly
of the Fulton Recovery System (FRS). explore, and expand. Big Boss transfers pre-determined location on the outskirts expanding Mother Base, it looks like
Using the FRS, Big Boss could airlift every soldier he encounters to Mother of the base, meets it, and escapes The Phantom Pain offers a world you
knocked out soldiers back to his base, Base, but he also airlifts gigantic supply mostly unscathed. could comfortably live in, as opposed
recruiting them to his cause. It gave containers, vehicles, and livestock. It’s If our demo is any indication, Ground to the brief visit we made in Ground
new incentive to taking out soldiers unclear how the latter will help Mother Zeroes barely laid the groundwork for Zeroes.  Kyle Hilliard
without killing them, and added the joy Base, but after coming across a sheep
of collection to an already solid action- in the wild, Big Boss knocks it out with a
stealth game. Along with demonstrating tranquilizer dart and airlifts it into the sky
many of the gameplay elements estab- as it bleats in surprise.
lished in Ground Zeroes in a new envi- As Big Boss moves closer into the
ronment, The Phantom Pain’s showing heart of the base, Konami shows off a
at E3 detailed how integral the return of collection of new mechanics. He calls
the FRS is to the game. in an airdrop of ammo, setting it to land
The segment shown appeared to be on top of a patrolling soldier, effectively
the game’s opening mission. Ocelot knocking him out. He calls in a supply
escorts Big Boss on horseback through drop for a single cardboard box – a
a sandstorm to a heavily guarded base Metal Gear Solid staple – and shows
where he is tasked with recovering how he can now jump out of it like a
intel that will ultimately lead them to an jack in the box to surprise enemies.
imprisoned Miller. Big Boss is having While waiting for the guards to change
trouble with his new robotic arm – a shifts, Big Boss pulls out an electronic
casualty of the events of Ground Zeroes. cigar and the world begins fast forward-
He struggles to reach for and drink from ing around him. The weather changes
a pouch of water, and Ocelot asks, dynamically as it begins to rain and
“Getting used to it?” Big Boss dives another sandstorm picks up, afford- The Phantom Pain�s world is roughly
200 times larger than Ground Zeroes�
right in after a short briefing, knocking ing Big Boss the perfect opportunity to
62
 20 Battlefield: Hardline
With a new developer at the helm, Battlefield takes a left turn
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PlayStation 3 • Xbox 360 • PC Style: 1-Player Shooter (64-Player Online PS4, Xbox One, PC) (24-Player Online PS3, 360)
Publisher: Electronic Arts Developer: Visceral Games Release: October 21

W
hen we think Battlefield, Troedsson, they brought up the idea familiar with the nuances of the team- among other modes. The hardcore
we think large-scale of Visceral doing its own take on the play. With Hardline, Visceral making modifier is also returning for players who
combat with tanks, air brand. The cops and robbers motif they adjustments to make sure new players prefer a more realistic experience.
support, and team-based settled on had actually been percolating are caught up to speed, and some of the After you finish matches you are
gameplay. This preconception has been through the DICE offices for some time. changes may please Battlefield veterans rewarded with experience, but in a
turned on its head with Hardline, a new Before Visceral would be given the as well. twist on the Battlefield formula you are
take on the franchise that abandons the keys to DICE’s flagship franchise, Have you ever repeatedly requested granted cash payouts as well. Players
military theme in favor of pitting corrupt Papoutsis says they needed to get their an ammo or health pack only to have can use these rewards to purchase new
cops versus ambitious robbers in a fight “sea legs.” To learn the ropes, the team your teammates ignore you? Now you weapons, attachments, and gadgets,
over a big score. led the development of the Battlefield 3 can get the service you need by simply many of which will be blocked until you
Given this new direction, it’s easy to expansion pack End Game, which re- walking up to a teammate of that class reach a particular level or spend enough
be skeptical of new developer Visceral introduced capture the flag and included and holding down a button. Visceral time with a weapon. You can also pur-
Games. How much does the studio even new vehicles like motorcycles. Once is also adding more voiceover work to chase weapons licenses to port weap-
know about the legacy of this proud the team had its footing, it began the keep players abreast of the objectives. ons to other classes.
franchise, anyway? In executive pro- Hardline project in earnest. To reward teamplay, group bonuses Hardline may alter the core formula of
ducer Steve Papoutsis' case, he's been As a long-time Battlefield fan, give squads more points for tackling Battlefield, but perhaps it’s just what EA
following Battlefield from the beginning, Papoutsis knew one of the major issues objectives together. needs to reinvigorate a franchise that
cutting his teeth on 1942 and using sub- that has always faced Battlefield mul- Visceral is only showcasing its new has suffered some hiccups the past few
sequent releases as excuses to upgrade tiplayer – accessibility. If a new player Heist and Blood Money modes thus far, years. If Visceral can deliver a strong
his PCs. After sharing his passion with isn’t taken under the wings of an expe- but Papoutsis says Hardline also fea- single-player campaign as well, the game
DICE general manager Karl Magnus rienced player, it can take a while to get tures conquest and team deathmatch, could turn some heads.  Matt Bertz

63
 Mario Maker
Rebuild your childhood memories
Platform: Wii U Style: 1-Player Platforming Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Release: 2015

N
ext year, Super Mario Bros.
celebrates its 30-year anni-
versary. It’s an important
classic for the history of video
games and Nintendo. Developers have
been trying to recapture the magic of the
game for decades, and now Nintendo is
putting those tools into the hands of the
common gamer.
The Mario Maker interface is remi-
niscent of Mario Paint for the Super
Nintendo. Entering edit mode pulls in
a border of easy-to-understand tools
around the screen. You can erase
blocks, add them, drop in enemies, and
adjust the size of elements of the level
with simple taps and drags on the Wii U
GamePad screen. As you tap on the
GamePad and build your level, a hand
appears on the television emulating
your actions. The level we created on
the E3 show floor was impossible to
complete, but it accurately reflected
exactly what we were trying to create,
and we put it together in a matter
of seconds.
Alongside the creation tools, the
option to immediately switch between path will appear. This lets you make to his death. A smart designer would Creating Mario levels is a straight-
classic 8-bit Mario aesthetics and sure your platforms are spaced cor- use the trace as a metric to raise the forward idea, and the options in Mario
modern New Super Mario Bros. visu- rectly for Mario’s jumping ability, and G to a point where Mario would not hit Maker make it very easy to understand.
als exists. It lets you see how your highlights difficult or problematic areas. his head. The tools provided leave a lot of room for
level would appear in 1985, as well as For example, in our level, which was Nintendo isn’t ready to showcase how creativity, and though I have never been
in the recent New Mario Bros. games. just the gigantic letters G and I (for deep the tools go or explain exactly how much for creating my own levels, I am
As you playtest your creation you can Game Informer), Mario hit his head created levels will be shared – an impor- looking forward to seeing what sort of
switch back to edit mode at any time on the bottom of the G when trying tant element of comparable games radical ideas fans will inject into Mario’s
and a trace of Mario’s platforming to jump over to the I, instantly falling like LittleBigPlanet. familiar world.  Kyle Hilliard
64
 Borderlands:
The Pre-Sequel
2K Australia sells us on the moon

Madden NFL 15
Thanks to NFL Films, Madden
looks better than ever
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PlayStation 3 • Xbox 360
Style: 1 to 4-Player Sports (6-Player Online) Publisher: EA Sports
Developer: EA Tiburon Release: August 26 Platform: PlayStation 3 • Xbox 360 • PC
Style: 1-Player Shooter (4-Player Online) Publisher: 2K Games

M
adden never quite figured better understanding of how to frame Developer: 2K Australia, Gearbox Software Release: Fall
out its presentation during the action. Players react more realisti-

F
the last generation. First, cally to making big plays, a half-time ans bristled when they learned pose much of a threat to our hastily
it started with the horrible decision highlight show breaks down the tide- that the next installment of the selected builds of Wilhelm and Athena
to remove broadcast commentary changing plays, and the broadcasting Borderlands series wouldn’t and their overpowered weaponry, but
altogether. When EA Tiburon finally commentary will discuss the same be Borderlands 3, but rather a “pre- shooting up everything that moves is
relented and added color com- stats that are being shown on the sequel” spinoff developed exclusively as fun as it’s always been.
mentary, it made a terrible decision screen instead of being disjointed like for last-gen consoles. While the new I was worried that The Pre-Sequel’s
to go with Tom Hammond and Gus in past years. adventure may not be the giant leap new oxygen mechanic would feel like
Johnson. The developer eventually The on-field improvements are fans were dreaming of, 2K Australia’s a hindrance, but instead it provides
got it right by replacing this awkward also noticeable right when you grab detour to the moon still packs an additional layer of options when
duo with CBS stalwarts Phil Simms the sticks. Revamped passing tra- plenty of crazy new additions to get traversing the landscape. You can
and Jim Nantz in Madden NFL 13, but jectories help avoid rocket-jump excited about. use your O2 reserves to perform
even then the rest of the presentation interceptions from linebackers. Our E3 demo reassured us that, double jumps, change your direc-
package proved lacking. To bring the Quarterback accuracy is more spo- although a moon may seem like tion in mid-air, and slam down on
new game up to the level of television radic, which helps showcase new a boring locale for a first-person top of enemies with a powerful butt
broadcasts, EA enlisted NFL Films catching animations and defensive shooter, Pandora’s orbiting satellite stomp, my new favorite move in the
cinematographer Brian Murray. breakups, and new defensive-line doesn’t have any shortage of chaotic series. I always enjoyed hopping my
The payoff is immediate. Quick cuts controls let you jump the snap, shed a action. Run-of-the-mill psychos, now way through Pandora in search of
between whistles showcase every- block when it’s time to make a tackle, called lunatics, sport bulbous space hard-to-reach treasure chests, and
thing from coaches calling plays (each and perform rushing moves with the helmets and use the low-gravity envi- The Pre-Sequel’s new low-gravity
of which now features unique bodies face buttons. ronment to their advantage, bounding environment makes exploring even
and facial models) to quarterbacks If EA Tiburon can tie all these through the (absence of) air in long, more fun.
barking out plays in the huddle with improvements together, the future looks lazy arcs while blasting laser beams Like most gamers, I can’t wait to see
camera angles that demonstrate a bright for Madden.  Matt Bertz and volleys of rockets at us. A host what Gearbox dreams up for a true,
of vibrant new species inhabit the next-gen Borderlands adventure. The
lunar landscape, including skagg-like Pre-Sequel isn’t that game, but based
ice kraggons that shatter into smaller on our E3 demo, it should deliver
kraggons, and floating sac creatures plenty of fun to tide us over while we
with spindly insect legs. None of them wait.  Jeff Marchiafava

65
 Axiom Verge
Imitation as the highest form of flattery

Platform: PlayStation 4 • Vita • PC Style: 1-Player Action Publisher: Tom Happ Developer: Tom Happ Release: Early 2015 (PS4, Vita), 2015 (PC)

E
ven the most cursory of classic formula – and that’s fine with at egglike save stations after particularly inaccessible corner. The laser drill lets
glances at Axiom Verge leads us, as Nintendo has left the Metroid nasty encounters. Within minutes, Trace the scientist dig down into previously
to some confident conclusions franchise to lie fallow. already has some impressive armaments inaccessible areas through weak blocks.
about the games that inspired I played a lengthy chunk of Axiom at his disposal – artifacts left behind in The reflector sends out bouncing bullets,
it. Classics like Bionic Commando, Verge, and while the roots of Metroid the hostile horizontal and vertical corri- while the firewall spews flame that arcs
Mega Man, Castlevania, and Contra and other action/platforming classics run dors through which he runs and jumps. down to the ground and then explodes
might come to mind, but more than deep, it has an identity all its own. You The many weapons and items at upward into a superheated column.
anything, the original Metroid and play a scientist named Trace, who after Trace’s disposal help set the game apart Another fascinating tool is called the
Super Metroid seem built into the DNA a devastating lab experiment wakes in a from its inspirations. The nova gun lets address disruptor, which sends out
of Tom Happ’s impressive one-man hostile world of strange biological night- loose a glimmering ball of energy, while pulses of energy that can transform
project. From the background tilesets mares and ancient machines. A strange a second button tap disperses the ball glitched-out blocks into solid platforms.
to the disquieting tone of the music, woman’s voice begins to guide him on to send it flying in multiple directions – Trace’s varied arsenal is used to
Happ has generously drawn from the his way, and later revives him from death perfect for nailing a switch behind an confront the Giger-esque creatures that
populate the alien world. I love all the
unique enemy movement and attack
patterns on display in the section
of the game I played, from foes that
dive toward you in swarms to floating
monsters that eject laser beams in your
direction. The most original creature
designs are reserved for the bosses,
which are hulking monstrosities that
shout cryptic phrases at Trace before
trying to kill him.
Axiom Verge manages the impres-
sive feat of instilling both nostalgia and
a sense of innovation and creativity.
With plenty of time remaining before
the planned release, I’m hopeful that
Happ has the time he needs to tweak
and polish the already impressive levels
he’s crafted into something magical.
 Matt Miller
66
 The Evil Within
Many scary things to shoot, so little ammo
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • Xbox 360 • PlayStation 3 • PC Style: 1-Player Action Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: Tango Gameworks Release: October 21

S
hinji Mikami, the madman to ensure common enemies stay down.
behind the legendary Resident Similar to the Resident Evil remake on
Evil series, and his co-develop- GameCube, some creatures rise again
ers at Tango Gameworks are if they’re not burned to a crisp. In addi-
among the few folks carrying triple-A tion to a scant supply of shotgun shells
horror games into the new generation. and bullets, Castellanos also has a
Until now we’ve only seen hands-off limited number of matches to immolate
demos showing creepy asylums, hallu- fallen foes with. It was a clever game
cinogenic horrors, and gameplay of the mechanic in Mikami’s Resident Evil
hero detective gunning down zombies remake, and I’m glad it’s coming back.
in third-person. These previews did little Playing The Evil Within with a pair
to instill confidence that Mikami was of good headphones is an unsettling
making something more than a generic experience. The lethal combat and
zombie shooter, but a recent hands- scarce supplies combine with forebod-
on session changed our tune. The ing environments to create omnipresent
Evil Within’s tense combat combines tension. Each time I heard moaning
surprising ambushes, punishingly little voices and dragging feet I dreaded that
ammo, and lethal enemies that often- something awful was about to happen. The Evil Within never shies away from gore
times won’t stay dead. The tension hit a crescendo when I
Detective Sebastian Castellanos’ sneaked past a door rattling on its
bizarre spiral into a demented, evil world hinges and something began bursting
delivers him to a rustic village filled with through the flimsy wood like a horror-
zombies carrying sharp farming imple- movie villain. I was so taken off guard
ments. Resident Evil 4 fans may find I didn’t have time to shoulder my shot-
this scene familiar, and the comparisons gun, and the ghoul cut me down. Within
don’t end there. Castellanos can creep is a difficult, stressful experience, and
among the dark buildings and attempt less masochistic players may have to
to quietly dispatch the undead with his crank the difficulty down.
knife and avoid getting everyone’s atten- I don’t want to spoil any of the sur-
tion. But if he blows his cover, he’ll have prises in store for horror fans when The
to either start running or pull a gun. The Evil Within hits just before Halloween.
third-person, over-the-shoulder gunplay Mikami’s latest has all the makings of
feels similar to the genre-defining combat a hit: weird puzzles in dusty mansions,
of Resident Evil 4, but a bit snappier. Like intense third-person combat, and sadis-
RE 4, sniping a ghoul’s ankles makes tically little health and ammo. We can
him fall down, and a well-placed head- only hope The Evil Within succeeds fan-
shot explodes in a gush of red. tastically and reinvigorates the genre on
Players perform amateur neurosurgery to solve a puzzle
Headshots are important if you want consoles.  Tim Turi
67
 The Order: 1886
Ready At Dawn tries to turn the tide of history
Platform: PlayStation 4 Style: 1-Player Action Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Developer: Ready At Dawn Studios Release: February 20

T
he knights of The Order may gunplay you also experience occasional capable of shape shifting between a While it’s a little worrisome that all
be near immortal thanks to the breaks from the traditional over-the- human-like form and a more feral one. we’ve played of the game since our
mysterious Black Water sub- shoulder look, whether that’s the camera This wolf-like form charges fast on all late-2013 cover story is the same
stance that slows their aging panning up for sequences of enemies fours, has claws, and is more physi- sequence in the streets of London, the
and helps them heal, but these aren’t attacking from above or zooming in cally imposing in every way. Developer game undoubtedly looks and plays
alternate-history supermen and women when you initiate Galahad’s slowed-time Ready At Dawn hasn’t revealed many well. The title was delayed into early
dominating their world. They are in a combat state. details about the story, but one look 2015, giving Ready at Dawn a few extra
desperate, centuries-long fight against The trouble the band of rebels gave at the beast in the trailer and it’s clear months to polish the product and hope-
a new species of man-beasts that are us should be nothing compared to The that even with a near-immortal group fully enough time to affirm The Order
stronger than humanity. Order’s fight against their half-breed of knights fighting on its behalf, as a triple-A experience and not just a
However, The Order also faces foes foes. E3 also provided us our first mankind is on the losing side of this tale from some alternate history of the
from all sides, including fellow humans. glimpse of this subspecies, which is evolutionary battle. PlayStation 4.  Matthew Kato
The E3 demo opens with Galahad,
Igranie, Lafayette, and Percival pinned
down in the streets of London by thugs
from the Rebels of Whitechapel. The
rebels are bunkered down in balconies
and doorways, but Galahad’s thermite
rifle is the perfect weapon for the occa-
sion. The byproduct of the aluminum
iron-oxide rounds it fires is a dust that is
easily set alight by the flares of the rifle’s
secondary-fire function. This is perfect
for subduing the hail of fire coming from
all angles, allowing the group to recover
in a nearby building before heading out
into the back alleys where more rebels
wait in ambush.
During gunfights the camera is slightly
behind and just over the character’s
shoulder, but for cutscenes the angles
and edits are more cinematic. This,
combined with the excellent voicework,
augments the graphics and adds a layer
of believability to this grim story. Despite
the quality of the cutscenes, gameplay
looks just as good, and the transition
between the two is smooth. During
68
 Multiplayer features several stages that culminate
in a battle to protect these energy-drink vats

Sunset Overdrive
Insomniac’s latest looks worth the price of admission
Platform: Xbox One Style: 1-Player Shooter (Multiplayer TBD) Publisher: Microsoft Studios Developer: Insomniac Games Release: October 28

E
ven though it’s not the spectacle disastrous launch of the Overcharge elements keep with the theme-park Scab. To beat him, first you need to
that it once was, E3 is still a daz- Delirium XT energy drink. Your char- motif, too. Smash onto a strength-test lure him out of his hiding spot. He’s
zling display filled with crowds, acter, who was at the product’s glitzy machine hard enough, and it’ll destroy taken up residence in the Dragon
attractions, and people desperate to debut, is trapped in the quarantined nearby mutants with a zap. Navigate Slayer roller coaster. To get him to
catch your eye. Fittingly, Insomniac city and has to do what he or she can a tricky path onto the top of a rocket- open the drawbridge, players must
decided to showcase a new amuse- to survive. shaped ride, and its cars will fire into grind on the coaster’s rails and destroy
ment-park level for its Sunset Overdrive The most effective way to stay alive crowds with satisfying explosions. If enough of its runaway cars. Succeed,
show demo. is to keep moving, which is Sunset Wondertown was fun before the infesta- and he’ll come out to play. A warning:
As with the rest of Sunset City, Overdrive’s best trick. Players can tion, it looks even better now. If the rest of the park’s inhabitants are
Wondertown Land is overrun by bounce, rail-grind, and vault over nearly Lording over the park is a Road any indication, Lord Scab plays rough.
monstrous beasts – the result of the everything in sight. Plenty of unique Warrior-style maniac named King  Jeff Cork

Yoshi’s Woolly World

Yoshi’s back in a crafty new adventure
Platform: Wii U Style: 1 or 2-Player Platforming (Multiplayer TBD) Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Good-Feel Release: 2015

M
ario’s dino friend Yoshi has as pseudo pastels, scribbly pencils, and yarn egg at a piranha plant, and instead and wheezing him out into the nearest pit.
carved out a successful solo oil paintings – but Woolly World follows of merely exploding, its jaws are bound More productively, we used our powers
career, but he hasn’t starred a consistent craft-store look. Like Good- and incapacitated. Those details extend for good and hurled our buddies into
in a console release since gaming’s Feel’s own Kirby’s Epic Yarn, the char- into exploration, too. Yoshi can tug onto areas that we couldn’t otherwise reach.
Jurassic era. Yoshi’s Woolly World acters and environments are constructed loose threads with his tongue, revealing Even back in the Nintendo 64 era,
takes the lovable character on an with felt, buttons, and other textiles. hidden paths as the foreground unravels. Yoshi’s games were more about explo-
exciting new adventure with an equally The presentation is full of delightful We played some of the multiplayer ration than enduring tests of ridiculous
enchanting presentation. little graphic touches, such as the way mode, which allows two Yoshis to tromp challenges. Woolly World’s adorable
Yoshi has stomped around in worlds that Shy Guys disintegrate into puffs of through the knitted landscapes. You can presentation is perfectly suited for the
rendered in a variety of art styles – such string when they’re attacked. Throw a go full-on jerk, inhaling your counterpart game’s laid-back fun.  Jeff Cork

Yoshi can use his yarn tongue to reveal hidden paths

69
 Forza Horizon 2
Gorgeous cars weather the storms in Forza’s other series

Platform: Xbox One Style: 1-Player Racing (Multiplayer TBA) Publisher: Microsoft Studios Developer: Playground Games Release: September 30

C
reative director Ralph Fulton adding dynamic weather. to form trickles that streamed down to particulates, and the way roads dry up
says he wants the World of Forza I live through spring in the Midwest the now-reflective paving stones. The – aren’t merely just for splashing pedes-
Horizon 2 to be a happy place. every year, so I’m not a stranger to attention to detail is staggering, and trians. The puddles and slick roads
The latest game moves the rol- storms. That said, I couldn’t help but be while it’s unlikely that I’ll spend much affect your car’s handling. If you’re not
licking festival from Colorado to southern impressed in the demo, watching as a time in the game ogling wet cars it’s careful, you could end up inadvertently
Europe, maintaining the cheerful atmo- spotless Lamborghini Huracan was hit impressive nonetheless. discovering an alternate route as your
sphere while the Rockies are replaced by by a rainstorm. As it started, the wipers Once it’s on the ground, however, vehicle slides and exits the road. That
the Alps. The hot-air balloons that hover kicked on automatically, dragging the you’d be foolish not to pay attention to could be catastrophic in a close race,
over Horizon Festival will have to share windshield clean with each swipe. the water. Puddles – which Fulton says but the world is designed with alternate
space with storm clouds in the new-gen Droplets formed on the supercar’s are meticulously modeled, along with routes in mind.
sequel, however, now that the series is bright-yellow paint, merging with others conditions including the atmosphere, Forza Motorsport 5 introduced the con-
cept of Drivatars, A.I.-controlled vehicles
designed to mimic each player’s behav-
ior. The idea being, your friends could
race against reasonable facsimiles of you
even while you’re out running errands.
Forza Horizon 2 is expanding that idea
to accommodate Horizon’s open-world
format. You can cruise around southern
France and northern Italy, taking on
challenges as they come, or simply poke
around for unlockables like hidden cars.
Your Drivatar learns as you go, so play-
ers who take on your virtual self will face
an A.I. opponent that knows about the
shortcuts you’ve discovered – in addi-
tion to your style of driving.
Playground Games says the game will
ship with more than 200 cars on disc,
Also on 360 and they won’t be blocked by micro-
Forza Horizon 2 will also be appearing on transactions. Between discovering those
Xbox 360, though it is being developed and competing in about 700 different
by Sumo Digital and won�t feature the racing events, the studio says players
same weather and Driveatar  systems. are looking at more than 100 hours of
racing bliss.  Jeff Cork
70
 The Witness Dreadnought
Reading between the lines When it comes to ships,
Platform: PlayStation 4 • PC • iOS Style: 1-Player Puzzle
size matters
Publisher: Thekla, Inc. Developer: Thekla, Inc. Release: Winter

W
hen The Witness boots Instead, it breaks down complex tasks
up, you are staring at a into a series of small solutions for
dark screen with a circle players to walk through.
of light emanating from its center. It Even though every puzzle in The
takes you a moment to realize that the Witness revolves around drawing
game has actually started and you’re lines, there is a great breadth of
standing in the center of a tunnel. As variety to the puzzles. We saw some Platform: PC Style: 1-Player Shooter (10-Player Online)
soon as you walk toward the light, you puzzles that required players to view Publisher: Grey Box Developer: Yager Release: 2015
emerge onto a mysterious island full a puzzle through a metal gate in order

F
of puzzles. to see the correct path to the finish
orget the little X-Wings and able to be altered and fine-tuned on
The opening to our E3 demo of point. Another puzzle required that we
Vipers that are often the focus of release; the team deathmatch demo
Jonathan Blow’s new game is free of depress plates on the ground in the
space sims and space combat session only allowed us to play with
many of the tutorial trappings found in middle of a garden to draw a line on
fighters – Dreadnought is all about the preset templates.
most games. In The Witness, players the board on a pedestal.
big ones. Capital-class ships duke The action is bite-sized, with
are free to explore the island’s various It’s hard to fully grasp some of The
it out within a free-to-play frenzy in matches taking around 10 minutes.
districts at their leisure. You might Witness’ mechanics until you get
Spec Ops: The Line developer Yager’s Coordinating with your teammates to
be drawn over to the island’s castle your hands on it yourself, but those
upcoming PC title. locate that support ship hiding under
before running up against a puzzle you puzzle and adventure game fans
Players control ships from a third- the rocks that’s beaming repairs to an
don’t understand and then wander who are still confused about how the
person perspective, aiming the full undefeatable destroyer on the front
toward the island’s cherry blossom game works shouldn’t lose enthu-
concentration of turret fire with the lines is essential to victory. Each ship
garden or its deserts. siasm for this artsy indie title. The
click of a mouse button. From heavy can also choose to route power to the
The Witness’ puzzles slowly teach mysteries of The Witness will become
armor-clad destroyers that can with- shields, which is the recommended
you the rules necessary to solve them. a lot clearer when it releases some-
stand extreme punishment, support course of action should you become
They never present onscreen prompts time late this year or early next year.
cruisers that can repair damaged the focus target of the opposing team
telling players how to solve a problem.  Ben Reeves ships, and fragile sniper-style artil- and need to survive whilst your team
lery loadouts, players have the option picks them off.
to select an archetype that suits This Unreal Engine 4 powered space
their play style. Each ship also has combat game promises more than
four special abilities, ranging from just team deathmatches, with episodic
cloaking, blinking, missile strikes, single-player missions and other com-
snares, projectile jammers, and epic petitive modes. Look for Dreadnought
blasts. Loadouts will presumably be in early 2015.  Daniel Tack

Big ships, big battles

All of the puzzles of The Witness require players

to draw a line on a board, but there is a great
deal of variety in how those puzzles are solved

71
 Galak-Z: The Dimensional
Dodging and weaving through a random hostile galaxy
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Vita • PC Style: 1-Player Shooter Publisher: 17-Bit Developer: 17-Bit Release: Holiday

G
alak-Z was a hard game to pitted against one another. At one point combat – as long as you understand surroundings to their advantage. As the
ignore on the E3 show floor. in our demo, we picked a fight with some how to manipulate the world around space pirates tried to flank me, I pushed
Even amidst the flash of a space pirates who outgunned us. A fleet you. While approaching a fleet of space a few of them close to the edge of an
thousand gaming monitors of Imperials showed up and helped us pirates I fired my blasters at a nearby asteroid inhabited by giant worm, who
and the glitz of developer presenta- take out the space pirates before turning barrel, hoping it would explode and hungrily snapped forward and swallowed
tions, 17-Bit’s colorful ‘80s anime their weapons on us. damage the ships, but the barrel ended one of the ships. Then I fired at an alien
designs stood out. Seconds after get- Galak-Z’s controls straddle a delicate up ricocheting off a wall and came flying plant near a cluster of other ships, which
ting our hands on the game it proved balance of feeling complex enough to toward my ship instead. Alerted to my unleashed a cloud of spores that attached
equally as hard to forget. require several hours to master but only presence, the space pirates started to their ships and slowed them down long
The universe of Galak-Z is one giant a few minutes to grasp the basics. The encircle me like buzzards. enough for me to zip behind them and
space combat zone. Players take control physics-based controls have you hold- Enemies in Galak-Z are far smarter send some missiles up their thrusters.
of a pilot named A-Tak who runs mis- ing down thrusters to propel yourself than the average gunners in a 2D During my demo, I died several times,
sions across a procedurally generated forward. If you let go of the thruster you shooter, who often simply fly toward you but I never felt like it was anyone’s fault
environment – the ships, weapons, and continue to float forward until you rotate with their finger on the trigger. Galak-Z’s but my own. Galak-Z’s controls are so
layouts of levels change for every play- your ship around and hit the gas while A.I. pilots track you across the map for fluid that I had a blast dodging enemy
through, making each run at the game a facing another direction. After a few long periods of time, send out search fire while flying figure eights through
different experience. minutes, I was doing advanced maneu- orders, and call for backup. Bulkier their attack formations; more often than
Galak-Z’s world is inhabited by three vers that had my ship looping around ships even nudge toward you to protect not my dogfighting sent me back to the
warring factions: Imperials, space pirates, asteroids and zipping away from space their weaker support ships. mission select screen. Galak-Z may not
and hostile alien bugs. These factions all debris at the last second. The world of Galak-Z is a dangerous be an easy game, but it’s also not an
have different A.I. patterns, and can be The physics are also useful during place, and smart players will use their easy game to put down.  Ben Reeves

The physics-based controls allow players to A-Tak runs a variety of different missions across
perform a series of dazzling flight maneuvers the universe; many of them are death defying

72
 Homefront: The Revolution
The revolution gets a new leader
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PC • Mac • Linux Style: 1-Player Shooter (2-Player Online) Publisher: Deep Silver Developer: Crytek Release: 2015

W
hen Kaos Studios and
THQ teamed up with
legendary Hollywood
screenwriter John
Milius for Homefront in 2011, the game
impressed with its intriguing story detail-
ing a Korean invasion of the United
States. All of the narrative promise was
ultimately wasted on a derivative single-
player campaign that locked players in
uninspired, linear environments. For the
sequel, new franchise stewards Deep
Silver enlisted Crytek (Far Cry, Crysis)
to shore up this glaring weakness. The
result is a sequel that extends the revo-
lution into an open world.
Using its considerable experience
building large, open environments,
Crytek is transposing the Homeland
theme onto an open-world sandbox.
Taking place four years after the original
Korean invasion, players join a resis-
tance movement based in Philadelphia weaken the Korean People’s Army, and much more ammunition than your Gunplay looks to have the satisfy-
that uses guerrilla tactics to slowly chip you must employ hit and fade tactics, small resistance forces. ing pop of previous Crytek games, and
away at the occupiers. including assassination attempts. As you Pulling off successful ambushes takes weapon customization is similar to the
Taking a tour through the streets of successfully undermine the police state, preparation. In the demo we saw, pro- Crysis system that allows you to tweak
Philadelphia, it hardly resembles the more citizens will rally to your cause. tagonist Ethan Brady stealthily explored underbarrel attachments, scopes,
birthplace of independence. Korean Powered by the CryEngine, Homefront: abandoned buildings, scavenging and silencers.
checkpoints are set up all over the city, The Revolution features day/night supplies that would aid in attacking a Given the promise of Homefront’s
drones conduct surveillance passes, cycles, dynamic weather, and a reactive police headquarters. Found objects like original premise, we hope Crytek’s
and Americans are routinely beaten for A.I. that responds to your tactics with remote-controlled cars can be used to pedigree can be put to good use in
any act of defiance. This discontent has brute force. Don’t expect to last long in a create improvised explosive devices that The Revolution. Liberating the franchise
funneled into an underground resistance direct firefight against the overwhelming you can navigate into a vulnerable posi- from THQ was just the first step; now
movement that challenges the invad- odds, especially when the heavy armor tion. Brady uses this contraption to kick it’s time to enact meaningful change.
ers through any means necessary. To arrives. The KPA has superior weapons off the gunfight at the police station.  Matt Bertz
73
 Xenoblade Chronicles X
A massive JRPG ready to compete with the big dogs
Platform: Wii U Style: 1-Player Role-Playing Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Monolith Soft Release: 2015

W
hen Xenoblade Xenoblade Chronicles X opens with During the battle, your ship becomes Xenoblade Chronicles. You target ene-
Chronicles debuted on two alien species battling above Earth. damaged, crashing into an alien planet. mies and use the arts palette to select
the Wii two years ago, Unfortunately, the huge space battle is This is where X takes place, and the special skills. Arts use up technical
it left an impression. damaging Earth in the process. Humans story begins with you awakening in an points, which you can restore quickly by
Met with critical acclaim, Monolith Soft are panicking, trying to fight back with escape pod. This immediately leads to using melee attacks. If you want a more
proved that grand JRPG adventures are all the technology they have, but it’s a character-creation screen to custom- cautious approach, you can slowly earn
still desirable and can be successful. no use. To survive, they must evacuate ize your character’s gender, hairstyle, them back with ranged attacks. It also
Last E3, Nintendo announced a mys- Earth immediately. During the frenzy, eye color, and facial features. After your has B-button events, where a partner
terious Wii U title called “X.” While we the crisp visuals stand out, as laser selections, you meet your first party shouts out to you in combat. If you hit
knew it was a new Monolith Soft game, beams and explosions fill the screen, member, who introduces you to the the button at the right time, you earn
we weren’t sure if it was connected to showcasing the pandemonium and strange, expansive world. She lets you valuable perks like health restoration for
Xenoblade, and very little news surfaced letting you sense the hopelessness. know not everyone made it to safety and allies. During battle, your party mem-
clarifying what the game would be. At Suddenly, the Earth, before your eyes, that you must search for survivors. bers also call out actions they think you
E3, Nintendo set the record straight, evaporates into nothingness. The real-time combat looks similar to should take, like telling you to melee
bestowing the 2015 release date and
new name Xenoblade Chronicles X, The character models definitely
along with live-streaming 43 minutes of resemble Monolith Soft’s past work
its opening moments.
Nintendo clarified some basic details
during this event. Xenoblade Chronicles
X is not a direct sequel to Xenoblade
Chronicles. Instead, X is a spiritual suc-
cessor, tapping into many of its philo-
sophical ideas. The minds at Monolith
Soft crafted many different "Xeno" tales,
like Xenogears, Xenosaga, and the
recent Xenoblade Chronicles. Nintendo
confirmed that the concepts in X go fur-
ther back than the Wii entry; it taps into
director Tetsuya Takahashi’s origins,
with nods to his past games for long-
time fans. I noticed a Xenosaga vibe
right out of the gate, especially with the
character models.

74
 TECH
RESPECT

PATENT YOUR FUTURE

After Earth’s destruction, you and other survivors must

survive on a new planet, full of beauty and danger

Earn tech respect with a Digital Maker and

Fabrication Bachelor of Science degree

Digital fabrication is about to revolutionize how we

invent and create. Learn to lead this revolution while
developing your own inventions in an unprecedented
university-wide, open lab environment. As part of their
curriculum, graduates of this program will fle for their
own U.S. patent. This unprecedented degree is the frst
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that frst focused at the dawn of the computer revolution
on advancing computer technology.

Be the frst to join a long line of trail blazing graduates

that will lead the next transformation of technology
attack because your technical of a hostile enemy, shows if they shown in Nintendo’s demo looked and industry.
points are dwindling. Positioning can detect you by sight or sound, like a futuristic Los Angeles, with
also matters; you can attack and even lets you know if another bustling traffic, people shopping,
enemies from the back, side, or enemy is likely to join if you attack. and vibrant structures. This city
front to exploit different weak The game has yet to unveil all its is important as it’s referred to as
points. You have some control classes, but a new feature lets you mankind’s last hope. It may be a
over your A.I. party members; you swap classes on the fly, even mid- work in progress, but the inhabit-
can issue orders during battle, like battle. You can mix and match arts ants look to make it a home for
focusing fire, so they attack the from different classes to cater to the future.
same target as you. your gameplay style. Xenoblade Chronicles X looks
As you explore, the world has Xenoblade Chronicles X’s world impressive so far, from its cre-
time-of-day shifts and changing is striking; standing on vantage ative, dinosaur-like creatures to
weather. This also affects which points, you can see the massive the deep battle system. We can’t
types of enemies you encounter scope. The fantastic music already wait to see the mechs that you can
and their behaviors. Also, before leaves an impression, as it adds ride and control in action. Open-
you attack an enemy, symbols depth to all situations, whether it’s world JRPGs are a rarity, making Only 45 candidates will be admitted
above them indicate what to an intense battle or the personal- Xenoblade Chronicles X even more for the class of 2014. Will you be in?
expect. For instance, red warns ity of a city. One of the last towns exciting.  Kimberley Wallace Learn more today at www.uat.edu/DMF
 Helldivers
Death from friend and foe

The Division
The decimation of New York City Platform: PlayStation 4 • PlayStation 3 • Vita Style: 1 to 4-Player Shooter
seems a ways off (4-Player Online) Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Arrowhead Game Studios Release: Summer

Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One Style: Online Multiplayer Shooter

D
uring a live demo of Helldivers “Friendly fire is always on,”
Publisher: Ubisoft Developer: Massive Entertainment Release: 2015
at this year’s E3, Arrowhead Pilestedt says. “It creates a really
Game Studios president and good dynamic while playing. In other

O
utside of a few videos highlight- to expose him to fire, and an auto CEO Johan Pilestedt joked that his games, you really don’t have to
ing the capabilities of Massive’s turret can keep some enemies occu- team has started calling the game pay attention to where your friends
impressive SnowDrop engine, pied while a player rushes to heal a “Helldiers” in the development studio. are, because it doesn’t matter. In
we hadn’t seen any new footage of fallen comrade. “The game is set up for brutal failure,” Helldivers, you always have to watch
The Division since last E3. On the The second demo gave us a glimpse he says. “It’s set up to become this where the other players are, espe-
anniversary of its debut, Ubisoft gave of how the city looked well before the huge slaughter.” cially when an enemy drops into the
us another hands-off look that demon- area was safe enough to set up a base In this top-down shooter, up to middle of the team, and everyone
strated how New York City evolves as of operations. When accessing the four-players can quest together scatters and fires inward.”
you take sections of the city back. map, the player is given information through online or offline play. They It’s imperative that the team works
For the uninitiated, The Division about the area’s security level, con- don’t have to be on the same system, together and uses its resources at the
places you in New York City after a tamination level, and morale level. To as Helldivers takes full advantage of right times. Mechs, stationary turrets,
disease spreads through the city on influence these readings players must Sony’s cross-play functionality, allow- and airstrikes can be deployed…but
Black Friday and leaves its infrastruc- take out various enemies, capture vital ing PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and not without effort. To access any of
ture decimated. As a civilian member buildings like warehouses that hold Vita players to join the same game. these weapons, the player must pull
of the Strategic Homeland Division, valuable resources, and eventually In each mission the team descends up a menu, and then enter a series of
your job is to team up with other capture the base of operations. onto an alien world that won’t always button presses correctly.
agents to help take back the city. These coupled demos gave us a look the same thanks to the proce- “You can’t imagine how hard it is
In the first demo, a group of agents glimpse at one of the systems at the durally generated map. As the sur- to hold down a button and press up,
teams up to capture a base of opera- core of The Division, but there is still roundings are revealed, fast-moving down, up, down, during the heat of
tions near the 34th St. subway station so much we don’t know about the bugs leap from the shadows, and battle,” Pilestedt says with a laugh.
in Midtown. To defeat the group of game. Right now The Division is listed heavily-armed aliens move in for Helldivers doesn’t have a definitive
NPCs, the team must coordinate its for a 2015 release, but unless Ubisoft the kill, but your biggest threat may release date yet, but publisher Sony
strikes using gadgets and skills, both is just holding back intel on the other end up being the friends you are says that all three versions will
of which give The Division a distinct core elements (including the multi- playing with. ship this summer.  Andrew Reiner
role-playing feel. A tactical read can player) it has a lot of work to do before
highlight enemies in the area, a strobe this game is ready for prime time.
drone can temporarily blind an enemy  Matt Bertz

76
 Pillars Of Eternity
Obsidian returns to its RPG roots
Platform: PC • Mac Style: 1-Player Role-Playing Publisher: Paradox Interactive Developer: Obsidian Entertainment Release: Winter

T
he Infinity Engine titles of yes- usability enhancements. on using dialogue and feats to take the and class, and gives players the ability
teryear like Baldur’s Gate and Composed of many former Black Isle story in different directions. to use core skills like survival, lore, and
Icewind Dale are often the topics Studios developers who worked on Actions and choices have conse- stealth to tackle various situations. The
of conversation in the PC role-playing Icewind Dale, Obsidian Entertainment quences, and players have plenty of emphasis on freedom and consequence
space, but despite being excellent is in a good position to translate this opportunities to take the story into differ- promises that most playthroughs will
games, when you go back and play gameplay to the modern era. Pillars of ent directions with quick, meaningful deci- have few similarities, and your experi-
them today they show their age some- Eternity’s gameplay is deeply rooted in sions as they move through the game. ences and challenges may be quite dif-
thing fierce. Pillars of Eternity takes those older titles, with combat pausing, As with the titles that inspired it, ferent than your fellow adventurers.
those same concepts and packages diverging paths that can kill off party Pillars of Eternity features complete For many fans of classic RPGs, that’s
them with modern graphics and members forever, and a heavy focus character customization in terms of race exactly what they want.  Daniel Tack

Hyper Light Drifter

A pixelated and profound take on a classic Nintendo franchise
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • Wii U • PC • Mac • Vita Style: 1-Player Action/Role-Playing Publisher: Heart Machine Developer: Heart Machine Release: 2014

H
eart Machine’s Hyper Light tools throughout the course of gameplay, situations present themselves where the ranting about 1080p and graphics, it’s
Drifter shows extreme promise a SNES style-dive against swarms of correct course of action is to go in guns impressive that a handful of carefully
as a unique 2D action RPG in the creatures and singular, signature bosses. blazing; if you use this approach you’ll just crafted pixels can have more impact
vein of The Legend of Zelda. The set- Skilled players can play through the game waste resources. Drifter favors a tactical than the most realistic shooter.
ting, art style, sound, and story weave with just the base weapons and tools, but approach to twitch combat. High mobility, In addition to a single player cam-
together to create a hypnotic journey the many different items and enhance- situational awareness, and adaptation to paign, Hyper Light Drifter also includes
through high-tech dreamscapes. ments players can find over the course of different situations are crucial to survival. a co-op survival mode where players
The Drifter must search lost ruins and the game provide major assistance. I’ve only played through a single level can challenge themselves to last as long
discarded technology of a long forgotten Combat is extremely fast – perhaps of the game, but Hyper Light Drifter is as possible against an unending tide of
world for a cure to his mysterious illness. even punishing – but it’s fair. After any undeniably enchanting – this is a pix- enemies. I’m excited to play more of it
Players wield an energy sword and have given death it’s easy for players to look elated world that I may never forget. In when the game releases for several plat-
access to a variety of other weapons and back and see what they did wrong. Few an environment where people are always forms later this year.  Daniel Tack

77
 Lara Croft And The
Temple Of Osiris
Croft’s newest isometric adventure offers double the fun
Platform: Xbox One • PlayStation 4 • PC Style: 1 to 4-Player Action (4-Player Online) Publisher: Square Enix Developer: Crystal Dynamics Release: TBA

C
rystal Dynamics announced Carter Bell, the duo becomes marked players can walk across. Horus and Isis, feels like a third (or fourth) wheel when
Rise of the Tomb Raider with an for death and must resurrect Osiris to on the other hand, wield mystical staffs it comes time to implement a solution
explosive reveal trailer during break the curse and defeat Set, the god that emit enemy-destroying beams of during breaks in the action. Then again,
Microsoft’s E3 press confer- of chaos. The mortal protagonists are light. They can also shield themselves in most of the puzzles we encountered
ence, but it wasn’t the only game at the accompanied by Horus and Isis, two a defensive bubble, which can be used during our demo didn’t offer much
show that Croft fans should be excited resurrected gods who harbor their own by other players as a stepping-stone to respite; enemies continued to swarm
about. The developer is following up vendettas against Set after being impris- reach higher legends. Finally, Horus and and attack us, requiring our team to
its 2010 downloadable hit Lara Croft oned in the temple for centuries. Isis can control objects in the environ- split their efforts between defense and
and the Guardian of Light with another Both character types sport unique ment marked with glowing hieroglyphs, solving the tasks at hand. The chal-
puzzle-filled co-op adventure, and this abilities, which players must use to which in the demo was used to raise and lenge posed by enemies also scales
time up to four players can get in on the navigate the temple and solve myriad lower certain ledges. Like in Guardian dynamically, so hopefully Crystal
temple-looting action. puzzles. Croft and Bell pack dual pistols of Light, all players are equipped with Dynamics can keep everyone in the
Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris for dealing with the temple’s countless unlimited bombs, which can be used sweet spot regardless of how many
takes players to Egypt, a surprisingly mummies, scarab beetles, and other to kill enemies, destroy environmental players are involved.
underused setting for gaming’s leading foes. They also sport grappling hooks for objects, and help/grief your partners. The Temple of Osiris is being devel-
archeologist. While investigating the titular scaling walls, pulling up partners, and Puzzles automatically scale based oped exclusively for new-gen systems,
temple with rival-explorer-turned-partner creating makeshift tightropes that other on your player count, ensuring no one and as such looks gorgeous. The player
models sport an impressive amount of
Action in The Temple Of Osiris becomes more detail and look great even in close-up
chaotic with the more players you have on your team shots, which Crystal Dynamics says will
allow them to create better cutscenes.
The developer also says the sequel
doesn’t have any load times, and fea-
tures hundreds of gameplay-tweaking
weapons, relics, and artifacts for players
to fight over.
Those who prefer playing in the same
room as their friends will be happy to
know that The Temple of Osiris features
four-player couch co-op support in
addition to online play. The game can
also accommodate any combination
of the two, so players shouldn’t have
a problem getting a full crew together.
That’s great news, as our E3 demo
proved raiding tombs is much more fun
with friends.  Jeff Marchiafava

78
 Bayonetta 2
Faithful action, improved FIFA 15
fashion sense Sitting atop the sports game
Platform: Wii U Style: 1-Player Action Publisher: Nintendo
empire, FIFA makes subtle
Developer: Platinum Games Release: October tweaks to its game

W
ii U owners have long The combat gave us a brief look at
complained about a lack a few of Bayonetta’s new weapons.
of mature action titles for A pair of magic whips attaches to
their console. E3 didn’t convince Bayonetta’s heels and is great for Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PlayStation 3 • Xbox 360 • PC
us that would change soon, but unleashing a series of quick combos Style: 1 to 4-Player Sports (22-Player Online) Publisher: EA Sports
Bayonetta 2 stands in stark contrast against a lot of smaller foes, while a Developer: EA Canada Release: September 23
to that fact nonetheless. new longbow is ideal for delivering

A
Following the events of the first critical hits to enemies at a distance.
fter checking out Madden and through balls I connected with regu-
Bayonetta, the titular heroine and her As a bonus, Platinum Games is
NHL on the E3 show floor, I larly in FIFA 14 were cut off.
companion Jeanne have been travel- including a download code for play-
walked over to the FIFA 15 Expect to see more physicality when
ing the world and fighting off hordes ers to access the original Bayonetta.
expecting a similar jump in fidelity. defenders challenge for the ball as
of angels invading their planet. Our E3 This Nintendo-exclusivw e version of
Instead, the more time I spent with well. More aggressive players will put
demo threw us right into the middle of the original game allows Bayonetta to
the game the more it felt like a subtle a shoulder into attackers and knock
a fight. Bayonetta 2’s combat doesn’t cosplay as Link, Samus, and Princess
refinement of FIFA 14 rather than a them off the ball, which creates more
stray far from the original’s stylish, Peach. Players can also change the
significant leap forward. urgency to get your pass off in tight
over-the-top action. We disintegrated design of the halos – which act as cur-
Given the high quality of FIFA 14 spaces if you are controlling a player
monsters using a series of dazzling rency in Bayonetta – so that they look
(our reigning sports game of the year) with a slight build.
combos while riding atop a fighter like the coins from Super Mario Bros.
having a lot of core gameplay elements Presentation is also receiving atten-
jet and then smashed a dragon’s Mario’s arch nemesis even makes a
carry over isn’t a bad thing. After a tion in the form of increased player
face into the side of a skyscraper. cameo as the monstrous hands that
couple games on the sticks I started emotion. If you shank a golden scoring
A new Witchmode mechanic allows Bayonetta summons with her hair magic.
to gather the small differences that set opportunity or get robbed by a fantas-
Bayonetta to slow down time for Bayonetta 2 is shaping up to be an
the new game apart from its predeces- tic save, the player will properly lament
a short period when she times her impressive package for Nintendo fans.
sor. The most immediately noticeable the missed opportunity. Gamble on a
blocks perfectly, and this mechanic Platinum Games’ gothic-costume
change I encountered was a sharp- dangerous tackle and your opponent
comes in handy when the action gets adventure should be available just in
ened A.I. when attempting through may take issue with the play.
too chaotic. time for Halloween.  Ben Reeves passes. Defenders rarely knew how to We’ll find out in September if these
jump into passing lanes last year, but changes make enough of a difference
now they aggressively defense space to keep FIFA the best sports game on
as well as mark attackers. Several the market.  Matt Bertz

A new feature in FIFA 15, run touch dribbling allows

skilled players to keep control while sprinting

Fans of giant keys should be

excited for Bayonetta's return

79
 Code Name S.T.E.A.M.
Abraham Lincoln takes on the alien menace turn by turn
Platform: 3DS Style: 1-Player Strategy (Multiplayer TBA) Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Intelligent Systems Release: 2015

T
he creators of Fire Emblem she looked in another direction – the
and Advance Wars love the tentacled creatures of H.P. Lovecraft.
strategy genre. They love it so The story and comic-book-inspired
much, in fact, that they want visuals might be over the top, but the
more people to explore the genre. Code combat hopes to retain the serious
Name S.T.E.A.M. is Intelligent System’s polish typically associated with the
attempt to appeal to a wider audience developer. Players take turns against
while still exploring the genre they love. the enemy, moving around the map
Code Name S.T.E.A.M. stands for to take cover and aiming manually to
Strike Team Eliminating the Alien fire shots and special attacks. One of
Menace. Before telling us what the the special attacks we saw involved
acronym stood for, creative direc- an American soldier throwing golden
tor Paul Patraschu warned us to hold eagles at an alien while an American
onto our seats, acknowledging the flag swayed in the breeze behind him.
absurdity of the name. The ridiculous The steampunk style extends
name extends into the game’s general beyond the visuals to provide a rea-
aesthetic. This steampunk world is set sonable conceit for why combat must
in an alternate version of the 19th cen- occur on a turn-by-turn basis. As play-
tury where aliens attack and humans ers move and attack, they must pause
are forced to retaliate. The world joins to allow their steam-powered weap- won’t experience permadeath of any for Nintendo – something gamers have
forces to fight behind the leadership of ons to build more steam. This occurs characters. Patraschu says the game been asking of the publisher for the
Abraham Lincoln. between turns. offers appropriate difficulty, but unlike last few years. The strategic gameplay
Art director Takako Sakai is taking Unlike most strategy games, you Fire Emblem or XCOM, the team dynamic might comfortably fit in developer
the art style in a different direction than won’t find an overhead map or radar. is much more important than having Intelligent Systems’ wheelhouse, but
the developer’s previous titles, looking Everything must be tracked down with powered-up soldiers. To permanently we’ll have to play the game to see if
toward American comic-book artists exploration, which is one of the ways remove a teammate would hinder the the over-the-top comedic steam punk
like Jack Kirby, Bruce Timm, and Mike Patraschu hopes to separate the game flow of combat, according to Patraschu. aesthetic can gel with the studio’s
Mignola for inspiration. For the aliens, from traditional strategy titles. You also Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is a new IP sensibilities.  Kyle Hilliard

80
 Time of day changes realistically in each region

DriveClub
Days of thunder
Platform: PlayStation 4 Style: 1-Player Racing (12-Player Online) Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Developer: Evolution Studios Release: October 7

A
t this year’s E3 we expected to static images on the skybox. They move is not an illusion and that it is fully simu- recognizable by their taillights.
see more of DriveClub’s multi- with the wind, and are different every lated across the region. Puddles form in All of the weather effects look fantas-
player functionality (namely the time a race loads. A representative from certain areas on the track, and all of the tic, and if this technology plays out like
interaction your racer has with fellow Evolution Studios demonstrates this cars kick up mist as they roar through Evolution Studios hopes it will, should
crew members), but Evolution Studios technology by showing us how a cloud- them. Lights, roadside flags, and the ter- elevate the difficulty and give players a
instead gave us a demonstration of the bank can block out the sun, and dra- rain are all reflected on the slick roads. sense of unease when driving toward
dynamic weather conditions. matically affect the lighting on a track. When the rain ends, the puddles evapo- dark clouds.
The sun is in the appropriate loca- The muted color palette makes it harder rate based on the amount of wind at the Evolution says that these beauti-
tion for all of the real-world tracks, and to pick out objects in the distance, and time and the depth of the water. ful sights can be captured in a photo
moves accordingly with the changing of differentiate upcoming turns. The final demonstration is a blizzard mode, which they hope to add to the
time. This may sound like a trivial detail, On a track set on a mountainous area in that no person should ever be caught game at some point in 2014. DriveClub
but the light source tied to the sun plays Scotland, the rain affects visibility and the driving in. Cars just 20 feet in front of ships exclusively for PlayStation 4 on
a large role in the racing. Clouds are not driving conditions. We’re told that the rain ours can hardly be seen and are mostly October 7.  Andrew Reiner

Dying Light
Slice, dice, and run for your life
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Xbox One • PlayStation 3 • Xbox 360 • PC Style: 1-Player Action (4-Player Online) Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive
Developer: Techland Release: 2015

Y
ou’ve got to be nimble if you During a recent hands-on session movement speed becomes more fluid These brutal melee weapons feel similar
don’t want to become a zom- with Dying Light, I got a sense for how and allows you to flee faster and more to how they did in Dead Island, but with
bie’s dinner during an undead players become more capable urban elegantly move through the city. Killing added visceral impact and gore only
apocalypse. Dead Island developer runners throughout the game. Early zombies and completing missions lets possible on the most powerful hardware.
Techland understands this, and lets on, your character can slowly but you level up and choose new skills, like Dying Light plays well and looks stun-
players become zombie-dodging par- surely mount high ledges, leap across a jump kick or side dodge. ning in these short hands-on previews,
kour masters in this first-person open- gaps, and slide under narrow open- Exploring the tropical setting and but we won’t know its full potential until
world adventure. ings. Jumping forward in the story, scavenging scrap also lets players craft we’re able to survive sunset to sunrise
and modify devastating melee weapons. with three other zombie killers . At this
Guns like pistols and machineguns are point in development, Techland appears
available, but custom implements of to be applying lessons from the buggy-
destruction like flaming machetes and but-fun Dead Island to make a more
electrified axes do the trick with pizazz. polished apocalypse.  Tim Turi

Best wait until nightfall to seize these ruffiansˇ base

81
 Everybody�s Gone To The Rapture
A mystery at the end of days
Platform: PlayStation 4 Style: 1-Player Adventure Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Developer: The Chinese Room/Sony Santa Monica Release: TBA

M
ost post-apocalyptic set- yet it’s been abandoned.
tings depict the end of Deeper into the village, we see some-
civilization as we know it. thing that doesn’t quite fit into the
Our cities lie in ruin, covered world – a golden orb is floating over
in grey ash and the bones of our fallen. the road, moving somewhat frantically,
This isn’t the case with The Chinese leaving behind a trail in its wake. The
Room’s newest title, Everybody’s Gone orb seems to be summoning Pinchbeck
to the Rapture. In a brief 20-minute to follow it. He does just that and is
demo at E3, creative director Dan led to a stone bridge, providing safe
Pinchbeck talked about the Cold War passage over a creek. The orb darts
and the end of times, but the world he away and two ghostly figures appear
invited us into is serene, beautiful, and on the bridge. One is female, the other
a snapshot of prosperity for a farm town male. We learn they have a daughter,
on the outskirts of London, circa 1984. and that the father works too much.
Although Pinchbeck never details the They also discuss a coming storm that
character he is controlling in the demo, could cause an electromagnetic disrup-
we find this person standing on a dirt tion. The spirits leave the bridge and
road overlooking a wheat field on the continue down the road, but Pinchbeck
left, and an autumn forest (dense with doesn’t follow them.
orange and green leaves) on the right. Pinchbeck says the narrative is nonlin-
The world is inviting and calm, and ear, and most players will experience it Is that a ghost sitting in the wheelchair?
Pinchbeck moves through it slowly, differently. The particular meeting of the
giving us the time to soak in the details ghosts on the bridge will only happen his character, giving him a brief glimpse the PlayStation 4 controller to make the
created using Cry Engine, such as how once, and by not following them he’s of a wheelchair in a small bedroom. swirls align. The screen flashes white
a gentle breeze affects the wheat. As going to miss out on part of their story. Reality flashes back into frame, and the demo ends.
he moves forward, a red phone off to It’s up to the player to hunt down the and Pinchbeck explores the house. We didn’t see much, yet walked away
his right rings. His character picks up narrative and piece the threads together Upstairs he comes across the wheel- from Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture
the receiver, but never says anything to find out what happened to the people chair and room. No other clues come with dozens of questions pertaining to
as the voice details what sounds like a of the world. from it, other than the possibility of the the game and its fiction. It was the slow-
catastrophe. Before we can truly under- The orb, which Pinchbeck describes oxygen tanks possibly being for a sick est and most uneventful E3 demo I’ve
stand what is happening, the call ends, as one of five A.I. characters players get loved one, and not an airborne toxin as ever seen, yet one of the most intriguing,
and Pinchbeck continues forward along to know, leads us to a farmhouse. A car originally believed. thanks to the narrative hooks. It looks
the road. parked outside is filled with supplies, Pinchbeck’s last stop in the house is a like The Chinese Room has a hell of a
Insects, birds, and wildlife scurrying like oxygen masks and rations. From kitchen. Its countertops are overrun with mystery on its hands.
through the foliage are seen, but some- what we can see, the car was loaded up spoiled foods and supplies. He proceeds The only question about the game
thing in the world seems off; other than quickly, and in a panic. out the backdoor and the orb leads him that Pinchbeck definitively answered is
the voice on the phone, there are no Inside of the house, Pinchbeck barely to a giant tree. The crackling of energy that there are no fail states. “The only
other human beings. This village looks to has time to glance over at the living and a swirl of particles appears again, fail state for us is the player doesn't
be in tip-top shape and fully functional, room before a swirl of particles engulfs this time forcing Pinchbeck to rotate care,” he says.  Andrew Reiner
82
 Splatoon
Nintendo brings messy fun in multisprayer shooter
Platform: Wii U Style: 1-Player Shooter (8-Player Online) Publisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Release: 2015

N
intendo announced several frenzy of ink, as players spawn into the this. First, being faster is helpful when by pressing their icon on the GamePad,
new games during its E3 arena and begin blasting everything in success depends so much on getting like Battlefield’s squad respawn, only
Nintendo Direct broadcast, sight with their sprayers. Thick globs of around. Secondly, your ink supply refills without the respawning part.
including the delightfully color saturate surfaces as we charge more quickly when you’re under. I found I like Nintendo’s willingness to try
bizarre Splatoon. Describing it, the forward. I got a quick briefing ahead of myself relying on quick swaps between something new with Splatoon, but my
game sounds like it was designed via time, so I know that victory depends on both modes, which allowed me to pull enthusiasm doesn’t come without reser-
Mad Libs. This third-person shooter covering more of the world with your off tricks like painting a ramp, squidding vations. Simply put, the controls aren’t
replaces bullets with ink, and your main team’s color. As my teammates forge under its newly colored surface, and great. Neither the gyroscopic nor tradi-
goal is to spray more surface area than on, I stay slightly behind, using my then popping out and crossing the oth- tional schemes offer the precision I’m
your opponents. Also, your character hose-like sprayer to touch up any big erwise unreachable gap. accustomed to. I’m not expecting to pull
can turn into a squid. While the concept spots that were missed. While I’m doing all of that, the enemy off inky headshots without thinking – this
might be a bit wacky, it’s an interesting Looking at the Wii U GamePad, I can team is busy painting their own areas isn’t a typical twitch shooter – but I do
take on a genre that’s too often stuck easily chart the match’s progress. I need and doing its best to cover our tracks. expect more from Nintendo than merely
up its own blowhole. to catch up, which is a perfect time to Where you were doesn’t matter when “functional.” It’s possible that there
As with many shooters, teams are transform into a squid. It’s an instant the timer hits zero; only the final color are additional calibration settings that
divided by color. In Splatoon, those maneuver – there’s no big fanfare, since state of the arena counts. I stall them as we’ll have access to later, and there’s
colors do more than delineate alle- it happens all the time. As a squid, I best I can by painting the other team’s still plenty of time for tuning. I hope so,
giance. I joined up with two other bounce slowly on unpainted surfaces. members when I see them, temporar- because I love the idea of playing a
Game Informer editors and a Nintendo When I cross into a spot that’s my ily knocking them out of play. In a nice shooter where the combatants just need
ringer to take on another four-person/ team’s color, however, I submerge and touch, Nintendo allows players to leap to take a shower when it’s over, rather
squid team. The opening seconds are a speed up. Several benefits accompany over to a teammate’s side at any time than visit the ER.  Jeff Cork

Taking the high ground puts you at a distinct While it's nice to see a temporary truce, it would help
advantage, since you can spray farther from above their teams if one of these guys would start spraying

83
 LittleBigPlanet 3
New friends to help Sackboy thrive
Platform: PlayStation 4 Style: 1 to 4-Player Platforming (4-Player Online) Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Developer: xDev, Sumo Digital Release: November

S
ackboy is back! Not only did via the various obstacles and jumping times, I found myself bored waiting for touchpad in creation and lending play-
Sony surprise us by unveiling puzzles. The basic gist of the gameplay Toggle to do all the heavy lifting. Still, ers the ability to customize the look and
LittleBigPlanet 3, but the com- is using a character’s distinct ability to the platforming was smooth and on par how each of the four characters play.
pany also announced the game afford the others a path. You often need with other entries, and I found myself In my demo, I added a monster suit to
releases this November. Those aren’t to find solutions to barriers, timed obsta- laughing as my partners miserably failed Oddsock to make him stand out even
the only interesting developments; cles, and hard-to-reach switches. jumps and cheering when we finally got more on screen. All your creations can
LittleBigPlanet is going through some The co-op focuses on working through a tough puzzle. be shared easier than ever, thanks to the
changes with three new playable char- together; one character can’t just speed The four-player co-op is accessible share button on the PS4 controller.
acters sporting unique abilities. This is ahead of the rest and steal all the good- through adventure mode, or you can LittleBigPlanet 3 has plenty of poten-
also the first main iteration that Media ies. However, in the level we played, take the gang through user-generated tial. I can't wait to see more levels and
Molecule isn’t developing; Sumo Digital Toggle was the most useful and more levels. You can still use your couch and creations, as I have a feeling things
and xDEV, who both contributed to past involved in puzzles than the others. I four controllers, or play online. Create will only get more imaginative from our
LittleBigPlanet projects are teaming up hope the levels are balanced for the dif- mode has some new features and refine- brief introductory experience.
for this new entry. ferent characters attributes, because at ments, like involving the DualShock 4’s  Kimberley Wallace
The game takes place on a new
planet called Bunkum – an imaginative Characters with new abilities spice things up
land where ideas flow through the sky.
Unfortunately, Sackboy gets himself into
a pickle when he accidentally releases
three titans, who are bent on destroying
his new planet and turning its worst cre-
ator, Newton, into a monster. Sackboy
can’t fix this alone, and must enlist the
help of three new friends.
Swoop the bird can fly to high areas
or pick up other players, providing extra
opportunities to collect hard-to-reach
stickers. Oddsock is super fast and his
speed allows him to wall jump. Toggle
is a transformative character. In his
regular form, he’s heavy. This is useful
for standing on switches and pulling
heavy objects barring the path forward
to get the gang around. You can also
transform him to a mini version that can
squeeze through small areas.
At E3, I played a brief four-player
cooperative level, and everything that’s
fun about LittleBigPlanet was in place,
like switching between planes and find-
ing a way to navigate through the level
84
 Danganronpa 2:
Goodbye Despair World Of
Playing the murder game again Warships
Platform: Vita Style: 1-Player Adventure Publisher: NIS America
Strategy on the sea
Developer: Spike Chunsoft Release: September 2
Platform: PC Style: Online Action Publisher: Wargaming

I
Developer: Wargaming Release: TBA
n February, Danganronpa: Trigger interrupts it to restart his deadly game.
Happy Havoc surprised us with Desperation and paranoia set in, and

W
its bleak premise and gripping it’s not long before the murders begin. argaming is taking its information. Torpedoes offer a com-
murder investigation gameplay. It also Like last time, you’re surrounded by series of war titles to the pelling combat option to go along
introduced us to a sadistic bear named eccentric, talented students, like the high seas with World of with conventional weaponry, with a
Monokuma, who locked a group of best mechanic and the ultimate yakuza. Warships. Keeping a focus on histori- system showing players the “lead
gifted students in a school and did Relationship building, murder inves- cally accurate ships down to the last time” and expected landing location of
everything in his power to make them tigations, tense class trials, and new detail and action combat rooted in torpedo assaults.
kill each other. That crazy bear is back minigames are all part of the journey, strategy and teamplay, Warships may Do you slow down to avoid running
again and up to his old tricks in the including a new pink rabbit, who is end up the most interesting of the into an oncoming torpedo barrage
sequel, Goodbye Despair. Monokuma’s opposite. company’s offerings. and risk making yourself a target for
Goodbye Despair abandons its Goodbye Despair already looks to be Players can use scout planes to standard attacks? The gameplay feels
hollow school walls for a new locale: a capitalizing on what we enjoyed, while survey the map before engaging the quite unlike anything in World of Tanks
tropical island. The game starts with a refining elements from its predecessor. enemy to achieve a positional advan- or World of Warplanes, and I can’t wait
class going on a fun fieldtrip, but things Let the return of psychological warfare tage, with anti-air systems function- to see how the fast, tactical battles play
soon turns grim when Monokuma begin.  Kimberley Wallace ing as protection from this valuable out on release.  Daniel Tack

Skylanders: Trap Team

Skylanders is back with some unlikely allies
Platform: PlayStation 4 • Wii U • Xbox One • PlayStation 3 • Wii • Xbox 360 • 3DS Style: 1 or 2-Player Action Publisher: Activision
Developer: Toys for Bob Release: October 5

W
ith each release of the annual a button. While there will still be dozens demented grin. He assails enemies using elemental-based crystals and then
Skylanders series, players of new character-specific figures to col- musical notes, and he can dash using using them as a temporary “home” for
clear a bit more shelf space lect, the trapping mechanic means that his stage-ready knee slide. He’s a pow- the villains. While you can only have
and prepare themselves for an incremen- players can buy a handful of these new erful ally, but as with all of the captured one character in a crystal at once,
tal gameplay upgrade. Skylanders: Trap crystals and use them to store a variety villains we saw, his use is governed with you store the ones you aren’t using
Team is offering what sounds like yet of wildly different characters, such as a cool-down timer. in the hub world. That alone makes it
another subtle tweak to the game, but tank-riding goblins and angry stalks I only got to check out a few of the seem like a solid value for parents who
it’s one that has me more excited about a of broccoli. new characters, and I’m eager to see might be grimacing in advance of each
new entry than I’ve been in years. I played several of the new characters, more. I love the idea of buying a few Skylanders release.  Jeff Cork
In Trap Team, players can use special including the friendly robot Jawbreaker.
Skylanders to – surprise – trap about 40 His massive fists are attached to flexible
different enemies. These trapped foes arms, which he uses to pound enemies
are stored in crystalline shapes that into submission. My favorite charac-
fit into the game’s new portal, and the ter had to be Wolfgang, though. The
newly reformed bad guys can be sum- undead-type werewolf comes equipped
moned (and controlled) with the press of with a bone guitar/harp hybrid and a

85
photophile doesn’t start
and stop with
our Hot 50.
We saw plenty of interesting
games that didn’t make the
final cut, along with titles only
present in trailer form (and
thus ineligible for our list).
The following pages give you a
quick glimpse of other games
to watch in the coming months
and years.
Deep Down
This free-to-play action/RPG from Capcom has not been confirmed
for release outside of Japan, but it could still find an audience in North
America. Similar to the Souls series, Deep Down features precise
combat and shared-world dungeons.

Platform: PS4

The Legend Of Zelda

It doesn’t have an official title yet, but Nintendo’s latest Zelda game is making changes to the series’ formula. An open-world Hyrule
means that players can tackle dungeons and bosses in any order, leaving Link and Epona free to explore.

Platform: Wii U

86 photophile
 Mirror’s Edge 2
Faith is returning to the rooftops in a long-awaited sequel to EA’s 2008 cult hit.
Developer DICE has only released prototype footage so far, but we know that the
story centers on Faith’s past and builds on the traversal-oriented gameplay.

Platform: PS4 • Xbox One • PC

Fable Legends
Lionhead’s Fable series has roots in the RPG genre, but it continues to diversify
with Fable Legends. The latest installment is a multiplayer dungeon crawler
that lets one player take on the role of villain, spawning enemies and traps to
thwart the heroes.

Platform: Xbox One

Rise Of The Tomb Raider
Lara Croft had to endure some harrowing situations in Square Enix’s 2013
adventure. Lara’s exploits continue in Rise of the Tomb Raider, though her
previous actions haunt her, compelling her to seek professional help to deal with
the issues.

Platform: Xbox One • TBA

Halo 5: Guardians
New Criterion Project
Master Chief’s work is never done. Microsoft’s iconic hero is returning in 2015,
The minds behind the Burnout series are moving beyond cars with this upcoming picking up after the events of Halo 4. Guardians also features a new Spartan
new IP. Criterion’s untitled project incorporates new forms of transportation (like character, Agent Locke, who appears to be hunting Master Chief and looking
helicopters, parachutes, wingsuits, and ATVs) for even crazier, high-flying action. for answers.

Platform: TBA Platform: Xbox One

photophile 87
 Dead Island 2
With original Dead Island developer Techland moving on to Dying Light, the reins of
Deep Silver’s series have been passed to Yager. Fans shouldn’t worry; first-person, open-
world, multiplayer zombie smashing is still priority one.

Platform: PS4 • Xbox One • PC

Gauntlet
The top-down arcade classic returns, this time as a PC-exclusive from
WB Games. The basic concept remains the same: Four heroes work
together to defeat monsters using unique class abilities. Of course, they
also need food badly.

Platform: PC

Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire

You probably know the drill by now: These two Nintendo titles are enhanced remakes of
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. They use modern graphics and animations while adding
new Pokémon and mega evolutions to the mix.

Platform: 3DS

Mass Effect
Scalebound
Creating a Mass Effect game without Commander Shepard seems
strange, but that’s BioWare Montreal’s next project. Thankfully, the Mass Microsoft is bringing a brand new IP exclusively to the Xbox One, courtesy of the team at
Effect universe is big enough for all kinds of stories and heroes, so we Platinum Games. Director Hideki Kamiya (Viewtiful Joe, Bayonetta) knows stylish action,
can’t wait until EA releases concrete details. so you can count on crazy weapons and humongous bosses.

Platform: TBA Platform: Xbox One

88 photophile
 Inside
Uncharted 4: A Thief ’s End Inside is the latest project from Playdead, the
developer behind the indie darling Limbo. Still
Details about Uncharted 4 may be scarce, but it looks gorgeous. Naughty Dog’s cinematic series pushed leveraging stylish platforming, the gameplay and
the PS3 to its limits, and the continuing adventures of Nathan Drake will undoubtedly be a showcase for visuals appear more complex. It will release on Xbox
the PS4’s potential. One first, but eventually move to other platforms.

Platform: PS4 Platform: Xbox One

Let It Die
Grand Theft Auto V
Grasshopper Manufacture’s latest is a third-person action/survival game
with a focus on asynchronous multiplayer. Goichi Suda (aka Suda 51) The best-selling game of 2013 is coming to PC and new-generation consoles. In addition
always puts a stylish twist on his projects, which might make the whole to enhanced visuals, eagle-eyed fans have guessed at new features based on the trailer,
free-to-play pill go down easier. including increased freeway traffic, new dog breeds, and even domestic cats.

Platform: PS4 Platform: PS4 • Xbox One • PC

photophile 89
 Crackdown
The Crackdown series has been in hibernation since the disappointing second entry in 2010, but the open-world shooter still has plenty of potential. Original creator Dave
Jones is leading the team behind Microsoft’s new-gen installment.

Platform: Xbox One

Dawngate
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
EA is getting in on the MOBA action with Dawngate, which is
On November 11, all four main Halo titles come together leading up to Halo 5: Guardians’ currently in beta. Players still select characters according to their
release in 2015. Halo and Halo 2 are enhanced editions (complete with multiplayer and HD play style, but the addition of control points (and the jump down to
visuals), and players also get access to the Halo 5 beta. two lanes) sets Dawngate apart from its peers.

Platform: Xbox One Platform: PC

Kirby And The Rainbow Curse

The Crew
The successor to Kirby: Canvas Curse for DS, this Wii U title also
has players using a stylus to guide Kirby through the world, Ubisoft’s open-world, massively multiplayer racing game was originally supposed to launch
gathering collectibles and defeating bosses. A new claymation- early this year, but it’s now slated to release this fall. Players can drive from coast to coast in a
inspired visual style gives the adventure some additional flair. massive simulated world, completing challenges along the way.

Platform: Wii U Platform: PS4 • Xbox One • PC

90 photophile
 Doom
Doom commands respect as a pioneer of the FPS genre, but it’s been out of
commission since 2004. Can a new entry restore the series to relevance? We
have to wait until Bethesda and id reveal more details at this year’s QuakeCon.

Platform: PS4 • Xbox One • PC

Hyrule Warriors
A mash-up of Dynasty Warriors and The Legend of Zelda, this collaboration
between Nintendo and Tecmo Koei allows you to hack through armies as a variety
of characters. Link, Zelda, and Midna are just a few of the many options.

Platform: Wii U

Star Wars: Battlefront

The return of the Battlefront series means that gamers once again can wage
war in a galaxy far, far away. Prepare to drive, fly, shoot, and slice in this
multiplayer-focused title from EA and DICE – all in familiar locations like
Hoth and Endor’s forest moon.

Platform: PS4 • Xbox One • PC

Phantom Dust New BioWare IP

If no one remembers the original, why make a reboot? Phantom Dust attempts At BioWare’s Edmonton studio, a team led by Casey Hudson (the director of
to answer that question, resurrecting the Xbox action/strategy game of the the Mass Effect trilogy) is working on a new IP. Concept art showed futuristic
same name. Microsoft has only shown a teaser, so any new gameplay elements structures and large worlds, but EA is keeping the nature of the game a secret
remain unknown. for now. \

Platform: Xbox One Platform: TBA

photophile 91
 GAME THEOF
MONTH
94 Shovel Knight
Nintendo fans and PC users have a new reason to love their
respective platforms. Yacht Club GamesÕ Shovel Knight, a
Kickstarter project funded last year, is a blast. This loving
tribute to 8-bit Nintendo classics blends fun, familiar gameplay
with a decidedly modern risk/reward death penalty. Shovel
Knight is one of the best downloadable throwbacks since
Mega Man 9, and thatÕs why itÕs our Game of the Month.

THE SCORING SYSTEM AWARDS

Outstanding. A truly elite title that is nearly perfect in every Flawed. It may be obvious that the game has lots of
10 5
Awarded to games
way. This score is given out rarely and indicates a game potential, but its most engaging features could be
that cannot be missed. undeniably flawed or not integrated into the experience. PLATINUM that score between
9.75 and 10
Superb. Just shy of gaming nirvana, this score is a high Bad. While some things work as planned, the majority of
9 recommendation because the game reviewed is head-
and-shoulders above its competition.
4 this title either malfunctions or it is so dull that the game
falls short as a whole.
Awarded to games
GOLD that score between
9 and 9.5
Very Good. Innovative, but perhaps not the right choice for Painful. If there is anything thatÕs redeeming in a game of
8 everyone. This score indicates that there are many good
things to be had, but arguably so.
3 this caliber, itÕs buried beneath agonizing gameplay and
uneven execution in its features or theme. Awarded to games
Average. The gameÕs features may work, but are nothing Broken. Basically unplayable. This game is so insufficient SILVER that score between

7 that even casual players havenÕt seen before. A decent

game from beginning to end.
2 in execution that any value would be derived in extremely
small quantities, if at all.
8.5 and 8.75

The award for the

Limited Appeal. Although there may be fans of games
6 receiving this score, many will be left yearning for a more
rewarding game experience.
1 That red ring on your face when you take off a VR visor. GAME THE
OF
MONTH most outstanding
game in the issue

92 For more information on the age classification ratings in our reviews, head to gameinformer.com/ratings
 Murdered: Soul Suspect
A case gone cold
Style 1-Player Adventure Publisher Square Enix Developer Airtight Games Release June 3 Rating M
6.5
A
good murder mystery keeps its audience All of the murder investigations are designed The demon encounters bring an odd element
engaged, on edge, and guessing incor- in a way to give Ronan freedom to study the of stealth to the mix, and add a little intensity PS4 • Xbox One
rectly until the killer is revealed. As the crime scene how he sees fit. His goal is to to exploration, but they never deliver a serious PS3 • 360 • PC
puzzle pieces come together and the list of uncover clues that will hopefully create some threat. The demons can be dispatched with
suspects narrows, our vested interest in the kind of lead pointing to the whereabouts or little effort, and you only have to deal with a
» Concept
Solve your own murder from
mystery almost always turns into a competition identity of the Bell Killer. few of them at any given time. the afterlife and bring a serial
of trying to be one step ahead of the detec- Once all of the required elements of a When Murdered: Soul Suspect is at its killer to justice
tives in the story, or the first friend in a group murder are studied and catalogued, Ronan is best, the player has no hand in it. Its biggest
» Graphics
to say “I know who the killer is!” Our sleuthing tasked to select the pieces that matter most strength is the seed planted within the first few Nicely animated cinematic
skills determine whether we wear the prover- and point to some kind of answer. You hear seconds of play: the quest to track down the sequences are in great
bial deerstalker well or look foolish in it – that’s him say things along the lines of “Where did Bell Killer. That narrative thread gets better as abundance. The demons are
part of the fun. I see that stake again?” When that question it goes, thanks in large part to the budding terrifying – almost more so
Airtight Games’ Murdered: Soul Suspect is proposed, a dozen different images flash relationship between Ronan and a living teen- than Ronan’s horrible, over-
delivers a hell of a mystery for armchair onto the screen. One of these images leads age girl named Joy, who we learn is a medium – accessorized character model
detectives to crack, starting and ending with to an answer. Here’s the kicker: The stake is a person who can interact with both the living » Sound
the surreal concept of tracking down your only displayed on one image. How could you and dead. Ronan and Joy have secrets to tell, There isn’t much in terms
own killer. The opening sequence shows not pick it? These clues are as easy to piece and end up being just as interesting of narra- of music. Instead, haunting
protagonist Ronan O’Connor gunned down together as a children’s puzzle. And no, the tive focal points as the Bell Killer. sounds like the shriek of
a demon are used to build
by the Bell Killer, a serial killer who has difficulty tied to them never elevates over the This is one of those games that I find myself
tension and set the stage for
brought fear and death to the dreary streets course of the entire game. raving about one second, and dragging through a dreary Salem. The voice
of Salem, Massachusetts. Since Ronan is a ghost, he cannot interact the mud the next. Is it worth your time? I think work is excellent
Ronan’s death isn’t told in a flash-forward with most objects in his environment. He can so. Despite its numerous shortcomings, I was
sequence, a dream, or an event that can be run directly through cars, lampposts, and entertained to the point of not wanting to put
» Playability
Murdered’s gameplay plays
undone. You play as his spirit, trapped in a walls, but cannot pass through any item that it down. It’s a satisfying murder mystery and second fiddle to the story
purgatorial plane of existence. Before Ronan has been consecrated, a rule that Airtight uses a sub-par game all rolled in one. The story
can move on to heaven, he must take care of well to establish gameplay boundaries and won out in the end for me. If you can tolerate » Entertainment
Figuring out the identity of
an unresolved issue that is haunting him. progression paths. the shoddy investigation gameplay, there’s the Bell Killer is a mission well
Ronan believes that his ticket to the cloud The most physical interaction Ronan is allow- plenty of fun (and wrong guessing) to be had. worth taking, even when the
kingdom can be obtained if he brings the Bell ed is the ability to possess small electronics. » Andrew Reiner gameplay is trying to pull the
Killer to justice. With Salem’s body bags piling Turning on a fan can blow paperwork off a experience down into hell
up, and the police finding no leads, he must desk, revealing a series of photographs and This review pertains to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
» Replay Value
use his newly gifted ghost powers to uncover a hidden clue. Possessing an object like a tele- versions. The game is also available on PlayStation 3, Low
clues living eyes could never see. vision set may draw someone’s attention – Xbox 360, and PC
Many of the murder-mystery genre’s classic a light puzzle element that is tapped effectively
tropes are used as a narrative backbone for in a variety of ways.
this tale, but Ronan’s story is anything but rote. Ronan can also leap into the body of a living
Paranormal concepts are woven in to establish being. He cannot force his host to move, but
a unique arc that clings to dark themes and he can listen to their thoughts, and force them
unexpected developments. Airtight’s scribes to focus on a specific topic that he may need
penned an engaging story that bounces an answer for. These gameplay interactions
between detective pulp and ghost story – a are fun and used sparingly enough that they
strange mishmash that ends up working well, remain fresh throughout the entire experience.
and is carried by a great cast of characters Unfortunately, they all lead down the same
and a plot that ramps up and gets creepier as path: to more horribly executed investigations.
it unravels. Ronan doesn’t engage in any forms of gun-
The thrills tied to the plot points almost play or melee combat, but is still pushed to
always fizzle out when you are asked to dispatch enemies from time to time. Demons
become an active participant in them. Although roam the spectral plane, looking for ghosts
Ronan is technically a detective, the gameplay to feed on. These terrifying beasts move slow-
Airtight delivers assumes that the player has the ly, and can only be taken down by sneaking up
deductive skills and intelligence of a toddler. behind them and performing an execution move.
reviews 93
 Shovel Knight
A delightful tribute to the side-scrollers of yore

8.75
Wii U • 3DS • PC
GAME THE
OF
MONTH SILVER
Style 1-Player Action Publisher Yacht Club Games
Developer Yacht Club Games Release June 26 Rating E

» Concept
Design a polished adventure
that borrows the best
elements from NES classics
while taking a page from
Dark Souls
» Graphics
A bright, cheerful display
of exotic settings and ador-
able sprites with lovingly
crafted animations
» Sound
Catchy tunes that evoke
memories of Capcom’s
greatest with a generous
slice of Middle Ages
compositional flair
» Playability
The generous checkpoints
and upgradeable health
soften the difficulty old
games are infamous for. The
controls feel pitch perfect
» Entertainment
A captivating, breezy
journey that saves the most
punishing levels for last.
New Game Plus boosts the
replayability factor
» Replay Value
Moderately High

T
he downloadable market is flush with At a glance, Shovel Knight looks like some- to soften the difficulty, though the risk/reward
pixelated throwbacks harkening back one swapped out Mega Man’s cartoonish system loses impact near the endgame after
to the NES era. So many exist that devel- futuristic look with medieval castles and you’ve purchased everything.
opers can’t get by on 8-bit visuals and chip- armored warriors. This appraisal isn’t too far Scouring the kingdom for loot is just part
tunes alone; a game has to be polished and from the truth, but there’s more to it than that. of the appeal – the diverse environments and
infuse something fresh and exciting into our Shovel Knight fuses together DuckTales’ pogo- boss knights had me excited for each new
rosy memories. Yacht Club Games’ Shovel jumping combat and Mega Man’s screen- level. Green goo drips from the ceiling of a
Knight not only looks and feels like a lost scrolling level design. You can slash at enemies treacherous fire world, turning hot lava into
gem from gaming’s past, it hybridizes classic with a chargeable shovel, gleefully bounce on bouncy platforms. Piles of corpses in a grave-
gameplay mechanics from Capcom hits while enemies’ heads with your weapon, and explore yard sink if too many enemies cluster on them,
injecting a modern risk/reward system. The an overworld map reminiscent of Super Mario forcing you to thin the crowd or die trying. The
polished core is topped off with a familiar yet Bros. 3. Conquered levels can also be revisited Tinker Knight battle begins with an imbalanced
authentic visual style that drives the whole to score extra cash, and optional side bosses duel against the diminutive boss before the
experience home. prowl the map like Hammer Bros. Players have ground gives way and you face off against his
a surprising amount of fun things to do beyond huge jousting-tank contraption. Shovel Knight
beating the eight knight bosses and facing off is a bright, cheery grab bag of good times.
against the evil Enchantress. It looks like a simple, straightforward trip
Fattening your wallet by returning to beaten down memory lane, but I was surprised by
levels and fighting optional bosses is important the subtle, emotional story Yacht Club Games
for upgrading your armored digger. Towns are delivered. After some boss fights, Shovel
filled with NPCs ready to upgrade your health, Knight rests and dreams of his lost partner,
increase your magic (for using side-weapons Shield Knight. In his dreams she falls from
like a fire wand and limited invulnerability), and the sky as he fights waves of enemies in an
shovel/armor enhancements that offer new attempt to catch her. These recurring seg-
abilities like digging up treasure piles faster. ments are capped off with a satisfying and
Shovel Knight eschews the traditional lives- memorable payoff that raises the experience
based penalty system of the games it’s to a new level.
inspired by in favor of something more engag- Indie throwbacks to video games of the
ing. Players drop floating bags of cash with early ‘80s are a dime a dozen, but Yacht Club
every death and have one chance to reclaim Games successfully rises to the top. The tried-
them after respawning at the generously placed and-true game design principles and elegant
checkpoints. Shovel Knight ups the ante by checkpoint system make Shovel Knight worth
allowing players to sacrifice checkpoints for a try no matter which era of gaming you prefer.
extra cash. It’s a unique and interesting way » Tim Turi
94 reviews
Valiant Hearts: The Great War
The casualties of war
Style 1-Player Puzzle/Adventure Publisher Ubisoft Developer Ubisoft Montpelier Release June 25 Rating T
7
I
n video games about war, we typically
assume the roles of gun-toting soldiers who PS4 • Xbox One
singlehandedly save the day. It’s more fun to PS3 • 360 • PC
be the hero who succeeds against the odds È Concept
than a prisoner of war or an AWOL soldier, but Everyday stories from World
those sadder stories are still poignant. Through War I as seen through the
phenomenal visuals and audio, Valiant Hearts: eyes of four heroes and a dog
The Great War highlights the horrors faced by È Graphics
normal people in extraordinary circumstances – Fantastic, stylized visuals
but it’s a better history lesson than a game. make the atrocities of war
Set during World War I, Valiant Hearts memorable, but less grisly
focuses on the crossing paths of four people È Sound
and one dog. Developer Ubisoft Montpelier Minimal voice work lets you
establishes the horrifying conditions the char- focus on the somber music
acters endure through beautiful 2D art and you’re often going through the motions to Valiant Hearts is noble, the storytelling is thin. È Playability
an evocative soundtrack. The animations and reach an already-obvious solution. Distractible Mumbles, gibberish, and pictures in word bub- Controls are straightforward
character designs are instantly impressive, guards, cranks with missing levers, and bar- bles comprise most of the characters’ interac- and functional. You are mainly
and the bittersweet music sets an appropriate, ricades in need of some dynamite are all tions. It’s endearing at first, but diary entries walking around, picking items
up, and then using those items
reflective mood. common hurdles. A puzzle game doesn’t and sparse narration aren’t effectives way to
You control each of the humans at different necessarily need deep ability evolution, but tell a nuanced tale of love and sacrifice. È Entertainment
points throughout the conflict, but you aren’t the obstacles should at least require some Even if the starring characters don’t com- While the puzzles and story
shooting up enemy soldiers. It’s more of a thought. Figuring out what you need to do is pletely come into focus, Valiant Hearts still aren’t especially rewarding,
the overall tone is still
puzzle game where you overcome obstacles usually trivial – the work comes from pushing, succeeds at conveying a human story. It may
interesting and successful
with your wits instead of overwhelming force; pulling, or otherwise getting items where they not be challenging or action-packed, but it
you pick items up, stay hidden from guards, need to be. provides some thoughtful and sobering looks È Replay Value
Actual letters from WWI soldiers inspired at what life was like on the front. » Joe Juba Moderately Low
and command the dog to interact with objects.
The problem is that Valiant Hearts doesn’t the events, making the whole game a tribute
grow as you progress; you learn most of your to those men and women who fought for This review pertains to the PlayStation 4 version. The game is
puzzle-solving vocabulary early, meaning that their countries. Though the message behind also available on Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC

DEGREE PROGRAMS IN:

Game Art
Game Development

Game Design

800.226.7625
© 2013 Full Sail, LLC

3300 University Boulevard • Winter Park, FL

Financial aid available for those who qualify • Career development assistance • Accredited University, ACCSC
To view detailed information regarding tuition, student outcomes, and related statistics, please visit fullsail.edu/outcomes-and-statistics. fullsail.edu
 EA Sports UFC
EA Sports makes a solid first strike

8
PS4 • Xbox One
» Concept
Craft a number of unique
fighting systems in an
effort to emulate a highly
complex sport
» Graphics
The character models
look great; skin ripples on
impact and heads jostle
with every punch, but the
audience just sits in the
background like a blur
» Sound
Joe Rogan and Mike
Goldberg do an admirable job
simulating real commentary,
but you might want to prep
your own playlist to augment
EA’s music selection
» Playability
You have to pay attention
to the action and be ready to
react to your opponent’s strikes,
Style 1-Player Fighting (2-Player Online) Publisher EA Sports Developer EA Canada Release June 17 Rating T
since you can’t dial in your
combos too early

I
» Entertainment t’s clear that EA’s UFC team bleeds martial are easier for your opponent to counter, and Defending against transitions or escapes
The fighting system has a arts. Everything about its new title – from the blocking becomes less effective the longer you requires players to counter their opponents’
bit of a learning curve to integration of UFC-branded videos to a roster play turtle. This creates a fighting system that power plays with well-timed movements of
overcome before you can including everyone from Jon “Bones” Jones is more about strategizing and reacting to your the analog stick. Which positions provide you
appreciate the combat to Ronda Rousey – has been painstakingly opponent than it is mastering a combo sheet. with the best leverage aren’t always clear, and
» Replay Value shaped into one of the most realistic depictions More than with most fighting games, I I was sometimes unsure when I should initiate
High of the sport to date. The attention to detail found that I had to pace myself with UFC, a submission hold. Once you’re placed in a
makes the experience feel authentic, though which resulted in slower and more methodi- submission, you’re thrown into a minigame that
not highly approachable. Don’t expect UFC cal matches. I eventually got into the groove has you flicking the analog sticks in various
to be like Fight Night, transcending its target of measuring out my attacks while I blocked directions to twist out of the hold, and escap-
audience to reach a broader range. Only those incoming strikes, but mixing up your moves to ing someone’s hold is nearly as fun as applying
with the determination of an athlete can master maximize your speed is just as important. Fans the pressure yourself.
UFC’s complex fighting systems and enjoy of twitchy, hyper-reactive fighters will immedi- EA has taken all of these different fighting
everything this title has to offer. ately be turned off by UFC’s footwork, which mechanics and packaged them into a career
If your approach to most fighting games is is as much about positioning and managing fighter mode that has players working their
to dial in the strongest combos then block stamina as it is button combos. Since there are way through the UFC’s reality television show
whenever you think your opponent is going to no on-screen health bars, knowing when your The Ultimate Fighter in order to win a contract
swing for your head, you won’t get far in UFC. opponent is going down for the count is dif- with the UFC and ultimately a shot at the
Even when both of your feet are firmly on the ficult. This pulled me into the action more and championship belt. I appreciated the added
ground, you have a lot more to think about made me think twice about pushing my attack context for why I was fighting, and loved
than life bars. You can come out of the gate when it left me exposed. watching my stats slowly tick up as I won
swinging, but that gasses your fighter quickly, However, even if you master the ground match after match. I also enjoyed tinkering with
making it easier for your opponent to slip past game, you won’t be invincible in the octagon. my game plans, which were basically a series
your defenses. Advance strikes cause more A good portion of UFC’s action is about grap- of perks that improve your fighter’s abilities,
damage, but they also cost more stamina and pling your opponents and taking them to the such as increasing your stamina regeneration
mat to ratchet up the pain with a submission or improving your striking. Unfortunately, the
takedown. If you’re weak in any of the areas of career story is barebones, and each match is
the sport, your opponents leverage that against buffered by a series of repetitive training exer-
you. Just like a real MMA fighter, you have to cises and hollow interactions with real UFC
know your weaknesses and be prepared to fighters. Players interested in truly testing their
defend against them. mettle on the mat are better off finding breath-
I struggled with the ground game initially, ing opponents or working towards one of the
since UFC’s many different systems are over- online championship belts.
whelming at first. After a bit of practice, I got EA Sports UFC isn’t the easiest fighter to
a handle on transitioning for better positions learn – it’s a complex beast that rewards
so I could pepper my opponents with quick dedicated warriors who are driven to succeed.
jabs or snake my arms around them for a Each match plays out like a chess match
match-ending armbar or spine-grinding twister where combatants feel out their opponents’
submission. It takes a long time to get used strategies and exploit openings. EA’s attention
to the controls, and even after playing for to detail might feel unnatural to fighting fans
hours you might still occasionally fumble for weaned on titles like Street Fighter and Smash
the wrong button combo and leave yourself Bros., but UFC’s methodical pacing will knock
exposed to attack. out MMA enthusiasts. » Ben Reeves
96 reviews
 Tomodachi Life
Little Nintendo people
Style 1-Player Simulation Publisher Nintendo
Developer Nintendo Release June 6 Rating E 7
3DS

I
f Animal Crossing gives players a chance to join a
community, Tomodachi Life is Nintendo’s way of let- » Concept
ting them create one from scratch. Unlike Nintendo’s Help your Miis live out their
dreams, days, and drama on
other life sim, you don’t have Tom Nook to tell you
a tropical island
what to do or provide any sense of structure. You’re
free to inhabit the world with characters of your design » Graphics
and set your own goals. Nintendo’s simple avatars
do the heavy lifting, so it’s
Instead of being part of the town, you’re equal parts

Pushmo World god and surveillance camera, listening to the pleas

of your islanders and peering into their windows (and
occasionally, their minds). They ask for dating advice. If
pleasant – but not a visual
tour de force
» Sound
Nintendo’s puzzling choices hold back evolution they’re hungry, you’re the first to know. You help them
Character voices sound like
belching synthesizers. That
sneeze. You don’t control their bizarre little lives; it’s doesn’t take much away from
Style 1-Player Puzzle Publisher Nintendo
Developer Intelligent Systems Release June19 Rating E 7.75
Wii U
more of an aquarium filled with people, and you are an
observer with occasional input.
It all starts with character creation, where you design
your Miis. In addition to futzing with noses, favorite
the hilarious musical numbers
» Playability
The WarioWare-style
microgames control well
colors, and all the usual stuff, you also get to tweak per-

T
he original 2011 Pushmo on 3DS stood out for enough, but you spend more
its unique puzzle mechanics. Little red blob Mallo » Concept sonality attributes on sliders, showing how fast or slow time watching the action than
pushed and pulled blocks like dresser drawers to Bring Nintendo’s 3DS puzzle they are, if they lean toward being polite or direct, and a you do participating
series to the Wii U few other qualities. After that, you select their strange-
create platforms that he could use to make his way to » Entertainment
the top to rescue a trapped kid. A year later, Crashmo » Graphics yet-endearing robotic voices. When you’re done, they Laid-back pacing and
freshened things up by allowing Mallo to move blocks in Mallo and the plain grassy move into an empty apartment and start living their lives. general silliness won’t click
four directions instead of only two. This changed every- backgrounds look nice in HD I created more than a dozen Miis, and after a few with everyone
thing, forcing players to plan out how blocks would fall » Sound days of playing, a nexus of drama emerged – an elderly » Replay Value
and beneficially fit together when slid around. The new The music is quality as always, woman named Marge. She was aloof, boring, and not Moderately High
Pushmo World remains a quality puzzle game, but its but extremely repetitive traditionally attractive. She also seemed to mesmer-
lack of innovation disappoints. » Playability ize nearly every male on the island. Within hours of
Instead of another Crashmo-style leap forward, Pulling, pushing, and jumping joining my village, for example, one of my colleague
Pushmo World regresses back to the first game in works well. And if you mess Kim Wallace’s Mii creations was head over heels in
most ways. Mallo is back to simple drawer-pulling, up, the handy rewind button love with Marge. After getting some tips from me, he
repairs the damage
ladder-teleporting, and switch-hopping in the 120 core professed his love by singing a romantic song to her
Pushmo Park stages. You still have plenty of clever, » Entertainment on the beach. A bit disturbingly, the Mii based on my
brain-busting puzzle fun along the way, but it all feels Wii U owners unfamiliar with five-year-old son (age and all) interrupted the proceed-
too familiar – even though I haven’t played the original the 3DS entries are in for a ings, saying he wanted her heart, too. Alas, she chose
treat, but fans of the franchise
for years. neither. I consoled one of the heartbroken characters
won’t find much new
All of the new, experimental elements are seques- by giving him olives, then pushing him on a swing.
tered over in the Mysterious Pushmo zone, accessed » Replay Value I enjoyed checking in several times a day and seeing
Moderate what people were up to. It’s a great pop-in game,
separately instead of being integrated into the main
campaign. These stages are where I had the most fun. since you do spend the majority of your time watch-
Linked blocks of the same color all move at the same ing as opposed to rotating chairs and shaking trees.
time when you yank on them. Yin-yang blocks work That comes at a cost. After playing for about a week,
just the opposite; when you push in white blocks, black I’ve started seeing events repeat themselves, which
ones pop out. Timed blocks slide back into the wall definitely reduces the overall novelty. Similarly, I lost
once the timer runs out, changing the pace from slow enthusiasm for my Miis’ eagerness to play games once
and contemplative to urgent and breakneck. The 50 I realized there were a handful of these WarioWare-
unique puzzles here are a great time, and should have quality diversions.
been a larger focus. If you thought Animal Crossing was too sparse on the
Puzzle creation works smoothly (I created one gameplay front, Tomodachi Life’s superficial interac-
shaped like a little bomb guy), and it’s easy to upload tions may stretch your definition of the word “game.”
your work to the World Pushmo Fair. This user-sharing In spite of the repetition, this island is a pleasant place
area provides created levels under the “Newest” and to visit, even if I’m not ready to take up a permanent
“Popular” tabs. As before, most users focus more on residence. » Jeff Cork
making pixel art versions of licensed characters than
crafting technically impressive puzzles. Strangely, Built-in snapshot tools allow you
there isn’t a way to search for puzzles using text. to capture moments of triumph or
heartbreak…or this
You just open these feeds and hope something you
like shows up. Like previous games, puzzles can be
tagged with a QR code so you can at least search out
content people have posted on the Internet. Almost all
3DS QR puzzles from past games can be imported to
the Wii U and vice versa, so you have access to years
of creations already out there.
Overall, if you’ve never touched a Pushmo in your
life and don’t have a 3DS, this is a good place to jump
in. Unfortunately, by reverting to older mechanics,
Nintendo offers little for longtime fans to get excited
about. » Bryan Vore
reviews 97
reviews archive
PLAYSTATION 4 Watch Dogs 8.5 Jul-14 Super Time Force 8.5 Jul-14 Last of Us: Left Behind, The 8.75 Apr-14 XBOX 360
Amazing Spider-Man 2, The 5.5 Jul-14 Wolfenstein: The New Order 8 Jul-14 Thief 8 Apr-14 Lego Movie Videogame, The 8 Apr-14 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil 8 Jun-14
Bound By Flame 8 Jul-14 Titanfall 9.25 May-14 Lego The Hobbit 8 Jun-14 Amazing Spider-Man 2, The 5.5 Jul-14
Child of Light 8 Jun-14 XBOX ONE Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition 9.25 Mar-14 Lightning Returns: BioShock Infinite:
Contrast 7.5 Jan-14 Amazing Spider-Man 2, The 5.5 Jul-14 Trials Fusion 8 Jun-14 Final Fantasy XIII 7 Mar-14 Burial At Sea – Episode 1 8 Jan-14
Daylight 6 Jun-14 Child of Light 8 Jun-14 Watch Dogs 8.5 Jul-14 Luftrausers 8.5 May-14 BioShock Infinite:
Deception IV: Blood Ties 6.75 May-14 Crimson Dragon 6 Jan-14 Wolfenstein: The New Order 8 Jul-14 Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes 7 May-14 Burial At Sea – Episode 2 8.5 May-14
Doki-Doki Universe 7.5 Feb-14 Dead Rising 3 8.75 Jan-14 Zoo Tycoon 7 Jan-14 MLB 14: The Show 8.5 Jun-14 Bound By Flame 8 Jul-14
Infamous Second Son 8.5 May-14 Fable Anniversary 8 Mar-14 NASCAR ‘14 7 Apr-14 Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 6 Mar-14
Killzone: Shadow Fall 8 Jan-14 Fighter Within 1 Feb-14 PLAYSTATION 3 R.B.I. Baseball 14 2 Jun-14 Child of Light 8 Jun-14
Knack 8.25 Jan-14 Forza Motorsport 5 8.75 Jan-14 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil 8 Jun-14 Ratchet & Clank: Contrast 7.5 Jan-14
Killer Instinct 8.75 Jan-14 Amazing Spider-Man 2, The 5.5 Jul-14 Into the Nexus 8 Jan-14 Dark Souls II 9.75 May-14
Lego Movie Videogame, The 8 Apr-14
Kinect Sports Rivals 6.5 Jun-14 Atelier Escha & Logy: South Park: Deadfall Adventures 4 Jan-14
Lego The Hobbit 8 Jun-14
Alchemists of the Dusk Sky 7.75 Apr-14 The Stick of Truth 8.5 May-14 Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z 7 Mar-14
Mercenary Kings 8 Apr-14 Lego Movie Videogame, The 8 Apr-14
BioShock Infinite: Strider 8.75 Apr-14 Earth Defense Force 2026 8 Apr-14
Metal Gear Solid V: Lego The Hobbit 8 Jun-14
Burial At Sea – Episode 1 8 Jan-14 Walking Dead: Season Two – Lego Movie Videogame, The 8 Apr-14
Ground Zeroes 7 May-14 Lococycle 7 Jan-14
BioShock Infinite: Episode 1: All That Remains, The 8.5 Feb-14
NBA 2K14 8.5 Jan-14 Metal Gear Solid V: Lego The Hobbit 8 Jun-14
Burial At Sea – Episode 2 8.5 May-14 Walking Dead Season Two –
NBA Live 14 4 Jan-14 Ground Zeroes 7 May-14 Lightning Returns:
Bound By Flame 8 Jul-14 Episode 2: A House Divided, The 8.75 May-14
Need For Speed: Rivals 9 Jan-14 NBA 2K14 8.5 Jan-14 Final Fantasy XIII 7 Mar-14
Walking Dead Season Two –
Rayman Legends 9 Apr-14 NBA Live 14 4 Jan-14 Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 6 Mar-14 Metal Gear Solid V:
Episode 3: In Harm’s Way, The 8.5 Jul-14
Need For Speed: Rivals 9 Jan-14 Child of Light 8 Jun-14 Ground Zeroes 7 May-14
Resogun 8 Jan-14 Watch Dogs 7.5 Jul-14
Peggle 2 8 Feb-14 Contrast 7.5 Jan-14 NASCAR ‘14 7 Apr-14
Strider 8.75 Apr-14 Wolf Among Us: Episode 1 –
Plants Vs. Zombies: Dark Souls II 9.75 May-14 R.B.I. Baseball 14 2 Jun-14
Thief 8 Apr-14 Faith, The 9 Dec-13
Garden Warfare 6.5 May-14 Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z 7 Mar-14 Wolf Among Us: Episode 2 – South Park:
Tiny Brains 5.75 Feb-14
Powerstar Golf 8 Jan-14 Drakengard 3 6 Jul-14 Smoke & Mirrors, The 7.5 Apr-14 The Stick of Truth 8.5 May-14
Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition 9.25 Mar-14
Rayman Legends 9 Apr-14 Earth Defense Force 2025 8 Apr-14 Wolf Among Us: Episode 3 – Strider 8.75 Apr-14
Towerfall Ascention 9 May-14
Ryse: Son of Rome 6 Jan-14 Final Fantasy X/X-2 A Crooked Mile, The 8.5 Jun-14 Super Time Force 8.5 Jul-14
Transistor 9 Jul-14
Strider 8.75 Apr-14 HD Remaster 9 Apr-14 Wolfenstein: The New Order 8 Jul-14 Titanfall 9 Jun-14
Trials Fusion 8 Jun-14
Super Motherload 6.25 Jan-14 Gran Turismo 6 8 Feb-14 Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z 6.5 May-14 Trials Fusion 8 Jun-14
Warframe 7.75 Jan-14

7.75 | Among The Sleep 7.75 | A Story About My Uncle

Platform PC Release May 29 Rating NR Platform PC Release May 28 Rating NR

It leaves more of an impact in a A Story About My Uncle’s leaping and grappling-hook mechanics are simple,
distilled 3 to 4 hours than some easy-to-understand tools that would be fun even without the alluring
games with 60-hour campaigns. The world and story accompanying it. It’s a short experience, clocking in at only
scares may be lacking and some of a few hours, but it’s an adventure I enjoyed taking. – Kyle Hilliard
the puzzles are dull to a fault, but this
studio has expertly crafted a game
that lets players unravel its story in a
meaningful way. – Tim Turi Visit gameinformer.com/mag
for the full reviews 5.5 | Entwined
Platform PlayStation 4 Release June 9 Rating E

Entwined’s experimental nature

7.5 | Dead Rising 3: Super Ultra Arcade Remix Hyper Edition EX + α reminds me of similar games that
I’ve enjoyed, but there’s always a
Platform Xbox One Release June 9 Rating M
“minus” in the comparison; it’s like
Dead Rising 3: Super Ultra Arcade Remix Hyper Edition EX + α is an ambitious game Journey minus the community, like
that’s fun in short bursts. Unfortunately, it lasts a little too long, especially if you’re dying Flower minus the message, like
to see what Annie looks like dressed up as a Breath of Fire character. – Jeff Cork Rez minus the action. – Joe Juba

7.75 | Battleheart Legacy 8 | Kero Blaster 7.75 | Grid Autosport

Platform iOS Release May 27 Rating 12+ Platform iOS Release May 11 Rating 9+ Platform PS3, Xbox 360 Release June 24 Rating E

The flexible class and leveling Studio Pixel’s latest is one of the Even though Autosport tries to return
system is the spotlight feature for best-playing action/platformers the series to its roots, it has lost its bite
Battleheart Legacy, providing all iOS has to offer. The toggled firing and raison d’être. The multi-discipline
sorts of interesting skills to mix and directions make it a joy to play racing remains, but it’s an unadorned
match. Unlocking those abilities compared to other clumsy virtual shell that lacks the creativity that
can be a bit of a grind, but the gamepads, and the charming visuals previous Grids tried to inject into
charming visuals and silly humor make it a slam dunk for mobile the genre. – Matthew Kato
soften the blow. – Matt Miller gamers of all ages. – Tim Turi

98 the score
 Walking Dead: Season Two – Goat Simulator 5 Jun-14 3DS
Episode 1: All That Remains, The 8.5 Feb-14 Hearthstone: Bravely Default 8 Mar-14
Walking Dead Season Two – Heroes Of Warcraft 9 May-14 Conception II:
Episode 2: A House Divided, The 8.75 May-14 JazzPunk 6.5 Apr-14 Children Of The Seven Stars 6 Jun-14
Walking Dead Season Two – Luftrausers 8.5 May-14 Kirby: Triple Deluxe 8.5 Jun-14
Episode 3: In Harm’s Way, The 8.5 Jul-14
Mercenary Kings 8 Apr-14 Mario Golf: World Tour 8 Jun-14
Watch Dogs 7.5 Jul-14
Moebius: Empire Rising 6 Jun-14 Mario Party: Island Tour 4 Jan-14
Wolf Among Us: Episode 1 –
Nidhogg 7.5 Mar-14 Pokémon Battle Trozei 6 Jun-14
Faith, The 9 Dec-13
Novelist, The 7 Feb-14 Professor Layton and
Wolf Among Us: Episode 2 –
Smoke & Mirrors, The 7.5 Apr-14 Octodad: Dadliest Catch 5.75 Apr-14 the Azran Legacy 8.25 Apr-14
Wolf Among Us: Episode 3 – Our Darker Purpose 8.75 Apr-14 Resident Evil: Revelations 9 Feb-11
A Crooked Mile, The 8.5 Jun-14 Path of Exile 8 Jan-14 Shin Megami Tensei IV 8.5 Sep-13
Wolfenstein: The New Order 8 Jul-14 Rambo: The Video Game 4 May-14 Shinobi 6.5 Feb-11
Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z 6.5 May-14 Rekoil 2 Apr-14 SteamWorld Dig 8 Feb-14
Shadowrun: Dragonfall 8.75 May-14 Yoshi’s New Island 7 May-14
Wii U Smite 9 May-14
Amazing Spider-Man 2, The 5.5 Jul-14 South Park: VITA
The Stick of Truth 8.5 May-14 Borderlands 2 7 Jul-14
Child of Light 8 Jun-14
Donkey Kong Country: SteamWorld Dig 8 Feb-14 Conception II:
Tropical Freeze 9.25 Mar-14 Strider 8.75 Apr-14 Children Of The Seven Stars 6 Jun-14
Dr. Luigi 8 Mar-14 Thief 8 Apr-14 Danganronpa:
Lego Movie Videogame, The 8 Apr-14 Titanfall 9.25 May-14 Trigger Happy Havoc 8.5 Mar-14
Mario Kart 8 9.25 Jul-14 Towerfall Ascention 9 May-14 Deception IV: Blood Ties 6.75 May-14
Super Mario 3D World 9.25 Jan-14 Transistor 9 Jul-14 Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster 9 Apr-14
Trials Fusion 8 Jun-14 Luftrausers 8.5 May-14
PC Tropico 5 8.5 Jul-14 OlliOlli 8 Mar-14
Age Of Wonders III 7.5 Jun-14 Walking Dead: Season Two – Tearaway 9 Jan-14
Amazing Spider-Man 2, The 5.5 Jul-14 Episode 1: All That Remains, The 8.5 Feb-14 TxK 7.75 May-14
Banished 8 Apr-14 Walking Dead Season Two – Ys: Memories Of Celceta 8.5 Feb-14
Banner Saga, The 8.5 Mar-14 Episode 2: A House Divided, The 8.75 May-14
BioShock Infinite:
Walking Dead Season Two – iOS
Episode 3: In Harm’s Way, The 8.5 Jul-14
Burial At Sea – Episode 1 8 Jan-14 Boom Beach 6 Jun-14
War Of The Vikings 6.5 Jul-14
BioShock Infinite: FTL 8.25 Jun-14
Burial At Sea – Episode 2 8.5 May-14 Watch Dogs 8.5 Jul-14
Hitman Go 7 Jul-14
Bound By Flame 8 Jul-14 Wolf Among Us: Episode 1 –
Icycle: On Thin Ice 8 Feb-14
Broken Age: Act I 8.5 Mar-14 Faith, The 9 Dec-13
Joe Danger Infinity 8 Mar-14
Wolf Among Us: Episode 2 –
Castle Doctrine, The 7 Apr-14 Monument Valley 8 Jun-14
Smoke & Mirrors, The 7.5 Apr-14
Child of Light 8 Jun-14 République – Episode 2:
Wolf Among Us: Episode 3 –
Contrast 7.5 Jan-14 Metamorphosis 7 Jul-14
A Crooked Mile, The 8.5 Jun-14
Dark Souls II 9.75 May-14 République: Exordium 7.5 Mar-14
Wolfenstein:
Daylight 6 Jun-14 The New Order 8 Jul-14 Room Two, The 8.25 Feb-14
Diablo III: Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z 6.5 May-14 Tengami 7.75 May-14
Reaper Of Souls 9.25 May-14 Trials Frontier 7 Jun-14

Volume XXIV Number 8 Issue 256

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 The Last Guardian
Team Ico’s The Last Guardian is beginning to enter the
ranks of famously MIA titles like Duke Nukem Forever and

Missing In Action
Half-Life
and 3. Footage
Half-Life for the
3. Footage for PlayStation
the PlayStation 3 title was was
3 title shown
way back
shown wayinback
2009.inSince
2009.then,Sinceit’sthen,
beenit’sput on official
been put on
“hiatus”“hiatus”
official – a statement that was
– a statement later
that wasretracted by Sony.
later retracted
Lead
by producer
Sony. Fumita Ueda
Lead producer Fumitaleft Ueda
the project
left theonly to return
project only
as return
to a freelance consultant.
as a freelance The last we
consultant. Theheard
last wewasheard
that a
smallthat
was team was “reengineering”
a small the game, leading
team was “reengineering” the game,many
This year’s E3 showcased a host of amazing games, but there to believe
leading it was
many being transferred
to believe it was being over to PlayStation
transferred 4.
over to
were also some big games that weren’t at the show. This is a Many expected
PlayStation that itexpected
4. Many would bethat Sony’s big surprise
it would be Sony’satbig
E3
list of some of E3 2014’s most notable missing-in-action titles. 2014, butatthat
surprise was not
E3 2014, buttothat
be. was not to be.

by Matt Helgeson

Fnal Fantasy
Even for Square Enix, a company
known for long delays, the saga of
Final Fantasy XV is ridiculous. The
game first appeared at E3 2006 as
Final Fantasy Versus XIII. Since then,
three separate Final Final Fantasy XIII
games have been released, the Versus
XIII was retitled Final Fantasy XV, and
the game has ditched PlayStation 3
Kingdom Hearts 3
for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. While Square Enix
Square Enix fans
fans rejoiced
rejoiced when
when an an announcement
announcement trailer
trailer
many fans wonder if it will ever be for
for Kingdom
Kingdom Hearts
Hearts 33 was
was shown
shown at at last
last year’s
year’s E3.
E3. Since
Since
released, the trailer shown at last then,
then, information
information onon the
the game
game –– which
which Square
Square admitted
admitted
year’s E3 plus the rebranding as FF XV is aa long
is long way
way out
out –– has
has been
been scarce.
scarce. Knowing
Knowing how
how long
long
seemed to indicate that there was Square takes
Square takes to
to make
make games,
games, it’s it’s best
best not
not to
to have
have any
any
some momentum behind the project expectations,
expectations, but but that
that didn’t
didn’t stop
stop the
the series’
series’ ardent
ardent fans
fans
again. Then, it came up missing in from
from holding
holding out
out hope
hope that
that itit would
would make
make anan appearance.
appearance.
action from this year’s show. Now, let’s
Now, let’s just
just hope
hope that
that itit doesn’t
doesn’t slip
slip to
to PlayStation
PlayStation 5.
5.

Mad Max Quantum Break

Avalanche Studios’ open-world Mad Quantum Break is an ambitious
Max title made waves at E3 2013 with project for developer Remedy. Its
a live gameplay demo that showcased mix of third-person video game
the iconic post-apocalyptic hero in a sequences and a live-action televi-
game that balanced car combat and sion, which intersect to help form
brutal third-person action. Later in the game’s story, is unprecedented –
the year, the game was delayed until and was billed as one of the cor-
2015, leading to expectations that nerstones of Xbox One’s entertain-
it would be a part of Warner Bros. ment strategy. Given that Microsoft
Interactive’s booth this year. Sadly, the didn’t have a large selection of
show came and went without a men- triple-A first-party games at E3
tion of Mad Max. Let’s hope it’s still 2014, Quantum Break would have
going strong; the 2013 demo had its provided some needed kick to the
faults but did show potential. company’s press conference. \

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