The PC Centric Extravaganza 6.10.08
Posted by Chris Evans on 06.10.2008
Duke Nukem, Dawn of War and much more in this weeks PC Centric Extravaganza!
The PC Centric Extravaganza 10th June 2008
I had planned to talk a bit about the recently announced Crysis Warhead, unfortunately I just haven't been able to find the time. Expect something to appear on that next week. In other slightly disappointing news while I have started the GRID review I haven't been able to finish it yet, expect that later this week. On with the news then!
Duke Nukem Lives!
The first gameplay footage of Duke Nukem Forever has emerged and is proof that the game is alive and I assume, kicking arse. Thanks to reading Rock, Paper, Shotgun I have uncovered a video, the first episode of the Jace Hall Show in which the (somewhat) famous games producer talks to George Broussard and Scott Miller of 3D Realms about Duke Nuke.
Interesting to hear that Hookers, Coke and World of Warcraft are to blame for the slow progress of the game. I wonder what would happen if those three elements were mixed together and used in Duke Nuke? I think the world would implode.
Back on track, the short bit of gameplay footage instantly makes me think - "hmm, this is most interesting! along with thinking that they have some big guns, strange enemies and some cool world interaction. I forsee more in-game footage being released soon, next year, ah hell I dunno when!
I have some interest in this, though to my shame I have never played any of the early Duke Nukem games which well sucks really. As long as the next Duke Nukem is fun to play then I will be happy. After so much waiting to hear about it then I think that is all most people want.
Pro Cycling Manager 2008
Oh how I must avoid making references to drugs in cycling in this post. So Pro Drug Manager Cycling Manager 2008 has released its first video showing off the new version of the game due for release before the end of June on the PC (and PSP.)
Pro Cycling Manager 2008 is making some big steps forward from previous editions with what promises to be a much improved graphics engine and the inclusion of track cycling. There will also be the chance to manage one of 65 official cycling teams while getting involved in the day to day running of the team. Everything ranging from drug taking and testing recruitment, training and finance management will be present and improved upon from previous versions.
The deal clincher is that ability to take part in over 180 real-time 3D playable races. So expect to sit back and relax while your riders struggle in the climbs of the Alps and Pyrenees in the Tour de France.
Honestly has anyone played any of these games? If so what are they like? I actually am a big fan of road and track cycling but I cannot see how they can transfer over into a video game. We shall see though!
First Dawn of War II Footage
That is the first footage of Dawn of War II (higher quality version via THQ) and there is a Ork-load of new information over on IGN. The video shows off both the Space Marines and the Orks along with some very destructible environments thanks to the new Essence Engine 2.0 with full Havok physics support.
The campaign is designed for both single and co-operative play and it can be tackled in a non-linear fashion, though in a different manner to Dark Crusade and Soulstorm. This time you will be able to take your troops with you on a space ship hopping from planet to planet allowing you to take on a variety of non-linear story-based missions. Relic also promise great unit customization especially with squad leaders. Very interesting stuff.
While I was not the biggest fan of Soulstorm, I felt it lacked that certain something that made the original Dawn of War so I am quite pleased that the series is taking a step back and starting again with a new game engine and a new campaign structure. A big bug bear I had with the original Dawn of War series was the poor zoom capabilities, this video shows some nice wide shots which I really hope we see transfer into the new game.
Fallout 3 Collector's Edition
Over on the Bethesda blog the contents of the Fallout 3 Collector's Edition has been revealed and confirmed. Fallout 3 is sure to divide many people, especially those on No Mutants Allowed the famous Fallout fanatics. However the Collector's Edition contents should go a small way towards appeasing them and makes me feel pleased to have already got it on pre-order.
According to the Bethesda Blog the Collector's Edition will include the following:
* Vault Boy Bobblehead: Enjoy your very own Vault Boy with this collector's item direct from Vault-Tec.
* The Art of Fallout 3: This hardcover book features nearly 100 pages of never-before seen concept art and commentary from Bethesda Game Studios artists.
* The Making of Fallout 3: Get an exclusive, inside look at Bethesda Game Studios and the team behind the game with this special DVD.
* Vault-Tec Lunch Box: The entire package comes in a fully customized metal lunchbox.
Bobblehead for the win! While the Making of and Art of are going to be interesting for the die-hard fans, I just want to be able to bob the bobblehead while playing Fallout 3!
MMA hits Red Alert 3
MMA fighter Gina Carano is going to play Natasha Volkov in the upcoming time-twisting Red Alert 3. Just check out the video below to get some more info on Gina and her role in Red Alert 3.
Good for the world of MMA to get some wider exposure, but this just goes to show the differences between the Red Alert and Tiberium series' for C&C. The Tiberium/Tiberian games have always had a (slightly campy) more serious tone about them.
Call of Duty 4 Patched
I know this is a few days late, but the latest patch for Call of Duty 4 has been released for the PC. The Steam version of the game has also been updated. Following on from news last week that nVidea was Sponsoring a new map pack for the PC version, the new maps have been included in the patch. Creek, Chinatown, Broadcast, and Killhouse are the new multiplayer maps, and due to being Sponsored by nVidea they are all free, this is unlike the Xbox 360 version of CoD4 which required players to purchase the map pack.
In other patch news there are two new multiplayer server browser filters which now allow the filtering of Hardcore and Oldschool game types. Back when CoD4 first came out I was a big fan of Hardcore, however it was often difficult to find a game without the correct filters. For this to have been changed is something I welcome whole heartedly.
GRID Arrives on Steam
After literally days of speculation and wondering Codemasters Race Driver GRID has landed on Steam for $39.99 for UK and US customers while those in the rest of Europe will be paying $59.99. The game is also available world wide.
I must say that it is a shame that, despite being a world wide release, Codies have decided to vary the price so much between the UK/US and the rest of Europe. Makes me feel somewhat sad for any European readers. Another slightly disappointing matter is that the Steam release of GRID doesn't include any Steamworks features. Apart from that this is great to see, I really hope that Codemasters will try to further expand their presence on Steam, they do have some pretty good games in their back catalogue which I would love to see on Steam.
Eternal Silence 3.0 Released
Eternal Silence 3.0 has now been released, and by clicking on the above picture you will be taken to the download page for the mod.
For those of you who are new to this Cinematic Space Mod which is focused on teamplay and large battle entwined with a deep back story then take a look at the online manual for the basic lowdown on how to play Eternal Silence.
Hopefully I will get the chance to download this next week and give it a whirl, and of course provide some feedback on it.
