Monthly Archives: March 2015
App Store Update: March 12
Every day hundreds of new apps make their debut on the App Store, and hundreds more are updated or reduced in price. We have sifted through the noise and highlighted those select few that might be worth your attention.
Note: The prices and deals compiled below are accurate at the time we published this story, but all are subject to change.
Sid Meier's Starships – ($14.99)
The father of the Civilization series is now taking his civilizations into outer space. Take a look:
Mojang Responds to Possible Minecraft Ban
A spokesperson from Mojang responded to the possibility of Minecraft's ban in Turkey over its alleged focus on "violence."
Speaking to GamesBeat, the Mojang representative explained the many different approaches to Minecraft by its fans, and the ways the game world's dangers can be avoided or turned off entirely:
"Minecraft is enjoyed by many players in a wide variety of ways. Many enjoy the creative freedom that’s presented by Minecraft and its tools, some are more interested by the opportunity to explore a landscape without boundaries and to go on exciting adventures with friends. We encourage players to cooperate in order to succeed, whether they’re building, exploring, or adventuring.
Dying Light Dominates PlayStation Store Sales in February
The official list of top-selling games on PlayStation platforms in the month of February have yielded some interesting results.
Zombies dominated the PlayStation 4, with Dying Light being the top-selling game on the current gen platform in February 2015. Behind it is Dragon Ball Xenoverse, Turtle Rock Studios' four-versus-one shooter Evolve, supernatural shooter The Order: 1886 at number four, and Dontnod's drama Life is Strange -- Episode 1: Chrysalis at number five.
On PlayStation 3, Minecraft took top honors for the month, followed by Resident Evil Revelations 2, Grand Theft Auto V, and the latest in Activision's blockbuster shooter series, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. Life is Strange Episode 1 shares fifth place on the PS4 and PS3 charts.
12 Monkeys Renewed for Season 2
Syfy has announced that their adventure series 12 Monkeys has been greenlit for a second season.
Terry Matalas and Travis Fickett (Nikita), co-executive producers and writers of the pilot, will be stepping up to serve as EP/Showrunners for Season 2, which is expected to air in 2016.
"We are absolutely committed to 12 Monkeys, and have been incredibly impressed by the outstanding critical and audience praise the series has earned,” said Dave Howe, Syfy President. “The talent both on and off-screen have delivered a series that has us all on the edge of our seats, providing exactly the smart, exciting storytelling Syfy is known for.”
Jeff Wachtel, President and Chief Content Officer, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, added, “12 Monkeys is a show that has exceeded expectations at every stage. It’s had a great first season creatively, and is building a dedicated audience. We can’t wait to see where – and when! – Terry and Travis will take us next.”
Octodad Stumbling Onto Xbox One This Summer
Developer Young Horses is bringing Octodad: Dadliest Catch to Xbox One this summer via Microsoft's ID@Xbox program.
The developer had been considering bringing Octodad to Microsoft's current-gen console, but now it's official.
The Xbox One version will include the previously announced Shorts DLC, as well as support for 2-4 player local co-op, according to the ID@Xbox blog. The Shorts DLC brings two new levels to the cephalopod simulator, which include forty new objectives, at least 20 breakable plates, and "probably a pizza."
Free Peugeot Concept Car in Driveclub March Update
The March 1.12 update for Driveclub hits next week, and with it comes the chance to take the wheel of Puegeot's "21st century supercar," the Onyx.
Also coming to the Driveclub update will be the Lamborghini expansion pack with four new cars, new events and trophies. The Lamborghini expansion will be a premium download, while the Peugeot Onyx will be a free download.
In addition to slick automobiles available for download, the update will add the Ferrari 599XX Evoluzione as a new Driver Level 50 reward. Photomode will be usable from within a replay at any point, and replays have been added for all single events and tours. "You can now save a replay at the end of any single player event and view it later from the replays section," according to Evolution Studios.
Guy Ritchie’s King Arthur Begins Filming
Now that Guy Ritchie's King Arthur movie has begun filming, Warner Bros. has released an official synopsis and cast list for it.
Warner Bros. reportedly plans to use this movie to kick-start a new franchise of Arthurian films, with the story unfolding over six installments. Check out the official synopsis below:
"The bold new story introduces a streetwise young Arthur who runs the back alleys of Londonium with his gang, unaware of the life he was born for until he grasps hold of the sword Excalibur—and with it, his future. Instantly challenged by the power of Excalibur, Arthur is forced to make some hard choices. Throwing in with the Resistance and a mysterious young woman named Guinevere, he must learn to master the sword, face down his demons and unite the people to defeat the tyrant Vortigern, who stole his crown and murdered his parents, and become King."
Once Upon a Time Execs Tease Whether Emma Will Go Evil
Note: This article contains spoilers for the most recent episode of Once Upon a Time.
Once Upon a Time is a couple of episodes into the back half of Season 4, and the Queens of Darkness are causing trouble. Maleficent (Kristin Bauer van Straten), Ursula (Merrin Dungey), and Cruella De Vil (Victoria Smurfit) have joined forces with Rumplestiltskin (Robert Carlyle) and they're determined to find their happy endings even if they don't deserve them. Their arrival has also stirred up the past. We've learned that back in the Enchanted Forest days, Mary Margaret/Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Charming/David (Josh Dallas) had an encounter with the villainous trio and it did not end well. Specifically where Maleficent is concerned.
Prime Free Game: The Witcher 2
IGN Prime has partnered with CD Projekt Red to give away 50,000 PC copies of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (Enhanced Edition) to IGN Prime members during the month of March.
In the sequel to 2007's hit game The Witcher, you continue your journey as Geralt of Rivia, imprisoned as you stand accused of assassinating the king of Temeria. Escape and explore the world around you while hunting monsters, fighting foes and ultimately, tracking down the true kingslayer. The Witcher 2 adds an updated robust combat system and features a set of abilities, armor and weapons to help you on your way.
In our review, we stated that The Witcher 2 provides "a rich, detailed experience packed with curiosities, creative and flexible quest designs, powerful reasons to explore and deep gameplay mechanics." That still holds true to this day, as The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings stands as an experience that should not be missed.
This Week in the Nintendo eShop
The biggest release this week hits tomorrow in the new 3DS game Code Name: S.T.E.A.M., which is a brand new strategy RPG from Intelligent Systems. But if you're concerned about the here and now, a few interesting games are still coming to the eShops. On 3DS, the latest Sega 3D Classic hits in 3D OutRun and an interesting game from former Namco developers launches in 50 Pinch Barrage!! On Wii U, the biggest release is Trine: Enchanted Edition, which is the first time the original Trine is hitting a Nintendo system.
Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. ($39.99, Available March 13)
Intelligent Systems' latest 3DS strategy RPG is nearly here. Featuring a unique comic book-inspired aestethic that includes Abraham Lincoln voiced by Wil Wheaton in a mech suit, this title bucks the trend of classic Intelligent Systems games such as Fire Emblem and Advance Wars by making it more a turn-based strategy game by way of third-person shooter. Check out IGN's review for more details.