Just three weeks ago, the Windows 10 Technical Preview got its first new build available to members of the Windows Insider program, and today we are seeing another version bump adding some new features and changes to the preview. As part of last month…
Just three weeks ago, the Windows 10 Technical Preview got its first new build available to members of the Windows Insider program, and today we are seeing another version bump adding some new features and changes to the preview. As part of last month…
A couple of days after the Xbox games were announced, Sony has now revealed the free game lineup for PlayStation Plus members. One note about last month’s games though – DriveClub PlayStation Plus Edition has still not shipped, so if you are waiting for that unfortunately you will have to wait a bit longer. As I mentioned in the Xbox article, Microsoft needs to ramp up the Games with Gold program because once again, Sony has six games available across the three platforms, and three of them are day one releases. Let’s check out what is in store for November.
The first game on tap for the PlayStation 4 is also the first day one release for this list. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is from developer Nicalis, and is a remake of The Binding of Isaac which originally came out in 2011 and was built on Flash. The game is a top down RPG similar in style to the original The Legend of Zelda, at least as far as the dungeon crawling goes. Players start the game as Isaac, who tries to escape from his mother and runs away into their monster filled basement. The levels are randomly generated. The original PC version scored a very high 84 Metascore, and 8.3 user score on Metacritic. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth will also be made available on the PS Vita.
“The Binding of Isaac is a randomly generated action RPG shooter with heavy Rogue-like elements. Following Isaac on his journey, players will find bizarre treasures that change Isaac’s form giving him superhuman abilities and enabling him to fight off droves of mysterious creatures, discover secrets and fight his way to safety. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is the ultimate of remakes with an all-new highly efficient game engine, all-new hand-drawn pixel style artwork, highly polished visual effects, all-new soundtrack and audio by Ridiculon, and hundreds upon hundreds of designs, redesigns and re-tuned enhancements by series creator, Edmund McMillen.”
The second PS4 game for November is SteamWorld Dig, from developer Image & Form. This game was originally released in August 2013 on the Nintendo 3DS, and ported to the PS4 in March of this year. In this 2D Platformer, you control Rusty, who is a steamboat miner. Collecting ore and gems is your goal. SteamWorld Dig scored an 82 Metascore and 7.4 User score on metacritc. It normally sells for $9.99, and it will also be available for the PS Vita.
“SteamWorld Dig is a platform mining adventure with strong Metroidvanian influences. Take the role of Rusty, a lone mining steambot, as he arrives at an old mining town in great need. Dig your way through the old earth, gaining riches while uncovering the ancient threat that lurks below…”
The first game available on the PS3 is also a day one release for this platform. Frozen Synapse Prime is an asynchronous turn-based strategy game from developer Double Eleven. Players can take on several multiplayer matches simultaneously, or play the single player campaign, which is set in a dystopian future where an evil corporation is attempting to take over the city. The Vita version was released in September, and scored an 84 Metascore and 7.3 User Score on metacritic.
“Take on the role of Tactics, leading a small rebel faction to overthrow a powerful corporation controlling the city of Markov Geist. Control an elite strike team of futuristic soldiers from shotgunners and snipers, to grenadiers and machine-gunners in the ultimate turn-based strategy game. Plot paths and issue orders to your units, test your plans and predict your opponent in each turn. Combat plays out on procedural, 3D, destructible and customizable battlefields.”
The second game for the PS3 this month is LUFTRAUSERS from developer Vlambeer. This single-player game is an airplane-based shoot’em up, which originally launched in March 2014. Players control an airplane and are given a full 360° of motion for the plane. As you progress through the game, you can customize your plane to increase your potential. LUFTRAUSERS scored an 80 Metascore and 7.5 User Score on Metacritic, and normally retails for $9.99. The PS Vita version will also be available.
“The skies will be set aflame and the seas will overflow with wreckage in Vlambeer’s stylish arcade shooter LUFTRAUSERS! Select from over 125 combinations of weapons, bodies, and propulsion systems and take to the skies to battle enemy fighter planes, battleships, submarines, and rival aces for glory, honor, and high scores. Bravely volunteer for one of over 100 daring missions and become the most legendary Rauser pilot of all time!”
The first PS Vita game is Escape Plan from developer Fun Bits Interative. This puzzle game was first released as a launch title for the Vita in February 2012. The goal of the game is to control Lil and Laarg through a series of booby-trapped rooms. The artistic style of the game certainly makes for a great looking game. Escape Plan scored a 71 Metascore and 7.5 User Score on metacritic, and normally retails for $14.99. The PS4 version will also be available.
“Escape Plan takes advantage of the PlayStation®Vita system’s multi-touch display, rear touch panel, swipe interfaces and motion sensor, putting the fate of Lil & Laarg in the palm of your hand. Players can swipe, tap, poke, squeeze and slap our hapless heroes and interact with the unique and twisted puzzles of each room. Only you can help them survive before their captor and nemesis, Bakuki, recycles them and turns them into his minions. Swipe as if your life depended on it in this exclusive survival-humor game for the PS Vita system.”
The final game for the month is also a new one to the Vita store. The Hungry Horde, from developer Nosebleed Interactive, has the player leading a horde of zombies on a quest to destroy humanity. What else can be said about zombie rampage games? The Hungry Horde normally retails for $9.99
“Lead a horde of zombies on a manic mission to expand the ranks of the undead and destroy humanity. Battle the clock and attempt to trash the planet in this highly addictive, run-till-you-die zombie rampage – one game and you’ll be “turned”!”
November brings six more games, and three new games to their respective platform. While none of November’s titles would be considered AAA games, there is a good selection again for all platforms. Sony also does a great job of promoting their cross-platform ecosystem with these bundles, and most of the time when a game is available on more than one Sony platform, the PlayStation Plus membership gives the player access to the game on all of the platforms. It is not always the case, but often. If you are interested, the games should be available starting today, as it is the first Tuesday of the month. If you are interested in what’s coming for December and January, Sony has also teased those month’s games here.
Source: PlayStation Blog
A couple of days after the Xbox games were announced, Sony has now revealed the free game lineup for PlayStation Plus members. One note about last month’s games though – DriveClub PlayStation Plus Edition has still not shipped, so if you are waiting for that unfortunately you will have to wait a bit longer. As I mentioned in the Xbox article, Microsoft needs to ramp up the Games with Gold program because once again, Sony has six games available across the three platforms, and three of them are day one releases. Let’s check out what is in store for November.
The first game on tap for the PlayStation 4 is also the first day one release for this list. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is from developer Nicalis, and is a remake of The Binding of Isaac which originally came out in 2011 and was built on Flash. The game is a top down RPG similar in style to the original The Legend of Zelda, at least as far as the dungeon crawling goes. Players start the game as Isaac, who tries to escape from his mother and runs away into their monster filled basement. The levels are randomly generated. The original PC version scored a very high 84 Metascore, and 8.3 user score on Metacritic. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth will also be made available on the PS Vita.
“The Binding of Isaac is a randomly generated action RPG shooter with heavy Rogue-like elements. Following Isaac on his journey, players will find bizarre treasures that change Isaac’s form giving him superhuman abilities and enabling him to fight off droves of mysterious creatures, discover secrets and fight his way to safety. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is the ultimate of remakes with an all-new highly efficient game engine, all-new hand-drawn pixel style artwork, highly polished visual effects, all-new soundtrack and audio by Ridiculon, and hundreds upon hundreds of designs, redesigns and re-tuned enhancements by series creator, Edmund McMillen.”
The second PS4 game for November is SteamWorld Dig, from developer Image & Form. This game was originally released in August 2013 on the Nintendo 3DS, and ported to the PS4 in March of this year. In this 2D Platformer, you control Rusty, who is a steamboat miner. Collecting ore and gems is your goal. SteamWorld Dig scored an 82 Metascore and 7.4 User score on metacritc. It normally sells for $9.99, and it will also be available for the PS Vita.
“SteamWorld Dig is a platform mining adventure with strong Metroidvanian influences. Take the role of Rusty, a lone mining steambot, as he arrives at an old mining town in great need. Dig your way through the old earth, gaining riches while uncovering the ancient threat that lurks below…”
The first game available on the PS3 is also a day one release for this platform. Frozen Synapse Prime is an asynchronous turn-based strategy game from developer Double Eleven. Players can take on several multiplayer matches simultaneously, or play the single player campaign, which is set in a dystopian future where an evil corporation is attempting to take over the city. The Vita version was released in September, and scored an 84 Metascore and 7.3 User Score on metacritic.
“Take on the role of Tactics, leading a small rebel faction to overthrow a powerful corporation controlling the city of Markov Geist. Control an elite strike team of futuristic soldiers from shotgunners and snipers, to grenadiers and machine-gunners in the ultimate turn-based strategy game. Plot paths and issue orders to your units, test your plans and predict your opponent in each turn. Combat plays out on procedural, 3D, destructible and customizable battlefields.”
The second game for the PS3 this month is LUFTRAUSERS from developer Vlambeer. This single-player game is an airplane-based shoot’em up, which originally launched in March 2014. Players control an airplane and are given a full 360° of motion for the plane. As you progress through the game, you can customize your plane to increase your potential. LUFTRAUSERS scored an 80 Metascore and 7.5 User Score on Metacritic, and normally retails for $9.99. The PS Vita version will also be available.
“The skies will be set aflame and the seas will overflow with wreckage in Vlambeer’s stylish arcade shooter LUFTRAUSERS! Select from over 125 combinations of weapons, bodies, and propulsion systems and take to the skies to battle enemy fighter planes, battleships, submarines, and rival aces for glory, honor, and high scores. Bravely volunteer for one of over 100 daring missions and become the most legendary Rauser pilot of all time!”
The first PS Vita game is Escape Plan from developer Fun Bits Interative. This puzzle game was first released as a launch title for the Vita in February 2012. The goal of the game is to control Lil and Laarg through a series of booby-trapped rooms. The artistic style of the game certainly makes for a great looking game. Escape Plan scored a 71 Metascore and 7.5 User Score on metacritic, and normally retails for $14.99. The PS4 version will also be available.
“Escape Plan takes advantage of the PlayStation®Vita system’s multi-touch display, rear touch panel, swipe interfaces and motion sensor, putting the fate of Lil & Laarg in the palm of your hand. Players can swipe, tap, poke, squeeze and slap our hapless heroes and interact with the unique and twisted puzzles of each room. Only you can help them survive before their captor and nemesis, Bakuki, recycles them and turns them into his minions. Swipe as if your life depended on it in this exclusive survival-humor game for the PS Vita system.”
The final game for the month is also a new one to the Vita store. The Hungry Horde, from developer Nosebleed Interactive, has the player leading a horde of zombies on a quest to destroy humanity. What else can be said about zombie rampage games? The Hungry Horde normally retails for $9.99
“Lead a horde of zombies on a manic mission to expand the ranks of the undead and destroy humanity. Battle the clock and attempt to trash the planet in this highly addictive, run-till-you-die zombie rampage – one game and you’ll be “turned”!”
November brings six more games, and three new games to their respective platform. While none of November’s titles would be considered AAA games, there is a good selection again for all platforms. Sony also does a great job of promoting their cross-platform ecosystem with these bundles, and most of the time when a game is available on more than one Sony platform, the PlayStation Plus membership gives the player access to the game on all of the platforms. It is not always the case, but often. If you are interested, the games should be available starting today, as it is the first Tuesday of the month. If you are interested in what’s coming for December and January, Sony has also teased those month’s games here.
Source: PlayStation Blog
Somehow, October has already come and gone. Some of you may be wondering what to wear for All Hallows’ Eve, or if you need to run out for some last minute treats. But the folks at Xbox are lining up the free games as part of Xbox Live Gold membership. November does not look to be the strongest lineup ever for the program though, with only a single game (again) on the Xbox One, and two Xbox 360 games that date back to several years ago. The Xbox One in particular needs to raise the bar with the program, especially now that the console has been out for a year and the catalog of games is actually OK. But enough complaining for now – let us see the games.
For several months now, there has only been a single game made available at no cost for the Xbox One. Last month, it was Chariot, and the saving grace for that game was that it was brand new to the store, and this month it is the same. Volgarr the Viking is a 2D side scrolling action game, which harkens back to the days of Contra and the like. Crazy Viking Studios developed this game which was originally launched on the PC just over a year ago. The side scroller is unapologetically difficult, and was brought to life with the help of a kickstarter campaign. This is another of the latest round of retro looking games with an 8-bit graphical feel to it, but it does include a soundtrack from Kochun Hu. The PC version scored a 76 Metascore and 7.7 user score on metacritic, and while Xbox pricing has not been announced, the PC version is currently selling for $12.
“Volgarr the Viking, the newest ID@Xbox game, will debut on Xbox One as a free download. For Xbox One gamers, this is a journey back to the days of yore, when times were tougher, and you really only needed a couple buttons to play a game.”
On Saturday, November 1st, Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise will be the first Xbox 360 game available for the month. This is the sequel to the original Viva Piñata, from Microsoft Game Studios and Rare. This life simulation game was originally released in September 2008, so it is far from a new title, but it still has some appeal especially to a younger audience. It scored an 82 Metascore and 7.7 user score on metacritic, and normally sells for $14.99.
“Welcome back to Piñata Island where Prof. Pester’s latest scheme has lead to disaster. Visit the scorching desert or icy wastes to trap new species. Train them, dress them, then send them to a party! We’ve new Piñatas, new activities, new features and new secrets, so come visit and find out why people never want to leave. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.”
The final Xbox 360 game for the month is Red Faction: Guerilla, which will become available on November 16th. This open world third-person shooter is from developer Volition, Inc, and was originally launched on the Xbox 360 in June 2009. This is the third installment of the Red Faction series, and was released to positive reviews. Red Faction: Guerilla scored a pretty high 85 Metascore and 8.1 User Score on metacritic, and normally sells for $19.99.
“Lured by the rich veins of Martian ore, miner Alec Mason arrives on Mars hungry for a new life. But the promise of a brighter future for Mason quickly fades. The Earth Defense Force, once protectors of Martian colonists, have adopted heavy-handed checkpoints and omnipresent armed patrols. As violence escalates, an underground resistance known as the Red Faction is swiftly gathering strength to combat the EDF. Mason’s quest for a new life has become a battle for survival, and the fate of the planet now rests with him and the Red Faction. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see”
I can’t say I am particularly thrilled with the November lineup of games. The Xbox One selection is ok as a new release, but we have had a steady stream of indie game titles with GWG on the Xbox One and it is time to see some of the launch titles become available. The Xbox 360 games have historically had the better lineup due to the larger back catalog of games, and that is the case here again, even though they went way back in the catalog. Hopefully December brings a better lineup.
Source: Major Nelson Blog