THQ show Metro 2033 has a ghostly presence

As if tunnels and subways filled with mutants, Nazi’s and communists wasn’t enough to keep you busy in Metro 2033, we now have to contend with ghosts. The deserted underground network was once home to a thriving metropolis and now those that commuted on a daily basis and the metro trains that they traveled on are just ghostly aspiritions that haunt the dark tunnels beneath Moscow.

Metro 2033 just got a whole lot better, March 19th should now be etched in your mind

Ask Author of Metro 2033, Dmitry Glukhovsky, Your Questions

Fancy asking the author of Metro 2033, the book that the game is based on, a few questions? Get online today from 21:00GMT till 23:00GMT.

Dmitry Glukhovsky is the author of the book Metro 2033 that the upcoming FPS for Xbox 360 from THQ is based on. He first published the novel on his own website and, after attracting some 2 million online readers, secured a publishing deal in Russia and has since seen Metro 2033 published across Europe to huge critical acclaim.

Dmitry will be online between 21.00 and 23.00 GMT to answer your questions via the Metro 2033 Twitter and Facebook pages. Want to know where he got his inspiration from? Need tips on how to publish your first novel? Now’s your chance to ask!

Dmitry speaks Russian, English, German, French and a little Spanish, and will be happy to receive and answer questions in these languages!

Facebook

Become a fan of the Facebook page at facebook.com/Metro2033 – a new update will be posted when the Q&A goes live, then all you need to do is post your question in the comments thread that forms below.

Twitter

Follow @Metro2033, then from 20:00GMT till 23:00GMT, direct your question to @Metro2033 and add the #Metro2033 hashtag to your tweet.

The Times Nationally

US Pacific Coast: 13.00 – 15.00
US East Coast: 16:00 – 18.00
UK / GMT: 21.00 – 23.00
Central Europe: 22.00 – 24.00
Russia: 24.00 – 02.00

Darksiders Official Soundtrack now available to download

Vigil Games have revealed that the official soundtrack for their apocalyptic title Darksiders is now available to download from Amazon.com.

Featuring a meaty 25 tracks it’ll set you back $7.99, or $0.89 per track, and features the talents of Robbie Moroder, Ayla Love, Cris Velasco, Mike Reagan and Scott Morton.

You can check the entire track list out, and also purchase to download, here.

Metro 2033 ‘Kill or be Killed’ trailer

Another trailer has surfaced from the depths of the Moscow underground system as Metro 2033 from THQ prepares to launch in stores on March 19th. In the last trailer we saw brief glimpses of mutants and the frantic firefights that take place in the Xbox 360 and PC title. This new trailer entitled ‘Kill or be Killed’ shows the mutants at their most violent and the struggle for survival that faces the games character Arytom.

Take a look its awesome……..

UFC 2010 from THQ, screens are knockout

THQ have today released 14 new screens for UFC Undisputed 2010 which currently is due for release this May. With the success if its 2009 predecessor the UFC franchise from THQ is going from strength to strength and ths years incarnation has no less than 100 of the best UFC fighters in the world.

Here’s all the games features followed by those awesome screens, games out in May for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3

Features:

• UFC FIGHTERS AND PERSONALITIES – Navigate an unparalleled roster of more than 100 prolific UFC fighters, each fully rendered to convey a photorealistic appearance. Prominent UFC personalities, including the commentary team of Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg, veteran voice of the Octagon Bruce Buffer, Octagon Girls, referees, trainers and more return to showcase an authentic and memorable UFC videogame experience.
• ENHANCED COMBAT – Step into the Octagon with improved combat. A new Sway System with full upper body and head movement allows for the dodging of attacks, while on the ground, a new Posture System delivers strong, fight-ending strikes from every position. Manage Octagon control with new strikes, submissions, transitions and cage positions, as well as experience added realism with the introduction of Southpaw stance.
• FIGHTER CUSTOMIZATION – Enjoy customizable freedom with created fighters by combining move sets from numerous MMA disciplines. Choose from an array of moves from all available disciplines, including newly added Sambo, Karate and Greco-Roman Wrestling, to become a true mixed martial artist.
• EXPANSIVE ONLINE PLAY – Encourage camaraderie by forming fight camps and leagues to participate in ranking and champion tracking systems. Join forces, train like real-life UFC fighters and go online to compete against other camps in the virtual UFC world.
• CAREER MODE – An intuitive “Game Is Watching You” system tracks every action and uses this information to dictate in-game commentary, opponent intelligence and overall career progression. On the quest to reach the UFC Hall of Fame, enhance the Career Mode experience through online co-op sparring sessions with respective fight camps and form unique personalities for created fighters to increase their cred, popularity and sponsorships based on interactions during weigh-ins and interviews.
• TITLE AND TITLE DEFENSE MODES – Fight through one of UFC’s five official weight classes to earn and defend a championship belt in Title Mode. In Title Defense Mode, a fighter’s condition remains persistent, with milestone challenges built in along the way.
• TOURNAMENT MODE – Explore up to 16-player individual and team tournaments within one system. Utilize UFC fighters or created fighters and select from arcade-style play with repeated fighter appearances or experience simulation play with fighter representation limited to one appearance.

Darksiders set to receive apocalyptic demo

THQ and Vigil Games have today announced that they are to release a demo for their apocalyptic title Darksiders, due to release on both Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Network on Thursday 25th February.

The demo will include the first dungeon encounter in its entirety, named the Twilight Cathedral, from the acclaimed action-adventure game. This will provide players will plenty of challenges to overcome including puzzles, new equipment to discover and boss battles against both the monstrous demon Jailer and the savage bat-winged Tiamat. It will apparently take the average player around 90 minutes to complete, so there’s plenty of opportunity to get an overall impression of what the full title has to offer.

David Adams, General Manager of Vigil Games, states “We are really pumped to be bringing a playable demo for Darksiders to Xbox 360 and PlayStation3. We really wanted to give gamers a true idea of the variety of gameplay that the game offers and so rather than just making a standard 20-minute demo version of the first few levels, we decided to give away this massive level and reveal the true essence of the game.”

The full game was released back in January and is available at retail for both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

THQ reveal Metro 2033 Xbox 360 Achievements

If killing librarians, broadcasting messages, destroying Fascists’ Panzer’s or disarming wire traps is your cup of tea… then it would seem that THQ’s upcoming Metro 2033 title is right up your street.

Today the publisher has revealed a short selection of what to expect from the titles Xbox 360 achievement list, which looks just as interesting as the game itself, which is set in a post apocalyptic world and takes place in the Underground world of the Moscow Metro system. Check them out below;

Heavy Reader – Kill a librarian.

Ranger – Find all Ranger stashes in Dead City 1 and 2.

Exorcist – Complete levels “Ghosts” and “Anomaly” without dying.

Tank Buster – Destroy Fascists’ Panzer.

Raider – On the level “Depot” silently kill the first guard and break into the Fascist station unnoticed.

Fugitive – Complete level “Armory” without getting caught.

DJ Artyom – On the level “Outpost” reach the radio tower and broadcast the commander’s message.

Merciful – Complete the level “Black” without killing any Fascist Soldiers.

Soft Touch – Disarm 10 wire traps.

Scrooge – Save 500 military grade rounds.

UFC Undisputed 2010 Box Art Revealed

The highly anticipated sequel to the popular UFC Undisputed 2009 has just had its North American Box Art revealed. Publisher THQ has announced that this time around, UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar will be the star of the cover of upcoming UFC Undisputed 2010. Lesnar is an American mixed martial artist, as well as being a former professional and amateur wrestler.

The title is due out on May 25th 2010, across both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms.

Metro 2033 – A post apocalyptic nightmare

As the build up to THQ’s and 4A Games shooter Metro 2033 gathers pace another trailer for the game has emerged for us to feast our eyes on. For those that are not familiar, Metro 2033 is set in the bowels of the Russian Metro and the game based on the hugely popular novel of the same name by Dmitry Glukhovsky.

Players will take on the role of Artyom, just another one of the inhabitants of the underground metro, a network of villages that has become home to hundreds of people in post apocalyptic Russia. However not everything is peaceful and both Communists and Nazi’s are waging a civil war in the tunnels deep below Moscow and a strange presence also lurks beneath the city streets.

Metro 2033 is out on Xbox 360 and PC on March 19th

THQ will show new Red Faction at E3 2010

During the THQ Earning call which took place today, THQ CEO Brian Farrell confirmed that Volition were working on a follow up to the extremely successful Red Faction: Guerilla title, stating “We also plan to launch a high-quality sequel to Red Faction in fiscal 2011. Building on their innovative destruction engine, our team at Volition is delivering a quality sequel in the Red Faction universe that will include robust online gameplay.”

He also said that THQ were looking to release the first person shooter Homefront during the 2011 Fiscal period but when referring to both titles Farrell concluded, “We look forward to showing you why we’re excited about these games at E3 this June.”

So E3 will see a return to Mars for THQ and Volition, and it seems from the statement above there will be a very strong online element to the game.

[Source]

Geoff Keighley reveals THQ 2011 and 2012 line up

Geoff Keighley has unveiled that THQ are set to release two titles within their 2011 fiscal year, as well as those set to be released within 2012.

The first is Homefront, previously seen at E3 last year but the second is set to be a sequel to Red Faction – presumably following the success of Red Faction: Guerilla across Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and PC platforms last year.

Following this, he then reveals “THQ just announced their 2012 lineup — Warhammer Space Marine, (from Relic) a sequel to Saints Row, and a sequel to Darksiders.”

Metro 2033 will have maximum Russian-ness!

Today THQ and 4A Games have announced via their twitter feed that Metro 2033 will have an option for complete Russian dialogue with English subtitles.The twitter feed proudly announced

“you asked for it, we made it happen – Metro 2033 will also feature a Russian voice option, with subtitles, for maximum Russian-ness!”

Metro 2033 promises to be one of the most immersive single player campaigns that console and PC gaming has seen in some time and this new announcement has further emphasised THQ’s and 4A games commitment creating an atmospheric and authentic gaming environment.

Metro 2033 releases on March 16th 2010

[Source] via [TSA]

Metro 2033 receives release dates and Limited Edition

THQ have today announced the release date and limited edition copies, for it’s upcoming PC and Xbox 360 title, Metro 2033.

The title is scheduled to release across North America on March 16th, with a European date following on March 19th. The Limited Edition version of the title will be made available for both formats and is set to include;
- A copy of the game,
- An exclusive in-game automatic shotgun weapon,
- four art cards by Russian painter Anton Grechko, who has been commissioned to create a range of artowkr inspried by the universe of Metro 2033.

Both Standard and Limited Edition versions of the game are now available to pre-order, with selected retailers also offering free Metro 2033 themed Xbox Live Avatar items with each pre-order.

Darksiders

Darksiders is a new RPG action and adventure game that has been developed by Vigil Games and published by THQ.

In this game you take on the role of War, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, with his primary role being to maintain the balance between the forces of Heaven and the forces of Hell. War himself has no choice in siding with either kingdom, as he is controlled by The Charred Council and has been assigned The Watcher to oversee and control his actions so the Council’s orders are followed.

He finds himself being transported to Earth in the middle of the apocalypse, and having being told by the Council that it is entirely his fault he then gains the responsibility of salvaging the earth from these forces to ensure the survival of mankind. Due to this, the Council takes away most of his powers and this is something that The Watcher doesn’t let War forget.

The game is a mix of combat and strategy with the player needing to complete both puzzles and defeat bosses to progress across the various locations of the title, as you seek to follow the Council’s orders. During combat when you kill enemies you will release, and be able to absorb, different types of souls including; green for health, yellow to build your Wrath meter, and blue which is are Souls of the Dead – used as currency for purchasing upgrades, new weapons, moves and potions from Vulgrim.

Throughout War’s journey across war-torn Earth, you will find yourself battling against demons, insects, angels and everything the creative minds of both Joe Madureira, the titles artist, and Vigil’s developers have managed to come up with. The range of detail that is used in the creation of your foes is awe-inspiring, and it’s certainly a shame that after a few swings of your sword and a spectacular finishing move, the creation is dead.

On your travels, you’ll notice on your mini-map there are treasures for you to collect. These include chests which contain the three forms of souls previously mentioned, Artefacts that you can sell to Vulgrim for more currency to help you purchase and upgrade your character faster, and finally special items such as parts of Abysmal Armour – which once fully collected helps to enhance War’s character with extra health etc.

One of the flaws that immediately strikes you as you start playing the game is the lack of originality. The ways in which you attack, gain health and souls from kills, open chests, finishing moves when enemies are low in health and more seem to have been influenced from the infamous God of War series. As well as this, there are also slight reflections of ideas and items from The Legend of Zelda series, Devil May Cry and flight sections that can be directly compared to those in Panzer Dragoon.

Even though this makes the title feel like a blend of previously successful titles, that’s not saying it doesn’t perform such obvious homages well and within its own style. The combat is not your average hack ‘n slash violence, although there is some of that, as you are able to pick up and throw real world items such as cars. You’ll also come across bombs that need to be set alight by using Crossblade, linking its path through a torch and then across to bomb – the influences of Zelda being clearly present. The more that you use certain weapons, means that you will gain experience wielding them – allowing you to level them up to make attacks that they do stronger. This therefore makes it easier to kill the little minions and help you focus more on the larger enemies.

The storyline that you follow as War is an excellent one that has you stuck to your seat, wanting to play more just to find out what happens next. Even once you have completed the story, there are still more places to visit and a continual search to find all of the collectible items to gain all the trophies/ achievements. Another good thing about this game is the length of the story – this isn’t a Call of Duty 7 hour job and then you’re finished, it is significantly greater even if you are the best gamer around. So on average you can expect it to take roughly 20-25 hours, and if you’re like me slightly longer if you get stuck at one of the puzzles in the first levels!

Even though there are a wide range of bosses, they do eventually tend to become slightly repetitive and dull, as it is the same process over and over again to kill them. So each time you encounter one, you’ll have to make sure you stay away when they use their main attack before going up and striking them at the right time in their weak spot to cause the most damage possible. Saying this if you can look past the repetition, the work that is put into the design of these demonic monsters is great.

The puzzles in the game aren’t the easiest to solve so sometimes you may need to step aside and scratch your head to figure out how to progress. However don’t worry, it isn’t bad enough to make you have a bald patch on the top of your head from pulling your hair out… unless you are a bit slow like me!

The graphics and presentation of Darksiders are amazing and it is one of the most brilliant parts of the game. There is no significant lag that makes the framerate slow during game play, and no noticeable glitches that I came across during my playthrough.

There is no multiplayer side to Darksiders, which is a bit of a disappointment as it lowers the time you can have on the game once you have played through the story and found every item there is to be found. Other than this, the game is probably one that most people didn’t have on their list of games to purchase during the first quarter of 2010 but is one that I certainly think should at least be considered to at least rent, if not bought.

Despite the lack of originality, I really did enjoy playing through Darksiders. I enjoyed every aspect, but for me the highlight was exploring the different locations that have been made with such vivid detail, as well as fighting such a broad number of unique monsters and demons. For me, this is a title that certainly shouldn’t be overlooked.

Lost Gamer Verdict: 9/10

Title	Darksiders
Developer	Vigil Games
Publisher	THQ
Release Date	Out Now
Platform Reviewed	Playstation 3
Version Availability	Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC

Darksiders to receive screen tearing patch for 360 tomorrow

VG247.com has received news that the 360 version of apocalyptic title, Darksiders, is set to receive a patch tomorrow.

Due to go live at 2am PST (or 10am GMT for those within the UK), this will fix the screen tearing issue that has been present since the title launched at the beginning of January.

Now that it has received a fix, all those that have yet to pick up the game should certainly do so – it’s fantastic!

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