From the Source: Deus Ex News... Audio Edition!

I thoroughly look forward to playing this game when it gets released. They've had time to get their feel of how things should be, and they even improved on Deus Ex: Human Revolution which... the original was still quite cool (though it felt a bit stiff to me at times). I was one of the initial supporters that pre-order the Augmented Edition on Onlive (no less)... which I was able to complete the game after enjoying it for awhile. I didn't rush through it, I soaked it in.

When the Onlive streaming service went goodbye... and the micro-console system + the controller went auto-paperweight, I went and got a copy of the Director's Cut (eventually) just to have it as a part of my library, because I like to go back and play great games. 

By the way, whoever made the decision at Onlive to not even give the supporters the option to utilize the micro-console or controller in an alternate way via some sort of software or open source code to create some type of software... you royally suck for that. Money went into that... on both ends, and just because it wasn't going to result in you making anymore money... shouldn't mean that it should've also burned supporters. 

Then again on the financial end, they could've repackaged it and made it solely a streaming device we control via our PC and made money from the hardware. The controller should've been reusable especially, that could've been used on PC and mobile, and i'd encourage tech modders to see what can be done with the Onlive hardware because... it would breathe life back into something that essentially recycles it (green gaming!). Like captain planet said, the power is yours. If you aren't familiar with Captain planet, he was the superhero that fought to protect the earth from pollution.

Onlive's situation has nothing to do with Square-Enix, its a different company entirely... but it was the perfect opportunity to vent about that, because I got the micro-console system for Deus Ex: HR: AE to enjoy and try out streaming. Which is why streaming only consoles aren't exactly a fave, though I wouldn't have that same judgement towards devices that more so stream from the PC... as mentioned above (like the Steam link).

Anyway... on to the Deus Ex: Mankind Divided news.

AWARD-WINNING ARTIST SASCHA DIKICIYAN TO COMPOSE TRACKS FOR DEUS EX: MANKIND DIVIDED Original Soundtrack to release this Fall

MONTRÉAL (May 18, 2016) – Square-Enix® and Eidos®-Montréal today announced that, in addition to Michael McCann returning to compose music for Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, award-winning artist Sascha Dikiciyan (aka Sonic Mayhem) will also bring his talent to the game’s soundtrack. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided’s Original Soundtrack will be available worldwide this fall. Overseen by Executive Audio Director Steve Szczepkowski, the music direction of Deus Ex: Mankind Divided represents an evolution of the score created for Deus Ex: Human Revolution. The world ofDeus Ex has dramatically changed since the final events of Human Revolution, which culminated with the Aug Incident. The golden age of augmentations is now over, and mechanically augmented humans have been segregated from the rest of society. Mankind Divided deals with heavier subjects and, as a result, the music has been adapted to reflect the new state of the world. It plays a key role in immersing players within the more mature and darker atmosphere of the game, while still staying true to Deus Ex’sdistinctive and signature style. Hear Sascha Dikiciyan’s work in action in both the Deus Ex: Mankind Divided 101 trailer and the Adam Jensen 2.0 trailer. “It was important for us to build upon the strong foundation of Deus Ex: Human Revolution, but also to let it stand on its own. Along the way, we realized this game was much vaster than anticipated and we made the choice to add another composer to the team. Sascha Dikiciyan’s music stood out,” said Steve Szczepkowski. “After talking with Sascha, it became clear that we shared the same vision and passion for what musically drives Deus Ex. Sascha’s influences mirror ours in many ways, yet he also brings a whole other set of influences to the table. Sascha is completely immersed in the musical feeling of Deus Ex; he’s a huge fan of the franchise, and that comes through loud and clear in his compositions. We can’t wait for people to hear the work that he’s done and we are all thrilled he’s now part of the Deus Exfamily!” Sumthing Else Music Works and Eidos-Montréal will release the Deus Ex: Mankind Divided OST this fall. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided will launch on August 23rd for PlayStation®4, Xbox One, and Windows PC.

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King of Fighters XIV + KOF vs Persona? + 15 Minutes of DOOM!

Would this be sick... or would this be sick? It isn't real... but 

who knows, we may see a versus from ATLUS & SNK soon enough.

I am excited about a new King of Fighters game (especially with ATLUS in the fold)... I just don't want it to have DLC... for sale. While ATLUS should bring the franchise increased support (even out of curiousity), King of Fighters XIV can make a power move back into a slot of what can be considered... a household name if the game is awesome and is known for delivering a complete package (or at least one that doesn't need additional purchases for the entire experience.

I don't want to say that it wouldn't be without DLC, but the ability to have everything for the game you've purchased without buying additional... would be a win in my book. Look at the various fighting games that require additional purchases to gain characters, etc. Now... compare a complete package versus one that... can be completed for an additional price.

They have an opportunity to take KOF to a new level. A level it should be after all these years (which should include loosening up some characters).

Considering the fact that KOFXIV is being brought to us by (SEGA) ATLUS, it would be sick to see some crossover VS action like... KOF vs Persona Arena perhaps.

+

From the source:

Plus, for the Week Following Launch, the Classic Kyo DLC Costume will be Free! Oh, and Two New Videos!

The old guard of SNK's THE KING OF FIGHTERS series shows off their new 3D look while repping Team Japan in THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV in the latest trailer.  Series mainstays Kyo, Benimaru, and Daimon are looking bigger, badder, and beastlier than ever thanks to the 3D graphical upgrade in KOF XIV, and with this latest trailer, you'll get a sample of Kyo's fiery power, Benimaru's electric speed, and Daimon's well...let's just say that you don't want to make him angry (unless you like being on the receiving end of devastating tech throw combos).  And in case you missed it the last time around, here are the top-line refinements for THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV: 3D Evolution: All 50 fighters, movesets and more are rendered in full 3D graphics that preserves the essence of KOF's visual style but updates it with a whole new dimension. The Best Refinement since KOF '98: Through extensive playtesting and balancing, the controls have been streamlined, and the Combo and Max Mode mechanics have been overhauled to create the most competitive fighter in SNK's history. The KOF Saga Continues: There's a robust single-player storyline where several years have passed since the previous KOF tournament. Now a worldwide business, the global KOF will decide who is the strongest as both individuals and companies with their own ambitions have come to compete. Players compete against CPU-controlled opponents to unlock the storyline. The Best Roster Yet: There are 50 fighters total, with 31 returning from previous entries into the KOF series, and 19 brand new characters. All 50 characters will be available at the game's launch. Revamped Online Experience: THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIVhas devoted a lot of development time to improving the game's netcode for vastly improved online gameplay. KOF XIV uses the PS4's online architecture to have a whole host of online conveniences, from spectating to saving replay/battle data, and having a single online KOF XIV profile to connect with friends. The game will be $59.99/CA$79.99 at launch. Pre-orders and a limited number of launch editions will arrive in this special SteelBook™ case. Plus, for the week following launch, the Classic Kyo costume DLC will be free to all players! Also, Koch Media Will Be Publishing KOF XIV in Europe!You heard right, for our European fans waiting for news with bated breath, our friends at Deep Silver announced earlier today that they'll be publishing THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV in Europe, complete with SteelBook® case for pre-orders and limited launch copies!  The scratch-happy Team Yagami is looking to win it all in THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV's newest trailer. Diehard fans of KOF will recognize Iori Yagami, Mature, and Vice from the early games, but they sure look fine, fresh, and fierce showing off their skills in 3D. The trailer showcases the scorching purple fury of Iori, the dizzying brutality of Vice, and vicious cat-like clawing of Mature. Watch the bad girls and boy of Team Yagami dish out some brutal combos to the sweet sultry sounds of "Saxophone Under the Moon"! +

If you were thinking of getting your hands on DOOM... check out the 15 Minute Arena below!

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R.I.P. Disney Infinity... is Amiibo next? Hmmm

Disney tried to get in with Disney Infinity and stay up on what hit big for Activision (via the Skylanders series) but with the recent news from Disney... reveals that it didn't work out the way they'd hoped as far as growth is concerned. Why? Well... they are not only ditching the toys-to-life franchise, they are also getting out of the game publishing business.

Dang... that's cold.

Does this mean they are completely done with gaming? Ummmm... its a bit more complicated than that. Instead of developing and publishing games themselves... Disney plans on sticking to licensing-only, think of what they did with Star Wars Battlefront published by EA. This isn't a bad thing as long as the games are done right.

If Disney ditched the toys-to-life franchise due to analysts like Liam Callahan (NPD game industry analyst) believing that sales will decline in the genre this year (2016)... it may cause some to wonder how it will affect Skylanders and even Nintendo's Amiibo. I think it would impact Activision more than it would Nintendo (i'll explain), don't worry. 

While Amiibo can be used for games... they are not a requirement for the games for the most part, and one of the only games I know of that truly requires Amiibo is the "Mini Mario and Friends Amiibo Challenge" (and that's free).

Beyond fans of the series losing out on the next installment of a game some have invested heavily in, Disney's Avalanche Software (not to be confused with the Just Cause series developer...Avalanche Studios) is experiencing something like an avalanche as their doors are being closed as a result of the decision. That's 300 or so people out of work... talk about a bad day. I hope that the team bounces back and goes indie to deliver their own unique games. I won't say that its something that Disney should be hated for if they are trying to cut their loses before it leads to greater loss but I think it could've been done differently. According to the chairman it wasn't an easy decision... but that doesn't make the situation for the fans and dev team any better. 

"This was a difficult decision that we did not take lightly given the quality of Disney Infinity and its many passionate fans..." - Jimmy Pitaro | Chairman of Consumer Products & Interactive Media (Disney)

From a business standpoint... when support begins to decline or is lacking all together, things like this can and will happen, so support what you enjoy to keep it alive and well (if you can afford to).

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Is VR here to stay or is it just an expensive fad?

It's hard to determine whether or not VR is here to stay... on a more consistent basis, but i'll continue after you check out JackaJax2Cents on VR. Oh, by the way... I went to a friends party yesterday that didn't end until early (today), so it literally feels like I've been to a full time heavy labor job, but this post was going to make it no matter what or I wouldn't be... RkRk!

Just looking at the fact that you have to put something on your head... is one of the things that makes me personally wonder and question if its going to be a long term thing. It's not a group experience when you're placing something over your eyes... at least from what I know (though viewers can see things on an alternate screen).

From a personal standpoint, I have a low tolerance for wearing hats and even eye-wear for an extended period of time and... I game for an extended period of time. I say that to say... comfort is extremely important when it comes to considering VR headsets (for me) and has to rival the technology if such tech is going to be used for an extended period of time.

As Jack mentioned in the video... Outlast would be a sick VR experience for fans of survival horror games (which I wonder if some could take such gaming when it comes to their heart, especially with the added gaming vests out there). First person games would be right at home on VR, so I could see that being a new home for a lot of shooters especially... while I could also see it being a place for puzzle games and racing. I don't really see every game being worth a VR experience (and I won't call any out) but that doesn't make them bad... I just think i'd be interested in playing some games in VR (perhaps AR).

Anyway, I look forward to seeing the various ways VR & AR can be experienced... and as long as there is plenty of content to enjoy, the price comes down to... (hmmm, I don't know... what's the word? Oh yeah...) "Affordable" (when it comes to some), and games don't require much to go VR... (which some software is said to be that simple), it should be good (at least for awhile). I'd expect there to be more than enough VR action to soak in this e3.

+1, Share, Subscribe and... Game on! Oh... speaking of "game on", HITMAN gameplay is going up sooner than later, busy sort of... happens and... kinda pushes things off. It's coming though (and maybe, just maybe... a whole lot more). Hahaha! The game's fantastic, but I like to kick back and watch Blu play... while I eat all the cereal! :p

All Zelda action in this one... Win a Trip to E3 + Zelda in the Hall of Fame + JackaJax2Cents

(Graphic: Business Wire)

As you know Nintendo will be presenting The Legend of Zelda-only at this E3 (from what we were told)... bringing it to both E3 goers (who wish to play the game) as well as those who can't make it or would rather avoid the crowd and stream it via: http://e3.nintendo.com 

Reggie Fils-Aime will be kicking off Nintendo Treehouse: Live... which will begin on June 14th (2016) @ 9am PT, so stay tuned. 

If you really really really (like seriously) want to go to E3 this year to get in on the Zelda action... Nintendo is giving you the chance to win such a trip. Can I get an "Oh Snap!"? (Info on how to enter... is listed below.) Nintendo claims that the day will be dedicated to live streaming... but I won't believe it until I see it (perhaps a surprise will be tucked in there somewhere). The stream will include game coverage and behind-the-scenes stuff... fun'd up.

Series Producer Eiji Aonuma has said that this new installment in The Legend of Zelda franchise will be a clean break from the conventions of previous games, removing boundaries that forced players to follow a set path and introducing new gameplay that has not been experienced in previous games in the series.

Just hearing that excites me more, and I feel confident that it won't be like Skyrim, though inspiration was gained from such games. I'm not saying that in a negative way, i'm more so saying that i'm good with the new and not the cloned... period.

While people everywhere will be able to watch The Legend of Zelda gameplay online, one lucky fan and a companion will be flown to Los Angeles to enjoy the action in person and be among the first to play the game on the show floor. Between now and May 10, Nintendo is offering a sweepstakes on Twitter for a chance to win a trip for two to E3 to play the game. Anyone who tweets @NintendoAmerica a note about what The Legend of Zelda series means to them while using the hashtags #MyZeldaLegend and #NintendoSweepstakes will be entered for a chance to win. Fans can share messages about their favorite games, characters or memories of the franchise. Nintendo will select a winner at random. The prize package includes airfare for two, a hotel stay, tickets to E3, a $500 prepaid VISA debit card. For all the details about the sweepstakes, visit http://e3.nintendo.com/#section-sweepstakes.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec), age 18 or older. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Sweepstakes closes 5 p.m. PT May 10, 2016. Math skill test question required for Canadian residents. Limit one entry per person. 1 prize winner will be selected at random to receive one (1) trip package that includes: two (2) round trip tickets or ground transportation to Los Angeles, CA, four (4) nights lodging, two (2) passes to E3 and $500 Prepaid VISA Debit Card (ARV $4,190). Sponsor is Nintendo, not Twitter. See Official Rules at http://e3.nintendo.com/sweepstakes-rules for more details.

Okay sooo... based on the news of The Legend of Zelda being inducted into the World Video Game's Hall of Fame, I can't help but wonder "Why did it take so long?" (oh wait, it's a new thing).

Here is the short list of Hall of Fame inductees:

World of Warcraft - 2015

Tetris - 2015

(Credit: RetroWareTV)

Super Mario Bros - 2015

Space Invaders - 2016

Sonic the Hedgehog - 2016

The Sims - 2016

Pong - 2015

Pac-Man - 2015

The Oregon Trail - 2016 < The title of this game looks extremely funny to me (how times have changed). Looks like it belongs to a record called "Grandpappy's Favorite Sing-alongs" or something.

The Legend of Zelda - 2016

Grand Theft Auto 3 - 2016

DOOM - 2015

What game(s) would you like for us to nominate?

By the way... stay tuned, because JackaJax2Cents on Nintendo's E3 approach will also be listed in this post.

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ASH is finally released on the Nintendo 3DS! + From the Source: Nintendo eShop action

I'm happy to see ASH finally being released on the Nintendo 3DS... it's about time.

April 28, 2016 13:00 UTC

Nintendo News: Nintendo Download Highlights New Digital Content for Nintendo Systems

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

In Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge, make Minis march like never before in this free download. (Graphic: Business Wire)

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
  • Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge – Make Minis march like never before in this free download. To get started, simply tap any amiibo figure on the Wii U GamePad controller or a New Nintendo 3DS system. Or, tap select amiibo figures to guide one of 11 Minis across more than 50 levels, using their in-game Minis and their unique abilities, like Yoshi who can eat enemies, to reach the exit. But watch out! Mine carts, ghostly Boos and other new obstacles lurk around every corner.
• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • Disney Art Academy – Pre-Purchase – To help you start playing as soon as possible, if you pre-purchase the game in Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, it will pre-load the game to your system. That means you’ll be able to play after a small game update when it launches on May 13. Be one of the first to play! Game playable in 2D only.
  • SEGA 3D Classics Collection – A collection of nine classic SEGA games in one game … and in 3D! From the arcades straight to your Nintendo 3DS system, experience the classics that defined genres.
• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • Lost Reavers – Lost Reavers is a free-to-play, four-player co-op game that asks players to haul treasure safely back to extraction points while their friends protect them. Choose one of four distinct characters to play, and explore a variety of worlds ranging from Ancient Ruins and Medieval Castles to a Modern City. Click here to view a trailer for the game.
  • The Deer God – The Deer God is a game about survival, reincarnation and karma. Find power-ups, unlock ancient secrets and test your platforming skills in this unique side-scrolling pixelated adventure! Click here to view a trailer for the game.
• Wii Retail on Wii U
  • Xenoblade Chronicles – You’ve played him in the Super Smash Bros. games, so now experience Shulk in his very first adventure! Discover expansive environments and deep character customization options as you delve into an epic conflict between the Homs (humans) and Mechons (robots). Explore the game’s unique upgrade, battle and relationship-building systems as you fight to change the future with trusty allies and the ancient Monado blade.

Nintendo eShop sales:

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
  • Gardenscapes (Nintendo 3DS), Jones on Fire (Wii U) and more games from JoinDots are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 5.
• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • Journey of a Special Average Balloon and Outside of the Realm from Eli Brewer are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 5.
  • The Letter is 50 percent off (reduced from $1.99 to $0.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 5.
  • Explody Bomb and Hold Your Fire: A Game About Responsibility from Alkterios Games are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 19.
  • SDK Paint is 25 percent off (reduced from $3.99 to $2.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 11.

• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • To celebrate the developer’s 10^th anniversary, Swords & Soldiers 3D, Tappingo and more games from Circle Entertainment are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 5.
  • Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan, Etrian Mystery Dungeon and more games from ATLUS are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 9.
  • Real Heroes: Firefighter 3D is 50 percent off (reduced from $9.99 to $4.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 5.
  • Zombie Panic in Wonderland DX is more than 30 percent off (reduced from $8 to $4.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 25.

Theme Shop on Nintendo 3DS:

• New themes this week include:
  • Star Fox Zero: Space Battle
  • Shovel Knight Campfire Dream
  • Plague Knight’s Theme

Also, new this week:

• ASH (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)

Game on... affordably!

Updates from Nintendo... which include no NX at E3 2016! Momma no!

No NX at this years E3? #%*!

Yesterday our bubble was popped... because Nintendo's update included that there will be no Nintendo NX action at E3. If they are going to skip one of the biggest gaming expos... there better be a good reason and they'd better come out with guns blazing for will be presented.

When it comes to the NX itself, its coming March of 2017... which is cool and we have something to look forward to beyond E3 2016 by way of Nintendo Direct... but they have to seriously think about their approach this time around. If they desire those PS4 numbers, the system is going to have to be awesome and centered around gaming for all. It was centered around gaming for people of all ages... but it was hard to tell based on the delivery a good chunk of the time (as well as placing multiple games in a category listed as "Games for Kids" or some crap... if you're a frequent reader of our posts then this should ring a bell because it was an annoying "WTF" moment).

I don't want to see any company fail, especially if it means more options for us as gamers... so I wish them the best in hopes that they play their Pokemon cards right! :p

On the flip side of the NX not being at E3 this year, I can see that being something done to avoid the system being picked apart in a negative way without them explaining it well on their on terms (they just have to explain themselves well... because they hold the cards). Also I could see them trying to get the remaining life out of the Wii U before the focus shifts.

From what we know, The Legend of Zelda will be released simultaneously for the Wii U and NX game systems... and will be one of the only (if not the only) game Nintendo showcases at E3 this year based the information provided. The Wii U version will be playable. Check out the information from Nintendo below.

Nintendo changes its approach to the show every year. This June, Nintendo will focus its attentions on the upcoming game in The Legend of Zelda franchise. The Wii U version of the game will be playable for the first time on the E3 show floor, and it will be the only playable game Nintendo presents at the show, in order to provide attendees a complete immersion. Additional information about Nintendo’s E3 plans will be announced in the future. - Nintendo | REDMOND, Wash., April 27, 2016

Though we'd love to see more... as long as the attention is going towards good things, its fine with me and almost feels like something 3rd party developers do. 3rd party developers don't always show up at E3 with multiple games to play... some only have one in hopes that it gets enough love to be successful. Let's see how this goes.

By the way, Nintendo is also celebrating over 10 million downloads of Miitomo starting tomorrow April 29th - May 8, 2016. While I am on the subject of... Miitomo, something i'd love for Nintendo to do is to allow us to connect with people through Google+ also (the app is on Android, so... it kind of makes sense). Even the ability to connect with your phone book would be cool because you're using the app on your phone, but that's just me and multiple people who are still wondering around digitally with no one to talk to.

Nintendo didn't only drop that bit of news... they lit things back up with the mention of their next mobile apps, which are for Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing. The plan is for a fall release on both of these games. They want to make Fire Emblem more accessible by delivering a mobile experience, while Animal Crossing sounds like it will allow you to play on mobile and console. Nintendo will obviously deliver more info about these apps as fall approaches, but they could be planning even more apps moving forward as they aim to have multiple types of "...apps that appeal to different audiences and different groups of players". I hope this translates over to the NX.

Fun fact: Did you know that Nintendo of America owns a percentage of the Seattle Mariners? Although yesterday they mentioned that they are selling the majority, they are maintaining 10%.

I'll end this post with some StarFox Zero animated short action... and if you remember the previous games (especially Star Fox 64), you'll probably enjoy SFZ. Its a blast from the past... but its new at the same time. An all-new Star Fox adventure should be released on the NX going even deeper in depth with visuals, story and action.

We're heading out... all aircraft report!

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