Launch Primer

Ever find yourself in a situation where all of your friends are talking about the latest and greatest game, and you can't contribute to the conversation because you haven't been paying attention? Solve that problem with our Launch Primers: everything you need to know (except the spoilers) about a game that's about to be released.

Mass Effect 3
Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
MSRP: $59.99
ESRB Rating: M

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What kind of game is it?

Mass Effect 3 is an action RPG, with an emphasis on storytelling. ME 3 wraps up the Mass Effect trilogy, and completes the story of Comander Shepard. While character development and conversations are an important part, third person combat also represents a large part of the gameplay. 

Who's the Developer?

The famous RPG factory, BioWare. Makers of not only the Mass Effect series, but also Dragon Age and Star Wars: The Old Republic, BioWare is known for producing impressive, high quality gameplay and storytelling. The studio was started in 1995 by actual medical doctors Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk, and now has six locations worldwide.

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The PlayStation Vita is the new handheld console from Sony, which is officially launching in the US on February 22nd, but customers who ordered the First Edition Bundle will get their hands on it February 15th. In this post we'll be laying out all the features including Vita price points, features, launch titles, and more to help you understand the Vita launch.  

The Basics

The Vita is Sony's follow up to the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and the now defunct PSP Go. The hallmark new features of the device are the front and rear touch screens, which allow for never before seen types of interactive gameplay. The front OLED screen displays 16 million colors in 16:9 and looks as sharp as the HD gameplay we've become accustomed to on our HDTVs. In addition to the touch screens, the Vita also boasts dual sticks, a d-pad, shoulder buttons, plus the classic Sony action buttons. 

There are two versions of the Vita: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi/3G. The Wi-Fi version will only allow you to connect when you are in a place with an active Wi-Fi network, but the 3G version will work like a cell phone, and allow you to go online almost anywhere. AT&T provides the 3G coverage for the Vita, and this service requires a separate contract with them, exactly like a phone. 

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Ever find yourself in a situation where all of your friends are talking about the latest and greatest game, and you can't contribute to the conversation because you haven't been paying attention? Solve that problem with our Launch Primers: everything you need to know (except the spoilers) about a game that's about to be released.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
MSRP: $59.99
ESRB Rating: M

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What kind of game is it?

Reckoning is a single-player RPG that features four playable classes (Noble Humans, Light Elves, Dark Elves, and Nomatic Humans), five regions, and three class trees. The owner of 38 Studios Curt Schilling (yes, that Curt Schilling), has described the gameplay as a cross between God of War and Oblivion. 

Who's the Developer?

There are several creative forces behind Reckoning. While the game is officially developed by Big Huge Games and published by Electronic Arts, 38 Studios is where Reckoning was born. Founder of the studio, Shilling, recruited some talented heavy hitters to contribute to the game, including producer Ken Rolston (Oblivion), writer R.A. Salvatore, artist Todd McFarlane, and composer Grant Kirkhope.  

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Ever find yourself in a situation where all of your friends are talking about the latest and greatest game, and you can't contribute to the conversation because you haven't been paying attention? Solve that problem with our Launch Primers: everything you need to know (except the spoilers) about a game that's about to be released.

The Darkness 2
Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
MSRP: $59.99
ESRB Rating: M

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What kind of game is it?

The Darkness 2 is an action-horror first person shooter. The game is a  follow up to 2007's The Darkness,  and while there was heavy criticism surrounding the first game, The Darkness 2 has roared back with improved combat and a rich storyline.

Who's the Developer?

While the first game was developed by Starbreeze Studio (makers of The Chronicles of Riddick series), development duties were transferred to Digital Extremes for The Darkness 2. Digital Extremes is best known for their original IP Dark Sector, and also working on the multiplayer gameplay for both BioShock 2 and Homefront. 

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Seeing as the countdown to Saints Row: The Third is almost over, we wanted to make sure you had all the information you need to ensure you are as prepared and amped as possible for what is sure to be one of the year's most talked about releases. As such, please enjoy our Saints Row: The Third launch guide!

Saints Row: The Third
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
MSRP: $59.99
ESRB Rating: M

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What kind of Game is it?

Saints Row: The Third is an a massive over-the-top open world crazy kind of game. No longer a Grand Theft Auto knockoff, Saints Row has found its own, offensive yet extremely hilarious voice and now includes activities like trafficking, sky diving, vehicle theft, and tons more. Not only will you never get bored playing this one, but that evil smile on your face won't be going anywhere anytime soon either. Plus, you can play it either solo or with a friend.

Who Developed it?

American based developer Volition, Inc. is responsible for this cleverly crass title. Their design strategy this time around was to make everything over-the-top in order to differentiate themselves from other open world games. With The Third, Volition rebooted the franchise, adding in new technology, activities, dildo bats, and just about everything else in order to create a game and continue a franchise that their fanbase would love.

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Seeing as the countdown to The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is almost over, we wanted to make sure you had all the information you need to ensure you are as prepared and amped as possible for what is sure to be one of the year's biggest releases. As such, please enjoy our The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim launch guide!

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
MSRP: $59.99
ESRB Rating: M

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What kind of Game is it?

Praised as one of the best games ever made by Adam Sessler, Skyrim is the fifth installment in the The Elder Scrolls fantasy action role playing series. The vast landscapes of Skyrim's world offer almost endless playability to this huge game where dragons herald the end of our days. Gamers who love vivid open world exploration and epic quests will feel right at home in the world of Skyrim.

Who Developed it?

Skyrim was developed by Bethesda, the studio responsible for games like The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion and Fallout 3. The game has been in development for over three years with almost 100 passionate people working on it. Todd Howard is the director of the game, and it has been said that he pushed his team above and beyond to meet certain design objectives that would take the game to the next level. In doing so, the team created a brand new engine call The Creation Engine for the project which offers gamers a far more detailed and immersive gaming experience than anything that has come before it.

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Seeing as the countdown to Modern Warfare 3 is almost over, we wanted to make sure you had all the information you need to ensure you are as prepared and amped as possible for what is sure to be one of the year's biggest releases. As such, please enjoy our Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 launch guide!

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
MSRP: $59.99
ESRB Rating: M

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What kind of Game is it?

The epitome of gaming juggernaut, this first-person shooter franchise has become the ultimate force to be reckoned with in the shooter space, as evidenced by the billions of dollars it has raked in for Activision and the millions upon millions of game hours it has generated. Known for over-the-top, non-stop action campaigns and equally explosive and highly addictive multiplayer, COD has achieved a status that few franchises will ever know.

Who Developed it?

Call of Duty creators Infinity Ward return for another installment in its record breaking Modern Warfare series, but this time around, the studio teamed up with Sledgehammer Games to bring its latest world-ending military-shooter vision to life. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 earned over $1 billion and has no doubt been responsible for more virtual fragging for a hundred lifetimes. Fortunately, we don't have to wait to much longer to find out if the newest iteration keep the impressive tradition alive.

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Ever find yourself in a situation where all of your friends are talking about the latest and greatest game, and you can't contribute to the conversation because you haven't been paying attention? Solve that problem with our Launch Primers. It's everything you need to know (except the spoilers) about a game that's about to be released.

Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One
Platforms: PlayStation 3
MSRP: $59.99
ESRB Rating: E 10+

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What kind of Game is it?

This PS3 exclusive is the next installement of the famed Ratchet & Clank series. All 4 one is a four-player cooperative puzzle game developed by Insomniac Games.

Who Developed it?

Insomniac Games. Founded all the way back in 1994, they've released games for all thre PlayStations, most notibly the Resistance series and, of course, the Ratchet and Clank franchise

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Ever find yourself in a situation where all of your friends are talking about the latest and greatest game, and you can't contribute to the conversation because you haven't been paying attention? Solve that problem with our Launch Primers. It's everything you need to know (except the spoilers) about a game that's about to be released.

Batman: Arkham City
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC
MSRP: $59.99
ESRB Rating: M

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What kind of Game is it?

Batman: Arkham City is a follow up to 2009's Batman: Arkham Asylum developed by Rocksteady Studios. An action-adventure game featuring the hero of Gotham, Batman: Arkham City emphasizes stealth, cunning gameplay in an open world setting. Since this is Batman, you'll have plenty of gadgets at your disposal to solve the puzzles and riddles the game throws at you.

Who Developed it?

Rocksteady Studios. Founded in 2004, the London-based developer has only been responsible for three games during their existance: Urban Chaos: Riot Response, Batman: Arkham Asylum, and Batman: Arkham City. With the widespread acclaim Arkham City has been garnering, it's a pretty impressive offering for only their third attempt.

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Ever find yourself in a situation where all of your friends are talking about the latest and greatest game, and you can't contribute to the conversation because you haven't been paying attention? Solve that problem with our Launch Primers: everything you need to know (except the spoilers) about a game that's about to be released.

Rage
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC
MSRP: $59.99
ESRB Rating: M

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What kind of Game is it?

A new franchise for id Software, the developers of Doom and Quake, Rage is a semi-open world first person shooter. Rage is set in a post-apocalyptic future in a desolate wasteland. Expect lots of action, along with a bunch of driving in the free roam segments of the game.

Who Developed it?

Texas developer id Software has a strong track record with first person shooters,  as the developers of such acclaimed games as the Doom, Quake and Wolfenstein franchises. Rage represents a new graphics engine for id, using new technology termed "MegaTextures."

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This morning, Ubisoft revealed the full car list for Driver: San Francisco, and it includes some schwaeeeet rides.  Or "whips," as the kids say. Included are a full selection of vehicles from around the world, including super-powered foreign cars and weird exotic autos, but the clear focus is on American muscle cars, including famous rides, like the car from Bullit.  Check out the full list, under the "Read More" tag.

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Ever find yourself in a situation where all of your friends are talking about the latest and greatest game, but you can't contribute to the conversation because you haven't been paying attention? Solve that problem with this Mortal Kombat Guide: everything you need to know (except the spoilers) about Mortal Kombat.

Mortal Kombat
Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
MSRP: $59.99
ESRB Rating: M for Mature

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What kind of game is it?

Mortal Kombat is a reboot of the beloved fighting game series that dominated consoles in the 90's. The new game uses 3D character models on a 2D plane to deliver the kind of brutal fighting action that MK fans have been clammoring for. Designed for both the casual fighting game fan and the hardcore players, Mortal Kombat features both a deep story and gameplay experience, which is what makes this particular fighting title so special.

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Ever find yourself in a situation where all of your friends are talking about the latest and greatest game, but you can't contribute to the conversation because you haven't been paying attention? Solve that problem with this Portal 2 Guide: everything you need to know (except the spoilers) about a game that's about to be released.

Portal 2
Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC
MSRP: $59.99
ESRB Rating: E10+

All Portal 2 Content

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What kind of game is it?

It would be shortsighted to just say, "Portal 2 is a puzzle game," because it's so much more than that; however, at its core, Portal 2 is about solving complex, cerebral puzzles by using a first-person portal gun that allows you to travel through walls.  Filled with a ton of action, and brain-aching thinking, you have to make your way around obstacles, complete tasks, and avoid other dangers while trying to get to the exit of each room. Along the way, you'll encounter mechanisms that if used correctly, will help your progress, but if used incorrectly, will sentence you to the doom of not being able to make it through the game.

Who's the Developer?

Fan-favorite Valve. Portal 2 comes from the same people who brought you Half-Life, Left 4 Dead, Counter-Strike and Team Fortress 2. The first game, Portal, was included in 2007's Orange Box as an off-shoot of the Half-Life series and takes place in the same universe. Portal was meant to be an interesting palette cleanser, but the fascinating (and entertaining) storyline and great mechanics soon made it a cult favorite, which prompted Valve to develop it into it's own highly-anticipated AAA title, Portal 2.

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The launch of the Nintendo 3DS is just around the corner. As a public service, we've put together this Nintendo 3DS guide to tell you everything you need to know if you're in the market to buy one, or if you've just picked one up at the store.

Nintendo 3DS
Release Date: March 27th, 2011
MSRP: 249.99
 

What Is It?

The Nintendo 3DS is the newest iteration of Nintendo's handheld console, the Nintendo DS. Arguably only a little less powerful than the Wii when it comes to graphical horsepower, the 3DS boasts 3D graphics without the need for any stupid glasses. The console was first announced at E3 2010 during the Nintendo Press Conference when women with the device strapped to their belts wandered through the audience. While the pretty ladies were nice, the real star of the show was the 3DS, wowing the gaming press with its glasses-less 3D and powerful graphics.

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Ever find yourself in a situation where all of your friends are talking about the latest and greatest game, and you can't contribute to the conversation because you haven't been paying attention? Solve that problem with our Launch Guides: everything you need to know (except the spoilers) about a game that's about to be released. Get all the info you need to know about Bulletstorm below!

Bulletstorm
Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC
MSRP: $59.99
ESRB Rating: M

All Bulletstorm Content

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What kind of game is it?

Bulletstorm is an over-the-top first person shooter where you command a large array of oversized weaponry and intense combat moves. Using these weapons, including the energy leash, players cobble together different attacks into "skillshots." At the heart of Bulletstorm is scoring points, and putting together these complicated ways of destroying the enemy nets you points, which are used to level up. The game encourages creativity and brutality by increasing your winnings based on how complex your kills are.

Who's the Developer?

Bulletstorm is the result of a collaboration between Gears of War creators Epic Games and Polish developer People Can Fly. While PCF has worked behind the scenes on the PC version of Gears, Bulletstorm marks their first foray into the mainstream spotlight. Epic Games, headed by resident videogame badass Cliff Bleszinski, continues its streak of incredible triple-A titles.

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