Daniel is a producer, writer, and host for GameTrailers.com and its spin-off Spike TV series GameTrailers TV. Founder of the 'Axe and long-time lover of gaming goodness, Daniel enjoys covering the game industry almost as much as Commander Shepard cupcakes and beer.
Well that didn’t take long…after shutting down the open beta for Final Fantasy XIV on the day it was supposed to launch (as in…yesterday), Square Enix has now announced that the beta is all patched up and will now launch tomorrow, September 2.
As a freshly issued press release puts it:
We would like to take this opportunity to provide an update regarding FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test, which was announced to be postponed on Aug. 31, 2010.
Along with the completion on investigation and correction of the critical issue, we have decided to begin FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test on Sep. 2, 2010 at 02:00 (GMT).
Starting on Sep. 2, 2010 at 02:00 (GMT), acquisition of registration code required for FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test will become available on “FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test Application Site.” For more details, please refer to “FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test Application Site.
At this point, we’re thinking a link to said website is in order so, uh, here ya go…
Happy beta testing and be sure to let your fellow gamers know what you think about Final Fantasy XIV below!
When EpicBattleAxe.com Features Writer Lorin Baumgarten decided to use a recent edition of his feature article Gaming Matters to draw back the curtain and deliver insight into his experience as guest host on Skirmish 086 of EpicBattleCry, it occurred to me that equally as interesting as the PRODUCT we produce is the PROCESS of making it come to be. Without giving it much thought, I titled the article “Behind The Screams” (because those that know me know that’s how I roll…) and now I’m happy to announce a new periodical feature here on EBA of the same name that will deliver unprecedented access to acts of the Axe.
Why? Well, as someone that has worked in the gaming industry for nearly a decade now, I get a rather large amount on inquiries about “breaking into gaming”, “what my job is like”, and various other questions pertaining to the processes behind the end result. As most of you know, my main gig is working for GameTrailers.com and GTTV while I started EpicBattleAxe as a means to openly discuss the gaming issues of the day…Behind The Screams will attempt to peel back yet another layer and highlight the often hidden nature of a career in gaming.
So, with intros and pleasantries out of the way, let’s light this candle with some insight into one aspect of game media production I get asked about a lot – voice over. Read the rest of this entry…
If you were hoping to hop into the open beta for Final Fantasy XIV, which was supposed to launch today, well, you’ll just have to hold out a little bit longer. A post on the game’s official website brings word that the beta is being postponed due to a confirmation of “critical bugs” and that a new timeline for release will be issued at a later date.
In addition, Square Enix has decided to cease issuing registration codes for said beta until things get worked out.
That’s all for now, but we’ll of course keep you posted as we learn more.
2K Games announced today the September 7, 2010 release date for Jimmy’s Vendetta, the second downloadable game add-on for the recently released Mafia II. The content will deliver arcade-style gameplay with more than 30 new quests and leaderboard rankings. Jimmy’s Vendetta will be available for players worldwide PSN, XBLMP, and Windows PC for $9.99/800 Microsoft Points.
Here’s an official description:
Jimmy’s Vendetta takes players into an alternate perspective of the mob through the eyes of Jimmy, the guy the other guys call when they need to finish the job. Players will get their hands dirty helping Jimmy clean up other people’s messes as they deal with the Italian and Irish mobsters that reside in Empire Bay. As players progress, a slew of new quests are unlocked, including assassination and timed vehicle pursuits ending in dramatic shootouts and explosive car chases. Execute with deadly head shots or charged explosives, and rack up points for precision-timed vehicular power slides, lofty jumps, and supercharged velocity. Multipliers and combos add bonus points to overall scores that will be immediately posted to thenew online leaderboard system, providing extensive re-playability as players work to rise to the top of the ranks.
So, who here plans on picking this DLC up? Let your fellow “family” know below…
Nintendo has announced that it is dropping the suggested retail price of its Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL. Effective Sept. 12, the new suggested retail price of the Nintendo DSi system will be $149.99, while the new suggested retail price for the Nintendo DSi XL system will be $169.99. The Nintendo DS Lite model will remain at $129.99. .
“We know shoppers want to get the maximum value out of every dollar they spend,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “Our new Nintendo DSi prices make it easier than ever for consumers to access the tremendous variety of games, applications and social tools on the Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL systems.”
So, will you be picking one of these DS models up on the cheap or holding out for the 3DS? DS-cuss in the comments below.
Hang onto your hats…and your wallets…Microsoft is raising the price of an Xbox LIVE subscription by $10/year in North America beginning November 1. 2010. Other regions will see a price increase as well.
As posted by Major Nelson, the price hike will affect Xbox LIVE members in Canada, Mexico, the UK and the US, with various yearly, monthly, and 3 month subscriptions seeing an increase. In the U.S. the one month Gold subscription will increase from $7.99 to $9.99 while the three month will raise from $19.99 to $24.99. After the change takes place, the 12 month will set you back $59.99 as opposed to the current $49.99.
It’s worth noting that renewing your 12 month subscription via a special promotion being offered right here, right now, will allow U.S. customers to save $20 off the new price and renew for $39.99.
As for the regions outside the U.S., Canadian gamers can expect to pay $1 more for the monthly subscription, Mexico’s 12 month plan increases from 499 Pesos to 599 Pesos, and those of you in the United Kingdom will be charged 5.99 GBP for the monthly subscription instead of 4.99 GBP.
“Since launching Xbox LIVE in 2002 we have continually added more content and entertainment experiences for our members, while keeping the price the same. We’re confident that when the new pricing takes effect, an Xbox LIVE Gold membership will continue to offer the best value in the industry.”
So, do you think Microsoft has added enough new features and content to XBL to justify a price increase? Do you think the new rates are fair or unfair? Let us know your thoughts below.
Disney Interactive Studios today announced that Disney Epic Mickey will also be released as a Collectors’ Edition in limited quantities…since Disney fans tend to be collectors and all… Available for pre-order beginning today in North America and alongside the standard edition at retail this holiday, the Collectors’ Edition of Disney Epic Mickey will include the full version of the game, a five inch collectible Disney Epic Mickey figurine, Wii console skins and remote faceplate, and a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes video and more.
“We’re thrilled to roll out this Collectors’ Edition featuring so many unique items including the collectible Disney Epic Mickey figurine and content that will surprise and delight gamers and Disney fans alike,” said Graham Hopper, executive vice president and general manager, Disney Interactive Studios. “The addition of the bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes video and more will enhance and expand the overall Disney Epic Mickey experience.”
Disney Epic Mickey will be available this holiday season exclusively for Wii. The Collectors’ Edition will retail at an MSRP of $69.99 and the standard edition will retail at an MSRP of $49.99. Who plans on picking this up??? Paint a detailed description of your thoughts in the comments section below.
Empowering the EBA Community with a voice to collaboratively review the industry’s hottest titles, the EpicBattleAxe.com uREVIEW (about) delivers real insight from real gamers about The GOOD, The BAD, and The UGLY pertaining to the biggest games in the world. This is the EpicBattleAxe.com uREVIEW for Mafia II. Let’s get started: Read the rest of this entry…
If you were unable to partake in all of the food, festivities and fun of gamescom 2010, you’re probably pretty bummed right about now…Well, SOCOM fans in particular have reason to hold their heads (and beer steins) high this morning as Sony has released a video showcasing the gamescom 2010 SOCOM 4 demo in its entirety with commentary by lead designer, Travis Steiner.
The vid, which you can watch above courtesy of the PlayStation Blog, helps celebrate the 8th anniversary of developer Zipper Interactive’s first-ever PS2 game in style by showcasing the demo of the latest entry in the franchise being played all the way through.
So, at least you can SEE the game in action even if you won’t actually PLAY it until sometime next year…
Those of you that have Funcom’s upcoming modern-day MMO The Secret World firmly on your radar will most likely wanna check out this new video that delivers a unique glimpse into the starter experience for new players. Through exclusive new footage and developer interviews, viewers get an idea of what locations they will visit, what characters they will meet and what gameplay mechanics they will get to play around with if they start out as a Templars character in London. In The Secret World players can choose to begin as a Templars, Illuminati or Dragon character and depending on what secret society you choose, you either begin in New York, Seoul or London. Again, the newly released video focuses on the starter experience for a Templars character in London.
“It feels great being able to show the world some of the exciting stuff that we are working on,” says Senior Producer and Game Director Ragnar Tørnquist. “It might only be scratching the surface of the vast universe of ‘The Secret World’, but this video gives a unique glimpse into what Templars players will experience when they first enter the game. We look forward to revealing even more soon, not only about the Illuminati and Dragon secret societies, but the game and the world as a whole.”
You can check out the video right here and once you do, be sure to let us know how your thoughts on The Secret World.
