Game Reviews – Page 2 – Urgent Fury Unleashed

Modern Warfare: 3 ‘Trounces’ Battlefield: 3, in Online Play Time!

Story by: CritiKiL

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 is blasting away at Battlefield 3 in the number of hours played, according to an analysis and survey of 10 million gamers by the Raptr gamer social network. Raptr reports that play data collected from its gamer network shows the Call of Duty franchise still dominates the $5 billion first-person shooter market when it comes to online play. Modern Warfare 3 users have logged more total hours in their first week after launch than Battlefield 3 users have logged in the past three weeks. Modern Warfare 3 users logged about 40 percent more hours played on launch day (6.19 hours on average on Nov. ) than Battlefield 3 users did (4.45 hours, Oct. 25), although Battlefield 3′s launch [as far as ‘gameplay’] was plagued with connectivity problems. During the first week, Xbox 360 players logged 17 percent more play time, or 20.45 hours, on Modern Warfare 3, compared to 17.37 hours on Battlefield 3.

For the first time ever for any franchise, three Call of Duty games (including last year’s Black Ops and Modern Warfare 2 from two years ago) were in the top 10 play-time charts on Raptr. On average, Call of Duty players play the game for 60 to 70 hours, mostly on multiplayer since the campaign game is five to 10 hours. This year, Activision is finally trying to monetize those extra hours of play by coming up with its premium subscription for the Call of Duty Elite service. Raptr tracks actual game play data from its 10 million users. It compared that data with a survey of 6,000 participants in its Battlefield vs. Call of Duty showdown promotion. This news isn’t great for EA, which made a major attempt to unseat Activision Blizzard with Battlefield 3.

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Good News! COD Elite Will Be ‘Fully Functional’, on 12.01.11…

Story by: CritiKiL

Activision plans to have Call of Duty: Elite fully operational by December 1 2011! This is my birthday, so of course this is a good thing for me to here. In speaking with G4, Daniel Suarez (Activision’s VP of Production), attempted to reassure users that the service will be functional in the coming weeks. His quote: “It was our fault that the service wasn’t up and running the day [fans] put in their token or the day they bought it…” and, “They kind of have to bear with us while we bring this all back up, but for us it’s literally ‘Give us those couple weeks, we’re giving those to you for free and come December 1 the goal is that we’ll have everything up and running’.”

Suarez was referring to the extended month of Elite service users will receive due to its current problems. He also provided insight into how the situation got out of hand, despite extensive beta testing. No need to quote everything he said, just rest assured that by 12.01.11 you won’t see anything but a fully functional website! But some other explainations he said worth mentioning is:

“When we ran our beta, [it] was strictly on the PC, and a lot of our assumptions were based around [the idea] that a larger majority of users were going to use the PC [interface] since it’s a more robust version of the service than the console app… / Some of that may have been incorrectly analysed, because we’re seeing 80 to 90% of our users coming straight from the console app. Right now we’re retrofitting that so that that works better across the board rather than the way it was set up…”.

This explains alot, since the majority of Activisions Fans are Console gamers. Many users have had difficulty signing in and using Call of Duty: Elite, since it launched earlier this month alongside Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.

Also, if you’ve all been wondering what’s up with the COD Elite “Mobile Apps“? These have been delayed, while Activision works on the console apps. The iPhone and Android applications of the social networking service have been delayed until further notice while server issues continue to be worked on. “Since we do not want to add even more stress to the back-end servers, we are holding back on launching the Elite mobile applications until the service is stable and our players can easily access it… / We will have the apps ready to launch as soon as we are comfortable the experience will be a great one, and will update with more information soon…” ~ read a Q&A on Activision‘s website.

For the ‘Bad News’, the PC version, which has already been delayed indefinitely, may never be released despite the developer’s efforts. “We are working towards a universal Elite experience but we cannot guarantee if or when a version will be available for the PC…” ~ the firm wrote on Twitter in response to a user inquiry.

Looking for other Call of Duty apps for other devices? BlackBerry free apps can be found in your service providers marketplace for help, guides and other information about Call of Duty games.

To sort of compensate us, Activision has since given paying members an additional 30 days’ subscription as a result of the ongoing issues. I can’t wait, COD Elite to be Fully Functional on my Birthday! Now there’s another present I can add to my collection on that day 😉 To remind you of why we are ALL waiting for things to be fixed, enjoy the Modern Warfare 3 Tango Behind the Scenes – Connect video below and leave us a comment or two to tell us what YOU think about this awesome accomplishment of a Gaming Franchise:

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Battlefield: 3 Faces Lawsuit Over Game Promotion…

Story by: CritiKiL

Electronic Arts is facing a class-action lawsuit over a recent Battlefield 3 promotion. Legal firm Edelson McGuire has filed a complaint against the studio on behalf of customers who were promised a free copy of Battlefield 1943 when they purchased the PS3 version of the game.

EA later changed the terms of the promotion, announcing via Twitter that those who preordered Battlefield 3 on the Sony console would receive early access to DLC expansion packs instead. In the filing of the lawsuit, it alleges that EA “misled and profited from thousands of their customers by making a promise that they could not, and never intended, to keep.”

According to the lawyers, all that those signed up to the class action want out of EA is the free copy of 1943 that they were originally promised. The customers affected are said to only be seeking their free copy of Battlefield 1943, reports Kotaku.Battlefield 3 was released for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC in October. The game sold almost 2 million copies in its first month in the US alone. EA as of yet, has not responded to these allegations.

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MW3 Elite: Now a Complete, Cultural Integrated Experience!

Story by: CritiKiL

For those who have forgotten, Call of Duty Elite is an innovative new online service that enriches gamers’ Call of Duty multiplayer experience. In the latest ‘behind the scenes’ video, Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games are joined by Beachhead Studio in this multiplayer experience video for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. In the video they explain how MW3 enables you to easily connect with your Facebook friends while you’re playing, without having to leave your console. ELITE enhances your social experience by providing FREE tools which will help you to form, join, and organize clans. Also, in addition to competing with your friends and leveling up your clan, ELITE provides you with the necessary tools to improve your skills and opportunities to compete for real world prizing.

They also introduce more information about the New Gaming Console App “and” Mobile App, which will be on both the iOS & Android platforms, where you’ll be able to do just about everything with separate dedicated applications for both ‘mobile applications’ as well as for the gaming consoles. ~~“No more need to only” modify your settings and weapons configurations within the game~~. NOW…you can do it straight from your COD Elite Mobile App or from the Website! You will have your ‘Call of Duty Experience’ wherever you are! And not to mention we’re talking about Detailed Video Guides providing analysis and tactics, from Pro Gamers ~ To quote from my own clans motto: ‘This Changes Everything!’ ~ lol

Now you’ll be together, with everyone, online…all the time! Check out the video below, and drop us some comments, because I KNOW we have to talk more about “this” New Integration-experience. This time, they heard our call: It’s ALL About the Clans and Clan Management!

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Research Firm Predicts GTA: V to be, D/L Only…

Story by: CritiKiL

Despite low broadband speeds, many people still using dialup, download caps and limited hard drive space…market research company ‘Newzoo’ has made a rather unusual prediction: Grand Theft Auto V will be released as a digital-only product.

Newzoo’s report states:

There are a lot of reasons why publishers are pushing towards digital distribution of triple-A games. Speaking out loud might harm the relationship with retail partners, but the benefits have become too large to remain silent about the desire to go completely digital.

The ultimate objective being to launch games faster, create continuous revenues on a title and simply to make more money. Will retail disappear from the picture? Of course not. Retail will always remain an important channel to promote and distribute games. Retail has a strong hand to play when it comes to eyeballs and… boxes make a nice gift.

Continuing:

Boxed games will not disappear, but what is in the box will. That is why the boxed GTA V version will contain a collectible piece of merchandise and a download code. No disc.

We will probably find out in less than four hours, when the GTA V trailer officially debuts, but we’d be incredibly shocked if the game, which will be at least 8GB (but likely more) ends up being a download only product.

What do you think? Make your predictions in the comments below.

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BF:3 Just Became the Fastest Selling Game, Ever!

Originally written by: Sebastian Moss

BF3 wasn’t only a success in the UK, where it outsold all previous Battlefields combined, but worldwide sales beat out other EA powerhouses like FIFA and Madden. EA proudly announced that BF3 sold-through (that’s actual sales, not just shipped figures) 5 million units globally, based on internal estimates, making it the fastest-selling game in the publisher’s 29 year history. It’s also important to note that, while Battlefieldreleased on Tuesday in the US, it released later in most of the rest of the world, meaning that the game was available to purchase for less time.

Since launch Battlefield 3 players executed 73M savior kills, 48M revives and destroyed 67M vehicles. Patrick Soderlund, Executive Vice President of the EA Games Label, said:

From Tokyo to Los Angeles, Sydney to London, millions of fans have been playing all weekend long — we are overwhelmed by the global response to Battlefield 3. It is extremely gratifying to deliver an entertainment experience that delights our fans, and to have the opportunity to introduce new people to the franchise. Already, we are seeing unprecedented play times and online activity which is very rewarding. This launch solidifies Battlefield as a leading entertainment brand.

In comparison, Call of Duty: Black Ops sold nearly 5.5 million copies in 24 hours.

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So Far, Nothing Beats Battlefield: 3…

Story by: CritiKiL

The war for the military FPS game of the year has begun, and Battlefield 3 has fired the first shots. The attention to detail and care that DICE has put into its Frostbite 2 engine shows (which is ‘also’ incorporated in NFS: The Run racing game!), and leaves gamers with a highly polished and addictive shooter.

In the campaign mode you’re in the shoes of Henry Blackburn, a Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps who’s being interrogated and as he tells his side of the story, you play through ‘his’ events and end up playing as a few different characters watching the story unfold from their individual perspectives (much like the Call of Duty franchise). It is clear that DICE tried too hard to capture the Call of Duty audience, but overall it owns up to having it’s on individuality. That’s what Battlefield is all about though, watching tanks battle and etc. But there’s a scene that’s a skydiving mission and that is Awesome. The Co-Op mode is not bad either.

However, it is the Multiplayer mode which steals the Show! It reminds me of the Socom we used to love but now hate. Don’t miss it at all. The squad based combat encourages teamwork and coordination. We have the choice of four classes; Assault, Engineer, Recon, and Support. Each class has its own set of abilities that aid the team. The Assault class can drop med kits to heal your comrades, the Engineer can repair damaged vehicles, the Recon class can spot targets and mark them, and with Support you can replenish your teammates’ ammo. There are also a variety of customization options for each class with dozens of primary weapons and secondary weapons to choose from, and camouflages to earn for your soldier. Unlocking new weapons, attachments, camouflage, vehicle upgrades are dependent on your performance and how well you work with your team. We’re just not awarded for kill, but assists help us unlock equipment and weapons. Unlocking new items to customize our character is the heart of the multiplayer, and these rewards will keep you coming back for more.

So, if you’re looking for a deep multiplayer experience where working as a team is encouraged, Battlefield 3 is the game you have waited for. The campaign mode is nice, but the multiplayer is so fun and addictive that you can easily overlook the campaign’s shortcoming. Battlefield 3 will have your attention for months on end with its sharp graphics, amazing sound effects and team-based multiplayer. DICE once again shows that it knows how to make an enjoyable multiplayer experience.

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Battlefield: 3 ‘Ultimate Simulator’ ~ Most Awesome Ever in History!

Story by: Shane McGlaun, Re-posted by: CritiKiL

This thing (Um, the ‘Simulator’), has some of the most intense and realistic playing action I have ever seen. The player stands in a room with a dome wrap around screen surrounding them. The system has five HD resolution projectors, surround sound, and a freaking paintball gun inside.The lucky geeks at The Gadget Show in Britain got a chance to play a game on the damn thing (USA needs to step our ‘game up ~ lol!). The player stands in the center of that room and walks around on an omni-directional treadmill so they stay in the center of the room. Whatever direction the player walks, that is where the character moves on screen. The gun the player holds fires the on screen bullets. The enemies on screen can also fight back and when you get shot, you actually get shot with a paintball gun. That way you can feel the pain when you get hit. Talk about cool. I want to play, but I prefer to skip the being shot with a paintball gun part.

Check out the video below, and leave us a comment or two telling us what you think? Thanks.

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‘PAYDAY: The Heist’ ~ Launching Later This Month!

Story by: CritiKiL

No, NOT TODAY will you be getting your hands on this game. The highly anticipated PlayStation®Network title from Sony Online Entertainment (SOE), PAYDAY: The Heist, will be available for digital download for the PSN and PC systems later this month for $19.99 USD. So put your hockey masks and black suits back in the closet; Sony Online Entertainment has delayed its upcoming crime caper FPS, PayDay: The Heist, until later this month. Originally set for launch today, the downloadable title has been pushed back until “later this month” for further polish. In a press release, SOE made the announcement, stating that the delay “is a move to ensure players and fans of our promise and vision to produce high-caliber games that deliver the best quality game experience.”

This delay is a move to ensure players and fans of our promise and vision to produce high-caliber games that deliver the best quality game experience. Players who pre-ordered PAYDAY: The Heist will receive the game at launch, and those who purchased the four other PSN titles as part of the PlayStation®Network PLAY program will also be awarded PAYDAY: The Heist when it launches later this month, according to the terms of that program.

PAYDAY: The Heist is a squad-based, first-person shooter that allows players to take on the role of a hardened career criminal and engage in a number of high-risk heists. Players will rob banks, steal from drug dealers, pocket priceless diamonds, take hostages and hijack cars in a never-ending pursuit for criminal glory. To be successful in any true heist scenario, teamwork is essential to provide crewmembers with a sense of security and protection, and ultimately take home the loot.

Again, ‘later this month’ and at a price of $19.99 USD for Digital Download. PayDay: The Heist is a Windows PC and PlayStation 3 title and is sure to be an awesome game! Here are some Resources where you can find more info about this game. And don’t forget to check out the video of the game below, and leave us some comments on what you think about this soon to be released game!
http://www.payday-theheist.com/
http://www.facebook.com/PAYDAYTheHeist
http://www.youtube.com/paydaytheheist

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It’s All About the ‘BattleLog’, on Battlefield: 3

Story by: CritiKiL

First-off, I’d like to say that I hope everyone is enjoying the Battlefied: 3 Beta. I acquired it just yesterday and it seems like it’s going to be a really great game. But whats going to make this an even ‘greater’ game is definitely going to be, the BattleLog! The game Drops on 10/25/2011 for the PC, PS3 and of course XBox 360, and I strongly suggest that you fork-up the money for all that you’ll be getting! Here are just a Few of the things that is going to make this upcoming game, spectacular:

COM CENTER ~ Your friends list lives at the bottom of the page in the Com Center. There you can join their game and chat with them.
FRIENDS ACTIVITY FEED ~ Get instant reports when your friends unlock new weapons, get new awards or make plans for tonight’s game.
FINDING THE RIGHT SERVER ~ Select your favorite game modes, maps, and map sizes with the browser filter. Click a server you’d like to join alone or with friends.
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS ~ Drag your friends from the Com Center to a Drop Zone and they will get an invite to join.
KEEPING UP TO DATE ~ Game updates are automatically pushed to you. Use the Game Manager (‘bottom-menubar’ of BattleLog), to start the update process.
SHOW WHO YOU ARE ~ Your Profile is where other people come to see you. Your Soldiers, Stats, Favorite servers and your own personal Battle feed.
NEVER PLAY ALONE ~ Join a platoon or create your own.

One more interesting point I’d like to make (not making any comparisons here!), but it’s interesting that with all we are getting with BattleLog, it’s FREE…and COD Elite is Charged (hmmmm ~ lol!) But if you want to get a True Comparison, check out this ‘Comparison Link’ below. There is no difference as they are both ‘comparisons’ to a video game:

http://goo.gl/uwAcs

Now, to Access the BattleLog, just click this link below:

http://battlelog.battlefield.com

DON’T FORGET TO WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW. It give’s an ‘in-depth’ look at the features and functionality of the free social platform Battlelog. Battlelog will change the way you play, track your stats, and interact with your friends in Battlefield 3.

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