Microsoft 2013 Predictions: Xbox 720, Killer Instinct, Alan Wake 2, New Controller, Call of Duty Future Warfare
2013 will behold a new Xbox, possible returns of big franchises, and the evolution of the Xbox controller.
The Xbox 360 made a statement this generation. With the original Xbox only surpassing 24 million units worldwide, Microsoft found themselves selling a few million consoles more than Nintendo, but obviously came nowhere close to Sony’s Playstation 2. With the Xbox 360, however, Microsoft made a statement, and proved that they are here to stay in the gaming universe. 2013 is going to be a big year for Microsoft; with the rumors of a new console, new Kinect, and new games from Microsoft 1st parties, 2013 could prove to be the most important year for Microsoft since the launch of the Xbox 360.
Let’s get this out of the way right now: Even with all of the rumors, such as poor chip quality for the next Xbox, there is no doubt in my mind that Microsoft will be releasing a new console in 2013. There is a ton of evidence supporting this theory, besides the supposed leaks of Microsoft documentation. Microsoft has been very quiet about what the second half of 2013 will look like for the Xbox brand. I believe this is simply because there is a new console slated for release, and they don’t want to talk about the console before the holidays.
Alan Wake’s American Nightmare Review
Alan Wake is Back, But Can He Survive This Nightmare?
Alan Wake has made his return to the Xbox 360, but instead of Alan Wake 2, we have Alan Wake’s American Nightmare. An odd spin-off that takes place only in the universe of Alan Wake, and has no effect on the overall story of the franchise. Alan Wake’s American Nightmare plays out as an episode in a TV series known as Midnight Spring. In this episode Alan Wake must defeat evil alter ego, known as Mr. Scratch, that seeks to destory Alan Wake so he can never return to his wife Alice.
As Alan Wake you will have to defeat Mr. Scratch, and try to restore peace to this non existing town. To make this happen, players will have to cause a series of events that will weaken Mr. Scratch, and make him vulnerable so he can be hurt.
The campaign of American Nightware can only be described in one word, repetitive. As Alan Wake you travel to a motel, observatory, and drive in movie theater, trying to shed any light possible on the whereabouts of Mr. Scratch. Time Travel plays a big role in American Nightmare, and players will travel to all 3 places a total of 9 times, in only a span of about 4-5 hours. The idea behind this is that Alan Wake is rewriting and fixing the problems he has already conquered, like causing an oil rig to tip over to cause an explosion. Each time you revisit the area you already know what your objective is, therefore you can skip some of the steps you did before. Manuscript pages make their return from the original Alan Wake and help flesh out the story, and even give you hints to as to what enemies might be heading your way. Some of the pages also explain what is going on in Alan’s head as he keeps getting sent back in time. This time traveling method might of worked better if it wasn’t done 3 times in such a short amount of time , and instead each area was fleshed out a bit more than it is. By the third time you have tipped over an oil rig, as a player you do not feel like you are really accomplishing anything. Instead you feel like you are playing a game that has artificial extenders to make it play an hour longer than it really should.
Alan Wake Already Making Profit on PC
Alan Wake making money already on PC.
Alan Wake hit the Xbox a long time ago, but the writer was busy making his debut on the PC last week. Remedy has stated that they have already made back the money they spent to port the game to the PC.
“We are very happy with the sales and hitting #1 on Steam at launch was nothing short of amazing,” said Remedy’s Aki Järvilehto on the Remedy forums.
This is important news because Remedy will now most likely bring Alan Wake 2, and possibly even Alan Wake: American Nightmare, will be coming to the PC platform as well. Alan Wake has some of the best lighting effects that gaming has to offer, and the power of a PC only makes the game look even better.
“We recouped our development and marketing expenses during the first 48 hours. And yes, we’re certainly very excited about PC.”
Hopefully we will hear something about Alan Wake 2 in the near future, but only time will tell until we see the next physiological thriller.
The Pause Menu: Episode 1
Our videocast has finally launched. Check out this weeks episode that deals with Resident Evil 6, Alan Wake PC, and Bioshock Infinite.
Microsoft House Party Gets Updated Dates and Prices
Microsoft’s House Party game lineup, prices, and release dates were announced earlier today by Major Nelson.
Beginning on February 15th, gamers can snag Warp for 800 MS Points, Alan Wake’s Nightmare February 22nd for 1200 MS Points, Nexuiz on the 29th for 800 MS Points and lastly I Am Alive on March 7th for 1200 MS Points.
In keeping with their game event tradition Microsoft is offering a “buy the games, get some points back” deal. If you purchase all four games you get 800 MS Points back, basically you get Warp or Nexuiz for free.
Alan Wake Coming to PC in February
Better late then never.
Alan Wake made his debut on the Xbox 360, but will be shining his flashlight on the PC crowd very soon. The PC version will be available exclusively on Steam sometime in February, then PC gamers will finally be able to experience the action novel.
Wine Coolers and House Parties – X Box Live Arcade “House Party 2012″ Preview
One of my favorite things about X Box Live is their X Box Live Arcade “parties”. For the few of you who do not know what XBLA Parties are allow me to explain. X Box throughout the year will release a kind of a bundle package in which over the course of 4 or 5 weeks will release a Downloadable title every Wednesday. For a relatively low cost, you will be able to play some incredible games. Which often times will sneak its way into my top ten of the year, where they stand toe to toe with giant budget triple A titles.
Some examples of these XBLA games are: the award winning game Bastion, Limbo, Monday Night Combat, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, and Stacking.
Now that you are informed about XBLA Parties, it’s time to get excited because the first Party is quickly approaching. X Box Live Arcade’s House Party 2012 kicks off on February 15th. Let me tell you this year will not disappoint.
Alan Wake’s American Nightmare
In 2010 we the saw release of Alan Wake for the X Box, which happen to be my game of the for 2010. I cannot express how excited I really am. From what I have gathered this is somewhat of a sequel in which Alan Wake goes around fighting evil throughout the United States with his trusty flashlight and fire arms. The campaign ranges from 4 to 5 hours to complete, giving an amazing bang for your buck.
Podcast Episode 87: Wii Kinect You, Wii Move You
Welcome to another great episode of For the Love of Gaming Podcast.
Chris and Cory spent some time with Zelda: Skyward Sword.
Garrett played Sonic Generations, Rayman Origins, and Lost Planet 2.
Cory revisted WWE All Stars, and Rage.
TMT: VGA 2011 Predictions
Alan Wake sold 1.5 million.
South Park RPG inbound.
Possible WiiU specs unveiled.
Marathon now free!
Half Life 3 at the VGA’s?
Sony makes memory cards for Vita propietary.
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