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Left 4 Dead 2's new 'Scavenge' multiplayer mode revealed

by Randy Nelson { Oct 8th 2009 at 2:00AM }

click to Boomer-size

Valve took the wraps off Left 4 Dead 2's brand-new competitive multiplayer game type, "Scavenge," at a press event in San Francisco this evening. According to the developer, this mode is built purely for "quick, more frantic gameplay." (Yes, L4D actually can be more frantic).

Scavenge has the four survivor characters scrambling to collect gas cans from various spots in a confined location -- in this case a motel, pictured -- in order to fuel up a generator before a two-minute timer expires. There are 16 cans total and 20 seconds are added to the clock for each one that's successfully retrieved.

Four other players, controlling Special Infected, must do their best to stop the cans from reaching the goal. The two new Special Infected, Spitters and Jockeys, really excel in this mode. The former can set dropped cans on fire, while the latter can leap onto the shoulders of a survivor, "steering" them away from their goal.

These best two-out-of-three matches are broken up into three rounds, during the "half time" of which players switch sides. Valve confirmed that each of L4D2's campaigns has a unique Scavenge map, for a total of six shipping with the game on November 17.

Gallery: Left 4 Dead 2 - Scavenge Multiplayer Mode

Burnout Paradise teases 'Cops and Robbers'

by Jason Dobson { Apr 15th 2009 at 11:00AM }

We're not exactly sure what they stole, but judging by the teaser trailer for Burnout Paradise's looming Cops and Robbers mode, criminals will have their jobs cut out for them outrunning the Paradise City fuzz.

As a latest move to "change the way people think about and experience" the chaotic racer, much of Cops and Robbers' details remain behind bars, including the premium DLC's as-yet-unannounced release date. Still, if nothing else, this early look shows that Paradise City's police force is more than equipped to keep pace with lead foots on the wrong side of the law.

Continued →

EA: Red Alert 3 looks best on PS3, thanks to delay

by Randy Nelson { Mar 6th 2009 at 7:20PM }

Since changing its tune about "skipping" a PS3 release of Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, citing the platform's "exotic and tough" development climes, EA Los Angeles actually says its time learning the ins-and-outs of the architecture has been for the best.

Speaking to 1UP, producer -- and former games journo -- Greg Kasavin claims the PS3 version (the "Ultimate Edition") is the best-looking of the bunch, sporting better water effects and more detailed units. In addition, the "general color palette" is somehow improved. As we've previously reported, the PS3 release of Red Alert 3 is launching with free DLC maps and includes a whole bunch'a bonus material (making-of clips, bloopers and other vignettes).

The moral of this story: Developers can make PS3 perform some neat tricks if they just take the time to get to know it. Sometimes simply over a cup of coffee; other times while tackling one of those team-building obstacle courses together.

Joystiq hands-on: Need for Speed SHIFT

by Randy Nelson { Mar 4th 2009 at 3:28PM }

click to shift to a higher resolution

Like a mountain road just begging to be driven, the Need for Speed franchise has had its highs and lows since its 1994 debut on 3DO. It seemed poised to leap straight off the map following last year's lackluster Undercover; there were even rumors the series was being handed over to the Burnout Paradise team for CPR.

Then up popped not one, but three new NFS games. Need for Speed SHIFT is front-most on the starting grid for a pack that includes a free online PC title, Need for Speed World Online, and the Wii-exclusive Need for Speed: Nitro.
We recently got our hands on SHIFT, a racer that's got the makings to potentially rival the likes of Codemaster's GRID.

Gallery: Need for Speed SHIFT

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Battlefield Heroes beta rolling back into action

by Jason Dobson { Jan 23rd 2009 at 3:30AM }

Things have been quiet on Battlefield Heroes' front lines since Electronic Arts first called for a ceasefire last November, halting the game's release and sending scores of pastel-colored grunts back to their bunks. Now EA has reopened beta sign-ups, giving the boys in green another chance to enlist.

Still, it's unknown how many players will be admitted into the beta, and greenhorns eager to taste the free-to-play shooter's cartoon action could be left in their barracks. Seasoned vets, however, will get first dibs, and do not need to get back in line, as any players who were already in the beta or had previously signed up will automatically receive an invite to report for duty. As for when soldiers can expect the call to action, EA is saying only to watch for more announcements in the "coming weeks."

[Via Massively]

Wild speculation: Disney to buy EA in 2009

by Jason Dobson { Jan 8th 2009 at 8:30AM }

Electronic Arts' dwindling stock could soon be trading in Disney Dollars. Just as the Wall Street Journal advised back in November, a new Variety report suggests that Disney may be interested in purchasing EA in 2009 in order to "jumpstart itself to a lead position" in the video game market. It's a small world after all.

While like EA, Disney stock has recently taken a trip south, the report speculates that such a move would help spur revenue growth at the animation giant in the face of waning DVD purchases and slow-to-start Blu-ray and digital download sales. Of course, the cash flow from EA-themed stuffed animals, snowglobes and keychains hocked at the Disney Store couldn't hurt either.

Analyst: Mirror's Edge, NFS, RB2 sales to spur more EA layoffs

by Jason Dobson { Dec 8th 2008 at 6:00PM }

There could be fewer gifts passed around at Electronic Arts' annual Christmas party as analyst Colin Sebastian anticipates the company may let go more employees in the wake of sluggish sales. While EA eliminated nearly 6% of its workforce last October, the Lazard Capital Markets soothsayer predicts that underperforming titles, including Rock Band 2, Need for Speed Undercover and Mirror's Edge, could likely lead to the company to make even deeper cuts.

EA's bottom line was able to keep from being totally dismembered, however, thanks to what the analyst calls "solid sales" of Dead Space, Left 4 Dead and FIFA 09. Even so, Sebastian lowered his third quarter outlook for the publishing powerhouse from $2.14 to $2.07 billion, leaving Scrooge McDuck with plenty to count over the holidays should Disney come knocking.

Skate 2 to grind North American retail shelves January 21

by Jason Dobson { Nov 25th 2008 at 11:00AM }

Just as your head begins to clear from downing your seventh pitcher of holiday eggnog, Electronic Arts announced plans to push off and catch a mad vert when Skate 2 nails its retail landing in January. The sequel will do a frontside 360 in North America on January 21, while skateboarders elsewhere will be able to get their trick on two days later on January 23.

Next month EA will also launch a Skate 2 web application, creatively titled "Graphics Creator," which will let players create customized graphics for their in-game decks and clothing. Additionally, would-be shredders in North America who pre-order Skate 2 will grab a code to unlock a "Throwback Pack" that will allow access to retro accessories, gestures and clothing. When you bail from a botched nosegrind, at least you'll look good in your Skate or Die shirt.

Industry execs foresee bright holiday despite dim economy

by Jason Dobson { Nov 14th 2008 at 9:00PM }

Oh economy, quit being such a wet blanket. You don't see video game publishers crying as they dip into their retirement accounts, do you? No sir. At least not according to Reuters, which reports the industry expects strong game sales through the remainder of this year and into 2009 in spite of the frowny faces on Wall Street.

Industry execs painted a mostly rosy outlook during yesterday's BMO Capital financial conference in New York. Overall, Microsoft exec Mindy Mount stated that she feels the game industry will "hold up a lot better than other industries," while Take Two's Strauss Zelnick admitted that such prosperity will likely only come to those companies with big titles under the tree.

Some, such as EA's Peter Moore, came away speaking words of "cautious optimism" in the face of the economic uncertainty, sentiment echoed by Nintendo's always vocal Reggie Fils-Aime. Though like a motion sensitive King Midas with a gold-encrusted stylus in one hand and a bag of money in the other, he told Reuters that while "cautiously optimistic is quite appropriate" overall, from Nintendo's ivory tower, the view is "very optimistic."

Battlefield Heroes beta in ceasefire until early '09

by Jason Dobson { Nov 13th 2008 at 2:44PM }

Get back behind the sandbags, soldier! No, not those, they're far too realistic. These, more cartoony bags are much better suited to protect your rounded corners and chiseled jaw while waiting for Electronic Arts to decide when Battlefield Heroes will roll onto the front lines. EA once more postponed the official release of its free-to-play shooter, while the closed beta will soon go dark until sometime next year.

James Salt, senior producer on Battlefield Heroes, broke the news on the game's website, writing that the beta will close down Friday night at 6pm CET so the team can focus on "polishing the backend." In the meantime, we expect many brokenhearted, animated grenadiers to keep polishing their oversized rifles until early 2009.

[Via Big Download]

Tiger Woods 09 experiments in mobile-to-console gameplay

by Jason Dobson { Nov 9th 2008 at 7:00PM }

For players who wrestle with the virtual greens, Electronic Arts has announced a way to better your game while on the go. The newly launched mobile version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 includes a feature called Console Boost, which (as you might have guessed from the all-too-descriptive title) gives Xbox 360 and PS3 players a stat hike in EA's annual trip to the links.

Explains EA Mobile exec Adam Sussman, Console Boost "enables players to improve the skill level of their console character" by storing their mobile triumphs to their online EA account. Depending on the skill level completed in the mobile version, players will see their home version's stats likewise improved, hopefully ensuring a little more time on the fairway and a little less time fishing balls out of water hazards.

EA's Board of Directors breathes in Oxygen founder

by Jason Dobson { Nov 7th 2008 at 11:00AM }

Geraldine Laybourne, the founder of women's cable television channel Oxygen, has joined the Board of Directors at Electronic Arts. Prior to creating television programs that pander to the fairer sex, Laybourne also worked for Nickelodeon, where she was instrumental in launching the station's window into the past that is Nick at Night.

While it's pure guesswork as to whether this move was more driven by Laybourne's business savvy or EA's continued interest in putting games in front of women, families and tweens, we imagine that both played a vital role in getting the TV exec to hop on board.

WSJ to Disney: Buy EA

by Jason Dobson { Nov 4th 2008 at 3:50PM }

We're accustomed to seeing Electronic Arts purchase studios at the drop of a money hat, but not so much the other way around. Don't tell that to the Wall Street Journal, however, as the financial site suggests that Walt Disney (the company, not the frozen corpse) should add EA to its animated empire. With EA shares dipping more than 17 percent last week -- not to mention the sluggish economy overall -- the WSJ claims that "Disney would be gutsy to step up during the current economic uncertainty," adding however that "it might be better than waiting for better times and paying top dollar."

Of course, EA has yet to give any indication that it plans to step up on the auction block any time soon, though we can't help but wonder how it would feel about another media giant trying to step in and do it a favor.

[Via Edge Online]

Two 'hardcore' b-ball franchises on the outs

by Jason Dobson { Oct 23rd 2008 at 1:55PM }

Electronic Arts and Midway have shelved their competing arcade-style basketball franchises, as ESPN reports that both NBA Street and NBA Ballers have been benched.

Regarding NBA Street, EA Sports boss Peter Moore explains to ESPN that the division is reevaluating its mixture of licensed and original IP, adding that "we need to develop some new things." But don't go expecting anything particularly edgy to come out of this moment of clarity. "If Wii Sports has taught us anything," adds Moore, "it's that people will sit there and play big head tennis all day long. We need to be able to tap into that audience."

As for Midway, the company likely counts Ballers among the underperforming projects Interim CEO Matt Booty recently vowed to keep at arm's length. According to ESPN, the financially strapped publisher is currently digging under cushions in the office couch in order to "buy its way out of the licensing deal" it has with the NBA.

[Thanks, Sean]

Cops and Robbers race online in NFS Undercover

by Jason Dobson { Oct 8th 2008 at 7:00PM }

Jiggers, fellas! It's the cops! Need for Speed Undercover, EA's latest attempt at pulling its arcade racing stable out of a seemingly never-ending tailspin, will allow players on both sides of the law to size each other up in a new multiplayer mode called Cops and Robbers.

According to EA, the new mode will allow two teams of up to four players each to compete against each other to deliver -- or prevent the delivery of -- a package to a safe house. Additionally, the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC versions will support up to eight players in sprint and circuit multiplayer races as well. Of course, it remains to be seen if Undercover will do enough to remind us why we once cared about this franchise, or if, as our recent impressions found, it will just feel like Most Wanted with a new coat of paint.