Latest Xbox Updates

According to a new report from Edge, Microsoft’s next Xbox, codenamed "Durango," will feature 50GB Blu-Ray discs and a new, improved Kinect shipping with the console itself. On the less positive side, the new Xbox will also apparently require an internet connection in order to access the console and will do everything in its power to block access to used games. We already know Sony is thinking about implementing technology to prevent used games from working on the upcoming PlayStation, codenamed Orbis, but now with two main gaming competitors attacking the used game market, the next generation is certainly going to be an interesting one. Head past the jump for more on the new Xbox and why Microsoft’s new ideas may alienate parts of their market.

Crytek CEO Cevat Yerli has announced that their Vigil Games derived USA studio will cease development of Darksiders 3. In a recent interview with GamesBeat, Yerli revealed why Crytek was hesitant in bidding on Vigil during THQ's property auction, and how the new addition to the Darksiders franchise wouldn't fit their strategy. Hit the jump to read more...

On the heels of Game Informer's reveal of The Witcher 3, CDProjekt has released the above teaser trailer along with a nice bit of press material. Contained in that material is the announcement that this game will be the final chapter for Geralt and the final game in The Witcher series. The reasoning? They want to go out on a high note, which is something to admire in the day and age where popular franchises tend to overstay their welcomes.

This material also talks about how The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is going to appeal to long standing fans as well as make an excellent entry point for new fans to the series. Of course, again, this just makes it all the more wanting for Wii U fans. Unfortunately they are specifically saying "high-end" next-gen systems, which will likely rule Nintendo fans out. Still, PC, Sony, and Microsoft fans have one heck of an experience coming their way in 2014. Check out the press release after the jump.

The Witcher series is arguably one of the best new series to hit the games industry in a good while. Thanks to our friends over at Game Informer, we now have a wealth of information about their exclusive reveal of this highly anticipated title. The Witcher 3 was officially unveiled in their print magazine with a wealth of additional details to team up with the online announcement. Those details and concept art after the jump.

The Escapist : Jimquisition : Dead Space - The Best New IP This Generation?

Dead Space is an amazing franchise with great gameplay and a good story. I like it very much, but Jim Sterling thinks it might even be the best new IP of this generation. I think that it depends on your taste—if you don't like horror games, you'll probably dislike Dead Space. That's why it is very subjective to say that a game is the best of its generation. Others probably don't agree.

I like Assassin's Creed more than Dead Space. I love the historical settings, Those Who Came Before, the Pieces of Eden... To me, it's the best new franchise this generation.

What's your favorite IP this generation? Let us know in the comments!

The rumor train just keeps rolling! According to Clever Noob user TSA_383, patch 1.05 is set to radically shift the Mass Effect formula.

TSA_383 claims to have found data in the patch to back up the following description of the new "Reckoning" DLC:

"The day of reckoning is nigh! The Reckoning Multiplayer Expansion brings six new never before seen co-op story missions to the game and new co-op gameplay modes. It provides four new maps to conquer and hazard variations of the Earth maps. It also enables reinforcement packs that offer new kits for the salarians, krogans, humans and volus. In-game reinforcement packs now include three new weapons (Chakram Launcher, Blood Pack Punisher and Adas Anti-Synthetic Rifle)."

So far, this leak has gotten no official confirmation or denial from BioWare, so I make no claims that this rumor is valid; however, if it does turn out true, then gamers everywhere will be able to cooperatively play a few story missions with friends and family. I'm a big fan of co-op gaming, so I'm hoping that this ends up being true.

What do you think of this rumor? True? Fake? Amazing?

Even if you've never touched a Sonic the Hedgehog game (and if you haven't, what's wrong with you?) you likely know the general consensus of the past decade: Sonic's sixth generation games started off strong with Sonic Adventure and its sequel, delved into mediocre with Sonic Heroes and Shadow the Hedgehog. Meanwhile Sonic's seventh generation games started off abysmally with Sonic '06 and eventually climbed to greatness once again through Sonic Colors and Sonic Generations.

But in this climb to greatness, Sonic has created a huge yet seamlessly crossed rift between more restrictive, simplistic 3D speedrunning and more complex, traditional 2D platforming. The first impression one might have is that this gives Sonic games the best of both worlds. But does it, really? Does this unique "separate, yet combined" design truly make Sonic the best he can be, or does it create compromises that keep him from truly making "S Rank?" Hit the jump to find out!

After many responses from fans after the release of Resident Evil 6, Capcom has finally listened and intends to return the horror franchise to its roots. Capcom knows the franchise must go forward, even if a reboot is necessary. In an interview with IGN Masachika Kawata, a producer who has worked on the series for a long time, had this to say:

"I think that it's important for us to have users' needs in mind when making the games. At the same time I think a lot of what people want now is to have Chris and Jill in a game, or they want it to look like Resident Evil used to look like. That's what makes the game work for them. We should be able to start from scratch and reboot it. It would still be Resident Evil. We wouldn't lose the essential nature of what makes it a good game just by changing the characters." — Masachika Kawata

Plenty more from Mr. Kawata after the jump.