Borderland's First Expansion Coming This Tuesday

If you've already beaten Borderlands 2 and maxed out your character then get ready to put the disc back into your console because Gearbox is releasing it's very first campaign expansion next week, titled: Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate's Booty.

The Expansion pack has an indefinite Pirate theme to it and will add new features a new HUB world dubbed Oasis, new enemy archetypes, a whole new vehicle in the form of a hovering motorboat and an unknown form of currency called seraph crystals; and this is only what was Gearbox revealed so far, there could be much more including a new rarity color for itmes, new heads and skins, and even increasing the level cap.

Captain Scarlett will be available this Tuesday on October 16th for $9.99 (800 MS points) or free if you purchased the Season Pass. Be prepared to find lots of booty in this DLC.

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Get your Hands on the Mechromancer today!

Gearbox has promised us a brand new class to play as this October: Gaige the Mechromancer. While she was originally planned to be released on the 18th Randy Pitchford of Gearbox tweeted earlier yesterday that the Mechromancer will be available to download Today. Noone's exactly sure why they've pushed up the date but I'm not complaining, I did get her for free after all. Those who didn't pre-order Borderlands 2 will still have to purchase her for $10.00 (800 MS points) unfortunately.

If you're still unsure about dowloading Gaige, you can check out her skill tree on the Borderlands 2 Website and customize it anyway you want.

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Free Pokémon In Pokémon Black & Blue Gotta Free 'Em All

Have you ever felt like Pokémon was a cruel game and wished you could liberate them all? Well now you and PETA have something in common. Now you can "Free 'Em All" in PETA's newest parody game Pokémon Black & Blue Gotta Free 'Em All.

In Pokémon Black & Blue Gotta Free 'Em All, you play as the beloved Pikachu as you fight trainers such as Cheren and Professor Juniper in order to liberate all your Pokémon friends from the evil clutches of humans.

As a reward for beating trainers and freeing Pokémon, PETA threw in some videos of animals being beaten and tortured.

So far there is no word from Nintendo or Game Freak on this matter. Last November PETA made a flash game attacking Mario; they claimed it was a joke though.

If you want to play the game, just head over here.

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Even More New Animal Crossing 3ds Info

More Info for Animal Crossing 3ds was released today on Nintendo Direct. The video show cases tons of new details that are installed in this new game.

Basic/Mayor Info:

- Flowers will sparkle depending off if they’ve been watered.
- Can design roads - they added the character for ‘road’. There’s a camping ground, sometimes there’ll be campers - villagers who don’t live in your village.
- help out your in-game friends with purchasing decisions
- When you sit in the mayor’s seat, Shizue will come up and talk to you.
- Once you’ve decided what to build, go with Shizue to decide where. Then they’ll show you what it will look like. Donations from villagers begin.
- Don’t have to go back to mayor’s office once building is placed.
- Donations can be made by you, visitors, and villagers.

New Item/Shops:

- New item: megaphone. Can say a villagers names to get their attention by speaking their name into the 3DS microphone.
- The tanooki brothers will take turns each day to service the shop.
- Halloween goods sold because it’s October.
- shoe store offers up boots/shoes for sale.
- 2nd floor is the museum shop. The four doors lead to special exhibitions. You can set the special exhibitions yourself. Hawaiian Expo, Sushi expo.
- Tanooki Housing Real Estate. Buy parts for your houses outside.
- Can decide if you want to increase room numbers and where (1st flow left, right, 2nd floor etc)
- Dr. Shrunk started a comedy club, Club 444. Can watch his comedy shows. He has spoken dialogue during this. Can decide your reaction.
- Take photos of your expression with good timing for best result in the photo booth. Many reactions/emotions to collect.

Designs/Customization:

- design/sell your own items, which can eventually change during the process
- much larger selection of colors this time around when designing
- Can turn designs into QR codes.
- Model Homes now. People met through Street pass. These are the people she’s street passed with. Sometimes they will give you things, like ice-creams, balloons, and pin wheels.
- Up to 48 houses in three block, 16 homes per block.
- Can see with the map where the houses are using people’s names.
- take picture via photobooth, bottom screen displays the picture you’ll take.
- visit a massage parlor that helps to relax you and put you into a dream stage
- Allows you to see how other people have set up their towns. When you have an internet connection, if someone you’ve street passed with has a Village number, (can search by name too) you can go into a new shop and visit their village. You can do stuff like cut trees and get fruit, but it doesn’t affect their village.
- You can alter the look of City Hall, too.

Music/Sound:

- early morning music is calm, dawn the music is more upbeat, afternoon is more pleasant-sounding music, nighttime the music has more base, late night music gets mysterious
- K. K. Slider, Saturday night live performances at the new Shisho’s Club 444. Now for a new song. Dr. Shrunk is dancing to the beat!
- DJ K.K. (K.K. Slider under a different name) performs on nights other than Saturday at the comedy club. ‘House Nights’ Includes NES Nights. ‘Famicon Nights’.
- Can listen to the music on audio players in your house, and there are many new KK songs.

Wireless Interactions:

- explore a town alongside other people
- travel via boat to an island and enjoy a song at the same time
- First time you’re at the island, you recieve swimming gear. While wearing it, you can dive/swim.
- grab items from the bottom of the sea
- collect rare bugs as well
 Can trade medals got in mini games on the island to trade for the goods in the souvenir shop.
- Games are focused on Co-op.
- Tortimer appears as the Tour Guide, explains the games
- Each person has to search for their own type of fruits; mangoes, persimmons, etc.
- The faster you are the more medals you get.
- Can pick up fruits and drop them for other players in easier locations.
- There is a ‘Hammer’ game, where you hit the tiny electric car.
The official Animal Crossing twitter can be found here, it will announce new info and characters. I will do my best to share this info as I translate it.

Game features:
Local and Wifi Play for 2 to 4 players, Features 1 save file utilizes StreetPass and SpotPass.

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Review: Darksiders II

War, rider of the red horse, has been falsely accused of pre-emtively triggering the Apocalypse and has been imprisoned and only his brother can save him. His name is Death, the oldest and strongest of the four Horsemen, and you take control of the pale rider in this outstanding sequel, Darksiders II.

The Good
- Amazing Level Design
- Death is a really well written character
- Challenging puzzles and combat
- Environments look stunning 
- Great RPG and Loot System

The Bad
- Story feels disconnected from gameplay
- Not as long as I hoped it to be
- Horseback riding could have more to it

The Ugly
- Last Boss was disappointingly too easy
- Some enemies are really, REALLY ugly

Story
The game's story takes place during the event's of the first Darksiders, as War is imprisoned by the Charred Council, Death investigates the premature Apocalypse to prove his brother's innocence by finding a way to restore Humanity. And the key to clearing War's name is found at the well of souls. The story itself is very well written, while nothing too compelling, it feels disjointed from the gameplay as you feel like the missions are just fetch quests and dungeon crawlers rather than progress.

One thing that I enjoyed most from the story was Death. Playing as the horseman was an awesome experience, but Death was much more than just a badass; behind the cold callousness in his voice, Death has proven to be very caring, concerned about the well being of his brother War and even showing remorse for his own race that he slayed, the Nephilim. After him and his siblings were ordered to slay their own race, Death has secretly kept the souls of his fallen kin away from the council's Knowledge, hoping he could bring them back. Halfway through the game, he discovers that he can use the well of Souls to bring back his race, at the cost of losing the Human race forever and Death struggles to decide who to save. And while he hid it from other people, his body language proved that he was fighting within himself to make the right choice, which is good for a character that can't emote with a mask over his face.

While the gameplay didn't drive the story as well as it should, it was still an entertaining experience that had a satisfying ending, not as epic as the conclusion in the first game, but still was a good way to conclude Death's Story, at least until we see him again in the third Darksiders.

Story: B-

Graphics
While the character and enemy models are well detailed and animated, its the environments that truly steal the spotlight. You'll be visiting many varied worlds including the Lush open fields of the Maker's Forgelands and Samael's "Majestic" Fortress in the Shadow's Edge, home of the Demonic Legion. Each world has beautiful and detailed architecture that fit into the levels motif and will awestruck you at first sight.

Death: "Someone give me my camera!"

Aside from the gorgeous view, Death can be equipped with a variety of Armor Pieces to help suit your play-style. You can dress him up in a plethora of shrouds to give him a rouge-ish look or set him up with a set of heavy armor made completely of bone.

He has a bigger wardrobe than your girlfriend.

Graphics: A

Sound
Darksiders II has a very well composed sound track, containing a plethora of music for when you are fighting bosses, facing a challenging puzzle or just exploring a dungeon, each track matches the occasion. Sometimes when you are exploring a dungeon you'll hear the ambient noises echo through the halls, a nice touch of eeriness to add suspense.

Sound effects are fitting, realistic and very gory when you start slicing the limbs off your enemies. Voice acting is very well done, however some characters use the same actor and they use the same voice for two different characters. Death has a brilliant harsh and rasp in his voice that fits the pale rider perfectly and always has a calm yet sarcastic tone to his voice.

Sound: B

Gameplay
Darksiders 2 may be considered an adventure game, but it features so many elements of other genres, calling it just an adventure game seems insulting. The game has massive open worlds with tons of secrets in each corner, challenging puzzles and platform sections and an RPG style loot and level up system that is mixed perfectly into one thrilling experience.

Death's Skill Tree...of death.

With each new world you discover you unlock a new ability that Death can use in combat and puzzles. For example, one of the first abilities you gain is the Death Grip, a magical ability that lets Death grapple orbs to do acrobatic leaps and pull enemies towards him, leaving them on the ground for Death to finish them off.

Death can also level up to unlock and upgrade his special combat moves from defeating enemies and beating quests. The skill tree splits off into two groups; Harbinger that Focuses on physical attacks and Necromancy that focuses on summoning creatures to fight with you or boosting your resistance. The combat system is much more advanced than the first game's. Death can now choose to use different secondary items from either heavy, slower weapons like axes and maces that do massive damage or small fast weapons like claws or gauntlets that let you barrage enemies with a flurry of attacks. And if you're in a tight situation you can summon Death's Reaper form, which lets him do massive damage while being near invincible against his foes.

Baby don't fear the Reaper.

Darksiders II is also a very difficult game as well. For those who want a challenge, the game feature's tough enemies, bosses and really difficult puzzles and secrets for people who want their skills pushed to the limit. Also after beating the game the first time unlocks the Nightmare difficulty level which makes the game as hard as hard can be.

My biggest complaint about the gameplay is that Horseback riding could have had much more to it than a form of transportation, especially when he didn't feel like he was moving that fast in the first place. Even though you mostly spend most of the games exploring dungeons and cave's it would've been better if they had some levels focusing on riding despair and gave him more acrobatic move's like his master, especially when games like Legend of Zelda and Assassin's Creed had amazing horse riding gameplay. Other than this small short sight, Darksiders II has fantastic gameplay that trumps the first one.

My kingdom for a faster horse.

Gameplay: A-

Replay
Sadly Darksiders II is not that long of a game. It took me about 24 hours to complete while doing most of the sidequests, but the game features a new game + where you can start a new file where you can keep your current gear and skills while facing enemies on the same level as you. While it won't make the game any longer, it's fun to start over with all your cool armor and weapons and starting on Apocalyptic difficulty. As short as the game was, it's still fun enough to go back to it again and again.

Replay: C-

Darksiders II manages to enhance on every aspect from the first game and then some with it's new RPG and loot system while still keeping the feeling of a real adventure game and you'll spend lots of time solving extra puzzles and searching every nook and cranny for collectibles, If you loved the first Darksiders this sequel is a must have and if you never picked up on the series, this game is still welcoming to new players with the way it eases onto the difficulty, making it a great game for seasoned vet's and newcomers alike.

Darksiders II: B+

All who oppose him shall know "Death."

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Review: Minecraft Xbox 360 Edition

Only a few years ago Minecraft became an instant hit with it's simplistic yet entirely unique gameplay and stuck the world by storm. So Mojang decided to make a full release of the game on the Xbox Live Arcade, but does it stack up to the PC version?

Right now I would have to say No, while the game still plays the same as the PC version, the 360 edition is seriously lacking the amount of content that you can only get on your computer. The Xbox 360 edition only gives you the basic item's right now like crafting items, tools and basic weapons like the sword and bow and there are even a limited amount of Mobs you see in the game too, only the spiders, zombies and creepers are present in this game (not including the ones you see in the nether).
But luckily this problem is only temporary, with several title updates players can get more tools and features, infact the next update will give Xbox 360 players Creative Mode, which gives the player unlimited resources to create gigantic and advanced constructs with ease.

Another problem is that the release of skin's for the 360 version seems redundant since PC players can mod and create their own custom skins for free. While it was nice of Mojang to give us some flair for our avatar I wouldn't buy skins since I can get my own on the PC for free. Speaking of Mod's, those who play it on the PC version can download texture mods that can make the game look really good because let's face it, even with the simplistic design Minecraft is not that pretty of a game.

If there is one thing the 360 version has over the PC's, is it's multiplayer set-up, It is much easier to join games with your friends on Xbox live since you only need a couple settings to make your game available only to your Xbox Live friends, and one of the things that makes this game fantastic is how fun thing can get with friends whether your building a gigantic castle of just goofing off.

While the 360 version doesn't compare to the PC version, it definitely has it's quirks that still keeps it midly entertaining, although I find myself only playing it with friends from now on whenever I start it up.

Total Score: C+

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Ezio Triogy coming to PS3

First Bioware, now Ubisoft is releasing a 3-game box set featuring everyone's favorite Italian Assassin, Ezio Auditore.

Exclusive to PS3, the Ezio Trilogy will include Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood and Revelations together in one box set including the two DLC packs for ACII. The Ezio Trilogy set will be released November 13th for only a mere $39.99, a pretty sweet deal for getting 3 whole games in one set.

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Mass Effect Trilogy Collection Coming Soon

Most developers are giving in to the trend to release the series in one whole collectors set, and Bioware is the next victim. Earlier today they have announced the Mass Effect Trilogy box set.

The best thing about this new box set is that it will be released on PC, Xbox 360 AND PS3 which mean that PlayStation owners can finally play the first Mass Effect title on their PlayStation 3 and get the full Mass Effect experience.

 The Trilogy set will come with all 3 games (DLC not included) and Mass Effect 3's multiplayer mode in all one cozy collectors box on November 6th this year, no price has been listed yet.

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First Look At The Wolverine

The first look as Hugh Jackman as Wolverine from the upcoming The Wolverine movie has been released. The photo is basically Wolverine striking a shirtless pose with his adamantium claws popped out.

The Wolverine will have Wolverine slicing and dicing ninjas, Japanese gangs and the Silver Samurai. The movie will be heavily based off of the Wolverine miniseries from 1982 done by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller with James Mangold directing the film.

Expect to see The Wolverine out in theatres next year on July 26.

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Animal Crossing 3ds Info

New animal crossing pictures have surfaced, showing some new things, and some old. Nintendo has been doing a good job of exciting it's fans by releasing info about the game just about every month. So far there is a lot of info out for the game, but the more we know the better. Someone over at The Bit Block did a great video analysis that is posted below.

In the video you will see new things such as;

• New hair style(s)
  
• New Design for Cherry Blossom Tree's
  
• New Hamster Character
  
• Clothes customization

• Can place a Reset Management Center. Mr. Resetti will appear after you have placed this on the map.
• Return of Don Resetti. 
• Brewster’s Coffee Shop is separate and you can build it. If you go there a lot you can begin a ‘part-time job’. 
• Can drink coffee outside. 
• Can build two types of Police Stations. The police officer will vary by the type you choose.
• New Villager: Hamsuke, a hamster, born May 30th. Brisk personality. 
• New Villager: Brittany, a pig, born November 14th. Mature personality. 
• New Villager: Anthony, a horse, born May 22. Smug Personality.
• New Personality: Smug； talks indirectly but acts like a gentleman. Pure, so you can’t hate them. 
• New Villager: Takoya, an octopus, born March 8th. Shaped like takoyaki. Carefree personality. 
• New Villager: Frappe, a penguin, born February 22nd, lively personality. 
• Lyle now works for the Happy Home Academy. 
• Picnics available (blanket, chairs, picnic basket)
• New flowers.
• Return of cherry blossoms. 
• Can eat ice-cream cones.
• Seen planting the tree seen on the box art. This is your first act as Mayor. It will grow as your city does. 
• Can build camping grounds, bridges, wells, jungle gyms, benches, and those face-hole photograph things.
• Receive donations from villagers and even other players to fund the building. 
• Clothing types: Tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, socks, hats, accessories.

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Sonic Adventure 2 and NiGHTS Gets a Release Date

If you've always wanted to play Sonic Adventure 2, quite possibly the best Sonic Games ever made, and NiGHTS into dreams on your Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 then look no further as these 2 titles will be available for download sooner than you think.

Both games will be available on PlayStation Network on October 2 for 9.99 and the 5th on Xbox Live for 800 MS points. If you want to "enhance" your SA2 experience, you can download the Battle Mode DLC for $3.00 (240 MS points) on the games release which contains new maps and game modes for 2 player and even Chao Karate, yeah, that's totally not a rip off.

Luckily if you're getting NiGHTS into dreams then you will be getting the Christmas NiGHTS expansion, once only available from a Saturn promotion, for absolutely free.

I definitely can't wait to get SA2 and restart my chao garden again.

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Borderlands Lauch Trailer Get's Serious (Mechromancer Release Date too)

To get you fans riled up for the release of Borderlands 2, Gearbox has released the final Launch Trailer for the game which stars the games beloved/hated antagonist, Handsome Jack mocking the game's four playable classes as nothing more than psychopath's looking for gold. It also shows off the first Borderlands Characters joining the new ones in a glorious all out gun fight with the thieves, monsters and other bile of Pandora.


In other Borderlands news, 2k and Gearbox has named and revealed the release Date of the fifth class DLC. Gaige the Mechromancer will be available for Download October 16th on all available platforms for 10 dollars (800 MS points), OR free if you pre-ordered the game at select retailers.

Make sure to pre-order the game today if you want Gaige for free and to pick up you copy of Borderlands 2 tonight at the midnight launch!

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Bioware Announces Dragon Age III

For those who've been waiting, wait no longer because Bioware has officially announced Dragon Age III: Inquisition.

This is what Aaryn Flynn, Manager for Bioware Edmonton and Montreal had to say about Dragon Age III's development, “The Dragon Age team has been working on Dragon Age 3: Inquisition for almost two years now. We’ve been poring over player feedback from past games and connecting directly with our fans. They haven’t held back, so we’re not either. With Dragon Age 3: Inquisition, we want to give fans what they’re asking for – a great story with choices that matter, a massive world to explore, deep customization and combat that is both tactical and visceral.” The game will be using a whole new RPG engine that will uses DICE's new Frostbite 2 technology engine as a basis. In other good news, Bioware will also be using the exact same team that has worked on the entire Dragon Age franchise since Origins. The game is slated for a late 2013 launch and is expected to be on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 (not officially announced), there could also be a chance that it will be released on Wii U. Wouldn't be surprised since Mass Effect 3 will be a Wii U launch title later this year. Stay tuned for more info.

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Bioware Hint's at Upcoming DLC for Mass Effect?

This weekend at the Montreal Comic Con, Bioware teased fans with an image at the end of their panel the looked like Commander Shepard staring at some red holographic-image.

 The developer has yet to announce what it means but most fans speculate that is has something to do with Omega, the squalid space-station that you visited in Mass Effect 2. The station was involved in the Mass Effect Comic, Ascension that reveals how Aria T'loak lost Omega to Cerberus. This comic was given to free for people who got the N7 collector's edition of the game. And if you played Mass Effect 3 (with a ME2 save file) You remember that Aria is trapped on the Citadel and is planning to retake her beloved Omega. For right now, Bioware is content keeping us in the dark.

I would like to take the time to say that I'm sorry for a lack of posts in the previous months from me. I've had plans to keep up to date and even do a review of Dawnguard but between work and starting School things just fell apart with the blog. But now I'm hoping to at least update once a week for you guys. I also will be doing a review of Darksiders 2 and Minecraft (xbox 360 version) sometime in the near fututre so keep reading!

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Wii U Will Be Out In America Before Japan

Yesterday, tons of information has been released for the Wii U, such as the price, release date, and what will be included in the box.

The Wii U will be hitting shelves in the US on November 18 whereas Europe and Australia will be getting it on November 30. Japan though will be seeing the Wii U in stores a little later as it will be coming out there on December 8.

The basic Wii U, which is white, will cost you $299 and will include the console, the GamePad, 8GB of memory, AC adapters, a sensor bar and an HDMI cable. The Deluxe Set will come with a black Wii U console and a black GamePad with an AC adapter, HDMI cable, 32 GB memory, GamePad Charging Cradle, Stands for GamePad and Console and Nintendo Land; this will all cost you $349.

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