Author: Thomas Ortsik

Founder and Kinda-Editor-In-Chief at Twinstiq.
Also known as Dr. Strangethumb

Last Gen Mortal Kombat X Delayed, Again

Title Now Expected to Hit PS3 and 360 This December

An email has been sent out to those who Pre-ordered the game on Amazon,  stating that the release date for the game has been changed by the publisher.  The page for both the PS3 and Xbox360 version of the game have been updated to reflect the new release date. If this information holds up, last gen console owners will not be able to play the game on those systems until late December of this year. 

Check out the screen shot of my very own Amazon listing below:

We will keep you updated with more information as it becomes available. 

Source: Amazon

Jye’s Opinion: Platform Wars Might Be Beneficial

I prefer dedicated game consoles. I've owned a PC, and even enjoyed the experience of tweaking the latest hardware to squeeze out every drop of performance, but I've decided a while ago it's just not for me. There are many non-technical reasons for this, specifically that I don't want to do a whole lot with my gaming system. I just want it to work. I can still play games as far back as 1978, and all I have to do is hook the system up to my TV and pop in the game. I can even buy cheap collections with dozens of older games for a modern console, and play that way. Maybe I can't do it all on my current system, but I've just never gotten rid of my older systems and their software because of that.

If you're annoyed by exclusives, you're probably not the only one, but sometimes that's the nature of the game. You've got the Kinect on the Xbox and Xbox One, the Wii has a unique controller, and the Wii U as well. The PSOne introduced a unique layout with dual analog sticks and dual shoulder buttons on each side that proved useful enough to make the basic setup of most gamepads today. The PlayStation 3 had motion sensing used in a few distinct ways in games like Flower and Heavy Rain, and the PlayStation 4 has a touchpad that simplifies certain actions such as scrolling or touch gestures. All of these can be used to deliver an experience only optimal on a particular platform.

The Theory

Yes, the hardware inside today's consoles is largely similar, and the game library could very well be unified with not much reason to keep them tied to one particular manufacturer's console. The idea of competing platforms without much difference from each other, barring exclusive games, may seem asinine on the surface but in reality, certain games may never have been made were it not for these deals.

Games that are subsidized by the console's manufacturer have the opportunity to bring something unique to the table with a high profile. Games like flOw, Flower, Journey, and The Unfinished Swan represent some indie games that would not have been possible without cooperation from a platform partner, and this would have required an exclusivity deal. Street Fighter V was not a focus for Capcom, and may not have been possible in its current form were it not for a partnership. A lot of marketing, development resources, and funding is provided, therefore risk is absorbed. Likewise, Mass Effect was heavily supported and promoted by Microsoft, and was a gamble considering the presumption from the outset that the story arc would span three games.

Bloodborne received a huge boost of support and cooperation from Sony, resulting in a faster turnaround time (developed in about two years), and fantastic presentation due to optimization for the platform. Regardless of the similarities between the Xbox One and PS4, they share a different underlying API structure, and porting a game written on one target platform is not as simple as copying over the code and clicking "Compile" on another development kit. Even the differences in hardware still have to be accounted for. Getting a game to perform well and look good is not a matter of fiddling with sliders until it runs at a reliable frame rate.

The Hardware

This is why within the PC itself, it's difficult to get a consistent experience across all operating systems and game engines. There are multiple tools available to developers, choosing which graphics API to use, particle and physics engine, or even what complete game framework to invest in. Whether you have an in-house or pre-packaged solution, you have to take into account the varied specifications the end user will have, meaning you need to do a lot of work to make your assets look good on very basic hardware all the way up to advanced. Everyone wants to feel like they are getting the most out of their hardware, from the power user to the person who can't afford the latest but still considers the PC to be their main gaming machine. With all of these variables, a lot of the time, games end up broken on day one on certain configurations and a smooth experience is not always in the cards.
Sure, 60fps and full native resolution with the highest visual fidelity is not a necessity for fun, but personally I want to at least have a guaranteed baseline on any game. A console will at least render every game playable and enjoyable for about five years, with a fraction of the worries or hassles. It may not look as incredible if you had a chance to update your hardware every year, but again it must be stressed that the highest visual fidelity is not a necessity. With that said, considering that you do have to stick with the same hardware for five years, trying to determine a performance leader is still somewhat of an issue.

The Software

Because of software exclusivity, hardware is not the ultimate determining factor when you make the choice of what system to purchase. It's in the parent company's interest to make their system as attractive as possible, and that means a unique library at some level. In today's risk averse market, making a new IP with a unique premise that may or may not take hold, could result in the loss of millions of dollars. Through cooperation by an experienced developer and platform holder, both of these issues can be resolved, resulting in a quality production for one specific system. These games now have a chance to exist, and some extra freedom and resources are given to the project, along with consumer visibility.

Due to the desire to have a constant stream of AAA hits, such people might be missing out on some gems by turning up their nose. Because not everyone is a core gamer, many will expect high quality and production values, and without these, a game may not catch the attention of enough people to thrive. A lot of people are simply turned off by the idea of another retro themed game, maybe something that looks like it was made in flash, or a minimalist abastract presentation. It's a shame, but this results in many great titles being overlooked until they have a huge budget behind them. The biggest example that comes to mind, is the huge hit Portal, whose predecessor was Narbacular Drop, which was considered a curiosity by those who knew it even existed.
There are some counter examples of high profile indie games on a smaller budget, such as Braid which was self funded by its creator, and Fez, a five year long work of love done in spare time and a government loan. Even then, it eventually had to rely on a funding partnership that involved a cut of the profits. More recently, projects have sought funding through Kickstarter. After being burned so often by ventures that went nowhere, solicited donations are not as easy to come by. Because of this, a large up front investment in something more than a few mock-up screenshots has to be presented by the developer.

The Fun

The platform wars aren't all bad. Because of them, there is more incentive to develop high quality experiences, building a library that is worthy of the cost of entry.

The truth is, today, no matter which platform you choose, you're going to have a good time. Maybe you'll even get in on all of them so you don't miss a thing, whether you spend a lot of money to do that initially or pick up the system and games at the tail end of a cycle for cheap. Fun games are always fun.

Don't worry too much about what platform you choose, or how many of them, just have a good time!

Could Nick Arcade be Coming Back?

Do you have fond memories of watching two teams face off in the latest games and trivia rounds to see who would get to advance to the Video Zone and finally be crowned Video Game Wizard of the day? You'll be happy to hear that Nick Arcade host Phil Moore, announcer Andrea Lively, co-producer James Bethea and co-creator Karim Miteff are teaming up to produce a spiritual successor to the 90s children's game show!
Enthlevel aims to become a show that will keep the spirit of its predecessor, and bring it up to modern hardware levels with a focus on VR. Teen and adult contestants will take on challenges in a virtual environment where live action is translated into CG gameplay. Watch the show normally, or equipped with a VR headset, experience an immersive point of view through in-game cameras.

Ultimately the goal is to raise $2.75M for a fully produced series, but the team is starting off with a $375,000 production real to pitch the show to attract buyers and distribution partners. The next step will be a full pilot episode at $1.25M.

The show will feature challenges from actual early 90s games, all the way to current hits, with rounds separated by VR missions. The last team standing will go for a bonus challenge prize. Check out the kickstarter for a complete list of details and backer bonuses!

Source: A.V. Club

Star Trek Boldly Goes to gog Galaxy!

Three Star Trek games have, for the first time ever, warped onto gog.com! Continue past the break for details on which ones, and what this means for a certain Galaxy.
For the first time ever on digital download, three classic Star Trek games make themselves available on gog. We have Star Trek: Starfleet Academy which has a lot of live action video, if you're into that. We also have Star Trek: Judgement Rites, a sequel to the ever popular and enjoyable Star Trek: 25th Anniversary game, which is also now available from gog.com! Honestly if you're a fan of Star Trek and you've never played the 25th Anniversary you owe it to yourself to correct that mistake. It's a classic, and one I plan on covering in video review form soon. Either with my old floppies or through this gog version, which I plan on purchasing after I post this!

What do you think of this news? Excited to play these older classics? Don't care about the original series or its games? Leave a comment below and let us know!
Author: Billy C
Link to Announcement: gog.com Star Trek Games!
Price: $5.99 per game or $17.97 for all three.

A Closer Look at Axiom Verge, Coming to Windows May 14

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Tom Happ is no stranger to game development, having worked on commercial projects including the MOBA End of Games, the Tiger Woods PGA Tour golf series, and sports arcade game NFL Street. Among a growing library of modern retro-styled games arises Axiom Verge, a stand out thanks to thoughtful and inspired composition from its sole developer. Like Cave Story and Shovel Knight, Axiom Verge unmistakabely manages to match a discerning level of quality and care.
Clearly Happ's inspiration drawn from Metroid hasn't fizzled, but grown throughout the years. Starting with a very direct homage to Metroid for the GameBoy Advance, the homebrew demo Orn does not stray very far from the source material. A side story involving a smuggler making a delivery to planet Zebeth, it takes us through familiar territory, but displays Happ's desire to put his own unique spin on the classic. Axiom Verge is a much more original project, and is clearly a pet project that is very close to the heart.
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While there are some opaque similarities to Metroid in its presentation, they belie the subverting nature of the underlying design. How you tackle many situations that will appear familiar at first will throw you off if you rely too much on the intuition you have gained through learning Metroid's characteristics. The solutions could be staring at you right in the face, and if you're too caught up in the conventions of Nintendo's classic, you may even overlook them. Puzzling them out is very rewarding and empowering, realizing what you can now accomplish using these skills elsewhere, and the solutions can be quite cool.
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There are many unique tools at your disposal to gain traction in various puzzling circumstances, but when all other methods are exhausted, you can pull out the Glitch Ray. This ingenious tool will alter platforms, blocks, enemies, and more in unpredictable ways that can help you overcome seemingly impossible situations. Turn a pest spawning enemy into a health fountain, turn airborne spores into floating footholds, or clip through normally impenetrable walls.
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Many enjoyable staples from Metroid are still here, hidden rooms and power ups to find, and a sprawling interconnected map to explore, but there is a thick layer of individuality that sets Axiom Verge apart as a fresh experience. Far from a by the numbers remake, you'll be able to rediscover the feeling of playing Super Metroid for the first time.

Available on Windows May 14th, with Linux, Vita, and Mac versions planned, a whole new audience will get to explore the high tech alien world and uncover its secrets. Its price may make you hesitant, but I highly recommend jumping in if you are at all interested.

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Xbox One Could Get DVR Capabilities This Year

Windows Media Center, a DVR and Media Player suite with an interface that works well on both the desktop and in the living room, is being phased with Xbox Video as a suggested replacement. For now, it lacks the DVR functionality that were introduced with Windows MCE, but this may all change later this year.
Paul Thurrott of WinSuperSite and the Windows Weekly podcast has been in contact with unnamed sources, who are assuring the arrival of TV broadcast recording functionality. Through Xbox Video, this should allow the Xbox One to act as a DVR, complementing one of its core features, the OneGuide.

Continuously adding new features through firmware updates, the Xbox One feature set now includes digital TV tuner support in North America, which has been available in Europe for over a year. Perhaps Microsoft's renewed focus on Xbox One entertainment could actually regain its momentum with DVR capabilities.

Source: Neowin

Sega 3D Classics May Continue

In a recent interview with Famitsu, Producer Yosuke Okunari revealed the exciting possibility of more 3D Classics to come after the second wave, and even though there are no concrete plans at this time, the general feeling is that the series will continue "indefinitely" as long as there is demand.
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Image courtesy of the official Sega Blog

Okunari (pictured on the right) states "Of course we want to consider the development of a third wave based on the response to this second wave, but we have no plans at this point in time," and continues "We’ll look at the big picture, that is, we’ll look at the sales trends."

Sega's 3D Classics are available on the 3DS eShop, and if you're enjoying them, you might want to consider collecting them all to ensure the future of the excellently produced series.

SEGA Missing from This Year’s E3 Floor

SEGA fans all over will be sad to hear that for the first time since E3 began, the shrinking game developer will not have a booth. This truly marks the end of an era. Amidst restructuring and staff reductions, SEGA will turn their focus towards digital distribution on PC and mobile as their best chance at success.
Walking down the hallway of the glamorous Twinstiq office towards the cooler for a drink, I caught our own Andrew J. Amideo quietly sobbing in a corner. As I approached, he uttered the words "I just died a little inside." Upon hearing the news myself, I went into an almost catatonic state as memories of the Master System, Genesis, Saturn, and Dreamcast flashed before my eyes. Andrew splashed a paper cup full of cold natural spring water, bringing me back to reality. A depressing reality. Thanks a lot Andrew.
It is this reporter's wish that SEGA will find success in its new direction, bringing them back to their former dazzling glory. There are a lot of good properties that can be capitalized on, hopefully revitalizing a once giant force in the video game business.
Source: Ars Technica

ZX Spectrum Recreated: Zed X rises from grave. Zombie X?

That's right ladies and gentlemen, a UK company is going to be resurrecting the zombified corpse of the once beloved ZX Spectrum. Keep reading past the break for more details.
The Recreated Sinclair ZX Spectrum is very appropriately named. It will recreate the feel and nostalgia of playing games on the old machines while bringing in some fun new features. For starters, it's a wireless device and it can work as a standalone keyboard if that's what you fancy. Alternately you can use the bluetooth 3.0 to connect to many phones, tablets, computers and TVs to provide a monitor for this wherever you happen to be. 
Now, you'll need certain apps, free I'm told, to connect the keyboard in order to run this device as a true ZX Spectrum. With the app though you'll be able to play original ZX Spectrum games, as well as program your own in Sinclair Spectrum Basic! That all sounds like great fun if you're already nostalgic for the ZX, or perhaps if you are just really into retro gaming or hardware.
So how do you get your hands on one? They're up for pre-order from several sites, all UK based sadly. The price? 
£99 , which is going to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $150. I don't see myself rushing out to pick this up, but I imagine it will do quite well in the UK where the ZX Spectrum was massively popular in it's day.


What are your thoughts on The Recreated Sinclair ZX Spectrum? Will you pick one up or is it a foolish attempt to capitalize on nostalgia? Let us know in the comments below. 

Author: Billy C
Device: The Recreated ZX Spectrum
Pre-Order Locations
Price: £99 or $151.31

No Sony Press Conference At Gamescom 2015

If you are planning on visiting Cologne for some fresh Sony news, you might be out of luck. Sony Computer Entertainment just confirmed to Videogamer.com that they won’t be attending Gamescom this year.
The reason stated for this step? Well, you see, E3 got pushed back a week, Gamescom is a week early and they found out that I would be attending. So to save themselves the embarrassment of not having anything to show me that wasn’t already at E3, they decided to just skip their Gamescom press conference and instead hold an “international media briefing” at Paris Games Week in October.

Bummer.