Halo Online: All You Need To Know
Halo Online has now been officially confirmed by 343 Industries, but why should you be excited? Have a look at our Halo Online analysis to cover all details released so far! Halo Online is developed by Sabre Interactive, and Innova Systems, and will be in open beta over the coming months exclusive to PC. It will be a Free To Play title, and will feature microtransactions to upgrade weapons faster, and obtain abilities. No campaign will ship with the game, hence the name “Halo Online”. The game will run on a highly modified Halo 3 Engine, to allow it to run on low-end PCs.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection Xbox One Bundle Releasing Next Week.
Earlier today, Microsoft announced a “Halo: The Master Chief Collection” Xbox One Bundle will be releasing soon, which aims to discount customers when purchasing an Xbox One, and moving over the next iteration in the Halo franchise. This has been timed with the release of the new content update, which fixed many of the games problems, and the Halo: Championship Series Season 1 Finals, which wrapped up yesterday. The bundle will include: Xbox One 500GB Console Xbox One Wireless Controller Halo: The Master Chief Collection Digital Download Code [For the Xbox Store] The bundle will be releasing in the US, and “select markets” this month, for $349, which is a standard price for the Xbox One in the United States. Employees of “The Carphone Warehouse”, in the UK have also been sent a promotional email, which allows them gain an employee discount on the console, and has consequently announced a release date of Monday 16th March for the United Kingdom. This may also indicate the bundle will release on the 16th March for the US, as there is little time for a suitable release date prior. Now available for pre-order at Best Buy! http://www.bestbuy.com/site/microsoft-xbox-one-500gb-halo-the-master-chief-collection-bundle-black/3558174.p?id=1219588141853&skuId=3558174&ref=199&loc=te1Fq2FCseg&acampID=1&siteID=te1Fq2FCseg-OZtJB_6Y7cPeB0uSOhhJxg Are you looking to upgrade to the Halo: MCC Xbox One bundle? Or are you already enjoying the new patch? Make sure to let us know @RectifyGaming!
Microsoft Launches SDK for Developers to Build Apps on Xbox One
The SDK [Software Development Kit] for the Xbox One has been announced to release today, by Microsoft. The announcement was made at the Games Developer Conference, by Phil Spencer on a panel this afternoon, which focuses on developers for the Xbox One ecosystem, tools available, and the ID@Xbox Program. The SDK will be accessible by select preview testers in the first wave today, however any developer will be able to access the devkit in the coming months. (I would expect May). The SDK heavily promotes cross-platform features, and use of cross-play, cross-buy, and the unified system being implemented across all Windows 10 releases. The introduction of the SDK also came with the announcement of the expansion of ID@Xbox to new platforms, and new features with DirectX 12.
Hints That Destiny Will Massively Expand On Story As John Ryan Moves To Bungie:
Today we have discovered that a lead story writer from ArenaNet, is moving to Bungie as an editor and writer. John Ryan, who worked on large titles, such as the Guild Wars franchise confirmed on Twitter that he was leaving to join Bungie, and help develop story for the company. This doesn’t confirm that he is working on the Destiny franchise, however is likely that he will be working on their only large IP. Destiny’s story was massively cut due to the departure of Joseph Staten in 2013, and a new lead writer, would mean that a large amount of fiction can finally be built upon. The announcement of this means a lot for Destiny fans, and increases the chance of the development of lore massively, not only for future expansions, but Destiny 2. This could lead into the Destiny “Comet” Release, which is a massive content update releasing in Fall 2015. The way Destiny is currently structured would not allow for massive changes to how story is delivered, however Destiny 2 will likely have a developed plot, not only after criticism at launch, but now after the new addition to the Bungie team.
Ubisoft Confirms 5 Triple-A Releases for 2015:
Recently in a conference call with investors, Ubisoft representatives have confirmed they aim to release 5 major “Triple-A” Titles in 2015. The games confirmed include the much awaited “The Division” as well as “Rainbow Six Siege” and Assassins Creed (Victory?) CEO Yves Guillemot explained how “The strong install base” for next generation consoles “should offer a nice tail-wind, and we expect software growth to come back”. Also within the call, they announced that more will be shared about Assassin Creed, at the end of May. Those announcements however leave us wondering what the other two titles could be? There are currently no other major releases planned, and with many franchises owned by Ubisoft, a new entry to a series could be announced? What do you think the new Ubisoft releases could be? Make sure to tell us on the forums or @RectifyGaming!
PAYDAY 2: The Hype Train Announced!
Overkill Software, developers of Payday 2, the award winning Heist and Robbery game, have announced “The Hype Train”, and new wave of DLC and offers, for the Payday 2 Community. The Hype Train is similar to the Crimefest, which involves the community completing certain tasks or challenges, and meeting set criteria, to unlock content in the future. The Hype Train currently “runs” on gallons of “Hype Fuel”, which is gained by the community by acquiring DLC, and Heists. The event is from February 5th to March 12th, and all PAYDAY 2 owners can participate in the event. Also over this period of time, as an incentive to participate, players get a 110% XP for all Jobs and Heists. The current objectives are as follows: The Side Jobs Feature [200,000 Gallons of Hype Fuel] SWAT Van Turret Enemy [300,000 Gallons of Hype Fuel] The Butcher Mod Pack [500,000 Gallons of Hype Fuel] Heist Updates [700,000 Gallons of Hype Fuel] The Car Shop Heist [900,000 Gallons of Hype Fuel] Golden GRIN Casino Preview [1,000,000 Gallons of Hype Fuel] Bonnie Character Pack [1,200,000 Gallons of Hype Fuel] 10 Heisters Flown to LA [1,400,000 Gallons of Hype Fuel] Hoxton Revenge Heist [1,600,000 Gallons of Hype Fuel] PAYDAYCON LA [2,000,000 Gallons of Hype Fuel] All these items are planned to be released during the Spring Break Event, between March 13th – March 21st To gain Hype Fuel, DLC must be purchased. The conversion rate is a follows: One OVERKILL Pack: 3 Gallons of Hype Fuel OVERKILL 4-Pack: 12 Gallons of Hype Fuel One Completely OVERKILL Pack: 14 Gallons of Hype Fuel Completely OVERKILL 4-Pack: 14 Gallons of Hype Fuel Any copy of Payday 2/DLC Pack: 1 Gallon of Hype Fuel For more information of the Hype Train, and rules, check the Overkill Software website! Payday 2 will be also releasing for Xbox One and Playstation 4, with DLC, this summer. Is this a good deal for the players? Or just a marketing ploy? Discuss this on the Forums!
Monty Oum – Animator for Red vs Blue and RWBY, Has Passed Away:
From the days of Haloid, to Red vs Blue and RWBY, Monty Oum has always been loved, and respected by not only the Rooster Teeth community, but gamers, anime fans, and content consumers. He helped build upon Rooster Teeth, and brought their content to new levels, in animation, storytelling, and fictional universes. A few days ago, it was announced that Monty Oum had been taken into hospital, after slipping into a coma, from an allergic reaction to a “simple medical prodecure”. And today it has been announced, that on February 1st 2015, he has sadly passed away. This was posted, around 7PM GMT, on Matt Hullum’s Journal, on the Rooster Teeth website: Our friend, inspiration and co-worker Monty Oum passed away yesterday afternoon at 4:34 PM surrounded by people who loved him very much. Ten days ago Monty suffered a severe allergic reaction during a simple medical procedure that left him in a coma. Although he fought bravely, his body was not able to recover. During his time in the hospital he was well cared for and never in pain at any time. Monty is survived by his wife Sheena, his father Mony, his brothers Woody, Sey, Chivy and Neat, and his sisters Thea and Theary, as well as a countless number of fans and friends. We were so proud to be a part of his life and we will miss him greatly. Your generosity during the hours after the public statement on Friday will help his family deal with the costs of his care and his passing. You made an incredible difference during a difficult time and we cannot thank you enough. As for honoring Monty, we will do that in our own way. In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that you simply do something creative. Use your imagination to make the world a better place in any way that you can. If you know Monty like we do, then you know he would certainly be doing that if he were able to. Monty was 33 years old. Monty will be sorely missed, and we wish his family all the best. Love you bro <3
New Just Cause 3 Screenshots Spread Online:
New screenshots for the highly anticipated Just Cause 3 have arisen over the past view hours, after gaining traction on NeoGAF, and rapidly spreading across the internet. The new screenshots show how great the new entry to the franchise looks graphically, and obviously has drawn attraction to the release. The currently released screenshots show some of the humorous twists [which the Just Cause franchise is no stranger to] and more serious, sides of the game, while showcasing the wingsuit, grappling hook, and many more ways to build chaos in the environment. Below, I have included some sample images, however all the screenshots can be viewed in an album here!
Battlefield 4: Second Assault Free for EA Access Members:
The expansion pack for Battlefield 4, “Second Assault” is now free for current EA Access members. The expansion can be accessed from the Xbox One Store or EA Access Hub, between now and February 28th and once attached to your account, is free to use for a lifetime. The maps included are remakes of fan favourites from Battlefield 3, but include new “Levolution” moments, and environmental events. The download will give you access to the 4 remade maps, Operation Metro, Gulf of Oman, Caspian Border and Operation Firestorm. Also bundled into the pack are new gamemodes, vehicles and ten new assignments to work through. This is the first time Battlefield 4 DLC has been free to members, however similar deals may appear in the future. Pick up your copy of Second Assault here!
Battlefield Hardline Beta Release Date and New Features Revealed:
UPDATE: The Battlefield Hardline Beta has been extended to February 9th for all platforms. The release date for the Battlefield Hardline Beta has been announced today, and with that, a variety of features have been revealed, and showcased. The Beta will run from February 3rd until February 8th, and be available on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4 and PC. This release of the beta will be open and accessible for free online by any individual. The beta will feature three different maps, Downtown, Dustbowl, and Bank Job playable with three different gamemodes. Hotwire, is an adrenaline filled gamemode, which features the “Criminals” stealing a selection of marked cars, and trying to escape with them, while the law enforcement will chase them, attempting to re-gain possession. The gamemode has an increased pace compared to the other gametypes, and requires skill in driving and communication. This gamemode will be playable on the maps Downtown, and Dustbowl. Conquest is making a return to the Battlefield franchise, and includes the same mechanics as seen in the earlier iterations. There are certain areas on the map that the teams have to capture, and hold for a duration of time, in order to earn points. After holding a majority of the points for a set amount of time, the opposing teams “tickets” will reach zero, and have lost the game. This gamemode will be exclusive to Dustbowl in the beta, and will use the Conquest 64 variant, preferred by the community in general. Finally, the Heist gamemode [before GTA eh?] will be playable on the map “Bank Job”. In this gamemode the criminals will enter a bank vault, and control hostages, while the police rescue them, and prevent the crooks from escaping with the cash. This has obviously taken inspiration from the popular heist and bank robbery game Payday 2, therefore expect some aspects to be similar. A new hacker mode has also recently been implemented, which allows one player on each team to have access to an aerial view of the map, control key environmental events and use gadgets to help the team. This mechanic is the successor to the Commander Mode, which has a high popularity in Battlefield 4, on console, PC, and mobile. This role is useable in all the beta gamemodes. The beta will be available for on the 3rd February, however, pre-loading for Origin for PC has been confirmed, starting at February 2nd at 10am PST/1pm EST/6pm GMT. This means players can download the 10-11GB beta before the release date, and can play instantly when the beta releases. The Xbox One, and Playstation 4 versions will be from 10-11GB also, but no pre-loading has been confirmed at this point. The Xbox 360, and Playstation 3 versions will be below 4GB, so expect these versions to have a lesser experience than that of the next generation consoles, and PC. The next generation and PC versions of the beta will allow up to 32-64 players, and 24 on the previous generation. There will be absolutely no level cap for the beta of the game, so the levelling system can be freely explored over the 5 day period. No progression will transfer to the final version of the game. This beta looks very promising; however the next step is seeing how these changes roll out and are received by the public. Due to the experiences that EA gained from Battlefield 4, Hardline will likely be a strong contender in 2015. PS: Don’t forget to check out the new gameplay trailer here!
