Kotaku: Game Informer

Star Trek Online Revealed! Um, In New Game Informer

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:40:00 MDT

Not here, sadly. We don't have magazine covers to bargain with, you know. But Game Informer, the print kings of the exclusive do, and they have a 10-page blow-out on Cryptic's Star Trek Online. With no Star Trek TV show to rally behind and a feature film that feels light years away, the possibility of commanding our own starship — or perhaps making Sumarian Sunsets in the ship's mess hall — is appealing even to me. And I loathe MMOs.

The October ish of Game Informer should be deployed by shuttle to newsstands any minute now, if you're interested in boldly going wherever $14.99 a month will take you. Perhaps more interesting is the "What If? starring Assassins’ Creed’s Patrice Desilets" feature, because we assume it highlights alternate facial hair choices for the Ubisoft developer.

October Issue Revealed [GI - thanks, Ian!]

Guitar Hero 4 Drums Revealed

Mike Fahey — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:20:00 MDT

Someone over at the Destructoid blogs just posted a scan of the latest issue of Game Informer magazine, revealing the drum set for Activision's upcoming increasingly erroneously named Guitar Hero 4. The set ups the ante over Rock Band, having only three pads and a petal but adding two dedicated cymbals to the mix. Feels like a case of "but ours goes to eleven" to me, but they had to stay competitive somehow I suppose. Hit up the link for slightly more information, but if you really want the full scoop, pick up the latest issue of Game Informer magazine.

The First Shot of the Drum Kit that will be used in GH 4 [Destructoid Blogs via Ars Technica - Thanks Matt!]

Guitar Hero IV Adds Drums, Vocals, Create A Song

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:00:40 MDT

According to a NeoGAF poster armed with the latest issue of Game Informer magazine, Guitar Hero IV will, as expected, focus on more than just faux guitar playing, as the next proper iteration is said to add drums and vocals, just like Rock Band. Where GH IV is expected to go above and beyond the Rock Band experience is in its custom creation modes.

Guitar Hero IV will feature a "create a song" mode, allegedly, which appears to let gamers lay down guitar, bass and drum tracks—but no vocals—then upload their creations for others to enjoy. That song sharing mode is said to extend beyond the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, with Wii and PlayStation 2 versions getting their own song sharing.

Additional details from the NeoGAF post indicate that players will be able to create custom virtual musicians, virtual guitars and virtual drums. As for the licensed stock tracks, tunes from Van Halen, The Eagles, Linkin Park and Sublime are said to appear.

More early details on Guitar Hero IV at the original post. Expect to see official word in no time at all.

Game Informer June 2008 Issue [NeoGAF]

Gears 2 Info Spews Forth Like Blood From A Head Wound

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:20:00 MDT

The latest issue of Game Informer isn't quite on news-stands yet, but it is in the hands of subscribers. Said issue has a big feature on Gears of War 2's singleplayer, with all kinds of plot, character and gameplay revelations to be found within, all of which has somehow ended up on the internets. Know, then, that the game's drop-in, drop-out co-op play will let the two players select different difficulty levels. And that there's another vehicle mission, only this time in a tank. And that Clifford Bleszinski says "We have creatures that make the Brumak look like a baby panda bear". And that there's a ton of new characters introduced, with Cole & Baird not with you at the start of the game. Should be enough to get you excited, but hey, if it's not, you could always scrape the pennies together and get a copy of the mag yourself. You cheap bastard.
Game Informer May 2008 Issue [SHOTEH FOCK OP @ NeoGAF]

New Aliens, Red Faction Games Christened

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:40:00 MST

Next month's Game Informer has the scoop on two big-name upcoming shooters. One is Gearbox's Aliens game, the other Volition's third Red Faction title. While the mag's not out yet, leaving us frustratingly short on info and screens, we can see that both games at least have snappy new subtitles, making it all the easier for us to differentiate them from past titles in the series/franchise. "Gearbox's Aliens game" can now be referred to as Aliens: Colonial Marines. What, I hear you ask, no Aliens, no Predator, no vs? Not a big surprise: we've heard the game is based very closely on the look/feel of Jim Cameron's film and Syd Mead's designs. "Red Faction III", meanwhile, must now be known by its official title, which is Red Faction: Guerilla.
Game Informer March Cover Revealed [GI]

Game Informer Reveals Resistance 2

Mike Fahey — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:00:35 MST

NeoGAFfer Wollan received the latest issue of Game Informer magazine today, and breathlessly rushed to his computer to transcribe details about the cover story - Insomniac's Resistance 2, the follow up to one of the PlayStation 3's biggest hits (and only really good launch title) Resistance: Fall of Man. Highlights include two story modes, one for single player and one for either split-screen local play or 8 player co-op. Also of note is the introduction of character classes, with players being able to choose from a tank, a specialist, or a medic for multiplayer goodness. Speaking of multiplayer, the game will support up to 60 players online, with players forming up in 4-8 man squads in the lobbies with different objectives during the match to help keep things from devolving into giant free-for-alls. Other details include limited randomized geometry within levels to keep things fresh, graphics and performance that tap more PS3 power than ever before, and much, much more.

Check out the GAF thread to see Wollan's complete write-up, or better yet just get your hands on a copy of Game Informer as soon as humanly possible. I've not known their writers to be given to unnecessary hype, so when they end a story with "Resistance 2 will be too epic to dismiss as anything but one of the biggest, boldest, and most high-reaching titles of 2008. It's a game that won't be ignored", I can't help but get just a little excited.

RESISTANCE 2 REVEALED! [NeoGAF - thanks, megadude]

Ghostbusters: The Game Lives!

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:20:00 MST

The next issue of Game Informer features another magazine exclusive reveal—Ghostbusters! The game, seemingly a sequel to the first two films, was rumored to have been in the works at developer ZootFly after a video of a Ghostbusters title was leaked onto the internet. The game now appears to be officially coming to... some unnamed platform(s). The even better news is that original Ghostbusters stars Harold Ramis, Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd will be involved. Quite heavily involved, actually, as GI writes that the three are helming scriptwriting and voice over duties.

We have the tools, we have the talent, let's just hope that we have the gameplay.

Game Informer's December Cover Revealed! [Game Informer]

Team ICO Working On "The Last Canyon"? No.

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 15:20:00 MDT

A rumor regarding Team ICO's follow up to PlayStation 2 hit Shadow of the Colossus has been circulating the internet today, citing a preview of Fumito Ueda's PLAYSTATION 3 bound The Last Canyon. According to the rumor, the latest issue of Game Informer describes Team ICO's third game as set in "one gigantic, wide flat desert [...] interspersed with canyons [...] and all of different width and depth" featuring a familiar climbing gameplay aspect and a glider made of wood and cloth. If the preview weren't so poorly written and conceptually so close to SotC, it could have sounded genuine. Fortunately, the Kotaku bullshit detector starting whooping like crazy.

The rumor seems to have originated from a PS3Forums posting titled "Game Informer to reveal the Team ICO game?" with a transcribed article, but no scans, photos or links.

Fortunately, Andy McNamara of Game Informer poked his head into the NeoGAF thread on the matter, casting even more serious doubt on the preview. According to GI's Editor-In-Chief "This is not in the next issue of Game Informer. The new GI has something new...but its from another much-loved developer."

Too carefully worded? What if it's in the Game Informer issue after that? McNamara tries to bring sanity to the Team ICO next-gen rumor circus. "Trust me...we'll try to get the next Team ico game....love those guys" he wrote in a follow up post, "But I wouldn't slam the door shut on the next issue yet."

Is Team ICO hard at work on a PS3 project? Most definitely. Is it The Last Canyon? Nah. This rumor is a colossal pile of heart-wrenching lies fabricated by a cruel, cruel man. We continue to wait.

Rumour: Are you ready to glide through "The Last Canyon?" [Team ICO Gamers]

Game Informer Adds Fuel To Bungie Departure Fire

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:40:38 MDT

The details on what's really going on between Microsoft and Halo series developer Bungie are still foggy, but Game Informer helps to brush away some of the fog of future console wars by detailing more specifics on the matter. According to GI, interested parties have purchased the naming rights of the development studio from its parent company, with Microsoft retaining rights to the Halo franchise. No surprise there. GI's unnamed source, however, had more to say on the rumored split.

What's potentially more interesting is that Microsoft may also retain "right of first refusal" on future Bungie developed titles according to the source. That means they get first shot at, say, Mister Chief's Cook Off, should Bungie decide to deviate only slightly for its next title.

Again, this is not official word from Microsoft or Bungie, but from anonymous sources cited by Game Informer. Something is up and we're still looking into it. We'll keep you updated.

Bungie Actually Leaving Microsoft? [Game Informer]

New Fallout 3 Scans

fdemarco — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 16:00:00 MDT

The newest Game Informer has a bunch of new images and info for the upcoming Fallout 3. The folks over at No Mutants Allowed have gone and scanned it all in and posted them on their website for your perusal. I have included five of the pages below, but to check out all of them and read a transcription of the article, head on over to No Mutants Allowed. Or, you could just go buy the magazine and have it to love and cherish as your very own. Flynn De Marco

Game Informer Fallout 3 article scans [No Mutants Allowed - Thanks Nukacola89]

Square-Enix Goes Multiplatform With All-New RPG, The Last Remnant

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 07 May 2007 18:40:42 MDT

The latest issue of Game Informer features as-promised details on a new Square-Enix role playing game. That issue is now showing up in the mailboxes of subscribers and the magazine lovin' members of NeoGAF have begun to leak details on the game.

According to a post from NeoGAFer Sallokin, Square-Enix will release its single-player RPG The Last Remnant on "next generation platforms" which I'll assume means the PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360. The Last Remnant will be the first title to use Epic's Unreal Engine 3 which the company announced it was licensing earlier this year.

The game is designed to appeal to both Japanese and Western gamers with two main playable characters tailored to each region's tastes. The Last Remnant is directed by Hiroshi Takai who previously worked on The Bouncer and Legend of Mana.

Game Informer subscribes should wait out front for the mailman. Hopefully, we'll learn more about the game when Ashcraft attends the Square-Enix Party 2007, only days away. Michael McWhertor

The Last Remnant - New Square Enix RPG revealed in GI [NeoGAF]

Game Informer Teases GTA IV Exclusive

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 20:20:58 MDT

Grand Theft Auto fans may have to wait until Game Informer's May issue hits the racks in the coming weeks to get further dirt on the fourth proper GTA game. In addition to having details on 2K Sports Madden competitor, they've wrapped up an exclusive look at Rockstar's latest, so you may want to rethink that decision to pass on a magazine subscription. Who am I kidding? These GI scans will show up on the internet within seconds of some attention whoring subscriber getting his copy in the mail.

On behalf of the internet, we thank you, internet attention whores. And we mean that. Michael McWhertor

Game Informer Subscription Page

New Look At Naughty Dog's Uncharted

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 16:20:07 MST

Print institution Game Informer has revealed they've got the scoop on Naughty Dog's upcoming PLAYSTATION 3 action game Uncharted: Drake's Fortune due for their next issue. The online version of GI has scant details but throws us a bone in the form of some artwork and a snazzy, Quicktime-required 3D screenshot. What else about Uncharted will get you hot, bothered and ready to spend? Pirates! Michael McWhertor

Game Informer's April Cover Story Revealed! [Game Informer]

EA Shuttering Servers, Ending Support For Online Play

Michael McWhertor — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 08:57:11 MDT

According to Game Informer, EA has begun the process of ending online support for a number of older sports and racing titles. The article states that this information was sent to press on August 4th, with support ending for many titles on August 1st.

Check out the full list to see what you'll be playing solo come autumn.

October 1, 2006 Online Service Shutdown

Madden NFL 2005 for PS2
Madden NFL 2005 for Xbox
Madden NFL 2005 for PC
NFL Street 2: Unleashed for PS2 (I assume this is supposed to be simply NFL Street 2, as the Unleashed moniker was reserved for the PSP port)
NFL Street 2: Unleashed for Xbox

August 1, 2006 Online Service Shutdown

FIFA Soccer 2005 for PS2
FIFA Soccer 2005 for Xbox
FIFA Soccer 2005 Demo for Xbox
FIFA Soccer 2005 for PC
EA Sports Fight Night Round 2 for PS2
EA Sports Fight Night Round 2 for Xbox
NCAA March Madness 2005 for PS2
NCAA March Madness 2005 for Xbox
NBA Live 2005 for Xbox
NBA Live 2005 for PC
NBA Live 05 for PS2
NBA Street V3 for PS2
NBA Street V3 for Xbox
NCAA Football 2005 for PS2
Need for Speed Underground 2 Demo for PC
Need for Speed Underground 2 for PC
Need for Speed Underground 2 for Xbox
NHL 2005 for PS2
NHL 2005 for Xbox
NHL 2005 for PC
Total Club Manager 06 for PS2
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 for PS2
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 for PC
UEFA Champions League 2004-2005 for PS2
UEFA Champions League 2004-2005 for PC
UEFA Champions League 2004-2005 for Xbox

I can understand dropping support for many of these titles, but NBA Street V3 has only been out for something like 18 months. Bummer. Anyone out there get this communication from EA? Anyone still playing any of these titles online? Let us know. Michael McWhertor

EA Closes Online Service For Older Titles [Game Informer]

The Microsoft Motorcycle Gang Xbox 360 Chopper

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 10:22:57 MDT

Game retailer Gamestop Corp. recently had a contest through company owned Game Informer magazine, giving one lucky winner an Xbox 360 chopper. The extremely lime green bike is one-of-a-kind and was build by custom maker Martin Bros. Bike. We got an email with pics of the loot from a company insider. Our nameless source writes:

Last friday they put the Xbox 360 chopper in our lobby so all the employees can see it. The chopper is worth $125,000. I found out the winner was a 19 year old from Illinois.

Who promptly started his own Hell's Angels gang, terrorizing Sony and Nintendo fanboys in suburban Chicago. (Wow, I didn't even resort to a joke about it overheating! Am I proud.) Brian Ashcraft

Game Informer's Anonymous Developer Survey

brownlee — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 11:40:21 MDT

Game Informer conducted an anonymous developer survey to see what the industry game makers thought of developing for the Next Generation systems. The results are rather interesting.

For example, 77% of developers are excited by the Wii, but 67% of them admit that porting their currently developed titles to the Wii will be a nightmare, which seems to support the rumor that devs were caught with their pants down by the Wii.

On the subject of the PS3 development kits, 60% of developers are just barely satisfied by them, so that doesn't appear to have been the colossal Sony FUBAR it seemed to us outsiders. On the other hand, of the big three, developers are the least interested in developing for the Playstation 3... probably because it's a nightmare to program for. Florian Eckhardt

Game Informer Developer Survey [Cubed3] (Thanks, Chris!)

Microtransactions Coming To Wii?

Michael McWhertor — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 12:07:24 MDT

In the latest issue of Game Informer, Nintendo of America prez, COO, and burly hunk of fanboy manmeat Reggie Fils-Aime dropped some vague details on the company's WiiConnect24 online service. About the always on connection:

If you've gotten to a particular part in a game, we could push content out to you, so you get to battle a new boss. Maybe you get a new artifact; maybe you get a new weapon...that's just one example.

Looks like two examples, but we'll let that slide. Like most Nintendo staffers, Reggie is painfully cryptic about exactly what WiiConnect24 will offer, but those features both excite and give pause. How exactly will unlockable content be provided? Will we need to rely on an internet connection to progress particular story branches on the Wii? Will we have the option to buy in-game content, like weapons, wallpapers, and customized overalls? Duh! Of course!

If our licensee partners want to go in that direction, it's certainly possible in our system.

While it doesn't sound like anything is set in stone just yet, no one will deny that the microtransaction revenue stream is appealing to publishers. I'll bet my prized copy of Clu Clu Land we'll be seeing Xbox Live style microtransactions on WiiConnect24 as soon as is corporately possible. Michael McWhertor

Fils-Aime on WiiConnect24, Microtransactions

Rumor: System Shock 3 In The Works

brownlee — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 11:40:03 MDT

There is a rumor floating around, supposedly to be found in Game Informer magazine's latest 'Loose Talk' column, that System Shock 3 is in the works by EA.

But Irrational isn't the company working on it. Instead, the team that put together the execrable Godfather game has been put in charge of the project.

Wasn't that rapid succession of exquisite joy followed by unbearable torment fun? It's like having a nail gun shot into your spine at the moment of orgasm. Florian Eckhardt

The Irrelevancy of Game Mags Continues

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 29 May 2006 10:20:46 MDT

Wishful thinking or print game journalism's shortcomings? The June issue of Game Informer still refers to the Nintendo Wii as the "Revolution." This is from a monthly glossy that claims to be "The World's #1 Computer & Video Game Magazine." Ehem. Surely, the mag's nimble publishing wheels move fast enough to change stuff like this. The Wii has been named for what, over a month? That's like a year in blog dating. Brian Ashcraft

I Do Love Print [Game Informer] Thanks, Evan!

First Superman Screenshot?

Brian Crecente — Wed, 19 Oct 2005 14:00:04 MDT

Looks like Game Informer will be showcasing Superman in its upcoming issue. From the cover: Superman Returns. Can Electronic Arts & Tiburon Save the Man of Steel From His Dark Video Game Past. I can't tell if the cover is a screenshot, FMV capture or just artwork.

The issue is also going to have 10 pages of "xbox 360 screens and info."

Gallery [Blue Tights, thanks Mattia]