Age Of Conan's All-Dancing, All-PVPing Evolution Plans

So Funcom and Eidos released Age of Conan, and hundreds of thousands of players have signed up...what now? The two companies have revealed their plans for evolving Age of Conan over the coming months, with heaps of new content influenced directly by player feedback in the pipes.

It all starts out later this month with a major PVP update, which they are calling "To The Death." The update will institute consequences and rewards for engaging in PVP battles, including the promised PVP leveling system and a Fugitive system, that will make it easier for other players to hunt you down the more lower-level characters you kill.

Other planned updates include guild alliance warfare, allowing guilds to team up and even form alliance keeps while fighting over "wonders of the world" that grant special powers, a system of in-game achievements called Powerpoints that will reward players for completing various tasks with points they can spend on special gear and powers, new areas to quest in, and a combo-based dancing system motion captured from professional dance artists. Joy! Hit the jump for more details on the evolution of Age of Conan.

Burnout Paradise Cagney Update Dated

Criterion continues to roll out their giant content patches for Burnout Paradise. Hot on the heels of the Bogart patch, which mainly consisted of bug fixes and a few minor features, the company has announced the official release date for the more ambitious Cagney update. On July 10th at 9AM UK time, Burnout Paradise owners will gain access to three new Freeburn modes, over 70 new Freeburn challenges, two new vehicles, 3 new liveries, and the long-awaited ability to create custom soundtracks on your PlayStation 3. Hit the link below to see a full rundown of the changes coming with Cagney.

I finally bought the game this weekend ($40 at Walmart) and I must say I am not disappointed with my purchase. A whole lot of game for a rather nice price, and with August bringing the addition of motorcycles to the game it only gets better.

Criterion Games Announces Date for Cagney Software Update [The Criterion Games Blog]

TF2 Updates: May I Ax You A Question?

In my humble opinion, PSN is outrocking XBLA in terms of new and original titles. But more and more I'm seeing the two services as separate entities. PSN takes risks and finds incredible new talent and fresh IPs. XBLA gives us an easy way to play our old favorites.

This Wednesday Microsoft is releasing SNK Playmore's heralded classic Metal Slug 3 to XBLA for 800 points. Now in 720p and featuring online co-op multiplayer, I'm almost glad I didn't pump a boatload of quarters into the game when I spotted a cabinet a few months back. But man I've gotta pick up a joystick for the 360 already.

Metal Slug 3 [xbox]

Sony Attempting Fewer PS3 Firmware Updates And In-Game XMB

We're trying to certainly cut down on the amount of times we do it. But on occasion when we've got these good features ready to go, let's give them out to the consumers. Let's get them out there. We definitely understand that it does happen frequently and that can be somewhat annoying to some users.

Golden Axe: Beast Rider Sounds a Lot Like Lair