MTV Multiplayer

'Diablo III' Infographic Sheds Light on One Year's Worth of Demon-Slaying

MTV Video Games — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:00:46 +0000

by Joseph Leray

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of "Diablo III," Blizzard have concocted a handy-dandy infographic full of stats, curios, and comparisons to illustrate, I'm assuming, how successful and popular the game has been.

It's a big, meaty graphic, though, so the best way to view it is to navigate to the "Diablo III" blog and embiggen it from there. It's the easiest way to see, for example, that 14.5 million different people created characters in "Diablo III," or that Witch Doctor is the least popular class in normal and Hardcore modes.

I do have a quibble, though: the average number of daily users since "Diablo III"'s launch last year is listed at 2.1 million, while the average number of hours played per day is 8.2 million. I'm no statistician, but this would suggest that the average player logs into "Diablo III" four hours per day. Maybe I'm underestimating the people's devotion to slaughtering demons and putting things into the Nephalem Cube, but I doubt most adults have four hours of free time every day.

The "Diablo III" infographic is also a neat case study in the power of comparative statistics. Blizzard notes that 67.1 million different characters have been created in the past year, which is roughly the population of Thailand. I can use my imagination and more or less understand that Thailand is a small county full of people cooking delicious food.

However, Blizzard also explains that "Diablo III" players have burned almost 4.7 billion calories, just by click-click-clicking on monsters, apparently enough to work off over 28 million donuts. That's neat, but I don't really have a framework to think about 28 million donuts.

If Blizzard really wanted to make me understand the countless players enjoying their product, they'd do well to give me numbers that are easier to work with.

[Battle.net]

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'Grand Theft Auto V' Special Editions Revealed

Don Hatfield — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:00:56 +0000

Rockstar Games has revealed details on the Collector's and Special Edition version of Grand theft Auto V on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, both of which are available for pre-order starting today. They've also revealed that pre-ordering any version of the game will grant players access to the Atomic Blimp in-game vehicle, "the most iconic and leisurely aircraft in the Los Santos skies."

Here are all the details, Special Edition's up first:

Collectible SteelBook with Exclusive Artwork - features custom color and metallic treatments to bring out the detail of the Michael, Trevor and Franklin artwork created exclusively for this SteelBook;

Blueprint Map - exclusive, 21.5” x 26.75” map displays a blueprint view of Los Santos and Blaine County;

Special Ability Boost - Michael, Franklin and Trevor each have a unique special ability. With this boost, the special ability bar will generate 25% faster;

Stunt Plane Trials – single-player Stunt Plane Trials let players take on additional aerial challenges spread throughout Los Santos and Blaine County;

Bonus Outfits, Tattoos and More - Michael, Franklin and Trevor get bonus outfits in their wardrobes, character specific tattoos at tattoo parlors, and special deals from shopkeepers across Los Santos and Blaine County;

Additional Weapons - when visiting Ammunation stores in single-player, merchants will have special weapons in their inventory available for free: the Pistol .50, Bullpup Shotgun and melee Hammer.

The Grand Theft Auto V Collector’s Edition includes the contents of Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition plus:

Grand Theft Auto V Security Deposit Bag with Logo Key - inspired by the heists in Grand Theft Auto V, this custom 10.75” x 8.5” money bag features a pop-up style lock and laser cut logo key to secure important items. The reverse side features a pressed Rockstar Games logo on the security mount with a framed ID window;

Grand Theft Auto V New Era 9FIFTY™ Snapback Cap - this exclusive New Era 9FIFTY™ cap features an embroidered Los Santos logo on the front, a stitched, black Rockstar Games logo on the wearer’s left side, a Grand Theft Auto ‘V’ logo applique on the opposite side, and snapback closure for an adjustable fit;

Custom Characters for Grand Theft Auto Online - get classic Grand Theft Auto characters to use within the Grand Theft Auto Online Character Creation System;

Unique Vehicles and Garage Property - players will instantly receive a garage to store custom vehicles. In single-player, the garage will be stocked with the 1930’s style Hotknife hotrod and the CarbonRS sports bike. In Grand Theft Auto Online, players will get the high-end Khamelion electric car.

All of the bonuses look pretty cool, but it all comes at a cost. The Collector's Edition, which comes in a slick collectible box, will set you back about $150 while the Special Edition comes in at $79.99.

"Grand Theft Auto V" will be available for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on September 17, 2013

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'Clash of Clans' Update 4.14 Decreases Building Times and More

Don Hatfield — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:20:26 +0000

Supercell has updated "Clash of Clans" to version 4.14 today, allowing players to to upgrade town halls to level 10 and build the fiery Inferno Tower. In addition, troop training costs and housing space have decreased, meaning your precious resources may go a bit further than before.

You can get all the details in the update notes below:

Brand new defensive building: Inferno Tower!
- The Inferno Tower shoots a jet of flame that burns through even the thickest armor
- The flame takes a while to heat up, making it most effective against the biggest and baddest troops
- Stop Heroes, P.E.K.K.As and Golems in their tracks, and shoot Dragons out of the sky!
- Be careful: the Inferno Tower can be overwhelmed by a swarm of smaller targets

Unlock powerful new upgrades with Town Hall level 10:
- Additional Cannon, Archer Tower, Giant Bomb and Dark Elixir Drill
- New heroic levels for Barbarian King and Archer Queen
- New upgrade levels for X-Bow and Air Defense

Attack log and replays!
- Watch replays of your attacks
- See a log of your attack history with a record of loot and trophies captured
- Show your most dominant victories to friends and family
- Analyze your toughest fights and improve your skills

Level 8 Laboratory: better, faster and stronger than ever!
- Unleash the ancient Red Dragon (Dragon level 4)
- Rock on with Golem level 5
- Support the troops with Healer level 4

Interface improvements
- Chinese language setting is now available
- Hugely expanded keyboard support. Write in any language!
- Smileys and other emoji characters supported in chat! Add the special Emoji keyboard in your device settings(General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard).
- Quickly browse through Barracks, Dark Barracks and Spell Factory screens by tapping arrows
- Number of clan troops received is now shown in addition to the number of troops donated
- The center of your village is now marked with a plaque
- Personal breaks enforced for players who stay continuously in-game for very long periods of time

Balance tweaks
- Decreased Healer's housing space requirement, training time and training cost
- Decreased Heroes' upgrade times, regeneration times and upgrade costs on some levels
- Decreased training cost of Golem on level 2, 3 and 4
- Decreased cost of Town Hall level 9 upgrade
- Decreased cost of Laboratory upgrade to level 5, 6 and 7
- Decreased cost of X-Bow upgrade to level 2 and 3
- Decreased cost of Air Defense upgrade to level 7
- Decreased cost of Dark Elixir Drill upgrade

Also many small bug fixes and tweaks!

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Nintendo eShop Update 5.23.13

Don Hatfield — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:35:25 +0000

This week's update introduces three classic Kirby titles to the Wii U eShop and you'll be able to get all of them at a discount thanks to a special 2-for-1 deal. 3DS owners, on the other hand, will probably want to check out "Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D," but not before reading the review.

From Nintendo:

Virtual Console™ on Wii U™ Special Kirby Offer
Classic Kirby™ titles for Wii U – Nintendo announces the release of three classic Kirby titles for the Wii U console: Kirby's Dream Land™ 3,Kirby's Dream Course™ and Kirby Super Star™. As a bonus for fans, we're making it easy to get them all at a great price. Simply purchase two games from the Nintendo eShop on Wii U to get the third for free. This offer ends at 9 a.m. PT on May 30.

Nintendo eShop on Wii U
Kirby's Dream Land™ 3 – Kirby must once again save the day when the mischievous King Dedede starts causing trouble. Always armed with his trusty ability to swallow enemies and gain special attacks, Kirby can also unite with some of his animal friends and make use of their particular talents. Featuring detailed graphics and challenging boss battles, Kirby's Dream Land 3 is a classic.

Kirby's Dream Course™ – High above Dream Land, players can pitch and putt Kirby through a maze of obstacles on a zany checkerboard golf course. Kirby's Copy Abilities must be put to good use in order to complete each course. Players must sink Kirby into the hole to advance to the next stage as they clear all eight courses – 64 holes in all.

Kirby Super Star™ – In Kirby Super Star, the iconic round, pink hero will have to journey through six main games and two mini-games, finishing with the ultimate showdown in the Arena, to defeat King Dedede. Each game offers its own story and variation of platforming action, as well as unique environments and an assortment of enemies. There's never a dull moment as Kirby dashes, flies and fights.

Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS™
Donkey Kong Country™ Returns 3D – Donkey Kong™ swings to the Nintendo 3DS system in this barrel-blasting, rail-riding, ground-pounding adventure. The original Donkey Kong Country Returns game has been rebuilt and optimized for portable play. Play the game in Original Mode or New Mode, and unlock eight new, challenging levels not available in the original Wii game.

Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS Sale
THE "DENPA" MEN: They Came By Wave – Collect Denpa Men from many different places on a role-playing journey to rescue a certain special someone from the clutches of the King of Evil. Now through May 30, get THE "DENPA" MEN: They Came by Wave for 20 percent off exclusively in the Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS.

Also new this week:
• NARUTO™ Powerful Shippuden (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Groove Heaven (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)

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Girlfriend Mode: XBox One Backlash

MTV Video Games — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:49:07 +0000

Welcome to Girlfriend Mode - -a new column for MTV Multiplayer where I (Kiala Kazebee, woman) talk about the serious business of games, the games industry and my period. JOKES. I makes jokes. Anyway I hope you enjoy my column about vaginas. I mean games.

It's been 24 hours since the XBox live stream reveal and I think we can all agree the reaction has been a little uh...rough. To begin, here's a quick round up of the anger, frustration and confusion fangirls and boys have been spreading round the webs.

From the live Major Nelson Q&A this afternoon:

The Kinect Mic is always on even when the console is turned off. (Better start watching porn in a different room is what I'm saying.)

and my favorite Tumblr post summing up the press conference:

Between the lackluster "reveal" of what is essentially the equivalent of re-inventing a Betamax as a VCR (sorry! Your tapes won't play now! Oopy!) and the super lame "you just wait until E3 when we show you some awesome stuff we can't talk about now because (probably) we haven't invented it yet and we're peeing our pants trying to clean up this PR mess" Microsoft team party line, the XBox One debut has been a pretty big disappointment so far.

Xbox One hardware is not compatible with Xbox 360 games. We designed Xbox One to play an entirely new generation of games. Games are architected to take full advantage of the state of the art processors and infinite power of the cloud.

~Major Larry Nelson

This "explanation" is insulting to the consumer base at best and elitist at worst. They want us to believe there was no way a system could be designed that was compatible with both the old and the new? WE ARE NERDS, Microsoft. We know how technology works. And for god's sake, don't dismiss the hundreds of expensive games we've bought in the past as relics to be put out to pasture (and rendered unsellable) because of corporate greed or (I'm sorry) "an eye towards the future". The future of what? Of planned obsolescence? No thank you. XBox is not "on a mission....for technology to step behind the curtain and let you take center stage" unless by "you" they mean "your wallet". This is some serious the great and powerful Oz BS and we gamers are not falling for it. Don't make us pay for a fake diploma and call it brains.

If the presser at E3 doesn't manage to do some serious damage control Sony is going to win this race and as a hardcore XBox fangirl that makes me sad and angry. Excuse me now while I eat my feelings and rage quit for awhile. I need a burrito like Booker needs some Salts. GAME JOKE! yayyyyyy. :/

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'Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition' Coming To PC In July

Don Hatfield — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:17:34 +0000

"Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition" is heading to Windows PCs this July, Warner Bros. Interactive announced today. As the title of the game suggests, this version of the award-winning brawler will come komplete with all that juicy DLC.

What juicy DLC would I be referring to? Well, in addition to new playable characters Skarlet, Kenshi and Rain, notorious dream stalker Freddy Krueger was also added to the Mortal Kombat roster via DLC. On top of that, the Komplete Edition also comes packed with 15 Klassic Mortal Kombat Skins and three Klassic Fatalities for Scorpion, Sub-Zero and Reptile.

"Mortal Kombat" was originally developed for consoles by NetherRealm Studios, with franchise co-creator and creative director Ed Boon taking the lead. "Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition" was adapted to PC by High Voltage Software.

The game will be available digitally on July 3rd, with physical copies coming in on August 2nd.

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PlayStation Store Testing Faster Video Streaming, You Can Help

Don Hatfield — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:58:34 +0000

The PlayStation Store is testing out a new video streaming technology that they hope will make movie and video streams a bit faster and smoother on your PlayStation 3. The program is open beta right now, discounting a few movies while Sony gets user opinions on the update.

Usually when hear the word "beta" you'd picture a sign up page and some sort of email confirmation, but that's not the case here. In fact, the Sony Entertainment Network blog says all you have to do is log in to the PlayStation store on your PS3 and make way over to the movies section. There you'll find the beta program and the available movies front and center.

The program offers up a small selection of films in HD and SD formats, priced at $1.99 and $0.99 respectively. All Sony asks in return is that you fill out a survey emailed to you after your purchase, letting them know what you thought of the new streaming tech.

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"Call of Duty: Ghost"'s Mocap Dog Joins Video Gaming's Kennel of Champions

Clint Mize — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:19:07 +0000

Interceptor, Dogmeat, that giggling jaggoff pooch from Duck Hunt, and now -- Mocap Dog. Look at him. He's so cute in his little red jumpsuit. You're a mocap dog; yes yoooooouuu are! I bet you want a million scritches.

Additionally, there's BTS footage about some new Call of Duty game after the jump -- but more importantly DOGGIES!!!

Infinity Ward shows off a bunch of new features and visuals you can expect for Next-Gen consoles -- crsisper details, better AI, customizable MP avatars, and that furry friend will join your squad. Story-wise, IW pushes out from the Modern Warfare showing a fictionalized and broken Us that's struggling against superior forces and you'll take up the mantel as one of best of the best of the best(sir) elite soldier. Details are a little light so expect a fuller showcase in a few weeks at E3!

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Microsoft Revealed A New Set-Top Box That May Also Play Games

Don Hatfield — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:28:33 +0000

It finally happened. After all of the rumors, speculation, hype and nonsense, Microsoft has revealed the next-generation Xbox console, strangely dubbed Xbox One. Unfortunately, I must have missed the part where they talked about all of the cool next-gen games we'll be playing.

The new "console war" is something we've all been anxious for, but for me there may already be a clear winner. The conference started off well, quickly introducing us to the new Xbox One dashboard. But, seeing it filled with TV shows, streaming services and movies was a bit of a let down, especially after Sony came out of the gate with games in the front seat. Yesterday's event at Microsoft's Redmond headquarters felt more like a TiVo party than a games console reveal and, in all honesty, that's exactly what I expected. After learning former CBS exec Nancy Tellum was joining the team, it was clear Microsoft had decided to put a stronger focus on film and video entertainment. Don't get me wrong, a "Halo" TV series with Steven Spielberg on board is pretty darn awesome, but it sadly seems to come at the cost of pushing games to the side.

To make things worse, a lack of games at the reveal isn't the only thing current Xbox customers, like myself, are upset about. The past few months have been filled with bad PR surrounding the new Xbox console, and it appears as if some of those wretched rumors are true. Players will have to pay a fee to share games, even if they're being played on the same system? What's up with that? What effect will this have on the used game market and rental services like Gamefly and Redbox? If the Xbox One is as restrictive as it seems, Sony just might be able to reclaim their position a the top of the gaming podium.

Failing to even mention the Xbox Live Arcade (or whatever it may be called now) is what really gets me. Sure, we got a look at some new sports games, and "Forza 5" and "Call of Duty: Ghosts." The AAA big boys are what we all want, but the bevy of affordable ($5-$15) Arcade games are what fill the gaps in between those large-scale releases. There are so many great experiences in this particular segment of gaming, and to see Microsoft completely ignore this part of Xbox Live during a console reveal left me feeling like they weren't even talking to me. The fact that Sony has been cramming talk of indie support and lower budget titles down our throat since February only adds to my disappointment.

My distaste for the Xbox One thus far doesn't really have anything to do with what Microsoft showed us yesterday. In fact, some of the TV and Kinect features they showed off are very cool. Sports are of massive importance to many Xbox loyalists, and I'm as big a fan of "Game of Thrones" as the next guy. What's really off-putting is what Microsoft didn't show us.

And I'm not the only one who's unsure about Microsoft's plans for Xbox Live Arcade and games in general. Speaking with Joystiq, Vlambeer's Rami Ismail (Super Crate Box) and others expressed some concerns as well: "The whole presentation felt sort of awkward, but the D-pad looks really nice. Sadly, at this point the thing we're looking forward to most for the Xbox One is Skype on our TV," he said.

"As an indie and developer the Xbox One reveal didn't really say anything to me. The stuff with fantasy sports is cool and all, but I was more interested in seeing how the marketplace/store might have changed or how discovery was being handled," added Philip Tibitoski of Young Horses.

When you have developers saying Skype on TV is the thing they're most excited about after a new games console reveal, you know there is something horribly wrong. Sure, there's no doubt we'll learn more about games at the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo in June, but that doesn't change the disappointment that Xbox One has already turned out to be. It's a horrible way to start things off, and I have to imagine there are some Microsoft execs feeling the heat today.

I guess the real source of my disappointment (keep in mind, Xbox 360 is my preferred console at the moment) stems from hope that Microsoft would come out swinging with a rebuttal to the PlayStation 4 event, telling us why their console is the better choice. Instead, it seemed as if Microsoft took to the stage to show us a new set-top box that just so happens to play games as well.

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'Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D' Review - Monkeying Around, Again

Jason Cipriano — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:30:51 +0000

While the exact date may be hard to pin down, the demise of the Wii was foreseen for years. With a decline in quality content, and minimal first party releases, the Wii went on life support long before the release of the Wii U. Some people (this reviewer included) might think that the 2010 release of "Donkey Kong Country Returns" signaled the beginning of the end for a variety of different reasons. It was the first time that Nintendo had really gone back to the Donkey Kong well since the original releases, and while Retro Studios were well equipped to create a quality title, it seems like the fad of the Wii had passed, and the game was released to significantly less fanfare than it deserved. Fortunately, Nintendo has made a business out of recycling ideas for new platforms, and "DKCR" is one of the rare software titles to get this special treatment. In an unprecedented first, Donkey Kong will be the first Nintendo character to have their game ported from the Wii console to the 3DS in the aptly named, "Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D."

"Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D" is essentially the same game that was released a few years ago for the Wii, with some slight adjustments, and added content. The game follows the age-old story of Donkey Kong on the hunt for his stolen bananas with Diddy Kong in toe, and Cranky Kong set up to help him out along the way. As DK explores the island looking for the evil Tikis that pilfered his fruit, he'll encounter an assortment of different platform-based levels that range in gameplay, but all take advantage of his unique simian skills. From the standard beach levels, to the series' staple mine cart levels, fans of the classic Super Nintendo "Donkey Kong Country" games will feel right at home with this game.

The 3DS port takes the opportunity to upgrade an already near-perfect game, for this all-new platform. First and foremost, "DKCR3D" takes advantage of the 3DS' 3D capabilities, really showcasing some impressive graphics, offering a true sense of depth throughout every level in the game. You may remember that the original release had multiple levels where DK would explore both the foreground and background courtesy of some barrel cannons, making this releases' multi-layered setting ideal to take advantage of the 3DS' parallax features.

In addition to the graphical tweaks, "Returns 3D" also comes complete with some additional content. Fans of the Wii game can play the game entirely as it was intended by selecting the "Original" option, but, if that was too difficult, there is now a "New Mode" that helps make this traditionally challenging franchise a bit more accessible. By adding another heart to Donkey and Diddy Kong's lives, and offering up the option for additional special items throughout the levels, Monster Games have ratcheted down the difficulty, while retaining the essence of the gameplay. While some may consider this blasphemy, it will open up the game to less skilled players, and if you're a purest, you can always just keep to yourself and play the original mode.

In addition to the different modes, "Returns 3D" also includes a handful of additional levels that are exclusive to the 3DS release. While there aren't a ton, anyone that has milked all the bananas out of the original game, can at least have something new to look forward to here.

"Donkey Kong Country Returns" was already a great new entry into this long dormant franchise, and the 3DS just makes it better. Allowing players to take DK on the go highlights how easy the game is to pick-up-and-play, and what made the original such a solid game - well designed levels, and engaging gameplay. While the difficulty of Original Mode still might be a bit steep for some players, New Mode offers a nice incentive for newcomers to the series. Should you opt to make a visit to DK's island paradise, just make sure you're 3DS is ready - "Returns 3D" is one of the few games that is enhanced with 3D, so charge up those batteries. Also, if you plan on downloading the game make sure you have 17,000+ blocks available, since this monkey's adventure is pretty big. Other than that, whether you missed out on the Wii release, or just want to spend some more special time with Donkey Kong, "Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D" is a solid release, and well worth your hard-earned bananas.

Score: 4.5/5

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