Crave Online's weekly gaming news returns in glorious high-definition! The goal of this feature is to update gamers on a weekly basis with the news that's important, none of the fluff. Every week there is a multitude of gaming news that hits the net. Most of it sucks ass. Who really reads gaming news to find out when the new Barbie game is getting downloadable content? I sure as hell don't, and I'm guessing you don't either. Therefore it's the job of this column to round up the best, most awesome news in the gaming industry, the stuff that makes us excited to be gamers, and condense it into one eatable, bite-size tablet of awesome. So open wide, this pill gets inserted straight up the back-end..
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Marvel vs. Capcom 2 Official for PSN/ XBLA!
It's official. Finally. Fellow writer, Jeremy Azevedo, had run an article earlier which seemed to indicate the existence of the game with a list of its acheivements but today Marvel has removed the cat from the bag and announced that Marvel vs. Capcom 2 for XBLA and PSN does indeed exist and is, in fact, coming this summer. Probably the biggest new addition will be online play for both the Xbox 360 version and Playstation 3. The game will run off the same code as Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, so expect the same types of leaderboards and ranked/ unranked matches. However no tournament mode will be present. In the graphical department the game has been upgraded to HD but because of it, the character models take a ding in quality as they were sprites to begin with. However, steps have been taken to smooth out the graphics allowing players to switch between two different filters, as well as just having the game run at it's standard 4:3 aspect ratio. While no date has been announced outside of "summer" we do know it will run for 1,200 MS Points, or $14.99 in real people money.
Also, the Playstation Network will be getting a demo this coming Thursday. Sorry 360 owners. Dry those eyes, and enjoy this trailer from Marvel in the mean time.
Max Payne 1 & 2 now Xbox Originals
For those getting excited about Max Payne 3, they can now hop onto the Xbox Live Marketplace and download themselves copies of the first two titles that put the name "Max Payne" in the spotlight. Though the graphics might be extremely dated by today's standards, these titles were ahead of the curve back when they released. Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne (worst subtitle ever, by the way) was even one of the first games to feature the Havok physics engine which produced some really awesome firefights and explosions. The only thing making me weary about purchasing these titles, especially the first, is those crappy levels where you walked on a single blood line in darkness while a baby cried in the background. Not only was it creepy, it was absolutely infuriating. But otherwise, fun games.
More Assassin's Creed II Tidbits
More minor details continue to emerge about Assassin's Creed II. We now know that you'll finally be able to swim as well as hide yourself underwater, that you love chasing around the ladies, and there will be a greater diversity in missions and the ability to kill people with your fists. But the biggest news is that lead protagonist Desmond Miles, from the first title, will make his return. So I'm assuming Ezio here and Altair are linked together by blood, allowing Desmond to hop between memories with the help of the Animus machine, continuing his journey of self discovery through time.
Joker Exclusive on PS3
We reported late last week that the Joker would be a playable character in Batman: Arkham Asylum, exclusively on the Playstation 3. Details remain scarce but we do know it's only in specifically designated Challenge Mode maps. Click that link for a screen cap of the Prince of Crime holding a mammoth sized, double-triggered gun splattered with blood. Oh, how fun this will be!
Uncharted MP beta code with InFamous
Interested in playing Uncharted 2's multiplayer component before the game ships in September? Well all you have to do is pick up a copy of InFamous on May 26th for a redeem code for the Uncharted 2 mp beta. InFamous already looked amazing but now you get even more bang for your buck. I imagine this is going to boost sales of the title astronomically. Both InFamous and Prototype release rather close to each other, and feature similar game-play, but only one of them offers up a chance to play Uncharted 2 early. I have a feeling I know where my money is going.
Fallout 3: Broken Steel DLC Details
For those still itching to play Fallout 3 but have already maxed out their character at level 20 and finish the game then the "Broken Steel" DLC is for you. With this new DLC, players will find a new level cap, 30, along with a bunch of new weapons, enemies, and perks kicking in at level 18. The DLC will also allow gamers to revisit side quests they previously had not completed as long as they load a saved file with "Broken Steel" right before the game's ending as the new DLC "rewrites" the game's conclusion, allowing gamers to carry on past the credits with their character. "Broken Steel" will be available May 5th for 800 MS Points.
Ratchet and Clank action figures
Are you a fan of Ratchet & Clank? How about action figures to pimp out your desk with? Well if you answered "yes" to both of those then you're in luck because there will be a new set of Ratchet & Clank figurines hitting stores this fall based around the upcoming "Clank in Time" video game. The line encompasses all the big players of the franchise, and all with multiple points of articulation. DC Direct is behind this line of toys and that's the biggest seal of quality I can imagine when it comes to figurines.
