Village Gamer

Via Xbox Wire: Microsoft Studios has acquired the rights to the “Gears of War” franchise from Epic Games, including rights to all existing and future games, entertainment experiences and merchandise. In addition, Microsoft announced that Black Tusk Studios in Vancouver will take over development of the “Gears of War” franchise and that Rod Fergusson, former Director of Production at Epic Games on the “Gears of War” franchise, will join Microsoft and play a key studio leadership role at Black Tusk on the development of the franchise going forward. By the way, Black Tusk is hiring. Read the rest of this entry »

Square Enix has announced that Deus Ex: The Fall, the new instalment of the award winning Deus Ex series, is now available on Android devices priced at $6.99 in the Google Play Store. Developed by the Square Enix Mobile division in Europe, in collaboration with the original Deus Ex: Human Revolution team at Eidos-Montréal and N-Fusion, Deus Ex: The Fall is a story driven action-RPG and the first Deus Ex in the series to be released on mobile and tablet devices. Compatible with all major Android devices, the game includes never before seen characters from the novel published by Random House, Deus Ex: The Icarus Effect, picking up directly where the book finishes. Read the rest of this entry »

Capcom Vancouver released a new title update yesterday for “Dead Rising 3” in advance of today’s launch of the game’s first DLC episode, ‘Operation Broken Eagle.’ The update introduces a host of improvements to single-player and co-op gameplay, including a variety of performance and stability upgrades, and fixes for issues related to achievements, UI updates, SmartGlass and more. Additionally, it adds a new impulse trigger feature that notifies players when they are running low on ammo. The full list is presented below. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s a new year. Why not start it off with a new “U”? The retail version of Wii Fit U for Wii U hits stores today, just in time to help people get started on their New Year’s resolutions to be more active and get fit. But Wii Fit U doesn’t require heavy equipment or expensive gym memberships. With Wii Fit U, users can get active by navigating a luge course, spraying a water hose, bouncing on a giant trampoline and even grabbing the new Fit Meter to continue their workouts on the go. Fitness doesn’t get any more fun than this. Read the rest of this entry »

As we head towards a new year of exciting game titles, I felt that the time has come to reveal the game that earned top spot among my favourites from 2013. Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon, developed by Vancouver’s Next Level Games is without any inkling of a doubt the best game I’ve put in my Nintendo 3DS to date. It literally lived in my 3DS from the day I got it until the day I had to take it out to review Mario & Luigi: Dream Team. This is one game that takes full advantage of the 3DS’ features and abilities – from beginning to end, Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is incredibly detailed, drawing the player right into the mansion. Not once did I need – or want – to turn down the 3D intensity – the game environment is simply that beautiful. Read the rest of this entry »

One of my all-time favourite game franchises is, without a doubt, The Legend of Zelda. Every new title has provided hours upon hours of digital adventure, and the Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD is no different. Nintendo’s Wii U is a perfect fit for this title, and an excellent example of why the Wii U is my favourite current-gen console. Aside from the huge improvements in game graphics, audio and mechanics, there are a few subtle differences between this updated version over the original GameCube version, but that in no way detracts from the enjoyment I got in playing the HD version. Read the rest of this entry »

Microsoft has announced that the free Xbox Live Games with Gold offerings for January include the Vancouver-developed action title Sleeping Dogs from United Front Games. Starting January 1st, Xbox Live Gold members will be able to download Sleeping Dogs, an exciting open-world action game set in Hong Kong. Then, on January 16th, Gold Live members will be able to get their hands on adventure classic Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light. Read the rest of this entry »

Ninja Kitty developer CrowdWorld Inc. wants everyone to become Kitty Claws Clan ninja warriors. Beginning December 26th, the game will be free for the holiday season and New Year. The villainous Evil Dragon King has begun his plot to destroy the Kitty Claws Clan and take over the world! They have kidnapped the Royal Ninja Kittens and are holding them captive until the Kitty Claws Clan hand over the Mystical Sword. Only our brave Ninja Kitty warriors can rescue the kittens and defeat the Dragon Empire once and for all. Read the rest of this entry »

Vancouver studio Neon Astronauts Creative, the developer of Pick A Hand, is celebrating the release of its newest title, Water Slide Clyde And The Epic Glide, available now on iTunes for $0.99 USD. In the Tiny Wings, “dive n fly” genre, the developers have delivered a faster pace of play, a weightier feel, more freedom (fall/slide backwards), and slides/tracks crafted for racing. Each slide has multiple racing lines that can lead players to a secret world, rip them to the end of the level at top speed, or reward them with the soul satisfying glide of a true soul slider. Read the rest of this entry »

Ratrod Studio Inc. has announced the arrival of its latest skateboard title, Skateboard Party 2, on iOS, Android and Windows Phone. A sequel to the original Skateboard Party title that has been featured in Apple’s iPhone 5 “Brilliant” TV commercial. Skateboard Party 2 brings all the fun of skateboarding to your mobile device allowing you to ride in eight completely unique locations. Jump on your board, learn new moves and improve your skateboarding skills to land sick combos. Read the rest of this entry »