Choot 'em

The Best of 2014 on Xbox Take a look at this list of upcoming Xbox One and Xbox 360 games that will be hitting your console in 2014. Images and content courtesy of Xbox_Wire. “D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die” (Microsoft Studios) – From the creator of “Deadly Premonition,” Hidetaka "Swery65" Suehiro along with Access Games presents “D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die,” an interactive and episodic mystery series that fully utilizes Kinect with seated gameplay and voice recognition. Players assume the role of a detective with the curious ability to dive back in time as he tries to solve his wife’s murder and prevent it from occurring. “Tom Clancy’s The Division” (Ubisoft) – “Tom Clancy’s The Division” takes place in New York three weeks after a lethal virus, released on Black Friday, has swept through the city. One by one, basic services have failed. Society has collapsed into chaos. The President invokes Presidential Directive 51, and The Division, a top-secret unit of self-supporting tactical agents, is activated. When the lights go out, their mission begins. Discover a persistent, online, open-world New York where exploration, combat, and RPG player-progression are essential. “Dragon Age: Inquisition” (EA) – Explore a vast, fantasy world at the brink of catastrophe in “Dragon Age: Inquisition,” a next-generation action RPG, where your choices shape and drive the experience. In this upcoming video game from BioWare, makers of “Mass Effect 3” and “Dragon Age: Origins,” you’ll make your mark in an expansive, story-driven open world filled with complex characters, challenging combat and difficult decisions. A cataclysmic event has plunged the land of Thedas into turmoil. Dragons now darken the sky, casting a shadow of terror over a once-peaceful kingdom. Mages have broken into an all-out war against the oppressive Templars. Nations rise against one another. It falls to you to restore order as you lead the Inquisition and hunt down the agents of chaos - your choices will forever change the Dragon Age. “Dying Light” (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment) – “Dying Light” is a first-person, action survival horror game set in a vast and dangerous open world. During the day, players traverse an expansive urban environment overrun by a vicious outbreak, scavenging the world for supplies and crafting weapons to defend against the growing infected population. At night, the hunter becomes the hunted, as the infected become aggressive and more dangerous. Most frightening are the predators which only appear after sundown. Players must use everything in their power to survive until the morning’s first light. “EA SPORTS UFC” (EA SPORTS) – With its first new major sports league partnership in over a decade, EA SPORTS presents “EA SPORTS™ UFC.” The next-generation of fighting has been built for the Xbox One by the team behind the critically-acclaimed “Fight Night” franchise. Powered by EA SPORTS IGNITE™ technology, “EA SPORTS UFC” brings the action, emotion and intensity inside the Octagon™ to life in ways that were never before possible. The next-generation of True Player Motion not only showcases the diverse, powerful and fluid of attacks of elite mixed martial artists through Precision Movement, Dynamic Striking and Strategic Submission Battles, but also brings the combatants to life with Full Body Deformation and Real-Time Exertion. The simulation of Human Intelligence takes leaps forward with the strategic and adaptive MMAi system and is expressed through the most realistic characters ever created in a sports game. “The Elder Scrolls Online” (Bethesda) – “The Elder Scrolls Online,” the latest chapter of the award-winning franchise, will bring the legendary experience online for the first time. Whether you play with your friends or adventure alone, the game’s innovative combat system allows you to focus on action and tactics, not the UI. Use any weapon or armor at any time and customize your abilities to play the way you want as you uncover the mysteries of Tamriel and seek heroic quests on your own terms. Explore the far reaches of Skyrim, the mysterious lands of Morrowind, the sprawling metropolis of Daggerfall and beyond. The choices you make, from the alliance you join to the battles you fight, will shape your destiny and the world of Tamriel. “Kinect Sports Rivals” (Microsoft Studios) – “Kinect Sports Rivals” is the next generation of the best-selling Kinect franchise, “Kinect Sports,” that brings your favorite sports back in re-imagined ways, and delivers new sports and events made possible only with Xbox One’s revolutionary technology. “Kinect Sports Rivals” puts you in the game like never before, tracks your movements and expressions with incredible accuracy, and offers never-ending competition with your friends and rivals. The all-new Kinect instantly scans and creates a stylized digital version of you, your Champion, then drops your virtual athlete into the ever-evolving world of “Kinect Sports Rivals.” Compete in a world full of competitors on one of three global teams, each with its own philosophy and playing style. The competition starts in spring 2014. “Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes” (Konami) – World-renowned Kojima Productions showcases the latest masterpiece in the Metal Gear Solid franchise with “Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes.” “Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes” (on sale Spring 2014) is the first segment of the “Metal Gear Solid V” Experience and prologue to the larger second segment, “Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain” launching thereafter. “Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes” gives core fans the opportunity to get a taste of the world-class production’s unparalleled visual presentation and gameplay before the release of the main game. It also provides an opportunity for gamers who have never played a Kojima Productions game, and veterans alike, to gain familiarity with the radical new game design and unparalleled style of presentation. The critically acclaimed “Metal Gear Solid” franchise has entertained fans for decades and revolutionized the gaming industry. Kojima Productions once again raises the bar with the FOX Engine offering incredible graphic fidelity and the introduction of open world game design in the “Metal Gear Solid” universe. This is the experience that core gamers have been waiting for. “Minecraft: Xbox One Edition” (Mojang) – “Minecraft: Xbox One Edition” will deliver the Minecraft experience to Xbox One. Building off the hugely successful “Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition,” the edition on Xbox One will give players larger maps for bigger adventures, expanded multiplayer features, and feature enhancements powered by the Xbox One platform. “Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare” (EA) – Prepare your peashooters! “Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare” delivers a best-in-class multiplayer shooter experience with the fresh humor of the wildly popular “Plants vs. Zombies” series. Powered by the Frostbite 3 engine, “Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare” features stunning, 3D worlds, blooming with vibrant colors and unique landscapes. Players will take on the roles of plants and zombies across a mine-blowing world that is full of surprises. “Project Spark” (Microsoft Studios) – “Project Spark” is the ultimate digital playground for creative gamers of all ages. It’s a powerful, yet simple way to build and play your own worlds, stories, and games. Share all of your creations with a dynamic community, and play what the community makes. “Project Spark” brings creation to life and presents endless opportunities for play. Delivered as a free digital download and available on Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Windows 8.1, “Project Spark” lets creators carry over in-game progress from one platform to another, while providing new ways to interact with Kinect and Xbox SmartGlass. “Sunset Overdrive” (Microsoft Studios, Insomniac Games) – “Sunset Overdrive” breaks the mold of traditional shooter games by delivering an open world that can change every day, influenced and inspired by the game’s community of players. Developed exclusively for Xbox One by Insomniac Games, “Sunset Overdrive” is an always-changing, open-world shooter set in the not-so-distant future where a catastrophic event has left your city overrun by mutants. With an arsenal of kick-***, overpowered weapons and a knack for traversing the city with hyperagility, it’s not the end of days. Your story is just beginning. “Thief” (Square Enix) – Garrett, the Master Thief, steps out of the shadows into the City. In this treacherous place, where the Baron’s Watch spreads a rising tide of fear and oppression, his skills are the only things he can trust. Even the most cautious citizens and their best-guarded possessions are not safe from Garrett’s reach. “Titanfall” (EA, Respawn Entertainment) – Crafted by one of the co-creators of “Call of Duty” and other key designers behind the “Call of Duty” franchise, “Titanfall” delivers a brand-new online experience that combines fluid, fast-paced multiplayer action with heroic, set-piece moments found in traditional campaign modes. Set in the near future on a distant frontier torn apart by war, “Titanfall” drops players in the middle of a conflict between the Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation and the Militia. The action is rapid and varied – featuring parkour-style wall running, massive double jumps and the ability to hijack titans. The freedom to shift back and forth between pilot and titan allows players to change tactics on the fly, attacking or escaping depending on the situation and extending the action vertically to new heights. “Warface” (Crytek) – “Warface: Xbox 360 Edition” is a global, free-to-play, online first-person shooter for Xbox 360, created by Crytek. Powered by the CRYENGINE it offers intense online co-operative and competitive multiplayer action set in the near-future. Players engage in thrilling multiplayer battles on the frontline to solve the conflict between the elite "Warface and Blackwood forces. “Warface: Xbox 360 Edition” keeps gameplay fresh and exciting by providing new content on a regular basis, including daily co-operative campaign missions and a continual supply of new maps, weaponry, boosts and more. “Watch_Dogs” (Ubisoft) – In “Watch_Dogs,” you play as Aiden Pearce, a brilliant hacker, whose criminal past led to a violent family tragedy. On the hunt for those who hurt your family, you'll be able to monitor and hack all who surround you by manipulating everything connected to the city’s network. In “Watch_Dogs,” this system is called the Central Operating System (ctOS) – and it controls almost every piece of the city’s technology and holds key information on all of the city’s residents. Access omnipresent security cameras, download personal information to locate a target, control traffic lights and public transportation to stop the enemy, and more. “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” (CD Projekt Red) – “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” is a unique combination of non-linear storytelling and open world exploration – a fantasy RPG focused on player choice, tactical combat and an immersive environment. Spinning the tale of Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter, “The Witcher 3” aims to attract gamers with a mature and compelling narrative told like no other. With over 100 hours of hand-crafted core and side quest gameplay, “The Witcher 3” redefines the genre, shaping the next generation of RPGs. “World of Tanks: Xbox 360 Edition” (Microsoft Studios) – As the custom-built Xbox 360 version of the global online multiplayer phenomenon dedicated to tank warfare in the mid-20th century, command some of history’s most powerful tanks and experience intense combat. The excitement of battle is enhanced by working together with your tank platoon to win the fight, which puts you in the driver’s seat of some of the world’s most powerful armored vehicles. Engage in global online tank combat where team-based tactics and coordination are the keys to victory. View full article

GameInformer sits down with Bungie Design Lead Lars Bakken and discusses details about Destiny's competitive multiplayer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9dn3Cz1RU8&list=PLoAFmgzYW18IzU40riUzmVNY-WrWtsicd&feature=player_detailpage A few interesting points of emphasis are the talks of bringing your character that you rank up and customize in single player campaign over to multiplayer matchmaking. Lars commented that Destiny multiplayer matches are "definitely faster" than Halo multiplayer matches and "more lethal". Health and armor was also discussed which Lars stated..."As armor bleeds down you move to health and the squishy parts of the Guardian physique" and the amount of health will be class specific as well with the Titan having slightly more than other classes. Bungie is trying a different approach to voice chat by only granting chat with your fireteam but are "doing other things to let you communicate with other players". Destiny will allow up to 6-player teams and if you join a multiplayer match with less than the maximum number, the spots will be auto-filled by a random player without direct chat to them unless you invite them to a platform specific chat. Destiny is scheduled to be released September 9, 2014 with an early Beta scheduled for Summer 2014. You can check other interesting videos about Destiny from GameInformer here >>> http://www.gameinformer.com/p/destiny.aspx!! New information scheduled to be released December 23, 2014.

drinking tea by the light of the...

Great MoM post Sparky! Look how far you've come! I have the utmost respect for you for accepting the um... "guidance" I gave you lol. I'm proud of you bud. Keep up the good work and never let the "spark" go out! ~ Choot P.S. - Pinned.

Now that the little ones are down for the night, I want to take the time to give you proper thanks. We joined the site around the same time. Then it was a small (under 5,000 member), close-knit community with a common interest... Halo. I witnessed your transition from purple to blue, blue to yellow, and yellow to orange. The time and energy invested could never be measured as even when you were not on site, you still worked diligently behind the scenes to help shape what we see today. Your latest effort of bridging the gap between Halo sites is a feat that still baffles me, requiring you to be in constant contact with affiliates and maintaining a repor that would bring the communities together. You never asked for thanks. You did it because of the passion you had for the game and the general desire to give us the best experience a forum could offer. Thank you for helping shape this community. Thank you for the energy you brought to the community. Thank you for the laughter and pranks. Thank you for the endless hours of gaming and the endless hours of conversation. Most of all... thank you for the friendship you offer. Oh and for those that would like to check out one of his first posts, click the link below. Took quite a bit of digging but found it lol. http://www.343industries.org/forum/topic/858-hey-there/?hl=absolute Later.... MOOK!

Video has been removed. No new relevant information about Destiny. Locked. Btw Dog... here's the English version that was posted October 1 and promoted. >>> http://www.343industries.org/forum/topic/31555-destiny-the-moon/

Thanks for sharing Jester. My prayers go out to his family, especially his daughter.

The beta code received at this time is basically a placeholder for your account to participate so it is exclusive to those with either a beta reservation code or selected User Research Test Subjects. As stated at Bungie.net, before the actual beta goes live a download code will be sent to the registered and verified e-mail linked to your B.net account with the code to download the beta on platform of your choice. As Absolute Dog stated and on Bungie.net, beta reservation codes ARE limited in number.

The recent release of Destiny:_The_Moon revealed a little taste of what's to come when you land there in your travels including "Hellmouth", an area that the Hive have claimed their own. In Bungie's recent Weekly_Update get a pretty good explanation of Hellmouth by Lead Environment Artist Sam Jones along with a few fresh images. “The Hellmouth has one function only – to ask of the player what lies within.” Sam Jones, Lead Environment Artist The first step toward realizing the Hellmouth was to create a 2D concept expressing these themes. Mark Goldsworthy’s awesome concept (above) became the picture postcard for the Moon – a visual blueprint from which all subsequent lunar assets have been generated. The Hellmouth is essentially a huge slice of Hive architecture. Dorje Bellbrook’s concept (above) conveys many different visual themes for our Hive spaces – accentuated sense of scale, menace, and a hefty touch of the exotic without being too alien. The maw of the Hellmouth takes these principles and expands them to a colossal scale. The Hellmouth is a fortress cored deep into the Moon. This structure was always designed to conjure up imagery associated with a medieval castle. Darren Bacon’s concept for the Gatehouse (above) conveys many appropriate themes for the Hive: including mystery, darkness, evil, strength and militarism. We also wanted to instill visual cohesion throughout. This super heavy chain runs down deep into the dark dungeons beneath the Fortress – imprisoning the Hive’s most fearsome denizens. It’s a visual anchor point for those exploring the inner sanctum of the Hive. Plus it looks badass and fits right into the whole accentuated gothic air of the Hive aesthetic. Using Grognok, our awesome world creation software, I was able to take the next logical step and create a ‘3D concept.’ Grognok has some incredible terrain generation and manipulation tools. Creating initial geometry that describes classic lunar terrain was unbelievably easy. I can literally sculpt the living grey model geometry, replicating pitch-perfect lunar crater patterns with great speed and finesse. This awesome Hellmouth 2D concept image (above), is essentially a paintover. Darren Bacon took a screenshot of the in-game geometry and embellished it in Photoshop to take the whole affair to the next level. Finally, we see some of the final in-engine geometry, informed by Darren’s incredibly useful paintover. I personally am looking forward to visiting "Hellmouth" along with friends and take back what is rightfully ours... The moon!!! See you on it's darkside!!

Many of you already know of the recent announcement by Bungie of their exclusive beta test for the upcoming release of Destiny. In the return of Bungie's Weekly Update, five beta codes were given out. Codes are one time use so input as fast as you can to try and secure a place of your own in the Destiny Beta. I have already given one lucky member here a spare code that I happened to have ( )so here is another opportunity from Bungie themselves!! FR7-JVH-KNY PPD-4PH-RN7 VRK-DGA-PPT DVH-M3A-KGH PCP-9M9-ALP Best of luck to those here at 343iCF! For a full explanation of how to redeem, visit Bungie's Code redemption FAQ found here >>> http://www.bungie.net/en/View/Bungie/coderedemptionfaq. For a complete list of participating retailers, visit http://www.destinythegame.com/wheretobuy. Participating beta code retailers have the official Beta logo next to it's name. () Select your region then select retailer of choice.

Newest Vidoc from Bungie released today! Discuss, drool, and Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eAbpZfqE8r4 View full article

Now we know where to find those dreaded Hive, lol! Big guy at the end of the trailer will pose a challenge that I look forward to facing!

Newest Vidoc from Bungie released today! Discuss, drool, and Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eAbpZfqE8r4 This post has been promoted to an article

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Definitely has an eerie feel to it judging by the images. I admire these themed maps. Have downloaded map and gametype!

Checked out the latest version and love the symmetrical layout! It does flow much better, especially from blue initial! I did find a few minor issues that require a bit of attention. BR near blue initial cannot be seen. The weapon and it's holder are both phased into the rock 3. Jumps to 4x4 talls at blue and red initials are too high for regular jumps (requires crouch jump). Blue/red rock 2 inclines to second level are a bit awkward coming from sniper. Respawns at the back gold area feel too open as well as the repawns in red/blue alleys. Possibility of camping sword and sniper while having predictable respawns. All are easy fixes Zandril! A few suggestions... Move BR and holder to outside of rock Place a 2x2 short or a natural object to allow easy jump transition at blue/red initials Not sure of a fix for the inclines but know you can figure something out lol Add a little cover to respawns near back gold Lower the tree 2's in the alleys and possibly an additional lowered tree next to it to provide better cover. This would also add a little bit of cover from red/blue bridges. The use of the extraction cylinders was a great idea as the BR's are more noticeable now (except the one hidden lmao). Opening up gold from blue initial works a whole lot better imo and that removed the awkward area where the crate used to be. Great job on the changes! I really like this version and am glad to watch it evolve!

The only Halo 4 map I've submitted anywhere is 'da_Swamp. It has already been submitted into the Hivemind contest but you're welcome to check it out and leave feedback. A map is never really finished until the author decides so, lol!

Have downloaded both the map and gametype Zandril! Should have a little time today to get a few games on it! Great job on the wrecked ship!

...so why MAKE me purchase it?? I could easily spend the extra $100 on ~ 1 2/3 games, lol!

I can see your reasoning Mayh3m but you are failing to see the POV from the consumers that have absolutely no desire whatsoever of owning a Kinect. All of your reasoning includes Kinect or the PS4 camera (which I also have no desire to own). In my opinion, I don't care if the Kinect can bathe and change my kids or auto-wipe after dropping a deuce! Bottom line, like many consumers.... I DO NOT WANT THE KINECT!!! DO NOT FORCE A PRODUCT ON ME THAT I DO NOT WANT!!! <<< This is what bugs me the most about it and directly conveys my opinion!

How about that slide by the Hunter at 1:39 - 1:41 , and that was against another Hunter!! Competitive MM anyone?? Thanks adam!!

Waypoint was being difficult but finally gave in lol. I did a fly-through in forge and noticed a few possible issues. Also loaded a few custom games with gametypes listed and Extraction out of curiosity. Budget - You could easily eliminate a lot of budget. I placed 3 col walls for floor pieces in key locations and eliminated 24 objects. This also made the area much smoother. Their are also a ton of extraction and dominion objects that eat up a lot of budget. Noticed a bit of lag as well. Bumpy - Object connections are rough. Weapon placement - Light Rifle - Takes longer to reach a LR from Red initial. Advantage: Blue. Sniper - No risk vs. reward. It's conveniently placed at the maps peak and in wall cover to easily pick off enemies from above, possibility of spawn killing/raping. Also takes longer to reach the Sniper from Red initial. Advantage: Blue. Rockets - Equal distance from initials but in an odd location. Extraction objects - Though it's not properly set up for Extraction, I ran a few tests with the gametype. When I loaded an Extraction game, both extraction sites were labeled "A" and also produced some odd results with the sites themselves (area still able to extract with no extraction crates and sometimes the crates would remain and only two of the four extraction sites available in game). Ricochet - Goals are too open and easily scored from ball spawns. Example: I scored a throw from Sniper and Rockets and a one bounce from the platform ball spawn. KOTH - Hill progression was a bit confusing at times but no major issues. I love the multiple tactical jumps from one area to the next making it easy to navigate and gain a prime shot on an enemy. The flow seems good but will have a better idea with a large lobby. The tree area seems like it would be the map's "hot spot" and the map's focus. Suggestions to test - Try moving Rockets near the tree memorial. It's a high risk area and equal distance from blue and red initials. Try Sniper next to the crate where Rockets are so you have to work to get to a vantage point. Rethink some of the cover and add LOS blocker from current Sniper to avoid spawn killing or possibly additional respawn cover. Find a more suitable area for Ricochet goals. Hill sequence could use tweaking in KOTH. Try to lessen the budget by using larger objects in place of multiple smaller objects. Overall the map has a great design and was playable as-is. Suggestions are just opinion, lol but it can't hurt to try. I enjoyed viewing and testing it!