A big day for comic book fans as we finally see the release of DC Universe Online for the PC and PlayStation 3. The game becomes the first MMO to hit the PlayStation 3 and will see SOE take on the big task of getting users to pay a monthly subscription fee for a modern console game. We also have details on a new LEGO Universe area, a release date for Gray Matter on the PC and Xbox, a new surprise title from Gameloft on the iPhone and iPad and the upcoming release of Modern Combat: Domination on the PlaysStation Network.
General News
DC Universe Online launches on PC and PlayStation 3
The long awaited MMO, DC Universe Online finally launched earlier today in the United States. The game is due for release in Europe on Friday for both the PC and on the PlayStation 3. The game will become the first pay-to-play title on the PlayStation 3, beating out Final Fantasy"s upcoming MMO, not just in terms of release, but also likely in terms of quality too. How console users will take to paying monthly fees for a game is anyones guess, but from our play of the beta, the game is in a good position to get a good set of players behind it. Let us know what you think of it.
Windows News
LEGO Universe Unveils Crux Prime Adventure Zone and New Ninjago Storyline
In a move that goes alongside the new Ninjago toy line and the LEGO Ninjago Nintendo DS game that was announced earlier today, the company have added the ninja legends to their MMO, Lego Universe. According to the press release announcement, the new Ninjago-theamed adventure zone is called Crux Prime and has a load of new quests alongside a brand new story that will continue on for many months ahead thanks to new updates for the game.
In Crux Prime, players must seek out Sensei Wu among the ruins of the Ninjago Monastery to learn the secrets to the powerful skill of Spinjitzu. Nefarious Maelstrom Skeletons are attempting to steal the beam of Imagination protected within Crux Prime"s Nexus Tower, and only by spinning in a tornado of pure Imagination can players defeat these bony villains. LEGO Universe players will discover over 100 new missions and achievements within the vast Crux Prime zone, as well as over 100 new pieces of gear, decals and weapons to collect and share with friends in-game.
Jane Jensen"s Gray Matter finally gets a US release date (kind of)
According to the website Joystick, deal has been reached which will see Viva Media release Jane Jensen"s long awaited Gray Matter point and click adventure title in North America. The game is now scheduled to release online and into retail in February 2011. Although the release date is pretty vague, it at leasts indicates that the game is now very close to release. For those who don"t know, Jane Jensen was the writer and producer of many excellent adventure titles in the 90"s, including Gabriel Knight. Here is more on the games storyline:
Gray Matter is the first adventure game by renowned author Jane Jensen since the release of Gabriel Knight 3: the story mixes eerie goings-on with supernatural events in best Jensen-style. Neurobiologist Dr. David Styles is one of the game"s central characters: since losing his wife in a horrible accident some several years ago, he has become a recluse, seldom leaving Dread Hill House, his English country estate.
When student and part-time street performer Samantha Everett shows up at his doorstep, she unexpectedly becomes his assistant. Hailing from America, she has been traveling through most of Europe the last couple years. Her first task: finding six test subjects at Oxford University for one of Styles experiments. The experiment starts off innocently enough, but then inexplicable incidents start mounting.
Players control both Dr. David Styles and Samantha Everett in their bid to uncover the secrets and find out the truth. Gray Matter tackles questions concerning the nature of reality and the power of the human mind in constructing the world we take for granted.
PlayStation 3 News
Gameloft announce Modern Combat: Domination release date
Gameloft have announced that their take on the popular iPhone title - Modern Combat, will be released on the PlayStation Network on Wednesday 19th January for $8. The new title will once again be a first person shooter, but it will take advantage of the consoles graphic capabilities and display the game in full 720p, the company also let us know that the game will feature PlayStation Move motion controller support from launch, one of the first FPS"s on the market to support it.
With Modern Combat: Domination, teamwork, skill and fun are back with frantic gameplay in a top-notch game for the PlayStation®3 system. Square off in 16-player battles in 6 modes and complete your objectives to rule the leaderboards! Experience the first shooter to use the PlayStation®Move motion controller for an unprecedented level of combat immersion. Enlist in this immediately fun, challenging & realistic modern-war FPS for an mazingly low price.
Game Features:
- The most technical FPS gameplay on PlayStation®Network, based on skill and training.
- The first PSN-exclusive FPS using the PS Move motion controller.
- Enjoy 6 online modes from Team Deathmatch to Domination, with up to 16 players.
- The level design of the 5 different maps favors teams with genuine tactics and training.
- 72-level XP ranking system and unlockable equipment provide a constant challenge.
- 13 weapons from the military and 720p HD graphics allow for an impressive immersion in a modern-day conflict.
Official PlayStation Application released on the iPhone and Android handsets
Sony announced on their blog today that they have released the official PlayStation app for both the iPhone and Android OS"s. The app allows users to check out their PlayStation Network trophies, friends games, online statuses, game announcements and will also have Facebook and Twitter features. You can download the application via the iTunes App store and the Android Marketplace now.
iPhone/iPad/iPod touch News
Gameloft reveal new iPhone/iPad title
Gameloft today unveiled a new game for iPhone and iPad through a teasing trailer on their Facebook page - but if you want to know more about the secret game including it"s title, you"re going to have to join in with the big reveal. Once the gauge on the Facebook tab is filled, more information about the game will be unveiled.
At the moment the title looks like a RPG in the same vain as Zelda, which can only be a good thing. You can check out the trailer below:
Remember that you can discuss all of these games and more on our Gaming forums here at Neowin. If you have any gaming news you would like to see here, make sure you get in contact with us.