The weekend is upon us but the games keep on coming. Today we have news of the exciting Harry Potter: Years 1-4 game on the iPhone and iPad. The game follows the early years of the young wizard, and has surprised many who have purchased it. Valve has also launched a new "Recommended for You" section on Steam, Galaxy on Fire 2 has now gone universal and can be played on the iPad, and we even have news of a new Lord of the Rings online expansion coming next year. Have a good gaming weekend.
General News
Steam launches "Recommended for You"
Valve has launched their "Recommended for You" service built into Steam for Windows and Mac. The service allows gamers to find new games and content simply based on the games they"ve downloaed. Simply update Steam to access this new feature.
iPhone/iPod touch/iPad News
Galaxy on Fire 2 Goes universal
The iPhone title "Galaxy on Fire 2" has been released in universal form and now works in HD on the Apple iPad. The space-shooter come simulator has had some great reviews on the internet and you can check ours out on neowin too! You can buy the universal version for a temporary special price on the iTunes app store now
Harry Potter casts a spell on the App Store
Harry Potter Years 1-4 has been released on the iTunes App Store and our first impressions is that it"s excellent for all ages. The game follows Harry through his first four years at Hogwarts, and is a watered down version of the full console game. Graphically the game makes use of the iPhone"s retina display, though despite the game stating it is universal, it doesn"t currently work on the iPad, at least not until Apple gets around to releasing iOS 4.2.
Windows News
Natural Selection 2 Closed Beta Begins
Unknown Worlds has let us know that they have launched the closed beta for their upcoming First Person Shooter - Natural Selection 2. Those of you who would like to join in on the beta testing can get access to it by pre-ordering the game at www.naturalselection2.com. We have a selection of screenshots in our gallery below. In the meantime you can check out more details in the release below!
It’s been years since the scattered forces of the Marine Frontiersmen last clashed with the alien threat known collectively as the Kharaa, but recently-received distress calls indicate they have returned to the galaxy in force.
Natural Selection 2 features:
• Superior Firepower vs. Alien Evolution – While Marines form squads and use a high-tech arsenal of guns and gadgets to blast through foes and destroy alien hives, the adaptable Kharaa can evolve into five deadly forms with completely unique abilities: wall-running Skulk, pudgy Gorge, flying Lerk, teleporting Fade or giant, door-smashing Onos.
• Real-Time Strategy - Commanders direct the action from overhead, building structures, collecting resources and researching essential upgrades as the rest of the team goes toe-to-toe with the alien forces.
• Dynamic Environments – Spreading alien infestation deforms hallways, destroyed power nodes result in tech-neutralizing outages and maps continually evolve as players destroy, seal off and break open pathways.Players who have already bought an advance copy of Natural Selection 2 are all invited to join the Closed Beta and the first 10,000 players who pre-order the game in the coming weeks will also be offered early access. The Closed Beta features several atmospheric maps, multiple Marine weapons, four playable alien classes (Skulk, Gorge, Lerk and Fade) and plenty of strategy-focused FPS action.
Poker Night at the Inventory for TF2 to be released next week
Telltale"s Poker title "Poker Night at the Inventory" will be released on November 22, and you only have a short time left to pre-order the title to get hold of some of the exclusive Team Fortress 2 items. You can pre-order the game at www.telltalegames.com/pokernight
New Lord of the Rings Online Expansion Announced
Warner today announced the upcoming release of The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard, a new expansion for the MMORPG that recently became free to play. The expansion will not be released until the end of 2011 but will be available to buy via the online Lord of the Rings Online store as well as in retail shops. Here are a few of the features:
- Experience the Rise of Isengard – The Epic Story continues as the Grey Company makes its way south into Dunland, but troubles arise as their road takes them into lands where Dunlending forces, marshaled by the Wizard Saruman, prepare for war. The Rangers must seek new allies and face dangerous new foes, chief among them the traitor Saruman, whose web of intrigue threatens to endanger your quest, your friends, and your life.
- Increased Level Cap — Players will be able advance their characters up to level 70, gaining access to new traits, virtues, skills and class quests.
- Expanded Monster Play – LOTRO’s monster play system will get a major revamp including opening up the feature to all players, changes to monster player skills and advancement and a brand new region for players to battle for or against the forces of evil.