BitSnark

Starting with the PC version and then later, the PS3 version, Square Enix today have announced that those folks with Square Enix ID’s (which are free), are able to register their interest for taking part in the forthcoming Final Fantasy XIV beta test.

While no dates have been mentioned for the trial, it shouldn’t be long until such details are known; especially given how far along in development the title is.

Beta registration can be completed at the link below:

http://entry.ffxiv.com/eu/index.html

Mere minutes ago via Eurogamer, comes the confirmation that EA no longer has anything to do with ID’s next big title, Rage.

Instead, the promising post apocalyptic shooter will be published under Bethesda Softworks whose parent company owns ID Software.

No other details were given.

The original story can be found below:

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/bethesda-takes-rage-from-ea

Yep, owners of any three of those formats will be able to get their first taste of EA’s Army Of Two sequel; Army Of Two: The 40th Day.

Cue much in the way of blinged up guns, cover mechanics, swearing and hefty doses of ‘bromance’.

The reinvgoration of past franchises continues unabated it seems, as Activision-Blizzard used the Video Game Awards to announce that a new installment in the True Crime series will hit PS3, 360 and PC platforms on a release date to be determined.

Set in Hong-Kong and with an emphasis on close quarters combat and parkour, this newest installment in the franchise would be the first in the GTA-alike series for five years.

Developed by ModNation Racers outfit United Front, no release date or other details have yet to be confirmed.

Hot on the heels of the best comic book license of all time and contender for Game Of The Year 2009, comes Batman: Arkham Asylum 2 which was announced at the Video Game Awards for 360, PC and PS3 platforms on a release date yet to be announced.

Developer Rocksteady remains at the helm as we see the Dark Knight once again tangling with the Joker and sidekick Harley Quinn, in a battleground that now seemingly encompasses the whole of Gotham and not just Arkham Asylum.

Batman: Arkham Asylum 2 will also be published by Warner Bros. and not Eidos/Square Enix who were responsible for publishing duties on the original game.

No other details have yet be revealed.

The resurrection of a forgotten franchise took place at the Video Game Awards this past weekend, as 2K games unveiled the teaser trailer of Spec Ops: The Line for 360, PS3 and PC platforms.

Developed by German outfit Yager, Spec Ops: The Line is a third person shooter set in a sand storm ruined Dubai, whereby the player assumes the role of a member of a US Special Forces unit, sent in to retrieve a rogue operative after the sandstorm disaster has taken place.

Impressions from the trailer seems to suggest a cover and shoot gameplay mechanic not totally dissimilar to a number of other titles.

Where the title appears to innovate however is in the use of the environment; specifically the huge amount of sand that can be played with as the sand will shift and move to cover people, objects and buildings depending on where explosions are made as well as other factors, such as additional sandstorms and so on.

Combined with a narrative by the bonkers rogue operative in question that seeks to ape Apocalypse Now somewhat, Spec Ops at the very least has piqued my interest in a year that will surely find itself saturated by titles of similar ilk.

No specific release date has been announced at this point.

Due for release in May 2010, is UFC: Undisputed 2010, the latest annual update in the newly invigorated MMA gaming series.

Very little gameplay was shown from the trailer, but from what there was it appears that the cage has fully functioning physics (when you tackle other guys, you can press the against the cage and it responds convincingly) a larger array of grappling transition moves and streetfighting legend/Ultimate Fighter favourite Kimbo Slice as part of the main roster.

More details on UFC: Undisputed 2010 will be forthcoming in the coming months as we approach its release.

At VGA 2009, Lucasarts debuted with a pre-rendered trailer for the sequel to 2008’s Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.

Obviously there were no gameplay mechanics that could be gleaned from all that shiny CG, but plotwise it seems as if the main character from the original game Galen Marek (A.K.A Starkiller) is returning from the grave to indulge in yet more lite decision making, force power abuse and funky lightsabre duelling.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II is due on all major platforms sometime in 2010.

Nintendo today have filed a trademark for ‘Zii’. What this pertains to is anybody’s guess, but estimated ones could be pointed toward the long-rumoured and oft-denied Wii-HD, NDS2 or something different altogether.

Let the speculation commence 🙂

A demo for the latest installment in Ubisoft’s Jack Bauer Simulation series A.K.A Splinter Cell, is due to arrive sometime in January 2010 for 360 & PC platforms.

Whilst a specific date has not been nailed down, it should only be a matter of time until we find out.