Battlefield 3 mp changes thanks to open beta

Open Beta started on September 28 The Battlefield open beta came out on September 28(29 for us) and thanks to us gamers constantly playing Operation Metro on either the PS3, Xbox 360, or PC, the first changes based on feedback have been posted on the Battlefield blog.

Thanks to the Battlefield blog, here are the changes:

  •  Fixed occasional client crash when reviving.
  •  Fixed killcam showing glitched area under map if your killer is dead.
  •  Issue with spawning on dead squad mates fixed.
  •  Fixed a bug where shooting at a moving enemy could cause more than the intended amount of damage.
  •  Crosshairs for shotguns have been replaced with a new, thinner, art.
  •  A subtle low health screen effect has been added.
  •  Tweaked scores of Medals and Service Stars.
  •  Tweaked the Rank progression.
  •  Pushing prone on console will not play the animation twice.
  •  Fixed loss of Squad Leader after EOR at some times.
  •  Framerate stability fixes.
  •  The 3D spotting icons has been tweaked to better match the target’s visibility. Icons will show frequently less on mostly obscured targets.
  •  Fixed issue with crosshair disappearing after round transition.
  •  Fixed issue with crosshair disappearing after trying to deploy while the countdown timer still active.
  •  Squad list now shows specializations chosen, VOIP activity and dead squad mates.
  •  Non working options in squad menu fixed: "Private" flag and "Switch Teams".

Current impressions of Battlefield 3's Open Beta... 

Downloaded the Battlefield 3 beta in all 3 platforms. Yes, all three. I wanted to compare the difference with each versions of the game. So far the difference between the PS3 and the Xbox 360 are the shadows. The Shadows for the PS3 seem too deep and distracting, the Xbox 360 in the other hand look a bit lighter and easier to look at. The PS3 and Xbox 360 both play well so there's no issue there.  The PC version I couldn't test as much because of my PC giving constant Frame rate drops which slows the game, but looking around the PC version of Battlefield seems to have better quality graphics. You just need a beast PC to witness it.

Bugs are everywhere and can be easily spotted. Again this is the BETA, you get a feel of the gameplay but it isn't the final product. I have 3 hours for both PS3 and Xbox 360 versions and the only game breaking bug that needs to be addressed ASAP is the falling in the world near the first COM-A. It's annoying, players who fell down the earth can still shoot players while bugged. I experienced it in both PS3 and Xbox 360, and Arlie witnessed while testing the PC version. Above is the bug played on the PC. Your best bet to get out of it is either constantly jump until your out or just do suicide.

There are a couple more bugs like killing a player right in the middle of him doing a melee animation kill. Doing so results you alive but in the ground unable to do anything but move around lying down. It's hilarious. Here's a video of the bug. It happens during the start of the video.

Others bugs are graphic glitches, freezes, party system splitting the group when joining a match, and more. Yes, it's the beta but there's so many bugs showing up for a game coming out in a few weeks. The overall gameplay and feel of the game is great, but bugs are bugs.  With no vehicles present, I wonder if they tested the vehicles enough to be bug free on launch. I'm sure its crunch time over at DICE, cause from what I'm experiencing, they have a lot to work on.

Hopefully the next batch of fixes will clear most of the bugs when the game releases on October 25. I'm getting it on the PS3 to play with some buddies. I prefer the PC for FPS games especially Battlefield but my PC can't run it that well because of it's fail specs. What about you? what platform are you getting Battlefield 3?

 

Portal 2 DLC coming out next week for free

Portal 2 coop For free? I know, that's pretty rare especially when its DLC(Downloadable Content). It's not those useless free DLC that gives extra clothing for your character or an item that will most likely be useless in the next few hours, this is actual content that Valve wants to give for free. Thanks Valve.

The DLC called "Peer Review" will be out on Wednesday next week or Thursday for gamers in Asia. It was announced in Portal 2's official blog. The post is mainly about the game's soundtrack, and after 2 paragraphs about it they mention the new DLC coming out soon and for free. It will include new test chambers, leaderboards, plus single player and multiplayer challenges. How many extra test chambers or challenges? They didn't say, but content is content, especially when its free.

Got Portal 2 on my PC, so I guess I'll be playing it again next week.

[Source: Gameinformer]

L.A Noire: Complete Edition coming to PC in November

L.A Noire coming to PC Rockstar giving PC gamers some love, the PC port of L.A Noire is finally coming and hitting shelves, steam, and Onlive on November 8 in NA and 11 for Europe. 

L.A Noire Complete Edition will include a code allowing gamers to download all recently released DLC for the game. The PC version is also said to provide improved graphics, increased resolution, and NVIDIA 3D Vision support. The game will also support controller pads if you don't want to play detective via keyboard and mouse. This Complete Edition is mainly for PC gamers, to keep them updated with the game. No word yet if it will also be released in consoles.

[Source: Gameinformer]

Shank 2 announced, coming 2012

Shank 2 EA recently held a press conference in Vegas we're Klei Entertainment, the makers of Shank said they were going to announce a new ip, and surprisingly enough, it was Shank 2, the sequel to the 2D side-scrolling with a unique comic book look.

Klei Entertainment is a fairly new company. Aside from Shank, they also created Eets which they self-published and recieved positive reviews. With the success of Shank, and now currently collaborating with EA partners, they have been working on Shank 2 for a year now. Aside from improving visuals, combat, etc for the sequel, they will also include an arcade-style co-op survival mode. Add a friend and survive as long as you came against hordes of enemies.

The official shank website is updated with a Shank 2 blog. Shank 2 will be out for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC in 2012.

 

Star Wars: The Old Republic gets a release date

Star Wars: The Old Republic smuggler and trooper One of the most anticipated MMO's has finally received a release date. Was expecting a longer wait sometime next year, but looks like there will be a new big MMO to try out before the end of the year.  Bioware has been patient with the development of their first MMORPG, which is great, so I'm really hoping that this triple A MMO will be as ground breaking as they say. 

Update your calendars, Star Wars: The Old Republic comes out on December 20 and December 22 for Europe. They also announced the payment fees:

  • 1 Month Subscription: $14.99 (£8.99/€12.99)
  • 3 Month Subscription: $13.99 per month (one-time charge of $41.97/£25.17/€35.97)
  • 6 Month Subscription: $12.99 per month (one-time charge of $77.94/£46.14/€65.94

Each copy of Star Wars: The Old Republic will have a 30 day free subscription, just like any other MMO. After that, you'll have to go with either one of the 3 options after the free month.

The game looks pretty sweet, but the fact that the gameplay feels a bit similar to other big MMO out now leaves me worried. Is the solid story telling enough to give Bioware a successful MMO title? well, we got only months left to find out.

[Source: Gameinformer]