Search engine titan Google and SuperGiant Games revealed today that a new version of Bastion was released for Google chrome users. The XBLA and PC indie hit is currently enjoying a good reputation for being stable and with straight-forward plot making it suitable for gamers of all ages.

The developer made it available on the Chrome App Store in an attempt to reach more gamers especially chrome users. The release actually enables mere Internet surfers to be able to play the game which requires higher specs when it is played via Xbox 360 or PC.

And while Bastion run on Google’s Native Client, gamers should at least reach the minimum system requirements for the game to run smoothly:

- Processor: 1.7 GHz Dual Core or Greater
- Memory: 2 GB
- Hard Disk Space: 1.0 GB
- Video Card: 512 MB graphics card

Gamepad controllers are not yet supported for this release.

Bastion is offered on Steam in a 500MB downloadable file, chrome users can actually play the game after downloading and installing the required 40MB file. It could also be unlocked through in-app purchases offered for $14.99.

Other game developers and publishers are also considering the same option in a bid to dominate in the gaming market even if it means converting mere chrome users and surfers into gamers.

The Battlefield 3 open beta went live 2 days ago on September 29 for all of the XBox 360, PlayStation 3 and the PC, and will last until October 10. As we get our hands on it, we’ll present and discuss what it looks like in detail in this article!

The beta is literally open this time, meaning anybody from the public can download the game for free and join! That’s right, not only those who have prepurchased can join in. To join the beta on PC, you can click here and follow the instructions, or download the game from the free games section of the Origin store. The Origin software is required to run the beta on PC. For XBox 360 and PlayStation 3, the game will automatically appear on the PlayStation Network Store and XBox Live Marketplace. The beta is currently about 4 GB’s in size, feel free to download and enjoy! The full game will be released 2 weeks after the open beta is closed, on October 24.

The current available content features only one map in one game mode; Operation Metro, rush (up to 32 players), infantry only, presenting the new infantry combat mechanics.

A plenty of the new features have already shown up in this limited beta, which we will present below, such as the new design of guerilla combat areas, the new class specializations, and the use of flashlights. The infantry combat has advanced to a whole new generation.

In Battlefield: Bad Company 2, infantry combat areas consisted of bunches of countable models of small 1-3 floor buildings being placed in small densities, thus forming hamlets suited for infantry combat. But in Battlefield 3, the design was brought to a whole new level. The combat in Operation Metro offers nativeParisian streetand architecture design, and the buildings have up to 5 floors that you can freely walk on. Deploying your machine gun on one of the windows of those high floors and shooting at the soldiers coming through the opposite field is a brutal experience.

The environmental enhancements bring more beauty as well as more destruction potential to the game’s environments. Indoors are times richer with details than they were in Bad Company 2. New elements such as breakable lighting bulbs were added. There are vending machines, more types of public utilities such as seats, destructible environmental cars (not drivable), and generally more stuff everywhere. Although not all elements have yet been optimized for destruction, the ones that have been will do that in beautiful ways. Metro doors for example will fall off their positions with their glass breaking. And with a direct rocket, each of the metal doors would split apart into some bent pieces of metal with explosion marks.

One of the biggest features/changes could be the replacement of the Support class by the Medic, and giving the Medic’s abilities to the Assault. The new specialization the Assault soldier has now is too reasonable, while the new Support class is bloody enjoyable.

The Support class is practically the overwatch of  his teammates, with the addition of the deployable bipods to light machine guns. The Support soldier is on a disadvantage in direct combat because of the high recoil of light machine guns. His best bet is to move behind the front line and deploy his LMG on tactical spots whether to defend a particular place or to provide a safer passage for his teammates by using suppressive fire against enemies.

When Dice first revealed this feature in the official blog, there were worries that people wouldn’t benefit from this feature due to the low teamplay spirit people usually have. But as I played, I found myself naturally providing perfect cover for my teammates and defense for the objectives without even bothering my mind thinking. What you’re gonna naturally do is choosing a tactical position, deploy your machine gun, and then starting to suppress your enemies.

The Assault is now the ideal class to carry the medkit and the defibrillators. The Sniper and the Support class that replaced the Medic are obviously optimized for fighting off the frontlines, which makes them unsuitable to have the medic specializations. The Engineer is already the medic of armor, and would lose his role by the removal of his Engineer kit. However, the Assault is both a frontline soldier and doesn’t lose his role by just removing his grenade launcher.

Breath control was added for snipers. You can now hold your breath with Shift button. Although, the effect isn’t as significant as it is in Call of Duty, because the rifle shak
es less and the steady effect is almost instant. Shots also hit the targets without a significant delay. But the ranges I got to snipe from were all short to medium, so I can’t picture the entire experience of sniping in BF3. All I can say is that it’s really easy in short range, but real long range sniping is still awaiting!

The game atmosphere doesn’t seem to be complete yet. As I tested the game, I didn’t feel it was as intense as Bad Company 2 is. That mostly revolves around auto voice messages, where soldier calls and auto cast communications in Bad Company 2 created most of the intensity and thrill in the atmosphere, and were the biggest factor in turning those robotic avatars into real living soldiers. The auto voice in the current beta phase of Battlefield 3 is of a lower density and intensity than it was in Bad Company 2, as far as I can see. Also, Operation Metro’s background is full of life as backgrounds are in Bad Company 2. But still, not all of the background animations are matched by sound effects (such as drop-planes flying on low altitudes.) The game’s atmosphere still has some work to be done on it.

All the weapons have new sound effects. The current sound effects are quite good. Grenades now have a metallic impact sound effect that gives a higher feeling of realism and mass in comparison to BC2′s kinda plastic sound effect. The grenade explosion sound is so satisfying, as all the other explosions are. However, the RPG-7 didn’t yet have a visual and sound effect when I used it.

The soldier movement became notably more dynamic, such as that when you prone while running, your soldier will jump onto the ground in a burst ahead instead of just stopping and prostrating in place. Your soldier will also automatically climb obstacles when you click space (as in Call of Duty) instead of just jumping normally. The screen also shakes a lot when you prostrate or g

et up, making those moves a disadvantage when you want to shoot. So you gotta choose when under fire: to shoot, or to get cover, can’t get both! More realistic, huh?

Between the new weapon attachments there are flashlights. Those thingies aren’t only useful for lighting up your way, but can also blind your enemies, with fantastic visual effects. Those flashlights work exactly as they did work in the old tag game we used to play in the woods when we were children; the light would give you a clearer sight, but would reveal your place. That’s what happens in Battlefield 3, the flashlights are so powerful that they can be spotted from above fifty meters away, and they would almost blind your enemy in short ranges in poorly lighted indoors. I’ve so far spotted a plenty of noobish snipers who have lighted their flashlights in the daylight. You just can’t miss those signs.

The beta still contains a plenty of bugs. Considering the beta ends only half way toward the release of the game, it’s expected that gamers will see the solution of most of the current bugs and sense real polishing of the game before the beta ends. The first beta update has already been released, being the fix for many bugs, as well as enhancing some of the gameplay mechanics. Also, we don’t know whether the currently available content will be extended to include more maps, game modes and vehicles or not.

Funnily, the current game interface is actually the Battlelog* itself, and it’s not explained whether it will remain like this or it’s just temporary. In either case, it’s necessary for Dice to develop an offline Battlelog client so players could access their singleplayer without the need of an online connection.

*(The Battlelog is a standalone online social network bound directly to player accounts that features real time player feed in addition to the common social network interactions between players.)

The game and the Battlelog are currently offered only in English. However, the Battlelog forums contain localized sections in 4 other languages, German, Spanish, French and Russian.

As it was announced earlier this month, EA finally decided to bring their former PC-exclusive graphics benchmark champion Crysis to consoles through XBox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network sometime this October.

The game was set to release next week, on October 4. As EA has previously announced, the game will cost 1600 points on XBox Live and 20$ on the PlayStation Network.

Regarding game improvements, the release will feature just the original single-player campaign we know. However, developer Crytek said it is being “remastered.” This includes improvements such as new lighting effects, optimized consoles controls, and stereoscopic 3D for both XBox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Story-wise, the campaign isn’t going to change. The game is set in the future where a huge ancient alien structure is discovered buried in a mountain on one of the fictional Lingshan islands in the South China Sea. A little time after North Korean forces take control of the territory, a group of American civilian archaeologists send a distress call that indicates the discovery of something that could change the world. Upon that, team Raptor is sent to the island in order to evacuate the archaeologists and secure any useful information.

The player assumes the role of an elite soldier in Delta Force team Raptor, named Jake Dunn, called by his codename Nomad. As Nomad, you are armed with a variety of futuristic weapons and equipment, and a nano suit that yields you some super abilities. As you progress in the game, you’ll get to face both North Korean and extraterrestrial enemies.

It has always been Microsoft’s rules to permanently ban those who have used modded XBox 360 consoles. However, some unlucky guys have fallen victims to Microsoft’s –sometimes- mistaken systems, and were confused and banned with the frauds.

2 days ago, in a post on Microsoft’s Major Nelson blog, Stephen Toulouse (“Stepto” on XBox), the head of the Policy and Enforcement team of XBox Live, confirmed the restoration of the permissions of mistaken bans, and revealed more about the case.

“It was brought to our attention that a number of customers had concerns about the validity of a recent ban of their individual consoles.” Toulouse said. He explained that bans occur exclusively to modded consoles, and emphasized on taking any claims concerning mistaken bans very seriously. However, Toulouse then added: “After an initial investigation we have confirmed that a handful of banned consoles did in-fact appear to not have been modified or tampered with.” The Policy and Enforcement team was still looking into the problem when Toulouse posted his blog post, and so far it appeared to be a software problem, not an error in the actions of the Enforcement team. “It’s very specific and occurred between August 29 and September 9, affecting a very small percentage of users,” Toulouse explained.

As for those who were banned, they should now be able to connect normally without taking any actions to restore their service. Additionally, their accounts will be automatically credited with 1,200 XBox points and a 3 month XBox Live Gold membership. “You have my assurance that we are investigating how this error occurred and have since discontinued use of the software that was used,” Toulouse said.

I personally, as a user of Windows and many Microsoft applications, have often been disappointed by the company’s error-filled products. But bad things don’t necessarily remain bad. So far, with people like Stephen Toulouse at XBox Live, we have good hopes that our XBox experiences are going to be better. If you have been banned, too, and your account hasn’t been restored yet, do not hesitate to contact the XBox support, Toulouse himself could look for the solution for you!

From the latest gadget, Droid Bionic, let’s move on to other gaming gadgets. There are new gadgets released every now and then, but nothing beats the classics that has already been serving in the industry for quite a time already; tried and tested; only updating if needed. The Xbox is one of these gadgets, and now it has brought home the bacon, again, by ranking in No.1 in the latest sales ranking from the US.

The Xbox 360

It’s not just any Xbox, it’s Xbox 360. It’s the hottest Xbox release to date. First, it’s back with a black and more sleek design – classy and elegant; perfect for all ages. It would match any interior and would make any furniture classier.

It comes with a WiFi ability that lets you stream HD movies and TV shows perfectly, making this Xbox not only a gaming gadget but an all-around entertainment device. Even non-gamers would swear by this feature.

Now, if you are one of those total gamers that just look at the gadget solely on its ability to let you play the games that you want on another level, then suit yourself with Xbox’s 250 GB HD memory. Store all the games that you want, and you still have space for more! On the other hand, if you’re not that much into games, but more on the quality of gaming, Xbox 360 now allows Kinect. Say goodbye to your controllers already because now you can play wireless with this console.

Finally, once you get this device, you would probably be playing with it non-stop, which could lead to overheating problems, right? WRONG! Xbox 360 has one of the best heating ventilation systems out there, letting you play for as long as you want. If however, it does get a little hotter than usual, there’s still no need to worry because it has a safeguard mechanism that lets you shut down your device safely without breaking it – or worse, blowing it up.

Many excited over the new game of Elder Scroll, so they head on to Bethesda’s forum and ask their question.   Some people got lucky because Bethesda chose their questions and answers it.

It was easy to get sidetracked due to all the other stuff going on, making the main story seem more insignificant and without consequence.

Players can now choose, which outcome will they like, but it all depends on the choices that they are going make in their game time.  There will be a lot of main and side quests, but it will not be as varied like the Fallout 3 game.

In this game, there will be areas where one could start and strengthen their characters.  One would not fear the tough bosses if they just want to strengthen their characters. Gamers could expect easier items to collect in the game.

Perhaps, one of the most exciting parts of playing the game is the game interaction with NPC.  It will not be like the NPC, which will attack one even if one are not attacking them.  One could find their partner and marry to her.  Of course, one could live with your partner whenever one chooses.  Bethesda borrows some points from other game – Fable series.

Also, there would be tougher weapons in Elder Scroll game.  Weapons that created from dragons scales is one of the toughest weapons.  However, it would be hard to get one since the gamer got to beat a dragon first, before one could get their scales.

Modern Walfare 3 is not coming to the store until November, but Activision seems to be enrage about a certain website bearing the name of Modern Warfare 3.  The site forwards the visitor to the site of Batlefield 3, which is the competitor for the said game.

Activision has taken the legal action over the said site so that they could acquire it.  The domain modernwarfare3.com, was registered back in March 2009.  The site presents itself as an unofficial fan site dedicated to the Modern Warfare series, also as a parody of Modern Warfare 3 game.  There was a certain rumor that been bogging everybody as the site forwards its visitor over the site of its nemesis.  Activision claims that it is part of the move to take down noticed that their competitor sent, related to copyrighted content that had appeared on the site before.

If Activision want to acquire the domain, the company would need to prove that the site is similar to its own trademarks related to the series, also the fact that the owner never intended to use the domain, but used in bad faith.  If the owner wants to retain the rights to his domain.  He must release a statement that he never wants to use the domain for any way that it could get money.

Activision pointed out that the site is running ads from Gamestop, so the owner has an intention to us the site for monetary gains.  Directing the site to a competitor’s site proves that the owner intends to sue the site to make money. The site no longer redirect to the battle field 3 site. It would be harder to prove that in the court.

Gamespot.com claims that they tried to contact both the admin of the site and Activision to clear all things out.  However, both concerned parties never reply back.

Since EA started with their business, the company have been using EADM for handling all the transaction needed.  It integrates the EA store and one’s account for managing one’s account.  It works like Steam but lacks a lot of Entitlements and helpful features.  Another reason why it cannot compete with Steam is that the latter allows one to download any game for as many times as one would want.

Just this June, EA change the name of EADM into Origin, the same online store but with useful features and other improvements.

If one have a previous account, one might discover that they have carried the databases of the old platform into the new platform.   Many assumed that means better service since they want to compete with Steam.  However, things are not that way.

If one are going to read the Terms and Service, one would notice that there is sentence saying that if one have not used their entitlements for 2 years, then EA would delete your account without your consent.  For some people 24 months not a reason for deleting a game or an entire account, but I believe it is just right.   If one is not visiting their account for such a long time, then it means that they are not interested on laying those games anymore.  As such, EA entitled to delete your account since they would be using the space for another recently purchased account.

After all, EA is a business about games.  How could they earn more money if the person is not using their account for 24 months or more?  If the person decided to play the game after a long hiatus, then all they need to so is to login to their account before the 24 months period.

I do not think that any guy would not use their account if they are still interested in the account and the games inside it.

It has been a long time before SNK Playmore puts a date on the much awaited “King of Fighters XIII.“  At long last the game now has a released date.  The game is about to hit your favorite game store in October 2011, on gaming consoles including Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

If one are a skilled fighter in the arcades, buying the game for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, will even enhance your fighting moves since one can play it anytime in your house.  It is always better playing indoors, even if the game is just video games.

Some of the old favorite characters that have taken a vacation could make a comeback.  The first one unveiled is old Billy Kane.  Kane is the guy with the pole, which often broke while fighting with other characters.  His looks might not convince one that he is good, but take it from me, he is a real deal.  I remember using Kane more than the other characters. It is easier to hit an enemy from afar when one could strike further.

Mai Shiranui is also making a comeback.  Mai was absent during King of Fighters XII.

Perhaps one of the newest additions to the characters of the game is Hwai Jai, a Thai boxer who had first and last appeared in the first Fatal Fury.   He is going to be the rival of Joe Higashi.  Perhaps, SNK Playmore thought that adding another Muay Thai master would make the game fascinating just like Street Fighter.

Aside from the new characters, it brings with it, the new game comes with improved graphics.

It is true that it has been a long time since the last King of Fighters, but I do believe that there would be someone who would like some butt-kicking moves.    However, everybody deserves a second chance, so this game also deserves a second chance in the gaming world.

Ubisoft admitted that their ability to create games depends on both Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 graphics capability.

In an interview by Gamingindustry.biz to Ubisoft’s Yves Jacquier, the latter said that AI has always been the battleground for the game.  The challenge for them is to create better AI to create a perfect universe in the gaming world.  Because of the graphics capability of Xbox and Playstation, their engineers cannot do anything to improve the gaming experience.

There are only few games that have offered a good computer-operated opponent.   Ubisoft is not alone in saying that the problem is the graphic capability of platforms. The maker of Bodycount has the same sentiment as Ubisoft.

If one are thinking that whenever one play a game, and see the characters conversing that they could think on their own.  Those are just scripted word which the programmers included in the programming of that game.  Uncharted 3, Gears of War 3, Modern Warfare 3 are only a few games that come to my mind using such scripted dialogues.  Those games are idiots and could not think on their own.

The good news is that Ubisoft is going to spend around $1 million, in developing a game that would be far better than the current game AI could do.  Just do not expect that it could rival that of a real human’s ability to think.  However, one can expect a gaming experience since the AI would be better.

Yves added that their hoping that the next generation of consoles will be better than its predecessors. They would want to focus on making an  AI that is even better than what they are now.  A game is not all about the graphics but the AI which the players fight or converse.

Based on my experience on programming, AI would always need a script and a command that will trigger a certain action.  I do not think that $1 million will do the trick for the AI.