Are you bored and currently hibernating in your caves? Get rid of your winter blues and take a trip to Banoi with this Dead Island DLC announcement, and by the way, its coming sooner than you think.

Deep Silver announced today the Ryder White DLC pack, to let players experience the game in a whole new perspective. The story pack is a single-player story driven campaign that reveals how the events of the game went down in the eyes of antagonist Ryder White.

“I always like to think of antagonist characters not as evil, but simply…misunderstood,” says Deep Silver’s Aubrey Norris. “Ryder White was obviously suffering from a massive case of beast mood in Dead Island, and I think it’s only fair we got to learn his side of the story.”

The download pack will feature several hours of gameplay as well as new weapon blueprints. The upcoming add-on comes to the Playstation Network on January 31 for $9.99 and a day later on Xbox-Live for 800 Microsoft Points.

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New Dead Island DLC incoming is a post from: Rely on Horror

Angel C.

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While we still feel that the game holds a lot of potential as another type of game, The Last of Us is not a horror game.

We know what we saw in the trailer – but even if the game includes monsters and zombie-like people, they aren’t the focus of the game.  The game is set in a post-apocalyptic setting, there are monsters and survival is a key element, but the game is more focused in a different direction.

Druckmann points out

If the game was about the monsters, we would have not showed them [in the trailer].  The story’s not about them, so we thought let’s get it out of the way.

So that really leaves us with one burning question.  What is the story about then?

Short answer: These two

The game is a love story – but not the kind you’re probably thinking of.  It’s more of a bonding story – the relationship between the two people in the trailer – Joel and Ellie.  A story that will pull at the heart-strings and test the father-daughter dynamic that these two people will share.  There will be monsters and infected people, and the game will be the most violent Naughty Dog game yet, it will still be relatively tame, heavily story-driven and place a heavy emphasis on art style.

According to the interview, the Naughty Dog team worked extraordinarily hard to keep the whole The Last of Us project a secret. When Druckmann lost his iPad that contained a trailer for the game on an airplane, panic ensued.  The iPad was never recovered from the airline.  That panic intensified when the team behind The Last of Us saw the trailer for Dead Island and got to thinking that someone beat them to the punch.

However unlike Dead Island, which was nothing like the awe-inspiring trailer (unfortunately) Druckmann insists that what you see in the trailer is what you’re going to get in the game. Alas, no details were revealed on actual gameplay other than scavenging, surviving and killing.

Druckmann stated that they approached this ‘relationship-building’ idea because they felt that no one was getting to the heart of the matter.  No one was really exploring emotions – the human condition – in games.  The Last of Us will tell you about feelings.

It’s not the first time we’ve heard of a game directors wanting to take games in a new emotion-heavy direction and dissing the medium’s story-telling abilities as a whole, as Druckmann mentioned in the interview.

How well the audience will take to Naughty Dog’s emotional apocalypse is hard to tell.  We liked Heavy Rain for taking a step-outside the box.  However we all know that when you move too far in one direction, trying to make something like an apocalypse too emotional, you get…mixed results.

LIFE IS WORTH LIVING!

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The Last of Us not a horror game after all is a post from: Rely on Horror

Janus

I love to be scared - the anxiety, the adrenaline. Whether its being enveloped by a good book, teetering on the edge of my seat in the theatre or plunging head-first into the world of survival horror, I want to be there.

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“But wait!” you proclaim, “Isn’t this just the same game released on the Wii a couple of years ago?  Slathered up with some new paint and put in a new box?  Sounds like a rip-off to me.”  It would definitely appear that way at first blush, but there’s plenty that Overkill-Extended Cut offers to 1-up the Wii version.

Overkill – Extended Cut contains new and exclusive levels, game modes – including a Director’s Cut version, new weapons to decimate the undead with, Trophies and other unlockables that add intense amounts of replay value, an online leaderboard, plus the ability to play the whole thing in 3D.  Not to mention the fact that the game has been upscaled and runs a lot smoother than the Wii version did.

One of the big bonuses of Overkill: Extended Cut is the 3D support.  Since we don’t exactly have access to a fancy 3D TV for stereoscopic 3D, we had to settle for the anaglyphic 3D (if any of you out there do have a 3DTV, let us know how it is in the comments section).  While it does add a new ‘dimension’ to the game, it takes a while to get used to and I personally preferred the 3D off.  It might be because of corrective lenses, but others have claimed that it’s just dandy and prefer the 3D on all the time.  Depending on how you view 3D, you could fall into either category and it’s definitely a nice inclusion.

Your playable characters

Story-wise, this is your typical House of the Dead game.  You (and preferably a partner in local co-op) shoot some zombies, collect some unlockables, save some civilians, shoot some more zombies.  This story specifically follows Agent G and Detective Isaac Washington as they track down Papa Caesar and Clement Darling.  Extended Cut also features a whole new side story that features two vengeful strippers on a path of destruction as well.  It’s not outright porn, and the extra content features the same kind of comedic banter, appalling language and disgusting monstrosities that make the original campaign so great.  It’s a welcome addition and it definitely fits the grind-house style feel of the game.

Pussycat.  It says “Pink Pussycat.”

The game isn’t overtly difficult on normal, but at the same time, punishes you severely for dying.  While continues are unlimited in normal play, each time you die costs you about half of your points total.  We certainly wish it wasn’t so punishing, especially on the higher difficulties.  The most frustrating event being dying two-shots before the end of the level (seriously, it happened.  TWO SHOTS AWAY!)  The included Director’s Cut has limited continues and tougher baddies, and Hardcore Mode is headshot-only mode.  The difficulty ‘is’ there, for those who want it.

Of course there are some things that we’d wished would have been polished out before releasing.  The game controls similarly to the Umbrella Chronicles for the Wii – complete with shake to reload, but sometimes you really have to jerk on the controller to actually get a response (….).  Call us vain as well, but some of the aesthetics definitely have the tell-tale signs of being a Wii port, despite the best efforts to mask it.  Additionally there are enemies or artifacts on screen that are supposed to be there, but then disappear.  And although online is utilized for the leaderboards, we can’t help but feel that there was a lot more that could have been done with it.  Overall these are some downers, but they don’t ruin the experience.

So…the issue of swearing.  When you’re an adult, abrasive language suddenly loses a lot of its shock appeal, simply because you’re an adult, you can talk however the hell you like.  Overkill’s extensive lexicon of foul language was supposed to be over-the-top, and it certainly is.  However, an attempt at being gritty and hardcore is simply obnoxious.  Initially I personally found it pretty damn funny, but as the game pressed on, I found it slowly start to chip away at my sanity, until I was saddened that one of the minigames was in fact, not to shove a bar of soap as far down Washington’s throat as I possibly could.

“SHUT UP!  JUST SHUT THE F*CK UP!”

Don’t have a Playstation Move?  Overkill – Extended Cut can also be played with the Dual Shock as well.  But in all honestly why would you?  It’s like playing Rock Band with the standard controllers –it can be done, but where’s the fun in it?

House of the Dead: Overkill – Extended Cut is a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously.  The voice-acting, gore, sexual themes, violence and heavy language are so over-the-top that it’s hard to take a game like this seriously, which is exactly the intended experience.  Like how Saints Row compares to Grand Theft Auto – sometimes the over-the-top style of the game is better than a gritty-realistic type. If you’re looking for the latter, then Overkill – Extended Cut just isn’t for you.

For those looking for the former, grab yourself a Move controller and get ready for the best House of the Dead experience you can get without a handful of quarters.

7/10

Review: House of the Dead: Overkill – Extended Cut is a post from: Rely on Horror

Janus

I love to be scared - the anxiety, the adrenaline. Whether its being enveloped by a good book, teetering on the edge of my seat in the theatre or plunging head-first into the world of survival horror, I want to be there.

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If you are a little more curious about the game you can head on over to the Official site.

New Afterfall:Insanity screens and trailer is a post from: Rely on Horror

Fred Trdla

I live for survival horror, Its the one experience I'd die for!(pun intended) I started with nemesis chasing me through the raccoon Police Station and have since fallen madly in love with the genre. Raccoon city feels some what like home to me. So when I need a "Desperate Escape" I venture into Raccoon City.

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All of the episodes for the game will be available the same day, too.  So no waiting impatiently for the next episode to be released!  You can power through the game in one sitting if you so desired…we do, by the way.

Telltale games is currently hammering out the details with distribution partners to ensure that Europeans won’t have to wait long to have the game released for their favourite console.

More news on this as it surfaces.

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Jurassic Park Gets a Release Date is a post from: Rely on Horror

Janus

I love to be scared - the anxiety, the adrenaline. Whether its being enveloped by a good book, teetering on the edge of my seat in the theatre or plunging head-first into the world of survival horror, I want to be there.

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Basically, the theme features the game’s cover-art, beautifully drawn by Ayami Kojima. It depicts Dracula, Maria and Richter Belmont in their new looks that debuted with this remake of the classic Rondo of Blood. You can check out a screen shot of the theme below. So, will you be downloading this?

Beautiful Castlevania: Dracula X Chronicles theme now available on PSN is a post from: Rely on Horror

Jorge Bocanegra

The Big Cheese.

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It’s Tuesday so you know what that means! The Playstation Store has just been updated and along with a mega-Mega Man sale (an attempt by Capcom to ease the raging fanbase) and Freddy Krueger’s debut in Mortal Kombat, Castlevania fans have also been thrown a bone today. No, it’s not a game, instead it’s a theme for your PS3! A Symphony of the Night theme to be exact. Now, I still haven’t gotten a chance to take a gander at it myself, but I’m sure it may (or may not) look like the glorious artwork below. You can download the theme for $1.99.

To check out the full list of new downloads on the Playstation Store, head on over to the source below.

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Castlevania: Symphony of the Night PS3 theme now available is a post from: Rely on Horror

Jorge Bocanegra

The Big Cheese.

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The creepy monochromatic platformer LIMBO is coming to the Playstation Network on July 19th (the 20th for EU). I’m sure many people who missed out due to the games past Xbox exclusivity are jumping around in joy. Don’t get too excited though, this game is supposed to be depressing!

As an unnamed little boy looking for his sister, LIMBO takes you through black and white worlds with nothing but your reflexes ad problem solving skills. The game has little to no music, and focuses on pure ambiance. It’s definitely worth checking out.

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LIMBO comes to PSN July 19th [Update] is a post from: Rely on Horror

CJ Melendez

I'm a college student with a huge passion for gaming; horror being my favorite genre. I love being afraid to turn a corner or turn around in my games. The creepier the better.

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 Included with your purchase will be two free DLC characters, Julius Belmont and Yoko Belnades, as well as the inclusion of local co-op play, which was lacking from the original XBLA release. But wait, it gets better. Also included will be the “Beauty, Desire, Situation Dire” map pack DLC which gives players a pyramid level (from Portrait of Ruin) to run through. Sounds like a good deal to me. You can check out the full press release below.

KONAMI ANNOUNCES CASTLEVANIA HARMONY OF DESPAIR FOR PLAYSTATION® 3

PlayStation fans will finally get a Chance to Battle Dracula With Their Friends and put Their Vampire Hunting Skills on Display on the PlayStation®Network

El Segundo, Calif. – July 7st, 2011 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced that Castlevania Harmony of Despair will be coming to the PlayStation®Network later this summer. Players will now have the opportunity to be reunited with Dracula featuring fast paced, 2D side scrolling action that the series has become known for with a new local 4 player co-op mode added to compliment the excising 6 player online co-op mode already in place. Also added into the PlayStation version is the “Beauty, Desire, Situation Dire” Map pack, which is known as the Pyramid of Ruin level as well as downloadable characters Julius Belmont and Yoko Belnades, all available with the regular purchase of the game.

In Castlevania Harmony of Despair, fan favorite vampire hunters from throughout the series come together in order to return Dracula to his eternal slumber. Joining forces with friends on the PlayStation Network, up to six players can explore massive levels inspired by the worlds of Castlevania Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin and Order of Ecclesia via online co-op play. Players will also be able to join in on the fun locally as a new 4 player local co-op mode has been added to the PlayStation version. As players employ their cooperative skills to unleash devastating attacks and fight the forces of darkness, they can discover hidden locations, special items and equipment to help in their quest. Fearless players can even choose to engage in competitive Survival Mode with friends to and determine the best slayer of evil. Featuring detailed 2D art and now including bonus content in the form of map and character packs on the first day, Castlevania Harmony of Despair will provide players with a thrilling, next generation gaming experience coupled with the classic Castlevania aesthetic.

Castlevania Harmony of Despair will be available this summer on the PlayStation Network. For more information, please visit www.konami.com

Castlevania: Harmony of Despair coming to PSN later this summer, will include local co-op and free DLC is a post from: Rely on Horror

Jorge Bocanegra

The Big Cheese.

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The Silent Hill HD Collection, while an awesome package, has already received some criticisms from devoted fans. For starters, the collection contains Silent Hill 2 and 3, but not Silent Hill 4. A petition for Konami to include Silent Hill 4 was started as soon as the announcement escaped E3; another petition was started to bring the collection to the Xbox 360. Lastly, both games in the collection will have completely new voice over work.

If the collection were to contain new, bonus environments, what would they be? Would we be given a “director’s cut” version with areas and environments originally scrapped? And will they be incorporated into the main games? I’m all for bonus content, but these changes –if they exist at all– make  the collection sound less like a port.

Having these classic games remastered is a great thing, but fans have already tarted expressing their concerns and I expect to see more of that as we get closer to the game’s release.

Silent Hill HD Collection to have new environments? is a post from: Rely on Horror

CJ Melendez

I'm a college student with a huge passion for gaming; horror being my favorite genre. I love being afraid to turn a corner or turn around in my games. The creepier the better.

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