Pixel Well

Star Wars The Old Republic Pre-Orders, Early Access, and…Monthly fees?

The King's Eighth — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:43:04 +0000

Early last Thursday morning, BioWare took the big leap and announced the start of pre-orders on their website. Though they avoid to actually nail down a release date, speculation is ranging anywhere from October to December. Pre-order information included the revelation that a limited number of pre-orders, across all editions of the game, would be accepted. That is in part due to announcement of early-access to the game with the purchase of one of three different variations of the game. They include a normal edition for $59, and Digital Deluxe edition for $79, and a Collectors Edition for a steep $150. Once you decide how you want to go about ordering the game and actually order it, an email will be sent with a special early access code that you register on the game’s website.

What is interesting is the details of the game itself on the pre-order page. If you take a look closely under the description of each version of the game, you’ll notice the grey note stating that “30 days game time” is included with the purchase. This leads us to believe that The Old Republic will in fact have a monthly fee associated with it. Also interesting is the footnote following the giant “pre-order” title at the top. In it, it has the following sentence which also makes us believe in a monthly description:

ACCEPTANCE OF END USER ACCESS AND LICENSE AGREEMENT, PERSISTENT INTERNET CONNECTION, ACCOUNT REGISTRATION (13+ TO REGISTER), PAID SUBSCRIPTION AND VALID PAYMENT METHOD REQUIRED TO ACCESS GAMEPLAY.

Unfortunately it looks like BioWare is taking the same approach as the other MMOs unless they have something else up their sleeve. We shall have to wait and find out until the release.

Star Wars The Old Republic Pre-Orders, Early Access, and…Monthly fees? is an article on Pixel Well
All original content, including images and all intellectual properties, are copyright © Pixel Well 2010

Battlefield 3: Thunder Run Tank Gameplay

The King's Eighth — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:03:43 +0000

After the impressive work of DICE and EA on Battlefield Bad Company 2, one could only expect a long wait for the next impressive, modern, FPS. DICE has raised the bar on us and are developing one of the most stunning looking games we’ve seen since, well BBC2. Their state-of-the-art visuals and ultra-realistic sound are being maxed out in their upcoming masterpiece, Battlefield 3. Today at E3 the company released this mouth dropping gameplay footage that has left us stunned. This footage shows tank action at its finest, deployed to take out an enemy rocket position.

Battlefield 3: Thunder Run Tank Gameplay is an article on Pixel Well
All original content, including images and all intellectual properties, are copyright © Pixel Well 2010

Promotional Peripherals for Star Wars: The Old Republic

The King's Eighth — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:31:51 +0000

Razer, LucasArts, and BioWare, just announced today the launch of their new lineup of computer peripherals promoting Star Wars: The Old Republic. You can check out the full details of their products at the newly formed website here. Razer is producing a keyboard with

a full-color highly sensitive multi-touch LCD panel, and incorporates ten adaptive tactile keys, providing more room for easily accessible skills, hotkeys, and macros.

The company also is making a headset

featuring 5.1 surround sound so you can hear everything around you in absolute clarity.

Additionally the company is producing a gaming mouse that features

gaming-grade wireless technology for complete swiping freedom and a fully programmable twelve button MMO thumb-grid for more skills at your fingertips.

All products feature interchangeable emblems that you can display proudly – once you choose a side that is.

Thanks to Engadget for some of the pictures.

The Battle Between The Empire and The Republic Gets Fiercer With Razer™

Tuesday, 07 June 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE BATTLE BETWEEN THE EMPIRE AND THE REPUBLIC GETS FIERCER WITH RAZER™

Razer™, BioWare™, and LucasArts™, announce a suite of MMO gaming peripherals designed for Star Wars™: The Old Republic™

Carlsbad, Calif. – June 7th, 2011 – Razer™, the world’s leading high-end precision gaming brand, is proud to send your Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ gaming experience into hyperspace with the release of a licensed Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ product line, expected to launch in conjunction with the hotly anticipated title. In collaboration with BioWare and LucasArts, this collection of gaming weaponry will equip you to win, whether you’re carrying out the work of the Dark Sith lords or righteously defending the people of the Galactic Republic.

“As fans of Star Wars™ ourselves, we are absolutely thrilled for the chance to create a product line for Star Wars™: The Old Republic™. The result is a spectacular collection of the highest grade peripherals that is a tribute to the franchise, its fans and gamers alike,” said Robert “RazerGuy” Krakoff, President, Razer USA. “And whether you’re using our revolutionary new keyboard with the world’s first LCD touch-panel, or the multi-award winning MMO gaming mouse styled in the Star Wars™ universe with a twelve-button thumb grid, it goes without saying, we equip gamers to win.”

Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ is being developed by BioWare, creators of the critically-acclaimed Star Wars™: The Knights of the Old Republic™. With this product line by Razer, gamers can fearlessly dive into the game armed with unparalleled competition-grade gaming technology fully decked in aesthetics that evoke the Star Wars™ universe. All peripherals come with the ability to interchange Galactic Republic and Sith Empire faction symbols to showcase your allegiance with pride.

“We want gamers to fully immerse themselves in the expansive universe of The Old Republic™, and that extends to the peripherals they use,” said Rob Cowles, Senior Product Marketing Manager, LucasArts. “When we began development of the peripherals with Razer, our goal was to not only compliment game play but also create products that feel like a part of the Star Wars™ universe. Everyone wants an Aurebesh keyboard—right?”

The Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ Gaming Keyboard is a revolutionary first for gaming technology. It features a full-color multi-touch LCD panel with a row of adaptive tactile keys above that can cycle through skills, hotkeys and macros with matching graphics from the game for maximum competitive efficiency. These adaptive tactile keys were introduced as an unprecedented new concept technology by Razer at CES 2011 and are now available to gamers worldwide for the first time through this keyboard.

The Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ product line also includes a wireless gaming mouse with a twelve button thumb-grid for more skills at your fingertips, a dual-sided mouse mat for precise swiping, and a 5.1 surround sound headset for total comfort and immersive positional audio. Arm yourself with the entire line-up and your domination into the far reaches of the galaxy will be effortless.

To find out more about the Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ Gaming Peripherals by Razer visit http://www.razerzone.com/swtor

About the Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ Gaming Keyboard by Razer

SWTOR Gaming Keyboard Designed By Razer

A first for the world of gaming technology, the Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ Gaming Keyboard by Razer features a full-color highly sensitive multi-touch LCD panel, and incorporates ten adaptive tactile keys, providing more room for easily accessible skills, hotkeys, and macros. Plus, you can convert the entire keyboard from alpha-numeric to Aurebesh!

The interchangeable gold backlit faction symbols let you showcase your allegiance with the Galactic Republic or the Sith Empire. The Force is with you in this ultimate tool for intergalactic domination.

Product features:

Touch-sensitive LCD track-panel for better control and efficient skills management
Ten dynamic adaptive tactile keys for customizable controls
Gold backlit keys with slim key caps for faster actuation and shorter travel distance
Fully programmable keys and on-the-fly macro recording
Adjustable multi-color LED (Up to 16 million colors)
1000Hz Ultrapolling/1ms response time
Braided 7 foot USB cable

Price: US $199.99 / EU €199.99

Availability:
Razerzone.com – At Game Launch
Worldwide – At Game Launch

About the Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ Gaming Mouse by Razer

SWTOR Gaming Mouse Designed By Razer

Wield the Force with the Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ Gaming Mouse by Razer, featuring gaming-grade wireless technology for complete swiping freedom and a fully programmable twelve button MMO thumb-grid for more skills at your fingertips. It also comes with interchangeable faction symbols and multi-color lighting so you can annihilate all those who oppose you with pride and in style.

Product features:

17 fully programmable MMO-optimized buttons (including 12 button thumb grid)
Wired/wireless dual mode capability
Interchangeable gold-backlit faction panels
Charging dock (also functions as a wireless receiver unit)
Adjustable multi-color LED (Up to 16 million colors)
5600dpi Razer precision 3.5G laser sensor
1000Hz Ultrapolling/1ms response time

Price: US $129.99 / EU €129.99

Availability:
Razerzone.com – At Game Launch
Worldwide – At Game Launch

About the Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ Gaming Mouse Mat by Razer

SWTOR Gaming Mouse Mat Designed By Razer

Every war has two sides, and to be victorious, you’ll have to choose. With the Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ Gaming Mouse Mat by Razer, experience enhanced swiping and unparalleled precision thanks to performance-grade tracking surfaces on both sides. One represents the might of the Sith Empire, the other the splendor of the Galactic Republic, so you’ll always be gaming under the right banner with pride.

Product features:

Dual-sided mouse mat to display different faction choices
Performance-grade hard surfaces for smoother mouse swiping
Non-slip, anti-reflective, abrasion-resistant hard coating

Price: US $49.99 / EU €49.99

Availability:
Razerzone.com – At Game Launch
Worldwide – At Game Launch

About the Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ Gaming Headset by Razer

SWTOR Gaming Headset Designed By Razer

With the Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ Gaming Headset by Razer, your total immersion into the game is complete. Featuring 5.1 surround sound so you can hear everything around you in absolute clarity. With positional audio, get the tactical aural advantage to prevent backstabs and react to enemy attacks no matter where you hear them. It comes with interchangeable Sith Empire and Galactic Republic faction symbols to emblazon your headset with the symbol of your allegiance.

Product features:

5.1 surround sound headset for positional audio
Circumaural design with 50mm driver units
Flexible boom microphone
Interchangeable faction panels
Adjustable multi-color LED (Up to 16 million colors)
Volume and mic control buttons on the headset
Adjustable headband structure for optimal comfort

Price: US $129.99 / EU €129.99

Availability:
Razerzone.com – At Game Launch
Worldwide – At Game Launch

About BioWare:

BioWare develops high quality console, PC and online role-playing games, focused on rich stories, unforgettable characters and vast worlds to discover. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world’s most critically acclaimed titles, including Baldur’s Gate™, Neverwinter Nights™, Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™, Jade Empire™, Mass Effect™ and Dragon Age™. BioWare operates in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), Montreal (Quebec), Austin (Texas), Fairfax (Virginia) and Galway (Ireland). Currently announced projects at BioWare include the ongoing downloadable content for Dragon Age II, Mass Effect 3 and Star Wars®: The Old Republic™. In 2008, BioWare was acquired by Electronic Arts, a leading global interactive entertainment publisher.

For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/biofeed. To join the millions of fans already registered on our community, go to http://social.bioware.com.

About LucasArts:

LucasArts is a leading publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software for videogame console systems and personal computers. The company was founded in 1982 by filmmaker George Lucas to provide an interactive element to his vision of a state-of-the-art, multifaceted entertainment company.

Now poised to realize George Lucas’ vision of the potential for video games as an interactive medium, LucasArts continues to introduce new heroes for the next generation of gamers.

About the Razer Group:

Razer™ isn’t just the world’s leading brand for elite gaming products. We perpetually define competitive gaming technology with our research and development labs and offices in seven cities across the globe. Founded in 1998, in Carlsbad, California, Razer’s innovations in precision, ergonomics, and interfacing combine with a distinct aesthetic design that gives gamers the edge. We live by our motto: For Gamers. By Gamers.™

Promotional Peripherals for Star Wars: The Old Republic is an article on Pixel Well
All original content, including images and all intellectual properties, are copyright © Pixel Well 2010

Star Wars: The Old Republic E3 2011 Return Trailer

The King's Eighth — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:52:58 +0000

BioWare certainly is flexing their cinematic muscle with their impressive trailers. Again at E3 they demonstrate the unique story of their upcoming MMO, The Old Republic. The trailer released by BioWare is slated to become the games intro cinematic. A few of us here have been debating over the quality of this game and the time and money spent on it. Will it live up to its expectations? Will the story line drive us deeper into the Star Wars universe? When will the damn thing come out? Hopefully BioWare and EA can live up to the expectations of many and deliver more than a large production bill.

Star Wars: The Old Republic E3 2011 Return Trailer is an article on Pixel Well
All original content, including images and all intellectual properties, are copyright © Pixel Well 2010

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

The King's Eighth — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 03:10:06 +0000

And we’re back! After a long hiatus from jobs, grad school, and other personal business, we are back into the thick of things once more. What better way to start afresh then to provide some news during the week of E3 2011. There is much in store so let’s get straight to it. Here is a highly anticipated game for many on the PS3, Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception, due out on November 1, 2011. Drake’s fate is drawn into the adventures and stories of T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia).

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is an article on Pixel Well
All original content, including images and all intellectual properties, are copyright © Pixel Well 2010

Pixel Well Looking for Guest Authors

The River Salmon — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 19:42:39 +0000

Think you’d like to do some critical analysis of interactive media? Pixel Well would love to hear what you think. We’re currently undergoing some maintenance and as we do so we’re looking to expand our author base. If you’re interested drop us a line at info at pixelwell.com. Oh, and if you could have a sample whipped up to see how you write that’d be great. We look forward to hearing from you.

Pixel Well Looking for Guest Authors is an article on Pixel Well
All original content, including images and all intellectual properties, are copyright © Pixel Well 2010

Pixel Well is Go

Portal 2 Release Date

The River Salmon — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:09:52 +0000

Though I suggest we take this with a grain of salt, the Portal 2 release date has been nailed down to February 9, 2011. We here at Pixel Well, though not begrudgingly, usually consider Valve’s release dates tentative at best. We reminisce fondly of standing around a ping-pong table talking about how cool Half-life 2 would be for, well, ages. Check out this additional gameplay video, where you can hear some of the grand voice acting by Stephen Merchant who plays Wheatly the robot in the game. Lets keep our fingers cross that in a mere couple of months we’ll have the new installment securely in our ravenous mitts. Thanks to Game Informer for the news.

Portal 2 Release Date is an article on Pixel Well
All original content, including images and all intellectual properties, are copyright © Pixel Well 2010

Sony’s PlayStation Move

The King's Eighth — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 20:03:55 +0000

This week has been definitely filled with new items and games from everyone. Microsoft announces their slimmed console along with their motion capture device Kinect, so naturally Sony reveals their latest attempt into the motion capture realm. Sony announced on Tuesday the launch of their new device, Move. Move will be released on September 19, and can be purchased in a bundle with both sets of the controller (yes it is almost exactly like the Wii controller) along with the PlayStation Eye and Move Sports Championship game. Why is everyone releasing a sports game with these things? Oh wait, probably because the Wii did awesome with just the console and Wii Sports when it came out. You can expect to pay $99 for the whole bundle or if you’re in the market for a new console you can pick one up with the Move controller for $399.

The idea behind the design is that the giant ball attached to the end of the controller will change color based on your lighting and background environment in the room. The PlayStation Eye will then track the ball more efficiently. Sony’s goal is to have a more 1:1 ration of your actual movements. I hope that the tracking is indeed more close to 1:1 for games. Just imagine Force Unleashed II with this thing, though it probably won’t be compatible with the game. Anyway, check out the latest screens.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

The King's Eighth — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 03:48:06 +0000

Here is yet another anticipated game by many out there. E3 has provided us with a debut trailer showing off the new game along with gameplay footage utilizing the Wii motion plus. Author Stephen Totilo over at kotaku had a chance to play the demo at the E3 convention and was overall impressed with the game.

So no complaints on controls, an almost-perfect button layout and a “decent” for graphics. I enjoyed romping through the game’s demo and had the most fun at a boss. This game’s probably going to be good. No surprise, it’s a Zelda.

You can check out his article and walkthrough video here. Without further adieu, here is the debut trailer.

Microsft’s Xbox 360 250Gb Slim and Kinect

The King's Eighth — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:06:44 +0000

If you haven’t heard already Microsoft announced this past Tuesday the launch of their newest Xbox 360 S model and the long awaited motion capture device Kinect, formerly Natal. Following suit of Sony they have trimmed down the system for a slimmer and sleeker looking console. Some of the new features include a smaller 45nm processor, integrated 2.4GHz 802.11n WiFi, 5 USB ports (2 front, 3 back), custom Kinect port, and a larger 250 GB removable hard drive. Current users will not be able to remove their hard drives and attach them to the new unit. However, there will be a USB transfer cable available to transfer your data. As of Tuesday websites have been reporting that the units were being shipped out to retailers that day and expected to see them on store shelves by the end of this week. Here are some highlights of the official fact sheet that Engadget was given followed by the spec sheet revealed at Joystiq.

Xbox 360 is fully loaded with new features and still comes with everything you know and love. Here’s a feature list to make sure you don’t miss any of the newestXbox 360 250GB parts.

Form Factor: Sleek, lean and gloss black finish with chrome accents. Place vertically or horizontally in any living room entertainment center.

Touch Sensitive Buttons: Turn the Xbox 360 video game system on/off and eject a disc with the swipe of a finger.

Whisper Quiet: Whether you’re playing a DVD disc or from the hard drive, or navigating the dashboard, with the all-new and much quieter Xbox 360, the only noise you’ll hear is your own laughing, cheering and playing.

Wi-Fi: Built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi for fast, easy connection to your friends and entertainment on Xbox LIVE.

Hard Drive: 250GB internal, swappable hard drive for even more storage. To access, remove the bottom panel by pushing the small tab toward the front of the console.

Kinect-Ready: Custom Kinect port on the back of the console that directly hooks up to the Kinect sensor for controller-free fun.

USB Slots: Five USB ports; three in the back of the console and two in the front for easy plug and play.

AV Connections: AV Cable included for standard definition TV connection. HDMI port for high definition TV connection. Optical Audio out port integrated on back of console for AV system connection.

Power Supply: Smaller and more efficient. Xbox 360 250GB and
Xbox 360 Original power supplies are not interchangeable.

Wireless Controller: The award-winning Xbox 360 Wireless Controller matches the console in all black with color-matched thumsticks and directional pad with a touch of gloss and chrome to complete the look.

Backwards Compatible. Your favorite accessories and games will work with Xbox 360 250GB. (Xbox 360 External Hard Drives and Memory Units are not compatible.)

Accessories. Customize your Xbox 360 250GB with matching black accessories, including favorites such as Controllers, Wireless Headset, Chatpad, Quick Charge and Play & Charge Kits and more. Get a look at a few of these today.

Key Internal Components Changes:

Fan: Moved from two small fans to one larger fan for improved acoustics. Chipset: 45 nanometer and integrated CPU and GPU.
Wi-Fi: Integrated wireless capability.

Along with the announcement of the new 360 model was Kinect. The device, formally know as Natal, will be released November 4th of this year with a large array of supported games. If you don’t remember what Natal was, it is Microsoft’s leap into the motion control aspect of gaming. The device utilizes cameras and infrared sensors to pick up your placement and movement. Here is the list of upcoming games to utilize the new device. Of course there has to be a sports game, Kinect Sports.

Zumba Fitness
Game Party in Motion
Motionsports
Kinect Adventures
The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout
Kinect Joyride
Kinect Sports
Adrenalin Misfits
Deca Sports Collection
Dance Central
Dance Masters
Sonic Free Riders
Kinectimals
EA Sports Active 2.0
Your Shape: Fitness Evolved