Welcome to Skyrim, or as I like to call it “future reason to upgrade my PC”. This stunning fifth entry in the Elder Scrolls series was by far my highlight of E3 2011, in fact, it was almost overwhelming. I say overwhelming because it’s difficult to both watch the screen, AND Tweet every play by play, on top of wondering just how offended the Bethesda peeps would be if I spent the demo shopping for my next graphics card on my smart phone.

But once you see the screen shots and trailer, you may understand my sense of urgency. With the all new Creation engine, created specifically for Skyrim, Elder Scrolls undoubtedly looks more breath taking than ever, with richer textures, improved shadows, and superior flora rendering. The menu system has also been overhauled; players who found the previous menu busy and ornate will enjoy the sleek and simplified design (for a good visual, check out the official site’s age gate). A interface with compass like points directs the user to the necessary menu areas on the left, right, or top of the screen, with gorgeous results when you press “up”:

Magic spells can now be wielded in either your left or right hand. You can choose to use a weapon in the remaining hand, or switch up combinations between the two as you see fit.

Skyrim, set 200 years after Oblivion, marks the revival of the ancient dragons of Elder Scrolls lore. The mythic beasts now play largely in the gameplay, descending on you or others at random. The main character can gain skills from slaying dragons, absorbing their power after battle and gaining “dragon shouts”, which can have powerful effects and aid in combat. The process of absorbing the dragon shouts, not shown in the trailer, is gorgeous; the Creation engine really shines when it comes to fire and weather effects. It has also significantly improved the facial structures of the NPCs; I can actually bear to look at Kajits (and everyone else, for that matter) now. The beauty of this game cannot be overstated.

In terms of potential hours invested, Skyrim is said to have up to 300 hours of total content, spanning over five cities and 150 dungeons. Better go invest in an I.V. and a bath chair (don’t Google that) now, you’re gonna need it come November 11, 2011 when Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim debuts on PC, Xbox 360, and Playstation 3.

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While it was more or less predictable that GTA V is on the way, all the same, the confirmation is sweet. Sources tell Gamespot that Grand Theft Auto V is “well under way”, with a 2012 “pretty likely”. Recent casting calls indicate the game will take place in LA, making it likely that Grand Theft Auto is making a return to San Andreas (which is fine with me. The first thing I’m gonna do is bomb my way through to the Los Santos police station showers and see if there’s still a dildo). The game’s scale is also said to be vast, with the source adding “It’s the big one”. If San Andreas is in fact the setting, I wonder how the boasted size will affect the landscape we’ve come to know and love and commit virtual crime in.

Gamespot

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Renegade Ops is definitely one of the games I’m most excited to check out post E3 2011. Think Zombie Driver: isometric view, 3D rendered, item pick-up based, only with vivid jungle environments and a military theme. Characters are played in-vehicle, each employed with a primary and secondary weapon. Each vehicle can have up to four upgrades, which you can mix and match for bonuses in particular skill sets (not unlike those in the Diablo II skill trees, if you’re familiar). Three difficulty modes allow the player to decide the level of depth they want to encounter in the game, from an easy button mashing misadventure, to a full challenge driven experience. Four person co-op, however, will be the lynchpin of this game’s appeal; knowing how to use each character in a team setting and plan vehicle bonuses accordingly is part of the strategic fun.

No word yet on how many levels or what price, both of those questions got me shut down in quick fashion during the Q&A session I had with the producers, but we do know it’s on the way for digital download on PC, PSN, and XBLA, this summer. Check out the screen shots of this compelling visual experience below.

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As previously reported, one of the many rumors pre-E3 was a more confusing one, that of Mass Effect 3 and supposed Kinect compatibility. But it was undeniable, as a copy of the cover art, complete with the iconic purple Kinect bar, sat on their servers before this past week’s big event. With Microsoft’s major press conference we not only were able to confirm this news, but also learn a little more about what this Kinect compatibility would entail. The Kinect features as it turns out are more audio-oriented, with dialogue trees and squad positioning now voice controlled. So far this is the only Kinect control known to be in the game, though it’ll be interesting to see if anything has been incorporated into the revised combat system. Hard to say though, as they probably would have already revealed that at E3. Other features, as before, will include full IP continuity–characters killed previously will not be present, previous love interests will become entangled in a triangle–and an improved duck and cover system. We’ll see what that means later, I’m sure. Check out the theatrical trailers, “Invasion” (after the jump) and “Fall Of Earth” (above) from E3 2011, as well as some screen shots, below.

Mass Effect 3 debuts on PC, Xbox 360, and Playstation 3 on March 6, 2011.

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Deus Ex: Human Revolution may yet be a couple months away, but it’s less than a week until we check the game out at E3. Ahead of its showing, Square Enix and Eidos have released a new trailer for the game, entitled “This Ends Now.” You can check the trailer out above, so be sure to let us know what you think!

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In a financial call discussing their plans for the coming fiscal  year, Capcom has revealed an increase in expected sales on Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, with waning expectations for Nintendo. While an increase in sales for Nintendo was also predicted, they’ve dropped the number of games they plan to offer on the home and handheld consoles, with the Wii only accounting for two Capcom titles this year, and the DS/3DS only nine (down from five and eleven, respectively). Meanwhile, the number of titles coming to Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 increased, while PC and PSP remained the same.

The Wii is clearly on the way out (they expect only 200,000 in sales this year, down from 1.4 million last year), but I found the drop in hand held titles to be a surprise. Did you?

AndriaSang
via Cubed3

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The legend of the Burning Man lives, and so does he. Fallout: New Vegas DLC Honest Hearts is coming soon, exploring Zion and the fate of top Caesar Legion’s operative and former Mormon missionary Joshua Graham. Get in gear for the big day by watching the cinematic trailer above and checking out the new screen shots in our gallery below.

Honest Hearts debuts May 17 on Xbox 360 for 800 points, and PC and Playstation 3 (provided that PSN is up and working) for $9.99.

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Some intense screen shots from Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City have hit the web, showcasing the nitty gritty titular town in the throes of T virus turmoil.

If you missed the teaser trailer, don’t forget to check it out above.

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StrategyInformer

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Now that evil has taken residence on the 3DS, you’d think Capcom would be focusing on their upcoming Nintendo endeavors, Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D and Resident Evil: Revelations. Lucky for us all, that’s dead wrong, as Capcom has announced a new title coming to Xbox 360, PC, and Playstation 3, called Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City. Plays take on the role of an Umbrella Security Services soldier as they deal with the disaster at post-break out Raccoon City.

Accompanying this news is a tidbit on the 3DS Resident Evil titles. Capcom will be shipping Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D with a demo of Resident Evil: Revelations, allowing a sneak peek at the first all original RE 3DS title.

Expect Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City to release in winter of this year.

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It’s a bit crazy, if you’ll pardon the expression, that Alice: Madness Returns is almost here. But almost here it is, with a very important June 14 release date looming on PC, Xbox 360, and PS3. Check out the trailer from GDC 2011 above, and the new screen shots below.

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Thinking about getting your special lady some chocolates or flowers for this romantic holiday? Think twice before you do. Valve has put together this little video warning about the risks involved with those types of gifts and more, and — keeping your best interests in mind — offers up some advice for a present you probably didn’t even consider.

Of course, you can always accompany your new gift with their special DIY Valentine’s Day cards!

YouTube

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Forever might not be just a day away, but hey, late spring ain’t too bad. Not when you consider how long it took to get here. Duke Nukem returns with classic modes and weaponry and tokens of manly mcmanliness (including “adult” magazines, weight lifting, and “woman oogling”) on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC, the totally not at all suggestive covers of which you can see after the jump, along with another screen shot.

Duke Nukem Forever explodes all over the face of the video games market on May 6, 2011.

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A new set of screens from the new Tomb Raider reboot have been released thanks to Game Informer, and you can check them out at the link below. They should give you a better idea of the look and atmosphere of the game, and how it compares to previous entries into the series.

My thoughts? I really like the look of this new game and how it portrays a young and inexperienced Lara. It just makes her character seem more real. More believable. Personally, I’m excited about this title… how about the rest of you?

Game Informer

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The first map pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops is on it’s way next year, revealed Major Nelson in this past Sunday’s podcast. Entitled First Strike, it adds another healthy dose of undead to series, with new Zombie map Ascension included with four others, Berlin Wall, Discovery, Stadium and Kowloon .

The downloadable content arrives February 1, 2011. Stay tuned for the inevitable screen shots.

CALL OF DUTY^®: BLACK OPS “FIRST STRIKE” GAME ADD-ON COMING FIRST TO XBOX LIVE ON 1ST FEBRUARY

Details Revealed of Record-Setting Title’s First Game Add-On Release

London, UK – 21^st December, 2010 – Prepare for Call of Duty ^®’s new online assault.  The Call of Duty^®: Black Ops First Strike game add-on will first launch worldwide on Xbox LIVE^® on 1^st February. Call of Duty: Black Ops First Strike represents the first downloadable content expansion for the blockbuster title from Treyarch and Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI).

“ We’re committed to supporting Call of Duty: Black Ops fans with continuous updates to the game and exciting new content that will keep our community engaged,” said Treyarch Studio Head, Mark Lamia. “We can’t wait to deliver Call of Duty: Black Ops First Strike to our fans, which has four all-new Black Ops multiplayer maps, and an exciting new Zombie map to be declassified later. “

Call of Duty: Black Ops First Strike features four new multiplayer maps, including Berlin Wall, Discovery, Stadium and Kowloon, and a new Zombie map called Ascension.

For Silver Xbox LIVE members who haven’t yet experienced Call of Duty: Black Ops multiplayer, Xbox LIVE will host a Multiplayer Unlock event running on 28-30^th January for new fans to join in.

Created by Treyarch and published by Activision, Call of Duty: Black Ops made entertainment history this November when it shattered theatrical box office, book and video game sales records for five-day opening worldwide sell through in dollars, selling more than $650 million.

Call of Duty: Black Ops is PEGI rated 18.  For additional Call of Duty updates, visit www.callofduty.com/blackops and also via Twitter @JD_2020.

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Original projected for a March 2011 release, Deux Ex: Human Revolution will not meet its release date. Square Enix confirmed that due to the underwhelming performance of recent console game releases, the game will be delayed in order to better polish the newest Deus Ex game.

“With weak sales performance of console game titles that have been newly released during the current fiscal year as well as harsh market feedback regarding a key title, the Group recognizes the reinforcement of development capability in our Digital Entertainment segment as our most critical managerial issue. We therefore have decided to spend additional time to further polish our upcoming game, DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION, resulting in a shift in release timing from our prior plan of the current fiscal year to next fiscal year.”

Looks like the reboot will have to wait until April 2011 or later.

CVG

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