http://auth.gamespot.com/ Gamespot's Everything Feed! News, Reviews, Videos. Exploding with content? You bet. en-us Thu, 03 Apr 2014 01:03:21 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/in-mario-kart-8-crashing-could-be-your-key-to-victory/1100-6418734/ <p style="">Hold down the accelerate button at the right time to get a rocket boost at the start of a race. Use drift (a lot) to maximise your speed around turns. Avoid collisions with the environment or other racers. Be on constant alert when you're in the lead, for the blue shell may appear to ruin your race at any minute. These tips have been the keys to racking up the wins in previous Mario Kart games, but the newest in the series--<a href="/mario-kart-8/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Kart 8 </a>for the Wii U--is about to upend one of these tried and tested strategies. In Mario Kart 8, collisions could be your key to victory.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">It all has to do with the new anti-gravity sections being introduced for the first time in the series. When I first saw Mario Kart 8's anti-grav mechanic being shown at E3 2013, it seemed to me, more than anything else, a visual novelty. Racing along walls and ceilings and upside down on mobius strip-style tracks certainly looks impressive, but what does it actually add to the gameplay? Meeting with series producer Hideki Konno and director Kosuke Yabuki after playing the game recently though, they explained that racers colliding in these sections would--instead of slowing down--actually receive a speed boost.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/2/5/6/7/2042567-718939_20130611_011.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2042567" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/2/5/6/7/2042567-718939_20130611_011.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2042567"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/mig/2/5/6/7/2042567-718939_20130611_011.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">It seems counter-intuitive that crashing would ever be something you'd want to do in a racing game. After all, speed and precision is what gets you in front, right? But those rules won't apply when you're racing along one of Mario Kart 8's new anti-gravity sections. When you collide in an anti-grav section, your kart (or bike) will spin, but it will also gain a slight boost. Bumping into your fellow racers has now suddenly become a positive instead of a negative.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"When you look traditionally at Mario Kart, colliding with other characters was not something you wanted to do," Konno said. "The risks outweighed any benefits you might get from doing that. However, the boost that you get when colliding with a character in an anti-grav section of a course alters that whole paradigm. So you may see some new strategies come out of this that even we aren't aware of. For example, you may see some folks that may be a little down in the pack actually run into each other on purpose to give them a little extra speed so they can close the gap with whoever is in first."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"One thing that's always happened with previous Mario Karts is that if you're using a light character and you bump into a heavy character you were at a disadvantage. However, with the anti-grav section, even the lighter characters will be able to strategise using the anti-grav sections to stay level, or even gain the advantage in collisions, even if you are a lighter character."</p><figure data-align="left" data-size="medium" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2404984-wiiu_mariokart8_121813_scrn_01.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2404984" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2404984-wiiu_mariokart8_121813_scrn_01.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2404984"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_medium/536/5360430/2404984-wiiu_mariokart8_121813_scrn_01.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">The tracks in Mario Kart 8 aren't exclusively made up of anti-gravity sections, though, so the game won't devolve into a hot mess of players deliberately trying to crash into each other. Anti-gravity will be a feature of most tracks (some of the updated classic tracks I played, such as Moo Moo Meadows, didn't have any anti-grav sections), alongside the underwater and flying sections first introduced in <a href="/mario-kart-7/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Kart 7 </a>for the 3DS. And for many courses, it seems anti-gravity sections will be used as alternate routes as opposed to being the mandatory path through the track. The updated version of Toad's Turnpike, for example, features anti-gravity sections along the highway walls. While racing along the walls does allow you to avoid the traffic on the road, the path will be longer.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Some of the things you'll see in courses is anti-gravity being given to players as an option," Yabuki said. "You're driving on a course and now the course branches off, and you can either continue driving on the ground or go on anti-grav route and go up on the wall. With the addition of the anti-grav feature, we've been able to create course designs that fundamentally alters the strategy and gives players more options when racing."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Konno added that the addition of anti-gravity allowed the development team to add more depth to Mario Kart 8's courses. "The courses are one of the most important--if not the most important element--in the series, so with Mario Kart 8 we really wanted to divide up the things we could do and make sure we're really using them effectively. So we have underwater sections, we have flying sections, we have anti-grav sections, and we use all of these in a way to create really interesting and fun to drive on courses."</p><blockquote data-size="large"><p dir="ltr" style="">You may see some folks that may be a little down in the pack actually run into each other on purpose to give them a little extra speed.</p><cite>Mario Kart 8 producer Hideki Konno</cite></blockquote><p dir="ltr" style="">Anti-gravity isn't the only new thing Mario Kart 8 is bringing to the decades-old franchise. The game will allow you to upload and share race highlights via its Mario Kart TV feature; use the Wii U gamepad as a map while using another controller to drive; feature two new items (a piranha plant and a boomerang); customise which items appear (or don't) in races; and more. Of course, there are also the cosmetic changes. And what impressive changes they are, especially compared to the series' last home console appearance on the Wii almost six years ago. Mario Kart 8 looks gorgeous, showcasing impressive details in both the racers and the tracks. For Yabuki and Konno, these good looks are all thanks to the Wii U's extra grunt.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We were able to harness the power of the Wii U to get a huge polygon count, and we were able to make courses that involved a lot of undulating, moving surfaces," Yabuki said. "We've also done a lot of work with the character animations. If you look at Mario and the Koopalings and all the characters, you're seeing a level and range of animation that you've never seen before."</p><p style=""> </p> Thu, 03 Apr 2014 00:01:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/in-mario-kart-8-crashing-could-be-your-key-to-victory/1100-6418734/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/mario-kart-8-new-courses-and-vehicles-preview/2300-6418075/ Tom and Carolyn discuss hovercrafts, course design, and new characters in this preview of Mario Kart 8. Thu, 03 Apr 2014 00:01:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/mario-kart-8-new-courses-and-vehicles-preview/2300-6418075/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-it-s-not-all-about-luck-two-rainbow-roads-confirmed/1100-6418730/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2440727-roxfc700hvuuzjlwh5vxbibvfekrpb43.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2440727" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2440727-roxfc700hvuuzjlwh5vxbibvfekrpb43.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2440727"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1197/11970954/2440727-roxfc700hvuuzjlwh5vxbibvfekrpb43.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Some feel that the Mario Kart franchise places too much of an emphasis on luck instead of skill, but Nintendo hopes you won't feel that way with its upcoming Wii U racing game <a href="/mario-kart-8/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Kart 8</a>. During a recent roundtable interview attended by GameSpot, producer Hideki Konno stressed that Nintendo went to great lengths to ensure that Mario Kart 8 is a well-balanced game.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Game balance is also another really important element of Mario Kart that we look very closely at and place a lot of value on," Konno said. "From the time we start working on development, thousands of times, maybe even tens of thousands of times, we adjust that balance when we're playing. At the end we come up with what we hope and feel is a really good balance. It's our strong hope that folks would want to play with the items as we have balanced them."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We do hear, and a lot of people out there say it, that Mario Kart is all about luck," he added. "That if you're at the front then you'll get hit with a blue shell, so it's all about luck. That feature is not random--it doesn't just happen. There is a lot of adjustment and there is a lot of thought and effort put into that system, and developing it in a way that actually promotes game balance. I would hope people understand that as well."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Also during the roundtable interview, Mario Kart 8 director Kosuke Yabuki revealed that the game will feature not one, but <em>two</em> Rainbow Road courses. One is a remake of the<a href="http://www.mariowiki.com/Rainbow_Road_(N64)" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> N64 course</a>, while the other is brand-new, and Yabuki teased that it's "really spectacular."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Rainbow Road of course is a classic course. This time we actually grabbed Rainbow Road N64 version in addition to the current iteration of Rainbow Road," Yabuki said. "So we hope you look forward to racing on both of those courses."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"One thing I do want to mention is Rainbow Road, that final course. We really want you to look forward to what we've done to it this time because it's something else," he said about the Wii U Rainbow Road course specifically. "It's really spectacular."</p><blockquote data-align="right"><p dir="ltr" style="">"We really wanted this game to be a representation of all the games that came before it" -- Mario Kart 8 producer Hideki Konno</p></blockquote><p dir="ltr" style="">Overall, Kono explained that Nintendo's overarching ambition for Mario Kart 8 was to create a game that captures the essence of every entry in the beloved series that has come before it.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We really wanted this game to be a representation of all the games that came before it," he said. "We wanted to summarize and bring together all the elements of the series into this title."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">To that end, Mario Kart 8 will feature glider karts and underwater levels, which were featured in 3DS game <a href="/mario-kart-7/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Kart 7</a>, as well as brand-new anti-gravity courses.</p><p style="">"The race courses themselves is one of the most important--if not the most important elements--in the series, so with Mario Kart 8 we really wanted to divide up the things we could do and make sure we're really using them effectively," Kono said. "So we have underwater sessions, we have flying sessions, we have anti-grav sessions, and we use all of these in a way to create really interesting and fun to drive on courses."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The interview also touched on customization options for Mario Kart 8. Though Kono ruled out the possibility of a track-editor for Mario Kart 8, he said it's a feature he's enthusiastic about and said he would like to see it come to life in a future installment in the series some day.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"With regards to course editing, and letting users create and edit their own courses, it's something that I'm interested in, and I've been interested in for a long time. It's a fun feature," he said. "However, with Mario Kart, courses are key to the series, and it's really tough. This is the eighth game in the series, and when we work on a Mario Kart title, we work on courses, and we create them, and then we work on them again, and again, and we revise until we come up with something that we think will be fun for everyone to play."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We have a lot of confidence in our ability to do so, but we understand what a tough challenge it is to create those courses," he added. "I just don't know that at this point we are able to do that to a level that would satisfy anyone, myself included. Some day if we can come up with a solution and implement in a way that would make everyone happy, we'll come back to that issue and readdress it. But I do think it would an interesting idea. We're always optimistic and thinking about what we would do in the future."</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2440726-prdurnob0s6qmkvukbad1dz8bntwwkqd.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2440726" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2440726-prdurnob0s6qmkvukbad1dz8bntwwkqd.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2440726"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1197/11970954/2440726-prdurnob0s6qmkvukbad1dz8bntwwkqd.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Finally, Kono and Yabuki said the power of the Wii U enables Nintendo to deliver a visually impressive racing game the likes of which fans of the franchise have never seen.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We're working with HD for the first time, and we really wanted to take advantage of that," Kono said. "The last console version was <a href="/mario-kart-wii/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Kart Wii</a>, which was released in 2008, so it was about six years ago. And during those six years, we were able to incorporate a lot of technology in our development process, but especially on the graphics side. So we put a lot of effort into making this a good looking game--it's a very pretty game."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Multiplayer has always been a major part of the Mario Kart series, but fans will no doubt recall the substantial drop in frame-rate when playing a local split-screen game. Thanks to the power of the Wii U, Mario Kart 8 will sustain an enjoyable level of graphical fidelity even during multiplayer matches, Kono said.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"This time with the power of the Wii U we really made an effort to keep that graphic quality high regardless of how many ways we were splitting the TV into," he said.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">For his part, Yabuki pointed out that the power of the Wii U allowed Nintendo to create better-looking character animations, to the level and range and of things that "we've never seen before" in the Mario Kart series, he said. But that's only the beginning.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We've also been able to show movement on the [karts and bikes] that we haven't seen before," he said. "We're seeing bounding, we're seeing different parts of the kart move, we're seeing dirt on the tires, we're seeing skidmarks left on the course--again I think we've done a good job of utilizing that graphical power."</p><p style="">"Using the power of the Wii U, we were able to create a Mario Kart title that feels right, and the controls feel like they're perfect for this game."</p><p style="">Mario Kart 8 launches <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-gets-release-date-and-7-new-koopa-racers/1100-6417729/" data-ref-id="1100-6417729">exclusively for Wii U on May 30</a>. Nintendo's latest console is struggling right now, and a marquee first-party title like Mario Kart 8 could be the shot in the arm the platform needs to finally grow its install base.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Thu, 03 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-it-s-not-all-about-luck-two-rainbow-roads-confirmed/1100-6418730/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ridley-scott-and-battlestar-galactica-director-working-on-new-halo-project/1100-6418732/ <div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6387393" data-width="854" data-height="480"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6387393/" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style="">The <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-tv-show-won-t-be-filler-microsoft-says/1100-6416982/">Halo TV series with Steven Speilberg is still in the works</a>, but Microsoft has another non-game project to announce. And this one involves Ridley Scott.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">A press release from Microsoft today stated, "343 Industries, Xbox Entertainment Studios and Scott Free Productions are proud to announce a new Halo digital feature project to be released later this year."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Ridley Scott will serve as an executive producer and Sergio Mimica-Gezzan ( (who directed several episodes of the Battlestar Galactica TV series) will direct.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Few other details are currently available for this "digital feature project," but given that very specific designation, it's probably safe to assume that it'll be less of a standard Hollywood movie and something more along the lines of the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/videos/halo-4-forward-unto-dawn-full-trailer/2300-6387393/" data-ref-id="2300-6387393">critically well-received Halo: Forward Unto Dawn project</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><tbody><tr><td><p style=""><strong>Justin Haywald is a senior editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinHaywald" rel="nofollow"> Twitter @JustinHaywald</a>. Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table> Wed, 02 Apr 2014 19:25:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ridley-scott-and-battlestar-galactica-director-working-on-new-halo-project/1100-6418732/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-fire-tv-is-absolutely-not-a-game-console/1100-6418731/ <div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6418113" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6418113/" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-announces-99-streaming-device-has-2gb-ram-quad-core-processor-game-controller-is-40/1100-6418719/">The Amazon Fire TV was announced earlier today,</a> but despite the device's optional controller and slate of available games, the Amazon's Kindle VP Pete Larsen says, "This is absolutely not a game console."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">In a recent interview with <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/02/fire-tv-games/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Engadget</a> following the Fire TV's unveiling, Larsen said, "This isn't trying to be a console, but we do think there's a great opportunity there in between a console and a smartphone for fun, quality games." The interviewer also offered up <a href="https://twitter.com/RealBenGilbert/status/451399962895876096" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">another quote from Larsen via Twitter</a> writing, "This is absolutely not a game console."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The Amazon Kindle Fire TV has an optional $40 controller and Amazon has made big gaming investments like purchasing <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-buys-killer-instinct-developer-double-helix-games/1100-6417554/" data-ref-id="1100-6417554">Killer Instinct developer Double Helix</a>, but the Amazon Fire TV is not trying to go head-to-head with Sony, PlayStation, and Nintendo. As discussed during the system's reveal, their machine is aimed primarily at tablet and mobile gamers who may not already have standalone gaming console. The Fire TV's primary offering is streaming video, and their main competitors are Apple TV and Roku. </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Regardless, the device has several games available right now like including <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-reveals-tower-defense-shooter-hybrid-sev-zero-for-its-new-fire-tv-streaming-box/1100-6418720/">new third-person shooter/tower defense hybrid called Sev Zero</a>, Minecraft: Pocket Edition, Asphalt 8, and Deus Ex: The Fall. Just today Amazon Game Studios also announced that they'd <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-is-serious-about-gaming-hires-portal-and-far-cry-designers/1100-6418727/">brought on game industry veterans Kim Swift and Clint Hocking.</a></p><p dir="ltr" style="">We'll have even more info on the system in the coming days as we try out the $100 system here in the GameSpot office.</p><table data-max-width="true"><tbody><tr><td><p style=""><strong>Justin Haywald is a senior editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinHaywald" rel="nofollow"> Twitter @JustinHaywald</a>. Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p dir="ltr" style=""> </p><p style=""> </p><p style=""> </p> Wed, 02 Apr 2014 18:18:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-fire-tv-is-absolutely-not-a-game-console/1100-6418731/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gta-v-gameplay-the-shaun-method-highlights/2300-6418119/ Shaun returns to Grand Theft Auto V to steal jets and tow taco trucks. Unless he loses his focus... Wed, 02 Apr 2014 16:32:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gta-v-gameplay-the-shaun-method-highlights/2300-6418119/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-update-how-xbox-one-can-beat-ps4-according/2300-6418118/ Ed Fries, co-creator of the original Xbox, lays down what Microsoft needs to do for Xbox One to succeed. Wed, 02 Apr 2014 16:29:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-update-how-xbox-one-can-beat-ps4-according/2300-6418118/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/hearthstone-out-now-on-ipad-in-au-nz-and-canada/1100-6418729/ <div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6413686" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6413686/" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style="">It may not be worldwide yet, but the <a href="/hearthstone-heroes-of-warcraft/" data-ref-id="false">Hearthstone</a> rollout on iPad has officially begun. The free-to-play game is currently available on iPad in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia and according to a press release from Blizzard, "Pretty soon it'll be available everywhere."</p><p style="">The statement says that Hearthstone's player base has currently grown to "10 million registered accounts." But for anyone holding out for a non-iPad or PC version, "Android device, iPhone, and Windows tablet versions are also in development and will be available in the future."</p><p style="">Downloading and playing the game on iPad will also net users a free card pack whether you win or lose.</p><p style="">Savvy players who aren't yet in the rollout countries <em>may</em> find ways of accessing the game early, but then again, patience is a virtue. The game <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-s-pc-game-hearthstone-goes-live-doesn-t-bring-the-world-to-an-end/1100-6418244/" data-ref-id="1100-6418244">officially left beta earlier this year</a>, though it does require an Internet connection to play, regardless of what device you play it on.</p><p style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><tbody><tr><td><p style=""><strong>Justin Haywald is a senior editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinHaywald" rel="nofollow"> Twitter @JustinHaywald</a>. He prefers playing a Paladin aggro deck and hates Warlocks. </strong></p><p style=""><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table> Wed, 02 Apr 2014 16:29:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/hearthstone-out-now-on-ipad-in-au-nz-and-canada/1100-6418729/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-amazon-gets-into-games-how-can-xbox-one-be/2300-6418116/ Xbox co-creator says Xbox One can win the console war with a few steps, PS4 may be in for a slew of new features, and Amazon enters the gaming market! Wed, 02 Apr 2014 16:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-amazon-gets-into-games-how-can-xbox-one-be/2300-6418116/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/murdered-soul-suspect-developer-cuts-14-jobs-no-projects-affected/1100-6418728/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/1/6/7/7/2041677-703515_20130607_003.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2041677" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/1/6/7/7/2041677-703515_20130607_003.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2041677"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/mig/1/6/7/7/2041677-703515_20130607_003.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="/murdered-soul-suspect/" data-ref-id="false">Murdered: Soul Suspect</a> developer Airtight Games has cut 14 jobs from its Redmond, Washington office, the studio confirmed in a statement. No projects are affected by the move.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We regret to confirm that we have laid off 14 staff members yesterday afternoon as part of a necessary restructuring," an Airtight spokesperson told<a href="http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/04/02/murdered-soul-suspect-developer-airtight-games-suffers-layoffs" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> IGN</a>. "This restructuring is part of the normal ebb and flow of game production. Existing projects are on schedule and Airtight Games is actively seeking partners for exciting upcoming projects."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Airtight designer Kim Swift, who helped create the <a href="/portal/" data-ref-id="false">Portal</a> series, also <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-is-serious-about-gaming-hires-portal-and-far-cry-designers/1100-6418727/" data-ref-id="1100-6418727">left the company to take a job at Amazon Game Studios</a>. Murdered: Soul Suspect launches <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-s-supernatural-thriller-murdered-soul-suspect-gets-release-date/1100-6418100/" data-ref-id="1100-6418100">June 3</a> for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC. The game <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-talks-1080p-for-murdered-on-xbox-one-ps4-and-why-there-s-no-wii-u-version/1100-6417990/" data-ref-id="1100-6417990">runs in native 1080p on Xbox One and PS4</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Murdered: Soul Suspect is set in Salem, Massachusetts, the location of the Salem witch trials in 1692, which saw public executions of those convicted of witchcraft. The story begins with protagonist Ronan O'Connor's death at the hands of an unknown assailant. He must then interrogate the ghosts of Salem to learn more about his killer.</p><p style="">For more on Murdered: Soul Suspect, be sure to check out <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/murdered-soul-suspect/">GameSpot's previous coverage</a>, including <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-brings-a-mystery-game-with-die-hard-roots-to-ps4-and-xbox-one/1100-6417982/">our recent hands-on preview</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Wed, 02 Apr 2014 13:17:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/murdered-soul-suspect-developer-cuts-14-jobs-no-projects-affected/1100-6418728/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-is-serious-about-gaming-hires-portal-and-far-cry-designers/1100-6418727/ <div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6418113" data-width="854" data-height="480"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6418113/" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Amazon has hired<a href="/portal/" data-ref-id="false"> Portal</a> designer Kim Swift and <a href="/far-cry-2/" data-ref-id="false">Far Cry 2</a> designer Clint Hocking, putting the industry veterans to work at the retailer's newly established <a href="http://games.amazon.com/about/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Amazon Game Studios</a>. The two developers confirmed their moves to Amazon via their LinkedIn profiles. <a href="http://kotaku.com/amazon-hires-portals-kim-swift-far-cry-2s-clint-hock-1557091175" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Kotaku</a> also reported the news today, citing sources.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Swift is most well known for helping create the acclaimed puzzle-action game Portal and most recently worked at Airtight Games on the Ouya-exclusive <a href="/soul-fjord/" data-ref-id="false">Soul Fjord</a>. She takes up the position of <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=218389733&locale=en_US&trk=tyah2&trkInfo=tarId%3A1396468802908%2Ctas%3Akim%20swift%2Cidx%3A1-1-1" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">senior designer at Amazon</a>. Hocking is a journeyman of sorts, spending time with big-name studios like Ubisoft, LucasArts, and Valve. He's now working at Amazon as a <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/clicknothing" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">senior game designer</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">We don't know what Swift and Hocking are working on at Amazon, but their arrival at the company hammers home the point that Amazon is serious about gaming. Last year, Halo writer Erik Nylund<a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-writer-joins-amazon/1100-6413105/" data-ref-id="1100-6413105"> joined Amazon as its director of narrative design</a>.</p><p style="">Earlier today, Amazon announced the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-announces-99-streaming-device-has-2gb-ram-quad-core-processor-game-controller-is-40/1100-6418719/" data-ref-id="1100-6418719">Amazon Fire TV device</a>, a set-top streaming box that plays movies and TV, as well as video games. Amazon even <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DU0ZI8Q" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">created a special controller for the box</a>. Amazon also recently purchased an entire studio--<a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-buys-killer-instinct-developer-double-helix-games/1100-6417554/" data-ref-id="1100-6417554">Double Helix Games</a>--though it's not clear what that company is working on.</p><p style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:58:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-is-serious-about-gaming-hires-portal-and-far-cry-designers/1100-6418727/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-breakdown-does-the-amazon-fire-tv-have-any-appe/2300-6418113/ Peter and Justin give their opinion on if Amazon's new streaming device has any place in the gamer's living room. Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:51:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-breakdown-does-the-amazon-fire-tv-have-any-appe/2300-6418113/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/google-pokemon-master-fez-2-blizzard-outcasts-and-/2300-6418111/ Justin Haywald Talks about the ridiculous April Fools stories from Blizzard, Bungie, Mass Effect, Dark Souls 2, Google, Star Craft and more. Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:32:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/google-pokemon-master-fez-2-blizzard-outcasts-and-/2300-6418111/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ex-witcher-silent-hill-f-e-a-r-devs-reveal-open-world-gothic-psychological-fps/1100-6418726/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2495322-death.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2495322" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2495322-death.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2495322"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1179/11799911/2495322-death.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">A new studio founded by former Witcher, Silent Hill, and F.E.A.R. developers, Rosebud Games, today announced a new "gothic psychological FPS" called Death In Candlewood.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The Spanish developer is <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1012709089/death-in-candlewood" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">seeking $60,000 on Kickstarter </a>to get the game made. Right now, funding stands at $370 from 23 backers.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Death In Candlewood is an open-world game that is inspired by the works of American author Edgar Allan Poe. Described as a "love story between the living and the dead," the game is set in the "darkest corners" of 1940s America, somewhere in the Northeast.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Death In Candlewood takes place over the course of a single night in the life of Ray Dune, a doctor whose relationship with a "reclusive psychiatrist" named Lester Caravan becomes deadly. Dune's son disappears, and he sets off into the Candlewood Mountains to not only save his son, but also himself.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Rosebud Games says Death In Candlewood is "not a traditional FPS." Its world is described as "expansive," spanning over 1,000 navigable buildings and a total world size of 6km². You can either walk through the world on foot, drive cars, or swim. The developer also says you'll get to use "uncommon" weapons and battle "uncommon" enemies.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Death In Candlewood is expected to launch sometime in 2015 for PC. You can see the game in action via the Kickstarter campaign trailer below. <a href="/bioshock/" data-ref-id="false">BioShock</a> environment lead Jay Kyburz is providing consulting work for the game.</p><div data-embed-type="html"><iframe src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1012709089/death-in-candlewood/widget/video.html" height="360" width="480"> </iframe></div><p dir="ltr" style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table><p dir="ltr" style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style=""> </p><p style=""> </p> Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:31:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ex-witcher-silent-hill-f-e-a-r-devs-reveal-open-world-gothic-psychological-fps/1100-6418726/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/a-first-look-at-the-combat-in-duelyst-the-lobby/2300-6418110/ Known from Diablo III and Rogue Legacy, lead developer Keith Lee talks about the combat in the upcoming squad-based tactical combat with ranked competitive play game Duelyst. Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:25:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/a-first-look-at-the-combat-in-duelyst-the-lobby/2300-6418110/
http://auth.gamespot.com/ Gamespot's Everything Feed! News, Reviews, Videos. Exploding with content? You bet. en-us Thu, 03 Apr 2014 01:03:21 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/in-mario-kart-8-crashing-could-be-your-key-to-victory/1100-6418734/ <p style="">Hold down the accelerate button at the right time to get a rocket boost at the start of a race. Use drift (a lot) to maximise your speed around turns. Avoid collisions with the environment or other racers. Be on constant alert when you're in the lead, for the blue shell may appear to ruin your race at any minute. These tips have been the keys to racking up the wins in previous Mario Kart games, but the newest in the series--<a href="/mario-kart-8/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Kart 8 </a>for the Wii U--is about to upend one of these tried and tested strategies. In Mario Kart 8, collisions could be your key to victory.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">It all has to do with the new anti-gravity sections being introduced for the first time in the series. When I first saw Mario Kart 8's anti-grav mechanic being shown at E3 2013, it seemed to me, more than anything else, a visual novelty. Racing along walls and ceilings and upside down on mobius strip-style tracks certainly looks impressive, but what does it actually add to the gameplay? Meeting with series producer Hideki Konno and director Kosuke Yabuki after playing the game recently though, they explained that racers colliding in these sections would--instead of slowing down--actually receive a speed boost.</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/2/5/6/7/2042567-718939_20130611_011.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2042567" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/2/5/6/7/2042567-718939_20130611_011.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2042567"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/mig/2/5/6/7/2042567-718939_20130611_011.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">It seems counter-intuitive that crashing would ever be something you'd want to do in a racing game. After all, speed and precision is what gets you in front, right? But those rules won't apply when you're racing along one of Mario Kart 8's new anti-gravity sections. When you collide in an anti-grav section, your kart (or bike) will spin, but it will also gain a slight boost. Bumping into your fellow racers has now suddenly become a positive instead of a negative.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"When you look traditionally at Mario Kart, colliding with other characters was not something you wanted to do," Konno said. "The risks outweighed any benefits you might get from doing that. However, the boost that you get when colliding with a character in an anti-grav section of a course alters that whole paradigm. So you may see some new strategies come out of this that even we aren't aware of. For example, you may see some folks that may be a little down in the pack actually run into each other on purpose to give them a little extra speed so they can close the gap with whoever is in first."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"One thing that's always happened with previous Mario Karts is that if you're using a light character and you bump into a heavy character you were at a disadvantage. However, with the anti-grav section, even the lighter characters will be able to strategise using the anti-grav sections to stay level, or even gain the advantage in collisions, even if you are a lighter character."</p><figure data-align="left" data-size="medium" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2404984-wiiu_mariokart8_121813_scrn_01.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2404984" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/536/5360430/2404984-wiiu_mariokart8_121813_scrn_01.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2404984"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_medium/536/5360430/2404984-wiiu_mariokart8_121813_scrn_01.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style="">The tracks in Mario Kart 8 aren't exclusively made up of anti-gravity sections, though, so the game won't devolve into a hot mess of players deliberately trying to crash into each other. Anti-gravity will be a feature of most tracks (some of the updated classic tracks I played, such as Moo Moo Meadows, didn't have any anti-grav sections), alongside the underwater and flying sections first introduced in <a href="/mario-kart-7/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Kart 7 </a>for the 3DS. And for many courses, it seems anti-gravity sections will be used as alternate routes as opposed to being the mandatory path through the track. The updated version of Toad's Turnpike, for example, features anti-gravity sections along the highway walls. While racing along the walls does allow you to avoid the traffic on the road, the path will be longer.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Some of the things you'll see in courses is anti-gravity being given to players as an option," Yabuki said. "You're driving on a course and now the course branches off, and you can either continue driving on the ground or go on anti-grav route and go up on the wall. With the addition of the anti-grav feature, we've been able to create course designs that fundamentally alters the strategy and gives players more options when racing."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Konno added that the addition of anti-gravity allowed the development team to add more depth to Mario Kart 8's courses. "The courses are one of the most important--if not the most important element--in the series, so with Mario Kart 8 we really wanted to divide up the things we could do and make sure we're really using them effectively. So we have underwater sections, we have flying sections, we have anti-grav sections, and we use all of these in a way to create really interesting and fun to drive on courses."</p><blockquote data-size="large"><p dir="ltr" style="">You may see some folks that may be a little down in the pack actually run into each other on purpose to give them a little extra speed.</p><cite>Mario Kart 8 producer Hideki Konno</cite></blockquote><p dir="ltr" style="">Anti-gravity isn't the only new thing Mario Kart 8 is bringing to the decades-old franchise. The game will allow you to upload and share race highlights via its Mario Kart TV feature; use the Wii U gamepad as a map while using another controller to drive; feature two new items (a piranha plant and a boomerang); customise which items appear (or don't) in races; and more. Of course, there are also the cosmetic changes. And what impressive changes they are, especially compared to the series' last home console appearance on the Wii almost six years ago. Mario Kart 8 looks gorgeous, showcasing impressive details in both the racers and the tracks. For Yabuki and Konno, these good looks are all thanks to the Wii U's extra grunt.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We were able to harness the power of the Wii U to get a huge polygon count, and we were able to make courses that involved a lot of undulating, moving surfaces," Yabuki said. "We've also done a lot of work with the character animations. If you look at Mario and the Koopalings and all the characters, you're seeing a level and range of animation that you've never seen before."</p><p style=""> </p> Thu, 03 Apr 2014 00:01:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/in-mario-kart-8-crashing-could-be-your-key-to-victory/1100-6418734/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/mario-kart-8-new-courses-and-vehicles-preview/2300-6418075/ Tom and Carolyn discuss hovercrafts, course design, and new characters in this preview of Mario Kart 8. Thu, 03 Apr 2014 00:01:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/mario-kart-8-new-courses-and-vehicles-preview/2300-6418075/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-it-s-not-all-about-luck-two-rainbow-roads-confirmed/1100-6418730/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2440727-roxfc700hvuuzjlwh5vxbibvfekrpb43.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2440727" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2440727-roxfc700hvuuzjlwh5vxbibvfekrpb43.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2440727"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1197/11970954/2440727-roxfc700hvuuzjlwh5vxbibvfekrpb43.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Some feel that the Mario Kart franchise places too much of an emphasis on luck instead of skill, but Nintendo hopes you won't feel that way with its upcoming Wii U racing game <a href="/mario-kart-8/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Kart 8</a>. During a recent roundtable interview attended by GameSpot, producer Hideki Konno stressed that Nintendo went to great lengths to ensure that Mario Kart 8 is a well-balanced game.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Game balance is also another really important element of Mario Kart that we look very closely at and place a lot of value on," Konno said. "From the time we start working on development, thousands of times, maybe even tens of thousands of times, we adjust that balance when we're playing. At the end we come up with what we hope and feel is a really good balance. It's our strong hope that folks would want to play with the items as we have balanced them."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We do hear, and a lot of people out there say it, that Mario Kart is all about luck," he added. "That if you're at the front then you'll get hit with a blue shell, so it's all about luck. That feature is not random--it doesn't just happen. There is a lot of adjustment and there is a lot of thought and effort put into that system, and developing it in a way that actually promotes game balance. I would hope people understand that as well."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Also during the roundtable interview, Mario Kart 8 director Kosuke Yabuki revealed that the game will feature not one, but <em>two</em> Rainbow Road courses. One is a remake of the<a href="http://www.mariowiki.com/Rainbow_Road_(N64)" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> N64 course</a>, while the other is brand-new, and Yabuki teased that it's "really spectacular."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"Rainbow Road of course is a classic course. This time we actually grabbed Rainbow Road N64 version in addition to the current iteration of Rainbow Road," Yabuki said. "So we hope you look forward to racing on both of those courses."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"One thing I do want to mention is Rainbow Road, that final course. We really want you to look forward to what we've done to it this time because it's something else," he said about the Wii U Rainbow Road course specifically. "It's really spectacular."</p><blockquote data-align="right"><p dir="ltr" style="">"We really wanted this game to be a representation of all the games that came before it" -- Mario Kart 8 producer Hideki Konno</p></blockquote><p dir="ltr" style="">Overall, Kono explained that Nintendo's overarching ambition for Mario Kart 8 was to create a game that captures the essence of every entry in the beloved series that has come before it.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We really wanted this game to be a representation of all the games that came before it," he said. "We wanted to summarize and bring together all the elements of the series into this title."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">To that end, Mario Kart 8 will feature glider karts and underwater levels, which were featured in 3DS game <a href="/mario-kart-7/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Kart 7</a>, as well as brand-new anti-gravity courses.</p><p style="">"The race courses themselves is one of the most important--if not the most important elements--in the series, so with Mario Kart 8 we really wanted to divide up the things we could do and make sure we're really using them effectively," Kono said. "So we have underwater sessions, we have flying sessions, we have anti-grav sessions, and we use all of these in a way to create really interesting and fun to drive on courses."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The interview also touched on customization options for Mario Kart 8. Though Kono ruled out the possibility of a track-editor for Mario Kart 8, he said it's a feature he's enthusiastic about and said he would like to see it come to life in a future installment in the series some day.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"With regards to course editing, and letting users create and edit their own courses, it's something that I'm interested in, and I've been interested in for a long time. It's a fun feature," he said. "However, with Mario Kart, courses are key to the series, and it's really tough. This is the eighth game in the series, and when we work on a Mario Kart title, we work on courses, and we create them, and then we work on them again, and again, and we revise until we come up with something that we think will be fun for everyone to play."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We have a lot of confidence in our ability to do so, but we understand what a tough challenge it is to create those courses," he added. "I just don't know that at this point we are able to do that to a level that would satisfy anyone, myself included. Some day if we can come up with a solution and implement in a way that would make everyone happy, we'll come back to that issue and readdress it. But I do think it would an interesting idea. We're always optimistic and thinking about what we would do in the future."</p><figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2440726-prdurnob0s6qmkvukbad1dz8bntwwkqd.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2440726" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1197/11970954/2440726-prdurnob0s6qmkvukbad1dz8bntwwkqd.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2440726"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1197/11970954/2440726-prdurnob0s6qmkvukbad1dz8bntwwkqd.jpg"></a></figure><p dir="ltr" style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Finally, Kono and Yabuki said the power of the Wii U enables Nintendo to deliver a visually impressive racing game the likes of which fans of the franchise have never seen.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We're working with HD for the first time, and we really wanted to take advantage of that," Kono said. "The last console version was <a href="/mario-kart-wii/" data-ref-id="false">Mario Kart Wii</a>, which was released in 2008, so it was about six years ago. And during those six years, we were able to incorporate a lot of technology in our development process, but especially on the graphics side. So we put a lot of effort into making this a good looking game--it's a very pretty game."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Multiplayer has always been a major part of the Mario Kart series, but fans will no doubt recall the substantial drop in frame-rate when playing a local split-screen game. Thanks to the power of the Wii U, Mario Kart 8 will sustain an enjoyable level of graphical fidelity even during multiplayer matches, Kono said.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"This time with the power of the Wii U we really made an effort to keep that graphic quality high regardless of how many ways we were splitting the TV into," he said.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">For his part, Yabuki pointed out that the power of the Wii U allowed Nintendo to create better-looking character animations, to the level and range and of things that "we've never seen before" in the Mario Kart series, he said. But that's only the beginning.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We've also been able to show movement on the [karts and bikes] that we haven't seen before," he said. "We're seeing bounding, we're seeing different parts of the kart move, we're seeing dirt on the tires, we're seeing skidmarks left on the course--again I think we've done a good job of utilizing that graphical power."</p><p style="">"Using the power of the Wii U, we were able to create a Mario Kart title that feels right, and the controls feel like they're perfect for this game."</p><p style="">Mario Kart 8 launches <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-gets-release-date-and-7-new-koopa-racers/1100-6417729/" data-ref-id="1100-6417729">exclusively for Wii U on May 30</a>. Nintendo's latest console is struggling right now, and a marquee first-party title like Mario Kart 8 could be the shot in the arm the platform needs to finally grow its install base.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Thu, 03 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-it-s-not-all-about-luck-two-rainbow-roads-confirmed/1100-6418730/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ridley-scott-and-battlestar-galactica-director-working-on-new-halo-project/1100-6418732/ <div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6387393" data-width="854" data-height="480"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6387393/" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style="">The <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-tv-show-won-t-be-filler-microsoft-says/1100-6416982/">Halo TV series with Steven Speilberg is still in the works</a>, but Microsoft has another non-game project to announce. And this one involves Ridley Scott.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">A press release from Microsoft today stated, "343 Industries, Xbox Entertainment Studios and Scott Free Productions are proud to announce a new Halo digital feature project to be released later this year."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Ridley Scott will serve as an executive producer and Sergio Mimica-Gezzan ( (who directed several episodes of the Battlestar Galactica TV series) will direct.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Few other details are currently available for this "digital feature project," but given that very specific designation, it's probably safe to assume that it'll be less of a standard Hollywood movie and something more along the lines of the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/videos/halo-4-forward-unto-dawn-full-trailer/2300-6387393/" data-ref-id="2300-6387393">critically well-received Halo: Forward Unto Dawn project</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><tbody><tr><td><p style=""><strong>Justin Haywald is a senior editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinHaywald" rel="nofollow"> Twitter @JustinHaywald</a>. Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table> Wed, 02 Apr 2014 19:25:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ridley-scott-and-battlestar-galactica-director-working-on-new-halo-project/1100-6418732/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-fire-tv-is-absolutely-not-a-game-console/1100-6418731/ <div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6418113" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6418113/" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-announces-99-streaming-device-has-2gb-ram-quad-core-processor-game-controller-is-40/1100-6418719/">The Amazon Fire TV was announced earlier today,</a> but despite the device's optional controller and slate of available games, the Amazon's Kindle VP Pete Larsen says, "This is absolutely not a game console."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">In a recent interview with <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/02/fire-tv-games/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Engadget</a> following the Fire TV's unveiling, Larsen said, "This isn't trying to be a console, but we do think there's a great opportunity there in between a console and a smartphone for fun, quality games." The interviewer also offered up <a href="https://twitter.com/RealBenGilbert/status/451399962895876096" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">another quote from Larsen via Twitter</a> writing, "This is absolutely not a game console."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The Amazon Kindle Fire TV has an optional $40 controller and Amazon has made big gaming investments like purchasing <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-buys-killer-instinct-developer-double-helix-games/1100-6417554/" data-ref-id="1100-6417554">Killer Instinct developer Double Helix</a>, but the Amazon Fire TV is not trying to go head-to-head with Sony, PlayStation, and Nintendo. As discussed during the system's reveal, their machine is aimed primarily at tablet and mobile gamers who may not already have standalone gaming console. The Fire TV's primary offering is streaming video, and their main competitors are Apple TV and Roku. </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Regardless, the device has several games available right now like including <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-reveals-tower-defense-shooter-hybrid-sev-zero-for-its-new-fire-tv-streaming-box/1100-6418720/">new third-person shooter/tower defense hybrid called Sev Zero</a>, Minecraft: Pocket Edition, Asphalt 8, and Deus Ex: The Fall. Just today Amazon Game Studios also announced that they'd <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-is-serious-about-gaming-hires-portal-and-far-cry-designers/1100-6418727/">brought on game industry veterans Kim Swift and Clint Hocking.</a></p><p dir="ltr" style="">We'll have even more info on the system in the coming days as we try out the $100 system here in the GameSpot office.</p><table data-max-width="true"><tbody><tr><td><p style=""><strong>Justin Haywald is a senior editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinHaywald" rel="nofollow"> Twitter @JustinHaywald</a>. Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p dir="ltr" style=""> </p><p style=""> </p><p style=""> </p> Wed, 02 Apr 2014 18:18:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-fire-tv-is-absolutely-not-a-game-console/1100-6418731/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gta-v-gameplay-the-shaun-method-highlights/2300-6418119/ Shaun returns to Grand Theft Auto V to steal jets and tow taco trucks. Unless he loses his focus... Wed, 02 Apr 2014 16:32:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gta-v-gameplay-the-shaun-method-highlights/2300-6418119/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-update-how-xbox-one-can-beat-ps4-according/2300-6418118/ Ed Fries, co-creator of the original Xbox, lays down what Microsoft needs to do for Xbox One to succeed. Wed, 02 Apr 2014 16:29:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-update-how-xbox-one-can-beat-ps4-according/2300-6418118/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/hearthstone-out-now-on-ipad-in-au-nz-and-canada/1100-6418729/ <div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6413686" data-width="100%" data-height="100%"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6413686/" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style="">It may not be worldwide yet, but the <a href="/hearthstone-heroes-of-warcraft/" data-ref-id="false">Hearthstone</a> rollout on iPad has officially begun. The free-to-play game is currently available on iPad in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia and according to a press release from Blizzard, "Pretty soon it'll be available everywhere."</p><p style="">The statement says that Hearthstone's player base has currently grown to "10 million registered accounts." But for anyone holding out for a non-iPad or PC version, "Android device, iPhone, and Windows tablet versions are also in development and will be available in the future."</p><p style="">Downloading and playing the game on iPad will also net users a free card pack whether you win or lose.</p><p style="">Savvy players who aren't yet in the rollout countries <em>may</em> find ways of accessing the game early, but then again, patience is a virtue. The game <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-s-pc-game-hearthstone-goes-live-doesn-t-bring-the-world-to-an-end/1100-6418244/" data-ref-id="1100-6418244">officially left beta earlier this year</a>, though it does require an Internet connection to play, regardless of what device you play it on.</p><p style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><tbody><tr><td><p style=""><strong>Justin Haywald is a senior editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinHaywald" rel="nofollow"> Twitter @JustinHaywald</a>. He prefers playing a Paladin aggro deck and hates Warlocks. </strong></p><p style=""><strong>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table> Wed, 02 Apr 2014 16:29:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/hearthstone-out-now-on-ipad-in-au-nz-and-canada/1100-6418729/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-amazon-gets-into-games-how-can-xbox-one-be/2300-6418116/ Xbox co-creator says Xbox One can win the console war with a few steps, PS4 may be in for a slew of new features, and Amazon enters the gaming market! Wed, 02 Apr 2014 16:00:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-news-amazon-gets-into-games-how-can-xbox-one-be/2300-6418116/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/murdered-soul-suspect-developer-cuts-14-jobs-no-projects-affected/1100-6418728/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/1/6/7/7/2041677-703515_20130607_003.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2041677" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/mig/1/6/7/7/2041677-703515_20130607_003.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2041677"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/mig/1/6/7/7/2041677-703515_20130607_003.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style=""><a href="/murdered-soul-suspect/" data-ref-id="false">Murdered: Soul Suspect</a> developer Airtight Games has cut 14 jobs from its Redmond, Washington office, the studio confirmed in a statement. No projects are affected by the move.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">"We regret to confirm that we have laid off 14 staff members yesterday afternoon as part of a necessary restructuring," an Airtight spokesperson told<a href="http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/04/02/murdered-soul-suspect-developer-airtight-games-suffers-layoffs" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> IGN</a>. "This restructuring is part of the normal ebb and flow of game production. Existing projects are on schedule and Airtight Games is actively seeking partners for exciting upcoming projects."</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Airtight designer Kim Swift, who helped create the <a href="/portal/" data-ref-id="false">Portal</a> series, also <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-is-serious-about-gaming-hires-portal-and-far-cry-designers/1100-6418727/" data-ref-id="1100-6418727">left the company to take a job at Amazon Game Studios</a>. Murdered: Soul Suspect launches <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-s-supernatural-thriller-murdered-soul-suspect-gets-release-date/1100-6418100/" data-ref-id="1100-6418100">June 3</a> for Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC. The game <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-talks-1080p-for-murdered-on-xbox-one-ps4-and-why-there-s-no-wii-u-version/1100-6417990/" data-ref-id="1100-6417990">runs in native 1080p on Xbox One and PS4</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Murdered: Soul Suspect is set in Salem, Massachusetts, the location of the Salem witch trials in 1692, which saw public executions of those convicted of witchcraft. The story begins with protagonist Ronan O'Connor's death at the hands of an unknown assailant. He must then interrogate the ghosts of Salem to learn more about his killer.</p><p style="">For more on Murdered: Soul Suspect, be sure to check out <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/murdered-soul-suspect/">GameSpot's previous coverage</a>, including <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-brings-a-mystery-game-with-die-hard-roots-to-ps4-and-xbox-one/1100-6417982/">our recent hands-on preview</a>.</p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Wed, 02 Apr 2014 13:17:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/murdered-soul-suspect-developer-cuts-14-jobs-no-projects-affected/1100-6418728/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-is-serious-about-gaming-hires-portal-and-far-cry-designers/1100-6418727/ <div data-embed-type="video" data-ref-id="2300-6418113" data-width="854" data-height="480"><iframe src="/videos/embed/6418113/" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></div><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">Amazon has hired<a href="/portal/" data-ref-id="false"> Portal</a> designer Kim Swift and <a href="/far-cry-2/" data-ref-id="false">Far Cry 2</a> designer Clint Hocking, putting the industry veterans to work at the retailer's newly established <a href="http://games.amazon.com/about/" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Amazon Game Studios</a>. The two developers confirmed their moves to Amazon via their LinkedIn profiles. <a href="http://kotaku.com/amazon-hires-portals-kim-swift-far-cry-2s-clint-hock-1557091175" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">Kotaku</a> also reported the news today, citing sources.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Swift is most well known for helping create the acclaimed puzzle-action game Portal and most recently worked at Airtight Games on the Ouya-exclusive <a href="/soul-fjord/" data-ref-id="false">Soul Fjord</a>. She takes up the position of <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=218389733&locale=en_US&trk=tyah2&trkInfo=tarId%3A1396468802908%2Ctas%3Akim%20swift%2Cidx%3A1-1-1" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">senior designer at Amazon</a>. Hocking is a journeyman of sorts, spending time with big-name studios like Ubisoft, LucasArts, and Valve. He's now working at Amazon as a <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/clicknothing" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">senior game designer</a>.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">We don't know what Swift and Hocking are working on at Amazon, but their arrival at the company hammers home the point that Amazon is serious about gaming. Last year, Halo writer Erik Nylund<a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-writer-joins-amazon/1100-6413105/" data-ref-id="1100-6413105"> joined Amazon as its director of narrative design</a>.</p><p style="">Earlier today, Amazon announced the <a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-announces-99-streaming-device-has-2gb-ram-quad-core-processor-game-controller-is-40/1100-6418719/" data-ref-id="1100-6418719">Amazon Fire TV device</a>, a set-top streaming box that plays movies and TV, as well as video games. Amazon even <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DU0ZI8Q" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">created a special controller for the box</a>. Amazon also recently purchased an entire studio--<a href="http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-buys-killer-instinct-developer-double-helix-games/1100-6417554/" data-ref-id="1100-6417554">Double Helix Games</a>--though it's not clear what that company is working on.</p><p style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table> Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:58:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/amazon-is-serious-about-gaming-hires-portal-and-far-cry-designers/1100-6418727/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-breakdown-does-the-amazon-fire-tv-have-any-appe/2300-6418113/ Peter and Justin give their opinion on if Amazon's new streaming device has any place in the gamer's living room. Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:51:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/gs-breakdown-does-the-amazon-fire-tv-have-any-appe/2300-6418113/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/google-pokemon-master-fez-2-blizzard-outcasts-and-/2300-6418111/ Justin Haywald Talks about the ridiculous April Fools stories from Blizzard, Bungie, Mass Effect, Dark Souls 2, Google, Star Craft and more. Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:32:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/google-pokemon-master-fez-2-blizzard-outcasts-and-/2300-6418111/ http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ex-witcher-silent-hill-f-e-a-r-devs-reveal-open-world-gothic-psychological-fps/1100-6418726/ <figure data-align="center" data-size="large" data-img-src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2495322-death.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2495322" data-resize-url="" data-resized="" data-embed-type="image"><a href="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/original/1179/11799911/2495322-death.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-2495322"><img src="http://static.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/1179/11799911/2495322-death.jpg"></a></figure><p style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style="">A new studio founded by former Witcher, Silent Hill, and F.E.A.R. developers, Rosebud Games, today announced a new "gothic psychological FPS" called Death In Candlewood.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">The Spanish developer is <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1012709089/death-in-candlewood" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false">seeking $60,000 on Kickstarter </a>to get the game made. Right now, funding stands at $370 from 23 backers.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Death In Candlewood is an open-world game that is inspired by the works of American author Edgar Allan Poe. Described as a "love story between the living and the dead," the game is set in the "darkest corners" of 1940s America, somewhere in the Northeast.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Death In Candlewood takes place over the course of a single night in the life of Ray Dune, a doctor whose relationship with a "reclusive psychiatrist" named Lester Caravan becomes deadly. Dune's son disappears, and he sets off into the Candlewood Mountains to not only save his son, but also himself.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Rosebud Games says Death In Candlewood is "not a traditional FPS." Its world is described as "expansive," spanning over 1,000 navigable buildings and a total world size of 6km². You can either walk through the world on foot, drive cars, or swim. The developer also says you'll get to use "uncommon" weapons and battle "uncommon" enemies.</p><p dir="ltr" style="">Death In Candlewood is expected to launch sometime in 2015 for PC. You can see the game in action via the Kickstarter campaign trailer below. <a href="/bioshock/" data-ref-id="false">BioShock</a> environment lead Jay Kyburz is providing consulting work for the game.</p><div data-embed-type="html"><iframe src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1012709089/death-in-candlewood/widget/video.html" height="360" width="480"> </iframe></div><p dir="ltr" style=""> </p><table data-max-width="true"><thead><tr><th scope="col"><em>Eddie Makuch is a news editor at GameSpot, and you can follow him on<a href="https://twitter.com/EddieMakuch" rel="nofollow" data-ref-id="false"> Twitter @EddieMakuch</a></em></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong><em>Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email <a href="mailto:news@gamespot.com" rel="nofollow">news@gamespot.com</a></em></strong></td></tr></tbody></table><p dir="ltr" style=""> </p><p dir="ltr" style=""> </p><p style=""> </p> Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:31:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ex-witcher-silent-hill-f-e-a-r-devs-reveal-open-world-gothic-psychological-fps/1100-6418726/ http://www.gamespot.com/videos/a-first-look-at-the-combat-in-duelyst-the-lobby/2300-6418110/ Known from Diablo III and Rogue Legacy, lead developer Keith Lee talks about the combat in the upcoming squad-based tactical combat with ranked competitive play game Duelyst. Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:25:00 -0700 http://www.gamespot.com/videos/a-first-look-at-the-combat-in-duelyst-the-lobby/2300-6418110/
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