During its extensive beta period, which is still on-going, Blizzard has removed several core features from the game after finding that they did not properly fit the play style or lore of the game. The two most recent casualties which have been removed from the game in the latest patch are the companion pets and reforging scrolls.

Blizzard’s Community Manager, Nethaera, has explained to the community that the removal of these features have been a result of their undeveloped state. Nethaera also commented on the “cutesy” nature of the companion pets being a take-away from the dark and gritty environment. To further develop these features would result in delaying the game even longer, something neither Blizzard nor its community would were ecstatic about.

Up in arms over the  premium asking price for Resident Evil Revelations? Good news, Capcom is bringing it down to a more reasonable $40 — the standard going rate for new portable releases on 3DS. Previously, it was $50.

Apparently, after weeks of negotiation, Capcom was able to pull a few strings over at Nintendo HQ to bring down the cost. Revelations ships on a 4GB game cartridge, which is more expensive to produce. Somehow, though, we have a feeling the vocal outcry from fans had something to do with Capcom’s proactive stance on this too.

For those keen on pre-ordering, it may take a week or so before retailers update their product listings to reflect the price drop. At least one retailer – GameStop – is already showing it at $39.99.

Revelations hits US retailers next month on February 7.

Nintendo is prepping a new 3DS Super Mario title for its next fiscal year, which begins in April. Interestingly, the title will mark a return to the franchise roots a la New Super Mario Bros., with traditional side-scrolling gameplay set on a 2D plane.

The tidbit was revealed in a recap of its third-quarter financial results briefing. Notably, the effort joins several other key titles destined for 3DS later this year, including Paper Mario, Luigi’s Mansion 2, Heroes of Ruin, Bravely Default, and Mario Tennis.

No further details were spared, though we’d wager a bet that it will make an appearance at E3 later this year. Nintendo hopes its broad software lineup will position 3DS as the dominant mainstream platform.

CD Projekt RED’s announced via the Good Old Games storefront that The Witcher 2 will receive an Enhanced Edition update come April 17. All existing and future owners will get the update free of charge. Here are the deets on what’s in store:

Additional hours of gameplay: New major adventures set in previously unseen locations, expanding the story and introducing new characters, mysteries and monsters.

New Game Introduction and Cinematics: All new animations and cut scenes, including a new, three and a half minute pre-rendered cinematic depicting the assassination of King Demavend of Aedirn. BAFTA Award winner and Academy Award nominee Tomasz Baginski brings this key historical event to life, setting the stage for the story told in The Witcher 2.

A pretty hefty update. Might be high time for another playthrough.

Once again, Valve has taken convenience a step further with the introduction of the mobile Steam app for Android and iOS platforms. Currently in closed beta, users can use the app to chat with friends, keep tabs on daily Steam deals, browse community groups and view user generated content such as screenshots.

This means you’ll never miss another Steam sale, which could potentially be bad for your wallet, but hey, we’re grateful anyway.

“The Steam app comes from many direct requests from our customers,” said Valve president Gabe Newell.

“Seeing which of your friends are online and playing a game, sending quick messages, looking at screenshots for an upcoming game, or catching a sale – these are all features customers have requested. Mobile is changing way people interact, play games and consume media, and the Steam app is part of our commitment to meet customer demands and expand the service functionality of Steam to make it richer and more accessible for everyone.”

Those who wish to join the beta can sign-up for possible inclusion by hitting up this link from their mobile device. The app is also now available in the associated iOS and Android markets.

Update: According to a tweet from Ubisoft PR, retail editions of Rayman Origins on PC will ship without DRM.

Ubisoft’s announced that its majestic platformer Rayman Origins will arrive on PC March 29. Featuring beautiful hand-drawn visuals, the title retains the charm of Rayman’s original platforming romps, while introducing four player jump-in/jump-out co-op.

As a pre-order incentive, Ubi tells us that those who reserve the game now at “participating retailers” will receive a  downloadable copy of Rayman 2. Steam in particular was not mentioned, but we’d be surprised if it doesn’t turn up there soon.

We’ve included the system requirements, which look quite modest, after the break.

read more »

There has been speculation that Insomniac’s decision to venture into multiplatform development would signal the end of its involvement in the Resistance franchise, and it turns out that is indeed the case. By way of a VG247 report, CEO Ted Price confirmed that the studio will not be handling development on any Resistance titles going forward.

What studio will pick up the mantle? Sony clearly has plans for the franchise, considering Nihilistic is working on Resistance: Burning Skies for the Vita. It’s likely we’ll see future mainline entries picked up by one of Sony’s internal studios, however.

Insomniac is currently working on Overstrike, a 4 person co-op action game funded by EA.

BlizzCon — Blizzard’s annual celebration of all things Warcraft, Starcraft and Diablo — will skip 2012, according to a statement released by the company today.

This comes amid the company’s “jam-packed” schedule, as both Diablo 3 and StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm are slated for a release later this year. Perhaps Blizzard doesn’t want to take the chance of delaying their arrival any further. That said, it isn’t the first time BlizzCon has taken a break, as there wasn’t a show  in 2006 either.

Still, the absence of BlizzCon comes off as a bit surprising, considering it’s like a mini-E3 for Bliz fans these days. The attendance numbers certainly prove it — around 26,000 people attended last year’s show.

While the Japanese version of PS Vita launch effort Uncharted: Golden Abyss is strictly a solo experience, a developer reportedly told Destructoid at a recent Sony event that an announcement regarding multiplayer will be made soon for the title.

No further details were spared, only that it’ll be “something different,” presumably to complement the portable format. There’s no word if we’ll see it on launch day, either, though we  suppose it could always be added in via a patch later. Who knows, if Sony is adding in multiplayer for the US release, perhaps we’ll see other improvements as well.

Fenix Rising, the third piece of downloadable content included in the Gears of War 3 Season Pass, was made available on January 17^th and we were given the opportunity to review it.  The new content includes five new multiplayer maps, a new “re-up” option similar to Call of Duty’s prestige option, four “new” character skins, and additional weapon skins achieved through re-upping.

read more »