It’s time. After god knows how long since the teaser that shocked the inter-web, the Eastern Conference Final is finally upon us. During the end beginning of the second third fourth quarter of the Eastern Conference Final millions of fans and gamers were left at the edge of their seats with this very Modern Warfare 2 trailer.

“Everyone on the team is laser focused on making the most gripping experience we’ve ever created,” said Infinity Ward’s CEO, Vince Zampella when the title was announced. “No detail is too small and every finishing touch imaginable is underway to make Modern Warfare 2 our best ever. We can’t wait for our fans around the world to play starting November 10th.”

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Many already assumed that Assassin’s Creed 2 would be releasing later this year, but what many of us wanted to know was if we were right for thinking so. Anyway, it seems that we were right.

Today, Ubisoft revealed that gamers should expect the game later on this year, more specifically around the time we all say “Marry Christmas”, which, if you didn’t know, is Holiday 2009. 

“Our creative team is working hard to top the experience of Assassin’s Creed,” said Patrice Desilets, creative director at Ubisoft. “We’ve made improvements to every aspect of the game. We’ve plunged ourselves into the stunning history of the Italian Renaissance so that we can offer fans a unique, varied and innovative Assassin’s Creed experience.”

Additional details on Assassin’s Creed II are revealed in the May issue of Game Informer. Assassin’s Creed 2 will be available for “all current gen consoles and the PSP”, but they aren’t saying nothing about it coming to the Wii.

In the latest episode of GameTrailers TV, 2K Games revealed the first proper showing of the sequel to BioShock, BioShock 2, in the form of a trailer, which was handed down to GTTV. The sequel looks very remanisant to the first game, but instead of playing a person who stumbled upon the Rapature after a plane cash, you’d be taking on the roll of the first ever Big Daddy. BioShock 2 is set to be released on the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC in late 2009. 

In what really is a shocking turn of events, it seems that UbiSoft has released the teaser for their upcoming, and soon to be announced game, Assassin’s Creed 2.

But, that isn’t all to this announcement, apparently the teaser is home to some many hints to the games setting and time-line. Here they are; the teaser site has some Da Vinci-esque imagery going on, which hopefully means that it’s taking place within the Da Vinci era in Italy; and there is also the mention of “Animus” within the teaser site.

Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? We’ll just have to wait for the next issue of Game Informer for more details.

They just couldn’t leave good enough alone. Apparently, 2K games has changed its mind, once again, about the BioShock 2 title.

Here’s the deal, in last months issue of Game Informer it was revealed that there wasn’t a subtitle for BioShock 2, which at the time it was called BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams. However, it was then confirmed that the title hasn’t changed its name and it would still be called  BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams.

Now, it turns out Sea of Dreams was the title of the BioShock 2 teaser, and it’s not at all the subtitle to the game.

“We name most of our trailers at 2K and the name of the teaser trailer we released last October for BioShock 2 is called Sea of Dreams,” 2K’s Charlie Sinhaseni told IGN.

“There was talk about adding that as an official subtitle, but we decided to simply keep it BioShock 2. We’re sorry for the confusion, but we’re glad people are so interested.”

The first BioShock title was all about single player even with the latest re-boot on the PS3 stayed within those factors.

In the latest issue of Game Informer, which included some very in-dept info on the upcoming game, Bioshock 2, it revealed plans for a multi player mode and co-op component.

Detailed for the multi player modes aren’t thin on the ice right now, but we believe they will revealed the modes soon.

In the pages of Game Informer it revealed yet another strongly awaited title that’s sure to keep you wanting more. The new details are from the cover article of the magazine, which is about God of War III, but the only way you can find them out is if you read them below.

Kratos will be battling plenty more foes, with as many as 50 enemies on screen at a time, as opposed to the max of 15 found in previous games; He also has a new ability that allows him to “control” certain monsters; There will be much more differentiation between the weapons, allowing for more variety in combat; Enemies will have improved AI, and will also feature much more visual variety; There will be more boss fights as compared to the first game, but fewer than the second; As per usual, there will be no multiplayer component.

Update: Metallica has revealed the games full track list.

Original: Once again, new Guitar Hero: Metallica tracks are leaked, but not by a member of the press, or even a ’source close to Activision’, the ESRB. Anyway, we know that the full track is, reportedly, coming next week, but this is to juicy to pass up on.

According to the ESRB’s description, Guitar Hero: Metallica features some potentially objectionable lyrics. Specifically in Social Distortion’s “Mommy’s Little Monster,” Metallica’s “Whiplash” and Diamond Head’s “Am I Evil?” which Metallica covered on 1984’s Garage Days Revisited.

In the description was also nice enough to point out ‘bad words’ in Michael Shenker Group’s “Armed and Ready,” a track already revealed by Game Informer magazine.

[More Guitar Hero: Metallica Tracks Revealed By ESRB via Kotaku]

How do you measure the intelligence of a man? Is it by the color of his skin…. Wait, what am I talking about? Anyway, in the past Uncharted title the enemies weren’t as smart as they should of been, but that has seemed to has changed with Naughty Dog’s upcoming title, Uncharted 2.

When speaking to Computer And Video Games, Game Director Bruce Straley gave a little insight on Naughty Dog’s upcoming title Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.

And since they have decided to go with an more stealthy element within the game, which, by the way, is going to be awesome, it has inspired Naughty Dog to create some very lifelike enemies. “As a result of expanding our gameplay to account for action-stealth, there are two new behaviours added to enemies, ‘investigate’ and ‘hunt,’” Straley reported.

“With ‘investigate’ the enemies have peripheral vision just like humans. When Drake enters this peripheral vision the enemies will look over in the direction they think they saw him in and depending on how long he was in this vision cone, they may just look or they may walk over and check out what they think they saw.”

“With the ‘hunt’ behaviour the enemies have already spotted Drake and are in combat with him. While in combat the enemies make certain assumptions on where Drake is based on his last known location,” he continued .

Personally, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune has to be one of my favorite games of all time, I’ve spent more time playing it then any other game on the PS3. And just recently Naughty Dog released the teaser trailer for the second game, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, and that is when everything changed.

Now, the first details for the game have been posted from the latest issue of Game Informer – it is the cover article of GI and everyone is always quick to put up information like this.

The details are as follows; there is a new girl named Chloe Frazer, no comment Elena and Sully’s return. Melee combat is more dynamic. Naughty Dog is planning to use nearly 100% of the PS3’s power in Among Thieves. Drake is more stealthily. Nolan North returns as Drake and Chloe Frazer is played by Claudia Black. The Sixaxis mechanics were ditched.

One weapon revealed is a rocket launcher that Chloe uses (might only be for the cinematic). No load screens. The score is being composed by Greg Edmonson. Weapons can be used in any stance (running, behind cover, hanging etc.). You can now move while aiming behind cover.

While many of us are patiently awaiting the official reveal of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves in next months issue of Game Informer, in the next episode of the popular gaming magazine EGM, the official video game for the upcoming movie X-Men Origins: Wolverine will be revealed.

The issue reveals the real-time in-game healing system, the accessible combat system, and some information on a boss fight with the first Sentinel prototype.

There is also an interview with Raven about a few of Origins influences – like God of War and Super Smash Bros. – and a new approach to seamless cinematic in-game cut-scenes that bridge bits of gameplay. There was also some talk about it being the Ninja Gaiden of Wolverine.

Recently, there was also an interview with Jeff Katz, occasional comics writer, by MTV and he stated something about the game.

“A couple of the Fox execs, myself and a couple of the principles involved [in 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'], we’re all gamers,” said Katz. “So when it came to the Wolverine movie game, it was like, Let’s do the coolest possible version of an X-Men game.”

Last year, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune became one of the best PlayStation 3 games available, and ever since, many of us have been waiting for a sequel. But, we’ve already heard that Naughty Dog was working on it, we were just waiting for them to announce it.

Well, today we can rest a bit happier knowing that, that time is almost here but to keep you happy Naughty Dog has released a teaser trailer for the game. It also was confirmed today that Game Informer will be revealing the game in the January issue of their magazine. So it looks like we’ll be hearing alot more about the game in the upcoming months.

There was also a little information given about the game. It is said that the game would take Nathan Drake on a quest that revolves around 13th century explorer, Marco Polo. Also, the game will feature a new emphasis on story, as well as a “free climbing mechanic” and stealth gameplay. There was also the official name given for the game which is Uncharted 2: Among Thieves – thanks to the cover of the next Game Informer mag.

Anyway, the official trailer will debut on Spike TV’s 2008 Video Game Awards ceremony on Sunday, December 14.

In the latest issue of the popular video gaming magazine, Game Informer, it has revealed a new Batman game entitled, Batman: Arkham Asylum. The game will be published by Eidos Inteactive and Rocksteady Studios, when you turn on to Rocksteady’s website it is currently sporting a Batman logo with a countdown. Here’s the games description from Game Informer magazine:

“This completely original title explores Gotham City’s darkest location, the infamous Arkham Asylum. But as a routine prison transfer goes wrong, the Joker sets his demented plan into action and Batman comes face to face with an army of his worst enemies. In a dark and gritty setting reminiscent of Bioshock (with a story co-written by Paul Dini), Arkham Asylum is setting the stage for a true-to-character Batman game.”

Is this the new Batman game base off the recently released movie The Dark Knight? Well, it isn’t apparently, it just happens to be that EA has all the rights to the Batman movie base games and this is just another Batman game. But, The Dark Knight fans shouldn’t worry about there not being a game, why you ask? Because there’s fact pointing to there being a video game base off the hit movie. But, until we have official word you’ll just have to wait on this game…

Update:

One of the members of the popular gaming forum NeoGAF has posted the first details for the game from the latest issue of Game Informer.  Here take a look:

Batman: Arkham Asylum

1 Player Action Game

Publisher: Eidos

Developer: Rocksteady Sudios

Release: 2009

• Clever choice of location moves the game away from an open world Spider-Man clone and more into the dark and gritty realm of The Chronicles of Riddick.
• Packed with Batman’s most dangerous archenemies Arkham Asylum boasts a brand new story reminiscent of the depth and twists of Bioshock.
• Story is written by Paul Dini (Batman: The Animated Series, Detective Comics).
• Wildstorm is crafting the authentic yet distinct new look for all the key characters.
• Gameplay places just as much focus on Batman’s role as a detective as his combat prowess.
• Game isn’t being rushed to tie in with any TV/Film marketing cycles.
• Game runs on Unreal Engine 3.
• Most of the game is played through an over-the-shoulder perspective.
• You’re going to see and get to fight against all the big super villains. Seen so far. Joker, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, Zsasz, Penguin, Riddler, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze and others the magazine doesn’t want to spoil.
• Allies revealed so far are Commissioner Gordon who plays a big role and Barbara Gordon (aka Oracle) who is your radio contact in the game.
• Game opens with the Joker surrendering himself and subsequently taking over Arkham because of some secret the facility holds.
• Magazine teases that this game will be the ultimate Batman experience so the voice cast will reflect that (Think Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill).
• Arkham was chosen as a location because of its limitations including the fact that it’s an island prison. It’s a persistent location so you can visit any location at anytime including Batman’s secret on site Bat Cave etc. Don’t think that just because this is an island prison there will only be small hallways. The developers have taken into account all the construction/destruction of the facility over the years so locals will vary.
• Eidos’ Batman license includes all 70 years of comic book fiction so they’re pulling from all of that.
  • COMBAT:
• Boss Battles won’t necessarily be a series of straight pugilistic fights. Each enemy represents a different side of Batman and not all of them can match his wide skill set. Some battles are focused on combat others will focus on gadgets some are similar to giant Zelda style bosses.
• Combat description in the magazine talks about Batman perched on a high ledge in a wide open room as he watches some of the Joker’s thugs rifle through drawers. Batman switches to investigation mode using a blue tinted visor that among other things lets Batman see his enemies through walls and identifies things like guns and knives. One thug is carrying a machine gun so Batman jumps of the ledge, spreads his cape and kicks him in the face. He then swipes his cape in a large arc to stun his other enemies and then goes to work on them with a stylish blend of punches, kicks, a knee to the face here a behind the back elbow there. Combat has a gymnastic flourish and is accomplished using only three buttons. Attack, Stun and Throw.
• Combat is only one element of the game so the developers didn’t want a bunch of button combos that you’d forget because you’ll be doing other things besides fighting.
• During battle a combo multiplier at the top of the screen will increase with every strike. Once the combo expires a colony of bats will swirl around Batman and then contribute to an experience bar on the left side of the screen. In an RPG like skill tree system players will be able to distribute points where they prefer. Think Combat moves, faster takedowns, or gadget upgrades like the ability to throw multiple batarangs at the same time.
• Gadgets are revealed by collecting items in secret rooms. You’ll need gadgets to survive as there are very tough enemies in the game that you can’t just go head to head with (Think Killer Croc, he’s 10 feet tall in the game and super tough)
• There are sections that involve sneaking but the developers call them Predatory gameplay sections as stealth tends to imply weakness, they prefer to think of it as picking off the weak people or people you wouldn’t last too long in direct fight with from strong positions. The example they give in the article is Batman creating distractions with bodies and victim’s yells and then stalking the guards as they go to inspect.
  • DETECTIVE:
• Developers have come up with a very “sexy” CSI style for forensic puzzles because Batman will always have the very latest gadgets.
• Investigative mode is the centerpiece in Batman’s arsenal. The visor can highlight points of interest and much like the Metroid Prime games will scan items into your database.
• They also mention another forensic gadget, a fingerprint tracker that allow Batman to follow trails of fingerprints.
  • OTHER:
• Magazine hints at the ability to play as the villains in the game. Not sure if this is inserted directly into the game or available as a second playthrough option.
• Magazine lists a few suggested reading items. Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth, Batman: The Last Arkham, and Arkham Asylum: Living Hell.
  • GRAPHICS:
• Game is very gritty looking. The screens in the mag are all inside Arkham and show case a few hallways, The Riddler’s cell, A sewer etc. Lots of great lighting going on.
• Character redesigns are pretty good for the most part. Joker looks like classic Joker only with Heath Ledger style make up (long drawn on red lipstick etc.) he still has a the bright purple suit and bright green hair. Definitely more sinister looking than say the TAS Joker. Killer Croc is huge and looks more like Jim Lee’s Hush redesign as opposed to some of the more human renditions of him.
• Batman is in the Black and Grey costume. It looks more like armor however his gauntlets in particular look like the ones from TDK. Overall it looks very awesome.
• They show screens of fights and predator segments and all look very interesting and very Batman in scope. Lots of classic poses etc.
• You can control Batarangs from first person mode.

According to the people at Primotech, the June issue of Game Informer has an exclusive cover story but, this time it’s not Gears of War it’s Guitar Hero IV. Just like many other Game Informers this one come with details for the new game from Activision.

"Due to the recent falling-out between Gibson and Activision, Guitar Hero IV’s guitars will not be licensed and instead will be custom-designed by the developer. They will incorporate a currently unrevealed feature that will “directly impact the way you play Guitar Hero in the future.”

"Rock stars can step into the studio to create their own songs and share them with other players online courtesy of the newly minted Guitar Hero Tunes service, but these tracks will be devoid of vocals."

"Players will even be able to design their own musicians, album art, and instruments on-screen from scratch."

"While no song titles were yet confirmed, Van Halen, The Eagles, Sublime, and Linkin Park will all be making appearances on the tracklist. All songs in the game will be master tracks."

[First Guitar Hero IV Details Shed via Primotech]