Having sold more than 50 million units worldwide, the renowned WWE simulation experience and annual centrepiece in THQ’s expanding WWE videogame portfolio returns to define the ultimate WWE moments and give players even greater creative and decision-making freedom throughout their storied journeys within WWE.  WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will empower players more than ever to define their gameplay experiences in a dynamic and ever-changing WWE.  Due out in October, the new SvR will feature:

• Gameplay scenarios will change based on player decisions, allowing for more spontaneous WWE action in and out of the ring.
• Players will also enjoy a greater level of interactivity and have increased control of their destinies in the game’s popular Road to WrestleMania story-driven mode.
• A hallmark of the franchise, WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2011 will deliver its largest offering to date of best-in-class creation and customization features.
• Players will have more creative tools than ever to customize their Superstars, finishing moves and story designs.
• Searching and sharing content will be greatly simplified with improvements to the highly regarded WWE Community Creations feature, which generated nearly 10 million downloads, including more than 7.5 million Created Superstars, 500,000 story designs and 500,000 finishing moves in its franchise debut.
• WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 will also boast one of largest rosters in franchise history with more than 70 of today’s prominent WWE Superstars and WWE Divas.
• Each in-game model will feature new skin textures and movement technology, delivering the most authentic looking and moving WWE Superstars and WWE Divas ever seen in a WWE videogame.
• A new physics system will ensure all matches and object interactions look and feel unique, dynamic and unpredictable to capture the full essence of WWE.

[View with PicLens]

Doom 4 is well into development at id. Hollenshead said “a team and a half” are working on the game. That compares to a single team working on id’s next big game, Rage, which will be released in 13 months, and two smaller teams working on mobile projects (including the upcoming Rage iPhone games) and QuakeLive. Hollenshead said id intends to eventually have a third full-size team running to work on a third big game.

Doom 4, according to Hollenshead, will also be targeted for simultaneous release on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. “That’s absolutely what we’re thinking,” he said. “That would certainly be the hope.”

The previous Doom, which was released on PC in 2004 and was offered on the original Xbox in 2005.

With Doom far into development, id’s support for its other franchises continues. Hollenshead said that the free-to-play (or subscription-based, depending on preference) QuakeLive will continue to be supported by the company.

For Wolfenstein, the id series that last saw a Raven-developed game in the summer of 2009? “It would be sad if there’s not another Wolfenstein game because I’m a personal fan of the franchise” Hollenshead said. “Wolfenstein 3D is the game that got me started in PC gaming. So personally I have a lot of emotional and sentimental attachment to that game. Even before I was working at id I was playing Wolf 3D, but we’re still in the ‘thinking about it” phase at this point.”

The next big thing from id, though is Rage. That comes in September of 2011 — though no promises were made this time.

The Rage demo to which Hollenshead referred was a powerful demonstration of an id game running the company’s id Tech 5 game engine impressively on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. The game looked great on all three. Such a tech demonstration is relevant for id, because the formerly PC-centric studio is now developing a game such as Rage for simultaneous release on PC and high-definition consoles.

Summer is here and we have a first look at what to expect all summer round.

Topics of Discussion

Kinect pricing and thoughts

Summer of Arcade games

Gamestop plans

Recent impressions of Singularity and Crackdown 2

Along with other antics and rants. Be sure not to miss this one.

‘Tis the season for a beating and I’m here to tell you of a new fighting masterpiece that are currently works in progress. The two teams responsible for the development of Both Super Street Fighter 4 AND Tekken (Capcom and Namco Bandai) are in collaboration to create a game so EPIC that the world itself might not be ready: Street Fighter X Tekken. From videos taken at this year’s comic-con and news gathered on the internet with possible rumors, here is a list of everything we know so far for Street Fighter X Tekken:

• Capcom is working on Street Fighter X Capcom utilizing the Super Street Fighter IV engine, while introducing the Tekken fighters in the same type of art style…sticking as close to their original looks in Tekken as possible (almost identical).
• The game will possibly need a two year development cycle according to producers so an early 2012 release is eminent.
• The stages for the game seems to be a mixture of two worlds.
• From the Street Fighter/Capcom side, we see a large head piece figure which turns out to be a “Servebot” and other mechanical structures from games such as Mega Man: Legends and Marvel vs. Capcom. The servebot head seems to be more of a mask/helmet for a person who occasionally stands up in it.
• From the Tekken/Namco Bandai side, it seems to be a darker, grungier battlefield. You’re fighting on what looks to be a ruined or wrecked highway with an extended level range (from the side of screen to the other).
• We know Ryu, Chun-li, Kazuya and Nina are in the games from the vids and screens shown. Dan has a short cameo in the teaser so we’re not sure if he’ll be in the final product.
• While the fighting itself comes directly from the SSF4 engine, the tag system like Tekken utilizes will be in the game, along with abilities taking advantage of it.
• Opponents can be bounced off of walls and floors and call in the players partner for tag team combos.
• As far as combos go, they’ve been kept at the same pace as in SSF4.
• Lastly, Tag Specials have been re-introduced back into the Street Fighter universe which are similar to Rival Schools style(there haven’t been tag specials since Street Fighter: EX 3).
• Each Tag special should be unique to every fighter and will no doubt take more then one super bar to use.

If you readers are anything like us here at LvLone.com, you’ve just peed yourself…a little bit,
and wait… that’s not all! A second game is also in production, Tekken X Street fighter! A counterpart to Street Fighter X Tekken, TXSF is most likely going to be a fireball-less brawler. Not much is known about TXSF, but an estimated release date to both games is 2 years from now on both the PS33 and the Xbox 360…so those of you who were worried about “2012”, fear not…it’s not the end of the world, only the introduction of a new one.

Check back for updates of Street Fighter X Tekken as it comes in and also check out our Marvel vs Capcom 3: What We Know So Far post for the latest on that.

[View with PicLens]

GameStop has been cagey about its plans to deal with the impending digital age, but the new CEO Paul Raines spoke frankly about it in a recent interview with The Street. He says he wants the GameStop Website to be a “destination for gamers, whether they are getting content via online, mobile, console or any other platform. We are also migrating our website from a purely e-commerce site to a gaming platform that users can visit to play, learn and purchase games.”

He says the company is taking a look at other online companies that have successfully started their transition to digital formats. “We have studied Netflix a lot, and most of their users still absorb physical content rather than streaming,” Raines said. “Now we are looking to see how gaming compares. We are focusing on consumer acceptance. The world won’t be all digital tomorrow, even though that’s what people are claiming. In this business, users still want physical content.”

He also remarked on the difficulty of sustaining a used game sales model, echoing recent comments made at the Develop conference. “In tough economic times the consumer doesn’t want to spend $59 for a new game,” he said. “They may not have $59, but they may have $40 and an old game under their bed that they can trade in for a new title.” He also shrugged off competition in the used games space. “Pricing buybacks and sales is complex. We have a refurbishment facility and last year recycled 100 million units. This system is difficult to replicate.”

GameStop has always seemed unconcerned about the advent of digital content, even dismissing EA’s Online Pass as an opportunity to sell downloadable content. Plans to turn the site into a gaming portal might explain their confidence, but raises new questions about online competition with existing services.

Ever since the popularity of Bioshock there has been several games that have been inspired by the huge hit a few years ago, Singularity is one of those games. A game that attempts to merge tried and trued shooter gameplay with a new time manipulation element Singularity had a lot promise since it was announced, but does the game reach the level of quality of Bioshock and other classic shooters?

The story of Singularity is that of an American solider investigating some mysterious events that took place in the Soviet Union, what events? In Singularity the communists had discovered a device that can manipulate time and create monsters, not exactly the most inspired story but it sets up the game. From the outset of the first level the player finds out that there is of course a big mystery that must be solved and an evil organization that must be stopped, overall the story isn’t necessarily bad but it simply feels bland and it never manages to get you into the happenings of the game.

Gameplay is where the game does better, the shooter aspect of the game is solid, with players having a whole range of guns that can be used, and upgraded. The main draw of Singularity however is the time manipulation aspect, at one point in the game players get the TMD which has the power to control little areas of time. For example players can use the TMD on a lock to age it into dust, likewise something that has fallen apart can be reforge by using the TMD to go back in time. The whole time manipulation aspect sounds good, but it really is never utilized to it’s full potential and becomes more of a gimmick, rather than a cool new type of weapon. Overall the gameplay isn’t necessarily bad but a lot was bet on the time travel aspect and although it works as it should it isn’t used as much as it should.

Graphics in Singularity are relatively good, there are a few cool looking lighting effects here or there but nothing to go crazy about, everything else however looks somewhat generic, the soldiers look like they could have been pulled from any shooter and creatures don’t fair much better. The graphics are just about average in all aspects.

Sound is also relatively average for a shooter, creatures sound generic and the tunes seem somewhat limited. One thing that does stand out is the voice acting however this is a hit or miss, some characters sound great while some, like the Russian characters sounds too exaggerated. The rest of the audio is pretty average as well.

Singularity’s main selling point is the element of time manipulation, that is the key difference between it and any other shooter on the market. Although the game does give players the ability to age enemies and objects but it soon becomes a bit of a novelty than a revolutionary element. The TMD’s uses are limited and force players to do what needs to be done rather than let player’s use the tool freely for themselves. The ingredients of a great shooter are all in the game however it seems that the recipe to utilize them fell a little short, what results is an average to slightly above average shooter. If you’re expecting a Bioshock level quality game then you won’t find it here, however if using time manipulation as a weapon sounds cool to you then by all means check Singularity out.

Overall = 7.6

[View with PicLens]

After a week of postmortem at the LA Convention Center for E3, we here at LVLONE think its time to let you guys in on how we felt on everything related. Our Podcast was so long that we’ve divided it into three sections. We talk press conferences first then get into the real nitty gritty.

Topics of Discussion

The big three press conferences

Our brutal opinions and impressions of Microsoft Kinect and Sony’s Move

3D gaming, 3DS and a whole lot more.

Microsoft

Second File

Nintendo

Sony+Overall impressions

Note: Do to technical difficulties and the overwhelming awesomeness during our Podcast the very end had a little recording error.

12. Wang Tang

Wang Tang is a speedy type of fighter and one of the popular fighters of the Power Stone series .  The master martial artist has attacks that are pretty quick whether it be kicks, throws or aerial attacks. He transforms into the Agile Dragon which can give him the ability to move at a faster speed, launch smaller quick fireballs, huge energy spheres, and deal out heavier damage.

11. Mr. Sinister

This guy is one of the popular X-Men villains ever. He has created betrayals within the X-Men’s members causing many problems for the super group. Sinister can be used as a sub-boss like Juggernaut and Dr. Doom in previous games.

10. Mai-Ling

Don’t know her? She comes from a game called Red Earth where there are 4 different fighters to choose from. Leo, Kenji, and Tessa have all made it into another fighting game at some point. Mai-Ling should get the chance to make it into this game. The young martial artist is kind of like a cross between Fei Long (flaming kicks) and Chun-Li (fireball projectile). Capcom should really look into placing her in MvC3.

9. Beast

Beast can possibly be created to be a un-orthodox fighter. Picture this, Slow moving because of his body structure but he can combo well because of his strength, acrobatics and agility. That type of combination can catch quite a few people off guard.

We are almost at 1!

Check back soon for 5-8…

Dont forget to check out Part 1 and Part 2!

Rockstar games are known for their high profile titles, transforming and innovating sandbox worlds that engage players like never before. Red Dead Redemption is no exception and not only did they create a realistic world set 100 years ago in America but they’ve found a way for us to put down our plasma rifle and pick up a lasso.

Red Dead Redemption pits you in the shoes of John Marston, a loan horseman out to bring in his brother (who he once rode with) anyway he can. Betrayed by the gang he rode with, John Marston finds himself fighting for his life, while scavenging the land of the corrupt. This game has exceptionally excellent dialogue/voice acting across the board and the relationships you develop over time really give you a sense of attachment to the characters. With a world as corrupt and lawless as this one, any bit of help whether bad or good comes a long way. There is so much to do in this game you could spend hours on little things that don’t even focus on the main story. Skining animals, playing card, five finger roulette, picking up bounties and much much more. Even when traveling between areas which sometimes feels like a long time, the game has a great way in engaging you on what’s going on with strangers in the wilderness.

For a game this size it looks incredible, one would expect some pop ins here and there which there are but none the less keep things are kept in order, while providing a great draw distance to appreciate the land. Now at its core there are similar underlinings to GTA but beneath that the differences can be seen in almost every aspect of the game.

The multiplayer for Red Dead Redemption also holds up like the single player. Up to 16 players can get online for either matches against others or make/join a team. Standard and more intricate modes are found here, you can also level up your character to unlock other characters, weapons and horses. What’s great about the multiplayer matches is the system in which they give a team the upper hand by having them face off in a shoot out. Never thought we would have fun before a match even begins in a game. If match making is not your thing you can join friends taking out gang hideouts or treasure hunting, there is just so much to do here.

Overall what your getting here is more then this review can describe. Players will almost never get bored of the offerings, even if you have completed the game in full (which would take so long to do). Friends and Enemies can and will be made online, but thats the best part. At first I didn’t know if I would except an old western game thats set over a 100 years ago but now I want nothing more then to hog tie someone, put them on my horse and bring them to justice.

Overall = 9.7

[View with PicLens]

With the newly announced Mortal Kombat our staff at LVLONE have compiled a list of things announced, things shown at E3 and stuff possibly rumored. Here is what we know so far for Mortal Kombat.

• The game has been announced for the Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles.

• The game will include the option to play in Stereoscopic 3D for the PS3 as well.

• Old backgrounds return, but with a darker grittier look. Classic stages like the Pit, Acid Bath, Haunted Forest, etc. return with new designs and subtle differences from their originals.

• All characters and backgrounds are rendered in full 3d, while the actually fighting is in 2d, just like the old days. Not only are characters rendered beautifully, but battle damage can now be seen on fighters during the course of each fight. From scars, to bleeding fleshy faces, to ripped clothing and missing body chunks… it really is a work of art.

• Classic moves remain in the game. From Scorpion’s spear to Sub-Zero’s ice blast, it’s all there.

• With a new “super meter”, custom combos are easier to pull off as well as combo chains that have never been done before…think ground combo into a pop-up combo into an aerial grab.

• The meter also allows you to perform a stronger version of any regular move from the characters.

• At the end of the super bar lays an “X”. This “X” is used for what’s called an X-Ray move. New to the series, the x-ray move is different and special to each character. The x-ray move delivers a 2-3 hit devastating combo that inflicts massive amounts of damage. For example, Sub-Zero freezes then crushes your liver, then while you bend over in pain he head butts you cracking your skull and jaw. Another x-ray example, Reptile gouges your eyes with two fingers, snaps your neck, then finished with a kick to the chest which shatters ALL your ribs. X-ray moves will not only change the tide of battle, but are sure to put Mortal Kombat at the top of any fighter gamer’s wish list.

• With the new remains the old. FINISH HIM!! That’s right, fatalities are back to their original glories with even more blood, guts, and gore than ever before. Along with character specific fatalities, stage fatalities return as well (the pit, acid bath, subway, etc.). Unfortunately, due to the game’s darker theme, “friendships” will not be included in this title…but “brutalities” may see a triumphant return.

• From a sneak peek at the character select screen, 26 characters will be available with room for DLC characters as well as custom creatable characters. Eight confirmed characters of the 26 are Scorpion, Mileena, Reptile, Sub-Zero, Kung Lao, Johnny Cage, Nightwolf, and Sektor.

• New game play modes are introduced as well. 2-on-2 fights make a break through appearance in the series. Much like Marvel vs. Capcom 2, your tag partner is able to assist in combos, perform assistance attacks with a press of the button, and a second player from one console is able to jump into the fray to control your second character (presumably by pressing start in the character select screen). Online is also enabled for this title, so not only will you have 1-on-1 fights but 2-on-2 fights as well. Also, in online 2-on-2 battles, you will be able to pit 2 real life opponents against two real life opponents. Just imagine you and your brother/sister vs. mom and dad for who will take out tonight’s trash.

• The game will ship early next year 2011.

With awesome character intros, bloody fatalities, new and redesigned stages, online play, and 2-on-2 battles…Mortal Kombat seems like it is shaping up to be a great addition into the next generation fighting game library. We will will be updating this page with new info as it comes in.