Konami will be rewarding the PS3 Castlevania fans for their patience with some included extras.  An extra map (Pyramid of Ruin) and two additional characters (Julius Belmont and Yoko Belendes); previously released as paid DLC on the Xbox LIVE version that will be included with the purchase of the game with no additional cost.  Also couch co-op for up to four players (online muliplayer will support six) will be added.  Tuesday can't come any sooner!  It'll be time to show Dracula once and for all just what a real man is!

The free to play model is becoming increasingly popular with online gaming especially with MMORPGs. Perfect World Entertainment has another up and coming free to play online game with Blacklight: Retribution. Currently in it's closed beta, phase Blacklight: Retribution looks like a game that FPS fans should keep an eye out for.

In Blacklight: Retribution you are able to develop your own classes, and customize your weapons. If you want a heavily armored sniper, or a light and nimble machine gunner those are just two of the many options available. There is a dynamic feel to the gameplay and no match should play out the same.

With the addition of weapon depots as you capture territories and kill other players you are able to turn the tide of battle. At the weapon depot you are able to upgrade to powerful weapons such as a railgun, man a heavy suit, or call down an airstrike.  Blacklight: Retribution is shaping up pretty nicely and should be ready for release soon.  In the meantime be sure to head over to the official site for more information and to sign up for the closed beta.

 Deus Ex: Human Revolution has you playing as Adam Jensen a mechanically augmented human that didn't ask for this.  The game has a heavy focus on rewarding players for stealth and exploration.  Experimentation is also encouraged and made apparent by the different ways you can play the game and accomplish objectives.  Here are some tips that will help you to augment your gameplay.

Use the environment to your advantage

• You can use movable objects (boxes, vending machines, dumpsters, etc.) to block off  enemy AI.  e.g. Putting a vending machine in a doorway will prevent guards from entering.

• When picking up boxes or crates sometimes you will find hidden items under them.  Especially pick up moveable objects that are up against a wall to look for alternate paths through vents or a breakable wall.

•  You can use movable objects as weapons and throw them at enemies.  Throwing a crate or vending machine can knock out or at least knock down a guard.  Some barrels you find are explosive or filled with gas that you can use to knockout or kill guards. Throwing objects also can create a distraction for guards to investigate.

• You can stack objects on top of each other to help you advance higher or over a wall.  Also stacking objects together can help provide good cover to stay out of sight from guards or help provide cover from fire.

• If you don't yet have heavy lifting some movable objects can be destroyed.  Similarly most doors can be destroyed instead of hacking them.

• With heavy lifting you can pick up turrets and move them out of the way facing a wall so they aren't a threat or throw them.  Also if you hack the turret you can carry it around and use it to mow down the enemies.

Stealth

• You can shoot security a camera to destroy it, just be sure to use a silenced weapon and if guards are near they may be alerted.  

•  You can use the stun gun to temporarily disable a camera, turret, and robots.

• Cloaking is very useful when you're going for a stealth run.  Cloaking can help you get past difficult parts without being seen.  When cloaking you won't be detected by lasers.  Shooting while cloaking won't break invisibility.

• Closing the doors cuts down the noise level dramatically.  Just be aware that guards can hear you opening and closing doors if they are close.

• Dragging bodies can be very useful.  You can drag bodies out of sight even inside vents so the other guards won't be alerted.  

•  You can drag an unconscious body in the patrol path of another guard while he's not looking then find a good spot to hide.  When the guard on patrol sees the body he will go off the patrol path to the body.  When he crouches down to wake the other guard you can sneak behind him and take him out too or use the tranquilizer rifle from a distance.

• Throwing a box or shooting a silenced bullet against the ground or a wall near a guard will make him go off patrol to investigate it.  Making it easier to take him out or sneak by him.

• If you have a group of enemies close together as long as you are out of sight you can use the tranquilizer rifle on one and also do the same to the others while they try to wake up their friends.

• Guards turn off lasers just by walking by them, take advantage of that.  Even if you drag an unconscious body near the lasers it will cut them off.

Hacking

• The hacking augmentations are very useful and it's recommended you pick up a few early in the game. 

• Sometimes when hacking you can capture the red tracker node to complete the hack and get bonus experience points or money.  There is also a glitch you can use to exploit that for infinite experience points or money.  The computer in Jensen's office is the best one for xp.

• Hacking alarm terminals can be useful as a backup in case the guards have gone hostile.  Some guards will go for the alarm terminal and be confused there for a while why it isn't working and that time you can easily take them out.

• You are able to look around the area while you are hacking if you need to check if the coast is clear.

• If all else fails you can always use an automatic hacking device.

Boss tips and strategies **WARNING SPOILERS**

• Typoon is a great boss killer and it helps you clear rooms

• Mines and grenades work well on most of the bosses

• The stun gun and gas grenades/canisters work on most of the bosses and give you time to either retreat or offload on them.

• The first boss can be dealt with easily by throwing the gas canister right in front of you at the start to stun him then unload on him with your most powerful weapons.  You can also use the explosive barrels in the area if you'd like and even his own grenades that he throws will kill him eventually.

• The second boss is easier if you have the armor augmentation that makes you immune to EMP.  You can also use the stun gun on her or shoot the terminals against the wall to stun her while you offload with Typoon or a powerful weapon.

• The third boss is a lot easier if you choose to NOT get the new chip implant from the limb clinic the second time you go to China.  You can even take him out in one punch after he jumps a wall just do your melee attack.

**END BOSS SPOILERS**

General Tips and Strategies

• Mines can be disabled by carefully walking up to them and picking them up.

• Search for walls you can break even if you don't have the augmentation where you can punch through them you can still blow them up.  You usually find some useful items or alternate paths.

• The AI fires at the last place that they saw you.  Keeping that in mind as long as you stay hidden you can move safely to another location and get the jump on them (cloaking helps).

• You are rewarded greatly by exploring in this game search for alternate paths and make sure to get the Icarus landing, higher jumping, heavy lifting, and the punch through wall augmentations to help you explore everywhere.

• Make sure to buy 2 praxis kits each time you visit the limb clinic of a new area.  When you go back to the areas a second time you are able to buy 2 more.

• The best tip I can give you is to save and save often.  The game lets you save anytime and anywhere you want, make sure to take advantage of that.

• Don't be afraid to try out something different, you might be surprised with the results.  The game is designed for multiple ways of doing things and multiple playthrough. Have fun with it!

I  hope you enjoyed reading these tips to help augment your gameplay in Deus Ex: Human Revolution.  Be sure to post your tips and tricks in the comments below, I'm sure there are lots that weren't mentioned.  Check back on GamersGameplay for more tips, tricks, strategies and reviews!

Atlus has been staying busy lately.  Recently they announced via the latest Famitsu the development of three new Persona titles!  Persona 4: The Golden for the Playstation Vita is a remake of Persona 4.   

The Golden will add a new character named Mary, more voiced dialogue, new opening with a new song, new animated movies, and wireless support.  Other elements that fans of the original heavily requested will be added, but no further details are available on that at this time.  A release date has been set for Spring 2012. 

A first for the series is a Persona fighting game titled: Persona 4: The Ultimate In Mayonaka Arena set for release on PS3 and Xbox 360.  The game is being developed by Arc System Works (the team behind BlazBlue) to make a 2D fighter using characters from Persona 3 & 4.  The game will have a unique story that takes place two months after the events of Persona 4.  It will first be released in Spring 2012 at arcades, then for PS3 and Xbox 360 in Summer 2012.

 Last but not least Atlus confirmed the development of Persona 5.  Not much is known about the fifth entry into the series but it is rumored to be using the same game engine used to make Catherine.  All of these new Persona games along with the Persona 4 anime that will be airing this October in Japan will hopefully bring more fans to this amazing series.  Be sure to post in the comments below which Persona game you're most excited about and your wants for Persona 5.  Check back at GamersGameplay for updates and more information on these titles as they become available.

The villains keep on coming in Arkham City and it looks like Batman is going to have his hands full.  I must say that Arkham City's rendition of Mr. Freeze is pretty cool, he seems like a chill kinda guy.  Freeze's suit seems to have some upgrades including scanners, a force shield, and who knows what else.


It definitely looks to be an interesting fight and game of cat and mouse going by the trailer.  Batman was on the defensive sneaking around trying to get the jump on Freeze much like the Vulcan Raven fight from Metal Gear Solid.  Arkham City is shaping up to be an impressive game.  Be sure to check back for more updates and pick up the game this October!

August is here the middle of the summer, it's hot outside, and the dry season for gaming. You may be wondering if there are any upcoming games that could be your summer salvation. Worry not my friend because today I have a list for you highlighting some of the best games of August. These games will help keep you nice and cool indoors and will quench your gamer thirst.

Bleach: Soul Resurreccion
Platform: PS3
Release Date: 8/3
Publisher: NIS America




The latest video game iteration of the popular anime series Bleach has finally been released on current gen consoles in glorious HD.  Bleach: Soul Resureccion is a hack n' slash game with loads of fan service.  If you're a fan of the anime Bleach and/or a fan of the hack n' slash style of the Dynasty Warriors series you owe it to yourself to check this game out.  If you're still on the fence or need more information check out our Bleach: Soul Resurreccion review


Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet
Platform: Xbox LIVE
Release Date: 8/3
Publisher: Fuelcell Games





Interesting name for an interesting game.  Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet is a visually stunning game with exploration elements reminiscent of Metroid's style of gameplay.  The game also features boss fights, power ups, and a multiplayer mode.


El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron
Platform: PS3, Xbox 360
Release Date: 8/16
Publisher: Ignition Entertainment



El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron is one of the lesser hyped titles this year. It's combination of being visually unique and a "God of War" style combat will hopefully merge into a great game. Below is a new trailer that shows off it's art style, gameplay, and story. The demo is available on the PSN and Xbox LIVE if any gamer is curious to see what this title will have to offer.




No More Heroes: Heroes Paradise
Platform: PS3
Release Date: 8/16
Publisher: Konami







PS3 owners finally get to experience No More Heroes which was previously a Wii exclusive.  You play as Travis Touchdown an anti-hero otaku assassin that wields a beam sword as a weapon.  The game being very stylish over the top makes no apologies, it just has fun with it's insanity, and because of that is very fun to play.  The PS3 version has some extra features including: HD graphics, move support, gameplay improvements, and new modes.


Age of Empires Online
Platform: PC
Release Date: 8/16
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios





The Age of Empires series are traditionally historical real-time strategy games.  Although they aren't entirely historically accurate they are always a lot of fun.  Age of Empires Online will play similarly to previous titles with the addition of a persistent online world.  A blending of RTS with MMO shapes a unique gameplay experience.
 


From Dust
Platform: PC, Xbox LIVE, PSN
Release Date: 8/17
Publisher: Ubisoft




From Dust has been described by Ubisoft as the spiritual heir to Populous.  The game is structured as a series of missions where you must protect and lead your tribe to survive and prosper against the elements of nature.  Thankfully you are able to manipulate aspects of the environment such as shaping the land or moving water.  From Dust has already been released on Xbox LIVE and will be available on PS3 sometime later this year.





Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Release Date: 8/23
Publisher: Square Enix





Deus Ex: Human Revolution is one of the most anticipated titles of the year.  The game is a mixture of first and third person shooter with RPG elements.  You have the freedom to play the game multiple ways.  You can go all out guns blazing, take a more stealthy approach, or any combination of the two.     


Street Fighter III: Third Strike Online Edition
Platform: PS3, Xbox 360
Release Date: 8/23
Publisher: Capcom




The classic fighter returns with a HD remake.  It features an online mode that was not available in previous releases, a new tournament mode, hundreds of challenges, YouTube uploading in-game, and extra unlocks.


Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked
Platform: 3DS
Release Date: 8/23
Publisher: Atlus Co.




Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked is a 3DS enhanced port of the DS version of the game.  This deep RPG has been praised for it's combat system and branching story.  Overclocked adds improvements over the original release with voiced dialogue for the main characters in the game and a new epilogue chapter titled The 8th Day.




BloodRayne: Betrayal
Platform: PS3, Xbox 360
Release Date: 8/30
Publisher: Majesco Games






BloodRayne: Betrayal is a downloadable 2D side scrolling hack and slash adventure game with 15 stages to enjoy.  You play as Rayne a dhampir (half human, half vampire) who is as deadly as she is sexy.  This game has also been announced to be released on Xbox LIVE, but not until October 5th.





Bodycount
Platform: PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Release Date: 8/30
Publisher: Codemasters






Bodycount is a FPS developed by the same team that developed Black and is considered a spiritual successor to it.  One of best things that set this game apart from other FPS titles is that nearly everything in the environment is destructible.  It also includes what you would expect from these titles TDM, Co-op, and a shotgun.



Madden NFL 12
Platform: PS3, Xbox 360, PSP, Wii
Release Date: 8/30
Publisher: EA Sports






 Madden 2012 was close to being delayed due to the NFL lockout, but now that issue has been resolved and fans can rejoice. With a revised tackling system and a better management system, this could be one of EA's best Madden releases in awhile. Hopefully online play won't be too hard to manage with the inclusion of EA's Season Pass being available.

Tropico 4
Platform: PC
Release Date: 8/30
Publisher: Kalypso




Take control as El Presidente the lovable dictator of the banana republic island.  Tropico 4 like previous titles is a city building and political simulation game.  The series has a very loyal fan base that have been highly anticipating this games release. 


August has a nice variety of upcoming games that will make just about any type of gamer happy.  Post in the comments below some of your most anticipated releases for August.  As the games are released check back on GamersGameplay for the reviews. Hope you enjoyed the Games of August be sure to check back soon for the upcoming games of September!

It seems like only yesterday that I played the demo for Bleach: Soul Ignition, and cringed at nearly every aspect of it. Now that it hit stateside,(and named Soul Resurreccion in the US,) I let my inner fanboy take over and decided to give the game a second chance. Fans have been waiting for a good Bleach game to come out on consoles, but is Soul Resurreccion the game we've all been asking for? Find out right here!

First of all, Soul Resurreccion isn't a fighting game like most people would expect. Instead, NIS brought us a hack n' slash action game very similar to Dynasty Warriors or Sengoku Basara, and in that genre, Bleach holds its own very well. A lot of gamers look down on those games and don't give them a second look. But there's also a large amount that absolutely love them, and if you're one of those gamers, then Soul Resurreccion just might be a gift from Soul Society.


The presentation and menus are very well designed in Bleach. They all look very good with nice animations, and easy to navigate. Another nice feature is the lack of a mandatory installation. There's also a TON of stuff to do and unlock in the game. There are 21 total playable characters, and a handful of different gameplay modes to use them in. They all add a bit of variety to the otherwise bland repetition of farming souls (experience points) to max out your favorite characters. If you plan on going for the Platinum in this game, be prepared to devote some hardcore hours. That being said, leveling up characters is extremely addictive with the level up system they've implemented. Very similar to Final Fantasy X's sphere grid, (almost to the point of copy and paste) aquiring souls to build up your characters' stats and learning new abilities will keep players interested for many, many hours. That's usually a good thing for a game to do.


The graphics in Bleach are a bit of a mixed bag. The main character models look good, and have fluid animations for all their super attacks. Some of the enemies look a somewhat uninspired, however. The environments look decent, and most of them are recognizable from episodes of the anime, but they tend to be recycled a little too much. They do get the job done, however, since the story from the anime doesn't exactly have a wide variety of backdrops to choose from. The maps are mostly straightforward corridors with very few branching paths. The music also leaves a little to be desired. It's a very easily forgotten soundtrack, with generic rock rhythms. It just ends up being background noise as you hack your way through the stages. A nice feature is the option to pick between english or japanese dialogue. I think it's safe to say most fans don't care for the english dub.



With this type of game, what really matters (aside from all the awesome Bleach characters and fan service) is the gameplay, and Soul Resurreccion delivers on that. You plow through each level trying to keep your Slash meter up as high as possible, then come to a boss fight at the end. The better you are at combos, the more Ignition you'll build up to unleash more devastating attacks, and better rankings for your missions. Simple concept, but mindless fun is still fun. Controls are responsive, and combos and movement feel as fast as you'd expect in the Bleach universe. Expect to get A LOT of use out of your Square button with this game. Along with your primary combo attacks, you have access to different variations of spirit pressure attacks, and ignition (super mode). As you level up, you'll learn combo cancels, triple jump, counter attacks, etc. NIS did a very good job adding depth to the combat, even if most players will tend to lean on spamming one button throughout the entire experience. Either way, the option to mix things up is there for you.



My only complaints with Bleach: Soul Resurreccion really go hand in hand. The story mode leaves quite a lot of details out. No real mention of the Vizards, or half of the fights that happened in the town before the major battles started. With the addition of a few more story missions, along with the characters that would need to be included in those missions, Soul Resurreccion could have had a very solid story mode experience. Instead, it ends up being the weakest part of the game. NIS is notorious for major support for their games when it comes to downloadable content, so time will tell on that. Overall, Bleach: Soul Resurreccion is an enjoyable game for something to pass the time and has the potential to keep gamers interested for endless hours. It may not be for everybody, but it's definitely worth a try, especially for fans of the series. BANKAI!

Earlier this year, Eat Sleep Play's new Twisted Metal game was announced for an October 4, 2011 release date, but alas, that is no longer the case. David Jaffe announced today that the game has been delayed until early 2012. The reason given was to use the extra development time to ensure the quality of the new Twisted Metal, and make sure it's as good as it can possibly be.

Though it may be disappointing to some, I for one am a little glad for the delay. Not only does it mean the game will be higher quality than a rushed product, but it also makes it a little easier to budget all the other huge titles coming out around October. Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available, and thank you, David Jaffe. I hope Twisted Metal turns out to be as good as you want it to be!

Batman: Arkham Asylum was one of the biggest games of 2009, but the Collector's Edition of the game left much to be desired. The plastic batarang that was irremovable from the cheap stand was a bit of a low blow to Batman fans, and the rest of the contents were "meh" at best. Don't get me wrong, I still treasure it, along with the fancy box it came in. Even still, I can't help but hope they do a little better for the $99.99 price tag next try.

With Arkham City on the way, many people have been waiting to see if the Collector's Edition will indeed be worth the price of admission. Well folks, the wait is over and details have finally been released about what Batman lovers can get for a hundred bucks!

In this amazing box, you'll get:

• A Batman statue from Kotobukiya
• The Batman: Gotham Knights movie
• An Arkham City Artbook
• An album containing music from the game
• Exclusive early access to in-game content including The Iceberg Lounge challenge map, and an alternate skin for the Dark Knight himself.
• And of course, your very own copy of Batman: Arkham City

All in all, it seems like a big improvement over the last installments collector's edition. Whether people feel the need to spend an extra $40 for this extra stuff is up to the individual, but I for one know that I'll have a sweet Batman statue sitting on my game shelf on October 18.

Today Konami announced that Castlevania Harmony of Despair will be coming to the Playstation Network later this summer.  The Pyramid of Ruin level as well as the playable characters Julius Belmont and Yoko Belnades previously released on the Xbox 360 as DLC will be included on the PSN version with the purchase of the game.


 
In addition to the included DLC content the PSN version will also have a new 4 player local co-op mode.  You can also play online with up to six players.  Castlevania Harmony of Despair is a Castlevania fan's dream come true.  You are able to battle together with friends playing as some of the most memorable characters of the series including Alucard and Soma Cruz.  Be sure to look for this game coming out on the PSN later this summer.

 Batman Arkham Asylum was not only the best Batman game, it is listed in the Guiness Book of World Records for being the "Most Critically Acclaimed Superhero Game Ever". Batman Arkham City is setting out to top the first game. Check out 10 minutes of gameplay footage that shows Catwoman and Batman in action:



In Batman Arkham City You are able to traverse around an open world city that is five times larger than Arkham Asylum. The combat system more is dynamic with new attacks, counters, and gadgets at your disposal. There is also 15 hours worth of optional side missions that you can complete.  Batman Arkham City is one of the most anticipated games of this year.  It will be released on October 18th for the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Calibur11 partnered with Epic Games to make an epic console case for the Xbox 360 slim.  This interactive case comes with a high-definition "Bleed-Out" finish, controller cradle and a LED Crimson Omen that glows red every time a player is downed by an opponent.

The Infected Omen reacts every time you get downed or are revived in the game.

Inside every box is a chance to win an authentic, life-size Gears of War COG armor suit replica bearing the Calibur11 logo.  The Gears of War 3 Vault case allows better airflow for greater cooling and more stability.  The case also does not void your Xbox 360 slim factory warranty.

With the upcoming release of Gears of War 3 this September now is the perfect time to start saving for this epic game case.  To purchase or for more information head over to the Calibur11 Store.