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Bioware wants Dragon Age's user-created PC content on consoles

by David Hinkle { Jul 9th 2009 at 5:30PM }

During a recent chat with CVG, Bioware co-founder Greg Zeschuk spoke about Dragon Age: Origins and what DLC and demo plans the company had for the title. With the PC version shipping with a really robust tool set, console gamers may feel like they're missing out, but Zeschuk says that Bioware is actually looking to get that user content from the PC over to consoles. Aside from that, there's also discussion of new dungeons and expansions that could be DLC, though Zeschuk wouldn't comment beyond confirming DLC is in the works.

As for the possibility of a demo preceding release, Zeschuk says that likely isn't in the cards. It's a problem of finding the right part of the game to offer to fans. "The way the game's set up actually makes it hard for a demo because there are six origin stories and we don't know whether to just pick one or a couple." We'd just say pick a couple (more is better, right?) and go for it, because who doesn't like free content (other than Communists)?

Tales of Vesperia demo next week, trailer teases new stuff

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 9th 2009 at 4:00PM }

If you've already played Tales of Vesperia, don't be surprised by how unrecognizable this new trailer is. Namco Bandai isn't holding back on the PS3 version of the RPG, adding tons of new content, from new playable characters, new dungeons, to new fully voiced cutscenes, like the ones you see above.

Japanese gamers will be able to test the PS3 version of Tales when a free downloadable demo releases next week, July 13th. If you make a Japanese PSN account of your own, you'll be able to try it -- just make sure you know Japanese first, okay?

We contacted Namco Bandai Games America about its plans for a US release and were simply told, "We have not announced Tales of Vesperia (PS3) for the North American region at this time. Therefore, we can not comment on additional content for the PS3 version of the game in Japan." Shucks.

[Via Kotaku]

Get yer Tales of Monkey Island Chapter 1 demo all fast-like

by Randy Nelson { Jul 8th 2009 at 5:40PM }

If, for some unfathomable reason, Ludwig's review of Tales of Monkey Island: Launch of the Screaming Narwhal didn't have ye partin' with yer pieces of eight for the full game, perhaps a free demo is what ye be after. Our mateys at BigDownload have weighed anchor on the 187MB download and it's yers for the takin' -- without any waitin' -- over at their site. Oh, and we wouldn't try runnin' it on a pirated operatin' system if we were you. Savvy?

Download Tales of Monkey Island: Launch of the Screaming Narwhal Demo (188MB)

Valve: Left 4 Dead 2 multiplayer demo on its way, pre-order customers get 'advanced access'

by Xav de Matos { Jul 4th 2009 at 3:00PM }

Doug Lombardi has told Joystiq that a multiplayer demo for Valve's Left 4 Dead 2 is planned for both the Xbox 360 and PC. According to Valve's PR guru, users who pre-order the upcoming zombie survival title at "participating retailers or [via] Steam" will gain "advanced access to the demo," which will eventually land on both platforms for all users prior to the game's November 17 launch.

Speaking with OXM at a recent London preview event, Lombardi discussed the strength of Left 4 Dead's "word of mouth," which has presumably fueled the need for a demo to the sequel. With groups calling for a boycott of Left 4 Dead 2 due to lack of content support for the original title, a demo may be the best way for Valve to prove why it believes its sequel warrants a full price tag. Although, strong pre-order numbers tell us the game is already on pace to decimate sales charts like a zombie tank.

Gallery: Left 4 Dead 2

New Uncharted 2 multiplayer demo incoming

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Jul 1st 2009 at 12:15PM }

After deftly dodging questions like, "How many polygons are there in Nathan's eyebrow?" and "Can I give Elena an accent in my fanfic?" Naughty Dog co-president Evan Wells confirmed a new Uncharted 2: Among Thieves demo in an online Q&A held yesterday, courtesy of the PlayStation Blog. "Yes, we're going to have another multiplayer demo before the game hits shelves," Wells said. "The exact timing isn't finalized yet, but it should be available to an even wider group this time, so if you missed the last one I don't think you'll have any problem getting in this one."

We're hoping that by "even wider group," he's referring to everyone who can't wait to play the frantically anticipated action-adventure (which is everyone) and failed to gain entry into the recent beta. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is currently scheduled for release this Fall -- a more exact date will be announced "very soon," Wells teased.

Lost Planet 2 demo coming 'soon,' features 4-player co-op

by Griffin McElroy { Jun 28th 2009 at 2:30PM }

If you were jealous that we got our greasy, unworthy hands on a 4-player co-op demo of Lost Planet 2 during our ransacking of E3 2009, you can now cool your jets -- according to producer Jun Takeuchi during an appearance on Famitsu's "Midnight Live 360," the same demo is coming to Xbox Live "soon." Actually, Takeuchi's exact words were, "soon, I guess," a sentiment that doesn't exactly fill us with optimism regarding the actual soon-ness of the demo's release.

Takeuchi showcased a number of new features during the Famitsu program, such as computer-controlled bots, custom weapon sets and character customization, which he explained can be done using items you unlock in tandem with certain achievements. We don't know whether any of these features will be present in the demo -- but if it's as similar to the E3 demo as Takeuchi says, it should be radical enough without them.

SouthPeak bringing Trine to PC, demo out now

by Randy Nelson { Jun 26th 2009 at 7:00AM }

The indie, fantasy action-platformer that is FrozenByte's Trine has already impressed us during hands-on time with it. Today, SouthPeak announced that it will be publishing a PC version of the game in the US so that non-console gamers can experience its unique blend of on-the-fly object creation -- both for puzzle-solving and attacks/defense -- and side-scrolling gameplay for themselves.

Supporting three-player co-op, the game is due to hit PC, PSN and XBLA (the latter via Atlus) in late summer. PC owners don't have to wait for a taste of the game, though, as the San Francisco Examiner turned us on to the fact that a demo is available now from BigDownload. If you want a better idea of the console version's gameplay ... plug in a 360 controller and BAM!

[Thanks, theineffablebob!]

The Bigs 2 steps up to bat

by Randy Nelson { Jun 18th 2009 at 10:00PM }

Looking to vent some of that steam generated by yesterday's Xbox Live issues? Might we suggest you hit some balls, hard. 2K Sports has released a demo of The Bigs 2 -- the publisher's arcade-style baseball game -- on the Xbox Live Marketplace, which is thankfully now back up and working. The demo weighs in at 613 megabytes and allows offline head-to-head for two players. Street baseball? What'll they think of next, ghetto golf?

Pre-order Madden 10 at GameStop ... to get free Madden 10 demo

by Andrew Yoon { Jun 17th 2009 at 12:45PM }

Pre-order either the PS3 or Xbox 360 version of Madden 10 and you'll get a sneak peak at the upcoming football game. GameStop is issuing an "exclusive" 20-minute demo that lets you relive the Super Bowl yet again with the Cardinals and the Steelers, while, according to Kotaku, everyone else will be able to download a shorter 8-minute demo between the Giants and the Cowboys.

We're not exactly sure how a free demo is meant to appease those that are already committed to buying the game, but at the very least, it's a far more compelling offer than, say, a free sample of Madden's short-lived recording career.

Source - GameStop pre-order announcement
Source - EA demo clarification

Overlord II demo strikes giggly fear on Xbox 360 now

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jun 4th 2009 at 10:30AM }

The Overlord II demo is now available on Xbox 360 for your mayhem enjoying approval. We got some hands-on time with the title yesterday and fans of the original will likely not be disappointed. We're not exactly able to download the demo at the moment and tell you about it, but we're hoping you get to see the "Overlad." Evil never looked so adorable. Download it now. If you hated the first game, try this demo and see if the Overlord can warm your heart with a flame spell this time around.

[Add Overlord II's demo to your download queue]

One hand-on with PSP Go

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jun 2nd 2009 at 5:30PM }

Here's the PSP Go that we got a hold of on the show floor playing Little Big Planet. Of course, the thing that kinda threw a wrench into the works is that the handheld was locked open -- which kinda defeats the whole point of showing the device. Otherwise, the device is about the size of an iPhone collapsed and there's still only one analog stick.

DJ Hero demoed on a stage one million miles away

by Griffin McElroy { Jun 2nd 2009 at 5:30AM }

Alright, look. We know this footage was shot a great distance from the action, okay? We know this, because we shot it. As posh and star-filled (shout out to Amy Smart and Breckin Meyer, our new best friends) as Activision's recent DJ Hero party was, it wasn't very sensitive to the needs of its non-telescopic lens-equipped blogging attendees.

Regardless, here's the stage demo for DJ Hero we saw earlier tonight. The microscopic jockey therein plays through an entire song from the game -- a mashup of "Boom Boom Pow" by Black Eyed Peas and "Satisfaction" by Benny Benassi, if you were curious -- for the enjoyment of his enthralled, stylish crowd. Enjoy!

Guitar Hero Smash Hits demo rocks Xbox Live

by David Hinkle { Jun 1st 2009 at 1:45PM }

Those of you looking to check out Guitar Hero Smash Hits, know that a demo for the title is available now on Xbox Live Marketplace. If your internets are particularly tired today, or your hard drive can't bear the massive 498 MB in space needed for the demo, you could always just play one of the other previously released Guitar Hero games. Just saying ...

[Thanks, Mike W!]

Red Faction: Guerrilla getting multiplayer demo May 21

by Jason Dobson { May 15th 2009 at 8:30AM }

The recent single-player demo for Red Faction: Guerrilla has been downloaded more than a million times already. Still, assuming you're tired of swinging sledgehammers in a vacuum, Volition and THQ will release a multiplayer demo over Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Network on May 21.

The demo will highlight the game's "Damage Control" mode, as players work to build and rebuild key structures on a pair of included maps, using an assortment of nine weapons and five backpacks. 15 unlockable experience levels will also be included -- useful with Red Faction: Guerrilla set to ship on June 2 and ostrich hunting season just around the corner.

[Via Console Monster]

Final Fantasy XIII producer looking into downloadable demo for the West

by Andrew Yoon { May 6th 2009 at 1:45PM }

Square Enix producer Yoshinore Kitase has told VideoGamer.com that Square Enix has "no plan" to release a disc-based demo for Final Fantasy XIII in the States. The demo, bundled with certain copies of the Blu-ray release of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete, thrust PS3 to the top of the Japanese sales charts, and became the best-selling anime Blu-ray in Japan. While including a demo with the upcoming US release of the movie seems like a no-brainer, Kitase explained that a PS3-exclusive demo would be unfair to the Western audience that's also expecting an Xbox 360 demo. "We are going to carry on with the project alongside the Xbox version, so we really can't just make it available only for the PS3," he explained.

Kitase then noted that the company "would like to check" on the possibility of a downloadable demo. We're certain the logistics behind delivering a 5GB demo to the PSN/XBL masses will be quite difficult to figure out.