I never understood how the absence of underwear affords one greater agility. Wait, we are talking about the same kind of commando…aren't we?
News Blips:
You won't see any long-distance, lunge-stabbing ninjas in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's multiplayer. That's because Infinity Ward Creative Strategist Robert Bowling confirmed the removal of the Commando perk from the game. In a Tweet responding to a fan's question on MW3's melee combat, Bowling said, "It's been balanced, plus Commando is no longer in the game. Beyond that, you'll have to wait and see." The perk, which increased the lunge distance of melee kills far beyond the reach of even the gangliest soldier, gave players the option of plaguing maps as a stabbing dervish when complimented with speed-boosting perks such as Marathon and Tactical Knife. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has a planned November 8 release date for the PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. [Game Informer]
Xbox co-creator Seamus Blackley believes the rise of mobile and social gaming comprise "a total victory" for consoles. "All kinds of people are releasing consoles," Blackley told Edge Magazine. "They're called iPads, and Facebook. What's happened is not that the console business has died, it's that it has won. You can't release a device that's not a console now, and if you release one that can't be a good console, it will fail. It's just true." Blackley elaborated by using Apple's relatively newfound affection for gaming as an example, saying, "The victory of games is utterly complete with Apple. They tried real hard to make the iPad about word processing and music, and the audience just doesn't want it. It's beautiful. You don't need a games strategy anymore. The highest calling of any digital device is to play a game."
Sony snaps up Sucker Punch Productions (Infamous, Sly Cooper) after its nine-year streak of releasing games only on PlayStation consoles anyway. The purchase marks Sony's 16th acquisition of an independent studio. "The relationship with [Sony] has provided us the flexibility and trust to take creative risks and invent new properties," Sucker Punch Producer Brian Fleming said in a press release. "As a part of the Sony Computer Entertainment group, we look forward to introducing more innovative content and providing consumers with exciting, new interactive experiences." While the developer now roosts underneath Sony's wing, it thankfully won't see a change in name or management team. Mixed reactions so far, but one fan's remarks on Facebook provides an accurate summation: "Buy them if you must….but if you screw up Infamous in any way, I will zap your dicks off."
EA reveals the details on its new Season Ticket program. A $25 annual subscription fee nets you a three-day VIP access (via digital download) to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of EA Sports titles before their release. Five franchises — NHL Hockey, FIFA Soccer, Tiger Woods PGA Tour, Madden NFL, and NCAA Football — will incorporate Season Tickets, starting with Madden NFL 12 at the end of August. Subscribers also get a 20 percent discount on DLC, access to "premium web content," and an "exclusive membership recognition badge" for their profiles. The catch? You're still coughing up full MSRP come release day if you want to continue playing, in addition to registering Online Passes for full access. Check out the official website for more info.
Got any hot news tips? Send 'em over to tips@bitmob.com.