Nov 22, 2011
Dark Souls patch 1.05 released, notes
Eurogamer

Dark Souls patch version 1.05 has been released.

US members of the Dark Souls forum confirm they have downloaded the patch. And on both platforms, PS3 and Xbox 360.

Eurogamer can confirm that a Dark Souls patch is available to download in the UK on Xbox 360 now.

Dark Souls patch 1.05 has already been released in Japan. Here's a list of Japanese patch notes, which we'll update with official Western patch notes when they're available.

Patch 1.04/1.05 Changes

Translated by Brett (twitch.tv/thebrett)

Taken from in-game testing / jp wiki notes (http://w.livedoor.jp/project_dark)

Via Pastebin.

Magic Changes:

  • Pyro Glove nerfed from 270 to 230.
  • You can see resonance signs now.
  • Vow of Silence range increased.
  • Sorcery spell damage as a whole was slightly buffed, but Homing Soul Mass and other pursuit style spells were nerfed.
  • Magic Shield duration lowered to ~11 seconds.
  • Strong Magic Shield duration lowered to ~11 seconds. Invincibility removed. Effect on Stamina drastically reduced.
  • Tranquil Walk of Peace and other Slow duration reduced to ~10 secs. Effect supposedly changed from 100% encumberance to 50%. Rolling possible if your equip burden is lowered. Slowness is similar to swamp effect.
  • Iron Flesh effectiveness nerfed.
  • Invisible Body duration remains unchanged.

Status Changes:

  • Base Equipment Burden increased (~6-10 points)
  • Humanity Item drop rate increased from 10 to 210
  • Medium roll recovery faster? (unclear and unconfirmed)
  • Defensive bonuses gained via Humanity reduced. Other defensive bonuses remain unchanged.
  • Item discovery gained via Humanity improved. Capped at 20.

Equipment General Changes:

  • Reported some weapon scaling gets improved at higher normal upgrades (+15 uchi dex scaling goes to A)
  • Some scaling reported as changing from A to S with higher upgrades

Upgrade Changes:

  • Normal scaling buffed by 5-20% (20% at +14).
  • Crystal scaling buffed by 5-20% (20% at +4).
  • Lightning +4 nerfed by 2% (+5 remains unchanged).
  • Raw scaling buffed by 10% (all levels).
  • Magic stat scaling buffed by 10-20% (20% at +9).
  • Enchanted stat scaling buffed by 15-20% (20% at +4).
  • Divine stat scaling buffed by 10-20% (20% at +9).
  • Occult stat scaling buffed by 15-20% (20% at +4).
  • Fire +9 nerfed by 2%. (+5 remains unchanged)
  • Dragon stat scaling buffed by 5-20% (20% at +5).

Specific Gear Changes:

  • Grant scaling changed to Strength:B and Faith:A
  • Gold-hemmed nerfed, still can't be upgraded.
  • Dust skirt nerfed hard (streamlined to match the other pieces).
  • Silver Knights, Sun, Hollow Soldier's Shield and other medium shield stability nerfed to ~70 at max upgrades to improve Great Shield viability.
  • Crystal Ring Shield scaling drastically nerfed. Does around ~200 +-50
  • Dragon Greatsword buffed from 360 to 390.
  • Silver Knight's Sword lightning effect removed. Now enchantable.
  • Elite Knight gear nerfed, then buffed slightly in 1.05

Combat Changes:

  • Lock-on acquisition range increased.
  • Lock-on changing/switching got easier (more responsive).

Ring of Fog users can now be locked on.

Nov 22, 2011
Microsoft: Xbox Live has not been hacked
Eurogamer


Microsoft has once again insisted Xbox Live has not been hacked.


The company issued a statement today following an article published on the front page of today's The Sun newspaper titled: "XBOX CYBER FRAUD."


The Sun alleged thousands of Xbox Live accounts have been hacked into and millions of pounds have been stolen, with an average loss to UK gamers of around £100.


In response, Microsoft blamed the issue on phishing scams.


"The security of Xbox Live members is of the utmost importance, which is why we consistently take measures to protect Xbox Live against ever-changing threats," a Microsoft spokesperson said.


"Xbox Live has not been hacked. Microsoft can confirm that there has been no breach to the security of our Xbox Live service.


"In this case, a number of Xbox Live members appear to have recently been victim of malicious 'phishing' scams (ie. online attempts to acquire personal information such as passwords, user names and credit card details by purporting to be a legitimate company or person). As a result, we are currently:

  • Working closely with affected members who have been in touch with us to investigate and/or resolve any unauthorized changes to their accounts resulting from phishing scams;
  • Warning people against opening unsolicited e-mails which may contain spyware and other malware that can access personal information contained on their computer without their knowledge or permission;
  • Reminding all customers that they should be very careful to keep all personal information secure whenever online and never supply e-mail addresses, passwords or credit card information to strangers.


"Microsoft remains vigilant at all times regarding the security of Xbox Live customers."


It advised those affected to call Xbox Live Customer Service on 0800 587 1102 or visit www.xbox.com/security.


Earlier this month Microsoft told Eurogamer the recent spate of Xbox Live account hijackings involving unauthorised FIFA Ultimate Team pack purchases were not due to a system exploit or hack.


Microsoft's online safety director Doug Park insisted that the problem didn't represent "a new attack vector".


"It's not a hack, it's really just a different way to monetise stolen accounts," he explained.


"Any service has compromises. Facebook has compromises, WOW has compromises. What they're really doing is trying to make money off those compromises. So FIFA is a very popular title - it's just a new way for the bad guys to make money. It wasn't, based on our investigation... we didn't see anything new. It was just a different avenue."


Park suggested that a run-of-the-mill data phishing scam was the cause, though wouldn't go into specifics.


The FIFA issue first raised its head last month, when a significant number of users reported that their accounts had been taken over by cyber thieves and were being used to purchase FIFA Ultimate Team content packs, presumably for re-sale.


At the time, Microsoft announced that it was "working with our impacted members directly to resolve any unauthorised changes to their accounts."

Nov 22, 2011
Batman: Arkham City PC, OnLive, Origin release details
Eurogamer

UPDATE: OnLive has just been in touch to say it's offering a free 30 minute Batman: Arkham City demo for US and UK gamers from today ahead of the game's Friday 25th November launch.

ORIGINAL STORY: The PC version of Batman: Arkham City launches in the UK on Friday, 25th November, Warner Bros. has announced.


Then, it goes live in shops and via Steam.


It is available now from OnLive, Origin, GameStop's Impulse Driven service and other digital platforms.
The superb superhero adventure launched on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 last month.


Meanwhile, Warner announced that the Robin Bundle Pack is out now on Xbox Live Marketplace (560 MS Points) and on the PlayStation Network (£5.49) and "all supported digital platforms".


Robin has his own gadgets and special modes. He is playable in all challenge maps and two additional maps that are included in the pack: Black Mask Hideout and Freight Train Escape. The pack also contains two alternative Robin character skins.

Nov 22, 2011
Dota 2 Beta Preview
Eurogamer


I must be going soft, or I must be getting old. Perhaps both. Maybe I've become pulpy and aged, like an over-ripe fruit that's due for the bin, because the Dota 2 beta is punishing me.


It may well be that I've spent far too long amongst the warm comforts of its accommodating and enormously successful peer League of Legends, with that game's gentle tutorials, helpful replays and precisely-tuned player matchmaking. Side by side, a game of LoL now seems like a finely-honed fencing match where opponents parry and riposte, while Dota 2 is an unforgiving broadsword duel in which one false move spells disfigurement or even death.


What's more, while opposing LoL players may give knowing winks as they feint and strike, more than a few Dota 2 players practically spit in each other's faces. Like the original Dota, Valve's Source Engine update has no sense of sympathy. That's not what you play it for. Nor is it what you expect from the remake of a game whose beginner's guide is simply titled "Welcome to Dota. You suck." Highlights include a section on "DISGUSTINGLY COMMON NOOB ITEM MISTAKES," you disgusting new person, you.


If you're not yet familiar with the mechanics of Dota and its derivatives, here's the pithy primer I've learned to recite: two small teams of players control powerful heroes who swing the balance of an otherwise AI-controlled battle of attrition. As both sides meet to duke it out, the heroes pick off enemy units and, if they can, enemy heroes too, helping their armies gradually advance into their opponent's base in a quasi-RTS style.


RPG elements are provided by the advancement of your hero, as well as collecting currency and spending this on battlefield bling. Oh, and in the case of Dota itself, climbing the learning curve is comparable to running headlong into the base of a cliff, hence why derivatives such as League of Legends have emphasised accessibility.


But after LoL, Heroes of Newerth and Demigod have riffed on the Dota theme, we've come full circle and Valve is now rushing to release Dota in its new, shinier incarnation. While there are a great deal of cosmetic changes and a few welcome interface tweaks (including, thank God, the collapsing of all the different item shops into one cleaner and more intuitive interface), this is otherwise an extremely faithful update, translating many of the same mechanics, items and characters. If you had a favourite Dota character or item, chances are you'll either already find it in Dota 2 or it's well on its way. So far, this game is much more about production values than about making serious alterations to its predecessor.

"A game of League of Legends now seems like a finely-honed fencing match where opponents parry and riposte, while Dota 2 is an unforgiving broadsword duel in which one false move spells disfigurement or even death."


Of course, the game engine is a massive improvement upon the wrinkled looks of the Warcraft 3-based original. Vibrant lightning arcs from the fingertips of vindictive spellcasters, while fireballs impact the bulging hide of a lumbering ogre as it splashes its way through a filthy, rippling, shin-deep ditch.


Less impressive are the audio histrionics, which are all about grand drama and whooping soundtracks. The emphatic declaration that I have been matched with nine other players and should prepare to enter a game is underscored with an enormous orchestral boom and, sadly, often followed by the news that one of those players has just dropped out and the game is trying to find us all a replacement. Cue further booms and re-matching attempts. And don't even get me started on the hammy, pun-filled voice acting - and, thanks to this being a beta, I don't seem to be able to turn it off.


Still, everything is fairly smooth and glitch-free. The shop interface could still do with a few tweaks and a strange lag bug that Wesley first reported still seems to crop up, but on the whole this is one of the most polished and professional betas I've played in a long time. But there's another problem.


It's about nine hours into the beta that I find myself at something of an impasse. I'm essentially playing a prettier version of the same single map, character-based strategy I've played many times over. But in the claustrophobic atmosphere of a tightly-closed beta, Dota 2 isn't yet able to be all that it claims it can be. There's a limit to the number of players I can be matched with, and many beta testers are Dota diehards - something I am not.


No doubt inspired by the runaway community success of League of Legends, Valve has emphasised how much community will also be an important part of this re-release and the key to a broader player base and wider appeal. But it's not yet possible to see how this has been realised, and most of these elements are not yet functioning. In the meantime, it's a free-for-all involving what Dota's own community calls "the most bad mannered, whining, assholes on the gaming internet."

Dota Explained


This is an important point to note. I can think of few other games that are defined as much by those who play them as by any game concepts themselves. League of Legends has worked hard to promote accessibility, to foster a community spirit, to build a dialogue with and between its players and to emphasise good conduct through its peer-led Tribunal system.


This has been a concerted effort to move away from the complexity and hostility that new Dota players have been greeted with (and for an example of the former, check out a typical character breakdown on the Dota strategy website, something that looks more like maths homework than a game guide, while more than a few anecdotes about the latter can be found among the comments on my previous introduction to Dota). Valve did a fine job of invigorating the Team Fortress 2 community and Dota 2's interface speaks volumes for the potential for doing this once again, with the ability to uprate or berate other players, many spectating options and a greater focus on teamplay.

"The beta is a free-for-all involving what Dota's own community calls 'the most bad mannered, whining, assholes on the gaming internet.'"


But, in the meantime, as well as inheriting its predecessor's mechanics, Dota 2 has also inherited its mentality. For now, it remains difficult, even esoteric, precisely-balanced and very unforgiving in both its playing and also in those playing it.


This is somewhat understandable as a hapless player not only has a bad time themselves, but potentially ruins the game for their whole team, pitching them towards a slow and languid demise that may well be drawn out over thirty, forty or even sixty minutes. I doubt there is anyone on the beta right now who doesn't wish for the implementation of a surrender feature, rather than having to suffer another drawn-out and irreversible defeat.


Dota players have traditionally had to be thick-skinned. During a weekend of poor play I'm constantly berated for not noticing things, for picking "bad" items, or "bad" characters, for listening to the wrong players or for not understanding all the slang or shorthand, even though I understand how my teammate was "farming creeps, before pushing mid to take the rax until the other team's carry went MIA and ganked two of us."


I'm quite used to offensives remarks from online players, but I forgot how emphatic and particular the Dota community is. One player tells me that he can deal with me not being an expert at the game, but that I shouldn't have momentarily left my PC to answer the door and I need to "minimise" such things in future. I'm not quite sure what to reply.


I do know that I don't immediately fancy having to once again become intimately familiar with the features and foibles of dozens of different characters, in a game where mistakes can cost matches and where abuse and intolerance are commonplace. There'll have to be something a little bit special on offer to tempt me back to that particular fracas.


With this game, Valve's real challenge has never been technical - it's been psychological. When Dota 2 goes live, the important question will not be what kind of game you are playing, but instead who you are playing it with.

Nov 22, 2011
Rage PS3 and Xbox 360 demo release dates
Eurogamer

Update: When quizzed about a Rage demo for PC, Hines - on Twitter - answered:


"We are working on something for the PC as well. Steam allows us to do some things differently than we can do on console."

Original story: Bethesda has released a Rage demo for Xbox 360 on Xbox Live Marketplace.


The downloadable file is 2.03GB.


Bethesda's Pete Hines described the contents on Twitter: "Play the Well mission, explore Wellspring, play mini-games, try some of the races."


A PS3 Rage demo will follow on 6th December.


Eurogamer's Rage review awarded 8/10. "It's not going to change the world," declared reviewer Tom Bramwell, "but it does serve as a timely reminder of that other thing id Software games always did besides smashing through some new technological barrier. They made shooting things fun, and it's nice to have that back."

Nov 22, 2011
Amazon.co.uk exclusive Final Fantasy 13-2 pre-order bonus
Eurogamer


Those who pre-order Final Fantasy 13-2 at Amazon.co.uk get an exclusive in-game item, Square Enix has announced.


The Muramasa is a weapon for Noel. According to the official blurb, it is a weapon of fey power, and increases chain bonuses.


More pre-order bonuses will be announced in due course.

'Amazon.co.uk exclusive Final Fantasy 13-2 pre-order bonus' Screenshot 1
Nov 22, 2011
Accessible Morrowind, Cyrodiil part of Skyrim DLC?
Eurogamer


Skyrim downloadable content may take us back to Morrowind and Cyrodiil.


One Skyrim explorer found, near Riften (bottom right of the world map), a path that led to a stone archway and an invisible wall. With some creativity, the explorer passed through this geographical boundary and into the neighbouring region of Morrowind.


There the explorer found a scaled down, low-resolution landscape, and models of Solstheim and Vvardfell.


The explorer also caught sight of central region Cyrodiil, and the Imperial City. Cyrodiil borders Skyrim to the south.

There are pictures, via OXM.


Vvardfell was the island province that The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind story took place on. Solstheim was a large, cold, northern island added in expansion Bloodmoon.


Cyrodiil and the Imperial City were part of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion.


DLC foundations? Maybe. Another explanation, however, is that Bethesda included these regions to fill out the 3D Skyrim world map - offering players a zoomed out, top-down glimpse at what lies yonder.


Bethesda hasn't announced any Skyrim downloadable content. When it does arrive, however, it'll be exclusive to Xbox 360 for 30 days.

Nov 22, 2011
Xbox Live Marketplace Black Friday week sales
Super Meat Boy

UPDATE:

Microsoft's Major Nelson has revealed a few more deals just for today. These are live now and last 24 hours:

  • Fallout 3 - £14.99 (25 per cent off)
  • Full House Poker - 400 points (50 per cent off)
  • Warhammer 40K Kill Team - 400 points (50 per cent off)
  • Marvel vs. Capcom 2 - 320 Points (73 per cent off)

ORIGINAL STORY:


Microsoft has halved the price of over a dozen pieces of Xbox Live Marketplace content, allowing UK gamers to download some US Black Friday-style bargains.


Brutally addictive 9/10 platformer Super Meat Boy has carved off half its price, available for 400 Points - the same discount given to Sega racer OutRun.


Charming Double Fine adventure Stacking comes cheap at 600 Points, as does the latest DeathSpank game, The Baconing.


There's discounts for game DLC, too. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood's enjoyable extra episode The Da Dinci Disappearance is 400 Points, while Left 4 Dead 2 add-on The Passing is 280 Points.


More titles should join the sale later this week.


Here's the full list so far, as spotted on NeoGAF:

  • Happy Tree Friends False Alarm - 400 points
  • Bejeweled Blitz Live - 200 points
  • Bejeweled 2 - 200 points
  • Magic the Gathering Duels 2012 - 400 points
  • Super Meat Boy - 400 points
  • OutRun Online Arcade - 400 points
  • Bejeweled 2 - 200 points
  • Stacking - 600 points
  • Fancy Pants - 400 points
  • The Baconing - 600 points
  • Weapon of Choice - 200 points
  • Phantasy Star 2 - 200 points
  • Sega Soccer Slam - 600 points
  • Flotilla - 200 points
  • Pinball FX Marvel Pack - 400 points
  • Pinball FX Classic Pack - 400 points
  • Pinball FX Core Pack - 400 points
  • Homefront: The Rock map pack - 200 points
  • Homefront: Fire Sale map pack - 120 points
  • AC Brotherhood: Da Vinci Disappearance - 400 points
  • Left 4 Dead 2: The Passing - 280 points
  • Battlefield: Bad Company - 25 per cent off
  • Battlefield: Bad Company 2 - 25 per cent off
  • Battlefield 2: Modern Combat - 25 per cent off
  • Civ Revolution - 25 per cent off
  • Bulletstorm (PC) - 50 per cent off
  • Street Fighter IV (PC) - 50 per cent off
  • Section 8: Prejudice (PC) - 50 per cent off
Nov 22, 2011
Sony PS3 3D Display delayed in Europe
Eurogamer


The Sony PlayStation 3 3D TV announced at E3 in June has been delayed in Europe.


It was due out in the UK in the autumn alongside a US launch.


The Sony PS3 3D Display is without a release date on Amazon.co.uk. There it costs £410.


It launched in the US as planned earlier this month for $500.


The Simul-view 3D TV is designed to offer cheaper access to stereoscopic visuals.


Its nifty technology allows two players to see different images on the same 24-inch (1920x1080) 3D display. It comes with two pairs of Active Shutter glasses.


Sony was unable to provide us with an updated release date when contacted, or explain the delay.

Nov 22, 2011
One million pay for Call of Duty Elite
Eurogamer


One million people pay for the premium subscription to Call of Duty Elite, Activision has announced.


A premium subscription costs £35 a year.


Over four million have registered for the stat tracking and social service platform.


Activision sold the impressive number of premium memberships after six days of Modern Warfare 3 being on sale. It noted that the premium subscription services of Netflix, Hulu Plus, Sirius XM and Xbox Live each took around a year to hit the same milestone.


More than 80,000 Elite clans have been created. 100,000 user-generated videos have been uploaded to Elite, and it sees more than three million daily logins.


"The audience response to Call of Duty Elite's premium service has been beyond our expectations, and we want to thank Call of Duty players around the world for their unprecedented enthusiasm," said Activision Blizzard boss Bobby Kotick.


"The number of gamers who have registered for Call of Duty Elite further illustrates how this service is poised to redefine social gaming and set a new bar for interactive entertainment."


Elite endured a difficult launch, and was offline completely for many gamers up until recently. Activision has said full service will resume by 1st December, and in today's announcement, Activision Publishing boss Eric Hirshberg apologised to fans.


"The demand for Call of Duty Elite at launch was so overwhelming, that for the first several days, the service did not perform up to our or our fans standards," he said.


"I want to personally thank our fans for their patience. Our teams have been working around the clock to get the service scaled up to meet demand.


"I'm very pleased to announce today that the service is now performing stably and anyone who wants to try Call of Duty Elite is now able to do so. Due to the scaling challenges we encountered at launch, we are giving all Call of Duty Elite premium Founder members an additional 30 days of the service free of charge."


Elite has so far launched on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The PC version is without a release date.

...