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Is Serious Sam 3 ever going to arrive, and if so, when?

Well, we put that question to Croteam boss Roman Ribaric in no uncertain terms, and we were pleased with the answer. Serious Sam 3 is totally still in the works, and what's more, we should be hearing more about it very soon.

"Serious Sam 3 is happening for sure," Ribaric tells us. "It is currently planned to be finished in 2010."

There you have it. A brand new, all-original, ball-busting adventure for Sam "Serious" Stone by 2010. In the meantime, Destructoid has much more Serious Sam discussion on the way as part of a neat interview we ran with Roman. Stay tuned for Destructoid for much more exclusive Serious Sam fun!

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2K Games has made it official. Duke Nukem Forever is alive and, well, in the hands of developer Gearbox Software, confirming our earlier reports that the Borderlands studio was helping to complete the game's absurdly long development cycle.

The publisher announced this morning in advance of PAX 2010 that Gearbox Software was on the job, picking up where developer 3D Realms left off. Gearbox plans to ship the game within the next year, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal—the WSJ says DNF is due "next year" and "currently expected to ship in 2010."

Given Duke Nukem Forever's epic development—it was first announced in 1997 as a sequel to Duke Nukem 3D—it might be wise to hedge on the later of those two release windows.

Gearbox and 2K will be showcasing the game to press and the public at this weekend's PAX convention. 2K Games is offering a publicly playable demo of Duke Nukem Forever at its booth.

After more than a decade in development, Duke Nukem Forever all but ended its production after the collapse of studio 3D Realms. Gearbox Software president Randy Pitchford tells the WSJ that his studio picked up development in late 2009 and that the game is currently in the "polishing" stages.

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Speaking to Spanish site 3DJuegos in a recent interview, Inufane confirmed the game existence and explained how the influence of the game will be more western based.

“Devil May Cry 5 is a game that, when started development, this will change a lot in relation to the above.

“The reason is that, despite the franchise has some very loyal followers, their sales are not particularly high, especially overseas.”

“For this reason, it is likely that in the fifth chapter will incorporate certain “Western touch” to make it more attractive to American and European players.”

It wouldn’t be the first time Capcom had went for the “Western touch,” just ask a certain Chuck Green from Dead Rising 2.

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Crytek CEO Cevat Yerl has today revealed that he believes the current generations of consoles has hit its technical peak.

Crysis 2 developer Crytek has been at the forefront of PC technology for a few years now. It's latest title Crysis 2 looks to set new benchmarks in console development.

Speaking to gamesTM as part of a round table on the future of games, Yerl stated, "I think that there is not much more possible on the 360 and PS3 at this stage. We’re already using a lot of squeezing tricks and smoke and mirrors to get the maximum we can out of the hardware. We’re pushing the boundaries already. With CryEngine 3 I think going forward we’re going to require a new generation of console hardware"

“I think that there is not much more possible on the 360 and PS3 at this stage.”

"With the next generation the convergence of GPUs and CPUs will mean you have greater-looking worlds," Yerl continued," but also better-simulated worlds. I think we need better animation technology, too – so, mo-cap but also physics-based animation technologies. We need better simulation of intelligent foot-stepping, anti foot-sliding; just balancing the characters better, and having them react believably."

You can read the full interview with Yerl, in gamesTM issue 100, available from all good magazine stockists, as well as our online eShop now.

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Sega, Square Enix and Konami are among the Japanese companies to unveil the games set to appear at the Tokyo Game Show
Tokyo Game Show begins on 16 September, and gives the Japanese videogame industry the chance to show off its wares and announce new titles.


The good news? Konami has confirmed the appearance of Metal Gear: Rising.


Here's what else to expect from Sega, Konami, Square Enix and Tecmo Koei (note: not all of these titles have been confirmed for a Western release):

Sega

Vanquish (PS3, X360)
Virtual On Force (X360)
Sonic Colors (NDS, Wii)
Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity (PSP)
Black Panther Yakuza New Chapter (PSP)
Shining Hearts (PSP)
K-On After School Live (PSP)


Square Enix

Front Mission Evolved (PS3/X360/Win)
Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded (DS)
Lord of Arcana (PSP)
Tactics Ogre (PSP)
The 3rd Birthday (PSP)
Mind Jack (PS3/X360)
Final Fantasy Legends (Mobile)
Deus Ex (PS3/X360)
Final Fantasy XIV (PS3/Win)
Final Fantasy XI (PS2/X360/Win)


Konami

Otomedues X (X360)
Castlevania Lords of Shadow (PS3/X360)
Crossboard 7
Zack to Ombra Maboroshi no Yuenchi (DS)
DanceEvolution
Tongari Boushi to Mahou to Omise
Metal Gear Solid Rising (PS3/X360)


Tecmo Koei

Trinity Zill 0'll (PS3)
Troy Musou (PS3/X360)
Quantum Theory (PS3/X360)
Ishin no Arashi Shippuu Ryoumaden (DS)
Winning Post 7 2010 (Win/PS3/PSP)
Nobunaga's Ambition Online (Win/PS2)
Uncharted Waters Online (Win/PS3)
Dynasty Warriors Online (Win/PS3)


Level-5

Ni no Kuni (DS)
Ni no Kuni (PS3)
Ni no Kuni Hotroit Stories (Mobile)
Mystery Room (DS)
Danbol Senki (PSP)
Kyabajoppi (Mobile)
Inazuma Eleven 3 (DS, Family Corner)

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SAN RAFAEL, Calif. - June 9, 2010 - Telltale Games, the leading independent digital publisher and developer of episodic interactive entertainment, today announced a multi-year, two-title video game development deal with Universal Partnerships & Licensing. Telltale Games has secured the rights to create video games based on two of Universal Pictures' most popular intellectual properties, Back to the Future and Jurassic Park. The first game released under the agreement will be a Telltale Games "season" based on the successful Back to the Future series of films.
With more than five million episodes delivered to date across all major video game platforms, Telltale is the acknowledged leader in digitally delivering episodic content to consumers. The agreement broadens Telltale's product offerings into new genres and new styles of gameplay.
"Our partnership with Universal is an exciting next step in our continued growth as a mass-market games publisher and developer," said Dan Connors, CEO of Telltale Games. "We are all huge fans of both of these franchises. For Back to the Future and Jurassic Park we will leverage Telltale's expertise in story-telling and game design to deliver on the unique elements of each series with our goal being to create compelling cinematic adventures paying homage to each franchise."
Jurassic Park and Back to the Future are two of the most successful film trilogies ever, grossing over $3 billion dollars at the box office collectively.
"Telltale Games has succeeded in establishing a unique combination of digital and physical distribution models, and their reputation for quality production is well earned," said Bill Kispert, Vice President and General Manager, Digital Platforms, Universal Partnerships & Licensing. "Telltale's episodic story-telling is an ideal means by which to add compelling new content to these important franchises."
Look for the first video game based "season" of Back to the Future from Telltale this winter followed shortly by Jurassic Park. Telltale will release more information on both game series at a later date.

About the Jurassic Park franchise
Since Universal Pictures and Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment first joined forces to unleash an adventure over 65 million years in the making, Jurassic Park has become the "premier" and "authentic" dinosaur brand the world over. When Jurassic Park was released in 1993, it became an instant phenomenon. In the years that followed, two additional films were released - The Lost World: Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park III - bringing the trilogy's worldwide box office total to more than $2 billion. The franchise continues to resonate with consumers worldwide via consumer products, popular attractions at Universal Studios Theme Parks and annual airings of the three films on a multitude of television networks.

About the Back to the Future franchise
From the Academy Award®-winning filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis comes Back to the Future - the original, groundbreaking adventure that sparked one of the most successful trilogies ever! Starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, the phenomenally popular Back to the Future films literally changed the future of the adventure movie genre. Powered by innovative special effects, unforgettable songs and non-stop action, Back to the Future is an unrivaled adventure that stands the test of time. Back to the Future immerses you in all the breathtaking action, groundbreaking comedy and sheer movie-making magic of one of the most brilliantly inventive, wildly entertaining motion picture triumphs in Hollywood history!

About Universal Partnerships & Licensing
UP&L oversees Universal's consumer product licensing, film and home entertainment promotions, and all corporate alliances for Universal's theatrical, home entertainment, theme parks and stage productions. This dedicated division is also responsible for monetizing the studio's vast library of films and characters through licensing, branding and marketing opportunities. UP&L is part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.

About Telltale, Inc.
Telltale is a leading independent digital publisher of interactive stories playable on every major gaming platform. Telltale is also the pioneer of episodic delivery of content developing games as series and successfully releasing on a schedule to create a longer consumer engagement for each release. Founded in 2004 by LucasArts veterans with decades of experience, Telltale has quickly become an industry leader, establishing the model for successful episodic game creation and digital publishing. Telltale has sold more than 5 million episodes since 2005. Telltale's reputation for quality has been established across more than 25 published releases that have cumulatively earned an average Metacritic score above 80%. Telltale's titles have won numerous awards including, "Adventure Game of the Year" accolades from publications such as IGN, PC Gamer, GameSpy, and Adventure Gamers, and have been recognized by mainstream outlets ranging from USA Today, to The New York Times to Variety. Telltale currently develops and publishes episodic series on PlayStation® 3, PC, Mac, Wii™, Xbox 360™ and iPad.

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Playing the game on a giant IMAX screen, Treyarch revealed AI opponents in the game's new combat training mode, encouraged by the fact that 30% of CoD players apparently never go online. This mode can be played offline or with friends.

The new Create A Class features a screen showing your character model, because this time around how you look changes depending on which Tier 1 perk you choose (stealthy players will wear a relevant suit, for example).

Black Ops multi is also set to include rare weapons only found in supply packages. These include death machine and grim reaper, the first of which is an absolutely mental machine gun and the latter a giant, fast-firing rocket launcher. The aforementioned remote control buggy also falls under this category. There's even a gunship you can FLY YOURSELF and a sam launcher that will shoot it down.

Another massive change sees the introduction of Cod Points (or CD), which you'll rack up while you play and can use to purchase abilities usually gained with XP.

CD can also be spent on Contracts; time-limited challenges that you can purchase.

Four new game modes separate from standard XP modes have been added called Wager Matches, in which you put your Cod Points on the line during a match and the top three players reap the rewards. The first is One in the Chamber; pistols only, three lives and you lose your ammo if you miss a shot. The second is Sticks and Stones, in which you've got a tomahawk and cross bow - but the former bankrupts your target. The third is Gun Game, in which a kill puts you up a level in terms of gun power. The last is Sharp Shooter with Random weapons and perks.

In Black Ops you can customise your gun with your own camo, iron sight and emblems. You can also edit together your own emblem on a screen not dissimilar to something found in Forza Motorsport.

And FINALLY Treyarch's adding a Halo-style Theatre mode, which looks almost identical to Bungie's version. All recent Live games can be opened up an viewed, the developer says. A video's going on Xbox Live tomorrow.

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- There are Pro Perks, no stopping power
- Secondaries: are pistols, crossbow, and launchers
- Equipment: Camera Spike, C4, TI, Jammer, motion sensor, Claymore.
- Tier One Perks: Lightweight. Scavenger. Ghost. Flak Jacket. Hardline
- Tier Two Perks – Hardened. Scout. Steady Aim. Sleight of Hand. Warlord.
- Tier Three Perks: Marathon. Ninja. Second Chance. Hacker. Tactical Mask
- Lethal Grenades: Tomahawk. Frag. Semtex.
- Tactical Grenades – Willy Pete (smoke), Nova Gas, Flash Bang, Concussion, Decoy
- Launchers: M72, RPG, Strela, China Lake
- Sleight of Hand, Steady Aim are back
- Tier 1 Perk choices show up on your character – flak jacket, scavenger, etc.
- When you sprint and go prone, you dive
- 50 ranks for prestige
- CTF confirmed
- Killstreaks come form kills you get yourself, don’t count kills from other killstreaks
- Map names: Fuel, Summit, Cracked, and Radiation
- Spectator Mode
- No Juggernaut, stopping power
- Bling called Overlord, Tier 2 Perk

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Perk 1

• Lightweight - Move Faster (Pro)
• Scavenger - Pick up ammo from fallen enemies. Replenish lethal grenades. (Pro)
• Ghost - Undetectable by the Spy Plane and the Blackbird.
• Flak Jacket - Reduces explosive damage.
• Hardline - Killstreaks require 1 less kill.

Perk 2

• Hardened - Bullets penetrate better.
• Scout - Hold breath longer.
• Steady Aim - Increased hip-fire accuracy.
• Sleight of Hand - Faster reloads.
• Warlord - Equip two attachments to your primary weapon.

Perk 3

• Marathon - Longer sprint.
• Ninja - Silent movement.
• Second Chance - Pull out your pistol before dying.
• Hacker - Ability to detect enemy equipment and explosives.
• Tactical Mask - Reduces the effect of flash and concussion grenades.

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For the first time ever, Call of Duty Black Ops will feature a 'Combat Training' mode. Players will be able to take on bots and the mode will have its own progression system.

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One in the Chamber:
This mode sees all players spawn with three ‘lives,’ while each player is equipped with a single pistol with a single bullet. Kill another player, and you take their bullet, ably racking up ammunition for the next kill. If you miss your target (and expend your single bullet), you’ll have to duke it out with melee attacks until you die, or you get another bullet by killing another player.

Sticks and Stones:
In this mode, players enter the match with a crossbow, a ballistic knife and a tomahawk. Hitting another player with a tomahawk will instantly bankrupt that player.

Gun Game:
In Gun Game, players start out with the most basic weapon – a pistol – and then with every kill you make, you gain a better, more efficient killing tool, allowing you to trade in your pistol for shotguns, rifles, grenade launchers, and more, with each kill. The first player to access all of the available tiers of weapons (20 in all) wins the match, but if you get killed by a player wielding a knife, you’ll be pushed down one tier.
The final two tiers of weapons in Gun Game? The explosive crossbow and the ballistic knife. Tension.

Sharp Shooter:
Sharp Shooter sees all players spawn in with the same randomly selected weapon (from handguns to rifles, shotguns to sniper rifles). For a certain amount of time, you’ll be forced to use that weapon to rack up kills, after which everyone’s weapons will be swapped out for another randomly selected weapon. Every kill you make earns you a perk, and with multiple kills, you get a score multiplier.

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• 3 Kills – Spy Plane
• 3 Kills – RC-XD (RC bomb)
• 4 Kills – Counter Spy Plane
• 4 Kills – SAM Turret
• 5 Kills – Care Package
• 5 Kills – Napalm Strike
• 6 Kills – Sentry Gun
• 6 Kills – Mortar Team
• 7 Kills – Attack Helicopter
• 7 Kills – Valkyrie Rockets
• 8 Kills – Blackbird
• 8 Kills – "Rolling Thunder"
• 9 Kills – Chopper Gunner
• 11 Kills – Attack Dogs
• 11 Kills – Gunship

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Mega Man mastermind Keiji Inafune has indicated that a formal announcement on Resident Evil 6 isn’t quite as far off as we initially perceived.

Speaking during a chinwag with Spanish site 3D Juegos, Inafune let slip that the success of Resident Evil 5 has meant that the Japanese giant is keen on getting another instalment in the long running horror franchise out the door as quickly as possible.

“Given the great success that supposed for us Resident Evil 5, we want that Resident Evil 6 leaves as rapidly as possible to the market. In fact, you will shortly have the news of Capcom about this..." he said.

Details on Resident Evil 6 are sketchy at present, though it is known that RE5 producer Jun Takeuchi won’t be involved with the project, and that the sequel will likely offer a gameplay reboot of some description similar to how RE4 revamped the series back in 2005.

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"I can guarantee you people are going to be surprised at stuff we do. That isn't going to stop any time soon. I'm just laughing because... people will be shocked again," Valve boss Gabe Newell told the latest issue of PC Gamer.

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"We have three pretty big surprises in the next 12 months at least."

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