We have a lot of information for the Darksider II fans out there. First up we have some information about the upcoming novel The Abomination Vault that is set to launch the same time as the much anticipated game is.

Here is a little more about The Abomination Vault.

In DARKSIDERS: THE ABOMINATION VAULT, the Horsemen of the Apocalypse (beings charged with maintaining the Balance between the forces of Heaven and Hell) have uncovered a plot to resurrect ancient weapons of unimaginable power. Death, with the help of his compatriot War, must track down and neutralize the mysterious individuals behind the scheme before the entire universe is plunged into a devastating conflict.

Next up the Darksiders II Community forums are live. So head over to the forums to stay on top of all new information concerning the game. Also you will be able to share your ideas with the Vigil Development Team.

Now for the grand finale. The Darksiders Facebook 100,000 Fan Sweepstakes. And as you can see below there are some awesome prizes you can win by entering the sweepstakes.

That’s all we have Platform Nation and Darksiders II fans, but stay tuned to your favorite gaming website as we will be bringing you more Darksiders II information when we receive it.

After a rough week for Game Group Plc the inevitable has happened and GAME has confirmed job losses at its Basingstoke headquarters.

A total of 46 roles roughly 10% of the workforce at the head office in Basingstoke have been cut. A spokesperon for GAME said:

“The proposed restructure will result in around 46 fewer roles at our central support centre in Basingstoke..Our proposed new structure will change the way that we operate and will enable us to be significantly more efficient in our relationships with suppliers and customers.

Amongst the layoffs,  there is a also a corporate restructure with several people taking new positions within the company. Former commercial strategy director Tricia Brennan became chief commercial officer, while the new channel director is the former managing director Tom Devine. The man who was in charge of the recent relaunch of www.game.co.uk Dave Hughes will leave the company in March.

GAME recently dodged a bullet after it was able to renegotiate credit agreements with major lenders and publishers allowing for it to get stock of the newest titles. However as rumoured it is selling it’s overseas business as has set a deadline of this Friday for companies to make an offer.

Source: DigitalSpy, MCV

Source: IGN

Can I get that $25 back? Yes, I paid the $25 it costs to watch UFC 143 in 3D at my local theater, one of only 2 theaters showing the event in 3D in all of Washington state. I’m not going to give my thoughts on the event here, this is mostly to give you all the low down on UFC’s first event in 3D, even though it was a pretty awesome card.

The first thing I noticed about the event was how we got screwed over instantly. The UFC was showing a new intro, one that is set to replace its gladiator intro, well, we missed that. In fact, we missed everything for the first 7 minutes of the card. Not a good start at all. When the feed finally came back on, guess what, the audio sync was off. It wasn’t really noticeable until the Joe Rogan interviews because you really don’t see the people talking until the interviews but it was there and it was annoying.

The next thing that was probably my biggest problem with the card in 3D, we got hosed! We didn’t get Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg calling the action for us, we got Jon Anik and Kenny Florian. Don’t get me wrong, Anik and Florian don’t suck, but they are no Rogan and Goldberg. There was stuttering, dead air (when there wasn’t suppose to be, you could tell they were trying to gather their thoughts), and it just sounded awkward.

Crappy camera angles suck. I think I counted around 3 true 3D cameras there, because of that, the UFC decided to try to use those as much as possible for our feed. These angles were not the ideal angles or views for us, those were saved for the main feed so we were constantly getting non-optimal views. What was worse though was when they would switch to the single lens cameras and give us what seemed to be a post-process 3D image, it was just awful. Not to mention every time that they showed anything in the UFC video library where nothing was actually shot in 3D and they tried to make it seem 3D. It just looked like crap.

Can we not forget that 2 friends seeing this in the theater at $25 a ticket is the cost of the PPV in the comfort of your own home with your own food and drinks that’s so much cheaper than what you are going to pay at a theater? And so much better quality too.

Overall, when the 3D was actually done right, it was awesome, it really was. It really made me feel like I was there (I’ve been to several UFC events live so I know what it’s like), but so often, it wasn’t done the right way. Every time the UFC would switch to one of the single camera lenses or show an older video clip, it would just suck you out of the experience and it really left you wanting your money back. This was the first time the UFC has done 3D and this was my first and last time paying for it. Never again for me.

Midnight In Paris

First up we have “Midnight In Paris,” which is Woody Allen’s latest work to be nominated for an Academy Award, and his first to receive a nod for Best Film in quite some time. “Midnight In Paris” serves up a heaping serving of Woody Allen’s sardonic humor with his penchant for mixing the fantastical with quirky characters that could be found in your day-to-day life. What I found most striking about the film was just how jaw dropping the sights of Paris can be even when they serve as only a backdrop to the sarcastic dialogue from the main characters. The movie’s main focus is on a screenplay writer that is currently feeling a strain on his creativity by the success he’s had with the mainstream dribble he has been forced to write over the years. While in Paris, his artistic juices begin to flow and his dream of someday publishing a novel is nurtured by the allure Paris holds for all up and coming artists.

As with many of his movies; Woody Allen creates a very apt avatar for his sense of humor and sensibility, and this time it is perfectly played by Owen Wilson. Even the time travel element that eventually hits the story is treated with a shrugging of the shoulders and serves as yet another way to be pulled into into the rich tapestry that has been created by the artists that have inhabited Paris’ streets over the years. While I found “Midnight In Paris” to be an interesting and quirky stroll into the intoxicating nature of Paris’ world, I feel the movie just seemed to fall flat. Whatever themes it sets up regarding the hazards of losing yourself in the past are quickly lost in the mundane treatment the rest of the plot receives.

The Help

The next Academy nominated movie I watched this week was “The Help,” which is based on the best-selling book from Kathryn Stockett. Without a doubt, this was the more emotional and inspirational of the three movies that I watched during this first week. It focuses on a group of Jackson, Mississippi housemaids during the 1960′s, and their tribulations in upholding households for people that barely felt they were human; let alone equals. Their story culminates with the writing of a book recalling their plight that was penned by a young aspiring writer that saw the importance of getting their stories down on paper.

I was moved to tears quite a few times throughout my viewing of “The Help,” but none more than when I saw the strength that could be found when people came together to fight the adversity they were faced with. Part of me was bothered with how poorly this movie was advertised, as the ads seemed to make it out to be some comedy set during that time, and not a thoughtful civil rights piece with comedic undertones. This pre-determined view of the movie is what had me questioning why both Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer were nominated for Lead Actress and Supporting Actress Academy Awards respectively. After my viewing I can admit Octavia did a fantastic job playing Minny Jackson in the movie, but the stand out star of the film is Viola Davis whose subtle performance shows the conflicting feelings pulling at her soul on a daily basis.

The Artist

Lastly, there is “The Artist” which was the most artistic and surprising movie I had seen from last year’s releases. “The Artist” works as a recalling of the time during the final breaths of the age of silent movies, and serves as an actual entry into the genre. The movie is black and white throughout and silent except for the few times sound is utilized to show the eventual move into the modern age of “talkies.” At first it was a bit of a shock to feel the heaviness that enveloped me while watching “The Artist” but the actors and the superb score worked together to create a cohesive blend that kept me gripped throughout the film.

First and foremost; I would like to put emphasis on how great Jean Dujardin’s performance was in “The Artist.” Without a single word uttered; he gives off all the swagger, charisma, and sex appeal of the leading male actors of the day, but also does a great job with the comedic and dramatic beats of the film. “The Artist” uses an old film making style to tell an old story in a way that works as a tribute and a culmination of the medium’s best traits. Where “Hugo” left me wanting to go back and experience some of the older films I had missed; “The Artist” made me feel like I was experiencing silent cinema at its finest.

The drastic differences of these three movies has already justified the semi-monumental task I have before me with watching the other 6 top film nominees. I heard the complaints raised by many critics when the 2012 Nominees were released and I’m glad that I’ve taken up the challenge to find the reasons behind the Academy’s choices. While not all for the same reasons, without a doubt I can see why these three films were chosen. “Midnight In Paris” for it’s inventive and well written story, “The Help” for its heartwarming portrayal of a small part of the Civil Rights movement, and “The Artist” for using an old film making style in a whole new way.

Game Group Plc has been in the news everyday this week. For those not keeping track click here and here to get up to speed.

Today Game Group Plc released a press statement:

Having received support from its stakeholders and lenders, the Board now believes that GAME will meet its covenant tests for the period to 31 January 2012 when tested on 27 February 2012. The Board now expects that the loss before tax and non recurring items will be around £18m for the year to 31 January 2012.

Financing update:

Further to the announcement earlier today, the Board of GAME is pleased to announce that it has now concluded discussions with its lending syndicate and agreed revised terms for its facilities.

Under the terms of the revised facilities, the Group has agreed to operate within lower limits of its existing facilities than was previously available. These revised facilities will allow the company to continue to trade. The Group has also agreed to provide an updated strategic plan for review, and approval in part, by the lenders. This plan will cover all aspects of the business’s activities and strategy, including its overseas operations.

Ian Shepherd, CEO of GAME said “We’re pleased to reach agreement with our lenders, but should be under no illusions about the challenges in our market or the hard work that is required to deliver our strategic plan.”

So the saga of Game Group Plc hasn’t ended yet, but its future is far from secure. In the short-term for people (like me) who have an existing order with GAME for the Mass Effect 3 Collectors Edition, BioWare’s Community Coordinator Chris Priestly offers some reassurances:

Nothing is going to happen to Game before March.

They also now have the ME3 DLC listed on their site, so take that as a good sign.

While it’s hardly a ringing endorsement for the future of GAME, it is at least something.

Source: Game Group Plc, Bioware

Platform Nation’s Chris Forbis gave the game a 9 out of 10 in his review and it looks like he enjoyed it as much as I did. You can expect to play the game for at least 20 to 25 hours minimum before you even hit the end. With plenty of side missions, races and collectables to collect, this is a great addition to any Mac owner’s library.

You can download the game now through Apple’s Mac App Store, Aspyr’s own digital store at GameAgent.com or through other support Mac digital retailers.

After much speculation yesterday about GAME and their current financial troubles, Game Group Plc - The Owners of GAME and Gamestation issued a statement this morning:

In response to press speculation the GAME Group plc confirms that it is in ongoing dialogue with its lending syndicate to reach agreement on revised terms for its facilities. As part of these discussions, the lending syndicate is reviewing a strategic plan of the company which includes a review of its overseas operations.

A further announcement will be provided once discussions with its lending syndicate have concluded.

It’s also worth noting that yesterday EA boss John Riccitiello told investors,

“We are concerned with the financial condition of one of our major European retail partners, which could lead to both increased bad debt and lost sales.”

John Riccitiello isn’t the only concerned person at EA with CFO Eric Brown stating,

“We are focused on some isolated European retailer issues that have recently been announced. A negative outcome could adversely affect our Q4 results.”

On a personal note, I have had my up and downs with GAME but they are the exclusive retailer of the Mass Effect 3 collectors edition here in the UK, and I wouldn’t be happy if my pre-order which is about 6 months old was cancelled.

Source: GAME, MCV, CVG

What is up Platform Nation? Today I bring you the first double digit episode of The Holoterminal, a video series focused on providing news and game tips for Bioware’s Star Wars The Old Republic. This week, me and my co-host, Brian, give you some tips and pointers for playing Warzones and PvP, along with some other news and general discussion about the game. The warzones and player versus player combat can be a lot of fun in SWTOR, and our tips are meant to help you and your team get that winning edge. Also, now that anti aliasing has been fully implemented into the game, we try to show you the difference it makes with a brief before and after comparison.

If you are first time viewer, or new to the game, and you like what you see in this episode, be sure to head over to the you tube channel, or scroll through the archives here on P*N, for some other great tips, guides and news. Thanks again for watching, see you next time!

The Holoterminal Ep. 10- Warzone Tips

Hosted By: Ryan Strain & Brian Webb

Watchmen is one of comic books’ seminal works. Alan Moore’s story is still constantly discussed today, decades after its release. For as long as comics are an art form Watchmen will be heralded as a turning point. That’s what makes today’s announce from DC so big an controversial.

Starting this summer, DC will release new stories set in the Watchmen universe. There will be seven prequel mini-series under the banner Before Watchmen. A single issue titled Before Watchmen: Epilogue will also be released. Here are the seven series and their creators.

RORSCHACH (4 issues) – Writer: Brian Azzarello. Artist: Lee Bermejo
MINUTEMEN (6 issues) – Writer/Artist: Darwyn Cooke
COMEDIAN (6 issues) – Writer: Brian Azzarello. Artist: J.G. Jones
DR. MANHATTAN (4 issues) – Writer: J. Michael Straczynski. Artist: Adam Hughes
NITE OWL (4 issues) – Writer: J. Michael Straczynski. Artists: Andy and Joe Kubert
OZYMANDIAS (6 issues) – Writer: Len Wein. Artist: Jae Lee
SILK SPECTRE (4 issues) – Writer: Darwyn Cooke. Artist: Amanda Conner

Each issue will also contain a two page backup called CURSE OF THE CRIMSON CORSAIR.

I’m not completely sure how I feel about this new project. One of the things I love about comic books is the collaborative story telling. Seeing the different directions writers take a series or how different artists portray iconic characters is great. Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, X-Men and more wouldn’t be as amazing or relevant as they are today without the many creators who have worked on them. DC has gotten some amazing talent to work on these books. I’m not sure I can pass up a Darwyn Cooke written, Amanda Conner drawn book.

I can also see why many will despise the very idea of these prequels. Watchmen was a self contained story. It had a beginning, middle, and end. It doesn’t feel like a story that needs to be expanded. These mini-series will not only have the burden of simply being good comics but they will also constantly be compared to Watchmen. That is a lot scrutiny for any comic book series to be under. DC has an uphill battle proving that these stories will make the Watchmen universe better.

Source: DC Universe The Source