Welcome to The Gamers Talk Podcast/Blog, Where we talk everything Game related, New releases, Old favorites, etc. You can listen to us on iTunes TuneIn and Stitcher radio
A federal judge approved the $60 million combined settlement in lawsuits against the NCAA, Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) and publisher Electronic Arts yesterday, paving the way for student-athletes to finally get paid for appearances in college football and basketball video games.
"We are pleased with the decision from Judge Wilken to approve the $60 million combined settlement that will be distributed to hundreds of student-athletes," said Steve Berman, managing partner at Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro and lead counsel for the plaintiffs, in a statement to Polygon. "This landmark decision marks the first time that student-athletes will be paid for their likeness or image, and stands as a huge victory in the ongoing fight for student-athletes' rights."
Pending a 30-day waiting period for objections to the approval, the settlement could take effect and the players could start getting paid their share of the $60 million as early as September, Berman told CBS Sports. Individual payouts will vary depending on the nature of a student-athlete's appearance in a game, and on the number of games in which the player appeared from May 2003 through September 2014.
The settlement fund's administrating firm has received more than 20,000 claims so far, according to documents that the company filed with the court. The firm reported a claim rate of about 19 percent for the EA settlement and 29 percent for the NCAA settlement, both of which are "very high compared with the range of claims rates we typically receive," the company said. The court today extended the deadline for filing claims to July 31. Claims can be filed on this website.
The player-likeness lawsuits are separate from former student-athletes' antitrust complaints against the NCAA. Judge Wilken ruled in favor of the players in the antitrust case in August 2014, and the court heard an appeal from the NCAA this past March.
That's right folks it's that time of year again. Time for our annual 24 hour live stream on Twitch.tv/thegamerstalk .
This year we are going through the Child’s Play charity organization, that helps buy kids in need toys and other stuff. Our goal this year is $500! I know we can do this!
What is Child’s Play?!
"Since 2003, they have set up and organized Child’s Play, a game industry charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with toys and games in there network of over 70 hospitals worldwide. Over the years, you as a community have answered the call and come together to raise millions of dollars."
"Child’s Play works in two ways. With the help of hospital staff, we set up gift wish lists full of video games, toys, books, and other fun stuff for kids. By clicking on a hospital location on our map, you can view that hospital’s wish list and send a gift."
"Child’s Play also receives cash donations throughout the year. With those cash donations, we purchase new consoles, peripherals, games, and more for hospitals and therapy facilities. These donations allow for children to enjoy age-appropriate entertainment, interact with their peers, friends, and family, and can provide vital distraction from an otherwise generally unpleasant experience."
Before we begin, I would like to make a few things clear. I played the Xbox One version of Batman: Arkham Knight, and while the complications of the PC version have not carried over to its console counterparts, there were many bugs and glitches that I did experience. I can only speak for the Xbox One version and my experiences with that version.
He is the Night, The World’s Greatest Detective, and The Caped Crusader. He is Batman, but has his recent video game success (Batman Arkham Series) carried over into his supposed final installment? This is what I’ll be looking at in this review, as I recap the feats and faults of Batman: Arkham Knight.
Playing off the title of the series, Arkham Knight’s primary focus is on the new villain (created for this game), The Arkham Knight (clever). This mysterious military-prominent villain wears an armored suit with obvious inspiration of Batman’s. As you progress through the game, it is evident that The Arkham Knight knows Batman, and holds some type of deep-rooted grudge against him. This is used very well through the main story, where The Knight is most prevalent, alongside the main antagonist Scarecrow. The main story offers numerous twists, turns, and even some “deaths” of main characters (sorry no spoilers), and is easily the best aspect of the game, as it was the portion I felt most intrigued, and invested in. The story, and how The Arkham Knight’s relation to Batman, is written very well, and really takes you to the core of what Batman is really about.
The side missions, however, including Gotham’s Most Wanted, was an aspect of the game that I did not know I wanted, but something I needed in the game. It added a whole new level of Batman-nes that I did not expect. Gotham’s most wanted is the overall goal of the side missions where you attempt to capture and lock-up Gotham’s most notorious criminals, i.e. Two-Face, Penguin, and The Ridder (and yes the Riddler trophies are back). Gotham’s Most Wanted actually made me feel like I was Batman, and made me determined to catch them all (haha Pokemon) and lock them up; and without giving away too much you do need to get all the major criminals in order to initiate the Nightfall Protocol (the true ending), which I have yet to do as I still need to finish the Riddler portion.
With that being said, there are numerous bugs and glitches that I experienced, although many others I talked to about Arkham Knight did not experience. I found the controls at various times to be sporadic, causing me to grapple somewhere I did not intend, or being unable to drop down onto an adversary to do a silent take-down. I found this to be frustrating at times, as the difficulty in the game quickly increase about 75% through the main story. The enemies got smarter, and they had better technology than your average Batman thugs, forcing you to be more careful, but sometimes the junky controls make it difficult to do so. Another issue I had is that I purchased the season pass in order to download the various skins and DLC, but I have been unable to. This could be a Xbox issue, as they have been unable to offer a solution at the point of this review’s completion.
Batman: Arkham Knight is a good game that could have been great without all the bugs and poor controls. The funny thing is the game’s original release date was around this time last year, so you can imagine the potential problems it had back when they first delayed its release. If it actually is the conclusion to the series, then it goes out with a bang, and I felt satisfied with its completion after playing the other games in the series (haven’t beaten Origins yet). Minor issues aside, Batman: Arkham Knight is a game that any Batman fan should experience, as it is another success by Rocksteady to place you inside the cowl of one-half of the Dynamic Duo.
(Also Mark Hamill returns as The Joker)
~Cody Tassin
Co-Host of The Gamers Talk
Follow Me on Twitter @captaintassin
Next up was Ubisoft! and they delivered! They started the show with this
1.)South Park: The Fractured but Whole
From the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, comes South Park: The Fractured but Whole, a sequel to 2014’s award-winning South Park: The Stick of Truth. Players will once again assume the role of the New Kid, and join South Park favorites Stan, Kyle, Kenny and Cartman in a new hilarious and outrageous RPG adventure.
Players will delve into the crime-ridden underbelly of South Park with Coon and Friends. This dedicated group of crime fighters was formed by Eric Cartman whose superhero alter-ego, The Coon, is half man, half raccoon. As the New Kid, players will join Mysterion, Toolshed, Human Kite, Mosquito, Mint Berry Crunch and a host of others to battle the forces of evil while Coon strives to make his team the most beloved superheroes in history.
2.) Ubisoft reviles a new IP called For Honor
Ubisoft Montreal has revealed its next big new game. Revealed during the Ubisoft E3 2015 press conference, For Honor is a melee-only combat game focusing on brutal battles between three factions: vikings, knights, and samurai. For Honor is coming to Xbox One, PS4, and PC in 2016.
Straight from E3 2015 watch the first multiplayer gameplay trailer of For Honor, a fast-paced competitive experience mixing skill, strategy and team play with visceral melee combat. Choose among three warrior legacies: Samurai, Vikings or Knights. In the heat of battle, coordination and communication within your band of warriors will make all the difference as you support allies, capture control points, and slaughter
3.)Ubisoft has announced the first expansion for The Crew.
Ubisoft has announced the first expansion for The Crew, titled Wild Row, will be available on November 17.
4.) Anno 2205
Anno 2205™ – The beloved city-builder game takes off into space!
Raise your city, develop your resources, and race to space! Anno’s masterful economic gameplay is back, taking strategic city-building simulation to new heights in the biggest Anno ever. Secure the prosperity of your people by controlling multiple locations on Earth and on the moon.
5.) Ubisoft officially announced Just Dance 2016
During its E3 press conference today, Ubisoft officially announced Just Dance 2016 for Wii U, Wii, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, and PS3. You can register for a free demo here.
Coming October 20, Just Dance 2016 uses a free app "that turns your smartphone into a controller that scores your dance moves" for those without visual detection devices.Additionally, Ubisoft announced Just Dance Unlimited, a subscription service for Xbox One, Wii U, and PS4.
Also they had Jason Derulo singing and nobody had a clue who he was hahaha.
6.) Rainbow Six Siege (Beta and Terrohunt)
A new threat has been confirmed in our world: the White Masks. They are highly lethal and indiscriminate of age, religion, or nationality. To stop this organization, Agent Six is delivering a clear mission: to recruit the best operators from around the world. Team Rainbow must stand ready
7.) Tom Clancy’s The Division releases March 8, 2016
Tom Clancy’s The Division releases March 8, 2016. Be the first to play The Division by clicking here to sign up for the beta http://bit.ly/1L7Bg1M
Discover the Dark Zone. Deep in the heart of Manhattan this dangerous section of the city is full of rare and valuable loot, but getting that loot won’t be easy. In the Dark Zone it’s every agent for himself as you’ll have to keep an eye out for enemy factions as well as other Division Agents.
8.) Assassin's Creed Syndicate
Assassins’ Creed Syndicate tells the story of Jacob Frye and his quest to seize control of London’s criminal underground. Watch as he leads his gang—The Rooks—in a frantic fight through the city, traversing the rooftops, streets, and even a speeding train to take down a rival gang that is cruelly exploiting the people of London.
Introducing Assassin’s Creed Syndicate gameplay, the newest game in the Assassin’s Creed saga. Join gangster assassin Jacob Frye as he races through the streets of London in the midst of the Industrial Revolution to take down rival street gangs and bring justice to a city choked by corruption and greed.
9.) Ghost Recon: Wildlands!
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands is the first military shooter set in a massive and responsive open world, entirely playable in 4 player co-op or solo. Coming to PS4, Xbox ONE and PC.
Bolivia, a few years from now. The country has become the largest cocaine producer in the world. The Santa Blanca drug cartel has turned the country into a narco-state, leading to lawlessness, injustice, and violence. The Ghosts, an elite US Special Forces team, is sent behind enemy lines to wreak havoc and take down the cartel.
Just like before here you will find a rundown on everything EA announced at E3.
First off EA
1.) EA opened with up with the new Mass Effect game and it's called Andromeda!
Take a look here.
New Mass Effect: Andromeda details have emerged following its official announcement earlier today during EA’s E3 2015 press conference, giving fans a slightly better idea about its story, characters and setting.
A trailer accompanying the announcement concealed the featured character’s race, making it uncertain whether it'll be a human-centric story or not. However, a new BioWare blog post reveals that the mysterious character featured in the announcement trailer isn’t the game’s main protagonist and confirms that players will be be able to play as both human male and female characters.
According to the developer blog, Mass Effect: Andromeda takes place far away from and long after the events of the original trilogy and offers “exciting new worlds to discover, great characters, and intense action.”
“You’ll be exploring an all-new galaxy, Andromeda, and piloting the new and improved Mako you saw,” the post reads. “And through it all, you will have a new team of adventurers to work with, learn from, fight alongside of, and fall in love with.”
Mass Effect 4 was officially announced as Mass Effect: Andromeda during EA’s E3 press conference today, and is slated for a holiday 2016 release on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.
2.) Next up was Need for Spreed (Reboot)
EA has announced that Need for Speed will launch on November 3.
3.) BioWare took the stage
BioWare Austin’s next expansion for Star Wars: The Old Republic has been revealed. Knights of the Fallen Empire was announced at EA’s E3 2015 press conference by way of a gorgeous CG story trailer, with the expansion pack launching this October.
Knights of the Fallen Empire is free for all subscribers. The expansion ups the level cap to 65, and according to EA, "includes a Level 60 character so players can immediately jump into the new story-driven content."
While no gameplay was shown, the trailer told a short story about two twin brothers and their struggle with their demanding father. The boys grow into fierce warriors, hurt themselves in battle, and ultimately end up faced against each other in a violent family feud.
4.) EA announceda new IP Unravel
EA has announced Unravel, an adorable, physics-based platformer from Swedish developer Coldwood Interactive. No release date was given, but the PC version is available for pre-order for $20 via EA's Origin store.
5.) EA Sports
1.) EA announced at its E3 conference that NBA Live 16 will be available on September 29. This iteration of NBA Live will feature more ball control, new game modes, and the GameFaceHD scanning feature that allows you to use an app to scan your face into the game.
2.) NHL 16 steps onto the ice to deliver new features across the most played single player and team modes, including a reimagined EA SPORTS Hockey League. Combined with new gameplay innovation at every position and an unrivaled game day authenticity.NHL 16 puts you into the heart of a team, where you play together and win together.
And in true EA fashion the live stream has lagged out.
7.) Mirror's Edge 2 Gameplay
EA announced during its E3 2015 press conference today that DICE’s Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst will release on February 23, 2016. The first-person action platformer will tell the origin story of main character Faith in the City of Glass.
8.)Star War Battlefront Game Play
EA and DICE’s first-ever public gameplay demo for Star Wars: Battlefront has revealed Luke Skywalker as a playable hero, in addition to the Rebel Alliance and Empire’s roles in combat.
The E3 2015 gameplay trailer showed Imperial soldiers sieging a hangar on the frozen world of Hoth, where Rebels fought back with rockets, rifle fire, and snowspeeders. Rebel players sought to activate and defend control points, while Imperials aimed to keep the objectives deactivated. The Empire’s AT-ATs, while automated in their navigation, can be controlled to obliterate infantry. Imperial airstrikes also prove devastating against Rebels, who can protect themselves briefly with the bubble shield ability.
Playing as a Jedi allows players to deflect lasers at their attackers, as well as cut down standard soldiers with a lightsaber, or clash with enemy heroes such as Darth Vader. The demo also showcased X-Wings and TIE Fighters clashing in the sky, while on-the-ground attackers tucked into trenches for protection, fought off invading AT-STs, or crippled AT-ATs with tow cables.
And half way through the video Twitch went down! -_- The EA stream has gone down again! Right in the middle of Star Wars Battlefront Gameplay..
So officially E3 kicked off today with the Microsoft pres conference. Here you will find a rundown on everything they announced. The show opened up with this
Xbox One - E3 Jump ahead trailer
1.) First thing they showed was Halo 5 Gameplay and reviled that Nathan Fillion will be in the game
2.) Next up was Halo 5 multiplayer demo Halo 5 Warzone Trailer Halo 5 Warzone Trailer. XBOX ONE EXCLUSIVE. Revealed at E3, this all new multiplayer mode is a brand-new multiplayer experience more ambitious than anything ever introduced in Halo, combining the best elements of Halo gameplay into one, gigantic multiplayer mode. Available October 27, 2015 in Halo 5: Guardians.
3.) Next Microsoft dropped a bomb shall
Backward compatibility becoming available for the Xbox one! Play all your 360 Retail Dices and digital download coming holiday 15 for free! And you can broadcast your 360 games
With over 100 titles available by this holiday, and more coming in the future, retail disks will also work with the Xbox One. During the announcement, Mass Effect was shown running on the Xbox One.
4.)ReCore an XBOX ONE EXCLUSIVE from the legendary creator Keiji Inafune and the makers of Metroid Prime.
Presenting ReCore an XBOX ONE EXCLUSIVE from the legendary creator Keiji Inafune and the makers of Metroid Prime. As one of the last remaining humans, forge friendships with courageous robot companions and lead them on an epic adventure through a mysterious, dynamic world.
5.) Next up was Bethesda Game Studios' Todd Howard.
Todd Howard took to the stage to show some more Fallout 4 in-game footage and to announce that mods that are made on the PC version will transfer to Xbox one version coming 11-10-15
During today's Microsoft E3 conference, Bethesda's Todd Howard took the stage to share an extended Fallout 4 demo. Along the bottom of the screen, a note quickly popped up confirming that Fallout 3 will be included with Fallout 4 on Xbox One. It was not made clear whether this will be a remastered version or one that makes use of Microsoft's new backward-compatibility technology, or whether it will make use of the same mod compatibility we'll see in Fallout 4
(In case you missed Bethesda conference last night, here's a 30 min gameplay recap of Fallout 4)
6.) Next up was EA access, EA exec Peter Moore
Madden 16 is coming August 25th if you have EA access you can play it the 20th.
Also Titanfall and Dragon Age Inquisition are coming to EA access as well.
Also All Xbox Live Gold members will be able to play EA Access Vault games for the next week,
EA announced at Microsoft's press conference today. Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 is coming to Xbox One, EA revealed during Microsoft's E3 media briefing today. EA's website confirms PVZGW2 will also come to PlayStation 4 and PC.
7.) Next up was Forza 6
Experience unrelenting action in the most beautiful and comprehensive racing game of this generation, available exclusively on Xbox One beginning September 15th, 2015. Collect, customize, and race over 450 Forzavista cars, all with working cockpits, opening doors and full damage, including the all-new Ford GT. Compete in epic 24-player races across 26 world-famous locales. Master wet weather and night racing on your road to victory.
8.) Dark Souls 3
The next game in the popular series, published by Bandai Namco, is slated for release early 2016.
The trailer revealed people walking with sticks across a barren wasteland and a giant castle looms over them. The trademark creepy environments of the souls series were front and center, with the trailer's climax featuring a giant man wielding a massive cleaver at the end.
The game's publisher, Bandai Namco, stated in European press release: "We are blessed to have such a supportive and loving community, and we are happy to dedicate this final episode to them!”
7.) Microsoft introduced a new generation controller for Windows 10 and Xbox One
Microsoft introduced a new generation controller for Windows 10 and Xbox One with the Xbox Elite Controller during its E3 2015 press conference today.
The Xbox Elite Controller offers a slew of new features, such as hair-trigger locks and improved thumbstick sensitivity. Physically, it features swappable components and a different D-pad. Players can also take advantage of paddle remapping along with button remapping.
The Elite controller is different from the device Microsoft previously revealed. The "new Xbox One controller" is due for release in June, and its main distinguishing feature is a standard headphone port on the base.
8.) Ubisoft
Tom Clancy's: The Division's beta will begin on Xbox One this December, Ubisoft's Laurent Detoc announced on Microsoft's E3 stage today.and During the Microsoft E3 2015 Press Conference, Ubisoft revealed that those who purchase Siege when its released on October 13 will be able to download the pair of Xbox 360 shooters for free. If you buy Rainbow Six Siege on Xbox One this Fall, you'll get free copies of Rainbow Six Vegas 1 and 2.
9.) A lot of indie games coming
Xbox is finally jumping on the indie band wagon over a thousand Indies coming to Xbox one within the next year. ARK is one
Also A new game from the creator of DayZ, titled Ion, was announced during Microsoft's E3 2015 press conference. Its coming first to Xbox One and PC, and it's coming to Game Preview as well.
Developer Fullbright's follow up to Gone Home, Tacoma, is coming to consoles first on Xbox One and PC.
The Gigantic beta will begin in August 2015 on Xbox One and Windows 10.
Cuphead, a run-and-gun platformer with a 1930s art style, is coming to Xbox One in 2016.
Developed by indie dev StudioMDHR, we haven't seen much of the game since E3 and Gamescom last year. An extended stage demo was shown at Microsoft's E3 2015 press conference, ending with the release year above
10.) Rise of the Tomb Raider Gameplay and release date
At today's Xbox E3 conference, it was revealed that Rise of the Tomb Raider is coming November 10, 2015.
The release date was preceded by a long demo showing Lara's harrowing ascent up an icy cliff. In true, over-the-top Tomb Raider fashion, the cliff begins to crack and fall apart.
11.) Gears of War: Ultimate Edition
A remake of the Gears of War is coming to Xbox One on August 25 as Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, Microsoft has officially announced.
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition's week-long public beta begins today. The remaster runs 1080p at 60 frames per second and includes 90 additional minutes of content previously exclusive to the PC version..
12.) Rare Replay
Microsoft is releasing Rare Replay, 30 games for $30. It will include many classic games from Rare's history including Conker's Bad Fur Day, Perfect Dark, Banjo Kazooie and Battletoads. Comes out August 4th for the Xbox One!
Rare turns 30 this year, and to mark the occasion it’s looking back, collecting together 30 of its most iconic games into Rare Replay. When I first heard about it, it sounded like one of those compilations where a bunch of games are thrown onto a single disc, but it’s a very different type of collection from the others I’ve played. Tellingly, the project hasn’t been outsource, with a third-party porting over titles. Rare is in total control, not only selecting the games but combining them into an experience full of the character and charm associated with its original output. And there’s more than just the games themselves, with additional challenges, cheats, and behind-the-scenes extras, creating a premium box-set experience.
Also Rare has announced Sea of Thieves, a first-person, multiplayer pirate adventure game coming to Xbox One and PC Holiday 2016.
13.) Gears of War 4
During its E3 2015 Press Conference, Microsoft revealed that Gears of War 4 is coming Holiday 2016. Gears of War 4 XBOX ONE EXCLUSIVE. Live from E3, the world premiere gameplay preview of the upcoming Gears of War 4. A new saga begins, coming Holiday 2016
Now some Honorable mentions
1.) Lionhead's Fable Legends is finally coming out of beta, and will release on Xbox One and PC during the holiday months of 2015.
2.) During Microsoft's E3 2015 press conference, third-person action RPG Ashen was confirmed to be a console exclusive for Xbox One.
Developed by New Zealand-based studio Aurora44, Ashen is about a wanderer in search of a place to call home. In a short stage demonstration, the game depicted stylish, faceless characters in a cel-shaded world, with glimpses of flying serpentine monsters and skeleton foes.
