Hello again, Parents and Gamers!
For all our readers, whether you've been with us before or you you've only recently discovered us with our re-launch, allow me to introduce what we like to call The News. This is a segment that is regularly done throughout the week.
While there is a ton of information that is put out there, there is only a finite amount of time in a day to read it all. Additionally, the question can be asked "What deserves my attention?" The News is something we do in an attempt to help answer that question. Utilizing the cross-reference of reputable game journalism sites such as Destructoid, IGN, GameSpot, and GameInformer, we look for information that seems poignant and notable for you. While there is a ton of information that tends to be released daily, that information can be anything from the announcement of a random game title, an article on certain game mechanics, etc. In The News, we try to isolate those bits of information that would really help you out as a Parent (or as a Gamer who just wants all the notable news in one shot).
So, today there are two particular things we would like to bring to your attention. The first has to do with saving you a little bit of money on the upcoming title Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel where we will be talking about the announcement of their "Season Pass". After that, we are going to go over the announcement of the new Fighting game Mortal Kombat and the release of what that game is going to look like for you and your gamers. Let's begin, shall we?
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The Borderlands franchise is probably one of the most popular first-person shooter titles to have come out in the last several years. It is extremely colorful, diverse, and offers players a multiplayer system that allows up to four separate players explore the dangerous world of "Pandora" (no relation to James Cameron's: Avatar). The best way we can think to describe Pandora is if the Old West was on an Alien planet with monsters, cybernetic enhancements, and several billion different guns to choose from.
Another thing that Borderlands is well recognized for is the support of their "DLC" content. DLC, or Downloadable Content, refers to extra content that was not previously available when the game first game out. For a minimal price, players can pay for this content and than download it directly to their video game system in order to enjoy extra levels, gameplay, characters, etc. Each Borderlands franchise tends to put out several major DLC Packages that open up substantial amounts of new content like new levels to explore along with a ton of smaller packages.
With the newest Borderlands title coming out on October 14th, Borderlands: The Pre Sequel, the developers of the game, Gearbox Software, have announced the new "Season Pass". Instead of buying each major DLC Package that comes out one at a time, the Season Pass is a one time purchase that will entitle players to ALL of the major DLC packages. Each package is currently set to come out at $9.99 whereas the Season Pass, which will include all four, will only be $29.99. This is a savings of roughly 25% and saves you the hassle of having to pay for each package individually.
Additionally, if you pre-order the Season Pass, you will get the Shock Drop Slaughter Pit which will be another batch of bonus content.
Please note that Borderlands: The Pre Sequel is currently rated M for Mature by the ESRB due to Blood, Language, Sexual Themes, and Violence.
References:
Gearbox announces Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel Season Pass info - Destructoid.com
PAX 2014: Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel to Receive Four Add-Ons, Season Pass - IGN.com
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel's $30 Season Pass Gets You Four DLC Packs - GameSpot.com
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel Get Four DLC Packs and a Season Pass - GameInformer.com
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel Season Pass, Pre-Order Slaughter Pit Announced - Joystiq.com
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With the PAX 2014 Conference going on right now, a ton of new games, titles, and information has been announced. However, one game in particular caught our eye: Mortal Kombat X.
The Mortal Kombat franchise is new stranger to the gaming industry or to controversy. The first Mortal Kombat was released over 20 years ago in 1992 and immediately garnered attention for its notably high levels of blood, gore, and violence. Of particular note were "Fatalities", in which the victorious player would enter a certain series of buttons to make their character violently maim and/or murder their defeated opponent in a sort-of last laugh. This title, with several others, would actually lead to the creation of the ESRB video game rating system.
While the content of yester-year is definitely a bit less gruesome compared to some of the games we have now, the Mortal Kombat franchise has continued to age and mature with its original fan base. The recently announced Mortal Kombat X showcased its gameplay today and it is gruesome as ever.
Aside from characters acting like inflated paper-bags filled with blood, spraying gore across the battlefield each time they are hit, characters host a surprising array. Players have access to a refined version of the "X-Ray Attacks" made popular in the previous title where a player will see their attack break bones, snap tendons, rupture internal organs, and more. Players can stab, slice, punch, kick, eviscerate, burn, freeze, and break most every bone you might imagine in detail. This even includes the ability to punch and explode a man's testicles with one character. And that's before you get to the Fatalities...
So, if you are a fan of Mortal Kombat, you should probably be excited. The game definitely maintains the same over the top action of the others. However, if you have a younger gamer who is looking forward to it but you are unfamiliar with the series, take a look and make sure you are comfortable with the content. While we would never encourage censorship, we always try to give as much information as possible to make an informed decision.
Please Note, Graphic Blood and Violence
We encourage you (if you are of the appropriate age) to check out the provided video from IGN.com by clicking the link above. Please note that it is graphic in its violence and detail, so if you have a weak stomach, I wouldn't.
References
PAX 2014: Mortal Kombat X's Gross Fatalities will make you Squirm - IGN.com
Mortal Kombat X Stage Demo - PAX Prime 2014 - GameSpot.com
Mortal Kombat X is aiming to Tone Down the Zoning Game - Destructoid.com
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And that's about it! I hope that you enjoyed this article of The News. As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or just anything that you want to ask regarding video games or the industry, feel free to reach out to us at our e-mail or by just clicking my name. Join us again tomorrow for continued coverage and new information.
LabR@
The Parent's Guide to Video Games
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