This week in rumors
The internet doesnt respect secrets. Some big game companies were reminded of that fact this week when leaked trailers and screenshots splurged all over the world wide interwebs for some major titles including: Activisions new Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and an interesting collaboration project between Sony Japan and Dark Souls developer From Software.
Other whispers around the web speak of a PS4 debut for the Mass Effect series, another unannounced game from Sony, and a new online-focused IP from the guys who make Killzone. Heres the latest word on the street, or on the wires and interconnected computer servers, if youre the literal type.
Sony to announce Bloodborne at E3
The Rumor: Sony is set to reveal a new game called 'Bloodborne' at the E3 expo in June, if recent rumors turn out to be accurate. Speculation was sparked when Sony was spotted registering a trademark for the aforementioned title. The trademark listing has since been removed.
Our Take: As reported in our rumor roundup last week, Sony has filed a number of trademarks for seemingly unannounced titles, including applications for 'Entwined' and 'Kill Strain', and with E3 just around the corner it would appear more than mere coincidence. Any bets on 'Bloodborne' having something to do with vampires and/or wolves?
Mass Effect bound for PS4 as trilogy compilation
The Rumor: BioWares last-gen epic, Mass Effect, is on its way to PS4 in the form of a Mass Effect Trilogy compilation, according to a listing on a Chilean retail website. No pricing or release timing was offered in the listing, which has since been removed, but a provided box art did have the blue PS4 banner across the top.
Our Take: Let's weigh up the chances of this being true. 1) The stream of last-gen to next-gen remakes is already in full swing with Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition doing well and The Last of Us for PS4 causing quite a stir. 2) A Mass Effect Trilogy was released in 2012, so BioWare already shows willingness to re-release the titles. 3) A Bioware rep said recently on Twitter that a next-gen Mass Effect trilogy has already been "discussed internally", and that "if we can put solid plans together we'll share".
New Guerrilla title to feature 'online focus', micro transactions
The Rumor: Guerrilla Games, makers of the iconic PlayStation FPS series Killzone, is developing a new IP that could have a heavy emphasis on online multiplayer and micro transactions. At least, that's what a recent job ad for the studio hints at. The position asks for candidates to have shipped a game with a "significant online focus", and with "online, multiplayer or coop experience." The listing also mentions "micro-transactions and/or nontraditional recurring revenue models."
Our Take: Guerrillas new IP remains shrouded in mystery after two-and-a-half years of development, with the studio only willing to say that itll be "completely different" to the Killzone series--which the dev had dedicated its resources to for the past decade. With games like Destiny, The Division and Watch Dogs (to name a few), the new console generation has marked the rise of online-focused games that blur the lines between single and multiplayer gameplay. Perhaps Guerrilla is cooking up something along those lines for PS4.
Macbeth director pitched to lead Assassins Creed movie
The Rumor: Justin Kurzel, a movie director currently working on a film adaptation of William Shakespeare's Macbeth starring Michael Fassbender, has been tapped for the director's chair on the Assassin's Creed movie. Deadline reports that Kurzel is in discussions with New Regency and Ubisoft over the role.
Our Take: Ubisoft has already confirmed that Fassbender will both co-produce and play the starring role in the Assassins Creed film, which is said to be targeting an August 2015 release. It's not entirely unlikely that Kurzel could be drafted into the project after having worked together on Macbeth. Hopefully this will be one anticipated video game movie that won't fall to pieces before getting off the ground.
Warner revives Blacksite: Area 51 following 2009 acquisition
The Rumor: A revival for 2007-released shooter Blacksite: Area 51 could be imminent as Warner Bros. files an 'intent to use' trademark for the title this week. Warner has said nothing of Blacksite since it acquired the franchise from original owner Midway, as part of a $49 million deal in 2009.
Our Take: Of its numerous Midway acquisitions, Warner has already put its ownership of the Mortal Kombat franchise to use with the excellent 2011 reboot. While Blacksite received mixed reviews, its alien-themed shooting provides a perfect foundation upon which Warner could build a more robust game.
Leaked 'Project Beast' screens out Sony and Dark Souls dev collaboration
The Rumor: Screenshots of a game claimed to be the joint work of Dark Souls developer From Software and Sony Computer Entertainment Japan emerged online this week. The shots, and accompanying details posted on the game, reveal a character fighting all manner of beasts in a dark and gloomy setting--much like Dark Souls, it seems. There was also mention of a shotgun and "a huge pyromancy fireball."
Our Take: Its has reportedly been rumored for some time that Sony Japan Studios and From Software have had something in the works, and this leak looks like it could be our first glimpse of the new game. Perhaps well get a proper look at E3. If From Software has its way, expect 'Project Beast' to refer directly to the game's intended difficulty level.
'Dynasty Warriors Blast' and 'Samurai Warriors Shoot' games incoming
The Rumor: The Dynasty Warriors series is eternal it seems. Tecmo Koei has filed a new trademark for a Dynasty Warriors Blast, along with one for a so-called 'Samurai Warriors Shoot', as translated via Gematsu. Neither have been officially announced, so it seems the firm could be preparing for an imminent unveiling.
Our Take: As the report mentions, there is a mobile spin-off game called Dynasty Warriors Slash, and a betting man might put his money on Dynasty Warriors Blast being related in some way--perhaps another mobile spin-off. Either way, expect there be lots of dudes to stab in the chest.
What's your take?
Does Mass Effect need a next-gen remake? Who do you think should direct the Assassins Creed movie? And do you like the sound of a Sony and From Software collaboration, or would you simply prefer Dark Souls 3? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Want more? Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare is real--heres the trailer, screens and all the info. Also, GamesRadar takes a look at 50 upcoming PS4 games for 2014 and beyond.
