VALIANT and CATALYST GAME LABS Partner for New Line of Comic Book-Based Tabletop Games

Artwork by Tom Raney

Valiant Entertainment is proud to announce that it has partnered withCatalyst Game Labs to produce role-playing and tabletop games featuring Valiant’s award-winning library of comic book superheroes. The partnership will lead off in mid-2014 with the release of the Valiant Universe RPG—Valiant’s first-ever role-playing game, designed for the Cue System (the Origins and ENnie awards-nominated system first published in Catalyst’s 1950s Rockets/Rayguns/Robots RPG, Cosmic Patrol). Subsequent releases, spotlighting a wide array of Valiant properties, will follow in 2015 and beyond.

The edge between superhero and villain has never been sharper. In the Valiant Universe RPG, players will immerse themselves in a dark and gritty world where every mission and every battle has deadly consequences. Whether playing X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Shadowman or even the all-powerful Toyo Harada—or any of dozens of characters—Valiant’s most fearless heroes will unite for the first time in a roleplaying game, allowing you to join their stories and create new ones! Whether you’re a longtime fan or brand new to the Valiant Universe, this is the only source you’ll need to bring Valiant’s leading characters to life in a fantastic superheroes setting!

“This is really a dream come true,” said Randall N. Bills, Managing Developer for Catalyst Game Labs. “I’ve always been a comics fan—as are most of Catalyst’ employees—and getting the chance to publish great games within a fantastic comics universe is spectacular. The fact that it’s Valiant, with its brilliant combination of heroic action and gritty realism, makes this all the more enjoyable.”

Valiant is a leading character-based entertainment company with a library of over 1,750 characters, including X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Harbinger, Shadowman and many more. Established in 1989, Valiant has sold over 80 million comic books, and today its characters continue to be forged in publishing, licensing, film, video games, and beyond. Since its summer 2012 relaunch, Valiant has returned to the fore as one of the most highly regarded publishers in comics, winning a 2012 Diamond Gem Award for Comic Book Publisher of the Year. Just last month, the publisher announced Valiant First—a brand new publishing initiative primed to unleash a major #1 new series debut monthly throughout 2014, beginning in May withRAI #1—the first issue of an all-new ongoing series from New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt with fully painted interiors by superstar artistClayton Crain.

“Catalyst is exceptional at what they do, and we couldn’t be happier to be working with a games publisher of their caliber on Valiant’s very first RPG. With such a skilled an enthusiastic team at the helm, we have every faith that Valiant’s first foray into the world of role-play and tabletop gaming will live up to the expectations of our fans around the world,” said Russell A. Brown, Valiant’s President of Consumer Products, Promotions & Ad Sales. “Catalyst is dedicated to doing these characters justice, and we look forward to giving our biggest heroes the gaming debut they deserve when the Valiant Universe RPGarrives later this year.”

Look to www.catalystgamelabs.com in the future for more details surrounding these coming games!

For more information on Valiant’s award-winning library of characters,

visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, on Tumblr, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

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About Catalyst Game Labs

Catalyst Game Labs is dedicated to producing high quality games and fiction that mesh sophisticated game mechanics with dynamic universes-all presented in a form that allows beginning players and long-time veterans to easily jump into our games and fiction readers to enjoy our stories even if they don’t know the games.

Catalyst Game Labs is an imprint of InMediaRes Productions, LLC, which specializes in electronic publishing of professional fiction. This allows Catalyst to participate in a synergy that melds printed gaming material and fiction with all the benefits of electronic interfaces and online communities, creating a whole-package experience for any type of player or reader. Find Catalyst Game Labs online at www.catalystgamelabs.com.

Anime For Dummies: Persona 4: The Animation

So, what happened to the first three? It's Persona 4: The Animation, on Anime For Dummies!

Chapter 1 Episode 4: Fallout 3

Welcome to Vault 101. It's quite crowded in here.

Gaming News: Paizo Publishing & Offworld Designs Team to Make Pathfinder RPG Apparel

PAIZO PUBLISHING AND OFFWORLD DESIGNS PARTNER TO CREATE OFFICIAL APPAREL FOR THE PATHFINDER RPG

World's Best-Selling Fantasy Roleplaying Game Gets +1 Style Bonus

REDMOND, WA (May 17, 2013): Paizo Publishing, LLC, publisher of the world's best-selling Pathfinder Roleplaying Game (RPG), and OffWorld Designs, Inc., the Best Shirts in Fandom, announce today the licensing of the Pathfinder RPG brand for t-shirts, backpacks, and messenger bags.

The debut piece features the iconic cover artwork of the Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook, by artist Wayne Reynolds. The design will be printed on 100% cotton, black, Fruit of the Loom™ t-shirts, and is available for pre-order now on paizo.comand offworlddesigns.com with MSRPs ranging from $20 – 26.

"We are thrilled to have the license for Pathfinder RPG apparel," says Barbara VanTilburg, CEO of OffWorld Designs. "Our shirts are well-known in the gaming industry and Paizo, as well as Pathfinder, are both fan favorites, so this is all a natural fit!"

Today's agreement marks the first official apparel license for the Pathfinder RPG. Paizo has already partnered with Dynamite Entertainment to bring the world of Pathfinder to comic books and graphic novels. Diamond Select Toys has released several plush toys based on the popular Pathfinder goblins, and both Reaper Miniatures and WizKids produce full ranges of dynamic gaming figures.

The Pathfinder Roleplaying Game builds on more than 10 years of system development and the largest open playtest in the history of tabletop gaming to create an unparalleled fantasy roleplaying experience. Players need only the Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook to play, but Paizo Publishing produces a wide range of books and accessories to enhance your Pathfinder experience, from hardcover rules compendiums to complete campaigns to packets of beautiful full-color maps. For more information, visit paizo.com.

About OffWorld Designs:

Founded in 1990, Offworld Designs is a family owned and operated business of geek love and pride.  The designs of in house artist Raymond VanTilburg helped launch the company and Offworld's line has grown to include some of the best artists in multiple genres including science fiction, comics, gaming, anime and more. Offworld also offers an extensive line of services that include custom printing and embroidery along with Convention Souvenirs.  With over 40 conventions attended each year, our products can be found on the finest geek enthusiasts the world over. For more information, visit offworlddesigns.com.

About Paizo Publishing

Paizo Publishing®, LLC is a leading publisher of fantasy roleplaying games, accessories, board games, and novels. Paizo's Pathfinder® Roleplaying Game, the result of the largest open playtest in the history of tabletop gaming, is currently the best-selling tabletop roleplaying game in hobby stores. Pathfinder Adventure Path is the most popular and best-selling monthly product in the tabletop RPG industry. Paizo.com is the leading online hobby retail store, offering tens of thousands of products from a variety of publishers to customers all over the world. In the ten years since its founding, Paizo Publishing has received more than 50 major awards and has grown to become one of the most influential companies in the hobby games industry. For more information, visit paizo.com.

The Game Anthropologist - Episode 4: A Gaming Epoch

Today, Brian takes a look beyond the labels gamers present and explores his own origins into why he does what he does. And how it all applies to you too.

Level Up! #1: Borderlands

Level Up! #1: Borderlands


Reviewed and edited by Jeff Williams

Since my "in the process" Video game review series, Small Type started last sunday, I've decided to re-name my full game review series….. Level Up!.

Tonight's review is on Gearbox Software's/2K games 2009 FPS/RPG "Borderlands", reviewed for the PlayStation 3. 

Now before I started the review…….. "This game is the true definition of the genre Shooter/RPG, unlike a certain space opera TPS/RPG done by a Canadian game studio."


Now after that burn to said canadian company, onto the review…..

Borderlands

Developer: Gearbox Software (Windows PC, PS3, X360), Feral Interactive (Mac OS X)

Publisher: 2k Games, Feral Interactive (Mac OS X)

Release Date(s): 

10-20-09 (PS3, X360)

10-26-09 (Windows PC)

12-23-10 (Mac OS X)

Systems: Windows PC (Steam/OnLive), Mac, PS3 (review), X360

DLC: Yes! (The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned, Mad Moxxi's Underdome Roit, The Secret Armory of Gen. Knoxx and Claptrap's New Robot Revolution)

History:

In 2007, Borderlands was originally announced in the September issue of Game Informer. The original art design for the characters, monsters and the world of Pandora itself, had a more realistic approach than what we have with the final product. After the surprising art-change in mid-late 2008, the game saw it's release on October 20th, 2009 for PS3/X360, October 26th, 2009 for Windows PC and more recently, December 3rd, 2010 for Mac OS X.

                                             Borderlands Debut Trailer (Spike VGA '07):

Plot:

On the planet of Pandora, they're a tale spoken of… "The Vault". This vault supposably contains mass amounts of riches of unspeakable proportions. Majority of the inhabiters of Pandora have search for this vault, none return…. You play as one of the 4 playable characters in Borderlands: Brick "Himself", Lilith "The Siren", Mordecai "The Hunter" and Roland "The Soldier". The Question remains: Do you feel Lucky surviving the Borderlands? Only time will tell….

Presentation:

When Gearbox changed the art-style of Borderlands from a realistic, serious tone to that of a comic-book, cel shaded, comedic tone. I still say to this day Randy Pitchford and his creative Plano, TX studio made the right call.

While the voices in Borderlands get it's job done. There is an exception. One Word: Claptrap.

The written dialogue done by Mikey Neumann is hilarious, something that's been missing in recent First Person Shooters. The best example I can give with the handling of the dialogue, the first boss of the game: 9-Toes (Also, he has 3 balls).

The Music of Borderlands was done by Sascha Dikiciyan, Cris Velasco, Jesper Kyd and Raison Varner. The Score does have a dark action vibe to it, while having a calm, western vibe to it as well.

Gameplay:

Unlike other shooter hybrids in the same genre, Borderlands in my eyes is the de-facto definition of Shooter/RPG.

The Classes in this game are...

- "Brick" Beserker, a tank-like characters that specializes in melee. His special ability is of him entering a temporarily rage mode that in this mode, he uses his fists to rapidly pound enemies to death, and regenerative health. His weapon of choice are heavy weapons (Rocket Launchers, Explosives).



                          

- "Lilith" Siren, a frouge class that has superhuman abilities. Her special ability is Phasewalk, which allows her to enter another dimension temporarily, is invincible to enemies, faster and invulnerable to enemy damage while in this mode. Her weapon of choices are guns that use the following ammo types: fire, acid, electrical and explosive.

                         

- "Mordecai" Hunter, a assassin like class in the game. His special ability is his pet Bloodwing, an alien creature that resembles a hawk. This ability can be used as an assistance in his long-range attacks and can also locate and scavenge for loot. His weapon of choice are sniper rifles and revolvers.

                        

- "Roland" Soldier, The warrior class in this game "Normal mode". His special ability is an automated gun turret, when activated it could also be used a shield with it's electric blue plasma sides. This ability when active could also be used for additional cover for your team in online/offline co-op. His weapon of choice: Shotguns, combat rifles (every gun). 

As I briefly mentioned in the last character class, this game can be played solo, 2 player offline co-op (consoles), 4 player online co-op play (Windows PC, Mac) or over over LAN on both Windows PC and Mac. While this game is fun alone, the true fun and experience is felt with a friend or with a 4 people group.

Bottom Line: 

Like I said, this game's mechanics and structure is and should be the future blueprint for future shooter/RPG in the future. While the only two things I can say about this game is the repetitive class of enemies and once in a great while dumb AI, this is a great game that everyone should own in their gaming collection. 

This is why I love Gearbox Software, they are a FPS game developer that make fun, hectic shooters that follows the trends in time but also have a feel of the classic 90's FPS' that we grew up with in that era. Bring on the sequel, Gearbox. (Already Pre-ordered)

Borderlands get a 8.5 out of 10




*psst* You wanna buy something?

Amazon:

Borderlands: GOTY Edition - Windows PC


Borderlands: GOTY Edition - Macintosh 


Borderlands: GOTY Edition - PlayStation 3


Borderlands: GOTY Edition - Xbox 360


iTunes:


Various Artists - Borderlands (Original Soundtrack)


Ain't No Rest for the Wicked (Borderlands Theme) - Cage the Elephant


Steam:


Borderlands: GOTY Edition - Windows PC*



"*At the moment sadly, both the original PC copy of the game and the GOTY edition on Steam are Windows PC capable Only! I'll update if and/or when the Mac version of either will show up in the store."

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What are your thoughts? Do you agree? Disagree? Leave you comments below in the comment box. Also, please leave some creative criticism below in the comment box as well. It will help me get better and improve in future articles, editorials and reviews. 

If you want to follow my recent endeavors on the interwebs…

Twitter: @16bitJeff

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Top 10 video games that need a comic book

Before I continue with this let me point you guys to my previous list the Top 10 Fighting games that need a comic book. http://thebrokeninfinite.blogspot.com/2012/08/top-10-fighting-games-that-need-comic.html So here are the rest of the games that need a comic book.

Here we go!

Number 10.

Darksiders

You'd buy this right? I mean look at this

With Darksiders you actually have a comic book creator that did the designs for the game, Joe Madureira. So how is it that this does not have a comic? People that are into comics like Spawn would love this take on apocalyptic events with a unique take on the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Number 9.

Medievil

A quirky horror-ish comedy

This game with it's quirky storyline about a hero that was supposed to be great but ended up being the very first warrior to die and then resurrected as an undead hero with powers would be a great read. Matter of fact it's always been the writing in the game that's what drew to me to the game in the first place. So having it's writing shine in a comic would be fantastic.

Number 8.

Parappa The Rapper

Chop!

Not all comics need to be dark or for adults, last time I checked kids love comics too. Parappa The Rapper would be perfect for the younger crowd to read and for adults who are nostalgic. The story is lighthearted but also charming enough to be a series of comics.

Number 7. 

Actraiser 

All kinds of stories

So, it's all about Go-- I mean the "Master" fighting sat- I mean "Tanzra" and a comic based on this would be one heck of an epic story. Large battles and miracles being performed and the like, if done by a great artist would be an eye catching comic that would be hard to put down.

Number 6. 

Twisted Metal

Sometimes just having something be crazy is good.

Twisted Metal's wackiness can work for fans of violence, destruction, and grindhouse movies. Get a great mechanical designer, especially one with a knack for drawing cars and this would not only be a fun read but an eye catching.

Number 5.

Syphon Filter 

Tactical Espionage..., oh wait that's another game

People know Metal Gear Solid and they know Splinter Cell those games are still going on and Metal Gear is even getting a movie. But Syphon Filter is another good mercenary/military video game but with it hardly getting any new games and the best remembered games being on the first Playstation. But it would appeal to fans of military espionage and action.

Number 4.

Threads of Fate

People know Mana, Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest but what about this one?

Oddly enough there was a manga planned for this game. It was being done by none other than Ken Akamatsu of Love Hina and Negima fame. But it was scrapped. This was one of those games that had an interesting story but unlike the more famous games done by SquareEnix it didn't get any extra attention. I think this should get another shot at being adapted into printed form.

BONUS: check out the opening for the game here The game is also known as Dewprism in Japan.

Number 3.

Elder Scrolls series 

Who doesn't want to read about how people fought tough mudcrabs? eh? eh?

The Elder Scrolls series does have novels but with it's lore it would also make great comic books. Being able to see the stories you read or hear about in the games on the printed page would be cool. If I had to choose a storyline to be adapted I'd like to see the rise of Tiber Septim as a comic.

Number 2.

Legacy of Kain series

This just begs to be made into a comic

How does this not have a comic? Just, how... does... this... not have a comic!? The Legacy of Kain series has a lot of lore and each game, or at least most of the games had an interesting story. Like Darksiders it seems like this was made to be a comic in the first place yet somehow it isn't. Plus, not only is there a great story and great characters and character designs there's a very devoted fan base that would gobble these comics up.

Number 1.

Shenmue 

For anybody that knows me know that this is no surprise at all

This is my favorite game of all time, so... yeah... But if you want a bit more of a reason the game's story is not done even after a decade and a lot of us Shenmue fans are so desperate for the game to continue it's story that we'll take a comic. At least I will anyway. The story of Shenmue is really captivating for a lot of people and if it has a great artist, especially one that can draw fight scenes well, I would not be able to put a Shenmue comic down.

So that's my top ten list of games that aren't fighting games that need a comic book. What are yours? Let me know.

Follow me on twitter for more of my thoughts on games and geeky stuff in general @ikariradio

Also listen to my podcast the Ikaricast on iTunes where we discuss geeky things bi-weekly.