Hot off the heels of the Halo 4 Limited Edition package announcement, 2K Games and Gearbox revealed the various special editions gamers can expect when Borderlands 2 launches later this summer. In addition to the regular version of the upcoming shooter, there will be two additional versions available at launch, which include bookoos of extra content. Hit the jump for a breakdown of all of the extras in both of the special editions.

The Deluxe Vault Hunter’s Collector’s Edition (pictured above) will retail for $99.99 and includes an authentic Marcus Kincaid bobble head, map of Pandora, hardbound art book, comic book download and a four sticker set.

The Ultimate Loot Chest Limited Edition (pictured above), will retail for $149.99 and includes an exclusive Steelbook case, numbered certificate of authenticity, creatures of Pandora wide format ID chart, four lithograph postcards, Marcus Kincaid bobble head, hardbound art book, cloth map of Pandora, comic book download and four sticker set.

Also revealed today, in a press release from 2K Games and Gearbox, was that pre-ordering the game in any edition at “participating retailers” will grant access to the Borderlands 2 Premiere Club. This will allow gamers to download the Gearbox Gun Pack, Golden Key, Vault Hunter’s Relic, and the Mechromancer character class when the game is released on September 18.

Present-day. San Andreas. These were the answers to two of the most important questions answered within seconds of the trailer going up online. Because on Wednesday afternoon, Rockstar pulled the curtain back for the first time on the industry’s worst kept secret, Grand Theft Auto V.

Rockstar have hardly been absent this generation

From the moment Grand Theft Auto IV hit shelves back in 2008, fans haven’t been able to stop speculating about the next city the series would gravitate towards. Amsterdam, Canada and others were laughed off, whereas some of the more serious suggestions (London, Cuba, Tokyo) seemed plausible. Whatever side of the fence you were on, one thing seemed certain; it was time for GTA to move outside of the United States.

Over the last few years Rockstar Games have focused their attention into various other IPs, notably Red Dead Redemption and this year’s detective thriller L.A. Noire, with Max Payne 3 waiting in the wings for an early release next quarter. With rumours of new consoles on the horizon growing fast, fans began to wonder if they might ever see another Grand Theft Auto this side of consoles.

Just last week, out of the blue, in typical Rockstar fashion I might add, Grand Theft Auto V was officially announced by Rockstar Games, with a trailer set to follow the following week. Speculation started up again; and characters, locations and time periods were all at the forefront of the conversation. Why were they moving straight to V? Why weren’t they following the 1-2 year development cycle that worked so well on the PS2? Did we need V and why had Rockstar taken four years out to develop the next GTA? Whatever the answers to those questions were, this was going to be huge.

On time and as promised the trailer hit the internet on Wednesday afternoon, bringing back a familiar setting along with it – San Andreas. Set in the current day, you play as retiree (sort of) who’s moved to Los Santos with plans of leaving behind a life of crime and settling down. Reaction from fans was mixed. While some were happy to be going back, others felt let down by Rockstar for playing it so safe.

Personally, I thought the trailer was phenomenal. Rockstar always fill their trailers with clues to keep fans guessing and pump out stuff so infrequeuntly, you can’t help but get caught up in the hype. Rockstar are masters at this, and just up until a few years ago, they used to keep gameplay screens and videos under wraps until launch day. I always loved that about them.

Now this would have been a bold move

I guess I’m okay with San Andreas, and I can wait until the next generational leap for them to do something completely different, I just believed the time was now. For the sake of the series, they either need to step outside of America, or do something completely revolutionary. I understand the allure of America, Grand Theft Auto’s always seemed to succesfully poke fun and thrive off of American pop culture, it’s been the backbone of the series in a way. The problem I have is that revisiting the same cities over and over gets repetitive, no matter how good the stories yet to be told are.

Building up to the release of the trailer, I’d hoped the series would return to London, the odd city out that has yet to receive the 3D treatment since the top down GTA games of the 90s. The underworld of organised crime in London would have worked so well as the backdrop to the next GTA game, with movies like Lock, Stock and Snatch acting as its foundation, just as Goodfellas was to III, Scarface to Vice City and Menace II Society to San Andreas.

I’ve always thought what made Vice City and San Andreas so great were the perfectly matched time periods. In the early 80s, Miami’s drug culture had shifted into the “designer” period. A booming economy, growth in disposable income and Miami’s club revolution were all cultural movements that caused scenes like the ones in the movie Scarface. This era lent itself kindly to Vice City while the gang culture in the late 80s and early 90s helped shape the vibe of San Andreas. San Andreas nailed a period where the public were coping with the aftermath of the L.A. riots and the beating of Rodney King. Where gangster rap was on the rise and feuding between the East and West Coast popularised a movement that was at the very heart of that game. These events shaped Vice City and San Andreas into games that mirrored the controversial cultural happenings of the time period.

Of course, the success of these games wouldn’t have been possible without the help of fantastic accompanying soundtracks. The music of both games did a great job of reflecting what was popular at the time, playing an integral role in capturing the time and social moods of each era perfectly, more so than any number of polygons possibly could.

As much as I loved Grand Theft Auto IV for the leaps it took, the noughties just weren’t as relevant and exciting as past eras. The soundtrack was bland compared to previous efforts and Liberty City just didn’t seem as fun this time around. The previous games seemed to take us back to the golden eras of crime, whereas IV seemed more focused on the American dream, my biggest issue with the game. This is the same problem I have with this upcoming release.

Now I’m not stupid enough to write Rockstar North off, especially after just one trailer, but I’d like to see certain game elements refined in GTA V. For instance, I wasn’t a fan of how side missions were handled in L.A. Noire. They seemed lacklustre and felt like more of an afterthought, one of the many things that game did wrong. The recent release of Arkham City redefined this concept, these self-contained stories are so well designed that they’re able to stand on their own against the game’s main story arc. As of writing this, I’ve still yet to dive into the main story simply because I’ve been so caught up in the side missions, which is testament to how well-rounded the game is.

GTA has never looked better

It’s hard to judge a new game from one trailer, especially when details are so scarce at the moment. What we do know is Grand Theft Auto V will “focus on the pursuit of the almighty dollar”, set against present-day Southern California. Judging by the many themes seen in the trailer, money deprivation might play a big enough role. What if the game were to use the current global economic crisis in place of the gang violence of the 90s, and the drug-soaked club scene of the 80s? Such themes are sure to provide new and interesting subjects for the series to toy with.

Here’s hoping Rockstar build on the great character development from IV, with enough change to keep fans on both sides of the fence happy. After all, this is being penned as the “largest and most ambitious game Rockstar has yet created”, that’s got to count for something, right?

The trailer for GTA V was unveiled this afternoon and recent predictions seemed to hold up. We’re going back to San Andreas (current day), and if the voiceover is anything to go by, you’ll take up the role of a father who has just moved to San Andreas to get away from “that line of work” and settle down with his family. Though knowing the GTA series, things won’t be quite that simple.

UPDATE:
As pointed out by GameTrailers user hobodealer, on a second viewing the narrator (seemingly the protagonist) seems to have moved to San Andreas to leave “that line of work” behind, to retire and start a family. Only to get sucked back into that life of crime on arrival.

Hang with us here as we dissect the trailer, and feel free to mention anything we might have left out. Trailer observations after the jump.

Location

We're back here again

The following locations popped up in today’s trailer:

• San Andreas
• Los Santos, East Los Santos, Los Santos Bay
• Vinewood
• Little Seoul
• Los Puerta Freeway
• Del Perro Freeway
• Vespucci Beach
• Downtown

Places of Interest/Brands

We spotted a dozen or so brands and places of interest throughout the trailer. Listed below in no particular order:

Rockstar, you slay me

• Pleasure Pier – It’s Totally Beachin’
• Postal – We Aim Not to Lose It
• e Cola – Deliciously Infectious!
• Pump Buddy Magazine – Plenty of Issues to Work Out
• Pump & Run Gymnasium
• Muscle Sands
• Bugstars Pest Control – Putting the FU in Fumigate
• 247 Supermarket
• Up-n-Atom Burger – Once it Pings, Eat Like Kings
• Enema – Tequi-la-la
• Brute
• Los Santos Golf Club
• Speedophile 2000
• HO BO
• STD Contractors
• Liquor Ace
• Glam Holes

Notable Things

Convertible Cars and Possible Customisation

A first in a GTA game, convertible cars are set to make their debut in GTA V. This makes me wonder if the high customisation and modification options for player and vehicles will make its way across from San Andreas. Going off this trailer, it’s looking likely. Those aren’t stock rims.

Mountains and Hikers

If this is anything like San Andreas, we’ll be able to make it to the top of that mountain. With handholding NPCs thrown in for good measure.

Jet Skis Are Back

Absent from GTA IV, Jet Skis return in V. The Speedophile 2000 joins the long list of wacky Rockstar vehicle names.

Dogs Included/Possible Pets

A dog was spotted in the early moments of the trailer. I wonder if Pets Overnight is responsible for all this? Please tell me so!

Jumbo Jets

At least five different types of aircrafts popped up in the trailer. What looked like a 747 drifted into the sunset as the trailer came to a close. Clearly a larger portion of the game will take place in the skies, at least more so than it did in GTA IV.

Biplanes

Wine fields, migrant workers and another one of the many aircraft types that made up this trailer.

Fighter Jets

Yet another aircraft. Military flavour.

Blimps, Check!

One of the more interested vehicles spotted. Since it popped up in at least two different parts of the trailer, I’m going to go ahead and make the assumption. Blimps confirmed!

Strip Clubs

What’s GTA without a strip club? Enema sure looks like the place to be. Yes, that’s right, Enema.

Hookers

For that matter, where would GTA be without hookers? Cowboy boots confirmed!

Los Santos

One of the three cities in San Andreas.

Heists

I’m down for a jewellery heist dressed top to bottom in full fumigation gear.

Muscle Sands, The Gym Returns

I guess it’s safe to say the gym mini-game is back, in some shape or form. See what I did there?

Buying/Selling Property Returns?

There’s a strong emphasis of buying and selling properties in the trailer.

Golf is Back, No DLC Required

Golf is one of many activities you’ll be likely able to take up when taking a break from the game’s missions. Beats pool, bowling and darts if you ask me. And the best part yet? No DLC is required to unlock it.

Piercing. Working Out. Character Customisation?

More evidence of possible character customisation.

Is This Our Protagonist?

This guy makes more than one appearance in the trailer. He’s either our protagonist or a very important character. The name Tommy Vercetti seems to be getting thrown around a lot at the moment. Could be, could be…

Niko, CJ, Is That You?

GAF posters are pointing out that CJ and Niko make cameos in the trailer. It is possible I guess. If it is, I can’t help but feel a bit sorry for Niko though. I guess the American dream didn’t work out for him so well after all.

Other Notable Things

Let me get on one of these

A few other things caught our eyes. I wonder how significant they’ll be? I’ve listed them below in order of significance:

• Topless Dudes
• Wind Turbines
• Pumpjacks
• Aerobics
• Surfboards
• Wine Fields
• Beaches
• Countryside

I’m sure over the next couple of days people will pull other things from the trailer that we haven’t picked out, so let us know via Twitter (@bitthirsty) if we’ve missed anything. We’ll be sure to credit you.

All in all, I thought it was a fantastic trailer, much more revealing than any of the series’ previous firsts. And while I’m a little disappointed we’re going back to San Andreas, I must admit, I’m ready for some more GTA. My body is ready!

It was reported Tuesday that DICE head Patrick Bach said the console versions (360, PS3) would support 24 player multiplayer online as opposed to the max of 64 players the PC version boast.

The console builds are said to play identical to its PC counter part with everything from the tech and animations to the lighting and environmental effects. Its not the first time and won’t be the last that PC games continue to support higher numbers of players over their console brother versions, and is still necessary to sacrifice higher player support to avoid compromising graphics and other technical necessities. Sometimes us console gamers can’t have it all when competing with the capabilites of a well juiced gaming PC, and sometimes it requires a little sacrifice in exchange for enjoying the fruits of multiplayer gaming that see them transition well and into our hands. Regardless of the number of targets available running around for you to aim at, Battlefield 3 is shaping up to be one helluva’ game. I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen of the multiplayer and campaign teasers, and given the long hours I still log in on Bad Company 2, can I say- 64? 24? Uh, honestly does it matter?

Battlefield 3 releases October 25th for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

At Sony’s E3 press conference, the company debuted a gameplay trailer for the recently revealed Star Trek. Just as Paramount Digital Entertainment teased in the game’s announcement several days ago, the new Trek title will offer an “unprecedented co-op experience” and retain all of the action associated with the J.J. Abram’s film.

Star Trek is being developed by Digital Extremes for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC.

Via – IGN

Everyone loves some pre-E3 news, right? Giving us a little taste of what the future holds, The Official PlayStation Blog announced yesterday that a brand new downloadable first-person shooter called Payday: The Heist is in development for the PlayStation Network and PC. The game will allow players to engage in a crime spree spanning six high-stake heists, including bank robberies, prisoner extractions and armored car hijackings with the help of AI or through 4 player co-op.

With mission structure similar to games like Left4Dead or the Firefight mode of Halo: Reach, law enforcement agents will spawn in waves, while players attempt to meet all their objectives and remain alive. However, Payday: The Heist has some unique qualities that allow for a variety of styles of play, differentiating it from similar titles. For instance, you can tie up hostages and trade them for captured teammates, making them more than just background fodder. You’ll also be able to affect your surroundings by using the shout button to get police or civilians to drop their weapons and hit the floor.

The blog notes that Sony Online Entertainment will be officially unveiling Payday: The Heist next week at E3, so be on the lookout for more information in the coming days.

Source – The Official PlayStation Blog

President Obama concluded his four-nation European trip Saturday in Poland by meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to discuss, among other things, the movement for democratic change offered by the uprisings in the Middle East. Also on the European agenda was a little hardcore RPG gaming.

While it’s common for heads of state to present other foreign leaders with gifts upon arrival in their country, Prime Minister Tusk decided to kick it into 21st century mode by presenting the President with an iPad filled with notable Polish films, as well as several English-language translations of novels signed by author Andrzej Sapkowski. Oh, and a copy of CD Projekt’s The Witcher 2 Collectors Edition.

The Witcher 2 is one of the most high profile games to come out of Poland and has been receiving rave reviews since it’s release earlier this month.

It is interesting to note that Prime Ministers Tusk included the game as a piece of Polish art, seemingly equal in cultural importance as the Tomasz Bagiński films and the Andrzej Sapkowski books that were also presented to President Obama.

I guess everyone deserves a little gaming break now and then, am I right? Even the leader of the free world.

Source: Translated from Gazeta.pl

Ever since that reveal in OPM last week, news has been trickling out about the hotly anticipated Modern Warfare 3 bit by bit. Today we can reveal the game’s logo, courtesy of user powertree on The Electric Hydra Forums. At this rate, we might not even have to wait until E3 for the “big reveal”.

UPDATE: The game’s box art seems to have leaked also, check it out in its entirety after the break.

We should probably go ahead and get used to the television specials, films, and inevitable game mods that will be based around the death of Osama bin Laden. So it should come as no surprise that the Abbottabad location has already been recreated using the Source SDK.

The map looks to be accurate and ideal for bomb or hostage based missions. So until you can get your hands on that live feed of the operation, you can satisfy your dark curiosity by firing up Counter Strike: Source and doing some extrajudicial “exploring” of your own. The mod is available now via user “Fletch” on GameBanana.com.

Amongst an all-star cast, Tim Willits was in attendance at this year’s Eurogamer Expo to preview one of id Software’s most promising titles, Rage. After dropping jaws in the auditorium we caught up with him to spill details on my game of the year next year.

For people that aren’t too familiar with Rage, tell us what the game’s about?

Rage is a brand new IP, from id Software, we invented the first person genre with Wolfenstein, so if you know about first person shooters you have a pretty good idea of what Rage is – but we’re doing more than just running and gunning. We have vehicle combat, vehicle racing, and we have a good story, it’s more of a well-rounded first person shooter.

With the recent trend of post-apocalyptic games, what sets Rage apart from the likes of Borderlands, Fallout and the recently released Metro 2033?

Brand new technology. Now you may not be a technology follower, but when you see it you’ll know it looks different and it looks better *laughs*. Plus it’s not about walking around bored to death in a wasteland, it’s about action all the time, at it’s core it’s a first person shooter and the setting is just there to help support the story and the action, but it’s really what you do in Rage that sets it apart.

We just saw it demoed in the auditorium, can we expect something of that quality in the final build?

Yes. The game is definitely not something you’re going to blow through really quickly and one of our goals was to really give players their money’s worth when they buy Rage, and if you’re the type of player that likes to do side missions and drive around more, the game has many opportunities for you.

Speaking of driving, what made id Software incorporate driving into an FPS?

Well it was really what we could do with the technology, we were able to hand craft these beautiful outdoor wasteland scenes, and if you have stuff like that you want a cool muscle car, and you want to put guns on it, you know? So that was really what drove us to do that. And yes we could’ve just made levels here and there for you to jump to them but that’s no fun, we wanted getting from point A to B to be as much fun as what you do when you get there.

What influenced the development team for Rage?

Well there isn’t a single point of influence for Rage, we as a team, everyone’s own personal feelings and inspirations kind of add to the mix. But there are obvious things you can see in there, the classic Mad Max stuff, MotorStorm – there isn’t one definite thing but there are lots of mini things. That being said, Rage will be a unique experience all in itself.

Can you dish the dirt on the game’s RPG elements? We saw you demoing a few things in regards to upgrading weapons, can you talk a bit about the customisation in Rage?

While not an RPG, we have a number of things that you can improve as you play through the game. We like to say that there aren’t stats on the player, but it’s your arsenal of weapons that improve, you can get armour kits for your vehicles, better weapons, one off items that you can deploy on your car. Or also your handheld arsenal, engineering items, ammo types, weapons, there’s a whole bunch of new things.

We know from the conference that DLC wants to be done, you noted that the layering system in Rage is very easy to manipulate and expand post launch. Tell us a bit about that.

We haven’t figured out exactly what we want to do in regards to DLC, but we do know we want to do it. The world really fits well for it, with different cars, different weapons, different items, it’s such a rich environment and there are lots of other side things that we can also explore like Mutant Bash TV, and so we have a lot of great opportunities, the scripting and the games layering system makes it easy to modify and the world is rich for DLC.

Last but not least we saw John Carmack demoing Rage for the iPhone at QuakeCon, can you give us an update on that project and a possible release date for the iOS version?

Good question, so what John said is that we’re planning on releasing something very small, this fall. Now it’s not a replacement for the game, and you don’t even play as the main character, the whole iPhone experience really just revolves around a small section of Rage and it’s an additive experience to the overall universe.

Any rewards for players that pick up both versions?

This first release is really just a very small part. Maybe the bigger release next year will follow more on that, but this is just a flavour of what the Rage universe is like, it’s not a replacement for the game, it’s a step up from a tech demo *laughs*, but it’s kind of neat and I think people will enjoy it.