This is your last week to get a free Xbox 360 with a PC purchase

All great things must come to an end at some point, and this Saturday will mark the last day consumers can take advantage of the excellent "Buy a select PC, get a free Xbox 360" promotion. If you're in need of a PC, definitely check the Amazon listing of eligible products. There's quite a bit to choose from as well, though all are $699 and above, as the advertisement notes.

Razer's 'Blade' is apparently the world's "first true gaming laptop"

Listen, I don't know a damn thing about gaming on a PC. It's just too confusing for me, and from my naive eye it also seems rather expensive. However, I do know one thing, and that proclaiming your product as the "first true" anything is a huge pair of shoes to fill, but that's exactly what Razer is doing with their newest gaming laptop, "Blade."

This 17", full aluminum setup comes equipped an Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce graphics and weighs under seven pounds at less than an inch thick. With its weight and size, Razer aims to bring "true portability" to PC gaming.

Brink's pre-order bonuses now available as DLC, as usual

It was just about that time, wasn't it? You know, where a game's pre-order bonuses become available for all to purchase as downloadable content? I guess we can't be too hard on Brink, though, given its hefty, free batch of DLC released a few weeks ago. But either way, now you can queue up two pre-order bonus combo packs for 160 MS Points/$1.99 each.

Fallout/Spec Ops pack

• Unique Fallout Vault 101 body tattoo
• Exclusive Vault 101 (Security) and Fallout New Vegas Vault Boy (Resistance) customized skins for CARB-9 SMG
• Exclusive Vault 101 (Security) and Fallout New Vegas Vault Boy (Resistance) t-shirts
• Exclusive Vault-Tec beanie cap (Security) and Fallout bandana (Resistance)
• Exclusive weapon: The "Hockler" machine-pistol
• Exclusive "GreenEye" Combat Optical Scope
• Exclusive Security "Sloani" Combat mask
• Unique Dogtag body tattoo

Doom/Psycho Pack

• Unique "Hellspawn" body tattoo
• Exclusive UAC (Security) and Cacodemon (Resistance) customized skins for the Bulpdaun SMG
• Exclusive UAC Marine Body Armor (Security) and Lost Soul Screaming Skull (Resistance) t-shirts
• Exclusive UAC beanie cap (Security) and Doom bandana (Resistance)
• Exclusive weapon: the "Caesar" revolver
• New attachments: The Resistance's improved Soda Can Silencer and Security's ArkTechnical Silencer
• Exclusive Resistance "The Grin" combat mask
• Unique: "Tortured Soul" body tattoo

This weekend's Borderlands Steam sale is madness

Steam is known for outstanding sales on hit titles, and this weekend is no different as the digital retailer is selling everything Borderlands at 75% off. That's the original game, its downloadable content, and the Game of the Year Edition. All. Seventy. Five. Percent. Off!

• Borderlands- $4.99
• Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition- $7.49 
• Each downloadable content pack- $2.49
• Downloadable content bundle- $7.49
• Borderlands four-pack- $14.99
• Game of the Year Edition four-pack- $22.49

[UPDATE] Get free OnLive copy of Deus Ex: Human Revolution with purchase of PC version

"Two-fers" are great...

This week's "Two-fer," purchase the PC retail version of Deus Ex: Human Revolution, get the OnLive version in the box along with it. First shown on OnLiveFans.com, the image above explains it all--you're not only getting your precious disc-based version of Deus Ex, but the ability to play said game anywhere, anytime, as long as you have internet speed from this decade.

[UPDATE] GameSpy reports GameStop employees were sent a memo to open and remove the free OnLive tokens, and then continue selling the opened product as "new." A GameStop representative commented on the situation, claiming Square Enix packed the free codes without giving the retailer "prior knowledge."

Way to go, GameStop. Way to go.

Finally! We'll see more of Hawken at PAX

Man, I am so stoked for Adhesive Games' mech-shooter, Hawken. I mean, has there ever been a more awesome looking mech game before? Okay, I'll calm down a bit, but for those who are like me and can't wait to see more of this indie-developers' first game, the team announced on Twitter that a new trailer will be shown at PAX during the PC Gamer presentation.

It'll be interesting to see what Adhesive has been up to for the past few months, and hopefully, just hopefully we'll hear that Hawken will also come to consoles at some point. Highly unlikely, I know, seeing as how the trailer will be shown at a PC presentation--Keyword there being "PC" which contains the keyword "computer."

...believe me...I know.

Be sure to check out our interview with Adhesive Games about their mech-based shooter.

Battlefield 3's 'Team Deathmatch' supports 24 players across all platforms

This may come as a shock to a lot of you, but "Team Deathmatch" in Battlefield 3 will only support up to 24 players, no matter what platform you're playing it on. Yes, that even means you, expensive PC rig. Don't get yourself into too much of a rut, though, because the maps are more condensed than their Rush/Conquest brethren, even ditching vehicular warfare and only focusing on tight gunplay.

Thinking back, this may not even matter to a lot of you, including me, as we'll more often than not be capturing flags and destroying crates.

[Battlefield3Blog]

Need a headset at the right price? Turtle Beach's X11 can do the trick

Communication is key with online shooters, and with the amount of shooters coming out this fall--Battlefield 3, Modern Warfare 3, and Resistance 3 just to name a few--you'll definitely need a mic. If you're in the market for a headset and can't afford to spend much cash, the Turtle Beach Ear Force X11 headset for the Xbox 360 is right up your alley. This USB powered headset also works for the PC and Mac, and connects through audio in/out cables.

Whether you prefer to connect the X11 to your television, Xbox 360 controller, or even surround sound set up, that functionality is available, as you'll get splitters and a controller connector inside the box.

Target is selling the Turtle Beach Ear Force X11 headphones for $47.99 this week, a savings of $12. If you prefer electronics retailer Best Buy, you can pick up the X11s there as well for $49.99.

As always, Amazon beats both outlets, selling the X11 for $45.99.

Turtle Beach is a well-known brand, and with their other products costing upwards of $100, you really can't go wrong with the Ear Force X11. Heck, I didn't.

[Similarly, the PlayStation 3 has the Ear Force P11 headset for $59.95 on Turtle Beach's website, and although I can't speak for this model, its description is similar to that of the X11.]

Oddly, Battlefield 3 features server browser only on consoles

Yes, that is quite odd, isn't it? A feature that is available in practically most, if not all PC games will no longer be available on the platform's biggest title to come out this year. 

It has been revealed that console versions of Battlefield 3 will feature in-game server browsers, while the PC version will not, instead leaving players needing to exit Battlefield 3 altogether and locate another server though Battlelog.

Quite ironic to say the least, and definitely not the right way to attract an audience for the PC's version of Battlefield 3.

[BF3blog]

Abandon couch, there's no split-screen co-op in Battlefield 3

You may as well return that carton of ramen noodles and huge keg of Red Bull, because DICE has confirmed there will be no split-screen co-operative modes in Battlefield 3. The news broke out from DICE's VP and GM Karl Magnus Troedsson, who also detailed the co-op feature even further, stating the maps were built separately from the main campaign, with an emphasis to "build more specific co-op missions."

"Naturally, you will recognize some of the elements," said Troedsson, "but they are built specifically for the co-op with all the scripting, events and everything."

Also revealed was the fact that Battlefield 3 will ship with six co-operative maps instead of the rumored ten, with each taking around 20-45 minutes to complete.

[GamingLives via GamerZines]

Impressions: Bodycount has no shortage of explosions, red barrels, or chaos

After all the screenshots, developer diaries, and trailers we've seen for Bodycount throughout the years--or, year...whichever--the game is finally releasing at the end of the month, with a demo newly released on the Xbox 360. After treading and shredding through its short presentation of what's to come, I must admit that I am both interested yet, a tad perplexed.

As you may or may not know, the story in Bodycount is...there. There's you, there's bad guys, there's more bad guys, and then there's a head honcho bad guy, all of whom are aiming to kill you before you kill them. That's roughly the grand scope of the story, with the mission in the demo sending you to Africa to take out bad guys led by a bigger bad guy holding a mini-gun. It's more or less "Summer Blockbuster Film 101," but in some cases, like here, it works.

Modern Warfare 3 on PC will have dedicated servers

Activision revealed at Gamescom today that Modern Warfare 3 will have dedicated servers when it releases this fall. Apparently, this decision was made in an effort to show the PC community that the company is still serious about the platform. Really, Activision didn't want to be bombarded with petitions and protests like they were back in 2009, when Modern Warfare 2 shipped without dedicated servers.

Last year's Call of Duty: Black Ops did ship with dedicated servers on PC.

[via IGN]

Sling some lead in the Bodycount demo now available

Codemasters' pseudo-sequel to the cult-classic shooter Black--Bodycount--is now available to demo on the Xbox 360. As of now, the demo is a Gold member exclusive, and will have players square off against enemies in Africa in the early missions of the campaign. Weapons on hand include a G36, Super 90 shotgun, proximity mines and grenades.

No word on a PlayStation 3 demo yet, other than Codemasters saying it "will follow" the 360's demo.

The studio also released another developer diary, and you can peep that after the break.

Co-op for Battlefield 3 confirmed; watch a duo creep around in a scenario

DICE confirmed at Gamescom earlier today that Battlefield 3 will include co-operative gameplay, and even presented a live demo showcasing how it works. From the screenshot above [and video after the break], it seems like you'll always be able to see what your partner is doing, kind of like Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter's Crosscom. Well, either that, or the second player gets severely duped with the screen ratio.

I quite enjoyed what was shown in the demo, and to me it had a Rainbow Six feel to it, with the duo creeping inside closed-quarters co-ordinating who was going to eliminate which tango. "I'll take the left side, you stay on the right." Awesome. Pure. Awesome.

Yea, this Battlefield 3 multiplayer trailer definitely showcases Jets

For the first time ever we are given gameplay footage of Battlefield 3's jets, and yes, they are just as awesome as anybody could have imagined. The map featured is Caspian Border, a "vehicle-heavy map that exemplifies classic Battlefield gameplay."

Battlefield 3 pre-orders on Origin now adds a free game to the mix

As if early access to the beta wasn't enough, those that pre-order Battlefield 3 on Origin will also get to select a free game from a choice of three: Mass Effect 2, Medal of Honor, or Dead Space 2. This news came from a user who is actually hopping on the Origin bandwagon, and was sent an e-mail from Electronic Arts containing a promotion code.

This deal runs through this month only, so if you are still undecided as to which platform you should purchase Battlefield 3 on, you better act quick.

What do you think will be next in EA's plea to gain support for their new platform?

[Ars Technica]

Battlefield 3, Origin, and your persona

Over the weekend there was quite a bit of news regarding the current hoopla between DICE's Battlefield 3 and EA's new online service, Origin. We already know that Steam will not be an outlet in which to purchase Battlefield 3, a tactic in which EA hopes people will hop on the Origin bandwagon. However, some gamers were thinking of buying Battlefield 3 on disc format in order to avoid being forced to use the Origin service. Pulling out another surprise, DICE's Daniel Matros revealed in a reply on Twitter that Origin will be required to play disc versions of the shooter, though, as BF3blog.com notes, many disc shooters require a client to perform in the background of a game, so this isn't really anything out of the ordinary.

Speculation is concluding that Origin also will be required no matter what digital distribution service a person uses to buy Battlefield 3, be it Direct2Drive, Amazon, etc.

We learned further as to why Origin is required for Battlefield 3, as Matros announced that a player's Battlefield 3 account is linked directly to their "Origin persona," meaning, their Battlefield 3 username is the same as their Origin username. Taking a page out of the "Online for Consoles" handbook, the only way a player can change their Battlefield 3 username is to also change their Origin username, akin to what console players do on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. This is radically different to past Battlefield games on PC, where players were allowed to create several soldiers under one identity.

EA's attempt at closely linking Battlefield 3 to their Origin service is certainly turning out to be a controversial one, and perhaps one that may bite them in the ass at some point. Even with the PC's killer specs, will this propaganda turn die-hard enthusiasts over to consoles? I foresee some petitions going live very, very soon.

[BF3Blog]

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive puts a new paint job on an old friend

The Counter-Strike series is an undeniable fan favorite, so what better way to please the fans than to give them an updated version of Counter-Strike: Source? Well, perhaps release an entirely new game...but that's beside the point! Counter-Stike: Global Offensive is set to release on the Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Store, and Steam (both PC and Mac) with new weapons, maps, matchmaking options, leaderboards, and more sometime next year. There will also be updated versions of classic CS: Source content, such as de_dust.

That's the skinny for now, with no screenshots or pricing details to speak of. Still, this must've made a lot of peoples' day. Those who absolutely must play Global Offensive as soon as possible--or at least see it in action--can do so at PAX Prime and the London Game Festival.

[Steam]

UK Gamers get their first Modern Warfare 3 hands-on at GAMEfest '11

Sure, gamers in the States may be able to attend the first ever Call of Duty XP event, but those overseas aren't left out in the cold just yet. UK gamers can get their first hands-on experience with the highly-anticipated Modern Warfare 3 by attending this year's GAMEfest in September, two months before the game releases. With this announcement, GAME marketing director Anna-Marie Mason feels this proves once again that GAMEfest is "absolutely the place to be." I'm sure UK gamers will agree.

GAMEfest 2011 will be held at the Birmingham NEC from September 16-18. With this expo being held well after Call of Duty XP, maybe attendees will be able to try out Modern Warfare 3's multiplayer. In any event, feel free to send us some pics if you attend.

Purchase tickets to GAMEfest 2011 here.

[GAMEfest via GamerZines]

id: Why RAGE strays away from "cookie cutter" multiplayer

Some of you new-aged gamers may not be aware of this, but id Software (Doom, Quake) created the term "deathmatch," not the Halo and Call of Duty titles of today. So, it may be a bit odd that id's next venture into multiplayer with RAGE strays away from both the norm of shooters, and what the team themselves created.

Speaking with CVG, creative director Tim Willits commented on RAGE's multiplayer component, stating the team didn't want to follow the same "cookie cutter" formula that everybody else reverts to, although deathmatch is "something that we invented." Instead of your "standard on-foot deathmatch" offerings, RAGE features vehicular-racing multiplayer combat, as well as "Legends of the Wasteland," bonus missions which can be played co-operatively.

"We feel the vehicle aspect of it is a lot of fun to drive," says Willits, "to shoot guys, to fight, so we wanted to let people do that with their friends."

Kudos to id for providing the genre something different than what the aforementioned annual franchises shove out. Honestly, we have enough outlets in which to play deathmatch.