Homefront

[GamerMan316]

Did Modern Warfare 2 steal from Homefront?
Kaos Studios has its suspicions

Infinity Ward may have pinched a key element of Modern Warfare 2 from a demo of Homefront shown at E3 2009.

At least, that's according to the THQ title's dev Kaos Studios.

The head of the firm, Dave Votypka, has a sneaking suspicion that Activision's shooter has borrowed elements from the studio's yet-to-be-released apocalyptic FPS.

Votypka pointed out one feature specifically in last month's issue of PSM3 magazine:

"The level in MW where you're using the laser-pointer to guide the Striker (combat vehicle). We showed that mechanic at last year's E3, then it was in their game," he said.

"We were thinking 'Hmm, where did you get that idea from...' But, other than that, we think our concept is so unique we don't really see comparisons with other shooters."

Copy-cats or not, Modern Warfare's prominence in the FPS market isn't too much of a concern for Homefront publisher THQ, which has said that Kaos' new IP shouldn't be aiming for the top spot in the genre just yet anyway.

[Failed]

errrm laser 'painting' targets isn't futuristic ... it's Modern Warfare >_<

[Handshakes]

This whole "what if the other guys won the Cold War" thing is getting to be just as tired and played out as WWII video games.

[GamerMan316]

Homefront release date confirmed
THQ FPS locked down for March 2011

THQ has just announced that promising looking FPS Homefront will launch in the US on March 8, 2011, Australia on March 10 and the UK on March 11.

Developed by Kaos Studios, Homefront is set in a near future America. The year is 2027, ten years after the economic collapse of the US, and the game follows the American Civilian Resistance as they fight to reclaim their homeland from an oppressive North Korean occupation.

Earlier today, THQ launched a new Homefront trailer, explaining the back-story behind the intriguing title.

[Jurassic Parky]

Haven't they already signed off on a sequel, before the 1st game has been released? Crazyness I tell thee!

[ASYLUM NINJA]

True, but it is supposed to be very good wheather that is PR speak or not is another thing. Frontlines had some good ideas and if they expand on that well i'd be interested in it anyways

[GamerMan316]

Homefront To Utilise THQ's Online Pass

Following in EA's footsteps with its $10 initiative - designed to recoup losses from the sale of used games - THQ is doing a similar thing with its Online Pass, last seen with UFC Undisputed 2010 own Online Pass and WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011's 'Fan Axxess', which both unlocked additional content. Homefront will be the next game to require an Online Pass for multiplayer, otherwise the online experience will be relatively pared down.

Of course, new copies of Homefront will come bundled with a free single-use Online Pass code, which will also be available to purchase for 800 Microsoft Points for consumers purchasing a used copy of the game. Playing multiplayer without an Online Pass is still possible, but will limit the experience by offering only 5 levels of progression rather than the full 75 possible with the pass. All of the multiplayer maps will still be available though.

You could potentially play without an Online Pass for as long as you like, but you'll be unable to progress past the capped five levels and presumably end up missing out on a host of unlockable weapons and other perks. Homefront's single-player story won't be affected by the Online Pass in any way, however.

Homefront is set to launch in early March 2011.

[dfusioness]

hmm i like the look of the release date 

[zerosum]

The quote: "You have to stay and live with the things you did" - makes it sound like there's more to this than the typical "Mission 1 / Mission 2 / etc." structure.

Depending on how it's handled...this could be an interesting concept.

[Failed]

Homefront to use the 'Dreaded Online Pass'

Some evil passes stop you from playing online UFC 2010 ... or get you extra levels or DLC like BC2 or Mass Effect 2.

However, in Homefront's case, not having the Online Pass does not prevent the player from being able to play online. Players without the Online Pass will not be able to progress past level 5 in the game's multiplayer modes, which barely scratches the surface of the 75 total multiplayer levels. They will, however, be able to access all multiplayer maps. If you buy the game used and want to get past level 5, the Online Pass will run you $10, or 800 MSP.

[Legion]

I can see how a pass like that is a great idea  for developers, and I can understand where they're coming from. But what the hell? Buying pre-owned games is part of being a gamer, and you shouldn't be punished for it by being forced to pay extra for the right to use multiplayer. That should be fully included in the price we pay for XBL to begin with. It would make sense to do that for PS3/PC owners who have free online services. But not on the 360 where you have to pay for just about everything online as it is.

[Failed]

Games producers make no money from 2nd hand games though, so they don't care what you think... 

[Legion]

Exactly, which is why I can see where they're coming from with the $10 pass thing. BUT, that shoudln't apply to 360 owners because we already pay more than enough for access to Xbox Live as it is. (Ok maybe not me as I wait til the £25 a year special offers come along, but for the rest of you guys )

[dfusioness]

i totally agree, they need to start rewarding 360 customers, not punishing them

[zerosum]

http://rewards.xbox.com

In all seriousness though - that's probably why I'd rather buy new at a price-drop point. Patience and having a backlog of games helps.