Alpha Beta Gamer

The Open Beta for Microsoft’s ambitious new game-builder Project Spark is now available on Xbox One. It seems that the possibilities of Project Spark are limitless, like a 3D version of Little Big Planet 2. As shown above, you can create pretty much any type of game you like or even just remix existing ones, with some good examples of platformers, RPGs, racers and puzzlers already available.

Interestingly, although the Beta is free, there is the option to buy ‘Spark Tokens’ from the store (500 for $4.99), so it looks like MS are after your money right from the off.

The game cross-saves between the PC and Xbox One, so you can continue with your creations from either platform. Everyone that got into the PC Beta test is automatically into the Xbox One Beta test, but other Xbox One owners looking to take part will have to sign-up, everyone gets in, but you have to sign-up. Happy building!

Sign up for the Beta

Renegade X is a great looking, fan made multiplayer FPS set in the Command & Conquer universe, built on the Unreal Engine 3 and supporting up to 64 players. The game looks wonderful, with perfectly modelled C&C buildings, weapons and vehicles, it really does look and feel like an official C&C game (albeit in a first person viewpoint).

The FPS mechanics are excellent, allowing for fast paced, fluid gameplay, but there is also a large tactical element to the game. The main game mode (Command & Conquer) tasks you with destroying your enemy’s base while protecting your own. Players are able to manage their own economies, choose from over 30 weapons, 15 vehicles, and call in nuclear strikes, Ion Cannons, and airstrikes, and much more. Each team has a base of operations that composes of several key structures, each structure has its own purpose, so as they are destroyed, the team will lose a team bonus.

Renegade X is both a wonderful slice of nostalgia for those who love the C&C franchise and a refreshing new take on the FPS genre, making an excellent tactical FPS and the best C&C game for years.

Download the Beta, Free

The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot is a new game from Ubisoft Montreal that thrusts you in an outrageous medieval fantasy world called Opulencia, where wealth, status and show-boating are the name of the game. Build your own dungeons and pillage your friends ones, in this great mix of Dungeon Keeper and Diablo with a great sense of humour.

The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot is now in Open Beta on Steam, free, no keys required!

Beta Sign-ups are now open for Kalypsos’ South American island Dictatorship sim, Tropico 5. It has a wealth of improvements to the previous game, such as superior graphics, a longer time period, advanced trading mechanics, technology, scientific research trees and island exploration. It will also include cooperative and competitive multiplayer for up to four players for the first time in the series’ history.

The Beta begins in March, so we’d recommend signing up as soon as possible. Viva El Presidente!

Sign-Up for the Beta

In 2014 SkyNet became self aware, decided not to wipe-out mankind, but to create video games instead. The OTON X is a unique new console that claims to be able to self-create games, without user input. Quite how it manages to do this, we’re not sure (it’s something to do custom algorithms, pre-set design parameters & magic dust), but it is a very interesting concept, and one that potentially will offer users an infinite amount of free games to play.

The console will cost $99 for early bird units and $139 for Dev units, so don’t expect PS4 style graphical power but it still has some pretty impressive specs. Specs include a Custom Ubuntu OS, a Quad Core ARM Cortex-A9 processor running at 1.2GHz and the Rear Projector, microphones and camera for voice and motion gameplay (not currently available in Dev or early bird units).

So if you like the idea of a truly unique console that will potentially give you free games for life, check out the OTON X, it really is a fantastic concept. Just make sure you unplug it when it starts making games about metalic endoskeletons hunting down and exterminating mankind.

The UI Beta will start a week from now, it’s free to sign-up, will be available worldwide and playable on any PC, taking place through the Devs server and accessed via a URL

Sign-Up for the Beta, Free

Legend Of Silkroad is a great looking new MMO set in ancient Asia that sees 3 kingdoms fighting to hold supremacy of silkroad. The game features a great variety of OTT special moves, fun combat, guilds, some real historical quests, PvP and some very pretty graphics and animations. Players will also battle to take control of the Legendary Forbidden Skill, an extremely powerful weapon which allows the user to summon Devils from Hell and death angels from heaven.

Sign up for the Beta

Super Mega Bob is a beautiful retro platformer/shooter, inspired by Mega Man, The Legend of Zelda, Adventures of Lolo, and Kirby. Gameplay is fast paced and fun, with beautiful 16-bit style graphics, lots of enemies, big bosses, and awesome upgrades, including assorted hats and costumes.

It’s a wonderful slice of retro action, with vibrant visuals, fun gameplay and lots of character. Super mega retro fun.

Download the Beta, Free

Chroma is an interesting new music based FPS from Harmonix, creators of Rock Band, Amplitude, Dance Central and the upcoming Fantasia: Music Evolved.

Harmonix claim that you can play the game as a straight-up shooter, but If you understand the shape of the song, you can play the game better. Knowing the song you’re playing along to lets you understand what’s going to happen as the map evolves, giving you an edge over the competition.

Weapons are also affected by the rythm of the songs, with grenades exploding on the downbeat, rockets bending to rythmic button presses, sniper rifle power being affected by timing and a gun that locks on to enemies automatically for as long as you continue to match the beats of the song.

The unique blend of rhythm-action and FPS in Chroma is genuinely intriguing, and with their proven track record with music games, if anyone can pull off a rhythm based FPS, it’s Harmonix.

Sign up for the Alpha (PC Only)

Wayward is a fun turn-based, top-down, wilderness survival roguelike inspired by Ultima Online, Dwarf Fortress and Minecraft. It features open-ended open-world gameplay, an extensive skill system, 200 items to craft and interact with, around 20 creatures to do battle with, procedurally generated worlds with 5 distinct environments. It’s great fun exploring the world as you’re never sure what you’ll find, it’s a bit like a turn based Don’t Starve, with a touch of Minecraft and charming retro 16-bit visuals.

Download the Beta, Free

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