[Category :
] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, February 28 2007 @ 17:02 CET]Updated Call of Duty 3 for Xbox 360 review online!
[Category :
Here it is, our Call of Duty 3 review but this time it has been updated with more information regarding the recent released NEW Multiplayer MAPS!
The COD franchise changed developers for COD3 and we tell you wether this has been a good move or not.
Our updated Call of Duty 3 review is very in-depth and hopefully (if you haven't got it already) this will be your new WWII game ... or not.
Read our in-depth review of COD3 right here.
EA brings SimCity to the Nintendo DS
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, February 28 2007 @ 15:10 CET]
Electronic Arts announced today that the SimCity™ franchise is returning with SimCity™ DS, developed especially for the Nintendo DS™ platform. In addition to creating and growing their very own pocket sized city while being on-the-go, players will be able to leverage the unique action features of the Nintendo DS system, discovering an entirely new way to play this internationally acclaimed franchise. The product will make its debut to consumers worldwide in summer of this year.
True to the SimCity series, players will be able to create and control their city in the palm of their hands…and much more. Maximizing the stylus and built-in microphone controls of the Nintendo DS, SimCity DS brings to the franchise like never before the feeling of personal involvement with your city—from blowing into the microphone to put out fires in the city to signing off on mayoral proclamations with your stylus. By enabling the players to communicate with each other, the “wireless data exchange” feature brings additional interactivity into the game. As an added bonus to SimCity fans around the world, the game also offers a wide array of recognizable international landmarks to spice up your city.
“We are very excited to bring the SimCity experience to the Nintendo DS platform,” said Takahiro Murakami, Producer of SimCity DS. “The unique Nintendo DS functionalities inspired us to incorporate many new features to delight the most dedicated SimCity fans. The game is filled with fun surprises that will appeal to new and existing fans of the franchise.”
Monster Hunter Freedom 2 coming to PAL territories
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, February 28 2007 @ 13:23 CET]
Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced Monster Hunter Freedom 2 for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system.
Monster Hunter has quickly become one of the most remarkable and successful series for Capcom, with sales in excess of 2.4 million units worldwide. Capcom’s previously released Monster Hunter Portable was a runaway hit, becoming Japan’s top selling title for the PSP system, with an attach rate of about one game sold for every five systems in the country. Monster Hunter Portable 2nd has just released in Japan and is already well on its way to surpassing the previous title with remarkable initial shipment numbers. Capcom plans to release this game as Monster Hunter Freedom 2 across PAL territories in September 2007.
The non-stop epic hunt-or-be-hunted adventure continues with more content and options than ever before. Monster Hunter Freedom 2 builds on Monster Hunter2 (Dos) for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system (previously released in Japan only) and contains 50% more content than the original Monster Hunter Freedom. In this unique action-adventure game, gamers increase their play skills as they battle through breath-taking environments while defeating bloodthirsty creatures.
Players can face a variety of quests alone, but the true spirit of the game comes from playing with others. Multiplayer cooperative battles for up to four friends via wireless ad hoc mode foster team building and strategy for the ultimate battle of man vs. beast. Players can fully customize their characters, building up their abilities with armour and weaponry as they make their way through hundreds of quests. With the addition of infrastructure functionality, players will now be able to download even more content and quests.
Battlestations: Midway Marketplace levels release tomorrow
[Category :
Tomorrow , the fast growing community of Xbox 360 Battlestations: Midway players will get the chance to engage in fresh new Pacific battles as two new historical battle maps and brand new vehicles become available on Xbox Live ® Marketplace for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
The new battle maps will re-enact two epic battles from the Pacific war: The Battle of Sibuyan Sea and The Raid on Truk. Both maps and five new vehicles will be available to download from March 1st.
The Battle of the Sibuyan Sea provides a new multi player experience based on one of the major battles of the Leyte Gulf Campaign, the greatest naval warfare battle in history that effectively destroyed the Japanese fleet in October of 1944. Players command either the US Fleet featuring the USS Iowa and USS Enterprise or Japan’s finest fleet, Kurita, featuring the super battleships Yamato and the ill-fated Musashi.
The single player battle, The Raid on Truk, is based on Operation Hailstone, a massive naval air and surface attack launched by the United States Navy against the Japanese naval and air base at Truk. The devastating attack took place in mid-February 1944. Players command the US Fleet in a four phase battle starting with a P-38 air strike and leading to the command of the USS Enterprise and her screening force.
The new battles will also feature a new and unique set of air, sea, and undersea vehicles that will challenge the player’s skills and naval strategies:
P-38 Lightning
A fast, powerful and distinctive twin-engine interceptor and one of the most important American fighters of the Second World War. Its long range and twin engines made it well suited for duty in the Pacific.
Nakijima J1N1 Gekko
The first Japanese aircraft designed and built specifically to intercept and destroy other aircraft at night. It was deadly against Bombers and as a powerful kamikaze plane against ships.
USS Iowa (BB-61)
The lead battleship of its class. Nicknamed ”The Big Stick”, this famous flagship fought in numerous and significant battles in World War II and the Korean War.
IJN Shimakaze
The IJN Shimakaze (“Island Wind’) is considered to be the fastest and most powerful Destroyer of World War II and she was the only one of her class built.
Type A mini-sub
The Type A mini-sub was a two-man submarine. Difficult to detect, the Type A submarines were used during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and throughout the war.
Dave Mirra BMX heading to PSP
[Category :
Oxygen Games is proud to announce the May 2007 release of Dave Mirra BMX Challenge – the first BMX title for the PSP® (Playstation®portable) system.
The King of BMX is back and ready to shake the world of BMX once again – only this time – on the PSP® (Playstation®portable) system!
Easily the most decorated athlete in the history of the X games, Dave Mirra has dominated the competition arena for over a decade. Dave Mirra BMX Challenge lets you defy gravity wherever you go. With ad hoc wireless play for 1-4 players, challenge friends to racing and freestyle competitions and see who’s got what it takes to ride with the greatest.
Dave Mirra BMX Challenge features nine exciting environments in which to race or ride freestyle including Shipyard, Far East, Washington Heights and a NASA space shuttle! Progress through 17 challenging levels as you compete in exhibition, novice and pro circuit modes.
New Wii titles coming from Data Design Interactive
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Tuesday, February 27 2007 @ 16:53 CET]
Data Design Interactive a Leading Value Price video games publisher and games developer is pleased to announce that they have secured developer status for Nintendo Wii, and are in the process of porting 6 of their leading titles for the Wii format, the first batch will include: Monster Trux Extreme: Offroad Edition, Urban Extreme, and the Myth Makers range of Super Kart GP, Billy the Wizard, Ninja Bread Man, and Elviz - Rock n Roll Adventure these are due for release in second quarter 2007, DDI will follow these 6 with another 6 later in the year.
Stewart Green MD of Data Design Interactive, said:
We have been developers for the past 24 years and we have seen many new consoles but the Nintendo Wii controller is exciting. Rather than just offering faster graphics and more memory this is the first real innovation in hardware, and because of the ease of use and dynamic control we can see both new games and new players being brought into the games market. Our Mythmakers range of titles have sold over half a million units and with their family friendly and cartoon style they are ideally suited to this Nintendo market, but we are not playing safe. Of the 12 titles we have planned for release we also have the 18 rated EARACHE EXTREME METAL RACING. A Death metal music game, which will open up the Wii to a whole new market.
Billy the Wizard
It’s no fairytale when there’s an evil force around. Use your magical spells to attack evil dragons that have taken over the skies above ‘The Wizards Castle’. Or take part in the sorcerer’s ultimate challenge as you race alongside other wizards in the enchanting Broomstick Grand Prix.
Myth Makers Super Kart GP
Fantastic friendly fun and mad cartoon racing, rolled into lots of exciting challenges against characters, with unique abilities. Challenge your friends to leagues, cups or time trails or face a solo challenge to try to defeat the evil Mumbra.
Anubis II
The evil spirit has risen again and taken physical form. A ‘Pharaohs Curse’ has been placed over the fastest, strongest and most poisonous of Egypt’s inhabitants. The Gods have called on the only warrior that could rid the sands of these evil monsters and return peace to Egypt… The mighty Anubis.
Ninjabread Man
Candy Land is under attack! This once sweet and tasty land has been taken over by hordes of snapping Cup Cakes, Angry Bees and Jelly Monsters. Only one man can stop this evil army of monster cakes. He’s one tough cookie; a guy that won’t crumble under the pressure...... ’Ninjabread Man’ is here!
Monster Trux Extreme
This is the super-charged turbo-driven world of Monster Trux Extreme - you and your friends will be racing huge V8 powered Monster Trucks around rugged terrain, including islands and volcanoes. Race well and earn prize money, which you can use to unlock extra Trucks, levels and bonus features.
Elviz: Rock N Roll Adventures
Bash and Trash crazed instruments with Elviz's legendary guitar, or strum those strings for a bolt of Sonic Power to blast away Deadly Drums, Run, Push, Swipe and Jump your way through the massive levels with moving objects, intelligent enemies and hidden rooms! Its time to ROCK N ROLL!
THQ announce Moto GP 07 for 360 and PC
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Tuesday, February 27 2007 @ 16:49 CET]
THQ Inc. today announced that MotoGP ’07, the next evolution in the definitive motorcycle racing franchise, is expected to ship for the Xbox 360TM video game console and the PC in fall 2007.
The newest installment in the critically acclaimed series features the complete 2007 MotoGP season and an improved “race day” experience that captures the excitement and spectacle of a live MotoGP event. MotoGP ’07 will also add all-new bikes, tracks, and enhanced customization options building on the popular “Extreme” mode that allows players to race on city streets around the world.
“THQ’s MotoGP titles have shipped in excess of 1.5 million units and are critically acclaimed for pushing the limits of realism and console technology,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, THQ. “With MotoGP ‘07, THQ raises the bar yet again for both core gamers and racing enthusiasts”
About MotoGP ’07
MotoGP ‘07 is the definitive next-generation motorcycle racing title, delivering the most authentic MotoGP racing experience to date. Featuring life-like visuals, complete 2007 rider and team data, new 800cc MotoGP bikes and the newly-announced Misano event, the game’s GP mode will be more robust than ever before. The title will also feature interactive track-side crowds, intense on-line tournament features, on-line “pink-slip” racing, a revamped Extreme mode and significantly more bike and player customization options.
Alien Hominid HD crashes on Xbox Live Arcade
[Category :
The cult favourite offers high definition alien action that makes it better than ever before. “Alien Hominid HD” from The Behemoth is a side-scrolling extraterrestrial experience like no other, and will be available for download on Xbox Live Arcade® for Xbox 360™ beginning Wednesday 28th February at 08.00 GMT / 09.00 CET.
As a feisty yet adorable alien, gamers must fend off FBI agents to ensure their spaceship stays safe. With unique, hand-drawn characters and weapons, this award-winning title is the epitome of quirky humour and intergalactic fun. Sixteen levels, seven mini-games, and jump-in anytime multiplayer capability adds to the cosmic mayhem.
Game Features
· Sixteen levels and seven mini-games, including “All You Can Eat” and “PDA,” now with online multiplayer support
· Main and Mini-games high scores are tracked on the Xbox Live Leaderboard
· Multiplayer modes enable two players locally in the main game and up to four players offline or on Xbox Live in Mini-games.
· Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points
Where Can I Get It?
You can download “Alien Hominid HD” beginning 28th February at 08.00 GMT / 09.00 CET on Xbox Live Arcade and will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points.
Three New Classic Games Announced For Wii
[Category :
Today Nintendo adds three new classic games to the popular Wii™ video game system's Wii Shop Channel. The games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:
The Legend of Zelda®: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64®, 1 player, 1,000 Wii Points): The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time reveals the genesis of the fantasy land of Hyrule, the origin of the Triforce and the tale of the first exploits of Princess Zelda™ and the heroic adventurer Link. Vibrant, real-time 3-D graphics transport players into the fantasy world of Hyrule. The quest takes them through dense forests and across wind-whipped deserts. Players swim raging rivers, climb treacherous mountains, dash on horseback across rolling hills and delve into dungeons full of creatures that fight to the finish to put an end to their adventures. With immersive graphics, a sweeping story line, swashbuckling adventure, mind-bending puzzles and a touch of humor, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of Nintendo's most epic challenges ever.
Bio-Hazard Battle™ (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): An army of biogenetic mutants has gone haywire, terrorizing the world and putting the future of the planet in jeopardy. In Bio-Hazard Battle, players must take on the mutant menace and restore order and harmony to the planet Avaron before it's too late. Through eight levels of intense action, they'll be up against some of the nastiest, most vile creatures they've ever seen, including things like mega amoebas, nuclear crabs, electroworms and gut-grabbing insects. They have four different Bioship fightercraft to choose from, each with unique handling capabilities and weapons systems. Hop into a fightercraft and save Avaron from certain doom in Bio-Hazard Battle.
Chew Man Fu (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, 600 Wii Points): A novel action-puzzle game set in the sacred towers taken over by the evil sorcerer, Chew Man Fu. It's up to an apprentice female monk to free the towers and lift Chew's curse to bring peace and fried rice back to the land once ruled by the Egg Roll Dynasty. The rules are simple. The objective is to clear each round by pushing or pulling four colored orbs onto their matching colored tiles. Beware the sorcerer's minions in the tower who stand in the way. Players kick the orbs to take enemies out or to break down walls. They must overcome the obstacles and place the orbs on their respective tiles. Chew Man Fu also features the two-player Kick Ball minigame, as well as an Edit Mode for creating unique stages. The fun is endless.
Conan heading to next-gen systems in 2008
[Category :
THQ Inc. today announced plans to bring the renowned Conan® brand to the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system. Conan marks the first product in THQ’s multi-year licensing agreement to develop interactive games based on the popular character brought to life in Robert E. Howard’s original stories.
The Conan video game is expected to make its next generation debut in early 2008.
The Conan video game joins a robust lineup of licensed products for the Conan brand, which is currently celebrating the 75th anniversary of its first published story. In addition to the video game, Conan is also recognized for its brand extensions with popular action figures, motion pictures, collectible trading cards and more than 800 comic books.
“The strength and diversity of the Conan brand lends itself extremely well to the interactive format,” said Jack Sorensen, executive vice president, worldwide studios, THQ. “Through intense combat, familiar environments and next generation visuals, we believe Conan fans and action adventure enthusiasts alike are certain to embrace this future addition to the Conan universe.”
“The Conan brand has captured the hearts of dedicated fans for 75 years,” said Fredrik Malmberg, President and CEO, Paradox Entertainment. “We have enjoyed tremendous success with our brand extensions and look forward to working with THQ to bring this upcoming chapter of Conan’s ambitious journey to a video game format.”
Developed by Nihilistic Software, Conan is an action adventure video game featuring a story of epic brutality, sheer evil and visceral combat. Players will follow the journey of Conan the Cimmerian as he fights a vicious battle against a variety of enemies and an elusive power that threatens to consume the Hyborian world. Playing as Conan, players will take advantage of a deep and gratifying combat system that offers a variety of deadly weapons, fighting styles and interactive environments to battle hordes of enemies. In addition, the Conan video game will harness next generation hardware to deliver a cinematic game play experience, complete with special effects, lighting and a powerful, epic soundtrack, to capture the essence of the Conan universe.
The Sims coming to Nintendo Wii and DS ?
[Category :
Electronic Arts announced today that the company is developing MySims™, the first game in a revolutionary new line from the developers of the blockbuster franchise The Sims, designed especially for the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ platforms.
MySims introduces a charming cast of whimsical characters while delivering the creativity, customization and classic open-ended gameplay that has enchanted Sims players worldwide. Players begin by creating their own toy-like Sim that reflects their personal style and attitudes. From pig-tails and baseball caps to dreadlocks and Mohawks, the options are endless and the style is unlike any Sims game to date. By unlocking cool new clothing, hairstyles and accessories, players explore the game’s incredible depth of customization and expression… and the characters are just the beginning!
Transforming the traditional Sims gameplay for the Wii and Nintendo DS platforms, MySims moves the player to a delightful but disorganized town where – thanks to the easy and unique controls – they can re-shape everything and make it their own. The town is rundown, but the player can make it much more dynamic. Using a selection of building blocks, unique patterns and engaging creativity tools, players can design furniture and appliances, architect new homes and businesses, and re-define the entire MySims landscape!
As players explore and build up the town, they will get to know dedicated, long-time residents like the always-busy Mayor Rosalyn P. Marshall and Buddy – the mostly-lazy hotel Bellhop. Once things start to look up, they’ll meet and choose from a variety of colorful, would-be residents. Will they build a restaurant for Gino Delicioso the Italian Chef, or will they help Ocean Breeze set up his Yoga studio instead?
Design is everyone’s domain in MySims. From building a new Pizza Oven for Gino to putting the finishing touches on a new roof for Buddy’s busy hotel, each completed task will help the town grow. As it expands to new areas, players will receive special building blocks, decorations and patterns which help customize their unique creations. From furniture and buildings to the town as a whole, every choice informs how residents and visitors feel and behave.
“We want MySims to provide a creative play experience like never before on a video game system,” said Executive Producer Tim LeTourneau. “By giving players the tools to create literally any kind of world they want in MySims, we’re reinforcing the idea that the players create the magic. Will the town support a plethora of spooky, mysterious townsfolk – or buzz with the laughter and smiles of fun-loving Sims? It’s your call! In MySims, what players make… makes all the difference!”
MySims will be available for the Wii and Nintendo DS platforms in Autumn 2007.
Diddy Kong Racing DS coming in April to Europe
[Category :
Rev your engines and get into gear as Diddy Kong Racing DS accelerates its way onto Nintendo DS! Featuring new adventures, tracks and the opportunity to take on the world via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Service which to date has a staggering 3.5 million unique users and over 100 million online gameplay connections. With all this on offer racing fans will be in for a treat as Diddy Kong Racing DS roars across Europe on the Nintendo DS on 20th April 2007.
The hugely popular Diddy Kong Racing makes its debut on the Nintendo DS, capturing all the thrills and excitement of the original N64 game along with all new improvements and challenges. These include new playable characters, retextured tracks, track editor mode, brand new unlockables and if that wasn’t enough it also takes advantage of the DS microphone and touch screen for certain modes and options. In addition Diddy Kong Racing DS also takes full advantage of Nintendo’s Wi-Fi Connection service, meaning you can now race against people from around the world.
Peace has been disrupted on Timber’s Island as the evil pig wizard, Wizpig, arrives to take control. Diddy, along with 2 new characters Dixie Kong and Tiny Kong are called upon to defeat him. It’s up to you, the player, to embark on a racing adventure, using your favourite mode of transport from a choice of kart, hovercraft or airplane, and covering over 20 lush and colorful 3D tracks along the way, to banish him from the island for good!
Through playing on the unique Nintendo DS touch screen players are able to make their mark on the game by creating their own tracks and customising the icons and billboards that feature around the track. Sound effects can also be recorded with the Nintendo DS’s microphone that then plays exactly as recorded when certain actions occur. Fancy celebrating your victory to your own rendition of ‘We Are The Champions’? Now you can!
Diddy Kong Racing DS allows players to experience a range of exhilarating single and multiplayer modes. Players start the game in Adventure Mode, where they work their way through five different worlds collecting balloons to unlock new areas and come face-to-face with the evil Wizpig. Whilst competing in the different stages, challengers must keep an eye out for coins to collect along the way. These allow them to purchase vehicle upgrades and other unlockables, essential to ensure the best kart, plane or hovercraft for each race!
Once tracks have been unlocked in the game’s Adventure Mode, they are then available in Single Race Mode where players can test out and practice their racing skills. Here they also have the option of taking on the CPU or competing in a time trial to record their quickest possible time round the track. Additional challenges can also be unlocked, including the Coin Challenge previously found on the N64 game.
Some of the most exciting new features in Diddy Kong Racing DS can be found in the Multiplayer modes available. Now players can not only take on their friends, but also anyone else in the world that is ready to step up to the challenge via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Service. Using a single game card, up to eight friends can challenge each other to Single Races, Trophy Races, Battle Traces, Token Tussles and Wish Races. Connecting Diddy Kong Racing to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Service allows players to challenge up to six opponents from anywhere in the world. Here they can take part in a choice of single races, battle tracks or trophy races and make there mark as the ultimate racing champion.
So start your engines and don’t get left at the start line as Diddy Kong Racing DS launches across Europe on 20th April 2007 for the estimated retail price of around €40.
Sierra announces Empire Earth III for PC
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, February 26 2007 @ 11:43 CET]
Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, announced today that the third iteration of the multi-million unit selling real-time strategy (RTS) series, Empire Earth® is in development on PC.
Developed by Mad Doc Software, Empire Earth III builds upon the success of the popular PC Gamer and IGN Editor’s Choice Award recipient Empire Earth II and redefines RTS games with a truly global approach to world domination.
“The Empire Earth series has been the recipient of much deserved praise from the media and fans alike, making it a multi-million unit selling franchise for Sierra Entertainment,” said Cindy Cook, chief strategy and marketing officer for Vivendi Games. “Empire Earth III will take the series to the next level with its ability to capture the entire scope of the globe and give it to the hands of the player.”
Empire Earth is the only RTS series that allows players to build and rule an empire from the ancient world to the distant future, battling it out across the globe through the eons in a bid for worldwide control. Unlike other RTS games that take away the spoils of victory, Empire Earth III will offer continuous free-form gameplay that will allow players to keep units from one battle to the next.
Empire Earth III will be available on PC in fall 2007.
Add-on for Sword of the Stars announced
[Category :
Leading Publisher Lighthouse Interactive and developer Kerberos Productions today announced that they will release an Add-On for their highly acclaimed 4x space strategy title for PC “Sword of the Stars”.
“Sword of the Stars: Born of Blood” is an add-on for the Sword of the Stars universe, designed to increase the diversity, tactical depth and replay value of the ground-breaking 4X game. This expansion will unleash a new alien race, a new form of strategic movement, new ship sections, new weapons, new technologies, new scenarios and new unknown menaces. A new set of GUI, graphic updates and optimizations complete the package, making this a must-buy for players of the original game, or the perfect excuse to pick up the original and get on board. SotS:BoB has an anticipated release date of mid-April 2007. The add-on will require the original game to run.
Forged in the fires of advanced biotechnology, a new race has emerged from the shadows to threaten the SotS universe. Born of blood, driven by hunger and launched on a relentless search for the Gods that made them, these brutal warriors will stop at nothing to find “The Great Masters”. As they tear the galaxy apart, a dark new chapter in the annals of interstellar conquest will begin. Bringing with it new strategies, new weapons, and a new view of “resources”.
They call themselves The Zuul. And they have uses for you.
Erik Schreuder, Lighthouse CEO, said: “Sword of the Stars has been a great success for us and has generated a loyal following. In the end we could no longer deny the voices of the fans, who have been asking for an add-on for months.” He added: “We definitely want to see this franchise grow further and add to it being a benchmark for 4x strategy gaming. This really is addictive stuff.”
Kerberos VP Chris Stewart said: “The player community has been fantastic and with this add-on we want to incorporate fan suggestions and continue with our designs to make Sword of the Stars an ever-evolving, dedicated product that will continually challenge and engross players, both online and off. In Born of Blood we will be revealing more back-story and in-game events that will de-cloak more of the Sword of the Stars universe as well as laying down more groundwork for the future of the franchise.”
Gran Turismo HD free on PS3 Network
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, February 26 2007 @ 11:41 CET]
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) is pleased to announce the return of Gran Turismo™. The latest edition to the best-selling franchise, Gran Turismo™ HD Concept will be available on March 23, to accompany the European launch of PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) and the PLAYSTATION®Network1, the online home of PS3.
PLAYSTATION®Network is the vast network that connects PS3 owners to a world of online gaming and downloadable content, and Gran Turismo HD Concept will be amongst its first offerings. A playable one-track glimpse of the next stage in the iconic motoring title’s evolution, Gran Turismo HD Concept is available as a free download for PS3 owners from PLAYSTATION®Store (PS Store), PLAYSTATION®Network’s download site.
Players start with one car on the Eiger Nordwand track in the Swiss Alps. When the track is completed within the time limit, another car is unlocked. There are nine further cars to unlock in this way, including a Ferrari 599 – the first time a Ferrari has appeared in Gran Turismo. In another first, Gran Turismo HD Concept’s Time Trial will bring into effect the first Gran Turismo online rankings system. For the first time, players will be able to track who the best Gran Turismo driver is – and we expect a lot of dedication to be put in.
Gran Turismo HD Concept is exclusive to PLAYSTATION®Network – it can’t be found anywhere else. If you know and love Gran Turismo’s take on tuning up the world’s finest machines before thrashing them around the world’s most realistic courses, PLAYSTATION®Network will be the place to be once your PS3 is out of the box. It’s simple:
1) Connect your PS3 to Broadband
2) Follow the in pack instructions to sign up your PS3 on PLAYSTATION®Network
3) Go to the PS Store
4) Select Gran Turismo HD Concept and download for free
Key Features:
Gran Turismo HD Concept is free to download from PS Store
The first Gran Turismo title to support online rankings
Stunning 1080p High Definition graphics – only possible with the power of PS3
Next generation vehicle handling makes Gran Turismo HD Concept the most advanced Gran Turismo title yet
Players can tackle the course in regular Time Trial and new Drift Trial modes
Gamers know what they’re getting with Gran Turismo – 47 million Gran Turismo titles have been sold worldwide to date.
Price of European PS3 software announced
[Category :
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced pricing details for its first party title launch line-up, to accompany the 23rd March 2007 launch of PLAYSTATION®3.
Providing details of the prices to be charged for first party software available on both disc and through the PLAYSTATION®Network1, SCEE confirmed that its five disc based launch titles, including the highly acclaimed Motorstorm™ and Resistance: Fall of Man™ will be priced at an RRP of €59.99 (Ł39.99, AUD 99.95, NZ 109.95).
In addition to the disc based games SCEE also announced that exclusive and innovative experiences developed especially for download from the PLAYSTATION®Network such as BlastFactor, flOw and Super Rub a Dub, together with iconic gaming brands such as Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection will be made available for an introductory period at prices which range from €2.99 to €9.99 depending on the specific title.
Other first party content available on the PLAYSTATION®Network such as game items and premium video content will be priced on an easy to understand sliding scale of charges starting as low as €0.99 and increasing depending on the scope of the product. This could range from a new SingStar track to a premium pack for MotorStorm, which would include a new track, additional vehicles, liveries and multiplayer modes.
In announcing these prices, David Reeves, President and CEO of SCEE said, “Not only will it be completely free to register on the PLAYSTATION®Network with no subscription fees and access to many free demos, but with these competitive prices for additional content we are able to offer the consumer both top quality games on Blu-ray discs and a whole range of downloadable content from the PLAYSTATION®Network. With over 30 first and third party disc and network games available at launch, we are confident that this will be one of the most successful launches of all time.”
Zelda And Kid Icarus Joins The Wii Euro Virtual Console
[Category :
Gamers are in for a treat on Wii’s Virtual Console™ this week as Nintendo releases two new classics to download. Every generation, certain titles set the standard for all others. With stories so enveloping and gameplay so addictive that they define the generation. One such game, heralded by many as the greatest adventure game ever made, was The Legend of Zelda™: Ocarina of Time™ released on the Nintendo® 64.
Launched in Europe in 1998, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was developed by the legendary creators Shigeru Miyamoto (Producer) and Eiji Aonuma (Director). Featuring a quest of epic proportions, ground breaking 3D graphics and a host of exciting sub-missions and minigames, this game quickly became the most popular title in the already prestigious series. Now nine years after its launch, Wii owners can experience the adventure again for 1000 Wii Points.
This week Wii owners will also get to enjoy the popular NES title, Kid Icarus™. Some twenty years after its original release, Nintendo is bringing the classic platform title back to the Virtual Console for gamers old and new to enjoy. Players take on the role of a young angel called Pit in his struggle to defeat the minions of darkness and free the Goddess of Light from her prison in the underworld. Kid Icarus is available to download now for just 500 Wii Points.
These great games will join the list of over 50 classic titles already available for the Virtual Console in Europe.
New Hardware Specification for European PS3 ?
[Category :
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced that PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) to be launched in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australasia on 23rd March 2007 would utilise a new hardware specification.
The European PS3 will feature the Cell Broadband Engine™, 60 GB hard disc drive, Blu-ray Disc player, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, SIXAXIS™ wireless controller. It also embodies a new combination of hardware and software emulation which will enable PS3 to be compatible with a broad range of original PlayStation® (PS) titles and a limited range of PlayStation®2 (PS2) titles.
“PS3 is first and foremost a system that excels in playing games specifically designed to exploit the power and potential of the PS3 system,” said David Reeves, President of SCEE. “Games designed for PS3 offer incredible graphics quality, stunning gameplay and massively improved audio and video fidelity that is simply not achievable with PS and PS2 games. Rather than concentrate on PS2 backwards compatibility, in the future, company resources will be increasingly focused on developing new games and entertainment features exclusively for PS3, truly taking advantage of this exciting technology.”
Some additional PS2 titles will become compatible on the PS3 system through regular downloadable firmware updates, which will be made available through the PLAYSTATION®Network, from http://www.playstation.com or via PS3 game discs, with the first update planned for the launch date of the 23rd March 2007.
Users will be able to check whether their titles are compatible with PS3 at http://faq.eu.playstation.com/bc. This site will be available on 23rd March to meet launch day.
1. A device compatible with Linear PCM 7.1 Ch is required to output 7.1 ch audio, supported by Dolby TrueHD or a similar format, from the HDMI OUT connector.
2. This system does not support output from the DTS-HD 7.1 Ch. DTS-HD 7.1 Ch audio is output from a 5.1 or lower channel.
3. Usability of all storage media types is not guaranteed.
4. Certain PlayStation 2 format software titles may not perform properly on this system. Visit faq.eu.playstation.com/bc for the latest information regarding compatible titles
Crackdown Is Now Available In Europe
[Category :
Microsoft® Game Studios today announced that the highly anticipated action title “Crackdown™” is available in Europe from today. From developer Realtime Worlds and the mind of acclaimed creator Dave Jones, “Crackdown” hits store shelves with an estimated retail price of (insert local pricing).
Gamers have already made the “Crackdown” demo on Xbox Live® Marketplace the most downloaded demo within the first 24 hours as well as setting a record for total downloads during its first week of release. Since then, the demo has garnered nearly 1 million downloads in less than a month as gamers everywhere have been eagerly waiting the day that they can fully experience this nail-biting, action-packed title.
“Crackdown” is also the main route to entry into the highly sought “Halo® 3” multiplayer beta programme. All copies of “Crackdown” available at launch will be specially marked with the “Halo 3” multiplayer beta sticker. Gamers will be able to use their retail copy of “Crackdown” to gain access to the beta when it becomes available later this year.*
From Realtime Worlds, “Crackdown” pushes the action-driving hybrid genre into the next generation with the first-ever truly 3-D playground. Gamers will level up their Agent’s strength, agility, firearms, explosives and driving skills while scaling the fully vertical world of “Crackdown.” Creating a volatile cocktail of judicial oppression, players will clean up the streets of a truly interactive world when “Crackdown” hits Europe.
EA launches Wing Commander Arena onto Xbox Live Arcade
[Category :
Electronic Arts today announced the return of its beloved Wing Commander™ franchise with Wing Commander Arena in development for the Xbox LIVE® Arcade*.
With up to 16 players, Wing Commander Arena offers the largest multi-player melee experience to date on Xbox LIVE Arcade. The game is scheduled to go live worldwide on the Arcade service in Summer 2007.
Wing Commander Arena is a fast-paced space combat game where players can team up to attack other teams of ships. The game introduces the classic franchise to an arcade-style experience that allows up to 16 players online in battle at once. Players can propel their customized ship through space, fire torpedoes and unleash deadly gravity bombs as they try to climb the leader board. Online players will compete for Frag count, high score and dueling stats.
“We’re really excited to deliver unparalleled multi-player arcade action,” said Chip Lange, EA Vice President. “The design for Wing Commander will appeal to both long-time fans of the franchise and immediately engage anyone who wants the melee style action of an arcade shooter.”
Wing Commander Arena will feature four styles of play: single player, multi-team, multi-player free for all and multi-player duel. Within the game there are eight game maps that include team maps, free for all maps and dueling maps, so Wing Commander Arena offers a gameplay experience for every Arcade gamer, whether they want a quick ten minutes of action or a longer more immersive game.
Wing Commander Arena is produced and published by Electronic Arts and cooperatively developed with Gaia Industries. This is the second EA title for Xbox LIVE Arcade with EA’s first title Boom Boom Rocket set to launch this Spring.
Players must have an Xbox LIVE marketplace account to play Wing Commander Arena.
Tomb Raider: Anniversary website launches today
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Friday, February 23 2007 @ 15:07 CET]
To mark the occasion, the website is the exclusive location for the fantastic new trailer. Log on at www.tombraider.com now.
The website hosts loads of exclusive material on the new game, including the latest news, artwork, screenshots, desktop wallpapers, trailers and links to the Tomb Raider online community. You can also pre-order the game to ensure you’re one of the first to play Lara’s new adventure.
Tomb Raider: Anniversary is a brand new Lara Croft adventure based on the original Tomb Raider game, recreating and enhancing the memorable visuals, locations, enemies and storyline. Packed full of bonus features, it will be a very worthy celebration of one of gaming’s best loved and most successful gaming icons ever – Lara Croft.
Tomb Raider: Anniversary is set to be released on PS2, PSP and PC DVD in summer 2007.
THQ announce Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights
[Category :
THQ Inc. today announced Juiced™ 2: Hot Import Nights™ (HIN), the next installment in the highly successful original franchise from internal studio Juice Games.
Featuring unparalleled vehicle customization, an adrenaline packed drift racing experience and ultra-realistic “Driver DNA,” Juiced 2: HIN is the only game that allows players to showcase their skills at Hot Import Nights events.
Juiced 2: HIN is expected to make its next-generation debut on the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft® and PLAYSTATION®3 and will also be available for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system, Nintendo DS™ and Windows PC this fall.
“THQ studio Juice Games is utilizing its vast racing pedigree and proprietary technology to deliver groundbreaking new game-play features in addition to working closely with Hot Import Nights to accurately capture the tuning and street racing culture,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, THQ. “We look forward to bringing this global franchise to next-generation systems for the first time.”
“Juiced 2: HIN introduces a thrilling new drifting component and lets players personalize their experience both on and offline with ultra realistic Driver DNA,” said Colin Bell, general manager, Juice Games. “In addition to a ton of exciting new features, we’ve significantly expanded the rewarding driving experience, track choice and customization our fans have come to expect.”
“Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights is an amazing extension of the Hot Import Nights lifestyle experience, bringing the modding, characters and racing finale to life for gamers and tuning fans worldwide,” said Michael Munar, Executive Producer, APG Events/Hot Import Nights. “This is the first time a top-tier racing game has blended with a true-to-life global tuner event and we can’t wait for its release.”
About Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights
Juiced 2: HIN evolves the current street racing scene, letting players experience the culture of the real-life HIN tour, the nation’s largest lifestyle custom car show in an intense racing experience. Featuring track and drift racing at real-world locations around the globe, next-gen AI and unparalleled vehicle customization, Juiced 2: HIN brings street racing to life, allowing players to test their skills at live street racing events against a back-drop of DJs, fashion, models and musicians. Groundbreaking new features include addictive drift/ powersliding races and “Driver DNA” that tracks gamers’ personal driving traits. These profiles, along with the profiles of select celebrities will be available for download across all online gaming systems. Elite racing developer Juice Games has evolved the game-play that revolutionized online racing, giving players the power to create their car, assemble their crew and put it all on the line in intense pink slip and crew races. Gamers will also be able to bet cash on each event, bringing a gambling element to the game that greatly increases the importance of each race.
Announcement of Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
[Category :
Electronic Arts and Pandemic Studios, one of the world’s leading independent game developers, today announced that Mercenaries 2: World in Flames™, will ship simultaneously on four platforms worldwide – the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and PC – in holiday 2007.
“Mercenaries 2: World in Flames delivers the next evolution in explosive open world gameplay – regardless of the system you play it on,” said Pandemic Studios CEO Andrew Goldman. “All four platforms are incredible gaming machines, and from the beginning we designed an experience that accentuates their individual strengths and delivers the interactive freedom and explosive action Mercenaries fans demand.”
“EA Partners is proud to team up with Pandemic Studios to help execute a seamless, simultaneous global release for Mercenaries 2: World in Flames on four platforms,” said EA Partners vice president and general manager, David DeMartini. “The team at Pandemic Studios is building an incredible game that will blow away gamers in all regions of the world.”
PlayDevil reviews Lost Planet: Extreme Condition for 360 !
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Thursday, February 22 2007 @ 16:41 CET]
After playing the multiplayer demo of "Lost Planet" over and over again, the game was finally released last month here in Europe.
And oh boy, what a surprise!
Lost Planet is everything you wish for in a third-person shooter game.
Plenty of action, great weapons and enemies and big big bosses ! Perhaps too short in single-player?
Find out and read our in-depth review of "Lost Planet here.
Hudson Entertainment Brings Chew Man Fu To Wii Virtual Console
[Category :
Hudson Entertainment, the North American publishing arm for Hudson Soft, today announced that they are bringing the classic puzzle game Chew Man Fu to both the Wii Virtual Console and mobile phones. Both versions of the game remain true to the original, combining colorful graphics with clever gameplay, and are expected to launch within the next month.
In Chew Man Fu, players must roll 4 magic spheres onto tiles that match the each sphere’s respective color, while avoiding enemies, in order to complete each level. Each sphere has unique properties to discover, which add another element of puzzle solving to the game; for example, one ball is better at breaking walls than the others. It is up to the player to free the Egg Roll Kingdom from the curse of the evil wizard, Chew Man Fu!
"Chew Man Fu represents an era of gameplay during which Hudson established itself as a creator of fun games that were easy to pick up and play, and also appealed to a wide range of gamers," said John Greiner, president of Hudson Entertainment. "With such a fantastic catalog of games released over the last 30 years, Hudson is in a great position to bring back some of these classics to a whole new generation of gamers."
About Chew Man Fu:
Originally launched on the TurbofGrafx-16 in 1990, the game charmed players with its colorful visuals and simple, yet addictive gameplay. This classic action/puzzle game saw limited release back then, but is now available to fans on both the Wii Virtual Console and on cell phones. The overall design appeals to gamers of all ages, and to both boys and girls.
Wii Virtual Console Version
The original Chew Man Fu is coming to the Virtual Console. Just like in the original Turbografx-16 version of Chew Man Fu, players must roll 4 magic spheres onto tiles that match the each sphere’s respective color, while avoiding enemies, in order to complete each level. Each sphere has unique properties to discover, which add another element of puzzle solving to the game; for example, one ball is better at breaking walls than the others. Fans can play through all of the original 50+ levels, culminating with a race against the clock to defeat Chew Man Fu’s toughest minions. The original version of the game also featured a 2-player kickball mode, which you can compete against a friend. It is up to the player to free the Egg Roll Kingdom from the curse of the evil wizard, Chew Man Fu!
Wii Are No. 1 ... in America !
[Category :
Nintendo's new Wii™ has become the best-selling video game system of any kind in January in the United States, and the fastest-selling new-generation home system. According to the independent NPD Group, Wii sold through 435,503 systems to customers in its January reporting period. By comparison, that's 70 percent higher than any other new video game system in its first January of availability during the last 10 years.
In addition, Nintendo DS™ once again triumphed as the top-selling portable system, with nearly 239,000 hardware and more than 2.4 million software units sold. In combination, Nintendo game systems accounted for nearly as many unit sales (46 percent of the total market) as those of all other manufacturers combined.
The continuing success of Wii and DS demonstrates that the public has embraced Nintendo's philosophy of entertaining current gamers in new ways, and expanding gaming for the masses. Four of the top 10 best-selling games in January were for Nintendo systems, both home and portable.
The only limit on Nintendo's success is the availability of Wii and DS systems, which continue to sell out as fast as Nintendo can ship them. Shipments are being made continuously to feed the huge demand around the country.
New Release Date for UFO: Extraterrestrials
[Category :
Tri Synergy, Inc. (www.trisynergy.com) has sent word that a new release date has been set for the latest addition to the popular UFO series, UFO: Extraterrestrials. The highly anticipated sequel to an already addictive and innovative series will now be available to gamers on March 16th, 2007.
UFO: Extraterrestrials is set in 2025 on the newly colonized planet Esperanza, where mankind’s foray into outer space has a meeting with alien life. However, these extraterrestrials aren’t just interested in contact; they’re out for blood and riches. In defense of their fledgling outer space outpost, the player is summoned by the Esperanza government to face this threat from deep space.
The player will have at their disposal squads of soldiers, light and heavy support combat vehicles, robots and air units located in bases throughout the Esperanza.In addition, UFO: Extraterrestrials combines global strategy with small, squad-based tactical combat against an alien invasion. To repel the alien invasion the player must take full advantage of the terrain and his surrounding environments.
New Xbox 360 Tetris coming from THQ
[Category :
THQ Inc. today announced plans to bring Tetris® Evolution, the newest version of the puzzle genre powerhouse, to Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in March 2007.
The Tetris brand has sold more than 70 million units worldwide across more than 30 game systems since its first release in 1985. Tetris Evolution will bring the brand to the next-generation for the first time with all new gameplay modes, multiple customizations, as well as Xbox Live capabilities.
“The Tetris series has been entertaining people of all ages for 20 years and has delivered unprecedented appeal and longevity in gaming,” said Kelly Flock, executive vice president of worldwide publishing, THQ. “With its predecessor, THQ’s Tetris Worlds, having sold more than two million copies to date, we can’t wait to debut Tetris Evolution on the Xbox 360 to show how the game has further evolved.”
In Tetris Evolution, players will enjoy not only traditional Tetris gameplay but numerous new modes including “Go Low” and “Eraser” for both single and multiplayer. The multiplayer mode not only allows for up to four players on a single console, but players can now compete with up to four players via the Xbox Live® online entertainment service. Contributing to the online experience are the new intelligent matchmaking system, which pits players against others within their skill level, as well as the online ladder system, which will enable players to track their overall skill level and accumulate Xbox Live achievement points to increase their Gamerscore. Tetris Evolution will allow players to take advantage of Xbox 360’s high-definition capabilities with intense graphics that make the Tetriminos appear to pop off the screen and more than a dozen high-definition background videos. The game will also feature customizable themes, skins, icons and soundtracks to create a personalized gaming experience.
Metal Slug Anthology Ships for PSP
[Category :
SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION, the U.S. publishing arm of the SNK PLAYMORE CORPORATION, announced today that METAL SLUG ANTHOLOGY for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system is shipping to retailers across North America.
METAL SLUG ANTHOLOGY celebrates the 10th anniversary of one of the greatest action arcade franchises of all time. Included in the complete collection are METAL SLUG, METAL SLUG 2, METAL SLUG X, METAL SLUG 3, METAL SLUG 4, METAL SLUG 5, and the latest entry in the series, METAL SLUG 6.
Steven Hopper of GameZone called METAL SLUG ANTHOLOGY “A fun, albeit no-frills, collection of one of the most beloved franchises in arcade gaming and a great value for hardcore fans of the series.”
“METAL SLUG ANTHOLOGY fans’ dreams are realized with this complete collection,” said Ben Herman, president of SNK PLAYMORE USA CORPORATION. “With the PSP® system version now available and the PlayStation®2 system version coming soon, gamers will have two more ways to enjoy all the non-stop action they’ve come to expect from the METAL SLUG series.”
METAL SLUG ANTHOLOGY is also available for Wii TM, and the PlayStation® 2 system version will be available in April 2007.
Hotel Dusk: Room 215 set for Euro April release on DS
[Category :
From the makers of ‘Another Code: Two Memories’, this compelling and multi layered mystery title thrusts players into the midst of a gripping adventure, which they must unravel piece by piece to reveal the hidden secrets. Hotel Dusk: Room 215 launches across Europe on the Nintendo DS on the 13th April, 2007.
Hotel Dusk is a gripping adventure which captures all of the excitement of a good mystery novel. As the game progresses, the immersive and intriguing storyline means players will not want to put their Nintendo DS down until they know what happens next, just like a great book. To add to the literary feel of this enthralling adventure, players must hold the Nintendo DS vertically like a book as they guide the main character Kyle through his mysterious surroundings using the touch screen.
Players take on the role of retired New York cop Kyle Hyde, who flees the big apple following his involvement in the disappearance of his close friend, Bradley. Kyle now works as a salesman for Red Crown Company in California and one night in December 1979 stops for the night in a mysterious old hotel in the middle of the desert. It soon becomes apparent to Kyle that everything is not as it seems. The players must piece together the many missing elements of his past that are entwined with the residents of Hotel Dusk, such as Louis DeNonno a former New-York pickpocket whose best friend was killed by a man known only as ‘J’ and Mila, a mysterious young girl with the same bracelet his best friend wore three years ago before he disappeared.
Thanks to the Nintendo DS’s dual screens, players can view the full 3D environment they are exploring on the left and a map they can navigate around using the stylus on the right. In order to investigate locations in more detail, players can ‘swap’ the view and employ the stylus to check objects and items of interest. This unique feature provides players with a real sense of freedom in the game as they can explore every inch of every room and leave no stone unturned.
Puzzle solving is an important feature of Hotel Dusk and one that helps progress the intricate storyline. At the end of each chapter, Kyle recaps the important clues and plot elements that he has discovered during his investigation through a mini-quiz. Players can also take notes in Kyle’s notepad using the stylus – just like a real detective! These elements all help to contribute to a longer, more intricate level of gameplay than its predecessor, ‘Another Code’.
As things get tense and Kyle nears the conclusion of his adventure, players will find their blood pumping faster and their nerves on edge. Hotel Dusk’s compatibility with the Nintendo DS Rumble Pak further adds to this excitement as the force feedback coincides with vital moments in the game’s plot ensuring the player’s complete immersion in this mind-boggling mystery.
This nail bitingly exciting game is sure to have you hooked! Hotel Dusk: Room 215 launches across Europe on Nintendo DS on 13th April 2007 at an estimated retail price of around Ł30.
Prove your GOW skill and beat the Epic Team !
[Category :
Xbox and Epic are inviting Xbox Live gamers across Europe to test their skills playing Gears of War against Epic Games, the developer of the game! From 1900 to 2100 GMT on Saturday 24th February, the Epic team, led by Lead Designer Cliffy B and Vice President Mark Rein, will be taking on gamers from the 5 million strong Xbox Live global community.
Marcus Fenix wannabes are being asked to check their chainsaws and grab some ammo, because this is their chance to find out if they can mix it with the guys who created the game!
The battles will take place on the Old Bones and Raven Down maps, both available now for free download on Xbox Live Marketplace. Gamers who want to take part just have to add any of the GamerTags below to their Friends List (please note that Cliffy B and Mark Rein will be playing in most games), get on Xbox Live between 1900 and 2100 GMT (2000 and 2200 CET) on Saturday 24 February, then wait for the invitation to play the developers of Gears of War!
Who GamerTag
Mark Rein, Vice President EPICEMEAMR
Cliff Bleszinski, Lead Designer EPICEMEACB
Rod Fergusson, Producer EPICEMEARF
Lee Perry, Lead Level Designer EPICEMEALP
Jim Brown, Level Designer EPICEMEAJB
Dave Nash, Level Designer EPICEMEADN
Ray Davis, Lead Programmer EPICEMEARD
Joe Graf, Programmer EPICEMEAJG
Rob McLaughlin, Programmer EPICEMEARM
Pete Hayes, Artist EPICEMEAPH
Additional Epic Staff EPICEMEA01
EPICEMEA02
EPICEMEA03
EPICEMEA04
EPICEMEA05
SEGA announces puzzler Crush for PSP
[Category :
Developer and publisher "SEGA" has announced a new puzzler for the Sony PSP.
Here's more info:
Unique to its genre, Crush flips traditional gameplay on its head and creates a valuable new gaming experience that is wholly suited to the PSP. Set within a complex, hypnotic 3D world, players can Crush it to form simple 2D platforms, unlock secrets and then back again, to solve otherwise impossible challenges.
Crush story and characters
Danny, the main character and hero of Crush, has been hospitalised for insomnia. A troubled hero and a nervous wreck, Danny’s subconscious swims in unresolved issues. Sleeping is all he can think about, but thinking does nothing to actually help him drift away. It is his restless troubles that lead him to seek out help and ultimately to Dr. Reubens.
Dr Reubens, considered by some as a maverick psychologist, but by others as simply a raving mad scientist. Pioneering a new field in medicine, he is convinced his miracle machine will get to the bottom of Danny's troubles and in turn win him the academic acclaim he’s due. The problem is Dr. Reubens solutions aren’t strictly above board, but his patients don’t need to know that do they…?
C.R.U.S.H. Dr Reubens' pride and joy, C.R.U.S.H. is the very latest in psychotherapy. The name stands for Cognitive Regression Utilizing pSychiatric Heuristics and according to Dr Reubens, the processing power is matched only by its beauty. What makes C.R.U.S.H. unique is the ability to re-frame a patient's problems. While under hypnosis, C.R.U.S.H. will allow Danny to move between 3D and 2D as he navigates his neuroses and comes to terms with the secrets of his past.
New Wii Classic Games for NA gamers
[Category :
Today Nintendo adds four new classic games to the popular Wii™ video game system's Wii Shop Channel. The games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:
Donkey Kong™ Country (Super NES®, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): Donkey Kong Country is an incredible island adventure, and the first game to feature Donkey Kong's sidekick, Diddy Kong®. Challenged by the crazed tribe of reptilian Kremlings, the Kongs face their cunning adversaries armed with lightning-quick moves, chest-pounding muscle and awesome aerial acrobatics. The duo also gets help from a host of friends and family, from Funky Kong™, Cranky Kong™ and Candy Kong™ to Rambi™ the rhino, Expresso™ the ostrich, Enguarde™ the swordfish, Squawks the parrot and Winky the frog. This game has more than 30 levels, plus dozens of hidden caves and secret rooms - more than 100 areas in all. Help the Kongs recover their stolen banana hoard!
The Legend of Kage (NES®, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points): This classic ninja-action game first appeared in arcades in 1985 and became instantly popular. As the Iga ninja named "Kage," players embark on an action-packed quest as they move toward a magic castle where the Princess "Kiri" is held captive by "Yohshirou Yukikusa." To stay alive, players move vertically and horizontally through forest and castle environments and execute massive jumps, all the while using throwing-star knives and a sword to take down hordes of enemies.
New Adventure Island (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points): On peaceful Adventure Island, the islanders are celebrating the wedding of Master Higgins and Tina, the "Miss Island Queen." Suddenly, the celebration is interrupted by the appearance of Baron Bronsky and his henchmen, who kidnap Tina and the island children. Master Higgins must set out to rescue the children and his beloved Tina in this side-scrolling action game. Throw hatchets and boomerangs, hop on skateboards and guide Master Higgins safely to the goal in each area. New Adventure Island consists of seven exciting stages. Each stage is split into four areas, with a boss waiting at the end of the final area. Defeat all the bosses and release the kidnapped children. And waiting in the castle of the final stage - the wicked Baron Bronsky. Help Master Higgins defeat him and reclaim his bride.
Streets of Rage™ (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): The city was once a happy, peaceful place...until one day, a powerful secret criminal organization took over. This vicious syndicate soon had control of the government and even the police force. The city has become a center of violence and crime where no one is safe. Amid this turmoil, a group of determined young police officers has sworn to clean up the city. Among them are Adam Hunter, Axel Stone and Blaze Fielding. They've decided to put their lives on the line and take back their city through their special hand-to-hand combat abilities. They are willing to risk anything, even their lives, on the Streets of Rage.
Armored Core 4 joins PlayStation 3
[Category :
Publisher 505 Games is pleased to today announce the April 27th release of Armored Core 4 on PlayStation 3.
Armored Core 4 is the latest title in the historic mech-battling action and simulation saga, and is the first ‘next-generation’ incarnation of the internationally beloved franchise. This dazzling brand new chapter offers the ultimate in fast-paced, high octane mech simulation.
Armored Core 4 exploits the awesome power of PlayStation 3 to deliver astounding visuals and eye-watering special effects, including dynamic lighting and shadows, swirling water and mysterious fog. Mech designs benefit from massively more detailed 3D models and the arenas and environments now offer a giant leap in interactivity and detail. Players can use these interactive features to their advantage, for instance by smashing open arena walls to let in the light and search for enemies, or by hiding in water to ambush rivals.
The classic customisation returns in full effect in Armored Core 4. Every element of the game is designed to offer players the highest possible level of customisation when designing and building their mechs. With just a few simple and intuitive steps, players can augment their creations with serious weaponry, external armour and internal hardware and then fine tune and tweak each unit for best performance. The possibilities are almost infinite! Players are able to test drive their creations in a series of trials and then, when ready for battle, challenge other mechs in order to advance through the exciting tournaments and leagues.
Multiplayer modes feature heavily in Armored Core 4, with deathmatch games and most importantly, full online support for battling with international players as well as exchanging match data, emblems and even entire robot creations.
With its abundance of features, awesome destructive firepower and fast-paced action, coupled with the incredible level of detail in customising mechs, Armored Core 4 is a sure-fire hardcore action game smash.
Monster Madness In April to Xbox 360
[Category :
SouthPeak Interactive has confirmed that its third-person action title, Monster Madness, will be released in the UK for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows® in April 2007.
Developed by Artificial Studios, Monster Madness sees a group of teenagers pitted against an onslaught of supernatural enemies in a typical slice of small-town American suburbia. Making good use of the Unreal 3 graphics engine for a top-down viewing perspective, Monster Madness’ world is brought to life with advanced physics middleware from Ageia, making sure that the action is suitably dynamic.
The game’s light-hearted approach to supernatural urban invasion involves a thick layer of horror satire, demonstrated in part by the 50 different enemy types - each one with their own offensive and defensive techniques for the player to overcome. Armed to the teeth with a variety of distinctive weapons, the stage is set for a hilarious battle through 20 huge levels of intense blasting, slicing, gouging and physics-based puzzling that gives a nod to both the old-school and modern action genres.
Monster Madness provides its means of gleeful destruction through a customisable weapons system, with a splendid array of vehicles to up the mayhem ante. Players can take to the streets in go-karts, UFOs, hovercraft and even robotic suits as they battle to clear each level of evil attackers. They can also create, upgrade and customise their weapons of choice from components spread around the game’s levels. Combatants will even get the chance to transform into iconic horror figures, battling as a vampire, werewolf, zombie or mummified corpse.
Up to four players can take on the evil tide co-operatively or indulge in competitive multiplayer action that includes Deathmatch and Capture The Flag modes, where the player count is upped to sixteen participants. With co-op play dynamic enough to allow players to drop in and out at any time, Monster Madness is set to become a living-room favourite for trigger-happy gamers.
Monster Madness will be released for Xbox 360 and Games for Windows in April 2007.
Capcom To Release Downloadable Map Packs For Lost Planet
[Category :
Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced plans to offer downloadable multiplayer map packs for Lost Planet™: Extreme Condition for Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
The first map pack will cost 400 Microsoft Points™, with pricing on the following packs to be determined later. Lost Planet, which carries a PEGI 16 rating, can be found on retail shelves around the world.
The first pack is planned to be released via Xbox Live® Marketplace on or about March 9 and contains two new multiplayer levels: “Radar Field,” a close quarters facility which is under construction and has a giant radar that provides an excellent vantage point, and “Island 902,” a sprawling Pacific-themed battlefield with several islands connected by bridges as well as vast underwater areas. Additionally, “Battleground,” a multiplayer map originally offered exclusively to those who purchased the Limited Edition of the game, will be made available for free to all Lost Planet players. The next two packs, as well as the free Battleground map will be made available in the coming months.
Lost Planet is an epic gaming masterpiece combining a gripping single player campaign and intense multiplayer modes with support for up to 16 players on the Xbox Live® online game service. Taking full advantage of Xbox 360 system’s power, Lost Planet contains sophisticated visuals, with an unmatched level of detail as advanced light sourcing is used to ensure a realistic presentation that enhances every explosion, smoke and particle effect. Enormous world maps unfold as players battle hostile creatures in blistering weather conditions across vast snowfields and deserted cities either on foot or in armed, robotic Vital Suits.
Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai 2 coming to EURO PSP
[Category :
Atari today announced the forthcoming release of NAMCO BANDAI Games’ Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai 2 for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable), the sequel to Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai, one of the best selling PSP games launched in 2006.
Developed by Dimps, published by NAMCO BANDAI Games and distributed in Europe by Atari, Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai 2 for PSP is scheduled for European release in May 2007.
The game takes the intense 2-player Wireless battles and thrilling combative gameplay made popular in last year’s hit to the next level. Featuring an improved fighting system with over 50 new fighting skills and ultimate attacks, Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai 2 gives players the power to play heroes and villains from the DBZ, Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball worlds. In addition to these all-new features, players will follow a completely new story arc following the future world of Trunks on his adventures against rival Majin Buu.
Dragon Ball Z is the gold standard of anime-based video games, with more than 26 different games and over 10 million units sold since May 2002.
Samurai Warriors 2 Empires reaches GOLD status
[Category :
KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that SAMURAI WARRIORS®2 EMPIRES has reached gold status.
The Tactical Action game set in Feudal Japan will be available for both the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Consumers can purchase the game at many North American retailers beginning February 28, 2007.
About SAMURAI WARRIORS 2 EMPIRES
SAMURAI WARRIORS 2 EMPIRES combines the most exciting aspects of Action, Fighting and Strategy games. At the start of the game Feudal Japan is divided into warring states and it is up to the player to resurrect a nation using equal amounts of strategy and strength! The game’s ultimate goal is to unite Japan’s 25 regions into a single nation under one ruler. Prior to each battle, the player will meet with their war council to discuss military and political affairs; then it’s time for combat.
SAMURAI WARRIORS 2 EMPIRES is the first in KOEI’s successful line of “Empires” games to be set in Japan. Accordingly, the game’s deck of 90 policy cards, used to issue military commands and impose political policies, is boosted by 50 new cards inspired by Japanese history, while all-new formation cards are based on historically-authentic samurai attack formations.
Special events in the game chronicle major turning points in Japan’s history including “The Honnôji Incident” where the powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga, met his demise, and “The Battle of Kawanakajima,” considered the largest and most prolonged encounter of the Warring States era.
Key product features include vicious multi-Musou attacks with up to four officers, 5 “Unification” scenarios plus 6 “Regional” scenarios, over 400 playable characters to choose from, a create your own warrior mode, as well as 2-player co-op play.
Q*Bert joins the PS3 network
[Category :
Q*bert™, the colorful, loveable and jumpy character the children of the 80s have grown to love, is now in High Definition on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.
Download Q*bert from the PLAYSTATION® Network and navigate through the pyramid levels, but watch out for his nemesis, Coily, and his gaggle of friends.
ABOUT Q*BERT: A Timeless Classic: Relive the classic arcade action and simple elegance of one of the 80’s most timeless arcade classics.
Classic Arcade Action Now for PLAYSTATION 3: Navigate pyramid levels all now in stunning quality on the PLAYSTATION 3.
Worldwide Online Leaderboards: Post and compare your high score against the best players in the world. Who will become the Supreme Noser?
For more information visit www.station.com/downloads
or http://www.station.sony.com/ps3downloads/qbert/
WHEN:
Q*bert® is scheduled for release on February 22, 2007 for the suggested retail price of $4.99
Harvest Moon arrives for the DS in Europe
[Category :
Harvest Moon is arriving on Nintendo DS across Europe, so if you fancy yourself as a bit of a dab hand around the garden, now is the chance to put your green fingers to the test. Or if that doesn’t take your fancy, simply enjoy a peaceful life on your very own farm as Harvest Moon DS sows its seeds onto Nintendo DS on 13th April 2007.
Your farm in Forget-Me-Not-Valley is waiting for you - tend to the flocks, cultivate your own seed variants into the best produce available, explore different locations, hunt for hidden treasure or even fish in the river. Use the unique touch-screen on the Nintendo DS to raise and interact with the animals by petting and caring for them. In return the happy animals will reward you with higher quality milk, eggs and wool. The bottom screen on the DS displays the menu interfaces and status screens which can be easily navigated through using the Nintendo DS Stylus, whereas the second screen allows you to view a section of the town or farm in real time which is handy if you need to keep track on any mischievous animals that may have run away from the farm.
Planting seeds, harvesting crops in the right season and looking after your cows, chickens and sheep will help you in running a successful farm which in turn will help to release the Harvest Goddess and Harvest Sprites from the world that the Witch Princess has transported them to. Freeing and unlocking the Sprites is certainly a benefit to you as they will then help you with your daily farming tasks, and in return, leave you with more time to sit back and relax.
However if all that just sounds like too much hard work and all you want to do is enjoy the calm, relaxing and social aspect of living in Forget-Me-Not-Valley by building up relationships with up to 25 villagers through chatting to them and giving them presents, then Harvest Moon DS is still the game for you.
April 13th 2007 is the date to put in your diaries as Harvest Moon DS ploughs its way across Europe on Nintendo DS at an estimated retail price of around Ł30.
New European Virtual Console games for Wii
[Category :
This week WiiˇŻs Virtual Console has shifted up a gear to delight speed freaks across Europe. To celebrate the launch of high-octane off-road racer Excite Truck on the Wii, Virtual Console users will be able to rediscover ˇČExcitebike˘âˇČ the classic game that inspired it. Launching on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, this fast paced racer was one of the first titles to allow players to adjust the pitch of their bike after a jump to correctly land as well as being one of the first ever racing games with a Track Builder. Excitebike is now available to download from the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points.
Wii owners will also be treated with a selection of other Nintendo classics. The original home console appearance of Kirby can once again be enjoyed, in ˇČKirbyˇŻs Adventure˘âˇČ originally for the Nintendo Entertainment System. This title features vast worlds, unlockable bonus levels and addictive minigames. It is available to download for 500 Wii Points.
ˇČR-Type III˘â: Third LightningˇČ, an adrenaline filled side-scrolling shooter which made its debut on the Super Nintendo, is now available to download for 800 Points. This game was arguably the best in the R-Type series and saw the introduction of a refined weapon charging system.
New Adventure Island originally for the Turbografx (PC Engine), is also now available to download for 600 Wii Points. This adventure title, originally released by Hudson on the NES as Adventure Island Classic, is the first in a highly successful series of titles.
These great games will join the 49 classic titles already available for the Virtual Console in Europe.
Zorro puts his mark on Nintendo Wii
[Category :
Publisher 505 Games today donned its mysterious black cape, mask and gaucho to announce it will be publishing The Destiny of Zorro exclusively on Nintendo Wii. The Destiny of Zorro, developed by California-based Pronto Games, is scheduled for an international release in late 2007.
Players will make an incredible action-packed journey through the sun-scorched coast and desert landscape of early 1800’s Spanish California playing as the infamous Zorro – the swashbuckling defender of the oppressed whose secret identity is the fictional wealthy caballero Don Diego de la Vega. Using the unique properties of the Wii controller, players can whip, slice and of course perform Zorro’s signature ‘Z’ slash move to bring his foes to justice.
The Destiny of Zorro draws inspiration from the Mexican, Spanish and Native Southwest American cultures prevalent in California in the early 1800’s – the time of the original Zorro. The multi-tiered story sees Zorro confronting the nefarious Calavera and his troops, defeating a plot to steal a great treasure, thwarting a power-hungry mob boss, and facing off against a rebel army. Players will discover the secrets behind the origin of Zorro himself. The game also carries forward some of the explosive plot lines suggested by recent Zorro properties, such as the recent blockbuster Hollywood movies.
“Swashbuckling Zorro is the perfect character for the Nintendo Wii,” commented Randy Angle, President and Creative Director Pronto Games. “We had a very short list of characters when we first considered making an action game for the Nintendo Wii… Zorro is a natural… using the Wii remote and the nunchuk controller players are in for a real treat as they slash and swing their way through Zorro’s story.”
Scheduled for a late 2007 release, The Destiny of Zorro, developed by Pronto Games and published by 505 Games, promises action, romance and, by use of the innovative Wii controller, the unique thrill of ‘becoming’ the great hero himself!
Rainbow Six Vegas XBox 360 Player's Pack Red Edition
[Category :
Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest videogame publishers, today announced the full list for the upcoming release of Player’s Pack Red Edition, an all new downloadable content (DLC) package coming up for Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six ® Vegas, exclusively for the Xbox 360™, video game and entertainment system.
Scheduled to be available via the Xbox LIVE! ® Marketplace at the end of March, this premium content package will enrich and extend the original game by allowing players to continue with five more playable multiplayer maps and two new game modes. More information regarding the upcoming Player’s Pack Red Edition content for Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas will be announced in the near future. Until then, take a look below for an outline of content this update consists of:
Three Brand New MP Adversarial Maps: Three brand new MP maps are included for a brand new Vegas multiplayer experience.
Doscala Restaurant – This well known Italian restaurant is located in the heart Las Vegas, near the famous Fremont Street.
Marshalling Yard – This century-old service yard is situated in the center of an industrial district. Still active today, it is primarily used to store cars, but is also equipped with cleaning and maintenance facilities.
Roof - A Coffee Factory has been overrun in the continuing gang violence that is wreaking havoc in this border town. The strategic positioning of the factory makes it highly desirable to control, making it a focal point of the violence.
Two Revisited; Relit MP Adversarial Maps: Two favorite Rainbow Six Vegas MP maps are revisited and relit for a new gameplay experience.
Border Town – Redux
Killhouse - Redux
Two New Modes: Two all new game modes that can be played in the 10 original maps and the five new maps add upon Vegas’ long list of available game types.
Assassination mode - The goal of the Attackers is to eliminate a high-value asset of the Defenders, who in turn will try to defend and escort the VIP to his extraction Zone.
Total Conquest - This is a team-oriented, static control-point game mode where each map contains three “Mobile Radar Installations” (control points). To win, a team must activate and maintain control of at least one of the three Mobile Radar Installations locations for a given period of time.
Marc Ecko Creates New Game Division
[Category :
Fashion designer Marc Ecko expanded his videogame offerings today with the formal announcement of Marc Ecko Entertainment, a newly formed organization focused on originating, funding, and developing interactive properties. The new division, to be headed by Marc Ecko Enterprises’ (“MEE”) veteran Mike Lynch, will focus on initiating and identifying innovative games, as well as working with publishers to bring them to market.
“Our goal is to expand creativity in videogames – we want to try brand new things,” said Marc Ecko, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of MEE. “There are so many great ideas out there that either aren’t getting the attention they need or are being completely ignored. We will work with the visionaries of the medium and get these inventive titles in the hands of gamers.”
“Since the launch of Marc’s first game, ‘Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure’, last year, we have begun cultivating new game concepts, funding interesting titles that were already in development, and keeping an eye out for progressive ideas,” said Mr. Lynch, President of Marc Ecko Entertainment. “One of our initial projects is with a developer that was responsible for one of the biggest hits of 2006. We’ll be announcing details on this game very soon.”
The Con for PSP coming early in March
[Category :
The Sony PSP® will find itself endowed with an entirely new and unique take on the fighting game genre in early March 2007. The Con was previously released in the US, but SouthPeak Games have confirmed that the version that reaches UK shores will come with a set of enhancements based on user feedback.
Developed in Japan by Think And Feel Inc, The Con tells the story of a fighter indebted to an influential organiser of illegal street fights. Obviously, the game’s objective is to make money through fighting, but all is not as it seems and not all fights are created equal.
In some clashes, the player will have to take their fair share of tactical losses as well as striving for pugilistic victory. This skewing of priorities is supported by a betting system that allows the player to gamble on either side winning each fight. This opens up new avenues for generating cash via subterfuge and feint as well as guile and technique, where making money may be more important than winning with honour.
The Con’s versatile fighting engine opens up tactical possibilities never seen before in a fighting game. Punches can be faked, guards can be deliberately lowered and dives to the floor can be initiated, making The Con the only game where losing a fight can benefit the player more than winning – provided it’s done convincingly. If the crowd don’t buy your performance, you’ll lose your winnings. Fights aren’t strictly a one-on-one affair, either. Battles can involve up to three fighters on each side.
The Con also provides a remarkable amount of player customisation. The player’s team of three characters can be moulded with an exemplary range of appearance-altering options. Physique, clothing and accessories are all up for modification and the ability to import photographs allows for an infinite number of player faces – familiar, famous or otherwise.
Also part of The Con’s complex package is the multiplayer mode, which takes a traditional route of providing one-on-one matches. Single-UMD game sharing is included, but players with two copies of The Con get the added benefit of being able to place unlocked items as a stake in their victory.
As part of the enhancements introduced for the European release of The Con, players will find loading times have been shortened and tweaks have been made to the overall difficulty level.
This refined version of The Con will be released for the Sony PSP® on March 2nd.
Eidos To Release Infernal
[Category :
Eidos Interactive, one of the world’s leading publishers and developers of entertainment software, can confirm the release of Dutch publisher Playlogic’s exciting new action title Infernal for PC on 23rd February 2007.
Infernal features a gripping storyline which takes players on an action-packed journey in a supernatural battle between Heaven and Hell. Gamers take on the role of Ryan Lennox – a fallen angel recruited by the Devil to restore the balance of good and evil. Lennox embarks upon a dangerous journey into a world of deception and betrayal, armed with special abilities and military grade weaponry.
“This is a third person shooter with a difference, Lennox is a supernatural mercenary with a heavily stocked armoury of superior firepower and a few extraordinary powers to help him in his sinister spiritual quest.” Said Larry Sparks, Head of Brands Management, Eidos.
Developed by Metropolis Software, Infernal takes advantage of the latest technological advances including real-life physics using Ageia’s PhysX engine. The game also boasts superior artificial intelligence offering gamers a world of enemies that are able to coordinate attacks and evade danger and return fire when under attack.
Infernal will be released on PC on 23rd February 2007.
Atari's Silverfall goes gold
[Category :
Atari, one of the world’s most recognized brands and a third-party video game publisher, today announced that development is complete on the 3D action role-playing game (RPG) Silverfall.
Developed by Monte Cristo Games, Silverfall is rated ‘T’ for Teen and will be available in North America for the Windows platform on March 20, 2007 for a suggested retail price of $39.95.
In a world of fantasy where technology and nature fight for power, Silverfall gamers must choose between these opposing forces in order to conquer quests and save the principal city from total destruction. Two companions will accompany them on their journey through the fascinating world of Nelwë and the decisions these characters make throughout the adventure and during each quest will be key as choices impact storyline, environment and accumulation of skills.
“Silverfall is a fascinating hack and slash style action RPG that offers an immersive and original universe,” said Stephen Baer, senior product manager, Atari, Inc. “In each element of this mass environment, from graphical style to storyline, the unique dichotomy of technology and nature pervade to completely engross the player.”
Silverfall offers a unique character building system of advancement and equipment that allows for complete customization of characters. Gamers can develop distinctive characters such as scientist troll magicians, elemental elf warriors, or mercantile goblins. Fighting and magic are employed throughout the game, and vary from melee, ranged and technical to light, elemental and dark. Gamers will play through a 25-hour main quest, numerous side quests and two multiplayer modes, player-versus-player and co-operative. With four races to choose from, nine skill sets encompassing more than 130 individual skills, over 100 monsters, and advanced 3D graphics, Silverfall replenishes the RPG genre with a memorable hack-and-slash action adventure.
id Software Confirms Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars for Xbox 360 and PS3
[Category :
The war between the GDF and Strogg will soon be igniting on next-generation consoles as id Software and Activision, today confirmed that Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars, the team-based first person action title, and already one of the most anticipated new properties of 2007 is coming to next-gen platforms.
In this epic multiplayer-focused game, players can choose to defend humanity as a part of the Global Defense Force (GDF) or destroy it as a merciless Strogg alien invader. Under the executive production of id Software, Nerve Software is developing Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars for the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, while Z-Axis is the developer for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.
"We're pleased to be working with Nerve and Z-Axis to bring the highly-anticipated gameplay from Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars to the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system," said Todd Hollenshead, CEO, id Software.
Winner of more than 15 awards in 2006 and already selected as one of the most anticipated new titles in 2007 by more than eight publications, Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is being developed for the Windows PC by Splash Damage - the Nerve Software and Z-Axis console versions will also feature strategic team play, persistent character promotions and online stats tracking. Players choose to battle as one of five unique classes in either the conventionally armed GDF army or the futuristic Strogg invasion force, each outfitted with specialist weapons and combat hardware. In this adrenaline pumping fight for survival, warring forces utilize a variety of different vehicles, deployable structures, and defense systems including quad-bikes, tanks, and alien walkers for epic ground assaults; or helicopters and anti-gravity ships to unleash airborne attacks. Throughout each battle, teams establish bases, deploy defense structures, artillery, radar, and advanced forward-command systems into enemy territory while constructing and demolishing obstacles to speed progress and gain a tactical advantage over the opponent. Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars features 16-player battles on the console systems, delivering the ultimate team-and objective-based multiplayer experience.
Crave Scores a Strike with Brunswick Pro Bowling
[Category :
Crave Entertainment, a leading publisher of console videogames, today announced Brunswick Pro Bowling for PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system and WiiTM.
Brunswick Pro Bowling will give players a detailed, realistic bowling-center experience, complete with authentic sights and sounds, and official Brunswick bowling gear. Brunswick Pro Bowling will be highly customizable, allowing players to choose everything from their character’s appearance and accessories to ball styles.
In Career Mode, players work their way from amateur to professional by competing in a year’s worth of bowling tournaments. Ten authentic bowling centers, modeled after actual Brunswick locations, will set the scene. Up to four players can face off in Multiplayer Mode, and Quick Play Mode allows for a fast round of bowling.
Other Brunswick Pro Bowling features include:
Realistic physics engine simulates real-time changing lane conditions and accounts for momentum and spin.
Unlockable content includes a variety of Brunswick balls, additional bowling centers, equipment and apparel.
Players in career mode will face rivals, who seek out and challenge them throughout their careers.
PSP® system version will include ad hoc wireless multiplayer mode and additional character customization options.
'Everybody Votes Channel' launches on Wii
[Category :
A brand new channel launches today for the Wii Menu providing a quick, easy and fun way to cast your answers to a multitude of different questions. The Everybody Votes Channel allows you to compare and contrast your opinions with those of friends, family and people from across the globe. With a regularly updated supply of new questions to ponder, this is a great way to discover not only differences between you and your family, but also between your country and others!
″If you have ever wondered whether many other people share the same opinions, preferences, likes or dislikes as you, then the Everybody Votes Channel is a quick and easy way to quell those curiosities″ says Laurent Fischer, Marketing Director, Nintendo of Europe. ″From whether people believe in aliens to what they would do if they had 1 million Euros, this quirky but addictive channel lets you find out what others think as well as being a great discussion starter with family and friends!″
SouthPeak Games Announces UK Launches
[Category :
SouthPeak Games, the leading Texas-based independent videogame publisher, has today announced that it will be releasing three titles in three months – two titles for both Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows® and one title for PSP.
Early March will see the arrival of The Con for PSP – an interesting take on the fighting game genre, which encourages players not just to prove themselves the best on the streets, but to gain a fortune by betting on the outcome. Developed in Japan by Think And Feel Inc, The Con requires tactical expertise, physical skill and psychological guile to create one of the most intense handheld fighting games ever. Originally published by SCEA in America, the game is being reworked for a European release, taking user feedback into account to deliver an enhanced version of one of the most innovative fighting games ever.
Next up is Monster Madness: The Battle For Suburbia for Xbox 360™ and Games for Windows®. Developed by Artificial Studios, Monster Madness: The Battle For Suburbia combines old skool playability with the latest next-generation display technologies. This creates a game which is relentlessly thrilling, consistently surprising and, above all, continually fun. Boasting single-player, co-op and head-to-head modes, the game pays homage to the B-movie horror genre. Four American college kids battle against hordes of the undead, despatching them with a collection of increasingly powerful – and bizarre – home-grown weapons. Monster Madness: The Battle For Suburbia will be released for Xbox 360™ and Games for Windows® in April.
Finally, May will see the arrival of Two Worlds for Xbox 360™ and Games for Windows®. This ambitious, sprawling role-play game – developed by Reality Pump – offers unprecedented levels of player freedom. This epic storyline is peppered with optional side quests, infinitely customisable combat options and mind-boggling attention to detail, pushing the genre further than ever before. Visitors to the game’s beautifully crafted worlds will enjoy unparalleled choice in terms of character and level interaction. Additionally, it boasts an innovative MMORPG mode – details of which will be revealed shortly.
“At SouthPeak, we pride ourselves on the ability to sign up the very best games from around the world, and our next three UK releases are no exception,” says Melanie Mroz, Executive Vice President, SouthPeak Games. “Two Worlds is easily the finest example of its genre, Monster Madness: The Battle For Suburbia is incredibly fun and addictive, and The Con takes handheld fighting games to an entirely new level. We’re staffing up our UK operations and we’re delighted to continue our relationship with Pinnacle, who have performed superbly for us in the past.”
Specific release dates for all three titles will be announced soon.
PlayDevil reviews Yoshi's Island DS for DS !
[Category :
After the very "excellent" platformer "NEW Super Mario Bros.", publisher Nintendo is back with another famous platformer for their portable console, the DS.
This time it's the sequel to one of the best platform games (except Mario) named Yoshi's Island and it's coming to the DS.
Experience great gameplay, fantastic graphics and of course a platform game that can compete with NEW Super Mario Bros. Is it all true or false ?
Find out in our review of "Yoshi's Island DS" for DS right here.
New PC and Xbox 360 shots from Command & Conquer 3 !
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Friday, February 9 2007 @ 16:42 CET]
Publisher and developer Electronic Arts has just released a whole bunch of new screenshots of their upcoming highly anticipated RTS game, "Command and Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars".
Five new screenshots are online from the PC version and 4 from the upcoming Xbox 360 version.
Again, these shots are gorgeous and even the Xbox 360 version looks great !
The full 9 screenshots can be viewed right here.
Atari's 'Bullet Witch' Goes Gold
[Category :
Atari today announced that development is complete on the neo-apocalyptic action adventure game Bullet Witch. Published in partnership with Japanese publisher AQ Interactive Inc., Bullet Witch is on schedule to ship to stores in North America on February 27th for the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and will be available for a suggested retail price of $49.99.
Developed by Japan-based Cavia, Bullet Witch is set on a bleak planet earth in the year 2013 with human kind on the brink of extinction and hideous demons creating a tidal wave of destruction and havoc. All hope of mankind's survival rests with Alicia, a beautiful witch blessed with magical skills and a swift trigger finger. Players take control of Alicia in her heroic quest to prevent the decimation of mankind through her fearsome weaponry and spectacular powers with which she can manipulate natural phenomena in her environment.
Bullet Witch includes numerous features inspired by American horror and Japanese fantasy monsters. Combining shooting and magic, Bullet Witch will take advantage of Xbox 360's advanced physics engine by showcasing massive environmental damage, explosions and destruction. Cavia has balanced and fine tuned gameplay features and made enhancements including improved camera rotation during battle, increased shotgun power, increased Will Power, enemies made more sensitive to attacks, improved enemy AI, and more.
"Bullet Witch shows a unique world-view with the combination of reality and fantasy through its guns and magical powers," said Tohru Takahashi, Producer, Cavia Inc. "Also, by using the physics engine, we were able to have glitzy effects in the game as well. We hope players will enjoy Alicia's magical power to blow up cars and enemies and experience all the elements that are impossible in the real world, and we hope the overseas game fans are looking forward to this unique title."
Following launch, players will be able to download additional Bullet Witch content via Xbox Live® Marketplace, comprising five packs delivered every two weeks, each containing a new costume for Alicia and revised levels to play through, further adding to the gameplay experience.
Runaway, The Dream of the Turtle playable demo
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Friday, February 9 2007 @ 15:42 CET]
After our preview of "Runaway 2" (which can be read here) developer Ascaron Entertainment, Focus Home Interactive and Pendulo Studios are proud to offer you the single-player demo for their forthcoming comedic adventure game - Runaway: The Dream of the Turtle. In this single-level demo players will take on the role of lead adventurer Brian as he attempts to save his poisoned friend, Joshua. Travelling around the Alaskan wilderness, the player is challenged to find just the right ingredients to create an antidote for his travel mate whilst avoiding the dangers all around.
Though this demo introduces the fourth chapter of the game, puzzles have been reworked and the solution of the main enigma is completely different. Also, new dialogs have been recorded especially for this demo to offer players a completely unseen adventure sequence.
Finally, the demo includes a few bonuses such as a superbly illustrated intro to present the adventure and players will happily find out in the menu option a video telling the story of Brian and Gina’s previous adventure.
Download the demo (431 Mb)
- Link Metaboli
http://dl_fast.metaboli.fr/demos/Runaway-TDOTT-DEMO.exe
- Link GamesRadar
http://futurenet.vo.llnwd.net/o2/downloads/RunawayTDOTTdemo.exe
TOCA Race Driver 3 Challenge demo now available to download
[Category :
Take TOCA Race D