[Category :
] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, June 30 2004 @ 17:19 CET]Mythic Ent announce Dark Age Of Camelot: Platinum Ed
[Category :
Mythic Entertainment have announced Dark Age of Camelot: Platinum Edition with the original game and all four expansion packs. Also included in the Platinum Edition along with an introductory player's guide, a one-month free subscription to the game and a complimentary trial copy of the game that players can give to a friend retailing for $29.99.
Full story:
Platinum Edition" players will have access to the vast array of gameplay options offered in "Shrouded Isles," "Foundations," "Trials of Atlantis," and "New Frontiers." "Shrouded Isles," "Dark Age of Camelot's" first expansion pack, extends the original game, and increases the action with new character classes, races, continents, monster models and advanced AI, weapons, and quests.
"Foundations" adds customizable real estate to Mythic's online world by enabling players and guilds to pick the neighborhood they want to live in, choose the perfect lot, and then select a house style that fits their taste and budget. Players can decorate the house's interior and exterior, and use the dwelling as a base for a home business. For higher level characters, "Trials of Atlantis" offers a new world of challenges based on the mysterious underwater world of Atlantis. Intense group play, three all-new races, and amazing graphical upgrades throughout "Dark Age of Camelot" await those that take on the Trials.
Update on Far Cry patch v1.2
[Category :
Matthieu Boulard, Far Cry Producer made an update on how the v1.2 patch for Far Cry is coming along.
Here's more:Patch 1.2 is in its final stage of production: a nasty scoreboard bug and a CDkey security issue remain to be fixed, but otherwise a huge list of improvement/fixes have been implemented and tested successfully.
We're now localizing all the readme files, and the final candidate will be tested extensively later this week to make sure it is really solid - we don't want to rush in the last few days after such a long development time.
Samurai Warriors now available in stores
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, June 28 2004 @ 15:56 CET]
Got word from Geert, EA's pr firm, that KOEI's latest installment in the Kessen and Dynasty Warriors, 'Samurai Warriors' is now available in stores! The game, on PS2, features the same hack n slash system like for example Dynasty Warriors and will take you back to the XVI century in Japan.
Samurai Warriors will let you fight during 90 levels in 7 different game modes, next to the new Survival mode. It also has a "New Officer Mode" where you can actually train new characters for engagin' in battle.
SW also features true Dolby Prologic II and 5.1 sound so if you got the right equipment you're in for a treat. Find it @ your local game store.
Paramount Pictures announces Flying Legion Air Combat Challenge
[Category :
Thanks to Katie from Kohnke Communications for sending us this press release regarding Paramount Pictures and the announcement of a new game based on the upcoming movie, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.
Here are the goods:
Paramount Pictures announces the release of “Flying Legion Air Combat Challenge.” This free, downloadable game, based on the upcoming movie “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” starring Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie, puts players in the cockpit as a member of aviator Joseph Sullivan’s (aka Sky Captain) Flying Legion. Players will take control of their own fast and agile P-40 Warhawk to defend the world against the mysterious Totenkopf and his mechanical monsters. “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” will be released in theaters everywhere on September 17th, 2004.
“I think gamers are going to be thrilled with the riveting air combat experience offered by ‘The Flying Legion Air Combat Challenge,’” said Gerry Rich, president worldwide marketing for Paramount Pictures. “This innovative game is the perfect introduction to ‘Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow’ before it hits theaters in September.”
On June 25th, contestants can register on the movie site www.skycaptain.com to download the “Air Combat Challenge.” Pilots will have five weeks to perfect their skills and on August 2nd the “Air Combat Challenge” tournament begins. The three week contest will pit contestants against one another for a chance to win an all inclusive trip to the London premiere of “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” this October and achieve the ultimate Sky Captain accolade.
The game is broken up into four levels. In level one, pilots must navigate through New York and destroy the Giant Robots. In level two players take to the skies and battle the Flying Wings that are attacking the city. Level three takes place underwater, as your plane becomes submersible and you join the Amphibious Squadron – a specialized fleet of planes designed to combat under the sea in battle against the Giant Mechanized crabs that roam the ocean floor.
Throughout each level, pilots must destroy enemies while making laps around courses based on the New York skyline and an environment based underwater. Points are awarded to pilots based on the quickest times and the number of enemies damaged or killed. As players achieve better scores, they can secure credits, which can be used to purchase, engine, wing and weapon upgrades.
The final level featuring battle around Commander Cook’s (Angelina Jolie) Flying Fortress will be released a few weeks prior to the cinematic release of “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” on September 17th.
Taking place in an alternative reality; set in a future that might have been, “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” tells the story of ace aviator Sky Captain, (Jude Law) and reporter Polly Perkins, (Gwyneth Paltrow) as they risk their lives trying to stop the evil Dr. Totenkopf from destroying the earth. The film also features Angelina Jolie as Commander Frank Cook and Giovanni Ribisi as Dex, the technical genius of Sky Captain’s flying legion. Featuring state-of-the-art special effects never seen before, this groundbreaking achievement in film is the brainchild of writer/director Kerry Conran, in collaboration with producer Jon Avnet.
To bring a striking similarity between the world the filmmakers envisioned and the game itself, Paramount Pictures and Blitz DS Games recreated models and digital elements from the original movie assets, as well as created several custom tools and processes to create the game.
More details on next-gen X-Box!
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, June 28 2004 @ 15:33 CET]
The website "X-bit" got their hands on some of the specifications of Microsoft's next-gen X-Box, which is now codenamed to "Xenon".
They also claim that these specs are pretty "decent". In other words, it's not 'bull'!.
Here's more:The Xbox 2's central processing unit is a custom processor based on PowerPC technology. The CPU includes three independent processors (cores) on a single die. Each core runs at 3.50GHz speed of faster. The Xbox 2 microprocessor can issue two instructions per clock cycle per core. At peak performance, Xenon can issue 21 billion instructions per second.
Sweet, isn't it? Well i'm very lookin' forward how this next-gen console will act towards Sony's PS3.
New review comin' up this week!
[Category :] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, June 28 2004 @ 15:27 CET]
While one of our new newsposters/reviewers, Jochen is @ full speed in posting news here on PlayDevil.com (great work!) we can also tell you that we have started with pulling out reviews again.
This week, normally on wednesday we'll put up one of our new ones (more in the works). I can't tell you anything about it right now, not that I don't want too but just to tense it a bit more :-).
While everybody is probably @ work right now, I'll try to hook you up with a few new stories from the games and hardware industry.
Hope you all had a nice weekend, i sure did!
Greetin's
Bjorn, Editor-in-Chief
New Battle for Middle-Earth movies
[Category :] [Posted by Jochen on Saturday, June 26 2004 @ 18:23 CET]
IGN.com has updated it's Middle Earth page with some spectacular new movies from the game !
Battle for Middle-Earth lets you relive the epic battles featured in the movie trilogy. Lead the hordes of Gondor or take sides with Gandalf to destroy the One Ring.
The game is developed by the same team that brought us Command & Conquer Generals and it shows : the graphics are absolutely gobsmacking !
The new movies can be found here.
Star Wars Republic Commando explosive action !
[Category :
Lucasarts has released a new movie featuring ingame action from their upcoming PC and X-Box shooter.
Republic Commando is a squad-based first person shooter set between Episode II and III, featuring a one button squad interface and 8 different worlds. The whole game is based on Unreal technology.
Check out the movie here !
Get Ground Control for free !
[Category :
It's becoming a way of promoting games : releasing previous versions to promote sequels.
Rockstar did it with GTA and Wild Metal, Take 2 with Hidden and Dangerous and now Vivendi, after having made Tribes 1 & 2 available, is offering you a change to download the first Ground Control, for FREE !
Ground Control is a 3D RTS game with a twist : there is absolutely no base building and resource gathering involved. All depends on use of tactics and terrain features. The game was a real stunner and still looks good today. And if you can't get enough of it, go get Ground Control 2 as well !
Downloads are only available through Fileplanet for the moment, so there will be so waiting time, but don't let that spoil the fun. The filesize is 458 Mb.
Download it here !
Battlefield 2 - New ingame footage
[Category :
EA has released a new movie with ingame footage from Battlefield 2.
Battlefield 2 is the next step in the Battlefield series developed by Digital Illussions CE and will introduce a modern day combat environment to the game. Battlefield 1942 was set during WW2, while Battlefield Vietnam lets players engage in jungle warfare in Vietnam (...).
I'm still a fan of the Desert Combat mod for Battlefield 1942 so I am really looking forward to Battlefield 2 !
Check out the movie at Worthplaying.com
DOOM 3 release date ?
[Category :
There has been alot of speculation about the release date for DOOM 3 recently. Some people believed it would be released in June, but now there is another rumor : DOOM 3 will be released on August, 3rd !
No official word from iD or Activion yet, but it could be true. Or not of course ... .
First patch for Ground Control 2
[Category :
Sierra has released the first patch for this awesome 3D RTS game from Massive Entertainment, bringing it up to version 1.0.0.7.
The most interesting addition is the option for the 'Super Slim GUI', the user interface that was featured in the first Ground Control and took minimal screen space, guaranteeing the best view of the battlefield !
A complete list of changes and fixes can be found here, while the patch can be found here.
Playdevil.com welcomes new poster / reviewer
[Category :
A new crewmember has joined our ranks here @ Playdevil.com.
Jochen will help us to make Playdevil.com even better and faster for all our visitors. News, previews, reviews, ... will be added by our team on a regular basis so be sure visit us for the best in gaming !
Joint Operations gets updated to v1.1.0
[Category :
Joint Operations has just been released and already Novalogic has provided us with a patch for this fantastic online shooter.
The patch adds some useful extras like a large-view map and player-controlled death animations, as well as fixing some glitches in the game.
The patch can be obtained through the in-game updater or from here @ 3D Gamers.com and will update your game to version 1.1.0 .
EA gets Oddworld rights!
[Category :
Electronic Arts announced today that it has signed an agreement with Oddworld Inhabitants(R) for the worldwide publishing rights to the next Oddworld game, the latest in the internationally acclaimed character-based action series. Slated for release in 2005, the new title will bring a unique action gaming experience to owners of the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft.
"Partnering with EA is a major win for us. Through EA's first-rate publishing and marketing expertise, the expanded universe of Oddworld can reach millions of game fans and extend the reach of this distinctive series," said Lorne Lanning, President of Oddworld Inhabitants.
"Over the past 10 years, Oddworld has consistently elevated the creative bar in each of their titles, providing a rich and engrossing game experience. Oddworld Inhabitants represent the type of high quality developer with which we're seeking to partner moving forward," commented Greg Richardson, General Manager of EA Partners.
Eidos delayes release of ShellShock: Nam 67
[Category :
Eidos reported today that softer-than-expected sales of titles such as Hitman: Contracts and Thief: Deadly Shadows have prompted it to delay the upcoming shooter ShellShock: Nam '67 until September of this year.
Interestingly, in the same release, Eidos comments that ShellShock is now complete for the PC, approved for the PlayStation 2, and that Xbox approval is "expected imminently."
Despite the production on the game being effectively finished, Eidos feels a September release will improve sales, as summer is typically a slow season for games.
New patch for Thief III: Deadly Shadows
[Category :
Eidos has released a new patch for their latest sneak game, "Thief: Deadly Shadows".
It fixes a difficulty reset problem and a save game issue. You can download that patch right here.
No Media Planet in 2004
[Category :
We just got an official statement from TMAB that they have cancelled "Media Planet 2004" here in Belgium.
Media Planet is a show, just like ECTS in London where firms of games, hardware and multimedia show their latest products and the ability to test them etc. Now there won't be a 2004 edition this october since it has been cancelled. More info, official from the press release:
For the 2003 edition of Media Planet, BFE and TMAB joined forces to organise a consumer exhibition in which the focus was on families and people looking for information. Both the organisers themselves and the majority of the exhibitors were very pleased with the show’s revival and results achieved, and could look back with some satisfaction on the 22,000 quality visitors who came through the doors.
For 2004, the aim of the organisers had been to extend the show still further and to feature a comprehensive offering from the multimedia world to visitors. A strong concept was developed to promote the event, with attractions such as the information and demonstration theatres, the shopping area, PC assembly and photo/video editing.
There was plenty of interest shown by exhibitors, too, particularly from PC/Internet companies, as well as Telecoms. The intention, however, was to expand the digital photography side of the show, as well as to attract the leading brands in Sound & Vision and Gaming. But now, because we can see that it would be impossible to offer visitors a comprehensive range of multimedia products and services, TMAB and BFE have decided to cancel Media Planet 2004.
Aura: Fate Of The Ages goes gold
[Category :
The Adventure Company* today announced that "Aura: Fate of the Ages" has gone gold. A challenging first-person adventure game, "Aura" features an in-depth fantasy storyline, stunning graphics, inventive puzzles and an intuitive point and click interface. "Aura" is rated E for Everyone, and will be available in retail stores on June 24th.
“'Aura' is a must for adventure game fans, and anyone looking for a beautiful game with fun, logic-based challenges,” said Richard Wah Kan, president of The Adventure Company. “The ingenious puzzles recall classic adventure games, while 'Aura’s' stunning 3D graphics and rich orchestral score elevate the genre.”
"Aura’s" immersive story is based on an ancient legend that tells of a set of sacred rings and artifacts that offer great power and immortality to those who possess them. Players journey across four magical worlds in search of the artifacts permitting them access to hidden lands. Fully-animated puzzles requiring logic, reasoning and common sense to complete must be solved in order to reach Aura’s unexpected conclusion.
"Aura: Fate of the Ages" features:
* Four unique and vast worlds to explore: The Ademika Valley, Dragast, Na-Tiexu and The Island of Unity
* Easy to navigate mouse-driven, point and click interface
* Inventive cerebral puzzles and challenges throughout
* Proprietary engine blends together beautiful, pre-rendered graphics and environmental interaction with immersive special effects
"Aura: Fate of the Ages," developed by Streko-Graphics Inc., will ship in North America June 24th and in Europe later this summer.
For more information or to download the "Aura" trailer and demo, please visit www.AuraGame.com .
Blinx 2: Masters of Time & Space Announced for Xbox
[Category :
Blinx is back, and this time he's taking on a whole new dimension! Microsoft Game Studios today announced that Blinx 2: Masters of Time & Space, the sequel to one of the best-selling Xbox® action-platformers, is in development and slated for a holiday 2004 release. Blinx 2: Masters of Time & Space is the world's first 5-D game, giving players control over both Time and Space. Using customized characters, gamers can choose to battle against one another in Battle Mode or team up in two-player Cooperative Mode.
In development by Japan-based Artoon, Co. Ltd., Blinx 2: Masters of Time & Space throws players into the shoes of a heroic cat bravely taking control of time in order to face tough battles and puzzling challenges. Just like using a VCR remote control, players' customized cats have the power to slow down the action, pause, review, fast-forward, record and even combine them in challenging situations. As the story unfolds, players will also step into the role of the enemy pigs to gain control of the space continuum in a variety of stealth missions. Players will create their own customized pigs and feel like they have control over black holes and worm holes.
Blinx 2: Masters of Time & Space features various multiplayer modes that will allow gamers to get their friends in on the action. Players can grab a friend and play through the story in two-player Cooperative Mode, compete in multiplayer Battle Mode with up to four players on one Xbox or make their ways through the single-player missions on their own. Those who choose to play through the storyline cooperatively will need to overcome tougher groups of enemies and unique two-player challenges with strategy and teamwork. Cooperative players will also be rewarded with unique map locations that are only accessible in two-player mode. In Battle Mode, gamers can choose to lead a squad of cats using time control powers or command a team of enemy pigs using space control powers. Whether they are playing through single player missions or any of the multiplayer modes, players can fully customize their cats and pigs by designing the character's face, body and clothing.
New patch for Ground Control 2 MP demo
[Category :
Developer 'Massive' has released a "new patch" for the multi-player demo of Ground Control 2.
No info yet on what it fixes or changes but you can grab it anyway right here.
Joint Operation from Novalogic has shipped
[Category :
Novalogic announced that Joint Operation has shipped to stores. Here are the goods:
Entertainment software developer and publisher NovaLogic, Inc. today announced that the groundbreaking new multiplayer FPS title Joint Operations: Typhoon Rising has shipped and is in stores now.
Joint Operations is the only FPS to allow players to participate in mammoth 150 player battles with no subscription fee, more than double the player hosting capability of any other FPS. Incorporating vast maps of up to 50 km sq, a full 24 hour day/night cycle and 29 different land, sea and air vehicles to control, Joint Operations represents a huge leap forward for multiplayer FPS games.
"Our nearest competitor has announced that by next year they will have 100 player games, but we're offering 150 player games in Joint Ops now," commented Lee Milligan of NovaLogic". Our experience hosting and managing the NovaWorld online gaming service over the past 8 years has put us well ahead of the competition in the multiplayer arena and, combined with more than 15 years making military simulations, has produced the spectacular and original gaming experience that is Joint Operations," he added.
New X-box console (X-box Next) late next year?
[Category :
Rumor has it that Microsoft is planning to release their next generation console, called at this moment (working title) 'X-box Next' late next year!.
I'm sure any X-box hardcore fanatic wants to know every detail regarding the box so we got some more interesting news:
It appears that Microsoft, which launched Xbox in late 2001 after Sony's PlayStation 2 and Nintendo's GameCube consoles, will be the first company to unleash its next-generation home console. The tentatively codenamed "Xbox Next" or "Xbox 2" is set to receive a name revision before its release because Microsoft doesn't want consumers to assume it's inferior to PlayStation 3 based on end numerals, hasn't yet been given an official release date. But just because Microsoft isn't yet talking doesn't mean developers working on early "Xbox 2" development setups are so keen to keep quiet.
A major software company already prototyping software for Microsoft's "Xbox Next" told IGN today that the publisher "definitely aims to launch the console in North America for Christmas 2005." A November time frame was given. A European release will follow in 2006, said the source.
DOOM 3 this October ???
[Category :
Probably the X-box version because the PC should hit retail this July / August (if everything goes well like it should be tho).
Anyway here's some more news:While Activision has yet to provide an official release date for Doom 3, two separate sources, one being a retail chain (which asked to remain anonymous), said they expect Activision to release the PC version of Doom 3 in late July/early August, with the Xbox version following in October.
The main reason the game's date hasn't been officially announced, we believe, is because the development team, Id Software, is known to take its own sweet time with its games, while obviously working with new technology, a complex and sophisticated engine, and what is apparently a massive game.
Fable from Lionhead almost finished!
[Category :
Lionhead has made a new update in their "Fable" community, which is now online @ Lionhead Times:The past year has been an incredible one for Fable and now we're getting to the stage where it's finally finished! More and more people on the team can finally say they're done with their work and can have some more time off, while others have to work twice as hard to make their deadlines. This of course is only a good thing; as only two and a half months are left for the team to get the game out. From that point the version will be pressed on a DVD and shipped to the different stores around the globe; Fable will be released in September in the US and somewhere in October in Europe. Why postpone the European release by a month you ask me? Basically because all European languages are being put on one disc (e.g. so Belgian gamers can play the game in English if they wanted to) and Microsoft needs a month to translate our 22,000 lines of text, a 160,000 words, in all European languages. I think this is understandable and not worth worrying about.