June 2005

PlayDevil.com takin' a vacation
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Sunday, June 26 2005 @ 1:56 CET]

From today, the entire PlayDevil.com CREW is takin' a small yearly vacation.

We're off to a sunny paradise for 2 weeks, uploading our batteries for bringing you the best again on-site.

All e-mail will be kept and read when we return and of course if necessary a reply will be written.

Thanks again for visiting PlayDevil.com, enjoy the site and we'll be back on July 8.

See you!

the entire PlayDevil.com CREW

EA and Kuju will make new Rail Simulator game
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Saturday, June 25 2005 @ 14:46 CET]

Electronic Arts, the world's leading interactive entertainment software company, today announced a strategic partnership with Kuju Entertainment to enable it to develop a new train simulator PC game for release in Europe in 2006. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

RAIL SIMULATOR* will offer the opportunity for players to take charge of steam, diesel and electric trains on real routes in the UK and Germany. Challenging and fun gameplay will even enable players to design their own ideal journey routes.

Kuju Entertainment previously developed Microsoft Train Simulator, which sold a million copies and inspired third-party companies to develop over 40 expansion packs.

For more information, please go to www.railsimulator.com.

Publishing Deal Announced For Wild Earth On PC
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Saturday, June 25 2005 @ 14:44 CET]

Digital Jesters proudly announce the signing of a hugely mass-market adventure, "Wild Earth", due for release on PC CD-ROM in the final quarter of 2005.

Developed by Seattle based Super X Studios, Wild Earth is a graphically spectacular safari adventure set in the heart of Africa, offering gamers a breathtaking journey through the Serengeti National Park. The concept, which centres on exploration of the spectacular African terrain and photography of an immense array of beautifully and accurately rendered indigenous flora and fauna, has also been developed by Super X Studios as a motion simulator thrill ride recently installed in several locations worldwide, including the Philadelphia and San Diego zoos.

"Wild Earth is a unique concept which we're confident will appeal to a broad range of people, including non-traditional gaming audiences like female gamers, young children and families. The non-violent gameplay, topical subject matter and breathtaking visuals give the game immense mass market potential and we're delighted to be working with Digital Jesters to bring Wild Earth to as wide an audience as possible," James Thrush, owner and lead producer of Super X Studios commented.

Having already secured a number of innovation awards at the Independent Games Festival, Wild Earth has caught the attention of numerous commercial brands, and Digital Jesters are currently in discussion with several key sponsorship partners, all of whom are extremely keen to share some involvement in the game.

"We're extremely pleased to have signed such a unique and widely appealing title. With the constant criticism over violence in video games, it's fantastic to be able to offer a product that gives gamers something completely different. Wild Earth has afforded us some incredible opportunities with a number of large, globally recognised brands and we're very excited about the partnership possibilities available," Terry Malham, Digital Jesters co-founder and commercial director added.

Games Testers Needed at SEGA!
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Saturday, June 25 2005 @ 14:43 CET]

SEGA have over 100 vacancies for Games Testers at their European offices in Brentford, UK, starting immediately.

Application forms and more information can be found by visiting http:www.sega.co.uk or by emailing jobs@soe.sega.co.uk.

Perhaps you can mention that you were referred by PlayDevil.com and have more luck in becomin' a SEGA games tester.

Just kidding!

Traffic 2005 coming soon
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Saturday, June 25 2005 @ 14:40 CET]

The latest instalment in the Traffic series is building up!

A few years (and a lot of traffic) have passed since Just Flight released FS Traffic for Flight Simulator 98. With each new release this hugely popular AI (artificial Intelligence) traffic expansion lives up to its slogan and makes Flight Simulator "as real as it gets".

Traffic 2005 has been completely re-worked by Just Flight's in-house development team and is a quantum leap beyond any other traffic program. As well as hordes of aircraft (over 1100), buckets of airline liveries (over 400) and acres of modified airports (over 3000) there are some fantastic new tools that put Traffic 2005 in a class of its own!

AISmooth – a unique new AI traffic approach management feature - has been designed to drastically reduce the number of go-arounds that are performed by AI planes at busy airports and really enhances the authenticity. AISmooth instructs approaching planes to perform holding patterns if they are following the plane in front too closely. In addition, AISmooth will check the distance and headings of AI planes in the vicinity of your aircraft. If AI planes come too close, are heading in the same general direction and are within an altitude range that suggests you are both established on an approach path, then the AI planes will be instructed to perform holding patterns.

The package includes a custom voicepack which provides additional pilot and ATC voices. The FS2004 default only includes American accented voices - the voices included in Traffic 2005 are two US English, four British English and two English voices with German accents.

This latest version includes helicopter traffic – a first for any commercial flight simulation traffic expansion!

New nVidia ForceWare drivers
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Thursday, June 23 2005 @ 22:29 CET]

nVidia released new ForceWare drivers for their GeForce 7800.
Here's more from the press-release:

Release Highlights:

WHQL Candidate
Support for GeForce 7800 GTX and GeForce 6200 AGP
Improved SLI performance and broader SLI validation and optimizations for the latest games
Compatible with Intel and AMD dual core CPUs
HDTV Display Setup Wizard with preview mode
Fullscreen HDTV underscan control panel lets users optimize their high definition television for Windows desktops
Allows end users to keep or remove old driver application profiles when the driver is updated
Improved TurboCache performance
Support for inverse 2-2 pulldown detection and correction when using the the PureVideo Decoder
More control when creating custom timings for digital flat panels
nView Desktop Manager support during Windows Remote Desktop sessions
Microsoft DirectX 9.0c and OpenGL 2.0 support
For a full list of other issues resolved, please view the driver release notes.

You can grab these right here.

RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Soaked! Ships
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Thursday, June 23 2005 @ 22:26 CET]

Atari's expansion pack for RollerCoaster Tycoon 3, named Soaked! Ships ships to retailers worldwide.
Here's more:

Celebrate summer with a wet and wild addition to the most popular Tycoon franchise of all time as Atari, Inc. today announced that RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Soaked! has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. The first expansion pack to RollerCoaster Tycoon 3, one of the best-selling PC games of 2004, RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Soaked! offers players a completely unique experience, a "virtual summer cool down," by allowing them to create and control their own water parks.

RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Soaked! brings a whole new range of options as players select from more than 50 new rides and coasters, and use the all-new Swimming Pool and Waterfall Designers to easily create shimmering pools, waterfalls, whirlpools and wave machines. Fans can also design performing dolphin and killer whale shows and customizable aquariums. Splash, swirl and 'stir up' your peeps (that's RollerCoaster Tycoon talk for guests) with an all-new interactive water experience.

Patrick Redding Q&A online!
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Thursday, June 23 2005 @ 16:57 CET]

We have posted a devilish Q&A with Ubisoft's Patrick Redding.
He's responsable for camera and scripted events in the upcoming massive Ubisoft title, Far Cry: Instincts Predator on major consoles.

The game is sheduled for a September release and while waiting for it, you can read the Q&A with the man, right here.

Worms 4: Mayhem demo available
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Thursday, June 23 2005 @ 16:23 CET]

Everyone's favourite invertebrates are on their way back and it's time to pull out the big guns. Yes, prime yourself with those worms of mass destruction in the Worms 4: Mayhem PC playable demo; now available for download from www.codemasters.co.uk/worms

With just over a month until the full game's release on July 29th, get stuck into the single-player demo now and experience Worms 4: Mayhem's explosive trademark worm-versus-worm gameplay.

The Worms 4: Mayhem demo lets you go head-to-head (if you can work out which end IS the head) against other teams of worms and do your level best to blow the earth out of your rivals!

Updated Patches
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Thursday, June 23 2005 @ 13:36 CET]

After the new additions of the latest Demo's, we have also added a few new patches.

These are:

- SWAT 4
- Neverwinter Nights v1.66
- Far Cry v1.31

Again, just click on the patch you want and it will be downloaded directly to your hard drive.
And WITHOUT those annoying popups!

Yes, we hate them too and we're still POPUP FREE!

Updated Demos
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Thursday, June 23 2005 @ 13:35 CET]

We have updated our Demo's sections with some new additions.

Biggest addition is of course the demo of the almost release in Europe, Battlefield 2.

Other demo's that are added:

- Worms 4: Mayhem
- Salvo!
- Pro Cycling Manager
- Red Ace Squadron

These can all be directly downloaded. See right side of this page under "Demos".

New SHOT of the WEEK!
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, June 22 2005 @ 16:39 CET]

We present you a NEW shot of the week today.
This weeks shot is from Earth 2160 which is the sequel of the award winning Earth series.

EARTH 2160 sets a new milestone in the RTS genre. EARTH brings an as yet unseen level of detail to the RTS genre, utilising the latest DirectX 9 technology. Modular construction allows players to customise buildings and units, creating limitless variants to wage war with. Virtual Agents add a unique element, as they assist the player in specific tasks on the battlefield, or act as managers, dealing with construction, resources, research; to let the player concentrate on aspects of the game they favour.

Check it out, as usual right side of this page, under "the latest demos".

Multiplay Leads UK Battlefield 2 Charge!
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, June 22 2005 @ 16:11 CET]

Multiplay announced today a partnership with Electronic Arts to exclusively provide the official UK servers for Battlefield 2, the next in EA's highly successful series of Battlefield games.

Set for release in the UK on 24th June, Battlefield 2 sees the Battlefield series invade the modern warfare arena. Featuring the latest modern warfare technology, up to 64 players can battle it out on land, sea and air. Vast gloriously detailed play environments make for unparalleled realism as teams fight for supremacy.

When playing on the official servers Multiplay will be providing, players gain points which allow them to increase their rank, unlock new weapons and gain medals. As part of the deal, Multiplay will be providing over 500 "public" slots for anyone with the game to enjoy whilst also exclusively renting out official ranked servers.

For gamers not wanting to wait for the full release, the playable multiplayer demo of Battlefield 2 is already out and getting a lot of attention. You can download and play the demo online from the Multiplay gaming portal at http://gaming.multiplay.co.uk Preorders for official ranked servers can also be placed on this site.
Battlefield 2 is also set to make a major impact at Multiplay's forthcoming i24 LAN party which starts on 24th June.

This event will see many hundreds of gamers converge on Newbury Racecourse to hook up to a superfast Local Area Network for 3 days straight of gaming. With Battlefield 2 launched at the start of the event, it is sure to take it by storm! See http://www.multiplay.co.uk/i24/ for more information.

PS2 RE 4 Chainsaw is coming to get you
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, June 22 2005 @ 16:09 CET]

Just when you thought it was safe to go back outside, NubyTech's newly redesigned Resident Evil Chainsaw Controller is thrashing its way to a September launch. Based on a chainsaw found in the game, the reddish-orange colour and blood spatters make it more realistic than ever! However, the gore doesn't sop there. The Chainsaw Controller is housed inside a unique package and there's even a 'pull cord' located on the device itself that can be used to start the game - complete with a chainsaw roar! When the fighting is over, the detachable cord can be stored in a compartment in the display stand.

Wild Things having successfully launched the Gamecube version in Europe in March are delighted to bring the PS2 version to the UK and several European territories.

The Gamecube version sold out within days and this is set to be the best selling games accessory of the year.

We have contacted NubyTech for a hardware GameCube review sample and they forwarded us to WildThings UK, the "european distributor". Now after a dozen of emails we came to the conclusion that WildThings UK doesn't do PR etc for Belgium so no go there. Contacted NubyTech again and still waiting a response.

We do have that NubyTech still can provide us with a RE4 GC sample of that amazing chainsaw controller.
We'll keep you updated.

Atari announces Asterix & Obelix XXL 2: Mission Las Vegum
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, June 22 2005 @ 16:07 CET]

Atari is proud to announce the return of Asterix & Obelix in a game that will make interactive entertainment history as the first ever video game parody.

Faithful to the tradition of parody that runs throughout the Asterix stories, Atari's latest Asterix offering is an explosive video game crammed with surprising encounters that parody the greatest icons of the video game world and is awash with wry references to many of the great moments that have marked over 25 years of video game history.

Developed for Atari by Etranges Libellules, the studio behind the successful original Asterix XXL title (November 2003), ASTERIX & OBELIX XXL 2: Mission Las Vegum takes you on an action-packed tour of the astonishing "Las Vegum" theme park. In this original scenario, Getafix the famous druid is behaving very strangely, and all the other renowned druids of the Roman Empire have disappeared...

Las Vegum, "the city of games," is the brainchild of the visionary Julius Caesar. Its labyrinthine streets will lead you through the districts of Little Paris, WCW, LuckSore, Little Venetia, Pirate Island, and even SeizeUs Palace. Along the way, the programme for Caesar's farcical festivities is packed with pumped-up Romans alongside some curiously familiar characters paying tribute to the wider world of video games. And who other should top the bill than Centurion Larry Craft – who insists on jumping around in canvas shorts, rather than wear a skirt like everybody else. Fortunately Asterix and Obelix can count on the aid of a repentant Roman spy with inside knowledge of new-fangled techniques: Sam Shieffer.

Fifteen months of development have given rise to an hilarious game, totally faithful to the spirit that Uderzo and Goscinny originally breathed into their indomitable Gauls. The player will, of course, control both characters in the heroic duet, and reencounter the ultra-dynamic combat of Asterix XXL 1, but this time pushed to the extreme for even more madness and turmoil, with staggering attacks available right from the start.

ASTERIX & OBELIX XXL 2: Mission Las Vegum will be released in Europe in the second half of October 2005, for PlayStation®2 and PC, hot on the heels of the new Asterix story book, the release of which promises to be the major comic book publishing event for Back to School and Christmas 2005.

EA announces partnership with England Star, Andrew Flintoff
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, June 22 2005 @ 16:06 CET]

Electronic Arts announced today that England Cricket star, Andrew Flintoff has signed with EA to be the face of EA SPORTSTM Cricket 2005, set for release on July 1st, 2005 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® videogame system from Microsoft and PC.

EA SPORTSTM Cricket 2005 will let gamers compete as a fully licensed English team against a host of international opponents including Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. In addition the all-new explosive Twenty20 tournament and all the domestic county cricket teams and tournaments will also be on offer

All new detail in players' faces and bodies, over 1000 new motion captured animations and a brand new create-a-player facility allow gamers flexibility to play as the stars of the game or create their own.

With TV style presentation, over 35 stadiums from all over the world and commentary from the legendary Richie Benaud, EA SPORTSTM delivers the definitive interactive Cricket experience.

A few new games have arrived
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Tuesday, June 21 2005 @ 17:04 CET]

It has been a long time since we informed you about what we have received lately for reviewing.

Well today, since there isn't much news anyway, let we keep you up-to-date with "what you can expect" soon on PlayDevil.com

We received the following games:

- Madagascar (X-Box)
- Juiced (X-Box)
- GTA: San Andreas (X-Box & PC)

On Hardware:

- Multiperitel system from Big-Ben
- Bodypad (X-Box)

For the upcoming NDS section:

- Pac Pic
- Yoshi Touch & Go
- Ridge Racers DS
- Star Wars: Episode III

As usual, almost every day something new arrives in our office, from software publishers or hardware manufacturers.

Don't worry, we'll keep YOU busy with fresh content!

THQ and Gas Powered Games presents Supreme Commander
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Tuesday, June 21 2005 @ 16:46 CET]

THQ Inc. today announced that it has entered into a worldwide publishing agreement with Gas Powered Games, founded by game design visionary, Chris Taylor.
The two companies will work together on the Windows PC Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game Supreme Commander.

With Supreme Commander, Taylor, an early pioneer in the RTS category, will mark his return to a genre that he helped popularize.

More details on Supreme Commander will be revealed this summer.

Review of Trackmania Sunrise is ONLINE!
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, June 20 2005 @ 17:09 CET]

Lovely!
We have posted our review of Nadeo's sequel to one of the biggest Stunt racing games, Trackmania.
The sequel named Tracmania Sunrise is already available for some weeks here in Europe but we don't play a game for a few hours and then test it. No, we test it "good".

Anyway, you can read the full review on the following link here.

Dual Core boost for Falcon 4.0 : Allied Force
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, June 20 2005 @ 15:19 CET]

Flight simulation enthusiasts looking forward to the release of Falcon 4.0: Allied Force on June 28th 2005 will be pleased to hear that the game supports the new range of dual-core processors. The advanced F-16 simulation, whose predecessor sold more than 900,000 units, makes use of the second core to provide significant performance increases.

Falcon 4.0: Allied Force is a processor-intensive game. Its advanced avionics, real-time dynamic campaign engine and complex artificial intelligence routines drain CPU cycles. The more grunt in the CPU, the better. Dual cores work particularly well because they allow the most processor-intensive routines to be balanced across two cores, thereby easing the strain. This boosts frame rates and helps mitigate the drop in frame rates during the most intensive action.

Lead Pursuit LLC, the developer of Falcon 4.0: Allied Force, performed a series of tests on the Intel® Pentium® Processor Extreme Edition (840). We examined how this processor allowed the game to run more smoothly compared to an equivalently-clocked single core system. The tests used a set, controlled mission, first run using both cores activated, then with one core disabled. We compared frame rates over time. The graph demonstrates the improvements.

John Terry signs for Pro Evolution Soccer 5!
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, June 20 2005 @ 15:18 CET]

Konami confirms the PFA's Player of the Year as one of the faces of its already highly anticipated PES5
John Terry, England and Chelsea defender and 2005's PFA Player of the Year has been confirmed as one of the faces of Konami of Europe's Pro Evolution Soccer 5.

Terry, 24, has enjoyed a tremendous season, leading his Chelsea side to Premiership glory and to a Champions League semi-final. He has also established himself as a key member of England's international side with his battling performances. As part of the agreement, Terry will appear on the packaging of the UK version of Pro Evolution Soccer 5 and will also play a central part in the Konami's promotion of the eagerly-awaited title.

Due for release in Q4 2005, Pro Evolution Soccer 5 furthers the realism, on and off-the-ball movement and intuitive control of the best-selling football series with Producer Shingo 'Seabass' Takaska and his team at KCE Tyo Inc. implementing a host of new gameplay features and aesthetic touches as he continues his quest to deliver the most realistic football title on any format.

It is this realism that, as with many other top level footballers, attracted Terry to Pro Evolution Soccer. A confirmed fan, the Chelsea captain has hosted tournaments at home for his team mates and takes copies with him when on International duty. As such, his knowledge of the game and position as one of the world's greatest young talents makes him a perfect figurehead for the forthcoming Pro Evolution Soccer 5.

Pro Evolution Soccer 5 will be released in Q4, 2005.

Ubisoft's Bomberman for NDS Ships to Retailers
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Saturday, June 18 2005 @ 11:19 CET]

Today, Ubisoft announced that Bomberman® for Nintendo DSTM is shipping for retail this week and will be available at North American retailers by June 21, 2005.

The Bomberman series returns with Bomberman for Nintendo DS, boasting the first eight-player wireless LAN action for the Nintendo DS system and supporting the DS microphone. Bomberman's addictive blend of strategy and action will keep puzzle fans and players of all ages and skill levels drawn to the 100 stages of gameplay.

Key features:

Multiplayer action: Eight players can battle it out simultaneously via a wireless LAN connection.

100 stages: Bomberman challenges even the most die-hard Bomberman and puzzle-game fans with 100 stages to test their gaming reflexes and strategic minds.

Dual-screen action: Bomberman creates massive mazes by using the DS dual-screen capabilities.

DS microphone support: Bomberman supports the DS microphone via sound-recognition, allowing players to call out battle commands to their Bomberman.

Single-Card Play: Ensures friends will be able to get in on the multiplayer action for up to eight players.

Bomberman, developed by Hudson Software, ships with an ESRB rating of "E" (Everyone) and a suggested retail price of $29.99.

More info on Project Gotham Racing 3
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Saturday, June 18 2005 @ 11:18 CET]

We received more product info about the upcoming Xbox360 version of "Project Gotham Racing 3".

Here's the scoop:

The popular "PGR" franchise zooms onto the Xbox 360, expanding many of the "Project Gotham Racing®" features gamers have grown to love. "PGR 3" creates the ultimate roster of the hottest supercars in existence, introduces them to the high-definition era, and drops them into a completely new gaming world, where style rules the road. Racers define and create individually customized gameplay, and can race each other — on or offline.

Enhanced and refined gameplay reintroduces racers to the familiar Kudos system with a completely original user-driven experience that lets gamers race what they want, where they want. Gamers drive with style and daring to earn Kudos in front of large crowds, and win badges to reward their skills in all areas of the game.

With a whole new take on accessibility offered by the innovative and user-friendly GothamTV, "PGR 3" becomes even more like a real sport, offline and online. Unparalleled online features allow racers to compete for the right to become the Gotham World Champion, live on GothamTV. With a whole host of new racing modes, custom races, community support and campaigns, "PGR 3" takes advantage of the online advances Xbox 360 has to offer.

Artificial Studios Announces "Monster Madness"
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Saturday, June 18 2005 @ 11:17 CET]

Artificial Studios announced today that in conjunction with Immersion Software & Graphics, they would be developing Monster Madness, a 4-player cooperative online-enabled action game for the PC and Xbox 360.

4-Player Cooperative Online Action
Mix local & online players as you try to survive the Monster's invasion. Each player character has unique items and affects how the story plays out.

3D Top-Down Shooting
Aim in any direction, including up and down. Hordes of Monsters attack you from all sides, but you can also utilize quick dodge-moves to avoid them!

Customize Your Weapons
Acquire Weapon Parts by defeating enemies and exploring your environments, and then use these parts to Build more powerful weapons and Upgrade the ones that you have. Carry these customized Weapons between games, and find rare Weapon Parts at the greater difficulty levels to build the Ultimate Weapons!

Drive Vehicles
Find abandoned Vehicles, outfit them with deadly weapons, and ride in them to overpower your foot-bound foes.

Save the Town
Fight your way through 5 unique environments, such as "Suburban Nightmare", "High School Hell", and "The Shopping Maul", each with deranged Boss Monsters. Take back your turf from these evil fiends (and maybe impress your girlfiend while you're at it)!

Advanced Physics
Monster Madness is designed specifically for the Ageia NovodeX Physics platform, including use of the PhysX PPU. Interact with the environments physics to give yourself an advantage, such as creating barrides or throwing large objects.

Killer Graphics
Running on the Reality Engine, Monster Madness takes full advantage of the most advanced Shader Model 3.0 capabilities, including High Dynamic Range Rendering and fully dynamically lit & shadowed worlds.

Monster Madness is slated to be complete in Q1 2006. No publisher has yet been signed, for all inquiries or more information, please contact Artificial Studios.

Jade Empire soundtrack now available!
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Saturday, June 18 2005 @ 11:16 CET]

BioWare is excited to announce that in partnership with Sumthing Else Music Works, Inc., (www.sumthing.com ) and Microsoft Game
Studios, the music of Jade Empire(tm) is now available on soundtrack.

Jade Empire(tm) is the critically acclaimed action-RPG developed by BioWare and published by Microsoft Game Studios for the Xbox.
Award-winning composer Jack Wall created the original music for Jade Empire(tm), and it is now available on this highly anticipated soundtrack. The Jade Empire(tm): Original Game Soundtrack is offered online at the BioWare store (http://store.bioware.com
) and Amazon.com, as well as in select retail outlets of Tower Records, Virgin Mega Stores, Best Buy, Fry's Electronics and more.

The critically acclaimed Jade Empire(tm) soundtrack was arranged and composed by Jack Wall (www.jackwall.net ).
As an industry award-winning composer/producer, Jack Wall's credits include Myst IV: Revelation, Myst III: Exile, Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (cinematic music), Dungeon Siege II (promotional trailers), Rise of the Kasai, and Wrath Unleashed.

Stay tuned for PlayDevil's Jade Empire review soon!

Become Part of the Joanna Dark Community at PerfectDarkZero.com
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Saturday, June 18 2005 @ 11:14 CET]

Experience the mysterious past of one of the most lethal agents ever, Joanna Dark, as Microsoft Game Studios today announces the launch of the new community site PerfectDarkZero.com. The official site features stunning images and fresh information about gaming’s hottest secret agent, including screenshots, new game details, wallpaper and high-resolution PDFs of the new Perfect Dark Zero comic book.

At PerfectDarkZero.com, visitors have the opportunity to interact with other fans to discuss the latest game information, including future updates from Xbox LiveTM. The site also gives players a chance to learn more about the development team at Rare working on this ground-breaking, highly anticipated game for Xbox 360TM. Perfect Dark Zero, the prequel to the best-selling and critically acclaimed Perfect Dark, is one of the premier titles set to come out this holiday season.

Set in the year 2020, three years before the original hit game Perfect Dark, Perfect Dark Zero features a gripping story, multiple game scenarios for endless replay-ability, a massive arsenal of weapons and combat-enabled vehicles. The sci-fi, first-person shooter features a fully interactive world, support for up to 50 players online via Xbox Live, breathtaking high-resolution graphics and spectacular special effects.

19 Film titles to be released for Sony's UK PSP on 1 September
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Thursday, June 16 2005 @ 22:29 CET]

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) is to release 19 UMDTMVideo (Universal Media DiscTM Video) film titles on 1 September 2005, the same date as the PSPTM (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system launches in the UK. The films will include new release title xXx: The Next Level as well as diverse catalogue titles including Ghostbusters, SWAT and Bad Boys.

Following the successful launches in Japan and the USA, PSP will be available in a single version Value Pack, priced at €249 (£179). The PSP Value Pack contains an added-value package of accessories and entertainment content, including the PSP system with a pouch, 32MB Memory Stick DuoTM, Battery Pack, Headphones with Remote Control, AC Adaptor, Wrist Strap, cloth and a video/music/game Demo Disc including several non-interactive game demos.

A copy of Spider-Man 2, on UMD Video will be available free of charge to early purchasers of PSP, who register their system and order their Spider-Man 2 UMD Video through http://www.yourpsp.com, the official SCEE web portal for PSP.

PlayDevil.com reviews Act of War: Direct Action
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Thursday, June 16 2005 @ 22:17 CET]

Lovely! We have just posted another new review in our "review section" today.
This time we take a closer look @ Eugen Systems and Atari's latest biggest RTS title, Act of War: Direct Action for PC-DVD.

Here's a snip:

The whole game resembles a lot from the original Command & Conquer games but with better graphics and fresh ideas.
Fans of C&C will certainly feel at home with Act of War: Direct Action.
The control interface is very intuitive and easy to master. Most of the commands that you can give to your troops are basic and easy to carry out.

One of the new ideas that Eugen Systems added is the ability to "capture" your enemies.

Read the full review here.

Dead To Rights: Reckoning goes Gold for PSP
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, June 15 2005 @ 21:54 CET]

Leading video games developer and publisher Namco Hometek Inc. announced today that "Dead to Rights®: Reckoning" has gone gold. A brand new adventure created exclusively for the PSPTM portable entertainment system, "Dead to Rights: Reckoning" features a new selection of hard-hitting moves and disarms, an original storyline and wireless multiplayer action for up to four players. "Dead to Rights: Reckoning" will be launching on June 28 and is rated M for Mature by the ESRB.

"Dead to Rights: Reckoning" finds tough cop Jack Slate and his canine counterpart, Shadow, once again thrust into Grant City's web of crime and deception. Tracking down an important informant who has been kidnapped by a major crime lord, Jack makes his way through the City's toughest neighborhoods. Using the series' trademark blend of film noir and cinematic style action, Jack teaches lowlife criminals a
lesson they will never forget as he fights to complete his mission. In addition to the franchise's classic moves such as slow motion dives, dual wielding and bone shattering disarms, Jack can now engage in fire fights from a prone position and
engage enemies using the brutal dive tackle disarm. For the first time in the "Dead to Rights" series, players can utilize the wireless capabilities of the PSP system to engage in multiplayer deathmatches for up to four players.

"'Dead to Rights: Reckoning' sets a new precedent for explosive action on the PSP system with original moves and wireless gameplay that lets adrenaline-junkies enjoy hard-boiled shootouts with their friends," said Pierre Roux, executive producer with Namco Hometek Inc. "The 'Dead to Rights' series has always been about larger-than-life action, and now fans can experience this all-new action thriller anywhere with the PSP system."

GMX announce first new console title, Extreme 4x4 for X-Box
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, June 15 2005 @ 21:52 CET]

GMX Media, a leading publisher of PC games is today announcing the release of their first console title – Extreme 4x4 for Microsoft XBOX.

Are your racing games getting dusty on the shelves? Getting tired of simulators with more menus than miles per hour? If the answer is yes, then take a look at racing action at its finest in Extreme 4x4. This is no typical racing game, it's an action racing adventure which will give you the extreme thrill of racing at high speeds in dangerous territories with numerous reckless opponents!

Don't just look out for chicanes and tight turns, keep your driver eyes peeled and dodge tornados, exploding mines, and huge falling rocks!

"Extreme 4x4 is a superb first title for our entry into the console market ", quotes Eugene Perry, COO for GMX Media. "We have been in negotiation with a number of developers worldwide for some time and have finally collated a number of great titles which we will be subsequently releasing for XBOX and other console formats. Extreme 4x4 is simply the first of many great console games that we will be launching!"

Extreme 4x4 is scheduled for a European release in September 2005.

NEW Shot of the Week: Black or White 2!!
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, June 15 2005 @ 21:51 CET]

A bit late though this week 'Shot of the WEEK' but nevertheless it's worth waiting.

We present you a BRAND NEW 'Black or White 2' screenshot.

Check it out before it's gone. To view, see middle right side of this page.

Enjoy!

Kingdom under fire: Heroes from Deep Silver
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, June 15 2005 @ 21:30 CET]

DEEP SILVER and PHANTAGRAM reunite to launch KINGDOM UNDER FIRE: HEROES, the enhanced sequel to last years highly acclaimed action packed strategy title for the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft®, Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders.

Everyone enjoys the big scale battle scenes in movies such as The Lord of the Rings, Gladiator and Braveheart. Everyone imagines themselves being at the center of it all, as the hero who decides the fate of the battle. With KUFH, players will have a chance to do exactly that. Command hundreds of warriors and slay thousands of enemies as you fight to survive in this medieval world of swords and sorcery.

Set in the same time frame as its predecessor, KUFH introduces seven new heroes who will chronicle the chaotic war for the fate of all mortals in seven different perspectives, fought across 50+ campaign missions.

Launching according to the lads from Koch media late September 2005.

Ulead Announces VideoStudio 9 MPEG-4 Plug-in for PSP
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, June 15 2005 @ 21:28 CET]

Ulead Systems Inc, leading developer of Picture, Video and Web design software has announced the availability of the MPEG-4 Plug-in for VideoStudio 9.

The MPEG-4 plug-in for VideoStudio 9 lets you create video files suitable for any device. Choose your format - PDA, mobile phone, DVD-quality or Sony PlayStation Portable - and the ready-to-go template makes a video designed just for that device.

Play Videos on your Sony PSP®! The Sony PlayStation® Portable, also know as a PSP®, is the hottest new portable entertainment console around but it also offers more the just playing games. With the PSP® you can also listen to MP3's, view photos and watch movies & videos! Ulead's MPEG-4 plug-in makes VideoStudio 9 the first consumer video editing solution to allow consumers to take advantage of the powerful media playback capabilities of the new Sony platform.

Blackbean releases first patch for The Day After
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Tuesday, June 14 2005 @ 18:01 CET]

"Blackbean Games" has released the first patch for their war sim turn based game, "The Day After".

You can grab this patch from their site, right here.

Nintendogs arrives in the US this August!
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Tuesday, June 14 2005 @ 17:58 CET]

Nintendogs has become a pop-culture phenomenon in Japan and will be available Aug. 22 in the United States. Dogs have become hip fashion accessories, complete with their dedicated lines of jewelry and clothing.

Nintendo's kennel club represents a virtual "who's who" of best-in-show contenders. The U.S. version of the smash-hit pet simulator Nintendogs for Nintendo DSTM will come in three different packages, each with six different breeds of puppies to begin with, including three breeds – golden retriever, husky and boxer – not available in the Japanese version. Owners will be able to choose from the most popular breeds to train on their Nintendo DS systems.

The package of Nintendogs featuring the Labrador retriever on the cover also will have breeds like miniature schnauzer, toy poodle, Pembroke Welsh corgi, miniature pinscher and shiba inu.

The package with the Chihuahua on the cover also will have breeds like a German shepherd dog, boxer, cavalier King Charles spaniel, Yorkshire terrier and Shetland sheepdog.

And the miniature dachshund edition also will have breeds like golden retriever, beagle, pug, Siberian husky and Shih Tzu.
Nintendogs lets owners choose a puppy from one of 18 breeds, then raise and train the pup. The pet simulation uses sophisticated artificial intelligence to produce incredibly realistic and cute puppies that respond to voice commands and petting on the touch screen. Owners can teach their puppies new tricks, compete in obedience trials and agility trials or compete in flying disk competitions. Successful trainers earn money and trainer points to use to buy additional breeds, new toys and accessories.

Nintendogs is the pet for people who can't have the real thing.

We're definitely looking forward to play this game since it's one of this years most weirdest DS titles!

Two million paying subscribers worldwide with World Of Warcraft
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Tuesday, June 14 2005 @ 17:56 CET]

Blizzard Entertainment® today announced that World of Warcraft®, the company's highly acclaimed subscription-based massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), has surpassed two million paying subscribers worldwide*. As the game's worldwide population continues to grow, so does the game itself: Blizzard recently introduced the highly anticipated player-vs.-player (PvP) Honor System and the game's first two Battlegrounds, Alterac Valley and Warsong Gulch. These new PvP battlefields offer a variety of fast-paced combat and some of the most valuable rewards yet seen in the game.

World of Warcraft recently surpassed the two million mark for paying subscribers. Already the largest MMO in both North America and Europe, Blizzard expects to see even greater growth with the recent commercial launch in China on June 7, 2005. Anticipation for World of Warcraft was already at an all-time high in China, with peak concurrency during the open beta test topping 500,000 players, nearly equal to World of Warcraft's peak concurrency in all three current markets combined. Blizzard expects to see the new mark of two million subscribers shattered quickly with the arrival of players from China in the coming weeks.

Later in the year, World of Warcraft will also launch in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Even as World of Warcraft debuts in new markets, Blizzard continues to develop new content to keep the game relevant and exciting for current and incoming players. The recent deployment of Battlegrounds illustrates Blizzard's commitment to enhancing the World of Warcraft experience for all its players worldwide. Additional Battlegrounds and more content updates are scheduled throughout the year and beyond.

Codemasters Campzone kicks off on July 22nd
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Tuesday, June 14 2005 @ 17:54 CET]

The largest outdoor PC LAN event in the world – Codemasters Campzone – is just around the corner. A little over one month to go, before thousands of gamers will gather in Biddinghuizen, The Netherlands, to start a ten day gaming festival that keeps gathering momentum year on year.

From the 22nd of July until the 1st of August thousands of colourful tents, miles and miles of UTP cables and hordes of gamers from everywhere in the world will overtake a part of Holland for one of the most unique games events in the world. At Codemasters Campzone gamers can challenge each other at all kinds of different games over a huge network, enjoying the comfort of their own tent and pc.

International game publisher and main sponsor Codemasters, known for franchises like TOCA/DTM/V8 Race Driver and Colin McRae Rally, will exclusively show their upcoming games during the event. This year will be the third time that Codemasters is the main sponsor of Campzone. In addition some gamers bring their own sponsors in the form of major PC peripheral brands. Campzone is organised by GameParty.net; the largest organiser of PC LAN events in the Benelux, service provider for network gaming and known for its Best of Benelux Tournaments.

Participants of Campzone are still able to register at www.campzone.nl

Juiced rolls out and is now shipping!!
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, June 13 2005 @ 17:52 CET]

THQ today announced the release of the high-octane street racer Juiced for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft and Windows PC. The highly-anticipated release of Juiced delivers an all-encompassing street racing experience, bringing the culture of street racing to life through game-play elements like betting and earning respect, while also featuring an extensive modification system in which gamers and gear-heads alike can build entire fleets of tricked-out racing machines.

Drivers can get to work under the hood for a suggested retail price of $49.99 on PlayStation 2 and Xbox and $39.99 on Windows PC.

Juiced will fully immerse players in the lifestyle and culture of the street racing scene where they will show off racing skills, earn respect from different crew chiefs and bet against them for cash. Earning cash and respect will ultimately unlock more than 50 real cars with over 100 real after-market cosmetic and performance mods for a total of 7.5 trillion car customization possibilities. As a racer's notoriety grows, new drivers will approach them to join the team, opening up never-before-seen 'crew races' where the player's ability to manage a crew of drivers is key to beating rival crews.

The game will also offer a full on-line feature set, including 6 player races, crew races, world leader boards and crew and pink-slip competitions, where someone will lose the car they worked to customize.

Kirby: Canvas Curse ships across North America
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, June 13 2005 @ 17:51 CET]

Kirby is having a ball this summer, taking his own path in his new adventure, KirbyTM: Canvas Curse. Launching today for Nintendo DS, this game sets Kirby on a quest to rescue Dream Land from the curse of an evil witch.

Multiple game reviewers have noticed how Kirby: Canvas Curse truly maximizes the unique touch-screen control features of Nintendo DS. Game play proves natural and enjoyable, as players use the stylus to draw rainbow paths for Kirby to travel upon. Players can draw defensive walls, tap enemies to stun them or draw loops to help Kirby build up speed.

Kirby is a longtime fan favorite, and even stars in his own hit Saturday-morning cartoon show on 4Kids.tv. For more information about Kirby: Canvas Curse, Rated E for Everyone, visit www.kirbykirbykirby.com.

VIA releases powerful Doom 3 MP benchmarking map & demo
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, June 13 2005 @ 17:35 CET]

VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator and developer of silicon chip technologies and PC platform solutions, today released viavga_d3_bench, a compact DOOM 3 multiplayer map crammed with heavy geometric detail and striking lighting effects designed to test PC system performance to the full.

Built from the ground up to push today's high-end systems into breaking a sweat, the map was developed by renowned mapper Josh 'b0rg' Holmes, the editor of VIA's official games website VIA Gamers Arena, to offer a glimpse at what to expect from tomorrow's games using DOOM 3 technology, the world's most technically advanced PC gaming engine. The multiplayer demo recorded for benchmark testing is approximately twice as demanding as the default single player demo packaged with DOOM 3. The map is suitable for 2-4 player deathmatch games and demands an impressive system to run smoothly, such as one based on the latest VIA K8 or PT series core logic chipsets.

"I wanted to create an incredibly system-intensive multiplayer map to take DOOM 3 technology to the extreme and see what the powerful engine is really capable of," said Josh Holmes, editor of VIA Gamers Arena. "I'm pleased to have achieved this goal by incorporating as much eye candy as possible, while implementing all the optimization tricks I've learnt, to give an exceptional system benchmarking tool that will be a DOOM 3 engine performance yardstick for some time to come."

Incorporating original assets from DOOM 3, as well as several custom projection lights, the layout of viavga_d3_bench includes a combination of small and large areas constructed with the liberal use of brushes and curved patch meshes. Each area is heavily illuminated with numerous point and project lights. The map features various special effects including breakable glass and lights, reflective surfaces, exploding gas tanks and fuel drums, lifts, traps and a balanced scattering of weapons, ammo, armor and medkits.

viavga_d3_bench supports duel, free for all and team deathmatch modes of play. A default multiplayer demo can be downloaded and used for system benchmarking. Refer to the instructions included for information on how to run the demo.

For more information, gallery and download link for viavga_d3_bench map and benchmarking demo, please visit the VIA Gamers Arena website at:

http://www.viavga.com/default.aspx?PageID=20&AID=394

Other maps made by Josh Holmes can be found on VIA Gamers Arena at:

http://www.viavga.com/default.aspx?PageID=50&Resource=10

Kotor 2 X-Box review on PlayDevil.com
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, June 13 2005 @ 17:32 CET]

We present you another fine review, on X-Box and that's the sequel to one of 2003 best Star Wars games.
Indeed, "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords" is online!

Read the full review here.

Chaos League: Sudden Death Playable Demo Released
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Friday, June 10 2005 @ 17:01 CET]

Digital Jesters proudly announce the immediate release of a massive playable demo for forthcoming no-holds barred sports strategy game, Chaos League: Sudden Death.

Following the success of the original Chaos League, Sudden Death is a stand alone expansion pack which has been enhanced in almost every conceivable way, taking the real-time, role-playing strategy sports title into a whole new world of pain.
The first rule of Chaos League is simple: there are no rules. The aim of the game stays the same – score as many goals as possible...any way possible. Added to the brutal mix are new races, new grounds, 19 additional hero characters, improved commentary, additional in game options such as auto spell casting...and the ability to beat up the referee! In multiplayer, opponents can goad each other via microphone, and fresh tournament modes can be managed to create almost limitless leagues.

Sudden Death includes the original Chaos League game for anyone foolish enough to have missed out first time round, and for links to the demo, please visit http://www.chaosleaguegame.com/?txtShow=comment&intNewsID=760.

Get your own face in Black & White 2 !
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Friday, June 10 2005 @ 13:35 CET]

Lionhead Studios is proud to announce a unique opportunity for gamers worldwide to become part of the upcoming God/ RTS Simulation Black&White 2, which is due to release in Autumn 2005. If you visit the website http://www.bwgame.com you can read the following:

"It's the competition of a lifetime and your chance to influence the future of videogames forever! Now is the time to be getting excited about Black&White 2; the team are working like crazy to deliver to you this amazing game this autumn and it is looking better then it ever has. Now you can become immortal and join the ranks of all those villagers in Black&White 2. How? By entering in this contest and you could be the one lucky winner!

While we tell you that Black&White 2 is probably the best looking game ever (yes, ever - we like making bold claims) – it is also definitely going to offer you fresh and innovative gameplay! We (Lionhead Studios) are announcing this big contest; where one lucky guy (or gal) will get their face included in the final version of the game! Yes that's right, you could become immortal - by becoming one of the Greek characters!

What do you have to do in order to win? That's easy! All you have to do is prove that you are more excited than anyone else about Black&White 2! Yes indeed, show us that you are a real gamer and that you are looking forward to the game, and express yourself! This could well be anything; like a video of you dressed like a gigantic ape, or a picture of you carrying a sign stating your love for Black&White 2, or an interesting piece of (fan) art, or a story, or or or... There's so much you can do! So let's get creative, shall we!
Please make sure when making a submission that your work is original and appropriate to show!"

You can send in your submissions to webmaster@lionhead.com.

All information and the rules to this contest can be found on http://www.bwgame.com.

Atari prepares for launch of Rollercoaster Tycoon 3: Soaked
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Friday, June 10 2005 @ 13:33 CET]

Atari announced today that developer Frontier has completed RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3: Soaked!, the first expansion pack for the successful RollerCoaster Tycoon 3® franchise. Scheduled to ship to retail outlets nationwide on the longest day of summer, June 21, RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3: Soaked! is perfectly timed because the game invites players to create and control their own water parks just as the summer vacation season gets underway

RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3: Soaked! offers players more than 50 new rides and coasters, many of which are built around a water park theme, including swimming pool complexes, massive water slides, wave pools and amazing interactivity with water, including stirring up swimming pools, firing water cannons at park guests and a brand new interactive water-based coaster called The Roller Soaker! New Swimming Pool and Waterfall Designers will enable players to add hundreds of enhancements and the RCT3 MixMaster has been expanded to allow players to customize dazzling laser light, firework and water shows using the player's own music library.

Players can also create marine spectaculars with performing dolphins, killer whale shows and custom-designed aquariums. The new tunneling system opens up a whole new set of opportunities, with tunnels both underground and under water. With original coasters, water slides, beaches and more, RollerCoaster Tycoon® 3: Soaked! is the ultimate interactive experience for summer fun.

New SHOT of the WEEK!
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, June 8 2005 @ 13:46 CET]

A new week so that means a new shot of the week !

We grabbed one of those astounishing new shots of "Call of Duty 2: Big Red One."

Check it out (right side of this page) and see what kind of games will be released on the next-gen systems.

Namco announces Stargate SG-1: The Alliance
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, June 8 2005 @ 13:44 CET]

Global video games publisher, Namco Hometek Inc. announced today "Stargate SG-1: The AllianceTM," a squad based first-person shooter based on the acclaimed television series. Featuring innovative team gameplay, robust multiplayer features and an original "Stargate" storyline, "Stargate SG-1: The Alliance" will be coming to major console systems and the PC in Fall 2005.

In "Stargate SG-1: The Alliance," Stargate Command is preparing for battle to thwart the evil Anubis, who has been traveling throughout the galaxy in search of a powerful artifact with the ability to throw the universe into ruin. To avert the threat, General Jack O'Neill and his squad must travel to perilous alien outposts to secure the artifact before Anubis can reach it.

An intense, team based first-person shooter, "Stargate SG-1: The Alliance" places the player in the midst of an interplanetary struggle that encompasses the entire "Stargate" universe. Across 16 missions on a number of familiar alien worlds, players will utilize assault, stealth and reconnaissance tactics and a devastating arsenal of alien weaponry and massive armored vehicles to overcome the threat of Anubis and bring peace to the universe. Featuring dialogue from the original cast of the television series, "Stargate SG-1: The Alliance" lets players assume the role of the original SG-1 team, including General O'Neill, Teal'C, Colonel Carter and Daniel.

Blizzard launches battlegrounds for WOW!
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, June 8 2005 @ 13:43 CET]

Blizzard Entertainment® today announced the release of the first two player-vs.-player (PvP) Battlegrounds for World of Warcraft®, its record-setting subscription-based massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Featuring distinctly different map designs and game objectives, these highly anticipated PvP battlefields provide an entirely new dimension of competitive gameplay for both expert and new World of Warcraft players.

World of Warcraft's Battlegrounds are PvP-enabled zones where players compete against each other to achieve victory, Honor points, and valuable in-game rewards. Each Battleground has different goals and gameplay styles, providing an addictively engaging experience for participants. The two initial Battlegrounds now available to the public are Alterac Valley, a high-end zone designed for large groups of experienced players, and Warsong Gulch, a more casual zone designed for all players level 21 and up.

In Alterac Valley, two teams of 40 battle each other for all-out domination. The snowy zone, nestled high within the Alterac Mountains of Lordaeron, features a fully functioning base for each faction, NPC defenders, PvP quests, and unique allied monsters to create a challenging and epic conflict. Players can spend hours executing carefully planned strategies in Alterac Valley, earning bonus Honor points by achieving key objectives along the way and ultimately by winning the Battleground.

Victory in Warsong Gulch, situated on the border between Ashenvale Forest and the Barrens, likewise requires strategy and teamwork, but the pace of play is faster, with games lasting 45 minutes on average. In Warsong Gulch, two teams of 10 vie to capture each other's flag and return it to base while defending their own flag from capture. Three successful captures result in a win, with each capture conferring bonus Honor points.

The Honor points gained in both Warsong Gulch and Alterac Valley accumulate to help players advance in rank in World of Warcraft's Honor System. Designed as an alternate means of character advancement, the Honor System allows players to access increasingly powerful items as they move up through the ranks.

Blizzard is currently in the process of designing additional Battlegrounds, complete with exciting new settings and new styles of gameplay, which will be available for testing in the months ahead. For more information about World of Warcraft's Battlegrounds and the PvP Honor System, visit the official World of Warcraft website at http://www.wow-europe.com.

ParaWorld will be released in Q1 2006
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, June 8 2005 @ 13:42 CET]

SUNFLOWERS officially confirmed the Release Optimisation Date for ParaWorld today.

The reason for this optimisation process is the emphasis on high quality both SUNFLOWERS and the developer SEK aim for regarding the finished product. The additional time until the release in the 1st Quarter of the next year will be exclusively used for balancing processes.

"Maximum gaming fun is of the utmost importance for SUNFLOWERS. This is he reason why we have decided to schedule in at least 6 months just for balancing and debugging for each project from now", Adi Boiko, President of SUNFLOWERS, commented this decision.

New Worms 4: Mayhem screenshots online!
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Wednesday, June 8 2005 @ 12:38 CET]

Team 14 and publisher Codemasters have revealed new screenshots of their upcoming adventure/strategy game, "Worms 4: Mayhem".

These (5) can all be viewed in our screenshots section or straight by visiting this link.

Enjoy!

Conker: Live and Reloaded Goes Gold
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Tuesday, June 7 2005 @ 16:43 CET]

The most popular (and lethal) squirrel in the world, Conker, is readying his plans to invade gamers' homes as Microsoft Game Studios announced today that Conker: Live and Reloaded for Xbox® has gone gold. Set to ship to retail on 24th June for a suggested retail price of £39,99. Conker: Live and Reloaded, developed by the award-winning team at Rare, will drop gamers on to the front lines of an epic battle between the noble Squirrels and the vicious Tediz.

Gaming's notoriously naughty squirrel - Conker - arrives on Xbox with a bang in an all-new Xbox LiveTM-enabled team-based shooter, Conker: Live & Reloaded. Featuring intense death-match and campaign storyline modes via Xbox Live and system link, players can compete as one of six combat specialists across multi-mission campaigns covering Old War and Future War. The Live game-play promises to deliver the non-stop action, humour, gratuitous violence and intensity for which Conker is famous.

Also included is the critically acclaimed single-player game, Conker's Bad Fur Day, completely recreated for the Xbox with stunning graphics and "reloaded" attitude.

For more information on Conker: Live and Reloaded, please visit http://conker.xbox.com.

GTA: San Andreas for Xbox and PC ships
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Tuesday, June 7 2005 @ 16:42 CET]

Rockstar Games, the world-renowned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.is pleased to announce that Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and for the PC is now available at retailers throughout North America and Europe

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for the Xbox and PC will be in stores in Europe on June 10th, 2005.

DoveZ - The Second Wave
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, June 6 2005 @ 16:45 CET]

Dutch publishers Xing Interactive have announced the release of horizontal scrolling space shoot 'em up "DoveZ - The second Wave". The game will be released in Europe on the 1st of August after seeing the light of day in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Singapore first at the start of 2005. The suggested retail price is 9.99 GBP/14.99 Euro/US$19.99.

"DoveZ - The Second Wave" is a classic space shoot 'em up in the style of R-type and Raptor. Of course this game boasts many additional features to the standard repetoire you'd expect from a superb retro shoot 'em up.

A demo, screenshots and trailer can be found at www.dovez.de.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory for NDS Goes Gold
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, June 6 2005 @ 16:42 CET]

Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announces that Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos TheoryTM for the Nintendo DSTM has gone gold and will be in stores June 28. For the first time, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell is available on a handheld console in full 3D.

Taking full advantage of Nintendo DS' two screens and Touch Screen technology, the game offers an immersive experience through the single-player campaign and also includes the innovative Cooperative multiplayer and Versus modes.

More info on the upcoming Shrek game, Superslam!
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, June 6 2005 @ 16:41 CET]

Shrek® SuperSlam pits the characters from the Shrek® franchise against each other in the only game that combines the twisted humor and pop culture parodies of the Shrek universe with the fast-paced action of a melee fighting game. Signature fighting moves like Shrek's "Green Storm," Donkey's "Juggle Punt," and Puss-in-Boots'TM "Love-Stun" bring variety and personality to the game. Fully destructible arenas like the Poison Apple Inn and Dragon's Gate have walls toppling and debris flying while a multitude of weapons, potions, and magical items spell endless melee action for up to four players.

KEY FEATURES:

Play the whole motley crew – Gamers choose to play as one of 20 fantastical characters from the movies – including heroes like Shrek, Donkey, Puss-in- Boots, and Princess FionaTM, and villains like Prince Charming, Cap'n Hook, and many more. So many favorite characters, including some all new for the game, makes for endless combinations of multiplayer action. (10 characters on Nintendo Game Boy Advance, 13 on Nintendo DSTM)

Enjoy a buffet of irreverence – Players relive the twisted humor of the world of Shrek as characters deliver taunts and jokes and farcical environments parody TV shows, movies, and other pop culture icons.

New signature moves – Shrek's gaseous "Green Storm" clears the room, Puss-in-Boots' disarming "Love-Stun" sweeps opponents off their feet and Pinocchio wields his lengthened nose, the "Hummingbird," to spear enemies. These are among the game's totally twisted and hilarious signature fighting moves. (Characters' moves vary between console and handheld)

Fully destructible environments – Players can hurl opponents through walls and windows and throw debris at their opponents. All 16 arenas are totally destructible and loaded with weapons, potions, magical items and environmental hazards. (10 arenas on Game Boy Advance)

Pummel your friends – Up to four players can slam it out in multiplayer, free-for-all melee combat.

Hocus Pocus – Characters can pick up more than 20 different weapons, potions, and magical items throughout the game to pound opponents with the Giant Ham Hock, become a battering ram with the Horned Viking Helmet, increase quickness with the "Speed of the Gato" potion, or enjoy many other unique power-ups. (25 items on Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS).

Mega Challenges – Players slam through over 30 mini games that test skills and fray nerves. (25 mega challenges on Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS)

Touch-screen and map on Nintendo DS – On the Nintendo DS, players can touch the screen to collect weapons and potions or to navigate the arenas using a detailed overview map.

Release: autumn 2005

Madagascar press screening
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Monday, June 6 2005 @ 16:40 CET]

Last sunday, yesterday, we were invited by the distributor of the upcoming Dreamworks movie/game, "Madagascar" to see it in the UGC cinema in Antwerp.
Of course we couldn't resist that offer and we went.

Madagascar is the new animated movie from the creators of Shrek and Shark Tale. That means excellent animation, suspense and of course jokes!
It features the voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock (absolutely fantastic!), David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett.
Madagascar really surprised us by its story and so many jokes.
It's a decent animated movie about 4 animals, all living in the zoo until one of them want to taste the wild and escape. The other 3 try to rescue him and ...

Anyway a good movie, definitely one to see in the cinema.
In Belgium, "Madagascar" will be showed on 22th June.

PlayStation 2 reaches worldwide shipment of 90 million units
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Friday, June 3 2005 @ 23:07 CET]

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that the cumulative production shipment of PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system had reached 90 million units worldwide, as of June 2nd, 2005.

Since its launch in Japan on March 4th, 2000, sales of PlayStation 2 has grown steadily, securing its place as the most favorite computer entertainment platform in homes around the world. Particularly, the new slim line PlayStation 2 (SCPH-70000 series), which went on sale in November 2004 starting from Japan, has gained strong support around the world and demand for the platform continues to grow steadily, with shipment reaching 16.17 million units in the last fiscal year (ending March 2005) alone. Shipment of 90 million units within 5 years and 3 months since launch is more than 2 years and 3 months faster in penetration speed, compared to the original PlayStation®, which has sold more than 100 million units in total.

On the software side, more than 5,000 game titles are currently available for PlayStation 2 worldwide, with cumulative shipment reaching over 800 million units. Software shipment has been outstanding, recording an all-time high of 252 million units in 2004, with many more new and attractive titles expected to be released from first and third party software developers and publishers.

GT LEGENDS elected best sports game at the E3
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Friday, June 3 2005 @ 23:06 CET]

This year, the 10TACLE STUDIOS were present for the first time at the E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) in Los Angeles. With their focus title, the racing game simulation "GT Legends", they were able to convince public and press altogether. Numerous domestic and foreign media, amongst them the established German magazines Gamestar and PCGames, elected "GT Legends" as "the best sports game of the E3"! But it wasn´t just the trade fair visitors who could catch a glimpse of the new simulation of the SimBin development team; simultaneously, the first trailer with the historical racing game event was published on the official homepage www.gt-legends.com, registering a high number of downloads.

"Our E3 appearance has been a complete success. GT Legends enthused both the invited media as well as our sales and distribution partners. With this title in the portfolio, we look into the future with a more than positive outlook. We were also able to introduce the future line-up to all relevant distribution and technology partners, and we are very satisfied with the results," says Frank Holz, Director Marketing & Sales, 10TACLE STUDIOS AG, about the successful debut.

PlayDevil.com reviews Resident Evil 4 in-depth!
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Thursday, June 2 2005 @ 16:33 CET]

We have posted our very in-depth review of Capcom's latest RE installment, "Resident Evil 4".
We have never played a game that long, that in-depth like this one and after reading our review, you'll definitely know if you gonna like it or not.

More details in our review, here.

Ghost in the Shell: SAC soon for PSP
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Thursday, June 2 2005 @ 16:32 CET]

Bandai Games Inc. today announced "Ghost in the Shell®: Stand Alone ComplexTM" for PlayStation®Portable (PSPTM) handheld entertainment system from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Based on the critically-acclaimed anime series by the renowned manga artist and writer Masamune Shirow, this sci-fi first-person shooter offers wireless multiplayer action for up to four-players, including heated cooperative and competitive modes.

"Cutting edge technology is one of the main themes in the 'Ghost in the Shell®' series," said Rika Maruya, Co-Producer of Bandai Games Inc. "We naturally wanted to take advantage of the wireless capabilities of the PSP to truly immerse gamers into an edgy, futuristic world of hackers and cybernetic entities.'"

About "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex" for the PSP
In the futuristic world of "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex," crime knows no limits. Gamers can face off against cyber-criminals as members of Section 9, an elite group of secret intelligence operatives tasked to keep technological terrorists at bay. Players must use "Major" Motoko Kusanagi's agility, her partner Batou's strength, the rookie Togusa's stealth, or Saito's sniper skills to unravel the mysteries of Berutarube.

Ignition Entertainment announce Samurai Shodown V for Europe
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Thursday, June 2 2005 @ 16:31 CET]

One of the first fighting games to let gamers battle each other with weapons, the Samurai Shodown series has long been known for its innovative gameplay and authentic anime stylisation. This, the fifth instalment in one of SNK�fs best loved series, is set for a full-scale sword assault on the European public. Ignition Entertainment would like to announce Samurai Shodown V for the PS2 and Xbox (with the Xbox version having full Live functionality). Arriving in September �e05, it will carry a suggested retail price of £19.99.

The Samurai Shodown series has also been known for its willingness to tinker with its unique fighting system, and has resulted in a number of changes over the years. This instalment is no different, and offers several new features for the dedicated player. Characters can meditate in the heat of battle to affect their stats, and even slow down time for their opponent. Old faithfuls return, and talented gamers can throw their weapons down and fight unarmed.

Fans of SNKs fighting games have been clamouring for an update to the Samurai Shodown series,says Peter Rollinson, Product Manager, Ignition Entertainment. They feel very different to the King of Fighters games and offer a completely different style of gameplay to other 2D fighters. Samurai Shodown V is the most complete and refined iteration yet.

Worms 4: Mayhem is coming
  [Category : ] [Posted by Bjorn on Thursday, June 2 2005 @ 16:29 CET]

The worms are coming back with a bang, crash, splat, and kaboom thanks to an awesome armoury of new weapons crammed into Worms 4: Mayhem, coming July 29th to PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC.

Check out the damage you can inflict with an armed worm in the Weapons movie, now available at www.codemasters.co.uk/worms (in Downloads).

For the first time ever in a Worms game, wriggling commanders can design and build their own incendiary devices thanks to the genius Weapons Factory.

With a story-based single player campaign, more multiplayer battles than ever before, new challenge modes, and a whole host of new landscape features, Team 17's Worms 4: Mayhem will be published by Codemasters on July 29th for PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC