|
|
|
February 1st, 2009, 21:29 Posted By: wraggster
[Jacob] wanted to play some sega games on his PC and felt like the experience just wasn’t complete while using the keyboard for input. He had an old MadCatz controller laying around, which could have probably been connected fairly simply, but he really wanted it to be wireless. A wireless keyboard was sacrificed, and the wireless genesis controller was born. To make it, he disassembled the keyboard to take the controller chip out. After tracing out and soldering switches to the leads, he installed it in his genesis controller.
http://hackaday.com/2009/02/01/wirel...roller-for-pc/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
 Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
 |
|
|
|
February 2nd, 2009, 20:58 Posted By: wraggster
Back in September, images surfaced of a prototype massively multiplayer online game set in the Halo universe. The game was reported to be under development as recently as 2007 at Ensemble Studios, which closed down for good last week after finishing up its work on the upcoming real-time strategy game Halo Wars.
The gaming business Web site Gamasutra was there when the studio shut its doors last week and reports that the Halo MMO idea was alive and very well at Ensemble for a time.
The game started as a concept called Titan in 1998, after Ultima Online started getting attention in the PC gaming development community. After Microsoft began its relationship with Bungie, the Titan idea was merged with the Halo license and was code-named Orion.
Microsoft was so serious about the concept that, according to Gamasutra, it commissioned the construction of a new Ensemble campus for the game's development. But for unnamed reasons, Microsoft halted the construction and the project, and Ensemble was later marked for closure altogether.
The Halo franchise has turned out to be something of a poisoned chalice for Ensemble, which gained fame as an independent developer of the Age of Empires RTS series in the late 1990s. Microsoft bought the company in 2001, and for the past few years the studio has been working on Halo Wars, its first ground-up console game. The Halo MMO would have been Ensemble's first foray into the MMO market as well.
Microsoft has made no official statements about the Halo MMO project, but company executives have been frank in the past about their MMO ambivalence. The Halo online project is one of a handful of high-profile console MMO projects that have been shelved at the company in recent years.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/950/950098p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 2nd, 2009, 22:06 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
A judge in the case Blizzard brought against mod developer MDY has ruled that its auto-farming "bot" for World of Warcraft, Glider, violates Blizzard's copyright.
Glider takes control of players' characters and automatically grinds through enemies, "farming" them for gold, materials and experience. It can be used as a tool to generate funds for real-money trading, or simply as a way to level up a character without putting the hours in.
Either way, using Glider distorts the game experience and constitutes a violation of the user agreement for World of Warcraft - hence Blizzard's interest in shutting it down. Judge David Campbell already passed summary judgement in favour of Blizzard last summer, and awarded it damages in the autumn.
But this latest ruling could have much wider implications for digital rights management, as argued in an interesting if rather technical Ars Technica article.
The argument put forward by Blizzard and accepted by the judge is that the "non-literal elements" of WOW - the end-user experience, in other words, rather than the data stored on the game disc - constitute intellectual property which is protected by WOW's security software, called Warden. Therefore, because it circumvents Warden, Glider contravenes a provision of the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act banning software that is "primarily designed or produced for the purpose of circumventing a technological measure that effectively controls access to a work".
MDY argued that the game experience was not a distinct copyright work, because it did not exist in a tangible medium, and because it was effectively created by both Blizzard and the player. The judge rejected these arguments.
Although few WOW players will mourn the setback for a mod regarded as a cheat at best, legal experts contacted by Ars Technica point out that this case sets a worrying precedent. By using legislation intended to stop file-sharing in its case, Blizzard has effectively succeeded in copyrighting not just a game, but a network service, and enshrining its right to control access to that service even if no copyright theft is at work (Glider still requires a valid copy of WOW and a paid-up subscription to work). This has the potential to cause tremendous problems for the open-source software movement in particular.
The ruling is expected to go to the Court of Appeal, so we haven't heard the last of this yet.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 2nd, 2009, 22:36 Posted By: Shrygue
via Joystiq
It's been a long time coming, but BioWare has finally informed us that a patch is in the works for the PC version of Mass Effect . Word comes via the official forums, where community coordinator Chris Priestly posted a note on the planned update.
Priestly says that Bioware has been watching the community and gathering feedback from various users having issues with the ported game. The patch, being developed by BioWare and Demiurge, will work with all versions of Mass Effect PC (including retail and those from Steam and other digital distribution sources) and should be available "soon."
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 2nd, 2009, 23:14 Posted By: wraggster
New website launched with free copy of Championship Manager 01/02 game for all those who register on the website!
Monday 2nd February/... Designed to offer the ultimate one-stop-shop for football data, stats, news, editorial and networking the newly launched www.championshipmanager.co.uk is the comprehensive portal for all football fans.
To celebrate the fantastic new website, Championship Manager is giving away the classic ‘01/02 edition of the game to every visitor that registers on the website before February 28th 2009.
Roy Meredith of Championship Manager said: “If you love your stats, news, trivia and discussions, you will not find a more comprehensive football website anywhere.
“Championship Manager is a game for all fans of football who want to delve deeply into the sport and our website is an extension of that and much more. The insights from members of the Football Council will be fascinating and the analysis you can draw From The site’s data makes the website a genuine homeland for all fans of the beautiful game.â€
New features of the website include:
1. A unique Football Council – a group of people from all areas of the football world who will write regular articles about life in the real World of professional football. The CM Football Council is: Manchester United and Celtic legend and Youth Academy Manager Brian McClair; former West Ham United assistant manager Mervyn Day; former Premiership and World Cup referee Graham Poll; Ajax midfielder Howard Nedd; Dagenham & Redbridge striker Mark Nowekji; and Daily Mail journalist Mark Alford. In addition to their insights into the ‘behind-the-scenes’ activities in the World of football, the Football Council are also providing their expertise and unique experience into the design of the Championship Manager game, ensuring it retains it’s authenticity and provides fans with a firmly realistic experience of managing a football club
2. On-going real team and player data from across the leading UK and European leagues, building as they happen for every match throughout the season. Determine the truth behind the performance!
3. Create your own avatar, take part in matchday predictions or challenge “Cappo†in “Cappo’s Quizâ€. Users will also have the opportunity to comment on Football Council blogs, share their football experiences and opinions across the network and meet new supporters of their teams.
4. Championship Manager forums for gamers to discuss new games, demos and patches together with genuine fans forums for discussion about real life football
5. Regular football news stories, features and blogs, updated on a daily basis and written by football journalists from the UK and abroad
Championship Manager has been the leading brand in football management simulations since 1992 and the new site will herald a new direction for the most established name in football gaming. The new website features a bold and striking new design, with new logos and graphics, signalling the game’s return to the fundamentals that have firmly established it within the hearts and minds of football audiences for nearly 20 years.
The website is live now at www.championshipmanager.co.uk and with many more changes still to come it will continue to be the innovative home of football and Champ Man news.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 3rd, 2009, 16:12 Posted By: wraggster
The first patch for the single-player component of Crytek's first-person shooter Crysis Warhead has been released. The primary addition here is added 64-bit support. The quote below is from the patch notes.
"Added 64-bit executables for Windows XP x64 and Windows Vista 64-bit version. In Windows XP x64 a new shortcut will be placed under the Crysis Warhead program group. In Windows Vista right-click the Crysis Warhead icon in Game Explorer and choose to run the game in 64-bit mode."
Crysis Warhead, which was released in September 2008, serves as a side story to the original Crysis, made available in November of 2007. For more information on the game, head over to our object page.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/950/950273p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 3rd, 2009, 16:32 Posted By: wraggster
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 3rd, 2009, 21:29 Posted By: wraggster
Remember that screenshot we saw of all those different Windows 7 versions (pictured above)? Well guess what? It's worse than you could have possibly imagined. The following will be the actual new SKUs for the OS:
Windows 7 Starter (limited to three apps concurrently)
Windows 7 Home Basic (for emerging markets)
Windows 7 Home Premium (adds Aero, Touch, Media Center)
Windows 7 Professional (Remote Desktop host, Mobility Center, Presentation mode)
Windows 7 Enterprise (volume license only, boot from virtual drive, BitLocker)
Windows 7 Ultimate (limited availability, includes everything)
This information has been confirmed by Microsoft... who never listens to us. At least most consumers will only see Home Premium and Professional options at retail, which is more akin to the XP options of yore, and means WMC will be "baseline" for most PCs.
Update: Just to be clear, we've checked specifically with Microsoft on all six versions, and the placement of Home Basic in emerging markets. There's now a full breakdown after the break.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/03/w...e-has-come-to/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 3rd, 2009, 21:40 Posted By: wraggster
With the open beta attracting more than 450,000 players to the world of Taborea, Frogster Interactive has nailed down a March release date for their upcoming massively-multiplayer online roleplaying game Runes of Magic.
While the servers are all up, the item store functions properly, and all character progression from here on out carries over, Runes of Magic isn't officially released until Frogster Interactive says so, and they'll be saying so come March 19th.
"Since the open beta test launch is December, the population of Taborea has soared and we have been working closely with our community to fine tune the Runes of Magic experience", said Daniel Ullrich, Director of Product Management at Frogster, "We look forward to welcoming thousands of new players to Taborea during the next few weeks, as we get ready to fully launch Runes of Magic".
Hooray! So come March 19th, players can officially continue playing the free-to-play titles as they were, content in the knowledge that they are out of beta.
http://kotaku.com/5145608/runes-of-m...nches-in-march
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 3rd, 2009, 21:47 Posted By: wraggster
Set in the distant future, Söldner-X: Himmelsstürmer is a fast and furious shoot 'em up with state-of-the-art graphics, driving soundtrack and classic fun gameplay sprinkled with fresh innovations.
In the storyline, planet Earth's resistance aims to stop a deadly infection consuming both life forms and technology alike.
Oddly having to rely on an anti-hero mercenary and bounty hunter to pilot a mighty prototype star fighter.
His goal: To fight his way to the virus' origin, save civilisation and earn cash to boot!
The game comes with a large amount of goodies such as the OST, a Reference Guide Book, Special Slip Case, manual and an Online Key to upload your high scores and show off to the world.
This week's special Söldner-X: Himmelsstürmer is available at an unbeatable bargain price of US$ 9.99 only, which is exactly the the price of the downloadable PlayStation3™ version*, only with more goodies! A superb chance for collectors that like to put their prized limited edition games on display!
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...-1y1-84-n.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 3rd, 2009, 21:59 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Electronic Arts and Activision dominate the top ten of the US PC games chart for the week ended January 24, according to data provided by NPD.
Mainstay EA title The Sims 2 takes first place on the chart with its Double Deluxe expansion pack, as Blizzard's World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King comes in second.
The MMO giant is followed by two more EA titles, Spore and The Sims 2 Apartment Life, coming in third and fourth. Bethesda's Fallout 3 is the first of only two titles not published by either of the giant companies, coming in fifth place.
World of Warcraft: Battle Chest secures sixth place, as the standalone World of Warcraft title takes seventh. Valve's Left 4 Dead, published by EA, holds onto a chart position at number eight.
Civilization IV, published by Take 2, is the only other non-EA or Activision title in the chart, coming in ninth and pursued by Activision's Call of Duty: World at War in tenth place.
US PC games chart follows:
01. The Sims 2 Double Deluxe
02. World Of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Expansion Pack
03. Spore
04. The Sims 2 Apartment Life Expansion Pack
05. Fallout 3
06. World Of Warcraft: Battle Chest
07. World Of Warcraft
08. Left 4 Dead
09. Civilization IV
10. Call Of Duty: World At War
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 4th, 2009, 17:38 Posted By: wraggster
After the aggressively lame "unveiling" we were all subjected to yesterday, details have finally emerged about the $10 Sakshat "laptop." It's not a laptop! Or much of anything, really.
The thing, as described by the Times of India:
A storage device containing megabytes of data info which can be accessed by a user by connecting this device to a laptop.
Oh. That description sounds an awful lot like a USB drive, observed through computer-illiterate eyes. However, the only picture available of the device shows a small white box with lots of attached cabling, indicating that there's more happening here than simple storage. You know, something exciting, like networked storage! Either way, FAIL.
This whole fiasco was compounded by a few factors: deliberate misinformation by people close to the project, the complete and utter incompetence of the Indian tech press (we still don't even have a solid idea what this thing is) and the condescending eagerness of Western news outlets to believe that such a product, which would have been dismissed as totally impossible if announced here, was inexplicably plausible because it was coming from the mysterious foreign land of India. Whatever the case, there is no $10 laptop, and there probably never will be—at least not from this project.
http://i.gizmodo.com/5145998/indias-...-big-dumb-joke
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 4th, 2009, 19:12 Posted By: wraggster
1C and Aspyr announced today the launch of a new website for their excessively intercapped horror shooter, NecroVisioN. In this new game players will have the pleasure of slogging through the trenches of the First World War, but the new game isn't going to be a straight adaptation of Some Desperate Glory; this game will feature numerous B-movie touches, from walking dead, German mad scientists and, yes, a war between vampires and demons.
You can check out the rest of the story, and even see shots and clips of the game by visiting the website at www.necrovision-game.com. And if you're still not completely terrified, you can check out what's up at plain, old www.necrovision.com.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/950/950928p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 4th, 2009, 19:13 Posted By: wraggster
Outspark, a rapidly-growing virtual playground combining free to play games with personalized social experiences, announced today the open beta launch for the 2D side-scrolling role-playing adventure game, Wind Slayer. Thrill seekers looking for endless hours of entertainment can begin their own Wind Slayer journey now by visiting www.playwindslayer.com, registering for a free Outspark account and downloading the game. The Open Beta begins at 3 p.m. PST today.
Wind Slayer offers a rich role-playing experience in which players create and customize a character, conquer hundreds of quests and engage in frenetic Player vs. Player (PvP) battles with up to 20 players at a time. Set on the beautiful continent of Beuritania, Wind Slayer challenges players to defeat monsters and bosses as they gain skills, explore the game's beautiful and mysterious locales and follow the path of one of six diverse and powerful classes.
- February 4-10 "Second Chance Event": Play and reach Level 10 by February 10th and receive a rare Ancient Necklace.
With the addition of Wind Slayer, Outspark now offers its online community the opportunity to engage in five immersive multiplayer games including the hit titles Fiesta and Secret of the Solstice. The Outspark virtual playground also features a social networking portal where community members can create free profiles, chat with their friends, create and share content and even give one another in-game items. Since Outspark's launch in late 2007, the community has grown to more than 3.7 million users.
For more information about Outspark please visit www.outspark.com. For more information about Wind Slayer please visit www.playwindslayer.com.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/950/950923p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 4th, 2009, 19:28 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Publisher EA has revealed - as part of its depressing financial report - that Mythic MMO Warhammer Online had 300,000 subscribers at the end of last year.
The figure is a drop in World of Warcraft's 11-million-plus ocean, and doesn't represent the splash that EA was presumably hoping to make with its first entry into MMOs since Ultima Online.
However, 300,000 is still a respectable figure in a highly competitive field, which puts WAR ahead of the estimated subscriber bases of rivals like Lord of the Rings Online and EverQuest II, and alongside CCP's EVE Online. It most likely guarantees the game's profitability - and therefore its future.
Warhammer Online launched in September last year and quickly registered 750,000 players. However, many players had left the game again by the time WOW's Wrath of the Lich King expansion was released in November.
Mythic recently announced plans to expand WAR substantially in the coming months with the free Call to Arms update, including two new character classes and a new realm-versus-realm raid zone.
It has also just released a patch introducing the "Night of Murder" Valentine's event, which marks players on the opposing side as targets for you to kill, and launching the game in Russia.
Be sure to come back tomorrow for a live interview with Mythic's Paul Barnett. Perhaps you could ask him whether he's still confident in his million-player bet.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 4th, 2009, 19:33 Posted By: wraggster
Star Wars fans: you Hoth to see this. The latest "Developer Dispatch" out of BioWare Austin -- developer of Star Wars: The Old Republic -- not only shows off some of the effort going into creating the Jedi-starting world of Tython (ancient home of the first Force users); it actually contains gameplay footage from the LucasArts-published MMO that lasts longer than your ability to stomach a speaking scene between Padme and Anakin Skywalker. Plus, it's hotter than ... let's see ... high noon (noons?) on Tatooine. Hey -- what are you doing with those lightsabers? Those could hurt someone ... oh.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/ne...the-jedi-hood/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 4th, 2009, 19:34 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
The Sims 3 for PC will now release on June 3, more than three months after its planned February 20 launch.
A delay had been on the cards after the company told us early last week that it was "evaluating" the game's launch window.
EA offered a bit of a dubious comment in explaining its delay, or perhaps it was just explaining the potential benefit the delay could have for the publisher.
"The June launch combined with the break-through game the team is building gives us the perfect runway to create awareness for The Sims 3," said Russell Arons, EA's vice president of marketing, who went on to say it "will be the original IP summer blockbuster of 2009".
The Sims 3 is the latest entry in the best-selling PC franchise of all time, a series that has sold over 100 million units, so we doubt EA needs to build much more awareness of it.
The game will also launch for Mac, iPhone, iPod Touch and mobile devices this summer.
Doing its best to soften the disappointment of Sims fans, EA's also sent out a new trailer for the game (above) and a batch of fresh screens (below).
Screenshots here
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 4th, 2009, 23:46 Posted By: wraggster
The release of StarCraft II may be another umpteen months away, but hardcore LEGO fans aren't missing out on any fun. Take this lovely looking Protoss Immortal unit, for example, rendered perfectly in plastic brick.
It's just one of many fantastic LEGO recreations of StarCraft II units that very few have played with, but are currently obsessing over. Matt "Pepa Quin" de Lanoy has gone to expert, perhaps obsessive, lengths to build nigh-perfect bricked versions of the Terran's Marines, Banshee and Hellion, all of which we want to recreate, then play with on the carpet at Kotaku Towers West.
We'd be all "Pyew! Pyew! You're dead!" with the Immortal, then the Marines would be all "Tssss!" with their Stim Packs and like "No, you're dead! Kabooosh!" Or something.
http://kotaku.com/5146346/starcraft-...s-good-in-lego
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 5th, 2009, 17:22 Posted By: wraggster
EA's Battlefield series could be making a return to the Second World War with a new game titled Battlefield 1943: Pacific rumoured to be making a debut appearance at this week's New York Comic Con.
Videogaming24/7 has been doing the detective work, receiving confirmation that the game is real and will be officially breaking cover later this week. EA CEO John Riccitiello recently announced that a sequel to Battlefield: Bad Company is in production, though long-term fans of the series have been pining for a return to the game's multiplayer roots.
We've reached out to EA for confirmation of Battlefield 1943: Pacific – while we await confirmation pass the time by reading reviews for Battlefield: Bad Company and the series' last excursion to WWII, Battlefield 1942.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/951/951432p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 5th, 2009, 17:24 Posted By: wraggster
StarWraith 3D Games LLC today released Evochron Legends, the sequel to its original freeform 3D space combat and mercenary simulator.
Evochron Legends is a freeform mercenary space-sim that focuses on 'lone-wolf' survival gameplay. Players advance in the game in a variety of ways and can complete many activities including objectives like spying, racing, escorting, transporting, mining, exploring, hiring crew members, ship-to-ship trading, and clearing paths through asteroid fields. Evochron Legends is a technical simulation, not a character based simulator, so players are not limited by pre-selected character roles, skills, or attributes. The player's decisions and actions define their role in the game and establish their reputations, wealth, progress, and ranking. The game also rewards players who devise their own gameplay strategies and 'think outside the box'. With diverse optional objectives and many paths to choose from, including a seamlessly integrated objective based story quest, Evochron Legends offers an amazing level of freeform gameplay.
All travel and activities in the game take place in a vast seamless universe without system 'walls' or 'rooms' that require a warp gate 'door' to access. There are no required warp gates or trade lanes to restrict travel and hold players back. A player can travel anywhere with or without jump drives and gates, as long as they have the fuel and time to get there. The seamless environment also lets players descend into planet atmospheres to land at city trade stations, mine valuable materials, or explore for hidden items while occasionally contending with weather effects like rain, snow, lightning, and wind turbulence. Players are free to fly where they want, when they want, with open space navigation and onboard jump drives. The game's environment interaction also goes far beyond the genre's typical 'background wallpaper'. Nebula clouds, asteroid fields, atmospheres, stars, moons, caves, and planet rings all provide unique options for shelter and strategy. The game simulates changes for various environments that include gravity, fuel consumption, physics, sensor range, and visibility.
Evochron Legends features unified gameplay profiles, allowing players to keep the upgrades, ships, equipment, money, and commodities they earn to use in both single player and multiplayer (including connecting to different multiplayer sessions). Players can also save virtually anywhere without docking requirements.
The component based shipyard gives players the ability to customize the appearance and capabilities of their ship. They can optimize their design for defense, exploration, combat, racing, or transporting. They can also further enhance their ship by hiring specialized crew members, upgrades, and equipment.
The realistic zero gravity inertia based 'Newtonian' style flight model includes complete freedom of movement (3-way rotation and 3-way direction control) with optional variable input. An advanced inertial dampening system helps keep flight control simple in space, atmospheres, and gravity fields.
The game includes support for NaturalPoint Inc.'s TrackIR head tracking system. A PC with TrackIR connected knows exactly where the player is sitting and looking, by capturing their head motion with all six degrees of freedom. Evochron Legends uses TrackIR's unique input to control the view from the pilot's cockpit perspective, independent of keyboard, mouse, or joystick inputs.
Evochron Legends continues the SW3DG tradition of feedback based development. Players are encouraged to become involved in the updates to the game as their requests and suggestions will help guide future updates. Players are also invited to become part of the forum to share custom modifications, exchange tips, and to stay informed of updates.
Evochron Legends runs on the Windows PC platform, including Windows XP, and Vista. The recommended minimum system configuration for the game includes a 2.0 GHz processor, 128 MB 3D video card, and 1 GB of RAM (1.5 GB for Vista). The game supports keyboard, mouse, joystick, and gamepad control options with remapping capability. To learn more about Evochron Legends, please visit the official website at www.evochron.com
A free trial version of Evochron Legends is available at:
http://starwraith3dgames.home.att.ne.../downloads.htm
Screenshots, wallpaper, and the video trailer are available at:
http://starwraith3dgames.home.att.ne...creenshots.htm
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 5th, 2009, 17:25 Posted By: wraggster
Meridian4 (http://www.meridian4.com) and Frogames have been hard at work tweaking Penguins Arena, their action-packed, non-stop battle for survival – FPS (First Penguin Shooter) and have fixed a few things and added others.
The update to Penguins Arena: Sedna's World has been released and is available through normal digital distribution channels. The specific changes include:
Added "Custom maps" game mode, which allow players to play maps created with PAME (Penguins Arena Map Editor)
Added 4 new custom maps created by fans (Thanks!)
Fixed case of penguins falling into the water but are still alive (The 'Tread Water' bug)
Fixed some achievements not being able to be unlocked
Fixed crash when a player tries to join a full server
Fixed not being able to bind the 'E' key
About Penguins Arena
It all begins when a penguin legend comes to life in the form of Sedna, the ancient Penguin Goddess. Global warming, pollution... Penguin tribes are endangered. Sedna utters them that there is room for but one tribe. And so the purging begins.
Penguins Arena is a thrilling and innovative First Penguin Shooter with very short rounds and where the magic of reincarnation, combined with the supernatural ability to return to the game as a ghost, ensures that your character has every chance to change your tribe's fate.
Save the Penguins, Save the Planet!
5 different weapons and bonuses
Up to 4 different penguins tribes
15 different Icebergs battlefields
Cute and colored cartoon graphics
Fight the good fight and earn achievements
Short rounds and furious, intense gameplay
Player interaction, even after death
Reincarnation system
Multiplayer game (LAN or Internet)
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 5th, 2009, 19:26 Posted By: Shrygue
via Joystiq
OK, we're going to drop something on you right now, and it may be a little hard for some of you stuffed-shirt critic types to hear: Dark Sector was rad. Not great, not perfect, rad. You were a half cyborg and you ran around throwing an electric murder plate at bad guys. If every video game, movie and American-made car had a slice of that kind of magic, our economy wouldn't be in the dumper, and you can take that to the bank.
So, when we tell you that we're excited to learn that a PC port of the game is finally coming to the U.S. of A, you'll know why we're absolutely thrilled. Now, if we can just get Detroit to make glaives standard features on the 2010 models ...
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 6th, 2009, 16:23 Posted By: wraggster
EA's DICE made a lot of gamers happy today with the announcement of Battlefield 1943. This follow up to IGNPC's Game of the Year for 2002, uses the new Frostbite engine and offers full 24-player support and features three maps from the Pacific campaign: Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, and the ever-popular Wake Island. Players will be able to engage in team-based infantry combat as either the US Marines or the Imperial Japanese. Players will also be able to take command of a variety of vehicles including tanks and planes. The game will be released this summer on the PC and through Xbox Live Marketplace and the PlayStation Store.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 6th, 2009, 16:27 Posted By: wraggster
Although word came yesterday that Japan would be getting plenty of Street Fighter IV downloadable content, there was no official confirmation from Capcom regarding that content's U.S. arrival. Fortunately, Capcom sent out a press release today officially confirming that the downloads would make their way stateside and even noted some release and pricing information.
The first expansion pack for Street Fighter IV, the Championship Mode expansion, will be made available after the game's launch and will add several gameplay additions completely free of charge. First, the Replay Mode will allow players to record and upload match videos for the community to see and comment on. Also included is a new points system for measuring your skill level, which goes hand in hand with the Tournament Matching system, which appears to add an element of tournament play to the online landscape.
The press release moves on to provide specifics for the alternate costume downloads, which will arrive on Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network in themed packs. The packs will be $3.99 each on the PlayStation Store or 320 MS points. The releases will be as follows:
2/17 -- Brawler Pack: alternate costumes for Zangeif, E. Honda, Rufus, El Fuerte and Abel.
2/24 -- Femme Fatale Pack: alternate costumes for Chun-Li, Cammy, Sakura, Rose and Crimson Viper.
3/3 -- Shoruken Pack: alternate costumes for Ryu, Ken, Akuma, Gouken and Dan.
3/10 -- Shadaloo Pack: alternate costumes for Seth, M. Bison, Sagat, Balrog and Vega.
3/17 -- Classic Pack: alternate costumes for Guile, Dhalsim, Fei-Long, Blanka and Gen.
Unfortunately, no information is given to indicate a release of this content on the PC.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/951/951525p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 6th, 2009, 16:29 Posted By: wraggster
Electronic Arts, while on its Q3 2009 financial earnings conference call, today announced that Battlefield: Bad Company 2 will release sometime in the 2010 calendar year.
The original Battlefield: Bad Company released in mid-2008 to solid reviews and was the first game to use DICE's Frostbite engine.
UPDATE: Feb. 5, 2009: Electronic Arts has officially posted a press release for Battlefield: Bad Company 2, and in a pleasant surprise, the sequel will now be on PC as well as PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360; previously, Battlefield: BF2 was only for play on console systems.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/951/951554p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 6th, 2009, 16:30 Posted By: wraggster
A new Virtua Tennis game is tantalisingly imminent, with SEGA announcing that Virtua Tennis 2009 will be coming to Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC this May.
SEGA's being coy on who's developing the title, with an official spokesperson unwilling to disclose whether the game's being made in-house, being handled by Sumo Digital, the team responsible for the home ports of Virtua Tennis 3, or being developed elsewhere.
One of the early games of the current generation, Virtua Tennis 3 was served an 8.0 when reviewed in 2007.
Virtua Tennis 2009 will retain the mini-games that have helped define the series' arcade status, and will also include an improved World Tour mode. Contemporary stars of the game such as Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Maria Shaparova also feature, joined by new additions such as Andy Murray and Ana Ivanovic. Virtua Tennis 2009 will also have the official Davis Cup license.
"The return of Virtua Tennis promises to be a real treat for both fans of the series and sports game fans everywhere" said SEGA's European Marketing Director Gary Knight.
We'll have a full preview of Virtua Tennis 2009 for you within the next few weeks.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/951/951581p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 6th, 2009, 16:32 Posted By: wraggster
After news media picked up the scent of strange retail happenings surrounding the legalities of selling unrated MMOs in Australia several days ago, IGN sought comment from Activision Blizzard - publishers of World of Warcraft. IGN today received an update from the US arm of the company with a prepared statement aimed at addressing any perceived confusion.
According to the Public Relations Manager at Blizzard Entertainment:
"Blizzard Entertainment and its affiliates work very closely with the Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia to ensure that we are in full compliance with Australian law as it relates to the distribution and operation of our games, including World of Warcraft. We'd like to reassure all of our players that World of Warcraft is currently, and has always been, distributed and operated legally in Australia."
We wish Blizzard and other publishers in the MMO field our best of luck as they sort out the often confusing legalities of the Australian Classifications system.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/951/951734p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 6th, 2009, 16:38 Posted By: wraggster
While 70 plus publishers and developers have already committed to this year's E3, World of Warcraft developer Blizzard won't be attending the annual LA trade show.
Speaking to VG247, a representative for the company said that the team will be busy working on the highly-anticipated instalments of some of its biggest franchises.
"[Regarding] E3, our current focus is on the ongoing development of Diablo III, StarCraft II, and World of Warcraft," offered Blizzard's Bob Colayco.
"We are already planning to participate in a number of shows this year and look forward to sharing the latest news on our games at these events."
The developer usually holds its own BlizzCon event for fans, which last year attracted record numbers in Anaheim, California. The company is yet to officially announce BlizzCon 2009.
"BlizzCon 2008 was our most successful ever, with exciting news on all of our games, and the most attendees we’ve ever had at any BlizzCon," said Colayco. "We’re looking forward to doing more events in the future, but have not announced a 'BlizzCon 2009' at this time.2
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...on-development
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 6th, 2009, 16:58 Posted By: wraggster
The PC gaming industry may not quite have the earth-shaking force of its heyday, but PC gamers still enjoy the occasional perk. Take for instance the sweet, sweet nectar of patches and updates often weeks or months (Team Fortress 2?) before their console brethren. Tomorrow, PC gamers will enjoy just such a bounty when Call of Duty: World at War gets patched to version 1.2.
Besides the expansive list of changes -- which you can find right after the break -- PC players will also get to feast their mouses on a brand new map! ... OK, sure, it's just a daytime version of the "Makin" map. But it's so free! And so not on consoles.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/ca...p-on-pc-feb-6/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 6th, 2009, 17:03 Posted By: wraggster
What's this? A new Wolfenstein game? Yeah, apparently I didn't get the memo. Activision brought the game, simply titled Wolfenstein, along to their press event in NYC last night and showed off the latest build.
I was a bit disappointed to find out this was not a hands-on preview. An Activision rep played through the first couple levels of the game for a group of us, showing off some of the new abilities and weapons.
The story is a bit convoluted. It takes place in a fictional German city called Isenstadt. Even the rep on hand had some trouble explaining it to me, but it involves ancient amulets and crystals. But I know you don't care about that stuff. You just want to shoot Nazis, right?
http://kotaku.com/5147652/new-wolfen...res-otherworld
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 6th, 2009, 22:44 Posted By: wraggster
Hard Core Rikki tonight let me know of a recently opened Emulation site called Xtemulation, with the demise of the PC Emulation scene in recent years its great to see new sites with newsposters and owners who bring their own fresh enthusiasm to a scene that has and is seeing too many good sites gone to the ground.
So take a looksy at Xtemulation here --> http://www.xtemu.com/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 7th, 2009, 11:35 Posted By: wraggster
It's here - the first patch for Furysoftware's Strategic Command WW2 Pacific Theater, v1.01, boasting over 70 improvements, fixes and enhancements to both the game engine as well as the editor - many based on feedback from the fan community forums and email.
Please note, this is a PATCH for the game and will only work for the Battlefront.com English language version of Strategic Command WWII Pacific Theater. This patch will not work with any non-English version of Strategic Command WWII Pacific Theater at this time.
PREVIOUS SAVE GAME COMPATIBILITY NOTE
Save games created with earlier versions of the game are NOT compatible with v1.01. Please finish your in-progress games before applying this patch.
NEW VIDEO ACCELERATION SETTING
If you play the game and notice unplayably slow map scroll speeds and unit selection time, then please activate the "Video Acceleration" option from inside the Settings panel. That option will use a different method to handle graphics and should put your game performance back to regular levels. If you have never noticed any extreme game slowness, you can leave this option set to OFF.
BATTLEFRONT.COM INTERNET BROWSER COMMUNITY TOOLBAR:
This new game patch includes the optional install of a new, and we think, exciting tool. This tool seamlessly attaches to your internet browser (currently Microsoft Internet Explorer and Firefox supported) and gives you instant access to Battlefront.com game news, patches, demos, chat channel as well as other popular browser toolbar *gadgets* such as realtime weather reports (unique to your hometown!), a spell checker and pop-up blocker. Fully user configurable and expandable, your new Battlefront.com Community toolbar unlocks the full potential of your internet browser to keep you connected with the ever-growing world of Battlefront.com games and resources! You can find more details on this new free utility here: http://www.battlefront.com/index.php...388&Itemid=212
Downloads (59.8 MB):
Battlefront Server
More mirrors coming soon
VERSION HISTORY
v1.01 GAME ENGINE CHANGES
liberated countries that had free units will now have their parental control transferred to themselves if they are a major, otherwise to their new parent
fixed a properties research level display error that did not properly show the maximum levels for minor countries
unit purchases by the AI are no longer sequentially ordered as listed by the campaign script, i.e. selections are now random in nature but still dependant on the assigned values
fixed a Carrier combat error for when the attacking aircraft were reduced to 0 strength
implemented random #FINISH_POSITION arrivals for looped units
added additional AI scripts for when Pearl Harbor captured by the Japanese
fixed an AI unit purchase error when there were no placement tiles remaining
fixed a reinforcement error for Carriers
fixed a surprise combat error for Carriers that had an aircraft strength = 0
fixed a reorganizational error where aircraft did not optimally move to vacant cities that offered better protective cover
optimized sub convoy raiding so that subs do not raid immediately next to an enemy port
fixed a flag display error for SUPPLY events in the activity summary popup
fixed a sub mode change error for E-Mail games
default rating for HQs that are not on the build list is now increased from 3 to 5
fixed a loop increment error for units on either a land or naval loop when loading saved turns
fixed an AI Carrier purchase error that had the AI receive new Carriers with a 'Carrier' strength of 0
implemented further optimizations for land and naval unit upgrades when the AI has extra MPP available
fixed an Industrial technology calculation error that miscalculates occupied 'major' territory MPP
fixed a Chinese convoy to Japan error once China surrenders
fixed an estimated combat losses error for defending Carriers in port
fixed an automatic defensive artillery and anti-aircraft error that would return fire when the unit strength was < 5
fixed an Amphibious Transport
script error for Fortress targets that were set to 'Destroy On Overrun'
fixed an Amphibious Transport supply loss error for when the 'Weather' option was not selected
EDITOR RELATED CHANGES
adjusted the loop arrival positions for the Pearl Harbor naval loop
maximum research limit for AA increased for all nations from 2 to 3
the following percentages transferred by convoy from occupied countries to Japan have been amended as follows:
Australia, from 60% to 100%
China, from 80% to 100%
India, from 60 to 80%
Malaya, from 60 to 100%
Japan now needs to increase the size of her garrisons in Manchukuo by 1st October 1944 to prevent Soviet activation (was 1st January 1944)
The surrender of China will lead to an increase in Soviet activation of 5-10% (was 20-40%)
Japan's Industrial Modifier reduced from 50% to 35%
fixed several 3D Japanese Tactical Bomber sprites
fixed a custom interface error for Operation Z
fixed a Victory/Decision event error for Allied Major Victories
removed the popup wording from the resource script that fires to represent the supply planes flying to China, as it was duplicating the one from the popup script
removed Stilwell from the US and Chinese build lists, will now only be available via the designated UNIT/DECISION events
removed Chennault from the US build list, will now only be available via the designated UNIT/DECISION events
added AI unit Garrisons for Wellington and Papeete
added additional AI scripts and improvements for US Amphibious planning
added additional AI scripts and improvements for the USSR as well as US Fleet movements
US oil
well in 197,19 will now only benefit the allied AI, activating on the 1st January 1942
land tile NW of Hawaii at 141,32 changed to a sea tile
land tile at Johnston (135,37) changed to a sea tile
land tile NW of Borneo (40,46) changed to a sea tile
land tile W of Nagasaki (65,26) changed to a sea tile
kamikazes will now not appear before 1944
Japan's Industrial Efficiency now starts at 55% (it was 50%)
China is now set to Full Scorched Earth
unit scripts added for Japanese sponsored forces to be raised from Chinese collaborators
AI's fortification scripts in China renamed from Changsha to Chungking
the surrender of Australia will no longer lead to an increase in Soviet activation
Soviet 1944 and 1945 activation scripts amended
Soviet troop deployment script title and popup text amended from "Stalin
forms the Transbaikal Front" to "The USSR Mobilizes The Transbaikal Front"
Japanese units can now be adjacent to Manchouli, Kiamusze, Yenki, Tsitsihar and Harbin to prevent Soviet activation, they do not need to be actually in the city
Chinese and Soviet amphibious transports now have only 4 action points (was 5)
Long Range Air can now have five chits invested
the price of Soviet Tank Groups has been raised from 250 to 280MPPs
number of atomic bombs reduced to a maximum of eight
there is now a 50% chance that the Midget submarines will attack Brisbane rather than Sydney. The attack dates will also now vary
damage caused by Chinese partisans in Manchukuo reduced slightly
post-surrender partisan scripts added for China at Chengchow (46,25) and Kweiyang (36,30)
partisan script that was producing partisans in the mountains NW of Peking has been amended so that the partisans will now be able to move towards Peking or Paotow
Chinese partisans have had their soft defence factor reduced from 2 to 1
Brisbane port is now US
US Forces deploy in Samoa script amended, so that there is now a 50% chance of the Tank unit deploying at Asau (133,56) and an equal chance of it deploying at Apla (136,58)
8th Army unit script amended so that it will not arrive before 1st Jan 1943
if the allies capture Mukden it will massively increase Soviet readiness
popup wording for the Manchukuo garrison script 1944 changed to read: Stalin Takes An Increasing Interest In The Far East
Canadian RCAF Coastal bombers amended to arrive in the PQ from 10th Jan 1942 to 20th February 1942
fixed a SUPPLY script error regarding the "Hump"
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/951/951863p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 7th, 2009, 11:36 Posted By: wraggster
Konami announced today that it will be providing a free update for Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. Available at the end of February, the download promises to update every club roster with accurate trade moves made thru the January 2009 "transfer" (trade) window.
Not only that, but player stats will also be refined to fall in line with their performance thus far this season. Konami is also adding more than 200 new players to the appropriate rosters. The publisher is promising even more content for PES 2009 in the coming months.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/951/951986p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 7th, 2009, 11:37 Posted By: wraggster
Posted over on Criterion Games' website is an announcement of a new serving of downloadable content for 2009. The post directs readers to the in-game Criterion Games Network browser for the PC and PlayStation 3 versions. We did the work for you, and found a listing for Burnout Paradise Cops and Robbers in the network's 'coming soon' feed.
Unfortunately, as of this posting, clicking on the item in the PC version yields the following message: 'News is currently unavailable, please try again soon.' We'll update as soon as more details are available.
Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box was just launched this week for the PC. The original version was released back in January of 2008 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/952/952231p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 7th, 2009, 11:39 Posted By: wraggster
According to GameSpot, the two upcoming pieces of Fallout 3 downloadable content will each be delayed by one month. The Pitt, previously scheduled to come out in February has been pushed back to March. Broken Steel, which was slated to come out in March and will continue the main story and lift the level cap, is now due out in April. This was confirmed to GameSpot by Pete Hines, VP of Marketing for Bethesda.
The Pitt and Broken Steel are exclusive to Xbox 360 and Windows PC. The PlayStation 3 version of Fallout 3 will not receive the downloads.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/952/952334p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 8th, 2009, 09:56 Posted By: wraggster
We're going to go out on a limb and say the first thing everyone does when playing The Sims is find ways to torture the tiny virtual citizens. Yesterday, Shacknews reported receiving new screen shots of The Sims 3 via email with the subject line: 'The Sims 3 Vampire Screens.' Could it be? Can we start our own vampire war within The Sims? Unfortunately, the answer is no.
Electronic Arts told Shacknews that, while characters in The Sims 3 will be able to look like vampires, they will not possess any special abilities. You know, other than the ability to enjoy the writings of Stephenie Meyer. We kid because we love.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/th...cking-ability/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 9th, 2009, 18:10 Posted By: wraggster
Sure, you've read my hands-on report of Wanted: Weapons of Fate and watched IGN's two level walkthroughs, but did you know that the videogame is going to have a different ending on the PC? I didn't know until I made it to the Wanted: Weapons of Fate panel at the New York Comic-Con this afternoon. Apparently, the "vulgar" ending PC users are getting missed the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the title due to different deadlines for ESRB submissions. Aside from that, there were just a few tidbits worth mentioning to your over-informed brain and they all had to do with the people playing characters.
As far as voices in the game, Terrence Stamp -- General Zod in Superman and Pekwarsky in the Wanted movie -- will reprise his movie role in the game; Common, whose character in the movie was killed, will be back to play a different role; and Thomas Kretschmann is back to voice Cross.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/952/952507p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 9th, 2009, 18:11 Posted By: wraggster
Gears of War for Windows players were understandably aggravated by a recent glitch that prevented the game from launching due to an expired signature issue built into the game's anti-cheating system. Though you could work around this glitch by setting your system clock back to the time prior to the expiration, Epic has today released complete update that resolves the problem. Simply head over to the Gears of War site to grab the 6.29MB patch yourself.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/952/952563p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 9th, 2009, 18:12 Posted By: wraggster
Back in mid-January Gamestop completely stopped their pre-order program for Relic's Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War II, claiming that they had run out of their initial supply. Of course, internet newshounds immediately went to work and began uncovering rumors that the retailer was aggravated over the title's association with Steam, Valve's popular digital delivery service. Though it seems unlikely that's the only reason to cancel the pre-order promotions -- Valve's games and other Steam titles are still being sold, for instance -- the fact that the stoppage occurred just as the Steam-exclusive beta was launched makes it more tempting to put two and two together.
But today, Gamestop appears to have reinstated its pre-order program for the game. When we contacted our local stores we were told that the pre-orders have kicked back in again now that the supply and fulfillment issues have been resolved. Even without an explicit anti-Steam bias among the retailer, the assumption that one exists isn't likely to help Gamestop's already low profile among PC gamers.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/952/952569p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 9th, 2009, 18:51 Posted By: wraggster
CCP's recent support for EVE Online in Linux is now set to be discontinued this March. Released last November along with the Mac OS X client, it has failed to share the expected continual growth as seen with Mac client. Feedback on the EVE Online forums, which includes the e-mail in which CCP announced this decision, suggest that the client was not preferred for Linux users as it did not support the Premium graphics client and did not run as well as the win32 client under Wine. For those who wish to stop playing EVE Online, CCP is offering a refund towards unused game time. Select quote from the e-mail: 'The feedback and commitment we obtained from players like you helped both CCP and Transgaming with our attempts to improve on the quality and stability of the client. Many of us in CCP use Linux and are convinced of its merits as an operating system
http://games.slashdot.org/games/09/02/08/206252.shtml
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 9th, 2009, 18:52 Posted By: wraggster
Joystiq got the opportunity to spend some time playing an early version of Sony's DC Universe Online. Though the MMO won't be released for perhaps a year, the developers seem to have created a solid foundation for an entertaining and innovative game. GameDaily is running an interview with Marv Wolfman, a comic veteran who recently joined the DCUO team. From Joystiq:
"DCUO is very much an action MMO, with few game mechanics decided by the roll of the algorithmic dice. The game controls much like most third-person action titles, with standard light and heavy (charge-sensitive) attacks, a jump action and an interact button (notably, used to pick up cars). Super moves are mapped to the same four face buttons (when using the PS3 gamepad; a keyboard and mouse will be compatible with the console version, too) and are activated using L2 and R2 toggles. In total, up to eight super moves are easily accessible at any given time. Our character could fire ice balls and freezing rays at opponents, melee them with blocks of ice, or conveniently freeze them inside larger blocks, for example. A simple targeting mode (accessed by holding R1) locks the game camera onto an opponent for focused attacks. ... DC Universe Online isn't trying to strictly clone today's success models. SOE is making genuine efforts to build what could be the best superhero game ever conceived, and we're excited to watch it grow."
http://games.slashdot.org/games/09/02/09/0645236.shtml
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 10th, 2009, 16:55 Posted By: wraggster
Electronic Arts recently announced that a sequel to Mass Effect is forthcoming in 2010, but that apparently doesn't mean developer BioWare is done supporting the first game.
In an interview with entertainment Web site Cinema Blend (via ShackNews) at New York Comic Con this weekend, BioWare community manager Jay Watamaniuk said another round of DLC is on the way for the sci-fi RPG, although he didn't give specific dates or details. A PC patch is also reportedly on the way in the next couple months.
BioWare released the first round of Mass Effect DLC, Bring Down the Sky, in March 2008, and the developer has been quiet about its future add-on plans since. We've contacted BioWare for confirmation, and we'll update with more info when we have it.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/952/952716p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 10th, 2009, 16:58 Posted By: wraggster
We've been waiting for Sins of a Solar Empire's upcoming expansion for some time now. Originally scheduled for release last November, the expansion has been in beta ever since. Today Stardock announced that the game wouldn't be released until February 25, two weeks after its previous release date.
During this time the team at Ironclad will be able to adjusting the game based on the beta experience. Given Stardock's commitment to using beta feedback to refine and improve their games, we're hopeful that the delay will pay off positively for the expansion. Stardock's president and CEO Brad Wardell explains the delay by saying, "We want fans to get the most of this expansion and are making sure we're delivering the best content possible."
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/952/952744p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 10th, 2009, 16:59 Posted By: wraggster
Today MAYN Interactive Pte Ltd., European publisher for the critically acclaimed Massively Multiplayer Online Role Play Game (MMORPG) "TwelveSky 2", has officially announced the date to which anxious players can finally wander through the perilous yet alluring towns of Ancient China.
"We are very happy to be able to bring such an elaborate and highly expected game to the Western market." said Founder & Chief Executive Officer Young Shin. "We have many new and exciting features and projects in store for 'TwelveSky 2', and can't wait to have our Beta Testers jump right in there and explore!"
Those lucky enough to snag a limited Closed Beta Key (soon to be distributed) will be able to download the client in advance in order to prepare for the flood gates to open on February 23rd. Closed Beta will be divided into two segments; The first of which, Phase I, will start on February 23rd and continue until March 9th. Phase II will start from the last week of March.
"TwelveSky 2", successor to the already popular game "TwelveSky", harnesses the full potential of the self-developed game engine, GXD, which results in improved graphics and game play. Additionally "TwelveSky 2" will be introducing new mechanics such as item crafting, a new player race, and riding mounts, among others, as well as sporting a completely new and rewritten story arch, even compared to its sister counterparts which are currently released in Asia.
A month after its initial release, "TwelveSky 2" soared to the Top 5 position in the MMO genre in Korea and the Taiwanese version is quickly gaining speed. Now aiming for Europe, the game is setting up to be a major success within the Free-to-Play space.
For more information, please see the official website at www.12sky2.com.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 11th, 2009, 00:53 Posted By: wraggster
The Farm 51's First World War first-person shooter is a scary enough prospect. Nevermind the terror of trench warfare and modernized weapons, this game gets even more frightening with the addition of demons, zombies and all sorts of hell spawn once the game really gets going. But since fear of the unknown is the greatest fear of all, maybe it would be worthwhile to check out the game in bite-sized demo form first. You can grab the new demo straight from the NecroVisioN website.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/952/952913p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 11th, 2009, 20:43 Posted By: wraggster
The beta for EA and DICE's Battlefield Heroes has gone live – having undergone a three month hiatus.
An announcement's been made on the game's official site, stating that the closed beta is now live. Beta keys from last time out are still valid, but those without will have to endure the rigmarole of signing up for an EA account and registering on the game's official site. It's really not that difficult.
The new beta features improved hit detection, a change that's said to significantly speed up the game's combat, and elsewhere Battlefield Heroes' website has been the subject of some care.
The full game's expected over the next few months, and it forms part of a veritable onslaught of Battlefield games over 2009, with a remake of Battlefield 1942 also launching this summer.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/953/953283p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 11th, 2009, 20:46 Posted By: wraggster
Best Way's upcoming RTS Men of War is going to be released next month but, for those of you who simply can't wait, we've got an exclusive beta over at Fileplanet.com. The beta offers players the chance to compete in 16-player matches online in a variety of different modes, from straight-ahead free-for-alls to capture the flag. Players will have the chance to try out all four different armies from the game -- Soviet, German, British and American -- and nine different maps representing diverse theaters.
We'll be back with a full review of the game next month.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/953/953291p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 11th, 2009, 20:51 Posted By: wraggster
The upcoming collection of downloadable content for Valve's zombie shooter Left 4 Dead will be free of charge for both Xbox 360 and PC gamers.
Dubbed the Left 4 Dead Survival Pack, the download introduces a new multiplayer game mode called Survival, plus two complete campaigns for Versus Mode, Death Toll and Dead Air. The Survival Pack is set for a spring release for both platforms.
A Critic's Choice Edition of the game will be released this spring as well, and it will include access to all the content introduced in the L4D: Survival Pack.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/953/953370p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 11th, 2009, 20:53 Posted By: wraggster
Telos International, an independent videogame development company, announced today that City of Sinners & Saints, a massively multiplayer online social networking game is scheduled to open the gates to its virtual city (Manatee Bay) in Summer 2009.
"City of Sinners & Saints is being specifically built for the next generation of virtual world travelers," says Sean Yeomans, president, Telos International. "Our vision is to offer a new kind of experience beyond the normal boundaries of social networking. The city is a place where visitors can enjoy rich content of cartoon-style graphics, comedic story lines, casual games, and social related quests that offer endless hours of challenging yet light-hearted fun."
Built with the ground-breaking Multiverse Platform, City of Sinners & Saints is being designed for the next generation of social networkers looking for an expanded experience on a website. The city will offer virtual travelers from around the globe the opportunity to socialize with friends, create unique characters, play casual games, purchase virtual goods and real estate, and shop online for their favorite products - all within an original world where a laugh is around every corner.
City of Sinners & Saints offers:
All the same key features found in other social networking products, while introducing a 3D comedic, cartoon-based style metaphor of the real world.
A virtual friendship manager – track who is online, who is in your top ten, who you've interacted with and block those pesky players you don't want to talk with.
Animotes that break free of the simple happy faces that players have seen for years and come alive in pre-rendered animated comedic video sequences.
An open world experience where players can complete comedic quests to earn in-game currency to purchase gifts for friends, acquire living space, new clothing, furniture and a variety of accessories.
To learn more about City of Sinners & Saints or to view the initial trailer, please visit www.cityofsinnersandsaintsblog.com. More trailers that feature aspects of game play will be added in the lead up to the launch.
To follow updates on the ongoing development of the game, please visit: www.twitter.com/sinnerssaints.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 11th, 2009, 21:08 Posted By: wraggster
Actor Brad Hawkins has been tapped to do motion-capture work for Doom 4, and revealed that the game features the military and civilians fighting side by side. Does this mean the game is set on Earth for sure? GGL Wire has an interview with Hawkins and a selection of production shots. '[Filmmaker Mark Bristol] was very specific on the civilians having a certain personality and the military characters having a separate one as well. The body language of the civilians is less, well, "trained." They carry their guns in a looser fashion and are a little sloppier when they run, a little more freestyle. The military characters are sharp as razors, with very swift moves, exact hand positioning and can turn on a dime.'"
This follows news from last month that British novelist Graham Joyce was brought in to develop the story for the game.
http://games.slashdot.org/games/09/02/11/0839209.shtml
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 11th, 2009, 21:08 Posted By: wraggster
In December we discussed news that a major exploit in EVE Online had just been widely discovered after being abused by a few players for up to four years, creating thousands of real-life dollars worth of unearned in-game currency. Representatives from CCP Games assured players that the matter would be investigated and dealt with; a familiar line in such situations for other multiplayer games, and often the final official word on the matter. Yesterday, CCP completed their investigation and posted an incredibly detailed account of how the exploit worked, what they did to fix it, how it affected the game's economy, and what happened to the players who abused it. Their report ranges from descriptions of the involved algorithms to graphs of the related economic markets to theatrically swooping through the game universe nuking the malfunctioning structures. It's quite comprehensible to non-EVE-players, and Massively has summarized the report nicely. It's an excellent example of transparency and openness in dealing with a situation most companies would be anxious to sweep under the rug.
http://games.slashdot.org/games/09/02/11/0931238.shtml
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 11th, 2009, 21:21 Posted By: wraggster
The most important element to MMO development and maintenance is also an integral component for comedic exploits -- timing. Here's a sterling example of bad timing: Noted spaceman Richard Garriott/Lord British's overwhelmingly unpopular Tabula Rasa, which has about two weeks left before its servers shut down, just released a patch adding "mech suits" which are available for all classes. It sounds like a neat feature -- one that might have attracted some much-needed attention to the game before it nestled soundly into its death bed.
If you've been intrigued by Tabula Rasa, but couldn't be hassled to, you know, purchase it, it's free to play now. Just don't get too attached -- the game's servers are going down on February 28, at which point Garriott's final project with NCSoft will have an ironic, though extremely appropriate moniker.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/ta...-of-operation/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 11th, 2009, 22:50 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Atari has released five new Demigod screenshots, the promising RTS-RPG hybrid from the boys and girls behind Supreme Commander.
The game's partly inspired by Warcraft III mod Defense of the Ancients, taking the form of a team-based action title that supports one to ten players in massive fights in arenas.
Read more details words in this preview.
Screenshots
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 12th, 2009, 21:29 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Blizzard COO Paul Sams has said that the beta for the highly-anticipated StarCraft II will begin shortly.
He also confirmed that as well as Warcraft updates and Diablo III, the team is also developing a brand new massively multiplayer online game.
"Coming up in the months ahead will be the StarCraft II beta test. The beta will be played on a basic version of our new Battle.net architecture, which will give us the opportunity to test the game and the service in a live environment," detailed Sams.
"Over time, we will be adding features to deliver a second generation Battle.net experience. We know that the demand for StarCraft II is very high.
"The original StarCraft has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide and the sequel has been named on several most-anticipated lists," he added. "We are aiming to release StarCraft II as soon as possible, but as with all previous Blizzard games; we won’t ship it until we feel it is ready."
Despite having a such a large workload, Sams said that his team would not release any games until they met the high quality benchmark expected of the developer.
"This goes not only for our upcoming World of Warcraft content, but also for StarCraft II and Diablo III, as well as our unannounced massively multiplayer game.
"While the amount of development activity we currently have underway is as high as it’s ever been, we are fully committed to maintaining our quality standards with each and every product that we deliver," stated Sams.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 12th, 2009, 22:01 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
World Of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King has retaken the top spot of the US PC sales chart, displacing The Sims 2 Double Deluxe to second place for the week ended January 31, according to data provided by the NPD Group.
EA's Spore held onto its position from the previous week to take root at third place, meanwhile Left 4 Dead, perhaps spurred on by highly anticipated content updates, rocketed up the chart from eighth to fourth place.
The World Of Warcraft: Battle Chest secured fifth place, while post-apocalyptic RPG Fallout 3 dropped one position to sixth.
Blizzard's vanilla World Of Warcraft held onto its position in seventh place, as The Sims 2 Apartment Life tumbles four places to settle at number eight.
Closing off the chart, and holding onto their positions from the previous week, was Civilization IV and Call Of Duty: World At War at nine and ten respectively.
US PC sales chart follows:
01. World Of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King (Blizzard)
02. The Sims 2 Double Deluxe (EA)
03. Spore (EA)
04. Left 4 Dead (EA)
05. World Of Warcraft: Battle Chest (Blizzard)
06. Fallout 3 (Bethesda)
07. World Of Warcraft (Blizzard)
08. The Sims 2 Apartment Life (EA)
09. Civilization IV (Take 2)
10. Call Of Duty: World At War (Activision)
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 12th, 2009, 23:06 Posted By: wraggster
The kids over at Tech Arp got their hands on a draft of Microsoft's Windows 7 upgrade scheme. According to the the document, titled "The Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Program Rev. 2.1," Vista machines purchased from participating vendors after July 1st will be eligible for an upgrade to the new OS, whenever it comes out -- in a similar manner to the XP - Vista switchover. The idea here is to forestall a sales slump in the lead up to the new OS release. Upgrades will be tier-for-tier, with Vista Home Premium users getting to switch up to Windows 7 Home Premium when the time is right, Vista Business to Windows 7 Professional, and Vista Ultimate users getting an upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate. Additionally, 32-bit to 64-bit upgrades will not be allowed -- but folks using the 32-bit version will get to perform a clean install of the 64-bit version, if that's what their heart desires. Lastly, a system that has a valid Vista license but is running XP under the downgrade scheme will be allowed to perform a fresh install of Windows 7. You got all that? Good.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/12/w...ails-released/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 12th, 2009, 23:10 Posted By: wraggster
Warner Bros has revealed that it plans to advertise its forthcoming shooter, F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin, via a clowder of black cats roaming the streets of London on the game's launch day on Friday 13th. Branded a 'cat-vertising campaign', the scheme will see the specially trained black moggies sporting F.E.A.R. 2 cat clothing. The idea, according to Warner Bros, is that the creepy kitties will 'capture the attention of superstitious passers-by,' as Friday 13th is famous for its supposed bad luck and a black cat crossing your path was listed at number 5 in a recent survey of Britain's superstitions and signs of bad luck
http://idle.slashdot.org/idle/09/02/12/1559255.shtml
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 12th, 2009, 23:39 Posted By: wraggster
Jeff "Tigole" Kaplan, Game Director for World of WarCraft, announced today that he is leaving the development team for the monstrous MMO (MMMO!) to work on Blizzard's "upcoming, unannounced MMO," a project about which nothing is known except that it's classified as "Next-Gen" (which probably just means "one generation after WoW") and that people work on it. It could be anything -- existing IP or new, World of StarCraft, World of The Lost Vikings, or, in our wildest, most beautiful dreams, World of Rock 'n Roll Racing.
The addition of Kaplan to the new game's team may signal a ramping up in development for the new title, possibly in response to the institution of something Blizzard has never really had: a schedule.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/wo...-blizzard-mmo/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 13th, 2009, 21:28 Posted By: wraggster
GameSpot is reporting that the Aliens RPG in development at Obsidian Entertainment has been put on hold indefinitely. This is hot on the heels of a new Aliens game announcement from SEGA that will release prior to Gearbox's Aliens: Colonial Marines which was originally scheduled for a Q1 2009 release.
When GameSpot contacted SEGA for comment (our calls went unanswered) the publisher had this to say: "We will have more news to share about our Aliens franchise games in the near future," said the representative. "Sega does not comment on rumors or speculation about its products... Please stay tuned for future correspondence regarding our products."
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/954/954072p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 13th, 2009, 21:29 Posted By: wraggster
Funcom is proud to unveil `Legacy of the Xan' – the new booster pack for the massively multiplayer online game `Anarchy Online'. The new booster pack features end-game content tailored specifically for seasoned `Anarchy Online' veterans, opening up new areas of the world, introducing new items and bringing hundreds of new missions to challenge players. This content upgrade is the latest in a series of expansions and booster packs that have been released for the classic sci-fi MMO that launched 7 years ago.
"The `Legacy of the Xan' booster pack introduces new content for those who have reached the `Anarchy Online' end-game, by introducing areas, items, enemies and missions relating to the mysterious civilization of the Xan and their history on planet Rubi-ka," says game director Colin Cragg. "We are thrilled by the fact that `Anarchy Online' continues to capture the imagination of gamers even after seven years of operation, and we greatly look forward to be bringing players even more challenges, content and improvements to the game in the time ahead!"
The booster pack will be available on February 19th, but pre-order has already started. The booster is available for 19.99 US dollars or for a combined purchase using paid points and currency. Included in the purchase is an in-game virtual item known as The Phasefront Hoverchair – a unique, time-limited launch offering that allows you to cruise around on Rubi-ka in style! For those new to `Anarchy Online' it is also possible to purchase a complete package that contains the core game as well as all expansions and boosters previously released. `Legacy of the Xan' pre-order and the Phasefront Hoverchair is included in this complete package.
For more information on the booster and how to get it, visit www.anarchy-online.com/Xan
Launching back in 2001, `Anarchy Online' has enjoyed over seven years of operation and two million explorers have set foot on Rubi-ka in that time. Over six million avatars have been created, and over 200 million hours of entertainment has been served, or more than eight million days of playtime. `Anarchy Online' features a unique science fiction setting on the planet Rubi-ka almost thirty thousand years into the future, where players must complete dangerous missions and explore a strange, mysterious world as they master an arsenal of futuristic weaponry. Players can partake in the dramatic story-line that unfolds as they reach deeper into the mysteries of Rubi-Ka. Anarchy Online is also available in a fully free to play version.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 13th, 2009, 21:31 Posted By: wraggster
New York Times is reporting that Microsoft will attempt to reinvigorate the "PC-buying experience" by opening up a series of stores housing a slew of products from the software giant. Items that will be available include PCs loaded with Microsoft software, Xbox 360s and Zunes (if they stay around long enough).
David Porter, who worked for Wal-Mart for 25 years and was head of distribution for DreamWorks for the past two, has been tapped to head up the project. His work starts next week as he'll need to set the timing, design and locations for the stores. No news was released as to when we can expect to see the first of Microsoft's stores to open.
While there's no denying the obvious Apple inspiration for the new stores, the timing is a bit more puzzling. With the recent closure of Circuity City and layoffs at a myriad of other nationwide retailers – not to mention the general downturn of retail sales thanks to the economy – the move will no doubt confuse some.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/954/954162p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 13th, 2009, 21:34 Posted By: wraggster
On a post today on the World of Warcraft forums, Jeff Kapaln revealed that he's stepping away from World of Warcraft to work on Blizzard's "upcoming, unannounced MMO." Kaplan, who has served as lead designer on World of Warcraft for the last few years and was the game director for Wrath of the Lich King, did not offer any details on the new game or reveal his new role, but he did state that his passion for World of Warcraft is still strong and, in his words, "fuels the challenge of making our next MMO even better." Those are some big shoes to fill, as Kaplan himself admits.
We hope to have more details on this new project in the coming months
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/954/954163p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 13th, 2009, 21:35 Posted By: wraggster
Relic's anticipated real-time strategy game Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II is scheduled to go live next week, and right alongside or a few days later will be the first patch. The developer says in a post on its official site the patch will incorporate a number of balance changes and tweaks, including two additional multiplayer maps for 1v1 and 3v3 play that were not available in the open beta that's been running for the last few weeks.
When the game does go live players should expect all statistics and leaderboards to be reset as they'll be undergoing changes in format.
The post highlights two elements of the game the first patch will adjust; the rate of requisition acquisition and the way suppression will work. Players should expect, according to the post, a more balanced rate of incoming requisition across team and 1v1 online games, as well as more optimized suppression mechanics.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/954/954171p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 13th, 2009, 22:05 Posted By: wraggster
Are you a big fan of Valentine's Day, Blizzard Entertainment's StarCraft II, and expressing your enthusiasm through desktop wallpapers? If so, lucky you, as Blizzard provided three such items on their official site, with each inspired by one of SCII's races, the Terran, Zerg, and Protoss. You can check it out right here.
As far as actual StarCraft II news goes, the company recently revealed in a financial earnings conference call that a beta test for the highly anticipated real-time strategy game could be launched within a few months, though no solid details were provided.
StarCraft II still does not have a set release date. The game will be made available in three parts, with a Wings of Liberty release focusing on the Terrans being the first.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/954/954207p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 13th, 2009, 22:08 Posted By: wraggster
Since the Windows 7 beta launched, we've pretty much been having a love-in. But the truth is, it's not all rainbows and Start buttons. There are 7 things about Windows 7 that we really hate.
1. Can't Pin What We Want to Taskbar. Perhaps because we love the superbar so much, it drives us nuts that we can't pin everything to it. Particularly, the Recycle Bin and some devices, like USB drives.
With the Recycle Bin, you can make it a folder within Windows Explorer on the taskbar, but you can't pin the actual Recycle Bin to the taskbar, so you can drag and drop stuff into it or empty it. Instead, I get this single, lonely icon floating on my desktop, making my OCD crazy. Admittedly, adding the recycling bin to the taskbar with drag-and-drop garbage would make the new taskbar behavior inconsistent, but I drag stuff to the taskbar all the time wanting to chunk it. We want the option, even if it makes absolutely no sense.
When it comes to devices, it's inconsistent about what you can and can't pin, which really is annoying as hell. You can pin certified Device Stage products there, but not any other peripheral—even ones that are recognized as the same type, like a camera. I was able to pin my Downloads folder to the taskbar separately from the catch-all Windows Explorer icon, but every other folder I tried failed. If you're going to rob full control from us, at least do so consistently.
2. No Upgrade Install From XP to Windows 7. You can do an upgrade install—an installation that'll preserve your programs, files and folder structure—from Vista to Windows 7, but not from XP to Windows 7. We all admit, it's really better to do a clean install anyway, and leapfrogging two generations of OSes is bound to cause all kinds of headaches. But a hefty chunk of people will upgrade from XP to 7, especially on netbooks. Upgrading XP to Vista was doable, and Windows 7 is structurally speaking, a lot like Vista. So what's the deal, hmmmmm? Migration tools are nice, but they're no match for a simple upgrade wizard.
3. Ejecting Devices Requires Too Many Clicks. Love Device Stage and all, but ejecting a plain old card reader requires two different menus and more clicks than I care to count as I shuffle from menu to menu. Just like it was in Vista, this is dumb. Sometimes it's just easier to yank out the drive and deal with the angry alert message. Two clicks max, please. Update: Okay, looks like we're doinitwrong. You can actually pop up a list of attached devices from the "safely remove hardware icon where you click the device, and it ejects, requiring a grand total of two clicks, which is what we wanted. If you actually click where it says "Safely Remove Hardware" it pops up the menu and you get to click more. This could be made more apparent to the user, I think.
4. Most Desktop Gadgets Suck More people will use gadgets now that they don't start off in the Sidebar by default. (Yes, you can rip 'em off the Sidebar and scatter 'em around in Vista, but it's still more of an ordeal.) But even if gadgets are more accessible than ever, there's a problem: Most of them are pretty terrible, with nothing like the quality or polish of OS X's Dashboard ecosystem or Yahoo's Konfabulator, so we only use a few of 'em. Hopefully, this gets better by the time Windows 7 is all final.
5. Windows Media Player Blows. Yeah, it now natively supports more than three-and-a-half codecs, but try actually figuring out how to use its great new features. The interface is yucky and cluttered, a consequence of trying to simplify a program that's gotten really unwieldy as its sprouted feature tentacles over the years. (Before you even start, I'm not a fan of iTunes' feature bloat either, but its library UI is better.) Our attempts to play music off of a networked drive, for instance, went nowhere on one computer and produced ugly results on another, because it's so unintuitive, with controls and features hidden like surprises. There's really no argument for saving Media Player—it's not like anyone actually likes it anyway. Windows Media Center and Zune's software look and feel great, so how about letting those guys build a whole new one from scratch?
6. Sleep and Hibernation Are Still Crapshoots. This may sound like a beta complaint, but it's been a real problem in Windows for a while. Sometimes your computer will come out of sleep or hibernation. (Sleep is much better than hibernation, though.) Sometimes it won't. Sometimes it's as snappy as a wake up as if it had a triple shot of espresso. Sometimes it's like it washed down three bottles of sleeping pills with a quart of drank. Make it work, please.
7. Control Panel Is a Mess. Look at this crap. No really, just look at it. The Simple layout literally hides what you're looking for, while the All view masks it with the camouflage of multiplicity. Not only that, but with all the advancements, Control Panel is no longer really the single central hub for getting everything done, tinker-wise. With all the great UI work you've done in Windows 7, don't tell us you really couldn't do any better with this, guys.
We've got some other nagging issues that may become objects of hatred at some point, but we're willing to wait for the final release to air more grievances. In the meantime, that's what we absolutely hate. So FIX IT! Thanks for caring.
http://i.gizmodo.com/5150284/7-thing...bout-windows-7
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 14th, 2009, 00:01 Posted By: wraggster
BioWare has revealed the latest playable planet for their eagerly anticipated massively-multiplayer roleplaying game Star Wars: The Old Republic - Nal Hutta, home of the slug-like ancestors of Jabba the Hutt.
Of course the original Hutt home world was Varl, but when the slimy Hutts killed that planet with pollution they moved in on the planet of the primitive Evocii, effectively mortgaging the entire planet after spending centuries building up the inhabitants' debt. The planet's full name is Nal Hutta, which translates into "Glorious Jewel" in the Hutta language, though it's quite obvious from these screenshots and bits of concept art that the Hutt notion of glorious isn't exactly the same as yours and mine.
BioWare continues to impress me with their attention to detail in The Old Republic, giving Hutta exactly the sort of greasy, stinking look you'd expect from a planet dominated by glorified slugs.
http://kotaku.com/5153418/star-wars-...utt-home-world
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 14th, 2009, 00:08 Posted By: wraggster
While widespread PC game piracy is generally seen as a blight on the industry, PC Gaming Alliance president Randy Stude contends that the free exchange of games has definitely had a positive effect.
In an interview with Big Download, Stude, president of the non-profit organization formed last year to promote and improve the state of PC gaming, suggests that early piracy actually helped make the PC gaming industry what it is today.
The PC Gaming Industry's history is littered with examples of startups (including Stardock and Valve) that actually benefited from wide spread piracy to grow a market for their future titles. Don't get me wrong, I am not advocating piracy... However, how would Quake, Doom, Starcraft, Counter-Strike, or Half-Life have been able to grow widespread brand recognition without a widespread network of gamers openly sharing these games. These titles (and many more) defined the industry. Personally, my first experience with a first person shooter was with Doom (back in the day) and I did not pay for it. Id Software turned the corner and has a very successful business built on the back of the early free/open source exchange of their games...
http://kotaku.com/5152992/pc-gaming-...een-good-to-us
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 14th, 2009, 01:36 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
features
Use Ayumi's pistol-blades to engage in melee or ranged combat instantly
Over 20 different unlockable spell abilities
Non-stop hack-and-slash action in beautifully detailed environments
Gripping fantasy story with two possible endings
description
Journey through ancient temples and ruins with Ayumi, an alluring treasure-hunter determined to unlock the secrets of a powerful orb and acquire untold riches. However, every treasure has its price - Ayumi has been struck by a mysterious curse upon finding her greatly desired artifact. Can you help Ayumi free herself from the curse? In this thrilling anime-style action-fest, you will encounter fierce battles as you help Ayumi confront her ultimate fate - whatever it may be.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2tkw.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 14th, 2009, 16:42 Posted By: wraggster
Here are the latest video's for EA's Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3 expansion Uprising.
One of the video's focuses on the new Commander's Challenge mode, which tests your skills against nine commanders from different territories in 50 challenges of increasing difficulty.
The other one, which is daft but funny, is called Flair vs. Bear, and sees "The Nature Boy" getting bashed in the face.
The standalone, download only expansion is due for release this spring.
http://www.computerandvideogames.com....php?id=208313
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 14th, 2009, 16:43 Posted By: wraggster
Make no Bones about it, folks -- memorable faces from the Star Trek universe won't be making an appearance in Mythic's upcoming final frontier MMO, Star Trek Online. In a recent interview with MTV Multiplayer, STO executive producer Craig Zinkievich explained that the game takes place "in the future where the majority of the known characters have passed on." Except for the ones that are robots, or holograms, or ghosts. Or all three!
Don't think that Cryptic's issued themselves a license to kill canon -- Zinkievich (a shoe-in for Joystiq's Surname of the Year award) claims that the STO dev team has been in talks with folks who've been involved in the franchise to make sure they don't cut any corners, or crush any anticipation-filled Trekkie hearts. We've submitted our own terrifyingly erotic fan fiction to their think tank -- hopefully, it'll make it into the final product.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/14/fa...r-trek-online/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 16th, 2009, 19:21 Posted By: Shrygue
via Joystiq
Bad news for folks who've been hotly anticipating NCsoft's upcoming sequel to their subscription-free MMO -- according to a new release schedule buried within an investor finance briefing, the release window for Guild Wars 2 is now a remarkably vague 2010 - 2011. Considering the last tentative launch period for the game we heard was "second half 2008", this 730-day window is more than a little disheartening.
Though they did just suffer a few layoffs and are apparently skipping out of E3, NCsoft isn't exactly economically plagued -- their latest title, Aion, sold like hotcakes in Korea during Q4, bringing in a hefty year-end chunk of change. So, if it's not for financial reasons, what's causing this major delay? Is the Guild Wars 2 dev team taking time off to work on their needlepoint? Are they training for the winter olympics? Are they following in the footsteps of their former colleague and becoming idiosyncratic millionaire cosmonauts? We may never know.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 16th, 2009, 20:13 Posted By: Shrygue
via Gizmodo UK
In what appears to be a bit of a last-ditch attempt to push people onto Windows Vista, it looks like Microsoft will be offering a free upgrade program for those who buy its current OS after July 1st.
If you haven't upgraded to Vista yet, chances are you aren't going to and we can see quite a few people holding off for the rest of the year in the hope that Windows 7 hits its targets.
Much like the system that was put in place to upgrade XP users who bought late in the day, the story goes that if you purchase Vista between the 1st of July 2009 and the 31st of January 2010, Microsoft should provide you with a like-for-life upgrade. So if you've got the Premium version, you'll get Windows 7 Premium, etc. etc.
The new OS could even reach us before the end of this year and while neither this nor the upgrade package has been officially confirmed yet, if true it may well be enough to encourage that last straggling pack of fence-sitters to dive in.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 16th, 2009, 21:23 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft may be doing its best to move past Windows XP once and for all, but a Los Angeles woman is alleging that the company is all too happy to bank some extra change on the OS in the meantime, and that it's essentially trying to have it both ways. As a result, she's now suing Microsoft over its XP "downgrade" fees, and requesting that the lawsuit be granted class-action certification so others can get a piece of the action. Apparently, Emma Alvarado bought a Lenovo PC last June and had to pay an additional $59.25 to downgrade to XP, which she claims is simply a case of Microsoft taking advantage of consumer demand for XP to pad its profits. The suit further alleges that the seemingly endless extensions of the XP deadline were "likely due to the tremendous profits that Microsoft has reaped from its 'downgrade' option." For Microsoft's part, it insists that the company itself "does not have a downgrade program," and that it doesn't get any of the money from the Vista-to-XP downgrade options.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/16/m...owngrade-fees/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 16th, 2009, 21:42 Posted By: wraggster
A group of researchers who went from game developer to game developer looking to acquire data for studying online social interaction got more than they bargained for. Sony Online Entertainment keeps extensive server logs of everything that happens within Everquest 2. When the researchers asked if there was anything they could look at, SOE was happy to share the entire EQ2 database — upwards of 60 TB — for their perusal. In addition to basic gender and age queries — who interacted with whom, and when — the scientists are also trying to find ways to track more subjective characteristics, such as performance, trust, and expertise. "To get estimates of them, the team is experimenting with trying to track physical proximity and direct interactions, such as when characters share experience from an in-game victory. To give a concrete example of the data's utility, Srivastava described how he could explore the phenomenon of customer churn, something that's significant for any sort of subscription-based service, like cell phones or cable TV. With the full dataset, the team can now track how individual customers dropping out of the game influenced others who they typically played or interacted with. Using this data, the spreading rate and influence factor could then be calculated, providing hard measures to work with."
http://games.slashdot.org/games/09/02/16/0621242.shtml
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 17th, 2009, 20:05 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://www.aep-emu.de/
A new version of OpenTTD has been released. Quote: "OpenTTD is a clone of the Microprose game "Transport Tycoon Deluxe", a popular game originally written by Chris Sawyer. It attempts to mimic the original game as closely as possible while extending it with new features. OpenTTD is licensed under the GNU General Public License version 2.0. For more information, see the file 'COPYING' included with every release and source download of the game."
http://www.openttd.org/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 17th, 2009, 23:02 Posted By: wraggster
Blizzard fans, get ready to head back to Anaheim. Blizzard has announced that the fourth BlizzCon gaming convention will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center on August 21-22. This makes it the third BlizzCon in as many years.
BlizzCon is the company's dedicated convention, where it showcases it upcoming games as well as hosts tournaments, panels, LAN parties, and a store full of Blizzard-branded merchandise. Blizzard currently has two major projects underway, StarCraft II and Diablo III, so it would make sense that both would be there.
Further details, including ticket availability and pricing, will be announced at the official site www.blizzcon.com. However, if you want to attend, you need to be fast, as well as lucky. Tickets for last year's BlizzCon sold out within minutes.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/954/954569p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 17th, 2009, 23:50 Posted By: wraggster
Chew on this: Call of Duty: World at War had greater combined US sales on current-gen consoles in its first three months of release than did Call of Duty 4. World at War achieved this milestone despite COD4 outselling it by nearly 400,000 Xbox 360 units during the comparable months. A rise in PS3 sales from COD4 to World at War -- just over 130,000 units -- helped to slightly offset this difference, but the introduction of a Wii version of World at War (COD4 had no such entry) tipped the scales in favor of the latest Call of Duty entry. In December alone, the Wii World at War (pictured) sold more than 366,000 units.
This trend spotting is a result of analyst Matt Matthews' work (published on Gamasutra) and seems to indicate that Wii is a profitable platform for third-party publishers; at least, for Activision, which had two multiplatform titles with Wii versions in the January NPD Top 10. As for our Xbox 360 and PS3 sales assumptions, uh, analysis? Gears of War 2 and Left 4 Dead definitely hindered World at War sales on Xbox 360 from November through January, while on PS3, there simply wasn't a strong resistance to choosing World at War as the holiday's go-to shooter. Will Modern Warfare 2 follow suit? We expect a surge in both PS3 and Xbox 360 enlisters -- but we're not sold on the concept of modern warfare on Wii ... and neither is Infinity Ward, we imagine.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/wi...war-past-cod4/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 18th, 2009, 00:00 Posted By: wraggster
Dustin Browder, lead developer for Blizzard's StarCraft II, took some time out of his busy schedule yesterday to assure visitors to the game's official forums that the game was "in the final stretch."
Browder, who posts on the official Blizzard forums under the handle Cavez, actually posted a Frequently Asked Questions article in the forums yesterday, covering timelines for the StarCraft II beta (we don't know), the next Battle Report (we don't know), and the game's eventual release (we don't know). Amidst all of the uncertainly however, was a glimmer of hope.
Yeah. Sorry. We don't want to lie about the Beta, and we don't even want to lie about the next Battle Report. When we know a date (for anything) for certain, we'll let you know.
Hang in there. We're in the final stretch.
That having been said, keep in mind that Blizzard likes long, luxurious final stretches that can last for months and months. They're like cats, those guys.
http://kotaku.com/5155270/starcraft-...-final-stretch
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 18th, 2009, 00:48 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
Beginning shortly before the ending of F.E.A.R., a Special Forces squad is on a routine mission when the city of Auburn is rocked by a supernatural explosion.
Alma, a girl with immense power and a thirst for revenge, has unleashed her wrath upon the city and thrown it into chaos.
The squad must combat enemy forces and the supernatural as they struggle to find a way to stop Alma and uncover the mysterious forces arrayed against them before it’s too late.
Game Features:
Strategic environmental combat opportunities available to both you and your enemies
Enhanced graphics engine takes action horror to new heights through enhanced visuals and effects
Maintains the authenticity of the Alma storyline and players will know this is the only place to continue the saga
Extinguish evil for good in F.E.A.R 2 Project Origin. The game is available on Xbox360â„¢, PlayStation3â„¢ and PC.
Xbox360â„¢
F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin US US$ 64.90
F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin ASIA US$ 49.90
PlayStation3â„¢
F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin US US$ 64.90
PC Game
F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin US US$ 54.90
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...-1yi-84-n.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 18th, 2009, 20:22 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Braid - one of our favourite XBLA games ever - has finally been dated for PC folk: March 31 is the big day.
The game will be released via digital distribution service, Impulse, and is currently down to cost $19.95 (£14) - a little on the pricier side, but hey, it's really bloody good.
In case you don't know it, Braid is a 2D puzzle platformer with a unique time-shifting mechanic that forms the basis for the game's mind-snapping puzzles. Oh, and reviews have referred to Braid as the "best game on XBLA".
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 18th, 2009, 20:30 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Following Monday's reports that Guild Wars 2 was slated for release much later than expected - in 2010 or 2011, according to an NCsoft financial report - developer ArenaNet has explained to fans that this isn't actually a delay.
In an open letter to fans, ArenaNet boss Mike O'Brien underlined that the game has never had a firm release date, and still doesn't. He said that NCsoft's expectations were based on the understanding that the game would be released "when it's done".
"On Friday, NCsoft released investor materials that showed a very broad release window for Guild Wars 2, with the explanation that release timing is still 'to be announced'," O'Brien said. "ArenaNet has never given a release date for Guild Wars 2 other than 'when it's done'. NCsoft's investor materials are a reflection of that philosophy."
"I know some fans had hoped for a smaller gap between the launch of Guild Wars: Eye of the North and the start of beta testing for Guild Wars 2, but we communicated last summer that it would be some time before we could commit to any beta or launch dates," he continued. "Guild Wars 2 is a large and ambitious game, and we're going to take the time to do it right."
NCsoft also moved to downplay the date in a statement. "It is important to note that financial projections based on when the company expects impact from a product do not constitute a launch date," the company said. "We recommend that interested parties stay tuned to official announcements made by NCsoft West for product launches in NCsoft West territories."
O'Brien also addressed fans' concerns about recent restructuring and job cuts at NCsoft's US and European offices, stressing that these wouldn't impede the development of Guild Wars 2.
"In fact, the reason NCsoft West is restructuring itself is so that the company can put all of its focus into its top-tier games like Guild Wars 2," he said. "Our team continues to grow, and has the strong support and financial backing we need to achieve our goal of making Guild Wars 2 the best online role-playing game ever created."
Indeed, NCsoft's restructuring moved the balance of power in NCsoft West away from the company's Austin studio - formerly the Garriott brothers' Destination Games, makers of the failed Tabula Rasa - and towards ArenaNet and the highly successful Guild Wars, which has sold 5 million copies across its four releases.
Three of NCsoft West's new directors are former ArenaNet directors, so you can be sure that Guild Wars 2 development is a priority for the company. Even if getting it out soon isn't.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 18th, 2009, 23:07 Posted By: wraggster
Everyone with a pulse knows that the Nintendo Wii is the hottest thing since sliced bread. All other companies are simply playing catch up. Well, VentureBeat.com is reporting that Microsoft is trying to purchase Israeli-company 3DV Systems for $35 million which it hopes will accomplish exactly that.
What does that have to do with making up ground on Nintendo's motion control? Well, it just so happens that 3DV Systems develops something called ZCam technology. ZCams operate similarly to Sony's EyeToy but are said to have much greater accuracy when it comes to movement. It's aided by 3D cameras that measure an object's trajectory and depth. It does so by using black-and-white imaging to mark far away objects as black which will lighten as they get closer to the camera. The lens is constantly snapping images of the objects in-frame which makes it possible to track movement.
VentureBeat's Dean Takahashi demoed 3DV's technology with flying games -- using his hands to cradle an imaginary joystick -- and a boxing game where punches were accurately gauged by 3DV's ZCam.
Of course, there's no telling how Microsoft will use the new camera technology or if it will even follow through with the supposed buyout. It could be used for virtual keyboards in office applications, with current Xbox 360 games as an add-on peripheral or as a staple and the main controller that powers Microsoft's next gaming system; whatever that may be.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/954/954830p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 18th, 2009, 23:09 Posted By: wraggster
1C Company, 505 Games and Aspyr Media are pleased to announce that a single-player demo for the World War II strategy title Men of War is now available for download from www.menofwargame.com. It gives a first taste of the epic campaign coming to gamers when the title is released on PC.
The demo features the entire opening stage of the Russian campaign, which sees a small unit from the Red Army taking on the might of the Germans. This initial mission helps players to come to grips with the controls before culminating in a tightly fought battle between a Russian tank and a convoy of German vehicles.
There's also an opportunity to try out Men of War's "direct control" feature during the demo. This enables you to maneuver units using the directional keys, rather than pointing and clicking. Players can get behind the controls of a tank to smash through obstacles, crush soldiers under its tracks and fire armor-piercing shells at enemy emplacements.
Men of War takes place across the globe during the height of World War II and features four different armies - Russia, America, Germany and the British - each with their own unique units, vehicles and missions. From the Russian missions starring two student comrades innocent to the horrors of war, players are soon catapulted into massive battles with dozens of units under their command.
Men of War will be released exclusively on PC in North America by Aspyr, in association with the 1C label, in Q2 of 2009. To download the demo, please visit the Men of War website - www.menofwargame.com - and click on the 'downloads' section.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 19th, 2009, 22:27 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Darkfall Online, the independently-developed player-versus-player MMO, will be released for download next week by Greek developer Adventurine.
The game will cost EUR 42 (approximately GBP 37) and come with a month of play-time. After that, a subscription will cost EUR 11.77 (GBP 10.36) per month, according to the developer. There will be 10 and 15 per cent discounts on the subscription rate for three- and six-month packages. These prices don't include VAT.
Pre-orders will be available "in the next couple of days". If you're interested in Darkfall, you might want to consider it - Adventurine is limiting the number of copies of the game it puts on sale, to ensure it has enough server space to cope with demand.
Although the launch is European only, players from North America are welcome to join in, and will be offered free character transfers to US servers as and when these become available.
Darkfall is a levelling-free, skill-based MMO with completely unrestricted PVP combat, and full corpse-looting on death, just like in the good (or bad) old days. You can find more information on the Darkfall gamepage, and look out for a full preview soon.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 19th, 2009, 23:44 Posted By: wraggster
NDOORS Interactive, creators of the strategic turn-based MMORPG, Atlantica Online, today released a major update for the award-winning title. The update adds several new features, including two new main character classes – Musician and Maniac. These new features and classes will enhance the player's journey through time and history in their quest to find the lost land of Atlantis.
The majority of the new content will be accessible to all players immediately, while some of the new features will only be available to players who have reached level 100.
The major content updates include:
Two New Main Character Classes
Head out into the world with the new classes and get your hands on some unusual gear: a guitar or a power saw. The Musician wields a guitar, which can be selected by any player, new or ongoing. Specializing in long-range combat, the Musician attacks by playing music that strikes two enemies in a line. Its magic attack, the Ravaging Melody, depletes enemies' attack power, defense, and health, and aids your mercenaries' attacks. When they attack, they utilize moves that would make Angus Young envious.
The second new class is the Maniac, and he/she brandishes a power saw. Only players at level 100 can create a main character using the power saw, although that character will have to start anew at level 1. The Maniac's attack hits all enemies in a row, and has a magic cast called Storm Blast.
New Mercenary
The Elementalist is a new, Class B magic mercenary that can be recruited in North America after you reach level 100. When upgraded, the Elementalist becomes the legendary Native American, Pocahontas.
New Dungeons
Now offering even more locations, Atlantica boasts a handful of new dungeons including Alcatraz Prison, which can only be accessed by nations. Additionally, the Valley of Oblivion, also in North America, can only be accessed by guilds, and is the route players must take to acquire the Elementalist. There are also new side quest dungeons based in China.
Celebrate Your Character's Individuality
Not only will your character now have three new options for hairstyles (the long wave, the afro, and the rasta), your main character will now receive a present on his or her in-game birthday.
To read the complete list of the new updates for Atlantica Online, please visit www.playatlantica.com.
Atlantica Online is a strategic turn-based MMORPG that combines innovative combat with character/party development and city/country management. Players take on the quest to destroy the Oriharukon, a powerful energy sensor from the lost civilization of Atlantis that survived and is now endangering humanity. This journey will take players around the globe, to locations like the Great Wall of China and the pyramids of Egypt, and they will come face-to-face with monsters ripped from history and lore, such as the ruthless Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu and Dracula.
For more information on Atlantica Online, please visit: http://atlantica.ndoorsgames.com/center/default.asp
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 19th, 2009, 23:46 Posted By: wraggster
DICE and Electronic Arts today announced that Mirror's Edge is getting a host of new time trial maps, all of which are available today on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. The pack of nine new maps take Faith outside of the city, away from the cops, and into an entirely new world where time is the only opponent. The time trials are available for 800 Microsoft Points ($10).
As an added bonus, PlayStation 3 users get an exclusive tenth time trial map that won't be available anywhere else. Fans of Mirror's Edge can also look forward to the two-dimensional version of the game which will be made available this Friday via the game's website.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/955/955318p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 19th, 2009, 23:49 Posted By: wraggster
As part of a developer Q&A post on the battle.net forums, Blizzard put out some new details and art for its upcoming real-time strategy sequel StarCraft II. Thought to soon enter a beta-testing phase based on Blizzard COO Paul Sams' comments in a recent Activision Blizzard financial earnings call, the post includes updated details on the Zerg Queen unit, Protoss Dark Pylon, and Terran Orbital Command. For the full list of details, head over to the forums.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/955/955325p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 20th, 2009, 00:27 Posted By: wraggster
NASA wanted a massively multiplayer online game, and now they're getting one, signing three separate development studios to work on Astronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond.
While video game players have long dreamed of traveling into the stars and meeting exotic alien species, real outer space is relatively boring. Now NASA seeks to change all of that with the development of a massively multiplayer online exploration game called Astronaut: Moon, Mars, and Beyond. NASA has selected three development studios to work on the project - Project Whitecard, Information in Place, and Virtual Heroes - the last of which did work on America's Army.
Astronaut will have players team up in order to complete various missions involving the past, present, and near future of space exploration. How exciting is that?
http://kotaku.com/5156790/nasa-goes-...with-astronaut
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 20th, 2009, 00:30 Posted By: wraggster
Stanford Professor Byron Reeves thinks World of Warcraft can be harnessed as an energy-saving tool by attaching Smart Meter readings to gameplay goals.
Smart Meters monitor the electricity in a household and feed that information to power companies. By uploading it to WoW instead, Reeves thinks the game could become a tool to encourage environmental awareness.
Reeves went on radio show Living on Earth for their Green Gaming segment last Saturday to pitch the idea:
http://kotaku.com/5156016/world-of-w...he-environment
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 20th, 2009, 21:09 Posted By: wraggster
Funcom has released a major update for its MMORPG Age of Conan, adding in new high level dungeons, updating the UI, tradeskill and PvP systems, as well as raid encounters and management options. In the Thunder River zone players will find a new level 80 dungeon called Xibaluku, something only accessible after plowing through The Slaughterhouse Cellar, a solo level 80 experience located in the same zone. Another new group instance, the Cradle of Decay, has been added in for players hovering near the level 43 mark. Funcom also opened up Wing 3 in the game's Black Ring Citadel raid dungeon.
For more detail on everything being adjusted and added, head over to Funcom's official post.
Age of Conan launched back in May 2008, and is expected, based on comments made during last year's Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany, to be treated with an expansion sometime in the future. In 2008 the game was one of the best-selling PC titles of the year, though more recently Funcom significantly reduced the number of active servers.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/955/955447p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 20th, 2009, 21:51 Posted By: wraggster
LEGO Universe, the MMOG currently under development by NetDevil, will not be coming out this year, as was previously expected. Mark Hansen, a LEGO Group exec, would not specify a new time frame, and attributed the delay to avoiding competition between some of their other upcoming products. Hansen did comment on the possibility of a console version of the game, claiming that they're just waiting for the right time. IGN did a related piece on the past and future of console MMOGs, exploring where early attempts failed and what needs to be done for them to succeed. Many game developers and publishers are still hesitant due to the massive financial investment required to get such a game up and running in a market that has yet to prove itself.
http://games.slashdot.org/games/09/02/20/0717216.shtml
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 20th, 2009, 21:52 Posted By: wraggster
An anonymous reader writes with news that Unreal Tournament 3 will be getting a free expansion called Titan Pack on March 5th. It will contain a variety of new maps, and two new game modes: Greed and Betrayal. There will also be new weapons, deployables, and achievements. IGN's preview of the expansion mentions a few more improvements, such as an improved voting system and client-side demo recording for the PC version. Quoting: "... the most obvious addition to the series is the new Titan. As you play through the game, killing enemies, completing goals and generally avoiding damage, you'll build up your Titan meter. Once it fills up, you can instantly mutate into a 15' tall Titan. The Titan has massive health, a decent shield belt and can fire homing rockets. Oh, and he can also pound the ground to knockback any enemies that get too close. In short, the Titan is a real game changer."
http://games.slashdot.org/games/09/02/20/058234.shtml
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 20th, 2009, 21:53 Posted By: wraggster
Open betas are all the rage, and next week, id Software's free, browser-based FPS, Quake Live, is getting in on the trend. First announced as Quake Zero in August 2007, the game is derived from the classic Quake III Arena. The official site has been updated with a countdown (so in), wallpapers and the February 24 date.
Quake Live is ad-supported, with levels containing prominently placed billboards. The game is currently a Windows-only affair, with id promising that Mac and Linux versions are in the works. While everyone is welcome to join the open beta, we're betting on the registration servers having a little trouble come next Tuesday. F5 keys at the ready!
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/qu...coming-feb-24/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 20th, 2009, 21:55 Posted By: wraggster
Left 4 Dead saw a 3000% increase in sales during its Steam sale last weekend. Valve's Gabe Newell revealed the stunning figure during his DICE keynote, in which he also announced the digital distribution service saw its customer base increase 1600% that same weekend. G4 noted that the Valve overlord believes those figures broke the game's launch sales.
Steam has certainly been experimenting with numerous sales lately. Valve has even hired an experimental psychologist to maximize buzz and marketing around the online retail sales. Wait, now Valve doesn't just want our wallets, they want our braaaaaaains too? Taking the whole zombie thing a little seriously, perhaps?
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/20/st...ction-by-3000/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 20th, 2009, 22:04 Posted By: wraggster
The official demo for Sega strategy title Empire: Total War is now available for free download on Steam.
The demo gives gamers a chance to take on the American Army and the French Navy playing as the British Empire in the Battle of Brandywine Creek and the Battle of Lagos.
Historically, the Battle of Brandywine Creek was fought between the British and Americans in Pennsylvania. The defeat there of the Americans allows the British to capture Philadelphia and hold it for nearly a year. The naval Battle of Lagos took place during the Seven Years' War off the coasts of Spain and Portugal.
So it looks like the demo will be giving us a taste of land and sea battles.
The game, developed by The Creative Assembly, is due out March 4. People who pre-purchases the title through Steam will also receive a free copy of Rome Total War Gold Edition for immediate download.
http://kotaku.com/5157256/empire-tot...ively-on-steam
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 20th, 2009, 22:12 Posted By: Shrygue
via Joystiq
Multiple members of Team Joystiq received a weird email this morning, which stated that Valve, the beloved developers behind PC's great platform, Steam, had gifted us Far Cry 2. With an email address originating from the Steam URL, you could imagine how (almost) convinced we were. Turns out it was all a hoax.
The activation link in the very convincing email (seriously, it looks legit!) goes to a third-party site. We can only imagine the malice awaiting us on the other side of that link, so if you were also the recipient of this email, know that IT'S A TRAP!
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 20th, 2009, 22:21 Posted By: Shrygue
via Engadget
Two researchers, Ting Xu and Thomas Russell, are in the midst of developing some potentially sweet nanotech that could allow storage of around 10.5 terabits (or 10 trillion bits) of data on a space the size of a quarter. They're currently working on the technique, which starts with a sliced crystal (sapphire or silicon) sliced at a jagged angle, which is then heated to 2,700 degrees Farenheit which causes the crystal to reorganize itself into a sawtooth pattern at three nanometer angles. The crystal is then sprayed with a custom polymer, dryed, and treated again with a different solvent, after which the polymer then settles into a hexagonal pattern on the surface of the crystal.
Sound complicated? Well, it is, and all the kinks aren't quite work out, but the technique essentially provides a path to creating a self-assembling disk with far more storage capacity than anything currently available. The current state of the research will be detailed in the upcoming issue of Science magazine. We'll believe it when we see it, but keep up the good work, guys!
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 21st, 2009, 21:15 Posted By: wraggster
Ars Technica is reporting that several sources are now pointing to a likely Release Candidate build of Windows 7 being made publicly available on April 10th. While we can't attest to the probability of this occurrence... occurring on that date, they're also reporting that the development team's progress is confirmed as being on track for that date, so we'll just have to wait with breath bated to see if the unicorn (our term for the OS) appears then or not.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/21/r...coming-on-apr/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 22nd, 2009, 18:51 Posted By: wraggster
There's perhaps no bigger franchise in all of gaming than The Sims. The third major PC release in the series is currently wrapping up production, so Ben Bell, executive producer for The Sims 3, hosted a panel at DICE 2009 to talk about what it's like to head up a billion dollar franchise.
He opened up by stressing that previous successes of a franchise are a blessing and not a curse. While living up to gamers' expectations can be difficult, already knowing that you have an audience and that the franchise has been established makes it much easier to jump in and work on the important stuff rather than trying to figure out how to cater it to an unknown audience.
Bell went on to talk about how players use the game in very different way. Some folks will play it as it was designed, some use it only to create houses or items, and some use it to tell stories that they then share with others.
Next up was an overview of the Creator's Camp that EA held a little while back. The studio brought in some of the top content creators from all over the globe to get a taste of The Sims 3 and to be able to dabble with its creation tools. Bell says that this was very inspirational to the team as they got to see feedback from their biggest fans.
One important element of creating the latest game was experimenting with different social interactions. They built a number of simplistic prototyping applications that they could use to track interactions between the characters over long periods of time, places they would naturally migrate to and so forth.
Bell talked a bit about changes and reinventing existing elements in a large franchise like this. Changing stuff just to change it can be a waste of time - he suggests that you have an idea of exactly what you want to implement.
http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/955/955957p1.html
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 23rd, 2009, 20:01 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
The free-to-play browser version of Quake III: Arena, Quake Live, will open to the public from tomorrow, thus taking over our lunch breaks forever.
Players visiting the official Quake Live website tomorrow will be able to register then download the Open Beta, which will let you play and fling rockets in the excellent multiplayer shooter for absolutely nought.
If you've previously been accepted for the closed beta but haven't played in the last 28 days your stats and statistics will be erased, says id. Player names and settings won't be affected, though.
See you on the battlefield.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 23rd, 2009, 21:54 Posted By: wraggster
Dragonica is the brand new free arcade-style 3D side-scrolling MMORPG. It will be available to download across Europe, this Spring from the www.gpotato.eu gaming portal. As the gPotato Europe team prepares for the game's launch, we are proud to release information on the dynamic combo-based combat system and take a look at the special moves of the Archer and the Thief.
As an Archer, you can tailor your appearance during you journey through Dragotaka with a variety of bows, armour, hats, jewellery and magical items. With your trusty bow in your hands, you can also expect to have access to nine special moves by the time you reach level ten.
Archers are nimble and powerful ranged fighters. They can unleash a torrent of arrows to knock multiple enemies off their feet, and then somersault kick them on the ground to send them skyward. Their quick reactions allow them to juggle opponents in the air with multiple arrows, before unleashing a powerful shot to hit them while they lie on the ground. When surrounded or in a tight corner, Archers can moonwalk their way out of harm's way and still deal damage to their opponents.
As you progress to a Hunter or Arbalist, a wide variety of new skills open up. These include a wide range of new archery skills and give you powerful new shots which can pierce the armour of multiple enemies. Gain the ability to capture your enemies in nets, call rockets from the sky or launch grenades to devastate large groups. Send a flurry of lead into your enemies with the Gatling gun or a mini-tank and summon an ice wolf to freeze your foes. You can also develop a range of skills which will give you a temporary boost to your main attacking and defensive attributes.
As a Thief, you can tailor your appearance with a variety of claws, armour, bandanas, jewellery and magical items. With your trusty claws on your hands, you can expect to have access to ten special moves by the time you reach level ten.
The Thief is agile and powerful, allowing them to dip in and out of combat. They can launch a flurry of attacks with double hits, hold enemies in mid air as they spin with their claws extended, before smashing them into the ground with a powerful crash. From a distance, they can launch a fireball to knock down multiple enemies, or launch a giant boxing glove to clear a route through. Pulling out an exhaust pipe, they can poison multiple enemies to slow them down and deal damage, while slipping on a joker's hat allows them to increase their health or speed, as well as giving a boost to any party members nearby.
When you progress to a Jester or the Assassin, brand new skills open up. Increase your evasive abilities by going invisible, burrowing or hiding into a noodle box to evade your enemies and stay out of harm's way. Summon a fiery wolf and send multiple opponents flaming into the air, or electrocute your enemies to the bone. Dip your claws into poison for additional damage, slip into your ninja suit and develop a wide range of powerful new skills to let you unleash a flurry of powerful attacks on groups of enemies.
As with all gPotato games, you will be able to download and play Dragonica for free, for life! The official European website has lots of additional screenshots, artworks and videos and is available at http://dragonica.gpotato.eu.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 23rd, 2009, 21:55 Posted By: wraggster
Atlus Online, a daily destination for community-focused gaming and interactive entertainment, today announced Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent as the first game to kickoff its portal. Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent is the only massively multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG) of its kind, set in the uniquely creative genre of "steampunk," where 19th century steam-based technology meets fantasy inventions.
"With an engaging, steampunk-inspired storyline and aesthetic, Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent is a fresh take on the standard 'fantasy' MMO game genre," said Shinichi Suzuki, president and CEO, Atlus. "Atlus Online is excited to bring this popular game in its new incarnation to a wide range of players around the world. Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent is a great first entertainment experience to lay the foundation of the unparalleled content and unmatched social interaction planned for the Atlus Online portal."
Developed by JoyImpact and licensed by HanbitSoft, Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent will be given the same style and caliber of localization that Atlus has been known for over the years. This fresh version of the game will be published by Atlus Online for players in North America, South America, and anywhere else in the world, except Europe. In addition to the thorough localization, Atlus Online's Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent will feature an engaging story influenced by the distinctive steampunk genre.
Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent transports players to a world where two nations battle over a precious resource called Neo Steam. From the onset, customization is key to each player's experience, where they can choose which nation to join and select from a number of specialized classes. As players battle to expand their nation's resources and protect their borders from invasion, they must learn to harness the Neo Steam technology to upgrade their equipment, learn new abilities, and progress in their chosen class. Each player in Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent also begins with the aid of a pet of their choosing. Pets act as guides as players travel the world, and they even assist in battle with various abilities, such as healing or thievery. A pet's ability list and appearance can be customized to suit the player's preferences. Adding to the immersive aspect of the steampunk fantasy world, the game also features various forms of steam-based machines and vehicles for faster in-game traveling.
More information about Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent's beta and launch dates will be released by Atlus Online in the near future. Gamers and Atlus fans eager to join the Atlus Online community and be among the first to receive more information on the game can visit the only official website for Atlus Online's Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, http://neosteam.atlusonline.com.
About Atlus Online
Atlus Online is the online interactive entertainment division of Atlus U.S.A., Inc., a publisher of compelling video games for a variety of platforms, including Nintendo DS, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, Wii, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Founded in 2008, Atlus Online was created to provide online gamers and anime fans around the world with an entertainment and community destination like no other. The online entertainment division is dedicated to providing a portal, Atlus Online, with unmatched levels of community involvement and interaction, with community members driving the very direction of the site and its content. More information can be found at http://www.atlusonline.com/.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 23rd, 2009, 21:57 Posted By: wraggster
Sparkplay Media has launched a new official website for its debut PC game, Earth Eternal. The brightly illustrated Earth Eternal website features never-before-seen screenshots, video, detailed game information, an official FAQ, new forums, and registration options for users interested in growing EE's community and beta testing.
The new Earth Eternal website can be found at: http://www.eartheternal.com.
By creating an account there now you're actually creating the account you'll use when the game launches.
Matt Mihály, CEO, Sparkplay Media: "I'm really excited to have re-launched our site as we push towards the release of Earth Eternal. It's going to be one of the MMOs that redefines what people think of as a free-to-play experience. Our team rocks and they're turning the game into something well beyond what I thought we could accomplish when we started, three long years ago."
Earth Eternal is an entirely free-to-play 3D MMO that can be optionally run from within a browser. It has microtransactions but anything purchasable with real money may be obtained by playing the game. Epic fantasy, unreal monsters, beautiful environments, and whimsical touches await gamers young and old, casual and avid. If you can click, you can play.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 24th, 2009, 00:14 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft's VP of the Interactive Entertainment Business for the EMEA region, Chris Lewis, has told GamesIndustry.biz that the corporation's next major PC operating system, Windows 7, will be a positive step over and above Vista with respect to gaming.
"Windows 7 will be great for games, undoubtedly," he said. "It's all good news - it's even more robust, it's quicker relatively, and the early testing cycles are proving very promising overall.
"I think it'll be nothing but good news for PC gamers, but we'll have more to say on that later on this year," he added.
And Lewis also reaffirmed Microsoft's commitment to PC gaming overall, claiming that the Games For Windows campaign would be an ongoing investment.
"We're happy there, and we're very mindful that there's a strong and vibrant PC gaming community out there," he said. "Not all console games lend themselves to the PC - when it is appropriate we bring games to both platforms, when it's not we don't, and that will continue to be the case.
"Ultimately we're a Windows and PC company at heart, and that's not going to change, and the development on both platforms will remain central and important. The business ebbs and flows, and there will be times when we do more on one platform than the other, but they do co-exist very nicely, and as a company we're in a pretty unique position that we have a strong legacy on PC.
"We remain focused on it, you'll see more from us there in the future, and long may that continue."
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...reat-for-games
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 24th, 2009, 00:40 Posted By: wraggster
DaMan1970 writes with news that Microsoft has purchased 3DV Systems, a company that specializes in motion detection technology. When early reports of this deal appeared last week, it led to speculation that this could be part of Microsoft's plans for future gaming technology. 3DV itself has been focused on the gaming market. "Now that graphics have become so advanced, it explains, the key to making a real difference lies in how you can control the game. The ZCam lets players control the game using body gestures alone, rather as PlayStation's EyeToy does, or Microsoft's Vision or Nintendo's Wii. 3DV Systems argues that its system is better than these, adding that you don't have to wear anything.
http://games.slashdot.org/games/09/02/23/0421256.shtml
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 24th, 2009, 00:42 Posted By: wraggster
Big Download is running an article with details and screenshots from the MMO under development by NASA. The game makes use of Unreal Engine 3, and it's titled Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond. A demo is planned for later this year, and in 2010 they expect "the first episodic installment of the game" to come out. Jerry Heneghan, founder and CEO of Virtual Heroes, described it thus: "This game is going to be a fresh look at the future circa about 2035. ... The core of the gameplay is going to be people building up their characters and as you move forward, you will have more options unlock with new places to go, new equipment to use and new things to do. We are not so much focused on interstellar flight and all that entails... the gameplay is actually about being in a habitat on a planetary surface and doing things like mining Helium-3 for fuel, operating a hydroponics facility to grow plants and create oxygen and operating robots and vehicles."
http://games.slashdot.org/games/09/02/23/0455226.shtml
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 24th, 2009, 19:43 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
The US PC chart was topped, once again, by the hugely successful expansion pack to World of Warcraft - Wrath of the Lich King, according to the latest data from NPD.
It held off competition from Warner Bros title FEAR 2: Project Origin, which took second place and was the most expensive title the top ten, retailing at USD 49.
The first of three Sims 2 titles in the top ten was third, Double Deluxe, followed by Will Wright's Spore in fourth and the World of Warcraft Battle Chest in fifth.
The Sims 2 Deluxe took sixth place, followed by the original World of Warcraft, while Call of Duty: World at War was in eighth place.
Fallout 3 and the Apartment Life expansion for the Sims 2 took the last two place in a chart dominated - as usual - by Activision Blizzard and Electronic Arts, with four titles apiece.
The full list is as follows:
1. World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King
2. FEAR 2: Project Origin
3. The Sims 2 Double Deluxe
4. Spore
5. World of Warcraft: Battle Chest
6. The Sims 2 Deluxe
7. World of Warcraft
8. Call of Duty: World at War
9. Fallout 3
10. The Sims 2 Apartment Life
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 24th, 2009, 20:30 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
EA and BioWare have released a new Dragon Age: Origins trailer, which apparently shows "Grey Wardens battling the Darkspawn threat." We're none the wiser.
The PC, 360 and PS3 RPG is the spiritual successor to BioWare's excellent Baldur's Gate. According to the developer it'll have a strong focus on character customisation, storytelling and of course, those morally challenging decisions.
Oh, and battling the Darkspawn threat. Video here...
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 25th, 2009, 00:04 Posted By: wraggster
Just in case Microsoft hadn't locked down enough support for Windows Mobile at MWC last week, the company also managed to shake hands with a slew of PC makers in order to extend support for Mobile Broadband enhancements within Windows 7. It's still quite unclear what all this means, but we're guessing that the likes of Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Fujitsu will happily support WWAN modules from Huawei, Option, Qualcomm, Sierra Wireless and ZTE. The writeup also gives us reason to believe that WWAN connections will be more tightly integrated than before, possibly even showing up alongside potential WiFi hotspots when looking for a wireless connection. At any rate, we're all about getting a signal regardless of location, so we'll take this as a definite positive despite the glaring dearth of details.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/24/m...hancements-in/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 25th, 2009, 21:15 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
Sharon, MA, February 25th, 2009 – Tri Synergy, Inc. and Auran Games are thrilled to announce that Tri Synergy will be bringing Trainz Simulator 2009 – World Builder Edition to fine retailers across North America! Now gamers can create and operate the rail world of their dreams. Build routes, drive locos, issue Driver Commands, download content and much more!
Trainz Simulator 2009: World Builder Edition delivers a whole new level of realism. With new graphics capabilities, higher detailed terrain and dozens of great new features. TS2009 is the "must-have" version for all Trainz lovers.
TS2009 delivers all your favourite content from past releases plus new content such as the Union Pacific SD40-2 and the high resolution TS2009 track. More content will be released for download over time. It encompasses all features from the Trainz Classics series and solves many of the issues found in previous versions.
In addition to the traditional Driver, Surveyor and Railyard modules, TS2009 also includes new community based options such as the Trainz Online Gallery where users can upload their screenshots with others. Also included is Content Manager V2.0 which will help you search, edit and organize all your Trainz content.
Features include: - Increased terrain and texture detail
- Higher resolution graphics
- Trainz Online Gallery, news, chat and more
- Increased terrain and texture detail
- Higher resolution graphics
- Improved search and filter functions
- Content Manager V2.0 to manage all your assets
- Trainz Online Gallery, news, chat and more
- Includes over 13,000 rail related items
Trainz Simulator 2009 will be available at fine retailers Spring 2009.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 25th, 2009, 23:54 Posted By: wraggster
Despite appearing in the Kerrigan reveal trailer shown at BlizzCon 2008, Glynnis Talken Campbell, the original voice of StarCraft's Queen of Blades, will not be voicing the character in StarCraft II.
Fans who attended BlizzCon last year or watched the Kerrigan reveal trailer on YouTube were overjoyed when Campbell's voice purred from the shadows towards the end of the clip, assuming that it signaled a return of the character's original voice. Sadly, this isn't so. According to Campbell, the voice work done in that trailer was considered an audition for the role, and Blizzard has decided to go in another direction.
http://kotaku.com/5160128/kerrigan-l...n-starcraft-ii
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 26th, 2009, 21:04 Posted By: wraggster
Abandon Interactive Entertainment today announced that the upcoming massively multiplayer online (MMO) game, Freaky Creatures will open its beta to the public when it goes live on Wed., February 26. The open beta will give gamers the opportunity to battle with customizable creatures against friends in an ever-expanding online world. Players are encouraged to sign up for the beta program now at http://www.freakycreatures.com.
"We've received a tremendous amount of support and buzz for Freaky Creatures, which is very promising," said Jamie Ottilie, President and COO of Abandon Interactive Entertainment. "There are a lot of eager players who want to get their hands on this exciting, new MMO game, and we are delighted to give them the first look."
The Freaky Creatures experience begins with a starter pack that includes two action figures and a one gigabyte reusable flash drive. Once players have created their unique creature they can jump straight into battle or build a lair in which they can care for their creature and hang out with friends. Players can also participate in the Freaky Creatures community, personalize their homepage, play mini-games, join tournaments, check leaderboards, trade items, read animated comics, enter contests, form teams and much more in the ever expanding Freaky Creatures Universe. Starter packs will be available in March for $19.99.
For more information, or to sign up to participate in the Freaky Creatures beta, please visit www.freakycreatures.com.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 26th, 2009, 21:05 Posted By: wraggster
Free Realms, a free online virtual world developed for kids and families by Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE), has entered the closed beta stage of development. SOE is currently accepting early registration for open beta, set to start in early April. To be considered for participation in the open beta, players of all ages can register at www.freerealms.com.
Free Realms is currently in a critical stage of development known as beta. Beta testing is the last step of game development and the first chance for a few selected players outside of the company to experience the game.
"The beta testing phase is integral to the success of any video game, and we are asking that kids, parents, video game fans of all ages sign up to help us during these final weeks before Free Realms launches," said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. "Ten years ago, SOE introduced EverQuest, the genre-defining online video game, and this spring, we will introduce Free Realms, a game I believe will expand and enrich the kids' online gaming genre which really shows the rapid evolution of the online game space."
Free Realms brings to life a whimsical virtual world where gamers can explore, compete, raise pets and socialize. This exciting game is a new way for PC gamers to connect online in a safe, online, family-friendly environment. Free Realms offers a wide variety of gameplay mechanics, including exploration, combat, race car driving, pet raising, mini-games and social networking.
Free Realms offers a variety of features, including:
Free Gameplay: Free Realms is free to play, however additional content can be accessed through a membership or micro transaction.
Rich Character Creation: With thousands of customizations and combinations, you can blend fantasy and reality to create your perfect avatar.
Be Whoever You Want: Characters aren't locked into classes or jobs - you can be a wizard one minute and a race car driver the next.
Kid-Safe: Parental controls allow for the customization of safety options, including pre-canned chat, reporting and filters for younger players.
Something for Everyone: Players can take care of pets, sort mail, race go-karts, battle goblins or cook meals for their friends.
Vibrant, Deep Environment: Adventurous gamers can spend hours exploring towns, bustling cities, beaches, forests, snowy mountaintops and more.
Connect with Friends: Whether you're meeting up with old friends or finding new ones, Free Realms allows players to stay connected through its social networking page. Just log in, see what your friends have been up to, click their avatar and join them in Free Realms.
Everyone Can Access: Free Realms is designed to run on nearly all PCs. The game will stream to your PC as you play, so Free Realms will not take up a lot of memory and will download quickly.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 26th, 2009, 21:07 Posted By: wraggster
Frogster America, Inc. today unveiled a new arena system for man-to-man combat, in Runes of Magic, the Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) that is redefining the standard for free-to-play titles. The publisher plans to introduce the one on one arena system in early March. After the release of the patch, the best players in the arena system will have the opportunity to win an exclusive mount. Runes of Magic officially launches on March 19, 2009.
"Our goal is to continue to add innovative features that bring new dimensions to the game and make Runes of Magic a free-to-play game unlike any other," said Sean Kauppinen, president and CEO of Frogster America, Inc. "Man-to-man PvP combat, leaderboards and a ranking system are features that make Runes of Magic a game that should appeal to fans of fighting and FPS games in addition to casual and MMO gamers."
In the heart of Dust Devil Canyon lies the Obsidian Bastion, capital city and fortress of the NPC faction 'The Order of Dark Glory'. The city's central square holds an arena in which mercenaries can gain combat experience and measure their powers against rivals. To guarantee a balanced contest, players register with the Arena Master, who automatically assigns opponents with similar statistics. The arena will act as a tool to teach players how to control their avatars: how their character should be equipped, the skills required for PvP and how dual classes should be personalized for their own style of play. During every three minutes of combat, a magical seal appears which when touched, releases a random effect – such as a healing or strength enhancing spell.
Players receive credits in the form of arena coins for points scored each week. Overall and weekly points will be tracked in a ranking system to show the world who is the best among one on one combatants. When these are totalled at the end of the month, the best players will receive an exclusive mount for one month.
Following the release on March 19th, Frogster plans to further expand on the arena system. Then among other things, certain items will also be on offer to players to earn through man-on-man combat. Players can find out more about the one on one arena system on the official website http://www.runesofmagic.com/en/index.html.
Runes of Magic went into open beta with English and German versions in mid-December 2008. Anyone interested can now download the game and enter the world after creating an account for free at: www.runesofmagic.com.
About Runes of Magic
Runes of Magic is the Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) that is redefining the standard for free-to-play titles. With an exciting and engaging story, more than 1,000 quests at launch and 30 character class combinations, Runes of Magic is the most immersive, content-rich free-to-play MMO game ever created. More than 450,000 people have already signed up and entered the world with hundreds of thousands more expected as word of the game's features and community spread each day. Already a winner of multiple awards for its content and overall gameplay, Runes of Magic is expected to be a major international hit in 2009 and beyond. For more information, please visit: www.runesofmagic.com
Runes of Magic features
Free-to-play: no monthly fees, free download
Extensive dual class system (six primary and secondary classes)
Versatile spell- and attack-combinations
Enthralling background story
More than 1,000 quests and quest series on launch
No zone boundaries thanks to seamless architecture
Dungeons: Instanced and tile based as well as persistent
Individually developable skills and spells
Armor sets with special bonuses
Dynamic item system with hundreds of runes for upgrading
Optional PvP system with arena battles and guild wars
Ranking system with player-ranking lists
Multitude of unique mounts
Epic crafting system with the chance to improve existing items
Personalization of player houses through individual furnishing
Reputation system
Customizable user interface with the option to use Add-Ons
Map and radar system to find dealers, resources and quests easily
In-game auction houses for trading items
Teleport-Runes for instant travel
Mouse and keyboard controls for movement
Regular updates with new content
Cross-server fights in three-server-battle in development
Guild houses in special zones in development
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 26th, 2009, 21:08 Posted By: wraggster
Today Ubisoft announced Dawn of Discovery, a real-time strategy and simulation game specifically designed for the Wii home video game system, the Nintendo DS hand held system and PC. Scheduled for release in summer 2009, Dawn of Discovery gives gamers the opportunity to explore new civilizations and build their own empire like never before through the immersive action of the Wii Remote and the DS stylus.
"Dawn of Discovery allows gamers to take the civilization-building experience to the next level of fun and interactivity," said Adam Novickas, director of marketing for Ubisoft. "We're pleased to be bringing the brand new, uniquely designed game to not only the PC and Nintendo DS, but also to Wii for the first time."
Dawn of Discovery takes place in the year 1404, when King George's land is suffering from severe droughts and brutal famine. Aware of his people's distress, the king calls on his two sons, William and Edward, to acquire new territories in order to produce enough goods to satisfy the needs of his empire's inhabitants. Whereas Edward suggests aggressive means to collect the precious resources, his brother William offers a peaceful solution, proposing to explore new and unsettled lands in the south of the kingdom. With his Father's blessing, William heads south to the mysterious Orient and returns with valuable new technologies such as the water pump that allows dry lands to be cultivated in order to produce enough food for the people. But there are still many unmet needs within the king's empire, and players are tasked with the mission of fulfilling those needs while both expanding and sustaining the vast society.
Game features include:
Build and sustain your own expansive empire
Explore the beautifully detailed world and discover new places to create your civilization
Set up trade posts in the spice mines of the Orient and explore new trade routes to keep your nation growing
Learn from other nearby cultures to expand your horizons and master the challenges of establishing a prosperous society
Developed specifically for Wii, DS and PC audiences
Unique art style and clever integration of the Wii Remote and DS stylus makes building your empire more fun and interactive than ever before
All new scalable 3-D engine ensures unmatched visuals, optimized for all PC's – from high-end to low-end desktops
Seamless user interface delivers multiple gameplay modes and faster player rewards for both long or short play sessions
Exclusive multiplayer modes across platforms
Build your civilization and make history along with a friend in the 2-player co-op mode for Wii
Integration with Ubi.com allows PC players to track achievements, climb leaderboards and challenge others online
Accessible for everyone from beginners to pros
Intelligent help system offers contextual hints for any situation
In-game encyclopedia includes illustrated tutorial filled with tips and strategies for building your civilization
Formerly known as ANNO 1404, Dawn of Discovery is the North American title of the game.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 26th, 2009, 21:18 Posted By: wraggster
Well that didn't take long. Just last week, we heard about the Release Candidate (RC) builds of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 making the rounds, and now the official Windows blog has confirmed the updates should soon be available to TechNet and MSDN subscribers, with a public test to follow sometimes before its final release. And when might that be? Sometime in second quarter of this year apparently, which fits well with some rumblings we caught wind of last month.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/26/w...andidate-stat/
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 26th, 2009, 21:22 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
Square Enix has released a demo for action role-playing game The Last Remnant.
You can grab the 1GB sampler over on Gameplanet. The FileShack file, incidentally, has mysteriously disappeared.
That snippet of The Last Remnant should offer enough of a glimpse to decide whether to buy on 20th March.
Square Enix will also be hoping you notice the PC-added choice of Japanese or English voice overs, better character animations and option for multiple leaders to form unions.
The Last Remnant appeared late last year on Xbox 360, and took home middle-of-the-road scores. The game certainly looked nice, but dragged and needlessly muddied what was otherwise an impressive strategical underbelly.
Demo at Gameplanet
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 26th, 2009, 21:33 Posted By: wraggster
Darkfall, a PvP-oriented MMORPG that was first announced in 2001, is finally in the process of going live. After dealing with some launch-day bugs, the Darkfall team reports that servers are going up, and they're processing pre-orders to get players in the game. MMOCrunch has an in-depth write-up from the end of the beta, saying that the game is still "rough around the edges," but also that the team has created a "solid framework of an MMO that offers a unique experience that the genre has not seen in quite some time." Ten Ton Hammer had a similar reaction, tempering criticism with praise for the lack of hand-holding.
http://games.slashdot.org/games/09/02/26/112254.shtml
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 26th, 2009, 21:34 Posted By: wraggster
Here it is, for the whole world to try out — the official Blood Frontier 'Beta 1' release. Compared to our last release, 'Alpha 2,' the game has taken a dramatic turn from the slow and clunky 'third-person' shooter it was. Based on feedback from the community (which we take very seriously — no idea is too big or too small) we refined, polished, and extended our gameplay to what we consider to be the most fun Free and Open Source First Person Shooter out there. Many may think it does not compare, visually, with some of the other shooters out there, but what we lack in art, we more than make up for in gameplay. So, give it a try, play against our new and improved Artificial Intelligence, which is giving even the most seasoned of players a run for their money now. Or, hop on our master server at play.bloodfrontier.com, where there is usually someone either playing, or watching from our IRC channel in #bloodfrontier on irc.freenode.net (yes, IRC chat support is built right in!). More information is available at our website
http://games.slashdot.org/games/09/02/26/0619250.shtml
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 26th, 2009, 21:52 Posted By: wraggster
The Lord of the Rings: Conquest gets $10 worth of heroes and maps with Pandemic Studios' release of the aptly titled Heroes & Maps Pack, now available via Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network.
The Lord of the Rings: Conquest might not have gotten the best critical reception, but Pandemic isn't letting that stop them from delivering more heroes of lore and arenas of war to their Middle-earth epic battle simulator. Available today, the Heroes & Maps Pack adds three additional heroes, two new multiplayer maps, and two hero arenas for use with the previously released Hero Arena content pack.
$9.99 or 800 Microsoft points gets you Gothmog, Boromir, and Arwen as playable hero characters, the lava fields of the Battle of the Last Alliance and the forests of Amon Hen multiplayer maps, and arenas in the form of Minas Tirith and Weathertop. Whether or not that's worth $10 of your precious, precious monies is completely up to you.
http://kotaku.com/5160712/new-heroes...rings-conquest
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 27th, 2009, 19:49 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
In its latest newsletter to players, Mythic has announced that Patch 1.2 for Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning will go live on 3rd March - that's next Tuesday. The game is also being halved in price in Europe.
The sizeable patch will include the new Dwarf Slayer and Orc Choppa careers; the Bitter Rivals live event; a limited preview of a new Scenario; improvements to realm-versus-realm warfare, itemisation, crafting, and the user interface; more "easy" public quests for smaller group sizes; and over 500 bug fixes.
Patch 1.2 kicks off the Call to Arms "live expansion" that will be released in chunks over the next few months. Monthly live events will be followed by the release of the Land of the Dead zone in June.
Additionally, WAR's European publisher GOA announced that the price of the game is to be cut in Europe. The Standard Edition will be available for a recommended price of GBP 19.99 / EUR 29.99 from retailers or as a digital download soon (the date will vary by country).
More info on the Warhammer Online gamepage.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 27th, 2009, 19:51 Posted By: Shrygue
via Kotaku
The forces of humanity make a final stand tomorrow night, as Richard Garriot's Tabula Rasa celebrates its final day with an all-out alien invasion.
Be there tomorrow to witness the end of a particularly short era, as the chief baddies in massively multiplayer sci-fi shooter Tabula Rasa mount a full-scale invasion of just about everything. Tomorrow marks the last day of the game's operation, and if the more recent updates are any indication, the development team isn't going to go out quietly.
We request that all military personnel begin fortifying defenses at every AFS base in preparation for a massive Bane assault. If enemy troop movements are as large as we fear, and the Neph are truly prepared to lead all out war against us, this may be our last stand. Penumbra has been informed of the situation and is standing by on the use of their last resort weapon. We can not afford to be complacent or uncertain, but if it is truly our destiny to be destroyed, we are taking them all with us.
The end begins at 8PM, either GMT or CST depending on your server, coming to a close at midnight, when the servers shut down forever.
Even if you haven't played much since launch, it might be worthwhile logging in to watch the game die, if only to say you were there.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 27th, 2009, 20:48 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
EA's released the Black Sheep mission for the six-year-old Command & Conquer Generals.
It was initially slated to be the third mission in the Global Liberation Army campaign but was omitted from the game, which released back in 2003.
It sees players "given command of the Toxin Tractor, a slow-going farm vehicle modified to spray a deadly corrosive agent, and ordered to eliminate a town that had been 'corrupted beyond salvation' by the USA's propaganda".
Despite the mission's omission from Generals, the Toxin Tractor was available in other campaign missions, and in the multiplayer and skirmish modes.
You can now download the Black Sheep mission for free here, although you'll need to dig out your copy of Generals in order to be able to play it.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 27th, 2009, 23:49 Posted By: wraggster
Today Ubisoft announces that the PC version of Tom Clancy's EndWar, the newest brand in the Tom Clancy series of video games, is now available in stores across North America or for download. Tom Clancy's EndWar goes beyond other war games by allowing players to use their own voice to control units, offering command of the action at the speed of thought. Set on the battlefields of World War III, Tom Clancy's EndWar pushes the envelope of technology with its revolutionary voice-command system.
Ubisoft's Tom Clancy video games are consistently among the best-selling and most critically-acclaimed video game series in the industry. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon games have collectively sold more than 55 million units worldwide to date.
Tom Clancy's EndWar is rated "T" for Teen and available for an MSRP of $49.99.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 27th, 2009, 23:51 Posted By: wraggster
With Major League spring training getting underway, sports fans' thoughts are turning to baseball once again. For thousands of baseball fans, spring training also means gearing up for the latest edition of Out of the Park Development's award-winning baseball management series, Out of the Park Baseball, which GameSpot called "the closest thing we've got to Major League baseball in a box." OOTP Developments is proud to announce the beginning of the preorder period for Out of the Park Baseball 10 ("OOTP 10"), their most ambitious baseball management simulation to date.
OOTP 10, scheduled for release in Spring 2009 for PC, Mac, and Linux, is a further evolution of the game that GameSpy said, "is firmly atop the baseball general manager simulation heap," offering gamers the ultimate in realistic baseball simulation. With a completely revised individual pitch model and a host of other new and improved features, OOTP 10 offers something for new and existing customers alike. Lead Developer Markus Heinsohn has a long track record of involvement with his fan base, and this year was no exception. "We think that OOTP 10 will be the best game we have ever created," said Heinsohn, "and much of that is thanks to our community. So many of our feature ideas come from our fans, and there's so many great ideas we haven't even gotten to yet! We are very excited to have been around so long, and that we are still able to grow the game and its fan base each year. There's no reason to think we won't be around for another 10 versions!"
Core Game Features
2009 Major League Rosters - Play with a complete Major League setup, including all affiliated minor leagues, with thousands of accurately rated players placed on their 2009 Opening Day rosters, right down through rookie league, for the ultimate in Major League gaming experience!
Solo or online play - Enjoy solo play with practically unlimited replayability, or join an online league and compete with other human GMs for the ultimate management challenge.
Historical mode - Play with real leagues, teams, or players from any historical Major League season from 1871 through 2008.
Multiple, flexible styles of play - Mimic real-world baseball. Create a completely fictional baseball world. Perform a historical replay of the 1968 season. Heck, do a combination of all of these! OOTP offers unmatched flexibility in setting up the kind of baseball universe you want.
Complete general management - If a GM does it in real life, you can probably do it in OOTP. Define scouting budgets. Make trades. Handle the amateur draft. Scour the waiver wire. Sign free agents. Negotiate contract extensions. Demote and promote players within your organization. You can even define depth charts, lineups, and pitching staffs for every team in your organization. It's all up to you! Of course, if that's a little overwhelming, you can choose to delegate some or all of these functions to your team personnel, too.
Play-by-play mode - In OOTP, you can choose to fulfill solely the general manager duties, or you can take over on the bench as well, playing out any games you wish with our detailed play-by-play engine. Choose defensive strategies, make substitutions on the fly, and give the hitter that "swing away" sign. OOTP will "call" the play with an ongoing stream of announcer text, almost as if you were listening to the radio!
Realistic statistical engine - With OOTP, you can enjoy a realistic statistical engine based on modern baseball theory such as DIPS. See your players perform in a consistent, realistic manner over ten, twenty, even fifty simulated years, and watch as your own Hall of Fame grows before your eyes.
League report generation - OOTP can generate a staggering set of HTML reports for your league, containing individual reports for each player, team, and league in your game.
Unparalleled customizability - Customization has long been the hallmark of OOTP. Options within the game allow you to define precisely how you want your baseball universe to operate, from the # of leagues, divisions, and teams in your league to the rules for these leagues, including finances, free agency, waiver rules, roster sizes, and more.
Key Enhancements in OOTP 10
Redesigned Pitching System - OOTP's newly recoded pitch system adds individual pitch ratings and reworks the endurance/role system and the impact of velocity and groundball percentage in the game engine, resulting in the most realistic game and player development engine on the planet! Will your veteran ace keep his blazing fastball for another year? Will the youngster develop that promising changeup and become a dominating starter? This new system will change the way you play OOTP!
Customizable In-Game Screen - A new in-game screen will feature 'widgets' which can be activated and freely moved around on the screen. That way, users can adjust the info they see to their preferences and screen resolution.
Inaugural Draft With Budgets - Now the user can set team budgets before an inaugural draft takes place, either all balanced, individually, or based on city population. Player have contract demands which combined must not exceed your draft budget, and the manager has to keep an eye on the budget when making his picks. The old mode without budgets is still available as well, of course. Can you draft the perfect team?
Improved Arbitration & Free Agent Compensation - The arbitration period now work as in real life. Players state their demand, and teams set their maximum offer or do not offer arbitration at all, in which case the player becomes a free agent. If the team submits an offer, an arbitrator will rule in favor of either the team or the player. On top of that, players eligible for free agency need to be offered arbitration as well if the team wants to receive compensation once the player signs with a different team. Compensation now follow real major league rules, and a supplemental first draft round has been added to the first-year player draft.
OOTP 10 is available for preorder for PC, Mac, and Linux for $29.99. This is a savings of $10 off of the final release price of $39.99. Customers who preorder can also download the game two days before the official launch! (Customers in the European Union pay €29.99 for preorder, and €39.99 after release.) Preorders and further information can be found at http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/ootp10/.
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 27th, 2009, 23:52 Posted By: wraggster
Uforia, Inc., a new online game publisher specializing in massively multiplayer online games, today announced that the Beta for Three Kingdoms: The Battle Begins launches today at http://threekingdoms.uforia.com. Three Kingdoms: The Battle Begins is a new free-to-play MMO based on one of the most well-known Asian novels of all-time.
"We strongly encourage players to join the beta for Three Kingdoms: The Battle Begins so they can be among the first to experience this exciting game." said JK Kim, CEO of Uforia.
In the beta all players will be able to experience the cash shop mall. Players will be able to increase the amount of experience and gold they gain, purchase powerful armor, and have access to special mounts.
Three Kingdoms: The Battle Begins, developed by G-rex Soft, chronicles the tragic last reign of the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220), when the Chinese empire was divided into three kingdoms at battle. This important period in Chinese history became a subject of extreme and continuing interest to historians, poets, and dramatists. Three Kingdoms: The Battle Begins narrates this account and provides players the opportunity to choose from 4 gripping and distinctive character classes to help battle through 200 extraordinary levels packed with boss monsters and their relentless followers. As players undergo the world of Three Kingdoms: The Battle Begins, they can reshape the story by carefully planning and executing political assassinations.
Three Kingdoms: The Battle Begins offers a one-of-a-kind quest system that delivers missions to players while they are still in the battlefield, maximizing the player's enjoyment of and involvement in the battle. This unique feature enables the player to continue their travels while having the benefit of receiving items from completing quests. Player vs. Player (PVP) battlegrounds are available on the hour every hour 24/7, allowing the winners of the battle to become Lords who are granted access to exclusive skills and items. Honor points are awarded during these battles and can be used to purchase unique items and equipment from special merchants.
An exciting Player Kill (PK) system is also part of this epic adventure which includes a unique "Death Note" feature. This element exists so if a player is killed by the same opponent multiple times, the opponent is added to the player's death note. The opponent's location will be specified on the player's map as a blinking signal, enabling the player to execute revenge more easily.
For more information about Three Kingdoms: The Battle Begins and to sign up for the Beta visit http://threekingdoms.uforia.com
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 27th, 2009, 23:54 Posted By: wraggster
Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and Western Civilization Software (www.west-civ.com) are thrilled to announce that Crown of Glory: Emperor's Edition, the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Crown of Glory, is now available for immediate download! Combining strategy and tactics in one design, Crown of Glory: Emperor's Edition offers gamers an opportunity to test their strength in an age of legends.
The original Crown of Glory won a series of accolades, including the Charles S. Roberts award for best Pre-20th Century Wargame, the War-Historical Group's Wargame of the Year 2005, 8/10 from IGN and 9+/10 from Wargamer.com. Crown of Glory: Emperor's Edition is a major step up from the original in nearly every area, with new detailed Naval Combat, a streamlined economic system, a much stronger AI, beautiful new strategic map, new scenarios and significant interface improvements, just to name a few!
To mark the release of Crown of Glory: Emperor's Edition, three of the tutorial videos included with the game are now available to give gamers a feel for the addicting gameplay and in-depth game system headed their way! The topics of the three tutorials are The Basics, Land Combat, and Naval Combat. Be sure to check them out on YouTube or download a higher quality version from our website.
David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said "Crown of Glory: Emperor's Edition is a very worthy sequel to the original classic. The new features, improvements and additional scenarios as well as engrossing strategic and tactical play make this an experience that Napoleonic fans should not miss. Anyone with an interest in the Napoleonic period as well as fans of beautifully designed strategy game should give this game a look!"
The initial release is download-only, with options for boxed copies with printed manuals planned to be available next week. Customers who would like a boxed copy and printed manual should wait for those options to show up in the Matrix Games Online Store before purchasing. Also, customers who already own the original Crown of Glory are entitled to a $10 Discount Coupon off the price of Crown of Glory: Emperor's Edition. This discount coupon can be retrieved by following the links on the product and store pages.
Glory is Fleeting, Obscurity is Forever...
Two centuries ago, Europe was in the midst of one of the most gripping periods in human history. It was an era that saw cobblers become princes and emperors become exiles, an age of legendary diplomats and brilliant tacticians. Listen to the roll of the drum, the call of the bugle, and see the banners unfurled above the divisions and corps. Wide-eyed recruits march next to battle-scarred veterans, sabers clatter alongside the bags of grapeshot, the wheels of hundreds of caissons rattle, as generals plan and diplomats plot, and all of Europe grasps with desperate hands for… The Crown Of Glory.
This new Emperor's Edition is a sequel to the acclaimed Crown of Glory and improves on the original in every area, immersing the player in the epic events of the Napoleonic era. A beautiful strategic map with more than 200 provinces covers all of Europe and North Africa, with scenarios and campaigns from 1792 up to 1820. Stronger AI, a streamlined interface and a new simplified economic model to allow players to focus on the aspects of the game they most enjoy. Players take the role of one of the crowned potentates of any of the eight Major powers as well as having the option to play as a minor power such as Poland, Denmark or Portugal.
A turn-based structure allows you to play at your own pace, deciding on the military, diplomatic, economic and social paths of your nation, including treaties, trade routes and levying and supplying military units. While your armies march across a worldwide map with monthly turns, detailed land and naval battles allow you to play at a smaller scale, where your brigades, divisions and ships can be commanded with historical tactics. All battles can be resolved quickly or fought out on a detailed battlefield map.
Each unit has its purpose on the battlefield, with such diverse troops as Jagers, Cossacks, Janissaries and Horse Artillery all modeled for individual strength and morale ratings and each beautifully rendered and animated. Similarly, ships ranging from Frigates to massive First Rate Ships of the Line clash on the seas in battles ranging from skirmishes to decisive fleet engagements, all modeled in great realistic detail.
The eight major powers (France, Britain, Austria, Prussia, Russia, Turkey, Spain, and Sweden) and over ninety computer-controlled minor nations are modeled in rich historical detail. Every effort has been made to bring you as thorough a simulation of the Napoleonic Era as is possible, from the dockyards of Lisbon to the frozen wastes of Holy Mother Russia.
Historical leaders, special abilities, fleets, upgrades, reinforcements, colonialism, guard units and over 100 historical events, give Crown Of Glory: Emperor's Edition a unique and engrossing style. Combining strategy and tactics in one design, Crown Of Glory: Emperor's Edition offers you an opportunity to test your strength in an age of legends.
Emperor's Edition Improvements:
New strategic map including a network of roads connecting provinces
70 new movement areas on the strategic map
New "Simple Economy" mode for players who want to concentrate on military / diplomacy
6 new minor powers
101 new historical events such as "Reign of Terror," "Janissary Revolt," and "Assassination of Paul I"
Map zooms in and out smoothly on strategic and detailed combat levels
Nations gain Experience and Naval Experience and use these to purchase national upgrades, advanced units, and special training for units
Improved orders of battle in all scenarios with historical names for hundreds of divisions and ships
New scenarios for 1803 and 1812
New scenarios that allow Portugal, Bavaria, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Poland to be player-controlled
Changes to strategic A.I. to create more historical decisions for certain nations
New "Path of Napoleon" victory condition in which player must try to accomplish all of Napoleon's goals
New rules for inflation and mobilization limits to better model wartime effects on the economy and to limit army sizes to historical levels
New rules for march attrition
New interface screens for strategic overview, unit and province lists
Ability to fight detailed battles at division or brigade level
New system of in-game help
New music and sound effects
Get more information on Crown of Glory: Emperor's Edition from its official product page and be sure to watch or download the new tutorial videos!
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
February 28th, 2009, 19:51 Posted By: wraggster
It has been a great ride thus far working with other talented Developers, Testers, Mod Creators and Players. I tell you this community has surpassed my every hope! Though I was not around in the beginning of OpenBOR, I sure will be around for a very long time!!!
So the time has come for another engine release (Windows Only, Consoles are to soon follow), but not just any release.... Its OpenBOR v3.0 So without any further delay here are the details for this release.
New Features:
Stereo Support
Menu Redesign
BGM Player for BoR Audio
Internal Restructuring of video mode handling
Bug Fixes:
To many to list....lol
All Memory Leaks fixed.
Enhanced Error handling greater Stability.
Here are a few Notes about v3.0 that everyone should read as well.
1. Support for Video.txt has changed. Forcemode command no-longer exists. We nolonger allow for video mode switching on the fly. Only Scaling and Filtering adjustments can be made. We have also removed some supported resolution while adding new ones to the list. So be prepared if old modules no longer work or the engine does not startup correctly. Just unpack the modules and update the value for the respective resolution.
2. Just as a reminder for all you new and existing Mod Creators. Don't forget to download the newer version of Wav2BoR v1.1. The reason for that upgrade was Stereo Support. You can test your BOR audio files with the built in BGM Player in OpenBOR v3.0, Just create a new PAK file and place your music.bor in the music directory and repack the module.
/data/music/*.bor
Or...
http://lavalit.com:8080/index.php?topic=2503.0
To read more of the post and Download, click here!
Join In and Discuss Here
Submit News and Releases Here and Contact Us for Reviews and Advertising Here |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
