Battlefield Heroes Debut Trailer

Posted by Locklem at 2:44 PM 2 comments

Today, EA released a trailer of Battlefield Heroes. Battlefield Heroes is, as the trailer puts it, a cartoon shooter. Hit the jump to view the trailer.

Players can customize their soldiers to their liking and play as either the National or Royal army. The best part of all of this? It's free. You don't have to pay anything. When it releases, all you have to do is go to the Battlefield Heroes website (found here) and download the game. Could be fun as long as EA can keep it interesting. Watch the trailer and let us know what you think in the comments.

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Call of Duty 4 Update is Live

Posted by Deadly Cyclone at 12:48 PM 0 comments

We have just received word the the Xbox 360 title update for Call of Duty 4 is now live. Hit the jump for the update details.

TeamXbox had full patch details a while back:

"Addition of Host Migration
* If Host of lobby leaves, all players will be deposited back to the lobby where next best host will be selected before new game restarts. Players will no longer be kicked out of game entirely.

Improved Network Performance For Larger Games
* 18 player games now require more bandwidth to host, resulting in smoother performance for players.

Optimized Server Selection for First Match
* Server selection is now optimized to select best bandwidth servers associated by LSP.

Updated Spectator "Chase Cam"
* Change Spectator Mode: Switch between First Person and Third Person.
* 360 Degree rotation around character you're spectating.

Fixed "Playlist Older Than Host" Error
* Player will no longer get error when entering games.

Optimized Corrupt Create-a-Class Handling
* Players will no longer be kicked from game when their create-a-class data is corrupted.

Added Kill Cam To Everything
* Kill Cam view Added: Air Strike Bombs (Follows bomb from plane to target)
* Kill Cam view Added: Grenades (Follows frag from hand to ground, then rotates to view target)
* Kill Cam view Added: RPGs (Follows RPG from launch to target)
* Kill Cam view Added: M203 Rounds (Follows round from launcher to target)
* Kill Cam view Added: Claymores (Views from behind claymore until explosion)
* Kill Cam view Added: C4 Packs (View from pack rotating to watch target)
* Kill Cam view Added: Martrdom (View from grenade rotating to watch target)

Optimized Old School Experience
* Added Unlimited Sprint
* Doubled Magazine Size
* Added Ragdoll Cam

Additional Start Spawn Locations in All Maps
* Added a minimum of 9 extra start spawns on each side of all maps.

Optimized Sniper Rifle / ACOG Scope Accuracy
* Sniper Rifles and ACOG scope accuracy improved due to fix.

Fixed Weapon Sprint Bug
* Bug which gave players more sprint when using particular weapons. "

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Metal Gear Solid 4 Q&A

Posted by Deadly Cyclone at 5:24 PM 0 comments

The folks over a the Playstation Blog have a Q&A pertaining to Metal Gear Solid 4, release dates, the beta, how to get the code, as well as a special pre-order pack you get when the program starts this April...

"Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots FAQ

+ Posted by Michael Shelling // Konami Director of Public Relations

Following this week’s announcements regarding Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots on the PLAYSTATION 3, a lot of questions popped up in the comments area of the PlayStation.Blog. We put together this FAQ to address your concerns:

Q: When is the game shipping to retail?
A: The game is scheduled to arrive at retail stores in North America on June 12, 2008.

Q: What’s in the Metal Gear Online Starter Pack?
A: The Metal Gear Online Starter Pack, included with Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, is a squad-based, online multiplayer tactical shooter that supports up to 16 players and takes place in the Metal Gear Solid universe.

Q: When is the Metal Gear Online multiplayer beta test?
A: The Metal Gear Online multiplayer beta test is scheduled to begin on April 21, 2008.

Q: How long will the Metal Gear Online beta test run?
A: The Metal Gear Online multiplayer beta test will run for approximately 2 weeks

Q: Where can I get the pre-sell?
A: The pre-sell program will be available nationwide at all major retailers.

Q: Is there a time frame for the pre-order to gain access to the beta? When does the pre-order period begin?
A: The pre-order will begin April 2008. Check with your local retailer on availability.

Q: Is there any special process that consumers must go through to verify their participation in the beta?
A: When the pre-order program begins in April 2008, consumers who pre-order Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots will receive the Metal Gear Saga 2.0 DVD, containing a Prologue that recaps the Metal Gear franchise, a 20th Anniversary retrospective, character bios for Big Boss, Liquid Snake, Solidus Snake, and Solid Snake, plus a collection of international trailers of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. This pre-order package also contains an insert with a download code and special instructions for accessing the Metal Gear Online beta test when it goes live in late April.

Q: How many people will be allowed to participate in the Metal Gear Online beta test?
A: The special Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots pre-order package (which includes the insert with the Metal Gear Online download code) will only be available while supplies last.

Q: How do consumers who have already pre-ordered participate in the beta?
A: Consumers will need to contact their local retailer for more information.

Q: Will consumers who don’t pre-order have any chance to join the beta?
A: If additional promotional partners are secured, there is a possibility of making beta access available, but nothing is confirmed at this time."

Source: Playstation Blog

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Battlefield: Bad Company GDC '08 Videos

Posted by Deadly Cyclone at 2:08 PM 0 comments

DICE's next foray into the war genre is coming along well, from the looks of many GDC videos. Battlefield: Bad Company struts nearly fully destructible environments and that top notch Battlefield gameplay. Hit the jump for the videos.

The release date for B:BC has been delayed a few times, and is now listed as June 2008. Will this be the game to knock CoD4 from its perch?

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Zero Punctuation: Uncharted Edition

Posted by Deadly Cyclone at 3:35 PM 1 comments

Here is yet another hilarious (and true) review by Yahtzee about Uncharted: Drake's Fortune for the Playstation 3. Hit the jump for the video.

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New Bourne Conspiracy Gameplay Trailer

Posted by Deadly Cyclone at 7:18 PM 1 comments

The latest trailer to "The Bourne Conspiracy," which is based on the Bourne movies and books, hit IGN's Voodoo Extreme today, hit the jump for the video.

The game is starting to look like a, dare I say, good movie game. This is most likely because it is based on the books more than the movie and has a great combat system. We will see as production continues if this game will shine or fall into that "just another poor game based on a movie" category. So far so good though! Hit up Voodoo Extreme for a bigger version!

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Playstation 3 DualShock 3 Release Date Announced

Posted by Deadly Cyclone at 2:46 PM 0 comments

Those of you who have been anxiously waiting the addition of rumble for the Playstation 3, wait no more...

Sony announced today that the long awaited DualShock 3 controller will release in the United States in April 2008 and will retail for $54.99.

Full details from the Playstation Blog:

"DUALSHOCK 3
The final piece of big news coming out of DPS is another much-requested release date: SCEA will introduce the DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for the first time in North America in April 2008 for $54.99 (MSRP). Compatible with more than 100 PS3 games, DUALSHOCK 3 has both rumble and motion-sending SIXAXIS technologies. So now you’ll be able to play Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, and, yes, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots with rumble turned ON."

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MGS4 Getting 80GB PS3 Bundle, MG Online getting Beta.

Posted by Deadly Cyclone at 2:36 PM 0 comments

UPDATE: Kotaku has confirmed that the 80GB PS3 bundle is indeed backwards compatible.

Sony has just announced a Metal Gear Solid 4 Playstation 3 bundle for the launch of Konami's upcoming hit, as well as a beta for all who pre-ordered the game for Metal gear Online.

Here are the details fresh from the Playstation Blog:

"Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PS3 Bundle
To coincide with the much-anticipated North American launch of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots in late Q2 2008, SCEA will introduce a PS3 bundle, which will include an 80GB PS3, the upcoming blockbuster Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, and a DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for $499.99 (MSRP)."

Box Art:










If you notice, the release slates MGS4 for "Late Q2 2008."

Also, those gamers who pre-ordered Metal Gear Solid 4 will get access to the Metal gear Online beta coming in late April.

"As has been announced previously, MGS4 will include a Metal Gear Online “Starter Pack.” If you can’t wait to try out MGS4, the good news is you don’t have to much longer. Those who pre-order the game will be guaranteed access to a multiplayer beta test for Metal Gear Online scheduled for late April."



Looks like it is finally time for those of you without Playstation 3's to go out and grab one!

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Phil Harrison Resigns

Posted by Locklem at 12:50 PM 0 comments

Phil Harrison, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS), will resign from Sony on February 29. Kazuo Hirai, currently President and Group CEO of SCEI, will take over Harrison's responsibilities immediately.

Here is the fill press release:

"Tokyo, February 25, 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced that Phil Harrison, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS), will resign from Sony Computer Entertainment Group as of February 29, 2008. Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO of SCEI, will immediately assume responsibilities as president of SCE WWS, in addition to his current duties.

Prior to the launch of the original PlayStation®, Phil Harrison joined Sony Electronics Publishing, Ltd. in 1992, which later evolved into Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, and since then, he has made a tremendous contribution to the company playing a strategic role in the launch of four PlayStation platforms, as well as building strong relationships with game developers and publishers throughout the world. Since his appointment to the position of president, SCE WWS, Harrison applied his considerable skill, knowledge and expertise to lead SCE Group’s first party game development as well as aggressively pursuing the development of new online entertainment experiences.

“As one of the founding members of SCE, Phil played a key role in the development and growth of the PlayStation business and our industry,” said Kazuo Hirai. “It is sad to see him departing from SCE, but I wish to express my gratitude for his many invaluable contributions and also wish Phil the very best of luck in his future endeavors.”

“The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far,” said Phil Harrison. “I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can.”

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3®) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a new handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group."

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EA Proposes Takeover of Take-Two for $2 Billion

Posted by Deadly Cyclone at 4:14 PM 0 comments

In a big move for the video game industry, EA has put up an offer to buy Take-Two studios for $2 Billion.

Take-Two's executive chairman, Strauss Zelnick denied the initial proposal, but EA is leaving the offer on the table and making it public hoping the shareholders may have a different view than Zelnick. EA Chief Executive Officer John Riccitiello had this to say:

"Our all-cash proposal is a unique opportunity for Take-Two shareholders to realize immediate value at a substantial premium, while creating long-term value for EA shareholders. Take-Two's game designers would also benefit from EA's financial resources, stable, game-focused management team, and strong global publishing capabilities."

So the deal appears to be in the hands of the shareholders as of now. I still can't help but think, would this acquisition be good for the industry? Would a buyout offer a good chance for the Take-Two teams to have more resources and a better financial backing? Or would it turn into what EA wants them to do and limit the freedom? Only the future will tell!

Source: EA Press Release

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Activision offering refunds for GH3 on the Wii

Posted by Deadly Cyclone at 1:02 PM 0 comments

Well, four months after the release of Guitar Hero 3 on the Wii, Activision finally announced a refund program for the troubles...

If you are in the dark about the issue of the Wii version, it was released stating it would support Dolby Digital surround sound, but when gamers tried to play the game through surround, they only got one channel of audio through multiple speakers, which is mono sound.

Activision initially offered a disc replacement program (which is still available) but decided ultimately to offer refunds to the angry gamers. Here is the information from the web site:

"We are committed to providing our customers with quality game experiences and apologize for any audio output issues you may have experienced with the Wii version of Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock. Activision has worked with Nintendo to re-master the game and provide a replacement disc to consumers with Dolby digital surround sound and other consumers experiencing audio issues. If you wish to receive a full refund on your purchase price instead of a replacement disc, please click here and download the refund form, which outlines our refund requirements.

However, if you wish to receive a replacement disc for the Wii version of Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock instead of a refund, please click here.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and thank you for your continued support and patience."

Good to see that they are finally doing a bit more about the issue.

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CryEngine 2 GDC Tech Demos

Posted by Deadly Cyclone at 4:04 PM 0 comments

UPDATE: Just added another video comparing the CryEngine 2's Sony Bravia commercial regeneration, to the actual commercial, it's called "CryEngine 2 vs. Reality" (second video down). Pretty interesting.

GameTrailers posted a few videos of the CryEngine 2 Tech demo from GDC '08. The engine demos are beautiful. I can only hope we get to see the engine utilized on PS3 or 360 this year. Crysis 2 anyone? Hit the jump for the videos.

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Warhawk DLC Coming

Posted by Deadly Cyclone at 7:15 PM 0 comments

1up.com reports from GDC '08 that Warhawk developer Incognito is planning DLC entitled "Operation Broken Mirror" for the PS3 shooter. Hit the jump for the story.

Here is what 1up had to say:

"Operation Broken Mirror is a booster pack that is confirmed for release in the future and will feature one new vehicle -- an APC that acts as a portable spawn point and equipment producer -- and a new battlefield. New game modes are also in the works, but they will not be a part of the booster pack. Instead, game modes will be released for free and integrated into patches and updates.

But what about content beyond the plans we have heard about? 'As long as the community exists and as long as there is an appetite for playing the game and new content, that's good for us and we want to try to do split deliveries -- you can always get free stuff and you always have to option to buy certain content,' said Jobe. Basically Incognito is willing to support the game as long as the players are willing to make it worth their while."

This is definetly good news for fans of this game. There were also talks that a single player version of Warhawk could be possible.

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Wii Fit Release Date Announced

Posted by Deadly Cyclone at 5:52 PM 0 comments

Need to get in shape? Sure, we all probably do. Well if you are one of the lucky people to have found a Wii somewhere (why are there still no Wiis?) get ready for Wii Fit. The game/exercise pad will release in the United States on May 19th.

Hit the jump for the whole story.

New to the Wii? Well here is what Nintendo has to say about Wii Fit.

"The active-play phenomenon started by Wii Sports now spreads to your whole body thanks to the pressure-sensitive Wii Balance Board (name not final), which comes packed with Wii Fit. The board is used for an extensive array of fun and dynamic activities, including aerobics, yoga, muscle stretches and games. Many of these activities focus towards providing a "core" workout, a popular exercise method that emphasizes slower, controlled motions. Family members will have fun staying active and talking about and comparing their results and progress on a new channel on the Wii Menu."

The game comes packaged with the Wii balance board which looks like a regular aerobics board but with sensors in it. Once you put the game in, the Wii Fit channel will be added to your Wii Menu. According to an IGN interview with Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime there are already ten balance board games on the way for Wii Fit.

"Our sights are set very high for the this product so our goal is to make sure we have over a million units available at launch to support it... There are over 10 games in development that take advantage of the Balance Board. Certainly in terms of ongoing enjoyment, we believe that Wii Fit plus the Balance Board will provide that to the consumer."

With over a million units of Wii Fit already sold in Japan, it will be highly interesting to see if it will see the same success in America. Stay tuned for more information on Wii Fit.

Wii Fit Screenshots:

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Halo 3 is a Ghost Town

Posted by Deadly Cyclone at 5:37 PM 0 comments

UPDATE: Added a top-down view with weapon placements from Bungie's Weekly Update

No, not in terms of number of players, but in terms of a new map. Today Bungie Studios showed off the first of the new maps from the next pack due out later this spring.
Here is what Bungie had to say about the map:"Ghost Town is the fragmented ruins of a small 24^th century water purification complex that geographically lies just North and West of the jungle foothills hydroelectric facility from the Sierra 117 mission. The well-protected facility built into a shallow ravine was once home to the Global Water Campaign, where the still somewhat-pure Kilimanjaro meltwater was transported via pipelines from the river and directed to this small outpost where it became further purified, and then transported via GWC trans-African pipelines along the Tsavo Highway for distribution throughout the entire continent."

Bungie also states that the map is great for one flag CTF, one bomb, free-for-all and slayer gametypes. No clues yet as to when to expect the next map pack. Stay tuned for more information.

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Ninja Gaiden II Gameplay Video

Posted by Locklem at 5:41 PM 0 comments

Gamersyde has a new video of the upcoming Team Ninja game, Ninja Gaiden 2. The game is set to release on June 3rd, 2008 in the United States. Previous games Ninja Gaiden, and Ninja Gaiden Black were available on the original Xbox, and Ninja Gaiden Sigma is available on the Playstation 3. Check the video after the jump.



Source: GAMERSYDE

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Unreal Engine 3 Presentation

Posted by Locklem at 4:56 PM 0 comments

Today, Epic showed off the improvements they have been making to the Unreal Engine 3. Some of the improvements include; filters for better ambient lighting, better character lighting, the ability to display large crowds on the screen at once, much improved water effects, and soft body physics. The soft body physics are really cool. Gears of War is used for this presentation.


Source: GAMERSYDE

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Microsoft's GDC Press Conference

Posted by Deadly Cyclone at 2:57 PM 0 comments

Microsoft's Press conference ended a while ago at the Game Developers Conference and there were some big news stories, hit the jump for the info.

First off, Cliffy B showed up to announce Gears Of War 2 coming this November exclusively on the Xbox 360. (Hit the jump for the trailer).

Secondly, Microsoft announced that games made using the XNA developer tool by community members would be making their way to Xbox Live and the Zune. 7 of the games are available over Xbox Live now.

To download the Game Launcher and games:

1. Go to Marketplace, Game Store, All games
2. Scroll to the very bottom to XNA Creators Club,
3. Download XNA creators club Game Launcher.
4. Go to games blade, games Library, scroll over to XNA Creators Club
5. Press Y to download games,
6. Download Game
7. PLAY!

More news will be coming as it happens at GDC '08, so look to GamePlay Unlimited for more updates soon.

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Free Developer Software for Students

Posted by Deadly Cyclone at 5:46 PM 0 comments

Free! We all like free right? Well Microsoft has decided to give away developer software to college students in 11 countries.

"Microsoft is announcing right now DreamSpark, a new program that gives free developer, designer and related software to college students in 11 countries. DreamSpark goes live today in Belgium, China, Finland, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States, and gives away free stuff like Visual Studio, Expression Studio, and even Windows Server.
For gamers and game designers, an exciting inclusion in the program is the XNA Game Studio 2.0 software (as opposed to the free Express Edition), as well as a 12-month free membership in the XNA Creators Club, which means free running of XNA games on the Xbox 360.



Source: InsideMicrosoft, Bill Gates talks...

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HD DVD is Dead, Officially.

Posted by Deadly Cyclone at 3:56 PM 0 comments

UPDATE: Microsoft's Gamescore Blog had this announcement today:
"As a result of recent decisions made by Toshiba, Hollywood studios, and retailers, Microsoft plans to withdraw from HD DVD. Xbox will no longer manufacture new HD DVD players for the Xbox 360, but we will continue to provide standard product and warranty support for all Xbox 360 HD DVD Players in the market. "

Toshiba Corp. announced today in a press release that it will no longer develop, manufacture, or market HD DVD players. Sony's BluRay format is now the single high definition DVD in the market. Now we wait to see how Microsoft responds and what they do with their current HD DVD add on for the Xbox 360.

"TOKYO--Toshiba Corporation today announced that it has undertaken a thorough review of its overall strategy for HD DVD and has decided it will no longer develop, manufacture and market HD DVD players and recorders. This decision has been made following recent major changes in the market. Toshiba will continue, however, to provide full product support and after-sales service for all owners of Toshiba HD DVD products."

Source: Toshiba Press Release

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Is Left 4 Dead Exclusive on Xbox 360?

Posted by Locklem at 2:56 PM 0 comments

According to an article on Xbox 360 Fanboy, Official Xbox Magazine was able to play Left 4 Dead for the Xbox 360. Apparently, the Xbox 360 version will be the only console version of the game. Affinity, a team of former Halo team members will be handling the console version.

This game looks exciting. It really reminds me of 28 Days Later. Unfortunately, it looks like PS3 owners wont be getting the game.

Source: Xbox 360 Fanboy
Source: Destructoid

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GamePlay Unlimited Official Launch

Posted by Locklem at 1:18 AM 0 comments

We finally have most of the site finished. We're now ready to start posting news. Deadly Cyclone will be the primary writer for most the posts. I will post as well but will also be working on the site design.

You may see some minor changes taking place over the next couple weeks as some of final design layouts are being worked on. Otherwise, let us know how you like the site in the comments.

Enjoy!

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Vigilante 8 coming to XBLA

Posted by Locklem at 11:33 AM 1 comments

Vigilante 8 is coming the the Xbox Live Arcade and is scheduled for this spring. Developed by Isopod Labs, it will be a remake of the original and feature online play with up to 8 players as well as additional content. First screens have been released. Hit the Link below to check them out.

I can't wait to use the Cow Puncher online!

Source: GAMERSYDE

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