Fresh from Quake Con 2008 comes a new Wolfenstein trailer for your enjoyment. The game looks to be shaping up quite nicely, hope to see more soon!
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July 31, 2008
Wolfenstein Quake Con Trailer
Cursed Mountain Announced for the Wii
There are not a lot of survival horror games to choose from on the Wii (or hardcore games for that matter) at this point in time, but developer and publisher Deep Silver wants to change all that with the Himalayas-based horror game Cursed Mountain.
"Set in the late 1980s, gamers will take on the role of a fearless mountaineer as he climbs into the Himalayas on a quest to find his lost brother. As he ascends the mountain, he encounters an ancient curse: the souls of the people who died in that region are stuck in limbo, caught in the Shadow World. Villagers, pilgrims, mountaineers and Buddhist monks – dead but not yet reincarnated – are all that is left on the mountain. Terrible visions will disorient him, and ghosts and demons block his path. But the question remains – is his brother still alive?"
The game was built from the ground up for the Nintendo Wii and boasts that "the entire game world is visible from every level." Will this be the game that snaps the Wii out of its' hardcore slump?
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PixelJunk Eden Trophies Revealed
PixelJunk Eden is a game that can suck the time right out of the day. By now many of you have played the demo for this addicting new odd game in the PixelJunk brand and have decided whether or not to purchase it. If you have not tried the game, I highly suggest commandeering a Playstation 3 and giving it a go.
PS3 Fanboy has a detailed list of most of the trophies for Eden, minus the gold ones. Most of them look like a challenge so expect to be playing PJE for quite some time.
Bronze Trophies
- All Seeds 01 - Open all seeds in garden 01
- All Seeds 02 - Open all seeds in garden 02
- All Seeds 03 - Open all seeds in garden 03
- All Seeds 04 - Open all seeds in garden 04
- All Seeds 05 - Open all seeds in garden 05
- All Seeds 06 - Open all seeds in garden 06
- All Seeds 07 - Open all seeds in garden 07
- All Seeds 08 - Open all seeds in garden 08
- All Seeds 09 - Open all seeds in garden 09
- All Seeds 10 - Open all seeds in garden 10
- All Gardens Clear - Get a Spectra in each garden
- Combo Ten - Pollen Prowler combo x 10
- Combo Fifteen - Pollen Prowler combo x 15
- The Hundred Thousander - Get 100,000 pollen in one garden
- 500 Dead Pollen Prowlers - 500 Pollen Prowlers killed
- Ten Minute Grimp - Get all 5 Spectra from a garden within 10 minutes
- Fifteen Crystals - Get fifteen crystals in a single jump
- Zero Wasted Pollen - Open all seeds in a garden without missing any pollen
- Three Play Ping Pong - In 3p mode, trapeze jump between two swinging Grimps
Silver Trophies
- All Spectra Found - Get all the Spectra in all gardens
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July 30, 2008
Midnight Club: Los Angeles Trailer 2
The second trailer for Midnight Club: L.A. is now available. The game is confirmed to launch October 7th. No word on if a demo will be coming, but it would be nice!
"Race through Rockstar San Diego’s beautiful, meticulously detailed Los Angeles
at breakneck speeds – with no tracks and no load times. All of the hallmarks
that the Midnight Club series has pioneered and become synonymous with –
open city street racing, super fun and shockingly fast driving mechanics,
an incredible selection of licensed aspirational cars and bikes, deep customization,
addictive online multiplayer modes, and more – evolved and supercharged.
This is the first proper next-generation racing game.
Coming to Xbox 360® and PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system October 7th 2008.
Midnight Club LA Remix also coming October 7th exclusively for PSP®(PlayStation®Portable) system. "
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July 29, 2008
Going Casual Breaking the Hardcore Mold
Last Saturday I came across an article on the New York Times' website about the cost of gaming's new found popularity. A few days later, today, I read a reply to the article on GamerscoreBlog and it really started me thinking on the future of our industry as it grows to new heights.
The article basically covers the transition of gaming from a hardcore, almost underground media to mainstream casually oriented markets and the effect is is having on the hardcore gamers. Here is one of the quotes that caught my eye:
"Call it nerd rage. Like loyalists of a once-partisan politician who tacks toward the center later in an election cycle, old-school gamers are coming to terms with the ramifications of their favorite’s newfound popularity. Though they have long craved mainstream respectability for video games, players sometimes resent the concessions their champion must make to attract mainstream adherents."We have all seen its ramifications. Soccer moms playing Wii Sports' Bowling. High school girls toting Nintendo DS' playing with their virtual dogs. What does this all mean for the true gamers? Gamers that fuel the industry by spending hundreds of dollars per month and thousands per year on hardcore games like Halo and Metal Gear and products like a Halo themed Mountain Dew? It is true, the industry is changing but gaming companies need not forget what, or who, got them to where they are.
The gaming industry was built on addiction. Gamers used to be seen as twenty-somethings housed up in a dark basement wearing a headset and drinking Mountain Dew until the sun came up. It wasn't more than a few years ago that gaming was still considered nerdy. Now look at the industry; there is a Nintendo Wii in a vast majority of homes and almost everyone, including grandma, is playing games of some sort. I don't blame companies like Nintendo at all for reaching out their arms. There is a great amount of money to be had in this new casual market, but at what cost to the hardcore?
Take a look at Nintendo at this years' E3 convention. It must have been casual day at work because Nintendo was throwing around new casual games left and right. Games like Wii Music, and a new Wii Sports flooded the conference. Then came the aftermath; gamers condemned Nintendo for not showing anything geared towards their true fans, fans that grew up on Zelda and Mario not throwing frisbees to virtual dogs.
This all brings me to my point. It is all fine and dandy that the industry is trying to expand its' borders, but don't kill off the crowd that brought you to where you are today. The hardcore demographic and their money is still what fuels the industry. Take away the hardcore and the industry would fold. I think a quote from the gamerscoreblog reply fits best what i am trying to say:
"I like Tetris, Peggle, and Puzzle Quest as much as the next guy - but without Civilization Revolution, Gears of War, Burnout, and other "hardcore" games, I would lose interest in the hobby pretty quickly, and if you lose your passionate gamers, if you lose your core - the tangential fans who only buy one game per year, won't be enough to sustain the industry, and it will die."Without the hardcore, there is no future. So to Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony, and game developers everywhere I must say; do not lose sight of what you used to be. Expand your market yes, but do it in such a way that does not affect the crowd that made you what you are. Fill the needs of your core first, then worry about gaining that new demographic. As a hardcore gamer I can say that it is not a bad thing to get more people to play games. It brings a lot more revenue into the industry and relaxes stereotypes that have been held against gamers for years. It becomes a bad thing when companies see a bag of money in front of their faces and totally forget about their true fans. Fans that will spend a lot of money on a continuous basis to buy their products. So to the company heads out there, keep the casual going, but give back to the hardcore. They are what made you.
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Activision-Blizzard to Close Sierra Studios?
With the announcement of Activision seemingly canning a few of their big upcoming games being developed by smaller studios (including Terminal Reality's Ghostbusters game) rumblings have begun that Acti-Blizz is out to close some of their more under-performing studios. A story over at gamesindustry.biz sites analyst Signal Hillas suggesting that "Activision Blizzard will likely close under performing development studios in order to save money."
So which studios could be on the chopping block? Well Sierra looks to be the number one candidate. The article also goes on to say "The publisher has said that Swordfish Studios and Massive Entertainment may be sold, while Radical Entertainment and High Moon Studios will be "realigned" as the company restructures in the wake of its USD 18.9 billion merger."
The company is expected to keep high selling IPs such as Spyro and Crash bandicoot, as well as the upcoming game Prototype. More on this developing story as it becomes available. Stay tuned to GPU!
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Mass Effect "Bring Down The Sky" Now Available for PC
The first DLC from the PC version of Mass Effect was released today; PC gamers can download the "Bring Down the Sky" DLC free of charge.
"Fully optimized for the PC, “Bring Down the Sky” is the first in a series of planned downloadable content that will further expand the Mass Effect story and universe. It includes a new uncharted world that introduces the deadly Batarian alien race, approximately 90 minutes of new gameplay and an original soundtrack. Instructions on how to download and install the new content is available at http://masseffect.bioware.com/downloadablecontent/. “Bring Down the Sky” is currently available for international languages including English, Spanish, Italian and German, with additional language versions coming soon."
Hit the jump for the full release. FREE DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT NOW AVAILABLE FOR MASS EFFECT PC
"BRING DOWN THE SKY" EXPANDS THE MASS EFFECT ADVENTURE
Guildford UK(July 29, 2008) – Leading video game developer BioWare™, a division of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS), has announced that “Bring Down the Sky,” the first piece of downloadable content for the award-winning space epic Mass Effect™, is now available for PC gamers to download free1 of charge.
Fully optimized for the PC, “Bring Down the Sky” is the first in a series of planned downloadable content that will further expand the Mass Effect story and universe. It includes a new uncharted world that introduces the deadly Batarian alien race, approximately 90 minutes of new gameplay and an original soundtrack. Instructions on how to download and install the new content is available at http://masseffect.bioware.com/downloadablecontent/. “Bring Down the Sky” is currently available for international languages including English, Spanish, Italian and German, with additional language versions coming soon.
The storyline for the new content begins as Batarian extremists have hijacked a mobile asteroid station in the Asgard system, setting it on a collision course with the nearby colony world of Terra Nova. Only Commander Shepard can save the millions of innocent civilians before the asteroid completes its deadly descent.
Originally released for the Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system, “Bring Down the Sky” has received critical acclaim as one of the “must have” downloadable expansion packs. Mass Effect has also received critical acclaim throughout the world with more than 80 awards including Console Game of the Year and Role-Playing Game of the Year, with the PC version achieving several perfect 10/10 scores and an overall review average of over 90%2 (http://masseffect.bioware.com/previewsawards/).
PC gamers can download and install “Bring Down the Sky” by simply launching their registered copy of Mass Effect for the PC and following the instructions at the launch screen. For more information about Mass Effect, please visit www.masseffect.com.
1 Requires Mass Effect for the PC.
2 According to gamerankings.com and metacritic.com as of July 24, 2008.
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July 28, 2008
Summer of Arcade Lineup Announced for XBLA
Microsoft has just announced their "Summer of Arcade" lineup for Xbox Live, via Major Nelson, with many games people have really been looking forwards to coming this week and throughout august. Check out the lineup below:
• July 30: “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2” – The latest version of the wildly popular retro shooter offers screen-melting intensity and insane new features, including six action-packed gameplay modes, new enemies, scoring strategies and a diverse list of exciting Achievements. “Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2” is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB and will be available at 800 Microsoft Points.
• August 6: “Braid” – From acclaimed developer Jonathan Blow, “Braid” is a mind-bending and artistic puzzle-platformer where the player manipulates the flow of time in strange and unusual ways. “Braid”is rated E10+ for Everyone 10+ by the ESRB.
• August 13: “Bionic Commando: Rearmed” – The classic 8-bit side-scroller reports back for duty in a stunning remake, complete with all-new HD graphics and features that put 2D gaming back on the map! “Bionic Commando: Rearmed” is rated M for Mature by the ESRB
• August 20: “Galaga Legions” – The legend lives on with “Galaga Legions,” a reimagining of the classic arcade shooter. Featuring table-turning game dynamics and updated graphics, the game was created by the team behind the bestselling “PAC-MAN Championship Edition” from Namco Bandai Games. “Galaga Legions” is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.
• August 27: “Castle Crashers” – Award-winning studio The Behemoth brings red hot arcade adventure to Xbox LIVE Arcade with “Castle Crashers,” featuring hand-drawn characters and an array of weapons to choose from as you defend your kingdom and save the princess. “Castle Crashers” is rated T for Teen by the ESRB.
Stay tuned to GPU for more information!
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July 27, 2008
Need for Speed: Undercover Trailer
Kotaku has confirmed with two sources that this trailer is indeed the trailer for the next Need for Speed game. The date November 18 was given at the end which must signify the launch so we should be hearing a bit more information soon. The concept looks interesting; it will be fun to see how this live action trailer transforms into a game. Besides, the trailer has an appearance by Christina Milian. That's a win by itself!
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July 26, 2008
Want to Win Fable 1 & 2 While Helping A Great Cause?
If you would like to win copies of Fable: Lost Chapters and the Fable 2 collector's edition as well as a signed poster all while helping a great cause then this contest is for you. Gamer TXPaladin and family are taking part in the Breast Cancer 3-Day, a walk to increase awareness. TX's wife needs a certain amount to participate in the walk so the Paladin family is asking for a simple small donation of $6.12.
For your donation you will not only help provide funds for a great cause, you will be entered to win a prize pack containing Fable: The Lost Chapters, the Fable 2 collector's edition, and a concept art poster signed by Mike McCarthy donated by Lionhead Studios.
To donate, head over to the donation site. The 60 mile walk is set for November 6-9 in Dallas, Texas, and GPU wants to make sure everyone has an opportunity to show their support. Hit the jump for a look at the prize pack.
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July 25, 2008
Reminder: Gears of War GameStop Tournaments Tonight
If you love Gears of War and tournaments then you most likely already know about the nationwide GameStop tournament tonight at 9:30pm. If not, there you go. Head on down to GameStop around 9:30pm to play some Gears and possibly win some swag such as Microsoft points and t-shirts.
Also, this weekend only, get an extra 30% when you trade in games towards a reservation of Gears of War 2. To see a list of participating GameStops, head here (PDF). Good luck and have fun!
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Bionic Commando Behind the Scenes
Slow news day today, but we do have a video behind the scenes look at Bionic Commando Rearmed. We would have had it up yesterday but blogger isn't very nice with videos. Enjoy!
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July 24, 2008
New Missions Coming to Ninja Gaiden 2
You read right, the folks at Gamerscoreblog just announced that on July 25th you will be able to download 24 new missions for Ninja Gaiden 2 on the 360. The missions will run you 800 Microsoft points, so start saving now.
Gamerscoreblog gave a breif rundown of the new missions;
"There are two sets of missions that make up the 24. Karma missions are based on trying to achieve the highest score possible whereas survival missions have you fend off as many enemies as possible with a single weapon."
Gamerscoreblog also posted some images of the new DLC on their Flickr site. Four of them can be seen below.
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Resistance 2 Developer Walkthrough and Beta Info
If you could not get enough footage of Resistance 2 from E3, we have a treat for you. Ted Price from Insomniac Games walks us through what we can expect from Resistance 2 later this year. From what is shown in the walkthrough, R2 is looking to be a very "big" game.
Source: PS3Fanboy
In other Resistance 2 news, IGN has news that subscribers to Qore will be able to get in on the multiplayer action a bit early in the form of a beta this September. Unfortunately, since Qore is only available in North America at this time.
Source: IGN
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Mirror's Edge Getting Prequel Comic
EA and DC comics have teamed up to create a limited edition prequel comic for DICE's upcoming free running Mirror's Edge. The first issue, as well as the game demo, will be shown at Comic-Con in San Diego.
“This partnership with DC Comics sets the stage as readers explore Faith’s world in Mirror’s Edge,” said Owen O’Brien, Senior Producer, DICE. “The unique graphic style offered by the comic book genre is perfect for taking fans through her back-story. Frame by frame, page by page, we’ll learn more about the events that shaped both her and the city.”
No word yet on how gamers can get their hands on the comic, other than traveling to Comic-Con in San Diego. Stay tuned to GPU for more information. The full release is available after the jump.EA AND DC COMICS TEAM UP TO CREATE MIRROR'S EDGE COMIC BOOK
Limited-Edition Prequel Sets the Stage for Faith's Adventure in Mirror's Edge Comic Book Series
Guildford, UK– July 24, 2008 – DICE, an Electronic Arts Inc. studio (NASDAQ: ERTS), today announced that it is teaming up with WildStorm, an imprint of DC Comics, the largest English-language comic book publisher in the world, to create an exclusive, limited-edition Mirror’s Edge™ comic book. EA and DC Comics will distribute the first issue of the Mirror’s Edge comic book series at Comic-Con International in San Diego. The game will also be on display at booth #5233.
“This partnership with DC Comics sets the stage as readers explore Faith’s world in Mirror’s Edge,” said Owen O’Brien, Senior Producer, DICE. “The unique graphic style offered by the comic book genre is perfect for taking fans through her back-story. Frame by frame, page by page, we’ll learn more about the events that shaped both her and the city.”
Based on the upcoming Mirror’s Edge video game, the comic combines the talents of writer and story designer Rhianna Pratchett with artist Matthew Dow Smith. Pratchett is also responsible for crafting the intricate script for the game. The six-part comic series will introduce readers to Faith and her fellow ‘Runners’ – a network of couriers who use acrobatic moves to avoid being detected as they traffic packages across a network of rooftops and aerial skyways.
“Rhianna and DICE have created an amazing game with a great backstory,” said Hank Kanalz, Vice President/General Manager for WildStorm. “The characters have really come alive in the game, and we are pleased that we will be able to add to the canon of the Mirror’s Edge universe with this project.”
Mirror’s Edge is being developed at EA Digital Illusions CE AB (DICE) in Stockholm, Sweden. This revolutionary new take on the first person action adventure genre will ship this winter for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and for the PC. This product is not yet rated by PEGI or ESRB. For more information on EA DICE, please visit www.dice.se or www.ea.com.
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Geometry Wars 2 Release Moved to July 30
The release date for the upcoming Geometry Wars 2 has been moved up to July 30th. To go along with the announcement Bizzare and Activision have released a few wallpapers for fans to use and show support for the game.
The wallpaper sizes are 1600x1200 and 1680x1250.
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Watchmen Episodic Games Coming to 360/PS3/PC
Episodic downloadable games based on the upcoming Warner Brothers movie and Graphic Novel Watchmen. The movie based on the graphic novel is directed by Zach Snyder who directed 300, and written by David Hayter and Alex Tse. Most of you will recognize Hayter as the voice of Solid Snake, and writer on the upcoming Lost Planet movie.
“We’re bringing the Watchmen universe to gamers in a distinct episodic game revealing action and combat for a great overall experience for fans,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Production and Development, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The filmmakers have been extremely helpful in developing the high-quality game story and we are working to match the outstanding visual style of the film.”
The games, set to begin in 2009, will dig deeper into the characters of the film and is a "mature action brawler." Hit the jump for the full press release.WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES A NEW VIDEOGAME BASED ON WATCHMEN
Episodic Game Prequels Upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures' Film Based On DC Comics' Award-Winning Graphic Novel
London, United Kingdom – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment will publish WATCHMEN, an episodic downloadable game based on the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures’ film for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC in 2009.
The game captures the action and intrigue of the Watchmen feature film, directed by Zack Snyder, who previously helmed the blockbuster 300. The screenplay for Watchmen is by David Hayter and Alex Tse, based on the award-winning graphic novel illustrated by Dave Gibbons and published by DC Comics. The film is produced by Lawrence Gordon (Die Hard), Lloyd Levin (United 93) and Deborah Snyder (300), with Herbert W. Gains (The Brave One) and Thomas Tull (The Dark Knight) serving as executive producers. Watchmen is a presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures and Paramount Pictures in association with Legendary Pictures.
A complex, multi-layered mystery adventure, Watchmen will take us to the brink of destruction. In alternate 1985 America – in which costumed superheroes are not only real but have ultimately been outlawed – one former hero goes looking for the truth behind the murder of one of his own, but uncovers a devastating conspiracy to drag the world implacably closer to its own end.
Playing the film’s core group of “masks,” the masked adventurers at the center of the story, are Malin Akerman (The Heartbreak Kid), Billy Crudup (The Good Shepherd), Matthew Goode (Match Point), Carla Gugino (Night at the Museum), Oscar nominee Jackie Earle Haley (Little Children), Stephen McHattie (Shoot ‘em Up), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (TV’s Grey’s Anatomy), and Patrick Wilson (Little Children).
“We’re bringing the Watchmen universe to gamers in a distinct episodic game revealing action and combat for a great overall experience for fans,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Production and Development, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The filmmakers have been extremely helpful in developing the high-quality game story and we are working to match the outstanding visual style of the film.”
The videogame based on WATCHMEN will go beyond the film and delve into the characters, rivalries and challenges in a mature action-brawler. The game provides gamers with visceral superhero combat as urban vigilantes Rorschach and Nite Owl.
About DC Comics
DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC super heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics’ Web site is located at www.dccomics.com
About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including console, handheld and PC-based gaming for both internal and third party game titles.
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July 23, 2008
Dream-Build-Play Challenge 2008
The Dream-Build-Play challenge is back for 2008 from Microsoft and XNA. The challenge asks normal people to get together teams of one to seven members and create a Xbox Live Arcade game using XNA Game Studio 2.0.
The deadline for submission is September 23, 2008 after which judges will look at each submission and pick the top four. The top four each will receive a monetary prize:
1st - $40,000
2nd - $20,000
3rd - $10,000
4th - $5,000
Winners will also receive the opportunity to receive a Xbox Live Arcade publishing contract.
To enter head over to the official contest page and register. When you register you receive a 12 month trail membership and when you submit your game you will receive a four month premium creators club membership so head over and start developing!
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July 22, 2008
Bioware: Mass Effect Trilogy Exclusive to Xbox 360
UPDATE: Joystiq got in contact with Bioware and cleared up these rumors:
"Speaking to Joystiq, a BioWare representative deemed the information "incorrect," noting that Muzyka has "never confirmed any plans of Mass Effect exclusivity for the trilogy." So ... there is a trilogy, right?"
So it looks as if this rumor has been debunked...for now.
N4G picked up on a story in the latest issue of Australian 360 with a quote from Bioware CEO Ray Muzyka who states that Bioware has an obligation "to bring the Mass Effect trilogy exclusively to the Xbox 360."
Muzyka goes on to say that "we said we were committed to supporting Mass Effect as a franchise and have the trilogy on the Xbox 360, and that's still our goal," and follows with "we're always very ambitious in our goals and the most important thing is quality, so we're never going to compromise that."
So it appears to be set for now that the Mass Effect trilogy with Commander Shepard will remain exclusive to the 360, but from the sound of the interview another title in the Mass Effect universe could one day make its way to other consoles.
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New Little Big Planet Trailer
For your Tuesday enjoyment here is a new trailer for Little Big Planet entitled "Dream."
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Develop XNA Games, Sell Them On XBLA
More news coming out of Microsoft's Gamefest 2008, commuhnity members can now develop games through XNA and sell them on the Xbox Live Arcade. Through the press release via Major Nelson, MS Chief Technology Officer Chris Satchell gave information on the new program:
"Not only are we democratizing game development with Xbox LIVE Community Games later this year, but we're creating an opportunity for aspiring developers to start their careers on the world stage. It is really a win for both developers and consumers because this will no doubt act as an incentive for game creators to continue to develop the best, most innovative games for Xbox 360."
The official XNA Creators Club page gives a more in-depth look at the idea.
"Starting this holiday, Xbox LIVE Community Games is your ticket to fame – and possibly fortune as millions of Xbox LIVE users now have the opportunity to view, buy, and play games that you create.
How it Works
The setup? Simple. The payments? Cash.
As a Premium member in the XNA Creators Club, you’ll be able to submit any complete Xbox 360 game you’ve created in XNA Game Studio to the Creators Club community at http://creators.xna.com, for peer review. Other Premium Creators will check to make sure your game is safe to play. If it is, you’ll set a price point – between 200 and 800 Points – that people will pay to download your game.
Once the game is reviewed and the price point set, you’re done. The game is listed on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, and you’ll get a check every quarter, for up to 70% of the game’s total revenue in your own currency. Depending on your game’s success, you may even have your game advertised on Xbox 360 and other Microsoft online properties.
Just imagine - your game in the hands of millions of Xbox 360 gamers around the world: that’s the power of Community Games."
So to recap, the price points of these games you can make and sell will be between 200 and 800 Microsoft points, and each quarter you will receive a check for up to 70% of the game's revenues. Sounds like a great community deal.
Head over to the official page for information on how to get started, as well as how to get into the creators club.
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Games for Windows Live Now Free
At their own Gamefest 2008 conference in Seattle, Microsoft has just announced that Games for Windows Live, previously $50 per year, will be free. All of the features including multiplayer play and cross-platform play have now been unlocked for everyone to use.
This change can be seen at the official page of Games for Windows Live:
"Play multiplayer games with your friends, or play against new opponents online using our exclusive TrueSkill™ matchmaking system – with other Windows® players or with or against XBOX 360 players (in supported games.)
All of this is possible today – and at no charge."
Along with this, Microsoft is planning a new marketplace for GfW Live that will be similar to the Xbox 360 counterpart. Some tech changes have also been instituted to help more developers make Games for Windows games. The price cut (or cancellation) goes into effect today so go out and pick up some Games for Windows!
Finally, Warhammer® 40,000™: Dawn of War® II and Battlestations™: Pacific have both been announced for Games for Windows, and will use the free Live service.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II will take players to the brutal frontlines of war where they'll experience intense action and visceral combat through a non-linear single player experience and a fully co-operative multiplayer campaign. Set in Games Workshop's highly popular Warhammer 40,000 science fiction universe, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II is being developed exclusively for Windows-based PC.
Battlestations™: Pacific delivers intense, action-packed combat and strategic warfare at an extraordinary scale and features two distinctly different single player campaigns
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July 21, 2008
Major Nelson Gives a Bit More Information on Dash update
Looking for more information on the new dashboard and avatars announced by Microsoft at E3? Head over to MajorNelson.com and listen to the latest Podcast. Major gives a great rundown on the features of the upcoming update and answers many questions about the arty system, gamerpics, themes, and more. Head over to the podcast page to listen!
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Tomb Raider Underworld Teaser
Feast your eyes on the teaser trailer for Tomb raider Underworld. Eidos brings Lara back for another adventure robbing graves...err, tombs.
"Designed specifically to take advantage of the latest technologies Tomb Raider: Underworld represents a new advancement in exploration-based gameplay. As a fearless adventurer, Lara Croft explores exotic locations around the world, each designed with an incredible attention to detail, resulting in breathtaking high-definition visual fidelity that creates a truly believable world and delivers a new level of challenge and choice.
Tomb Raider: Underworld will be on sale from 21st November 2008 on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS and Games for Windows"
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Sonic & The Black Knight Announced
The next chapter of the Sonic storybook series has been announced by Sega. Sonic & The Black Knight will be exclusive to the Wii and be a sequel to the previous Sonic & The Secret Rings. Here is a piece of the official announcement:
"Created by Sonic Team in Japan, this innovative game takes Sonic into a medieval world and arms him with a sword to aid in his effort to save the day. Sonic and the Black Knight hosts an irresistible cast of characters and will teach Sonic fans what it takes to be a true hero and the ultimate knight.
“Sonic and the Black Knight is a stunning adventure into an epic land and story that no gamer can resist,” said Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President of Marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. “Gamers will experience all the excitement of mastering a sword and true knighthood, as well as the classic, speedy, 2D/3D gaming action that Sonic is famous for.”"
The latest issue of Nintendo Power features the first look at the new game.
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Dead Rising: Chop 'Till You Drop Announced for Wii
What could be a better use for the Wii's controls other than killing zombies in a mall? Capcom has now announced Dead Rising: Chop 'Till You Drop for the Nintendo Wii. Here is the official word:
"Taking advantage of the same proven technology that brought Resident Evil® 4 so successfully to Wii, Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop delivers a more immersive, intuitive and interactive experience as players use the Wii Remote to shoot, slash and bludgeon their way through a zombie infested shopping mall, fighting for survival.
Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop follows the harrowing tale of Frank West, an overly zealous freelance journalist on a hunt for the scoop of a lifetime. In pursuit of a juicy lead, he makes his way to the small suburban town of Willamette only to find that it has become overrun by zombies. Frank escapes to the local shopping mall, thinking it will be a bastion of safety but it turns out to be anything but. It will be a true struggle to survive the endless stream of enemies, but players will have full reign of a realistic shopping centre and its varied stores offering an endless supply of real and makeshift weapons to fight off the flesh-hungry mob. If Frank is running low on health he can pay a visit to one of the many restaurants or cafes for a meal in order to restore his energy and continue the fight."
The power of the Wii seems to be a bit of a hindrance with most screenshots showing considerably less zombies on screen than with the 360 version and it is yet to be seen how the controls handle, but it should offer a bit more flexibility. The game is running on the same engine as Resident Evil 4 and will feature a similar case-based story as the 360 version. Check out some of the first screens below.
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July 18, 2008
Gears of War 2 Limited Edition Unveiled
Gears of War 2 is set to launch November 7th of this year, so what else could possibly get you more excited? Spending more of your hard earned cash on a good looking limited edition! The Gears 2 limited edition retails for $69.99 and contains the following:
- Collectible SteelBook™ DVD case
- "Beneath the Surface: An Inside Look at Gears of War 2," a 48-page hardbound book including character profiles, exclusive concept art, and foreword by Design Director Cliff Bleszinski
- Bonus DVD including exclusive making-of-the-game video footage, design galleries with audio commentary by Epic Games, and promotional videos including the E3 2008 trailer, "Rendezvous."
- An exclusive gold-plated Lancer Assault Rifle available during online play
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July 17, 2008
KOTOR MMO on the Way
UPDATE: Portfoli.com and Riccitiello have confirmed that it is indeed KOTOR and it is an MMO.
The folks over at Portfolio.com dug up a bit of interesting information in an interview with John Riccitiello, chief executive at EA, this week during E3. Riccitiello stated that:
"We've got two of the most compelling MMOs in the industry in development...And the one that people are dying for us to talk to them about -- in partnership with Lucas, coming out of BioWare, which is, I think, quite possibly the most anticipated game, full stop, for the industry at the point when we get closer to telling you about it."
Well anyone with half a video game brain can put two and two together. LucasArts, the studio behind anything Star Wars, and BioWare , the studio behind the Knights of the Old Republic series coming together to create an MMO. What could it be?
Fans of the KOTOR series have been yearning for a new game since the second ended and an MMO would bring the game back in style. Bioware has had great success since KOTOR with last years' Mass Effect, and is hitting their full stride this gen. Hopefully an announcement or trailer of some sort is not too far off!
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Nintendo Takes First in U.S. Console Sales
According to Nintendo (because they apparently get news earlier than us) the latest NPD numbers have Nintendo at 10.9 million units which puts the Wii over the 360 for most sold in the United States. Here are the official numbers:
Nintendo DS: 783,000
Nintendo Wii: 666,700
PlayStation 3: 405,500
PlayStation Portable: 337,400
Xbox 360: 219,800
PlayStation 2: 188,800
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Achievements Everywhere! (Now in WoW)
What started with Xbox 360 achievements and continued on to Steam achievements and Playstation trophies, has carried on to another medium, World of Warcraft. WoW will be getting achievements in the upcoming expansion Wrath of the Lich King. Here is the official word:
"World of Warcraft’s achievements system will launch with more than 500 individual achievements covering every aspect of gameplay, including world exploration, PvE, PvP, professions, and character development; from the purely whimsical to the truly epic, there will be something for everyone. Some achievements come with in-game rewards such as tabards, vanity pets, and titles. All of these rewards are purely cosmetic and just for fun, but you’ll certainly stand out when you proudly display them."
Sounds interesting, I like the idea that Blizzard (or ActiBlizz) is making achievements more than points and taking it to an asthetic level. Maybe Microsoft can learn to use something like this for their upcoming Avatar system.
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July 16, 2008
The Conduit Footage
When the devs of The Conduit said they were working on bringing some of the graphical eye candy PS3 and Xbox 360 gamers have been enjoying, I was skeptical. It may not be PS3 or Xbox 360 good, but they have done a decent job. But don't take my word for it. Here are some trailers.
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New Pikmin in the Works
Kotaku and Joystiq have the scoop about a hint in the future of the Pikmin fanchise, quoting Miyamoto at Nintendo's 2008 E3 Developer Roundtable as saying a new Pikmin is in the works. Miyamoto's translator confirms him saying "We're making Pikmin".
You would think a title like Pikmin would have been announced with a little more hype surrounding it but it could just be it is a long ways off.
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Dark Void Footage
I finally saw footage of Dark Void and I must say, I was pleasently surprised. The gameplay looks solid and entertaining with a very unique vertical element. Kind of reminds me of a Gears of War with a jet pack. Capcom could have a hit on their hands.
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Call of Duty: World At War Co-op Presentation
If you are like me, you love to play games cooperatively with your friends. Call of Duty gameplay has always been chaotic and adding your friends to the mix doesn't change that. In fact, it looks to add to the chaos. See for yourself!
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Konami Press Conference
Metal Gear Online Expansion
First expansion, Gene Expansion, will be released July 17. Konami is planning to do a worldwide tournement.
Castlevania
Trailer was shown for Castlevania: Order of Ecclessia (2D Castlevania).
Also, a trailer for Castlevania Judgement was shown. Game will have 14 playable characters.
Silent Hill Homecoming
Starts out showing the trailer (coming soon). When the trailer ended, they went strait into a demonstration. The game will feature a free-look camera, Havoc physics engine and a quick inventory system. Gun play will be handled by an over the shoulder camera but you can look around the environment in first person. A dialog tree system will be used to interact with other characters in the game. Some of the choices you make can have a direct effect on gameplay.
A boss battle is shown where you have to destroy hanging meat sacks. (Try to keep you mind out of the gutter). Destroy enough meat sacks and the boss battle moves on to the next stage of the fight.
Rock Revolution
Rock Revolution will be the official video game for Linkin Park's tour. Some band comes out and performs actual song. When they finish, Konami moves over to the game. (Not sure which performance made me more uncomfortable.)
They fail the song and that concludes Konami's Press Conference.
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Mad World E3 Trailer
Platinum Games' Mad World looks to blow all other hardcore games on the wii out of the water. Check out the newest E3 2008 trailer!
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More New Xbox 360 Dash Screens
Many people have been clamoring to find out what themes will look like on the upcoming dashboard update for the Xbox 360. Well have no fear, GamePlay Unlimited is on the case. Xbox Live's Major Nelson just made a post on his blog showing what the themes will look like (image below) as well as having a few more in-depth images on his Flickr site. Check them out below! The first image is a theme on the new system, the second is the marketplace, and the third is downloads.
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Killzone 2 Multiplayer Trailer & Screens
Tired of all this new media yet? Didn't think so. Check out the newest trailer and a few screens for the upcoming Killzone 2!
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July 15, 2008
Activision Press Conference
At the Activision press conference (which began at 7 PST NOT 8:45 PST like G4 and IGN listed, which means we missed it) the next Activision games were unveiled. Check out various trailers from the event:
Wolfenstein
Guitar Hero World Tour
007 Quantum of Solace
More to come later! Check out GameTrailers for a ton of Guitar Hero World Tour walkthroughs.
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WiiSpeak Price Announced
Along with the announcement of Animal Crossing for Wii, Nintendo announced WiiSpeak, a microphone for online communication. Nintendo has released more information on the WiiSpeak, and it will release separately for $29.99 and allow users to not only chat from person to person but from room to room.
It has been a long time waiting for voice communication to show up on the Wii but it looks like Nintendo finally gave us a solution. Hopefully this will open the door to more online interaction.
Source
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Bungie Announcement Canceled?
Well, we are thoroughly perplexed. A few days ago the Bungie opening paged teased us with a countdown timer and mix of random sayings that appeared to be shaping up to be a big announcement. Today if you check the site, a letter is up from Harold Ryan (Studio Manager and CEO) saying that:
"We were looking forward to sharing that (reveal of something exciting) with our fan community during the week of E3. However, these plans were just changed by our publishers."
Is this true or just another type of viral marketing? For now it seems as if something came up at the last minute (maybe a surprise announcement of Final Fantasy XIII on 360 took up their time slot?) and we will have to wait a bit longer to discover the nature of Bungie's next project.
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Capcom Press Conference
Lost Planet Movie
David Hayter is on the stage along with Capcom. Capcom talks about the Lost Planet movie. Possible release in 2011.
...time passes and they are still talking about the movie. We know Capcom is excited but this is getting dull.
And, that was it. Hopefully that was not the most exciting thing Capcom has to offer at E3.
UPDATE: Because Capcom's Press Conference was not all that exciting, I'm going to include some trailers they released for some of their upcoming games.
First up, Street Fighter 4, a game that has fans divided on the art direction. Personally, I think it looks cool. Here is the latest trailer. (Note: GameTrailers says the trailer is partially incomplete and they will be getting the full trailer from Capcom soon.)
Next, Residents Evil 5 co-op interview.
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Ubisoft Press Conference
Ubisoft presented games like Rayman Raving Rabbids TV, Brother in Arms: Hell Highway and Far Cry 2 in the first half the show but we missed the first part. Here is what we saw. (We will add content from the first half the show later. Chances are, that is what you are interested in anyways.)
UPDATE: Here is some of what we missed:
Raymon Raving Rabbids TV
Demo of Rayman Raving Rabbids TV using the balance board on the Wii.
Brother in Arms: Hell Highway
Game will be released this September. Trailer was shown.
Tom Clancy
It is the 10th Anniversary. There has been 55 million units sold worldwide. Endwar trailer shown.
Far Cry 2
Lead designer talks about the game and then demos the game. (footage coming soon)
UPDATE: Here is an interview with the developers. Enjoy
Games For Girls
Special line of games targeted at girls. Introduction of the new girls sports line for DS, Ener-G.
Shaun White Snowboarding Demonstration
A few members from the dev team demoed the upcoming Shaun White Snowboarding game. As the game loads, you are able to practice your moves. The level is a massive open mountain. The devs say it is so large, you may not be able to find locations you once visited very easily, so you can set markers on the map to return later. Shaun White talks about how he likes the free roam nature of the game.
Prince of Persia Trailer and Demonstration
The devs show a bit of the AI cooperative gameplay. The game world is open and depending on the path you choice to take will effect other parts of the game. Combat consist of you versus one enemy. The devs want you to get the feeling of a great boss fight everytime you encounter an enemy. Also, the gameplay has been made more accessible for new players so they can pull off some of the satisfying moves more easily.
Ubisoft ends their show with a trailer to their new IP, I Am Alive.
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Sony Press Conference
Alas, the last of the big three. The Sony press conference has concluded, check this story for the complete wrap-up of all the events and announcements!
Resistance 2 Shown
After a bit of information about Sony and it's future, Resistance 2 takes the stage and looks epic. Much bigger scale than the first. New trailer also shown, stay tuned to GPU later for videos!
Little Big Planet Up Next
Now from Resistance to Little Big Planet, the games keep rolling. A special level was created for the conference to help illustrate a few key points. Sack Boy is customized with a Celtics jersey and they are running through a special level that is basically an amazing powerpoint presentation.
PS3 Greatest Hits Announced
Retailing for $29.99, Resistance: Fall of Man, Motorstorm, Warhawk, Call of Duty 3, Fight Night, Need for Speed Carbon, Rainbow 6 Vegas, Ninja Gaiden, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and more are coming to the program later this year.
PS2 Getting Lego Batman Bundle
A Lego Batman bundle for the PS2 will launch this fall for $149.99.
Rachet and Clank Future: Quest for Booty Announced
Rachet and Clank are coming to the Playstation Network in a shorter less expensive blockbuster. The game is set to appeal to new and old fans of the franchise alike and will retail for $14.99 this summer.
Gran Turismo TV Updated
GTTV is getting premium high definition programming including Top Gear and looks into major automotive factories. Available through Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, the content will be available August 1st.
Playstation Home Update
Many gaming companies have partnered up with Sony to bring fresh content to Home. Producers such as Ubisoft and companies like Nike are set to bring great media and content to the game.
Playstation Video Service Unveiled
Sony Pictures, Fox, MGM, Warner, Disney, and Turner are just a few media outlets that will bring content to the store. You can purchase shows and movies or just rent them. Also, you can move the media from your PS3 to your PSP to take the content on the road. The video store is accessed through the Playstation Store and contains standard definition as well as high definition content. The service will be available tonight.
PSP Gets Rachet & Clank Pack
For $199 you can on the special edition Rachet & Clank PSP with the game, PSP, and a copy of National Treasure.
Resistance Retribution Announced for PSP
The Resistance mania has caught on with the PSP. Resistance Retribution looks to add another layer to the great story Insomniac games has created.
DC Universe Online Shown
DC Universe is a MMO for the Playstation 3 in which you can create your own superhero/villain and live out your favorite comic book moments.
80GB Core PS3 announced for $399.99
A core 80GB PS3 that rivals the 40GB has been announced for $399.99.
God of War 3, Infamous, Trailers Shown
Massive Action Game (MAG) Announced
A massive multiplayer war game called MAG has been announced. MAG will feature 8 player squads, and 256 player battles overall. The squad leaders will be chosen based on leadership skill in battle. Trailer coming soon!
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Nintendo Press Conference
Welcome again to our semi-live blogging of the E3 events. The Nintendo press event is now over, check out the shorts below for information on what was announced!
Shaun White Snowboarding
The newest snowboarding game for the Wii, Shaun White Snowboarding, was demoed and will be out by the end of this year.
New Zelda and Mario in the Works
Nintendo's development teams are hard at work on more Mario and Zelda for the Wii.
Animal Crossing: City Folk Announced for Wii
The Wii version of the next Animal Crossing game, "City Folk" comes to the Wii in late 2008. The game aims to give a more realistic feel in the characters and cities. There are auction houses, academies, fashion stores, and hair dressers. In communication you can write letters to other players and have them sent to mobile phones or computers. Also Wii Speak microphone was announced. It allows more than one person in a room talk to other players around the world. You can also visit others' towns and make new friends. More on the new microphone and Animal Crossing to come.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Announced
Star Wars: The Clone Wars has been announced for the Wii. The game looks to take control of the Wii's innovative controls to bring better gameplay.
Call of Duty: World At War Announced
Call of Duty: World at War has been announced for the Wii. The game will contain co-op and use the shooter peripheral.
Guitar Hero: On Tour Decades Announced for DS
New Guitar Hero for DS allows people to share share music with one another.
Spore detailed for DS
The creature game is focused on for the DS version. The stylus has helped create a very easy creature creator to use. You can also share your creatures with your friends and incorporate their creatures into your game.
Pokemon rangers Coming November 10
The next Pokemon DS game, Pokemon Rangers coming to North America November 10.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars Announced for DS
GTA on the DS? Yes it is true. Chinatown wars is coming to the DS with the same free roaming gameplay everyone enjoys.
Wii MotionPlus Detailed
As we first reported yesterday, Wii MotionPlus was announced. Wii MotionPlus will help make the Wiimote more precise. Every Wii MotionPlus will come packaged with the new Wii Sports entitled Wii Sports Resort. The MotionPlus allows the Wii to read exactly where your arm and hands are pointing.
Wii Sports Resort Announced
The next Wii sports has been announced ad will use the new Wii MotionPlus. Resort features Frisbee, jetskis, and sword dueling with much more to come. Resort is set to launch globally next spring.
Wii Music Announced
Wii Music has just been announced. Wii Music plans to be something everyone in the family can enjoy. The game allows everyone, including those who can't read music or play instruments to play. You just hold the Wiimote and move your body like you would playing the real instrument. You press the buttons at your preference so you can't make mistakes. Wii Music contains over 50 different instruments played by just moving your body. The game also includes lessons with the drum mode which makes use of the balance board. An orchestra mode has also been included. The game will record videos of your performance and you can play and record each part in a song to create a unique music video. It can be played with up to four players together.
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