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Wednesday, March 15, 2006 |
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Dungeon Siege.... PSP? 03:41 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Consoles: PSP
(0 comments)
Yep, 2K Games announced it has secured the rights to publish Dungeon Siege from Microsoft and in the works is a PSP game called Dungeon Siege: Throne of Agony. There's also word that they're working on an expansion pack for Dungeon Siege 2 called Broken World set to be released this Summer.
SiN Episodes Preview 03:29 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: Action
(0 comments)
MTV previewed SiN Episodes, the Half-Life 2 engined shooter from Ritual:
SiN: Episode One" will be released in the spring with an estimated four to six hours of game action. It will assign the player to hunt down a drug lord and is expected to unfold into a sprawling adventure in the ensuing episodes. According to Mustaine, the first episode will cost gamers less than $20 to download off "Half-Life" maker Valve's Steam on-demand online service and will require a pipe fat enough to download what will be at least a 1.5 gigabyte game.
The second of a planned nine episodes is scheduled for release six to eight months after the first, with a multiplayer installment released in between. That pace is lightning-fast considering the one previous "SiN" game was released in 1998. Mustaine's team had been plotting a non-episodic sequel but plans have changed since then.
PS3 Delay a Good Thing? 03:21 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Consoles: PS3
(3 comments)
That's what CNN ponders in this week's Game Over. "While Sony's official reason for today's PlayStation 3 delay has to
do with technological matters, this week's Game Over column on CNN indicates the true reason may be to give developers more time to polish (and finish) their games. With the coming retail battle this holiday season, quality games are going to be particularly important and while, according to the column, we'll likely see Halo 3 footage at E3, it won't be on store shelves until 2007 - giving Sony the opportunity to distract buyers from the Xbox 360, even if those buyers can't find a PS3."
No NFS: MW (PC) Patch Forthcoming 03:11 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: Racing
(2 comments)
Thanks to Dominic for the heads-up that EA does not plan to patch the PC version of Need for Speed Most Wanted, despite the game having some problems:
Final result - there will not be another patch for Most Wanted.
Longer version - While I'm sure very few of you are surprised by this, there was a good deal of internal debate surrounding this patch and whether to proceed. While there was never a question of whether there should be support for the community, the issues were a matter of time and resources. Both of which were not available.
The positive however, is that all the information collected on this issue won't be tossed aside and will be used for any future releases.
So with that, I can only add that I'm sorry I couldn't do more.
Top 10 Best Selling PC Games 03:06 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: Real-Time Strategy
(0 comments)
The Sim 2 once again rears its head in the latest top-10 best selling PC games list ending March 4th:
1. Sims 2: Open For Business - Electronic Arts
2. Star Wars: Empire At War - LucasArts
3. Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle Earth II - Electronic Arts
4. Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach - Turbine/Atari
5. World of Warcraft - Blzzard
6. Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle Earth II Collector's Edition - Electronic Arts
7. The Sims 2 - Electronic Arts
8. Age of Empires III - Microsoft
9. Zoo Tycoon II - Microsoft
10. Civilization IV - 2K Games
The Movies Stunts & Effects Expansion 02:59 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: Simulation
(1 comment)
Lionhead and Activion announced the development of The Movies: Stunts & Effects expansion pack.
The Movies: Stunts & Effects allows players to hone their movie making skills with features that can turn an ordinary script into an extraordinary blockbuster. In addition to stunts and effects, the game introduces new backdrops, costumes and props, as well as upgrades to the Advanced Movie Making mode that lets players take control of even more movie features. Players are further immersed into the Hollywood lifestyle as they train and manage stuntmen, as well as compete for industry awards and achievements by uploading their movies to www.themoviesgame.com for the entire world to see.
New Oblivion 360 Screenshots 02:34 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Consoles: Xbox 360
(7 comments)
Some hot new Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion screenshots and countdown movie to gawk over:
(Click to Enlarge!)
  
PS3 to Launch Simultaneously 01:17 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Consoles: PS3
(71 comments)
Sony Computer Entertainment announced this morning that it would launch the Playstation 3 simultaneously this fall in the US, Europe and Japan:
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that it would launch PLAYSTATION3 (PS3) in early November 2006 in Japan, North America and Europe simultaneously. With a monthly production capacity of one million units, SCEI will push forward a powerful product launch to spread the platform rapidly throughout the world, together with a strong and attractive lineup of PS3 game titles.
PS3 incorporates the final specifications of BD (Blu-ray Disc), and with the overwhelming computing power of PS3, it enables to playback BD software at a high bit rate. With a maximum storage capacity of 50 GB (dual layer) and robust security, BD is a highly anticipated storage medium that delivers digital entertainment content such as games and movies at an unparalleled level of image quality.
PS3 is compatible with a vast lineup of television sets currently out in the market, from standard-definition TV to full high-definition TV.
Users can also connect PS3 to high-speed broadband network through Gigabit Ethernet and comfortably enjoy a wide-range of rich and exciting content and services over the network.
SCEI, together with the support and cooperation of game content creators around the world, will strongly promote the creation of a new world of computer entertainment available on PS3.
That puts aside worries of a Japan first launch date. Will it be a hard launch or another 360 fiasco?
Full coverage of the Sony event can be found here.
New PSPs On The Way; Peripherals, Software Updates, Emulated PSOne Titles & Price Cut Announced 01:16 am
- Andrew Burnes
- Consoles: PSP
(14 comments)
Black model for Europe and North America, Ceramic White model for Japan; emulated PSOne downloadable titles; GPS receiver; EyeToy camera; Macromedia Flash and improved RSS support; VOIP; minor price cut:
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today that it will continue to further expand the PSP (PlayStation Portable) platform with new attractive accessories, features and services responding to active demand throughout the world.
Since its launch in Japan in December 2004, North America in March 2005, and in Europe in September, 2005, PSP has already shipped more than 15 million units worldwide establishing its position as a new handheld entertainment platform around the world. With its overwhelming power, unparalleled in handheld systems, PSP has gained huge support from a broad range of users.
To accelerate further penetration throughout the world, a new Base Model in black color will become available in Europe from March 22, 2006, and 199 Euro/199US$ respectively in North America end of March 2006. SCEI will also introduce Ceramic White for the base model of PSP (PSP-1000 CW) at a recommended retail price of 19,800 yen excluding tax (20,790 yen including tax) for the Japanese market.
On the software side, a series of new PSP Game are expected to be released from third party developers, publishers and SCE Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) around the world.
Highly anticipated titles are such as DragonBall Z: Shin, Budokai (BANDAI CO.,LTD), LocoRoco (SCE WWS) and MIN-NA NO CHIZU (ZENRIN CO., LTD) in Japan, Field Commander (Sony Online Entertainment), Godfather (Electronic Arts) and Syphon Filter (SCEA) in North America, and Football Manager Handheld (Sega Europe) and Lemmings (SCEE) in Europe.
Since its launch, PSP platform has evolved continuously with system software updates adding new and attractive features such as internet browsing, playback and storing of high quality video. SCEI will further continue to update the system software and expand the world of entertainment with PSP. As a next step, SCEI will newly add Macromedia Flash player and extend RSS Channel function which enable users to playback and save internet radio content and entertainment movies.
As part of SCEI's passion to spread the entertainment world of PSP. it has been introducing "PlayStation Spot" in Japan since February 2006. SCEI has now more than 150 locations at train stations, complex café and games shops where PSP users can easily enjoy various content such as trial game software for free of charge. SCEI will further extend its location base so that more PSP users could have easier access to the "PlayStation Spot".
For expanding the potential capability of PSP hardware, new camera (PSP-300) and GPS receiver (PSP-290) will be introduced from this autumn. By adding these new attractive peripherals, new features such as motion tracking technology of Eye Toy, developing the new game titles by utilizing the video chat function, portable navigating system with GPS function are highly expected.
SCEI will also start a new download service offering selected popular PlayStation format tittles from the past. By reviving software assets, users will be able to enjoy exiting PlayStation titles anytime, anywhere on PSP.
SCEI aims to expand the world of entertainment with game, music and movies in the mobile entertainment arena by offering new peripherals and the continuous system software upgrades for the additional features on PSP. With PlayStation, PlayStation2 and PSP, SCEI will create and develop a new world of computer entertainment through the fusion of game, music, movies and broadcasting.
Product Information Japan Models: Product Name PSP (PlayStation Portable) Product Code PSP-1000 CW Color Ceramic White Recommended Retail Price 19,800 Yen Included PSP hardware AC adaptor (for PSP) Battery pack (for PSP)
US Models: Product Name PSP (PlayStation Portable) Product Code PSP-1000 Color Black Recommended Retail Price 199 US Dollars Included PSP hardware AC adaptor (for PSP) Battery pack (for PSP)
Europe Models: Product Name PSP (PlayStationPortable) Product Code PSP-1000 Color Black Recommended Retail Price 199 Euros Included PSP hardware AC adaptor (for PSP) Battery pack (for PSP)
Supreme Commander Preview 01:11 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: Real-Time Strategy
(4 comments)
PC.IGN wrangled together a new hands-on preview of Supreme Commander. Included are some impressive new screenshots as well. Here's a taste of the combat:
Combat is also completely physically simulated, with each projectile computed in a 3D space. Don't ask me how they manage to do that without the computer imploding, but the demo ran smooth as butter, admittedly on a high-end rig. Vehicles have physics models, with your battleships rocking in the water from the massive recoil of their cannons and anti-aircraft flak guns. The entire screen shakes with each booming concussion. Everything looks like it's reflected in the water. Meanwhile, submarines are meandering beneath the surface and firing nukes with blast rings modeled in real-time. Extreme long range artillery camps in the back, shelling troops with punishing blows. The sheer annihilating force of weaponry is pretty impressive, and it's not based on hidden dice. Instead, your units' success is determined by more straightforward things like accuracy, speed, and endurance.
Blazing Angels Gone Gold 01:08 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: Simulation
(3 comments)
Ubisoft let us know that Blazing Angels Squadrons of WWII has gone gold for the PC, Xbox and 360 and will hit stores on the 23rd.
Developed by Ubisoft, Blazing Angels Squadrons of WWII features innovative squadron-based combat, in which each artificial intelligence wingman's specialized skill can be used to the pilot's advantage. During the course of the 18-mission campaign, players will evolve along with their wingmen into an ace fighting force. Spectacular graphics enhance the combat experience in true World War II battle sites such as England, Germany, France, Morocco, Pearl Harbor, Midway and Tokyo. The heroic storyline that follows the evolution of a single squadron and the cinematic presentation create moments reminiscent of classic World War II movies. Pilots fly in close to Germany's industrial terrain during a bombing raid or emerge from the fog and cloud cover over London to engage the enemy. Up to 16 players online can engage over Xbox Live online game service in head-to-head dogfights or cooperative team play between squadrons in 10 additional missions.
Hardware & Tech Nuggets 12:52 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- hardware: General News
(0 comments)
Game Reviews 12:34 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: General News
(3 comments)
I hereby ban Relic from ever making another World War II game:
In Other News... 12:15 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- In-House: In Other News...
(24 comments)
Ah.... just five more days 'til Oblivion. Magazine review scores thus far are pretty high, but then again, magazine reviews for almost every big game are like that. There's a new 'best game evar' in almost every issue [of insert random console magazine]. Not that I don't believe the game is really that good, but I think having some real online reviews up will be a good thing for everyone (tm).
What was the last "best game evar"?
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Tuesday , March 14, 2006 |
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New Oblivion 360 Screenshots 10:48 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Consoles: Xbox 360
(11 comments)
Bethesda released a new trio of Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion screenshots to drool over, plus you can find a new video in the download section:
(Click to Enlarge!)
  
Playstation 3 Delayed Until At Least November! 11:47 am
- Andrew Burnes
- Consoles: PS3
(92 comments)
The Japanese launch of the Playstation 3 has been delayed until at least November because of issues with Blu-Ray and copy protection, or some combination thereof:
TOKYO (Nikkei)--Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. will delay the release of its PlayStation 3 next-generation video game console until early November because the copy protection technology for the Blu-ray Disc has not been finalized, The Nihon Keizai Shimbun learned Tuesday.
The six-month delay could impact the Sony Corp. group's business rehabilitation plans because the PlayStation 3 is key to the group's business recovery.
Development of the copy protection technology has fallen behind schedule as consumer electronics makers and movie companies have been unable to work out the details.
Other core parts, including the Cell high-performance chip, are believed to have been developed on schedule.
Featuring the Cell, which came about through joint efforts by the Sony group, Toshiba Corp. and IBM Corp., as well as a Blu-ray Disc drive, the PlayStation 3 is expected to enable users to not only play game and movie software but also download and view high-quality videos on the Internet.
Sony Computer Entertainment announced last May that the successor to the PlayStation 2, the world's best-selling video game console, would be launched this spring. More than 100 million PlayStation 2 consoles have been shipped worldwide to date.
Among rival products, Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 was released late last year. Nintendo Co. plans to start selling its next-generation video game console, code-named Revolution, this year.
The Godfather The Game Goes Gold 11:45 am
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: General News
(2 comments)
Stop sending news in please, I want to play Red Orchestra:
Electronic Arts announced today that The Godfather The Game has gone gold for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC.
Gamers worldwide will step into the Don's dangerous world of intimidation and negotiation via their PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox video game system from Microsoft or PC on March 21st in North America and March 24th in Europe. The Godfather The Game will also be available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system later in 2006.
EA's The Godfather The Game puts you at the center of one of the world's most revered stories. In the role of a young man just entering the Corleone family, you create your own mob character and work your way to the top. For the first time ever, you will go beyond the films and book to actually step into the living world of The Godfather fiction throughout 1940s New York City. You will work your way up the mob ranks your own way, choosing just how much force to use as you rise to power.
Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45 Goes Live 11:17 am
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: Action / Strategy
(13 comments)
The excellently entertaining Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45 has now been unlocked for play on Steam - huzzah!
Tripwire Interactive today launched their highly-anticipated World War II first-person shooter for PC, Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45, on Steam. The game is now immediately available for purchase, download and play via Steam. A boxed version of the game will also be available in stores across North America later this week, via Destineer's Bold Games label, with localized versions shipping to stores worldwide in the coming weeks
Based on the most highly-acclaimed mod ever made, Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45 is a full-featured, stand-alone World War II game that brings players to the frontlines of Eastern European combat during the height of World War II. Players choose from 28 infantry weapons or crew one of 14 detailed vehicles on the Russian Front between 1941-45. The combination of roles across thirteen maps, based on real-world locations and battles, allows Red Orchestra to finally achieve its goal of delivering a full first-person, World War II infantry and vehicle combat simulation.
You can download the official gameplay trailer here, buy the game from Steam here, discover more information regarding the game here, view a fantastically well-made fan preview here, and read my earlier comments about the game here.
Battlefield 2: Euro Force Released 11:11 am
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: Action
(5 comments)
Coming online a day early is Euro Force, the oft-delayed first booster pack for Battlefield 2:
The battle expands in this first booster pack to 2005's hit game Battlefield 2. Take the powerful new Euro Force into action as you battle for control of all-new Asian locations.
- The all-new Euro Force Army, with a full arsenal of the latest technology.
- 3 new maps, from battles in the Taraba Quarry and Operation Smoke Screen to close-quarters mayhem around the Great Wall of China.
- 4 new vehicles including the Leopard battle tank, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Tiger attack chopper.
- 7 new weapons including FAMAS and P90 rifles.
You can buy the expansion for $9.99 from this link.
StarForce Apologies For Gal Civ 2 Snafu 08:24 am
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: Space Strategy
(24 comments)
An update on the Galactic Civilizations 2 website continues to explain Stardock's standpoint on copy protection and also reveals that StarForce, who previously posted links to locations where GC2 was illegally available to download, and their associated staff have apologised to Stardock for their lapse in judgement:
Here's the basic question that every publisher/gamer/developer could ask: By requiring the CD to be in the drive to play a game, even assuming that protection unbreakable, do you increase your sales?
I ask that because many gamers who are on the fence on a given title won't purchase a game if it requires them to treat their CD like a dongle key. Why? Because let's face it, we lose our CDs eventually. Or we damage them. And so what happens is that people who are on the fence on a given title simply choose not to buy the game.
By not having any CD copy protection, people who are on the fence about our game can see that it's only $40 and once it's installed on their machines (plural) they don't have to fuss with the CD anymore. And we do have a type of copy protection -- free updates for customers. Tomorrow we'll be posting the v1.1 feature list based on your suggestions.
So which method gains the most sales? There's no definitive answer for that. I think a given game's demographics have a lot to do with piracy rates in the first place.
The update additionally links to a short interview pertaining to the situation.
Take 2 Spends $25M To Secure GTA Franchise 08:16 am
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: General News
(9 comments)
Next-Generation reports that Take 2 has signed a deal with key Rockstar personnel that secures their involvement in the development of future Grand Theft Auto games, which just happen to be Take 2's biggest cash cows:
Take-Two has signed a three-year $25 million employment agreement with "key Rockstar personnel" in an effort to safeguard the creative engine behind its most valuable franchise, Grand Theft Auto.
Image The agreement, outlined in a 10-Q filing yesterday, is for a three-year term, and provides for the payment of $25 million in restricted stock, plus unspecified internal royalties.
The 10-Q explores the value of Rockstar's creative heads, and the risk to the company of any failure to offer a decent package to GTA's bosses. It states, "We rely on our management and other key personnel for the successful operation of our business. In particular, we are highly dependent on the expertise, skills and knowledge of certain of our Rockstar employees responsible for content creation and development of Grand Theft Auto and other titles."
Act of War: High Treason Goes Gold 07:49 am
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: Real-Time Strategy
(0 comments)
High Treason, an expansion pack for the highly rated but inadequately selling Act of War, has gone gold:
Atari today announced that development is complete on the Act of War: High Treason expansion pack for the critically-acclaimed, techno-thriller RTS, Act of War: Direct Action. Developed by Paris-based Eugen Systems and loaded with new features including modern-day naval combat and mercenaries, Act of War: High Treason is on schedule for release on 24 March 2006 for the Windows platform.
For gamers craving a taste of the second-to-none RTS action offered by Act of War: High Treason, but who haven't purchased the original game, the Act of War: Gold Edition featuring the original game and the expansion will be available simultaneously.
"With this expansion we are delivering a really incredible fully-featured RTS experience which exceeds all that has come before," said Cyril Voiron, Marketing Director, Atari Europe. "Act of War: High Treason pushes the limits of the genre - Eugen have produced something unmissable for any fan of RTS gaming."
Act of War: High Treason takes the stunning visuals of Act of War: Direct Action a step further, whilst simultaneously raising the bar in terms of gameplay. Amongst the host of original features are modern naval combat with bump-mapping and physics, fully customizable multiplayer games, mercenary units, improved control system, new units, revised aircraft and artillery, an entirely new campaign set in a new real-world location, new maps, and additional multiplayer enhancements.
Act of War: High Treason and Act of War: Gold Edition for Windows will be released across Europe on 24 March 2006.
Dungeons & Dragons Online Expansion Pack Announced 07:45 am
- Andrew Burnes
- MMOG: Role-Playing
(14 comments)
Turbine and its associated publishing partners today announced a free 'booster pack' for Dungeons & Dragons Online, "the fastest growing MMOG in North America."
Turbine is pleased to announce the first module for DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ONLINE: Stormreach (DDO). The Dragon's Vault module will provide players the opportunity to battle the dangerous Vault of Night that is protected by a ferocious guardian - the red dragon! This module, scheduled for release in April, is the first in a series of planned modules that will provide new content and features for DDO, the hit MMOG that launched February 28th and quickly became the fastest growing MMOG in North America.
The Dragon's Vault module contains 15 compelling dungeons and a new large-scale raid feature focusing on a vicious red dragon. The new dungeons provide a variety of additional content for players of all levels in the game. Turbine announced today that the Dragon's Vault module will be free of charge for all current DDO subscribers as a way to say "thank you" to all of its fans. Turbine also declared its plans to release additional modules over time that include new content, features, and other improvements to the hit MMOG.
What this game requires is massive amounts of content, more open zones with higher player counts, and more levels to work towards as you can easily attain level 10 in under a month.
Steam Update 01:15 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: Action
(21 comments)
Valve updated Steam with the working version of the friends list, plus released an updated edition of the hardware survey which breaks down who is using what. The typical Steam user has a 2 mb internet connection, a gig of ram, 50/50 split between AMD and Intel cpu (99% single core), 50/40 split between nVidia and ATI cards (dont ask what those other 10 % use) and most people need to update their friggin drivers. Only around 3% of all people use widescreen resolutions and amongst multi-GPU systems, 97% use nVidia SLI while 3% have an ATI Crossfire. 88% of all users have a DVD drive and most folks have crappy sound cards. Just restart Steam to snag the update.
France Knights Michel Ancel 01:00 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: Action / Adventure
(8 comments)
Ubisoft informed us that France has knighted Beyond Good & Evil, King Kong and Rayman designer Michel Ancel making him amongst the first videogame makers to recieve this honor for furthering the arts in France and throughout the world.
Hardware & Tech Nuggets 12:45 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- hardware: General News
(1 comment)
Game Reviews 12:30 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: General News
(1 comment)
The Outfit looks to be one of those love it or hate it games:
In Other News... 12:15 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- In-House: In Other News...
(28 comments)
Woo, less than a week until Oblivion. I can't even remember the last good CRPG that came out. Maybe you guys can think of some recent ones...
Today's question:
What was the last really big single player role playing game released for the PC?
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