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Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack Now Available
After launching in Sept. 2007, millions of fans the world over still log onto Xbox LIVE every day to experience the award-winning action of “Halo 3” multiplayer. That experience expanded first in December with the release of the Heroic Map Pack, and today Microsoft and Bungie release the next evolution with the Legendary Map Pack.
Available for 800 Microsoft Points exclusively on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, this second major downloadable content offering includes three new multiplayer maps, as well as a bevy of new Forge options.
Avalanche and Blackout revive two fan-favourite maps from previous “Halo” games, while Ghost Town welcomes desolate jungle combat to the experience. And now, using new options in the Forge, players can create more detailed challenges and map variants than ever, while also utilizing a variety of visual effects to create new, unique screenshots and saved films.
Avalanche is a throwback all the way to “Halo: Combat Evolved.” This snowy battlefield was inspired by the original Sidewinder, but the massive, vehicle-oriented objective map adds a twist to its classic predecessor with all new interiors, dramatically reshaped exteriors and brand new vehicle variants. Admire the view from above, as Avalanche also marks the arrival of the Hornet to “Halo 3” multiplayer.
In keeping with the theme of “fan-favourites,” Blackout will fill the void left by fans of “Halo 2’s” Lockout. Although fully re-visualized, this map adheres very faithfully to the tightly wound perfection of the original, but eschews Forerunner architecture in favour of industrial human design. Blackout is perfect for fans of small battleground Slayer matches.
The Legendary Map Pack also packs a brand new punch, in addition to the two classics, with Ghost Town – a battle-scarred maze of narrow passages and dangerous ruins. Collapsed ceilings and shell-battered buildings provide both valuable cover and deadly traps, as catwalks and stairways take the fight from claustrophobic ground combat to dizzying rooftop battles. Ghost Town is a mid-sized map ideal for Team Slayer games and smaller, objective types.
As an added bonus, for a limited time only, gamers who purchase the Legendary Map Pack will receive a four month subscription to “Bungie PRO” via Xbox LIVE. Bungie PRO greatly expands the Halo 3 experience by increasing the maximum number of file share storage slots from six to twenty-four while also increasing the total file storage size to 250MB. This will allow players to upload and share more films, maps, screenshots and game-types than ever before.
After downloading the new maps, gamers can register on Xbox LIVE for the “Halo 3 Legendary Map Pack Play & Win Sweepstakes” for their chance to win great prizes including a “Halo 3” Edition console, Halo ActionClix: Scarab Vehicle Pack, a complete set of “Halo 3” Series 1 Action Figures from McFarlane Toys, nearly one million MS Points and much more. Click here for more details.
The maps of the Legendary Map Pack are available in matchmaking today to those who have purchased the download. Additionally, fans that have yet to purchase the Heroic Map Pack, which released in December, can now download it for free on Xbox LIVE Marketplace.
Super Monkey Ball Demo For iPhone In Works
Other Ocean Interactive’s CEO, Andrew Ayre, today confirmed it has partnered with SEGA of America to develop a demo version of the Super Monkey Ball game for iPhone. Super Monkey Ball was highlighted at Apple’s iPhone SDK event on March 6, 2008. “We were tremendously honored to be asked to work on the demo version of Super Monkey Ball and also to participate in the actual unveiling,” said Ayre.
“Apple’s SDK is extremely developer-friendly and the iPhone, with its accelerometer, is the perfect platform for Super Monkey Ball,” explained Gordon Wood, Other Ocean’s Technical Director and Senior Programmer. “The iPhone is going to be a major player in the handheld gaming market, and we’re excited to be among the first to develop games for the device.“
“We knew Super Monkey Ball could be a perfect game for the iPhone, and all we needed was the right team to partner with to make it happen,” said David Cobb, Sega’s Vice President of Product Development. “Other Ocean was the obvious choice to build the demo version, with their experience giving us a clear advantage.“
Based in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, Other Ocean Interactive was founded in 2006 and develops for all platforms. The studio is dedicated to delivering high-quality games that are fun and perfectly matched to their target platform. Other Ocean, with its sister company Sculpin QA, currently employs more than 40 talented people. Click here for more information.
Ikaruga to Grace Xbox Live Arcade This Week
The Japanese arcade hit “Ikaruga” receives the full Xbox Live Arcade treatment and is poised to launch on the platform this Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (1:00 a.m. PDT).
Ikaruga is a fast-paced scrolling shooter with a twist; players must constantly switch their ship’s polarity to maximize their damage output and avoid incoming enemy fire of the opposite polarity.
Ikaruga on Xbox Live Arcade features a two-player co-op mode both locally and over Xbox Live. Newcomers can also easily bring their skill up to speed by using the game’s slow motion training mode.
Ikaruga is a perfect combination of beautiful, manga-style storytelling and challenging arcade heroics, all brought to life in a gorgeous HD environment.
Gamers itching to obtain a moment of Ikaruga glory will be wise to master the chaining system that detects when enemies of the same polarity are destroyed consecutively. Doing so will reward players with huge score bonuses, which will be key to topping Ikaruga’s leaderboards.
The ability to relive a particularly harrowing battle is also possible thanks to the game’s record and replay function, which is new to the Xbox Live Arcade version of the game.
From the Japanese developer Treasure, Ikaruga will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. Click here for more details on Ikaruga.
NCsoft Licenses Unreal Engine 3
NCsoft Corporation, the world’s leading developer and publisher of online computer games, today announced that it has reinforced its relationship with Epic Games, Inc. by licensing Unreal Engine 3 to develop two unannounced, top-tier massively multiplayer online games. NCsoft has achieved spectacular results working with the Unreal Engine over the years, shipping the highly successful Lineage II, and the soon to be released Exteel, using Unreal Engine 2.
“Unreal Engine 3 has a well structured rendering pipeline, and its graphical quality is superb thanks to advanced lighting and shadowing systems,” said Young-muk Choi, lead programmer, Development Unit, NCsoft. “Tools within the Unreal Editor empower us to instantly produce and optimize our outputs, and we especially love how the engine enables designers to easily prototype concepts without the need for programming.“
“NCsoft pioneered online game development using Unreal Engine, as evidenced by Lineage II, one of the most commercially successful and enduringly popular online games in history,” said Jay Wilbur, vice president of Epic Games. “We are thrilled to take this next step with NCsoft, and are fully committed to supporting their projects. We expect to be completely wowed by what they do with our latest technology.“
Developers and publishers around the world have licensed Unreal Engine 3 for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Since Epic has shipped its internal titles across all supported platforms, the engine’s content pipeline and technical capabilities have achieved unprecedented levels of maturity and accessibility. These advancements, combined with the continual incorporation of top quality middleware via Epic’s prestigious Integrated Partners Program, has primed Unreal Engine 3 as the best possible offering for cross-platform game development for years to come. Through this licensing agreement, NCsoft will be able to take advantage of the latest enhancements to Unreal Engine 3, including dynamic ambient occlusion, a fracturing tool and runtime, a realistic crowd system and much more.
Mario Kart Wii Release Date Revealed
This year, the typical signs of spring will be accompanied by the sweet sound of revving engines and the sight of lightning-fast shells whizzing around every corner. Mario Kart Wii is zooming toward its launch in the United States on April 27. The game comes with the intuitive Wii Wheel, which makes it easy for novices to compete against veterans, so no one is left in the dust. And with a broadband hookup to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, players can compete with up to 11 other drivers from around the world for racing dominance.
“Mario Kart Wii transforms one of our most popular franchises into a race that every member of the family can join,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “Driving with the Wii Wheel could not be more natural, and this is one place where speeding is encouraged.”
Mario Kart Wii will include 16 new courses and 16 classic courses from previous Mario Kart games. For the first time ever, players have the option of racing with either karts or motorbikes. Players can also hit the road as their personalized Mii caricatures in addition to the handful of classic Nintendo characters found in the game. True to the series, the game features tons of racing, plenty of power-ups and oodles of objects for players to use to slow down other drivers. And 10 battle arenas will keep players busy between trips around the circuit.
The easy-to-use Wii Wheel will also be sold as a separate accessory, giving every driver in the household a chance to get behind his or her own wheel. And if veteran Mario Kart fans are afraid of getting smoked by rookie drivers using the Wii Wheel, they can rest assured that Nintendo has them covered. Mario Kart Wii supports four different control options: Wii Remote with or without the Wii Wheel, Wii Remote and Nunchuk controller combo, Classic Controller and even the Nintendo GameCube controller. So there’s bound to be a configuration that fits everyone’s style.
Mario Kart Wii launches with a new channel added to the Wii Menu to enhance game play: The Mario Kart Wii Channel. This new channel builds on the huge online community of Wii owners and lets players compete in tournaments, check worldwide rankings, see when their friends are playing and download ghost data.
Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. Click here for more information about this and other Wii features. Visit this link for more information about Mario Kart Wii.
Microsoft Provides First Look At 2008 Xbox 360 Game Portfolio
Today at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2008, Microsoft Corp. provided an exciting glimpse at what promises to be another landmark year for games and online entertainment on the Xbox 360 platform and officially announced the launch of “Gears of War 2,” exclusively for Xbox 360 this November.
Providing a dramatic close to Microsoft’s GDC keynote address, Epic Games Inc.’s lead designer Cliff Bleszinski announced that the epic saga of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad continues exclusively on the Xbox 360 this fall with “Gears of War 2.” This highly anticipated sequel to the 4.5 million-selling blockbuster “Gears of War” delves deeper into humanity’s struggle for survival against the nightmarish Locust Horde, and promises to take high-definition visuals to a whole new level.
In addition, acclaimed developer Peter Molyneux of Lionhead Studios took the stage to showcase exciting new multiplayer features for “Fable 2,” introducing dynamic cooperative play, a first to the franchise. Molyneux also announced that later this year, and before the launch of “Fable 2,” gamers can get a sneak peek at the game’s world when the “Fable 2″ pub games debut as a stand-alone download on Xbox LIVE Arcade. When “Fable 2″ launches, gamers will have the ability to transfer currency earned in the pub games directly to their character in “Fable 2.” This unique and first-of-its-kind experience, which can be found only on Xbox LIVE Arcade, will give the millions of “Fable” fans and gamers all around the globe the opportunity to jump into the “Fable 2″ world with money already in the bank.
Tomonobu Itagaki also revealed new “Ninja Gaiden II” game-sharing features, including Ninja Cinema, which is enabled solely through Xbox LIVE, providing exciting and innovative entertainment experiences for the more than 10 million Xbox LIVE members worldwide by allowing players to record and upload their best ninja moves to Xbox LIVE.
“To our team the original game was just a tease, the appetizer to the ‘Gears of War’ characters and new style of gameplay. We were so amped to get to the next chapter, and dig deeper into the universe of this franchise,” said Cliff Bleszinski, lead designer for Epic Games. “‘Gears of War 2′ is an even bigger, better, and more badass experience than the first game, and we can’t wait to get it in the hands of eager gamers this November.“
This year, the most anticipated games will be found exclusively on Xbox 360, including the next chapters of top franchises such as “Gears of War,” “Fable” and “Ninja Gaiden,” as well as new titles such as “Too Human.”
- “Gears of War 2″ (Epic Games). “Gears of War 2″ is the sequel to the 4.5 million-selling blockbuster that redefined the third-person tactical action game genre. “Gears of War 2″ continues the story of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad in an epic saga of survival, loss and retribution. Developed by Epic Games exclusively for Xbox 360, “Gears of War 2″ launches this November.
- “Fable 2″ (Lionhead Studios). In addition to the dynamic co-op mode unveiled onstage, Peter Molyneux also announced that Carbonated Games is bringing the “Fable 2″ experience to Xbox LIVE Arcade. Before the game’s launch, gamers will be able to get an early taste of the “Fable 2″ experience and gain a head start on earning currency for use in “Fable 2″ by playing “Fable 2″-themed pub games that will be downloadable via Xbox LIVE Arcade. The currency earned in these Xbox LIVE Arcade titles will enable players to purchase items in “Fable 2″ when the game launches later this year.
- “Ninja Gaiden II” (TECMO/Team NINJA). Tomonobu Itagaki debuted several tantalizing new Xbox LIVE features of “Ninja Gaiden II,” including the ability to capture and share videos of a player’s glorious battles via the Ninja Cinema feature and upload them to Xbox LIVE. “Ninja Gaiden II” launches worldwide this June.
- “Too Human” (Silicon Knights). Microsoft also showcased the epic action game from renowned Canadian developer Silicon Knights, “Too Human,” at a media event before today’s keynote address. In “Too Human,” players are treated to a non-stop barrage of action powered by the seamless integration of melee and firearms combat, plus deep role-playing elements fuelled by breathtaking visuals enabled by the power of Xbox 360.
With online multiplayer gameplay, downloadable content and ways to stay in contact with a global community, these forthcoming blockbusters harness the power of Xbox LIVE to create truly innovative and exciting entertainment experiences. Each game also comes packed with Achievements, so Xbox LIVE members can help add to the more than 1 billion Achievements already unlocked on the service to date. And, as with the “Fable 2″ pub games, downloadable content in Xbox LIVE Marketplace allows gamers the opportunity to customize and enhance their gameplay experiences. Since the service launched, Microsoft has seen more than $250 million in digital revenue from Xbox LIVE Marketplace through the purchase of more than 20 billion Microsoft Points.
Xbox LIVE members have been using a large portion of those Microsoft Points in Xbox LIVE Arcade, which is the premier destination for digitally distributed, high-definition original and classic games. With over 116 games to choose from on Xbox LIVE Arcade, everyone’s invited to get instantly immersed in the fun. Xbox LIVE Arcade is also home to the world’s most innovative independent developers, with more than 25 independent studios serving as the creative fuel behind the original games that represent more than a quarter of the Xbox LIVE Arcade library.
The following titles represent a sample of games launching on Xbox LIVE Arcade in the near future from the world’s leading independent developers:
- “Braid” (Number None Inc.). Developed by Independent Games Festival Winner and experimental game designer Jonathan Blow, “Braid” is a platform experience that bends all the rules with the manipulation of time. “Braid” will launch this spring.
- “Castle Crashers” (The Behemoth). “Castle Crashers” is the second title currently in development by award-winning independent developer The Behemoth, creator of “Alien Hominid HD.” The role-playing game (RPG) adventure will let up to four players hack, slash and smash their way together through a visually stunning hand-drawn landscape. “Castle Crashes” launches this summer.
- “Defense Grid: The Awakening” (Hidden Path Entertainment LLC). “Defense Grid: The Awakening” is the definitive tower defence game experience designed specifically for Xbox LIVE Arcade and launches this summer.
- “Go! Go! Break Steady” (Little Boy Games). An Xbox LIVE Arcade exclusive, “Go! Go! Break Steady” is the debut title from independent developer Little Boy Games. The combination music and puzzle game combines break dancing with novel gameplay and launches this summer.
- “Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness” (Hothead Games). The first video game collaboration between Penny Arcade creators Mike “Gabe” Krahulik and Jerry “Tycho” Holkins and legendary game designer Ron Gilbert, “Penny Arcade Adventures” is an RPG-adventure game set in a highly stylized 1920s universe filled with bizarre characters, outrageous combat and adult humour. The first episode of the game launches this summer.
Canadians Get Xbox 360 Price Drop
Xbox Canada is now offering even greater value to Canadians by reducing the price of the Xbox 360 Elite, Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Arcade consoles!
- The Xbox 360 console, reduced from $399 to $349, offers Canadians the most comprehensive entertainment experience right out of the box. The console includes a hard drive, wireless controller, headset as well as HD component cable providing the ultimate high-definition gaming experience.
- The Xbox 360 Elite console, reduced from $499 to $449, features a sleek black finish and includes a 120GB hard drive for maximum storage, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port as well as a black wireless controller, black Xbox Live headset and high-definition cable.
- The Xbox 360 Arcade console, reduced from $299 to $279, is an incredible value for hardcore and casual gamers alike. The system includes a wireless controller, Xbox LIVE Arcade Compilation Disc and 256Mb Memory Unit allowing gamers to store their profiles, downloaded content and game progress.
- The Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special edition console, reduced from $449 to $399, is inspired by Halo 3, the biggest blockbuster in video game history. The console features an exclusive “Spartan green and gold” finish and comes bundled with a matching Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, 20GB Hard Drive, Headset, Play & Charge Kit, and exclusive Halo 3 Gamer Pics and Theme (available via Xbox LIVE download).
With the largest library of next-generation game titles, Xbox 360 leads the industry with its wireless gaming and entertainment experience. The entire suite of Xbox 360 consoles also include everything gamers need to play online on Xbox LIVE – the premiere online gaming and entertainment service.
R-Type Turn-Based Strategy Title Revealed For The PSP
Atlus U.S.A., Inc. today announced that R-Type Command, a bold new turn-based strategy entry in the long-celebrated series of side-scrolling shooters, is coming exclusively to the PlayStation Portable. R-Type Command hits store shelves May 6th with an MSRP of $39.99.
In a desperate war against the mysterious alien race known as the Bydo, humanity sends wave after wave of fighters into Bydo space - none of which are ever heard from again. Mankind’s main hope now resides with a lone commander, sent to lead a small armada on a perilous mission into the heart of the Bydo Empire. Low on fuel and forced to scavenge resources and equipment from his surroundings, the commander must use all his cunning and wits if he hopes to succeed, let alone make it home alive.
Key Features:
- R-Type reborn - The highly acclaimed franchise moves into the strategy genre with exciting tactical gameplay!
- Control the Bydo forces - For the first time in the series, take command of the Bydo forces as they launch their assault on Earth!
- Intense strategy gameplay - With nearly 100 different units at your disposal, it’s up to you to choose the best fleet for battle. Upgrade your existing units or purchase new ones!
- Head-to-head local multiplayer - With the PSP wireless communication feature, play against a friend in Wireless Ad Hoc mode for a one-on-one strategy battle!
R-Type Command has been rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) with Animated Blood and Mild Fantasy Violence by the ESRB. Click here for more on R-Type Command.
Assassin’s Creed Headed To The PC In March
Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, unveiled Assassin’s Creed for PC will be available at retailers end of March.
Following in the wake of the critically acclaimed and worldwide console hit Assassin’s Creed, the PC version entitled “Assassin’s Creed, Director’s Cut edition” will feature four brand new exclusive types of investigations, thus providing even more ways for players to explore the various locations of the Third Crusade.
Players will assume the role of the main character, Altair, and will work to stop hostilities by suppressing both sides of the conflict and experience the art of a master assassin. With more than 5 million units of the console versions sold to date worldwide since its mid-November 2007 launch, Assassin’s Creed PC is set to expand upon this success.
“We are thrilled to bring Assassin’s Creed to an eager PC audience and we anticipate the game will resonate with them just has it has across the other platforms,” said John Parkes, EMEA Marketing Director at Ubisoft. “Assassin’s Creed is a game that must be experienced firsthand to fully understand how dynamic and meaningful this title has become for video game fans worldwide.“
First Mass Effect Downloadable Content Announced
To date, over 1.6 million gamers have explored the engaging sci-fi universe of “Mass Effect.” Beginning on March 10, fans everywhere will be able to expand the Mass Effect experience with the release of the first ever downloadable content for the award-winning saga.
The Bring Down the Sky downloadable content pack will be released to Xbox Live Marketplace on Monday, March 10 at 2 a.m. PST, and will be available for 400 MS points. This is the first in a series of planned downloadable content that further expands the Mass Effect universe and continues the adventures of Commander Shepard and the Normandy crew.
Bring Down the Sky includes a new uncharted world that introduces the notorious and feared alien race of the Batarians. A Batarian extremist group has 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.
Bring Down the Sky contains approximately 90 minutes of heart-pounding action and a new Achievement worth 50 Gamerscore points.
Mass Effect is exclusively available on Xbox 360 and is rated “M” for Mature.
Devil May Cry 4 Now Available At Retail
Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that the highly anticipated Devil May Cry 4 for Sony Computer Entertainment’s PlayStation 3 (PS3) and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft has begun shipping to retail. Devil May Cry 4 is rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) and is available as both standard edition ($59.99 MSRP) and a special Collector’s Edition package ($79.99 MSRP).
From the producer of the original Devil May Cry and Resident Evil 4 comes the next installment in the hugely successful stylized action series that has so far achieved global sales of nearly seven million units. Devil May Cry 4 immerses gamers in a gothic supernatural world, where a new protagonist, Nero, clashes with Dante, the featured character in the previous Devil May Cry games. As Nero, players will unleash incredible attacks and non-stop combos using a unique new gameplay mechanic, his powerful “Devil Bringer” arm. Fans of Dante won’t be disappointed as he too will be playable during the course of the game.
With the advanced graphical capabilities of the next-gen systems, high definition visuals and intricate detail come to life as players explore new and exotic locales. Dynamic action and undeniable style combine with unprecedented fighting options and a gripping story to produce the incomparable experience that only a Devil May Cry game can deliver.
A special 2 hour Devil May Cry: The Animated Series anime disc will be packed into the Collector’s Edition of the game, included in the metal Steelbook case, and will include the first four episodes of the 12 episode anime series. Inside the case will be a second bonus DVD alongside the game that users can slip into their computers, Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. The bonus DVD will contain a “making of” feature on the game, music from the Devil May Cry 4 soundtrack, a digital art book with images and sketches from the development team, wallpapers, icons and screen savers.
Devil May Cry 4 includes the following features:
- From the producer of the original Devil May Cry and Resident Evil 4
- 2 playable characters – take control of both Nero & Dante
- High-definition 720p visuals moving at 60 frames per second
- Blend of familiar and new: newcomer Nero clashes with veteran Dante plus appearances from Trish, Lady and others from the DMC series
- Exceed System allows Nero to easily charge up his sword with a throttle effect, revving up to three levels with powerful and varied attack options
- Deep combo system rewards stylish dispatching of enemies
- Unique “Devil Bringer” arm opens up a range of never seen before combo options
- Distinct set of weaponry and moves for Nero and Dante
- New active style change system for Dante allows him to switch styles and weapons on the fly, producing crazy combo possibilities
- Numerous new characters and environments
- Signature blend of guns and swordplay
Devil May Cry 4 Collector’s Edition contains the following extras:
- Volume 1 of ADV Film’s Devil May Cry: The Animated Series on DVD, including four complete episodes of the anime (a retail value of $29.99)
- Unique Steelbook metal case
- Bonus DVD
- Making of Devil May Cry 4
- Music from the soundtrack
- Digital artbook
- PC content (screen savers, wallpapers, icons)
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Downloadable Maps On Its Way
Fresh intel from Activision headquarters reports that new global conflicts are planned in the form of downloadable multiplayer maps for the award-winning Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. In development for both Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, the upcoming downloadable content will thrust gamers into a hot zone of added combat across a variety of intense multiplayer locales.
“We’ve demonstrated our commitment to delivering the best multiplayer experience in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and that continues with our plans for new downloadable content,” explains Infinity Ward’s Community Manager, Robert Bowling. “We’re excited about the new maps, and the added gameplay variety, and we can’t wait to wrap things up and get online with everyone.“
The worldwide best-selling game in units of 2007, according to The NPD Group, Chart Track and The GFK Group, and winner of more than 40 editors’ choice and game of the year honors, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is rated “M” (Mature) by the ESRB for Intense Violence, Strong Language, Blood and Gore. The new downloadable content is scheduled for release this spring, and will be available on Xbox LIVE and PlayStation Network.
Click here for information and updates on Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.
Two New Titles to Hit XBLA on Wed., Rez HD and Chessmaster Live
A brand new recreation of the cult-classic shooter created by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, “Rez HD” launches on Xbox LIVE Arcade this week. In addition to Rez HD, chess fans and newcomers alike will enjoy checkmating friends with “Chessmaster Live” on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Both games will be available on Wednesday, January 30 at 9:00 a.m. GMT (1:00 a.m. PST).
Rez HD is a frenetic, wire-frame adventure set to industrial beats and rhythms that match the action. The story of Rez HD takes players deep into the world’s computer network where they must hack the system, alter the visual output and take over the music, creating unique rhythms and eye candy as they dig deeper into the cyberworld.
Developed by Q Entertainment (”Lumines Live!” and “Every Extend Extra Extreme“), Rez HD for Xbox LIVE Arcade is a high definition update of the original game with brand new elements such as new visuals and sound effects. The game features five levels, each with its own unique visual theme, style and musical track, as well as three modes, including Easy, Main and Score Attack. Rez HD will be available worldwide for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.
A downloadable version of Ubisoft’s hit “Chessmaster” series, Chessmaster Live allows players to test and tune their chess skills against the AI or opponents of all aptitudes around the globe via Xbox LIVE. Chessmaster Live features five original chess variants, including a Message Chess option, which allows gamers to engage in matches over the span of several days, weeks or even months. The title boasts both beautifully crafted 3D chess sets inspired by luxury chess board designer House of Staunton. Chessmaster Live will be available worldwide (with the exception of Japan and Korea) for 800 Microsoft Points and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.
Ex-Naughty Dogs Form Steel Penny Games
Steel Penny Games, an independent Austin, TX-based game developer, announced their acceptance into the Nintendo WiiWare developer stable, and is busy at work on an original IP title set to release in mid-2008. Steel Penny Games states that the upcoming title blends a challenging puzzle game with dramatic fantasy environments and appealing characters for an exceptionally satisfying experience. Other details about the upcoming product are not available at this time.
The company, organized in early 2007 by former Naughty Dog veterans Jason Hughes and Andrew Gilmour, joins the ranks of studios initially focused on digital distribution. Steel Penny Games president Jason Hughes described their strategy as “the modern equivalent of the garage method for an independent to gain a foothold in the industry-a unique opportunity WiiWare presents that we appreciate.” At Naughty Dog, Hughes was a senior graphics tools engineer, and Gilmour was a senior background artist.
The team at Steel Penny Games have spent the past year building a proprietary engine geared toward the Wii platform’s capabilities, and creating a new intellectual property to span a series of games. Hughes elaborated, “I am impressed with the egalitarian approach Nintendo has taken toward WiiWare developers. It allows the risk burden to shift back onto the creative developers.“
John Tiller’s Battleground Civil War Updated
Matrix Games is happy to announce that a short but sweet update is now available for the best-selling turn-based American Civil War battlefield series, John Tiller’s Battleground Civil War. The update fixes an issue where a few Bull Run and Antietam scenarios were not showing up in the scenario selection window.
Relive the splendor and excitement of John Tiller’s classic Civil War games in this updated compilation, John Tiller’s Battleground Civil War, which has been updated by John Tiller himself to work on all Windows operating systems from Windows 98 up to and including Windows Vista. Included in this compilation are the original titles that gave the Battleground battle system the fame that has endured over years and years of play. Gamers can refight famous battles like Shiloh, Antietam, Bull Run, and Gettysburg with the fantastic realism and intuitive interface fans of John Tiller’s gaming systems have come to rely on. This comprehensive collection offers long-lasting play with many variant historical and what-if scenarios as well as smaller related battles.
Take command of the mighty armies of these eras; enjoy the time-tested interface and turn-based game mechanics that made John Tiller’s original game designs famous. With the choice of 2D or 3D battlefield views, dozens of scenarios and more historical information then can be found in most public libraries; John Tiller’s Battleground Civil War reintroduces gamers to some of the best 19th century wargames ever made!
There’s no time to delay, soldier! Fall in and prepare to charge across the Battlegrounds of the Civil War!
Get more information on John Tiller’s Battleground Civil War from its official Matrix Games webpage. This update is comprehensive and will bring the version of the game up to 1.01.
Left 4 Dead Developer Acquired by Valve Corporation
Fresh off the success of The Orange Box, the 2007 game of the year award-winning collection of new games heralded as “the best value in gaming history,” Valve Corporation announces the acquisition of Turtle Rock Studios, the Orange County-based development house behind one of 2008’s most anticipated games, Left 4 Dead.
Valve was founded in 1996 and has grown to become one of the game industry’s leading technology and content creators, with a portfolio of over 20 million games sold worldwide. The merger of the two companies extends Valve’s development team and provides the company with a new studio in southern California.
Turtle Rock Studios’ Left 4 Dead joins a growing list of Valve’s game properties which includes the Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Team Fortress and Day of Defeat series of games as well as Portal, introduced as part of The Orange Box.
“We have been seeing very strong growth with Steam and Source, our content distribution and development platforms, up over 150% over the last 12 months. Given our expectations for Left 4 Dead and our long-standing relationships with members of the Turtle Rock team, this was an easy decision. It also gives us a base from which to expand our development activities in the Los Angeles area,” said Gabe Newell, president of Valve.
“Left 4 Dead fills a long-standing demand gamers have had for a coop first-person action experience, and it will also help Valve’s expansion into the console market,” added Doug Lombardi, Valve’s VP of marketing.
“Valve has had great success bringing in projects and teams such as Team Fortress and Portal. As I spent time working and talking with the creators of those products over the past several years, it became clear that this was the right next step for myself, my colleagues at Turtle Rock, our customers, and our products,” said Michael Booth, founder and CEO of Turtle Rock Studios. “We are excited to be a part of such a visionary and forward-thinking company.“
Founded in 2002 by Michael Booth, Turtle Rock Studios is the creator of Left 4 Dead, named one 2008’s most wanted titles by many of today’s leading game-enthusiast publications and Web sites.
Click here for more information on Valve, its games, or the Steam platform.
Nullriver Software Releases MediaLink for the PS3
Nullriver Software have released “MediaLink“, an application that allows content streaming from a Macintosh computer to a PlayStation 3. According to its homepage, MediaLink streams all the formats that the PlayStation 3 supports (MP3, WMA, WAV, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, H.264, AVI, WMV & ASF, DIVX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIFF, BMP and more), excluding DRM protected content. A free trial is available for download, the full product will set you back a mere $20.
A similar product, dubbed “Connect360“, exists for the Xbox 360. Click here to read a review of Connect360.
Nullriver first got on the gaming scene with the release of its user friendly PlayStation Portable content manager PSPware.
Far Cry 2 Unveiled
Ubisoft announced that Far Cry 2 is being developed for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system. Far Cry 2 is a next-generation first-person shooter being created by Ubisoft’s Montreal development studio.
More than just a visual and technological achievement, Far Cry 2 immerses players in an entirely new kind of gaming experience, featuring a custom-made video game engine built from the ground up. Players will discover a true open world gameplay set in one of the most beautiful environments in the world, Africa, brought to life by high-definition next-gen technology. Far Cry 2 is scheduled to ship fiscal 2008 - 2009.
Aquaria Wins Game Tunnel’s Game of the Year Award
Gliding ahead of the pack, Aquaria was the 2007 winner of the Independent Game of the Year award. The award, the culminating event of Game Tunnel’s 6th Annual Game of the Year awards, is given each year to the most outstanding Independent Video Game.
The Independent Game of the Year awards have been established to honor ingenuity, innovation and excellence in Independent Games. This year’s awards began December 11th with the Sports Game of the Year award and have continued through 3 weeks and 13 categories finishing with the Top 10 Independent Games of the Year and Aquaria taking the top spot.
Previously a winner at the Independent Games Festival, Aquaria’s visual style captivated reviewers at Game Tunnel almost as much as the innovative gameplay. Featuring a spacious underwater world of striking beauty and haunting music, Aquaria is a unique experience that embodies all for which Independent Games are recognized.
“Independent Games are known for pushing the boundaries of gaming, providing an experience that is singular and different,” said Russell Carroll, Editor-In-Chief at Game Tunnel. “We are excited every year for the opportunity to play these wonderfully original and inventive games and are happy to award winners in multiple categories to celebrate their achievements.“
An article providing descriptions, links, and downloads to all the award winners can be found at this link. The list of all award categories and winners is as follows:
2007 Independent Game of the Year - Aquaria
Technical Categories:
Game of the Year: Graphics - Aquaria
Game of the Year: Sound - Aquaria
Game of the Year: Innovation - Determinance
Game of the Year: Multiplayer - ThreadSpace: Hyperbol
Special Awards
Kid’s Game of the Year - The Tuttles Madcap Misadventures
Player’s Choice Award - Wonderland Adventures
Genres:
Action Game of the Year - DarkSide
Casual Game of the Year - Snapshot Adventures: Secret of Bird Island
Adventure Game of the Year - Aquaria
RPG Game of the Year - Depths of Peril
Sim Game of the Year - Venture Arctic
Sports Game of the Year - Reach
Strategy Game of the Year - Immortal Defense
The Lowdown On The Canadian Xbox Live Marketplace Video Store
On Dec. 11, Microsoft opened-up the eagerly anticipated Xbox Live Marketplace Video Store for Canadian Xbox 360 owners. With 31 videos available at launch, Canadians got their first taste of what to expect from a digital movie download service. But does the Xbox Live Marketplace video store live up to the hype?
Lets start by analyzing the cost, Xbox Live subscribers (available for both Silver and Gold memberships) can download older titles (also known as Library titles) in SD (standard definition) and HD (high definition) formats for 300 ($4.80) and 440 ($7.04) MS Points respectively. Current (recent movies) SD releases go for 440 MS Points ($7.04), while HD movies will set subscribers back 580 MS Points ($9.27).
Prices are higher in comparison to your traditional brick and mortar rental chain. For example, one of the major Canadian rental chains currently gives their patrons the opportunity to rent a new release (either DVD, HD-DVD or Blu-Ray) for a flat $5.00 fee. With that in mind, you could say that Marketplace Video Store users pay a little extra for the convenience of getting movies from the comfort of their living room.
And those expecting a true HD experience out of the Xbox Live Marketplace Video Store might be disappointed as the HD content is only available in 720p (in comparison to HD-DVD and Blu-Ray’s 1080p resolution).
After the initial download, consumers have 14 days to view their content before it expires, or they have 24 hours to complete their viewing after they’ve pressed the start button, whichever comes first. The media can then be viewed indefinitely within that 24-hour window. If by chance you weren’t able to complete your viewing within the first 24 hours, you will need to re-purchase the content.
At the moment, standard definition movies range in size from 819MB to 2.1GB, while high definition content go from 3.2GB to 5.6GB. Depending on your Internet speed, it might take a few hours to download your rental. The service does offers a “Ready to Play” feature that lets you start watching your movie as it downloads. A basic 20GB Xbox 360 hard drive should suffice for SD movies, but HD enthusiasts should consider purchasing a 120GB hard drive.
New movies will be released on a monthly basis. The store currently offers movies from three distributors; Warner Bros., Maple Pictures and MPI. More distributors are expected to jump on board as the Marketplace Video Store matures.
Currently, the Marketplace Video Store only offers video rentals. No word yet on when the service will offer TV shows, but the content should be available shortly as the Canadian iTunes Store recently started selling shows for $1.99 an episode.
With digital media downloads expected to become the chosen format for entertainment consumption, the Xbox Live Marketplace Video Store is an excellent start. But, hopefully Microsoft will lower the price of the content as the service expands. With Apple and its iTunes Store creeping in, things should start to get interesting on the digital download front.
The Xbox Live Marketplace Video Store first launched in Nov. 2006 in the US and currently features over 300 movies.
Andre runs the blog GamingCult.com, an independent Web site dedicated to the world of gaming, entertainment, and technology.
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