SteelSeries creates world's first dedicated online security solution
Posted by M @ 7:00 a.m. NZST

SteelSeries, a leading manufacturer of professional gaming gear, has announced a new partnership with BullGuard, specialists in user-friendly PC and mobile security solutions. The two brands, specialists in their respective areas of business, are together creating the world's first dedicated security solution for online gamers.

The new product, named SteelSecurity, is specifically designed for online gamers, and offers complete anti-virus and firewall protection that has been enhanced with an advanced spam filter and online backup system.

SteelSecurity automatically transitions into game mode each time the user launches a supported online game. In game mode the application uses only minimal system resources, never initiating system scans and halts auto-updating of virus definitions to allow the user to focus completely on games. The security application offers integrated support for most popular PC games, and auto-updates with new game profiles as new PC game titles are released.

"We are extremely exited about SteelSecurity and the opportunity to use our extensive knowledge about online gaming to create a unique piece of software," said Tom Reese, Managing Director at SteelSeries North America. "The combination of our gaming know-how and BullGuard's first class knowledge about security, have resulted in an amazing product."

"We can't think of a better partner for a venture into the gaming market" said Heini Zachariassen, Chief Executive Officer at BullGuard. "SteelSeries dedication and focus towards complete enhancement of the users gaming experience, combined with our knowledge about security software and easy-to-use interfaces, is a match made in heaven."

SteelSecurity's advanced anti-virus software proactively screens incoming and outgoing e-mails, Internet downloads, ZIP, hard, and network drives, and more for viruses and malware, offering dynamic protection against malicious computer programs. The application's easy-to-use interface provides intuitive control over security settings, automatically updating to combat new viruses at a frequency that the company says surpasses almost all anti-virus software that is currently available. In addition, the application's firewall monitors for port scans, Denial of Service attacks, MAC address spoofing, and more, all the while supervising application Internet access to prevent hacker and Trojan attacks.

Upon release, SteelSecurity will be available for free as part of a three-month trial period. Additional information about the SteelSecurity platform is available online at www.steelseries.com/security.

Touch Generations label for casaul DS games
Posted by M @ 1:57 a.m. NZST

Starting in June, Nintendo will begin branding its more casual Nintendo DS titles under the new Touch Generations label.

The Touch Generations brand will include titles that anyone can pick up and play, even with little or no experience with video games and represents one of the many ways that Nintendo is making it easy for new demographics of people to be introduced to video games. Three new games, including a second brain-training game, will be added to the Touch Generations category in June.

"We remain committed to turning video games into an inclusive mass medium that everyone can enjoy," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Touch Generations will help novices and newcomers identify the fun and uniquely engaging experiences that are available only on Nintendo DS."

These current and upcoming games will be identified by a distinctive logo, and will help non-gamers and casual gamers quickly identify which games might be appropriate for them. Touch Generations will be one element of Nintendo's multimillion-dollar campaign to get more and more people interested in video games.

The first seven titles in the Touch Generations brand include the following upcoming games:

* Big Brain Academy: The second title in the brain-training series tests players in five areas: thinking, memorisation, computation, analysis and identification.

* Magnetica: A simple puzzle game challenges players to connect and eliminate like-coloured marbles before they reach the goal.

* Sudoku Gridmaster: This version of the wildly popular puzzle grid features more than 400 sudoku puzzles, all of which were hand-picked by the original creators of sudoku.

Xbox 360 and Windows Lead E3 Game Critics Award Nominations
Posted by M @ 1:42 a.m. NZST

Games on Microsoft platforms led this year's E3 Game Critics nominations, garnering 52 nominations, more than half of those given. Specifically, Xbox 360 amassed more nominations than Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii combined with a total of 21, while the Windows platform led all platforms with 29 nominations.

Additionally, leading the way with the most accolades of any title on the show floor, Microsoft Game Studios (MGS) and Epic Games' Xbox 360 exclusive title Gears of War snagged a total of five nominations including Best of Show, Best Original Game, Best Action Game, Best Online Multiplayer Game and Best Console Game.

"This is really just a taste of what's to come for gamers on Windows Vista and Xbox 360, and these nominations underscore the investment the developers have made in creating incredible experiences for Microsoft's platforms," said Peter Moore, Corporate Vice President, Interactive Entertainment Business, Entertainment and Devices Division, Microsoft.

Windows Vista showcase titles, Hellgate: London from Flagship Studios and Namco Bandai games and Crysis from Crytek and Electronic Arts garnered two nominations apiece, while Company of Heroes from Relic and THQ and Flight Simulator X from MGS snagged one nomination. Windows Vista makes it easier and faster to access games, delivers new levels of detail and depth for gaming graphics, and offers new ways to experience games through online gaming and native support for a wide range of gaming controllers.

Additional E3 Game Critics Awards highlights for Microsoft included:

• Bioshock from Irrational Games and 2K Games, on Xbox 360 and exclusive to the Windows platforms, and Spore from Electronic Arts, an exclusive to Windows, each garnered four nominations apiece.
• Enemy Territory: Quake Wars from Splash Damage, id and Activision, an exclusive to Windows, garnered three nominations.
• Platform exclusives Supreme Commander from Gas Powered Games and THQ and Mass Effect from MGS and BioWare, garnered two nominations each.
• On the accessories side, the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset collected a nomination for Best Hardware.
• Xbox 360 exclusives Lost Planet: Extreme Condition from Capcom and MotoGP 06 from Climax and THQ were both honored with one nomination apiece.

For more information on this year's nominees, visit http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/nom.html. The winners will be announced tomorrow.

More information, visit http://www.ageofconan.com.

Third-party PS3 controller uses both vibration and motion sensing
Posted by M @ 3:32 a.m. NZST

Immersion Corporation, a leading developer and licensor of touch feedback technology, has granted EDimensional a patent license for advanced vibro-tactile, spinning-mass gaming technologies for use in PC and PlayStation and PlayStation 2 gaming peripherals.

EDimensional will include Immersion's TouchSense tactile feedback technology along with next-generation, "virtual reality motion sensing" in the upcoming G-Pad Pro Gyroscopic Game Pad designed for use with a PC or with the Sony PlayStation 2 game console.

Under the terms of the license, the EDimensional G-Pad Pro product line featuring vibration feedback will now bear the Immersion Feel the Game TouchSense Technology logo.

Immersion was awarded damages from Sony Computer Entertainment for unlicensed use of its technology in the DualShock controllers. Sony removed the offending technology from the PlayStation 3 controller, claiming the vibration feature interferes with its Nintendo-inspired motion-sensing feature. However, the EDimensional product utilises both motion sensing and vibration from Immersion.

"Our products are designed for the gamer who demands the most realistic gameplay experience possible," says Michael Epstein, EDimensional CEO. "Immersion's touch feedback, and our next-generation motion sensing technologies, are a natural pairing to improve game performance. We're delighted to be able to offer both of these exciting features in our peripherals."

"Adding EDimensional as an Immersion licensee means that we're supporting the combination of touch feedback along with motion sensing," said Mark Belinsky, Immersion vice president of marketing strategy. "Together, these technologies define what most gamers would call next-generation, and we're pleased to be working with EDimensional to make it happen."

Liberty City Stories is the PlayStation 2 version of the PSP title released last year, developed by Rockstar Leeds in conjunction with series creators Rockstar North.

Current president Tatsumi Kimishima is taking on the new role of chairman of the board and chief executive officer, while Reggie Fils-Aime is being promoted to president and chief operating officer from his current role as executive vice president of sales and marketing. Additionally, Michael Fukuda is being promoted from senior vice president of business development to executive vice president of business development. All promotions are effective immediately.

"Around the world, Nintendo DS has been steadily drawing more people into the video game category," says Satoru Iwata, president of Kyoto-based Nintendo Co., Ltd. "With the upcoming introduction of Wii, along with the strength of this new leadership team and strong executives already in place, Nintendo will continue to dramatically change the way consumers of all ages interact with their video game console on a daily basis."

Kimishima was appointed president of Nintendo of America in January 2002. He joined Nintendo at the company's headquarters in Kyoto, Japan, in 2000. He served as chief financial officer of The Pokémon Company in 2000 and president of Pokémon USA Inc. in 2001. Prior to joining Nintendo, he spent 27 years with Sanwa Bank of Japan, serving in various management positions. As chairman of the board and CEO of Nintendo of America, he will oversee the overall management of NoA and continue to serve on the boards of Nintendo of America and Nintendo Co., Ltd.

In his new role as president and chief operating officer, Fils-Aime will lead the day-to-day operations of Nintendo of America while continuing to oversee the sales and marketing division as the company prepares for the launch of the Wii. He joined Nintendo of America in December 2003 to lead sales and marketing efforts in the United States, Latin America and Canada. Prior to joining Nintendo, he served as senior vice president of marketing at VH1. He also has held key marketing positions with Guinness Import Co., Derby Cycle Corp., Pizza Hut, Panda Management Co. and Procter & Gamble.

In his new position as executive vice president of business development, Fukuda will oversee corporate strategic planning and third-party publisher and licensing programmes. He also will continue to oversee product development more dedicated to the North American market. He has been with the company for 12 years, joining in 1994 as director of planning. Prior to joining Nintendo, he worked for an international trading company and learned the video game business in the United States, working with third-party publishers during the early days of the Nintendo Entertainment System.

Midway Announces Myst for PSP
Posted by M @ 11:07 p.m. NZST

Midway Games Ltd. has announced a publishing agreement for Myst on PSP, the latest epic adventure from Cyan Worlds. Over a decade since PC adventurers first sampled Myst's emotive and visual feasts, Midways says the new handheld development will engage the player like never before and literally take them to another world.

There are no instructions and the player begins a voyage of exploration without encountering a single living sole. Alone on a mysterious island, players set out to explore its grandeur and mystery. Here a tale of intrigue and injustice, defying all boundaries of space and time, is being told. Quickly, it becomes clear every action can somehow help unfortunate individuals trapped somewhere in a parallel dimension. "The Myst adventure is like no other, tantalizing with its unique combination of lavish environments, puzzles, mazes, and a sizzling underlying drama which steadily unfolds to reward the player further still," says Midway. More details about the game and release information will made available shortly.

Nintendo Announces Wii Information, Worldwide Shipments
Posted by M @ 7:29 a.m. NZST

Following its showing at E3 2006, Nintendo today announced the current fiscal year unit shipment forecast for its new home game system, Wii.

Nintendo also confirmed that the price of the Wii system, which incorporates unique freehand control, will not exceed $250 in America, or ¥25,000 in Japan. The company plans to ship 6 million systems to retailers around the world between its launch in the fourth quarter of 2006 and the end of its fiscal year on March 31, 2007.

The projections are part of a full-year financial forecast that sees growth of 18 per cent in sales globally, based on anticipated continuing strong demand for the Nintendo DS portable game system, as well as a successful launch for Wii.

The company also said it expects to sell 17 million Wii games in the period. Exact launch dates, identification of the launch library of titles and details on the unique Virtual Console aspect of Wii will be announced soon.

Free autopatch service
Posted by M @ 7:05 a.m. NZST

GameShadow Ltd, the company behind one of the game industry's most innovative automatic update and patch technologies, says it is to offer its highly popular service to gamers free of charge.

The success of enhanced technology coupled with enlisting the support of some of the world's leading publishers including Konami, Eidos, Atari and Ubisoft, has seen the GameShadow user base grow rapidly and it has recently reached 300,000 registered users. This growth has paved the way for the company to do away with the subscription fee for the service entirely.

By signing up to the service, users are able to find out what updates are available for over 1,500 games and graphics cards, download as many patches and drivers as they need, download up to a gigabyte of demos, movies, trailers and other content available on the Web each month, and personalise the service to include automatic alerts for when their games are issued updates and additional content.

Nicholas Lovell, CEO, GameShadow, comments: "We've been waiting to hit critical mass before offering the service for free. We know the technology is 100% sound, we know that publishers are impressed about what it can do to increase their levels of customer service, and feedback from subscribers has indicated that gamers find it hugely useful. We are delighted we can now offer the service free."

Whilst the core service is free, users will also be able to pay for premium content, including exclusive competitions, an increased download capacity of 30GB per month, the ability to turn off ads and a free boxed game chosen from a range including Crashday, King Kong, the Prince of Persia Trilogy and the Splinter Cell Trilogy.

The new-look 430GT debuted during the inaugural Lone Star Grand Prix in Houston, TX, Saturday, May 13, where Risi drivers Mika Salo took third place and teammate Jaime Melo posted the fastest lap time of the race.

ALMS fans will also get an in-depth look at life in the fast lane when the Forza Motorsport 2 team gets its hands dirty from inside the Risi racing pits. Racing fans and gamers can visit www.forzamotorsport.net for behind-the-scenes looks at the competitive action.

"The addition of Forza Motorsport to the Risi Competizione team is a landmark for me personally," stated Risi Competizione Managing Director Giuseppe Risi. This type of opportunity is very rare in our sport and came about as the result of a lot of hard work, over a period of almost three years, by members of both teams. It's a new world, both on and off the track."

"During the development of [the original] Forza Motorsport, our relationship with racing teams including Risi Competizione was vital to achieving a real and challenging racing experience for our fans. Taking our partnership with Risi to the next level will enable us to engage the drivers as well as a world-class support team to push Forza Motorsport 2 on the Xbox 360 to a whole new level of realism," stays Alan Hartman, Turn 10 Studio Manager.

Lineage II music concert "dream come true" for composer
Posted by M @ 2:52 a.m. NZST

Renowned composer Inon Zur will be celebrated in a special live symphony concert presentation of his music for the computer game Lineage II: Chronicle V: Oath of Blood, to be performed by the Mostly Philharmonic Orchestra at the AX-Hall in Seoul, Korea on May 30th, 2006.

Internationally recognised as one of the A-list composers in the video games industry, Zur was commissioned by NCsoft Korea to compose the game's original score based on his award-winning dramatic music for film, television and video games. His other game credits include blockbuster titles such as Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones, Champions of Norrath: Realms of EverQuest, Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal, Icewind Dale II and SOCOM II, each production featuring Zur's distinctive orchestral style.

For more information on Lineage II: The Concert, visit http://bbs.lineage2.co.kr/event/eventView.asp?eid=33&

Mr An Yong Jin, Sound Supervisor at NCsoft Studio E&G and organiser of Lineage II: The Concert, says: "Inon has written some of the most emotionally charged and ethereal music heard in a computer game to date. His music for Lineage II is perfectly suited for a live symphony concert setting and more importantly it matches our vision for this epic game and upgrades the fantasy to a whole new level."

For the recording of the Lineage II: Chronicle V: Oath of Blood original game score, Zur recently conducted and recorded with the 70-piece Northwest Sinfonia at the Bastyr University Chapel in Seattle, USA. The score was mixed at Zur's project studio in Los Angeles.

Commenting on his music for the game and the upcoming live concert performance in Seoul, Korea, Inon Zur said: "I'm very proud and honoured to take part in the legendary Lineage series. I hope my music will add to the Lineage heritage and bring some new elements to this magical world. I had an extremely fascinating experience working on this game and I look forward to sharing this music with the players and fans. It is a dream come true to have my music performed live in concert."

Zur's powerful orchestral scores have also previously featured in the promotional trailers for Hollywood movies such as "Annapolis" (Touchstone Pictures), "The New World" (New Line Cinema), "Kingdom Of Heaven" (Twentieth Century Fox), "The Pacifier" (Walt Disney Pictures), "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" (Walt Disney Pictures), and "Fantastic Four" (Marvel/Twentieth Century Fox). Inon's music can also be heard in the hit television series "Into The West" from Executive Producer Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks Television. Inon is a classically trained graduate of the Music Academy of Tel Aviv in Israel, and also studied at the Dick Grove School of Music and UCLA. Inon Zur is represented by Bob Rice of Four Bars Intertainment (North America) and Stacey Yoon of LaMi Productions Inc. (Asia). For more information visit www.inonzur.com.

Battle Red Sox pitcher in EverQuest II during Yankees series
Posted by M @ 2:18 a.m. NZST

Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling is about to debut in EverQuest II as a loot-dropping virtual bad guy who battles unwary players.

Schilling's video game character will reside within the online world of EverQuest II for three days during the Yankees vs Red Sox baseball series running through June 5, 6 and 7. During this time, anyone can register for and log into EverQuest II at www.battleals.com to challenge the evil Schilling character.

After the three-day baseball series, Curt's character will remain within the game as a high-powered enemy that characters will have to face later in the game. At the launch of the campaign on June 5th, Schilling's 10-year-old son, Gehrig (named after the legendary Yankee first baseman), will be one of the first to battle his virtual dad in-game.

"I enjoy the anonymity and the ability to interact on a personal level with people I wouldn't normally meet or know," Schilling says of EQII. The 39-year-old baseball superstar has been a longtime fan of SOE games, even contributing game reviews of expansion packs to gaming magazines.

Gitaroo Man coming to PSP
Posted by M @ 1:31 a.m. NZST

Gitaroo Man Lives! on the PSP will see the long awaited return of one of the PS2's most popular and critically acclaimed rhythm action games. This time players will get the opportunity to jam with the man and save the universe all over again on Sony's PSP. The release of Gitaroo Man Lives! is scheduled for the third quarter of 2006.

With his unique collection of battle songs and his talents for blazing out shattering anthems, Gitaroo Man is tuned up and ready to hit the road. Gitaroo Man Lives! makes use of the PSP's analogue controls and includes brand new Wi-Fi games where two tunesmiths can either join forces or pit their talents against each other to see who is the ultimate string legend.

Scarface: The World is Yours is expected to ship this Spring for the PlayStation 2, e Xbox and PC. For more information, visit the game's official site at www.scarfacegame.com.

Ubisoft to make game based on Lost TV show
Posted by M @ 11:38 p.m. NZST

Ubisoft has entered into a long-term, worldwide licensing agreement with Touchstone Television to develop and publish a video game based on the Emmy Award-winning television series Lost. Developed by Ubisoft's award-winning Montréal studio and scheduled to hit retail shelves worldwide in 2007, the game will be offered for home and portable consoles as well as PC.

"We are delighted to work with Bryan Burk, one of the biggest producers in Hollywood and with Touchstone Television," says Yves Guillemot, CEO of Ubisoft. "That they have chosen us for the adaptation of the cult series... is the best homage that a producer can make to the creativity of Ubisoft."

"This deal is another example of how truly powerful the Lost brand (sic) is," says Bruce Gersh, senior vice president, business development, ABC Entertainment and Touchstone Television. "We are excited to work together with Ubisoft to create a gaming experience that will allow fans to further immerse themselves into the mysteries and intrigues of the series."

"The creative appeal of Lost transcends borders with its character-driven stories and addictive mysterious mythology," says Julia Franz, executive vice president, Touchstone Television. "It's not enough for fans worldwide to just watch Lost - the game is a wonderful opportunity to organically extend this creative phenomenon into an interactive consumer experience."

"Many of us on Lost have been hardcore gamers for years and the chance to work with Ubisoft, a company behind some of our favorite titles, has excited us to no end," said Lost producer Bryan Burk. "With the ability to tell new interactive stories within the Lost universe, we're giddy to be developing a game that, once completed, will be as engaging and fun to play as it is to create."

J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof co-created Lost and also serve as executive producers, along with Bryan Burk, Jack Bender and Carlton Cuse. Lost, which is filmed entirely on location in Hawaii, is from Touchstone Television.

PGR 3 Cadillac V-Series Collection now available on Xbox Live Marketplace
Posted by M @ 11:05 p.m. NZST

Microsoft and Bizarre Creations have announced the availability of the Project Gotham Racing 3 Cadillac V-Series Collection, now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. Gamers can add all three Cadillac V-Series vehicles to their virtual garage and race for an opportunity to bring home a new and exclusive award.

The three Cadillac V-Series cars include the 400 horsepower CTS-V, which in racing form won both the manufacturers' and drivers' championships in the 2005 Speed World Challenge GT series; the 443 horsepower XLR-V, which is the quickest and most agile Cadillac ever offered; and the 469 horsepower STS-V, the most powerful production Cadillac ever made.

For those racers interested in racing these high-performance Cadillac cars online, the Cadillac V-Series Collection will be available free on the Xbox Live service. Drivers who download the collection will also be able to post to the game's leaderboards and participate in the Cadillac challenge for the Cadillac Elite gamer picture award.

Any Xbox Live competitor who places within the top 100 on the Nurburging F1 racetrack in any of the three Cadillac cars will be awarded the gamer picture. PGR 3 will continue to reward the top players sporting their new Cadillac Elite status by enabling future gamers to earn the gamer picture only by breaking one of the top 100 scores for that car's specific leaderboard.

Local gaming magazine expands
Posted by M @ 9:36 a.m. NZST

After 50 issues and 5 years, Gamefreaks Magazine, NZ's most widely-read gaming mag, is evolving from this month with double the pages and broader coverage.

Now at over 50 pages, publisher Tenth Planet says the mag will contain more space for screenshots, previews and other coverage as well as new content such as interviews, events, features, letters, polls, tips/codes/secrets, a DVD section.

Since its inauguration in 2001, publisher Jon Minifie says Gamefreaks' close partnership with publishers, distributors and gaming outlets, both retail and rental, has established a large and loyal readership. "We believe this new retail format will benefit not only the readers, but advertisers, stockists and ultimately all our clients."

Europe gets extra DS Lite colour, later launch
Posted by M @ 11:22 p.m. NZST

The Nintendo DS Lite will launch in Europe on 23rd June 2006, four weeks after its release in New Zealand. However, while NZ will only have the Polar White version, in Europe the handheld will be available in two colours from launch – a sleek black edition as well as the stylish white edition.

Nintendo DS Lite is a lighter and brighter version of the highly successful Nintendo DS, which has sold more than 16 milllion units worldwide. It will join the Nintendo DS range as a 'premium' alternative to the current Nintendo DS.

Nintendo's latest console includes all the existing features of the Nintendo DS, yet includes a variety of distinctive changes which set it apart from other handheld consoles. Nintendo DS Lite retains the advanced touch screen technology, allowing players to control the software with a stylus or even their finger, as well as dual screens, voice recognition and Wi-Fi capabilities of the Nintendo DS but is now both smaller and lighter. Weighing nearly 60g less than the original, it is just two thirds of the original size. The redesign isn't only cosmetic, though: the Lite features adjustable screen brightness with four settings, a repositioned microphone for ease of use and a larger and more comfortable stylus.

Nintendo announces Nintendogs Dalmatian & Friends Edition
Posted by M @ 10:47 p.m. NZST

Nintendo is offering canine lovers the chance to own the much sought-after Dalmatian puppy, as Nintendogs Dalmatian & Friends Edition goes on sale, exclusively for the Nintendo DS from June 2006.

With an initial choice of six breeds to own and a further 14 to be unlocked, Nintendogs Dalmatian & Friends Edition sees the previously hard-to-unlock Dalmatian amongst the initial choices, along with the most popular dogs from the previous versions - Dachshund & Friends, Labrador & Friends and Chihuahua & Friends.

Dalmatian & Friends also features all the touch and talk elements of the original series. Players get to purchase their favourite puppy, making sure it is fed, walked, cleaned, played with and taught various tricks and commands using the Nintendo DS's touch screen and microphone.

Once players have trained their puppy, they can enroll their dog into competitions to show off their new talents and earn prizemoney. Three different types of competition are available: an obedience trial, a frisbee-catching contest and an obstacle course. With the competition earnings, players can purchase food, toys and accessories for their puppy.

The Nintendo DS's Wi-Fi functionality also allows players to share their new Dalmatian with friends through 'Bark Mode'. Interacting with another puppy automatically unlocks that breed in another players version of Nintendogs, giving players the chance to share this rare new puppy with friends.

In 'Bark Mode', owners search for other Nintendo DS's running in the same mode using the console's built in wireless connection. If another console is discovered, the DS will emit a 'barking' noise, alerting owners that a playmate has been found. Both players then exchange contact cards, allowing them to interact with each other's puppies and give exciting gifts if they wish to.

Nintendogs Dalmation & Friends is part of Nintendo's series of Touch Generation titles. For all the latest information on Touch Generation titles, visit www.touchgenerations.com

The WWII squad-based action title, from THQ's internal studio Relic Entertainment was the first to offer a pre-launch multiplayer demo for the Xbox 360. The three-map pack is currently available for download for 500 Microsoft Points.

"The Outfit set the standard... with the first-ever pre-launch Xbox 360 multiplayer demo and continues to raise the bar with a set of three all-new maps available for download on Xbox Live," says Brad Carraway, director, global brand management, THQ. "The game's innovative blend of explosive action and tactical strategy along with its unique Destruction on Demand feature provides gamers with a never-before-seen take on multiplayer gameplay. Fans can now extend the online experience with a quick, easy download."

Be a Car Designer contest for Aussies
Posted by M @ 6:13 a.m. NZST

In recognition of Design Week 2006, Atari, Inc. is running its "Test Drive Unlimited – Be a Car Designer" contest for US and Australian gamers.

Test Drive Unlimited is the ultimate lifestyle and automotive gaming experience packed with the world's most luxurious vehicles, more than 1000 miles of diverse stic Hawaiian terrain, a challenging single-player game and a host of online options with M.O.O.R.: Massively Open Online Racing, which enables gamers to interact with thousands simultaneously. The game offers more than 100 licensed vehicles – cars and bikes – from exclusive manufacturers that are fully customisable with unrivalled interior and exterior details and functions. Test Drive Unlimited will be available in September 2006 for Xbox 360 and PC.

Car enthusiasts, novice designers, gamers and artists are invited to create an image of their dream concept car for the "Test Drive Unlimited – Be a Car Designer" contest. The Grand Prize Winner will have his car design implemented into Test Drive Unlimited as a fully functioning 3D vehicle driving alongside the world's most recognisable cars such as the Lamborghini, Ferrari and Aston Martin. A prize of US$2,500 will also be awarded to the winning designer. All entrants are encouraged to draw on their fresh imaginations and invent original inspired vehicles that may be seen by millions.

The contest has officially opened this weekend. All entries must be received before 12 am EDT on 1st July. The voting period begins at that time and ends at 12am PST on 11th July. The entry with the highest combination of number of votes and overall rating at the end of the voting period is the grand prize winner of the contest. For full details and official rules, TestDriveUnlimited.com

Kingdom Hearts II to be released this Spring
Posted by M @ 6:01 a.m. NZST

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, has announced the forthcoming release of the highly-anticipated Kingdom Hearts II. The latest title in one of Square Enix's most popular franchises, Kingdom Hearts II will be available exclusively on the PlayStation 2 in Spring 2006.

The world of Kingdom Hearts brings classic Disney characters and worlds together within a new story where players will meet and visit new characters and locations created by Square Enix. The result of the collaboration is an original adventure that has captured the attention of fans worldwide.

In Kingdom Hearts II, players will travel through the worlds of Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, Mulan, Pirates of the Caribbean, Steamboat Willie and Tron as well as revisit worlds from the original, including Aladdin, Disney Castle, Hercules, The Little Mermaid, Winnie the Pooh and The Nightmare Before Christmas. The game features more than 100 Disney characters, including the new additions of Chicken Little, Stitch from Lilo and Stitch and one of Disney's favourite villains, Pete.

Kingdom Hearts II also introduces new, original characters such as Roxas, members of Organization XIII and the Nobodies, all designed by Square Enix's Tetsuya Nomura, director and character designer of the Kingdom Hearts series. Nomura is best known for his creations in the top selling titles Final Fantasy VII, VIII, X, X-2 and directing Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children.

John Yamamoto, President and CEO comments: "From Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie to Pirates of the Caribbean and Final Fantasy, both Disney and Square Enix boast characters with worldwide recognition. Kingdom Hearts II combines the best of these worlds in a stunning game that will appeal to all gamers.

"Kingdom Hearts II is an exciting adventure with strong characters in unique settings," says Thierry Braille, vice president of Buena Vista Games Europe. "We are excited to bring a sequel with an interactive and entertaining experience to fans of all ages."

Total War site revamped
Posted by M @ 5:34 a.m. NZST

Sega Europe and The Creative Assembly have unveiled a brand new, dramatically revamped website for the award-winning Total War series of PC strategy games.

The culmination of an intensive joint project between teams at The Creative Assembly and Sega, the new-look site boasts masses of new information, artwork and media for all the games in the legendary series - from 2000's Shogun to the forthcoming Medieval II.

Medieval II was recently on display at the E3 show in Los Angeles, where fans and journalists got their first hands-on time with the game. A specially produced hi-res trailer is also available on the game's new website at www.totalwar.com.

Super Monkey Ball Adventure website launched
Posted by M @ 5:05 a.m. NZST

Sega has launched the official site for Super Monkey Ball Adventure, out for PS2, PSP and GameCube this Winter.

Visit www.supermonkeyballadventure.com for new screenshots, movies, downloads and more.

The site will soon have a Web game added ahead of the game's release in July.

10. Uno Xbox Live Arcade Game (Microsoft Games Studios)

Xbox FIFA comp includes trip for ultimate fan
Posted by M @ 9:24 a.m. NZST

Microsoft is offering a trip for two to Berlin for the ultimate Xbox Cup fan for the FIFA 2006 video game tournament on Xbox 360.

The chosen fan will also win an Xbox 360 console with five games from EA Sports and $500 worth of Adidas gear.

Qualification is by means of a crowd noise game on Xboxcup.com. All entries by 24th May receive a prize, and the top of the leaderboard wins the trip package.

The Xbox Cup features 32 pairs from around the world. The ultimate fan will join New Zealand's pair as par of the official party.

For more information, visit https://www.xboxcup.com/

Red Orchestra modding community grows with Defence Alliance
Posted by M @ 9:01 a.m. NZST

The modding community for Red Orchestra is about to take a major step forward according to developer TripWire Interactive.

There is already a number of realism mods logged for Red Orchstra only a week after the launch of the SDK. These include Burning Sands: Afrikafeldzug 40-43 and Campagna Italiana: Road to Rome, already starting into production. The new addition is the renowned Unreal Tournament 2004 mod Defence Alliance, which will now make the move from UT2004 to Red Orchestra as the first total conversion mod for RO.

As put in more detail by the DA team: "After years of development and experience using the Unreal Engine tools provided by Unreal Tournament 2004, the Defence Alliance Team is proud to announce a shift in the Defence Alliance universe. Defence Alliance 2.5 will be a completely new experience from what previous versions provided to our trusted players"

With the recent success of Defence Alliance 2 on Unreal Tournament, Defence Alliance 2 version 1.6 will be ported to Red Orchestra. The Unreal Tournament 2004 version will also be updated and it will be the last version which will address all the latest issues that were noted in the last version.

The new version, DA 2.5, will be built entirely for Tripwire's Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45, using the SDK recently released through Steam.

Tripwire is currently looking for experienced modelers, 2D artists, level designers and programmers that can help in the new development cycle. Defence Alliance 2.5 will be available through Steam and will require Red Orchestra in order to work.

For more information on these mods, visit:

Burning Sands: Afrikafeldzug 40-43 - http://www.burningsands.org/

Campagna Italiana: Road to Rome - http://www.campagna-italiana.com/

Defence Alliance 2 - http://www.planetunreal.com/da/2/

Tomb Raider creators entering DVD games market
Posted by M @ 11:21 p.m. NZST

Circle Studio, the Derby-based software company originally responsible for the creation of blockbuster video games franchise Tomb Raider, has secured seven-figure funding from Bank of Scotland Corporate to expand its business into the brand new DVD games sector.

The funding will allow Circle to exploit the format and the company has already acquired several exclusive licenses to produce official DVD games for super-brands such as the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Eurosport, Discovery Channel, Discovery Kids and the NBA.

Circle is an independent software developer and publisher, employing around 50 people. The majority of its staff are software developers and the company has secured its new funding from Bank of Scotland in order to optimise the operation of its new DVD games publishing division.

The company's first venture into the DVD games sector in December 2005, a collaboration with Virgin and EMI/Universal called 'Now That's What I call a Music Quiz', topped the UK sales charts. It has now sold over half a million copies and is the fastest-selling DVD game to date.

Circle was founded in 2003 by Jeremy Heath-Smith and Adrian Smith. The brothers share over 40 years' collective experience in the sector and are games industry veterans. They plan an "aggressive" release schedule over the coming months, commencing with games based on two of Dreamworks' blockbuster animated movies, Shrek and Madagascar. These titles are to be followed with the official Eurosport quiz game, two Discovery Kids adventure games and the FIFA World Cup title.

Map editor, update 1.04 now available for Star Wars: Empire at War
Posted by M @ 10:08 p.m. NZST

LucasArts and Petroglyph today announced the immediate availability of a map editor and update 1.04 for Star Wars: Empire at War, the award-winning real-time strategy game. Players will have en more control in their bid to dominate the galaxy, with the ability to create both custom battle grounds and unique units to fight in their armies.

The Map Editor enables players to create both ground- and space-based skirmish maps from scratch, and also allows them to modify any of the existing game maps. All of the terrain, space features, buildings, vehicles and characters from Star Wars: Empire at War are available in the Map Editor for players to develop custom maps. In addition, the download includes a bonus plug-in for 3D Studio Max that allows players to design their own unit models and import them for use on the maps.

Map Editor is available now for download at FilePlanet.com. (Note that this is an unsupported tool and players will need to first download and install Update 1.04 before using custom maps created with the Map Editor.)

Update 1.04 enables the optional Map Editor download and the use of custom maps, and also adds support for auto-downloading of maps. Players that need to download a custom map to play a particular multiplayer game will do so automatically when joining that game. In addition, update 1.04 implements numerous balance changes for both rebel and imperial units, and also corrects several issues, most notably one where capital ships would be invisible during space combat. Update 1.04 is available at http://support.lucasarts.com/patches/EAW1_4.htm.

Warcraft universe subject of new motion picture
Posted by M @ 12:13 a.m. NZST

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. and Legendary Pictures have entered into an agreement to develop a live-action film based on Blizzard Entertainment's award-winning Warcraft universe.

Based on the terms of the agreement, Legendary Pictures has acquired the movie rights for the best-selling game universe, and both companies are now focused on translating the Warcraft experience to the big screen.

"We searched for a very long time to find the right studio for developing a movie based on one of our game universes," said Paul Sams, chief operating officer of Blizzard Entertainment. "Many companies approached us in the past, but it wasn't until we met with Legendary Pictures that we felt we'd found the perfect partner. They clearly share our high standards for creative development, and because they understand the vision that we've always strived for with our Warcraft games, we feel there isn't a better studio out there for bringing the Warcraft story to film."

"One of our goals at Legendary Pictures has been to bring heroic stories to life in groundbreaking ways, and it's inspiring to work with a company such as Blizzard that takes that approach with each of its products," stated Legendary Pictures chairman and CEO Thomas Tull. "The Warcraft universe is possessed of such a rich mythology and, as such, serves as an ideal platform as we go about translating that universe into what we intend to be a major event film."

Blizzard's Warcraft games have developed a loyal following since the series debuted in 1994. Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness, released in 1995, won multiple Game of the Year awards, and Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos broke multiple sales records when it launched in 2002. World of Warcraft, Blizzard's latest entry in the critically acclaimed franchise, has quickly become one of the world's most popular online games, with more than 6 million paying customers worldwide.

"From our first Warcraft game to our latest novels, our intention has always been to develop a rich fantasy universe that could support stories and products in many forms," stated Chris Metzen, Blizzard Entertainment's vice president of creative development. "In addition to being a truly rewarding experience for us, the creation of this motion picture also feels like a natural next step for the Warcraft universe."

"It's not always the case that interactive game properties lend themselves to proper adaptation to film," says Jon Jashni, Legendary Pictures' chief creative officer. "We are intending to approach this as we would the adaptation of a best-selling novel: respect the essence of all that it is but also build upon that fertile base while translating it into a new medium."

Further details about the upcoming Warcraft movie, including director, cast, and targetted release date, will be revealed in the months ahead.

For more information, visit www.spyrothedragon.com.

EVE Online to get Vivox Real-Time Voice Technology
Posted by M @ 11:16 p.m. NZST

Subscribers of the massively multiplayer online game EVE Online will soon have real-time, in-game voice communication as the result of a technology integration agreement. Vivox will provide CCP with game-embedded voice communication services customised for and integrated into EVE.

EVE players will be able to speak with each other in-game, create audio conference channels for their gang, corporation or alliance, and start, leave or rejoin voice conversations during gameplay without impacting game performance. On-screen indicators will show the gamer which channels are monitoring audio communications and which player within a channel is speaking. Players will also have moderator privileges to kick, mute, ban and un-ban other players, all synchronised with the rights of existing EVE moderator and user roles.

"Players of EVE are attracted by its unique role playing and space simulation features," says Hilmar V. Petursson, CEO of CCP. "But when players unite to form corporations and alliances, the game's dynamic, immersive experience really comes alive. Now users will be able to talk, strategise, plot and negotiate naturally with each other. To deliver this functionality to our subscribers, we wanted a partner with expertise in delivering voice communications with a simple, scalable and high quality solution so that we could focus on our core expertise of building game content."

Unlike other MMOGs, the entire EVE player base shares the same server cluster. With Vivox providing the in-game voice services and managing the required infrastructure, there are no resource implications that could impact game server performance. This new feature will be a premium service option for game subscribers and, because of its tight integration into the game, ease of use, and massive scalability, presents "a tremendous improvement over burdening gamers with maintaining their own voice servers with third party applications", as some EVE player corporations and alliances currently do.

"With its concurrent users numbering in the tens of thousands, and the game's distinct depth and challenges, EVE is a stellar stage for our voice technology," said Vivox CEO Rob Seaver. "Adding real-time voice to a game like EVE makes for an MMOG experience that grabs users and immerses them in game play that's challenging and entertaining, and creates a sense of community and camaraderie. It's this kind of technology that's going to keep gamers heavily-invested in EVE and excited about the future of MMOGs."

Killzone: Liberation PSP details
Posted by M @ 12:39 a.m. NZST

Further to the announcement of Killzone: Liberation, developed exclusively for PlayStation Portable by Guerrilla (now a member of Sony Worldwide Studios), Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) has provided details of some of the new features planned for the game.

In order to maximise the PSP playing experience, Guerrilla has moved from a first person to a third person viewpoint. This new intelligent camera system always gives the player the best overview capturing all of the intense action, enabling the player to make tactical decisions before engaging in a firefight.

Killzone: Liberation stays true to the PlayStation 2 version in atmosphere and all-out action. The player reprises the role of the battle hardened Templar (although other familiar characters appear, including Rico) as he attempts to save ISA hostages taken captive by the evil General Metrac and leads the battle to gain the liberation of Southern Vekta. The fight against the new, sinister General spans over 16 missions in a variety of new environments. The player will have to overcome all new Helghast enemies including bodyguards (complete with riot shield defence) and trained killer dogs. In turn, players will be able to utilise a wide range of weaponry including sniper rifles and a crossbow with explosive tipped arrows.

At specific points players will be able to use a new Tactical Command System to give orders to an AI buddy during frantic firefights. Killzone: Liberation also allows you to drive vehicles including tanks and hovercrafts to help defeat the powerful and intelligent enemy. Players can use the challenge games to sharpen their skills and earn new abilities.

Killzone: Liberation takes advantage of the technical capabilities of the PSP hardware with its multiplayer functionality; two player co-op in campaign mode, (i.e. two players can team up and take on the single player game together) whilst up to six players can compete in ad-hoc mode in six multiplayer maps.

In addition, Killzone: Liberation will feature a Game Share mode, so PSP gamers yet to experience the Killzone universe will have the opportunity to sample the action and gameplay.

EVE Online expansion details
Posted by M @ 12:14 a.m. NZST

The upcoming expansion to EVE Online—codenamed Kali—will introduce an innovative Advanced Reactive Content System (ARCS), in which the political landscape and physical borders of nation-states within the game can be altered dynamically through the collective outcome of player actions, thus directly controlling the game universe destiny and resulting storyline.

CCP will also release a newer version of the current award-winning graphics engine for EVE Online, which will take advantage of the latest DirectX 9 features to produce superior imagery and detail than the existing client. This effort requires that the game's 300+ starships — each of which is composed of millions of triangles — be remodelled in ultra-high resolution. Players will then see these ships rendered by the power of per-pixel lighting, HDR, and soft-self shadowing.

"Games either provide active content, in which the player reacts to artificial changes in the game universe, or they provide reactive content, in which the entire game universe reacts to the actions that players decide for themselves," says Magnus Bergsson, CMO of CCP Games. "CCP believes strongly that the players should be the centre [of] focus of the storyline and control the evolution of the game universe. The Path to Kali will lead EVE Online to great heights in reactive content and further establish EVE Online as the premium free-form MMOG on the market today."

Parallel development of an entirely new graphics engine called "EVE Vista" is also underway. The new graphics engine—named "Trinity II"—will take full advantage of the new features and optimisations offered by DirectX 10, which will ship with the new Windows Vista OS next year. The highly anticipated graphics API will give Trinity II the ability to render far greater detail by leveraging the fully programmable shader pipeline and utilising the API's built-in instancing support. The combined technologies will allow CCP to continue building dynamic environments with visual effects that will surpass the already stunning graphical presentation of the game.

The final component of Kali will be factional warfare, in which players will have the option to align themselves with an NPC faction. Also included in the Path to Kali will be the opening of new regions in the game universe, the addition of significant exploration content, next-generation player R&D that includes reverse engineering capabilities, additional ship upgrades and player professions, the introduction of combat boosters, and the addition of new warships.

The Path to Kali will begin in Q2 2006 with the first release, and end in 2007 with the factional warfare implementation.

Siren 2 arriving next month on PS2
Posted by M @ 12:06 a.m. NZST

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe [SCEE] has announced the June 2006 release of Forbidden Siren 2 developed exclusively for PlayStation 2.

Set on the island of Yamijima (the island of darkness), the story begins when a group of characters are washed up on the deserted island's shore after their boat is caught in a violent storm. Unbeknownst to them, 29 years earlier, all the inhabitants of the island mysteriously disappeared in a blackout when an underwater electric cable snapped, cutting the power.

To this day the island is shrouded in mystery. Little do they know, the unfortunate visitors are not alone on the island as the Shibito (living dead) are everywhere. Join Mamoru Itsuki and a young girl named Kishida, as the unlikely pair embark on a frantic fight for survival – and unearth the secrets of the island.

To survive, players need to use light to their advantage. Both the Yamibito (people of the dark) and the Shibito are sensitive to light in different ways. Either turn lights on or smash street lights to plunge them into darkness, or hide in the shadows and throw objects to distract your enemy. And if stealth tactics fail, pick up one of more than 30 weapons or use vehicles to ram enemies and obstructions and access remote parts of the island.

For extra chill factor, the trademark Siren sight-jacking has been enhanced so players can now see the game through the eyes of animals as well as through the eyes of the Shibito and the Yamibito. Watch the enemy hunt you with the tracking capability of the sight-jacking, and, if you dare, switch and watch yourself be the victim.

Ghost House Pictures, one of Hollywood's leading producers of genre films (best known for The Grudge and Boogeyman), has acquired the film rights to the original Siren game to take it onto the big screen.

"Atari is committed to providing great gaming experiences to the largest possible audience," said Atari, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Bruno Bonnell. "With our GamersFirst programme, Atari is taking another step forward to make our unique catalogue of games more accessible to everyone. We are proud to announce our unique GamersFirst $19.99 programme and reaffirm our commitment to consumers."

For more information, visit http://us.atari.com/gamersfirst.

Silent Hill for PSP
Posted by M @ 11:52 p.m. NZST

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced Silent Hill Origins (working title) for PSP.

The first handheld title in the horror series, Silent Hill Origins uses the PSP to tell an original story with disturbing graphics and all-new gameplay elements. The game's narrative reveals the origins that transformed Silent Hill from a sleepy town to a hellish stronghold of terror and introduces several new characters to the franchise.

Silent Hill Origins follows a solitary truck driver stranded in Silent Hill while making an ordinary trip. Confronted by perversions of his imagination that mirror his troubled past, he must escape from the town as it falls into ruin and also uncover the truth behind the hallucinations that have haunted him for so long.

The game introduces several gameplay mechanics that are new to the franchise and provide the player with an enhanced sensation of isolation as they make their way through the desolate streets of Silent Hill. Key to this is a new barricade system that lets players manipulate the environment to impede the progress of pursuing enemies, using furniture and debris to create a sanctuary from the evil that lurks outside. Players can also utilise an enhanced camera designed with the PSP in mind, as well as an updated control scheme for improved combat and more detailed exploration of the environment. Fans of the series will also revel in Silent Hill Origins' original soundtrack by series composer Akira Yamaoka.

"Silent Hill Origins delivers all the terrifying moments, gruesome enemies and memorable characters and story-telling the series is known for on to a handheld gaming system," says Hans-Joachim Amann, Head of European Product Management for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. "Players can now experience greater freedom with the game's enhanced combat and barricade systems and also learn how the chilling events of later Silent Hill games were set in motion."

Hellboy hits next generation formats
Posted by M @ 11:50 p.m. NZST

Konami this week announced Hellboy (working title) for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PSP and mobile phones.

Based on the acclaimed comic book series from Dark Horse Comics, the game lets players unleash Hellboy's supernatural strength as they smash, crush and demolish their way through over six unique locations that boast fully destructible environments as they attempt to thwart an evil, supernatural plot.

Drawing players into the vibrant and detailed world created by comic book legend Mike Mignola, Hellboy lets players step into the muscle bound frame of Hellboy, a hulking crimson-skinned warrior of supernatural creation. On the trail of a crazed witch, Hellboy uncovers a fiendish plot for world domination and must rush to defeat the crazed Hermann von Klempt before he can exert his evil will on a hapless world.

Hellboy offers players a visceral tactical brawling experience, letting them unleash the hero's Right Hand of Doom on wave after wave of enemies. Using a detailed context-sensitive fighting system, players can choose to charge up Hellboy's strikes for added power or use his speed and agility to unleash a rapid fire combination of blows on opponents. They can also grapple with enemies, attacking them from close or even using them as weapons to keep other attackers at bay.

Boasting detailed and expansive environments with advanced lighting and texturing techniques, the levels in Hellboy are also highly destructible, adding another level of strategy to the game's bare knuckled action while bringing the character's untamed power to life. When confronted with a large group of enemies, players can choose to smash a wall to create smaller, more manageable groups and even pick up the rubble to use as a weapon. Hellboy also lets players experience the game co-operatively with two players taking on the roles of characters from the Hellboy universe such as Abe Sapien and Liz Sherman.

"Hellboy unleashes the raw power of the comic book icon with devastating hand to hand combat, an intricate grappling system and fully destructible environments", said Hans-Joachim Amann, Head of European Product Management for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. "Followers of the comic book and movie will delight at controlling the sheer power their favourite sharp tongued hero offers, while fans of action games will immediately be drawn into the game's spectacular graphics and intuitive yet strategic gameplay."

Developed by Krome Studios for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PSP, Hellboy is planned for release in 2007. A mobile phone version will also be released in 2007, with further details to follow.

Coded Arms next year for PS3 and PSP
Posted by M @ 11:48 p.m. NZST

Konami has announced two new additions to the popular Coded Arms series. Coded Arms Assault will see the gun-toting range blasting on to PlayStation 3, while the franchise will also return to its PSP roots in the form of Coded Arms Contagion (working title).

Coded Arms Assault for the PlayStation 3 casts players as a hacker entering a virtual world in an attempt to overthrow an evil corporation bent on world chaos. Set in cyberspace, players take on fearsome enemies, unleash deadly viruses and download new weapons as they fight to bring down this new threat. Powered by the Unreal Engine 3, Coded Arms Assault lets players unleash unprecedented destruction on the game's environments, using explosions to send deadly debris flying towards their opponents and strategically using high-powered weaponary to shoot out enemy cover. The entire campaign mode of the game can be played online co-operatively with up to four players.

Boasting support for large-scale online combat, Coded Arms Assault lets up to 16 players go head-to-head in the game's multi-player-specific environments. In several team or individual play modes, gamers will also be able to utilise land and air-based vehicles for extra speed and power, and unlock additional multiplayer content by achieving different conditions of play.

Coded Arms Contagion continues the series' tradition of handheld first person shooting action for the PSP. The game thrusts players into a new cybernetic crisis where they must use their hacking abilities and an arsenal of high-powered weaponary to survive. As a lone security agent, players will return to AIDA (a virtual reality military training program) to prevent cyber-terrorists from taking control of the program and gaining access to classified military information. Across a variety of enclosed and open-air levels, players will take on original enemies with an all-new selection of firearms and explosives that lets them counter the terrorist menace with more firepower than ever before.

Expanding upon the acclaimed multiplayer modes of the series' debut on the PSP system, Coded Arms Contagion supports online and wireless local play for up to eight players. Across a selection of new environments, players will also be invited to go head-to-head or form teams in several different gameplay modes that highlight the game's fast paced action and customisable controls to create the ultimate portable online shooting experience.

Bomberman explodes onto PSP and Xbox 360
Posted by M @ 11:44 p.m. NZST

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has taken the wraps off two new iterations of the ever-popular Bomberman series. Bomberman will be released for PSP, with Bomberman Act: Zero bringing the series to Xbox 360.

Bomberman marks the debut of the bomb-toting hero on the PSP system with classic gameplay and new handheld gaming twists. Bomberman brings a classic selection of characters and environments to life in 3D with a variety of different play modes. 'Normal' mode offers single-player Bomberman adventures, complete with a new story and 100 levels and a new item stock system that allows for the collection and strategic use of items.

'Classic' mode is based on the original Bomberman gameplay and features over 50 different levels. Multi-player battle mode allows up to four players to fight for survival in a variety of highly customisable game types across 20 different stages via wireless ad hoc play. Similarly, game sharing lets up to four players battle together in timeless multiplayer party modes with one UMD.

BOMBERMAN Act: Zero for the Xbox 360 redefines the series for the next generation with all-new gameplay elements. As Bomberman, your objective is simple: destroy your opponents before they destroy you.

Players are challenged to survive through 99 stages as they try to escape a failing experiment and reach the surface. As they progress through the corridors of the facility, it will be a scramble for hidden items such as the program extension chip needed to strengthen their armour or other powerful ability enhancements. Up to eight players can battle for survival online in classic multiplayer action through Xbox Live and earn points to become the ultimate weapon on the world rankings. Online players can also customise their character from a wide variety of visual options, including gender, colour and armour type.

New FPS announced from Free Radical
Posted by M @ 4:15 a.m. NZST

Today Ubisoft has announced the development of HAZE, an innovative FPS game based on new intellectual property.

Developed by Free Radical, creators of the critically-acclaimed TimeSplitters series, HAZE is scheduled for an early 2007 release for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC.

Ubisoft will showcase HAZE at the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo.

"We are really pleased to be introducing this ground-breaking new intellectual property and to work with the best shooter developers on consoles" said John Parkes, director of marketing at Ubisoft EMEA. "With HAZE, Ubisoft demonstrates its profound commitment to the next-generation of video games and will definitely have a chance to deliver a top notch shooter in one stunning package."

About HAZE:

Twenty-five years in the future. Governments have outsourced military operations to private multinational corporations. As Jake Carpenter, a newly enlisted soldier in the Mantel army, you are seeking fulfillment and thrills by fighting for a good cause.

Thanks to their high-tech arsenal of vehicles, deadly weaponry, and performance enhancing bio-medical support, the Mantel Corporation's ruthlessly efficient soldiers are the most feared by terrorists, dictators, and the corporation's political enemies.

Your conflict begins in a war-torn country in South America, where you have been sent to fight a vicious rebel faction, The Promise Hand. At first glance, all is well, but things quickly begin to look a little strange…

Key Features:

• Impeccable FPS credentials. From the developers of the critically-acclaimed TimeSplitters series and the publishers of Far Cry, Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, and Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter. Free Radical and Ubisoft have proven their ability to create innovative platform-defining FPS titles.
• Next-generation gaming technology applied to a cutting-edge futuristic first-person shooter. Designed from the ground up to take advantage of next generation hardware. Prepare to be blown away by stunning visuals, hyper-intelligent AI, and realistic physics for a varied and immersive gameplay experience.
• Gear up and deploy with the best of the best. Experience the devastating firepower of deadly weapons through dazzlingly rendered outdoor and indoor environments. Drive vehicles through a dense and humid jungle ravine, or breathtaking mountains, as you strive to defeat the merciless guerillas.
• State of the art multiplayer modes. Fire up your console or PC for online battles on one of two carefully balanced sides. Choose from a variety of online modes including furious co-op action with your friends.
  

New Philips AmBX details emerge
Posted by M @ 4:06 a.m. NZST

Philips AmBX has provided more details of its revolutionary new ambient experience technology, AmBX , including an agreement with SpectraVideo Plc and a raft of new consumer features which will deliver an instant plug and play experience. A number of amBX-enabled games will also be available later on in 2006.

Philips AmBX will provide gamers with a full 'sensory surround experience' by empowering game developers with the ability to use light, colour, sound, vibration and even air flow in the real world during gameplay.

Combining a scripting language and software engine, AmBX has been designed to deliver all-new player experiences through enabled devices such as LED colour-controlled lights, active furniture, fans, heaters, audio and video, all placed strategically around a player's room.

AmBX is highly flexible, allowing gamers to build their own personal set-up by picking and choosing from a variety of lights, fans, rumblers and future devices. AmBX adapts itself to that, making sure that at any time, with any set-up, the optimal experience is delivered.

Following the recent announcement that Philips peripherals and accessories will be launching a range of AmBX accessories and kits, UK-based peripheral developer and manufacturer, SpectraVideo, is now set to join them.

SpectraVideo will be the first to launch a range of third party AmBX -enabled products under its own Logic3 label. SpectraVideo has been succesfully selling gaming peripherals under the Logic3 brand for over 12 years. More recently, SpectraVideo has expanded its range to include IPod accessories with its best selling Logic3 I-Station. SpectraVideo has established its own expertise in taking a leading role and being first to develop and market new and innovative product ranges, a trend that it hopes to replicate with its AmBX -enabled products.

Both companies plan to have products available in time for Spring and will each announce full details of their ranges in the coming months.

For consumers, Philips AmBX has announced a range of applications to help them get the most from their AmBX kits right away, even without AmBX enabled games. Some of these applications will be bundled with the peripherals.

The AmBX Visual Autoscriptor and AmBX Audio Autoscriptor will enable consumers to get an AmBX effect from any medium they run on their PC, whether it is one of their existing PC games or their music collection. An AmBX Media Player will also be launched which will play AmBX-scripted music, DVDs and video.

The AmBX Atmosphere Controller will allow consumers to control their AmBX kit directly to enable mood lighting or other effects other than through playing games and music.

When consumers go online, the AmBX Web Plug-in will allow peripherals to join in with web pages scripted with AmBX , making surfing the Web a totally different experience.

Philips AmBX will also have content available for download through the AmBX website at www.ambx.com.

Philips amBX is working with a number of developers and publishers to deliver a range of AmBX-enabled games for launch. These will include some brand new and some existing games, with the range of games available to increase post launch.

Philips AmBX is currently in the closing stages of agreements with a number of leading computer games developers and publishers.

Activision to open dev studio at DreamWorks
Posted by M @ 3:59 a.m. NZST

Following on the heels of their multi-year strategic alliance, Activision and DreamWorks Animation have announced that Activision will be opening a dedicated studio facility on the DreamWorks campus.

The move, which establishes an unprecedented level of collaboration between a Hollywood studio and a video game company, will facilitate simultaneous co-development between DreamWorks' CG feature films and Activision games based on those films.

"This announcement marks an unparalleled step in the convergence between Hollywood and video games," stated Robert Kotick, Chairman and CEO, Activision, Inc. "For the first time, we will be able to align our games' production schedules with the movies' from the pre-production phase onward. This will allow us to fully leverage the movie assets and storylines, in addition to collaborating closely with the talented production teams at DreamWorks to develop storylines that expand the movie experience in new and compelling ways."

"We're excited to have the game designers and film creators exchanging ideas on a daily basis," said Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation. "We hope to create an immersive atmosphere that will help us continue to produce the finest in cutting-edge video games with Activision."

In November 2005, Activision signed a multi-year agreement with DreamWorks Animation for the exclusive video game rights to all current and future console platforms, PC, and handheld devices for DreamWorks' upcoming feature films - Bee Movie, Kung Fu Panda, Rex Havoc and How to Train Your Dragon. The deal also extended Activision's rights beyond Shrek the Third to include potential future films in the Shrek franchise. The company's alliance with DreamWorks has resulted in more than US$300 million in video game sales worldwide.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops infiltrates PSP
Posted by M @ 3:30 a.m. NZST

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has used the E3 gaming event in Los Angeles to unveil Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops – an all-new action title in Hideo Kojima's legendary Metal Gear Solid series, for the PSP.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops redefines the stealth action genre for handheld gaming systems with an original storyline that follows from the events of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and boasts ground-breaking online play that lets gamers recruit comrades to form a unique fighting force.

The single-player campaign of Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops follows the events of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, as Naked Snake establishes Foxhound in an attempt to hunt down the treacherous Fox unit, which has started a bloody revolt in South America. Set in 1970, the game will be the missing link in the ongoing Metal Gear saga, as players will learn more about returning characters such as Para-Medic, Major Zero and Sigint and also witness Naked Snake's greatest tragedy – a loss that sets into motion the events of later games in the Metal Gear Solid timeline.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops delivers the series' trademark stealth-based action to PSP while introducing several new elements that add even more depth and variety to Naked Snake's new adventure. Using an intuitive new third-person camera that is optimised for handheld play, gamers will be able to see more of Snake's surroundings, identifying threats while also targeting the best areas for sneaking and hiding. The story of Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops will be told through fully voiced cinematics featuring 3D models and original artwork by acclaimed illustrator Ashley Wood.

As players progress through the single player campaign of Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, they can recruit comrades to create their own fighting unit. In addition to regular enemies and soldiers, players can also recruit unique NPCs depending on their actions in key situations, building an armed force to fit their style of play. Through the wireless capabilities of the PSP system, players can also search for volunteer soldiers via wireless access points.

Refining the gameplay of the online multiplayer mode from Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence, Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops lets players engage in online skirmishes through the PSP system's wireless infrastructure functionality. Players will be able to use their squadron from the single-player portion of the game as well as recruiting new members and trading with other players, unleashing their distinctive abilities and wreaking havoc across the game's numerous multiplayer levels.

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops also introduces a new "White Flag" system to the game's multiplayer modes, letting players choose to surrender and live to fight again in each round or fight to the death until the next game begins. Placing emphasis on stealth gameplay, the White Flag System further evolves online play for the Metal Gear series and creates a bond between the player and their team as they work together to achieve their objectives.

Tony Montana's Femmes Fatale Turn Up The Heat In Scarface: The World Is Yours
Posted by M @ 3:20 a.m. NZST

Vivendi Games' Sierra Entertainment has signed five of Hollywood's sexiest actresses and models to lend their voices to the roles of the "Femmes Fatale" – Tony Montana's female companions – in the upcoming video game Scarface: The World Is Yours licensed by Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. Vida Guerra, Meagan Good, Jillian Barberie, Amanda Righetti and Diora Baird will take on the roles of Tony Montana's love interests in the video game due next Spring.

"Tony Montana said it best: 'You gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women,'" said Cindy Cook, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer for Vivendi Games. "Scarface: The World Is Yours will be a faithful recreation of living the life of Tony Montana, so we had to cast the hottest women in Hollywood. Our Femme Fatales cast exceeds even Tony's highest standards."

In the game, the Femmes Fatale play an important role in the development of Tony Montana's character and abilities. Once Tony has increased his "Reputation" sufficiently, he will meet and court the women, eventually convincing each to live with him in his Miami mansion. Once each Femme Fatale joins Montana, the player will receive a special performance bonus and additional "Reputation" points, helping to improve the gameplay performance of the lead character.

Vida Guerra (Chappelle's Show), Meagan Good (Roll Bounce, You Got Served), Jillian Barberie (Good Day L.A., NFL on Fox), Amanda Righetti (The O.C., North Shore) and Diora Baird (Wedding Crashers, Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning) join an array of Hollywood's brightest film and television stars that will help bring drug-lord Tony Montana's criminal empire to life. Stars from the original 1983 classic film are joined by today's hottest talent in providing voice-over performances for the game.

Scarface: The World Is Yours will plunge players deep into the seedy underbelly of 1980s Miami as they become Tony Montana to rebuild his fallen empire and seize vengeance on his enemies. Further announcements about additional cast members will be made later this year.

For more information, visit www.scarfacegame.com.

For more information, visit http://www.yourpsp.com.

Enemy Territory: Quake Wars official site launched
Posted by M @ 2:53 a.m. NZST

The Strogg and Global Defence Force armies are gearing up for online battle with the launch of the Enemy Territory: Quake Wars website.

Fans can now go online to http://www.enemyterritory.com to get an in-depth look at game features, browse and download screenshots, videos, and concept art and read what others are saying about the game. The site also features a fan site creation kit offering every necessary element for gamers to create their own Enemy Territory: Quake Wars fan home pages.

Serving as the official headquarters for all the latest Enemy Territory: Quake Wars news and information, EnemyTerritory.com will deploy a number of new sections and features over the coming months, including; detailed comparisons of the Strogg and GDF forces, more videos, screenshots, and wallpapers, and an entire community site with strategies, game stats, developer blogs and much more.

Enemy Territory: Quake Wars is the ultimate online team and objective-based multiplayer experience. Set within the epic Quake universe in the year 2065, gamers choose to play as Human or Strogg in one of five unique character classes. Employing an arsenal of weapons, vehicles and deployable armaments, players engage in an action-packed test of skill and coordinated teamwork through a series of combat objectives. Persistent character growth and achievements reward players for teamwork, while clearly defined mission and class objectives guide new players to meaningful contributions on the battlefield.

Enemy Territory: Quake Wars is currently in development at Splash Damage - co-creators of the original Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, and is being executive produced by Id Software.

Virtua Fighter 5 on PS3 in Autumn 2007
Posted by M @ 2:45 a.m. NZST

Sega's highly anticipated arcade game, Virtua Fighter 5, will make its way onto the PlayStation 3 in Autumn 2007.

This latest installment in the critically-acclaimed series will elevate the arcade fighting genre to all-new heights as it takes "true advantage" of the capabilities of the next-generation hardware. Game footage will be on display at the 2006 Entertainment Electronic Expo this week.

Virtua Fighter 5 will feature an all-star cast of 17 fighters, including characters from the previous iterations along with two new characters named El Blaze and Eileen. El Blaze is a Mexican fighting champion who defeats opponents with his quick Lucha Libre fighting style. Eileen, originally from China, uses a Monkey Kung-Fu fighting style that she learned from her grandfather, a former Kung-Fu master. Players will be able to customize their characters by selecting from four uniquely patterned costumes and a wide range of attachable items that can be placed onto each fighter's various body parts.

Virtua Fighter 5 will deliver fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping action as players head into battle, taking on a host of popular characters. Players will not only achieve victory by defeating highly-skilled opponents, but will also compete for prizes and earn in-game money through the match to buy many items at an in-game shop. These items allow players to customize their ultimate warrior and become the top Virtua Fighter. In addition, the game will introduce "Offensive Move", a new maneuver that will allow players to easily approach opponents from the side, adding a more strategic element to the battle. The game will support 720p HD resolution.

"Virtua Fighter 5 will offer fans the ultimate next-generation fighting game experience," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, Sega of America, Inc. "For years, the industry has talked about bringing the arcade experience to the living room. Virtua Fighter 5 fulfills this promise, and then some."

Rockstar announces GTA: Vice City Stories, PSP exclusive
Posted by M @ 2:33 a.m. NZST

Rockstar Games, the renowned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., has announced Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories.

Developed by Rockstar Leeds in conjunction with series creators Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories will be available exclusively on the PSP system in late October.

"The success of Liberty City Stories on the PSP system was nothing short of spectacular," says Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games and Executive Producer. "The incredible PSP system technology allowed us to do things we never thought possible on a handheld system and we are excited to once again give our audience a fresh experience in one of their favorite locales in the Grand Theft Auto series, Vice City. With Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories we look to once again smash expectations of portable gaming, bringing an all new story and exciting new gameplay elements to this classic setting."

"Our collaboration with Rockstar Leeds has been a tremendous experience," said Leslie Benzies, President of Rockstar North. "Together we have been able to create uncompromising experiences on the PSP system that not only stay true to our initial vision for the series but that surpasses our own goals of what could be done on a handheld. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories will thrill longtime fans and excite new PSP system gamers like never before."

"We are proud of what we were able to achieve with Rockstar North on Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories," said Gordon Hall, President of Rockstar Leeds. "By staying true to the high standards of the series and surpassing fans' expectations for a Grand Theft Auto title on a portable machine we feel confident that Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories will redefine what handheld gaming is capable of with the most intense PSP system experience yet."

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories is a new game in the Grand Theft Auto series with an entirely new storyline, new missions and gameplay that brings an unprecedented experience to mobile gaming. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories features the interactive, open environment of Vice City with professional voice talent, a diverse soundtrack and high production values that have become trademarks of this landmark series.

Microsoft Game Studios and other leading publishers, including Electronic Arts Inc., Namco Bandai Games America Inc., THQ Inc. and Funcom, will provide gameplay experiences for Windows Vista gamers across numerous genres, including role-playing games, first-person shooters, real-time strategies, massively multiplayer online games and simulations. Read more

Paris Hilton to appear with Gameloft at E3
Posted by M @ 11:36 p.m. NZST

Heiress extraordinaire and pop culture icon Paris Hilton will be in full effect at E3 to introduce her very first mobile game, Paris Hilton's Jewelry Case.
Gameloft, a leading developer and publisher of video games for mobile phones, will preview some of the most anticipated mobile titles at E3 2006. The company recently announced a long-term licensing agreement to develop, publish and distribute mobile games based on Paris Hilton. Paris Hilton's Jewelry Case will be showcased by Miss Hilton herself, and she will also be available to sign autographs for fans in support of her entrance to the mobile gaming market.

Xbox 360 to have sold 10 million units by year's end
Posted by M @ 11:26 p.m. NZST

Microsoft Corp. Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates today staked the claim that the Xbox 360 system will have a 10 million unit head start by the time the competition enters the market and more than 160 games by the end of the year.

Gates went on to outline the company's vision to connect Xbox 360 gamers with PC and mobile gamers from around the world through the Xbox Live online entertainment network. Gates made the announcements at a media conference ahead of this week's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), the largest annual confab for the interactive entertainment industry. Read more

Microsoft new product announcements
Posted by M @ 10:42 p.m. NZST

Microsoft Corp. has announced the next wave of games and accessories for Xbox 360 and new Xbox Live entertainment experiences.

Ahead of the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft, announced that gamers can expect more than 160 games by the end of 2006 for the Xbox 360 platform.

In addition, Moore unveiled several new Microsoft Game Studios titles in development for Xbox 360, including Alan Wake, Fable 2, Forza Motorsport 2 and Halo 3... Read more

Take-Two opens 2K Shanghai studio
Posted by M @ 3:50 a.m. NZST

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. has opened a new development studio under its 2K label in Shanghai, China.

The new studio, 2K Shanghai, is completing development of the Chinese-language version of Sid Meier's Civilization IV for the PC, expected to be available later this Summer (local time).

2K Shanghai will develop new original IP and co-develop products with other 2K studios around the world. Additionally, 2K Shanghai will serve as a hub for sales, marketing, development and outsourcing opportunities in China.

"There is an enormous amount of development talent in China and it is also a great market for some of our franchises," said Christoph Hartmann, President, 2K. "With this studio, 2K is poised to participate in this rapidly emerging gaming market."

Rockstar agreements provide GTA4 and episodic content to Xbox
Posted by M @ 2:12 a.m. NZST

This time, Xbox gamers won't have to wait. Responding to the cries of Xbox 360 owners, Microsoft Corp. and Rockstar Games have struck an agreement that brings Grand Theft Auto IV to the Xbox 360 platform.

Grand Theft Auto IV, the new-generation console debut of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, is expected to be in stores in mid October.

"Few franchises have had the profound impact on our industry as Grand Theft Auto," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. "Gamers can't wait to play Grand Theft Auto IV in high definition on Xbox 360, and we couldn't be more excited to have the title on our platform from day one."

Separately, Microsoft and Rockstar Games announced a strategic alliance to provide exclusive episodic content for Xbox Live, giving the community ever-expanding gameplay experiences that simply aren't possible on other consoles.

"Through Xbox Live, we have a unique opportunity to reach out to our audience in new ways," said Sam Houser, executive producer and founder of Rockstar Games. "This strategic alliance allows us to craft experiences that fully leverage the on-demand distribution power and sheer size of Xbox Live."

Since Xbox Live launched, fans have logged nearly 1.8 billion hours playing online and have downloaded more than 18 million pieces of content in the past six months.

New Sonic game for Wii
Posted by M @ 11:01 p.m. NZST

At E3 today Sega announced Sonic Wild Fire (working title) exclusively for the Wii. Developed by Sega Studios, Sonic Wild Fire stars the Blue dude with the 'tude on his first solo adventure since the original Sonic the Hedgehog in 1991. The game takes advantage of the innovative Wii controller as Sonic combines his trademark high-speed action with easy-to-play controls to offer a brand new experience... Read more

PS3 release date, price specified: 17th November, US$499/$599
Posted by M @ 4:44 p.m. NZST

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe plans to launch the PlayStation 3 'Clear Black' throughout mainland Europe and Australasia on November 17, 2006, as part of a worldwide simultaneous launch.

The prices in North America have also been set at US$499 with 20GB HDD, or $599 with 60GB hard drive.

Having Giga-bit Ethernet and a pre-installed hard disk drive (HDD) as standard in PS3, users will be able to download a variety of contents as well as access on-line games and services over the network... Read more

New PS3 controller borrows more from Nintendo
Posted by M @ 4:30 p.m. NZST

Sony Computer Entertainment has unveiled a revised version of the prototype PlayStation 3 controller shown at last year's E3.

The final version continues the PlayStation controller's history of borrowing functionality from Nintendo, something Nintendo itself had been keen to avoid in the next generation by delaying its own controller unveiling.

However, Sony always maintained the 'boomerang' controller shown at E3 2005 was not the final design, giving it time to wait until is competitors had shown their hands... Read more

CoD2 commercials banned for using pre-rendered graphics
Posted by M @ 12:14 a.m. NZST

Activision has been caught displaying pre-rendered game footage in commercials without identifying the content as such, resulting in consumer complaints relating to deceptive advertising being upheld by Britain's Advertising Standards Authority.

The three viewer complaints centred around the footage showing superior graphics to the actual game. Activision created the footage especially for the commercials.

"The ASA noted that the ads did not include any indication that the images shown did not reflect the quality of graphics of the games. While the scenes used communicated the themes of the game, they were not accurate representations of the graphics in the games themselves. We considered that this was misleading," said the authority.

Music Maker 11 Deluxe is also the first consumer music software with full 5.1 Surround Sound integration (import, edit, and export), supporting the new Fraunhofer MP3 surround format.

IGA: Microsoft aquisitions endorsement of its in-game ads
Posted by M @ 11:15 p.m. NZST

IGA Worldwide, the leading independent in-game-advertising company, sees Microsoft's recent acquisition activity as further endorsement of IGA's approach to growing the global market.

"From our perspective, Microsoft's entrance into in-game advertising is an exciting development that clearly accelerates the ongoing concentration of the market as the category approaches the [US]$1billion threshold," says Justin Townsend, CEO of IGA Worldwide.

"IGA Worldwide has pioneered in-game advertising in Europe for the past two years with global brands such as Red Bull, T-Mobile and Fox Studios.

"Our strength lies in a proven platform that is built upon an open approach dedicated to being both publisher- and player-friendly, while being sensitive to the interests of advertisers. This approach features dynamic ad insertion with verifiable audit trails."

IGA Worldwide is the global leader in 360-degree in-game advertising solutions, helping brands to achieve measurable results in the world's fastest growing and most engaging new communications medium. Through its proprietary ad serving network, Radial, IGA enables advertisers to dynamically target millions of engaged consumers across a broad range of game platforms, titles and genres, while its wholly-owned communications consultancy, Hive Partners, delivers strategic consulting services and exclusive access to unique integrated product placement and co-promotion opportunities.

THQ announces Sopranos game for Christmas
Posted by M @ 11:04 p.m. NZST

THQ Inc. has announced an upcoming video game based on HBO's critically acclaimed series The Sopranos.

Currently under development, THQ says the game will evoke the atmosphere, action and conflicts that are the cornerstone of the hit show, which has found worldwide success as one of HBO's premier original programmes. The game is backed by key members of the all-star cast who will lend their voices and likenesses, including James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano.

The Sopranos game is scheduled to release for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 2 this Christmas.

"Teaming up with one of the best in the business, we're excited to enter this new entertainment medium with our most successful and widely recognised original series, The Sopranos," says Carmi Zlotnik, executive vice president, New Media Programming, HBO. "It's clear that fans want more of The Sopranos, and creating a game that puts the player in their world is a great way to satisfy them.

"We're excited to work with HBO on creating a game that captures the spirit of the groundbreaking series – a modern classic that redefines the life of crime genre," says Kelly Flock, executive vice president, Worldwide Publishing, THQ. "The Sopranos has become television legacy for this generation and now fans and gamers can become part of the story and see if they have the muscle and wit to become 'made'."

About the game:

A mob war is brewing as Philadelphia's and New Jersey's most powerful families are about to collide. As the illegitimate son of "Big Pussy," you have been born into the organisation and are now being given an opportunity to demonstrate your loyalty to Tony Soprano. As a soldier you must earn money on collections, protect your turf through intimidation, and gain admiration within your own family to move up in the ranks of the organisation. Carry out orders from Paulie, Silvio, Christopher and Tony in familiar locations such as the Bada Bing!, Nuovo Vesuvio's and Satriale's.

The storyline is a collaboration with show creator David Chase and voiced by the show's key cast members.

NZ at ESWC 2006
Posted by M @ 10:34 p.m. NZST

Joe Racer, last year's Electronic Sports World Cup New Zealand representative for Gran Turismo 4, has been accepted to compete at the 2006 event in Paris this June and July.

Joe Racer placed 9th at the inaugural tournament in 2005, which was won in controversial circumstances by hosts France, who placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the four-player final.

Joe Racer will be competing against 31 others for a share of US$40,000 prize money to be distributed amongst the top eight players.

Joe Racer currently holds the Australian Gran Turismo 4 Championship title and was the winner of this weekend's Black Box Session GT4 competition.

DS Lite launching 1st June
Posted by M @ 10:22 p.m. NZST

The third incarnation of the best-selling current generation handheld, Nintendo's DS Lite, will be available in New Zealand on June 1^st, at an RRP of $269.95.

The Dual Screen Lite, launching in Polar White, features brighter screens, is approximately two-thirds the size of the first-released Nintendo DS model and about 20 per cent lighter. It also features a larger stylus and repositioned button layout, all the while maintaining all of the original Nintendo DS features, including the screen size.

The DS Lite has experienced phenomenal success in Japan. Since its launch earlier this year, Nintendo has struggled to keep up with consumer demand.

With a series of exciting and innovative software releases, Monaco Corporation aims to continue this trend:

• The highly anticipated Metroid Prime Hunters is scheduled for release May 25^th. Blast your way through six ferocious bounty hunters in adventure mode, take on up to four friends wirelessly or battle online using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

• Twenty years after Nintendo's biggest franchise was born, the Mario Brothers return in an all-new platformer sure to set players' fingers twitching. New Super Mario Bros. arrives June 8^th.

• Dr Kawashima's Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain?, releasing June 15^th, is designed to keep people's minds active with fun mental workouts that incorporate the user-friendly voice-command and touch-screen capabilities of Nintendo DS. Brain Training also includes more than 100 sudoku puzzles.

Atari has announced the development of Dungeons & Dragons: Tactics for the PSP, marking the first time the D&D license has ever graced a portable system.

Developed by Kuju Entertainment, Dungeons & Dragons: Tactics is scheduled for release in 2007.

"Dungeons & Dragons: Tactics is a superior example of how to use the PSP's full power for a really great handheld gaming experience", says Cyril Voiron, Marketing Director, Atari Europe. "Not only is it an outstanding single-player RPG based upon the astonishing D+D universe, but it also offers gameplay extension through downloadable content, wireless cooperative game modes and customisable characters, which in turn shows Atari's commitment to providing players an experience beyond just the single-player game".

"The PSP system has proven to be a very exciting platform to work with and an ideal choice to expand the world of Dungeons & Dragons within the interactive gaming space," says Jerry Chu, Senior Licensing Manager, Hasbro. "Making full use of the PSP system's unique capabilities, gamers will be granted an accurate D&D experience and story combined with a robust multiplayer system and the ability to extend gameplay through downloadable content."

Dungeons & Dragons: Tactics offers an original storyline. Players take on the role of a mortal child caught in a conflict of two competing dragons striving for godhood. Alignment is critical, as it affects the end of the story and allows players to change from good to evil, or the other way around, depending on which quests they choose.

Gamers will play through a series of adventures, completing various objectives along the way. Dungeons & Dragons: Tactics offers all the D&D base character classes including Barbarian, Bard, Cleric, Druid, Fighter Monk, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer and Wizard. Five Prestige Classes are available, as are two Psionic classes, the Psion and the Psychic Warrior. Players will be able to customise their characters and store as many as their Memory Sticks can handle.

Dungeons & Dragons: Tactics will take advantage of the PSP system's wireless capability and offer gamers a multiplayer mode. The co-operative mode allows a group of gamers to play the single-player campaign with their friends as a team. In Deathmatch mode a series of special arenas, such as the randomly-generated and populated Dungeon Bash, allows players to fight one another with their saved parties. Dungeons & Dragons: Tactics also features the ability to utilise downloadable content helping extend the play in the form of new dungeon maps.

Sonic Rivals to be PSP exclusive
Posted by M @ 2:35 a.m. NZST

Sega has announced the development of Sonic Rivals exclusively for the PSP.

Sonic Rivals is a head-to-head competition between Sonic and his top rivals, where the gloves are off and winner takes all. Built from the ground up, the engine allows gamers to rip through tracks in some high-spirited single-player and wireless multiplayer action against friends as Sonic returns in a whole new racing platformer with classic 2D gameplay in true 3D environments for gamers on the go.

What starts as a friendly competition between Sonic and Knuckles quickly intensifies as Shadow and other rivals jump into the action. Sonic Rivals allows gamers to utilise boost moves and powerups to trip, shove, and vault over each other while hurtling towards the finish line at breakneck speeds. Players will negotiate wildly twisting 3D tracks while avoiding the insidious Dr Eggman and his myriad of hazardous traps and contraptions.

"Sonic Rivals brings back the classic 2D platform gameplay that started it all, and douses it with vibrant three-dimensional environments," says Scott Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing, Sega of America, Inc. "In this heated rivalry, gamers are tested to prove not only who's the fastest but who has the best head-to-head gameplay strategy."

In Sonic Rivals, gamers can play as one of four different characters from the Sonic universe, each with separate fast and winding storylines. In addition, the extensive rewards system, which is based on collecting trading cards, allows players to customise their favourite characters. Connect via wireless to race against a friend, and put trading cards on the line for even more multiplayer challenges.

Debuting on the Sega Mega Drive in 1991, Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the world's best-selling and most recognisable video game franchises and characters. More than 44 million units later, the beloved blue hedgehog celebrates his 15th anniversary this year.

Ubisoft plans to release the fourth instalment of the Rayman franchise, now officially titled Rayman Raving Rabbids, worldwide at the end of the year.

cheduled for current and next-generation video game consoles, Rayman Raving Rabbids also joins the line-up as an official launch title for Nintendo's Wii, formerly known as Revolution, and its innovative controller. Rayman Raving Rabbids is being developed by Ubisoft's award-winning studio in Montpellier, France led by Michel Ancel, creator of the original Rayman game, the critically acclaimed Beyond Good & Evil and Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie.

When the world of Rayman is threatened by a devastating invasion of crazed, out-of-control bunnies, Rayman must rise up against his furry foes to foil their wicked plans. Utilising an array of new abilities, and with the help of magical creatures, Rayman must break out all the moves to save his world.

"It's a real pleasure for me to be back working on an all-new Rayman," says Michel Ancel. "After wrapping up Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie, the team here in Montpellier sat down to talk about having some fun with Rayman and his universe."

Key Features:

Combat the ultra-crazed evil rabbits – Take control of Rayman and his knack for attack to help save his world from the raving rabbids. They are mischievous, insane and completely out of control. There are several types of rabbids each with its own mischievous characteristics.

Master and ride creatures – Tame and control various creatures such as sharks, eagles, rhinos, spiders and angelfish. Rayman can master each animal's unique capabilities to help in his battle against the devious rabbits.

Dress to impress – Customise and disguise Rayman. Go punk, pop, rock or hip-hop to infiltrate the bunnies and foil their devious plans.

Explore the colourful world of Rayman – Explore free-roaming environments and landscapes that mix real and fantastic styles.

With more than 16 million copies sold to date, Rayman is Ubisoft's best-selling and longest-running video game franchise. Created by Ancel when he was only 19, the limbless character has attracted gamers of all ages.

Rayman Raving Rabbids will make its worldwide debut next week at E3 in Los Angeles. For more information about Rayman, visit www.raymanzone.com.

Unbundling benefits not expected for another year
Posted by M @ 11:13 p.m. NZST

Last night's Government announcement that Telecom will be forced to open access to its network to competitors is not expected to bring improved Internet performance for another year.

The announcement was made at 5pm last night as markets close, two weeks before the slated timing in conjunction with the budget after it was discovered the decision had already been leaked to Telecom.

Telecom, whose value has dropped over $1 billion since the announcement, says the decision will put off investment in New Zealand in general for fear of regulation, and that the move will not bring about the objective of better and more commonplace broadband.

Telecom's closest competitors, Ihug and TelstraClear, claimed the decision will allow them to invest more.

Implementation of the unbundling is expected to occur this year. Along with opening its network, Telecom will no longer be able to set prices, speeds or useage limits.

GTR coming to Xbox 360
Posted by M @ 1:38 a.m. NZST

THQ Inc. has made a multi-title deal that will see the award-winning GTR franchise racing to the Xbox 360.

Crafted by award-winning Swedish development studio SimBin Development Team AB, GTR features all the cars, drivers and tracks from two full FIA GT Championships and challenges casual racers to become world-class drivers. Directed by professional racing driver and former FIA GT Team Owner, Henrik Roos, SimBin says GTR sets new standards for racing realism on console. GTR is expected to ship globally on Xbox 360 in Autumn 2007.

"We're excited to be working with one of the foremost European developers to bring a truly unique racing experience to Xbox 360," says Ian Curran, senior vice president, international publishing, THQ. "The talent at SimBin combined with the unique background that Roos brings to the team means that we will be able to deliver a meticulously comprehensive and entertaining racing experience to gamers."

"SimBin has built a reputation for delivering cutting-edge technology, unmatched atmosphere and white-knuckle realism in our racing games," says Roos, chief executive officer of SimBin. "With GTR for Xbox 360 we're developing a title that is not only a truly authentic racing game, but also a challenging, realistic and entertaining game that will be easy to learn but tough to master."

Enchanted Arms 360 exclusive
Posted by M @ 12:35 a.m. NZST

Ubisoft will publish Enchanted Arms exclusively for the Xbox 360.

Enchanted Arms, created by development studio FromSoftware in Japan and one of the first new-generation RPG adventure games, takes place in a fantasy world filled with beautiful cinematic graphics. Ubisoft says Enchanted Arms is the only RPG with a fast-action battle system that enables the player to move characters while in battle. Enchanted Arms is scheduled to ship in this Winter.

In Enchanted Arms, players will embark on an epic adventure filled with unique characters and over 75 special controllable creatures that players can unlock as they progress throughout the game.

Players will take on the role of Atsuma, an Enchanter-in-training, and will transform from a naïve student to the most powerful saviour in a war 1,000 years in the making. As the story develops, players face increasingly difficult challenges and learn to master Atsuma's special fighting and magical abilities.

"Enchanted Arms is the first classic Japanese RPG game created specifically for Xbox 360," says Jay Cohen, vice president of publishing at Ubisoft. "With its fast-action gameplay, stunning high-definition graphics, rich and colourful environments, and over an hour of anime-style cinematics, it's a must-have for every Xbox 360 owner."

For more information about Enchanted Arms, visit www.ubi.com.

Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand today announced the expansion of the PlayStation Portable line-up in New Zealand with the introduction of the Ceramic White model effective this Friday, 5^th May.

SCENZ says the Ceramic White PSP extends the already well-established design credentials of PSP with a clean and elegant look that will prove attractive and appealing to a wider audience of fashion and style lovers.

Launching in the popular Value Pack version, the Ceramic White PSP will come equipped with the usual accessories including a special white soft case and a 32MB Memory Stick Duo, plus the choice of a PSP game.

Since its launch in September 2005, sales of the black PSP to consumers in PAL territories have reached almost four million units.

"We are pleased to be launching the Ceramic White PSP in New Zealand," says Warwick Light, general manager of sales and marketing for SCENZ. "The sophistication and elegance of the Ceramic White PSP will encourage many more people to discover the unique entertainment experience of PSP. With the features and benefits of PSP expanding all the time, and with more PSP innovations on the horizon, PSP will soon become an essential companion for everyone's entertainment needs."

Xbox Live free during E3
Posted by M @ 11:15 p.m. NZST

Next week, Xbox gamers will be able to download demos, advertisements and other content free from Xbox Live.

From 7am Monday GMT (announced as 7:01am) till the same time the following week, if not two minutes earlier at 6:59, Xbox will host free content such as a Gears of War advertisement, a playable demo of Capcom's Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, and Game with Fame multiplayer sessions live from the floor at E3 itself with people like Method Man and Jenny McCarthy.

Over 60 pieces of new downloadable content will be available to gamers, including:

• Playable game demos and/or advertisements from highly anticipated titles:

Over 140 Marvel characters come together in Activision's Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, an all-new action RPG that features the largest roster of comic book characters ever seen in a video game.

Players assume the roles of more than 20 Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Blade and Captain America, and through their actions determine the fate of both planet Earth and the Marvel universe – revealed in one of multiple epilogues.

"Marvel: Ultimate Alliance delivers a new twist on action RPGs where players' actions and choices ultimately determine what happens to the Marvel universe," states Will Kassoy, Vice President of Global Brand Management for Activision. "This coupled with the game's enormous character roster will deliver an action-packed experience that comic book fans have been waiting for."

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance features a deep, rich gameplay experience by offering total team customisation, where players create their own team name, icon and vehicle, as well as establish their team reputation as they play throughout the story. Gamers also have the option to level up each character individually to their liking, or all team members at the same time to keep their heroes balanced.

With the game's new combat system, players battle against the world's most notorious Marvel Super Villains in the air, underwater, and on the ground, using grappling, blocking and dodging moves, by charging up their Super Hero powers before unleashing them, and using environmental objects as one and two-handed weapons.

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance features a unique storyline where the missions players accept, the objectives they complete, and their interactions with other characters throughout the game directly impact how the story plays out. The game also features a robust multiplayer component where fans can band together with friends as their favouite Marvel Super Heroes, and fight evil in both on- and off-line co-operative story modes. There's also a Competitive Mode where the game tracks various in-game stats so players can see how well they stack up against one another – affecting the amount of experience points earned and how equipment is distributed.

Created by Raven Software and C.B. Cebulski, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance will be the first Super Hero game out for all next-gen gaming systems, and will also be available on current-gen, handheld and PC platforms. The game is planned to ship in Spring.

New animation system to be used in Indiana Jones
Posted by M @ 2:25 a.m. NZST

Indiana Jones' first expedition on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 will feature the revolutionary Euphoria behavioural-simulation engine from NaturalMotion Ltd., creators of the award-winning Dynamic Motion Synthesis technology.

For the first time ever, Euphoria enables interactive characters to move without the limitations of traditional animation. Characters move and adapt realistically to their given situations on the fly, resulting in a series of experiences that will never twice be the same. As one of only two publishers with early access to the technology, LucasArts says is well advanced in integrating Euphoria into Indiana Jones' 2007 next-generation adventure.

"Imagine a swaying rope bridge. With euphoria in action, characters visibly attempt to balance themselves, their feet stumbling, their arms flailing, and their hands reaching for security as the unpredictable movements of the bridge threaten to send them plummeting to their doom. Perhaps they all survive. Perhaps they all fall. The use of Euphoria means the action isn't scripted – it's simulated – so you'll never be able to predict exactly what will happen, no matter how many times you've experienced a certain scenario," says LucasArts.

"With Euphoria, AI drives character behaviours so that there's a different payoff every time. The depth of this character interaction gives us true next-gen gameplay that you simply couldn't do with earlier generations of hardware," said Peter Hirschmann, vice president of product development at LucasArts. "We've been working with NaturalMotion since 2004 to help bring their groundbreaking technology to games, and there's no better character to demonstrate it than Indiana Jones."

"We have big plans for Euphoria, and we are absolutely thrilled to be able to show it off in the first next-generation release from LucasArts," says Torsten Reil, CEO of NaturalMotion. "LucasArts is an excellent partner with a real passion to raise the bar for next-gen games, and we look forward to working with them to apply Euphoria technology to its games for years to come."

LucasArts will demonstrate euphoria in action when it debuts its next-generation Indiana Jones game at E3 in Los Angeles next week.

New technology allows ads in old games
Posted by M @ 12:31 a.m. NZST

Exent Technologies, specialist in broadband-based solutions for monetisation of computer and video games, has launched a suite of in-game advertising solutions providing profitable opportunities for new and existing computer games. The solution allows for the enablement of in-game ads without the need to access the game's source code or any SDK integration.

Until now, implementation of in-game advertising was limited to new title releases, where in-game advertising capability had to be integrated into a game title during the development phase. Exent provides, through its patent-pending technology, the only solution that allows publishers to easily add in-game advertising capabilities at any stage of the product life cycle - during development, post-production and even after the games have been deployed and installed on users' machines. All this can be done without any involvement from the original developer, and without any technical integration.

Publishers can easily flip the switch on in-game advertising campaigns for games that were never originally designed to support it. This allows publishers to generate additional revenue from all their assets, new titles as well as back-catalogue, leveraging the hundreds of millions of installed game units.

"In-game advertising is the next step in the evolution of the games industry," says Zvi Levgoren, CEO, Exent Technologies. "Exent technology provides the key to unlock an impressive inventory of in-game advertising spots. Appealing to game publishers, brand owners, media companies and service providers, Exent's in-game advertising solutions create new revenue channels for all involved and an opportunity for consumers to reap the monetary benefits."

Exent's patented technology even allows for campaigns through illegitimate copies - it can identify copies and create campaigns to salvage revenues from them, no matter how old the title is and when it is cracked.

Game publishers benefit by significantly reducing content costs, offsetting development costs and increasing recurring revenue. Service providers that have already taken advantage of Exent's Games-on-Demand services can now offer ad-based, subsidised games services to increase customer stickiness and reduce churn.