Right from the off, players face a vicious onslaught from an army of grotesque crusader warriors. These twisted and tormented enemies, whose armour is fused with their rotting flesh and limbs replaced with axes and swords, are powerful, realisations of monsters from the mind of Clive Barker.

Developed by Mercury Steam Entertainment, Clive Barker's Jericho will unleash its supernatural assault from October 26th.

For more information, visit codemasters.co.uk/jericho.

Design a new Folklore character comp
Posted by M @ 9:52 p.m. NZST

If you're an imaginative gamer with a taste for the otherworldly then Folklore on PS3 is for you. The skilfully-woven tapestry of colourful landscapes and characters, gripping supernatural storyline and intuitive, motion-sensitive gameplay takes place in the mysterious Netherworld – a supernatural realm populated by Folks whose powers must be captured and harnessed in order to survive. There are over 100 Folk, each with their own unique personalities and individual style of combat – and now Sony Computer Entertainment Europe wants gamers to provide one more. If you can conceive of a supernatural creature worthy of sitting alongside the gelatinous Agar Agar, the spike-furred Bugaboo, the boulder-bodied Spriggan or the cavern-mouthed Fomoire, SCEE wants you to send them your design. Full entry details can be found at eu.playstation.com. The winning design will be turned into a real, in-game Folk by developers Game Republic – and will be downloadable from the PlayStation Store.

Entries will be judged by a panel from Japan's Game Republic studios that will include Yoshiki Okamoto, a.k.a. Okamoto-San - the iconic Executive Producer of smash hits Resident Evil, Devil May Cry and Genji. The competition will run from September 28th to October 22nd.

To see more of Folklore, head to PlayStation Network now to download the new playable demo that will provide the clearest indication yet of the adventures waiting for characters Ellen and Keats as they search for answers to a 17 year old mystery in the village of Doolin and the Netherworld beyond.

10th anniversary for Ultima Online
Posted by M @ 11:27 a.m. NZST

Electronic Arts has celebrated the 10th anniversary of the classic massively-multiplayer online game Ultima Online. Launched on September 25, 1997, Ultima Online broke new ground in the multiplayer game space and ushered in the modern MMO era. Anniversary celebrations include special in-game activities and rewards, plus a new amnesty programme that invites former players back to experience the major game update, Ultima Online Kingdom Reborn, free.

"Ultima Online has thrived for 10 years and achieved the status of an MMO classic, thanks in large part to the devoted player community," said Mark Jacobs, VP and general manager, EA Mythic. "We are very excited to celebrate this special anniversary with players."

In celebration of the 10th anniversary, EA is kicking off the "Return to Brittania" campaign, an amnesty programme that welcomes former players to discover the gameplay and graphics upgrades implemented in Kingdom Reborn. Past subscribers in good standing will be able to play for free through October 9, 2007 by visiting uo.com/kingdomreborn, downloading Ultima Online Kingdom Reborn and logging in using their former account name and password.

During the in-game celebration, players will be able to take part in a monster hunt with special prizes including an ankh pendant necklace, map of Brittania, Ultima Online commemorative sculpture and virtue armour set. Additionally, all players will receive 10 décor tokens and a wand of fireworks in their characters' inventory.

For more information on the 10th anniversary celebration, visit www.uoherald.com/tenth.

Halo 3 biggest entertainment launch in history
Posted by M @ 11:00 a.m. NZST

Halo 3 has become the biggest entertainment launch in history, garnering an estimated $228 million (US$170 million) in sales in the US alone in the first 24 hours. The Xbox 360 title beat previous records set by blockbuster movie releases such as Spider-Man 3 and novels such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Kiwi gamers have also demonstrated their love of the Halo franchise by purchasing the game in their thousands in what Microsoft believes to be the biggest launch in New Zealand gaming history.

More than 10,000 copies of Halo 3 (including some 8,200 pre-orders) were sold in New Zealand on the first day of release, equating to more than $1 million in sales.

New Zealand was the first country in the world to receive Halo 3 when it was launched worldwide at 12.00am on Tuesday.

A million gamers connected to Xbox Live in the first day, making it the most active day in Xbox Live history. Halo 2 logged 690,000 multiplayer games on day one; Halo 3 logged 2.4 million games on day one. There were 2.5 million campaign levels played around the world in the first 24 hours.

Halo 3 first set records in May this year, when gamers got a chance to experience an early beta version of the game online via Xbox Live. More than 820,000 unique participants racked up more than 12 million hours of online gameplay in its short test period – equivalent to more than 1,400 years of continuous play by one person.

The Halo 3 beta became the single most downloaded content on the service and surpassed the Halo 2 record of the highest total number of people playing concurrently on one title over Xbox Live. Throughout its 26-day test period, more than 350 terabytes of data was downloaded from Xbox Live, equivalent to more than 82 million digital music downloads.

Halo and Halo 2 have sold nearly 15 million copies worldwide on Xbox and PC. It is expected that by the end of the year fans will have spent more than $1 billion on the Halo franchise. The Halo 2 release on November 9, 2004, set entertainment history by generating US$125 million in US sales in its first 24 hours.

Dawn of War – Soulstorm standalone for Autumn
Posted by M @ 11:21 a.m. NZST

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Soulstorm, the next standalone chapter in internal studio Relic Entertainment's award-winning RTS franchise, is scheduled for release on Windows PC in Autumn 2008.

Featuring an extensive interplanetary campaign spanning an entire star system in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, Soulstorm introduces two new factions for an unprecedented total of nine playable races.

"Relic Entertainment has set the standard for technical excellence and innovation in the RTS genre," said Bob Aniello, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, THQ. "Dawn of War – Soulstorm continues that tradition as a standalone title featuring all-new, brutally addictive single and multiplayer game-play that will hook newcomers and skilled Dawn of War veterans alike."

"In Dawn of War – Soulstorm, we've taken Games Workshop's epic war from one planet to an entire star system," said Tarrnie Williams, general manager, Relic Entertainment. "Allowing gamers to play nine unique races, introducing air units and providing multiplayer achievements for the first time creates a tremendous amount of new and challenging strategic gameplay for all players."

Soulstorm is set in Games Workshop's Warhammer 40,000 universe – a dark, futuristic, fantasy setting where armies of technologically advanced warriors, fighting machines and hordes of implacable aliens wage constant war – and is played by millions worldwide.

In addition to new units across each of the seven existing races, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Soulstorm will incorporate air units for the first time and introduce multiplayer medals, adding a whole new level of depth to online battles. The revolutionary meta-game introduced in Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Dark Crusade is further expanded to an interplanetary scale in Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Soulstorm, allowing players to battle across an entire star system.

Sex Pistols re-recording for GHIII
Posted by M @ 1:57 a.m. NZST

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees the Sex Pistols, who famously turned down the award, recently returned to the studio to re-record Anarchy in the UK, which will be included in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock as a master track. Now, fans can perform their own live version of the punk anthem in the next installment of the #1 best-selling music and rhythm video game franchise.

The Sex Pistols were an obvious choice for Guitar Hero, having established themselves as the definitive punk band of the 1970s. Unable to locate the original multi-tracks for inclusion in the game, Activision invited the band back into the studio to re-record a couple of songs including Anarchy in the UK. Original members John Lydon on vocals, guitarist Steve Jones and drummer Paul Cook re-teamed with producer Chris Thomas, utilising the original analogue sound desk (circa 1969) that was built for George Martin at Air Studios, London, England in order to maintain the classic sound.

Thirty years ago this Spring, the song was first included on the Sex Pistols' only studio album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, which will be re-issued on vinyl on October 29, 2007, in its exact original format, including poster and Submission 7". The single Anarchy in the UK will also be re-issued on vinyl on October 1, along with three other classic singles throughout October. Celebrating this milestone, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock will be sponsoring the historic Sex Pistols show at the Brixton Academy in London taking place on November 8.

John Lydon stated that "Re-recording them [the songs]-what a stress you put on us but we rose to the occasion I think...admirably!" adding that "a bit of anarchy in a video game is alright by me."

"It was great for Guitar Hero to, in a way, get us back in the studio. I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out but it actually turned out great and I think everyone held their own," said Steve Jones. "I like it [Guitar Hero] because my friends' kids like it. And I like what kids like."

"Guitar Hero fans have been requesting more punk rock in the game since its first iteration," says Tim Riley, Activision worldwide executive of music. "We are honoured that the Sex Pistols went into the studio after 30 years so that we could have a song from the most renowned punk band of all time in the game."

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock will include explosive new content and features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, gruelling boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer game modes will also allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true legendary rock status. For the first time ever, Guitar Hero fans will also be able to thrash and burn with new wireless guitar controllers available for each platform. The game will feature a star-studded soundtrack including master tracks by such legendary artists as Guns N' Roses, Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam as well as original songs by guitar icons Slash and Tom Morello. The sequel also will offer a vast array of downloadable content including songs from some of the most popular European bands.

Tom Clancy goes airborne
Posted by M @ 12:24 a.m. NZST

Ubisoft has announced the creation of a new Tom Clancy franchise being developed by Ubisoft's Bucharest studio for next generation consoles and PC. The first air combat game taking place in Tom Clancy's universe, the brand will launch in 2008.

"Ubisoft has an unrivalled track record of creating and sustaining new brands," said Serge Hascoet, chief creative officer at Ubisoft. "Our commitment to refreshing our catalogue with regular introduction of new IPs is what keeps gamers coming back for more. With this new brand we're redefining the aerial combat genre and extending the Tom Clancy universe to deliver a compelling new action titles to next-generation gamers."

Set in the near future, the game imagines a world where a private military force has accumulated such power that it attacks the USA. Thrust into the cockpits of incredibly powerful and technologically advanced jet fighters, gamers will benefit from hi-tech piloting assistance, providing comfort, security and enhanced perception. As players gain skills and confidence, they will be able to shed the assistance. But before choosing performance over security, they'll have to weigh the risks carefully.

"We are confident that this new brand will become the new benchmark for flight combat games and will be, like other Tom Clancy based games, an instant online multiplayer hit," says Sebastien Delen, managing director of Ubisoft's Bucharest studio. "The player will experience all the action and excitement of modern air combat, from intense dog fighting to tactical strikes."

Developed by THQ's critically acclaimed internal studio Volition using their proprietary open-world engine, Saints Row 2 will offer "vastly expanded" customisation options, a totally transformed and expanded city of Stilwater, all new vehicles, sandbox tools and toys as well as both online co-op and competitive multiplayer. More information on the game can be found on the official Saints Row 2 website at aintsrow2.com.

"Saints Row set the bar for next-gen open-world development, earning praise for its unmatched customisation, controls, and the genre's first-ever online multiplayer [mode]," said Scott Guthrie, executive vice president of sales and marketing, THQ. "The team at Volition, Inc. is leveraging invaluable experience gained on Saints Row to build Saints Row 2 into a game that sets the standard for combat, player freedom, customisation, vehicle gameplay, team-based co-op and the most compelling online open world experience to date."

"Saints Row 2 has a much darker and more sinister story that leads your character down a path of betrayal, revenge and redemption against the city that has left him for dead, although we've blended that with the same light-hearted humour from the original," said Greg Donovan, lead producer, Volition, Inc. "Couple that with the most robust open-world feature set ever developed in the genre, and Saints Row 2 promises a gaming experience that will offer players the perfect balance of gripping narrative and compelling gameplay options."

Wii tops BAFTA nominations
Posted by M @ 1:29 a.m. NZST

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has announced the nominations for the British Academy Video Games Awards. The Awards ceremony will reward the individuals behind the very best in artistic, creative and technical innovation in video games, and will be held on 23 October.

Wii Sports which enables players to try their hand at a range of sports including baseball, tennis, boxing and golf received the highest nominations with seven, for Best Game, Casual, Gameplay, Innovation, Multiplayer, Sports and Strategy and Simulation. Crackdown, Gears of War, Okami and God of War 2 all secured five nominations each, while Guitar Hero II garnered four.

The nominations in the Best Game category exemplify the breadth of genres for players to enjoy today; from squad action and adventure in Kane and Lynch: Dead Men and Gears of War to battling mysterious undersea creatures in Bioshock, countering alien invasions in Crysis to rocking away in Guitar Hero II or enjoying a workout, playing Wii Sports.

In the Sports category, the late Colin McRae's racing game Colin McRae: Dirt, is joined by the off-road rally racer MotorStorm, FIFA 08, Football Manager 2008, Wii Sports and Virtua Tennis 3.

In the Innovation category the nominations spanned the sensory experience of aquatic critters in Flow, the nature adventure game Okami, the quirky role-playing Super Paper Mario, the card battle game Eye of Judgement, Trauma Center: Second Opinion, and Wii Sports.

This year's nominations show diversity of today's video games and their increasing appeal to both sexes and all ages, exemplified by the fact that the 43 different games nominated are rated 3+, 7, 12, 15, 16 & 18.

BAFTA says this year's categories have been fine-tuned to encapsulate the ingredients which contribute to making the video game one of the most exciting and engaging moving image art forms of today's popular culture. The Academy will recognise excellence in Artistic Achievement, Technical Achievement, Gameplay, Innovation, Original Score, Use of Audio, and Story and Character as well as achievements in the genres of Action & Adventure, Casual, Multiplayer, Sports, Strategy & Simulation plus Best Game.

This year's Awards will include the publicly-voted Gamers Award and a new BAFTA Ones To Watch Award. Online voting for the Gamers Award will be live on October 3 at obsessedwithgames.co.uk.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is the UK's leading organisation dedicated to the recognition and promotion of excellence in the fields of the moving image. Renowned for its high profile Film & Television Awards ceremonies, the prestigious BAFTA mask has long been seen as a symbol of excellence.

Games were entered by both developers and publishers into all the categories listed in this release and were initially whittled down by BAFTA games members and a carefully selected list of industry experts via a secure website.

The reduced list of titles for jury consideration was then divided into released titles and pre-release titles. The released titles were sent to jurors for them to play in their own homes. The pre-release titles were played on test units in a secure room at BAFTA by every juror over a period of some five weeks.
Once every juror had played every game, each category jury convened to create the 6 nominations in each category. The voting is done on paper by each juror, confidentiality papers are signed and the results in each category are not known until the envelope is opened on the night.

NBA 2K8 soundtrack
Posted by M @ 1:11 a.m. NZST

NBA 2K8 will feature original and exclusive tracks from the late legendary producer J Dilla (aka Jay Dee) with Common, Q-Tip, Talib Kweli and Madlib providing vocals. The in-game soundtrack will also include music that harkens back to the roots of hip-hop, as well as a mix of songs from other genres that complement the virtual hoops action.

As one of the music industry's most influential producers, J Dilla inspired many artists, including Common, Q-Tip, Talib Kweli and Madlib, all of whom he had previously collaborated with in some fashion. These artists were tapped to keep J Dilla's legacy alive because of their friendship and respect for this fallen talent. Now exclusively on the NBA 2K8 soundtrack, three J Dilla tracks will feature the lyrics of Common, Q-Tip, Talib Kweli, and Madlib.

"J Dilla was one of the industry's greatest talents," said Q-Tip. "This recording is reflective of his legacy and of the wonderful body of work that he left behind."

The in-game soundtrack to NBA 2K8 introduces today's gamers to classic tracks from the Highlighters Band, Ernie and The Topnotes, Billy Ball & The Upsetters, and The Fabulous Jades. Rounding out the soundtrack are offerings from Quasimoto, Percee P, Run-DMC, Devo, Cut Chemist, Fishbone, Stone Roses and many more.

"For the NBA 2K8 soundtrack, we wanted to produce something diverse that bridges modern hip-hop with its rich heritage in funk and groove," said Tim Rosa, 2K Sports Director of Brand and Lifestyle Marketing. "In addition to showcasing some of J Dilla's finest and unreleased cuts with marquee artists like Common, Talib Kweli and Q-Tip, we've included a diverse group of artists whose music really captures the spirit of the game."

Track listing:

• J Dilla feat. Madlib "The Official (2K8 Mix)"
• J Dilla feat. Q-Tip & Talib Kweli "Lightworks"
• J Dilla feat. Common "E=MC2"
• Run-DMC "Sucka MC's"
• Stone Roses "Fool's Gold"
• Breakestra "Getcho Soul Together Pt. 2"
• Fishbone "Skankin to the Beat"
• Tommy Guerrero "Molotov Telegram"
• Percee P "Throwback Rap Attack"
• Quasimoto "Chrome Dreams"
• Devo "Through Being Cool"
• Quantic "When You're Through"
• J. Rocc "Cold Heat Megamix"
• Cut Chemist "Bunky's Pick"
• Billy Ball & The Upsetters "Tighten Up Tighter"
• The Highlighters Band "Funky 16 Corners"
• A Guy Called Gerald "Hurry to Go Easy"
• Sonic Trip "Energy Play"
• Baron Zen "Turn Around (Peanut Butter Wolf Instrumental Mix)"
• Finley Quaye "Ultra Stimulation"
• G-Love & Special Sauce "Shooting Hoops"
• Ernie & The Topnotes "Dap Walk"
• The Fabulous Jades "Cold Heat"

Project Torque enters open beta stage
Posted by M @ 12:26 a.m. NZST

Aeria Games' beta for Project Torque has been opened up to the public. Over the past few weeks, the team has worked to add a large variety of new game features such as new cars, tracks, and game modes.

To register and play for free, visit project-torque.aeriagames.com.

Project Torque embodies the essence of competition as well as delivering the fun of casual gaming. Tune your car, personalise it, and then show it off to everyone at the track. But it's not all about the car. Each individual driver must earn experience and pass licensing tests to unlock higher level items.

Major features:

• MMORG (Massively Multiplayer Online Racing Game)
• Cutting Edge 3D Graphics
• Several Types of Game Modes
• 8 Player Races (Expanding to 30 Players per Race with Stock Car Mode)
• Advanced Experience and Licensing System
• Online Community features, such as Chat and Email within the Client
• Shop and Item Mall for Upgrades and Car Customisation
• Fantasy and Real tracks from around the world
• Online Rankings
• Tournaments
• Upcoming Features:
• Race Teams / Race Clubs
• Fully Customisable Avatars and Race Girls
• New Cars (Fantasy and Licensed)
• New Tracks
• New Modes of Play (Tag, Police Chase, Bomb, Drag Strip, Demolition, and many more!)
• Monetary Prize Competitions

In the bloody Dead Space, gamers will step into a third-person sci-fi survival horror experience that promises to deliver the ultimate in psychological thrills and gruesome action.

Set in the cold blackness of deep space, the atmosphere is "soaked with a feeling of tension, dread and sheer terror". In Dead Space, players step into the role of engineer Isaac Clarke – an ordinary man on a seemingly routine mission to fix the communications systems aboard a deep space mining ship. It is not long before Clarke awakens to a living nightmare when he learns that the ship's crew has been ravaged by a vicious alien infestation. He must fight through the dead silence and darkness of deep space to stay alive.

Executive Producer Glen Schofield commented, "This team has worked on some tremendous properties but we have always wanted to work on something that was darker and creepier. We are all such huge fans of the horror and sci-fi genres; we wanted to create the most terrifying game we could, and keep the player on the edge of his seat the entire time."

Dead Space is expected to ship in Spring 2008 for the PS3 and Xbox 360. More information, visit deadspacegame.com.

Enemy Territory delayed
Posted by M @ 11:38 p.m. NZST

New Zealand Activision agent Softprint has announed a later then planned shipment of Enemy Territory: Quake Wars into the New Zealand market.

oftprint is delaying the launch of the title until 5th October, one week later than its originally communicated launch date of September 28th.

"Shipment to New Zealand and Australia of this title was held up in production due to a printing error detected late in the process on the retail packaging. On behalf of Activision we do apologise to the fans of this great gaming franchise and ask them to bear with us for one more week."

Bomberman Land for Wii, PSP, DS in Q1
Posted by M @ 12:26 a.m. NZST

Hudson Soft has announced Bomberman Land, the award-winning series, is coming to the Wii and PSP, and Bomberman Land Touch! 2 is coming for the Nintendo DS. All three versions are planned to release in January 2008.

Bomberman Land brings together three game modes into one. The series introduces a bevy of mini-games, where most can be played in multiplayer mode. The PSP system version features 50 mini-games, the Wii features 50, and the DS has 40 unique mini-games. In addition, the Bomberman Land series features a robust single-player Story Mode, where players can explore a fantasy land and solve quests and puzzles with the ultimate goal of restoring peace and tranquility to the beleaguered Bomberman world.

Best of all, the game includes the Battle Pack Mode, the classic multiplayer Bomberman experience that gamers know and love. The PSP system and the DS versions both allow gamers to share one game cartridge and network with friends to create the ultimate party game.

"Gamers are going to be blown away by the sheer amount of content they get in the Bomberman Land series," said John Greiner President and CEO of Hudson Entertainment. "Each version of the perspective Bomberman Land title is different, with unique mini-games, Story Mode, and features. With the success of Bomberman Live on XBLA, we knew we had to up the bar for the brand, and we believe this series truly is triple the fun."

For more details, visit hudsonent.com.

Oxygen rebrands for casual gamers
Posted by M @ 12:02 a.m. NZST

Oxygen Games' identity and communications have been rebranded to reflect its ongoing strategy of publishing lifestyle and interest based video gaming content for the new wave of mainstream gamers.

"The successes of ProStroke Golf and PDC World Championship Darts have demonstrated that our business model of creating relevant and popular interest-based gaming entertainment is working," said Jim Scott, CEO of Oxygen Games.

With a holiday season lineup including Cheggars' Party Quiz, Alan Hansen's Sports Challenge and the Sequel to PDC World Championship Darts, and further growth planned for 2008, Oxygen says a distinct visual communications strategy is required to effectively develop the label's position.

"We need a strong, relevant identity to clearly articulate the core values of the Oxygen Games label in the light of recent developments – international expansion, our focus on entertainment for lifestyle and family gamers and the creation of our own development studio – as well as our plans for expansion in 2008 and beyond.

"Oxygen Games has evolved into a global creator of relevant, interest and lifestyle based gaming entertainment and now the look and feel of all communications, especially those that are consumer-focused, are fully aligned to our strategy, values and future ambitions."

Oxygen Games has re-launched its website aligned with the new identity: oxygengames.net.

Wings of the Goddess 22nd November
Posted by M @ 1:20 a.m. NZST

Square Enix has announced that Wings of the Goddess, the fourth expansion pack for Final Fantasy XI, will receive a simultaneous worldwide release on 22nd November.

Final Fantasy XI was originally released on May 2002 in Japan with three expansion packs Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia and Treasures of Aht Urhgan following in recent years. In October 2003 the title was released in North America and the European release followed in September 2004. This year has also seen the introduction of the Final Fantasy XI Starter Pack, an inexpensive introduction into the MMORPG genre. Now more than 500,000 subscribers are enjoying Vana'diel, the world of Final Fantasy XI. With the release of the fourth expansion pack for Windows and Xbox 360, the world of Vana'diel will be a livelier place to visit, expanding the community even further.

As an expansion pack, players will need to own an original version of Final Fantasy XI for Windows or Xbox 360, sold separately.

Title Name Developer/Publisher
The Darkness
Enemy Territory: Quake Wars
Soldier of Fortune
Biohazard 5
Devil May Cry 4
N-Cube
Warbit
Dark Sector
Turok
Highlander
Kane & Lynch: Dead Men
Burnout Paradise
FIFA
Legendary: The Box
To End all Wars
Rage
WarDevil – Unleash the Beast Within
Dynasty Warriors 6
Fatal Inertia
Metal Gear Solid 4
Blacksite: Area 51
TNA Wrestling
Unreal Tournament 3
Wheelman Midway
Cops
Planet One
Heroes over Europe
Condemned 2
Iron Man
The Club
The Crucible
The Incredible Hulk
Blast Factor
Echochrome
Elefunk
Folklore
Formula One Championship Edition
Go! Sports Ski
Heavenly Sword
High Velocity Bowling
MLB 08: The Show
MotorStorm
NBA 08
Pain
Rat Race
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
Resistance: Fall of Man
Snakeball
SOCOM: Confrontation
Super Stardust HD
Toy Home
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Warhawk
WipEout HD
GirpShift
NBA 2K8
Destroy All Humans 3
Stuntman Ignition
Assassin's Creed
Beowulf
Haze
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas
Prototype
The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena

Sony acquires Evolution Studios
Posted by M @ 11:06 p.m. NZST

Sony Computer Entertainment has acquired leading game developer Evolution Studios and its subsidiary Bigbig Studios to further expand its game development capability as part of Sony Computer Entertainment's Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS). In a strategic move to secure excellence in game development for current and future PlayStation platforms, the acquisition of Evolution and Bigbig formalises the successful and long established exclusive relationship between Sony Computer Entertainment and the two studios.

Evolution Studios, based in Runcorn, England is the award-winning developer of MotorStorm, the million-selling #1 hit title for PlayStation 3. Evolution Studios was established in 1999 and has enjoyed a highly productive and commercially successful relationship with SCE, gaining a reputation as a studio with a track-record for quality and productivity, having shipped a title every year for six straight years. Evolution established its reputation as the successful developer of the World Rally Championship series on PlayStation 2, also published by SCE. The studio is currently working on the next instalment of the Motorstorm franchise for PS3, scheduled for release in 2008, along with content expansions for the original MotorStorm to be distributed via PlayStation Network.

Bigbig Studios, based in Leamington Spa, England was founded in 2001 with backing from Evolution Studios and SCE and is the developer of the Pursuit Force game for PSP, which has sold over 800,000 copies worldwide. The studio is currently working on the second title in the series, Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice, which will be available in October this year for PSP and on PlayStation 2 early in 2008.

"Our strategy is to create the best games by working with the best talent and Evolution and Bigbig are world-class additions to our team," said Phil Harrison, President of SCE Worldwide Studios. "The incredible people in these studios further extend the depth and skill of the industry's largest platform-exclusive development resource".

Studios across the WWS network share technology, production methodology and creative goals to build experiences for users to enjoy the most from the PlayStation family of hardware platforms and network services. With over 2,500 employees, SCE Worldwide Studios combines the talents of 15 game development studios in Japan, the USA, the UK and the Netherlands.

Geon Emotions first Live Arcade game for Eidos
Posted by M @ 12:02 a.m. NZST

Tonight Eidos Interactive has released its first title for Xbox Live Arcade.

Released through the publisher's fast-growing New Media Division, Geon Emotions is a mix of fast-paced futuresport and tactical play. Developed and co-published by Strawdog Studios, Geon Emotions invites gamers to play as one of eight feelings: rage, passion, fear, envy, rapture, courage, bliss and melancholy – each of which enters the game with varying strengths and weaknesses.

The action is set across a number of visually striking 3D play areas, broken up into grids that feature tight corners, sweeping loops and raised banks. Having selected an emotion, players race around the psychedelic play area attempting to gather special 'E-Mote' pellets to increase their emotion's strength or to weaken their opponents, thus allowing them to reach an end zone and score goals while their rivals are stricken.

Geon Emotions features six game modes, with single-players facing 'Time Attacks' and 'Duels' while up to four people can compete in split-screen competitions that allow them to work together or battle it out in 'Last Man Standing' deathmatches. Each game begins with players rushing to collect E-Motes before using their specific powers to debilitate the opposition.

The use of E-Motes allows players to exploit the weakness of the emotions the CPU or rival players control. Rage, for instance, can be sedated with a powered-up Bliss attack, while Passion can be similarly tempered with a blast of Melancholy. With the opposition in disarray, the player can then charge across the two-sided play area to score the five goals needed to win the match.

To download the demo, visit gpdownloads.co.nz.

Force Unleashed releasing next Autumn
Posted by M @ 11:40 p.m. NZST

LucasArts has revealed that Star Wars: The Force Unleashed will come to the Wii next Autumn, offering owners the unique chance to live out their Jedi fantasies by wielding the Wii Remote as a lightsaber while using the Nunchuk controller to torment foes with their Force powers.

The Force Unleashed casts players as Darth Vader's secret apprentice and promises to unveil new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy. The game's expansive story is set during the largely unexplored era between Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope. In it, players will assist the iconic villain in his quest to rid the universe of Jedi - and face decisions that could change the course of their destiny.

The Wii version, in development by Krome Studios, will also add an exclusive duel mode in which players can compete head-to-head with their friends to determine the ultimate Jedi Master.

"The Wii is a great platform for The Force Unleashed, because the console's motion-oriented controllers really bring the game to life," said Jim Ward, President of LucasArts. "We've worked hard to make the Wii version of the game unique in order to truly let you unleash the Force."

Force Unleashed is the first new-generation game developed internally at LucasArts, and will be available on the Xbox 360 and PS3. As its name implies, Force Unleashed completely re-imagines the scope and scale of the Force by taking advantage of newly developed technologies that will be seen and experienced for the first time: Digital Molecular Matter, by Pixelux Entertainment, and Euphoria by NaturalMotion Ltd.

"The combination of our great story, memorable characters, and the revolutionary new technology that we're introducing will deliver something Star Wars fans have never seen before, in addition to attracting newcomers to gaming, something that is very important to us," added Ward.

LucasArts and developer Krome Studios are also creating Force Unleashed on the Wii, PlayStation 2 and PSP, and n-Space, Inc., is developing a version for the Nintendo DS. All will feature the same storyline, with opportunities to unleash the Force in devastating new ways.

Working with Lucas Licensing, LucasArts is preparing an unprecedented promotional effort around the launch of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, encompassing a full line of toys and game-based action figures from Hasbro.

For more information, visit theforceunleashed.com.

iTunes soundtrack for PSP's Dead Head Fred
Posted by M @ 11:04 p.m. NZST

Lakeshore Records has announced the original soundtrack to the PSP third person action game Dead Head Fred, developed by Vicious Cycle Software, is now available at the Apple iTunes music store.

The Dead Head Fred Original Soundtrack includes nearly 40 minutes of music encapsulating the "unique, often sublime" atmosphere of the game's 'twisted noir' setting. Written and produced by veteran video game composers Rod Abernethy and Jason Graves, Lakeshore says the game's score blends cinematic orchestrations with a dark panorama of jazz, southwestern guitar, ambient, rock fusion and other seemingly disparate music styles into a cohesive and alluring listening experience.

"When we went to Rednote Audio we already knew a lot about Dead Head Fred and Hope Falls but we didn't know what Fred's world sounded like," said Adam Cogan, Game Designer, Vicious Cycle Software, Inc. "Luckily, Rod Abernethy and Jason Graves at Rednote Audio did. They far exceeded our expectations and managed to create scores that are every bit as original and distinctive as Fred is."

Created specifically for the PlayStation Portable, Dead Head Fred draws players into an original 1940s inspired alternative universe where players experience an twist on action gameplay as cranium-impaired hero Fred Neuman, collecting, upgrading and strategically switching his head with the heads of enemies to battle through a story of revenge and redemption.

Mark Reis, Senior Sound Designer at Vicious Cycle Software, Inc., added: "Working with Rod and Jason is always a joy and their contribution to Dead Head Fred added flavour and depth that complemented the sound design and voice acting. The edgy soundtrack is a perfect accompaniment to the twisted noir world of Dead Head Fred."

For more information on Dead Head Fred, visit the official game website at deadheadfred.net.

Chengdu, with over 35,000 software programming graduates per year, is one of the most technologically developed cities in Western China, offering long-term growth opportunities based on a talented and highly educated local population. With its cutting-edge infrastructure and a local Hi-Tech Zone, Chengdu attracts international companies from all over the world.

"The success of our studio in Shanghai, which has been further confirmed with the launch of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 for the PlayStation 3 system, has encouraged us to extend our growth in China," said Christine Burgess-Quémard, executive director, Worldwide Studios at Ubisoft. "We are convinced that Chengdu offers the perfect environment for our expansion, offering a great number of highly educated and talented people."

Richard Tsao's career in games development began at Microsoft, where he helped to ship games such as Dungeon Siege and Mech Warrior 4. He then moved to Crytek, shipping Far Cry and managing pre-production for Crysis before coming to Ubisoft Shanghai where he was most recently responsible for projects including Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 for the PlayStation 3. Before video games, Tsao gathered a decade of development experience as a technical project manager and programmer for various client/server software projects, including deploying the first online billing system for MSN Internet access service.

Ubisoft was the first major developer to establish itself in China, opening a development studio in Shanghai in 1996. Ubisoft's Shanghai studio, managed by Corinne Leroy, has developed internationally renowned games including Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow for the Xbox, which reached No. 1 shortly after its release in 2004. The studio celebrated its 10th anniversary last year and the team is currently developing an entirely new franchise, Tom Clancy's EndWar, which will release in 2008.

Sega rveals new details on Nights: Journey of Dreams
Posted by M @ 11:34 p.m. NZST

Nights: Journey of Dreams, the sequel to the critically-acclaimed hit Nights, will feature a two-player mode and network support at launch.

Sega has also unveiled plans to reawaken the Artificial Life (A-Life) feature in Nights: Journey of Dreams, which gives gamers the freedom to oversee and develop their own sandbox environment enabling them to capture, raise, and even combine the inhabitants from the world of Nightopia.

Unlike any other game available today, Nights: Journey of Dreams will deliver the feeling of flight through the Wii Remote. Players will glide, spiral and loop through a variety of mystical dream worlds packed with action and adventure as they dive and blast through rings, gather orbs and come up against fantastic and unforgettable boss battles.

Nights: Journey of Dreams unfolds in Nightopia, the spectacular dream world of two young characters, Helen and Will. Struggling to overcome the every day challenges of growing up, these two 12-year-olds find their real life experiences spilling over into their dreams. As Helen and Will fall into a deep sleep, they are greeted by Nights, a fantasy jester, who leads them to explore the rich and vibrant land of Nightopia. Along the way, Nights helps the youngsters bravely face their fears by finding inventive ways to confront, outpace, and outwit foes - such as the villainous Nightmarens. Through the freedom of flight, execution of acrobatic moves and tapping into special abilities that enable gamers to combat danger and restore peace to Nightopia.

Turbo CD, Super CD games for Wii
Posted by M @ 11:01 p.m. NZST

Hudson Soft has announced that Turbo CD and Super CD game software will be available for download via the Virtual Console feature on Nintendo's Wii. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download these classic games through the Wii Shop Channel.

Soon, Wii owners will be able to enjoy even more software titles previously released on other platforms. These titles will be available for download beginning in October of this year in Japan, and thereafter will extend to North America, Europe and Australasia. Now Wii gamers will be able to play games originally created specifically for CD-ROM media, in addition to TurboGrafx-16 game titles already available via Virtual Console.

Players will simply select their favourite games in the Wii Shop Channel to download the software via the Internet. Each Turbo CD and Super CD download will be priced at 800 Wii Points, which can be purchased either by credit card or through a Wii Points Card which are available at various retail locations.

In November 2006, Hudson Soft launched its Virtual Console business in North America, extending the service to Japan and Europe in December and to Australasia in July of this year. As of the end of August 2007, 49 titles were available in Japan, and an impressive amount of titles were being distributed outside Japan (including third-party software). Hudson Soft will continue adding to the lineup of popular games for Virtual Console.

Sega Rally demo now live
Posted by M @ 12:55 a.m. NZST

The demo for Sega Rally is available for download on Xbox Live Arcade for the Xbox 360. The demo features two quick race tracks taken from the colourful, steep sided Canyon environment and the muddy Tropical environment.

Players will also have the choice of literally tearing up the deformable surfaces in either the Mitsubishi Evo IX FQ3 or the Subaru Impreza STi Spec C type RA.

Sega Rally will be released for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PSP and PC from September 28th.

McRae's website is now hosting messages of condolence at colinmcrae.com/condolences.asp.

Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker completed
Posted by M @ 11:13 p.m. NZST

Square Enix has confirmed that Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker for the Nintendo DS has gone into manufacturing, and is on schedule to ship to retailers next month.

Enter the world of Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker as the young hero, locked in a prison by your own father, the leader of a mysterious organisation known as CELL. Released under orders to enter the Monster Scout Challenge, you will embark on a journey starting with a single monster and a scout ring, unaware of the dark and mysterious intentions that surround the competition.

Features:

• The 'big three' comprised of series creator Yuji Horii, legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama, and renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama, team up once again to create an unforgettable gaming experience
• Witness the same visuals that brought Akira Toriyama's art to life in Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
• Create new species as you synthesise customised monsters from a selection of more than 200 different Dragon Quest creatures
• Experience an innovative mix of the monster arena battles from Dragon Quest VIII and traditional Dragon Quest gameplay
• Challenge your friends via local wireless play to see whose team is the strongest
• Robust Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection component allows players to upload and download monster team data for battle on their Nintendo DS systems

Pokémon global trading website live today
Posted by M @ 10:25 p.m. NZST

From today, the Pokémon GTS website will be the place to go for fans across the globe, giving them access to top trading information such as the most traded Pokémon, most deposited and wanted Pokémon at the Global Trading Station, as well as discovering which Pokémon are being traded most in each country. The top 50 most traded Pokémon, as well the top 50 most wanted and most deposited Pokémon in the world.

Over 10 million people globally are enjoying the phenomenon that is Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl and in Europe, 1.6 million copies have been sold in just 7 weeks since launch. For the first time in the Pokémon series, these games have allowed fans to trade Pokémon with anyone in the world via the Global Trading Station, using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. Now an all-new and exciting Pokémon service is being made available, as fans are invited to visit the Pokémon GTS website - pokemon-gts.net - where they can keep up to date on the global Pokémon trade.

Trying to work out which Pokémon are the best to collect? Using the GTS site, you can simply click on the image of the Pokémon being traded to gain all the information you could ever need, including Pokémon name, type, moves learnt and the time, date and country it was deposited in. What's more, users have the opportunity to bookmark any Pokémon discovered, adding them to a 'favourites' folder to look out for next time they visit the GTS in Pokémon Diamond or Pokémon Pearl.

Using the interactive globe element, users can rotate and research Pokémon trading action from many parts of the world. By simply spinning the globe and clicking an area of interest, users can find out more details about the Pokémon but also discover facts about many countries, including capital city, population, language spoken and local greetings.

Tony Hawk's Proving Ground demo on Live
Posted by M @ 12:38 p.m. NZST

Starting today gamers can begin to create their own skating legacy on Xbox 360 with Activision's demo of Tony Hawk's Proving Ground.

Available now on Xbox Live Marketplace, the demo gives fans a first taste of choosing their own skating style, the newest gameplay mechanics and advanced features from the deepest, most customisable skateboarding game ever.

The demo takes skaters to Philadelphia (one of three cities in Tony Hawk's Proving Ground) to begin shredding the pavement as contest-winning career athletes, fast and furious hardcore skaters and creative maverick riggers, who alter and modify the world into their own skate park.

As players progress they will experience the latest advancements in the world-renowned franchise, including Nail the Grab, for the ultimate control of grab tricks and tweaks; the Aggro Kick for clearing huge gaps; Rigging Goals, enabling players to tweak the environment however they want to create unique skate lines; and video creation with the fully-featured video editor for epic skate videos.

Tony Hawk's Proving Ground is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The title is scheduled for release October 19. Versions are also in development for the Wii and PlayStation 2 by Page 44 Studios.

For more information, visit thpgonline.com.

Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts is the next installment in one of the highest-rated RTS franchises of all time, building on the success of the original Company of Heroes with two new armies and vastly enhanced multiplayer options. Developed for PC, the game is expected to begin shipping to retail outlets later this month.

"Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts delivers the most cinematic and intense RTS experience available on any platform," said Kevin Kraff, director of global brand management, THQ. "Relic Entertainment's reputation is legendary among strategy gamers and Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts blasts away all previous benchmarks for brutally dynamic battlefield action."

"Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts is a massive game, featuring two new campaigns with more campaign content than the original, significant enhancements to our proprietary Essence engine, and two totally unique new armies for multiplayer action," said Tarrnie Williams, general manager, Relic Entertainment. "We've consistently redefined the standard for excellence in the RTS genre over the last five years, and Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts represents another leap forward in technology and strategic gameplay."

About Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts

Players take command of the German Panzer Elite as they struggle against the might of the Allied forces, or lead the British 2nd Army in the vicious battle for Caen, France. The standalone title does not require the original Company of Heroes to play, features two unique armies with full length campaigns, new multiplayer options when combined with the original Company of Heroes, Microsoft DirectX 10 support, mission persistence, improved vehicle and soldier AI, enhanced physics and a dynamic weather system. Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts is fully compatible with the original Company of Heroes, allowing players to wage war with four unique armies.

Silver DS for Europe
Posted by M @ 11:32 p.m. NZST

Nintendo Europe is adding a new silver Nintendo DS Lite to the range, joining the black, white and pink versions from 12th October.

Nintendo DS has become Europe's best-selling games console, with over 14 million sold to date and in many markets across Europe it is the fastest selling handheld games console in history. Strong sales are being maintained even in traditionally slow sales periods in the video games industry's seasonality and this is being seen with software as well as hardware.

More Brain Training from Dr. Kawashima: How Old Is Your Brain? will soon hit the 1 million milestone in Europe, with over 915,000 already sold in just 11 weeks since launch. The original Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? has sold over 3.3 million copies and continues to feature high in software sales charts across Europe, despite launching over a year ago. Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl have sold approximately 1.6 million copies combined in just 7 weeks since their launch.

As sales continue to grow at a rapid rate, it is not only traditional gamers who are enjoying the touch screen controls and wide range of software. Whether you wish to exercise your brain, train and communicate with puppies, battle and collect Pokémon or embark on in-depth adventures, the DS has software that is appealing to both avid games and new gamers of all ages. This momentum for Nintendo DS is set to continue with forthcoming new releases, including the highly anticipated Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass which launches on 19th October.

Eve Online for Mac, Linux
Posted by M @ 11:10 a.m. NZST

CCP Games, one of the world's largest independent game developers, has formed a partnership with TransGaming Inc. which will enable CCP to deliver its popular massively multiplayer online game, Eve Online, with Linux and Macintosh platforms later this year.

TransGaming provides technology and expertise to deploy games across a range of platforms without the need for redevelopment and still maintaining the quality of gameplay and allowing users of different platforms to play in the same perpetual online universe. As a result of this partnership, CCP will be able to expand the reach of its sci-fi MMOG to new groups around the world.

As an element of the partnership, Eve Online and TransGaming will share quality assurance as well as technical support responsibilities but TransGaming will lead partnership and OEM opportunities for the Linux version of Eve Online. The two companies will work hand-in-hand to ensure all releases go smoothly, creating a transparent integration of the original Eve Online code with each platform.

TransGaming first introduced Linux users to Eve Online through Cedega, a software product that allows Windows games to run on the Linux operating system completely transparently and seamlessly. It was the popularity of this solution that indicated the strong demand for further integration between CCP Games and TransGaming. Later this year, Eve Online will be released for Linux with Cedega directly integrated into the game and on Mac through TransGaming's Cider portability engine.

"We're pleased to extend our relationship with TransGaming, as the company's expertise allows us to deliver the most innovative MMOG to more platforms," said Halldor Fannar, CTO of CCP Games. "By integrating TransGaming's excellent technology, we are able to keep our laser-focus on evolving Eve Online, while simultaneously expanding the Eve universe to even more players."

"Eve Online has always ranked highly with our Linux users and there is significant demand for it among other platforms, including the rapidly growing Mac base," said Vikas Gupta, CEO of TransGaming Technologies. "As Eve takes place within a single-server persistent universe, it's vital that the game is identical in every way across different platforms. This challenge is what makes the partnership with CCP both important and rewarding."

Eve Online is available for download now at eve-online.com.

PS3 scoops EISA award
Posted by M @ 10:43 a.m. NZST

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has been recognised by the European Imaging and Sound Associationfor the first time, with the PlayStation 3 receiving the award for home entertainment.

EISA is the largest editorial multimedia organisation in Europe, with a membership of nearly 50 Audio, mobile electronics, video and photo magazines drawn from 19 countries. This year's award winners were selected after the deliberations of a judging panel comprising journalists and independent technical experts and resulted in the home entertainment award going to PlayStation 3 for the very first time.

"To receive an EISA Award is a very high honour in the electronics industry and therefore to receive one for a product that is usually thought of as simply a games machine, truly highlights the versatility and quality of PS3," said David Reeves, President, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. "We firmly believe that PlayStation 3 has the capabilities to sit at the heart of the living room and very much belongs there. This award highlights that claim."

Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two, stated: "Today we are establishing guidance for fiscal 2008 - the first full year to reflect the contributions of our new management team. Our outlook reflects a strong product pipeline, the benefits of a comprehensive restructuring and cost-efficiency program, including the sale of our non-core Joytech accessories division, and the expected profitability of our sports business. We also are announcing a new publishing label - 2K Play - focused on the expanding casual gamer market. We are proud of what this company's management team has accomplished in a short time, and confident that our efforts will build the value of Take-Two in the future."

Ben Feder, Chief Executive Officer of Take-Two, added, "Take-Two is well-positioned to capitalize on the growth of the video game market as next generation consoles gain traction. Our creative teams are delivering a strong and increasingly diverse product portfolio, including our successful new BioShock franchise. We are looking forward to our 2007 holiday line up, as well as our solid 2008 slate, which includes the release of Grand Theft Auto IV in our fiscal 2008 second quarter."

Take-Two adds casual games brand to 2K stable
Posted by M @ 11:12 p.m. NZST

Take-Two Interactive Software has formed 2K Play, a new publishing label dedicated to casual gaming. As part of the 2K Play initiative, Take-Two also announced an expansive new handheld and console video game licensing agreement with Nickelodeon, a partnership involving top-rated properties including Nick Jr. preschool television hits, Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!

Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go! will be the first titles under the new 2K Play label.

2K Play joins 2K Games and 2K Sports as a new division in the 2K portfolio. The new label will absorb Take-Two's Global Star Software label, including the Carnival Games brand, the Cat Daddy Games studio and PC games based on the popular Deal or No Deal franchise.

"The 2K Play label targets the growing market of casual gamers interested in accessible, high-quality products," said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. "It will be home to games that are fun and engaging for players of varied skill types and ages. Our exciting initiative with Nick Jr. will offer a host of games featuring world-famous brands that appeal to the family-friendly gamer."

Additional information regarding the 2K Play lineup of games will be available in the coming months.

Wii Zapper with Link's Crossbow Training
Posted by M @ 10:42 p.m. NZST

Nintendo has announced that the Wii Zapper interface for the Wii system will come packed with Link's Crossbow Training. Nintendo says the software is based on the hugely popular Legend of Zelda series and provides a perfect demonstration of the way the Wii Zapper could be used in other games. The Wii Zapper casing houses both the motion-sensitive Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers in a single unit for precision targeting. It goes on sale in North America on November 19th for US$20.

"The Wii Zapper combines our remarkable controllers into one housing with a classic style reminiscent of arcade-style games," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Both veteran and first-time players will find it brings a whole new dimension to games where targeting is key and provides even more exciting game-play experiences."

Link's Crossbow Training drops players into a world in the style of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Players assume the identity of hero Link, who progresses through a series of tests to perfect his crossbow marksmanship. Start with stationary bull's-eyes and graduate to moving targets before defending Link against all kinds of enemies.

Third-party publishers have lined up to support the Wii Zapper. EA's Medal of Honor Heroes 2 lets players take World War II into their hands with the Wii Zapper. The game features an all-new Wii-exclusive Arcade Mode that offers accessibility to gamers of all skill levels, a full single-player campaign and support for up to 32 players in multiplayer. Capcom's Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles reveals the back story behind the fall of the Umbrella Corporation by exploring locations from Resident Evil 0, 1, 2 and 3, as well as new never-before-seen locations like Umbrella's stronghold. One or two players use the Wii Zapper to take aim against a horde of zombies in first-person perspective. Sega's Ghost Squad lets players replicate the arcade light-gun experience at home with the Wii Zapper.

For more information, visit wii.com.

Master Chief first game character at Madame Tussauds
Posted by M @ 2:26 a.m. NZST

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas honoured Xbox 360's Halo by immortalising the Master Chief as the first video game character to be enshrined in the world famous attraction's 250-year history.

The life-sized figure of Halo's Master Chief was revealed to the world by songwriter and bass player Pete Wentz of 2007 Teen Choice Award Winner and Grammy nominated band Fall Out Boy at an official unveiling ceremony at the weekend.

"For me, the launch of Halo 3 will be the entertainment event of the year. It will be as big as or bigger than any of the summer's movie blockbusters," said Wentz. "Master Chief is as much of a hero today as characters like Spiderman, Frodo and Luke Skywalker were for previous generations."

The figure was created at the Madame Tussauds Studios in London specifically for the Las Vegas attraction. Master Chief stands at an impressive 7'2" tall, with an approximate finished weight of 125kg. A total of 10 studio artists worked on the massive figure, dedicating an estimated 892 man-hours for the finalisation of the stoic soldier. Total man-hours included 687 hours for sculpting, 168 hours for molding, and 37 hours for painting. Materials included over 1,000 pounds of clay.

Visitors to Madame Tussauds Las Vegas will have the opportunity to see the massive figure up close and personal before the most anticipated game release of 2007 – Halo 3, scheduled for September 25. Master Chief will be stationed at the attraction's front entrance area – providing guests with a "disarming" greeting at the door. With its towering presence, this newest attraction at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is sure to bring out the most devoted fan base – Halo Nation, for a personal look and photo with their iconic hero. As is Madame Tussauds standard operating procedure, guests will be able to interact with the figure for photos and a close-up look at the artistic details that bring this digital game world hero to life.

In Halo 3, the third installment of the landmark trilogy, people everywhere can take on the role of Master Chief and experience his greatest battle as he launches an epic mission to stop the Covenant, destroy the impending Flood threat and ultimately save mankind. Master Chief returns to face his greatest challenge as he readies himself for a final battle that's destined to seal his place in history.

Atari games downloadable via GamersGate
Posted by M @ 12:08 a.m. NZST

GamersGate has entered into an agreement with global publisher and developer Atari, Inc. The deal will allow Atari to digitally connect with a worldwide audience through the rapidly growing digital distribution platform provided by GamersGate.

Atari plans to release some of its PC portfolio through GamersGate, giving gamers access to old back-catalogue favorites such as Masters of Orion 3, Act of War: High Treason and Desperados 2 in addition to new games like The Witcher.

"Digital distribution is a huge growth area globally, and for Atari Inc., in particular," said Nizzi Renaud, vice president of web development and content, Atari. "We are particularly excited by the chance to make some of our PC titles available on GamersGate and to cement our relationship with their gaming audience."

The first titles in the Atari and GamersGate agreement have now been released.

For more information, visit gamersgate.com.

Oblivion features a combination of free-form gameplay, unprecedented graphics, cutting edge AI, character voices by acting legends Patrick Stewart, Sean Bean, Terrance Stamp, and Lynda Carter, and an award-winning soundtrack. Gamers can choose to unravel Oblivion's epic narrative at their own pace or explore the vast world in search of their own unique challenges.

For more information, visit elderscrolls.com.

New Myst Online episode downloadable
Posted by M @ 11:42 p.m. NZST

GameTap has launched Deception, the newest episode in Myst Online: Uru Live. Players can continue the journey that has already featured all-new puzzles, all-new ages, and brand new storylines.

Despite the ongoing battles of the Bahro and the threat of the coming war, the D'ni Restoration Council (DRC) continues its efforts to introduce a Guild system into the cavern. Toward that cause, new Guild pubs are introduced, providing Guild members with new areas to congregate and socialize.

Meanwhile, Phil Henderson continues to spread information regarding the Bahro and their conflicts as a former DRC member returns to the cavern. What new information does he have to share and will it lead to salvation or destruction?

Player interactions in Myst Online affect the game in amazing ways. Many of the DRC's recent decisions regarding the implementation of the Guild system have involved the recommendations of a player explorer named Reteltee. Additionally, in this episode, players will be able to enjoy a display of the entries of user-created stained glass art.

This episode serves as a lead-in to the Myst Online: Uru Live Season Finale in October.

To play the game free visit, mystonline.com.

T2 sells Joytech to Madcatz
Posted by M @ 12:11 a.m. NZST

Take-Two Interactive Software has sold "substantially all" of the assets of its wholly owned Joytech video game accessories subsidiary to Mad Catz Interactive. The Joytech sale reflects Take-Two's previously announced plans to divest its non-core businesses.

"The sale of the Joytech assets is consistent with one of the key goals we established in our 100 Day Plan: to develop strategic alternatives for any operations that we determined to be outside our core publishing business," said Ben Feder, Take-Two's Chief Executive Officer. "We are particularly pleased that we accomplished this goal in a manner that will allow substantially all of our Joytech employees in the US and UK to join Mad Catz, which is a highly respected provider of video game peripherals."

The Joytech sale is not expected to be material to Take-Two's financial results.

Tom Morello playing boss in Legends of Rock
Posted by M @ 7:22 p.m. NZST

Activision has announced that Grammy Award-winning guitarist Tom Morello, from Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave and the Nightwatchman, will guest star as a boss character in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, providing guitar heroes the chance to shred with the music icon. Morello is listed as #26 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.

"Whenever I play Guitar Hero my opponent always kicks my ass on my own riffs. It's embarrassing," said Morello. "Now that I'm actually in the game I hope the digital me will win once in a while."

"We are thrilled to have two guitar icons of our generation on board to be bosses in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock," said Tim Riley, worldwide executive of music. "Both Morello and Slash went into the studio and created mind-blowing original recordings designed to be challenging for even the expert players."

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock boss battles give fans a chance to compete against legendary guitarists such as Slash and now Tom Morello. Players are required to deplete the boss' Rock Meter before the boss goes into his Death Drain solo, which always means 'lights-out.' After defeating a boss, players unlock that guitarist as a playable character and continue to the encore for the set list, which is a master recording of one of their respective bands' most well-known tracks. When Morello is defeated, the next performance is Bulls on Parade, during which Morello performs on stage alongside the player.

Bulls on Parade features one of Morello's most famous guitar riffs and a highly unusual solo that sounds more like a turntable than a guitar by making use of the toggle switch and rubbing a hand along the strings parallel to the neck of the guitar. Now, fans have the chance to emulate some of Morello's extremely innovative guitar playing antics.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, published by RedOctane and developed by Neversoft, will be available starting October 28.

Limited CoD4 MP beta places now open
Posted by M @ 4:26 p.m. NZST

Registrations for the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare multiplayer beta are now open. Users can visit xbox.com for their chance to receive a token and experience some of the maps and modes available in multiplayer before the game hits store shelves the week of November 7th.

"From day one we've set out to make Call of Duty 4 the best multiplayer experience ever," said Grant Collier, Studio Head, Infinity Ward. "We're excited to bring to our fans around the world this early look at Call of Duty 4 multiplayer. The gameplay possibilities are limitless from leveling-up and utilising perks, to creating-your-own class and matchmaking."

Kiwi recruits can go directly to xbox.com to register for the beta. Entry to the beta is via registration on a first come basis and only a limited number of keys will be made available within New Zealand. The delivery of key codes to those who are successful will be delivered shortly.

Dragon's Lair for DS in Q1
Posted by M @ 3:51 p.m. NZST

Conspiracy Entertainment has secured the publishing rights to one of the world's best known gaming franchises, Dragon's Lair.

Conspiracy will be releasing the original Dragon's Lair and Dragon's Lair II: Warp Time for the Nintendo DS. United Coders (formerly Wizardry Engineering) is developing all versions of the games.

Lead Programmer & Executive Producer, Hans Olsen of United Coders, comments: "This is such an important gaming franchise as it falls into one of those conversations - 'Do you remember were where you when Elvis or Diana died?' - except with this game it's 'Do you remember in which chip shop or arcade you first played this game?'

"We talked long and hard with the original creators of Dragon's Lair - Don Bluth, Gary Goldman and Rick Dyer – they were so impressed with our vision for these titles, that we now have these gaming gems to bring to the market in a new format."

Dragon's Lair DS features two modes of play: 1983 Arcade mode and Director's Cut.

The 1983 version plays just like the original arcade game released in 1983. This mode satisfies the hardcore gamer who wishes to re-live the first ever handheld version of Dragon's Lair, that is 100% true to the original and has all scenes and all the quirks and oddities found in that version.

The director's cut is aimed mostly at players who have never experienced the game before, plays somewhat differently "in a very unique way"; and in the director's cut there is also full support for the Rumble Pak, stylus support, and voice recognition.

Dragon's Lair DS is due to ship in the 1st quarter of 2008 with the others to follow at a later date.

Using Xfire's peer-to-peer communication system, gamers have the ability to chat with fellow gamers without needing to manage a standalone voice server. Additionally, online game players will be able to log in to Xfire from within Hellgate, enabling them to easily add their friends and other Hellgate: London gamers into an Xfire voice chat room where they can chat as they play. Xfire supports more than 800 of the most popular PC games worldwide.

"By integrating Xfire's voice chat feature into Hellgate: London, we are able to strengthen our online community and make it even easier for our players to connect together online," said Tyler Thompson, Technical Director of Flagship Studios. "The Xfire package will bolster the overall gaming experience for our users."

Flagship Studios, founded by the creators of the Diablo franchise, stay true to their action-packed roots with their premier game. Set in the streets and undergrounds of a post-apocalyptic London, Hellgate: London has been described as the spiritual successor to the Diablo series. Players can view the game from both first- and third-person perspective and arm themselves with over 100 magical and sci-fi weapons. Hellgate: London was designed with Flagship's philosophy of "random generation", which allows players countless hours of replayability as no two game play experiences are the same.

Xfire is a free, advertiser-supported product. In addition to the many friend tracking and multiplayer communication services, Xfire is also one of the largest hosts of online gaming events on the Internet. Xfire and its advertisers sponsor online events where members can play with pro gamers, join in online chats with celebrities and participate in machinima contests involving their favorite games.

More licenses for PES 2008
Posted by M @ 10:43 a.m. NZST

Konami has released further details regarding the eagerly-awaited PES 2008, due for release later in the year for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC-DVD, PlayStation 2, PSP and Nintendo DS.

Following the announcement of Cristiano Ronaldo as the European face of the new game, Konami has also extended the number of officially licensed national and club teams in the game. PES 2008 will boast more licenses than ever before, with Brazil, Portugal, Greece, Scotland and Ireland amongst the new officially licensed national teams on offer.

Similarly, the roster of licensed club teams has also been bolstered, with Newcastle, Tottenham, RSC Anderlecht, HJK Helsinki, IFK Goteborg, Panathinaicos, Spartak Moscow, Fenerbache, NK Dinamo Zagreb and FC Basel amongst those added to the ranks.

The new licensed club sides join the likes of Juventus Turin, AC Milan, Celtic, Porto and more, adding the world's greatest teams to what is regarded as the most realistic football game for any system. The new teams also combine to ensure PES 2008 has over 3000 licensed players realistically replicated within the game, and over 250 teams.

Konami says PES 2008 will mark a quantum leap forward for the Pro Evolution Soccer series. An all-new AI system entitled Teamvision has been designed to actively monitor the player's onscreen movements and adapt accordingly. This means players cannot resort to overly-familiar tactics, and forces them to change their movements if they are to pose offensive threats. New set pieces have also been implemented, with players selecting key players to receive free kicks, and tailoring defensive walls to their specific needs. Coupled with a "massively enhanced" aesthetic upgrade that includes facial animation and shirts creasing, plus an extensive edit mode, PES 2008 is shaping up to retain its footballing crown.

PES 2008 will be released in October.

The anthology CD was compiled by renowned video game composers and Video Games Live co-creators Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall. The album features the Slovak National Orchestra as well as the Crouch End Chorus and the "Video Game Pianist" - Martin Leung. The album was mixed and recorded at the world famous Abbey Road recording studios in London.

The album release coincides with the Video Games Live event on October 19 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles and on 22nd October as the opening event of the London Games Festival where it will be performed by members of the Philharmonia Orchestra at London's Royal Festival Hall.

The album is the first global campaign of its kind, linked to the Video Games Live events planned in North America, Europe and Asia over the coming months and aims to appeal to a broad audience of gamers, non-gamers and music lovers of all kinds.

Music in the interactive entertainment industry has come far in the past 35 years, from beeps and electrical impulses to early digital synthesis and sampling to pre-recorded soundtracks. As the games themselves have become more sophisticated, so has the music that drives them and a generation of composers are devoting their energies to writing for the video game medium.

Video Games Live is the largest and most successful video game concert in the world, having already been performed around the globe to over 100,000 people. The debut performance took place on July 6th, 2005 at the world famous Hollywood Bowl with the LA Philharmonic. Over 11,000 people attended making it the biggest video game concert in the world. Video Games Live followed with the first ever game concert performances in countries such as Brazil, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Canada and England.

The spectacular visuals, lighting effects and interactivity have drawn audiences worldwide with multi-thousand venue seats selling out in hours or days of being announced. Confirming their growing popularity and the increased demand, Video Games Live in partnership with IMG Artists (Europe and Asia) and the William Morris Agency (USA) will host the event from over 21 locations around the world from Munich to Manchester, Indiana to Milan.

For more information, visit emiclassics.com / videogameslive.com.

Strategic Command 2: Weapons and WarfareAdd-on enters final beta stage
Posted by M @ 11:15 p.m. NZST

Hubert Cater, award-winning developer of the Strategic Command grand tactical series, has posted a new blog entry revealing that the SC2:WAW add-on has entered final beta testing stages.
"With the bulk of development focused on the AI and single player mode, single player promises to be a much more immersive experience with the new and improved AI and multimedia additions including rare audio speeches and news reports as well as historic photographs and communications from the front, I am also pleased to announce that the final months brought Terif and Jollyguy on board to give the multiplayer aspect some final touches. As reported to me so far, the good news is that although some of the unit and map changes will bring about quite a few new strategies, the multiplayer aspect as so far shown itself to be very well balanced. A Terif stamp of approval if you will."

The first expansion pack for Strategic Command 2: Blitzkrieg, Weapons and Warfare incorporates new features frequently requested by the fan community, including a bigger world map, new units, enhanced naval movement and combat rules, a deeper weather model, additional terrain types and resources, the simulation of roads and railways and a greatly extended editor with the ability to add in scripted Image and Sound events and much more. For more information, visit battlefront-newsletter.com/blogfront.

Shuttle Glamour series supporting dual display for midrange use
Posted by M @ 10:42 p.m. NZST

Shuttle Inc., leading designer and manufacturer of small form factor computers and accessories, has announced the launch of its first generation XPC Glamour series – the Shuttle XPC Glamour SG33G5 Pro and Shuttle XPC Glamour SG33G6 Deluxe supporting dual display for mainstream users.

The Shuttle XPC Glamour series SG33G5 Pro and SG33G6 Deluxe are designed for the upcoming Intel 45nm Core 2 Multi-Core processors. The Intel G33 Express Chipset also features Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100. Onboard the Shuttle XPC Glamour series are Dolby Digital Live and DTS 7.1 Connect surround sound effects combined with HD video graphics. Without needing additional graphic cards, dual display is possibly with both systems.

Standard on the Deluxe model and optional for the Pro model, the Glamour series will provide access to WiFi 802.11b/g wireless connection with home networks. On selected models the latest high-speed Bluetooth 2.0+EDR allows pairing with mobile phones for file sharing or Bluetooth headphones.

Shuttle's innovative USB Speed-Link technology allows file sharing between two PCs via a standard USB cable. Data is protected by advanced fingerprint recognition security, avoiding the need for usernames and passwords.

Technical details:
Shuttle XPC Glamour Serie

• Intel G33 Express / ICH9DH
• Supports Intel Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Duo E6000/E4000 Series, Pentium Dual-Core E2000 Series, Celeron 400 Series with 775 socket, FSB 1333
• Max. 4 GB Dual Channel DDR2 800 (OC to 1066 MHz)
• DX9 ready Intel GMA3100 graphics with HDMI/HDCP
• 8-channel audio with Dolby® Digital Live! and DTS Connect
• 1x PCI-E X16, 1x PCI
• Gigabit LAN
• 2x Firewire, 6x USB 2.0
• 3x SATA2, 2x eSATA
• USB Speed-Link Technology
• Fingerprint Recognition Security
• Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Deluxe model only)
• 802.11b/g WiFi (Deluxe model only)
• 250-Watt power supply / 300-Watt power supply (Deluxe model only)
• 310(L) x 200(W) x 185(H) mm XPC product line.

New Media Design School site live
Posted by M @ 10:39 p.m. NZST

Auckland's Media Design School has published its redesigned website at mediadesign.school.nz.

The new site features greater depth of student work, showcasing the quality of graduates who regularly come out of their courses into high profile jobs.

The new site also allows the school to more easily update news pages with
upcoming events, and student or graduate success stories.

Media Design School provides courses in video game design and interactive gaming amongst its qualification programmes.

Diploma of Interactive Gaming: (NZQA Level 6, 145 credits)

Media Design School's Diploma of Interactive Gaming is designed for students wanting to pursue game programming study at an undergraduate level.

Graduate Diploma of Game Development: (Game Art or Game Programming specialisations) (NZQA Level 7, 256 credits)

Media Design School's award winning Graduate Diploma of Game Development is a two-year graduate qualification that is generally completed in a compressed 18-month timeframe. The qualification is unique in New Zealand and was developed in conjunction with the industry that continues to monitor and advise through the qualification's Industry Panel. Students can choose to specialise in either game programming or game art.

Sidhe's Speed Racer releasing with Wachowski film
Posted by M @ 12:15 a.m. NZST

Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment will launch Kiwi-made Speed Racer, based on the upcoming film written and directed by the Wachowski brothers. The game will be available in 2008 on the Wii and Nintendo DS systems as the Speed Racer film hits cinemas. It will be released on the PlayStation 2 with the DVD launch.

In the Wii and PlayStation 2 system games, developed by Wellington's Sidhe Interactive and published by Warner Bros., players will be able to take on the role of the characters from the film, getting behind the wheels of each character's signature vehicles to experience firsthand the film's high adrenaline, combative racing style. The car-fu style of action within the game will "closely represent" the action style being designed by the Wachowski brothers for the film itself as they lend direction and assets to the development team directly from their Berlin set. John Gaeta, a long time Wachowski collaborator and Co-VFX Supervisor on the Speed Racer film, is working with Sidhe and WBIE to assist in maintaining a close film-to-game aesthetic connection.

"Speed Racer is an exceptionally creative property and teamed with the Wachowski brothers' vision it makes for action-packed racing gameplay," said Samantha Ryan, senior vice president, development and production, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "The game will capture the intensity of the racing in the film to give gamers and movie fans a chance to take the wheel after the experience the film."

"We are very excited about this natural extension from the Speed Racer film to the videogame. Larry and Andy are videogame fans themselves, so they believe that an interactive game is a key component to the entire Speed Racer experience," said film producer Joel Silver.

Developing across console, handheld, and PC, Sidhe has created a range of products including a variety of racing titles.

Written and directed by the Wachowski brothers (The Matrix trilogy, V for Vendetta) and produced by Joel Silver, Speed Racer is based on the classic series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida. A live-action family adventure, Speed Racer follows the young race-car driver Speed in his quest for glory on and off the track in his thundering Mach 5.

The film will feature other characters that fans of the show will remember, including Speed's family and his mysterious arch-rival, Racer X. The new high-octane actioner will combine the kind of revolutionary visual effects and cutting-edge storytelling that have become the benchmarks of the Wachowski brothers' films, bringing Speed Racer into the 21st century. The film stars Emile Hirsch ("Alpha Dog") as Speed, Christina Ricci ("Black Snake Moan") as Trixie and Matthew Fox (TV's "Lost") as Racer X as well as Oscar winner Susan Sarandon ("Dead Man Walking") and John Goodman ("Evan Almighty") as Mom and Pops Racer.

To correspond with the release of the demo, Sierra has unveiled a scene from an original movie based on TimeShift, exclusively on Break.com, a cross-platform, user-generated digital entertainment network for guys on the Internet.

Developed by Saber Interactive, and published by Sierra Entertainment, TimeShift is a first-person shooter that allows players to master the flow of time, to become the ultimate weapon in war-torn environments. Armed with the experimental time-manipulating Beta Suit and a huge arsenal of weaponry and vehicles, players have the ability to slow, stop and reverse the flow of time, allowing them to control several aspects of each battle sequence. Intuitive time controls give the player the ultimate advantage in avoiding attacks, correcting mistakes and outsmarting the enemy.

With a comprehensive online 16-player multiplayer mode, featuring time grenades, 14 different maps and over 40 different features, TimeShift gears itself to the players' unique style of gameplay by allowing matches to be completely customisable. Players can battle it out in a tight, well-balanced multiplayer experience that implements several aspects of the time-manipulating gameplay element found in the single-player campaign.

"We are thrilled to offer gamers the chance to check out the upcoming demo for TimeShift on Xbox Live and also a clip from the movie," said Al Simone, SVP of Global Marketing for Sierra Entertainment. "With so many of our gamers actively spending time on Break.com, it made sense for us to look at this destination as a significant distribution vehicle for video game content."

For more information, visit timeshiftgame.com.

Freeware 10tacle title for M3 Coupe launch
Posted by M @ 10:42 p.m. NZST

Europe's largest independent computer, video and online entertainment developer 10tacle Studios will be delivering a freeware game this month to show off the new BMW M3 Coupé. The racing specialists from London-based subsidiary Blimey!Games show for the first time on PC what the 420 horsepower Bavarian powerhouse can do in the game BMW M3 Challenge.

For the Munich-based automobile company the game represents "an important part of the communications mix" for the launch of the new BMW M3 Coupé. The the mid-six-figure development budget was carried by BMW and other sponsors and through in-game advertising.

In addition to this project 10tacle Studios is already in the midst of concrete negotiations with a "world-renowned firm" looking to commission a comprehensive game project as part of an upcoming marketing campaign. The goal is to begin work on the title, which is to have a budget volume in the double-digit millions, before the end of the year.

Gears of War pack free on Live tonight
Posted by M @ 1:00 a.m. NZST

From 10pm today, the Hidden Fronts Map Pack will join the Annex gametype and Multiplayer Map Pack 1 as another piece of free downloadable content for Gears of War.

Gears of War has sold more than 4 million copies worldwide, and recorded the most number of unique players among all Xbox 360 games in August 2007, as well as the highest cumulative number of hours played by Xbox Live members.

In the Hidden Fronts Map Pack, players can clash for control of four dynamic areas, Bullet Marsh, Garden, Process, and Subway:

Bullet Marsh
In this Kryll-infested swamp, an old generator still powers the area lights. A few stray bullets could easily knock out the generator, leaving combatants to fend for themselves against the Kryll.

Garden
This overgrown and crumbling conservatory still has a working fertilisation and pesticide system. This system can pose a serious hazard to anyone who ventures into the greenhouse without first venting the air.

Process
Fight for control of this subterranean imulsion processing plant, still active despite the cessation of the Pendulum wars.

Subway
Timgad's central subway station used to serve as a hub for commuters. Now the tunnels are crawling with Locust.

The action of Gears of War continues this November with the release of Gears of War for Windows Vista and Windows XP and adds a variety of all-new content, including three new multiplayer maps, a new multiplayer game type, game editor, five new campaign chapters and DirectX 10 support.

Guild Wars expansion now available
Posted by M @ 12:14 a.m. NZST

NCsoft and ArenaNet have launched Guild Wars: Eye of the North, the first expansion to the Guild Wars franchise of subscription-free, online role-playing games.

Guild Wars players who purchase the expansion can access Eye of the North content through the multi-million-selling Guild Wars campaigns-Guild Wars, Guild Wars: Factions, or Guild Wars: Nightfall. The expansion also includes a feature that allows players to take achievements they have earned over the years with them into the forthcoming Guild Wars 2.

Guild Wars: Eye of the North, continues the subscription-free business model pioneered by ArenaNet. As well as being sold at retail, the expansion is now available at guildwars.ph.

Eye of the North advances the story told in the original Guild Wars campaign, and is set in the unexplored area of the continent of Tyria. One of the highlights of the expansion is the Hall of Monuments, which allows players to preserve armour sets, pets, Heroes, and titles earned while playing Guild Wars, Factions, Nightfall, and Eye of the North, and take those accomplishments with them into Guild Wars 2.

The expansion also contains a host of new features that will appeal directly to veteran Guild Wars players, including 18 multi-level dungeons, 150 new skills across all 10 Guild Wars professions, 10 new Heroes to aid them in their adventures, 40 new armour sets, and more items, weapons, and titles.

"We think fans will find a lot to love in Guild Wars: Eye of the North," said Mike O'Brien, co-founder of ArenaNet. "Not only do we go back to the original Guild Wars lands and stories to wrap up plots and themes fans have clamoured to learn more about, but we've also built a bridge to the future through the Hall of Monuments. This will give loyal players a way to preserve what they've accomplished in Guild Wars over the past two years, and reclaim the legacy of their favourite characters in Guild Wars 2."

The Guild Wars franchise recently surpassed four million units sold and is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed online role-playing game series of all time. Guild Wars 2 is expected to go into public beta in the second half of 2008.

The recipient of more than 50 awards, including the 2007 Game Critics Awards for Best Console Game and Best RPG at the Electronic Entertainment Expo last month in Los Angeles, Microsoft says Mass Effect is poised to become the must-play RPG of 2007.

From the creators of the acclaimed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Jade Empire comes an epic space saga for Xbox 360 that spans the entire galaxy. Combining RPG and tactical action elements, Mass Effect offers an engaging mix of gameplay set against a deep, multi-directional story.

"With Mass Effect, BioWare is delivering an incredible next-gen gaming odyssey. Our fans will journey through a vast, futuristic universe as they are challenged to make impactful decisions that will determine the very fate of the galaxy," said Ray Muzyka, chief executive officer, BioWare Corp. Added Greg Zeschuk, president of BioWare Corp. "The best games bring players into an immersive, realistic world that is fun to explore from beginning to end. We've achieved that in Mass Effect by putting the player at the center of a compelling, cinematic storyline full of realistic characters and hundreds of exciting locations."

For more information, visit masseffect.com.

Colin McRae demo now on PS3
Posted by M @ 11:14 p.m. NZST

It's time to get your hands dirty and test drive Colin McRae: Dirt for the PlayStation 3 as Codemasters launches the playable demo, now available to download from PlayStation Store.

With the full game set to launch on 14th September, Colin McRae: Dirt takes rally king off-road in a multitude of race events. The playable demo delivers three events to experience, including Crossover, C.O.R.R. (Championship Off-Road Racing), and a point-to-point rally stage.

The Crossover race has players competing against Colin McRae himself. Set in Germany, the Avelsbachring's smooth but twisty tarmac is the perfect battleground for a pair of Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec Cs. Then, with nine other racers aggressively competing for position, it's a fierce C.O.R.R. competition in V8 650hp buggies at the Bark River Off Road Raceway, Michigan.

Finally, and exclusive to the PlayStation 3 system demo, the gravel churning start of the Cuconi B rally stage in Sardinia will have players racing to achieve a best time through Italian vineyards before hitting the tarmac at the end of the stage.

Quake Wars gone gold
Posted by M @ 11:00 p.m. NZST

Id Software and Activision have announced that Enemy Territory: Quake Wars for Windows PC has gone gold and will be available on September 28.

Developed by Splash Damage, the prequel to the futuristic wars in the Quake II storyline pits the armies of Earth's Global Defence Force (GDF) against the invading alien Strogg in the multiplayer action shooter that transports players to the front lines in the battle for Earth.

To learn more about the game, visit enemyterritory.com.