 |
|
Imperium Romanum: Developer Interview
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 10:59 a.m. NZDT
Kalypso Media Group has released a video interview with two of the game designers from Haemimont Games, developers of the upcoming strategy title Imperium Romanum.
In the six minute movie the designers speak about the new currency system in Imperium Romanum "Denarii", as well as the battle mode and the function of settlers.
The video also includes minutes of unseen in-game video scenes including fantastic impressions of the grand race in the circus maximus and battle scenes. The interview can be downloaded here (44.7MB).
The Witcher Enhanced Edition Announced
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 9:42 a.m. NZDT
CD Projekt RED today announced that in May of this year, a new and improved version of The Witcher will appear in stores, a game already considered by many players and media to be one of the best PC RPG titles of 2007.
Michal Kicinski, CEO of CD Projekt added: "The leading idea during the development of The Witcher: Enhanced Edition is to create a game that is devoid of all of the major criticisms levied at the original release. The Witcher was received very warmly by both players and the media, but we are well aware that it is not a product without its faults. There was just not enough time to perfect certain elements, while we learned that some things needed to be changed from the players themselves. Now we have the opportunity to introduce changes that will allow The Witcher to provide even more enjoyment. I hope that, as a result, the game will come even closer to the ideal RPG."
Currently, CD Projekt RED consists of 70 people working on The Witcher: Enhanced Edition and another as-of-yet unannounced project. More information is available at the official site.
|
|
|
Lost: Via Domus website relaunched
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 10:59 a.m. NZDT
The official Lost: Via Domus website has been updated, offering trailers, screenshots and details about the game based on the hit TV series. In Lost: Via Domus, as a passenger of Oceanic flight 815, you survived the crash and find yourself on an uncharted island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. As you begin to unravel mysteries of the island, you begin to discover secrets of your own. You will have to understand your past mistakes in order to survive and find your way home. Lost: Via Domus is developed by Ubisoft's Montreal studio.
LEGO Indiana Jones Web game online
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 10:50 a.m. NZDT
Three Melons has teamed up with LEGO to create its latest Flash Web-based advergame: LEGO.com Indiana Jones. The game features Indy as its main star and easy to learn, hard to master gameplay suitable for players of different ages. "LEGO is an amazing client to work with and being able to play with Indy was something amazing for the team", said Mariano Suárez Battán, Captain Melon (aka CEO) at the studio.
Head over to the official site for a go!
|
|
|
TrackMania to be released on Nintendo DS
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 11:00 a.m. NZDT
Far from hardcore driving simulations, TrackMania is based on the fun and the spectacular aspect of racing. With TrackMania DS, you drive at mind-blowing speeds on tracks made of jumps, loops, turbo boost pads and many other crazy design elements. Just like the PC version, TrackMania DS will offer a track editor that will let you create your own unique and exciting tracks from hundreds of different design blocks, giving the game near-infinite replay value.
TrackMania DS will be released in Q4 2008 on Nintendo DS.
Red Alert 3 Announced
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 9:50 a.m. NZDT
Electronic Arts today officially announced Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 is under development for the PC, Xbox 360 and PS3. Developed by EA Los Angeles, Red Alert 3 breaks new ground in the RTS genre, featuring a fully co-operative campaign while bringing back the series' light-hearted style and classic, action-oriented gameplay.
"The Red Alert games are known for challenging hardcore strategy gamers with depth, variety, and innovative gameplay. But they also belong to that rare breed of games that can draw in more casual players with their over-the-top stories, instantly accessible mechanics, and straight-to-the-fun design," said Mike Verdu, General Manager of EALA. "With Red Alert 3, our team is continuing that proud tradition by introducing genre-first features like co-operative campaign play, which rewards veterans and casual players alike. In Red Alert 3, friends and family can always have your back!"
|
|
|
Gameplanet To Relaunch Website
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 4:58 p.m. NZDT
As of next Friday 22 February, Gameplanet will be sporting a new look! We're pleased to annouce a total makeover, and we'll be following this up with more content - more reviews, previews, features, files - in short, more of everything you've come to expect from New Zealand's most popular gaming website. We also have some great prize packs coming up, so stay tuned!
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Website Launched
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 12:21 p.m. NZDT
Sony today announced the new Gran Turismo 5 Prologue website has been launched, featuring detailed artwork, news and video clips from the highly anticipated latest installment. Take a look here.
Sony Announce Valentines Day Activities
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 9:53 a.m. NZDT
Sony Online Entertainment today announced that a variety of in-game events themed around Valentine's Day will take place this week. In EverQuest II, players will be able to present each other with virtual Erollisi roses, enjoy heart shaped cookies and sip love potions. In Star Wars Galaxies, The Festival of Love begins on February 13th and the Ewoks will be sharing their wares and food with any travelers who venture into the city of Theed. Planetside players who log in February 12-14 will receive a special ball-and-chain merit. Also, the dummy NPCs that fill the virtual shooting range now feature names such as: It's Not You It's Me and Ice Queen.
|
|
|
Mass Effect for PC in May
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 9:54 a.m. NZDT
BioWare has announced that the award-winning space epic Mass Effect will be released for the PC in May 2008. Published by EA and re-designed for the PC, Mass Effect invites players to take the role of Commander Shepard as they set out on an adventure to save the galaxy from imminent destruction. Wrought with treachery, heroism, difficult decisions and a universe filled with unique and colorful species, Mass Effect delivers a truly compelling storyline. For more information about the changes due for the PC release, check out the official site here.
EA & Maxis To Ship Spore In September
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 9:46 a.m. NZDT
Electronic Arts and Maxis today announced that Spore, the highly anticipated game from the creators of The Sims, will be available at retailers worldwide the weekend of September 7. Spore will be available for the PC, Macintosh, Nintendo DS, and mobile phones.
"The wait is almost over," said Maxis Chief Designer Will Wright. "We're in our final stages of testing and polish with Spore, and the team at Maxis can't wait to see the cosmos of content created by the community later this year."
Spore gives players their own personal universe in a box. Create and evolve life, establish tribes, build civilizations, sculpt entire worlds and explore a universe created by other gamers. Spore gives players a wealth of creative tools to customize nearly every aspect of their universe: creatures, vehicles, buildings, and even UFOs. Players can then seamlessly share their creations with the world or explore infinite new galaxies created by other gamers. Official website.
|
|
|
NZ's Popular PC Gaming Team adds Xbox 360 divisions
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 1:25 p.m. NZDT
New Zealand's online gaming team Team Sidewinder (TSW) has increased its professional gaming arsenal with the signing of two new Xbox 360 teams.
A New Zealand first, the move will see top PC and Xbox 360 gamers compete under a common banner.
TSW co-founder Mark 'Atrocity' Pette says, "Xbox 360 gaming is becoming more competitive and it's an exciting opportunity for both PC and console divisions to work together towards promoting competitive, online and professional gaming."
The new teams will compete in Halo 3 and Gears of War, led by experienced gamers 'Kurtiz' 'Papple' and 'Midnite'. Both teams have excelled in the past, and members are among the favourites in the World Cyber Games qualifiers later this year.
"We have all been waiting for an opportunity like this for what seems like years now," says Papple. "All of us are very excited to be a part of Team Sidewinder and will definitely be stepping up our game now. I believe we should beat any other Halo 3 team in New Zealand at the moment, and hopefully with TSW's backing we can go further and show other countries what we are really made of."
2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational Announced
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 9:49 a.m. NZDT
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced plans to hold its fourth Worldwide Invitational in Paris, France on the 28th and 29th of June. The 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational will bring the company and gamers together in a convention atmosphere, celebrating the communities surrounding Blizzard Entertainment's Warcraft, Diablo and StarCraft series as well as showcasing the skills of top eSports gamers from around the world. The first Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational to be held in Europe, the event will take place at Hall 5 of the Porte de Versailles Exposition Center in Paris.
"We look forward to bringing the Blizzard Worldwide Invitational to Europe for the first time and sharing our latest news with players there," said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. "In addition to the great tournament gaming that will be taking place at the event, we're planning an entertaining show for all attendees."
Further information on activities, tournaments and ticket booking will be provided on the official 2008 Blizzard Entertainment Worldwide Invitational website as the event draws closer.
FlatOut Head On – Official PSP Demo due for Release 22 February 2008
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 9:44 a.m. NZDT
Empire Interactive has today confirmed that European gamers will be among the first in the world to sample its eagerly awaited PSP title FlatOut Head On with the release of the official PSP demo on 22nd February 2008.
"This is a great way for us to showcase FlatOut Head On to PSP gamers", said Sean Walsh, Empire Interactive Product Manager. "PSP enthusiasts can often be heard talking on forums and blogs about the lack of good demos available for their beloved handheld. We wanted to help satisfy that need, and by giving them a taste of some of the featured modes - Carnage, Deathmatch Derby and Ragdoll Stunts – we think that it'll really whet their appetite for destruction."
The FlatOut Head On PSP demo will be available for download from PlayStation UK and the Empire Interactive website from the 22nd February 2008.
|
|
|
Grand Theft Auto IV Website Launched
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 2:17 p.m. NZDT
The official website of Grand Theft Auto IV has been launched, providing new details about the next installment of the series in the works at Rockstar North. Due to be released worldwide on April 29th for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Check it out here.
Viking: Battle for Asgard Official Website Launched
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 11:05 a.m. NZDT
The official website for The Creative Assembly's new title Viking: Battle for Asgard has gone live. You will play as Skarin, a young hero against the armies of goddes Hel who intends to destroy Asgard and the Gods. Viking: Battle for Asgard is scheduled for March 28th on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. Check out the site here.
Academy Awards Top Honours to Call of Duty 4, Bioshock and The Orange Box
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 10:05 a.m. NZDT
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Activision), BioShock (2K Games) and The Orange Box (Electronic Arts and Valve Software); have each picked up four statues at the 11th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards. The award ceremony was hosted by comedian and avid video game player Jay Mohr at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas. The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences also honoured two industry icons for their tremendous contributions. Mike Morhaime, president, CEO and co-founder of Blizzard Entertainment, was inducted as the 11th member of the prestigious AIAS Hall of Fame and Ken Kutaragi, former president and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., received the highly coveted Lifetime Achievement Award.
"The Interactive Achievement Awards is the forum for the industry's best game makers to evaluate the merits of more than 160 titles submitted for consideration and honor the best in technical innovation and gameplay experience," said Joseph Olin, president of the AIAS. "This year's winners truly represent the best cross section of interactive entertainment, demonstrating the power of next-generation platforms that have come of age."
|
|
|
Gameplanet Jackass Competition Closes - Winner Notified
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 4:39 p.m. NZDT
Gameplanet would like to thank all those who participated in our Jackass Competition - the winner has been drawn and notified via. email. Congratulations Ben, we hope you enjoy your prize!
Duke Nukem Forever Release In 2008?
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 11:26 a.m. NZDT
3D Realms has said Duke Nukem Forever, the highly anticipated sequel to its revolutionary 1996 PC game Duke Nukem 3D, should be available for release on Xbox 360 and PS3 later this year.
"We haven't formally announced any platforms for DNF, but of course hitting the big three makes the most sense (PC, PS3, 360)." wrote 3D Realms President Scott Miller in an e-mail. Miller also wrote: "We can't make an official announcement. Frankly, we may miss the mark by a month or two, but I feel very confident that we're on target this time. Its definitely an internal push."
Guitar Hero Marathon Relay Achieved at Guinness World Record Gamer's Edition Launch
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 10:12 a.m. NZDT
To celebrate the launch of the Guinness World Record Gamer's Edition – the longest Guitar Hero Marathon Relay record was achieved, lasting over two hours and with 40 passes between songs. Other records achieved on the night included the "Highest score" on Guitar Hero by Luke Albiges with 444,862 points, and the "Highest score by a team of six" was achieved by Guitar Hero fan Saad Choudri, his 10 year old little brother Adam and friends with 127,067 points.
Over 200 people attended the launch event in London dressed as their favourite "rock Star" and jammed on Guitar Hero.
Atari Launches Alone In The Dark Official Site
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 9:53 a.m. NZDT
Atari today announced the launch of the official website of forthcoming action survival game Alone in the Dark, featuring a series of fascinating and intriguing facts, legends and stories which reveal the myriad strange and unexplained happenings which have dogged the history of New York's magnificent municipal parkland, Central Park. Visitors to the site will begin a journey into the murky past of New York's backyard and see how the park's chequered history has influenced and inspired the production of Alone in the Dark. Check out the action here.
|
|
|
First Downloadable Content For "Mass Effect" Announced
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 10:05 a.m. NZDT
Beginning on 10th March, fans everywhere will be able to expand the "Mass Effect" experience with the release of the first ever downloadable content for the award-winning saga. The "Bring Down the Sky" downloadable content pack will be released to Xbox LIVE Marketplace on Monday, 10th March at 10am, and will be available for 400 MS points. This is the first in a series of planned downloadable content that further expands the "Mass Effect" universe and continues the adventures of Commander Shepard and his crew of the Normandy. "Bring Down the Sky" includes a new uncharted world that introduces the notorious and feared alien race of the Batarians. A Batarian extremist group has hijacked a mobile asteroid station in the Asgard system, setting it on a collision course with the nearby colony world of Terra Nova. Only Commander Shepard can save the millions of innocent civilians before the asteroid completes its deadly descent.
"Bring Down the Sky" contains approximately 90 minutes of action and a new Achievement worth 50 Gamerscore points.
Ubisoft Announces Assasin's Creed For PC Will Launch In March
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 9:46 a.m. NZDT
Ubisoft today unveiled Assassin's Creed for PC will be available at retailers end of March.
Following in the wake of the critically acclaimed and worldwide console hit Assassin's Creed, the PC version entitled Assassin's Creed, Director's cut edition will feature four brand new exclusive types of investigations, thus providing even more ways for players to explore the various locations of the Third Crusade.
Players will assume the role of the main character, Altair, and will work to stop hostilities by suppressing both sides of the conflict and experience the art of a master assassin. With more than 5 million units of the console versions sold to date worldwide since its mid-November 2007 launch, Assassin's Creed for the PC is set to expand upon this success.
"We are thrilled to bring Assassin's Creed to an eager PC audience and we anticipate the game will resonate with them just has it has across the other platforms," said John Parkes, EMEA Marketing Director at Ubisoft. "Assassin's Creed is a game that must be experienced firsthand to fully understand how dynamic and meaningful this title has become for video game fans worldwide."
For more information, please visit the official site.
|
|
|
Folding@Home: One Million PS3 Users Now Registered
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 10:53 a.m. NZDT
Sony Computer Entertainment today announced that Stanford University's Folding@home project has reached one million PS3 registered users. Prior to the inclusion of PS3 in March 2007, the Folding@home project leveraged the distributed computing power of personal computers from around the world. Sony has claimed that now a network of roughly 10,000 PS3s can accomplish the same amount of work as a network of 100,000 PCs. In September 16, 2007, Folding@home was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's most powerful distributed computing network. For more information, check out the official site.
New Trailer For Naruto: Ninja Destiny Unleashed
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 10:17 a.m. NZDT
Tomy Corporation and D3Publisher of America have released a new trailer for Naruto: Ninja Destiny for the Nintendo DS handheld system. Available to download and view now, this trailer showcases Rock Lee and Gaara squaring off in a one-on-one fight, while demonstrating the intuitive touch-screen gameplay unique to the DS. Take a look here (6MB)
Empire Interactive Announces FlatOut Ultimate Carnage for PC
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 9:41 a.m. NZDT
Empire Interactive announced today that the PC-DVD ROM version of the best selling arcade racer FlatOut Ultimate Carnage is currently in development and is due for release in June 2008.
The FlatOut series has enjoyed global success on multiple formats, selling over two million copies and winning numerous awards in the process, with FlatOut 2 being named Xbox 'Best Racing Game of 2006'. FlatOut Ultimate Carnage for Xbox 360 was released to critical acclaim in June 2007 and now award-winning Finnish studio and creators of FlatOut, Bugbear Entertainment, are currently developing FlatOut Ultimate Carnage for PC.
Ian Higgins, CEO of Empire Interactive commented, "We are very excited about bringing FlatOut Ultimate Carnage to PC gamers. Research suggests that arcade racers are becoming ever more popular on the PC, with the Xbox 360 controller providing the perfect way to enjoy the genre. Ultimate Carnage is an entirely new prospect for PC and we're excited to be bringing FlatOut's unique gameplay experience to PC gamers everywhere."
|
|
|
Silent Hill Origins Returns
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 12:08 p.m. NZDT
Konami has announced that its popular Silent Hill Origins title is to be released for the PlayStation 2 in May following its success as a PSP title.
Silent Hill Origins acts as a prequel to the popular horror series, and follows troubled truck driver, Travis Grady, who gets stuck in the terrifying town while making a routine delivery. He quickly discovers that all is not well in the fog-smothered town, and that its shrouded streets hide grotesque creatures and dark secrets. Moreover, as he explores the seemingly abandoned town, Grady is confronted by crippling memories from his troubled past and it becomes clear he must escape from Silent Hill while resolving the memories that have plagued him since childhood.
The PlayStation 2 version offers a visually enhanced version of the PSP game, with a host of elements that are new to the franchise and provide the player with an enhanced sensation of isolation. While the game retains the cinematic experience of the previous games, it also has an intuitive 'Cineractive System' that allows players to face down horrifying monsters while the control scheme changes intuitively for each situation. Players also have an enhanced camera system that actively tracks Travis, while fans of the series will revel in Silent Hill Origins' original soundtrack by series composer Akira Yamaoka.
"It is fantastic to bring the Silent Hill series back to the format that was so integral to its success,", said Hans-Joachim Amann, Head of European Product Management for Konami. "Silent Hill Origins is a stunning prelude that explains some of the mystery and mythos of the series, and we look forward to inviting Silent Hill's many fans back to its doom-laden streets."
EA Announces Development Of FaceBreaker
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 8:57 a.m. NZDT
Electronic Arts announced today that FaceBreaker is under development at EA Canada and will be released for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii in 2008.
"We're very excited to announce FaceBreaker, an all-new franchise from EA Sports that is fun, fresh and innovative," said Peter Moore, president, EA Sports. "FaceBreaker reinvigorates one of the great genres in sports videogames. Arcade boxing takes me back to my roots in this industry, and this game signals our shift to adding more approachable fun to our product lineup. In no time at all, you'll be picking up the controllers and knocking your opponent around the ring, smashing faces, and having a riot."
The renaissance of the arcade boxing genre is upon us. Created by the same team that developed the award-winning Fight Night Round 3, FaceBreaker offers irreverent fun, immersive gameplay and eye-popping stylized graphics. In this in-your-face, arcade world full of ego-wielding characters, each boxer comes to life with unique attributes and distinct personal style, including Romeo, a Latin lover known for his pelvic thrusts, and Molotov, an oversized Russian demolitions expert with a penchant for fighting dirty. Add a little personal motivation to your fight by uploading a photo of your face to create a realistic likeness using Photo Game Face, and go toe-to-toe with a real-life friend or foe.
|
|
|
EA Launches Burnout Paradise
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 9:56 a.m. NZDT
Electronic Arts today announced that Burnout Paradise for the PS3 and Xbox 360 hits New Zealand stores today. The much anticipated Burnout Paradise is critically acclaimed as the Best Racing Game by the 2007 Game Critics Awards.
Burnout Paradise is built with an all-new open world design to provide the ultimate in freedom and discovery online and offline. Players will be able to create their own personal driving experience, as you decide when and where the action begins. See your friends online with the EasyDrive Friends List and connect with them instantly without having to wait or exit your game. You can battle up to seven of your friends and grab their Mugshots, or join forces to complete more than 300 online challenges.
"Burnout Paradise is the natural evolution of the franchise as we wanted to give the player full control to create their own personal Burnout experience," says Alex Ward, Creative Director at EA Criterion. "The city really comes alive when players get together with their friends online, aggressively blasting through the streets at insane speeds to see who is king of the road. The team at EA Criterion couldn't be more happy and excited to be delivering a truly next generation Burnout title."
Burnout Paradise has been rated M in New Zealand. For more information about Burnout Paradise, please visit the official website.
Speedball 2 Tournament Demo Out Now
Posted by Jon Valjean @ 9:46 a.m. NZDT
A singleplayer demo version of Speedball 2 – Tournament is now available for download. PC players choose one of the two tough teams to play in single player knock-out mode against CPU opponents. With two controllers plugged in to one computer, sports fans even jump into 1-on-1 matches against human opponents.
The full retail version is coming to stores soon. It features all 32 teams, team editor, team management, the singleplayer modes knock-out, cup and tournament as well as the full multiplayer mode via LAN and internet. The demo package consists of a 440 MB zip file and can be downloaded here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
