CURRENT NEWS: TUESDAY, 2 DECEMBER 2008
Tue Dec 2, 2008 7:27pm
Oh no! Time has flown and I can't even believe it is December already. The last of the huge weeks of releases is here and it is the last chance for publishers to get their trailers out before the masses head to do their Christmas shopping.
This week we are heading back to Persia in time for the games release. One of my Final Fantasies comes back in a new game. There is a Storm rising over Project Origin and games considering this their Alpha Protocol. Lastly we get a little Roco in a crazy sequel.
This week we are heading back to Persia in time for the games release. One of my Final Fantasies comes back in a new game. There is a Storm rising over Project Origin and games considering this their Alpha Protocol. Lastly we get a little Roco in a crazy sequel.
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Tue Dec 2, 2008 6:07pm
Fans of James Bond may well have been tempted to drop into their local gaming shop after the movie theatre, to pick up a shiny new copy of Quantum of Solace, the latest game based on the franchise.
While the "new Bond" is receiving some mixed reviews for his gadget-less, violent interpretation, it seems that the new game is getting a similar response. Matt Keller recently sat down with Mr. Bond, playing the PS3 version of the game and sharing his thoughts.
...if you'd like to know a little more behind-the-scenes on the game, don't forget our exclusive interview with co-designer/directors Jeremy Luyties and Adam Gascoine.
While the "new Bond" is receiving some mixed reviews for his gadget-less, violent interpretation, it seems that the new game is getting a similar response. Matt Keller recently sat down with Mr. Bond, playing the PS3 version of the game and sharing his thoughts.
...if you'd like to know a little more behind-the-scenes on the game, don't forget our exclusive interview with co-designer/directors Jeremy Luyties and Adam Gascoine.
[ READ MORE ]
Tue Dec 2, 2008 4:56pm
Rockstar Games just can't keep out of the news. The PC version of Grand Theft Auto IV is looming this week, and - just like with the console versions, there's been a bit of a furore over censorship.
Despite the fact that Australia (and New Zealand) got an edited version of the console title, a spokesman for the publisher has this week publicly announced that "The PC game is unedited in any way and identical in content to the international version." But... how can that be? We've gotten our hands on the reports from the Classifications Board to try and shed some light on the topic.
Despite the fact that Australia (and New Zealand) got an edited version of the console title, a spokesman for the publisher has this week publicly announced that "The PC game is unedited in any way and identical in content to the international version." But... how can that be? We've gotten our hands on the reports from the Classifications Board to try and shed some light on the topic.
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Tue Dec 2, 2008 3:04pm
Naughty Dog have announced that they are hard at work on Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, which is slated as a sequel to the well-received PlayStation 3 release title, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune.
The announcement was made by Anne Meyer, Senior Manager of Marketing at Naughty Dog via the PlayStation blog. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves will focus on the legend of Marco Polo, and introduce a number of new gameplay elements.
The announcement was made by Anne Meyer, Senior Manager of Marketing at Naughty Dog via the PlayStation blog. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves will focus on the legend of Marco Polo, and introduce a number of new gameplay elements.
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Tue Dec 2, 2008 2:16pm
Can BioWare save us with The Old Republic? It’s been a great year for MMOG gamers but it’s time to look to the future, to the next big MMORPG that tantalizes and is most anticipated on the release horizon.
Two months after the game was officially unveiled, BioWare is already vying for the contentious spot. There’s no release date, no leaked movies, or secret design thesis to ponder over but for hungry fans looking for any scraps you will be happy to feed off the first batch of screenshots after the break.
Two months after the game was officially unveiled, BioWare is already vying for the contentious spot. There’s no release date, no leaked movies, or secret design thesis to ponder over but for hungry fans looking for any scraps you will be happy to feed off the first batch of screenshots after the break.
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Tue Dec 2, 2008 1:42pm
Recent times have seen mainstream media report almost every day on the "global financial crisis", which inevitably has effects on the gaming industry in an indirect way. Last month, Shari Redstone, Chairwoman of Midway Games resigned from her position in what was speculated to be the sale of the Redstone family's significant stake in the company.
Today, it has been reported by the Wall Street Journal that Sumner Redstone of National Amusements Inc. has sold the the majority stake in the company for the bargain basement price of US$100,000, along with an estimated debt of US$70 million. The 87% stake in Midway was snapped up by a private investor, Mark Thomas.
Today, it has been reported by the Wall Street Journal that Sumner Redstone of National Amusements Inc. has sold the the majority stake in the company for the bargain basement price of US$100,000, along with an estimated debt of US$70 million. The 87% stake in Midway was snapped up by a private investor, Mark Thomas.
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Tue Dec 2, 2008 12:10pm
Electronic Arts control a large amount of intellectual property when it comes to iconic gaming history. One such tidbit is the Dungeon Keeper license, which was spawned in 1997 by Peter Molyneux and the now defunct Bullfrog Productions.
As an RTS, Dungeon Keeper spawned a legion of loyal fans with its unique gameplay and shift from ubiquitous heroism to evil. Today, a Chinese company by the name of NetDragon has announced that they've licensed the Dungeon Keeper IP from EA, with intentions to produce a MMO entitled Dungeon Keeper Online based on the franchise.
As an RTS, Dungeon Keeper spawned a legion of loyal fans with its unique gameplay and shift from ubiquitous heroism to evil. Today, a Chinese company by the name of NetDragon has announced that they've licensed the Dungeon Keeper IP from EA, with intentions to produce a MMO entitled Dungeon Keeper Online based on the franchise.
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Tue Dec 2, 2008 11:42am
The more some things change, the more they stay the same. We've just received word of a brand new Steam client update, which you can go and download right now!
It's not a big deal, but the update does make three important fixes: a frustrating missing shortcut bug, a potential overlay crash, and if you use Asian languages, rest assured that the input has now been corrected.
So - to get this update, select "Check for Steam Client Updates" in the File menu of the program, and you'll be set!
It's not a big deal, but the update does make three important fixes: a frustrating missing shortcut bug, a potential overlay crash, and if you use Asian languages, rest assured that the input has now been corrected.
So - to get this update, select "Check for Steam Client Updates" in the File menu of the program, and you'll be set!
[ READ MORE ]
Tue Dec 2, 2008 10:20am
Getting a little excited about the impending PC release of Grand Theft Auto IV?
Rockstar Games certainly are, if the amount of new content they've been flaunting is any indication. On top of last week's tutorial video, we have two new clips today showing off the PC-only video editing software - so check out NYC and The Choice for another taste of what's possible with the in-game editor.
Rockstar Games certainly are, if the amount of new content they've been flaunting is any indication. On top of last week's tutorial video, we have two new clips today showing off the PC-only video editing software - so check out NYC and The Choice for another taste of what's possible with the in-game editor.
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Tue Dec 2, 2008 9:06am
We've been catapulted right back to 2006, with two stories about Battlefield 2 in as many days!
Yesterday's promise of a 1.50 patch intrigued some gamers, who wanted to know more about what's going to be included. While the guys at DICE are still remaining pretty tight-lipped, but they've started to reveal a few features that are in store when the patch is released, hopefully "before Christmas".
Yesterday's promise of a 1.50 patch intrigued some gamers, who wanted to know more about what's going to be included. While the guys at DICE are still remaining pretty tight-lipped, but they've started to reveal a few features that are in store when the patch is released, hopefully "before Christmas".
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NEWS FOR MONDAY, 1 DECEMBER 2008
Mon Dec 1, 2008 7:15pm
Game Connect Asia Pacific (GCAP) returned to Brisbane this year to promote the international games industry, host a stack of seminars and bring people from all over the world to one place for one reason: Australian games. The Brisbane Hilton was packed full of people from all walks of life, there to be involved or hear different seminars, talks and panels as well as grabbing a great chance to network and check out some of the up-coming talent in the industry. GCAP also held their annual awards dinner which recognizes the hard work of Australian games companies.
This was the place for designers, developers, programmers, CEOs, students and anyone in - or looking to get into - the industry. It was a hub for some of the most well respected people in the industry and up and comers to talk and present their thoughts and ideas on a various amount of great topics.
This was the place for designers, developers, programmers, CEOs, students and anyone in - or looking to get into - the industry. It was a hub for some of the most well respected people in the industry and up and comers to talk and present their thoughts and ideas on a various amount of great topics.
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Mon Dec 1, 2008 4:38pm
Every now and then, games are released that are a little bit buggy. I know that, you know that, and the publishers know that. The latest example is the Wii version of Tomb Raider: Underworld, which doesn't arrive in Australia until December 4th.
Apparently, there's an "extremely infrequent" bug in the game, which is known to affect a lever in the Thailand level. Publishers Eidos have extended a sincere apology to anybody who's been affected by this bug and have released a downloadable gamesave, for both PAL and NTSC versions.
Apparently, there's an "extremely infrequent" bug in the game, which is known to affect a lever in the Thailand level. Publishers Eidos have extended a sincere apology to anybody who's been affected by this bug and have released a downloadable gamesave, for both PAL and NTSC versions.
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Mon Dec 1, 2008 3:24pm
Can you believe it's December already? Looks like that spring cleaning's been put off for another year... ah well, who wants to clean when they can be looking at these awesome new screenshots that we've uploaded over the past week?
We've got heaps for you this week - perhaps you could take some time to browse them, and see if any last-minute Christmas presents jump out at you! (Last minute... I haven't even done my early-bird shopping yet! Eep!)
We've got heaps for you this week - perhaps you could take some time to browse them, and see if any last-minute Christmas presents jump out at you! (Last minute... I haven't even done my early-bird shopping yet! Eep!)
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Mon Dec 1, 2008 11:24am
Earlier this year, Battlefield 2 developers DICE mentioned that the long-awaited update 1.50 was "still in development", with an expected release date "by Winter of this year". Well, it's Winter now (in the Northern hemisphere, at least), so where's the update?
...coming soon, we're told, with a DICE representative stating that the patch is planned for release "before Christmas".
...coming soon, we're told, with a DICE representative stating that the patch is planned for release "before Christmas".
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Mon Dec 1, 2008 9:18am
Each week, we collate the most popular stories that we published over the past seven days, plus a lineup of the most downloaded files added in the same timeframe. That way, in case you missed something, you can catch up in one helpful little spot, every Monday morning.
Understandably, our most-read story last week was the breaking news that F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin had been Refused Classification in Australia, but it wasn't all doom and gloom, with the Games On Net Mo-riffic Movember Awards coming right up behind.
This week, we've tried something a little bit different - let us know what you think!
Understandably, our most-read story last week was the breaking news that F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin had been Refused Classification in Australia, but it wasn't all doom and gloom, with the Games On Net Mo-riffic Movember Awards coming right up behind.
This week, we've tried something a little bit different - let us know what you think!
[ READ MORE ]
NEWS FOR SUNDAY, 30 NOVEMBER 2008
Sun Nov 30, 2008 9:22pm
With the PlayStation 3 celebrating its second birthday earlier this month, it's only fitting that its two flagship titles should get their sequels at the same time. Today though, we're just looking at one of them - MotorStorm Pacific Rift, which promises to take the series even further off-road, into some new and exciting settings.
Stepping into the driver's seat today is Matt Williams, who's strapped on his seatbelt and produced a brand spankin' new review for us - well worth a read if you're thinking about some next-gen dirty racing action.
Stepping into the driver's seat today is Matt Williams, who's strapped on his seatbelt and produced a brand spankin' new review for us - well worth a read if you're thinking about some next-gen dirty racing action.
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Sun Nov 30, 2008 8:57am
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Next Thursday’s marks the end of the big release season (unless you’re feverishly anticipating the release of Pony Friends), with Prince of Persia, Tomb Raider Underworld and the PC version of Grand Theft Auto IV rounding off a rather good year. This week marks the end of our five part special on the best games of 1998 with Crash Bandicoot: Warped, Baldur’s Gate, Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus, Street Fighter Alpha 3 and Worms 2 going under The Warp Pipe’s microscope.
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NEWS FOR SATURDAY, 29 NOVEMBER 2008
Sat Nov 29, 2008 8:04pm
Whether you call it football or soccer, the world game has been inspiring designers almost since sprites were made to dance on a video screen. Pro Evolution Soccer 09 is the latest in a long line of games based on the great sport - and developers Konami also have a lengthy, chequered past when it comes to this genre.
Matt Keller got out on the field with the rest of the team, and spent some dedicated hours getting grass stains on his controllers. Once he worked out he'd be better off plugging it into the Xbox 360 instead, he came up with this review.
Matt Keller got out on the field with the rest of the team, and spent some dedicated hours getting grass stains on his controllers. Once he worked out he'd be better off plugging it into the Xbox 360 instead, he came up with this review.
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Sat Nov 29, 2008 8:27am
With Movember coming to an end, it is time to pull out those razors and come back to the real world. But before that we have the Mo-riffic Awards to hand out to some of the best mustaches in video games.
This competition is closer than a barber's shave. With some great characters sporting some great 'tashes - who will get the hairy award? Have to come on in to find out!
This competition is closer than a barber's shave. With some great characters sporting some great 'tashes - who will get the hairy award? Have to come on in to find out!
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NEWS FOR FRIDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 2008
Fri Nov 28, 2008 5:59pm
Historically speaking, THQ's wrestling games have always sold well. Their newest, WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 is already tearing up the charts on every platform it was released on - following in the footsteps of 2008 and 2007, famously the highest-selling game of 2006 despite only being released in November.
Matt Keller recently stepped into the ring, to go a few rounds with Yuke's latest... and he's still as confused as ever as to how these games can continue to sell so well, year after year.
Matt Keller recently stepped into the ring, to go a few rounds with Yuke's latest... and he's still as confused as ever as to how these games can continue to sell so well, year after year.
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Fri Nov 28, 2008 3:23pm
While the weather this week in Adelaide's been pretty lovely, it must be time for another weekend because I can see the clouds rolling in already. Ah well, at least we've got a heapin' helpin' of new game demos and clients for you, so even if you are stuck inside for the next few days, you'll have something to keep you busy!
This week, we have for you demos from Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, Lights of Dreams: The Angelical Blade, Petank Party, Professor Heinz Wolff's Gravity, Pyroblazer, Qwak, StuntMANIA!pro, Teddy Wars, Zombie Shooter 2
and we have full games from 5Street, BET and RACE, Combat Arms, Eco Warriors: Invasion of the Necrobots, EVE Online, FIFA Online 2, Geneforge 5: Overthrow, Kal Online, Operation 7, PRISM: Guard Shield, Q-World, Shadow of Legend, Street Gears, WolfTeam, Zu Online.
This week, we have for you demos from Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, Lights of Dreams: The Angelical Blade, Petank Party, Professor Heinz Wolff's Gravity, Pyroblazer, Qwak, StuntMANIA!pro, Teddy Wars, Zombie Shooter 2
and we have full games from 5Street, BET and RACE, Combat Arms, Eco Warriors: Invasion of the Necrobots, EVE Online, FIFA Online 2, Geneforge 5: Overthrow, Kal Online, Operation 7, PRISM: Guard Shield, Q-World, Shadow of Legend, Street Gears, WolfTeam, Zu Online.
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Fri Nov 28, 2008 12:58pm
Mostly, with these weekly charts, I am the bearer of good news. I bring you information that a great new game has topped the national sales, or that an underdog has made it to #1 despite the odds being stacked against them. This week, I'm afraid I can't do that.
...while I am pleased to see that a certain zombie-huntin' co-op title has made it to #6 and #7 for PC and Xbox 360 respectively, the PS2 game that picks up top honours this week almost makes me ashamed to be a gamer.
In other news - the PC charts are still dominated by a wrathful monarch, the Xbox 360 hears the distant rev of chainsaws and the PS3 is heeding the call of duty once again. While the Wii is again concerned with body image, the DS prefers to train their mental abilities, and the PSP gets in a bit of wrestlin'.
...while I am pleased to see that a certain zombie-huntin' co-op title has made it to #6 and #7 for PC and Xbox 360 respectively, the PS2 game that picks up top honours this week almost makes me ashamed to be a gamer.
In other news - the PC charts are still dominated by a wrathful monarch, the Xbox 360 hears the distant rev of chainsaws and the PS3 is heeding the call of duty once again. While the Wii is again concerned with body image, the DS prefers to train their mental abilities, and the PSP gets in a bit of wrestlin'.
[ READ MORE ]
Fri Nov 28, 2008 12:29pm
Housemarque lead programmer Kimmo Lahtinen has announced on the PlayStation blog that a portable version of Super Stardust will soon make its way onto the PSP via the PlayStation Store. The game will be available for purchase on the 4th of December at a price of US$9.99.
Describing the game as "intense", Lahtinen explains that Super Stardust Portable will be similar to the fully fledged PlayStation network version for the PlayStation 3, with a number of changes. You'll still be given a screen full of "explosions and fireworks" but with gameplay optimised for the PSP platform. We've got a number of screenshots for you to feast upon, along with some details in regards to what is new, and what exactly has changed.
Describing the game as "intense", Lahtinen explains that Super Stardust Portable will be similar to the fully fledged PlayStation network version for the PlayStation 3, with a number of changes. You'll still be given a screen full of "explosions and fireworks" but with gameplay optimised for the PSP platform. We've got a number of screenshots for you to feast upon, along with some details in regards to what is new, and what exactly has changed.
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Fri Nov 28, 2008 10:47am
Xbox 360 gamers, prepare for to both Command and Conquer. We've just confirmed that the C&C;: Red Alert 3 demo has arrived on the Xbox Live Marketplace, in all regions - and you can grab it now, for free.
Coming in a few days behind the PC version, this is your chance to check out how well the series translates to the console. This is a single-player demo, featuring the game's cinematic opening, an interactive tutorial and one mission from both the Allied and Soviet campaigns. The developers promise "the fastest and most precise" RTS controls to date on console - sounds like it's worth a download!
Coming in a few days behind the PC version, this is your chance to check out how well the series translates to the console. This is a single-player demo, featuring the game's cinematic opening, an interactive tutorial and one mission from both the Allied and Soviet campaigns. The developers promise "the fastest and most precise" RTS controls to date on console - sounds like it's worth a download!
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Fri Nov 28, 2008 10:15am
Okay - I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that it's really refreshing to hear an Australian voice when watching various making-of game videos. If you've also been hanging out to hear a proper accent, or if you'd just like to know a bit more about an excitingly upcoming RTS, then you should probably check out the new Developer Diary trailer for Sega's new project with The Creative Assembly - Stormrise.
The video takes a look at Ken Turner, project director on the game, as he discusses the story behind Stormrise, and explains the reasons behind the console game's control schemes. We also get an insight into creating the game, from art director Jason Dalton, and QA tester Sanatana Mishra (a former Warcraft 3 champion). We've even got a bunch of new screenshots to share with you, too!
The video takes a look at Ken Turner, project director on the game, as he discusses the story behind Stormrise, and explains the reasons behind the console game's control schemes. We also get an insight into creating the game, from art director Jason Dalton, and QA tester Sanatana Mishra (a former Warcraft 3 champion). We've even got a bunch of new screenshots to share with you, too!
[ READ MORE ]
Fri Nov 28, 2008 9:34am
Everybody knows that guy from Mortal Kombat, right? The one who urges you to "Finish Him!" as you approach victory? ...what if you could get him to say something else?
Maxim magazine recently spent some time with the man himself - Hernan Sanchez (a 10-year veteran of video game voice acting), as part of Midway's promotions of the newest title in the series, Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe. And - honestly - who can forgive them for handing the guy a microphone and asking him to pronounce a few different catch-phrases? You all wanted to hear him suggest that "Maybe You Should Play Something Else", right? What about "Tickle Him!"? ...well, now you can, with this new soundboard.
Maxim magazine recently spent some time with the man himself - Hernan Sanchez (a 10-year veteran of video game voice acting), as part of Midway's promotions of the newest title in the series, Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe. And - honestly - who can forgive them for handing the guy a microphone and asking him to pronounce a few different catch-phrases? You all wanted to hear him suggest that "Maybe You Should Play Something Else", right? What about "Tickle Him!"? ...well, now you can, with this new soundboard.
[ READ MORE ]
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