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Thursday , January 25, 2007 |
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Unreal Tournament 3 Replaces UT 2007 06:25 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: Action
(19 comments)
What's in a name? You tell me. Epic decided to rebrand its Unreal Tournament series in chronological order based on what engine it uses rather than the date it was released. You can read more about it at PC.IGN. Here's a new screenshot they released as well:
(Click to Enlarge!)
Also of interest, is that the game will be coming out on the Xbox 360.
Splinter Cell: Double Agent PS3 Screens & Info 04:41 pm
- Andrew Burnes
- Consoles: PS3
(10 comments)
1. What are the main changes between the Xbox 360 version of SCDA and the PS3 version? Both for the single player and the multiplayer.
The PlayStation 3 version of SCDA is based on the Next-Gen design of the game, which has already been released on Xbox 360 and PC. However, this version features significant improvements and exclusive content.
The Multiplayer features an additional new spy character (a spy girl), 2 extra maps based on completely new environments and a new set of coop. challenges.
Moreover, the additional time allowed us to increase the polish of both parts of the game.
Overall, the improved accessibility, the multiplayer exclusive content and the motion sensor support are the advantages that make the PS3 version the ultimate version of Splinter Cell: Double Agent.
2. Is SCDA using the Sixaxis feature that makes PlayStation 3 unique?
The SIXAXIS sensor has been implemented in both part of the game as well.
In the Single Player mode, we were free to experiment various designs for the motion sensor implementation. It is used from time to time to operate various gadgets like picking doors or hacking security systems, or for Sam's special moves like swimming or paragliding.
In the Multiplayer mode, the player controls the Drone with the tilt function.
We implemented the SIXAXIS control when it was fun to play or adding value to the game play experience.
3. What was the big reason to implement a hot female multiplayer skin?
Having a female playable character in the game is something we wanted to have since we started working on Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow!
On Double Agent, this idea was still present, but we didn't have the chance to implement it on time for the first versions. Therefore, when we started working on the PS3 specific content, the spy girl was on top of our list.
We really liked the idea because it really embraces the fact that the spy should be cat-like, very nimble. And for players like me, it's always more pleasant to follow the acrobatics of a female character, supple and elegant, than those of a born-to-kill-guy!
4. And last, but not least, the PlayStation network has a different setup than Microsofts Xbox Live. Can we expect the same fluid play on Ubisoft's own servers?
The title uses a network middleware solution already successfully used on PC and PS2. The PlayStation Network Platform provides all the required services to match the Xbox live quality. The online part of the game has been on beta test since November 2006 on PS3 and we are 100% confident to provide a quality online experience.
5. Is there anything else you would like to share with gamers about SCDA for PS3?
Yes, we are very happy with the multiplayer's extra content we developed specifically for the PS3 version. Rather than just more of the same, the NSA training centre and Kinshasa multiplayer maps are really different than the original multiplayer maps. Those maps have been produced with Ubisoft Milan, Italy, the studio which previously worked on the PS2 Multiplayer maps and we hope the PS3 players will enjoy playing them just as much as we did.
Age of Conan Delayed Six Months 02:44 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: MMOG
(12 comments)
According to TDS Finans, via ToTheGame, Funcom's forthcoming MMORPG Age of Conan has been delayed six months, pushing the new projected release date to October 2007.
LoTR Online Offers Lifetime Pass $199 02:12 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: MMOG
(12 comments)
Turbine and Midway are offering some different types of subscription packages to play Lord of the Rings Online. One, is a one time $199 payment. The other, is your standard $9.95 a month deal. It's all part of the pre-order program that includes a spot in the open beta. Turbine, Inc. and Midway Games Inc. today announced the details of the revolutionary pre-order Founder's Program for The Lord of the Rings Online(tm): Shadows of Angmar(tm). The highly anticipated massively multiplayer online game, The Lord of the Rings Online, lets players experience the greatest epic fantasy adventure of all time and join with millions of fans from around the globe in the vast world of Middle-earth.
This exciting Founder's Program rewards all players who pre-order The Lord of the Rings Online with special $9.99 monthly subscription pricing, early access to the game (beta version), character roll-over and unique in-game bonus items. Players can become a Founder by pre-ordering the title at www.lotro.com/preorder or at retail stores nationwide beginning February 1, 2007. This limited-time offer is exclusively available to pre-order customers.
"The Lord of the Rings Online immerses you in one of the greatest literary works of all time," said Jeffrey Anderson, president and CEO of Turbine. "The Founder's Program pricing plan rewards fans for their loyalty with a special opportunity to join Middle-earth from the beginning."
Fallout 3 Update 02:08 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: Role-Playing
(1 comment)
Gamasutra wrangled up an interview with Bethesda's Pete Hines. Topics include: TES4: Shivering Isles, Star Trek and of course, Fallout 3:
Finally, when asked about Bethesda's highly anticipated resurrection of the classic Fallout post-apocalyptic role-playing franchise, Hines was obviously coy: "We are a fairly good ways into the process. The team has ramped up, and it will be a little while longer. As is the case with all of our games, especially those of this scope, we don't really want to talk about them until they are in a state where we can show you, rather than having you simply picturing it in your minds eye."
He added, simply: "Fallout is not a quick two year process, and we are already several years into the project."
Titan Quest: Immortal Throne Screens 01:58 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: Action / Roleplaying
(0 comments)
Three new screenshots of Immortal Throne, the upcoming expansion pack to Titan Quest:
(Click to Enlarge!)
  
Square Chooses Unreal Engine 3 01:47 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: General News
(14 comments)
Square Enix today announced that it has licensed the Unreal Engine 3 to power its next-generation of video games.
Square Enix Co., Ltd. today announced a licensing agreement with Epic Games that enables Square Enix to introduce Epic's Unreal® Engine 3 middleware into its next-generation game development process.
Square Enix has built its highly successful franchises such as FINAL FANTASY®, DRAGON QUEST® and KINGDOM HEARTS by pushing game consoles to their limits and providing unparalleled user experiences for more than 20 years. This was achieved through the company's proprietary technologies, which were mostly optimized for each game given the limited resources of game consoles. However, in order to ensure both game quality and development efficiency for next-generation game systems including consoles, PCs and network titles, Square Enix is now building a technology platform to be used throughout the company utilizing proprietary technologies as well as introducing third-party solutions such as Unreal Engine 3.
"The complexity of next-generation game systems featuring HD graphics and multi-core parallel processing poses a number of technological challenges to our game development. However, we can expedite our game development process significantly while allowing extra time and resources to be spent on game design and mechanics by establishing an effective technology platform," said Taku Murata, General Manager, Research and Development Division, Square Enix, Co., Ltd. "The technology platform for game development is becoming more important than ever. I'm excited to be partnering with Epic Games in such an important area."
"We're extremely excited to be working with Square Enix," said Jay Wilbur, Vice President, Epic Games, Inc. "Square Enix is one of the biggest and most influential companies in the world-wide game business, and having them work with Unreal Engine 3 is a major honor for us and something we're very proud to be announcing."
Hardware & Tech Nuggets 01:02 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- hardware: General News
(0 comments)
RPG Vault Goodness 12:57 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: Role-Playing
(0 comments)
Game Reviews 12:55 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: General News
(0 comments)
In Other News... 12:45 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- In-House: In Other News...
(58 comments)
Yesterday was weird. When I woke up, my right eye lid was all puffy and sore. It was almost like someone slugged me. I don't recall getting into any fist fights, so I assumed it was an allergic reaction of some sort. After downing some Benadryl and a couple aspirin it cleared up. Exciting, huh?
Today's question is from Andrew Mulvey, who asks:
Which game(s), if any, have totally interfered with your real life to the point that you have had to quit or cut back?
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Wednesday, January 24, 2007 |
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DX10 Age of Conan Screenshots 04:51 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: MMOG
(17 comments)
Funcom updated the Age of Conan website with a mess of new media, including a gaggle of Direct X 10 screenshots and movie. Here are a few of the new screens:
Even though we're in the relatively early beginnings of DirectX 10 development, things are starting to look very good. With these new screenshots and the new video, we aim to show you some of the capabilities of the DirectX 10 technology when it is used in Age of Conan.
Some of the improvements visible in the videos and the screenshots are improved parallax mapping, better lighting and more advanced shadows technology. DirectX 10 will also make it possible to have sharper textures, more details in every scene, longer view distances and much more.
Funcom is proud to be one of the few developers who is tapping into this technology, and we look forward to showing you even more of DirectX 10.
(Click to Enlarge!)
        
 
European Playstation 3 Launch Details 03:48 pm
- Andrew Burnes
- Consoles: PS3
(51 comments)
The talk was true, if you want a Playstation 3 and live in Europe you have to buy the super duper expensive 60GB version:
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today announced that PLAYSTATION 3 will be launched in the PAL territories including the United Kingdom on 23rd March 2007 at a price of £425.
Responding to retail and consumer demand, SCEE confirmed that initially only the 60GB model would be available, with the 20GB model to follow later in the year dependent on demand.
An expected one million PS3 units will be made available during the initial launch period to all SCEE territories.
SCEE also announced a stellar launch line-up of over 30 game titles for PS3, including eagerly awaited titles published by SCEE such as Resistance: Fall of Man, MotorStorm, Genji: Days of the Blade, FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION and Ridge Racer 7. An exceptional range of titles in every genre will also be available at launch from the world's leading third party publishers, including Electronic Arts, Activision, Namco Bandai, Sega, Take 2, Ubisoft, Vivendi Universal, and Sony Online Entertainment.
In addition to games on disc, an exciting range of fully-featured downloadable games
will debut on the PLAYSTATION Network. These will include gaming icons such as Tekken: Dark Resurrection and Gran Turismo HD Concept; the fully-featured PS3 debut of the best-selling franchise Gran Turismo, realised with full HD (1080p) visual quality. Created by Polyphony Digital Inc and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, Gran Turismo HD Concept has been downloaded by more than 350,000 users since it was released in December 2006 in North America and Japan.
Also available on the PLAYSTATION Network will be brainteasers such as Go! Sudoku and Go! Puzzle, and innovative games such as Blast Factor and flOw, designed exclusively for PLAYSTATION 3 and delivering on the promise to provide original content created by non-traditional developers and publishers.
Concurrent with the European launch, a new System Update to further enhance the entertainment potential of PS3 will be issued.
Announcing the launch details, Ray Maguire, SVP and MD of SCEUK said, "Following the hugely successful launches of PS3 in Japan and North America, we are absolutely delighted to be able to bring significant numbers of PS3 to the UK. To be able to launch with over 30 titles including retail versions and great downloadable gaming experiences across every genre shows that this is our strongest launch line-up in the history of PlayStation, and is what PlayStation fans in the UK have been crying out for."
PLAYSTATION 3 LAUNCH TITLE LINE-UP
- Resistance: Fall of Man - SCEE - Disc
- MotorStorm - SCEE - Disc
- Genji: Days of the Blade - SCEE - Disc
- FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION - SCEE - Disc
- Ridge Racer 7 - SCEE - Disc
- Tekken: Dark Resurrection - SCEE - Network
- Lemmings - SCEE - Network
- Go! Sudoku - SCEE - Network
- Go! Puzzle - SCEE - Network
- Blast Factor - SCEE - Network
- flOw - SCEE - Network
- Super Rub'a'Dub - SCEE - Network
- Call of Duty 3 - Activision UK Ltd - Disc
- Marvel: Ultimate Alliance - Activision UK Ltd - Disc
- Tony Hawk's Project 8 - Activision UK Ltd - Disc
- Gundam - Target in Sight - Namco Bandai Games - Disc
- Full Auto 2: Battle Lines - Sega Europe Ltd - Disc
- Sonic the Hedgehog - Sega Europe Ltd - Disc
- Virtua Fighter 5 - Sega Europe Ltd - Disc
- Virtua Tennis 3 - Sega Europe Ltd - Disc
- World Snooker Championship 2007 - Sega Europe Ltd - Disc
- NBA 2K7 - Take 2 International SA - Disc
- NHL 2K7 - Take 2 International SA - Disc
- Blazing Angels Squadrons of WWll - Ubisoft Entertainment SA - Disc
- Enchanted Arms - Ubisoft Entertainment SA - Disc
- Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent - Ubisoft Entertainment SA - Disc
- The Elder Scrolls lV: Oblivion - Ubisoft Entertainment SA - Disc
- Def Jam: Icon - Electronic Arts Ltd - Disc
- Fight Night Round 3 - Electronic Arts Ltd - Disc
- NBA Street 4 Homecourt 2007 - Electronic Arts Ltd - Disc
- Need for Speed Carbon - Electronic Arts Ltd - Disc
- The Godfather: The Don's Edition - Electronic Arts Ltd - Disc
- Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2007 - Electronic Arts Ltd - Disc
- Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom - Electronic Arts Ltd - Disc
- F.E.A.R. Vivendi - Universal Games Intl SA - Disc
- Gripshift - Sony Online Entertainment - Network
PLAYSTATION 3 Peripherals Available at Launch
Peripheral - RRP in £ Sterling
- SIXAXIS Wireless Controller - £34.99
- Blu-ray Disc Remote Control - £17.99
- HDMI Cable - £17.99
- AV cable - £17.99
- Component AV cable - £17.99
- S Video cable - £12.99
To recap, March 23rd launch, £425 ($836) 60GB version only one available, 1 million units for sale, no free Blu-Ray movie, £125 more expensive than Premium Xbox 360.
World In Conflict Screenshots 02:03 pm
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: Real-Time Strategy
(10 comments)
The last one's a panoramic sucka so give it time to load.
(Click to Enlarge!)
For more World In Conflict check out the official website and earlier Games For Windows post.
Turok Screenshots 02:02 pm
- Andrew Burnes
- Consoles: Xbox 360
(20 comments)
That is one big pile of shit.
(Click to Enlarge!)
Update, January 24th: Added three further screenshots.
Mumbo Jumbo Buys Ritual 01:59 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: General News
(10 comments)
Casual Games maker Mumbo Jumbo today announced that it has bought FPS developer Ritual:
MumboJumbo(TM), a leading developer of premium casual games, today announced it has acquired Ritual Entertainment(TM), a veteran game development studio with expertise in game design and artistic quality. In addition to the strategic importance of the deal, which strengthens MumboJumbo's(TM) ability to deliver the best games to the casual gaming audience, the acquisition further solidifies the company's presence as one of the largest casual game studios in the industry.
"MumboJumbo(TM) established the casual games category at retail, and the purchase of Ritual Entertainment(TM) is consistent with our strategy to bring high-quality casual game content to the major platforms," said Ron Dimant, who left his post as chief executive officer of Ritual Entertainment(TM) in 2001 to found MumboJumbo(TM). "The combination of Ritual's(TM) high-end, multi-platform expertise and our own industry-leading publishing model will set the bar for quality and sophistication in casual games and create a major industry powerhouse. The casual games market is beginning to mature as evidenced by an increase in consumer expectations. Ultimately, the companies providing the best content will win, which is why we are investing so heavily in the development of technology and original IP."
"The disciplined structure of high end game development requires an in depth understanding of sophisticated tools and design techniques," said Robert Atkins of Ritual Entertainment(TM). "Ritual's(TM) expertise in these areas complements MumboJumbo's(TM) mass market approach to casual game development and gives us a true competitive advantage."
With over 30 employees and more than 10 years in the games industry, Ritual Entertainment(TM) has contributed and developed several mainstream, hit titles on all platforms including "25 To Life," "Delta Force - Black Hawk Down," "Counter Strike," "Painkiller," "Quake 4," and the "SiN" franchise of games, among others. In recent months, MumboJumbo(TM) has brought the popular "LUXOR(TM)" franchise and other top-selling titles such as "Super Collapse" and "7 Wonders of the Ancient World" to numerous platforms including Xbox Live(R) Arcade, Nintendo DS(TM), and the Sony PSP(TM) (Playstation(R) Portable) handheld. The acquisition of Ritual(TM) marks the most significant instance in casual gaming history of a mainstream game development house migrating to a casual game publisher.
Update: A GameDaily story features fresh quotes from the MumboJumbo boss, including this one:
With Ritual Entertainment on board, one might think that MumboJumbo could expand its games strategy to include more traditional computer and video games, but Cottam said that's not in the plan for now; MumboJumbo is strictly focused on casual games.
Alas, what this means for Ritual and its fans is a new era. In fact, it would appear that new games in the SiN series and others won't be happening anytime soon now that Ritual is owned by MumboJumbo. "The idea of acquiring Ritual was to have them strengthen our development in the casual genre and not to have them involved at all in the action style games," Cottam explained. "If there's an opportunity to have them do something on the SiN episodes, we would look at that, but that will not be the focus of the company. The combined companies will focus exclusively on casual, unless opportunities present themselves that we think are strategic from a business standpoint... Again, I wouldn't close the door on [traditional games] but that's not the primary focus."
Pope Not So Hot For Games 09:50 am
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: General News
(16 comments)
It's World Communications Day today, if you weren't aware, and so the Pope was wheeled out in his bulletproof golf cart to express his distaste for certain games, and other animated forms of entertainment:
While affirming the belief that many people involved in social communications want to do what is right (cf. Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Ethics in communications, 4), we must also recognize that those who work in this field confront "special psychological pressures and ethical dilemmas" (Aetatis novae, 19) which at times see commercial competitiveness compelling communicators to lower standards.
Any trend to produce programmes and products - including animated films and video games - which in the name of entertainment exalt violence and portray anti-social behaviour or the trivialization of human sexuality is a perversion, all the more repulsive when these programmes are directed at children and adolescents. How could one explain this 'entertainment' to the countless innocent young people who actually suffer violence, exploitation and abuse? In this regard, all would do well to reflect on the contrast between Christ who "put his arms around [the children] laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing" (Mk 10:16) and the one who "leads astray … these little ones" for whom "it would be better … if a millstone were hung round his neck" (Lk 17:2).
Again I appeal to the leaders of the media industry to educate and encourage producers to safeguard the common good, to uphold the truth, to protect individual human dignity and promote respect for the needs of the family.
Joseph, divine intervention obviously didn't help you when you were having your website made, because it flamin' sucks.
Games For Windows Screenshots 04:01 am
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: General News
(56 comments)
An assortment of screenshots from yesterday's Games For Windows event, as mentioned previously by Robert:
(Age of Conan)
(Crysis)
(Hellgate: London)
(Rail Simulator)
(Shadowrun)
(World In Conflict)
BlackSite: Area 51 Screens & Info 02:22 am
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: Action
(14 comments)
Call me crazy, but I honestly didn't think Midway's Area 51 sold well enough to warrant a sequel, and supposedly the movie is on hold, so it was rather surprising to see an article this morning on IGN exposing the PC, Xbox 360 & PS3 sequel:
While details on the storyline are scarce at this point, it sounds as if you'll be given choices along the way that will allow you to dictate the moral standing of your character. The game description words this as follows: "The player's modern-day emotions and fears are driven into a world charged with grave responsibility affecting lives hanging in the balance and eventually finding himself torn between his professional orders and his own ethical standards. In the end, only the actions of the player and his squad can shape the outcome of BlackSite: Area 51 during this potentially pivotal moment in history."
Speaking of the squad, you're now in complete control of a Special Forces squad. Their morale will play a part in how well they perform. Properly commanding them will have them at their best, but running them poorly into bad situations will negatively affect their aim, wear down on their fatigue and make them even lose the will to fight. Squad commands are said to be contextual, utilizing a single button to take care of all your available commands without the need to scroll through menus or whatnot.
(Click to Enlarge!)
You can check out a trailer here.
Hardware & Tech Nuggets 01:26 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- hardware: General News
(0 comments)
Assorted Downloads 01:19 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth - Games: General News
(0 comments)
RPG Vault Goodness 01:14 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: Role-Playing
(0 comments)
Game Reviews 12:55 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: General News
(1 comment)
In Other News... 12:45 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- In-House: In Other News...
(32 comments)
Alrighty, next week I think I'm going to get the new PC. It's usually not a good idea to buy the top tier CPUs as they have abysmal markups, so I'm going to grab the third best (E6700 2.66Ghz) which in most benchmarks is the same, or equal to those "Extreme" processors that are literally twice the cost. A DX10 card is also essential, so either a GTS or GTX 8800. There's no way I can afford an SLI, but I think one card is more than enough power considering I play games at 1680x1050 on a 22 incher. 2 gigs of ram is pretty standard (4 gigs would be cool, but I can always upgrade that later if Vista truly uses all of that the extra ram). The rest is just frosting on the cake. Hopefully, this sucker lasts me a few years. It's been almost three years since my last desktop (upgraded when Doom 3 came out), so I think this guy has served me long enough. It would be cool to have it up and running before Supreme Commander comes out, which looks to be the first DX10 game. Should be yummy.
Today's question:
What are you going to put in your next system?
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