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Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Turok Sinks Its Teeth Into Some Voice Actors
- 1 Comment
A few semi-big names will be lending their voices to the new Turok title:

Prominent actors will star as the major characters appearing throughout Turok, the upcoming story-driven, sci-fi first person shooter game from Touchstone. Timothy Olyphant, Powers Boothe, Ron Perlman, William Fichtner and Donnie Wahlberg are among the actors who recorded voices of characters in the game, which will be released on February 5, 2008, for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

Check out the comments section for the rest of the press release.

Army of Two Trailer
- 0 Comments
Off-screen General explains the game's Aggro feature:

Mass Effect Character Profile
- 0 Comments
Checkin' out some alien mofo today:

Nihlus Kryik is one of the Citadel Council’s most decorated Spectre agents. Born in a small mercenary outpost outside Hierarchy space, he learned the hard way to fight for anything he wanted. His father died when he was 16, and his mother forced him to join the turian military. His outsider status made life difficult; though he was always at the top of his class, his superiors and peers never truly accepted him.

As a soldier, Nihlus’ skills were unquestionable. His attitude, however, often got him in trouble. On several occasions, he disobeyed direct orders to do what he thought was best. Although his instincts were usually proven right, his notoriety grew. Even when he single-handedly routed an enemy patrol, and saved his squad from ambush, his commanding officers berated him for his recklessness. His military career seemed to stall before it even began.

After being reassigned to a new squad for the third time, Nihlus was introduced to Saren Arterius, a fellow turian and a Spectre. Saren was impressed with the young soldier. He befriended Nihlus and offered to mentor him. Within a year of meeting Saren, Nihlus was asked to join the Spectres.

Free from the restrictions of military procedure, Nihlus excelled in his new role. He quickly stepped from his mentor’s shadow and established himself as one of the Council’s top agents. Since then, Nihlus has completed countless missions as a Spectre, each one more difficult and dangerous than the last.

Cool under pressure, Nihlus has an uncanny ability to find an enemy’s weakness and exploit it. Though his methods aren’t as brutal as Saren’s, he will not hesitate to efficiently and thoroughly eradicate anything or anyone that stands in his way.


Flight Simulator X: Acceleration Goes Gold
- 1 Comment
If you want to stress test your fancy new computer simply attempt to play Flight Sim X with all settings cranked to the max.

Microsoft Game Studios today announced the first expansion pack for the critically acclaimed “Flight Simulator X,” released last Fall, has gone gold and will begin hitting retailers throughout North America on Oct. 23rd.

Developed by ACES Studio, “Flight Simulator X: Acceleration” adds a wealth of new content and features, allowing gamers to race against each other in amazing, highly-detailed locations around the world. Aviators are able to test their skills and heroism in many new missions while enjoying three exciting new aircrafts and the ability to share rewards, photos and videos with friends and the broader flight simulator community.

“Flight Simulator X,” which launched in October 2006, introduced gamers to a beautifully rich and realistic world offering a completely new and innovative gaming experience. Available in both standard and deluxe versions, “Flight Simulator X” allows gamers of all ages, types and skill levels opportunities to cruise more than 24,000 airports and experience first-hand what it’s like to be an aviator traveling the globe. With the addition of more than 50 missions and increased online game capabilities, “Flight Simulator X” is more than just a simulator and has proved to be the fastest selling addition to the 25-year “Flight Simulator” franchise.

“Flight Simulator X: Acceleration” will be available for the estimated retail price of $29.99 for Windows. “Flight Simulator X: Acceleration” is rated “E10+” for everyone 10 and older. “Flight Simulator X” is required to play “Flight Simulator X: Acceleration.”

Team Fortress 2 Screenshots
- 7 Comments
Eight TF2 shots straight from EA:


Topics: Games: Action
Related Games: Team Fortress 2 (PC)
Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War Screenshots
- 0 Comments
Refresh your console dashboards on Thursday to acquire a Bladestorm demo.


Topics: Consoles: General
Related Games: Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War (PlayStation 3): Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War (Xbox 360)
Spider-Man: Friend or Foe Trailers
- 0 Comments
First up, the launch trailer:

And now, a Blur intro cinematic:

Topics: Games: Action
Related Games: Spider-Man: Friend or Foe (Wii): Spider-Man: Friend or Foe (Xbox 360), Spider-Man: Friend or Foe (PlayStation 2), Spider-Man: Friend or Foe (Nintendo DS), Spider-Man: Friend or Foe (PlayStation Portable), Spider-Man: Friend or Foe (PC)
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Trailer
- 2 Comments
Mario's Fatality move is sick; Nintendo really should think of the children.

Topics: Consoles: Nintendo Wii
Related Games: Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)
Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts Trailer
- 4 Comments
Having played a fair few online matches I can now confidently say that Opposing Fronts is one of the best strategy games on the market.

Topics: Games: Real-Time Strategy
Related Games: Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts (PC)
Quake Wars Now Available
- 8 Comments
Now available in North America:

The battle for Earth has begun with the announcement that id Software’s Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars for Windows PC, published by Activision, Inc., is available on North American store shelves now. Developed by Splash Damage and named one of the most-anticipated new games of 2007 by nearly a dozen publications from around the world, Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars pits the armies of Earth’s Global Defense Force (GDF) against the invading alien Strogg in the multiplayer strategic shooter that transports players to the front lines in this ultimate battle for the planet.

”Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is a new and unique approach to multiplayer combat. It combines team objectives with distinct player classes, cutting edge graphics, cool vehicles, and powerful deployables,” said id Software CEO, Todd Hollenshead. “Whether your thirst is for the savior or domination of Planet Earth, Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is there to quench it.”

Set within the expansive QUAKE universe in the year 2065, Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars offers the ultimate in objective-based multiplayer action, either online or offline with computer controlled players. Up to 24 gamers can play online, electing to play as the human GDF or alien Strogg in one of five unique character classes. Employing an arsenal of weapons, vehicles and deployable armaments, players engage in an action-packed test of skill and coordinated teamwork through a series of combat objectives. Persistent character growth and achievements reward gamers for teamwork, while clearly defined mission and class objectives guide new players to meaningful contributions on the battlefield.

"Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars represents Splash Damage's first full retail game and it would not have been possible if it weren't for the support of id Software, the incredible investment on behalf of the team members over these past four years and the dedication of such an active community around the Demo and the Betas," said Splash Damage Owner and Creative Director Paul Wedgwood. "We really can't thank fans enough for their incredible support and getting us this far. We can't wait to see the game on store shelves!"

Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars delivers the most diverse battlefields, from real-world locations, including deserts, glaciers, mountains and countrysides. id Software’s new MegaTexture rendering technology renders unprecedented large, highly-detailed and un-tiled outdoor environments all the way to the horizon. Outdoor dynamic lighting allows for every battle to be fought during day or night, with accurate simulation of shadows, atmosphere, vegetation, and weather.

Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars for Windows PC is rated “T” by the ESRB and carries a suggested retail price of $49.99 for the regular edition and $59.99 for the Limited Collector’s Edition.

The Limited Collectors Edition comes complete in a premium package with a bonus DVD featuring tons of additional items and content, including: 10 beautifully rendered, oversized collectible cards, highlighting select Strogg and GDF vehicles and deployables; a bevy of concept art and final artwork, as well as must-haves like exclusive ringtones.

Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars is also in development at Nerve Software for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and at Activision Foster City for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

Topics: Games: Action
Related Games: Enemy Territory: Quake Wars (PC)
Poll: Game of the Year (so far)?
- 0 Comments
Geeze, it's October already... This week's VE poll asks, What are your picks for game(s) of the year so far?

This is a multiple choice poll, but please don't go nuts and vote for everything. Before you flame on that X or Y game hasn't been released yet; count to ten, breathe a few times and re-read the poll question. The real game of the year awards poll will run at the end of December...

Results of the Halo 3 review poll can be seen here. The winner was "Don't Care!" with nearly 19% of the ballot. Shocking, I know!

As usual, please direct your comments and feedback to the poll threads.

Topics: Games: General News
Related Games: BioShock (PC): BioShock (Xbox 360), Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars (PC), Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts (PC), Civilization IV: Beyond the Sword (PC), Enemy Territory: Quake Wars (PC), Forza Motorsport 2 (Xbox 360), Halo 3 (Xbox 360), Medieval II: Total War (PC), Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (Wii), Project Gotham Racing 4 (Xbox 360), Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition (Wii), S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl (PC), John Woo Presents Stranglehold (Xbox 360), Supreme Commander (PC), The Elder Scrolls IV: The Shivering Isles (PC), The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar (PC), Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 (Xbox 360), World in Conflict (PC), World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade (PC)
Hardware & Tech Nuggets
- 0 Comments
Topics: hardware
Related Games: Clive Barker's Jericho (PC): World in Conflict (PC)
Game Reviews
- 0 Comments
Topics: Games: General News
Related Games: Enemy Territory: Quake Wars (PC): The Settlers: Rise of an Empire (PC), The Sims 2: Bon Voyage (PC), John Woo Presents Stranglehold (PC), Blazing Angels 2: Secret Missions of WWII (Xbox 360), FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage (Xbox 360), Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights (Xbox 360), NASCAR 08 (PlayStation 3)
RPG Vault Goodness
- 0 Comments
Topics: Games: Role-Playing
Related Games: World of Warcraft (Macintosh): Project Torque (Web Games)
In Other News...
- 9 Comments
Quake Wars is coming out today in the USA! I'm buried to my eyeballs in hot new games, but I have a feeling that I'll be picking up a copy today nonetheless. There's no such thing as too much gaming goodness...

Today's question:

Or is there?!

Topics: In-House: In Other News...
Related Games: Enemy Territory: Quake Wars (PC): Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance (PC)
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Monday, October 1, 2007
Call of Duty 4 Demo Soon?
- 6 Comments
Infinity Ward's Tango Whisky Niner Call of Duty 4 newsletter popped in our in-box with news that the Xbox Live multiplayer beta has concluded. Don't fret though, it hints that we may be getting a demo soon (that's how I read it, at least). Here's the poop:
Thank you sincerely for your participation in the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Xbox 360 Multiplayer Beta.

After several awesome weeks of gaming with you online, the Beta has concluded. Throughout the program we collected and responded to your feedback on the forums, often using your comments to improve upon the Multiplayer portion of the game. If you haven't already, be sure to read Fourzerotwo's recent blog about the many ways your Beta feedback helped influence the final version of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. In other words, 'Mission Accomplished!'

While the Beta is done, it won't be long before you can enjoy COD4:MW's weapons, perks and multiplayer maps again. Between now and November's worldwide release for COD4:MW, we are planning to share some exciting updates. Stay tuned, we promise it will be worth the wait.


Bungie Breaking up with Microsoft?
- 23 Comments
There's terror in Teensville tonight, as rumors of Bungie breaking up with Microsoft are running rampant:
Earlier today, 8Bit Joystick caused a simultaneous WTF across the Internet when they claimed to have a source with information on the latest rumblings between Bungie Studios and Microsoft. The source -- who doesn't work at Bungie, but "knows" someone that does -- alleges Microsoft has agreed to allow Bungie become an independent studio again. Expectedly, Microsoft would retain the rights to the Halo IP, not unlike what happened with Bizarre Creations and the Project Gotham Racing IP. In that case, however, Microsoft didn't own Bizarre.

The source goes onto claim the split stems from increased friction between the developer and publisher as they both raced to get Halo 3 out the door. While shocking that Microsoft would knowingly release another company producing high-profile first-party games, the reaction by Microsoft and Bungie today leads credence to the idea there may be some truth to what's going on behind the scenes.

Given the source also claimed NDAs expired today, everyone should be ready to talk, right? Well, not so much.

I'm going to call shenanigans on this one.
Topics: Vaporware
Related Games: Halo 3 (Xbox 360)
The No-Slip-Grip Wiimote
- 4 Comments
Tired of dropping the soap Wiimote? Well, Nintendo is going to be giving away no-slip grips soon.
The Wii Remote Jacket provides cushioning for the Wii Remote for people who might accidentally throw or drop their Wii Remotes while playing games. Use of the Wii Remote Jacket is meant to supplement, not replace, the basic game-play instructions: keep a firm grip, don't let go of the controller, use the wrist strap and make sure your play area is free of people or objects. The Wii Remote Jacket also serves as a cover for the Wii Remote. Nintendo recommends players use the new Wii Remote Jacket as a cushiony shield, though the current Wii Remote is a safe product when used properly.

"We're always looking for ways to improve our products and make sure everyone has a safe and fun experience," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Many electronics manufacturers provide similar protective covers for products like cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players."

Current Wii owners who want to equip their Wii Remotes with the new Wii Remote Jacket free of charge can go to Wii.com or nintendo.com, or call 1-866-431-8367 to place an order. Nintendo will begin taking orders on Oct. 2, and Wii Remote Jackets will begin shipping the week of Oct. 15.

Topics: Consoles: Nintendo Wii
Related Games: Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (Wii)
Portal Pre-Load Begins
- 8 Comments
Without a word, Valve has activated the Portal pre-load, allowing you to download 1.10GB of the brain-bending puzzle game ahead of its release next Wednesday.

As always, restart Steam to get in on the action.


Topics: Games: Action
Related Games: Portal (PC)
MINERVA: Depth Charge Released
- 6 Comments
Adam Foster, creator of Someplace Else, has released the third chapter in his MINERVA series of Half-Life 2 single-player missions. Tied into a mysterious story, the previous two chapters are highly rated within the Half-Life community, and by myself.

To get the full experience, play the aforementioned Someplace Else, read the transmission segments on the official website, and then download and play MINERVA Metastasis, but be aware that chapter three, Depth Charge, requires Half-Life 2: Episode One to be installed on your Steam account.

Topics: Games: Action
Related Games: Half-Life 2 (PC): Half-Life 2: Episode One (PC)
Pirates of the Burning Sea Stress Test
- 7 Comments
Yarrr! From the fourth of this 'ere month, FilePlanet subscribers can stress test Pirates of the Burning Sea:

The year is 1720 and the New World is on fire.

England, France, and Spain have unleashed their forces on the Caribbean. Naval officers captain massive warships through bloody engagements at sea. Freetraders charge through blockades and smuggle the war material needed to conquer the enemy’s ports. Privateers raid enemy shipping, looting ships of their treasure and rival nations of their glory.

Through it all sail the Pirates. Bloody, bold, and resolute, they serve no flag and heed no king. They live free, fight hard, and obey only fate.

Signups have begun today, so get your key now.


Topics: Games: MMOG, Role-Playing
Related Games: Pirates of the Burning Sea (PC)
Meet The Heavy по Русский
- 11 Comments
The original Team Fortress 2 'Meet The Heavy' movie has been remixed and re-released with Russian dialogue:

On-screen subtitles are included.

Topics: Games: Action
Related Games: Team Fortress 2 (PC)
Crysis Open Beta Commences
- 54 Comments
The Crysis multiplayer beta is now open to all members of FilePlanet, whether they have a paid-for account or not.

Sign Up Here! - Keys are limited, so act now or miss out!


Update: All keys distributed in under 12 hours.

Topics: Games: Action
Related Games: Crysis (PC)
Europa Universalis: Rome Screenshots
- 1 Comment
Three very nerdy screenshots from Paradox Interactive's Europa Universalis: Rome:


Topics: Games: Strategy
Related Games: Europa Universalis: Rome (PC)
Hellgate: London Trailer & Movie
- 23 Comments
A couple of insipid Hellgate: London vids from EA, the first of which gives you a tour of Covent Garden Station and connected locales:

The second shows questing:

Topics: Games: MMOG, Action / Roleplaying
Related Games: Hellgate: London (PC)
Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games Trailer
- 15 Comments
Oh how I've missed the Nintendo lifestyle trailers with the impeccably groomed 'friends:'

Topics: Consoles: Nintendo Wii
Related Games: Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii)
Ghost Squad Trailer
- 5 Comments
Joe's zapper is eagerly anticipating the release of Ghost Squad:

Topics: Consoles: Nintendo Wii
Related Games: Ghost Squad (Wii)
NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams Screenshots
- 0 Comments
Just added 92 screenshots to our NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams gallery; here are the first six to get you in the mood for all that clickin':

Topics: Consoles: Nintendo Wii
Related Games: NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams (Wii)
Dynasty Warriors 6 Screenshots
- 5 Comments
Any sarcastic comment you could care to make about this game has probably already been done a thousand times before, just like this franchise has been done to death - boom boom, applause please:


Topics: Consoles: General
Related Games: Dynasty Warriors 6 (Xbox 360): Dynasty Warriors 6 (PlayStation 3)
Virtua Fighter 5 Trailer
- 1 Comment
It's now online, only on the Xbox 360:

Topics: Consoles: Xbox 360
Related Games: Virtua Fighter 5 (Xbox 360)
Burnout Paradise Trailer
- 3 Comments
When you remove the company logos there's about 10 seconds of new footage here:

Topics: Consoles: General
Related Games: Burnout Paradise (Xbox 360): Burnout Paradise (PlayStation 3)
Crysis Multiplayer Quickie
- 14 Comments
Sure, it sucks that the Crysis single player demo was delayed a month, but EA did sent over some respectable screenshots of the multiplayer beta that's currently floating around. The map it includes is called Shore, and it uses the Power Struggle rules.

What's the deal? There are two teams: US and North Korea. The goal is to capture and control various objectives on the map and eventually destroy the opposing base. The US begins offshore in a Sub and the North Koreans have an inland stronghold. Long story short, the objective of Power Struggle is to take out the formidable defenses around the other base and blow the bastards up.

At the start of the match, players spawn with enough money to buy basic weapons and gear. Killing enemy players, capturing objectives or performing other useful activities earns you additional prestige points, which in turn, allows you to purchase better gear at set locations. At vehicle depots you control you can pick up ATVs or tanks; alien crash sites (in conjunction with the alien power plant) give access to high tech weapons like freeze guns and other fun stuff. You can also pick up whatever weapons enemies drop after they die, or you can throw down stuff for your team members if they need something. Capturing bunkers allows you forward spawning points.

One piece of gear everyone has is the Nanosuit. This handy spandex costume not only shows off your grapes, but can give you either superhuman power, speed, stealth, or additional armor. You can change the abilities whenever you want, but you do have to work with a set power pool before it needs to recharge.

How does it play? It's a lot better than I expected. If you dig Battlefield (or Quake Wars) you'll feel right at home here. There are other multiplayer modes in Crysis, but Power Struggle looks to be the main draw. Hopefully they'll release a multiplayer demo soon so you can taste it for yourself.

In the meantime, check out these shots:


Topics: Games: Action
Related Games: Crysis (PC)
Hardware & Tech Nuggets
- 1 Comment
Topics: hardware
Game Reviews
- 2 Comments
Topics: Games: General News
Related Games: Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts (PC): Enemy Territory: Quake Wars (PC), World in Conflict (PC), Halo 3 (Xbox 360), John Woo Presents Stranglehold (Xbox 360), Lair (PlayStation 3), Skate (PlayStation 3), Stuntman: Ignition (Xbox 360), Heavenly Sword (PlayStation 3), Eternal Sonata (Xbox 360), Project Gotham Racing 4 (Xbox 360)
RPG Vault Goodness
- 0 Comments
Topics: Games: Role-Playing
Related Games: Disciples III: Renaissance (PC): Hellgate: London (PC), Fury (PC)
In Other News...
- 28 Comments
Did you have a Super Awesome Weekend, I hope?

Today's question:

Must have game of the week: Project Gotham Racing 4 or Quake Wars?

Topics: In-House: In Other News...
Related Games: Enemy Territory: Quake Wars (PC): Project Gotham Racing 4 (Xbox 360)

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