I know the pirates and the modders in China. They are able to chip the Japanese Wii but the US Wii has more protection (Editor's Note and, presumably not hacked because of the availability of the Japanese Wii). For games like Paper Mario, that needed a firmware update on the Internet which even modded Wii's could get. On the new Metroid, the Internet update does not seem to work for modded Wiis this time...(no doubt) a solution is being created.
Yes, the Xbox 360 hardware is totally broken for pirated games...however, if you leave your mod chip active MS will detect it and shut you out of Xbox Live. I have heard rumours of mod chips that can be switched off so that it toggle between a modded Xbox and an unmodded one to go on Live. I have brought many MS Xbox people to the shops here in China that do the modding (its not illegal to install the chip as far as I know but it is illegal to technically sell the console) (Editor's Note: Frank used to work for Microsoft in China). Folks at MS are always impressed by the speed and workaround that hackers and modders do to the motherboard. Of course we don' t tell them we're MS...there are a lot of foreigners who go to these shops too.
Not too much demand for PS3 here...ergo no modding or pirated games that I know of. The whole DS library is available on DVDs here for perhaps USD 12 for the whole set. You still need a Supercard or R4 mod/car for the DS but there is no need to install anything, its just a cartridge like any other game with a slot for a Micro SD memory card.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Chinese Piracy (The Next Generation), A Roundup
I like to keep an eye on what's going on in China with regards to piracy issues - especially now that Nintendo has been aggressively going after people who pirate and China's homegrown CDC Games is taking a stand, as well. Steven Davis, the security guru over at PlayNoEvil, spoke with Frank Yu, who formerly worked for Microsoft in China, about the current state of piracy in regard to the current generation of consoles. I'm never exactly surprised by the extent to which stuff is pirated in China (I'm still a little boggled that it's easy to purchase films that have been outright banned by the government - bootlegged, of course), but it does make me wonder exactly how much companies can do when the motto seems to be 'If you make it, they will come and pirate it (sometimes with the help of government entities!)':
NINTENDO WII SHORTAGE - PRICES SKYROCKET
Still available on Amazon.de at €248,89 (£178).
With the release of several highly anticipated games such as Super Mario and the run up to Christmas the prices of the Nintendo Wii have skyrocketed over the last few months especially in the UK and the US. Many high street shops are struggling to meet the demands and certain online shops such as Amazon have started putting limits on the amount of consoles a household can purchase in a month. Thats not to say they cant be found using other means ..
NINTENDO WII SHORTAGES!
With the release of several highly anticipated games such as Super Mario and the run up to Christmas the prices of the Nintendo Wii have skyrocketed over the last few months especially in the UK and the US. Many high street shops are struggling to meet the demands and certain online shops such as Amazon have started putting limits on the amount of consoles a household can purchase in a month.
Sony have recently taken advantage of this shortage and started cutting the price of their Playstation 3 console and have seen their sales increase dramatically.
However many people neglect other means of aquiring these items like online auctions such as Ebay who currently have around 5k units on the US site.
Another option for european buyers, especially those in the UK who are experiencing massive shortages, is online stores such as Amazon.de. The german branch of the famous store is still providing the units at around €249 which converts to around £170 far cheaper than the prices found on the high street. These units only need a cheap plug adapter and they will work fine in the UK. The delivery time is fast and should arrive in plenty of time for Christmas.
With the release of several highly anticipated games such as Super Mario and the run up to Christmas the prices of the Nintendo Wii have skyrocketed over the last few months especially in the UK and the US. Many high street shops are struggling to meet the demands and certain online shops such as Amazon have started putting limits on the amount of consoles a household can purchase in a month. Thats not to say they cant be found using other means ..
NINTENDO WII SHORTAGES!
With the release of several highly anticipated games such as Super Mario and the run up to Christmas the prices of the Nintendo Wii have skyrocketed over the last few months especially in the UK and the US. Many high street shops are struggling to meet the demands and certain online shops such as Amazon have started putting limits on the amount of consoles a household can purchase in a month.
Sony have recently taken advantage of this shortage and started cutting the price of their Playstation 3 console and have seen their sales increase dramatically.
However many people neglect other means of aquiring these items like online auctions such as Ebay who currently have around 5k units on the US site.
Another option for european buyers, especially those in the UK who are experiencing massive shortages, is online stores such as Amazon.de. The german branch of the famous store is still providing the units at around €249 which converts to around £170 far cheaper than the prices found on the high street. These units only need a cheap plug adapter and they will work fine in the UK. The delivery time is fast and should arrive in plenty of time for Christmas.
No DVD player Wii this year
Nintendo Japan has posted in their site's Q&A section that they will not be releasing a DVD-ready Wii in 2007. They claimed to need to focus on current production to meet worldwide demand (even though such a Wii model would and will have nearly identical hardware.)
But we'll shed no tears over this news. Why anyone would want to play DVDs on their Wii is beyond us. And from the way Nintendo is dragging their feet on the matter, they don't seem to understand the impulse much either.
But we'll shed no tears over this news. Why anyone would want to play DVDs on their Wii is beyond us. And from the way Nintendo is dragging their feet on the matter, they don't seem to understand the impulse much either.
Nintendo Wii Tops in Downloadable Games
Nintendo Wii has the greatest number of games available for download, though Microsoft's Xbox leads in original titles.
Nintendo Wii currently has the greatest number of games available for download, though all are re-released titles says, Electronic Entertainment Design and Research.
While Nintendo's Wii leads in the quantity of downloadable games, Xbox 360 offers the greatest number of original downloadable games over Xbox Live Arcade, the research found.
Additionally, 84 percent of downloadable 360 games have online functionality compared with 45 percent of PS3 titles and zero percent for Wii games.
Only 12 percent of downloadable games are original titles, says EEDAR, especially given Nintendo's lopsided contribution of older games.
In terms of median game prices, PS3 titles are the cheapest at $5.99, followed by Virtual Console games at $6, and Xbox Live Arcade games at $10, the most expensive of the three. Furthermore, 80 percent of the downloadable content on the PlayStation 3 is free compared to just 29 percent on Xbox 360.
"In an environment with crippling production costs, publishers have new ways to dramatically impact their financial gain, while making gamers happy, if they understand how to utilize the new generation of console storefronts," the report said, adding that games with downloadable content sell 114 percent more on average.
Nintendo Wii currently has the greatest number of games available for download, though all are re-released titles says, Electronic Entertainment Design and Research.
While Nintendo's Wii leads in the quantity of downloadable games, Xbox 360 offers the greatest number of original downloadable games over Xbox Live Arcade, the research found.
Additionally, 84 percent of downloadable 360 games have online functionality compared with 45 percent of PS3 titles and zero percent for Wii games.
Only 12 percent of downloadable games are original titles, says EEDAR, especially given Nintendo's lopsided contribution of older games.
In terms of median game prices, PS3 titles are the cheapest at $5.99, followed by Virtual Console games at $6, and Xbox Live Arcade games at $10, the most expensive of the three. Furthermore, 80 percent of the downloadable content on the PlayStation 3 is free compared to just 29 percent on Xbox 360.
"In an environment with crippling production costs, publishers have new ways to dramatically impact their financial gain, while making gamers happy, if they understand how to utilize the new generation of console storefronts," the report said, adding that games with downloadable content sell 114 percent more on average.
Super Mario Galaxy: Can Nintendo Keep Everyone Happy?
Friday 16th November sees the release of Super Mario Galaxy for Nintendo’s Wii console. Some say it is the product launch of the year, though I’m not sure Apple would agree. The release of a Mario game is always a high profile media event, given his status as one of the most recognisable company mascots of the past 20 years, but Nintendo have a more difficult job this time around.
For those that don’t follow the video gaming industry – which this year grossed more than the movie and music industries – Nintendo are in first and second position with their best selling DS and Wii consoles. Both machines have brought new gamers into the fold, so with Mario Galaxy they have to cater for two distinct groups: the long-standing gamers who have played every Mario game since Donkey Kong and also the more recent group of people who have never owned a home console before being captivated by the Wii and will be playing this game as their first Mario game and possibly their first game other than Wii Sports.
Nintendo, and their video design guru Shigeru Miyamoto, seem to have relished the challenge. Company head Satoru Iwata has been posting a steady stream of interviews with various team members in an attempt to show the amazing amount of thinking that has gone into the game. Technical details take a back seat and it reads more like an analysis of the psychology of a gamer.
So, have they managed to do a good job? Well, review compilation site Metacritic – a site that collates reviews from all over the internet into one easy to read page of excerpts and an average score – currently lists the game as its highest ever, with an average score of 98 out of 100. Popular opinion has never been so unanimous.
Sounds like there’ll be quite a few people reaching for the stars this weekend.
Super Mario Galaxy Launch Party Diary
Although much has been said about the fever of Wii mania, nothing drives home Nintendo's timeless popularity like a Super Mario launch party. And I'm here to tell you: the Super Mario Galaxy launch party was Mario-rific!
While many people might expect a younger demographic waiting in line for Super Mario Galaxy, I was pretty surprised about the type of people standing in line. In addition to families, a lot of men and women who were kids at heart filled the line, a few of whom were even dressed up and donned in full Italian plumber wardrobes. There were also a lot of Metroid tattoos and Zelda T-shirts, and everyone wore a wristband given to them by Nintendo employees to indicate their place in line.
And I've never seen so many Nintendo DS systems in one place before. Everyone I saw had a fully charged DS ready to kill time. Everyone.
Not that anyone could actually hear the games they were playing; the on-site music was so loud that it was easily audible two blocks away. The DJ just fed into it, too, letting everybody know how cool Mario was and how close it was to midnight, when Mario Galaxy would officially go on sale. The line was pretty long, and part of the road was closed off for Mario's (and our) safety. Safety was the last thing on people's mind, though, with the wild entertainment and Super Mario Galaxy demos available well before launch.
Among those wild activities were a Velcro Wall and a Bungee Run for kids, and Nintendo even offered copies of Super Mario Galaxy for the high scorers. The kids stuck around for a while, but the low temperature in New York City had the parents hitting the line solo waiting to buy the game for the holidays. But I bet the wait will be unbearable.
The first guy in line had been camping there since 8am that morning, and he even had a sign letting everyone know he was first in line when the Wii launched. Meanwhile, I had arrived at 9:00, and there were already 323 people in front of me. There was no way the Nintendo World store could hold all the Mario maniacs, so when the doors finally opened, Nintendo only let in about 20 people at a time.
All in all, the Super Mario Galaxy launch event was pretty cool, and I was surprised with the kids' ability to stay awake out of pure love for Mario. It seems as though the children are getting a new kind of role model. But then again, who wouldn't want to look up to a mushroom-loving plumber?
New DS Lite model "rumour and speculation"
Nintendo denies analyst claims of slimmer new DS with larger screens
Nintendo has responded to an analyst's claims that it has completed work on a new version of its DS Lite handheld, maintaining that it is "rumour and speculation and we are not commenting further."
Evan Wilson, from Pacific Crest Securities, is quoted in a GameSpot report as saying that the new model was "thinner, has on-board storage, and larger screens," and would lose the GBA port to accommodate the changes.
The report continued that any new version of the hardware wouldn't be unveiled for some time, "until sales begin to tail off in all three major geographies."
While Nintendo has a history of periodically refreshing its handheld consoles, such as the GameBoy Advance and also the DS, it's possible that a new edition may come as some point, but the company is refusing to be drawn further for now.
World of Warcraft subscriber base now stands at 9.3 million
The company's financial statement attributed the results to a continuing strong performance from World of Warcraft, including The Burning Crusade expansion as well as the Chinese version released late in the third quarter.
The active global subscriber base for the game now stands at 9.3 million, the company said, with another expansion, The Wrath of the Lich King, due in the first half of 2008.
Overall Vivendi figures, including the company's other TV, music and telecoms subsidiaries, were up 11 per cent to EUR 5.42 billion for the quarter and 8 per cent to EUR 15.6 billion for the first nine months.
The active global subscriber base for the game now stands at 9.3 million, the company said, with another expansion, The Wrath of the Lich King, due in the first half of 2008.
Overall Vivendi figures, including the company's other TV, music and telecoms subsidiaries, were up 11 per cent to EUR 5.42 billion for the quarter and 8 per cent to EUR 15.6 billion for the first nine months.
Ship Simulator 2008
The much anticipated sequel to the surprise simulation hit of last year will not only add new harbours and many new vessels, but also much desired things like advanced weather conditions and open sea missions. Ship Simulator will amaze you with its progress and will rock your simulated world.
Ship Simulator 2008 will include the following new features:
- Dynamic ocean waves, with realistic ship motions
- Long distance travels , open ocean voyages between ports
- Visible damage system
- Thirty new complex and challenging missions
- Extensive day, night, and weather systems
- Three new environments: San Francisco, Southampton/Cowes/Solent, and Marseille
- Six new ships, each with walkthrough functionality and interactive bridge controls
- Controllable container crane
- Advanced vector graphic sea chart based on realistic 3D seabed models, with full-screen display option, transparency setting, and level-of-detail on text & depth readings
- Advanced damage system showing dents and holes in the ships after severe collisions
- Free-roam mode where players can choose a ship, an environment, set all weather, day & time parameters and get sailing
- Realistic bow splash water, with support from an advanced physics simulation model
- Extensive mapping options for keys and joystick buttons
- Advanced rope system, which allows you to connect and disconnect player ships to other ships or mooring boulders at will (anchoring is now also possible)
- Addition of icebergs which cause damage when you collide with them
Features currently under development
- Mid-mission save function
- A system for sinking ships when damaged below the water line
- Advanced system for scoring and ranking in different ship type classes, linked to your on-line profile on the forum
- Two extra player ships: jet-ski and hovercraft
- Additional language versions of the game (French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Polish and more)
- Set waypoints yourself in free-roaming mode
- Multiplayer functionality, so you can sail around in your favourite environment every day with your Ship Simulator friends
- Mission editor, so you can create your own adventures and share them with your fellow players on the forum These features will be released in free downloadable patches and updates later this year. ons, and start sailing!
Minimum System Requirements For Ship Simulator 2008
Microsoft Windows 2000, XP or Vista
2.4 Ghz Intel Pentium IV or AMD processor
1 GB RAM (XP), 2 GB RAM (Vista)
4x CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive
Approx. 500 MB free hard disk space
NVIDIA GeForce 5900 or ATI 9600 Pro / X600, 128MB memory
DirectX 9.0 compatible sound card
Mouse with scroll wheel
Optional controllers: Joystick, Joypad or Steering wheel
Releasedates
- UK, Scandinavia, Portugal: OUT NOW
- France, Australia/NZ: September 28th 2007
- Italy, Spain: October 5th 2007
- USA and Canada: Q1-2008
Dungeon Explorer Warriors of Ancient Arts
Title: Dungeon Explorer Warriors of Ancient Arts
Launch Date: February 2008
Platforms: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action RPG
ESRB: E10+ / Fantasy Violence
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment, Inc
Developer: HUDSON SOFT., LTD
Legal Lines: 2007, 2008 HUDSON SOFT. “Dungeon Explorer” is a trademark of HUDSON SOFT CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies. Published by Hudson Entertainment, Inc. Distributed by Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.
Game Description
Train, Battle, & Slay the Demon Lord.
Embark on a journey to rediscover and learn the lost Ancient Fighting Arts of Westoria Kingdom, a land plagued by a legion of undead and monstrous soldiers, ruled by a nefarious Demon Lord. Legend foretells a hero who will rise up and wield the powers of the lost Fighting Arts to destroy the bringer of death, restoring peace to a once beautiful and great kingdom.
Key Features
• Choose your Fighting Style – Discover over 60 different fighting styles across 8 lost Ancient Fighting Art schools. Become a balanced warrior and study techniques from all 8 schools or become a specialist and dedicate your focus to one of the lost Fighting Arts.
• Epic Battles – Wage battles against legions of different creatures, including undead soldiers, mutated monsters, and even an army of ancient automatons brought to life by dark magic. Strategy in battle is the key to survival.
• Choose your Hero – 3 Races and 3 Classes to choose from, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
• Epic Journey – Uncover the conspiracy to release the Demon God from his sealed prison
• Choose your Weapon – Choose from hundreds of different types of weapons, armor, and equipment and upgrade them as you progress through your adventure.
• Epic Multiplayer Adventure – Battle the Demon Lord’s minions alone or join forces with up to 2 other friends via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
Kane and Lynch blast on to mobiles
IO’s two anti-heroes bring their explosive mix of action and betrayal to a game created specifically for mobile handsets
Eidos Interactive, one of the world’s leading publishers and developers of entertainment software, will bring its eagerly-awaited next generation action title Kane and Lynch: Dead Men to mobile phones this November, in a specially-created version developed for mobile by Danish Developer, Kiloo, with input from Io Interactive, the original development studio for the game.
Timed to coincide with the PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game, Kane and Lynch mobile will be released through the publisher’s fast-growing Eidos New Media division.
Kane & Lynch: Dead Men is a cinematic crime drama that tells a raw and gritty tale of two anti-heroes – one a flawed mercenary, the other a medicated psychopath: Forced to embark on a violent and chaotic journey and hating each other every step of the way, Kane & Lynch: Dead Men features a gripping storyline and relentless third-person action.
Spanning 38 action-packed levels across five very different scenarios, Kane and Lynch mobile takes the form of a fast paced action game. Armed with a wealth of firearms, explosives, deadly booby traps and gadgets, the pair must blast a path through each heavily-guarded location, using simple yet effective menu systems to switch between shotguns and assault rifles with ease.
With its mixture of platform elements and exploration – coupled with a seemingly endless army of enemies and interactive backdrops – Kane and Lynch mobile is a testing game where the stakes are high and the action is unrelenting…
For full details of Kane and Lynch: Dead Men for mobile phone and release dates, please visit http://www.eidosmobile.com/kaneandlynch/index.php?lang=UK for more information.
COOKING MAMA 2: DINNER WITH FRIENDS
Cooking Mama 2: Dinner With Friends for Nintendo DS is the sequel to the best-selling cooking simulation game, Cooking Mama, and promises even more culinary fun and even tastier gameplay as Mama cooks up a spicy storm with new recipes, twice as many mini-games and an all-new multiplayer mode to challenge other players to a ‘cook off’, Mama style.
Nintendo DS features
· 80 original international recipes, some old favourites and the chance to create all-new customised dishes
· 150 fast and fun mini games to challenge player cooking expertise
· Offer your finished cooking creation to a friend to taste. In Cooking Mama 2 players can offer their dish to one of the many characters who will judge it for flavour and presentation, while Mama inspects the fruits of your labour and makes her own comments on your cooking skills
· Create the look of your very own Cooking Mama 2 experience. All new customisation allows players to change how the screen looks using graphics and stickers acquired throughout the game
· Note down your cooking successes through the game in your personal diary. Cooking Mama 2 features a personal diary that can be used to save pictures of recipes you've completed, as well as stickers collected throughout the game, building into a completely unique log of your cooking activities
· An all-new multiplayer mode allows you to cook with your own friends! Using one copy of the game up to four players can cook together in competitive mini games through the Download DS feature
· Your cooking ability will be reflected in the final presentation of the dish. If you make too many mistakes in the preparation then the final meal will look different from a perfect dish! You can record your own cooking progress using the diary and measure your results as your culinary skills improve
Cooking Mama 2: Dinner with Friends will be available on Nintendo DS in early 2008
3D Glasses for Samsung, Mitsubishi TVs
Latest DLP HDTVs now offer native 3D support
eDimensional, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative gaming accessories is pleased to announce the availability of new 3D glasses designed to take advantage of native support now found in select Samsung and Mitsubishi DLP televisions.
These televisions now feature a standard 3D output designed for the use of these stereoscopic liquid crystal shutter glasses. Utilizing the ultra-fast DLP chip, viewing 3D images in high resolution is now possible when wearing these glasses that allow you to view discreet left and right images. Simply connect your PC using a DVI or HDMI connection, install the included software and unleash the full 3D potential of your HDTV.
New movies and games are on the way, but there is no need to wait. With a properly equipped Windows PC, you can watch real 3D movies, see real 3D photos and play the latest and most popular PC games. Packages start at just $149.95 including all necessary software and a pair of 3D glasses, or $199.95 for two pairs of glasses.
eDimensional CEO Michael Epstein adds, “With the surge in new 3D content and high quality high definition screens now available, mainstream audiences can now begin to experience the stunning 3D that our gaming customers have known about for years. These new DLP televisions do an excellent job at making it easy for users to view real 3D movies, games and more.”
The 3D glasses for these TVs are now available for direct through eDimensional and will be offered through variety of retail distribution partners worldwide.
eDimensional, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative gaming accessories is pleased to announce the availability of new 3D glasses designed to take advantage of native support now found in select Samsung and Mitsubishi DLP televisions.
These televisions now feature a standard 3D output designed for the use of these stereoscopic liquid crystal shutter glasses. Utilizing the ultra-fast DLP chip, viewing 3D images in high resolution is now possible when wearing these glasses that allow you to view discreet left and right images. Simply connect your PC using a DVI or HDMI connection, install the included software and unleash the full 3D potential of your HDTV.
New movies and games are on the way, but there is no need to wait. With a properly equipped Windows PC, you can watch real 3D movies, see real 3D photos and play the latest and most popular PC games. Packages start at just $149.95 including all necessary software and a pair of 3D glasses, or $199.95 for two pairs of glasses.
eDimensional CEO Michael Epstein adds, “With the surge in new 3D content and high quality high definition screens now available, mainstream audiences can now begin to experience the stunning 3D that our gaming customers have known about for years. These new DLP televisions do an excellent job at making it easy for users to view real 3D movies, games and more.”
The 3D glasses for these TVs are now available for direct through eDimensional and will be offered through variety of retail distribution partners worldwide.
New Sci-fi RTS Game SUNAGE - trailer
Leading publisher Lighthouse Interactive and developer Vertex 4 today released the much anticipated teaser for SunAge. Scheduled to release across Europe this month, this energetic RTS game offers a unique experience bringing modern innovation to the isometric style of real-time strategy. This PC CD-ROM game is Windows® Vista™ compatible.
Globally known music producer, Angina P, created the music for the teaser. She is a production force whose unique sound transforms raw elements of breakbeat, new age and ambience, into unique and rare gems. Beside the music for the teaser, she created and produced the complete SunAge soundtrack.
GAME SUMMARY
SunAge is the modern day answer for RTS fans who want the best possible overview on their troops, while trying to outsmart opponents in frantic battles where strategies and tactics are more important than ever. If you are a core real-time strategy gamer, SunAge is for you!
Earth is a desolate wasteland destroyed by the radiation and heat of the sun. Humankind, known as the Dome Confederacy, have been forced to retreat into shielded cities enduring constant attacks by the Raak-zun cult; a sect of religious outcasts who live outside the dome. An age long war has ensued as both races battle for the limited resources of the dying planet. Amidst the havoc, the gateway to a bold new planet is unlocked. Hope is on the horizon, but this mecca is teeming with lethal Sentinel drones who will not hesitate to annihilate any life form that gets in their way.
FEATURES
• 3 Distinct Races - Human, Raak-zun and Sentinel - each with their own units, buildings, technological advantages and disadvantages.
• Unique Upgrades - Alternate modes can be researched for all units, unlocking dual functionality for greater tactical depth.
• Graphics - Stunning sci-fi environments from vast industrial cities and devastated
wastelands, to a lush alien planet. While displaying rich graphical environments and visual effects, SunAge is very playable on lower spec PC’s and laptops.
• Tactical Landscape - All units and their alternate modes are crucial to the overall
strategy. Exploit weaknesses in the enemy’s network while strengthening your own connection lines.
• Formations - Squad concept combined with long distance camera views allows
a large number of units to be fighting onscreen with a clear overview of the battle
ground.
• Singleplayer - 25 campaign maps with compelling plots for each race.
• Multiplayer - LAN and Online – Classic multiplayer with focus on gathering4 different kinds of resources and outsmarting the opponent in battle. 10 maps created uniquely for multiplayer mode.
• Command Queuing - Command your units to prone, build or attack where you want them and when you want them to do so.
• Indirect Intelligent Targeting (IIT) - Order your units to focus on pre-selected targets.
MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
OS: Windows ME / 2000 / XP / Vista
CPU: 1,2 GHz Intel Pentium III or equivalent AMD Athlon processor
RAM: 512 MB (1 GB Recommended for Windows Vista)
Video Card: 128 MB 3D accelerated video card
PC CD-ROM: 4x (or PC DVD-ROM drive)
Sound: DirectSound compatible (Sound Blaster X-Fi series sound card recommended)
Available Hard Disk Space: 1 GB
DirectX: 9.0c compatible
Other: Mouse, Keyboard and Speakers
Multiplayer: LAN or 56K (or faster) Internet Connection
To download the new teaser, visit: www.lighthouse-interactive.com
Globally known music producer, Angina P, created the music for the teaser. She is a production force whose unique sound transforms raw elements of breakbeat, new age and ambience, into unique and rare gems. Beside the music for the teaser, she created and produced the complete SunAge soundtrack.
GAME SUMMARY
SunAge is the modern day answer for RTS fans who want the best possible overview on their troops, while trying to outsmart opponents in frantic battles where strategies and tactics are more important than ever. If you are a core real-time strategy gamer, SunAge is for you!
Earth is a desolate wasteland destroyed by the radiation and heat of the sun. Humankind, known as the Dome Confederacy, have been forced to retreat into shielded cities enduring constant attacks by the Raak-zun cult; a sect of religious outcasts who live outside the dome. An age long war has ensued as both races battle for the limited resources of the dying planet. Amidst the havoc, the gateway to a bold new planet is unlocked. Hope is on the horizon, but this mecca is teeming with lethal Sentinel drones who will not hesitate to annihilate any life form that gets in their way.
FEATURES
• 3 Distinct Races - Human, Raak-zun and Sentinel - each with their own units, buildings, technological advantages and disadvantages.
• Unique Upgrades - Alternate modes can be researched for all units, unlocking dual functionality for greater tactical depth.
• Graphics - Stunning sci-fi environments from vast industrial cities and devastated
wastelands, to a lush alien planet. While displaying rich graphical environments and visual effects, SunAge is very playable on lower spec PC’s and laptops.
• Tactical Landscape - All units and their alternate modes are crucial to the overall
strategy. Exploit weaknesses in the enemy’s network while strengthening your own connection lines.
• Formations - Squad concept combined with long distance camera views allows
a large number of units to be fighting onscreen with a clear overview of the battle
ground.
• Singleplayer - 25 campaign maps with compelling plots for each race.
• Multiplayer - LAN and Online – Classic multiplayer with focus on gathering4 different kinds of resources and outsmarting the opponent in battle. 10 maps created uniquely for multiplayer mode.
• Command Queuing - Command your units to prone, build or attack where you want them and when you want them to do so.
• Indirect Intelligent Targeting (IIT) - Order your units to focus on pre-selected targets.
MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
OS: Windows ME / 2000 / XP / Vista
CPU: 1,2 GHz Intel Pentium III or equivalent AMD Athlon processor
RAM: 512 MB (1 GB Recommended for Windows Vista)
Video Card: 128 MB 3D accelerated video card
PC CD-ROM: 4x (or PC DVD-ROM drive)
Sound: DirectSound compatible (Sound Blaster X-Fi series sound card recommended)
Available Hard Disk Space: 1 GB
DirectX: 9.0c compatible
Other: Mouse, Keyboard and Speakers
Multiplayer: LAN or 56K (or faster) Internet Connection
To download the new teaser, visit: www.lighthouse-interactive.com
AMD Unleashes Enthusiast Gaming Performance for the Masses with ATI Radeon HD 3800 Series
Incredible performance per watt and scalability with never before seen price points put enthusiast-class gaming in reach of all users
AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced the introduction and immediate availability of the ATI RadeonTM HD 3800 Series of graphics processing units (GPU). As the world's first series of graphics processors to deliver Microsoft's DirectX® 10.1 support, 55nm process technology and tri and quad multi-GPU support with ATI CrossFireXTM, the ATI Radeon HD 3800 series ushers in a new era of enthusiast gaming performance at mainstream price points. The ATI Radeon HD 3800 series will be introduced in two variants at launch, from US $179 MSRP, the ATI RadeonTM HD 3850 with 256MB of GDDR3 memory and from US $219 MSRP, the ATI RadeonTM HD 3870 with 512MB GDDR4 memory. The launch of the ATI Radeon HD 3800 series redefines the enthusiast segment and puts high performance gaming in reach of more users than ever before. This innovative new series of graphics products also represent the first step in the launch of AMD's upcoming enthusiast platform codenamed "Spider."
"With the introduction of the ATI Radeon HD 3800 series we are redefining the market for enthusiast graphics with a new class of price, performance and features that have never been seen before in this industry," said Rick Bergman, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Graphics Product Group, AMD. "Through a flawless transition to 55nm and Microsoft DirectX® 10.1, we can deliver an unprecedented level of scalable performance, image quality enhancements and power efficiency at the sub- $200 segment that rivals today's most expensive graphics processors and opens up enthusiast gaming to more end users than ever before."
High Definition Gaming Leadership
With the introduction of the ATI Radeon HD 3800 series AMD delivers the first graphics processor with support for Microsoft's upcoming DirectX® 10.1 specification. Designed to deliver more immersive gaming environments, increase the amount of tools for developers and enhance overall image quality, DirectX 10.1 support ensures ATI Radeon HD 3800 series users can enjoy a more complete next-generation gaming experience.
The ATI Radeon HD 3800 series also introduces the world to ATI CrossFireXTM, AMD's innovative next-generation multi-GPU technology designed to deliver unprecedented performance scaling with support for two, three and four graphics processors in CrossFireTM configurations. At launch, the ATI Radeon HD 3800 series will support dual-GPU CrossFire with tri and quad-GPU support scheduled for January 2008.
"Alienware has a long and proven track record in staying on the forefront of graphics performance and innovation," said Patrick Cooper, Director of Product Management at Alienware. "As a pioneer in multi-GPU technology we are excited about the launch of the ATI Radeon HD 3800 series with CrossFire technology on our Area-51 ALX platform and look forward to delivering a best-in-class PC gaming experience for our customers."
Graphics bandwidth is also greatly enhanced with the introduction of PCI Express 2.0. Delivering over 16 gigabytes per second of bi-directional bandwidth, PCIe 2.0 doubles the bus data rate over the previous generation. The combination of PCIe 2.0 and HyperTransportTM3 on next-generation AMD platforms provides a dramatic increase in the amount of system bandwidth for high definition, multi-GPU PC gaming.
Performance Per-Watt Leadership
The ATI Radeon HD 3800 series GPUs are the first graphics processors to use TSMC's 55nm process technology. The smooth transition to 55nm has allowed for a ?2X increase in performance-per-watt over the previous generation with a significant reduction in die size.
"TSMC and AMD have blazed a long and successful trail of process technology innovation, delivering increased value to end users through manufacturing innovation. Our innovative half-node process, including 55nm, is the quickest and simplest way to achieve performance gain," said Kenneth Kin, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Service, TSMC. "With the immaculate execution and launch of the 55nm ATI Radeon HD 3800 series we are demonstrating once again how the strength of our successful collaboration delivers more performance-per-watt and performance per-mm? to users than they have ever seen before in a graphics processor."
In addition to 55nm, AMD has also added its patented ATI PowerPlayTM technology to the ATI Radeon HD 3800 series to provide increased control over the graphics processor in multiple power states. With PowerPlay technology users can benefit from dynamic adjustment of clocks and voltages depending on their usage scenario, which allows for a cool and quiet user experience.
High Definition Video
With the launch of the ATI Radeon HD 3850 and ATI Radeon HD 3870, AMD has answered the call of HD video enthusiasts with top-to-bottom support for the ?Unified Video Decoder (UVD). The addition of UVD ensures exceptional platform efficiency and image quality in HD-DVD and Blu-rayTM decoding for both H.264 and VC-1 specifications. Enhanced HDMI functionality also continues on this series of products with integrated HDCP and audio for HDMI video.
The ATI Radeon HD 3800 series launches with broad availability and eco-system support from AMD's Add-in-Board (AIB) and Systems Integrators (SI) partners. AIB partners building boards based on the ATI Radeon HD 3800 series include Asus, Club 3D, Diamond Multimedia, Gigabyte, HIS, Info-Tek, MSI, Palit, Sapphire, Tul and Visiontek. Systems integrators launching ATI Radeon HD 3800 series include ABS, Alienware, AMAX, Canada Computers, CyberPower, Extreme PC Corporation, Falcon-Northwest, iBUYPOWER, Maingear, Systemax, Ultra Gaming and Velocity Micro.
BEOWULF game discontinued
The video game "BEOWULF", until recently in development at 4HEAD Studios, has been discontinued.
As the new blockbuster movie „Beowulf“ from Paramount Pictures debuts in cinemas worldwide and the offical game of the movie becomes available, work on the independently developed game of same name is suspended. The game had been under development at German game developer 4HEAD Studios in collaboration with graphics and animation studio 3D-IO.
Paramount Pictures has obtained the rights to the project's core properties including trademarks, Internet domains, and other assets.
Executive Producer Gustaf Stechmann comments: "With the announcement of Ubisoft's offical game based on the movie and the conceivable competitive situation, we were seeing publishers unwilling to support our game. We thus lacked the resources needed to drive the project's development forward.
Luckily, we had the older rights to the use of the name. The buy-out deal with Paramount was therefore the logical exit strategy."
Game developer 4HEAD Studios had become financially unstable and was recently acquired by German publishing house DTP.
More information about the upcoming Beowulf game from Ubisoft can be found online at www.beowulfgame.com.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 for mobile
First ever PES mobile game joins other exciting new titles in latest batch of Glu games launching throughout Europe
Glu Mobile Inc. (Nasdaq:GLUU), a leading global publisher of mobile games, today announced its line-up of games launching in Europe through the remainder of 2007.
The games include big name franchises such as Pro Evolution Soccer, Sega Rally, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? 3rd Edition, Sonic Golf and Call of DutyTM 4: Modern Warfare as well as The Golden Compass, a game based on the new feature film coming this December.
Patrick Mork, Marketing Director for Glu EMEA, commented, “Our line-up of titles launching offer a range of mobile gaming experiences that appeals to a wide variety of audiences. We’re proud to be working with such prestigious partners as Activision, Konami, Microsoft, SEGA and Two-Way Traffic, and we believe our upcoming line-up really demonstrates that Glu offers a true breadth of quality, engaging titles.”
More about Glu’s Q4 line-up:
Pro Evolution Soccer 2008
The world’s favourite football game finally makes it to mobile. Based on the world’s most successful console and PC soccer game and launching with Pro Evolution Soccer 2008, this is the most realistic football simulation ever to appear on mobile
SEGA Rally
The SEGA Rally franchise stands for instantly accessible excitement, and the first-ever mobile version is no exception. Racing real rally cars through realistic environments, players will be challenged thanks to fluid and intelligently designed controls.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare arms gamers with an arsenal of advanced and powerful modern-day firepower and transports them to the most treacherous hotspots around the globe to take on a rogue enemy group threatening the world.
The Golden Compass
Following the storyline from this Christmas’ big family movie and the award-winning series of books by Philip Pullman, players embark on a journey of adventure and exploration playing as the main characters Lyra and her morphing daemon Pan. Players will set out on a quest to rescue best friend Roger and the other children captured by the evil Gobblers.
Sonic Golf
Set in Sonic’s own universe, Sonic The Hedgehog’s latest adventure sees the blue hedgehog and friends complete a series of Golf challenges. Classic Sonic style twists as well as features that fans of the original game have grown to love are still present; drive and putt to success while collecting gold rings and running through loop-the-loops before challenging the evil Dr. Eggman!
Who Wants to be a Millionaire? 3rd Edition
Building on the massive success of the previous Millionaire editions, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? 3rd Edition introduces innovative new features including 3D elements, statistics and the ability to choose your Phone-A-Friend
World of Warcraft Patch 2.3 - The Gods of Zul'Aman
The latest major content patch for World of Warcraft, The Gods of Zul'Aman, adds an impressive array of new challenges, features, changes, and rewards to World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade.
Zul’Aman is a 10-person raid dungeon located in the Ghostlands, with enemies and spoils that pick up where Karazhan leaves off. This outdoor raid dungeon is home to the vicious Amani forest trolls and their leader, the infamous Zul’jin. You and your band of heroes will battle the dungeon’s six bosses, including four avatars of Zul’Aman, each bearing the aspect of a different ferocious creature. Zul’Aman also features a challenging bonus reward structure based on completing certain objectives within a time limit, which provides an extra level of challenge – and thrills – for seasoned raid groups.
The other defining characteristic of The Gods of Zul’Aman is the bounty of rewards, both material and intangible, that it offers many types of players. The powerful epic items found in Zul’Aman are just the beginning. There is a host of new purchasable rewards as well, from the gladiator rewards of Arena Season 3, to the dozens of new Badge of Justice rewards and the full set of new Honor rewards. There are also more useful and fun items such as the new Flying Machine flying mounts, which can be built and operated by skilled engineers. Among the more abstract benefits to players are faster leveling to 60, the revamping of Dustwallow Marsh with new quests, new daily quests for dungeons and battlegrounds, and many class balance changes. This is just a sampling of the bounty that awaits in The Gods of Zul’Aman.
The Heroic Server - on DOFUS for Mac
This December, a brand new DOFUS game mode will introduce another dimension to battle-weary veterans and wide-eyed beginners alike.
This game mode offers quicker character evolution, allowing you to gain more experience from fights and quests. But you will also need to be more vigilant and tactical in your game play because if you die, you won’t come back. The new mode will also call for more dedicated and concerted guild activity in order to help players survive for as long as possible.
In this highly intensive mode, the game has been adapted according to new rules which are exclusive to this server. Among other exciting modifications, this mode allows players to increase their level far more rapidly and to make better and bigger drops! Experience in professions will also be gained more quickly. This server has one cruel rule above all, however: death will be permanent. You cannot come back to life. If your character’s level is in the top 100, however, the corpse will rest in the Cemetery of Heroes.
Another diabolic hallmark of the server: whether players lose against monsters or other players, their victorious enemies will keep all their items. Some enemies, though difficult to beat, will be tempting to fight for just this reason.
In future, part of the official site will be dedicated to this server with regular updates giving information on the new world, including its background. This part of the site will also host the Cemetery of Heroes. Warriors of all nationalities will take each other on to rise to the top of the world league table.
To those who thought they’ve mastered DOFUS or seen it all, the Ankama Games team hereby challenges you!
Official website: www.dofus.co.uk
Close Combat - Modern Tactics - Out now
Hop into that Abrams and fire up the engine, the classic real time tactical series just went modern!
Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) Strategy 3 Tactics (www.strategy3tactics.com), and CSO Simtek are thrilled to announce that the latest and greatest title in the legendary Close Combat series, Close Combat: Modern Tactics, is now available for purchase via the Matrix Games Online Store. Offering the tactical real time intensity found in the original World War II Close Combat titles blended with modern weaponry and real-world as well as hypothetical conflicts, Close Combat – Modern Tactics is an exciting and innovative new addition to the Close Combat series that still holds the addicting appeal of its predecessors.
David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “The Close Combat series has always been among my favorite wargames, so the release of a modern take on this tried and tested gaming system is particularly exciting.”
Andrew Williams of CSO Simtek added “It’s great to finally see fans of the series on the civilian side get to take a crack at this new modern release. It’s been great working with Matrix Games as they’ve given us the support we need to make Modern Tactics cross the gap from a military training tool to a fun new consumer product!”
Close Combat: Modern Tactics combines classic top down real time tactical warfare with the excitement of multiplayer head to head gaming. Developed from the US Marines training simulation, Close Combat: Marines, you get to take command of all types of modern battlefield weaponry including Abrams tanks and Soviet-made RPGs as well as air, helicopter and artillery support. This is serious gaming at its best.
You take command of modern US forces or various opposition forces in one of 25 scenarios included with the release. Engage in combat with up to 5 players per side and participate in intense head to head battles using Modern Era weaponry and equipment on gorgeous hand-drawn maps measuring from 1km square to giant 4km x 1km maps. Fight on hypothetical battlefields ranging in style from backwoods America to the streets of Iraq and the former Soviet republics. You face all the enemy can throw at you in a series of immersive, action-packed engagements that will test your tactical abilities! Air and artillery support are on-call but the final objective can only be secured by Close Combat. You are in command!
Exciting features of Close Combat - Modern Tactics include:
Based on Close Combat Marines, which is used as a USMC training simulation
Gorgeous hand-drawn 1km square to 1x4km maps
Comes with 25 Modern scenarios based on real-world and hypothetical conflicts
Realistic soldier psychological profiles during combat
Mount and Dismount specialized vehicles with infantry units
Close air support and direct and indirect fires.
Ability to protect your men in buildings, bunkers, and trenches.
Includes specialized squads, weapons, soldier types, attack aircraft & artillery.
Designed to be easily moddable to provide years of additional gaming excitement.
Adjustable game speed scroll speed and sound volume.
Multiple nationalities with varying capabilities available to both sides.
.. and much more!
Get more information on Close Combat - Modern Tactics from its official Matrix Games webpage.
ABOUT MATRIX GAMES
Matrix Games produces, markets and publishes historical wargames as well as other computer gaming products. Since 2000, Matrix Games has published over three dozen titles and several award-winning games, including War in the Pacific, Conquest of the Aegean, Gary Grigsby's World At War: A World Divided, Crown of Glory, Battles In Normandy, Harpoon 3 Advanced Naval Warfare, Starshatter: The Gathering Storm and The Operational Art of War III. Matrix Games is based in Staten Island, New York. For more information, visit the Matrix Games website at www.matrixgames.com.
Pirates of the Burning Sea
Alchemic Dream to offer European customer support, localization and in-game events
Flying Lab Software, developers of Pirates of the Burning Sea, the MMORPG featuring high seas action and adventure in a bold world of pirates and plunder, have partnered with Alchemic Dream Inc, leaders in customer support, localization and in-game events for the European market.
Alchemic Dream provided superior quality customer service and community building for partners such as Codemasters (RF Online, Dungeons and Dragons Online™: Stormreach, Archlord, Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™), Auran (Fury), Linden Lab (Second Life) and now Flying Lab Software (Pirates of the Burning Sea).
Alchemic Dream will use its experience in creating in-game events to enrich Pirates of the Burning Sea experiences for European players. CEO Aurelien Merville said, “Flying Lab Software has built a fantastic product and we’re eager to provide a true interactive experience to the European players of Pirates of the Burning Sea through in-game events and our complete range of multilingual customer services.”
Pirates of the Burning Sea is scheduled to be available for release on January 22, 2007 and was set for pre-order in North America on Tuesday, November 13, 2007. A European pre-order date will be announced soon.
ABOUT PIRATES OF THE BURNING SEA
Pirates of the Burning Sea is an MMORPG featuring high seas action and adventure in a bold world of pirates and plunder. Set against the backdrop of the New World of the 18th Century, players can choose one of three nations – England, France or Spain – or choose the role of a Pirate and battle it out for glory and power.
Flying Lab Software, developers of Pirates of the Burning Sea, the MMORPG featuring high seas action and adventure in a bold world of pirates and plunder, have partnered with Alchemic Dream Inc, leaders in customer support, localization and in-game events for the European market.
Alchemic Dream provided superior quality customer service and community building for partners such as Codemasters (RF Online, Dungeons and Dragons Online™: Stormreach, Archlord, Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™), Auran (Fury), Linden Lab (Second Life) and now Flying Lab Software (Pirates of the Burning Sea).
Alchemic Dream will use its experience in creating in-game events to enrich Pirates of the Burning Sea experiences for European players. CEO Aurelien Merville said, “Flying Lab Software has built a fantastic product and we’re eager to provide a true interactive experience to the European players of Pirates of the Burning Sea through in-game events and our complete range of multilingual customer services.”
Pirates of the Burning Sea is scheduled to be available for release on January 22, 2007 and was set for pre-order in North America on Tuesday, November 13, 2007. A European pre-order date will be announced soon.
ABOUT PIRATES OF THE BURNING SEA
Pirates of the Burning Sea is an MMORPG featuring high seas action and adventure in a bold world of pirates and plunder. Set against the backdrop of the New World of the 18th Century, players can choose one of three nations – England, France or Spain – or choose the role of a Pirate and battle it out for glory and power.
UTour Golf Unveils New Challenge Options
Most Rewarding Virtual Golf Game Offers More Ways to Win and Presents the New "Office Pool"
Groove Media today announced that several new features have been added to UTour Golf, the free, full-featured online golfing experience where players can wager real money against other virtual golfers. Some of the new features include increased challenge options, player created tournaments and new mini-games. To start playing, visit www.utourGolf.com.
New UTour Golf features include:
-New Challenge Option: Handicap Play - Players can utilize the new handicap play feature which allows players to offer or request strokes, in order to make the games fair and challenging for both players regardless of their skill rating.
-New Challenge Modes - The new one-hole option lets players challenge an opponent to a quick, one hole game. Combined with the new entry fee options, it is now possible to put up to $100 on the line for just one hole!
-Player Created Tournaments - Players can now invite up to eight of their friends to play exclusive tournaments with customizable game options; including course played, number of holes and entry fee. This puts a new spin on the classic "office pool".
-Mini-Games - A Score-Based Driving Range game rewards players for their tee shot accuracy. The closer the player comes to the pin, the more points they earn. The player with the highest cumulative points wins the game.
-Stats for Everyone - All players now accumulate free lifetime golf statistics including handicap, holes played, longest successful putt and much more!
About UTour Golf
UTour Golf is the world's first free online full-featured golf video game. Players of all levels can download the game in minutes and tee off online against competitors for fun or cash prizes. Courses are inspired by golfing locations from around the world and offer multiple game rules including traditional Stroke Play and Match Play. Every game offers a new challenge with game variables that include dynamic wind and weather conditions, variable pin and tee block placements and even variable green speed and rough length. To play, visit www.utourGolf.com.
Groove Media today announced that several new features have been added to UTour Golf, the free, full-featured online golfing experience where players can wager real money against other virtual golfers. Some of the new features include increased challenge options, player created tournaments and new mini-games. To start playing, visit www.utourGolf.com.
New UTour Golf features include:
-New Challenge Option: Handicap Play - Players can utilize the new handicap play feature which allows players to offer or request strokes, in order to make the games fair and challenging for both players regardless of their skill rating.
-New Challenge Modes - The new one-hole option lets players challenge an opponent to a quick, one hole game. Combined with the new entry fee options, it is now possible to put up to $100 on the line for just one hole!
-Player Created Tournaments - Players can now invite up to eight of their friends to play exclusive tournaments with customizable game options; including course played, number of holes and entry fee. This puts a new spin on the classic "office pool".
-Mini-Games - A Score-Based Driving Range game rewards players for their tee shot accuracy. The closer the player comes to the pin, the more points they earn. The player with the highest cumulative points wins the game.
-Stats for Everyone - All players now accumulate free lifetime golf statistics including handicap, holes played, longest successful putt and much more!
About UTour Golf
UTour Golf is the world's first free online full-featured golf video game. Players of all levels can download the game in minutes and tee off online against competitors for fun or cash prizes. Courses are inspired by golfing locations from around the world and offer multiple game rules including traditional Stroke Play and Match Play. Every game offers a new challenge with game variables that include dynamic wind and weather conditions, variable pin and tee block placements and even variable green speed and rough length. To play, visit www.utourGolf.com.
Astraware Classic Collection
Astraware is excited to announce a brand new games pack featuring 3 of their most-popular games.
Following many customer requests, the Astraware Classic Collection brings together 3 family-friendly favorites featuring an award-winning Sudoku game, 8 classic boardgames, and 12 of the best-known card games, all in one super value pack for a very special price.
The Astraware Classic Collection includes Astraware Sudoku, Astraware Boardgames, and Astraware Solitaire and is available for Palm OS®, and Windows Mobile® smartphones and PDAs. The collection is priced $39.95 - a saving of one third off the price of all 3 games bought separately and special pricing is also available to customers who already own one of the games.
For more information or to buy, visit the Astraware website at http://www.astraware.com/classic/.
About Astraware
Founded in 1994 and incorporated in 2000, Astraware Limited develops, publishes and distributes games for mobile devices. Some of the company's best known handheld titles include Astraware Sudoku, Zap! 2000/2016, PopCap Games’ Bejeweled, Zuma, and Insaniquarium, and Sandlot Games’ Tradewinds, and Glyph. Astraware is a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner. Mobile gaming enthusiasts have downloaded more than 50 million copies of Astraware's products, and the company has customers in more than 100 countries. Visit Astraware at http://www.astraware.com.
Following many customer requests, the Astraware Classic Collection brings together 3 family-friendly favorites featuring an award-winning Sudoku game, 8 classic boardgames, and 12 of the best-known card games, all in one super value pack for a very special price.
The Astraware Classic Collection includes Astraware Sudoku, Astraware Boardgames, and Astraware Solitaire and is available for Palm OS®, and Windows Mobile® smartphones and PDAs. The collection is priced $39.95 - a saving of one third off the price of all 3 games bought separately and special pricing is also available to customers who already own one of the games.
For more information or to buy, visit the Astraware website at http://www.astraware.com/classic/.
About Astraware
Founded in 1994 and incorporated in 2000, Astraware Limited develops, publishes and distributes games for mobile devices. Some of the company's best known handheld titles include Astraware Sudoku, Zap! 2000/2016, PopCap Games’ Bejeweled, Zuma, and Insaniquarium, and Sandlot Games’ Tradewinds, and Glyph. Astraware is a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner. Mobile gaming enthusiasts have downloaded more than 50 million copies of Astraware's products, and the company has customers in more than 100 countries. Visit Astraware at http://www.astraware.com.
Super Mario Galaxy to outsell Halo 3?
Nintendo Wii's new game is likely to become the fastest-selling Christmas gift as stores stay open late tonight so fans can snap up Super Mario Galaxy.
The latest adventures of the Italian plumber are expected to outsell Xbox's recent hit Halo - which itself had orders of 1.25 million.
The launch came as a new poll shows that the Mario character is more widely recognised worldwide than The Beatles.
Amazon Delaying Super Mario Galaxy Pre-Orders
This isn't good. From our faithful reader Ben, it looks like at least some Amazon pre-orders of Super Mario Galaxy are going to see a delay of one whole week.
I pre-ordered Super Mario Galaxy 2 weeks ago from Amazon.com.
Today I received this in my inbox:
"We wanted to let you know that there is an unexpected delay with your video game order you placed on October 25 2007 09:26 PDT. Unfortunately, we are unable to ship the product(s) as soon as we expected and need to provide you with a new estimate of when they may be delivered:
"Super Mario Galaxy" [Video Game]
Estimated arrival date: 11/20/2007
We apologize for the inconvenience caused by this delay."
I canceled my order so I can buy it tonight at a brick&mortar store tonight after work.
No pre-order coin for me, I guess.
Sony makes most of Wii shortages
Sony is taking advantage of Nintendo Wii shortages and a recent price cut of the PlayStation 3 to double weekly sales of the console in the US.
Sony boss Howard Stringer told the Associated Press news agency: "It's a little fortuitous that the Wii is running out of hardware."
Two weeks after the price cut Sony sold 100,000 PS3s in seven days.
Mr Stringer said the increase in sales of the console was "the breakthrough we have been anticipating."
He added: "Obviously, we've taken so much heat over the year on PS3. Finally, the turning point has been passed."
Nintendo has become a victim of its own success, with many shops in the US and UK struggling to meet demand.
A spokesman for Nintendo UK denied that the company was witholding supply to boost interest.
"The video games market is a fiercely competitive one and it is not in our interest to withhold stock from anyone," he said.
Microsoft and Nintendo have not released weekly sales figures for their consoles.
Source: BBC
Assassin's Creed Stalks Stores
Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced its highly anticipated Assassin's Creed video game is now available in retail stores nationwide in North America.
Easily one of the most anticipated games for the holiday season and the game has arrived on the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft at the MSRP of $59.99 with the Limited Edition priced at $69.99. It is rated "M" for Mature by the ESRB.
"Assassin's Creed is an incredible experience unlike anything else available this holiday season and we're thrilled with the buzz and attention the title has received," shared Tony Key, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ubisoft. "We anticipate having a strong sell through for Assassin's Creed and it's exciting to push the industry with such a breakthrough title in terms of technology, design and story.
The development team in Montreal set out to redefine the action-adventure category and we now know that they have accomplished their goal."
DualShock 3 now works with PS2
New pad will now work with backwards compatible games
Sony has confirmed to Eurogamer that all PlayStation 2 titles that support rumble and are compatible with the PlayStation 3 will also rumble if you use the new DualShock 3 pad.
During a test last week with the new controller, Eurogamer noted that PS2 rumble seemed to be disabled. Since then, PS3 firmware 2.0 has quietly introduced support.
The news from Sony adds to anecdotal evidence from eager importers who reported success getting rumble out of games like Re and Katamari Damacy.
PlayStation 3 games that already support the pad include MotorStorm, Resistance: Fall of Man and Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction.
The official European and US release date for DualShock 3 is spring 2008.
Sony has confirmed to Eurogamer that all PlayStation 2 titles that support rumble and are compatible with the PlayStation 3 will also rumble if you use the new DualShock 3 pad.
During a test last week with the new controller, Eurogamer noted that PS2 rumble seemed to be disabled. Since then, PS3 firmware 2.0 has quietly introduced support.
The news from Sony adds to anecdotal evidence from eager importers who reported success getting rumble out of games like Re and Katamari Damacy.
PlayStation 3 games that already support the pad include MotorStorm, Resistance: Fall of Man and Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction.
The official European and US release date for DualShock 3 is spring 2008.
PS3 Sales Double On 'Breakthrough' Pricing
Sony sold over 100,000 units of PlayStation 3 in the United States last week after a series of price cuts that Sony CEO Howard Stringer characterized as "the breakthrough we've been anticipating."
"We've been holding our breath," Stringer told the Associated Press. "Finally, the turning point has been passed."
We'll certainly see. Selling 100,000 units in a week is great for Sony, since they've only been moving around 40,000 units per week at most. But the one-two punch of the price drop of the 80 GB bundle to $500 and the introduction of the $400 model (the first honest-to-goodness price drop that PlayStation 3 as a platform has actually received since it launched a year ago) were guaranteed to do something like this.
The question now is whether these sales keep up, and how much Xbox 360 and Wii sales increase in November simply off the strength of more aggressive pricing and more popular software. That'll show whether this is the breakthrough Stringer says it is, or whether it's a brief spike on the charts.
Source: Yahoo Finance
"We've been holding our breath," Stringer told the Associated Press. "Finally, the turning point has been passed."
We'll certainly see. Selling 100,000 units in a week is great for Sony, since they've only been moving around 40,000 units per week at most. But the one-two punch of the price drop of the 80 GB bundle to $500 and the introduction of the $400 model (the first honest-to-goodness price drop that PlayStation 3 as a platform has actually received since it launched a year ago) were guaranteed to do something like this.
The question now is whether these sales keep up, and how much Xbox 360 and Wii sales increase in November simply off the strength of more aggressive pricing and more popular software. That'll show whether this is the breakthrough Stringer says it is, or whether it's a brief spike on the charts.
Source: Yahoo Finance
Nintendo denies WiiWare game size limit
Company responds to rumours that downloadable titles couldn't exceed 40MB
Nintendo has disputed some of the Wii Software (WiiWare) details announced in an IGN podcast this week, which claimed that WiiWare titles would be capped at 40MB, that developers would set their own prices and be limited to releasing one game per month.
"I can confirm as we originally said at the announcement of the WiiWare service earlier in the year that WiiWare games will come in a range of sizes but we will encourage smaller, more compact games for the service," a Nintendo spokesperson told Eurogamer today.
"I can also confirm we are contemplating that developers will be able to release one game per month during the launch window in order for us to address potential volume issues.
"We have not revealed any details about who sets pricing for WiiWare titles. However it is important to remember that one of the keys aspects of the WiiWare service is to allow everyone access to fresh, new content at a low price."
Nintendo is officially classifying the information as "speculation" despite the statement above.
Wii Software, the official title in Europe, but more commonly known as WiiWare - its official name in America and Japan - is a system a bit like Xbox Live Arcade or PlayStation Network that allows developers to create smaller games and sell them to consumers for lower prices than boxed copies.
Nintendo hopes the service will encourage independent teams and those who lack the wherewithal to produce big games to get involved with Wii development as the console's installed base grows and its free online service, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, continues to attract users.
Nintendo has disputed some of the Wii Software (WiiWare) details announced in an IGN podcast this week, which claimed that WiiWare titles would be capped at 40MB, that developers would set their own prices and be limited to releasing one game per month.
"I can confirm as we originally said at the announcement of the WiiWare service earlier in the year that WiiWare games will come in a range of sizes but we will encourage smaller, more compact games for the service," a Nintendo spokesperson told Eurogamer today.
"I can also confirm we are contemplating that developers will be able to release one game per month during the launch window in order for us to address potential volume issues.
"We have not revealed any details about who sets pricing for WiiWare titles. However it is important to remember that one of the keys aspects of the WiiWare service is to allow everyone access to fresh, new content at a low price."
Nintendo is officially classifying the information as "speculation" despite the statement above.
Wii Software, the official title in Europe, but more commonly known as WiiWare - its official name in America and Japan - is a system a bit like Xbox Live Arcade or PlayStation Network that allows developers to create smaller games and sell them to consumers for lower prices than boxed copies.
Nintendo hopes the service will encourage independent teams and those who lack the wherewithal to produce big games to get involved with Wii development as the console's installed base grows and its free online service, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, continues to attract users.
Mad Catz acquires Saitek for $30m
Mad Catz has announced the acquisition of fellow videogames peripheral manufacturer Saitek, alongside results for its second financial quarter of 2007.
The deal cost Mad Catz USD 30 million, USD 15.5 million of which was in cash and borrowings, and the rest in convertible notes at a rate of 7.5 per cent.
The company's fiscal results were solid, and although net sales dropped sharply year on year, a significant drop in administrative and general costs led to a net income jump of 340 per cent to USD 872,000.
Saitek is best known for its premium quality PC flight simulator peripherals, and that deal follows its acquisition of Joytech from Take-Two in July this year.
Speaking on the deal, Mad Catz president and CEO Darren Richardson stated his belief that it would strengthen the company's overall offering.
"Saitek significantly enhances Mad Catz' position as one of the world's leading games peripherals companies and provides us an entree into the businesses of PC mice, keyboards and speakers and electronic chess and intelligent games.
"Its outstanding vendor operations personnel in China and administrative personnel throughout the company will not only help us grow Saitek's PC businesses, but will also support Mad Catz' continuing growth initiatives on a global basis."
Mad Catz' share price fell 10 per cent today following the announcement and results, to stand at the time of writing at USD 1.07.
Source: Games Industry
The deal cost Mad Catz USD 30 million, USD 15.5 million of which was in cash and borrowings, and the rest in convertible notes at a rate of 7.5 per cent.
The company's fiscal results were solid, and although net sales dropped sharply year on year, a significant drop in administrative and general costs led to a net income jump of 340 per cent to USD 872,000.
Saitek is best known for its premium quality PC flight simulator peripherals, and that deal follows its acquisition of Joytech from Take-Two in July this year.
Speaking on the deal, Mad Catz president and CEO Darren Richardson stated his belief that it would strengthen the company's overall offering.
"Saitek significantly enhances Mad Catz' position as one of the world's leading games peripherals companies and provides us an entree into the businesses of PC mice, keyboards and speakers and electronic chess and intelligent games.
"Its outstanding vendor operations personnel in China and administrative personnel throughout the company will not only help us grow Saitek's PC businesses, but will also support Mad Catz' continuing growth initiatives on a global basis."
Mad Catz' share price fell 10 per cent today following the announcement and results, to stand at the time of writing at USD 1.07.
Source: Games Industry
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