Bill Gates to make Important Xbox 360 news next week - new HD DVD drive for XBox 360?

Microsoft overlord Bill Gates is set to make an "important announcement" regarding the Xbox 360 at next week's CES show in Las Vegas, reports The Seattle Times.

The paper doesn't say exactly what Gates' revelation will regard at the electronic show, but it does go on to speculate that it might be the reveal of yet another Xbox 360 SKU with built-in HD-DVD playback.

"Microsoft may be preparing to license the Xbox gaming platform to consumer-electronics companies," says Seattle Times columnist Brier Dudley. "In particular, Microsoft could work with Toshiba to develop a digital video recorder with a hard-drive, high-definition HD-DVD drive and Xbox gaming capabilities.

"They're already allied against Sony and other backers of the Blu-ray DVD format," he continues, "and Toshiba could help Xbox finally penetrate the Japanese market.

"Microsoft could also make a splash by announcing plans to give the Xbox 360 an internal HD-DVD drive, putting it on par with Sony's PlayStation 3 that has a built-in Blu-ray drive."

At least year's CES, rumours were abound on the now long since unveiled Xbox 360 Elite, which built on the previous console SKUs with a bigger hard drive and built in HDMI port.

Built-in HD-DVD playback is the logical next step for the 360, but we're not so sure about this video recorder malarkey - anyone remember the Panasonic Q?

We'll be strutting the CES show floor next week and will of course keep you bang up to date with whatever Bill reveals.

Project Revolution mod for Warcraft III brings you StarCraft in 3D

All things being tickety-boo at Blizzard, 2008 will see the release of StarCraft II - but a mod team's got the hop on the developer with a 3D version of StarCraft: Brood War.

Project Revolution's a mod for Warcraft III, and while it's still work in progress the team behind it has released a Terran Demo allowing you to sample its efforts.

We've not downloaded the demo ourselves yet, but it appears you'll need to dust off your original StarCraft: Brood War CD as it's required to play it - along with Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne patched to v1.21.

here's nothing like a confirmed release date for the full Project Revolution monty, but the mod team says it's over half done. Still, if you can get the demo up and running it'll help tide you over till StarCraft II arrives (which is already being tipped for release on Xbox 360).

Download the demo here... http://www.wc3campaigns.net/revolution/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11222

Game Tunnel Independent video games of the year: Number 1 - Aquaria on PC

As I enter the cavern, the fish swim by my side then change directions and swim away. The world around me beckons and repels me. Each of the many dark caverns that lead away from here has its own story. Some of that story is darker than the caverns, filled with war and destruction. Other parts are more sublime, echoing the dreams of civilizations long lost. My part in the story seems to be ever changing as I discover melody in the peaceful sounds of the waves and harmony in their angry thrashing on the shore.


Aquaria is perhaps the most well-known indie game in recent memory and it should be. The underwater world painted on the screen is captivating and mesmerizing. The game world feels immense and will leave more than a few people scratching their head as it teases with information. It provides puzzles and challenges that will test your abilities to reason and will occasionally leave you entirely unsure of what to do next. As the breakthrough moments of understanding hit, the game becomes magical. The feeling of success mixed with the wonderful fantasy playing out in front of you creates an experience that is as unique as every game wants to be.



Aquaria is a masterful stroke of vision in its appearance, sound and play. It's a game that no one should miss. After walking away with our awards for best graphics and best sound as well as the 2007 Adventure game of the year award, we're happy to add one final jewel to Aquaria's crown, the 2007 Independent Game of the Year.

Download a demo here: http://www.bit-blot.com/aquaria/index.html

Source: Game Tunnel

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Game Tunnel Independent video games of the year: Number 2 - Depths of Peril on PC

Depths of Peril is a hard game to describe. The first sensation that you are playing something amazing and different comes when, instead of destroying the computer, you find yourself competing against it. As you try to recruit players to your faction ("covenant") you quickly find that the computer AI is leading the other covenants, trying to complete the same quests and recruit the same people before you do. Racing, you must out-compete the computer to survive. However, you must also work to improve relations with the other factions to trade for weaponry and find the allies you will need to fight off some of the threats to the city of Jorvik that you all call home.


Speaking of threats, the second sensation of how amazing the game is comes as you realize the dynamic world around you. Delay taking out an enemy threat and that threat will grow, with some enemies of the group becoming leaders who will recruit their own henchmen and grow further in power. Small uprisings can become huge threats requiring covenants to work cooperatively to take down the bosses and sub-bosses that were created by your delay.


Each moment of the game you must strategize what you will do next, ensuring the safety of your city, racing to get the best recruits, and carefully working the intricate web of relations with other covenants, thus avoiding inter-covenant wars that can lead to disastrous results as you must take your eye off of the rising threats outside the city to fight for survival. If that doesn't get you excited to play the game, downloading it and playing it for a couple of hours will. Depths of Peril is a spectacular game that is as engrossing as any title you'll play anywhere this year. It won our 2007 Role-Playing game of the year award and is our runner-up for Independent Game of the Year.

Download a demo here... http://www.soldak.com/

Source: Game Tunnel

Game Tunnel Independent video games of the year: Number 3 - Venture Arctic on PC

With the ice frozen in the winter, and the arctic wolf hungry for food, he ventured forth. Slowly across the ice he crept until he reached the far shore. A new home to explore. New food. The land had become barren. Disease had taken many of the wolves after the food had become scarce. Determined not to become another carcass on the snow, the wolf pushed forward, looking carefully for any sign of life, hoping to find the unsuspecting animal that could be the long-sought after meal, and the means of another day's survival.


Venture Arctic is a learning experience, but not because it tries to be. The game, where you control the impact of the seasons on the arctic animals, is about balance. Too many rabbits leads to a barren landscape. Increasing the number of wolves to combat the problem will quickly lead to no animals at all. The animals react to the world around them as you paint the land with snow and the water with ice, and then melt it all away. The Inuit-inspired art gives the whole game a distinctive look that matches the game's uniqueness. Venture Arctic, like the world it portrays, is a treasure of beauty and wonder. It's an adventure into the unknown world around us that inspires and excites as players enjoy each new discovery. There are a lot of games available, but few of them are much more than a simple pastime. Venture Arctic is a game that stands out from the pack as being not only meaningful, but also amazingly good. Those qualities made it an easy pick as one of the Top 5 games of the year as well as our 2007 Sim game of the year.


Download Free demo and play now... http://www.pocketwatchgames.com/arctic/

Source: Game Tunnel

Game Tunnel Independent video games of the year: Number 4 - Immortal Defense on PC

It's difficult to say whether it has been pride or love that has saved me. That part of me which is pride has taken a primary role in the defense, but without the support of love (who refuses direct combat), it's power would simply not have been strong enough to overcome the enemy. My fear has also been of consequence, once again stunning the enemy with an infusion of worry, while my courage has pummeled them. Yet I feel something missing. My emotions are powerful, but are they all that I am?


Like every other Tower Defense game, Immortal Defense is intensely addictive. Unlike any other Tower Defense game, Immortal Defense transcends to something more. The game is built around a character who gives up their mortal state to become a being of pure energy to save his family and world. The storyline covers the ground of standard sci-fi, but brings in deeper themes about the true effects of one's actions and what it really means to be an immortal being, freed from the limitations of the physical body. The deeply philosophical approach can be felt throughout the game, with music and graphics echoing the slowly revealed story. Deeply moody and satisfying, Immortal Defense mixes gameplay with art, creating a uniquely captivating experience that won it a place in our top 5 as well as the 2007 Strategy Game of the Year award.


Download the demo here... http://studioeres.com/immortal/

Source: Game Tunnel

SACRED 2 – Fallen Angel: Release Date Announced

ASCARON, a leading European entertainment software developer, announces a new release date for SACRED 2 – Fallen Angel.

The announcement sees both PC and Xbox 360 versions scheduled for release in September 2008.

The additional time is to be used for optimizing the crucial areas of multiplayer gameplay and balancing. Planning for a longer and in-depth beta test, which is subdivided into several different phases, is already underway.

"A highly anticipated AAA title such as SACRED 2 – Fallen Angel is a great responsibility with high expectations to manage and live up to. To achieve our goal, we have decided to give SACRED 2 - Fallen Angel more time in order to be perfected and polished in every single area, allowing us to deliver the quality which is expected, rather than striving for an early release," says Heiko tom Felde, Managing Director of ASCARON Entertainment GmbH.

Game Tunnel Independent video games of the year: Number 5 - Knytt Stores on PC

Walking through the cavern, I come to a series of water falls, each more majestic and amazing than the last. The vegetation has taken on an alien appearance, rising in long twisting strands that seem to be topped with phosphorescent bulbs. Climbing up the walls and moving down a new corridor I find myself in peaceful underwater surroundings amidst a strangely constructed series of tunnels and paths. The way opens with new vegetation marking yet another change in my location. My surroundings show some signs of life, but a desolation begins to take hold. What are the machines doing to the world?


Knytt Stories is as much art as it is a game. It's beauty in simplicity. Each area is carefully crafted so that it provides a uniqueness that goes far beyond just looking and sounding different. Each area plays differently, taking on its own life and giving one the feeling of truly visiting someplace far from anywhere you have ever been. Knytt Stories is something of a pixel-perfect platforming nirvana, and though the accolades seem at odds with the humble presentation, it's hard not to write a list of superlatives when describing the game. The expandability of allowing others to add their own stories only serves to add to one of this year's most intriguing and enjoyable experiences.


Download Free here... http://nifflas.ni2.se/index.php?main=02Knytt_Stories&sub=01About

Source: Game Tunnel

Game Tunnel Independent video games of the year: Number 6 - DarkSide

The planet rotates beneath me. Though small, this outpost is valuable, valuable enough for at least one person to protect it. Today that someone is me. Rounding the planet on a simple patrol, I blast off the space debris and look for enemies. Two cruisers today is all the action I've seen. I wonder if a larger attack is coming. Then on my next pass I see it-- high in the air on long legs, walking across the planet's surface and flanked by abduction craft. My craft trembles as I open a full volley of laser fire.


Flying around spherical planets seems to be in style this year. From Mario Galaxy to Super Stardust HD, we've been offered some great planetary romps. Darkside, while a bit different in its approach, is no different in its quality. It's a spectacular game full of those qualities that make gaming great. Though it doesn't have a deep story or some of the nuances that make some of the critics happy, she's got it where it counts. The gameplay is simply fantastic, offering up fast-paced shooting action that is exciting, rewarding and relentless. The graphics are amazingly good, belying the games 15mb size. The range of enemies and weapons complete the game as a tour de force that made DarkSide a top 10 game of the year as well as our 2007 Action Game of the Year.


Free Download here... http://www.pieyegames.com/DarkSide/Info.htm

Game Tunnel Independent video games of the year: Number 7 - Mr. Robot for PC

HEL-9000 has been acting a little strange. First there were those weird job requests and then the shutting down of vital programs and robots. Finally came the death of a crew member while in stasis. Though there are many questions as to what is happening, one question has been answered, HEL-9000, the master computer running the ship, has become our enemy. Teaming up with other Robots who have been disconnected from the mainframe, we're setting out to save what is left of the colonists. Time is ticking and HEL has been alerted to our efforts. Our only hope is to fight our way through and break down the defense that HEL is creating.


Mr. Robot is a strange mix of a pseudo sokoban played isometricly and a super-cool RPG that feels futuristic and retro all at the same time. It's all glued together with an immediately engaging storyline, cool upgrades, unique items and innovative weapons that make the typical RPG "grind" of combat and leveling feel anything but repetitive. The space theme is complemented by lots of sci-fi geek references that will surprise you and bring a smile to your face. The game has been called one of the best Indie games ever, and it's a title well-suited to Mr. Robot.


Play here... http://www.moonpod.com/English/about_mr.robot.php

Source: Game Tunnel

Game Tunnel Independent video games of the year: Number 8 - Galcon for PC Mac Linux

I've spread the empire too thin. In the hopes of quickly conquering my foes, I sent the fleet to every conquerable planet in the galaxy. The short-term gains of forming the largest empire composed of many small planets are starting to crumble. Other forces in the galaxy spent their efforts on a few large worlds, and the production of those giants far outstripped our own. Inevitably, one by one, each of our planets was captured. In the horizon I can see hundreds of fighters. The end has come.


Galcon is a bare-bones strategy game with simple rules that you fully grasp within minutes of playing. While its simple nature could lead you to think that there is no depth of strategy, the opposite is true. Galcon provides complexity in its simplicity, challenging players to quickly consider their resources, form ever-liquid strategy plans, and effectively engage in continual tactical combat. Taking over new worlds, using the additional resources to build more combat units, and then coordinating attacks to take advantage of the other player's actions in a galaxy full of combat creates a very exciting game of quick thought and strategy featuring massive battles with hundreds, and sometimes thousands of combat units, being destroyed in seconds. Galcon is brilliantly simple and wonderfully addictive tactical strategy game.


Download Free demo at... http://www.imitationpickles.org/galcon/index.html

Game Tunnel Independent video games of the year: Number 9 - Scavenger

I probably should have left the generator intact. With all the turrets in this sector, knocking out the power seemed like a good idea. The dark tunnel in front of me reeks of danger. My ship's lights reach into the darkness, feeling through the black for signs of life. Slipping into a new room, the air grows stale. I stare carefully at my surroundings. The walls in front of me seem to be organic. The truth strikes me just before the creature does. Suddenly those turrets don't seem quite so dangerous.


Scavenger is one of those games that you can tell is going to be great from the moment you start the first level. It's the kind of game that really shows what indie gaming can produce. It has all the feeling (and difficulty!) of a great space shooter mixed with the creep and explore-adventure of some of the best FPS games, taking the player from carefully moving down the hall to a frantic firefight in a matter of seconds. With multiple difficulty levels that give the player completely different gameplay experiences, Scavenger is brilliant fun that shouldn't be missed.


Free Download here... http://www.pieyegames.com/Scavenger/Info.htm

Source: Game Tunnel

Game Tunnel Independent video games of the year: Number 10 - Kudos Rock Legend

Fran needs to go. Everyone can see it. At the tryout, her grooving guitar made her an immediate 'must' for the band, but those were the early days: before the songs, before the gigs, back when we played any venue that would take us and practiced in Jim's garage. To be fair, we're not a household name yet, but we will be, we just need a little more oomph to take us over the hump. That means a new guitarist no matter what hardships we've gone through in the past to build friendships. Everyone in the band agrees, except Fran. Poor brilliant Fran, whose guitar licks helped open our first doors.


Rock Legend is the follow-up to Kudos, though the only similarity between the games is the interface. Rock Legend takes a completely different approach to becoming a guitar hero as it places you in charge of a band. Putting together a band is a blast, and working to get hit singles and sold-out shows is just the beginning. Players control every aspect of the band's life, from where they practice and what type of food they cater, to what type of music they listen to. For everyone who has ever wanted to hit the big time with their own band, Rock Legend is a must- play. It defines Indie.



Download demo here... http://www.positech.co.uk/rocklegend/index.html

Source: Game Tunnel

Aquaria wins Game of the Year at Game Tunnel's 6th Annual Independent Games of the Year Awards

Gliding ahead of the pack, Aquaria was the 2007 winner of the Independent Game of the Year award. The award, the culminating event of Game Tunnel's 6th Annual Game of the Year awards, is given each year to the most outstanding Independent Video Game.



The Independent Game of the Year awards have been established to honor ingenuity, innovation and excellence in Independent Games. This year's awards began December 11th with the Sports Game of the Year award and have continued through 3 weeks and 13 categories finishing with the Top 10 Independent Games of the Year and Aquaria taking the top spot.

Previously a winner at the Independent Games Festival, Aquaria's visual style captivated reviewers at Game Tunnel almost as much as the innovative gameplay. Featuring a spacious underwater world of striking beauty and haunting music, Aquaria is a unique experience that embodies all for which Independent Games are recognized.

"Independent Games are known for pushing the boundaries of gaming, providing an experience that is singular and different," said Russell Carroll, Editor-In-Chief at Game Tunnel. "We are excited every year for the opportunity to play these wonderfully original and inventive games and are happy to award winners in multiple categories to celebrate their achievements."

An article providing descriptions, links, and downloads to all the award winners can be found at: http://www.gametunnel.com/article-661.htm. The list of all award categories and winners is as follows:

2007 Independent Game of the Year - Aquaria

Technical Categories:
Game of the Year: 

Graphics - Aquaria
Sound - Aquaria
Innovation - Determinance
Multiplayer - ThreadSpace: Hyperbol

Special Awards
Kid's Game of the Year - The Tuttles Madcap Misadventures
Player's Choice Award - Wonderland Adventures
Genres:
Action Game of the Year - DarkSide
Casual Game of the Year - Snapshot Adventures: Secret of Bird Island
Adventure Game of the Year - Aquaria
RPG Game of the Year - Depths of Peril
Sim Game of the Year - Venture Arctic
Sports Game of the Year - Reach
Strategy Game of the Year - Immortal Defense

About Game Tunnel
GameTunnel was created in 2002 to provide news and reviews on the Independent Gaming scene. Since its launch Game Tunnel has published over 800 reviews of Independent (or Indie as it is commonly known as) games. It's most popular articles include the monthly round-up of what's new in indie gaming, and the yearly Independent Game of the Year Awards.

Latest UK video games chart

All formats

(Full price) Week ending 29 December 2007

1 ASSASSIN'S CREED UBISOFT 2
2 FIFA 08 ELECTRONIC ARTS
3 CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION
4 THE SIMPSONS GAME ELECTRONIC ARTS
5 NEED FOR SPEED: PROSTREET ELECTRONIC ARTS
6 PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2008 KONAMI
7 WWE SMACKDOWN VS RAW 2008 THQ
8 GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK ACTIVISION
9 THE GOLDEN COMPASS SEGA
10 THE SIMS 2: CASTAWAY ELECTRONIC ARTS
11 KANE & LYNCH: DEAD MEN EIDOS
12 LEGO STAR WARS: THE COMPLETE SAGA LUCASARTS
13 SUPER MARIO GALAXY NINTENDO
14 TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 08 ELECTRONIC ARTS
15 NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. NINTENDO
16 FOOTBALL MANAGER 2008 SEGA
17 RATATOUILLE THQ
18 UNCHARTED: DRAKE'S FORTUNE SONY COMPUTER ENT.
19 MARIO PARTY 8 NINTENDO
20 TOMB RAIDER: ANNIVERSARY EIDOS

Ex Hitman programmers launch first video game - Deep Blue Sea Free demo download on PC and Mac

Former "Hitman" programmers launch their first casual game, Deep Blue Sea for PC and Mac, from their new game studio, The Game Equation.

The hit game, Deep Blue Sea, is the first release from the brand new game studio, The Game Equation. "After working on top-rated shooters for years, we were ready to work in a smaller company and make smaller games. We started to notice how people with our background were making top hits in the casual games industry," explains Brian Meidell, co-owner of the Copenhagen based company, The Game Equation. "We realized that the high end of the casual games industry was within our reach, and that the shorter product cycles and smaller company setting was exactly what we wanted. These are games that remind us of the ones we played when growing up," he smiles.



"We studied the different options, and decided on the match-3 genre for Deep Blue Sea,” explains Bo Cordes, co-owner of The Game Equation. “Our goal was to apply our knowledge and experience towards creating a casual game with totally smooth and responsive gameplay or, 'tight' gameplay as we call it." Deep Blue Sea’s initial sales and feedback indicate that they have accomplished just that.

One challenge was creating an original soundtrack that sets the mood throughout the game. "We knew from working on the internationally best-selling 'Hitman' series that the game’s sound and music mean a lot for its enjoyment, yet this is often the most overlooked element," Meidell clarifies. To this end, The Game Equation contracted a Danish composer, Rasmus Hartvig with years of experience creating music for films and theatrical productions, to create an integrated music and sound design for Deep Blue Sea.

"Making music and sound for computer games is a very different challenge from making music for films - you have to consider unusual factors like, 'would this be annoying to listen to after four hours,' and, 'what if these sounds are played simultaneously?' But I'm always up for a new challenge," says Hartvig.

Deep Blue Sea is the result of The Game Equation’s experienced approach and dedication to detail. Deep Blue Sea is available for PC and Mac, both versions retailing at $20.

22 level FREE download for Mac and PC

Deep Blue Sea and free demo for PC and Mac available here: http://www.thegameequation.com/games/deepbluesea/

MX v ATV Untamed - developer diary

By Brian Coonce, Principle Game Designer, Rainbow Studios

Over the past decade, Rainbow Studios has been hard at work fine-tuning the ultimate offroad videogame. As development has shifted from PCs and consoles to next-generation powerhouses, our vision of everything offroad has also expanded. Whereas previous games focused exclusively on MX bikes or ATVs, the latest iterations of the MX vs. ATV franchise have grown to include all of the offroad vehicles you might see during a weekend offroad outing, including sand rails, dune buggies and 4x4 golf carts. We then added the vehicles you’ve only dreamed about tearing through the outdoors in: trophy trucks, monster trucks, and the all-new ORV Sport.

While we packed in more machines, the greatest challenge has always been creating a competitive series where players can demonstrate their mastery over the vast variety of vehicles in the game. To this end, the design team created the all-new Opencross mode, a series of long-form races where the machines battle it out to determine who really owns the offroad.

The first thing you’ll notice in your first Opencross race is that these tracks are huge; in fact, they are the longest races you’ll find in MX vs. ATV: Untamed. Opencross allowed our track designers to take full advantage of Untamed’s massive open worlds. In a given race, you’ll travel across dams, over bridges, up narrow valleys and down steep cliff faces on your path to offroad domination. These courses were meant to serve up the toughest offroad challenge you will ever find, so don’t be surprised if you’re forced to battle for position through shallow river passes or across narrow natural rock bridges.

Although each vehicle is equally equipped to handle the harsh terrain, certain vehicles may have specific advantages depending on the environment. The wide open dust plains of Del Sol and Copper Valley are particularly well suited for the wide suspension of the sand rail and dune buggy. The shallow creek beds and rolling hills of Split Oak and Crawly Creek are easily soaked up by the monster truck’s giant tires. The sudden changes in elevation at Lakewood and Pine Lakes are quickly traversed by the light and nimble ORV Sport. The narrow back roads of Clearwater and Sutherlin Valley are the perfect opportunity to put miles behind you in a supercharged trophy truck. What vehicle and where you drive it is up to you as long as you can keep up with the competition.

Choose your path to offroad domination by downloading the demo today on Xbox Live Marketplace or the Playstation Network!

EA Japan builds SimCity 2 video game for Nintendo DS

It hasn't been long since SimCity first made its way to DS - we're weren't particularly impressed either - but EA Japan has already announced a sequel.

First screenshots have emerged on its Japanese site along with early information on the game. The big hook this time is you'll be able to build up settlements and cities through the ages, from the caveman era to medieval times and then the industrial revolution. So forget fending off UFOs and fixing damage caused by rumbling earthquakes. It seems like you'll be concerning yourself with rogue wildcats and the plague instead.

According to information in the latest issue of Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu, you'll even be able to combine resources from different ages in Free Mode to create the sort of hybrid city that'd surely made modern day architects weep. We also hope that EA will be improving issues such as the random difficulty curve and the lack of scenarios in the first game.

Currently listed with a March 19th release in Japan, there's no information on US or UK releases yet. On past experience, we'd be hoping for a summer launch - we'll let you know as soon as EA makes an announcement.

Source: Pocket Gamer

Guitar Hero III mobile video game for cellphones goes live... in the US

Gameloft's Guitar Legend has already proved that the Guitar Hero musical rhythm genre can work well on phones, but now the original has made its way onto mobile.

However, for now Guitar Hero III Mobile is only available in the US, on operator Verizon Wireless' portal. Published by Hands-On Mobile, we've reported on the game before, but there are some new details to disclose now that it's out.

As we said, there are four guitars and three venues in the game, plus 15 fully licensed tracks. What's new is the info that the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'Suck My Kiss' and The Scorpions' 'Rock You Like a Hurricane' are among them.

For those of you with good memories, yes, the latter did indeed feature in Guitar Legend on mobile, too. Pearl Jam and Santana are also on board. In the US, players will be able to download new tracks every month.

So what about the UK? Guitar Hero III Mobile is due out sometime between February and April, depending what operator you're on. We can't wait to see how it performs, so click 'Track It!' for an alert when we review the final game.

Source: Pocket Gamer http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/Mobile/Guitar+Hero+III+Mobile/news.asp?c=5282

'Guitar Hero Mobile' sneak peek: It rocks

Conference-goers flocked around the Guitar Hero station at Motorola's mammoth tent on the CTIA Wireless conference floor, but it was Hands-On Mobile's modest booth where Guitar Hero Mobile is best experienced. There the game's product manager, JJ Leichleiter, walked me through the mobile version of the popular console game.



Let me dispel all doubt by assuring you that this is the real thing, deputized by Activision, Guitar Hero's console publisher. Loosely based on Guitar Hero 3, the 3D mobile version offers two characters (Axel Steel and Judy Nails), four guitars, and 15 songs. Subscription holders will receive three more songs every month.

Playing virtual guitar has gotten easier with a reduction from five keys on the console game's peripheral guitar to three on the phone. Users can choose whichever keypad row feels best.

This game has a lot going for it--easy fretting, satisfying animation, and killer sound quality. Guitar Hero Mobile uses PMD audio for the BREW platform, which preserves the melody, harmony, vocals, and cacophonous ding every time you miss. Stay tuned for a video demonstration on this space and on CNET TV.

Guitar Hero Mobile will be available for purchase for Verizon Wireless users in December 2007. After that, more networks on the BREW platform will join the fray, followed by J2ME phones.

More from CNet review here... http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12261_7-9804241-51.html

Microsoft may pay compensation for XBox live problems over Christmas

Reports...

...LIVE was never completely offline. We did have some spotty issues over the weekend, but the XOC (Xbox Operations Center) was fully staffed (as it always is 24/7/365) and they addressed the issue as quickly as they could.

According to The Bitbag, Microsoft will be compensating their Xbox LIVE Gold customers for the problems the service has been having over the holiday—somehow.

An unnamed Microsoft contact told the site:

...we will definitely be doing something for our Gold members that weren't able to get online over the last week.
Subscriber rights to some sort of refund seem a little vague here, especially since Microsoft has said that the service isn't technically down.

Source: Kotaku

3 new rock band tracks added to Microsoft XBox live

Tracks added...

Gimme Three Steps by Lynyrd Skynyrd

The Black Crows' Hard to Handle

Rush's Limelight

each track costs 160 points

Go on get rocking now...

Sony PlayStation 3 firmware update adds cool new 'Gaia' Music Visualizer

See link below
Watch the YouTube video here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Gud7hiPRM0

One of the more hidden features of the PlayStation 3's 2.10 firmware update is the spectacular Earth-based music visualizer, seen in motion on multiple user-posted YouTube videos and in stills in the pictures below.

The feature's creator, Kyoto-based Q-Games (PixelJunk Racers), which was commissioned by Sony to create the visualizer, has been talking to Gamasutra about the feature's genesis, its use of NASA data, and possible expansion concepts.

Q-Games' chief of technology James McLaren spoke to Gamasutra about how that project got started, explaining: "Originally, we were working on the Gaia project (our name for the earth viewer) as a possible boot sequence for the PS3. The waving cloth background, also created by Q-Games, got the nod when the PS3 launched."



McLaren continues: "We persevered with Gaia, and this visualizer came out of that ongoing work. We've had this under our hats for a while, so it's nice to finally see it released into the wild."

He added: "What you are seeing is a slimmed-down version, due to Flash ROM restrictions, so we are happy to witness a positive reaction on various internet forums."

But how were the effects in the visualization created? McLaren explains: "This representation of the earth is a 3D model with some shaders and SPU trickery going on. We tried to accurately model the earth's atmosphere and have all the correct highlights on the oceans, etc. The texture data is sourced from the NASA Blue Marble project."

"They have some data that they've patched together from hundreds of satellite passes over the earth, which is really top-notch quality, as you can see. We really owe NASA a debt of gratitude for the data, as without it we wouldn't be able to produce something that looks this good."

Is Q-Games helping out Sony with any other updates in the near future? McLaren explains: "Unfortunately, we can't really say much about that. We'd certainly like to expand the current Earth visualizer and allow people a little bit more user control, something we've seen a few requests for on various online forums."

However, he notes in closing: "Perhaps a future update might include the full Blue Marble dataset, but that would need to be a hard disc-resident version..."

Source: Gamasutra

Orange box patch for Sony PS3?

On the Steam forums, about surround sound issues on the PS3 version of The Orange Box.

A spokesperson for the company wrote:

We're working on getting the optical cable support into an update. I'll post when I have details.
Patch now looking pretty likely, then.

Read the thread here... http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634132

Source: Kotaku

Nintendo say Wii can download complete Nintendo DS games

Speaking with the New York Times, Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime has offered a little more info on the Wii's ability to interact with the DS.

While we already know that the Wii will be able to download and transmit DS demos to the handheld, we now also know that you'll soon be able to download full games to your DS.

While discussing the demo download feature, as well as DS DLC (like Japan, the US version of Professor Layton will feature extra downloadable puzzles), he tells the paper that gamers will be able to download "complete games" to the DS via the Wii's upcoming Everyone's Nintendo channel.

No further info is provided, on the channel's Western launch or what kind of "complete games" he's talking about, but does this mean the Game Boy and/or Game Boy Advance might about to be added to the Virtual Console's lineup?

Japan Wii owners can already download DS demos on their Wii.

Source: Kotaku http://kotaku.com/

$4.5 million for Play-for-cash MMORPG publisher

IGG Obtains Series A Financing

IGG Inc., (www.igg.com) a world-class MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) provider, announced today the completion of a $4.5 million round of Series A funding led by IDG Technology Venture Investment (IDGVC Partners).

Dedicated to serve worldwide players with the best interactive online games, IGG Inc. launched its first MMORPG in May 2006. Since then, IGG has successfully released and operated 6 MMORPGs through www.igg.com. With over 3.5 million registered users as of Q3 2007, IGG has established its reputation as a world-class publisher meeting the demand of players of different ages and favors in both North America and Europe.

Besides publishing a portfolio of numerous licensed games running the gamut from action to fantasy, IGG also grows a talented development team to design and develop its own games to contribute to the interactive MMOG world. The new funds will be used to expand global sales and marketing, to implement strategic plans, and to further the development of more innovative and entertaining games. Furthermore, the funds will be used to market games in more regions and for player of different languages. IGG believes that, by growing together with the global business and technology partners as well as the royal users, it will become a key player in the online gaming world in the foreseeable future.

Best cellphone game award for The Incredible Machine

Vivendi Games Mobile's The Incredible Machine Wins "Best Casual Mobile Game" At Spike TV's 2007 "Video Game Awards"

Hit Title Also Nominated for "Mobile Game of the Year"

Vivendi Games Mobile, a division of Vivendi Games, has been awarded “Best Casual Mobile Game” at the 5th Annual Spike TV 2007 “Video Game Awards” for its classic brain teaser The Incredible Machine for mobile. The Incredible Machine was also nominated for “Mobile Game of the Year.”

“We are extremely honored to once again be recognized for the high-quality and creativity of our titles and take home such a highly regarded mobile award from Spike TV,” said Paul Maglione, president of Vivendi Games Mobile. “Beyond winning, we are thrilled that such an established organization is recognizing the importance and popularity of mobile games.”

The Incredible Machine for mobile, which was launched in Europe in May and in the USA in August, has received rave reviews and accolades from fans and press. IGN.com bestowed the game with an “Impressive” rating and interactive viral videos of the game continue to receive thousands of views per day from fans. The popular video, featuring Farah McDaring, a new superheroine, demonstrates how The Incredible Machine mobile game helps Farah solve real-life obstacles. To view the interactive video, visit www.incrediblemachinepresents.com.


Maria Pacheco, vice president of Marketing for Vivendi Games Mobile, accepted the Spike TV 2007 Video Game Award and gave a brief acceptance speech. “We are thrilled that this classic puzzle game has made such a huge come-back and winning this award reinforces Vivendi Games Mobile’s objective of developing state-of-the-art games and designing innovative marketing campaigns that take mobile gaming to the next level.”

Based on Sierra Entertainment's hit PC game franchise from the 1990s, The Incredible Machine for mobile is a favorite of puzzle game enthusiasts everywhere. The objective of the game is to solve up to 80 distinct "real world object" puzzles requiring the construction of a "Rube Goldberg" contraption, using more than 60 different objects such as ropes, pulleys, balloons and other props arranged in the proper sequence to achieve the mandated task. Consisting of 60 brain-teasing levels and 20 bonus levels to unlock, The Incredible Machine features real-time physics and rich, colorful animation bringing to life the game's truly "Incredible Machines."

Vivendi Games Mobile’s SWAT Force® won “Best Wireless Game” at last year’s Spike TV Video Game Awards.

Three more classic video games released on Nintendo Wii shopping channel

Three New Classic Games Added To Wii Shop Channel

This week's classic game additions offer brilliant fantasy and crackling action to help you ring in '08. So if you haven't made any New Year's resolutions yet, allow us to suggest a few: pop more bubbles, battle more medieval beasts and try to save the universe a little more often.

Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop Channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

BUBBLE BOBBLE (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points):
BUBBLE BOBBLE's release in 1986 introduced the two bubble dragons, Bub and Bob, and brand new play mechanics, with players defeating enemies by trapping them in bubbles and then popping them. Although the puzzle-action game can be beaten by clearing all 100 rounds, it also contains secret elements such as not being able to get the "true ending" in single-player mode; hidden commands that lead to secret rounds; and a ton of different items. These elements are some of the game's most memorable and important features. Each round even has different air currents that are not visible, so bubbles rise in unpredictable patterns. Aspects like forcing players to understand and utilize these different patterns while playing help make this a revolutionary game that is fun to play anytime.

Light Crusader (Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Animated Violence, 800 Wii Points):

Each day, more good townspeople of Green Row have been mysteriously disappearing, and beleaguered King Weeden summons the knight Sir David to investigate. Armed with his wits and his sword, Sir David must find the cause of this strange evil and save the citizens of Green Row before things get any worse. Take the role of the brave knight in this action RPG and get to the bottom of the mysteries of Green Row as you fight enemies, solve puzzles and use your best combination of brains and brawn to save the kingdom.

TOP HUNTER (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and older-Cartoon Violence, 900 Wii Points):
Take on the role of either Roddy or Cathy, bounty hunters in this side-scrolling action game set far in the future when humans have colonized space. But all is not well: Space pirates called the Klaptons are making their way through the galaxies, wiping out peaceful settlements along their path. This disgraceful behavior leads to them having a price on their heads, so now Roddy and Cathy must travel through four distinct worlds on a mission to defeat their leader, Captain Klapton. Both characters have retractable arms-used to grab enemies or other objects in the scenery-that can then be thrown at others to destroy them. Also, be on the lookout for rings or levers to pull, as this might reveal special bonuses. Further adding to the mix, the game uses a unique system where the action happens on two planes, with the player switching between them at will. Can you prove yourself worthy of the Top Hunter name and help save the universe?

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.