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Monday, June 16, 2008

Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. cleared for take-off with AMBX


Philips today announced an agreement with Ubisoft to implement amBX directly into Tom Clancy’s HAWX, the forthcoming air combat game. The announcement coincides with sweeping price reductions across the Philips amBX PC Gaming Peripherals range, taking the Starter Kit price point below the competitive £100 mark.
Enthusiastically received by European press and retail at the Paris UbiDays trade event, Tom Clancy’s HAWX will allow players the opportunity to grasp the throttle of over 50 famous fighter aircraft and fly them over real world locations and cities in photorealistic environments, using the highest quality satellite data currently available outside the military.
Tom Clancy’s HAWX uses an Enhanced Reality System to turn novice gaming aviators into the elite fighter pilots of the future, featuring weapons systems, interception trajectories, incoming missile detection, anti-crash systems, damage assessment, tactical maps and the ability for pilots to issue orders to their squadron and other units – all of which will be radically enhanced through amBX. The Philips amBX PC Gaming Peripherals range, including RGB LED lights capable of 16 million different colours, variable speed desktop fans capable of up to 5000 RPM and the variable rotation speed wrist rumble strip, will create all kinds of spectacular air combat lighting, air movement and rumble effects, taking the gameplay out of the screen and into the real world.


“Tom Clancy’s HAWX comes hot on the heels of our Brothers in Arms Hell’s Highway amBX announcement with Ubisoft and further underlines our commitment to bringing amBX to world class gaming," commented Jo Cooke, Chief Marketing Officer, Philips amBX. "Building amBX into the game during development maximizes the effects that can be achieved, guaranteeing an incredibly immersive gaming experience. Tom Clancy’s HAWX is another example of a completely different genre of game that amBX can enhance and we’re looking forward to super realistic air combat lighting, wind and rumble effects that PC gamers haven’t been able to experience to-date.”


Philips is setting a global standard by licensing the amBX technology to computer game developers, publishers and peripherals manufacturers, and Ubisoft joins a rapidly growing list of content creators, including Codemasters, THQ, Introversion, Gearbox Software, Gas Powered Games, Zombie, Riot Games, Brain in a Jar, Invictus Games, Instinct Technology, Kuju, Revolution, Sumo Digital and Rivers Run Red.

Pop Cutie - Street Fashion simulation bring Street Style to Nintendo DS


KOEI gives fashion trendsetters control of the streets with a shop management and style simulation game exclusively for the Nintendo DS this September 2008.

POP CUTIE! Street Fashion Simulation to North America this September 2008. The game will be available exclusively for the Nintendo DS.

"POP CUTIE! Street Fashion Simulation brings together an eclectic mix of Tokyo street style, cosplay (costume play), fashion design and trend hunting to create a game that's part retail management simulation and part style exploration," said Amos Ip, Senior Vice President for KOEI Corporation. "As the game's shop owner you'll compete against rival designers, hire models and staff, design new items, all in search of the ultimate fashion trend."


About POP CUTIE! Street Fashion Simulation


POP CUTIE! Street Fashion Simulation is a game where players manage the day-to-day happenings of their very own fashion boutique. They'll hire models and assistants, choose the look and music for their shop, run the cash register and even place magazine ads. Best of all, they'll take to the streets and meet different characters in search of up-and-coming trends. Players will then use this inspiration in their studios where they'll create new clothes, accessories and even hairstyles. However, other shop owners are also prowling the streets looking for the next big thing.

Players will start the game as an independent designer with a small shop at a flea market. As players progress, they'll move into larger boutiques. The competition against rival shop owners culminates in a 'Fashion Battle,' where a panel of judges will decide if a player's style has enough cute or enough cool to become all the rage.

By gathering 'images' from people on the street and combining them, players will create clothing lines ranging from the conventional to the most outrageous trends from the streets of Tokyo. A simple touch interface allows players to consider color and shape combinations on the bottom screen while reviewing the actual design on the upper screen. Using Nintendo DS Multi-Card Wireless Play, up to two friends can challenge each other in fabulous Fashion Battles.

Arstechnica get their hands on Spore Creature Creator...


Playing with Spore's Creature Creator this weekend was a little surreal. We've seen the feature demonstrated many times before, but actually getting some quality time to play at home was a welcome experience. Maxis and EA arranged for a variety of press and celebrities to take the creator for a spin this weekend.

read more | digg story

The Evolution of ‘Metal Gear Solid’ in 120 Seconds 1998-2008

NOTE: Videos NOT available to users from Canada or UK.

With five videos in this post you can really see the evolution of Snake from the PS1 “Metal Gear Solid” to where he is today on the PS3 in “MGS4.” Watch and compare, and remember this is a sneaking mission.

read more | digg story

Metal Gear Solid 4 sells through the roof - 1.3 million units shifted



Metal Gear Soild 4 increases hardware sales in North America and sells 1.3 Million units worldwide.



read more | digg story

Penumbra - Requiem official release date


Paradox Interactive today announced the official release date for Penumbra - Requiem, expansion to the critically acclaimed horror release Penumbra - Black Plague.

Penumbra - Requiem is scheduled for release on August 27, 2008. The game will be available exclusively via digital download at GamersGate. The expansion has been developed by Frictional Games and published by Paradox Interactive.

Requiem will tie up loose ends from previous instalments and as Philip progresses he will encounter various characters from his past. Penumbra: Requiem delves deeper into the world of the Tuurngait infection and personalities from the previous two games, Overture and Black Plague. Long lost friends will return and aid Philip on his quest, but can they really be trusted?
In the bizarre world of Penumbra: Requiem players will experience another psychological thrill on a level unheard of before Penumbra: Black Plague. This time telling what is real and what is not will be even harder and not always trusting your senses will be essential in order to survive.
Download Penumbra - Black Plague from: http://www.gamersgate.com.

Alex Kidd in Miracle World - Nebulus - Last Ninja 2 -Fatal Fury - Ninja Combat on Wii VC


Head back to the 80’s this week as the SEGA MASTER SYSTEM classic, Alex Kidd in Miracle World hits Virtual Console. Take on the role of Alex Kidd in this bright and colourful platformer as you set off in search of your kidnapped brother, Egle. Pitted against monsters and the villainous henchmen of the notorious Janken the Great; run, swim and punch your way through 16 action-packed levels to see the safe return of your brother. Available to download now, get your hands on Alex Kidd in Miracle World today for 500 Wii Points.


Next up this week comes the Commodore 64 classic Nebulus. Investigate strange goings-on on the Planet Nebulus as someone or something has built huge towers on the sea floor. Head out in your submarine to all eight of the mysterious towers and navigate your way to the top of each to defuse the evil threat within. Probably one of the most outstanding games from classic software house, Hewson, in 1987, Nebulus can be downloaded now for 500 Wii Points.


Get set for the ultimate action adventure next as the Commodore 64 classic, Last Ninja 2, hits Virtual Console. Blending a mixture of exploration, puzzle solving and combat, get ready to learn the way of the ninja! In this sequel to the popular C64 original, the heroic Armakuni follows his arch-enemy, the evil Shogun Kunitoki, through time to Manhattan of 1988. Challenge your nemesis within the urban jungle and defeat him with your ninja skills. Available to download now, Last Ninja 2 can be yours for 500 Wii Points.


Prepare for battle next as the groundbreaking second instalment in SNK’s wildly popular NEOGEO fighting game series, Fatal Fury, smashes its way onto Virtual Console. Fatal Fury 2 sees Terry, Andy and Joe reprise their roles from the first title, with another five challengers stepping into the limelight to battle it out for the coveted championship title. Also introducing a novel addition to the health system that sees players able to unleash a last resort desperation technique when their health has fallen to a certain level, Final Fury 2 will sort the winners from the losers! Featuring revolutionary gameplay features, colourful graphics and an engaging soundtrack, download and enjoy Fatal Fury 2 today for 900 Wii Points.


Finally this week on Virtual Console, get ready for some high-octane side-scrolling combat action with the NEOGEO classic Ninja Combat. Hurled into the fray as a deadly ninja living in the near future, your mission is to assault the foreboding Ninja Tower, home of the evil clan of rival ninjas known as Kage Ichizoku. Players must master close combat techniques such as kicks, punches and jumps to deliver devastating blows to enemies and carve a path to Ninja Tower to defeat your rivals. With warriors such as Musashi, Kagero and Gembu at your side, and available for a friend to play in co-operative mode, undertake the ultimate ninja challenge as Ninja Combat becomes available to download today for 900 Wii Points.

The world of Crazy Mini Golf is here on the Nintendo Wii

Crazy Mini Golf - known the world over as the thing you do when you’re at the seaside, when the kids are bored or when adults have had far too many drinks and see themselves as the next Tiger Woods………



Now you can have this much crazy fun in your own home thanks to Data Design Interactive - a successful video games publisher and games developer, who today announced a new title to be added to their Nintendo Wii label, Popcorn Arcade, kidz Sports - Crazy Mini Golf.



DDI have incorporated two game styles; for first timers it’s a case of hitting the A bottom when you are lined up, then moving your arm up and down before hitting the B bottom - simple. If you fancy a real challenge, you could try the Sim version where the hitting of the ball and its strength is down to you - once mastered, you will feel like a putting green King…


DDI are also introducing the all new ‘NuYu’ character editor. Have fun and a lot of laughs creating Kidz Sports versions of you and your friends to play in game.

Take your putting to the next level with Kidz Sports - Crazy Golf.


There are 74 Crazy holes set over 4 wacky courses; you use the Wii Remote just like a real putter. There are various Game Modes including Single Hole, Championship Challenge, and the ‘Crazy Golf Tour’.

G1 Jockey game races on to Nintedo Wii using Wii Fit - Balance Board



The latest instalment in the hugely popular G1 Jockey series with G1 Jockey Wii 2008. With the last instalment utilising the Wii’s unique controllers to recreate the horse racing experience more realistically than ever before, the Wii Balance Board has now been employed to take the series a step further.
Players now get the chance to leap fences and steer their horse to victory all through the feedback from the Wii Balance Board. Assuming a jockey crouch and powering to victory should brighten up even the longest of faces this September when G1 Jockey Wii 2008 is released in the UK and across Europe.



“With G1 jockey we have always strived to recreate the full horse racing experience in the most realistic and enjoyable way possible. The Nintendo Wii and now the Wii Balance Board have enabled us to continue our desire to bring every facet of this fascinating sport into the homes of passionate horse racing fans and gamers who want to enjoy a sporting experience like no other.”
Naoki Katashima, Executive Vice President KOEI Europe and US.

Shaun the Sheep to star in Nintendo DS video game


Aardman Animation’s award-winning series, Shaun the Sheep, exclusively to Nintendo DS. Players will play as the loveable sheep, Shaun, as he tries to find the rest of the flock before the Farmer arrives home.

The game will feature the fan-favourite characters, items and locations from the much-loved stop-motion animated series, as well as original content for all-new experiences with Shaun and the rest of the flock.

Gamers will explore areas based on the series, unlock show-related items and work with other sheep to manoeuvre around obstacles and access hidden areas.

Shaun the Sheep is slated to ship to retail stores in North America and Europe this fall.

In Shaun the Sheep, the sheep have escaped and Shaun must find the rest of the flock before the Farmer comes home.

Gamers will play as Shaun and interact with favourite characters such as Shirley, Timmy, Bitzer and more as they adventure through their favourite scenes and explore areas from the series like the junk pile, the sheep pool and the circus tent.
Players will utilize the DS touch screen and microphone as they experience three different gameplay modes: Story Mode, Mini-game Mode and Collection Mode and manoeuvre around obstacles, access hidden areas, and try their hand at eight unlockable mini-games and eight collectible slide puzzles.



Five “micro” games will offer players more interactivity and depth by showcasing memorable moments from the show such as saving Timmy from the circus high wire or making a ball of wool to distract Pidsley the cat!

“Shaun the Sheep is the only handheld videogame based on the show and D3Publisher has worked very closely with Oscar award-winning Aardman Animation to authentically bring the personality and humour of the series and its characters to life,” said Adam Roberts, European Managing Director, D3P.

“The pick-up and play gameplay will appeal to players of all ages while delivering the sheep humour the series is known for that adults are sure to enjoy.”

The Shaun the Sheep show has been sold in more than 150 countries including the United Kingdom (BBC), United States (Disney), France (TF1), Germany (WDR) and Japan (NHK). For more information on the series, please visit: www.shaunthesheep.com.

Rumor - "Avatars" are Microsoft's take on Nintendo Miis and Home?


An online survey reveals that Microsoft may be working on its own version of Nintendo's Miis called "Avatars."

The new Avatars will replace Gamer Pictures beginning this holiday.

The Avatars will be completely customizable. No word yet on what other functions they may have, though it's possible they could be integrated in to games in the future.

read more | digg story

Piglympics games on your mobile cellphone


Mobile Amusements release Piglympics

The sporting event of the year!

Can you win Bronze, Silver or Gold in the sporting event of the year featuring cute pigs! With Zeemote support built in on Nokia and Sony Ericsson versions cartoon sporting fun for your thumb awaits you!

YouTube Video: http://youtube.com/user/MobileAmusements

Features:


  • 5 Challenging events!
  • Cute Piggly Wiggly's!
  • Easy to pickup and play!
  • Zeemote supported! (Nokia & Sony)


Myth War II Closed Beta Test Launched


The Closed Beta Test for Myth War II Online has begun since 04:30 June 13(GMT-5)! IGG has released a new complete manual patch which is available on its official website.
For more information about client download and installation visit its official website

All-girl Counter-Strike Source team joins Reason Gaming


Female Counter Strike Source team previously known as ‘Feminized’ have become part of Reason Gaming’s expanding PC division. With a strong track record behind them the girls plan to build upon previous successes and represent Reason Gaming to the highest level in the European community.

With an undefeated record in the Femina Source League the previous Feminized line up have already displayed their potential with a flawless record. Reason’s new lineup will be taking part in the next season of the Femina Source League, SGL’s Benelux Premier Division and Enemy Down’s ladder in addition to planning boot camps and LAN’s in coming months.

The squad consists of five core members recruited from UK, Switzerland, Norway and Denmark bringing together the greatest female gaming talent in Europe, "We are proud to become part of Reason-Gaming! After finishing top in the first season of the Femina Source League undefeated, we knew it was time to move on to competitive mixed tournaments including LANs” remarked Kelly-Anne Chapman squad leader. “We have recently strengthened our team with a new 5th, and we look forward to continuing our success with great results under the Reason tag. Joining Reason will make our goals a reality, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to become part of their success story!"

“After venturing into female gaming earlier this year we were pleased to see so much interest and activity. Feminized had an impressive track record and with our other teams representing Reason at a European level we knew that the dedication and skills shown by these players were exactly what we are looking for.” noted Ben Dalloway, General Manager.

Women’s Volleyball Championship, for the Sony PlayStation 2


Agetec's Definitive PlayStation 2 system Volleyball Game Releases in August


Women’s Volleyball Championship, for the Sony PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Women’s Volleyball, which features six venues from around the world, will be released in August 2008, and promises to be the most accurate representation of the sport ever presented on a gaming console.
"Women’s Volleyball brings the intense action of professional volleyball to the gaming community," said Spike. "Professional volleyball produces some of the best athletes in the world and it's high time someone introduced a great video game that reflects that."



Women’s Volleyball is as fast-paced and gruelling as the real thing, and perfectly captures the passion and excitement of the sport. Play as one of twelve countries battling their way to the top of the ranks, or create your own team of pros to take on the rest.
“A key feature in Women’s Volleyball is players get a chance to create and train their own team. If players want their volleyball players to have certain qualities, this game allows them to customize their players to their liking,” says Mark Johnson, producer at Agetec. “Another great feature of the game is that the volleyball players are affected by real life conditions like exhaustion and dominant hand, adding an unprecedented level of realism to the game.”

Nintendo Wii Fit women and the £82m damage bill


Women working out on Nintendo Wii Fit are helping to cause millions of dollars worth of damage to their homes. In Britain alone, it has been reported that bungling fitness fiends have contributed to a £20 million living room repair bill.

read more | digg story

Rise of the Argonauts trailer video


"Whether with the gods or against them I will have my vengeance" - Rise of the Argonauts' CGI trailer now available from the game's new online website at www.rise-of-the-argonauts.com

Revealing an epic story of heroic deeds, brutal combat and lost love, Codemasters today released the CGI trailer video for Rise of the Argonauts, the epic action RPG from Liquid Entertainment coming this autumn for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Games For Windows in autumn 2008. Produced using rendered footage created from in-game models, the trailer is now available to view and download from the game’s new online space at www.rise-of-the-argonauts.com.

Inspired by the greatest Greek myths and legends, Rise of the Argonauts will enable players to live a hero’s life, fight a hero’s fight and sculpt a hero’s legacy. With a distinctive blend of epic narrative and brutal real-time combat, players will be immersed in a story of lost love and a quest for personal vengeance in a world of gods, kings, magic and awe-inspiring mythical beasts.



Embarking on a quest to find the Golden Fleece and revive his beloved slain wife, Jason and his trusted band of Argonauts explore the vast Aegean – a dynamic world of luscious islands, shining cities, lush jungles and deep forests - in a vibrant realisation of ancient Greece. As Jason, players will carve a unique journey through the game world as their choices incur the god’s wrath or favour, shape the plot, change the outcome of each quest and open up new story arcs.
“We want players to be completely immersed in Jason’s epic adventure, to feel like they are Jason and to connect with him in a tangible way,” commented Ed Del Castillo, President of Liquid Entertainment. “By revolutionising the action RPG with a slick, exhilarating combat system, drawing upon rich stories and profound characters from classical literature and removing invasive health bars and stop-start menu systems, players are visually and emotionally absorbed into the game world. The result is an RPG experience that is much more captivating, enthralling and ultimately, entertaining.”
An action RPG unlike any other, Rise of the Argonauts’ intuitive real-time combat dispenses with cumbersome menu systems that have become intrusive staples within the genre, providing seamless, spectacular battles. As a true weapons master, Jason has instant access to any of the four upgradable weapons he carries with him at all times; shield, mace, sword and lance. Switching weapons mid-fight at the touch of a button, players can string together stunning and deadly combos, taking out enemies in a blur of cold steel and crimson blood.

Mixing deep exploration, grand-scale quests and gladiatorial combat in a story powered by the timeless motives of love and vengeance, Rise of the Argonauts is coming this autumn for the Xbox 360, the PLAYSTATION 3 system and Games For Windows. For an introduction to ancient Greece and to catch the new trailer video, head over to the new website at www.rise-of-the-argonauts.com.

Rock Revolution for Konami in development PS3 Wii DS and Xbox


Rock Revolution for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 as recently announced by publisher Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., scheduled for release in fall 2008.

Developed in close collaboration with Konami, the original innovators of the rhythm genre, Rock Revolution builds on the core game-play pioneered in games such as DrumMania and Guitar Freaks to provide an experience that will appeal to music fans everywhere. Release your inner rockstar or allow your friends the privilege of picking up an axe or pounding the skins with you to 40 mind bending rock and roll tracks in Rock Revolution. Unleash your creative juices in the Jam Mode where you can create your own music in a state of the art multi-track studio! This is the musical revolution the world has been waiting for. With its most realistic drumming peripheral, Rock Revolution is set to expand the rhythm genre in new ways.

A key innovation is Rock Revolution’s Jam Mode, an all new feature allowing players to create their own music and record it using up to eight tracks. With a wealth of different guitar, bass and drum sounds to choose from, and a suite of powerful tools on offer, Jam Mode allows gamers to start making their own music quickly and easily regardless of their level of musical ability.

Another unique element is the Career Mode which includes a variety of unique gameplay challenges that expand on the standard song performance. A further innovation in Gig events allows players to improvise their own drum and guitar solos over their favorite rock tracks.

Rock Revolution also boasts a stunning contemporary art style that breaks from the rock pastiche seen in competing titles.

Studio Head Ed Daly says:
“We are delighted to be working with Konami and the BEMANI team who invented the genre. In addition to introducing a number of genre defining features that will soon be announced, we are also working hard to deliver a drumming experience balanced so that beginners, experts and everyone in between can have a blast rocking out to their favorite
tracks”.

Battlefield 2142 MOD for 1v1 Mecha fights released


Released - the final version of the BF2142 mod aim_qpad_mecha and at the same time launch MECHA QCUP the first 1v1 BF2142 mecha contest ever created!

The MECHA QCUP is played online with 1400€ in product prize value sponsored by Coolermaster, Foxconn, Invasion-Labs, INTEL, NPserv and Sennheiser ! MECHA QCUP is starting from 13th of June ending 4th of July and will be played every Friday beginning at 9 PM - CET. The tournament system is a double eliminitaion bracket, matches are played in best out of 3 rounds, First to 10 points, walker battle only!

For registration and more information:

Host of the QCUP Online
www.Battlefrance.com
http://www.battlefrance.fr/data/arbitrage/Qcup/index.html

In English


http://www.frenchtouchstudio.com/download/official/qcup_mecha.exe

Modding French community of the BF2142 mod
http://www.frenchtouchstudio.com/

Pictures of the map:
http://www.moddb.com/mods/10887/qcup-mecha/images

1st prize
INTEL Core2 Duo Extreme Edition+FOXCONN P35AX-S+Q|Collector BF2142

2nd prize
Cooler Master cosmos 1000+FOXCONN A7GMX-K+QPAD|XT-R

3rd prize
Sennheiser PC 161+FOXCONN M7PMX-S+QPAD|CT

Tile Partners :
http://www.coolermaster.com/index.html
http://www.foxconnchannel.com
http://www.intel.com/personal/gaming/index.htm
http://invasion-labs.com
http://www.npserv.com
http://www.sennheisercommunications.com

Sho Online nears launch


New version includes Item Shop and various events to be held along with its opening.

Sho Online which will start on June, 17th 2008. Lizard's second title introduced worldwide after 'Cronous?has formed great number of fans from all around the world through out its successful Open Beta Test. The commercial version of Sho Online includes cool new updates offering massive new contents together with grand opening events for players to enjoy. Theme of secret surroundings in ancient China has already fascinated many users.

Finally the secrets reveal! 3 new dungeons, 10 additional hunting grounds, variety of new monsters and items, summon-able war mercenaries, adjusted maximum level restriction from of 60 to 80. So many updates can sure be breathtaking for all the Sho Online fans that have long been waiting for.



It's not all. As for the final climax, Sho Online's Item shop will be opened with 80 hot items to aid users to enjoy more dynamic and exciting game play. 'CASH BONUS EVENT?/strong> will be held for all users but it will only last for 7 days after the commercial service. So, if you are a smart shopper, it is advised that you visit the official website (www.shoonline.net) for details.

Sho Online will also be having in-game events to celebrate the commercial launch. In-game event 'Save the Tree?/strong> will provide free buffer to players. 'Wonton Soup?/strong> event will provide EXP booster to players. With variety events and updates prepared, it is not difficult to see that Sho Online Team puts great efforts to satisfy its users.

Great beginning, the fun never stops at Sho Online. Strong-bond community awaits new comers to join. You can be a strategist instructing other players or you can be at the front line taking charge as a war hero to experience head-on combat. Storyline of Sho Online is written by players. It is you who contribute to lead its direction and it is also you who decide the final ending of Sho Online.