SPORE DRM (Digital Rights Management) copyright row hits Amazon.com

Take a look at Spore's listing on Amazon.com, you may be surprised to notice that the game has an abysmal user rating of just one star.

But that isn't necessarily an indictment of the game's quality - out of 1,776 customer reviews, 1,642 give a one star rating, and just about all of them have one thing in common: pure, vile hatred of the game's digital rights management, or DRM.

Like the PC version of Mass Effect before it, Spore's DRM limits owners to only three activations of the game after installation. 

The point is to prohibit software pirates from sharing and reusing activation codes over and over, but it also means that if a user happens to uninstall and reinstall Spore more than three times for completely legitimate reasons, they'll have to contact Electronic Arts customer support to request and have approved a new authentication on a case-by-case basis. 

A quick scan of the negative reviews reveals some bitterly sensationalistic headlines: "DRM Kills another potentially great game," "Not a chance until the DRM goes," and "DRM complicates life, removes value." One reviewer, who calls the DRM "draconian," even likened a purchase to a rental as opposed to an actual ownership of the game, since a player could theoretically be barred from playing their copy of Spore if they use up their activations and EA refuses to allow more. "What you will be left with is a nice, colorful $50 coaster. And you will be required to pay for another copy/license if you want to continue playing," the user writes.

Just one comment...

The DRM for the game utilizes securom which is essentially a virus that installs itself without warning when you install the game. There is no way to completely remove it without reformatting and it is constantly running in the background if not removed. Sucking up computer resources.

It also is overpriced. This is actually a RENTAL, not a bought game because it only lets you install 3 times. If you install over 3 times then you must call EA customer support and beg them to let you play the game you bought. Did I mention the call is not free? If you live outside the U.S. it will be a very expensive call.

DO NOT BUY THIS, and if you do buy it keep in mind that you are renting it. Not buying it. Whats really ironic about this is the DRM hasn't even stopped the pirates as it was pirated a few weeks ago. And the pirated version doesn't have Securom or install limits which makes it a better version. EA shouldn't treat its consumers like trash if they want my money.

And believe it or not, this backlash comes after EA and Maxis made Spore's DRM less stringent, when fans decried the originally announced plan to require online authentication every 10 days. As for how much the Amazon debacle will affect sales of the game remains uncertain, but it's probably a PR problem that EA and Maxis could have happily lived without.

More SPORE posts on Gamezplay.org here...

F.E.A.R. 2 - Project Origin F.E.A.R. video game follow up announced

F.E.A.R. 2 - Project Origin the new name for the sequel to the hit videogame F.E.A.R. The video game is being developed for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC and the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system by Monolith Productions and will be published by Warner Bros. Interactive on February 10, 2009 in North America and February 13, 2009 in Europe.

“The name addition builds upon the strong game recognition, which we will extend as we move forward reinventing the F.E.A.R. brand,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Production and Development, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “F.E.A.R. 2 - Project Origin will continue the legacy of the original F.E.A.R. game with story and combat while adding new twists, gameplay and graphics to expand the players’ experience.”

F.E.A.R. 2 - Project Origin, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2005 smash hit game, F.E.A.R., is a blend of advanced visceral combat mixed with seamless game pacing set inside a sinister and paranormal universe that begins shortly before the ending of F.E.A.R. A Special Forces squad is on a routine mission when the city of Auburn is rocked by a supernatural explosion.

Alma, a girl with immense power and a thirst for revenge, has unleashed her wrath upon the city and thrown it into chaos. 

The squad must combat enemy forces and the supernatural as they struggle to find a way to stop Alma and uncover the mysterious forces arrayed against them before it’s too late.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky PC video game release delayed to September 15

Due to a problem in manufacturing, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - Clear Sky will be released in North America on September 15, 2008.

The digital download release date has not yet been determined.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - Clear Sky is a survival FPS game for PC based on a 'what-if' scenario of the second Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident. 

The game is created as a warning to mankind against mindless play with technologies. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - Clear Sky is the official prequel to the renowned S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game by the Ukraine-based GSC Game World studio. 

The game is set in 2011 and brings forth the events to have preceded the third campaign of Strelok to the Zone center.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - Clear Sky introduces an alternative look onto the events of the original game and offers the player to try himself out as a mercenary s.t.a.l.k.e.r. in search of his own path in the world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

All S.T.A.L.K.E.R. posts on gamezplay.org here...

PSP Gamers access Favourite games including Puzzle Quest - Challenge of the Warlords, Critically-Acclaimed Dead Head Fred no UMD Required!

D3Publisher (D3P), will bring its classic PSP (PlayStationPortable) titles to gamers for download via the PlayStation Store beginning this September. PSP owners will no longer need a UMD to play PSP titles such as the original Puzzle Quest - Challenge of the Warlords, 2007’s multiple award-winning cult hit and Dead Head Fred, a head-swapping, third person-action game and more.

“D3Publisher is always looking to make fun and original gaming experiences easily accessible to everyone,” said Yoji Takenaka, president and chief executive officer, North America and Europe, D3P. “We believe that making these classic PSP titles available via digital distribution gives the games a new opportunity for discovery and the gamers a second chance at hours of enjoyment.”

D3Publisher’s Line-Up for Q4 Includes:


Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords – The genre-bending title that took the gaming community by storm at the top of 2007 incorporates strategy, role-playing elements and a great storyline into a match-three puzzle board setting. It received numerous awards including Best Downloadable Game at the 11th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, a Best Puzzle Game of E3 2007 Award from IGN.com and the esteemed iParenting Media Excellent Product Award for 2007. Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords is designed specifically to entertain both casual and hardcore gamers-on-the-go with its deep immersion, five to fifteen minute play sessions and turn-based play style.


Cube – Offering highly addictive puzzle solving action, Cube challenges players in single or multiplayer modes to make their way through suspended 3D worlds of platforms and mazes jam-packed with collectible items and obstacles.

Practical IQ – the critically acclaimed Practical IQ calculates players’ intelligence by using the PQ scoring system as they solve more than 250 mind-bending puzzles.

Dead Head Fred - In Dead Head Fred, players will adventure as Fred Neuman, a private detective savagely murdered and then resurrected in a bizarre scientific experiment without his memory or his head.
Players will embark on a quest for vengeance as they solve their own murder by using the severed heads of enemies to battle their way through challenging but bizarre environments.

Beta Bloc - The world of Beta Bloc is made up of 7 citadels and dungeons, guarded by legendary monsters! Use your paddle to fight your way through more than 120 stages, casting magic spells to fight tough foes!

Super Pocket Tennis - Create your own tennis superstar and shot, lob, smash and volley your way to the top! 20 unique characters for you to choose from, all with different styles of play! Select different Courts, including Clay, Lawn, Hard and Carpet.

Final Fantasy Fables - Chocobo's Dungeon out in October on Nintendo Wii

Final Fantasy Fables - Chocobo’s Dungeon, featuring a loveable cast of Chocobo and his friends will be available across Europe and PAL territories on October 31st 2008, exclusively on Nintendo Wii.

Veteran character designer Toshiyuki Itahana delivers a uniquely compelling visual world in which a cast of beloved Final Fantasy characters lead players through an immersive storyline. With a carefully crafted narrative and a grand mystery to unravel, Final Fantasy fables -Chocobo’s Dungeon will captivate gamers of all ages.

Players of all ages and skill levels will appreciate everything Final Fantasy Fables - Chocobo’s Dungeon has to offer, from the intuitive Nintendo Wii controls and adorable characters, to the intricate story and versatile job system. Throughout the game Chocobo will take on famous job classes from the Final Fantasy franchise such as black mage, knight, and scholar. Players can unlock more jobs as they progress through the game. The ever-changing dungeons and unexpected twists and turns offer hours of engrossing gameplay, as players explore the newest adventure in one of the world’s most popular RPG franchises.


John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “Chocobo has been a firm favourite with Final Fantasy fans for years, and players will be able to see him take centre stage and come to life in his very own adventure. Final Fantasy Fables - Chocobo’s Dungeon will appeal to fans of the Final Fantasy series along with younger Nintendo Wii owners looking for an engrossing adventure.”

Story

Chocobo and Cid, Final Fantasy mainstays-turned-treasure hunters, are magically transported to a mysterious town whose people’s memories are lost with each bell toll of the clock tower. One day, a strange boy named Raffaello arrives and creates dungeons of memories to help the townspeople remember who they are. Now it’s up to Chocobo to journey through the dungeons and retrieve everyone’s memories!



Final Fantasy Fables - Chocobo’s Dungeon features

• A charming, vibrant game world coupled with an engaging storyline and challenging turn-based battles to create a fun and entertaining RPG environment suitable for all

• A compelling gaming experience utilizing a variety of classic Final Fantasy job classes such as the knight, black mage and white mage to aid Chocobo in his fight against evil

• Character designer Toshiyuki Itahana, from the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series and Final Fantasy Fables - Chocobo Tales, lends his trademark art style

• Duel against friends via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in addictive card battles featuring popular Final Fantasy creatures in a unique 3D pop-up book style

• Collect hidden letters throughout the adventure and form special phrases to unlock secret dungeons and job classes

• The signature Mog House offers arcade-style mini-games that can be played with intuitive Nintendo Wii Remote

Exclusive Info on Flyff's Lord System Version 12

Gala-Net Inc. will release the next chapter to Flyff: Fly for Fun later this October. The Lord System will play a key role among the many new features to debut in Flyff Version 12 (V.12).

In V.12, the new Lord System will allow eligible players to be voted as the Lord of their server for 2 weeks. In order to qualify as a candidate to become a Lord, players must have obtained Hero or Master status in order to be considered. For a player to be elected as the Lord of their server, 10% of the eligible voting public must participate for a Lord to be chosen, otherwise no Lord will be elected. In order for a player to vote for a candidate, a player must be at least level 60, and must have logged into the game within the last 30 days. In addition, a player may only vote for 1 candidate.

An elected Lord will be given exclusive skills and equipment which includes:

• Special Powers, including the ability to start EXP or item drop events on his server

• Lords Cheer – EXP and Drop Rates are increased by 10% for 60 minutes.

• Lord’s Blessing- boost a player’s Attack or Defense Power by 10%

• Lord’s Love- Increases all stats by 15 for 60 minutes

• Lord’s Anger- Silences a player from talking for 60 minutes

• Lord’s Call- Allows the lord to summon a player to his/her location

• A set of fashion clothes to be worn by the current Lord, The Cloak of the Sea God which gives players +20 to all stats, and the Lord’s own Limousine Bike to fly around in!

• And so much more!

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Yu-Gi-Oh! GX video game returns to Sony PlayStation Portable PSP

New characters, evolving scenarios and over 3500 cards await in the latest Yu-Gi-Oh! GX challenge Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced the return of its eternally popular Yu-Gi-Oh! GX series to PSP (PlayStationPortable), with Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force 3, set for release in November 2008 in Europe.

Set in the Yu-Gi-Oh! GX TV series universe, Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force 3 utilises characters from the third and fourth series of the show, with players charged with assembling the ultimate card deck by defeating their peers in thrilling duels. 

Over 3500 cards can be collected and used, and players can also partner with a dueling partner to embark on graduation tag duels against rival pairs.

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force 3 is the most advanced Yu-Gi-Oh! title to hit PSP to date, and enjoys a simple yet effective dueling interface to make games faster and easier to manage. 

The game’s 3500 cards are sampled from the most recent Trading Card Game packs, including ‘The Duelist Genesis’ set, and offer a wide range of traps, monsters and spells for the user to amass. Players can also use the hardware’s online capabilities to download additional content, including entire decks or individual cards.


Every aspect of Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Tag Force 3 has been enhanced, with all-new AI routines adapting to the way the game flows, while the social aspect of the Trading Card Game is showcased as up to four players duel together via the PSP Ad-hoc LAN mode. A new Gallery feature is also introduced, and provides a visual record of defeated monsters and key events.

Cities XL - create winning home within the PC video game

As a follow-up to their recent "Point, Shoot – Win!" contest, which invited gamers to submit images of their homes for possible inclusion in CITIES XL, Monte Cristo today launched an extensive blog post describing the process of recreating the winner's real-world home within the game.



At http://www.citiesxl.com today, artist Kirill Bozhok from Monte Cristo's Kiev studio walks readers through the step-by-step process of taking images of a home and converting them into a full 3D model, complete with realistic textures, environmental effects and lighting. The new blog post includes images that illustrate each step of the process as it is explained.

For more information about CITIES XL, the upcoming next-generation city-builder featuring unique new online community features and "tycoon" gameplay elements, please visit - http://www.citiesxl.com.

Now Boarding Free Demo Airport simulator video game for Mac, Linux and PC

Independent game developer Gabob is pleased to announce Now Boarding, available at www.nowboarding.us for PC, Mac, and Linux

Now Boarding is an action-tycoon game about running an airport.

Create calm from chaos in a busy airport. Get your passengers to the correct destination before they freak out!!
The team at Airways Airlines needs help to keep their airport open! Previous management fled the country and left the company upside down. Step in and take charge to get it running smoothly. Pick up and drop off passengers to a growing number of destinations. Route planes carefully and don't leave anyone behind! The passengers get angry the longer they wait, so get them home before they freak out. However, there is help. Hire employees by choosing from a variety of fun characters. Lead the team to success.

Grow the airline by expanding to new cities. Keep up the fleet of planes to handle an increasing numbers of passengers. Renovate the terminal with seats, stores, and snacks to keep everyone happy. Decorate with plants and paintings to make it more inviting. Spread across the United Sates through 3 dynamic episodes. Perfect strategies with Free Play Mode and push limits with Survival Mode. Earn unlockables and achievements and set new records! Dive into a retro world with a hip soundtrack.



Now Boarding - a whole new kind of game. Experience it for yourself at www.nowboarding.us

UPDATE: Now Boarding version 1.1 now available! This update includes:

• New Episodes covering Europe
  
• New types of Aircraft, including Helicopter and Blimp
  
• New employees and stores for the terminal
  
• New Challenge Mode and Worldwide High Scores
  
• New Advanced Plane Routing that will change the way you play

User Reviews for Now Boarding: web edition:

"This game is original. I have never played any game even like this. It's fun smooth, and I love the idea of the game. You control everything, and it's fun trying to make the passengers be happy so they don't freak out."

just got pawned at armorgames.com

"Dang! That was such a tight game! I really enjoyed it. All the tactics involved in routing your plane correctly, and buying new equipment was really fun and I liked this game a lot."
you dont see me at armorgames.com

Requirements:
Windows, Mac or Linux
1 Ghz CPU 128MB RAM
Size: 11MB
Uses Adobe's groundbreaking AIR platform

Pricing and Availability: $16.99 USD as digital download purchase at http://www.nowboarding.us Free demo available.

Street Gears free Roller MMO beta PC game

Registration for Closed Beta Test of Street Gears announced

Street Gears is a free Roller MMO, developed by the NFlavor Corp and published in Europe by Gala Networks Europe via their gPotato.eu game portal. After a long and extensive testing period by the gPotato team, the game will be opened in its closed beta for a limited amount of players. The CBT will last from September 10th to September 19th after which the open beta will be initiated.

Street Gears is a massively multiplayer online roller game, developed by NFlavor Corp, known for their MMORPG Rappelz. The highly anticipated game carries players into a unique world of inline skating where they are to experience challenging trick contests and exciting races, allowing them to compete against each other.

After the long test phase, excluding the public, Street Gears will finally enter its closed beta phase on Wednesday, September 10th at noon to allow a limited amount of players to experience the game. The registration for the closed beta is already accessible in the official website: http://sg.gpotato.eu. The amount of players will be limited to 2000 each on both French and German test servers. Thease numbers are subject to change though depending on the test results.

The closed beta test will last from September 10th to September 19th 2008 and will be followed by the open beta which will be accessible to a larger number of people. Selected players for the closed beta test will be informed by e-mail containing all the information needed to enter the test servers and private forums which are set up to provide active participation and communication between the players and Potato Europe, thus improving the game experience.

The official release of the game will follow the open beta test and will be announced separately depending on the tests. Please refer to the new screenshots attached of the games’ European version.

Street Gears
Street Gears is a free multiplayer roller game published in its French and German version by Gala Networks Europe Ltd, leading free to play online games publisher in Europe. Gala Networks Europe publishes free to play online games via its gPotato Europe online portal - http://www.gpotato.eu

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince video game of the film

Harry Potter Video Game is THE place for fans to live the thrills, action and excitement of Harry Potter next summer.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game will be released globally Summer 2009, alongside the Warner Bros. Pictures’ film based on JK Rowling’s sixth Harry Potter book.

“We’re excited about the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game in development and its high level of authenticity and playability,” said Robert Nashak, Vice President EA Casual Studios. “We are creating an immersive game experience that Potter fans around the world will really enjoy playing as they fly and duel their way through the story of the film. The game will feature new Wii gestures and increased gameplay capabilities across all of the platforms.”

“The Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince game will be an excellent interactive extension of the film and all of the new action that comes with it,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “EA is creating the Harry Potter video games that fans will love, and this game will deliver new gameplay elements and the magic players are looking forward to.

“We have enjoyed a wonderful partnership with EA in collaborating on the videogames for all of the Harry Potter films,” said Harry Potter film Producer David Heyman. “The visual look of the game for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is incredibly authentic to the film and will provide a truly compelling experience for everyone who plays.”

Players may even get sidetracked by Ron’s romantic entanglements as they journey towards a dramatic climax and discover the identity of the Half-Blood Prince.

Metallica Brings Death Magnetic to Guitar Hero III - Legends of Rock

Guitar Hero to Feature Two Exclusive Versions of "Suicide and Redemption"

Downloadable Death Magnetic Album Also Forward Compatible with Upcoming Guitar Hero World Tour

In a monumental first for the gaming and music industries, Metallica's highly anticipated ninth studio album Death Magnetic will be available in its entirety as downloadable content for Activision, Guitar Hero III - Legends of Rock day and date with the album release this Friday, September 12. Featured on the downloadable album will be two Guitar Hero exclusive renditions of "Suicide & Redemption" with extended solos by James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett. Gamers looking to shred, drum and wail away to the Death Magnetic downloadable album need only purchase the content once as it is forward compatible and will integrate seamlessly with Guitar Hero World Tour when it launches this October.

In addition to the two exclusive versions of "Suicide & Redemption," Guitar Hero fans will live out the surreal Metallica experience with: "That Was Just Your Life," "The End of the Line," "Broken, Beat & Scared," "The Day That Never Comes," "All Nightmare Long," "Cyanide," "The Unforgiven III," "The Judas Kiss" and "My Apocalypse."

"We've been working very closely with Metallica and we're extremely excited to offer Death Magnetic not only in its entirety, but also with the exclusive recordings of 'Suicide & Redemption' as downloadable content to Guitar Hero fans," said Tim Riley, Vice President of Music Affairs for Activision Blizzard. "We're proud to be setting a new precedent for our two industries, making an entire new album available in two different mediums simultaneously."

Metallica's Death Magnetic album will be available for Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock on September 12, 2008 for download on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft at a cost of 1440 Microsoft Points and in the PlayStation Store for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system at a cost of $17.99.

Math Blaster - maths adventure game on Nintendo DS

Award-Winning PC Series Blasts Its Way To Handheld

Original hit Windows PC game, Math Blaster makes learning fun by combining a variety of adventure-based learning games with challenging mathematic puzzles and the unique capabilities of Nintendo DS. 

The result is an action-packed adventure that adds up to total entertainment!

Robots control the galaxy and the fate of the universe lies in question. 

Armed with an experimental spaceship, 

players must put their math skills to the 

ultimate test as they blast through space 

to defend the human race and defeat 

the robotic rulers. 

Players master math 

skills in a variety of 

brain-busting categories 

including addition, 

subtraction and 

multiplication.

Whether competing with a 

friend in Four Player Battle 

Mode, or testing their 

computation abilities in 

Challenge or Adventure 

modes, players multiply, 

add and subtract 

their way through 

three difficulty levels.

WiiWare add Groovin' Blocks plus Final Solider, Cho Aniki on virtual console

School's back in session, but it's not the only place to get your brain buzzing. This week's additions to the Nintendo Wii Shop Channel include a challenging new puzzle game available via WiiWare, plus a pair of crackling Virtual Console actioners to keep your imagination raging between classes. Even if your school days are behind you, this latest lineup of downloadable titles will help get you fired up for fall, fueled by the one-of-a-kind fun of Nintendo's top-selling Nintendo Wii system.

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

WiiWare

Groovin' Blocks (Empty Clip Studios, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): A music-based game like no other, Groovin' Blocks adds innovative musical game play to an addictive action/puzzle game foundation. Play to the rhythm of the music to increase your score, and try to hit "Superbeats" to double your multiplier. Go for the high score in each of the 27 stages as you collect stars to unlock 15 levels of power-ups. Groovin' Blocks features three skill levels, from the accessible Casual to the fiendish Hard mode. Play with your friends in co-op mode or against them head-to-head. Head-to-head brings it up a notch as the power-ups now become attacks on your opponent. Play head-to-head with people of all skill levels using a golf-style handicapping system.

Virtual Console

Final Solider (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Fantasy Violence, 700 Wii Points): A vertically scrolling shooter from the well-known Soldier series. In the 23rd century, invaders from the future suddenly attack Earth. Controlling a fighter created by the world's scientists, you rise to meet the enemy. Collect power-up units, such as LASER, E-BEAM, FIRE and MISSILE, and then equip them in Options to launch a variety of attacks. For each of these weapons, you can freely select from three different types in SET-UP. Anticipate enemies' strikes and deftly switch between weapons to defeat the invaders. In addition to NORMAL GAME, there are also 2 MINUTE GAME and 5 MINUTE GAME score-attack modes. The most perfect blend and balance of any game in the series, Final Soldier is a title you don't want to miss.

Cho Aniki (TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone and Older—Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, 900 Wii Points): The odd world in this shooter made for quite the conversation piece in its day. Players control either Idaten or Benten, celestial warriors out to bring an end to the tyrannical rule of the emperor of Planet Builder, who holds muscular prowess to be the supreme virtue of the universe. Aided by able-bodied muscle-head options Adon and Samson, they must battle to defeat the emperor's army across five stages. Use the buttons to fire away and lay into the Builder forces. Power up your character and options with protein from defeated enemies to have them "bulk up" with a yell, and take their macho battle to the next level.