09/16/08

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Exclusive Banjo Kazooie Nuts and Bolts characters video on gamezplay.org

Here's our exclusive Banjo Kazooie Nuts and Bolts character video - meet all Rare's new characters in the new Microsoft Xbox 360 exclusive video game Banjo Kazooie...

Watch the Banjo Kazooie Nuts and Bolts video on YouTube here...

New Bomberman Blast video game on Nintendo Wii - screenshots

Bomberman Blast New screens - download on WiiWare for Nintendo Wii.

Retaining many of the classic features that fans of the award-winning series have come to love, such as online multiplayer battles and numerous arenas, Bomberman Blast also incorporates exciting new gameplay elements like Nintendo Mii Support and 8-person online play with the first Bomberman launch ever available for Wiiware download on the Nintendo Wii.

Bomberman Blast features 3 new shake-it-up items specifically created for Nintendo Wii play. Each of these new items can be used by shaking the Wii Remote to add an entirely new aspect of play to multiplayer Bomberman battles.

Players can use the Bomb Change to turn themselves into a bomb, the Rocket to jump up high in the air to avoid bomb blasts and the Shied to block bomb blasts (just keep on shaking the Nintendo Wii Remote).

Compete solo or as part of a team against the best Bomberman players worldwide as Bomberman Blast delivers 8-player multi-player online battles. Players can bomb it up on one console or can compete against their friends, family as well as players from all over the world with in-depth Wi-Fi Battle over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Players can also submit their scores and track them using the new Rankings feature.

Bomberman Blast is the perfect party game, allowing players from around the world to join in on the fun. Up to four players on the same Wii can hop online. In addition, an online leaderboard shows if players are as good as they think they are! Bomberman Blast is exactly what players would expect from a Bomberman game, with more ammunition, more online battles, and now, the support of Nintendo Miis!

Read all Bomberman posts on gamezplay.org here...

Suikoden - Tierkreis on Nintendo DS

Suikoden - Tierkreis, the latest title in the Suikoden series, will mark its debut exclusively on the Nintendo DS.

Encompassing a variety of different characters while exploring many exotic locations and cultures across the game's universe of parallel worlds, Suikoden - Tierkreis will expand the bounds of the handheld Roll Playing Game. Featuring the franchise's established gamezplay while maximizing the technological capabilities of the Nintendo DS to provide all-new online elements, this epic RPG consists of many cinematic experiences that will drive the grand storyline of the 108 Stars of Destiny as they battle to thwart the powerful One King.

Using the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection, Suikoden - Tierkreis offers a rich online community experience that allows players to send their characters on quests that other members of the community will complete for them, eventually returning the player to their party with new abilities and treasures.

With its grand adventure and larger than life scale, this story is told through rich animation sequences and a gripping dialogue, allowing gamers to fully immerse themselves and experience the world of Suikoden. For the first time ever, players will begin with the last three members of the Stars of Destiny and are tasked with resurrecting the other 104 in order to restore order in the universe and defeat the almighty One King.

The Suikoden series launched in 1995 in Japan and was released in the U.S. on Sony's PlayStation video games console in December of 1996. Instantly hailed as one of the most innovative RPGs, Suikoden delivered a unique battle system, an intriguing storyline with numerous plot twists and multiple endings to provide a fun experience for all RPG fans.

Since its debut, the Suikoden series has received numerous industry accolades for being one of the top RPG games of all time.

HDMI movies and games for all Microsoft Xbox 360 consoles with HDMI conversion kit

Mad Catz Interactive, announce the release of the Xbox 360 HDMI Conversion Kit, a revolutionary new accessory designed to allow owners of the Xbox 360 console to connect directly to any standard HDMI input on their TV’s or displays and enjoy true High-Definition (HD) digital video and audio for gaming and movie playback.

The HDMI Conversion Kit connects easily and safely to the ‘AV Output’ located on the rear of the console and utilising advanced microprocessor technology, converts the analogue signal to a digital HDMI stream, outputting all popular HD resolutions up to and including 1080p and compatible with the HDMI 1.3 standard.

Furthermore, the HDMI Conversion Kit has been engineered to carry full multi-channel Digital Audio (Dolby Digital, DTS) through the HDMI cable directly to compatible TV’s, eliminating the need for multiple video and audio connections. Should users wish to output digital audio to an alternative source, a separate Digital Audio Output has been built in to the device and using the Digital Optical Cable provided, offers users flexibility to connect however they choose. With all necessary cables needed supplied in the box, the HDMI Conversion Kit is a true ‘one-stop solution’ to an all digital experience.

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “HDMI is widely recognised as the connection standard for the High-Definition age in which we live, delivering unsurpassed visual and audio quality. However, millions of Xbox 360 consoles are not equipped with an HDMI output and owners are unable to take advantage of the benefits an all digital connection provides. Mad Catz’ Xbox 360 HDMI Conversion Kit provides gamers with a digital video and audio solution that we believe will be embraced by owners of HD-TV’s and those who demand the best from their entertainment. With breakthrough, innovate products such as this, Mad Catz continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing all areas of gaming and we look forward to introducing Xbox 360 owners everywhere to the all digital revolution.”

Compatible with all Xbox 360 consoles not equipped with HDMI connectors; the HDMI Conversion Kit is available in the UK for an SRP of £49.99.

Microsoft Xbox 360 UK price drops to £129.99

Xbox 360 looks to extend its lead as the Next Generation platform of choice due to the recent success of the console with a new estimated retail pricing from £129.99

Instantly watch movies and share pictures, live out their musical fantasies through Lips and Rock Band and star in their own Hollywood classics with You’re in the Movies — all from one console, starting at an estimated price of only £129.99. That is the Xbox 360, and Microsoft today announced the new lower price for its Xbox 360 family of consoles in Europe.

With an entry-level price of £129.99 and offering a plethora of exciting and broad entertainment in the living room, Xbox 360 is the true home of mass market entertainment with something to offer for every interest and budget.

From Friday, 19th September, Xbox 360, which includes a 60GB hard drive and one wireless controller, will have an price of £169.99. The Xbox 360 Elite, which comes with a massive 120GB hard drive enabling consumers to store huge quantities of content downloaded from Xbox LIVE Marketplace as well as their own music, will have an ERP of £229.99. The Xbox 360 Arcade console, perfect for those wishing to make their first foray into the gaming and entertainment world of Xbox, will have an ERP of £129.99.

Bringing Music Games to Life
Whether you’re an aspiring groupie, songbird or big-haired rocker, this Christmas Xbox 360 transforms your living room into a thrilling soundstage for you and your friends. No other system connects you with all the music you love:

Lips “Lips,” an all-new music franchise exclusively from Xbox 360, is the only singing party game that offers wireless motion-sensitive microphones and a robust and diverse list of songs representing multiple musical genres, ranging from pop, rock and dance to hip-hop, country and R&B.

Rock Band “Rock Band” is the next-gen music game that lets you live out your rock-and-roll fantasy. Embark on a solo career as a guitarist, bassist, drummer, or singer, and rock out to some of the biggest rock anthems of all time.

Guitar Hero World Tour The latest instalment from the No. 1 best-selling video game franchise of 2007, “Guitar Hero World Tour” will transform music gaming by marrying the exhilarating guitar gameplay of “Guitar Hero” with a cooperative band experience that combines the most advanced wireless instruments with revolutionary new online and offline gameplay modes.

Xbox 360 Is the Life of the Party
Xbox 360 truly gets the party started with a wide-ranging portfolio of exclusive games for the whole family, including:

You’re in the Movies Get ready for your close-up. “You’re in the Movies” brings the cool factor to kitsch as you live out your dreams of becoming a scream queen, zombie or kung fu fighter. Premiering exclusively on Xbox 360 this holiday season, “You’re in the Movies” is the first and only game of its kind to literally transport players into a magical world of cinema mixed with the hilarious world of improvisation.

Scene It? Box Office Smash “Scene It? Box Office Smash,” the revolutionary movie trivia game on Xbox 360, will ignite your game night this Christmas with totally new questions, movie puzzles and more high-definition (HD) content from real movies including some of Hollywood’s latest blockbusters. With the New Xbox Experience, players can literally put themselves into the game through custom avatars that respond to play and react to one another throughout the course of the game. Movie fans in France, Italy, German, Spain and the U.K. have even more to love, with content from some of their favourite local films included in versions of the game sold in their countries.

Banjo-Kazooie - Nuts & Bolts Available exclusively on Xbox 360 in November, from the creative masterminds at Rare, “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” is an action-adventure game that breathes new life into a franchise that has entertained people of all ages for a decade. In a platform genre first, players create their own abilities by building vehicles for Banjo to pilot over land, sea and air in a variety of Challenges where their choice of vehicle and tactics determines the course of the adventure.

Viva Piñata - Trouble in Paradise In this sequel to the colourful sleeper hit “Viva Piñata”, players can venture outside the boundaries of the immersive and ever-changing garden to retrieve exotic piñata species from two new lands, the Dessert Desert and the Piñarctic. Developed by Rare, “Viva Piñata: Trouble in Paradise” allows up to four players to work together to create the ultimate online garden via Xbox LIVE.

The Biggest Blockbusters of 2008 and Beyond
With the most blockbuster, million-selling games and some highly- anticipated titles in 2008 and beyond, Xbox 360 is the pre-eminent place to play all the big titles that gamers thirst for, including the following:

Fallout 3 Included in “Fallout 3” is an expansive world, unique combat, shockingly realistic visuals, tons of player choice, and an incredible cast of dynamic characters. Every minute is a fight for survival against the terrors of the outside world—radiation, super mutants, and hostile mutated creatures.

Fable II This Xbox 360 exclusive action role-playing game offers players an epic storyline and an unprecedented level of freedom and choice. Every decision defines who the player becomes and influences the evolving world around them.

Gears of War 2 “Gears of War 2” is the most anticipated Xbox 360 exclusive title this holiday season and will be released worldwide Nov. 7.

Grand Theft Auto IV Continuing its blistering pace on the Xbox 360 platform, the first of the Xbox 360 exclusive downloadable episodes for this record-breaking game will be available this autumn — the only console with new “Grand Theft Auto IV” content available this Christmas.

Tomb Raider: Underworld “Tomb Raider: Underworld” represents a new advancement in exploration-based gameplay. As fearless adventurer Lara Croft explore exotic locations around the world, each designed with an incredible attention to detail resulting in breathtaking high-definition visual fidelity that creates a truly believable world and delivers a new level of challenge and choice.

James Bond: Quantum of Solace James Bond is back to settle the score in Activision Inc.’s Quantum of Solace video game. Introducing a more lethal and cunningly efficient Bond, the game blends intense first-person action with a unique third-person cover combat system allowing players to truly experience what it is like to be the ultimate secret agent as they use their stealth, precision shooting and lethal combat skills to progress through missions.

Prince of Persia “Prince of Persia” is set in a land rooted in ancient Persian mythology, with the Prince finding himself caught in an epic battle between the primal forces of light and darkness. Master the acrobatics, strategy and fighting tactics of the most agile warrior of all time. Grip fall down the face of a building, perform perfectly timed acrobatic combinations, swing over canyons, buildings, and anything that is reachable.

More Xbox 360 posts on gamezplay.org here...

Champions Online MMO video game server status

Cryptic Studios, a leading independent developer of massively-multiplayer online role playing games, has chosen IBM servers to power its highly anticipated massively multiplayer online (MMO) action game, Champions Online, being published by 2K Games and developed for PC and consoles.

Based on the popular Champions pen-and-paper RPG, Champions Online will give players the power of total customization for their hero experience while they explore a vast comic book universe. IBM System x offers a responsive, scalable architecture that Cryptic Studios needs to deliver immersive, and action-packed experiences to all level of gamers. This architecture will accommodate thousands of simultaneous worldwide users and millions of game downloads while delivering a high-performance gaming experience.

“Cryptic Studios is dedicated to building strong player communities, and developing challenging, yet accessible games with deep and enjoyable gameplay,” said Bruce Rogers, chief technical officer for Cryptic. “Our development team aims to deliver the best player experience possible. With the high performance capabilities and scalability of IBM System x, Cryptic will be able to deliver the quality experience our players expect.”

The System x solution is power efficient, helping Cryptic Studios manage energy costs. With an open, flexible design, the System x infrastructure will efficiently scale as Cryptic Studios expands its business worldwide.

“IBM is dedicated to helping Cryptic Studios deliver an electrifying experience to their gamer community by providing an optimized and high performing infrastructure,” said David Laux, IBM Global executive, games and interactive entertainment. “Backed by the power of System x, Champions Online players can fully immerse themselves in their superhero experience without worrying about lagging performance or threats of system failures.”

IBM System x is based on X4, the fourth generation of IBM's X-Architecture design blueprint for Intel processor-based servers. X-Architecture is the "secret sauce" that makes IBM x86 systems so reliable, efficient and powerful.

To experience Champions Online please visit www.champions-online.com.

Rock Band adds Megadeth album Peace sells - but who's buying? to video game

Megadeth’s album Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying? as the fourth album to join the Rock Band Music Store catalog of downloadable content. One of the most influential heavy metal albums of its time, Peace Sells…

But Who’s Buying? will be available starting September 16, 2008, for the Xbox360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and September 18, 2008, for PlayStation 3 computer entertainmentsystem.

Megadeth, a pioneer of the American thrash metal movement, has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and continues to stand apart with their snarling vocals and distinctive guitar style. The seminal 1986 classic Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying? has sold more than one million copies nationwide, with the title track included on the Rock Band 2 disc with the DLC album including the following tracks:

1. Wake Up Dead
2. The Conjuring
3. Devil’s Island
4. Good Mourning / Black Friday
5. Bad Omen
6. I Ain’t Superstitious
7. My Last Words

Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying? will be available for $10.99 (880 Microsoft Points) for the album, or $1.99 (160 Microsoft Points) per track.

Banjo Kazooie Nuts and Bolts Xbox 360 video game trailer from Rare

Banjo Kazooie Nuts and Bolts Xbox 360 video game

Famed game developer Rare is most beloved and successful game series exclusively on Xbox 360 with the third installment of the “Banjo-Kazooie” series.

“Banjo-Kazooie - Nuts & Bolts” embraces new and old fans alike, as the famous bear and bird duo return in stunning high definition for a unique adventure of epic proportions.

Watch the Banjo Kazooie Nuts and Bolts Xbox 360 video game YouTube video here...

Watch other gamezplay.org YouTube games videos here... (why not subscribe?)

Amazon remove bad SPORE reviews then put them back...

Gamers unhappy at Spore's DRM - digital rights management attacked SPOREs reputation earlier this week, forcing its user rating on Amazon down by posting damming reviews about the three-installation limit EA impose on the software.

Read the full Amazon SPORE DRM posts here...

Full Amazon statement:

You might have noticed that the customer reviews on the Spore details page were missing today. I wanted to let you know that we experienced a site glitch that resulted in the removal of the reviews. Amazon did not knowingly or consciously choose to remove the reviews. The team is working on resolving this issue now and restoring all the reviews on the site.

Per our policy, Amazon doesn't censor or edit customer reviews and we'd only remove a review if it fell outside our guidelines.

All SPORE posts on gamezplay.org here...

PES 2009 screenshots with Manchester United, Liverpool, Scotland and more

PES 2009 the latest installment of Pro Evolution Soccer, features a wide array of new additions to enhance the games reputation as the best realistic football game ever.

With all new control, player AI to take the game to new levels. PES 2009s new graphical update with players identical to real-life, new moves, online changes to further boost the look and feel of PES 2009.

Manchester United and Liverpool are now the game a great step forward for PES 2009 with full use of the team’s kits and badge.

Some images from PES 2009...

Halo Wars - Ensemble Studios to close say Microsoft

Halo Wars studio to close say Microsoft

Microsoft have told Ensemble Studios that once they finish Halo Wars they can shut up shop...

Why in a booming video games industry can a developer working on one of the most successful games close?

As Tony Goodman says on the Ensemble web site "It was a shock to everyone at Ensemble Studios, still working on Halo Wars"

Microsoft say it isn't a reflection of talent or quality from Ensemble but market forces, and they promise to try and find new position for the staff within the company.

What now for Halo Wars? Halo Wars was the first spinoff of the highly successful Halo video game on the Xbox 360? Halo 3 sales top over 8 million games in less than a year. Ensemble studios have a good track record with PC video game Age of Empires.

Does this mean Microsoft are giving up on these Xbox 360 and PC titles? Not at all say Microsoft - 'We are committed to strategy video games like Age of Empires and Halo Wars.

Let's all hope that Halo Wars and Age of Empires is not the last video games we see from the Microsoft Games for windows label.

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Tuesday, September 16, 2008