In the third Beneath The Surface video, entitled - What Could Lara Do? Creative Director Eric Lindstrom, Lead Animator Primo Navidad and Lead Character Artist Kam Yu discuss how they crafted Lara into a more credible and believable character allowing her to do all the things you would expect of a strong, fearless, independent adventurer.
Motion captured for the first time and featuring over 2,000 beautifully fluid animations, watch Lara as she now shoots at two different targets simultaneously, vaults off enemies and shoots, balances along narrow beams and poles, takes out a gun to switch hands and shoots when clinging to a pillar or on a ledge and pushes foliage out of the way.
Hugely popular competitive drinking sport taking campuses and country by storm
If you like beer and playing games on your iPhone, then it just keeps getting better and better! Publisher X, a global publisher of digitally downloadable games and interactive software, and CodeGlue, a Dutch game development studio that specializes in arcade games for mobile, handhelds and consoles, announced today they are teaming up to bring Beer Pong - BPONG 2009 Edition, a game based on one of the most competitive and fastest-growing leisure sports in the country, to the Apple App Store.
“Following up the success of Beer Bounce (Quarters), it was a no-brainer we should make Beer Pong available as well,” said Doug Kennedy, co-founder of Publisher X. “These types of social beer drinking sports are highly fun and competitive - even without the drinking. This is the next best thing to sinking a few cups with your buddies. After the launch of Beer Bounce, we received a steady flow of emails from our customers asking for Beer Pong, and we have high expectations for this title.”
Beer Pong – BPONG 2009 Edition takes its name from BPONG.COM, the official governing body of the annual World Series of Beer Pong (WSOBP), the largest Beer Pong tournament in the world. Beer Pong – BPONG 2009 Edition will be using the official rules standardized by BPONG.COM and used in every WSOBP match.
For those who have been living under a rock for the past decade or so, Beer Pong (also known as “Beirut” in some localized areas) is a highly competitive drinking game that is more like a sport, typically played by students on college campuses nationwide. Although there are nearly as many rule sets as there are cheap domestic beers, the traditional game of Beer Pong (and one that follows BPONG.COM’s official rules) is played with two two-player teams taking turns throwing beer pong balls (i.e., table tennis balls) across a table in an effort to land the ball in one of ten plastic cups partially filled with beer on the opposite end of the table. When a cup is made, the opposing team removes the cup from the game, and the first team to clear all of its opponent’s cups wins and takes on the next team in line.
Beer Pong - BPONG 2009 Edition will be available for download on the Apple App Store later on in 2008, so clean off your balls and prepare your livers for punishment!
Discover a World of High-Stakes and High-Speed in the Hottest Racing Game of 2008
Black Box, today announced Need for Speed Undercover, the intense action racing title scheduled for release this holiday. The new game will feature international movie star, Maggie Q, as the lead character in the big-budget live-action sequences that propel the original story forward as players get behind the wheel. EA’s Need for Speed Undercover takes the franchise back to its roots and re-introduces break-neck cop chases, the world’s hottest cars and spectacular highway battles.
“Need for Speed Undercover features a deep and engaging story of spectacular Hollywood-style live-action that will transport players into the fictional world of the Tri-City Bay Area,” said Bill Harrison, Need for Speed Undercover Executive Producer. “Working with talent the calibre of Maggie Q allows us to deliver an unparalleled level of storytelling that will keep players engaged in between 180-mile-an-hour races.”
Maggie Q, who has starred in Mission Impossible III and Live Free or Die Hard, plays Federal Agent Chase Linh, a seductive handler who recruits and guides players as they go undercover. Players will take on dangerous jobs and compete in races in order to infiltrate and takedown a ruthless international crime syndicate.
“I’ve always been a fan of racing games and working on Need for Speed Undercover was an amazing experience,” said Maggie Q. “I was so impressed by the scope and quality of the overall production that goes into a videogame these days. It was like any other day on a Hollywood set; I felt right at home. The Black Box team is doing tremendous work here and I can’t wait to see the final game.”
Need for Speed Undercover is being developed by Black Box in Vancouver, B.C., and is slated to be in stores North America on November 18 and in Europe on November 21. The game will be available for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, and Wii as well as the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS, PSP (PlayStationPortable) handheld entertainment system, PC and mobile.
• Gaara Created as a weapon by orders of the Kazekage of the Hidden Sand Village, Gaara hated the world and lived only to kill until he met Naruto. After the epic battle between the two, Gaara’s attitude has lightened up a bit. Gaara had finally found another who understood...who is living through a similar plight. Now, he and his siblings, Kankuro and Temari can be found assisting the Hidden Leaf Village as its new ally where once they were enemies. His abilities are beyond those of most chunin and jonin.
• Itachi He is Sasuke’s mysterious older brother. Once a renowned ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village, he left the village to be painted as a betrayer after practically wiping out the Uchiha Clan. Sasuke is the only surviving Uchiha left in the Hidden Leaf Village.
• Kisame A powerful ninja from the Hidden Mist Village, the same village where the mighty Zabuza originated from, not much is known about him except that he carries a giant sword that saps its victim of their chakra. He and Itachi work together for an enigmatic organization known as Akatsuki.
• Naruto An underachiever at the Ninja Academy, Naruto roams the Hidden Leaf Village causing mischief and playing countless pranks. He also enjoys a good bowl of ramen. His life long dream is to be Hokage, the village chief, and become the greatest ninja of all time. Naruto also holds a secret that he himself does not know, the fact that the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit that wreaked havoc on the village is sealed inside his body! His special jutsu are he “Shadow Clone Jutsu” and “Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu.”
• Sasuke (Second State) Using the cursed powers given to him by the evil Orochimaru, Sasuke can change into an alternate form that unleashes his latent abilities. He transforms into this altered state for the first time when he battles Naruto in Final Valley. Sasuke (Second State) is able to keep up with and even best Naruto in his Ultimate Nine-Tailed form. His first transformation marks his final epic battle with Naruto as a Hidden Leaf ninja. After this, Sasuke leaves to join the enemy.
• Sasuke A descendant of the Uchiha Clan, Sasuke has both unique talent and sensibilities. Combined with his rugged good looks, this makes him the most popular student among the Academy’s female student body. Quiet by nature, he never hesitates to speak his mind, which annoys Naruto, as he receives the brunt of Sasuke’s insults. His special techniques are “Barrage of Lions” and “Fire Style” jutsu.
• Ultimate Nine-Tailed Naruto When Naruto’s life is in danger, the Nine-Tailed Fox spirit that is sealed within him takes over and unleashes its unrelenting power and potent chakra permitting him to perform incredible feats and attacks. The Nine-Tailed Fox spirit appears much more forcefully (as Ultimate Nine-Tailed Naruto) in Naruto’s battle with Sasuke at Final Valley.
• Choji Part of Squad 10 with Ino and Shikamaru. Constantly eating, he gets mad whenever people call him “fat.” He loves to eat everything, especially barbeque. His special jutsu are the “Expansion Jutsu” and “Human Boulder,” secret ninjutsu of the Akimichi Clan.
• Orochimaru One of the Sannin: “Three Shinobi of Legend,” he left the Hidden Leaf Village and founded the Village Hidden in the Sound. He snuck into the chunin exam and has his sights set on Sasuke. Ruthless and heartless, he will stop at nothing to fulfill his sinister ambition.
• Sakura Standing above all others with her incredible knowledge and skills, Sakura aims to become a Kunoichi, a female ninja. But as a young girl coming of age, she tends to focus less on ninjutsu and more on boys, especially the handsome Sasuke, who has no interest in her whatsoever. What Sakura fears to say comes out of her “Inner Sakura,” the embodiment of her true feelings.
Exclusive Version of the Highly Anticipated Action Sports Game Hits Shelves This Winter
Snowboarding phenomenon and Target athlete Shaun White will be riding his way into Target stores this Winter with an exclusive edition of Ubisoft’s newest action sports title, Shaun White Snowboarding.
The special Target edition of the game, available on Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and Nintendo Wii, will have exclusive extended content and features that consumers won’t be able to find anywhere else, including the Target Mountain – an entire mountain environment found only in the Target exclusive edition. Gamers will also be able to take advantage of exclusive jibs, additional scenes and more characters. Additionally, players will be able to cozy up in the game’s virtual version of the Target Chalet, the real-life mountainside home where Shaun and his fellow Target athletes hang out with friends and family at the annual Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado. Among other exclusive features, the Taget Chalet is the only indoor environment anywhere in the game.
Target guests are now able to purchase a $5 pre-sell card to ensure they’ll be shredding the mountain as soon as the exclusive version hits shelves. “Shaun has been riding for Target for nearly seven years, so this exclusive version of Shaun White Snowboarding was a natural fit for our relationship with him,” said Troy Michels, Target Lifestyle Marketing. “It’s great to see the Target brand brought to life alongside Shaun in the game and we’re confident that Target guests and gamers will be eager to see what has come from our collaboration in the Target edition of Shaun White Snowboarding.”
Shaun White is an Olympic Gold Medalist and has 42 professional wins, including seven Winter X Games gold medals. He was also the first athlete to win gold medals in Winter and Summer X Games in unique disciplines. White has collaborated with Ubisoft’s award-winning development team to create Shaun White Snowboarding. The game features open-world mountains across the globe, where players are free to define their own experiences, and express themselves through tricks, unique riding styles, and highly customizable avatars. Players can also hang out with their friends and have fun off the board by throwing snowballs, hiking to access secret spots, and filming their friends doing tricks.
“I’ve had a blast working with the Ubisoft developers, and we’ve created a game that’s really different from any other action sports game,” said White. “I think it really captures my style, and I can’t wait to see what Target guests think of the extra features we’ve made just for them.”
Fun-filled puzzle action romp lets players indulge in fun without the guilt
Prey the Stars for Nintendo DS is available at retailers throughout North America.
Prey the Stars serves up an incredible world where nearly anything from food to whole buildings can be devoured. Players must bite, lick, and suck their way to victory as one of the game’s four insatiable and customizable creatures: GABU, BARI, CHUCHU, and PERO. The more the characters eat, the bigger and more voracious their stomachs become. It’s an engaging and addictive game for anyone with a taste for fun!
About Prey the Stars Prey the Stars lets players indulge without the guilt as they try to eat everything in sight. Each of the games colorfully-themed stages are cleared by devouring as much as possible before time runs out. The player with the highest score at the end of the stage is the winner. Each player scores points by eating and by sucking in “spirits” which are hidden in some objects. The bigger the item, the higher the score!
Prey the Stars offers a delicious smorgasbord of multiplayer options. Up to four friends can feast together using Wireless DS Single-Card Download Play or Multi-Card Play. Players can even take their gastronomic conquest worldwide using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
Exclusive character designs for Prey the Stars were created by break-out Japanese pop artist TOUMA. The highly-respected designer is renowned for his whimsical and edgy creations including, Knuckle Bear and Boo, that have taken the urban vinyl toy industry by storm.
Developed by KOEI CANADA, Prey the Stars is rated “E” (Everyone – Comic Mischief) by the ESRB. Play is for 1-4 players using Wireless DS Single-Card Download Play, Wireless Multi-Card Play, and via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The suggested retail price is US$29.99.
With the bewitching Halloween re-release of Doodle Hex, the spell casting battle game for Nintendo DS, mere weeks away, Pinnacle Software and developer Tragnarion Studios have unveiled the first in a series of recently discovered, hitherto believed ‘lost’, spell sheets to assist new and existing players in their continuing battle against enemy Doodle Hex rune casters. Just don’t ask us where we got them!
With each of the 14 playable characters in Doodle Hex having their own set of 20 unique offensive and defensive spells, these previously unreleased spell sheets, beginning with the sheets for Cassie and Djin, will prove invaluable to Doodle Hex players everywhere, novice and experienced alike. In addition, the release of ‘Top Trumps’ style character stats alongside the spell sheets for each of the characters in the game will, combined, unlock a whole new world of potential spell strategies to the player, as well as illustrating an astonishing level of depth to the gameplay. About Doodle Hex Developed specifically for the Nintendo DS format, Doodle Hex is a competitive spell casting battle game where players use the DS stylus to draw their chosen runes in the centre of the touch screen, summoning spells that will transform, attack and weaken their opponent, with the ultimate aim being to deplete your rival’s energy bar before they can do the same to you.
Both a single-player and a multiplayer experience, Doodle Hex has 14 characters available to select, each of whom has a specialist field in rune use. The runes can be used to attack, restore health or be unleashed as devastating combination attacks.
With over 250 challenges, single-card and multi-card play for exciting two player head-to-head contests, along with a range of unlockable bonuses, Doodle Hex is one of the most innovative and playable magic strategy games to hit the Nintendo DS to date.
Doodle Hex re-releases on October 31st, Halloween, with a recommended retail price of £19.99.
STAR OCEAN -: Second Evolution™ will be released across Europe and all PAL territories in Spring 2009, exclusively on the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system.
Following the exploits of humankind’s journey across the stars, the STAR OCEAN saga continues with the completely remastered STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution. Featuring a revised game engine, an improved battle system and fully-voiced, all-new animated scenes displayed in 16:9 widescreen. With a newly added layer of character interaction, players can enjoy their journey into the rich STAR OCEAN universe like never before.
John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “STAR OCEAN has already proved to be a popular series in Japan, we now hope that players around the world can discover why by experiencing the origin of the series through the PSP releases of STAR OCEAN: First Departure™ and the newly announced STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution.”
About STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution
Story Space Date 366: A young Federation officer finds himself transported to a mystical planet, where he is suddenly anointed as the Hero of Light. He begins a journey to fulfill a prophecy and save a newfound race. STAR OCEAN: Second Evolution continues the STAR OCEAN saga!
Features
• The second game in the STAR OCEAN series, rebuilt for the PSP system • Exciting real-time battles that keep players fully immersed in the action • Brand-new, fully-voiced animated cut-scenes provided by anime powerhouse Production I.G • The private action system adds depth to the story, introducing riveting subplots between characters
Image via WikipediaGAMEVIL brings a next big thing to mobile.
Super Boom Boom 2: Space Adventure that will feature a new business model, micro-transaction.
Korea is the first country to establish a nationwide high speed internet infrastructure, which help started the online PC game market around the world. In addition, with global handset manufacturers such as Samsung and LG, it is the first country that started the wireless internet trend. Having one of the fiercest and fast changing business environments in the world, looking at the trend of Korean mobile industry is a way to predict the future U.S., European, and global mobile market.
Another first for Korea is that they are the inventers of the micro-transaction business model for mobile gaming.
Previously, the purchasing of mobile games was similar to console or PC, it would be an unlimited, one-time purchase deal. In contrast, the newly adopted micro-transaction would create revenue by deriving users to purchase game items or money for a better gaming experience.
“Gang-a-ji (Puppy)”, was the first ever micro-transaction game published by GAMEVIL and released in September 14th 2006 via SK Telecom. The game started a new trend in Korea’s mobile gaming market, now making micro-transaction the most widely accepted business model. The micro-transaction system has proven to be a huge success, creating on average 30~40% extra revenue and up to 300% for certain titles; showing that post-revenues of well structured micro-transaction games can even exceed revenues from actual downloads.
GAMEVIL’s “Baseball Superstars 2008” with 1.3 million downloads in 10 months of its release is one of Korea’s top mobile games. To download the game, users pay $3 USD. The micro-transaction allows users to purchase virtual currency “G-Points” which is used within the game. The average user will purchase $1.50 USD worth of G-Points, a 50% extra revenue, adding 2 million USD to the 4 million USD already generated from downloads alone.
The key to the success of “Baseball Superstars 2008” micro-transaction system is in the detailed virtual currency eco-system structure. Users are able to earn G-Points for free while playing the game, but those who wish to skip this step can purchase G-Points directly and with it, users can purchase special skills and items.
This very successful micro-transaction business model from Korea, is now taking its shot in the U.S. for the first time.
GAMEVIL USA will soon be launching Super Boom Boom 2: Space Adventure in the U.S. Covering over 90 handsets, it will be the first game in the U.S. with a micro-transaction system to cover 98% of available handsets including Blackberry and Windows Mobile. Using micro-transaction, users can purchase G-points (virtual currency within the game) to purchase three completely new stages, items, and play mini games. Super Boom Boom 2: Space Adventure is scheduled to launch in October, 2008.
Dance Dance Revolution Fans Now Have Popular Disney Characters and 40 Favorite Disney Songs for the Nintendo Wii
Dance Dance Revolution - Disney Grooves for the Nintendo Wii. The title is being developed by Bemani, the original pioneers of the video game music genre that brought to market the hit sensation Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party! The latest installment, combines the popular rhythm-dancing phenomenon with classic Disney songs and characters creating a "must-have" for fans of Dance Dance Revolution - Disney Grooves Dance Dance Revolution, Disney and the Nintendo Wii.
"Dance Dance Revolution - Disney Grooves marks the third time we have worked with Disney on a DanceDanceRevolution title," said Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. "However, this is the first one that utilizes the unique capabilities of the Wii to offer an ultimate interactive dancing experience that is certain to thrill fans of Disney and the DanceDanceRevolution franchise."
Dance Dance Revolution - Disney Grooves features some of the most popular Disney characters of all-time including Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy along with enhanced graphics and 40 favorite Disney tunes. Players will have to complete dance challenges in order to unlock more and more music. For a more personalized experience Dance Dance Revolution - Disney Grooves will allow players to customize their very own Mii's with special Disney costumes in its Dressing Room mode.
Additional exclusive modes that will extend the game beyond the standard Dance Dance Revolution format include a Groove World where players achieve goals to unlock cool new costumes stages and songs. Workout Mode, Training Mode and Advanced Mode will challenge the physical limits of experienced players. The game will also feature a My Studio mode that enables players to take pictures of their customized characters, or strike a pose with classic Disney characters.
Dance Dance Revolution - Disney Grooves is scheduled to launch this March 2009.The bundle version includes dance pad controller and game software.
Swedish Pop Star Lisa Miskovsky's "Still Alive" Remixed By Top DJs Including Benny Benassi, Paul van Dyk and Junkie XL
A remix album for their highly anticipated title Mirror’s Edge™ will be digitally released worldwide on November 11th in conjunction with the launch of the game. The album features the title track “Still Alive” performed by Swedish rock/pop star Lisa Miskovsky and remixes by some of today’s hottest artists including Benny Benassi, Paul van Dyk, Junkie XL, Teddybears, and Armand Van Helden.
“A groundbreaking videogame demands an equally provocative theme song,” said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Marketing for EA. “We’ve taken an unprecedented approach to this track, bringing together several of the world’s top remixers to create an album that will not only cross genres and borders, but also redefine how great new music can be delivered to the world.”
Recorded exclusively for Mirror’s Edge, “Still Alive” was written and produced by Rami Yacoub and Arnthor Birgisson who are best known for their chart-topping work with artists Pink, Britney Spears and Kelis. The song was performed by Lisa Miskovsky who earned international acclaim for her #1 self-titled debut album and #1 Platinum follow-up Fallwater. She also won Sweden’s top music awards including Best New Artist, Best Female Artist and Artist of the Year.
“When given the opportunity to work with Lisa, Rami and Arnthor, who are all avid gamers, we knew we had something very special on our hands,” added Magnus Walterstad, Audio Director at DICE. “With ‘Still Alive,’ we created a Mirror’s Edge theme song that is able to stand on it’s own two feet as well as accurately representing the emotional experience of playing the game.”
The complete track listing for the Mirror’s Edge Remix ALBUM is as follows:
ARTIST - Song
Lisa Miskovsky Still Alive – Mirror’s Edge Theme Song Benny Benassi Still Alive – Remix Junkie XL Still Alive – Remix Paul van Dyk Still Alive – Remix Teddybears Still Alive – Remix Armand Van Helden Still Alive – Remix
“This is a terrific song from a tremendous new artist,” said Terry McBride, CEO of EA label partners Nettwerk Music Group. “And every one of these remixers responded not only to the power of the track itself, but also to what this project will mean to the continued convergence of music and gaming. Our entire worldwide marketing team is committed to making this a landmark digital release.”
When customers pre-order Mirror’s Edge at Best Buy in the U.S., they can pick up a music CD containing the theme song to Mirror’s Edge and an exclusive remix by Benny Benassi.
Mirror’s Edge is a revolutionary first person action adventure game that delivers players straight into the shoes of Faith, a modern day heroine who traverses the vertigo-inducing cityscape, engaging in intense combat, fast-paced chases and challenging puzzles.
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