10/21/08

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Star Wars - The Old Republic massively multiplayer online PC game set in the Star Wars - Knights of the Old Republic time frame

LucasArts and BioWare, a division of Electronic Arts, announced the development of Star Wars - The Old Republic, a story-driven massively multiplayer online PC game set in the timeframe of the Star Wars - Knights of the Old Republic franchise. Star Wars: The Old Republic, being developed and published by BioWare and LucasArts, represents an innovative approach to interactive entertainment, featuring immersive storytelling, dynamic combat and intelligent companion characters.

In Star Wars: The Old Republic, players will explore an age thousands of years before the rise of Darth Vader when war between the Old Republic and the Sith Empire divides the galaxy. Players can choose to play as Jedi, Sith, or a variety of other classic Star Wars roles, defining their personal story and determining their path down the light or dark side of the Force. Along the way, players will befriend courageous companions who will fight at their side or possibly betray them, based on the players’ actions. Players can also choose to team up with friends to battle enemies and overcome incredible challenges using dynamic Star Wars combat.

“Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is the most critically acclaimed Star Wars game in LucasArts history and a preeminent example of our company’s interactive storytelling heritage,” said Darrell Rodriguez, President of LucasArts. “For a long time, we’ve wanted to return to the franchise in a grand way, and we felt that the best setting for it was an online world that would allow millions of people to participate in the experience together. We knew that the developer capable of working with us to deliver an engrossing story with a fully-realized online world was BioWare.”

“Traditionally, massively multiplayer online games have been about three basic gameplay pillars - combat, exploration and character progression,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Co-Founder and General Manager/CEO of BioWare and General Manager/Vice President of Electronic Arts Inc., “In Star Wars: The Old Republic, we’re fusing BioWare’s heritage of critically-acclaimed storytelling with the amazing pedigree of Lucasfilm and LucasArts, and adding a brand-new fourth pillar to the equation – story. At the same time, we will still deliver all the fun features and activities that fans have come to expect in a triple-A massively multiplayer online game. To top it all off, Star Wars: The Old Republic is set in a very exciting, dynamic period in the Star Wars universe.”

Added Dr. Greg Zeschuk, Co-Founder and Vice President Development Operations, BioWare and Vice President, Electronic Arts Inc., “Star Wars: The Old Republic is set roughly 300 years after the events of Knights of the Old Republic, a timeframe that is completely unexplored in the lore. BioWare has been able to add to the Star Wars history in developing the game’s story and has created an overarching narrative that players can enjoy, regardless of their play style. Our goal is to offer players an emotionally rewarding experience that combines the traditional elements of MMO gameplay with innovations in story and character development.”

Additional details on Star Wars: The Old Republic features, gameplay and release date will be announced at a later time. For more information about Star Wars: The Old Republic and to sign up for future product updates, please visit www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com.

Saints Row 2 for XBox and PlayStation 3 screenshots and new features

THQ Gamer's Day kicked off with a look at Saints Row 2 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The release date is August 26th and it's packed full of new features.

Character customization: You can take your gang banger from ripped hardbody to overweight and flabby in a matter of seconds. The fat character models which were nicely detailed, rather than just looking like a big balloon. Volition also added the ability to create a female character.

Taunts and compliments: Your avatar can prompt appropriate reactions from non-player characters. And yet even more customization can be had through decorating your gang's crib, featuring a ton of new items like pool tables and even a pole dancing stripper.

A new over the shoulder view allows those of us who are disabled in the ways of first person shooters to get a better handle on the game. One new weapon feature was a remote sticky bomb that can be placed anywhere, then detonated whenever you see fit. Just make sure you're far enough away or you may find yourself blown up along with everything else.

The ability to use a human shield, any NPC can be grabbed and held in front of you to take the gunfire intended for you. When you are done with them, you can simply toss their limp corpse through a plate glass window.

A new mini-game deal was also present, allowing you to hop in a helicopter and fly around the city blowing up cars. It seemed pretty cool, although I really only got a glimpse of that particular mechanic. The game also includes a co-op mode that will allow you and a friend to play the game as a team from start to finish.

During my brief time with Saints Row 2 I was really impressed with the graphics and the control scheme. The aforementioned over the shoulder view made the shooting an easier time for me and much more enjoyable. If you were a fan of the original title, there will certainly be a lot of new content for you to discover and enjoy.

And of course, the inclusion of a pole dancing stripper is always going to put any game at the top of your list.

Or it should anyway.

I just wish she looked like Elizabeth Berkeley.

Far Cry 2 For Microsoft Xbox 360 And Sony PlayStation 3

Today, Ubisoft announced that Far Cry 2 is being developed for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. Far Cry 2 is a next-generation first-person shooter being created by Ubisoft’s Montreal development studio.

More than just a visual and technological achievement, Far Cry 2 immerses players in an entirely new kind of gaming experience, featuring a custom-made video game engine built from the ground up. Players will discover a true open world gameplay set in one of the most beautiful environments in the world, Africa, brought to life by high-definition next-gen technology. Far Cry 2 is scheduled to ship fiscal 2008–2009.

Free Demo of Dynasty Warriors 6 for Windows-based PCs available NOW!

KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that a free demo of Dynasty Warriors 6 for Windows-based PC is now ready for download. Gamers can visit the recently re-launched Dynasty Warriors 6 minisite at www.koei.com/dw6 for more details.

The full version of Dynasty Warriors 6 for Windows-based PC will be available for purchase on November 18, 2008 exclusively through digital download for residents of North America and Brazil.

PENNY ARCADE GAME LAUNCH AND PRICING CONFIRMED FOR PLAYSTATION 3

Anxious fans and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system owners, the wait is almost over! Hothead today announced that its well-received Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One will arrive on the PlayStation Network for download on October 23 in North America (other regions to follow shortly thereafter).

The PlayStation Network version of Episode One features newly-implemented PlayStation 3 system features such as trophies, score ranking and background music (BGM) support and will sell at $14.99 USD, representing a greater value to gamers than ever before. In celebration of this long-awaited moment, the Windows, Mac and Linux versions of Episode One currently available on the Greenhouse digital distribution service (www.playgreenhouse.com) will be immediately and permanently reduced to sell at a comparable price.

"We're so excited to finally be able to get this version into gamers' hands," said Vlad Ceraldi, "that we wanted to extend the same value and opportunity to anyone else who hasn't had a chance yet to play Episode One. Other platforms and digital distribution services can make their own decision regarding pricing, of course, but we're recommending under $15 for this and all episodes going forward. Episode Two will be coming to PlayStation Network before Christmas and we are really happy how it turned out."

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One has been rated "M" for Mature by the Electronic Software Ratings Board for all platforms.

The expansion "Epic V: Dragonic Age Part II" for the MMORPG Rappelz is now available in French and German

The fantasy MMORPG Rappelz, available on the game portal www.gpotato.eu, received last July the first part of the extension "Epic V: Draconic Age”. After collecting the reviews of the community, the French and German servers have been updated today with the second part of this major update, adding exclusive and exciting content.

Launched in Europe in February 2008, Rappelz is a free-to-play MMORPG which has appealed to French and German players through its fantasy world and its gameplay focused on competition between guilds and the ability to tame many creatures. "Epic V: Draconic Age" is the first major extension of the game since its European launch. The first part, available since last July, added new high-level areas, the legendary White Dragon, the Cerberus and many other new features.

Launched in Europe today, the second part of this expansion is also aimed at high-level players by adding two new dungeons on the Forgotten Island, new Rank VI armor and a unique mount, the Sacred Oryx. However, the low-level players are not left behind since a new dungeon accessible to everyone, "The Bear Dungeon," also appeared. This extension also includes new features for pets, improved interface and skills, and much more! This important update available from today on the French and German servers.

Free to play mountain bike video game with the BBC and CBBC

CBBC joining Greentube´s media-partner network of high quality free download games

BBC, one of the world´s leading TV-broadcasters and well-known in the industry for its proven interactive competence, has signed a license-deal with Vienna-based Greentube AG, to adapt one of its high quality free download games for the UK public service audience.

Based on an existing games engine that delivers multi player down hill racing which is financed through in-game advertising, the BBC Children's department has adapted this to support their olympic programming and promote their own shows in the dynamic banners.

The "Mountainbike Challenge 08" presented as the flagship-game of the "Sports Village" section has attracted numerous CBBC visitors since the launch in early August 2008.

The game-season will commence until the end of October 2008.

Eberhard Dürrschmid, CEO of Greentube: "We are very proud of the BBC joining our network of global partners for our high quality games. This is another proof of concept for us and honours the work we are doing and the constant improvement of concepts and games we are living for. We have been developing into a major player for casual online- and download multiplayer games within the past 5 years."

Greentube´s series of free download sports games is attracting more than 7 million global players and is still on its way to expansion, as new games will be added to the existing portfolio within the next 12 months and a series of new media-partners is going to license the new season of "Ski Challenge", starting in December 2008.

Dynasty Warriors Free PC video game Demo link

Gamers can download the free demo of KOEI's Tactical Action mega-hit today. The full version for Windows-based PC debuts on November 18, 2008.

KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that a free demo of DYNASTY WARRIORS®6 for Windows-based PC is now ready for download. Gamers can visit the recently re-launched DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 minisite at www.koei.com/dw6 for more details.

The full version of DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 for Windows-based PC will be available for purchase on November 18, 2008 exclusively through digital download for residents of North America and Brazil.

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 for Windows-based PC System Requirements
Minimum: Pentium® 4 1.6GHz, Windows XP/Vista, 512MB RAM, 5GB or more of free space, 640×480 High Color enabled, 3D Accelerator with Hardware T&L and Pixel Shading supporting 128MB or more of VRAM, DirectX 9.0c+, DirectX 9.0c+ compliant, 16-bit stereo with 44KHz playback supported by Windows XP/Vista, keyboard

Recommended: Intel® Core™2Duo 2.4GHz, Windows XP/Vista, 512MB RAM, 5GB or more of free space, 1280×720 True Color enabled, 16:9, 3D Accelerator with Hardware T&L and Pixel Shading supporting 128MB or more of VRAM, DirectX 9.0c+, DirectX 9.0c+, DirectX 9.0c+ compliant, 16-bit stereo with 44KHz playback supported by Windows XP/Vista, DirectX 9.0 compatible, 12-button game pad

The following video cards have been tested and found compatible with the product.
ATI Radeon™: X1650, X1950, HD 2600, HD 3650
NVIDIA GeForce™: 7600, 7900, 8500, 8600, 9600

About DYNASTY WARRIORS 6
Selling over 18 million units combined worldwide, KOEI's award-winning DYNASTY WARRIORS series and SAMURAI WARRIORS® series of Tactical Action games have become a global phenomenon.

Based on the epic novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the genre-defining DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 depicts the massive battles ignited by the fall of the Han Dynasty when three rebellious states moved to overthrow the Emperor of China.

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 delivers the unparalleled exhilaration of single-handedly destroying thousands of soldiers on massive battlefields. Utilizing spectacular fighting techniques motion-captured from some of today's leading stuntmen and stuntwomen in Asia, DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 immerses gamers in a truly cinematic kung-fu adventure. The game's lightning-fast fighting, intuitive combat system and breathtaking environments create a visceral gaming experience that pushes the limits of Tactical Action.

Also slated for this November, DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system will now come as a single disc. Action-packed with the full cast of playable characters and pulse-pounding scenarios of the original release, this new version features platform-exclusive content including never-before-seen "Musou" mode stories, new weapons, plus five additional stages and 10 new scenarios.

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 for the PlayStation 2 ships to North American retailers the week of November 18, 2008. The game is in stores now for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Developed by KOEI's Omega Force, DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 is rated "T" (Teen – Violence) by the ESRB. DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 is for 1 to 2 players (offline). For additional information, visit www.koei.com/dw6.

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Tuesday, October 21, 2008