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$1 million Unreal Tournament all the winners - link to levels

Epic Games, Inc. today announced Phase 2 winners in its $1 Million Intel Make Something Unreal Contest. The competition rewards top mods created for Unreal Tournament 3 with cash and hardware prizes in four preliminary phases and a grand final judging. In this portion of the judging alone, a total of $70,000 in cash prizes will be distributed to mod authors who place each category.

“Intel is committed to unleashing developer innovation. The second phase of the $1 Million Intel Make Something Unreal Contest has delivered some of the most exciting and innovative Unreal Tournament 3 game mods ever,” said Elliot Garbus, vice president Intel Software and Services Group, general manager Visual Computing Software Division. “This contest is just one of the ways that Intel’s Visual Adrenaline developer program encourages developers and enthusiasts alike to get the most out of PC gameplay.”

The Phase 2 winning mods will be showcased at the 2009 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco at the Intel Lounge.

“Epic’s mod contest has provided benefits for both mod authors and the game industry alike,” said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games, Inc. “Past winners have gone on to ship commercial games using the Unreal Engine, and several former members of the Unreal mod community have found jobs either with Epic or with companies licensing the Unreal Engine.”

The Best Game Mod winners are recognized as follows:

First place: Prometheus by Rachel “Angel Mapper” Cordone and Prometheus Project


Second place: The Haunted by Michael Hegemann and The Haunted team


Third place: The Ball: Oztoc by Sjoerd “Hourences” De Jong and The Ball team


Fourth place: Angels Fall First: Planetstorm by Alex Drake and The Planetstorm Team


Fifth place: Snowreal by Michael Buettner


Winners of Best New Character or Customization Pack are:

First place: Xeno by Charles “EvilEngine” Jones


Second place: Egyptian Warlord Amenophis by David Hagemann


Third place: The Haunted by Michael Hegemann and The Haunted team


Fourth place: RuneStorm Crusader by Arn Reichart


Fifth place: RuneStorm Skeleton Minion Characters by Arn Reichart


Winners of Best New Vehicle are:

First place: XS Harpy by Jochem “Xyx” van 't Hull


Second place: Dispatcher by John Beswick


Third place: Sturm Gunship (ULA) by Alex Drake and The Planetstorm Team


Fourth place: Coda Horse by Nathan “Denrei” Aschenbach


Fifth place: Lav III by John Beswick


Winners of Best New Vehicle CTF Level are:

First place: Apex by Neil Hodges

Second place: TrainCrossing by Nathaniel Rossol


Third place: Defection_SE by Scott Coxhead


Fourth place: FrozenTomb by Robert Ghartley


Fifth place: Kelahf by Wael "cooloola" Ben Dhia


Winners of Best New Deathmatch or CTF Level are:

First place: SteamTemple by Thomas “Setheran” Browett


Second place: Arean by Daniel Diaz Gonzalez


Third place: Thor by Jesus Diaz Gonzalez


Fourth place: Worm by Claes "Nurb" Engdal

Fifth place: Dreary3 by Bryan Sparksman


Winners of Best New Warfare Level are:

First place: Flare by Thomas “Setheran” Browett


Second place: Tropico by Nick Donaldson


Third place: Meditation by Muhammad "MozI" Ahmed


Fourth place: RealGar by Opeyemi “Jayoplus” Ajayi

Fifth place: TanksForPlaying by Josh "CaptainSnarf" Turpen


Winners of Best Graphics in Map are:

First place: Tropico by Nick Donaldson


Second place: Worm by Claes "Nurb" Engdal

Third place: Krodan by Sjoerd "Hourences" De Jong


Fourth place: SteamTemple by Thomas “Setheran” Browett

Fifth place: Arean by Daniel Diaz Gonzalez


Winners of Best Use of Physics are:

First place: The Ball: Oztoc by Sjoerd “Hourences” De Jong and The Ball team


Second place: Cubes of Serenity by Anna Beck-Thomsen, Lawrence Johnson, Jens Hammerhøj, André Johansen, Martin Larsen, and Janusch Häring


Third place: CaptainSnarf's Modded Vehicles by Josh "CaptainSnarf" Turpen

Fourth place: XS Harpy by Jochem “Xyx” van 't Hull


Fifth place: Unreal Demolition 2 by Dan Weiss


Winners of Best Machinima are:

First place: DoubleKill - Episode 1 by David Tyner

Second place: Rebirth by Sergey Tomych


Epic will begin accepting submissions for Phase 3 of the $1 Million Intel Make Something Unreal Contest in April 2009, and the entry deadline for Phase 3 is May 15, 2009. Participation in previous phases is not required for eligibility in Phase 3. Visit www.makesomethingunreal.com for more details on the contest.

About the $1 Million Intel Make Something Unreal Contest
In the all-new $1 Million Intel Make Something Unreal Contet, aspiring game developers create modifications (“mods”) for the PC version of Unreal Tournament 3 in a range of categories including levels, characters, weapons, game types, tools, vehicles and more. Winnings exceed over $1 million in value, consisting of one coveted Unreal Engine 3 license as a grand prize in addition to other cash awards and prizes. The new “$1 Million Intel Make Something Unreal Contest” will be judged in four preliminary phases and a grand final. Judging began in June 2008 and will conclude, with the grand final prizes being awarded, in late 2009. For more information on the contest, visit www.makesomethingunreal.com.

Intel Software provides resources, technologies, products and services developers need to create innovative products and industry-leading software solutions designed to run best on Intel platforms. Intel helps PC gaming developers innovate through its Visual Adrenaline developer program. For more information, visit www.intel.com/software/visualadrenaline.

About Unreal Tournament 3
Published by Midway, Unreal Tournament 3 marks the return of the world's premiere first-person shooter to the PC, Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3. Unreal Tournament 3 unleashes the full power of Unreal Engine 3, taking graphics, gameplay and challenge to a whole new level. Players engage in intense battles with other human players online, or against Unreal artificial intelligence that sets the industry standard. With the most powerful futuristic weapons and vehicles available, this is FPS action at its best! More information about Unreal Tournament 3 can be found online at www.unrealtournament3.com.

Scratch - The Ultimate DJ video game screenshots

Genius Products has released new screenshots from the upcoming videogame, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, one of the first music rhythm games for fans of hip-hop. With creative and technical input from Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ features an innovative turntable style controller and more than 60 licensed and original hip-hop and R&B songs from mainstream and underground artists such as Kanye West, Tech N9ne, Run DMC, and Deltron 3030.

In addition to a heavy-hitting setlist, Scratch: The Ultimate DJ features an array of customizable DJ personalities and distinctive urban environments, including 12 unique venues varying from homemade garage set-ups to million-dollar mansions.

The five new screenshots show various environments from Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, including a subway, swimming pool and rooftop nightclub.






Scratch: The Ultimate DJ is scheduled for release on next-generation consoles in Summer 2009.

Win a PC games rig with CDV and Scared 2 - Fallen Angel sweepstake

cdv USA is pleased to announce that they have launched a new sweepstakes today… and it’s sure to make the winner the envy of all their PC gaming friends! In cooperation with top PC builder GameRigs, cdv USA will be giving away a fantastic Sacred 2-themed custom PC in their “Sacred 2 - T-Energy Sweepstakes,” which launched today.

To enter the sweepstakes, please here

Many will enter the sweepstakes, but only one person will win a fantastic, custom-built Sacred 2 PC, which includes these incredible components –

1st Prize

- Custom Gaming Desktop PC System from GameRigs, including:
- GameRigs Aluminum ATX Case with custom artwork
- AMD Phenom X4 2.5GHz Quad-Core AM2+ Processor
- 2 GB Crucial Ballistix memory
- NVIDIA GeForce 9800GTX+ 512mb PCI-E 2.0
- NEC Accusync 24" LCD Display
- Razer Lycosa gaming keyboard
- Razer DeathAdder gaming mouse
- Sacred 2: Fallen Angel Mousepad
- Sacred 2 Premium Poster
- In-game Carrier Imp pet (included in Special edition of the game)
- Sacred 2 : Fallen Angel Poster
- Sacred 2 : Fallen Angel Decals

2nd Prize

- Razer Lycosa gaming keyboard
- Razer DeathAdder gaming mouse
- Sacred 2: Fallen Angel Mousepad
- In-game Carrier Imp pet (included in Special Edition of the game)
- Sacred 2 : Fallen Angel Poster
- Sacred 2 : Fallen Angel Decals

3rd Prize

- Razer DeathAdder gaming mouse
- Sacred 2: Fallen Angel Mousepad
- In-game Carrier Imp pet (included in Special Edition of the game
- Sacred 2 : Fallen Angel Poster
- Sacred 2 : Fallen Angel Decals

Pre-Order Metal Gear Online SCENE Expansion to Receive the Special "Cardboard Man" Head Gear

Konami today announced SCENE Expansion, the latest Metal Gear Online expansion pack for the ultimate squad based, tactical shooter based on the Metal Gear Solid Universe. Available in March, SCENE is the third Metal Gear Online expansion pack and features a vast amount of new content - including new maps, special characters, new gear and more. In order to make SCENE as accessible as possible, players, for the first time ever, can now use PayPal along with the PlayStation Network Wallet prepay system as a form of payment. Additionally, players who want to be the first to get their hands on the latest expansion for the popular, multiplayer shooter hit, can pre-order SCENE via MGOnline's in-game shop and Konami's shop . All Metal Gear fans who pre-order SCENE will receive the hilarious classic "cardboard man" head gear as a special free gift. Players will be able to pre-order SCENE one week before launch.

Additionally, on February 26, Konami will debut an all-new trailer on the PlayStation Store that will offer fans a sneak peak of this highly anticipated expansion.

Please find below further details on some of the new content in the expansion pack:

• 3 New Maps
Outer Outlet - An Industrial Wasteland, made up of buildings and underground/above ground areas. Suitable for medium to long range attacks.
Hazard House - An enormous three story mansion. Suitable for close to medium range combat.
Ravaged Riverfront - Clock Tower, made up of underground, above ground, and under water areas. Suitable for medium to long range combat.

• 2 new special characters
Raiden and Vamp - two highly anticipated characters with extraordinary physical abilities and overwhelming offensive power.

Metal Gear Online is the online multi-player experience that is included free in the retail version of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, developed exclusively for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

Champions Online video game website open for buisness

Packed with Game Info and Localised in French and German, Visitors to the Site Can Sign Up for a Chance to Take Part in the Forthcoming Live Beta

Atari announce that the official European Champions Online website is now open for business at www.champions-online.com. Localised in French and German as well as English, the site plays host to regularly updated news, game information, video, screenshots, artwork, developer blog and more, alongside the recently launched ‘Rate My Champion’ feature which allows the public to view and rate characters created in the Beta version of Champions Online, scheduled for launch this coming spring 2009.

In addition, visitors to the site can apply for a chance to take part in the live beta test of Champions Online and be amongst the first to explore the new universe and become champions.

Powered by the groundbreaking Cryptic Engine, Champions Online for PC features real-time action combat, the richly detailed Champions universe, and literally billions of character options allowing total customization. The experienced team at Cryptic Studios is devoted to working directly with gamers to deliver a great gaming experience, and establish Champions Online as the premier superheroic massively multiplayer online role playing game.

In Champions Online players will create their very own unique champion, explore space, venture into new dimensions and save the world. Visit www.champions-online.com to keep up to date with all the exciting developments in Champions Online between now and the launch of the game in spring 2009.

Final Fantasy crystal chronicles - Echoes of Time Europe release date

Square Enix announce that FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES - Echoes of Time will be released in Europe and across PAL territories on 27th March 2009, exclusively on both Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii systems.

Introducing the World’s first cross-platform multiplayer adventure for the Nintendo DS & Wii systems! Set in the fun and friendly CRYSTAL CHRONICLES universe of the FINAL FANTASY series, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time delivers a unique and innovative experience where both Nintendo platforms come together in perfect harmony.

With truly advanced 3D graphics and up to four-player multiplayer gameplay, this is the most accessible take on the FINAL FANTASY universe, allowing players to enjoy the CRYSTAL CHRONICLES experience from anywhere in the world thanks to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection mode.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “The release of FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time shows Square Enix’s continuous commitment to bringing innovative gaming experiences to European players. The colourful world of CRYSTAL CHRONICLES provides the ideal opportunity for all Wii and Nintendo DS owners to come together and enjoy this magical adventure with their friends.”

About FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time

Story

A triumphant return from a monster-infested forest marks the completion of the 16-year-old hero’s coming-of-age ceremony. However, the hero’s joy is short-lived as a young village girl is found to be afflicted by a mysterious illness known as “crystal sickness.” Determined to obtain the cure, the hero steps out of the secluded village for the first time, only to discover a world in which crystals are merely artifacts of the past and no longer exist…

Features

• Wii and Nintendo DS players can share their adventure together through Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and Wireless Communication.
• 2-4 player multi-play through Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection & Wireless Communication mode.
• Over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection: 4 players max (any mixture of Wii and Nintendo DS hardware).
• Wireless Communication: 4 players max (either up to 4 players on Nintendo DS hardware, or alternatively 1 Wii hosting up to three Nintendo DS players).
• Players can register their own phrases on top of many fixed phrases available for easy communication in multiplayer.
• Over 300 different items and costume combinations add to the fun. Changes to costume/equipment are directly visible on your character in the game.
• Trade with friends using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection functions.
• Play in four different languages – English, French, German and Spanish. The multiplayer mode can be played seamlessly even when each player selects a different language.

Cross Fire PC video game Community passes 25000 open beta members

More Than 25,000 Players have Joined the Cross Fire Community At http://crossfire.subagames.com/ in the First Two Weeks of Open Beta

G4BOX Inc and Wicked Interactive Ltd., North American publishers and distributors of interactive entertainment media, together announced today the tremendous success and popularity of the open beta for their military first-person shooter, Cross Fire. The beta, which began on Friday, January 30, 2009, has since gathered more than 25 000 registered players and made a major splash in the online first-person shooter scene. Cross Fire will continue in Open Beta through February.

"We knew there was an audience out there that was really anticipating Cross Fire, so we expected a good result," said Garvin Yeung, Chief Executive Officer of Wicked Interactive. "But even we are amazed by the overwhelming response that Cross Fire has garnered thus far," added Howard He, Chief Executive Officer of G4BOX.

The open beta launch marked the beginning of Cross Fire's persistent military-ranking and stat-tracking features. Player-progress will be tracked from the open beta onward so that players may accurately gauge their skills against the rest of the Cross Fire community. The Open Beta also introduced a clan system into the game, allowing players to band together into persistent teams. This feature is supported by a unified Subagames clan page, which maintains rankings of all clans across the Subagames library of free MMOs. The Cross Fire open beta also introduced in-game friend lists, in addition to a variety of new maps, weapons, and items.

Cross Fire is an online military first-person shooter for the PC, developed by SmileGate and Neowiz, and co-published by G4BOX and Wicked Interactive. Players assume the role of either a Black List or Global Risk mercenary, and then join an online team that must work together to complete objective-based scenarios. Cross Fire's flagship feature is its "Ghost Mode", which puts one team in possession of top-secret cloaking technology, rendering them invisible to the opposing team. This team of "ghosts" is armed only with knives, and must stealthily track and hunt the enemy team. This mode is exclusive to Cross Fire and no other mode exists quite like it in any other first-person shooter. Cross Fire also features Team Death Match, Search & Destroy and Elimination modes, in addition to a military ranking system, in-game friends lists, a clan formation system, and deep character customization options. Cross Fire is free-to-download-and-play. Visit the Cross Fire homepage at:
http://crossfire.subagames.com

Now part of the Subagames library of free MMOs.
http://www.subagames.com

PES 2009: Free January transfer update available from today

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced the release of a free download containing all the moves within the January transfer window for PES 2009.

The download will be available as of today to users of PES 2009 for PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360 and PC-DVD It's accessible via the game system settings and will bring all club sides' rosters in line with all the transfers made before the end of the January 2009 transfer window. Hundreds of players have been updated and corrected according to their moves, with approximately 200 new players added to the game for the first time. The stats of thousands of players have also been refined, in line with their performances so far this season.

The new team data follows an update released yesterday, which corrects small technical issues within PES 2009, including the importation of photo data. These downloads further demonstrate Konami’s commitment to continually updating PES 2009, with further exciting downloadable content set for release in the coming months.

Ubisoft update 2009 games release dates...

Ubisoft's UK branch has sent Cubed3 its updated list of releases for the European market, with Rogue Trooper slinking onto Wii this coming Friday, Grey's Anatomy arriving in the middle of next month, the eagerly anticipated Broken Sword for DS and Wii towards the end of March and the Acquire-developed Tenchu on Wii landing at the beginning of April.

Check out the full list below:

* Rogue Trooper (Wii) - 20/02/09

* Imagine Ballet Dancer (DS) - 27/02/09

* Sam Power: Football (DS) - 13/03/09

* Grey's Anatomy (DS) - 13/03/09

* Grey's Anatomy (Wii) - 13/03/09

* Petz: My Baby Panda (DS) - 20/03/09

* Scrabble 2009 (DS) - 20/03/09

* Imagine My Restaurant (DS) - 27/03/09

* Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars (Director's Cut) (DS) - 27/03/09

* Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars (Director's Cut) (Wii) - 27/03/09

* Imagine Doctor (DS) - 27/03/09

* World Sports Party (Wii) - 27/03/09

* Tenchu Shadow Assassins (Wii) - 03/04/09

* My Happy Kitchen (DS) - Q2 2009

Can World of Warcraft (WoW) save the planet?

When you consider how many people play World of Warcraft, it might occur to you that if every one of those 11.5 million people changed the way they lived to a more environmentally friendly method, it just might make a big difference to the planet. That's exactly what Professor Byron Reeves of Stanford University believes, and he's looking for a way to put it into practice.

Reeves understands that one of the main ways WoW works is by completing tasks as a team, also known as a group, raid or even guild. What if your performance in WoW, and therefore the performance of your team, was affected by how much electric you use? If you use too much, you won't do as well as someone else who lives very efficiently when it comes to using energy in the home.

The idea sounds a bit far-fetched, for example, how would the game be able to tell how much electricity you're using? Scientists have proposed using a Smart Meter which gathers information for billing purposes usually, then sends it back to the utility company; this is the method Reeves suggests.

Of course for this to work every WoW player would need one of these attached to their homes, which would then have to be fed into the game somehow. And what about people who play from net cafes, not to mention Blizzard's stance on it - you can imagine what it would do to all the carefully balanced class stats!

We've contacted Professor Reeves for more information on his idea.

April 5 release date for American Nintendo DSi Europe to follow

New version of the venerable handheld will hit North American shores in April at US$169.99; along with a brand new colour.

Since the DSi was first announced in October 2008, Nintendo has remained coy about its release in the US market. The only word from Nintendo US had been pessimistic, warning that it wouldn't release the redesigned console until "well into 2009". Thankfully though, that doubt has improved to a more 'glass half full' approach, as Nintendo has just announced that the console will arrive in time for Easter in the US, on April 5.

The console, which has been on sale in Japan since November 2008, will cost US$169.99, and will be available in black as well as a brand new blue colour. Nintendo's release also confirms that the DSiWare application will also be making its way to the US, allowing owners of the console to download new software from the internet, starting at 200 DSi points.

Nintendo's announcement also confirms that the game Rhythm Heaven will make its American debut on April 5. The rhythm action title has proved to be incredibly popular in Japan, and following on from success on the Game Boy and in arcades, it's sold 1.6 million copies on the DS since launch. You can find out more about the minigame collection in our hands-on preview of the US version.

Contacted by GameSpot UK for a European announcement, Nintendo Europe declined to comment on the DSi's release in its final major territory. To find out more about the DSi, be sure to check out GameSpot's hands-on with the console.

Source: gamespot Australia

Super Smash Bros Brawl - Masahiro Sakurai talks about his next Project Sora

Super Smash Bros Brawl is at the heart of a rather amazing phenomena, which I was witness to at the recent Miami NARP. When we got there to set up, there were some students playing Brawl in the room adjacent to us. This was around 11 am. As the day went on, I noticed the same gamers still glued to the screen. By ten pm that night, they hadn't moved. ELEVEN HOURS of Super Smash Bros Brawl. It's rare that I've ever spent that much time on one game ... at least in such a big chunk of time, anyway.

Surely those same guys and countless other fans will be thrilled to hear that the creator of SSBB, Masahiro Sakurai, is hard at work creating a new title. On January 22nd of this year, Sakura's company, Sora Ltd., formed a new project in cahoots with Nintendo, which goes by the moniker of Project Sora.

All Sakurai had to say about the new project was, "I can promise an experience that's different from anything [you've played] up until now." I can't begin to imagine what that might be, but I'm sure you guys have some ideas, don't you?

Source: destructoid

Super Street Fighter II HD Remix on PlayStation store tomorrow

Want more Ryu, extra helpings of Chun-Li? Then this is your week. Not only is Capcom releasing Street Fighter IV on PS3 & 360 this Friday, but tomorrow Thursday 19th February, PlayStation 3 owners will be able to play the game that laid the foundations for SFIV with the release of Super Street Fighter II HD Remix on the European PlayStation Store.
SSFII HD Remix is priced at €14.99 or £11.99.

Rare restructure may cost jobs

Microsoft Game Studios' Rare team is to restructure, with the possibility of a number of redundancies at the Viva Pinata studio.

As part of Microsoft's wider restructuring announced last month, the company plans to shift focus and embrace new business models designed to speed up and simplify the games development process.

"As the entire industry struggles to address the increasing scale and cost of development, we too have felt a need to restructure our current approach so we can speed development and better manage the scale required to create high quality games," commented Mark Betteridge, studio manager.

"With four projects recently underway, now is the right time to make this change. Throughout its history, Rare has demonstrated a willingness to embrace new approaches and commitment to delivering game-changing experiences to our customers.

"This announcement is no different and builds on that tradition as we work with MGS to make interactive entertainment as culturally relevant in people’s lives as books, movies and television are today," he added.

Rare has drawn up three key areas where it intends to focus its developments going forward.

As an internal studio, the team will continue to focus on expanding the user base of the Xbox 360, a process it has already started with the release of distinctive offerings such as Viva Pinata and Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts.

The studio will also help grow the Xbox Live experience, following its success in designing the avatars used for NXE.

But it hasn't stepped away from the blockbusters either, as the team promises to "continue delivering AAA gaming experiences that excite both our current and future customers."

Rare said that it hopes its restructuring and adoption of new business practices can influence the wider games industry, but also admitted some team members may lose their positions as a result.

"In order to achieve these goals, the company is reviewing the current composition of its development teams and there is the possibility that a small number of current positions could be lost as a result of these changes."

Source: GamesIndustry

Last year half the games sold in Japan were for Nintendo DS...

Famitsu has released data on the top 100 best-selling games in Japan for 2008, with DS sales making up 51 per cent of the region's market.

The home console race was unsurprisingly won by Nintendo's Wii. The console saw 15 titles in the top 100, the star performer being Wii Fit at number three, with 2,149,131 units sold in the year and lifetime sales just below 3 million.
This represents a market share of 15.4 per cent, down by 5.5 per cent year-on-year.

Sony's PlayStation 2 was close behind with 12 titles in the chart, although its best performer, Super Robot Taisen Z, peaked much further down at number 20. However, the platform's market share increased 6.7 per cent from last year to make up 17.5 per cent, according to figures re-published by PS3 Hyper.

PlayStation 3 titles took ten spots, with Metal Gear Solid 4 securing 11th place at 686,254 units, and Grand Theft Auto IV making an appearance at number 66, at 195,779 units. Sony's latest console saw its share of the market drop by 50 per cent to take up 3.9 per cent.

Comparatively, Microsoft's Xbox 360 performed poorly with only one title making it into the top 100. Taking its place at number 82, Tales of Vesperia sold 161,070 units. The console saw its share of the market drop 0.7 per cent to just 2 per cent.

Home console sales paled in comparison to those of the Nintendo DS, which saw 47 titles occupy the chart, accounting for 51.6 per cent of the market - an increase of 8.8 per cent from 2007. The platform's top title, Pokemon Platinum, took second place overall at 2,187,337 units.

Sony's PlayStation Portable had 15 titles in the top 100, with Capcom's Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, securing the top spot in the chart with 2,452,111 units. However, PSP market share declined to 8.8 per cent, compared to 14.8 per cent the previous year.

Nintendo was the most successful publisher for the second year running, with sales growing from 19 million to 23.5 million units. Namco Bandai was the next most successful, with 8.5 million units sold.

Source: GamesIndustry

X3 - Terran Conflict 2.0 - The Aldrin Missions Coming Soon to US Retailers

EGOSOFT's X3 - Terran Conflict 2.0 available April 7, 2009

EGOSOFT, renowned developer of the acclaimed X franchise of computer games for PC, Mac and Linux, announced today that the latest version of its critically acclaimed title, X³: Terran Conflict, will be available at all major US retail outlets beginning April 7, 2009.

X³: Terran Conflict 2.0 – The Aldrin Missions will feature a host of new missions, new ships and much more – and will be available at all major US retail outlets and on Steam, a leading platform for the delivery and management of PC games and digital content with over 15 million accounts around the world. The release at retail and on Steam will be simultaneous.

Entitled X³: Terran Conflict 2.0 – The Aldrin Missions, this updated version of X³: Terran Conflict is being published by IGS Interactive and will feature a host of new missions, new ships and much more.

“We couldn’t be more excited to get X³: Terran Conflict 2.0 – The Aldrin Missions into our customers’ hands,” said Bernd Lehahn, managing director of EGOSOFT. “With this new version, we will build on the fantastic critical response to X³: Terran Conflict and will deliver a truly memorable experience to the gamer.”

As with the previous titles in the X series, X³: Terran Conflict 2.0 – The Aldrin Missions is a single-player space simulation featuring fast-paced first-person space combat, free-form open exploration of a huge dynamic universe, and large-scale management of the player’s own intergalactic corporation.

In X³: Terran Conflict (the predecessor to 2.0), the long-lost Terran colony of Aldrin was rediscovered. Now, after numerous years of isolation, the Terrans are keen to bring the Aldrans back into the fold as part of their massive effort to colonize areas of space thought lost or inaccessible. No colonization is easy, however, and you will be asked to not only help in the shaping of the new frontier, but will also be called upon to provide protection for the colonization effort against forces determined to oppose the Aldrin Expansion. New Terran stations and complexes, a new Terran ship and a host of other new features are introduced as you play a decisive role in the shaping of this new Terran frontier.

“We are honored to be publishing the latest installment in such a proven franchise,” said Paul Lombardi, CEO of IGS Inc. “The Aldrin Missions is a more than worthy successor to the outstanding Terran Conflict, and this version will further solidify EGOSOFT’s already stellar X franchise as one of the best in gaming.”

X³: Terran Conflict was released in European retail outlets and on Steam on October 17, 2008. The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive and X³: Terran Conflict currently boasts a 78.2% ranking on Game Rankings. IGN, the largest and most influential videogame site in the world, said that “Clearly crafted by a design team on a mission and with a vision, X3: Terran Conflict is a pretty and impressively ambitious voyage into the heavens that should satiate the thirst of anyone who pines for life away from earthly confines.”

Street Fighter IV video game on Xbox 360, Playstation 3 this Friday

Capcom announce that Street Fighter IV has shipped to retail for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system ahead of its official release date this Friday 20th February. The long-awaited Street Fighter IV is posed to redefine the fighting game genre with a return to the classic 2D Street Fighter fighting action mixed with new characters, high definition 3D visuals, and next-generation fluid gameplay.

“Long time Street Fighter fans and those new to the series will be blown away by the all new Street Fighter IV,” said Ben Wyer-Roberts, European Marketing Manager. “From a game series that has over 20 years of heritage, Street Fighter IV is the perfect blend of well loved characters and features from the past and some amazing new ones. Street Fighter IV is undisputed heavyweight champion of the next generation fighting genre.”

Street Fighter IV features a mix of returning favourites such as Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li and Guile along with new characters created exclusively for this game such as Crimson Viper, Abel, El Fuerte, and Rufus. 

Characters and environments are rendered in high definition 3D, while the game is played in the classic Street Fighter 2D perspective with additional 3D camera flourishes. Six-button controls for the game return, with a host of new special moves and features integrated into the input system. Street Fighter IV also incorporates state of the art online match making and worldwide online gameplay. 

Mixing classic genre-defining game mechanics the franchise is known and loved for with all-new, never-before-seen gameplay systems, Street Fighter IV brings a brand new fighting game to fans the world over. With the inclusion of Capcom's latest advancements in new generation technology, Street Fighter IV promises to deliver an extraordinary experience that will re-introduce the world to the time-honoured art of virtual martial arts.

Features:

• Classic 2D Street Fighter gameplay with stunning high definition 3D characters and environments
• New special moves that go beyond any Street Fighter fan's wildest imagination, including Focus attacks, Super Combos, and the revenged-fueled Ultra Combo system.
• Classic Street Fighter characters recreated for a new generation of gamers, including the original cast of Street Fighter II
• New brawlers: female super-spy Crimson Viper, lucha libre wrestler El Fuerte, mixed martial artist Abel and more!
• New gameplay elements provide new challenges for both newcomers and the most seasoned Street Fighter pro.
• Online gameplay features, including instantaneous online challenges, versus mode, tournament mode, and world wide online gameplay.

Metal Slug 7 on Nintendo DS video game review

Metal Slug 7 (MS7), the latest instalment in SNK Playmore's popular "run and gun" shoot-'em-up series, is unique because it does not have an arcade counterpart like each of the other core Metal Slug releases. Despite this break from tradition, MS7 otherwise fully embraces its heritage in almost every conceivable way.

For the uninitiated, that means plenty of frenetic shooting action, gorgeous hand-drawn visuals, screen-filling boss encounters, swarms of foes and, of course, Metal Slugs (powerful tank-like contraptions).

If you're a fan of the series you will soon find that there is very little here you haven't seen before. In fact, despite being a Nintendo DS title, MS7 makes almost no effort to embrace the console's unique features - the touch screen houses a map but little else, and wireless multiplayer is entirely absent. Instead of startling innovation, then, Metal Slug 7 offers polish, and plenty of it.

Read full review on Cubed3 here...

Two hundred million video games sold by Gameloft most to iPhone and iPod Touch

The Gameloft catalogue now contains nearly 300 games available for download

Gameloft, the worldwide leader in mobile game publishing, today officially announces it has sold over 200 million mobile games since starting in 2003.

The Gameloft catalogue now contains close to 300 entries in all existing categories and suited to every culture. Gameloft games are now available in more than 80 countries, thanks to a very strong distribution network (telecom operators, phone and console manufacturers and media partners).

Gameloft games are distinguished by their availability since they are generally adaptable to all phones and platforms, so each person can enjoy the game he or she wants, regardless of their hardware. Apple (and the Appstore) has become Gameloft’s single biggest sales channel for mobile games in 2008, overtaking all the mobile operators.

“At Gameloft, we believe that consumers are uncompromising,” said Michel Guillemot, President of Gameloft. “They want the best games for the mobile phone or console in their pocket or at home. They also want immediate access at the lowest cost. We channel our creativity and our determination into creating entertainment that corresponds to their expectations and their need for diversion. That includes adapting it to their lifestyle and their budget. These are the reasons they buy our games in such great numbers.”

In 2009, Gameloft announced it will publish a significant number of games for the iPhone and for all devices connected to downloadable networks. It will continue to simultaneously publish games for 1,200 telephones and consoles accessible through the PlayStation Network, PlayStation Store, Nintendo WiiWare, Nintendo DSi and Microsoft Xbox LIVE Arcade.

Tokyo Beat Down Nintendo DS video game - meet the cast

Atlus profiled two more of the main characters of Tokyo Beat Down for Nintendo DS in "Meet the Cast" Beast Cops Lewis Cannon and Rika Hyodo are dedicated to protecting the citizens of Tokyo by beating the sin out of evil-doers, but someone needs to supervise and keep them in line! Meet the Captain and Inspector below...

"Look, kid, I know I shot you, but if you get blood on my backseat, I'm gonna really hafta get violent on you..."

Takeshi Bando

Captain 

Tak has been at Yaesu Station for many years, and he's a trusted friend. He's the only man who can keep the other beast cops in line... although sometimes, even his tactics can be a bit excessive.

He's recently gained some weight, and he's a bit sensitive about it. So careful what you say around him!

Fighting style: All-out offense. He hits hard and gets hit hard.

"This station is full of amateurs. My dog could run the place better!"

Jean Saburo

Inspector

He's an elitist, and his standards are uncompromising. He was sent from main headquarters, downtown, to ensure the investigations run smoothly.

Others think he definitely does not have what it takes to be a beast cop. That's alright, though; Lewis and Rika'll scare him off soon enough.

About Tokyo Beat Down
Who has it within them to rise up against the ever growing threat of violence, crime, and terrorism on the streets of Tokyo? Enter the Beast Cops, tireless servants of justice. These men and women struggle night and day for the heart of the city. They'll match any villain punch for punch, kick for kick, bullet for bullet. They're Beast Cops because they will do whatever it takes, pay any price, inflict as much damage as necessary, in order to restore peace and security to the streets of Tokyo.

Key Features

• Beat 'em up that lets you shoot 'em up - When fisticuffs aren't enough, add guns to deliver a whole new brand of justice to the mean streets of Tokyo. Pick up a variety of weapons, ranging from handguns to rocket launchers, for intense action on each level.
• Badass 70's cop show vibe - Outrageous style, over-the-top substance, and no holds barred hardboiled police action mix with madcap humor and sharply-written dialogue. Dishing out justice to the seamy underbelly of Tokyo has never been this satisfying.
• Multiple characters & endings - This sordid tale of Tokyo's criminal set unfolds through the eyes of three different cops with unique play styles. Story branches lead to multiple endings that determine whether you'll get your shot to beat down the ultimate crime boss.

Tokyo Beat Down is scheduled for release on March 31, 2009 with a MSRP of $29.99.

Rock band Nintendo Wii seven new Nirvana tracks added

The addition of seven tracks from alternative grunge band Nirvana to the Rock Band Music Store catalog of downloadable content for Nintendo Wii home videogame console from Nintendo.

The lineup includes seven master recordings from Nirvana’s 1991 album Nevermind including “Breed,” “Lounge Act,” “On a Plain,” “Polly,” “Something in the Way,” “Stay Away,” and “Territorial Pissings.” These tracks join “In Bloom” from the original Rock Band soundtrack and “Drain You” featured on the Rock Band 2 soundtrack to make for a total of nine Nirvana songs available in the Rock Band music catalog available to Wii owners.

This week’s offering comes from the Rock Band Music Store catalog of downloadable content already released to owners of Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. Wii fans can expect a rollout of the previously released downloadable content until the entire back catalogue of more than 570 songs is available. In addition, the regularly scheduled future DLC releases for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system will also be available for Rock Band 2 Wii owners soon.

Release Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Tracks:

Nirvana Breed
Nirvana Lounge Act
Nirvana On a Plain
Nirvana Polly
Nirvana Something in the Way
Nirvana Stay Away
Nirvana Territorial Pissings

(All tracks are original master recordings)

Price: $2.00 (200 Wii Points) per track

Location: In-game Rock Band 2 Music Store (Wii Points must be purchased
through the Wii™ Shop Channel)