Beginner's guide to Street Fighter IV - have a go if you don't think you're hard enough

Street Fighter IV is out. It's out and it's getting amazing reviews. There is something elemental about this series, the way it pares everything down to time frames of action and interaction involving just one other onscreen object - your opponent. This honed gameplay is married with a brilliant audio and visual aesthetic; gaudy scenery, hyperbolic speech samples, fizzing J-pop. Street Fighter II worked back in 1991, and number four works in the same way now, by mixing the self-consciously tacky with real depth and complexity.

If you've bought a copy you could spend the weekend button-bashing like a chimp on a caffeine drip, or you could decide to do this properly. Street Fighter is an art. There are systems and rules. Thankfully, it's not difficult to learn the basics.

Read full post on the Guardian website...

Nintendo DS announce 3D Picross with download puzzles

In typical fashion, Nintendo Japan has waited until pretty much the last minute to share details on what will probably be one of next month's biggest DS games over in Japan. 3D Picross (or, as it's known in proper Japanese, Rittai Picross) hits Japan on March 12, and at long last received an official website today.

3D Picross is, as the name would suggest, a 3D version of the classic Picross DS puzzle game, itself a DS version of Nonogram or Paint by Numbers. The basic 2D Picross game has players mark off squares, eventually revealing a hidden picture. The new 3D version adds another dimension, replacing squares with blocks. Using hints, you break blocks and eventually reveal a hidden shape.

Official website here...

Read full post here on ign here...

Grand Ages Rome enhanced demo and patch released

Kalypso Media today published an enhanced demo for GRAND AGES: ROME their eagerly awaited city building title. GRAND AGES: ROME, which has been developed by Haemimont Games, is the sequel to their bestseller, Imperium Romanum. Also released is a patch for the Grand Ages: Rome demo released on the 6th February.

Patch-notes / improvements to the demo version:

Difficulty adjustment

• Houses are now deserted every 60 seconds during unemployment (was 30 seconds)
• Deserted buildings health degeneration 3x slower than previously (roughly 9 minutes before fire)
• Fire extinguished by Prefectures twice as quickly.

UI improvements
• Important notifications now blink
• New notification sound for important notifications
• It's harder to accidentally go to realm overview mode

Miscellaneous

• Reduced bad weather duration and intensity
• Stability and compatibility improvements

Improved Demo:
http://www.kalypsomedia.com/downloads/demos/grandagesromedemo-neu-eu.exe

Patch:
http://www.kalypsomedia.com/downloads/demos/grandagesromedemopatch.exe

GRAND AGES: ROME will be released in the UK on 6th March for a recommended retail price of £29.99.

Prince of Persia, Shaun White Snowboarding video game downloads for Mac

Prince of Persia and Shaun White Snowboarding Available Soon via Digital Download and at Retail

Ubisoft will release the award-winning Prince of Persia and Shaun White Snowboarding to the Mac community in March 2009 via Ubisoft’s online digital store, GameTree Online and at traditional retail locations. Mac versions of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation : Hard Evidence, Rayman Raving Rabbids and Petz Sports will also be released at select retail establishments for the first time in March 2009.

“The Mac community has responded very positively to our previous game offerings and we’re excited to provide Mac users with a new selection of games through our relationship with TransGaming,” said Andy Swanson, senior director of strategic sales and partnerships at Ubisoft.

“Ubisoft has an exceptional portfolio of titles that spans an assortment of genres. The availability of their titles on the Mac is a great catalyst for Mac gaming,” commented Vikas Gupta, CEO and president of TransGaming.

Current Mac titles from Ubisoft available via download include CSI: Hard Evidence, Petz Catz 2, Petz Dogz 2, Petz Sports, Prince of Persia The Two Thrones, and Rayman Raving Rabbids.

To learn more about Ubisoft’s games for the Mac, including details on how to pre-order Prince of Persia and Shaun White Snowboarding, please visit: http://digitalstore.ubi.com or http://www.gametreeonline.com.

iPhone Airports database now available on iTunes for iPhone and iPod Touch

I’m pleased to announce that my free iPhone Airports Database - Airports - is now available from iTunes.

It’s been available by direct link for a week or two, but it’s only just started to appear in the App Store search results.

Just seach for Airports and look for the free one from Mark Avey.

Airports will run on the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Scottish comedian, Frankie Boyle, performs stand-up in GTA IV The Lost And The Damned DLC...

Scottish comedian Frankie Boyle can be found hidden in the DLC for The Lost And The Damned.

Boyle can be found performing a stand-up routine at the Split Sides comedy club. Rockstar even motion captured him for authenticity - you can check the credits at the end of The Lost And The Damned if you don't believe us.

"It's highlights from his live act plus at least one GTA IV in-joke," says GTA IV madman and OXM editor Jon Hicks (in that order). "See him at the Split Sides comedy club on Frankfort Ave, one block over and down a bit from Star Junction."

So there you have it. Frankie Boyle in GTAIV! A pretty awesome idea, truth be told. Let's hope this doesn't mean we'll also get Jim Davidson in Resident Evil 5...

Killzone 2 Webgame Command Centre online

Killzone 2 Webgame Command Centre watch the trailer (18+) and register to play here...Search on the right for Killzone for most posts on this game.

Rock Band goes Country with Neko Case, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Drive-By Truckers and Old 97’s Plus Jimmy Eat World rock...

Harmonix and MTV Games today announced the debut of five alternative country acts to the Rock Band Music Store catalog of downloadable content including artists Neko Case, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Drive-By Truckers and Old 97’s.

Rock Band fans will also get a 3-pack from alternative rock band Jimmy Eat World.

“Alt Country 01” 5-pack features a signature mix of alternative country sounds from bluegrass and rockabilly to honky-tonk rock. The 5-pack includes “People Got A Lotta Nerve” from Neko Case’s soon-to-be released album Middle Cyclone (March 3, 2009), “Can’t Let Go” by Grammy winning singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams from her album Car Wheels On A Gravel Road (1998) and Steve Earl’s “Satellite Radio” from his album Washington Square Serenade (2007). The 5-pack also features “Three Dimes Down” from southern rock band Drive-By Truckers featured on the Brighter Than Creation’s Dark (2008) album and the Old 97’s live recording “Timebomb” from the band’s Alive & Wi red (2005) album.

Jimmy Eat World makes its second Rock Band appearance with a 3-pack that includes “Lucky Denver Mint” from the band’s 1999 album Clarity. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the album’s release Jimmy Eat World will set out on a short 10 stop tour starting February 23rd where they’ll play Clarity in its entirety for the crowd. The Jimmy Eat World 3-Pack will also feature tracks “Futures” (Futures, 2004) and “Sweetness” from the band’s 2001 album Bleed American. The band’s hit “The Middle” was featured on the Rock Band 2 soundtrack.

Release Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 (Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360)
Thursday, February 26, 2009 (PlayStation Store)

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change **

Tracks:

Neko Case ”People Got A Lotta Nerve” Steve Earle “Satellite Radio” Lucinda Williams “Can’t Let Go” Drive-By Truckers “Three Dimes Down” Old 97’s “Timebomb (live)” Jimmy Eat World “Futures” Jimmy Eat World “Lucky Denver Mint” Jimmy Eat World “Sweetness“

(All tracks are original master recordings)

Price: $1.99 (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) per track
$8.49 (680 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for Alt Country Pack 01
$5.49 (440 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for Jimmy Eat World Pack 01

Locations: Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360
PlayStation Network

First shots of Fallout 3 Download Content DLC Pitt

Bethesda's just released the first shots of Fallout 3's new visually-pleasing DLC pack, The Pitt.

The Pitt takes place in Pittsburgh's steel-making industrial district, described as a "stunning dystopia that's unlike any other area in Fallout 3's world".

Side quests and unique items are promised, including the fearsome-looking Auto Axe which is pictured above.

Space War Commander video game goes DRM free!

Game developer Dreamspike Studios has just announced that Space War Commander is now available DRM free on Direct2Drive. According to game designer Alex Kutsenok, "Direct 2 Drive was the next logical step. With more and more people hearing about space war commander, we wanted to make the game available DRM free with a major Content delivery service." Space War Commander will sell for 19.95 on the service and will be appearing on many other content delivery services in the future with a possible retail release.

Since its surprise launch in January, Space War Commander has been building up a following with Strategy gamers looking to flex their strategic muscle. According to one armchair general, "Some RTS games let you micro manage, but Space War Commander is the only strategy game in a long time that actually made me think". Alex added this caution "don’t rush out and buy this game just because you need a good RTS. You have to be a fairly brilliant strategist to play this game. If you play it like a normal RTS it will beat you up and take your lunch money."

Nintendo Wii Lumberjack game - chop those logs...

Majesco's launched their first title in the new 'Go Play' range for Nintendo Wii today. Aimed at the market that always seem to buy their children the weirdest possible games, the Go Play series will feature 'fun' and 'easy-to-play' gameplay for the whole family.

Kicking off with Go Play Lumberjacks, a crazy and exciting world of log chopping. With five mini-games included, from chopping logs to er... cutting logs. There's even some sawing of logs to be done.

The game has Balance Board support 'for intense lumberjacking action' . A hilariously, wacky 15 characters have somehow been crammed onto the game disc, including a peg-legged pirate, a medieval knight and a ninja.

Have fun chopping logs - remember to keep that axe sharp...

Have Rockstar censored Grand Theft Auto IV - The Lost and Damned?

Rockstar has offered Eurogamer no comment on the apparent censoring of Grand Theft Auto IV after the release of The Lost and Damned.

European gamers noticed, after an update was applied, that pools of blood no longer formed under bullet-riddled corpses and red mist no longer sprayed as bullets found their mark. YouTube has a before-and-after video comparison to illustrate all this.

Also, the update appears to have limited the camera angles used when you frolic with prostitutes.

Meanwhile, over in previously censored Australia, the exact opposite has been happening: blood now flows freely and prostitution can be seen clearly.

We suspect there's been some sort of mix up, but neither Rockstar nor Microsoft has held their hands up.

Xbox Live players target of Hackers

Xbox Live is being targeted by malicious hackers selling services that kick players off the network.

The booting services are proving popular with players who want a way to get revenge on those who beat them in an Xbox Live game.

More at the BBC site here...

World War One - La Grande Guerre update to 1.0.6A

A sizeable new update is crossing no man's land and heading to hard drives!

Matrix Games and AGEOD are pleased to release the comprehensive 1.0.6A update for World War One – La Grand Guerre. This latest update brings over 50 tweaks and fixes, some of which are major stability improvements. In addition, there are a score of scenario improvements. Overall, the update brings more stability and playability to World War One.

Also, the final full high resolution manual is now completed! This manual will be included with the update. It is much larger, more comprehensive (and prettier) than the existing manual and it is recommended that all players give it a look.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “AGEOD has steadily been improving the gaming experience of World War One since its release. Additionally, we are happy to present to gamers the completed full, high resolution manual which will no doubt be of great use to all players.”

As Europe mobilized in August 1914, both sides of what would be called World War I chanted “Home before the leaves fall!’’ Four long and bloody years later Europe lay in ruins and many once-enthusiastic patriots returned home disenchanted and broken ... Will YOU be able to prevent that outcome?

Take charge as a military and political leader during the most trying and critical times of World War One! As either a member of the Central Powers, the Entente or a neutral nation, you will confront the epic gauntlet of challenges that faced the likes of Kitchener, Joffre, Luddendorf, Clemenceau, Czar Nicholas II or Enver Pasha in scenarios that range from single theatres to the entire grand campaign.

Gaze over an incredibly detailed, beautifully crafted, and massive WWI map as you control dozens of different ground units, planes, and ships. To add further flavor to an already chaotic and intense period of conflict, hundreds of military, economic, political and technological events can help turn the tide of war for or against you. Deftly craft new alliances and jockey for any advantage that can break the deadlock by using ambassadors in an innovative and intuitive diplomacy system.

This update is comprehensive and will bring any previous version of the game to version 1.0.6A. Get more information on World War One – La Grande Guerre from its official product page.

DiRT 2 - FUEL gameplay

Codemasters showcased some of the star players from its 2009 portfolio at its San Francisco Gamers Day event, held last night, Thursday 19th February. Featured titles included DiRT 2, FUEL, Operation Flashpoint - Dragon Rising, Jumpgate Evolution, Overlord II, Overlord Dark Legend and Overlord Minions.

Codemasters announced that DiRT 2, the sequel to the award-winning off-road racer, has been scheduled to ship this September for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Games For Windows LIVE, Wii, Nintendo DS and PSP (PlayStation Portable) system; the most extensive format launch in the 10 million+ selling series’ history.

Set to deliver a thrilling off-roading experience with extreme sports attitude, new visuals released at www.dirt2game.com revealed that, in addition to Utah, Malaysia and London, DiRT 2’s World Tour of off-road events will take racers to a massive, spectator-packed Los Angeles sports stadium for an exhilarating rally cross event: the “Stadium King Shootout”.

Codemasters also showcased FUEL, the multi-terrain, multi-vehicle action racing title from Asobo Studios that will present players with the largest environment ever created in race gaming. FUEL will have players competing across wildly different terrain, created from the most compelling, diverse and striking areas of America using satellite data.

In a new gameplay video, now available from www.fuel-game.com, gamers can tour some of the game’s iconic locations, including the Utah salt-plains and the Grand Canyon, all rendered beautiful by Asobo Studios’ A.C.E. game engine. Coming this May, FUEL will be published for the PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360 and Games For Windows LIVE.

Marking the much anticipated return of the genre-defining military conflict title, Codemasters revealed Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising in action and released new in-game screenshots (now available from www.flashpointgame.com). Set to be the most accessible, engaging and visceral sandbox shooter of the year Operation Flashpoint - Dragon Rising is coming this summer for the Xbox 360, the PLAYSTATION system and Games For Windows.

From an immense racing world to an entire universe, Codemasters Online and developer NetDevil announced that Jumpgate Evolution, the action-based PC Massively Multiplayer Online game that promises exhilarating space combat on a vast scale, is scheduled for take-off this June. Previewing the game’s breath-taking visuals and an innovative twitch-based space combat, a new gameplay video was also released and is now available from www.jumpgateevolution.com.

Heralding the return of the delightfully despotic Overlord and his Minion horde, Codemasters announced that its three new Overlord titles are scheduled to ship this June. Overlord II, the sequel to the original hit twisted fantasy adventure will launch for PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360 and PC. Overlord Dark Legend, an all-new Overlord action adventure steeped in fairy tale lore with sinister satirical twists and starring a new, younger Overlord, will be published exclusively for Wii. While Overlord Minions, an irresistible puzzle action game starring an elite squad of four heroic Minions, will be available exclusively for Nintendo DS.

Revealing a taste of the terrific tales of tyranny that await players, the first Overlord II and Overlord Dark Legend gameplay videos were released and are now available from www.codemasters.com/overlordII and www.codemasters.com/darklegend respectively.

CID has faced his first real challenge, and won!

CID has faced his first real challenge, and won!

He has just beaten Crusher, a giant flying robot capable of ah… “Crushing” anything to smithereens.

Watch the HD videos here and here... please subscribe

Now, Crusher sits there, broken and tattered and begging CID to spare him his life. Crusher explains that D-Troit has control over the minds of all the evil robots and that they weren’t always bad!

What will CID do? Trust Crusher and spare him his life or finish off his enemy by showing no mercy!?

About CID The Dummy

A star is born and he's made to last. CID THE DUMMY makes his debut in Oxygen Games’ all-new action platformer. CID THE DUMMY is sure to grab you with its enjoyable, fun gameplay, featuring a totally original character with charisma and lots of moves. CID has many different fighting styles with which to battle enemies, from unarmed combat to weapons like the Bazooka that can freeze, hit and burn.

• Interact as only a crash impact dummy can. Climb walls, swing on ropes, burn obstacles, destroy exploding barrels, use lifters, bounce on springs and with a neat head butt destroy walls all in stunningly realized environments. Game environment interaction is the most important part of the gameplay.
• CID's world is swarming with a host of fearfully fun enemies like the Dumper, Cursed Dummy and the bizarre Failed Experiment.
• Apart from fighting enemies, the player will enjoy solving puzzles, avoiding traps and using acrobatic skills to get out of dangerous situations!

CID The Dummy will be released on Nintendo Wii, Playstation 2, PSP System, and PC.

Rock Band charity donation and help for seriously ill children

Harmonix and MTV Games give a minimum $50,000 contribution and more than 650 Rock Band bundles in support of Starlight Children's Foundation programs

Harmonix Music Systems and MTV Games are making a generous minimum $50,000 gift to Starlight Children’s Foundation to bring the power of music to children facing chronic and life-threatening illnesses. The partnership will allow Harmonix, the world’s premiere music video game development company and creators of Rock Band, and MTV Games, publisher of Rock Band, to give Starlight children the chance to relax, enjoy and rock out to music in a fully interactive and social setting. In addition, more than 650 Rock Band bundles have been provided to Starlight’s seriously ill children at its Great Escape family events and to hospitals around the country.

“We’re honored to work with Starlight, which has an amazing tradition of offering support to seriously ill children,” said Alex Rigopulos, CEO and co-founder of Harmonix Music Systems. “We hope that our contribution will give these deserving families a new avenue to spend time together and enjoy great music.”

Paul DeGooyer, Senior Vice President of Electronic Games and Music for MTV Networks Music & Logo Group, added: “We’re very excited to be part of a program enabling Starlight kids and their families to rock out a bit through our placement of games in hospitals and at family events, facilitating once-in-a-lifetime getaways, and donations. It truly is a privilege to help Starlight and its mission.”

Beyond the monetary gift and product donation, the partnership will:
- enable select Starlight families to attend the Rock Band tour events,
- provide Rock Band bundles to Starlight families at Starlight’s Great Escapes family activities,
- provide Rock Band bundles to pediatric patients at select Starlight hospital partners, and
- provide Rock Band themed Great Escape family activities, which will be hosted for Starlight families by Harmonix and MTV Games.

Great Escapes (www.starlight.org/greatescapes) is a program created by Starlight to provide families with seriously ill children with a chance to spend recreational time together to relax, regroup and return home with a renewed sense of strength and hope. Great Escapes include movie screenings, trips to the circus, ball games, harbor cruises, mother-daughter makeovers, picnics, pajama parties and many more special activities. Starlight currently provides regular Great Escapes in more than 30 communities throughout the country.

The Rock Band themed Great Escapes will give Starlight children and family members a behind-the-scenes look at Rock Band, a chance to meet the game’s creators, a sneak peak at new content and other once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

“We all know that music is healing, and we are expecting Rock Band products to have a powerful, therapeutic effect on our children,” said Paula Van Ness, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation. “Rock Band will provide distractive entertainment therapy for thousands of seriously ill children and their families, both in the hospital setting and on an out-patient basis.”

Prince of Persia - Epilogue Download (DLC) Trailer

Watch it hereNo more sorry