Guitar Hero's to keep on rockin' new music from Pixies, Motorhead, Silversun Pickups, Steely Dan and Nirvana.

Two Brand-New Silversun Pickups Tracks to Debut Exclusively in Guitar Hero World Tour *Fifteen New Songs in April Add to the Massive Guitar Hero World Tour Set List

In April, gamers will have no shortage of new songs to rock out to on Activision Publishing, Guitar Hero World Tour with downloadable music from five distinctive rock bands.

The Pixies make their Guitar Hero debut; returning veterans Silversun Pickups will release two brand-new songs off their sophomore album, prior to its release; Nirvana returns for a downloadable encore with three additional hits; while Motörhead and Steely Dan, each with singles featured on Guitar Hero World Tour’s on-disc set list, make a resounding return.

On April 2nd, fans will be introduced to The Pixies’ alternative rock music for the first time ever in a Guitar Hero game. Virtual musicians will experience two singles from The Pixies’ second album, Doolittle, with “Debaser” and the highly successful “Monkey Gone to Heaven,” along with “The Sad Punk” from Trompe le Monde, their fourth and final full-length studio album.

Gamers will be able to get an exclusive taste of Silversun Pickups’ new music before their release of their second album, Swoon, on April 14 with “Panic Switch” and “It’s Nice to Know You Work Alone.” “Well Thought Out Twinkles” from their breakthrough album, Carnavas, will round out the Track Pack, available on April 9th.

Returning to Guitar Hero World Tour on April 16th is the popular rock band from the 70’s, Steely Dan. This time around, the band will contribute one single each from three of their albums – “Black Friday” from Katy Lied, “Kid Charlemagne” from The Royal Scam and “Bodhisattva” from Countdown to Ecstasy.

For download on April 23rd, British hard rock band, Motörhead, re-recorded new versions of “Jailbait,” “Love Me Like a Reptile,” and “Iron Fist” for Guitar Hero World Tour.

With their second downloadable Track Pack, Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl of Nirvana will be returning to Guitar Hero World Tour on April 30th with "Very Ape" from In Utero, "Sappy" from the No Alternative compilation and "Stay Away" from their breakthrough, first major label album, Nevermind.

The Track Packs will be available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 440 Microsoft Points and on the PlayStation Store for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system for 5.49 euros / £3.99. All songs in the Track Packs will be released as downloadable singles for Xbox 360 for 160 Microsoft Points, PLAYSTATION 3 system for 1.99 euros / £1.59 and Nintendo Wii for 200 Wii Points each.

Hellion - Mystery of the Inquisition - extraordinary multiplatform First-Person-Shooter coming in 2010

Flying Fish Works announces their upcoming product “Hellion: Mystery of the Inquisition” coming on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC in 2010. The team is using the latest technology to present an outstanding reality, authentic locations and impressive combats within the 13th century.

“Hellion” also represents an epic plot set in a lively medieval world charged with upgradeable exorcisms and uncompromising brutality according to this period.

As an armed man of the newborn Inquisition, the player will battle heretics, execute exorcisms, face demons and unintentionally become part of a political and religious intrigue. Realizing that all of mankind is standing on the verge of doom, he will have to use all the physical and spiritual abilities he ever acquired to face the fiends of hell and, finally, discover the Mystery of the Inquisition.

“Hellion” is an epic journey through different medieval cultures full of real-life characters, wild animals, rough warriors, powerful Templar knights, deadly assassins and, ultimately, horrifying demons.

“Our vision is to create a historical fiction game that will put the player in the center of the medieval world, full of its cruelty, intransigence and diversified beliefs. In this ruthless reality, the player will become an eyewitness of great political machinations, unseen brutality and betrayal. He will pave his way to the truth just to find that it is more horrible and dreadful than anyone could imagine.” says Simon Grabowski, CEO at Flying Fish Works.

MotoGP on Nintendo Wii races to stores this week

World's Premier Motorcycle Racing Championship Game Crosses the Finish Line March 24th
SAN MATEO, Calif – March 24, 2009 – Capcom a leading worldwide developer and publisher of videogames, has today confirmed that MotoGP for the Nintendo Wii home video game system will ship on March 24, 2009.

This is the first officially licensed MotoGP title to be published for the Nintendo Wii platform and comes as part of Capcom’s five year deal with Dorna Sports, providing exclusive rights to publish video games based on the world’s premier motorcycle championship across all hardware platforms.

MotoGP for Nintendo Wii turns the Wii Remote into a virtual set of handlebars to deliver the definitive two-wheeled racing experience. Players are put at the center of the MotoGP experience by letting them join a team and compete alongside their sporting heroes in all three race classes – 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP. The game features a scaled and competitive AI which adjusts within limits to give a more enjoyable race experience on the lower levels but shows no mercy in the higher levels.

Players will be able to decide what motorcycle and racing style suits them best in Tutorial mode. Rather than taking players ‘out of the main game’, this mode will transport them immediately into an arcade race and offers tips right at the start.

In Career mode, players can develop their racing skills for up to 5 seasons with the aim of becoming the ultimate MotoGP champion. Choosing a team and bike class at the beginning of each season, riders can make customizations through a selection of bike helmet designs that unlock as players progress. As races are won, stronger teams will be looking to recruit for the following season, enabling players to race better performing bikes. Climbing the ranks will also allow access to certain bike upgrades which improve the rider’s performance across a range of parameters such as straight line speed, acceleration, braking and cornering.

Players can choose their favorite track and rider in Quick race mode or set the best time at each circuit, competing against themselves to shave vital seconds off their personal record in Time Attack mode. If that’s not enough then select any class, rider and team and re-create an entire season in Championship mode. The weather conditions, difficulty setting, number of laps and handling model can all be decided, allowing players to shape their own season.

MotoGP for Nintendo Wii also features a two player head-to-head option with the addition of AI controlled bikes to add more of a challenge to the race.

Applications now available for SONY online entertainment 2009 G.I.R.L. scholarship program

Program Awards Up To $10,000 Toward Tuition and Other Educational Expenses.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2009 G.I.R.L. Scholarship to help educate and recruit more women into the field of video game production and design.

Sponsored by Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) a global leader in online gaming, and administered by Scholarship America, a leading non-profit educational support program, applications are available at https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/gamersinreallife and more details, including official rules for entry are available online at http://www.station.sony.com/girl/.

"There are a significant number of women who are gamers, but not enough working in the video game field,” said Torrie Dorrell, Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, Sony Online Entertainment. "With the application process starting today, we're taking a concrete step toward opening the door a little wider for women who want to go into game development."

One skilled student will win up to $10,000 to be applied toward tuition and other educational expenses at the school at which the student is currently enrolled, and an optional paid internship of up to 10 weeks at Sony Online Entertainment’s headquarters in San Diego, California (room, board, transportation and living expenses not included), to work on the upcoming online video game Free Realms.

In order to be eligible to participate, entrants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program related to video games, must not graduate before the end of the 2010 spring term, and must comply with the program’s official rules. Entrants are required to complete an online application, and if chosen as finalists, submit concept art and two (2) essays that will be reviewed by a panel of judges from SOE. Online applications must be completed and submitted on or before April 24, 2009 and SOE must receive the concept art and essays from finalists by June 12, 2009. SOE will announce the winner on or about July 17, 2009.

For more information about the G.I.R.L. scholarship program, please visit http://www.station.sony.com/girl/.

Monster Jam Set to Crown 2009 Champion at the Monster Jam - Urban Assault National Tournament Finals in Las Vegas This Weekend

Activision and Feld Motor Sports, Inc. announced today the championship round of the Monster Jam: Urban Assault National Tournament, taking place at the Monster Jam World Finals in Las Vegas’s Sam Boyd Stadium this Saturday, where one of nine finalists will be crowned as the new National Champion.

Eight of the nine finalists qualified for an expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas to compete in the Monster Jam: Urban Assault National Tournament by winning their regional qualifiers at Monster Jam events during January and February. The finalists will challenge each other using the Monster Jam: Urban Assault game on Nintendo Wii.

The tournament consisted of 16 regional qualifying rounds that began back in January and took place at the top Monster Jam stadiums across the country. Players competed on Wii gaming platforms in front of thousands of screaming Monster Jam fans. The eight fastest winners have been awarded expense-paid trips to Las Vegas, where they will compete against each other for the national championship in the Monster Jam World Finals at Sam Boyd Stadium. The winner will become the second Monster Jam Video Game National Champion.

Michael Furlow, from Jacksonville, IL, is the lucky wild card winner who qualified for the 9th and final National Tournament spot by registering online at www.MonsterJamOnline.com.

The Monster Jam: Urban Assault 2009 National Tournament Championship participants are:

Winner Won In Hometown Time

1. Joe Schaefer Houston, TX Brenham, TX 1:42:00
2. Matt Regevig Phoenix, AZ Glendale, AZ 2:07:80
3. Eric Myers Oakland, CA Fairfield, CA 2:12:84
4. Alberto Trevino San Antonio, TX Portland, TX 2:20:79
5. Tony Lee St. Louis, MO Auxvasse, MO 2:21:12
6. Drew Winthrop Miami, FL West Palm Beach, FL 2:25:93
7. Justin Kerfoot Anaheim, CA Newport Beach, CA 2:30:00
8. Craig Knor Indianapolis, IN Munster, IN 2:32:66
9. Michael Furlow *Wildcard Winner* Jacksonville, IL

The nine qualifiers will compete in three separate semi-final rounds throughout the day on Saturday at the Built Ford Tough Party in the Pits at the Monster Jam World Finals. The three winners of the semi-final rounds, in addition to the fastest gamer of the six who did not win, will compete in the final round for the National Championship.

Last year, 14 year-old Jordan Rager of Loganville, GA, won the first ever Monster Jam Video Game National Tournament in Las Vegas by first qualifying at the Atlanta Georgia Dome regional qualifier. He was then awarded an expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas to compete against the other regional qualifiers at the Monster Jam World Finals. At the Las Vegas Monster Jam Finals, Jordan bested all finalists to become the inaugural Monster Jam Video Game National Champion.

In Monster Jam: Urban Assault, all-out destruction is taken to a whole new level by busting the traditional Monster Jam action out of the stadiums and onto city streets across the globe. Players can choose from over 27 different monster trucks, including classic Monster Jam icons like Grave Digger, Maximum Destruction, Monster Mutt, El Toro Loco, Blue Thunder and Captain’s Curse, as well as newer stars such as Stone Crusher and Backwards Bob. The game focuses on crushing everything in your path while doing insane tricks in never before seen urban environments. Monster Jam: Urban Assault features 26 new urban tracks, 12 authentic Monster Jam stadiums, seven different game modes and 12 skill competitions, and players can challenge up to four of their friends via split-screen multiplayer.

For more information about the event and daily updates about the finals please visit www.monsterjamonline.com.

Monster Jam - Urban Assault is available now for Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, and Nintendo DS.

New Video Game Console uses 3G networks to beat Piracy

A startup called Zeebo is marketing a new game console toward emerging markets, only using a 3G wireless network to download new games.

Zeebo will launch its console to Brazilian retailers next month, priced at the equivalent of $199.

Zeebo said it is targeting the so-called BRIC market – Brazil, Russia, India and China – with plans to lower the price to $179 and even $149 next year. At its current price, the Zeebo console costs the same as an Xbox 360 Arcade; the popular Nintendo Wii costs $249.99 new.

Interestingly, the console's launch is designed to provide a competitive answer to, and to prevent, game piracy in the emerging markets. "Selling titles for only a slight premium over the gray market prices of the original titles, so consumers have no reason to leave home to shop" is one of the benefits of the new console that Zeebo touts on its Web site.

Full post on Yahoo here...

More on the new console here on nexus404...

Toy Story Mania Announced Beloved Toy Story characters and theme park attraction provide backdrop for family-friendly carnival-style video game.

Disney Interactive Studios today announced Toy Story Mania!, inspired by the Disney/Pixar animated feature "Toy Story," will be released exclusively for the Wii home video game console this fall. Toy Story Mania! showcases an array of entertaining games based on the new Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort attractions, while featuring the iconic characters and humor from the popular Disney/Pixar "Toy Story" franchise.

"The 'Toy Story' franchise is a fun, dynamic and heart-warming series containing characters and themes that connect with every age group," said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. "Toy Story Mania! combines those popular elements with the unique antics of the new theme park attraction for the ultimate in family entertainment."

In Toy Story Mania!, players experience the fast-paced, zany fun of the Toy Story Mania! theme park attraction, which is an interactive experience requiring 3D glasses and involving rapid or quick-firing shooting galleries. In addition to galleries adapted from the attraction, the game includes new and original galleries and a series of mini games, all hosted by beloved characters from the movies. The thematically-connected levels are designed for up to four players of all ages with competitive and co-operative multiplayer options. Toy Story Mania! also includes bonus 3D features, transforming the game experience with eye-popping visuals.

The Pixar-created "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2" have both had successful box office and DVD sales. The Disney Digital 3D™ theatrical re-release of "Toy Story" is in the works and will open in theatres on October 2, 2009, followed by the 3D re-release of "Toy Story 2" opening on February 12, 2010, leading up to the premiere of "Toy Story 3" in 3D summer 2010. Toy Story Mania! is the first video game to place characters from these films into a carnival game setting and is expected to resonate with fans of the films and the attraction, as well as gamers who like pick-up-and-play party games.

Developed by Papaya Studio, Toy Story Mania! will be available this fall exclusively for Wii.

UK consumer show runs story on Xbox 360 disk scratching...

Despite Microsoft warning users of problems with moving your Xbox while a disk is inserted (label stuck on drive tray) - users still report scratched disks.

BBCs 'Watchdog' consumer programme ran tests on various old, and new, Xbox 360s with differing results...

Read the full post here on the BBC site... plus video

Blame the family

Microsoft responded with this statement...

"Microsoft reaffirms its longstanding position that it's not been able to ascertain any defect in the Xbox 360 console that causes concentric gouges (that is, 'scratching') on discs when a console is in a stationary position. Indeed, despite extensive testing and examination under static operating conditions, Microsoft has never been able to reproduce the concentric gouge that causes disc readability problems or find any such defect in consoles returned by consumers for examination. It's only with the movement of a console that such 'disc scratching' may occur. Consequently, Microsoft provides notices on the Xbox 360 console itself, in the user manual, and on its website - warning consumers not to move the console with a disc in it while in use."

Ubisoft announce R.U.S.E. video game by Eugen Systems creators of Act of War - Direct Action

Ubisoft announced the launch of R.U.S.E., a new intellectual property developed by Eugen Systems, creators of the critically acclaimed strategy title Act of War - Direct Action. R.U.S.E. is scheduled for release on Windows PC, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system for fiscal year 2009/2010.

R.U.S.E. is optimized for Intel’s latest core processors, including the Intel Core i7 processor, and will be demonstrated for the first time in public at the Intel booth during the Game Developers Conference (GDC) at Moscone North Hall, booth No6006 at 5:00 PM Pacific on Wednesday March 25 in San Francisco.

R.U.S.E. is a one-of-a-kind real-time strategy game that allows players to bluff their enemies to lead their nation to victory, controlling the action using views that range seamlessly from the heart of the battlefield to the full theatre of war. Players will be plunged into the action thanks to the exclusive IRISZOOM Engine which offers an intuitive interface that allows for smooth, rapid transitions from a birds-eye view of the entire conflict, down into the heat of the battle and vice versa.

“With R.U.S.E., Ubisoft is once again shaking up a genre, offering an RTS with a twist that will thrill gamers,” said John Parkes, EMEA marketing director at Ubisoft. “Ubisoft is known for innovation and R.U.S.E. continues that tradition, offering the most immense and detailed maps ever seen in an RTS. Players can explore the maps using IRISZOOM Engine, which provides an aerial, smooth interaction unlike anything ever seen before.”

Ubisoft and Intel are committed to working together to ensure R.U.S.E. takes full advantage of Intel technologies. “Ubisoft and Intel are demonstrating some of the benefits gamers will experience when playing R.U.S.E. on the Intel Core i7 processor based platforms,” said Elliot Garbus, vice president Intel Software and Services Group, general manager Visual Computing Software Division. “Gamers will experience more immersive game play with smooth zooming from satellite to ground view, superior AI delivering more complex unit movements and more realistic physics throughout the game.”

In R.U.S.E., players use their brain as the ultimate weapon, fighting a war of perception, where the ability to deceive and mislead the enemy determines success. A first in a strategy game, R.U.S.E. reinvigorates the genre by using deception to give new-found depth to the game play.

KarmaStar video game on iPhone and iPod Touch - Easy-to-learn, addictive strategy game speeds players from birth to old age in eight turns.

Entertainment Company, an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today announced KarmaStar for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Developed by acclaimed game designer Harvey Smith (Deus Ex), the game is a tactical card game and features a quirky, signature art style.

A light-hearted strategy game that lasts about 10 minutes, KarmaStar challenges players to maneuver through life against two opponents in just eight turns to build up personal traits and make opportunistic use of Wildcards and Bonus Scores. Just like real life, the game supports different paths to victory.

"The iPhone and iPod Touch have effectively reinvigorated mobile gaming, allowing publishers to offer a truly rich and immersive play experience never before seen on a mobile device," said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco Entertainment. "With titles such as KarmaStar, Majesco is continuing to expand our reach to new platforms where we can offer the most enjoyable casual gaming experience to everyone."

"Working on KarmaStar was exciting for several reasons," added Harvey Smith. "While my primary project is a console/PC game, I love the iPhone. It's an amazing device and working with a tiny team allowed me to touch many aspects of the project. Majesco was supportive as we experimented with our game mechanics, which was critical since KarmaStar is a card-game/board-game hybrid. In general, my respect for strategy game designers just went through the roof. I'm really glad I got the chance to work on a game like this."

As players advance through each stage in KarmaStar, they must build up five personal traits -Health, Mind, People, Love, and Money - and overcome obstacles from each phase of human existence. The game is a combination of immediate tactics, longer-term planning and luck. All the while, players must make decisions about how they treat other players when faced with an assortment of life's most embarrassing and triumphant moments. Building traits early can pay off later and players will learn that sacrifices can sometimes lead to greater rewards.

Combining a host of technical features - including the ability to play alone against the game's AI or with two other players via WiFi - KarmaStar offers silky smooth animations and frame rate to make the playing experience that much more rewarding. Whether playing alone or against others, KarmaStar also tracks the player's achievements, career high score, wins and losses, while giving players the option to listen to music from their iPod music library during play.

IGN present Raiders of the Lost Ark - The Adaptation

The first ever UK screening of the cult classic Raiders of the Lost Ark - The Adaptation [PG]. The charity premiere at Vue West End, Leicester Square will take place on 28th April 2009 at 5.45 pm (film starts 6.30 pm).

Hailed as ‘the greatest fan film yet’*, Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation is a 100-minute recreation of the classic film. Started in 1982 by Chris Strompolos and Eric Zala at the age of 12 years old, it took all their pocket money, unwavering dedication, astonishing ingenuity, plus a basement fire and the loss of a pair of eyebrows before the film was finally ‘in the can’ seven years later.

For 15 years, Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation nearly became a forgotten masterpiece until a screening at a film festival by Harry Knowles made it an overnight sensation. It was subsequently featured in Vanity Fair and The Today Show. Fans include Eli Roth, Quentin Tarantino and even Steven Spielberg, who personally wrote to Chris and Eric: “Wanted to let you know how impressed I was with your very loving and detailed tribute to our Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

IGN.com and Vue are proud to bring this highly talked about, but rarely seen cult classic to the UK for the first time ever. Fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet the filmmakers and take part in a Q&A session. Plus, see exclusive props and win artwork from the original series and even indulge in some delicious bites at an Indy-themed food and drink reception.

“Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation is the ultimate fan film; made by fans for fans. It’s the perfect fit for the IGN.com community of over four million games and movie enthusiasts,” said Justin Keeling, General Manager, IGN UK. “We love it and just had to make sure IGN.com and Vue were the first to bring it to the UK.”

Vue’s Marketing Director Mark De Quervain said, “Vue Entertainment are delighted to be the only cinema company to show this unique cult film in the UK. The opportunity to support independent film and also to raise money for MediCinema will make this a really important event for Vue and IGN.com, and a truly unmissable event for our customers.”

Tickets to the UK Charity Premiere of Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation are available now for just £17.50 at www.myvue.com/raiders. Ticket proceeds from the premiere will be donated to MediCinema (www.medicinema.org.uk), a registered charity dedicated to bringing the magic of cinemas to patients in hospitals across the UK.

Award-winning Astraware Sudoku now available for BlackBerry smartphones!

Astraware - the Handmark Game Studio is excited to announce the release of Astraware Sudoku for BlackBerry smartphones. Alongside the new release, this award-winning Sudoku game has also been updated for Palm OS and Windows Mobile smartphones - with enhanced graphics, and changes to the existing game engine to improve calculations and hints for some of the more difficult puzzles.

Recognised by many as the best mobile Sudoku game for a range of smartphones, Astraware Sudoku includes all the features avid Sudoku players want. The game includes the highly acclaimed OTA Puzzle of the Day that allows players to download a puzzle for each difficulty level from the Sudoku of the Day webserver each day and on completion submit their time to see how they compare to other players worldwide! The BlackBerry and Palm versions of Astraware Sudoku also enable players to download packs of puzzles at multiple difficulty levels as and when required, so players never need worry about running out of puzzles.

Astraware Sudoku includes a wide range of assistance including a Sudoku solver, manual and automatic pencilmarks, a smart hints system to give players helpful guidance without just showing the solution, and hold-and-highlight for locating particular numbers or groups. Players can use these features to learn how to play Sudoku, improve their game and progress to higher difficulty levels!

In addition, players can enter their own puzzles from magazines and newspapers and use all of Astraware Sudoku s assistance to help solve them.

To coincide with this release, Astraware Sudoku for BlackBerry, Palm OS and Windows Mobile has been reduced to the new regular price of $9.95, but to celebrate the release players can grab a copy for just $4.95 for a limited time from Astraware.com and Handmark.com!

Astraware Sudoku is available for BlackBerry, iPhone, iPod touch, Windows Mobile and Palm OS.

X-Blades - Winners of the fansite-contest posted

Our big creative X-Blades competition which has been running since the beginning of last month has now finished - and we have the winners!

In cooperation with ZUXXEZ and TopWare, the Internet site insidexblades.de asked for fans to send in their contributions covering a range of topics from wallpaper and videos to comics - and the top prize was an Xbox 360 video gaming and entertainment system! There were lots of entries - and the jury has now finally decided on a winner!

If you want to find out just who has won what and what the winning entry looks like... check out www.insidexblades.de!

Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox LIVE are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

Fallout 3 The Pitt Download (DLC) out now - with video

Fallout 3's second downloadable content pack, The Pitt, is now available for purchase on Xbox Live for 800 Microsoft Points (£6.80).

So says Microsoft's blurb: "Pittsburgh was once the industrial center of the pre-war world. The city was spared the horrors of nuclear fire, only to have its people infected by a nightmare plague of disease, infection, and mutation.

"Travel to the ruins of this industrial city, now called The Pitt, and discover a secret that could send shockwaves through the entire Wasteland. Battle vicious mutated Trogs, employ deadly new weapons like the AutoAxe and Infiltrator silenced assault rifle, and decide the fate of the infected slaves and slavers that call this city home. Only you can find the cure - but will you have the guts to use it?"

Bethesda's next DLC pack, Broken Steel, is due out within the next few months.

Video (age gate) below...

Max Payne 3 video game for Winter 2009

Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive, is proud to announce that Max Payne 3 is currently in development and scheduled for a winter 2009 release on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and PC.

Developed by Rockstar Vancouver, Max Payne 3 tells the story of a retired police detective embroiled in a world of corruption, turmoil and intense violence.

The award-winning Max Payne franchise put players in the role of Max Payne, a hard-boiled New York City detective with a penchant for violence, out to avenge the death of his family. The latest installment delivers more of the classic elements and hyper-intense action that fans have come to love, while moving the story of Max in a new direction.

"We're starting a new chapter of Max's life with this game," said Sam Houser, Founder of Rockstar Games. "This is Max as we've never seen him before, a few years older, more world-weary and cynical than ever. We experience the downward spiral of his life after the events of Max Payne 2 and witness his last chance for salvation."

Since leaving the NYPD and New York itself behind, Max has drifted from bad to worse. Double-crossed and a long way from home, Max is now trapped in a city full of violence and bloodshed, using his weapons and instincts in a desperate search for the truth and a way out.

Max Payne 3 will be available in winter 2009 for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3 and PC.

For more information, log onto www.rockstargames.com/maxpayne3.

Go Behind-The-Scenes Of The Making Of Guitar Hero Metallica - three videos...

Activision has released three new mini video documentaries ("Into the Game", "The Game" and "The Music") that focus on the making of Guitar Hero Metallica.

The videos feature spot interviews with the band who discuss their involvement with the game, how Guitar Hero is helping their music reach a new audience, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the motion-capture and facial-scanning process.



“Ride the Lightning” with musical icons Metallica and 21 other rockin’ acts in an all new Guitar Hero experience – Guitar Hero Metallica. Enter the world of Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo and experience the intensity and skill of one of the greatest bands of all time.



Shred on the guitar controller, rip on the drum kit controller and wail on the mic to a set list featuring over 45 explosive hits from Metallica’s illustrious career and a wide variety of other legendary artists personally selected by the band, such as Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Alice In Chains, System of A Down, Foo Fighters and Queen. Fans will be able to rock as Metallica while performing in venues reminiscent of the band’s epic album covers, themes from their music and real world locales.

New Wheelman video game gameplay trailer

Midway and Ubisoft announce that an official Wheelman demo will be available worldwide for download exclusively on the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network beginning March 5, 2009 at 6 a.m. PST. The Wheelman demo will be available for download on the PlayStation Network on March 12.





Combining spectacular Hollywood-style stunts with a gripping storyline, Wheelman provides an adrenaline-fueled, cinematic thrill ride. Vin Diesel stars as an undercover agent and highly skilled driver who must infiltrate the Barcelona underworld to gather intelligence surrounding a covert heist. Posing as a driver-for-hire, he ends up caught in a crossfire of corruption and chaos while trying to stay one step ahead of local law enforcement and rival gangs.

Mini Skirt - Japanese girls golf screenshots video exclusive

TOMY announce that it will publish PANGYA - Fantasy Golf exclusively for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. Featuring beautifully rendered fantasy golf courses, thousands of character and equipment customization options and 18 playable characters, PANGYA: Fantasy Golf thrusts players into a world of golf gameplay filled with beauty and unlimited imagination.

“We are thrilled to introduce gamers to PANGYA: Fantasy Golf, the first PSP title in our growing portfolio of interactive games,” said Mark Shinohara, chief operating officer of TOMY Corporation. “PANGYA offers a unique fantasy golf experience that gamers will truly appreciate. With a compelling storyline and extraordinary visuals, players can easily immerse themselves in PANGYA’s mythology.”

In PANGYA: Fantasy Golf, players practice and perfect their swing on the nine fantasy fairways of Pangya Island. Combining golf gameplay, endless customization options and a slew of sassy female characters set in beautiful environments, PANGYA: Fantasy Golf is based on the global PC MMO PANGYA game developed by Ntreev Soft, and boasts an original storyline with new, exclusive features for the PSP system. Players can utilize the in-game Pangya Shop to customize as many as 18 playable characters and their golf equipment with thousands of unlockable accessories, outfits, gear and power items to improve their golfer’s stats and land that hole-in-one. Multiple gameplay modes including Story, Free Round, License, Tournament and Network Mode offer an engaging and varied golf experience. Additionally, Network Mode allows the ultimate golf gaming fan to connect with up to eight players and compete against one another in either single or team-based tournaments.

PANGYA: Fantasy Golf is developed by Ntreev Soft and is slated for release on the PSP system in Summer 2009.

City of Sinners & Saints - Islands of War and Lunar Wars games coming soon..

Multiverse to Demo Upcoming Worlds and New Flash Development Capabilities at Game Developers Conference in San Francisco

Two new worlds are scheduled to launch into its consumer network starting this summer. The two worlds, built by independent companies, underscore the diverse range of style and customization the Multiverse Platform affords development teams.

"Empowering highly creative and passionate teams to create compelling virtual worlds and games has been our motivation for providing world-class technology from day one," said Bill Turpin, co-founder and CEO, Multiverse. "We are very excited to see these unique projects come to fruition."

City of Sinners & Saints by Telos International – Coming this Summer
City of Sinners & Saints is for the next generation of social networkers looking for an expanded online experience. The city offers virtual travelers from around the globe the opportunity to socialize with friends, create unique characters, play casual games, purchase virtual goods and real estate, and shop online for their favorite products - all within an original world where a laugh is around every corner. Telos International is planning a closed beta this April, with an official launch slated for June. To learn more, please visit: www.cityofsinnersandsaints.com

Islands of War by Neojac Entertainment – Open Beta Announced
Islands of War is a fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that combines many features that will appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers. Neojac Entertainment selected the Multiverse Platform because of its incredibly customizable technology, free sample code, and active developer community.
"Thankfully, the Multiverse Platform lets independent studios like ours build games with technology as powerful as any of the MMOs on the market, at a fraction of the budget," said Jacques Rossouw, CEO, Neojac Entertainment. "In Islands of War, players immerse themselves into a wondrous, never-ending world where they can create very unique characters. Without Multiverse, our dream would never have become a reality."

Neojac Entertainment has announced its open beta, which is scheduled to begin this spring, and is currently soliciting testers. For more information, please visit: http://www.islandsofwar.com/media_page_beta.html

Lunar Quest by University of Central Florida RETRO Lab
Version 2.0 to Launch This Year
In addition to the consumer worlds, Multiverse expects a private educational world built atop its platform to launch its new 2.0 version this year. University of Central Florida's RETRO Lab researchers and developers completed a learning effectiveness study using their educational virtual world, Lunar Quest, as an informal educational tool in college physics classes at the Penn State Erie – The Behrend College during the Fall 2008 semester. Reports and data compiled during that period are currently being processed. In 2009, Lunar Quest will launch in Dr. Lawrence Volk's Physics classrooms at the John T. Hoggard High School in Wilmington, NC, as well as selected classes through Orange County, Florida. More information about the ongoing educational research project can be found at www.ucfretrolab.org

Sony say 'God of War 3 is too violent for the Internet'...

Sony have said that game images of their God of War III are too graphic for game news sites to post.

The fact they have included intestines inside the characters (with the ability to make them visible) then maybe they're right!

It's called 'zipper technology' and was to be included in the video game trailer, before Sony cut it (sorry for the pun!).

Maybe they'll relent, only time will tell - until then use your imagination...

PRECURSORS Galaxy video game - first pictures of Shaive and Alien planets.

About Precursors
Precursors, predecessors, the legend of galaxy… Worlds of galaxies are everlasting, beautiful, unique and dangerous. Some of them are inhabited, others are ruined and deserted or just smugglers’ trans-shipment stations.

Features:

• Unique gameplay: mix of RPG/FPS/Space simulator.
• Various planets to walk around in absolute free-play.
• Nearly 400 quests.
• Various weapons and ammunition, including organic.
• Controlled spaceships, robots and other vehicles.
• Special alien enemies (plants, bugs, birdmen etc).
• Interaction with hundreds of NPCs of different alien races.
• Real-time weather effects, day/night and atmospheric changes

We will keep broadcasting PRECURSORS galaxy news: new pictures are about to come from more distant planets!

Need for Speed SHIFT HD video game trailer on GameboyUK channel

Need for Speed SHIFT, the all-new authentic racing game in the Need for Speed series, will hit stores in the UK on September 18, 2009. Need for Speed SHIFT brings a true drivers experience to some of the worlds most iconic racing tracks, including the storied Brands Hatch in the UK.

The game also features the largest roster of high-performance cars in Need for Speed history including race cars such as the Pagani Zonda, Porsche 911 GT2 and Lotus Elise.

With Need for Speed SHIFT, we set out to create a racing game that pushes the genre and delivers something never before seen in a Need for Speed title, said Patrick Soderlund, Senior Vice President at EA Games Europe. By focusing on the drivers experience through the first-person view, we are able to capture the high-speed intensity and gripping emotions of racing.

Players are thrust into the loud, intense, and athletic experience of racing a car from the drivers perspective through the combination of perception based G-forces, the hyper reality of the cockpit view, and the all-new brutally disorienting crash dynamic. Need for Speed SHIFT features an accurate, accessible physics-based driving model that allows you to feel every impact, every change of track surface and every last bit of grip as you push yourself to the edge.

Ghostbusters video game - sexy Alyssa Milano talks about her role in the video game

Alyssa Milano Takes on the Role of Dr. Ilyssa Selwyn, Archeologist and Love Interest, in 'Ghostbusters: The Video Game' Coming June 2009

Atari thave unveiled Alyssa Milano as the new love interest in the forthcoming blockbuster title Ghostbusters: The Video Game. Alyssa Milano is best known for her roles in long running successful television series “Who’s the Boss”, “Melrose Place”, “Charmed” and most recently “My Name Is Earl” to name a few. Milano joins members of the original cast from the beloved Ghostbusters movies to recreate the unique blend of humour and fright that established Ghostbusters as a pop culture sensation.



Ghostbusters: The Video Game prides itself in staying true to the Ghostbusters universe, so it just wouldn’t feel right if Bill Murray’s character, Dr. Peter Venkman, wasn’t turning on the charm. In Ghostbusters: The Video Game, he’s chasing one in particular: Dr. Ilyssa Selwyn is a smart and sassy archaeologist who doesn’t take too kindly to Dr. Venkman’s advances.



In the game, Milano’s character, Ilyssa Selwyn, is an expert in Sumerian and pre-Sumerian cultures and is visiting New York City as guest curator for the highly anticipated ‘World of Gozer’ exhibition opening in 1991 at the Natural History Museum. In the story line, Gozerian mythology has attracted a wide popular following since the still-unexplained events and attacks that occurred in the city in 1984. Ilyssa is working late at the museum the night before the opening when a cataclysmic force is unleashed and summons an ancient enemy back to New York City. Strange events continue to erupt around her: what secret does she know? It’s up to the Ghostbusters to help Ilyssa find the key and stop the forces of evil that threaten the balance of the universe. That’s if they can keep Peter Venkman from hitting on her every three minutes.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game, based on the smash hit motion picture franchise, is penned by original Ghostbusters writers and stars Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd. The other original Ghostbusters, Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson, lend their voices and in-game likenesses to the original story set two years after Ghostbusters II, with Manhattan once again overrun by ghosts and supernatural forces. The player joins up as a new recruit with the original team, testing a variety of unique equipment and gadgets, to track, wrangle and trap this wide range of awe-inspiring phantasms in an all new funny and frightening battle to save New York City from its latest paranormal plague.

Space Falcon Commander video game coming to iPhone and iPod Touch

Rapid Turtle Games, a multi-platform game development company, announces that Space Falcon Commander, a classic arcade shoot 'em up game is coming soon to the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Space Falcon Commander is a vertical scrolling shoot 'em up game featuring 3D graphics, wide range of explosions and visual effects, high quality music and sound effects, lots of bonuses and power-ups.

The player is in the role of an elite commander controlling an advanced space fighter: the Space Falcon. They must stand as one-against-many strange aliens, mini-bosses and big bosses invading the universe in more than 45 levels. It's a simple plot of the game, but it is made with gameplay as the most important factor in mind. Lots of arcade fun, adrenalin pumping action and online "Hall of Fame" where players can compete against other Space Falcon Commander players around the world!

Features:

- More than 45 levels giving hours of playtime
- Beautiful 3D graphics with wide range of explosions and visual effects
- High quality music and sound effects
- Many different aliens, big bosses and dozens of mini-bosses
- Wide range of power-ups, special weapons and bonuses
- High score saving and online high scores submission
- Easy to learn but hard to put away gameplay