Ken Block - Subaru driver signs for DiRT 2 video game

Ken Block, the multi medal-winning Subaru Rally Team USA driver and co-founder of DC Shoes, has been signed as one of the key motorsport athletes who will feature in the eagerly anticipated Colin McRae: DiRT 2, Codemasters revealed today with the release of the ‘Ken Block Gets DiRTy Too’ feature video, now available from www.dirt2game.com.

X Games team-mate of the late Colin McRae, Block is at the forefront of a new breed of pro drivers, competing as Subaru Rally Team USA Driver #43 in the Rally America National Championship and the world-famous X Games. He has also gained notoriety for his mind-blowing stunts in his Subaru WRX STI. For Colin McRae: DiRT 2, Block is working with the development team at Codemasters Studios as technical consultant, lending his wealth of knowledge to the game and advising on car handling.

“Colin McRae is one of the main reasons that I am a rally driver. He is a big inspiration to me and the way I drive my rally car,” said Ken Block. “It’s really an honour to be a contributor to the creation of Colin McRae: DiRT 2 and to be able to continue the passion that Colin had for rally and for these videogames”



In the video released today, Block discusses his relationship with McRae, how he was inspired by the rally legend to pursue his own career and his involvement in the creation of Colin McRae: DiRT 2. Clips from some of Block’s best known videos and rally exploits showcase the supreme control he has over his car and the style, finesse and sheer audacity of his stunts, which has ensured that views of his online videos number in the multiple millions and made him a hero amongst motorsport aficionados worldwide.

“As one of the most talented and exciting drivers on the rally scene today, Ken is a perfect fit for Colin McRae: DiRT 2,” said Gavin Raeburn, Senior Executive Producer, Codemasters. “His insight into car handling and track design has already been invaluable to the development team and his endless enthusiasm for the game and rally as a great sport is absolutely priceless to us.”

Gamers will be able to join Ken Block for mud, gravel, dust and dirt too in Colin McRae: DiRT 2, coming 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.

Nintendo Wii downloads update - Bonsai Barber and Super Punch-Out!! now available

A pair of excellent games based around completely opposite vocations. Newly available on the Virtual Console is Super Punch Out!!, the classic boxing title that pits players against tough pugilist rivals such as Bald Bull.

Speaking of baldness, the unique new WiiWare game Bonsai Barber invites players to take off the gloves and work their clippers instead, giving new hairstyles to a colorful cast of fruits and vegetables. Both are yours for the downloading via the Wii Shop Channel.

Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

WiiWare

Bonsai Barber (Nintendo, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone-Comic Mischief, 1,000 Wii Points): The village residents are hungry for the latest in foliage fashion, and it's up to you, the new barber, to fix them up. Use the tools of your trade: scissors, clippers, spray can, and more in this humorous, first-of-its-kind "first-person-groomer" game. Bonsai Barber features a colorful cast of 12 intriguing customers, including a temperamental shallot starlet (don't call her an onion), an oddball strawberry boffin, a cactus cowboy, a daredevil carrot, and a suave banana with top-secret clearance. Each day, five customers arrive to test your stylistic skill. If the customer requests a specific style, you'll plow that furrow, or you can rely on your expertise to pick from more than 30 popular fashions. Or, why not turn over a new leaf? Be creative and see how they react. They're a demanding bunch, so if you miss an appointment, you'll hear about it-on your Wii Message Board. If you do a good job, you may receive a gift or even a postcard from an exotic destination as your happy customers travel to distant lands and show off their exquisite coifs.

Virtual Console

Super Punch-Out!! (Super NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Featuring the tight game play and humor the series is known for, this sequel to the NES classic sees Little Mac return to the ring with the World Video Boxing Association belt once again at stake. Slug your way through the grueling, sweat-pounding matches of the Minor, Major and World Circuits as you face off against some of Little Mac's greatest rivals, such as Bear Hugger, Bald Bull and Super Macho Man. With a cast of new challengers waiting, do you have what it takes to identify their unique patterns and exploit their weaknesses? Go to your corner and come out fighting, but remember what Doc Louis would say: "It's not about brawling-it's about finesse!"

Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other Wii features, visit Wii.com.

This weeks video game releases - Guitar Hero Metallica and Duke Nukem on April Fool's Day!

March 29

• Guitar Hero: Metallica (PS3, Wii, 360)

March 30

• King Arthur (PC)
• Last Flight (Wii)
• CID The Dummy (Wii, PSP, PC, PS2)
• Burger Island (Wii)
• World of Battles (PC)
• ARMA II (360)
• Train Simulator 2009: World Builder Edition (PC)
• Troll & Armor (PC, 360, PS3)
• Deer Hunter Tournament (360)
• Conquest! Medieval Realms (PC)
• OutRun Online Arcade (360)
• Lawn Games (Wii)
• Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 (PC)
• Burn Zombie Burn (PS3)
• Sudoku Ball Detective (PC, Wii, DS)
• The Humans (PC)
• Age of Pirates 2: City of Abandoned Ships (PC)
• 7.62 mm (PC)
• Dawn of Fantasy (PC)
• ARMA II (PC)

March 31

• SpongeBob SquarePants Frantic Fry Cook (DS)
• Super PickUps (Wii)
• Ocean Commander (Wii)
• Totally Spies! Totally Party (Wii)
• Cradle of Rome (Wii)
• Jake Power: Policeman (DS)
• DinoPets (DS)
• Monster Pals (Wii)
• Pipe Mania (Wii)
• Chicken Hunter: Jewel of Darkness (DS)
• Sarah: Keeper of the Unicorn (DS)
• Paint by (DS) (DS)
• Hot n Cold (DS)
• Our House (DS)
• Cave Story (Wii)
• Empire Deluxe (DS)
• Major Minor's Majestic March (Wii)
• CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars (360)
• Gardening Mama (DS)
• Vacation Sports (Wii)
• Matchstick Puzzle by (DS) (DS)
• Tokyo Beat Down (DS)
• Don King Boxing (DS, Wii)
• Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust (360, PC)
• Dungeon Hero (PC, 360)
• Air Conflicts: Aces of World War II (PSP)
• The Humans (DS)
• Heracles: Battle With The Gods (DS)
• M&Ms Adventure (PS2)
• Offshore Tycoon (Wii)
• Solitaire & Mahjong (Wii)
• Monster Pals (DS)
• DT Carnage (Wii)
• Banjo-Tooie (XBLM)
• CellFactor: Psychokinetic Wars (PS3)
• Ski Doo: Snowmobile Challenge (360)

April 1

• 18 Wheels of Steel Big City Rigs (PC)
• Nancy Drew: Double Dare 6 (PC)
• Duke Nukem Trilogy (PSP, DS)

Arpil 2

• Dance Dance Revolution: Disney Grooves (Wii)

Source: Kotaku

Ferrari Challenge - Trofeo Pirelli Five new cars andtrack to download this May - Scuderia, GTB Fiorano, Scaglietti Sessanta, P4 and Enzo Ferrari

London-based publisher System 3 today re-affirmed its PlayStation 3 downloadable content plans for racing simulation game Ferrari Challenge: Trofeo Pirelli. This content will come in the form of five brand new Ferrari models and one new track, and is set to launch in May 2009 (PAL territories – NTSC details tba). Each car also provides gamers with a brand new Trophy to race for.

The DLC pack includes:

Car 1: 430 Scuderia

The 430 Scuderia is just one of five stunning new Ferraris available to download and throw around the tracks of Ferrari Challenge! Visually striking with a distinctive exhaust sound, every last detail of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia exudes uncompromising sporting finesse as a direct result of its close links to Ferrari Challenge racing. And with the car’s development process aided by none other than Michael Schumacher, it’s not hard to understand why it’s been such a hit with Ferrari enthusiasts.

It’s both lighter and more powerful than the standard F430 and can achieve 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 198mph! It can also complete a lap at Fiorano (Ferrari’s test track) in a time comparable to that of the Enzo, the car that has come to epitomise Ferrari's philosophy of transferring F1 content to its road cars.

Car 2: 599 GTB Fiorano

Introducing the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. It might present a bit of a mouthful but the car’s name sums it up perfectly. Fiorano is the circuit Ferrari uses to hone the performance of its track and road cars; GTB refers to ‘Gran Turismo Berlinetta’ (the most famous Ferrari berlinettas ever built); and 599 reflects the 5999cc, V12 engine. With all that hype it’s a good job that the car doesn’t disappoint! In fact, we’d say it sets a high benchmark of excellence in the sports car world.

The 599 GTB Fiorano sprints from 0 to 60mph in under 3.7 seconds and boasts a top speed in excess of 206mph! In 2006 the car won Evo’s Car of the Year award and Top Gear Magazine’s SuperCar of the Year award. However, it’s still the new model's uniquely innovative and luxurious inners that guarantee superior driving pleasure.

Car 3: 612 Scaglietti Sessanta

The 612 Scaglietti Sessanta is just one of 60 truly unique 60th anniversary celebration cars. Based on the 612 Scaglietti, the Prancing Horse's range-topping Gran Turismo combines blistering performance and superb handling with superior comfort, sumptuously handcrafted trim, state-of-the-art accessories and meticulous attention to detail. It’s a beautiful but powerful machine made even more desirable by its extremely limited availability. The 2-door coupe can reach speeds of 195mph.

A few years ago it was featured on UK car program Top Gear, where host Jeremy Clarkson raced against, and beat, his plane and train-faring co-hosts in a race from the UK to Switzerland. We can’t offer you the opportunity to re-enact that race but we can allow you to download the car and race on any track in Ferrari challenge!

Car 4: 330 P4

Presenting the ultra curvaceous and instantly recognisable Ferrari 330 P4. As one of the most revered cars in Ferrari’s long and illustrious history, the 330 P4 remains one of the most evocative shapes ever created. Powered by an F1-derived, 4-litre V12, it produces 450bhp and is capable of speeds of over 200mph. The sexy motor grabbed the headlines in 1967 when Ferrari beat the Ford GT40 in the ‘24 Hours Of Daytona’ event with a 1-2-3 finish! Company founder Enzo Ferrari kept a picture of the winning trio’s final approach for as long as he lived.

To this day only one completely original car remains. This fact, combined with the car’s obvious historical significance, has made it one of the most sought after, rare and valuable cars in the world today! Now there’s a story to be thinking about when you’re racing it around Monza…

Car 5: Enzo Ferrari

May we present another of System 3’s brand new DLC Ferrari motors: the awe-inspiring Enzo! Built to celebrate four years at the top of the F1 Constructors’ Championship, the car is a marriage of cutting edge technologies and is named after Ferrari’s founding member. Combining an F1 gearbox with a 5998cc, V12 engine and a carbon fibre body, the Enzo is a formidable drive that can achieve a top speed of 227mph and accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.14 seconds! Its super-stylised chassis and gutsy roar are unmistakable and, six years on, it still drops jaws.

Whenever the car turns up at auction it regularly sells for over $1 million with the famed 400th charity auction car selling for $1.27 million in 2005! All of which, in our humble opinion, makes the Enzo a pretty special car. Coveted by collectors and the stuff of owner-drivers’ dreams, the Enzo is now ready for Ferrari Challenge owners to enjoy. And trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

Track 1: Nürburgring

System 3 are proud to present the awesome German GP race track Nürburgring! The 5.15km-long ‘GP-Streke’ section of the track is most notably used for GP2 and F1 racing, with many drivers claiming it to be one of the most challenging purpose-built circuits in the world. As a booster for German pride, Michael Schumacher set the lap record of 1.29.468, a time achieved in the F2004 Ferrari F1 car in the 2004 F1 season.

Nürburgring is well known for its long home straight, which is closely followed by a blind, narrow and barrier-laden first corner. It’s just the beginning of what is an extremely demanding circuit. As long as the GP-Streke section of the track is, it’s actually only a fraction of the 28.26km-long Gesamtstrecke (‘whole course’), a track which takes over 6 minutes to drive around in the average supercar! So get downloading and master one of the most demanding tracks on the racing circuit!

Cars and the track will be available individually or as a pack. An exact launch date and price for this DLC pack will be announced in the near future.

PlayStation 3 users who have not previously taken their console online will also be prompted to download the latest patch for the game, which address various minor issues and improve certain aspects of the game. These include:

Ferrari Challenge PS3 Patch Version 02.20

- adjustable steering wheel resistance added.
- multiplayer collision option added.
- 30-minute race duration option added in Multiplayer.
- minor Multiplayer connection issues resolved.
- Trophy support added.
- XMB background music support added in single player.
- Photo mode added to Showroom.
- lap split-times added to Time Trial mode.
- gear indicator added to in-car view.
- ‘Legend’ A.I. difficulty added.
- Host & Friends options refined.
- reservation system in Private lobbies implemented.
- frame rate improved in 1080p mode.
- improved detail in 1080 modes.

About Ferrari Challenge: Trofeo Pirelli
Released in late 2008 on DS, Wii, PS2 and PS3, Ferrari Challenge was a labour of love for System 3 founder and professional race driver Mark Cale. Combining 60 years of sumptuously detailed Ferrari car models with a handling engine tuned by GP2 and soon-to-be F1 driver Bruno Senna, Ferrari Challenge was a hardcore racing fan’s dream game.

Magic Ball video game soars to the top of the PlayStation Network's sales charts

Alawar Entertainment and Creat Studios are excited to announce the success of the PlayStation 3 version of Magic Ball, a 3D Breakout-style game custom-made to thrill arcade fans. Released in January, the game jumped to the number three spot among the top 10 best-selling titles on the PlayStation Network and remained in the top 10 for two months.

To take advantage of the large number of consumers with game consoles, Alawar commissioned Creat Studios to port Magic Ball 3 to the PlayStation 3. Alawar chose to port the game to the PlayStation 3 to further its phenomenal success. To date, fans have purchase over two million Magic Ball games on various platforms.

To meet the high technological standards of the PlayStation 3, Creat completely redesigned the PC version of Magic Ball 3. The game now supports resolutions of up to 720p and uses Havok, an advanced physics engine, adding unprecedented visual appeal when playing the game on a high definition television. Creat also enhanced the game's music and audio. To date, no other casual release has as many original songs and sound effects.

Magic Ball for PlayStation 3 also features a multiplayer mode in which friends and family members can challenge each other online. In addition, the game supports expansion packs and allows users to buy new game modes and levels online. The creators of Magic Ball for PlayStation 3 will be adding new content on a frequent basis.

"It's a pleasure to see Magic Ball 3 reborn on the PlayStation 3,"said Kirill Plotnikov, Alawar's VP of publishing. "Owners of the console can now enjoy the breathtaking graphics and exciting gameplay this title offers. Even better, the release of Magic Ball through the PlayStation Network is just the beginning of a larger undertaking. Due to the ongoing success of the series, Magic Ball 4 is now in development and we are close to releasing an iPhone version. I fully believe casual game fans worldwide will enjoy these innovative new products."

Political Platform Puzzler Clover on Xbox Live

New screenshots of début title Clover featuring a newly redesigned lead character Sam and also announce a revised release window of April. Clover is to be released via Xbox LIVE Community Games for 400 Microsoft Points.

The screenshots feature new artwork, new locations and a new dynamic sky-blending system that means that the player's view of the game world is constantly changing. Lead character Sam has been given an overhaul based on community feedback.

Clover features so much artwork that some is destined to be left on the cutting room floor, after the game hit Microsoft's mandatory 150mb maximum size limit imposed on Community Games. Gamers anticipating Clover's release can now follow Binary Tweed on Twitter and the Clover Facebook Group.

About Clover
Clover is a plot-driven platformer in the style of classic titles such as Fantastic Dizzy that sees the player solve logical puzzles by collecting items, talking to a diverse cast of characters and exploring artistically realised environments. Clover is to be released in early April via Xbox LIVE Community Games for 400 Microsoft Points.

Dragonica video game website launches on Monday 30th March

The world of MMORPG’s goes sideways as the official European Dragonica website launches on Monday 30th March

Dragonica is the brand new free arcade-style 3D side-scrolling MMORPG. It will be available to download across Europe in English, French and German this Spring from the www.gpotato.eu gaming portal. As the gPotato Europe team prepares for the Closed Beta, we are proud to announce the launch of the brand new Dragonica website at http://dragonica.gpotato.eu.

The brand new website covers everything you need to know about the world of Dragotaka ahead of the Closed Beta. Find out how a modern arcade-style 3D side-scroller plays with lots of gameplay footage and fantastic screenshots. Immerse yourself in Dragonica storyline’s by reading about the game or watch the rendered cinematic trailer as the witch Paris frees the evil Dragon Lord Elga from his prison.

Dragonica also includes this year’s most frantic multiplayer mode in the classic ten player PvP mode. Find out how to set up your own Guild in the game, how you’ll be able to hook up with another player and form a couple, and how easy it is to use the game’s friends list to find and form a party with other players. Learn about the different characters and see how you’ll be able to use the game’s character creation tool to build your online identity, decorate your own in-game house and raise a pet and bring into battle with you.

But wait, there’s more! The next generation of online MMORPGs shifts the gameplay from clicky mouse-controlled combat to precise combo-based action where you have to land every hit and get your timing right to keep the combo going. Dragonica’s keyboard only control system allows you to bring console style gaming to your PC, notebook or netbook!

You’d be silly not to try Dragonica, 2009’s brightest and most frantic arcade-style MMORPG! Pre-registration is now open for the English, French and German Closed Betas at the official European Dragonica website, http://dragonica.gpotato.eu.

Kraze a multi-genre racing video game for the PC

Armed with an array of the most powerful cars ever designed, players compete for the Kraze Championship which includes racing modes such as Off Road, Rally, F1 and Street Race.

Kraze challenges the player's concentration, car handling and racing skills on a variety of environments from narrow city lanes, perilous mountain cliffs to the shimmering sands of a mirage-strewn desert.

The salient features of Kraze include:

• 13 different vehicles with varying speed and handling
• 8 different locations around the world
• Off-Road, Rally, F1 & Street Race modes
• Championship, Quick Race & Time Trial
• Individual profiles and vehicle customisation
• Slow motion action replays and recording of races

Kraze on the PC will be available to buy this summer.

Wheelman enters UK video games charts - Resident Evil 5 stays at No 1

ChartTrack UK video game s chart week ending 28th March



1 RESIDENT EVIL 5 CAPCOM
2 WII FIT NINTENDO
3 STREET FIGHTER IV CAPCOM
4 PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE CURIOUS VILLAGE NINTENDO
5 WWE LEGENDS OF WRESTLEMANIA THQ
6 FIFA 09 EA SPORTS
7 CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR ACTIVISION
8 GRAND THEFT AUTO: CHINATOWN WARS ROCKSTAR
9 CALL OF DUTY 4: MODERN WARFARE ACTIVISION
10 TOM CLANCY'S H.A.W.X. UBISOFT
11 WHEELMAN MIDWAY
12 WII PLAY NINTENDO
13 MARIO KART WII NINTENDO
14 KILLZONE 2 SONY COMPUTER ENT.
15 DR KAWASHIMA'S BRAIN TRAINING NINTENDO
16 MARIO & SONIC AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES SEGA
17 BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE D3P
18 GRAND THEFT AUTO IV ROCKSTAR
19 CARNIVAL: FUNFAIR GAMES 2KPLAY
20 SEGA MEGA DRIVE ULTIMATE COLLECTION SEGA

Make a video game and get a degree - in Sweden

At Gotland University in Sweden the students spend one year developing one large game to earn their degree. All lectures and literature received during the one year course IGPS (International Game Production Studies) are connected to the game they make. Since the course is on-line based, anyone in the world with the right qualifications can apply.

Gotland University has several game related educations. The course IGPS, takes the students through different focus areas from idea, concept development, via planning and production, to release. All of the assignments given to the students are applied to the game they are developing. -”Learning by doing is by far the best way of learning. That’s why everything in this course is related to one game project that the students do. That means that all your efforts during the education will go to improving the game” says Troels Linde, teacher at Gotland University.

One of the games this year is “Penalty of Heroes” a game that will be released on Xbox Live this fall. -“This is a large project with over 10 people involved and we have to manage it like any other big budget project such as the games made by Blizzard or Valve. It’s a great way to get experience and education at the same time” says Håkan Mattsson, producer of the game.

Many of the former students at Gotland University are now working at well-known game studios such as DICE, Grin, Avalanche and Massive Entertainment. The cooperation with these established game studios is one of the key factors to good education. -“We get mentors from successful game studios that give us feedback and share their experiences regarding game development. It’s a true privilege” says Nicklas Johansson, student at IGPS.

Some students start their own game companies after their education. The well reviewed PC game “Penumbra – Overtune” released in 2007, was one of the first games developed at IGPS.

April 14th is the last application day for the class of IGPS starting in September 2009.

Rick Nielson (Cheap Trick) to provide music for Wii video game The Conduit

Rock Legend to Lend Unique Musical Talents to Upcoming Sci-Fi First-Person Shooter

SEGA announce that Rick Nielsen, guitarist and founding member of the musical group Cheap Trick, would provide guitar tracks for the anticipated title, The Conduit, for the Wii home video game system. 

Nielsen, who has penned and performed such hits as I Want You to Want Me and Surrender, is known for his distinctly powerful riffs and for his signature five-neck custom guitar and crowd-pleasing live performances.

"Rick Nielsen is a rock legend who just happens to be a really likeable guy,” said Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President of Marketing, Sega of America. "It is a testament to the growing word of mouth surrounding The Conduit that he took an interest in this project and was gracious enough to lend us his expertise."

"We were very excited to get the chance to work with Rick on The Conduit," said Eric Nofsinger, Chief Creative Officer of High Voltage Software. "Even though he's known for driving rock guitar, he was able to provide great ambience and textural qualities that perfectly fits the mood of the game and helps it become a truly unique experience."

The Conduit unfolds in a near-future Washington DC after a set of inexplicable events leave the city in a state of panic. As new recruits of a shadowy government agency, players will investigate strange occurrences upsetting the city, all while trying to keep one step ahead of a mysterious and lethal enemy.



"I hope these lunar notes float with you," Rick Nielsen said on adding guitar to The Conduit.

The Conduit is slated to release in summer 2009 exclusively for Wii.

Sky Kingdoms arcade puzzler from best-selling Luxor series of marble popper video games

Sky Kingdoms, an arcade puzzler featuring advanced graphics and gameplay that challenges the best-selling Luxor series for the title of best marble popper.

Sky Kingdoms transports the player to a visually stunning realm where a chain of magic crystals holds dozens of islands in place above a yawning chasm.

Unfortunately, an evil dragon has broken the chain and disturbed the balance of the world by stealing one of the gems. If the player doesn’t reclaim the crystal before the left over magic runs out, the islands will plunge into the abyss.

To defeat the beast, the player must gather mana by firing colored spheres at chains of rolling marbles in an attempt to create matches and destroy the orbs. If the player is skilled enough to create several matches in a row, he’ll earn bonuses that will allow him to incinerate spheres, roll the chain backwards and even freeze time.

In a new twist for marble poppers, Sky Kingdoms features boss levels in which the player confronts the minions of the dragon and must dodge their attacks. These adrenaline-pumping sequences are packed with explosive visual and audio effects, creating the feel of a spectacular action game.

"Sky Kingdoms was in development for two years," says Denis Sedovich, producer. "We used that time to optimize the graphics engine, polish the gameplay and create as much eye candy as possible. We also focused on creating inventive bonuses that allow gamers to set off spectacular chain reactions that can destroy an entire chain and trigger a deluge of coins. Plus, as players advance through Sky Kingdoms, they can purchase upgrades that will increase the power of the bonuses even more."

Global Agenda - Fast-paced Combat System Highlighted in Hands-On Previews at GDC

Hi-Rez Studios gave the first hands-on demonstration of its spy-fi action MMO Global Agenda at the San Francisco Game Developers Conference, which wraps up today. Media and guests experienced fast-paced combat, in both PvE and PvP missions, using stations within the Hi-Rez exhibition booth and playing real-time with remote players.

"Our combat system was inspired by modern multiplayer shooters", says Executive Producer Todd Harris. "But in addition to firearms, we've added melee, hundreds of other high-tech player-usable devices, and jetpacks! We find it a refreshing change from the standard tab-targeting found within fantasy MMOs and we've been thrilled to see the reaction from others here at the show. And while we think our combat system is a major differentiator, we're equally excited about the RPG advancement system and the opportunity for player-groups to compete for territory control."

Booth guests also got a taste of Global Agenda's sophisticated, face-customization system and the introductory game sequence in which the player's special agent character escapes from the clutches of an oppressive world government called The Commonwealth.

"Players begin as a fugitive", Todd says. "But after choosing a class and advancing their agent skills via PvE or PvP missions, they encounter other groups within the world and choose which ones to align with. We expect most players will eventually participate in our Campaign mode which allows player groups to acquire territory within the world, construct facilities, defenses, and bases on that territory, produce resources, and engage in the player-driven drama to dominate a region."

Hi-Rez Studios also announced that they are still accepting applications toward their upcoming closed Beta. Players looking for a refreshing take on the MMO genre were encouraged to apply at www.globalagendagame.com.

Second Warhammer Online - Age of Reckoning novel in bookstores now

The original Warhammer novel DARK STORM GATHERING is now available in stores. 

The second in a series based on the award-winning MMORPG, Warhammer Online - Age of Reckoning (WAR), DARK STORM GATHERING is a tale of blood, treachery, and Chaos in a world perpetually at WAR!

Penned by Black Library author Chris Wraight, DARK STORM GATHERING tells the story of an unlikely party of adventurers forced to form an uneasy alliance with the armies of the Empire to repel the forces of Chaos. With the grim march of the Tchar’zanek, Champion of the fell powers of Chaos, underway and the Empire of Man suffering from plague and mutations, only the intervention of the High Elves offers respite. However, they are beset by foes of their own, the murderous Dark Elves. When the prospect of treachery behind Imperial lines looms, four heroes – Archmage, White Lion, Witch Hunter and Knight of the Blazing Sun – must work together to uncover the corruption before all is lost.

“Chris Wraight has crafted a dark tale that thrusts players into the frontlines of the war between Order and Destruction. It’s packed to the brim with blood, battles, and all the things that make the Warhammer world so gripping,” said Mark Jacobs, VP and General Manager at Mythic Entertainment. “DARK STORM GATHERING captures the essence of WAR perfectly.”

For further information about the WAR novel, DARK STORM GATHERING, visit www.blacklibrary.com.

Based on the popular tabletop war game from Games Workshop, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning features revolutionary Realm vs. Realm™ conflict that will provide players with an engaging battleground for years to come. Available now for PC, WAR is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB. For more information about the game and to download the 10-day free trial, visit www.warhammeronline.com.

Mount and Blade - Warband combat game demo at GDC - HD video

Following on from the recent announcement that a Multiplayer expansion was in development for the widely lauded Mount&Blade, Paradox Interactive have today revealed the first detailed information for the newly titled Mount&Blade: Warband.

Demonstrated publicly for the first time at GDC in San Francisco by the development team at Taleworlds, the expansion introduces a number of features that players have specifically requested and which will vastly improve the gameplay experience.

The key features revealed:

• Multiplayer – previously announced, the ability for up to 32 players to play simultaneously on a single map in Team Death-Match style battles
• Faction Rulers – A new in-depth system allowing the player to gain followers even as a rebel and to become the ruler of their own faction and recruit Lords as their vassalals
• Accessibility – Improved and additional detailed game information for players.
• Improved Graphics and optimisation – The introduction of state-of-the-art rendering technologies including HDR (High Dynamic Range), as well as significant improvement in the level of detail on characters, armour and weapons
• Increased interactivity - New interactivity implemented in the environments that the AI will recognize and adapt to, directly impacting the Siege mode

Commenting on the development of Mount&Blade: Warband, Armagan Yavuz, Producer at Taleworlds Entertainment said, “As a development team, we are used to short development circles, fast feedback from our users and the ability to have our gamers in the development loop. That is why we decided to create this expansion. We have received a large amount of requests from players for multiplayer and when we had published the game we saw an opportunity to explore this as well as additional improvements that our gamers requested. I feel that the multiplayer mode adds tremendously to the game experience.”

A summary of additional features includes customizable quick battles, extended diplomatic options and new weapons, armor and animations. Other aspects introduced in Mount&Blade: Warband are improvements to the combat system with more physically accurate horse archery, a variation in horse sizes, and more options when embarking on sieges.

Mount&Blade: Warband is scheduled for release in Q3 2009.

Marvel Universe Online, the comic book superhero MMO, will be released in 2012

Simon Philips, Marvel's president of worldwide consumer products, said the MMO wouldn't be out until after the Captain America movie in 2011 and the Avengers film in 2012. He explained that time would be used to work with Gazillion to create "the next generation of storytelling".

"It sounds like a long way away, but it's not," Philips told MTV. "We've got to create, together with [game publisher] Gazillion, that environment that is going to be a totally immersive experience and a perpetual storytelling experience as well."

"Every day, every week, and every month, there is a new element of technology that comes about," Phillips added. "So whatever plans we had for an MMO two years ago have now evolved to embrace that new technology."

Earlier this month, Gazillion announced that its studio, Gargantuan, would be developing Marvel Universe Online, as part of the publisher's 10-year deal to create a series of virtual worlds based on the comic book giant's IP.

Source: GamesIndustry

Alien Hominid HD - award winning Xbox Live Arcade game - Half-price deal of the week...

Alien Hominid HD, the award winning Xbox LIVE Arcade game from The Behemoth, will be “Deal of the Week” beginning March 30th.

The game will see a 400 point price drop during this time. As an added bonus, players who own Alien Hominid HD (and have received at least one achievement) will unlock the playable Alien character for Castle Crashers, Xbox LIVE Arcade’s Game of the Year for 2008.

“There has never been a better time to get to know our little yellow friend who started it all!” said Kelly Revak, Mayor of Behemothtown and Community Ambassador. “Charge up your power shot and go chomp some heads!” Accused of being the hardest but funniest game in the universe by five different species of sentient beings, the oft-overlooked “easy mode” can be used by hominids in training.

About Alien Hominid HD
As a feisty yet adorable alien, gamers must fend off FBI agents in search of their coveted spacecraft. With unique, hand-drawn characters and weapons, this award-winning title is the epitome of quirky humor and intergalactic fun. Sixteen levels, seven mini-games, and jump-in anytime multiplayer capability adds to the cosmic mayhem. Alien Hominid HD from The Behemoth is a side-scrolling extraterrestrial experience like no other, and is available now for download on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360.

Game Features

• Sixteen levels and seven mini-games, including “All You Can Eat” and “PDA Games,” now with online multiplayer support.
• Main and Mini-games high scores are tracked on the Xbox LIVE Leaderboards.
• Multiplayer modes enable co-op play and per controller difficulty.
• Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points.

Fans vote Castle Crashers Game of the Year in Xbox Live Arcade awards

Castle Crashers, the most downloaded Xbox LIVE Arcade title released in 2008, is also the fan favorite according to the 2nd Annual Xbox LIVE Arcade Awards. Over 185,000 Xbox LIVE Arcade community members cast their votes awarding Castle Crashers the top honor of “Game of the Year” as well as “Best Original Game” and “Best Co-op Mode.”

Four-player online capabilities, deep replay value, and downright fun gameplay helped Castle Crashers stand out among the excellent games released in 2008.

“These awards are particularly meaningful to us because they were decided by the players themselves.” said Kelly Revak, Mayor of Behemothtown and Community Ambassador. “A BIG thank you to all who voted, you are the wind beneath our chicken wings! Seriously, we have the best fans in the whole world.”

Castle Crashers continues it’s record-breaking pace, remaining in the top five most downloaded titles since its August 2008 release. With over 800,000 players now on the leaderboards, Castle Crashers is on track to attract 1 million players within a year of launch, a feat few Arcade titles have achieved.

About Castle Crashers:

As Xbox LIVE Arcade’s top hit of 2008, Castle Crashers has attracted a wide-ranging audience with its engaging art style, easy control system, and simple yet addictive game play. From seven-year-olds playing their first video game to hardcore older gamers looking to recapture the 2D arcade games of their youth, this game has something for everyone. Hack, slash, and smash your way to victory in this red-hot arcade adventure! Featuring hand-drawn characters, Castle Crashers delivers unique hi-res illustrated visuals like nothing you've ever seen before. Play with up to three friends locally or over Xbox LIVE to save your princess, defend your kingdom, and crash some castles with an arsenal of combos and magical attacks to choose from! Priced at 1200 Microsoft points, Castle Crashers boasts 20 levels, over 40 weapons, and 20 unlockable characters, making this one of the largest games available on Xbox LIVE Arcade.

First Shakespeare video game - Romeo and Juliet Free demo download

So, does Shakespeare's play really work as computer game? That's what the folks at Baby Eish Games are hoping. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

Independent game studio Baby Eish Games has unveiled the first in its series of Shakespeare-based computer games, Most Romantic Tales?

Romeo and Juliet. Unlike previous adaptations, this visual novel adventure game boasts a line by line translation of Shakespeare's original text. While the story has been translated into colloquial English, all of the key elements of Shakespeare's romantic tragedy are still in tact. Players can decide between different dialog options, but ultimately, the story is linear.

A Baby Eish spokesperson has this to say, "Shakespeare was an entertainer, not an academic. Frankly, we think he'd be pretty appalled at how we teach his plays at school. They're meant to be enjoyed, and translating his works into computer games is a great way to reach the modern audience on their own ground."

You can find a free, one hour demo of Most Romantic Tales Romeo and Juliet at http://www.babyeishgames.com/Romeo-Juliet.html.

Exclusive video game range based on Giochi Preziosi best-selling toy range

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced it has entered into an exclusive, global licensing agreement with Giochi Preziosi and Marathon Media to develop and publish video games based on the hugely successful Gormiti action figure and entertainment franchise.

The new agreement expands the Gormiti phenomenon into the interactive entertainment software category with the first Gormiti titles to be released for Nintendo DS and Wii gaming systems.

Gormiti is the story of the never ending battle on the ‘Island of Gorm’ between vast armies inspired by the elemental forces of nature. Created and first launched by Giochi Preziosi in 2005, the expansive product line inspired by the heroes of Gorm is Europe’s fastest growing action figure brand. With over 100 million figures sold to date, Gormiti ranks among the category best sellers in all major European markets and is quickly gaining speed following its launch in the US earlier this year.

All new Gormiti adventures are featured in the Giochi Preziosi/Marathon Media co-production of a 52 episode, animated TV series entitled ‘Gormiti - The Lords of Nature Return’. The animated series premiered in Italy to record ratings via the Mediaset network in September 2008 and will launch in fall 2009 on M6 in France and on RTL 2 in Germany. Broadcaster for other countries, including UK and Spain will be announced after MIP TV 2009.

“The Gormiti licence is one that is ideally suited to video games,” commented Kunio Neo, President for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “The collection side of it and the eternal battle between these elemental forces opens up a wide range of exciting possibilities. The games will be entrusted to our European development studio, and we look forward to unleashing the Gormiti armies on DS and Wii in the near future.”

“Konami’s global reach and marketing expertise combined with their proven ability to translate an action packed and character rich property like Gormiti into an exciting and sustainable video game franchise makes them a perfect partner to compliment and expand upon the Gormiti phenomenon” said Giochi Preziosi’s CEO Dario Berte. “Konami understands the magical appeal of Gormiti. We are excited and proud to be partnering with a company that shares our passion for creating a gaming experience that will bring these amazing characters to life for dedicated Gormiti fans and video game enthusiasts of all ages.”

Vincent Chalvon Demersay, President of Marathon Media, said, “The stories and characters that make “Gormiti - The Lords of Nature Return” such a unique and fascinating television series also make it a great candidate for adaptation as an exciting interactive gaming adventure. Konami has an exceptional track record of developing high quality games that capture the imagination and extend the entertainment experience into the gaming arena.”

Golemizer MMORPG first free expansion now online

The first free content expansion, Diluculo Island, for the free web MMORPG Golemizer. A free 2D steampunk MMORPG, Golemizer requires no download or plug-in to play and features a rich sandbox environment.

Following the path of a mysterious scientist named Dr. Grant, players will discover an island where strange creatures, the bymizins, are living. Are they friendly? Are they hostile?

Players will have to find out for themselves while facing the many dangers of the island like giant spiders, zombie velociraptors and the terrifying X-Rex (a steam powered dinosaur).

Along a storyline of 100 new quests, the Diluculo Island expansion features:

- Over 200 new zones to explore
- 3 new golems that players can create (zombie velociraptor, mecha repair-o-tron and even the X-Rex)
- 10 new skills available to all characters
- New island themed items that players can buy to customize their cities and dungeons
- The first vehicle in Golemizer, a blimp that can be built by players!

To meet the requirements of the constantly growing number of players and NPCs (over 10 000), Golemizer has recently been moved to a new server to provide the best gaming experience possible.

Since its release in September 2008, more than 19 000 players have roamed the creative world of Golemizer. In their journey, they have created 1 200 quests using the player quests creation system, crafted over 800 000 items and created more than 5 000 new zones using the player dungeon system.