Dragonica Closed Beta Test dates announced: May 13th - May 22nd

Ten days of early access for lucky beta key holders European Dragonica Closed Beta Test dates announced: May 13th – May 22nd

gPotato Europe is proud to announce that Dragonica, the new free arcade-style 3D side-scrolling MMORPG, is to enter closed beta testing on the 13th of May.

From the 13th to the 22nd of May, all users in possession of a beta-key or chosen by lottery from those already pre-registered at the official website will be able to download and play the game for free from the www.gpotato.eu game portal.

European gamers will soon be able play in this brand new online world, where 3D side-scrolling combo-based combat sits alongside cutting edge massively multiplayer online gameplay, free of charge and without subscriptions. Dragonica simply requires a broadband connection, and works across a wide variety of notebook, desktop and netbook computers.

Dragonica uses only the keyboard for precise combos and accessible combat. As you train your character from one of the starting classes to stronger versions, you will gain access to more powerful weapons and train up a wide variety of hilarious skills to develop your own fighting style. It also includes a fast-paced arcade-style ten player multiplayer mode, party support for up to four players, a couple system granting additional powers to pairs of players, and all the guild, trade, communication and quest fun that players expect from a top MMORPG.

As soon as servers open, the Dragonica team has a packed schedule of events planned for the ten day Closed Beta. There are plenty of great prizes up for grabs, so if you want to start off the June’s Open Beta in style, entering the CBT events is the best way to earn some unique items to make you stand out. The team will be “meeting and greeting” players at the start to welcome and help them into the game. After the festivities die down, we’re getting straight into the action with combo competitions, challenges to beat the games bosses, PvP tournaments and lots more. Keep an eye on the Dragonica website for full details.

The Dragonica Closed beta commences on Wednesday 13th of May, and runs for ten days until Friday 22nd May. It will then be available to everybody with a free gPotato.eu account in June, for free, for life. Want to know more? Visit the official European Dragonica website at dragonica.gpotato.eu for your last chance to enter the Closed Beta lottery!

Space Exploration - Serpens Sector video game download

Metal Beetle Ltd has released a new preview version of Space Exploration - Serpens Sector, its upcoming RPG. The new preview is available from http://www.metalbeetle.com/spaceexploration/download.php.

In this new preview, your ship's crew play a much larger role. Crew members now have individual skills and morale levels, and many encounters have been rewritten to let you choose crew members for specific tasks. And instead of the time limit in dev 8, you can now return to Fleet Headquarters to ask for more fuel - the better you do in your mission, the more fuel you are awarded.

Space Exploration: Serpens Sector is a role-playing game based on classics like Starflight and Star Control. You are tasked with exploring the mysterious Serpens Sector after a long period of human absence. Each game has a different map and a different set of encounters, drawn from a large list. The base game will be free, and purchasable expansions will add further encounters for those who enjoy the game and want to see more.

The game is still under development, but preview versions are available for download, and player feedback is very much encouraged. While the basic elements of the game engine are present, the game is still being refined, and a lot of content is yet to be added. The next preview release, dev 10, will focus on improved space combat.

The game has been under development since late 2007 and is slated to be released in 2009. The first expansion will be released simultaneously.

Space Exploration: Serpens Sector is under development by Metal Beetle Ltd, a small UK-based software company.

Tiki Bar TV and Secret Lab Announce First Official Tiki Bar TV Game - Day of the Tiki

Tiki Bar TV game by Secret Lab coming for Mac and Windows in Summer, iPhone to follow

Video podcast pioneers Tiki Bar TV
have joined forces with Secret Lab, an independent video game developer, to create video games based on the Tiki Bar TV video podcast.

"Exciting things are happening in the Tiki Bar," said creator Jeff Macpherson, who stars as Doctor Tiki in the wildly successful, popular podcast Tiki Bar TV. "We are combining the power of video with the fun of game - we intend to call this exciting new medium the Video-Game.

Gamers and drinkers alike will be thrilled to use Johnny Johnny like a puppet, and fling him into the face of danger," enthused the good doctor.

"Our audience has been requesting this for a long time and we're sure they won't be disappointed," added producer Tosca Musk. "This is the beginning of what we hope will be a long and adventurous collaboration." The first game to come out of the partnership, entitled Day of the Tiki, will be a 3D platform game initially available for Windows and Mac OS X, followed by a version for the iPhone. The game will be available for digital download.

Paris Buttfield-Addison, Producer at Secret Lab, noted that the project was a perfect fit for the team at Secret Lab: "We make our games with the same irreverent humor that pervades Tiki Bar TV. We are thrilled to collaborate with the ingenious team from the Tiki Bar."

A release date for Day of the Tiki is to be announced.

Become a Playboy with Playboy Manager PC video game and win a lifetime subscription to Playboy magazine

Jolt Online Gaming, the leading browser games publisher, is more than a little excited to announce the launch of Playboy Manager, the Massively Casual Online Game (MCOG) you can play on any Internet browser at any time.

In Playboy Manager, you play a crack talent agent managing the career of some of Playboy’s hottest up-and-coming models. Competing against thousands of other players, you will guide your model’s career toward her ultimate goal: Becoming a world-renowned Playmate with a permanent room in the Playboy Mansion!

“We’ve wanted to do a Playboy game forever,” exclaimed Dylan Collins, CEO of Jolt. “As enormous fans of the articles, we jumped at the opportunity to bring the game online for a huge audience. Who hasn’t wanted to manage a Playboy model?”

“We are delighted to work with Jolt in offering our fans this great new way to experience and enjoy the World of Playboy,” said Scott Stephen, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Playboy Digital.

Combining the best elements of trading card and turn-based gaming, Playboy Manager is the only online game to feature exclusive content from Playboy, including videos and photos of breathtaking Playboy models. The game, to launch in Summer 2009, will be playable for free at www.playboymanager.com

If you pre-register right now at www.playboymanager.com, you could win one of several lifetime subscriptions to Playboy magazine – a prize offered only to pre-registered users!

Playboy Manager is a continuous game designed to be played in short bursts from any Internet browser at any time. Play it during a lecture, on your phone or even in the office (when the boss isn’t looking!) Bookmark www.playboymanager.com now!

Acquire wealth, fame, and a bevy of beautiful models while you compete with thousands of other players - all of them after exactly the same things. Strive to drive the finest cars, throw the biggest parties, and encounter the world’s sexiest women – the luxurious Playboy lifestyle presented in an online game packed full of wit, style, and pictures which can only be described as titillating.

For more information, regular updates and the chance to win a lifetime subscription to Playboy magazine, register at www.playboymanager.com

The Conduit - first-person shooter - video game on Nintendo Wii

The Conduit first-person shooter garnered multiple awards at E3 2008, including three awards from IGN: Best Shooting Game (Nintendo Wii), Best Graphics Technology (Nintendo Wii) and Best Overall Nintendo Wii Game. The Conduit is a stunning, futuristic title powered by a new game engine technology that delivers remarkable visuals and effects, as well as a rich interactive experience that is unlike any other title on the Nintendo Wii.

“Bringing The Conduit into our library is yet another show of SEGA’s belief that the Wii is more than a casual games console,” says Gary Knight, European Marketing Director at SEGA of Europe Ltd.. “As one of the most anticipated Wii games for next year, The Conduit will be the new benchmark for first person shooters.”

“High Voltage Software's partnership with SEGA to publish The Conduit represents an important milestone for this studio,” said Kerry Ganofsky, CEO and founder of High Voltage Software, Inc. “SEGA shares our vision for the title and its tremendous potential, which is why we chose them from a long list of potential partners. With their support, we are confident that The Conduit will deliver the definitive shooter experience that Wii fans have been waiting for since the system's launch.”

The Conduit takes players into a dark story in Washington D.C. after a vicious alien invasion has rocked the country. An organisation called the Trust has sent in Secret Service agent, Mr. Ford, to go up against the insect-like alien race known as “The Drudge.” Armed with an array of futuristic weaponry and an intelligence-gathering device simply called the “All-Seeing Eye,” players follow an intricate maze filled with conspiracy, shady government activity and terrifying aliens.

The Conduit’s detailed control system allows players to customise and configure their controls, including look sensitivity, turning speed, the dead zone and much more. As players delve further into the mystery behind the extraterrestrial invasion, shocking details reveal that the invasion may have been brought on with help from the government itself.

Powered by High Voltage Software’s groundbreaking Quantum 3 engine, The Conduit ensures that players will experience single and multiplayer gameplay with graphical fidelity never seen before on the Wii. The Conduit will also support the recently announced Wii Speak peripheral, allowing online multiplayer gamers the ability to chat as they destroy aliens in each terrifying level. Additionally, the game will take advantage of the Wii MotionPlus for optimal control.

The Conduit is slated to release in Spring 2009 exclusively on the Nintendo Wii.

Red Dead Redemption Wild West video game screenshots trailer

Red Dead Redemption Wild West video game based on Rockstar RAGE engine is the sequel to Red Dead Revolver 2004 video game. Promising and open world environment on both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles.

See a few screenshots on this trailer here...

Design a Raskulls and have it included in the video game contest announced

Coming soon is the release of Halfbrick’s brand new game for Xbox Live Arcade – Raskulls. It’s a puzzle platformer with a rich story mode and multiplayer racing features, so with an original concept and quirky characters, there’s no limit to the creative ideas that can be explored.

You can check out the full list of current character profiles at the Raskulls game page on the Halfbrick website, and to celebrate we’re putting the creative power of Raskulls into the hands of the gamers!

Today Halfbrick is proud to announce the Design a Raskull Competition! We are making the call for all fans from around the world to submit their best design and send it to the Halfbrick team. Entries will be judged on originality, creativity and humor.

The reward for the best character submission is no two-bit family picnic booby prize. This is the real deal that will be seen on Xbox consoles all around the world.
Our Raskulls team will take the design, work it into a 3D model and include the character in the final game on Xbox Live Arcade along with full artist credit.

The Grand Prize winner will receive:

- Their design modeled into the final Raskulls game to be released on Xbox Live Arcade, along with artist credit
- A free copy of Raskulls upon its release on Xbox Live Arcade
- A limited edition King figurine
- A Halfbrick T-shirt
Two runner-up winners will receive:
- A free copy of Raskulls upon its release on Xbox Live Arcade
- A limited edition King figurine
- A Halfbrick T-shirt

Entering is simple. Download the Raskully Profile template from the official contest page and base your work on that. Sketches, drawings, painted, colored-in: all is fine, so long as you show us your creative side! You can draw with your tablet, print it out and work with your own materials, anything you like – just make sure the final version is submitted to us via raskulls@halfbrick.com in JPEG format, subject line DESIGN A RASKULL ENTRY, along with your name, age, country of residence and contact email address. Don’t forget to sign up to the Raskulls forum and show off your entry with the rest of the community!

Head on over to the contest page for the template and conditions of entry. Entries close on Wednesday, June 17th, so get started and show us your skills! One quick note - don't send us any copyrighted characters placed onto the Raskulls template. Trust us, we've already thought about how awesome Boney Spiderman and Homer Simpskull would be, but the owners of such properties would be none too happy. Original ideas only please!

Ghostbusters video game Exclusively on Two PlayStation Platforms in June for the 25th Anniversary of Original Hit Movie

Original Cast of the Hit Movie Come Back Together to Do Battle With the Supernatural on the Streets of Manhattan

PSP Version Coming Autumn 2009 - Sony Computer Entertainment, Sony Pictures Consumer Products, and Atari Europe today announced that Ghostbusters: The Video Game for PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) and PlayStation 2 is to be published in PAL territories by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe in June, meaning that owners of PS3 and PlayStation 2 will get their hands on the game that reunites the cast of the hit movies.

To mark the 25th anniversary of the well-loved franchise, the game will launch in coordination with the Blu-ray release of the original hit movie and licensing programs from Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. Ghostbusters: The Video Game will launch in Europe and PAL regions on June 19th 2009 exclusively for PS3 and PlayStation 2.

“We’re committed to bringing the PlayStation family the biggest and best gaming experiences first,” says Mark Hardy, European Product Marketing Director at SCEE, “and it doesn’t get any bigger and better than this blockbuster title. This summer, PlayStation owners will be the first to grab their proton packs and fight the spirit world. We’d like to wish them the best of luck in their ghostbusting endeavours and, of course, to remind them not to cross the streams!”

“With our colleagues at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe publishing Ghostbusters: The Video Game, we are thrilled by the dynamic new Ghostbusters game. We think it will have tremendous appeal to gamers and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this beloved franchise.” said Mark Caplan, Vice President of Licensing-Interactive for Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. “With this superb game launching alongside the Blu-ray release, we will reach existing fans and the next generation, bringing them all into the irresistible Ghostbusters universe.”

“Atari is committed to maximizing the launch of the Ghostbusters videogame across Europe,” Said Jim Wilson, VP Worldwide Marketing, Atari. “In partnership with both Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Inc and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, we have a unique opportunity to add new game products and expand marketing opportunities to reach Ghostbusters fans in Europe.”

In Ghostbusters: The Video Game, players can grab a proton pack and turn their ghostbusting fantasies into reality as the new recruit to the Ghostbusters team in a story set two years after the Ghostbusters 2 movie. Once again, the city of Manhattan has been overrun with ghouls, ghosts and all things foul – and it’s down to the Ghostbusters team to capture them all and regain control.

The game has been written by original Ghostbusters writers Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd and reunites members of the original cast for the first time in 20 years. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson lend their voices and in-game likenesses to the game, which also features performances from favourites including William Atherton (Walter Peck), Annie Potts (Janine) and Brian Doyle-Murray (Mayor Jock Mulligan).

Developed by Terminal Reality and Red Fly Studios Ghostbusters: The Video Game will arrive on PS3 and PS2 this June. PSP version of the game is scheduled for launch in autumn 2009.

Can you run the country better than Gordon Brown? New PC commander in Chief simulator games lets you try!

How would you deal with the credit crunch? What would you do about global warming? How would you manage a global flu epidemic?

To investigate these questions and mark the launch of the new 2009 PC Geo-simulator Commander in Chief, masked Gordon Brown impersonators hit the street around Parliament to see whether members of the public felt they could do a better job at running the government than the current Prime Minister. The results found that 36% of the respondents reported that they believed they would personally make for a better Prime Minister.

Members of the British public now have their chance to prove it, though they will be stepping into the Prime Minister’s shoes in the virtual world.

Commander in Chief is a comprehensive geo-political simulation game for PCs where players face the same complex issues confronting leaders like Gordon Brown on a day-to-day basis. The great detail and depth of the simulator reveals the complexities of managing a government and the challenging decisions they must make. In the game, as in real life, every decision has consequences and balancing all of the demands is no simple task.

Are you a warmonger or a diplomat, would you bail out the banks, could you avoid scandals and political pitfalls, should you sign the Kyoto protocol and develop environmental solutions to a threatened world?

From decisions on current issues of terrorism to unemployment, epidemics to alternative energy policy, players can test their ability to deal with issues domestically or on the world stage, responding to actions taken by fellow global leaders. Like in real life, players need to consult daily newspapers to gauge the public and international response to their policies and use their virtual laptop or phone to communicate with other government officials, leaders or the 50 international organisations like the UN, NATO or OPEC.

According to Louis-Marie Rocques, from the game developer Eversim, "One of the key points when designing the game was for us to achieve the highest degree of realistic simulation, while making the seriousness of politics a challenging and entertaining experience." Striking this balance correctly has a strong pay-off for bringing the challenges of politics to life. Steven Ross, Professor of History, University of Southern California, states, “I think this is a great thing for getting people really hooked in politics. The challenges that players face blur the lines between politics and entertainment.”

The Gazette gives the game “Four stars out of five’ and Honestgamers.com says, "The game is a smooth, sublime experience about running a nation in the present era."

Can you handle the burden of the world on your shoulders? Can you become one of the world’s great leaders? Can you do better than Gordon Brown?

Commander in Chief is available online and in stores across the UK. For more information visit: www.commander-in-chief.co.uk

Over two million downloads of Map pack 1 for Call of Duty World ar War

The juggernaut that is Call of Duty : World at War Map Pack 1 continues to roll, with Activision and developer Treyarch announcing today that worldwide sales for the downloadable map pack have cleared the two million download mark, on both Xbox LIVE and the PlayStation Network (combined).

“This is a huge milestone and we are so appreciative of our incredibly supportive community who continue to play and enjoy the game,” said Mark Lamia, Studio Head of Treyarch. “We’re hard at work on Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 2 and look forward to delivering that in June.”

Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack 1 contains four maps (Nightfire, Station, Knee Deep and Verrückt) and is available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for 800 Microsoft Points and on the PlayStation Store for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system for £7.99. Call of Duty: World at War is rated 15 by the BBFC.

Replica Rickenbacker and Gretsch guitar controllers for The Beatles Rock Band video game

The Beatles: Rock Band Pre-Order Club Goes Live, May 5th

Harmonix Music and MTV Games along with Electronic Arts, announce that replica Rickenbacker 325 and Gretsch Duo Jet guitars will be made available as standalone music peripheral controllers for The Beatles: Rock Band.

In addition, The Beatles: Rock Band Pre-Order Club also goes live today in the U.S. and Canada giving fans exclusive news and access to exclusive game elements from the eagerly awaited game set for release worldwide on 9/9/09.

The Rickenbacker 325 and Gretsch Duo Jet guitars are hailed as two of the signature, most celebrated instruments played by John Lennon and George Harrison throughout their careers, respectively. They will be made available for MSRP $99.99 in the U.S. and in continental Europe for MSRP €99.99 and for MSRP £89.99 in the UK. These wireless instrument controllers join the previously announced Höfner bass controller, a large-scale replica of the bass famously used by Sir Paul McCartney, and the Ringo Starr inspired and Ludwig-branded Rock Band 2 drums, with a classic pearl finish and vintage replica Beatles kick drum head. All controllers will be available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3, Wii and will be compatible with all Rock Band titles.

Also announced, The Beatles: Rock Band Pre-Order Club officially goes live today. North American and European fans who pre-order any version of the The Beatles: Rock Band at a participating retailer will be given an access code to officially join the Pre-Order Club. After entry of the code, consumers will gain access to breaking news and exclusive behind the scenes elements . For a list of participating retailers or to learn more about The Beatles: Rock Band Pre-Order Club, please visit www.thebeatlesrockband.com.

The Beatles: Rock Band will allow fans to pick up the guitar, bass, mic or drums and experience The Beatles’ extraordinary catalogue of music through gameplay that takes players on a journey through the legacy and evolution of the band’s legendary career. Available simultaneously worldwide in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Wii system from Nintendo on Sept. 9, 2009, the game will be compatible with all Rock Band instrument controllers, as well as most Guitar Hero and other third party music video game peripherals and microphones.

Beware the Beavers! in Robocalypse - Beaver Defense on Nintendo Wii and DS

Vogster Entertainment, developers of Robocalypse for the Nintendo DS, today released new screenshots from Robocalypse - Beaver Defense for Nintendo's WiiWare platform. Robocalypse - Beaver Defense brings the tongue-in-cheek humor and zany characters from the original Robocalypse into the world of "tower defense" gaming.

The new screens feature some of the level maps, weapons and enemies players will encounter during the game's frenzied missions. Be sure to download the new screens to see the crazy action in Robocalypse - Beaver Defense firsthand.

Robocalypse - Beaver Defense will offer madcap weaponry and uproarious destruction in a tower defense-style game for the Nintendo Wii. In the game, players will create and strategically position their defenses to annihilate waves of enemy robots, while player-controlled Hero robots will act as mobile weapons units, bringing heavy firepower to all areas of the battlefield.

Weaponry varies from the deadly, such as flamethrowers and bombs, to the hilarious - including anvils from above and chainsaws, while scraps from fallen foes provide a variety of upgrades. Players can go it alone or take on up to three other would-be commanders in two multiplayer battle modes via Nintendo WiFi. With a story written by Jay Lender (of Spongebob Squarepants fame) and Micah Wright, Robocalypse - Beaver Defense is sure to put a smile on players' faces as they bash near-endless waves of wise-cracking robotic opponents.

G.I. JOE The Rise of Cobra - Developer Blog No1 - G.I. JOE Fanboy Gets to Make the Video Game

“It all started with the filecards” by Dax Berg, Lead Designer at Double Helix

Ahh the summer..

As a kid you always discover the best things in the summer. Maybe it’s the lack of school to divert your shortened “kid attention span.”

It could be that those are the times when the weather is better and you are out more in the neighbor hood socializing and discovering new things instead of being cooped up inside. Whatever the reason, it was definitely the summer of 1984 when I first discovered the G.I. JOE universe.

Unlike 95% of the kids my age, I didn’t get introduced to G.I. JOE through the two traditional means (this being either through the toy line or the cartoon series).

Early on as a kid the only action figures I collected were Star Wars, and being the completionist that I was, the thought of purchasing any other toy outside of the series I was collecting to me was “money not well spent”.

Also being a kid born and raised smack dab in Middle America (Kansas to be specific), we didn’t get any other channels other than the “Big 3”. The G.I. JOE cartoon was on the new “Fox channel” and that channel for me wasn’t on the dial. (Unfortunately little did I know years later all I needed was one of those UHF circle antennas that could be purchased at any Radio Shack for 5 bucks – the lack of this little antenna in more ways than one robbed me of parts of my youth).

No, I discovered G.I. JOE through a tertiary medium; the medium of comics.

That summer my mother was working for a company putting together a trade show and one of the booths was a new local comic shop. The shop couldn’t pay the full price of the floor fee so they paid part of it in cash and the other part was done in trade for comics. My mother getting a portion of this gave the entire part of her share to me to buy all the comics a young kid could dream of and that was more than enough to get me hooked.

To this day no matter how busy it gets at work you can still find me every Wednesday during lunch time at “Comics Toons N Toys” in Tustin, California picking up my latest books.

In that first huge pile of comic books (that came up to my knees) I got from the shop that day back in ‘84, a few dozen of them were from the G.I. JOE series.

G.I. JOE No21 was my first experience with anything “JOE” related, and what an issue to pick up as my entrance into the G.I. JOE Universe! It is still is one of my favorite comic books to this day in showing how you can tell a story in the medium without a single word of dialogue or effect sounds. (It also doesn’t hurt that this was the 1st appearance ever of Storm Shadow and the reveal of Storm Shadow’s and Snake Eyes identical Arashikage Clan tattoos).

I loved the Superheroes comics in that knee high pile but there was something I was drawn to more in the comics about the Heroes (the ones without the “super” prefix). These weren't men with super serum injected into their veins, or guys that could lift busses and toss them around like toy cars. In my mind, these were soldiers that anyone could end up being, each with their own distinct personalities and traits. Each of these characters had a voice (whether they used it or not) and a style that was uniquely their own.

From that point on I was a “G.I. JOE fanboy”. I collected the standard G.I. Joe American Hero book, the G.I. Joe Special Missions comic, even G.I. Joe Yearbooks, which were for the most part reprints of other stories I already had. A year later a comic in the series would pop up which led me further down my fanboy path. This comic was called G.I. Joe Order of Battle. It was basically reprints of the toy line’s classic filecards.

As a kid I quickly became obsessed with collecting these data cards. I would trade some of my other action figures with other kids on the block not for their JOE Action figures, but for their G.I. JOE filecards. I would scour the neighbor hood looking for that one kid who didn’t care about his filecards and just wanted the toys. I could get nearly all of his filecards for only a few of my action figures in trade (to me an awesome deal).

This trading went on for months until I hit the mother load. That’s right, I finally found the one kid in my school whose parents were rich enough to get him the U.S.S. Flagg – a toy known by most kids my age as the “Granddaddy of all toys”. This guy had nearly every G.I. JOE Action figure and did not see the value in the filecards way I did. I actually traded all of the cards he hadn’t already thrown away plus every file card he would get in the future for (of all things) comic books, which thanks to my mother, I had plenty of.

From then on I was set. I kept my filecards in a red binder and eventually in an empty Air Jammer Road Rammer box in the bottom part of my closet and would pull them out for immediate reference as I read through every new and old G.I. JOE issue.

Fast forward 25 years later and here I am still collecting comics (actually I owned a comic and game shop for five years before got into the video games industry). But now I get to make a video game set in the universe I grew up loving as a kid. You take away all of the deadlines and stress that comes with the job (yeah there actually is quite a bit in this industry) and it truly feels like a dream come true.


(You can see G.I. JOE is well represented in my office)

You can see my love of the comics coming through in the game. Stalker from the cartoon, for example, has a very limited role, but in the comics, Stalker is a big time character. In the game I made Stalker the Field Commander. Anytime there is an issue on the ground Stalker is your man who can help you out. He has the biggest dialog role by far.

As a kid reading the comics I always imagined Stalker sounding like Carl Weathers in the Rocky or Predator movies. It is too bad we didn’t get him to do the voice over for the game, however, David B. Mitchell who plays the role did an amazing job!

One of my highlights of making the game is obviously the filecards. I worked with Brian Reed (who is a great comic book writer himself) on the initial story plot which takes place after the movie and retells a classic JOE story in the new JOE universe. You G.I. JOE fans out their will realize the familiar plot a few mission into the game and you won’t be disappointed. Anyhow, after the script was finished, Brian did not have time to write the filecards with me so Paul Benjamin, our Producer for the PSP game out of Fizz Factor in Austin and I wrote them. Each filecard has amazing artwork attached to it and updated information that I hope every G.I. JOE fanboy will appreciate.

There are a total of 75 filecards in the game that you will unlock as you play through. Each of these filecards was meticulously looked over time and time and again before they were finally approved by Hasbro. You’ll notice they are identical in style to Hasbro’s new toy line and all of the information is correct to the new G.I. JOE universe.

The circle is now complete!

Over the next few months, our team will go more into the game details and the game mechanics but laying down the foundation of how I became a Joe fanboy is important to any of you who spend the time reading this. We look forward to sharing our experiences making the game and will be writing more soon – now back to work!

Dax Berg is the Lead Designer / Game Director for the G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra video game releasing August 2009 alongside the live-action movie from Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment, in association with Hasbro. Launching on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS and PSP, G.I. JOE The Rise of Cobra is an accessible third person action-arcade shooter that allows players to recreate and relive the greatest moments from the film, cartoon series and action toy line.

Darknight - The return of Spirits zombie game

Codegen Studios is bringing you an action packed first person shooter game Darknight - The return of spirits.

"It's a story of a town and evil spirits. The bad spirits have attacked that Sampson Town and killed all the people of the town. All the people are now zombies and they have conquered the whole town.

Luke Crate, the hero of this story is a professional ghost buster who lives near the Sampson Town and he has been informed about this attack by the officer of the city who was about to die. He was informed that whole thing started in the Wolf Mansion in Sampson Town when the evil book was opened in the Wolf Mansion. He was not able to save the officer but Can he kill the mighty evil spirits and zombies or he will be the next target of the spirits?
Can he survive this DARK NIGHT?"

Vertigo a Challenging Puzzle Game Coming to Wii and PC June 16, 2009

Test your balance and puzzle solving skills as you traverse through Vertigo

Playlogic Entertainment, an independent worldwide publisher of entertainment software, announced today that Vertigo, the action-packed, futuristic racing puzzle game, is coming to the Wii™ system and Windows PC. Vertigo will be available in retail stores nationwide June 16, 2009.

“Vertigo is a high-rolling, adrenaline-fueled combination of futuristic racing, puzzle solving and precision control,” said Adam McGowan, marketing director for Playlogic. “With four multiplayer gaming modes, this is the ideal game for the entire family or a competitive group of friends. Vertigo takes gaming to dizzying new heights, where only the most skilled can survive!”

Vertigo challenges players to take their Xorb across 54 hair-raising landscapes and nine different worlds, each with their own unique treacherous terrain and death defying obstacles. Along the way players can upgrade their Xorb, seek hidden shortcuts and col¬lect power-ups to help them survive all with the goal of becoming the fastest and most envied Xorber in the Universe!

For added playability, Vertigo for Wii features Wii board compatibility, allowing players to use either the Wiimote or Wii balance board for an all-new realistic balancing experience.

Additional game features include:
• Four multiplayer modes: Time Trial, Xorb Football, Death Match, and 10-pin Xorb bowling
• Four trial modes: Arcade, Career, Practice, and Time Trial
• Fully Customizable Shell type: Bodywork and Hatch customization
• Three racing classes to progress through
Vertigo is rated “E” for everyone by the ESRB.

The Tudors video game of the wife-swapping, church-sacking, pie-eating TV series

Family Friendly Game Based on Hit TV Series THE TUDORS

Merscom announced today it has teamed up with Showtime Networks, Inc. to create a casual game based on the award winning drama series THE TUDORS

THE TUDORS television show presents the rarely dramatized, tumultuous early years of King Henry VIII's nearly 40 year, omnipotent reign (1509-1547). In addition to his famous female consorts, 20+ years of marriage to Catherine of Aragon and infamous dalliance with Anne Boleyn, the series delves into Henry's most notable political relationship and the deconstruction of the Roman Catholic Church in England.

In this casual adventure/hidden object game, players will enter the world of THE TUDORS and solve a mystery that that runs parallel to the show.

"THE TUDORS is a property that will really appeal to our market," stated Lloyd Melnick, Chief Customer Officer at Merscom, "Not only does the story arc appeal to the casual gamer, but the rich and beautiful graphical environment lends itself to an adventure game."

Coraline, the video game of the movie, a series of trailers...

Coraline will let players take on the role of the adventurous heroine and interact with the wondrous characters from the movie while navigating the scheming Other Mother’s web of deceit in a fantastical adventure through two distinct and interactive worlds.

Players can explore and interact with such immersive 3-D environments from the movie as the Pink Palace, its nooks and crannies and apartments, and the unpredictable Other World.

Players will engage in unique mini-games and adventures with Coraline’s friends Wybie and Cat as they collect items that will unlock the mysteries of the Other World.

• Play as Coraline and interact with all of the colorful characters from the amazing stop-motion animated film
  
• Explore two distinct, fully interactive worlds like never before - the peculiar Normal World and mesmerizing Other World
  
• Play one-of-a-kind mini-games and puzzles inspired by the film
  
• Find hidden collectibles to unlock unique outfits to customize Coraline's look and unlock artwork from the film
  

Coraline trailers on my YouTube channel here...

Pirate v Ninjas Dodgeball Nintendo Wii video game trailer

“Finally, friends will be able to choose their sides in this age old rivalry and face off to decide who is truly the superior force,” said Richard Iggo, VP of Marketing for SouthPeak Games. “I’m confident everyone that plays will realize that pirates rule the world. Anyone who says otherwise gets a ball in the face.”



Up to four friends can compete against one another as either pirates, ninjas, or as members of other iconic teams such as robots and zombies, each with their own unique techniques and abilities. Every match in Pirates vs Ninjas Dodgeball is completely customizable, allowing competitors to decide on everything from the arena you play in to game rules. In addition, Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball features a deep, single player story mode, and challenge modes to keep players in top ball slinging shape.

“Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball plays great thanks to the Wii controls, and intensifies rivalries because the throwing motions make it feel like you’re whipping balls at each other. I’m surprised such a classic playground game hasn’t been done on Wii before,” said Chris Stockman, Studio Director of Blazing Lizard. “I’m also surprised anyone would choose pirates over the mystical power of ninjas. Fools such as these are easily defeated.”

Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball will be shipping to stores on May 12.

Free Flash Game from The Theatre of War II team

Free to anyone that wants to download or host it

An armored flash game where players attempt to take over computer controlled bases using tanks. By choosing one of four nationalities players are given a base with constant reinforcements, they must use their tanks to keep taking over other bases until they are the last one standing.

Where: The game can be found can be downloaded here in the folder "TOW II Flash Tanks".

Theatre of War was considered to be the most realistic simulation of battle ever played on a PC. The sequel, Theatre of War 2, covers the events of 1943 during the operations in Tunisia. Recovered from losses after their defeat at Al-Alamein, Germany's Afrika Korps, supported by an Italian military contingent and new powerful weapons, marched against the Allies. The German troops were commanded by General Rommel and had the chance for a quick victory. However, their military operations were severely prolonged, and the plans of the German general were about to fail. Players will have the option to lead the German Afrika Korps of Rommel in their last full-scale attack or be at the head of the opposing English and American armies, led by Montgomery and Eisenhower, during 15 missions in three campaigns.

The game presents more than 40 types of different vehicles, new types of units, improved graphics and sound, a new advanced visual system that considers observation angle and smoke screens, fights inside buildings and hand-to-hand fighting, a brand new interface, improved soldiers' AI, soldiers' independent search for cover and an improved infantry damage system. Special attention is being devoted to multiplayer and user created missions.

Mac version of its match three puzzle game - Cradle Of Persia free download

Awem studio, a well-known developer of such hit games as Star Defender 1 - 4 and Cradle Of Rome, announced the release of the Mac version of Cradle Of Persia v. 1.07 which is now available from http://www.awem.com. Cradle Of Persia is known as the sequel to the popular puzzle game Cradle Of Rome and features match-3 gameplay and exciting story to follow.

"We are glad to announce the release of the Mac version of Cradle Of Persia," said Oleg Rogovenko, Awem studio's CEO. "We realize that Mac users is a significant part of our audience and it is constantly growing. That's why we plan to release PC and Mac versions of our upcoming games simultaneously."

Cradle Of Persia is an astonishing match 3 puzzle that offers impeccable visuals and a catching background story. Make the history of Persia with your own hands. With Cradle of Persia you'll travel through 7 historical epochs. Conquer over 100 levels to build 20 masterpieces of Ancient Persia and set the Genie free.

A free trial version of Cradle Of Persia can be downloaded from the developer's web site

Dungeon Fighter Online Five character classes, and trailer video will be featured on new Web site.

Nexon America announced today details on the five awesome character classes in its new action MMO, Dungeon Fighter Online. Set to premiere later this year, Dungeon Fighter Online, is a free-to-play, free-to-download, arcade-style, action adventure game set in an immersive role-playing fantasy world.

In addition to the beloved 2D side-scrolling play, it also includes the ability to create fully customized characters. Once players are decked out and loaded up, they can master intense fighting combinations and put them to use against monsters and other players.

The Dungeon Fighter Online Web site features exclusive game information, in-game screenshots, a trailer video and a new Forum page for players to start discussing the game. It also details the five character classes, which will help players choose who they want to be when they brave the dangerous dungeons of Arad:

• Slayer – A swordsman of the highest caliber, doomed to carry with him the demon Kazan, who possesses his body and delivers him his power.

• Fighter – A gladiator who thrives in close-range, hand-to-hand combat, in which she exploits a wide assortment of bone-shattering fighting techniques.

• Gunner – Tall and lithe, this mysterious alien marks targets from afar and then blows them away with every kind of firearm imaginable.

• Mage – Wielding magical powers to subjugate the monstrous horrors of the dungeons, a mage taps into the mystical energies of her magical home world Pandemonium.

• Priest – Driven by faith, a Priest is spurred into violent action against the resurrection of the evil Ozma and his legions of marauding minions.

As adventurers rise in level, each class can specialize further into subclasses, opening up increasingly powerful skills. Detail information about the five character classes and their subclasses are explained in the new Web site. Nexon America expects players to respond well to the diverse range of play styles for each of these characters, as well as their rich backgrounds.