Second WonderKing Online Beta Key Giveaway - win one of 1,000 closed beta keys for WonderKing Online

Second WonderKing Online Beta Key Giveaway for mmolecule members. mmolecule will conduct a random drawing to award a second batch of 1,000 closed beta keys for WonderKing Online, a new MMO from NDOORS to be released in 2009.

Any existing mmolecule member or anyone who becomes a member of mmolecule on or before August 19th will be eligible to win. Only one key will be awarded per person. Winners will be privately notified on August 20th.

“We're very excited to offer our community members another opportunity to experience WonderKing Online,” said Andrew Muchmore, COO and co-founder of mmolecule. “This is a great opportunity for mmolecule members to get into the game, as well as get to know NDOORS. We look forward to offering more tools, services, and contests involving WonderKing Online in the very near future.”

Complete contest details are available at http://www.mmolecule.com.

DrawRace iPhone and iPod Touch video game - a new way to race Play free flash game here

Totally new and compelling way to race with iPhone - Draw your racing line and speed. Race and drift your way into a world league leader!

Drawrace introduces a completely new type of game-and control mechanics, which will keep you hooked time after time. Try to draw the best possible driving path and the optimal speed for the path – and watch how fast you are able to race through the tracks. Your Improvement is continuous as there are many good ways to pass the tracks, and eventually, it is your skill that decides your success!

In addition to 20 closely designed, fun and challenging tracks, you can also race against all other players around the globe over the network mode – or if you are playing with your friends, you can immediately test, who has the best racing tactics in an exciting hot-seat multiplayer mode.



DrawRace introduces:

* Totally new "Draw and Drive" control system never seen before
* Realistic driving model with skidding, braking and gas control
* 20 unique, closely designed racing tracks for all the game modes
* Single player races against computer, your own best drives and against the next driver in the global and national league
* Networked multiplayer mode for racing against other drivers anywhere around the globe
* Global and national leagues for network mode
* Local hotseat multiplayer mode for 2 or 3 players
* National network league in over 70 countries

Exclusively at iTunes app store, only 0.99$, available now!

Dark Age of Camelot - Darkness Rising and Labyrinth of the Minotaur Expansions now Free to download

New 14-Day Trial Entices New and Returning Players With Access to All Five Dark Age of Camelot Expansion Packs

Mythic Entertainment, an Electronic Arts studio,announce that Dark Age of Camelot - Darkness Rising and Labyrinth of the Minotaur, the fourth and fifth retail expansions to the epic fantasy MMORPG Dark Age of Camelot, are now available at no charge to all subscribers. Originally launched in 2001, Dark Age of Camelot remains one of the more popular MMORPGs in the genre’s history and is heralded for introducing the renowned “Realm vs. Realm” gamezplay experience.

Current subscribers will receive the expansions as part of an automatic update to their existing game client. For players that are new to Dark Age of Camelot, or for those interested in returning to the world, they can download the new 14-day free trial which now features all five retail expansions, including Darkness Rising and Labyrinth of the Minotaur. New players can download the Dark Age of Camelot 14-Day free trial here: http://www.darkageofcamelot.com/trial.

“The Dark Age of Camelot community has thrived for nearly a decade and the game has helped transform the MMO landscape with the introduction of groundbreaking Realm vs. Realm gameplay,” said Jeff Hickman, Executive Producer of Mythic Entertainment. “We could not be more excited to offer all this entertainment to all current players and to those interested in returning to the game, as well as to those looking to experience the game for the first time.”

In addition, seasoned veterans of Dark Age of Camelot can now return to Midgard, Hibernia and Albion and play free for a limited time. The Come Back To Camelot campaign allows former players with closed accounts for 90 days or more receive 10 days of game-time free when they update and reactivate their account.

Darkness Rising, released in 2005, introduced Champions of the Realms to Camelot, which included new weapons, advanced mounts and expanded Champion levels which allow players to gain new skills and learn abilities from other classes. Labyrinth of the Minotaur, released in 2006, introduced the playable Minotaur race and the Mauler class, as well as the largest dungeon in Camelot history.

For more information about the Dark Age of Camelot: Darkness Rising and Labyrinth of the Minotaur, please visit: www.darkageofcamelot.com/.

About Dark Age of Camelot

Celebrating its eight year anniversary in October 2009, Dark Age of Camelot is a massively-multiplayer online role-playing game ("MMORPG") featuring Realm vs. Realm combat, EA Mythic's unique take on Player vs. Player action. In addition, the game features multiple class and race combinations, a robust trade skill system, and a comprehensive player Guild system. The world of Dark Age of Camelot features three Realms at war - Midgard, Hibernia and Albion. Based on the mythologies of Viking-era Scandinavia, ancient Ireland, and Arthurian Britain, respectively, the once-peaceful Realms began to battle after the death of King Arthur. Players quest, fight monsters, form guilds and eventually gain enough power to defend their Realm from enemies. Since its release in October 2001, Dark Age of Camelot has received critical acclaim, including Online Game of the Year by Computer Games Magazine and Computer Gaming World, and PC Game of the Year by USA Today and MSNBC. After five years and hundreds of thousands of players, Dark Age of Camelot has proven to be an enduring success.

Smash Cars RC Cars Arcade Racing Game to Feature Real-Time Physics, Next Generation Graphics Online Multiplayer on PSN

TikGames and Creat Studios announce Smash Cars, the next release under the partnership between the two companies to deliver next generation console games, will be available for download on the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system on Thursday, August 20th. A follow-up to the original Smash Cars, Creat’s 2003 ‘no rules’ RC (radio-controlled) racing game, the successful franchise returns to the PlayStation on the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, offered via Sony’s PlayStation Network.



Real-time physics, innovative stunts and next-generation graphics combine into a dynamic, tricked-out single and multiplayer RC car racing experience where players twist and turn, grind and gear up, performing aerial tricks and stunts while racking up trophies and points as they race to the finish, all in an unlikely location. Set on a beautiful and tranquil Mediterranean island, the fast-moving, bumper car gamezplay style transforms this calm and relaxing setting into a dynamically frenzied raceway. A high-speed mini car racing game with a distinct arcade flavor, gameplay is presented from the unique perspective of a small RC vehicle, setting out to conquer the big world. Players will enjoy realistic driving physics and suspension as the tiny vehicles interact with full-size people and other beach dwellers along their path to victory.

“Smash Cars brings an exciting new action racing experience unlike anything else. TikGames is excited to work with Creat Studios to bring another innovative, high-end title to gamers on the PlayStation Network,” said Anatoly Tikhman, Founder and CEO of TikGames, LLC.



To win the race, RC vehicles must achieve nitro-fueled rocket boosts for accelerated speed bursts by grabbing big air and pulling off gnarly tricks and jumps. Points are earned by performing the best jumps and aerial tricks, hitting dynamic obstacles, colliding with other cars, skidding and “drifting” along sharp turns, and finishing first. Players can choose from the default Monster Truck style chassis, Buggy or Sports Car configurations, and a visit to the Workshop offers players the opportunity to personalize their vehicle by selecting paint color, glass styles, and decals. Additional body styles are unlocked as players advance.

“Creat Studios is thrilled to deliver the Smash Cars franchise to the PlayStation® Network and take advantage of capabilities only found on the PLAYSTATION 3,” said Vladimir Starzhevsky, co-founder and CEO of Creat Studios, Inc. “With this release, we are pushing our design and gameplay boundaries on PSN beyond the casual games arena.”

Smash Cars will include PLAYSTATION Trophy support and has been rated “E” for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board for this platform.

Cooking Mama 3 Shop and Chop on Nintendo DS video game

Majesco Entertainment today released box art and 10 screens from Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop for Nintendo DS. In the latest addition to the 4.5 million-selling franchise that started the cooking video game craze, Mama returns to the kitchen after her very successful foray into the garden. While Mama proves she is still untouchable in the kitchen as she showcases more than 80 new recipes, it is the new modes - "Let's Shop" and "Combine and Create" - that separate this from any previous Cooking Mama game to date.

For the first time, future chefs can purchase food at a grocery store and then use their imaginations to concoct new culinary creations from existing ingredients available in other recipes!

Mama is back, and she's traded in the trowel for the truffle in Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop! The stylus becomes the ultimate cooking utensil as players chop, grate, slice, stir, spread, sprinkle, roll and more through over 200 mini-games. The new box art and 10 screens included with this email show Mama making candy apples, donuts and more - a mere fraction of the new recipes available throughout the game. Additionally, six gameplay modes keep players on their feet, as they learn from mistakes in "Let's Cook" mode, compete with up to 3 friends using local wi-fi play in "Time Challenge" mode, and keep a scrapbook of favorite dishes in "Picture Diary" mode. While progressing through the game, recipes go from simple to difficult and dishes advance from small to large, but Mama awards players who learn with bronze, silver or gold medals based on the quality of their cooking!

Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop for Nintendo DS is expected to release this November for the SRP of $29.99.

Holland fights bird flu with video game

From the BBC

Like many other nations, the Netherlands is battling swine flu on many fronts.

At the forefront of the fight against the pandemic are the ranks of specialised doctors and millions of anti-viral tablets. But it also has one unusual weapon to call on - a videogame designed by experts at the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam.

Dubbed "The Great Flu", the game is based on the threat that the emergence of a new flu virus and its rapid spread across the globe would pose to humanity.

"The game is based on the need to increase public awareness to the threat posed by a pandemic and the measures in place to contain it," said Albert Osterhaus, head of virology at the Erasmus Medical Centre and one of the experts involved in creating the game.

Full post on the BBC website here...

F.E.A.R. 2 free download content - SloMo Deathmatch - Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

From September 3, F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin fans will be able to download four all-new single-player levels in the exclusive F.E.A.R. 2 - Reborn DLC campaign from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Monolith Studios, for a brand new gamezplay experience on the PlayStation Network for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows PC.

F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn lets players experience four new single-player missions that coincide with the events in F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin, and a simultaneous automatic title-update provides a free Slow-Mo Deathmatch multiplayer mode for use with F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin multiplayer content. A robust game demo of F.E.A.R. 2 Reborn will be released on August 27.

Four All New Levels: Face the chaos of Alma's aftermath from an entirely new point of view: that of Replica Soldier Foxtrot813. As gamers begin the mission as part of an orbital Powered Armor drop to reinforce their squad, the ruined city of Auburn emanates supernatural events and familiar voices, beckoning Foxtrot813 to go against orders from Replica command. Be careful, not everything is as it seems?



Slow-Mo Deathmatch: Through a free title update, gamers obtain a slow-mo power-up to slow down enemies in multiplayer deathmatch, thus gaining a distinct short-term advantage. The longer players hold onto the slow-mo powerup, the more objective points are accumulated, contributing to the overall score. Watch out though, whoever has slow-mo ability becomes a bigger target to everyone else!

Additionally, launching on August 13 is a brand new F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin premium theme for 240 Microsoft Points and picture pack for 80 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360, as well as a new theme for PlayStation 3. F.E.A.R. 2: Reborn is the third robust DLC pack available for F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin, and will become available for Windows PC at a later date. The Toy Soldiers map pack launched April 16, with the Armored Front map pack following soon after on May 21.

In F.E.A.R.2: Project Origin a routine assignment to locate the president of Armacham Technology Corporation in connection with an unfolding hostage crisis turns into a desperate battle for survival after an explosion decimates the city and unleashes Alma Wade, the terrifying supernatural menace at the center of Armacham's highly classified Project Origin. As Alma's power swells out of control, special forces Sgt. Michael Becket and his squad must battle through an apocalyptic landscape of shattered buildings and buckled streets in search of clues for how to destroy her. The more Becket learns about Armacham's secret experiments and reckless agenda, the more he begins to suspect that he's somehow linked to the crisis and may be the only one capable of averting total disaster.

Sixth and final closed beta for Aion this Friday August 14th

After five successful closed beta events, NCsoft is excited to announce that our sixth and final closed beta event for Aion begins this Friday, August 14th at 21:00 CEST (8 PM BST) and will go thru Monday, August 17.

Closed beta testing will conclude with a series of story driven in-game events which will hint at the upcoming content changes.? We will be treated to the story players will find in the 1.5 update called The Shadow of the Balaur. The events in the game will showcase the transition the world of Atreia and the players will experience from 1.0 to 1.5. We are retaining the level cap for both Elyos and Asmodians at 30 in order to allow players to focus on getting to the same level so they can explore the lands of Atreia together.

So remember to log in this Friday and see what Aion has in store! If you do not have a beta key, respond to this email and we will get you set up. This is your last chance to experience the beta events before open beta begins.

Army of Two - The 40th Day video game out in January 2010

Start off 2010 with a bang! EA Montreal, a studio of Electronic Arts, today announced ARMY OF TWO - THE 40th DAY will ship on January 12, 2010 in North America and January 8, 2010 in Europe. The sequel to the 2008 multi-platinum co-op shooter sees the return of the ultimate two-man private military team, Salem and Rios.

Trapped in the middle of Shanghai as it falls under attack, the two must work as a team to survive relentless enemy assaults and escape the city collapsing around them. Gamers who pre-order* ARMY OF TWO: THE 40th DAY now will have exclusive access to the game’s all-new explosive multi-player mode, ‘Extraction,’ at launch. This mode will be unlocked for all other players one month after the game ships.

ARMY OF TWO: THE 40th DAY features a more robust and redesigned multiplayer experience with four unique multiplayer modes including ‘Extraction’. ‘Extraction’ pits a team of four players against a series of unique enemy waves as they move from point to point in the ruined city. Players must strategize as a unified team to combat the different forces of the 40th Day Initiative while trying to get out alive.

In ARMY OF TWO: THE 40th DAY, private military contractors, Salem and Rios must fight their way through Shanghai to survive a carefully orchestrated series of catastrophes that are dragging the massive city to the brink of ruin. Jonah, the mastermind behind the 40th Day Initiative, has amassed an army of skilled soldiers to level the city in his attempt to rebuild an empire according to his vision and ideals. Now, the Army of Two must fight their way through ravaged city districts as they try to beat the odds.

ARMY OF TWO: THE 40th DAY will be available for the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the PSP(PlayStation Portable).

Marvel v Capcom 2 out now on PlayStation Network

The wait is over for PlayStation 3 owners as Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is available today through PSN or through a limited retail release exclusively at GameStop in North America for $14.99.

The GameStop retail box includes a redemption code to download the game over PSN and a code for a month's subscription of digital comics at Marvel.com.

Only 15,000 copies of the retail box are available, so get moving.

Either way, PlayStation owners can now face off online in one of the finest fighting games ever made.

TouchMaster 3 puzzle game on Nintendo DS and Game Party 3 on Nintendo Wii video games announced

TouchMaster 3, a puzzle compilation game for Nintendo DS and Game Party 3, a social party game for the Nintendo Wii system announce by Warner Bros. TouchMaster and Game Party are multi-million unit selling franchise additions to the company’s casual and family line-up scheduled to launch in Autumn 2009.

TouchMaster and Game Party are fan favourites, with Game Party selling more than three million units worldwide and TouchMaster selling more than one million units worldwide.

Appealing to players of all ages and abilities, both titles offer casual and family gamers a fresh take on the popular Game Party and TouchMaster franchises, incorporating new games and puzzles along with an enhanced variety of the franchises’ past fan favourites.

“We are very pleased to add the successful Game Party and TouchMaster franchises to our portfolio in the growing casual games space,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “As we continue our strategy of offering a broad mix of quality casual games, Game Party 3 and TouchMaster 3 are great options for players and holiday gift givers with new features and group gameplay.”



Game Party 3 features 19 different game options including eight new party games like Billiards, Croquet, Racquetball, Smack-a-Troll, Miniature Golf and Bumper Pool. It supports up to four players in co-op mode, or up to 16 players in tournament mode. The game also offers “Create a Player” and “Profile” features, allowing gamers to customise the look of their character, as well as save high scores to earn tickets that unlock character customisation options and unique in-game equipment.

In TouchMaster 3, up to two players can work through a collection of 20 puzzle, action, card, strategy, and word challenges with new elements such as Badges, Trophies, and Wizard points to give players endless hours of replay. The game features action, card game, strategy and trivia genres in competitive single player, two-person multiplayer and download play options. Game options include Triples Plus, Slime Assault, Bumperball and Dice King 2.

Game Party 3 is under development at FarSight Studios and TouchMaster 3 is under development at Hijinx Studios, LLC.

Need for Speed NITRO on Nintendo Wii with Lamborghini Gallardo, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger R/T, Volkswagen Type 2 and Subaru Impreza WRX

EA Montreal announce that it is collaborating with lifestyle brands tokidoki, Upper Playground and i am 8-bit to create exclusive in-game car designs and artwork for Need for Speed NITRO on the Nintendo Wii. Each brand has created custom skins for a wide variety of vehicles including the Lamborghini Gallardo, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger R/T, Volkswagen Type 2 and Subaru Impreza WRX. They have also provided over 140 stylistic brushes that players can use to paint and personalize their ride. The cars in Need for Speed NITRO have style, personality and edge unlike any racing game.

The tokidoki brand is one of today’s most popular lines of apparel, accessories, toys, skateboard decks and other merchandise. The brand is characterized by a colorful, high-energy artistic style, while the word tokidoki means “sometimes” in Japanese. The name represents the company’s world view around identity and destiny. tokidoki was founded by Simone Legno and his partners and started as a personal web site before it evolved into an internationally celebrated brand.

Upper Playground is a cutting-edge, San Francisco based brand that brings graffiti culture to all types of street wear such as t-shirts, hats and hoodies as well as housewares and wall art. The Upper Playground punk rock art style has defined it as one of today’s hottest brands among musical tastemakers and Hollywood trendsetters.

i am 8-bit is an artistic collective that brings together over 100 artists reinterpreting their favorite old-school video game characters in a variety of media, including paintings, plush, sculpture, and even interactive pieces. The art is showcased at an annual exhibition held in Los Angeles, California every year since 2005.

“tokidoki, Upper Playground and i am 8-bit create art with distinct and cutting edge personalities,” said Gil Rimmer, Art Director, EA Montreal. “With Need for Speed NITRO, we wanted to give players a variety of ways to customize their vehicles, introducing vivid and fresh urban art styles that have never been seen in racing games before.”

Developed specifically for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS, Need for Speed NITRO delivers the fun and exhilaration of high-speed racing with blazing visuals and deep gameplay. Need for Speed NITRO features a deep and intuitive visual customization system that lets gamers trick out their car’s appearance as well as design a unique art style to attach to their ride. Ultimate bragging rights are at stake as the player’s personalized art style overtakes the world when they edge out their competitors for first place, vibrantly painting their story of racing dominance.

Shipping on November 17, 2009, Need for Speed NITRO recently received IGN’s “Best Racing Game” award for the Wii and Nintendo DS. Need for Speed NITRO is developed by EA Montreal and is not yet rated by the ESRB and PEGI.

Scooby Doo! First Fights video game trailer released

In Scooby-Doo! First Frights, the complement to the upcoming live-action and CGI Warner Bros. DVD release Scooby Doo: The Mystery Begins, players take on the role of young Scooby-Doo and teenage versions of the newly formed Mystery, Inc. crew to solve their very first cases.



Scooby-Doo! First Frights is intended for Scooby-Doo fans of all ages. Fans will be able to explore spooky environments as Scooby, Shaggy or any of the super-cool teen Mystery, Inc. team. The action-adventure game features co-op play allowing two members of Mystery, Inc. to work together to solve puzzles, combat enemies, and collect clues before unmasking each episode’s mysterious villain - all while gaining prestige as world famous sleuths!

Once players have solved the mystery, they can return to completed levels in Explore mode with any unlocked character, costumed character or villain to access new areas. With ghosts and ghouls around every corner, high school has never sounded so fun!

PRODUCT FEATURES:

Multiple Mysterious Environments: Featuring four all-new mysteries spread over more than 20 levels; explore the Phantom Cruise Ship, Haunted High School, Foreboding Castle and more!
Sleuthing times Two: Switch between characters or play with friends at any time using two player co-op with easy drop-in, drop-out gamezplay.
Spooky Disguises: With access to a variety of spooky disguises, players can camouflage themselves in super-powerful costumes with new abilities unique to each character.
Back to the Beginning: Become part of the Mystery, Inc. team and solve their first cases with hours of entertainment in Story or Explore mode.
Solve Exclusive Mysteries: Each story has a new setting with a mysterious villain created specifically for the game. Collect clues and try to solve the mystery!

RELEASE DATE: Autumn 2009
PUBLISHER: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
DEVELOPER: Torus Games
RATING: Pending
GENRE: Action Adventure Game
PLATFORMS: Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2

Trauma Team, Nintendo Wii medical video game, launch website

Atlus opened the doors of the official Trauma Team website, the upcoming medical entertainment experience from the makers of Trauma Center and exclusively for Nintendo Wii. This first major site update introduces fans to Dr. Gabriel Cunningham, a brilliant albeit cynical diagnostician whose personal challenges seem to have dulled his passion for the job. Expect new sections of the site to open over time, revealing more characters, details, and media from the game.

Encounter unprecedented depth across six distinct fields of medicine: play as a general surgeon, diagnostician, E.M.T., orthopedic surgeon, endoscopic technician, and forensic examiner. Follow the drama as never before with all-new dynamic story sequences inspired by Japanese animation and comics; each chapter comes vividly to life with a style seen nowhere else! Hand-drawn art, innovative animation, and quality voice acting perfectly capture the raw intensity, excitement, and danger of every heart-pounding moment!

Bigger, more exciting, and more balanced than ever before, Trauma Team is the ultimate medical drama! Trauma Team is scheduled for release in Spring 2010.

Visit the official website:
http://www.atlus.com/traumateam

Native Hive Rise Linux Client now available free download link here

Last week the free Hive Rise client was released. Of course it was a Windows version, although Vulcando Games didn’t explicitly indicate the needed operating system.

But that shouldn’t be a matter of course: Now there’s a version that runs natively on Linux! The download has 79 MB and is thus a little bit larger than the Windows version. Cross platform playing is now possible without any restrictions.

Just like the Windows version the Linux client can be downloaded here for free:
http://www.HiveRise.com.

Hive Rise is an extremely fast running real time strategy game. It takes place on huge maps, each providing space for over 1000 human players. There are 12 different play modes, each offering a unique trophy. What makes it even more outstanding is the fact that the short matches (about 10 minutes) can be started at once without having to wait for your teammates. You can start playing instantly, no registration is needed!

World of Kung Fu - Differences Hunting in Screenshot Collection Event

We can’t play games forever, but we can be friends forever. Form the very beginning until now, we have been enjoying a variety of gaming experiences. They are all precious memories. How to cherish our memories? Picture is a good way!

Now a fantastic event to welcome players to offer their screenshots will be launched next week. It is called “Screenshot Collecting and Differences Hunting Event”! Just as the name implies, this event can be divided into two parts. The first one is collecting screenshots from gameplayers, and then screenshots will be processed and become footage material of the "Differences Hunting". “Differences Hunting” means there are two pictures which look very similar at first sight. But if you compare them carefully, you will distinguish tiny differences between them. So the second part is that players need to tell us how many differences there are between the two pictures.

Players can choose either or both parts of this event to join, Screenshot Collecting or Differences Hunting. This event will be held from August 17th to September 17th as a daily event. If your screenshots are selected, or if you are the first player who gives the correct answer about the number of differences between two pictures, you will win some excellent items in the game!

More details about the rules and the rewards of this event, please visit http://www.worldofkungfu.com or check the “Event” section of http://forum.worldofkungfu.com to join the discussion with other players.

Steel Sentinels video game launched

“In the far future, rival forces do battle using giant robots, warring for control over the valuable solarite resources. As a sentinel commander, you must wage war on those who stand in your way, complete missions, win solarite, acquire new technology, and use it to make your sentinel the deadliest in the galaxy.

Steel Sentinels offers the following features:

* Extensive single player campaign that unlocks a variety of sentinels and equipment (we recommend you play through this as far as possible before embarking on multiplayer);
* Up to 12 players can take part in the multiple multiplayer battle modes, which include head-to-head, team games and co-operative play;
* 12 different sentinels to unlock;
* Fully customisable sentinel chassis, with a vast array of weapons and components;
* A host of Achievements and in-game 'tags' for you to collect.”

Star Alliances - Beyond Protocol's new MMORTS with the emphasis on the fighting download now

Dark Sky Entertainment, the company behind the new MMORTS named Beyond Protocol, has just unleashed yet another revolutionary experience to the masses. Its name is Star Alliances.

Star Alliances gives the player massive amounts of customization with the ability to jump into the midst of interstellar war instantly, for FREE (more on the FREE part later).

There are similarities between Star Alliances (SA) and Beyond Protocol (BP), but they are very different games. Unlike BP, SA focuses more on the intensity of fighting for supremacy, and less on the complex strategy of building an empire. However, much like BP, SA takes place in a galaxy with hundreds of environments in which war can rage simultaneously. Environments range from any of the 8 planet types and 5 planet sizes, to the orbit above those planets, to the very center of any of the 100+ star systems, to the cold outer reaches of space.

Allow me, DSE’s Diplomat, to walk you through the basic actions that compose SA, a game that can most accurately be described as a Massive Multiplayer Online Real Time Tactical (MMORTT).

The game begins by choosing one of three factions, the Legion of Systems, the Unification Alliance, or the Galactic Confederacy. Each faction comes with its own premise of governance, basic hull designs, and region of space inside the SA galaxy.

After choosing a side, the player is taken to the home system for the chosen faction, and presented with a window summarizing research, production, and deployment options for their units.

Research in SA is based heavily on combat, mainly because research costs influence and influence is gained only by destroying enemy ships. The more and bigger the ships destroyed by the player, the easier it is for them to design a behemoth or sleek set of corvettes of their own.

The 10 different resources in the game are collected automatically, and directly relate to the different components in the game (engine, radar, weapons, etc.). The faction’s home system provides a steady and secure flow of resources, but by branching out into contestable systems, higher accumulation rates can be achieved. From these minerals, custom buildings, ships, and tanks can be made.

Deploying units to the action is made easy, by allowing the player to place them in any system linked to the faction’s main system. Wormholes are the main method of transit in SA. So long as the player’s faction (one of three in the game) controls the wormholes which connect, units can be placed in that system instantly. Intense battles can form very quickly where these control points intersect.

The number of ships a player can control at one time is determined both by technology level and prowess in battle. As technology level increases, so does the basic number of units and buildings that player can create, represented by Command Points (CP). Prowess is rewarded by experience points gained in battle on a per unit basis. With as much as a 10:1 reduction in CP requirements per unit, superior tactics are very much a necessity in domination.

Community is also a cornerstone of any MMO, and SA does not disappoint. A friend list keeps track of who is online and how high they rank. An alert system allows players to place markers with text, arrows, and other symbols in various colors to better communicate a winning strategy. Of course a full chat and mailing system are included as well. The mail can even be sent out of game to an email address or SMS capable mobile device.

Well this all might sound incredible, but I know that somewhere in your mind you are thinking, “He said I can play for FREE?” I certainly did, and here’s how. Trial accounts in SA never expire. They can be played 7 days a week and 52 weeks a year just like a paid account. However, of course there is a catch or two. The first day a trial account is registered, that account is given 2 hours of play time. After that first day, each subsequent day the account is given 1 hour to play. Additionally, access to higher technology, like corvettes, destroyers, and battleships, is restricted making fighters and escorts the mainstay for trial accounts. However, trial accounts have the same front row seat to the carnage that paid accounts do, perhaps only with smaller guns. The time limit should fit most any casual gamer’s daily allotment, but should you need more, a one time subscription can be bought at any time.

Well? What are you waiting for? Go to www.Star-Alliances.com and start downloading WHILE you register! Tell ‘em that Diplomat sent you, and they’ll treat you right!

Oscar De La Hoya joins first boxer download for Fight Night Round 4 video game

Electronic Arts revealed that its first downloadable boxer pack for Fight Night Round 4 will be available in late August on Xbox LIVE and the PlayStation Network for 800 Microsoft points and $9.99, respectively. The downloadable boxer pack will include Oscar De La Hoya, Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko, and alternate versions of George Foreman and James Toney. Named the Game Critic Awards “Best Sports Game of E3 2009”, Fight Night Round 4 has been winning over reviewers and fans since its release on June 23rd.



In addition to the boxer pack, EA SPORTS will also be releasing a free downloadable game update at the end of August. The free update will include additional trunks, gloves and shorts, as well as a free button control scheme that will allow gamers to use face buttons on the Xbox 360 and PS3 game controllers to throw punches, hooks, uppercuts and haymakers. A new demo featuring the button controls will also be available on Xbox LIVE and the PlayStation Network by early September. The 12 round demo will feature Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali as playable boxers.

“We are extremely excited to be able to add Oscar and the Klitschko brothers as part of our roster,” said executive producer, Dean Richards. “As three of the most globally recognized names in the sport, they are an important addition to the Fight Night Round 4 lineup.

Fight Night Round 4 is currently available for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game system from Microsoft. This game has been rated T for Teen by the ESRB, and 16+ by PEGI.

Battle for Fallen Earth video game open beta opens August 17th

The post-apocalyptic massively multiplayer online (MMO) game of the same name will begin an Open Beta program August 17. Players who want to get an early glimpse of Fallen Earth on August 17 need only register on FilePlanet beginning Friday, August 14 at 1 p.m. ET (GMT-4).

Taking place in the Grand Canyon, Fallen Earth gives players the choice to rebuild the decaying world or participate in its destruction through use of the classless advancement system, real-time crafting and the seamless integration of first-person shooter and role-playing game mechanics.

"The Open Beta and Pre-Order programs give a much larger group of players the opportunity to experience Fallen Earth," says Jessica Orr, product manager for Fallen Earth. "We are excited that players want to get a jump on the game, and we are including a little something extra for being among the first to order."

Those who pre-order Fallen Earth at Direct2Drive get an exclusive in-game mount-the Wasteland Runner-which has four more points of defensive skills, 2500 more Stamina and six more pack slots than other horses. Additionally, pre-orders receive a guaranteed spot in the Open Beta and a five-day head start in the game, beginning September 4.

EVE Online's Fight Against Currency Farmers

Massively has a writeup discussing the way CCP Games is battling ISK-farmers in EVE Online (ISK is the game's currency).

The developers felt that merely banning sellers whenever they could was not enough, so they introduced a system where players could purchase game-time codes that could then be sold within the game to other players. Since players are unlikely to give up buying ISK voluntarily, CCP's thought is that they can at least keep the money and currency distributed among the real players.

Some of the player-base has been critical of the plan, but it's becoming more and more popular as time goes on — and the old ISK-sellers aren't pleased.

Source: Slashdot

amBX takes its games technology to professional sector

amBX UK announced that lighting giant TMB will distribute its first professional LED lighting control system, amBIENT XC, a deal which could see amBX’s award-winning games technology take the professional lighting world by storm.

amBIENT XC pioneers completely new concepts in the control of lighting and effects, by using amBX proprietary patented technology to allow the creation of lighting effects in a revolutionary way. Unique immersive experiences in professional productions and architectural installations of all kinds can now be achieved easily and quickly by lighting professionals.

As with amBX’s games technology, amBIENT XC can be pre-programmed or will respond in real-time to visual and/or aural stimuli, such as video or audio signals. Sophisticated control of interpretation and output parameters offers dynamic control of mood and atmosphere, providing an innovative, maintenance-free, cost-effective means of creating appealing immersive environments in spaces of all kinds, including hotels, nightclubs, restaurants and retail. The amBIENT XC control system also provides a low-cost yet impressive upgrade solution for venues or productions currently only capable of limited lighting effects.

The use of amBX to control lighting through the amBIENT XC transforms the way in which professional lighting installers use LED lighting, from large scale projects and installations to smaller bars, restaurants, and home theatres.

“amBX is the most exciting, groundbreaking technology in LED control to appear in quite a while,” says TMB Architectural Sales Director Sarah Cox. “Any installation or show that uses media combined with RGB LEDs can benefit from this product: Nightclubs, lounges, hospitality suites, museums, theme parks, corporate boardrooms, live productions, you name it – the possibilities are unlimited.”

Jo Cooke, amBX Chief Marketing Officer, adds: “We have been delighted and excited by the reception of the lighting industry to amBX and we are as keen to support the fantastic creativity we are finding there as much as that in the games industry where amBX was introduced.”

amBX has already licensed its technology to many content developers and publishers in the gaming sector, and holds a middleware licence from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe for PlayStation 3. It enables content creators to add real world effects in entertainment media using light, colour, rumble and even air flow, through licensed amBX hardware. With amBX the entertainment world can be brought into the real world to create incredible immersive experiences.

Ship Simulator Extremes gives players the opportunity to take on exciting missions all over the world

Paradox Interactive today announced Ship Simulator Extremes, the next instalment of the acclaimed Ship Simulator Series. Created by Dutch game developer VSTEP, Ship Simulator Extremes gives players the opportunity to take on exciting missions all over the world as they captain an impressive array of vessels and live the story of real ship captains.

Have you ever wondered how it feels to sail a half-million ton supertanker through the perfect storm or to take on illegal whale hunters in the Antarctic? Feel the rush of serving as a coast guard as you evacuate an island threatened by a volcanic disaster. With missions based on actual events that take place in realistic environments and locations from all over the world, Ship Simulator Extremes has you endure extreme conditions, fight the elements and face all of the challenges associated with being a ship captain.

“Following the successful legacy of our game series, we look forward to cooperating with Paradox Interactive and continue to give gamers worldwide all the excitement of being in the captain’s helm chair,” said Frank Dolmans, CMO of VSTEP.

Wide range of vessels to control, including hovercrafts, coast guard interceptors, mammoth tankers, tugs, cruise liners, and many others.

Key features:
• Wide range of vessels to control, including hovercrafts, coast guard interceptors, mammoth tankers, tugs, cruise liners, and many others.
• Includes exciting storylines and missions all over the world.
• From the very hot to the very cold, sail to the most enchanted regions of the world. Explore the Antarctic or take in beautiful Bora Bora. Includes famous harbours and locations worldwide.
• Official Greenpeace license : sail famous Greenpeace ships and take on ecological missions based on real events!
• Realistic water & weather system. Sail a calm sea or take on the most extreme conditions ever witnessed at sea.
• Online Multiplayer mode. Sail online with your friends and take part in cooperative missions and community events.
Ship Simulator Extremes is scheduled for release in Q1 2010 and will be officially introduced to world press at the Gamescom 2009 in Cologne.

Evil Plans are Revealed as CJ Internet Unleashes the Third Story Trailer for Action MMORPG Mini Fighter! PC video game

When we last left the story of Mini Fighter, Cro and Hikaru were facing off in the semifinals of Delta-M’s Grand Arena Tournament, each hoping to earn the title of Strongest Fighter.
As the fierce battle raged, resulting in one regrettable casualty from the arena’s audience, Delta-M and the villainous Marshall hinted at their evil plans for the tournament. Everyone arrived expecting a fair fight, but things may not be what they seem…

Will the warriors find out about Delta-M’s sinister goals? Will Kang survive the injuries he took as an audience member? And just who are those six, shadowy figures waiting in the wings? Check out the third story trailer for Mini Fighter, “New Beginning,” to find out!