Uncharted unplayable after PlayStation 3 Firmware 3.0 update

Sony are looking into the issue...

“Rest assured that we are looking into the matter and will provide an update here as soon as possible,” Sony’s Patrick Seybold wrote. “We apologize for any inconvenience, as it’s our mission to deliver the best consumer experience on all PlayStation platforms.”

New Grand Theft Auto IV Xbox 360 update fix multiplayer and cheaters fixed!

Grand Theft Auto IV has passed Microsoft certification and is available now. Get ready for the update screen for the next time you boot up the title.

A simple patch that addresses two key issues present in the title’s multiplayer component: invisible characters and holes cheaters. Apparently, there was some sort of bug that allowed people to become Kevin Bacon during matches. The cheat code thing, we weren’t even aware of.

Rockstar doesn’t elaborate on its official blog, but it's stated that somehow, people managed to use a cheat code exploit in the component.

If those two things got you down, it’s time to pick up that chin and head back in. "The Ballad of Gay Tony" is hitting quite soon, so sharpen those skills.

Fab - The Secret World - dark days are coming - MMO video game cinematic movie trailer

Dark days are coming - fab new game video.

The words are now everywhere. After deciding to make the development its next massively multiplayer online game a little less secret, Funcom have now released information, artworks and the first ever trailer video for The Secret World.



Journalists across the world recently had the chance to sit down and talk to game director Ragnar Tørnquist about the new game and hear his vision, thus generating reports on websites everywhere.

"It is great to finally be able to talk about The Secret World, after several years in the dark," says senior producer and director Ragnar Tørnquist. "The real world is such a rich and fascinating setting for an MMO, and we are able to draw inspiration from ancient history, stories of lost cities and forgotten civilizations, folktales, urban legends, conspiracy theories and pop culture. We are building a game that mixes modern day Earth with terrifying monsters, dark and occult magic, cool weapons and awesome powers - and it's unlike anything you have ever seen before in an MMO."

EA and Claire’s Team Up to Promote Charm Girls Club Video Games for Girls

Electronic Arts announce a promotion with retail store chain, Claire’s, to cross-promote EA’s upcoming series of video games for girls: CHARM GIRLS CLUB.

Claire’s branding will be featured in CHARM GIRLS CLUB My Fashion Mall, one of the four games in the EA series which will be released this October, and on the CHARM GIRLS CLUB Web site as part of the outreach to attract the game’s target consumer: tween girls, ages 8-12, many of whom shop Claire’s stores for fashion accessories, jewelry, cosmetics and more.

“We're delighted to partner with Claire's,” said Steve Seabolt, Vice President of Global Brand Development for EA. “The company is smart, global, forward-thinking, and have their fingers on the pulse of the tween girl audience. It's a relationship we believe will benefit Claire’s customers, who we hope will also become fans of CHARM GIRLS CLUB.”

In CHARM GIRLS CLUB My Fashion Mall, players help manage a mall and take it from drab to fab tackling wacky mall mishaps along the way. In the virtual mall, players will not only find a Claire’s storefront and mentions throughout the game, they will participate in mini-game challenges at the store and add Claire’s-branded charms to their virtual jewelry box. The title is one of three CHARM GIRLS CLUB games available for the Nintendo DS, a popular gaming system among tween girls. EA will also promote Claire’s on the CHARM GIRLS CLUB Web site at www.charmgirlsclub.com.

As part of the promotion, girls will be able to play the CHARM GIRLS CLUB “Accessorize It” mini-game on the Claire’s Web site www.claires.com in the Fun & Games section. The mini-game will give visitors insight into the kind of fun, fashionable and interactive gaming experiences they can expect from EA’s CHARM GIRLS CLUB titles. Claire’s will also promote the CHARM GIRLS CLUB games by featuring the brand on its global Web sites.

CHARM GIRLS CLUB is a new, original series of games for tween girls that are all about fun, friendship and collecting charms. In the games, girls are immersed into the exciting world of the Charm Girls where they will complete challenges that are fresh, fun and relevant to their world, collecting sparkly virtual charms along the way. EA will release four CHARM GIRLS CLUB titles in October including CHARM GIRLS CLUB Pajama Party for the Nintendo Wii, and three titles for the Nintendo DS: CHARM GIRLS CLUB My Fashion Mall, CHARM GIRLS CLUB My Perfect Prom and CHARM GIRLS CLUB My Fashion Show.

Dragon Age: Origins to Feature the Voices of Fantasy and Sci-Fi Stars Tim Curry and Kate Mulgrew

Award-Winning Celebrities Featured in BioWare’s Dark Fantasy Epic.

BioWare has secured a star-studded voiceover cast for its upcoming game, Dragon Age: Origins. Featuring Tim Curry, star of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Broadway’s Spamalot, Kate Mulgrew, well-known for her role as Capt.
Kathryn Janeway in “Star Trek: Voyager”, Dragon Age: Origins also includes notable cast members Tim Russ (“Star Trek: Voyager,” “Samantha Who?”), Claudia Black (“Stargate SG-1,” “Pitch Black”) and Steve Valentine (“Estate of Panic,” “Crossing Jordan”).

Dragon Age: Origins marks BioWare’s return to fantasy, created from the ground up to take players through a dark epic tale filled with violence, lust, and betrayal.>

Tim Curry will play the villainous Arl Rendon Howe. Howe is the calculating villain, cultured and charming, with an insatiable lust for power, who never hesitates to harm anyone who gets in his way. Kate Mulgrew will lend her vocal flair to Flemeth, a powerful witch who maintains her immortality through the darkest of means, and who plays a pivotal role in the player’s survival. Both roles provide the actors with the opportunity to bring their considerable talents to bear in their portrayal of these characters.

“Dragon Age: Origins has the largest cast of characters of any game BioWare has ever made,” said Mark Darrah, Executive Producer, BioWare. “By working with an incredibly talented cast of actors we are able to bring reality and depth to the characters, their back stories, motivations, and dreams that our talented writers have created for them.”

In Dragon Age: Origins, players take on the role of a Grey Warden, one of the last of an ancient order of guardians who have served as protectors throughout the centuries. Only they have the power to unite the shattered lands, defeat the Archdemon and drive back the darkspawn that threaten to destroy the world. Players will interact with many interesting characters who may join them in their quest, and they will choose whether these characters become friends, foes, or even a romantic interest. Featuring a deep and compelling story where every choice can have a dramatic impact on the game, Dragon Age: Origins is scheduled to release on November 3, 2009 in North America, for the PC and Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system and later in November for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

Dragon Age: Origins is rated M by the ESRB.

Paradox Interactive Celebrates New Patch and Invites Players Into the Bunkers with the Hearts of Iron 3 Video Game Development Team

Paradox Interactive honors loyal soldiers battling it out in Hearts of Iron 3 with a new patch that incorporates both new features and the most requested fixes as requested through player feedback.

The Hearts of Iron 3 1.2 patch includes the following:
- Expanded interface including new map options, as well as more flexible control over what you can automate.
- Significantly improved AI, providing a greater challenge to the player.
- Improved game balance, with major focus on making diplomacy and officers more fun.
- Optimization to allow the game to run much smoother for most players.

To access the patch, click on “check for updates” in the game launcher.

To further rally up the troops, Paradox Interactive welcomes you to enter the battle headquarters of the game's development team. Get an inside look at where all of the planning and strategizing occurred for Hearts of Iron 3 and meet the true major powers involved in the creation of one of the most detailed World War II strategy games ever made. If you pay close attention soldier, you may even learn a few tactical secrets from the team.

Hearts of Iron 3 is out now in retail and all major digital-distribution channels.

Mad Catz Announces Licensed Wireless Rock Band video game Fender Precision Bass Guitar for the PlayStation 3 System

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc., a leading worldwide third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider, today announced the Wireless Rock Band Fender Precision Bass guitar for use with the Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. PlayStation 3 system video game console.

Compatible with Rock Band, Rock Band 2, the up coming
The Beatles: Rock Band game, alongside other music and rhythm games, the Wireless Fender Precision Bass guitar represents the first PlayStation 3 system accessory to be developed and distributed by Mad Catz under license from SCEA and is the first licensed Bass Guitar to hit the platform.

Published by MTV Games and developed by Harmonix Music Systems, the Rock Band franchise is one of the preferred platforms for music fans and gamers to interact with music. Mad Catz has quickly emerged as an established leading innovator in the music hardware category by building a successful portfolio of accessories for the Rock Band franchise.

An accurate replica of the world-famous Fender design, the Precision Bass operates via a secure 2.4GHz connection and features the unique Mad Catz Split Strum Bar which allows gamers to pluck and strum twice as fast by replicating both up and down fret bar movements, delivering authentic bass playing action. The premium Fret Buttons deliver quiet operation and reliable game play. The Fret Buttons and the Split Strum Bar have been extensively play tested to ensure that it is possible to achieve a 100% score in ‘Expert Mode’ should the players ability be up to the challenge. The Bass will be available in a choice of White, ’Hot Rod Red’ and ’Sea Foam Green’ colors.

Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz commented, “We are excited to support the launch of The Beatles: Rock Band with this new bass. The Wireless Fender Precision Bass is our first licensed accessory on the PlayStation 3 system platform with SCEA and we look forward to continuing to grow our Rock Band and licensed PlayStation 3 system portfolio of products.”

The Wireless Fender Precision Bass guitar for the PlayStation 3 system is expected to ship across North America beginning this fall, retailing for an MSRP of $89.99. For more information, visit http://rockband.gameshark.com

Win a free copy of Creeper World: the new Independent video game sensation!

Win a free copy of this years independent game sensation: Creeper World! 'PC Games and Reviews' website is proud to announce its first free to enter contest where readers have a chance to win a free copy of Knuckle Cracker's sensational strategy game: Creeper World.

Creeper World itself is a blend of tower defense and area control game-play that creates a solid strategic gaming experience. It features over 50 unique levels spread between 3 game modes.

The game was recently reviewed on 'PC Games and Reviews' website and received a score of 80 percent, one of the highest scores on the site. They were so impressed a dedicated strategy guide was also put together giving helpful hints and tips on how to get the best out of the game.

At the same time 'PC Games and Reviews' website were preparing to launch a competition for it's readers and were looking for a great game to give away. Creeper World was the obvious choice and so in partnership with knuckle Cracker the competition has commenced!

There are 5 copies of Creeper World to be won. Since the game has an online leader board entrants are encouraged to tell their friends so they can fight for the top of the leader board when they win!

"We're extremely excited to be running our first competition since the launch of the site, " said Andy Yates, owner of PC Games And Reviews website. "And we're so proud to be able to offer copies of Creeper World as a prize. It really is independent gaming’s best kept secret of the year!"

To enter the contest entrants should visit http://www.pc-games-and-reviews.com/creeper-world-contest.html

For information on Creeper World and for the free demo please visit http://knucklecracker.com/

Freezepop, Pax Three 3 doors down, AFI, Audioslave and ~Jackson 5 Rock Band tracks added

Plus tracks from Avenged Sevenfold, Oasis and Rage Against the Machine for Wii and Godsmack and Stone Roses for Rock Band Unplugged!

Harmonix and MTV Games announce two three-packs of songs from bands appearing at the Penny Arcade Expo this weekend will be available for download in the Rock Band Music Store of downloadable content next week for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Nintendo Wii. The packs feature Jonathan Coulton, MC Frontalot, Paul & Storm and Freezepop.

Additional tracks from Avenged Sevenfold, The Jam, Oasis and Rage Against the Machine will be available in the Wii™ Rock Band Music Store, and tracks from Stone Roses and Godsmack will be available for download for Rock Band Unplugged on PSP® (PlayStation Portable) system.

Rock Band DLC Additions for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 System and Wii Console
The Penny Arcade Expo is an annual gamer festival in Washington state, created by the authors of the Penny Arcade webcomic. This year’s PAX takes place Sept. 4-6 in Seattle and will feature performances from Jonathan Coulton, MC Frontalot and Paul & Storm. Freezepop will also perform at PAX and offer up a three pack that includes “Get Ready 2 Rokk,” “Less Talk More Rokk” and “Science Genius Girl.” If you’re attending PAX, be sure to stop by the Harmonix/MTV Games booth (682) to check out The Beatles: Rock Band firsthand.

Also this week, tracks from American rockers 3 Doors Down, AFI and Audioslave and 70s R&B outfit Jackson 5 will also be available for download next week in the Rock Band Music Store. These songs were previously available for Rock Band Unplugged and will now be available for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION3 and Wii Rock Band fans.

Tracks available on Xbox 360 and Wii (Sept. 8) and PLAYSTATION 3 system (Sept. 10):

• Freezepop – “Get Ready 2 Rokk” *
• Freezepop – “Less Talk More Rokk” *
• Freezepop – “Science Genius Girl” *
• Jonathan Coulton – “Re: Your Brains” *
• MC Frontalot – “Origin of Species” *
• Paul & Storm – “Opening Band” *
• 3 Doors Down – “Kryptonite”
• AFI – “Miss Murder”
• Audioslave – “Gasoline”
• Jackson 5 – “ABC”

(All tracks are original master recordings)

These tracks will be available for purchase as Freezepop Pack 01 and The PAX 2009 Collection as individual tracks on Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system.

Price: $1.99 USD, £.99 UK, €1.49 EU (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) per track
*Denotes $0.99 USD, £0.59 UK, €0.79 EU (80 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) per track
$2.99 USD, £1.69 UK, €2.29 EU (240 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for Freezepop Pack 01 and The PAX 2009 Collection
$2.00 USD (200 Wii Points™) per track
*Denotes $1.00 (100 Wii Points) per track

Wii Additions
Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Talking Heads add an additional five downloadable tracks to Wii Rock Band, joining the already available “Psycho Killer.” The five songs available for download next week span a good deal of Talking Heads’ career, including “Take Me to the River” from the band’s second album, More Songs About Buildings and Food; “Crosseyed & Painless” and “Once in a Lifetime” from the band’s fourth studio album, Remain in Light; “Girlfriend is Better” from the band’s fifth album, Speaking in Tongues; and “And She Was” from the band’s sixth album, Little Creatures. Additionally, singles from Avenged Sevenfold, The Jam, Oasis and Rage Against the Machine will be available in the Wii Rock Band Music Store next week. This brings the number of songs available for download in the Wii Rock Band Music Store to 667.

Additional tracks available for Wii (Sept. 8):

• Avenged Sevenfold – “Bat Country”
• The Jam – “A Town Called Malice”
• The Jam – “Going Underground”
• Oasis – “Supersonic” (Live)
• Rage Against the Machine – “Guerilla Radio”
• Talking Heads – “And She Was”
• Talking Heads – “Crosseyed & Painless”
• Talking Heads – “Girlfriend is Better”
• Talking Heads – “Once in a Lifetime”
• Talking Heads – “Take Me to the River”

Price: $2.00 USD (200 Wii Points) per track

Rock Band Unplugged Tracks for PSP®System

Rock Band Unplugged fans will enjoy the addition of Godsmack’s “I Stand Alone” and Stone Roses’ “Love Spreads” to the 37 tracks already available via the Rock Band Unplugged in-game music store for the PSP system.

Tracks available for Rock Band Unplugged (Sept. 10):

• Godsmack – “I Stand Alone”
• Stone Roses – “Love Spreads”

Price: $1.99, £.99 UK, €1.49 EU per track on the PSP system

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