I wanted to let you know that SouthPeak Games will be releasing a playable demo of their massive free-roaming RPG adventure - Two Worlds - tomorrow (Thursday) on Xbox LIVE (for download). (www.2-worlds.com)
The demo offers a huge portion of Two Worlds’ expansive single-player map to explore, complete with numerous quests to solve and wandering monsters to battle.
Also, based on feedback received from players, a free title update will be coming soon addressing issues some players have experienced. Here are some of the improvements players can expect:
Both platforms (PC and Xbox 360)
- Horse steering has been improved
- Character development curve not as steep over level 25
- HP regeneration slower for max values above 2000
- Death strike skill - executable by strike button while in sneak mode
- Critical hit skill fixed
- Damage is now allowed over 32000
- There is a cap on damage and armor at 99999
- Necromancer spells have been balanced
- Magical boosters - effect restricted to 5 boosters
- Stacking potions with different statistics - fixed
- Objects stacking - objects can't be stacked up if result has higher level requirements than current player level
- Equipment Class cap on 50
- When killing in towns - after you leave the town and go back guards will ask you to pay instead of immediately attacking you
- NPC's in towns don't resurrect
- Tweaked hi- level monster balance
- Wing Membrane ingredient added to Helllord
- Dragons strike not breakable by player hit
- Bomb traps attached to some chests and wardrobes
- Balanced number of lock picks in chests and wardrobes
- Walking under water and not dying has been fixed
- Inaccessible Cave north of Ashos has been fixed
- Multiplayer Lag issues have been improved
- Multiplayer too many skill points generated due to combat stats has been fixed
- Friendly fire disabled in RPG mode (players cannot damage each other)
- Resurrect spell on players has been disabled
- Experience points for killing players has been removed
- Disarming skill disabled against other players
- Freezing/stopping spells disabled against other players
- Multiplayer RPG quests given to all, reward splitter between players
- Team assault - main monuments 50 times stronger
- Barbarian - berserk skill in PvP reduced to 5
- Chest and wardrobe lock levels improved in multiplayer
PC specific:
- Issue of moving money between servers has been fixed
- Maps D2,E4,F4, Multiplayer Tharbakin - missing triangles or flying objects have been fixed
- Enter opens console in single player
- Horse steering - stopping horse by back key changed
- Cloning character when logging on new WarNet server is fixed
- Boosters disappearing in Arena modes
- Atmosoheric fog for multiplayer towns added
- Chat over open dialogs possible (by F11 chat dialog)
- All PVP arenas unlocked from beginning
Xbox 360 specific:
- Improved single player framerate
- Interface - repeat changes selection left stick hold added
- Game HDD cache cleaning possibility - RB + A + B during game launch
- Achievements for 5 elements is fixed
- Map interface improvements - only one open quest at the time, quests selection box better visibility, hero location on map better visibility, quest name on tooltip
- Hit info fonts larger
- “BACK – Show Instruction” text disappears
- Double saving multiplayer characters to protect character lost from power-off or hard-locks
- Interface - no controls after "server refused connection" is fixed
- Doubling gold in multiplayer is fixed
- Doubling objects in multiplayer is fixed
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Panzer Tactics DS Invades Stores!
10TACLE STUDIOS AG and Conspiracy Entertainment are pleased to announce that "Panzer Tactics DS" - the first authentic turn-based WWII strategy title for the Nintendo DS™ - has shipped to North American retail stores today. "Panzer Tactics DS" challenges players to show their skills in both on- and offline (local DS wireless and Nintendo Wi-Fi) strategic turn-based play through 30 historically based missions while utilizing more than 150 realistically modeled units from the era. For more information on "Panzer Tactics DS", please visit http://www.panzertactics.com.
Previously released developer diary videos, along with an electronic press kit containing screenshots, gameplay videos and game information is available at:
http://www.calico-media.com/ptds
Story
1939: The world stands on the brink of one of the greatest armed conflicts in the history of mankind: the Second World War. Players assume command of the most powerful armies of the time: The German Wehrmacht, the Soviet Army or the Allied Forces. Experience the demanding strategic level of the conflict n three historically based campaigns for the first time ever on a handheld platform.
Features
Three exciting single-player campaigns on the side of the German Wehrmacht, the Soviet Army or the Allied Forces
30 nerve-wracking, historical missions, including undercover missions behind enemy lines
Over 150 different marine, land and air units as well as 20 different special attacks
30 heroic officers who provide their units additional motivation
Exceptional depth of play and complex computer opponent behavior make the game playable again and again
Multiplayer mode for up to 4 players on 10 different multiplayer maps (LAN, Nintendo Wi-Fi-Connection, Hot Seat mode)
Online ranking table
Playable using Nintendo DS Touchpen, buttons or a combination of both
Optional bonus mission goals to unlock additional missions and tactical optimizations
Wide variety of combat animations for all units and a wide range of special effects for explosion and weather depiction
Previously released developer diary videos, along with an electronic press kit containing screenshots, gameplay videos and game information is available at:
http://www.calico-media.com/ptds
Story
1939: The world stands on the brink of one of the greatest armed conflicts in the history of mankind: the Second World War. Players assume command of the most powerful armies of the time: The German Wehrmacht, the Soviet Army or the Allied Forces. Experience the demanding strategic level of the conflict n three historically based campaigns for the first time ever on a handheld platform.
Features
Three exciting single-player campaigns on the side of the German Wehrmacht, the Soviet Army or the Allied Forces
30 nerve-wracking, historical missions, including undercover missions behind enemy lines
Over 150 different marine, land and air units as well as 20 different special attacks
30 heroic officers who provide their units additional motivation
Exceptional depth of play and complex computer opponent behavior make the game playable again and again
Multiplayer mode for up to 4 players on 10 different multiplayer maps (LAN, Nintendo Wi-Fi-Connection, Hot Seat mode)
Online ranking table
Playable using Nintendo DS Touchpen, buttons or a combination of both
Optional bonus mission goals to unlock additional missions and tactical optimizations
Wide variety of combat animations for all units and a wide range of special effects for explosion and weather depiction
BLADESTORM: THE HUNDRED YEARS' WAR AVAILABLE NOW
Lead an Army of Medieval Mercenaries in KOEI's Latest Action Game for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3
KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that BLADESTORM™: The Hundred Years’ War is available beginning November 7th at retailers throughout North America. The game is available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.
A free single player demo of BLADESTORM: The Hundred Years’ War is available now on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360 and on the PLAYSTATION Network. Set amidst a war-torn 14th century France, the demo delivers a taste of the action game’s incredible battles where players will take direct command of entire military units.
About BLADESTORM: The Hundred Years’ War
In the 14th century a quarrel over English succession to the French throne escalated into what history would call the Hundred Years’ War. This ongoing war had exhausted the standing armies of both sides and there was a growing dependence on mercenary soldiers.
Taking the role of a mercenary soldier, players must contract their services to the English or French; with the ultimate goal of achieving glorious fame and fortune. Those who establish a reputation as a formidable warrior and leader of men, will amass a valuable war chest and lure hardened warriors to their employ.
As arrows rain from above, knights charge on horseback, and cannoniers fire volleys at heavy infantry, armies will collide in unprecedented scale. Players will be immersed in ferocious battles where an innovative action style enables them to defeat countless numbers of soldiers with one cleverly chosen attack command. Outwit your opponents and overwhelm the enemy with dominating force to be the last one standing when the dust settles on one of history’s greatest conflicts.
BLADESTORM: The Hundred Years’ War delivers stunning visuals in 720p HDTV and in game Dolby® Digital audio. This game is rated “T” (Teen- Alcohol Reference, Mild Language, and Violence) by the ESRB. BLADESTORM: The Hundred Years’ War is developed by KOEI’s award-winning internal team, Omega Force. Press can find (watermark-free) assets at gamespress.com.
For the latest on BLADESTORM: The Hundred Years’ War visit www.koei.com/bladestorm.
KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that BLADESTORM™: The Hundred Years’ War is available beginning November 7th at retailers throughout North America. The game is available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.
A free single player demo of BLADESTORM: The Hundred Years’ War is available now on Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360 and on the PLAYSTATION Network. Set amidst a war-torn 14th century France, the demo delivers a taste of the action game’s incredible battles where players will take direct command of entire military units.
About BLADESTORM: The Hundred Years’ War
In the 14th century a quarrel over English succession to the French throne escalated into what history would call the Hundred Years’ War. This ongoing war had exhausted the standing armies of both sides and there was a growing dependence on mercenary soldiers.
Taking the role of a mercenary soldier, players must contract their services to the English or French; with the ultimate goal of achieving glorious fame and fortune. Those who establish a reputation as a formidable warrior and leader of men, will amass a valuable war chest and lure hardened warriors to their employ.
As arrows rain from above, knights charge on horseback, and cannoniers fire volleys at heavy infantry, armies will collide in unprecedented scale. Players will be immersed in ferocious battles where an innovative action style enables them to defeat countless numbers of soldiers with one cleverly chosen attack command. Outwit your opponents and overwhelm the enemy with dominating force to be the last one standing when the dust settles on one of history’s greatest conflicts.
BLADESTORM: The Hundred Years’ War delivers stunning visuals in 720p HDTV and in game Dolby® Digital audio. This game is rated “T” (Teen- Alcohol Reference, Mild Language, and Violence) by the ESRB. BLADESTORM: The Hundred Years’ War is developed by KOEI’s award-winning internal team, Omega Force. Press can find (watermark-free) assets at gamespress.com.
For the latest on BLADESTORM: The Hundred Years’ War visit www.koei.com/bladestorm.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
PAL Nintendo Wii available now!
Cheaper than UK price
Just bought a Nintendo Wii from Amazon Germany for less than the UK price - including courier delivery!
Arrived today - perfect, just replace the plug on the power supply.
Sets up as a UK model and within minutes it works with all European games.
This was after 'Game' confirmed they choose who to sell their stock to - refusing to take an order from me, but telling me that they had a delivery but they all had been reserved.
Wrote to head office and they confirmed the manager can do what he wants with Wii sales.
Won't be going to Game again! After spending hundreds of pounds with them in the past.
Well pleased - DHL delivery and all for £176.08 (Euro 252,80). Remember as Germany is in the European union and you pay local tax no additional payment is required for delivery to UK address.
Nintendo promises to tackle software bottleneck
Reassures publishers that titles will hit selves in time for holiday season
Nintendo has said it is tackling a production bottleneck to ensure third-parties are able to get software on shelves in time for the busy holiday season.
Earlier this month publisher Midway said that it was struggling to get product to shelves as a result of relentless demand on Nintendo for the Wii and its software.
But Reggie Fils-Aime, president of Nintendo of America, has stated that the issue is only short-term, and that it's working to ease the crush as publishers move to take advantage of the Wii's success.
"As every publisher talks about shifting over to Wii it's creating this crush of production right now at our factories for software," said Fils-Aime, talking at a BMO Capital Markets conference.
"What we've done is to ramp that capacity up and work with the publishers to ensure that their best titles get into the marketplace and [they] have a productive holiday. This is a very short-term situation that is effectively going to be resolved in a course of three week's time," he stated.
During the same conference, Fils-Aime said that he was not worried by suggestions that Sony and Microsoft could enter the same market as Nintendo – by developing casual titles and a relatively cheap peripheral that could copy the Wii's interface.
"The challenge that our competitors have is significant. They've gone down the path with very expensive machines where they lose money on the hardware on every unit they sell. They've gone down a path that makes it challenging for third-party developers to create content," commented Fils-Aime.
"So our competitors have put themselves in quite a box. How they get out of it is a challenge – creating casual content for those systems won't work. Not only because the ease of play won't be there but the consumer won't be there.
"I don't think a consumer paying USD 600 for a Sony system, software and accessories is the same consumer who wants to play a more casual type of product. So they have a significant strategic conundrum, and one that won't be easy to resolve," he added.
Nintendo has said it is tackling a production bottleneck to ensure third-parties are able to get software on shelves in time for the busy holiday season.
Earlier this month publisher Midway said that it was struggling to get product to shelves as a result of relentless demand on Nintendo for the Wii and its software.
But Reggie Fils-Aime, president of Nintendo of America, has stated that the issue is only short-term, and that it's working to ease the crush as publishers move to take advantage of the Wii's success.
"As every publisher talks about shifting over to Wii it's creating this crush of production right now at our factories for software," said Fils-Aime, talking at a BMO Capital Markets conference.
"What we've done is to ramp that capacity up and work with the publishers to ensure that their best titles get into the marketplace and [they] have a productive holiday. This is a very short-term situation that is effectively going to be resolved in a course of three week's time," he stated.
During the same conference, Fils-Aime said that he was not worried by suggestions that Sony and Microsoft could enter the same market as Nintendo – by developing casual titles and a relatively cheap peripheral that could copy the Wii's interface.
"The challenge that our competitors have is significant. They've gone down the path with very expensive machines where they lose money on the hardware on every unit they sell. They've gone down a path that makes it challenging for third-party developers to create content," commented Fils-Aime.
"So our competitors have put themselves in quite a box. How they get out of it is a challenge – creating casual content for those systems won't work. Not only because the ease of play won't be there but the consumer won't be there.
"I don't think a consumer paying USD 600 for a Sony system, software and accessories is the same consumer who wants to play a more casual type of product. So they have a significant strategic conundrum, and one that won't be easy to resolve," he added.
PLAYSTATION 3 System Software Update Allows PSP to Turn PS3 On and Off from Internet
Ability to customise XMB and add personalised playlists for both music and photos also enabled
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced today the availability of the latest version of the PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) system software. Version 2.00 features the ability to turn a PS3 system on and off remotely, using a PSP (PlayStation Portable) system via the Remote Play1 function, allowing for a truly mobile partnership between the two systems.
Building on the success and potential of the Remote Play functionality, Version 2.00 will cement the partnership between PS3 and PSP and create a truly global experience. With the ability to turn your PS3 on and off from Wi-fi connection, there is now the opportunity to listen to the music, look at the photos and watch the videos saved on the PS3 Hard Disk Drive, anywhere in the world.
To further enhance the PS3 offering, Version 2.00 allows for the creation of personalised playlists in both the music and photo sections. This simple to use function gives users an opportunity to create unlimited music playlists for all occasions, as well as sharing favourite photos in glorious high definition.
Continuing with the idea of a personalised PS3, Version 2.00 allows for customisation of the XMB (XrossMediaBar) menu screen. Change the colour and brightness with the greatest of ease or have something completely different by setting a custom theme. With the potential for new backgrounds to become available on PLAYSTATION Network in the future, Version 2.00 truly opens up a whole raft of options.
A host of other enhancements includes the addition of an Information Board on XMB to keep people up to date on the latest PlayStation® news, the inclusion of a new PLAYSTATION Network category and logo for easier navigation and Trend Micro Web Security, a free2, state of the art internet security system, designed to give parents peace of mind.
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced today the availability of the latest version of the PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) system software. Version 2.00 features the ability to turn a PS3 system on and off remotely, using a PSP (PlayStation Portable) system via the Remote Play1 function, allowing for a truly mobile partnership between the two systems.
Building on the success and potential of the Remote Play functionality, Version 2.00 will cement the partnership between PS3 and PSP and create a truly global experience. With the ability to turn your PS3 on and off from Wi-fi connection, there is now the opportunity to listen to the music, look at the photos and watch the videos saved on the PS3 Hard Disk Drive, anywhere in the world.
To further enhance the PS3 offering, Version 2.00 allows for the creation of personalised playlists in both the music and photo sections. This simple to use function gives users an opportunity to create unlimited music playlists for all occasions, as well as sharing favourite photos in glorious high definition.
Continuing with the idea of a personalised PS3, Version 2.00 allows for customisation of the XMB (XrossMediaBar) menu screen. Change the colour and brightness with the greatest of ease or have something completely different by setting a custom theme. With the potential for new backgrounds to become available on PLAYSTATION Network in the future, Version 2.00 truly opens up a whole raft of options.
A host of other enhancements includes the addition of an Information Board on XMB to keep people up to date on the latest PlayStation® news, the inclusion of a new PLAYSTATION Network category and logo for easier navigation and Trend Micro Web Security, a free2, state of the art internet security system, designed to give parents peace of mind.
DUAL PACK OF GUITAR HERO AND GUITAR HERO II NOW AVAILABLE ON STORE
For those looking to rock out even harder this holiday season, Activision will deliver a special dual pack that includes the hit titles, Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero II. The two-disc software-only set is now available exclusively on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system in retail stores nationwide, and aspiring rock gods can add these legendary games to their expanding Guitar Hero collection.
Guitar Hero, the original title of the wildly popular franchise, allows fans to choose from multiple rock characters and jam at concert venues that grow in size as their rock career progresses. Players can choose from various guitar options, exclusive character outfits, and unlockable songs while they perform to secure endorsements and reach ultimate rockstar status. Over 40 incredible rock anthems fill every stage of the game as axe-shredders rip through tracks such as "Iron Man" (as made famous by Black Sabbath), "More Than a Feeling" (as made famous by Boston), "Bark at The Moon" (as made famous by Ozzy Osbourne), "I Wanna Be Sedated" (as made famous by The Ramones), and many more.
Guitar Hero II, the sequel to the smash hit Guitar Hero, melts the knobs off players' amps with an expanded track list of over 60 new songs, characters, guitars, exciting gameplay modes, and visually-stunning rock venues that range from high school gyms to sold-out arenas and Stonehenge. Fans also have the opportunity to compete with their friends head to head in all new multiplayer modes, or form their own guitar duo and riff cooperatively by rocking the rhythm, lead, and bass. In addition, an all-new practice mode is included that will allow players to select specific sections of a song, slow it up, and master the difficult solos. Tracks from the set list include "Sweet Child O Mine" (as made famous by Guns N' Roses), "Free Bird" (as made famous by Lynard Skynard), "Woman" (as made famous by Wolfmother), and "You Really Got Me" (as made famous by Van Halen) among many others hit songs.
The dual pack of Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero II, published by RedOctane and developed by Harmonix, is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and now available in retail stores for the suggested price of $59.99. For more information about the Guitar Hero franchise, please visit the dedicated community site: www.guitarhero.com.
Guitar Hero, the original title of the wildly popular franchise, allows fans to choose from multiple rock characters and jam at concert venues that grow in size as their rock career progresses. Players can choose from various guitar options, exclusive character outfits, and unlockable songs while they perform to secure endorsements and reach ultimate rockstar status. Over 40 incredible rock anthems fill every stage of the game as axe-shredders rip through tracks such as "Iron Man" (as made famous by Black Sabbath), "More Than a Feeling" (as made famous by Boston), "Bark at The Moon" (as made famous by Ozzy Osbourne), "I Wanna Be Sedated" (as made famous by The Ramones), and many more.
Guitar Hero II, the sequel to the smash hit Guitar Hero, melts the knobs off players' amps with an expanded track list of over 60 new songs, characters, guitars, exciting gameplay modes, and visually-stunning rock venues that range from high school gyms to sold-out arenas and Stonehenge. Fans also have the opportunity to compete with their friends head to head in all new multiplayer modes, or form their own guitar duo and riff cooperatively by rocking the rhythm, lead, and bass. In addition, an all-new practice mode is included that will allow players to select specific sections of a song, slow it up, and master the difficult solos. Tracks from the set list include "Sweet Child O Mine" (as made famous by Guns N' Roses), "Free Bird" (as made famous by Lynard Skynard), "Woman" (as made famous by Wolfmother), and "You Really Got Me" (as made famous by Van Halen) among many others hit songs.
The dual pack of Guitar Hero and Guitar Hero II, published by RedOctane and developed by Harmonix, is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and now available in retail stores for the suggested price of $59.99. For more information about the Guitar Hero franchise, please visit the dedicated community site: www.guitarhero.com.
EVE Online for Mac and Linux
CCP expands reach of its leading Sci-Fi MMOG to include most popular gaming platforms in partnership with TransGaming
CCP, one of the world’s largest independent game developers, and TransGaming Inc. (TSX-V: TNG), a leading developer of software portability products for the electronic entertainment industry, today announced the availability of EVE Online, a leading massively multiplayer online game (MMOG), on the Macintosh and Linux platforms. With this release, EVE Online is now available on the most widely used operating systems – Microsoft Windows, Macintosh and Linux.
CCP and TransGaming collaborated to develop the Mac and Linux versions of EVE Online to allow users across platforms to play within the same perpetual online universe, enabling large-scale battles with thousands of players. Seamless integration of EVE Online’s original code for Microsoft Windows with Cider, for the Mac, and Cedega, for Linux, preserves the high quality of the game’s performance on the new platforms. These engines allow the original code base to run on Mac and Linux and therefore deliver equivalent game play, as well as ensure that the game evolves congruently on all three platforms without delays.
“The explosive growth of EVE Online since its launch coupled with the strong demand from the Mac and Linux communities has encouraged us to make the game available on new platforms,” said Thor Gunnarsson, Vice President of Business Development of CCP. “Together with TransGaming, we have now achieved an important milestone in our drive to make the EVE universe pervasive and available to anyone who wishes to play.”
“The availability of EVE Online to the Mac and Linux communities extends the game to rapidly growing new communities who have been enthusiastically demanding the game on their platforms of choice,” said Vikas Gupta, CEO of TransGaming Technologies. “We are very pleased to see the efforts of our partnership come to fruition with the release of EVE Online for the Mac and Linux platforms.”
A free, 14-day trial for EVE Online is available for download at eve-online For full details of the CCP and TransGaming partnership, please visit Details here
CCP, one of the world’s largest independent game developers, and TransGaming Inc. (TSX-V: TNG), a leading developer of software portability products for the electronic entertainment industry, today announced the availability of EVE Online, a leading massively multiplayer online game (MMOG), on the Macintosh and Linux platforms. With this release, EVE Online is now available on the most widely used operating systems – Microsoft Windows, Macintosh and Linux.
CCP and TransGaming collaborated to develop the Mac and Linux versions of EVE Online to allow users across platforms to play within the same perpetual online universe, enabling large-scale battles with thousands of players. Seamless integration of EVE Online’s original code for Microsoft Windows with Cider, for the Mac, and Cedega, for Linux, preserves the high quality of the game’s performance on the new platforms. These engines allow the original code base to run on Mac and Linux and therefore deliver equivalent game play, as well as ensure that the game evolves congruently on all three platforms without delays.
“The explosive growth of EVE Online since its launch coupled with the strong demand from the Mac and Linux communities has encouraged us to make the game available on new platforms,” said Thor Gunnarsson, Vice President of Business Development of CCP. “Together with TransGaming, we have now achieved an important milestone in our drive to make the EVE universe pervasive and available to anyone who wishes to play.”
“The availability of EVE Online to the Mac and Linux communities extends the game to rapidly growing new communities who have been enthusiastically demanding the game on their platforms of choice,” said Vikas Gupta, CEO of TransGaming Technologies. “We are very pleased to see the efforts of our partnership come to fruition with the release of EVE Online for the Mac and Linux platforms.”
A free, 14-day trial for EVE Online is available for download at eve-online For full details of the CCP and TransGaming partnership, please visit Details here
XBox parental control update
Xbox 360 Debuts Video Game Industry's First and Only "Family Timer."
Microsoft Corp. today unveiled a new parental control feature, the Xbox 360 Family Timer. The Family Timer will enable parents for the first time to set the appropriate amount of gaming and entertainment time for their kids, on a daily or weekly basis.
“As a leader in interactive entertainment, it’s Microsoft’s responsibility to provide parents with tools they can use to manage their children’s video gaming and online experiences, and we have made that a priority from the very start,” said Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft.
The Xbox 360 Family Timer is an addition to the console’s existing set of industry-leading parental control features. Similar to its Windows Vista counterpart, the new Xbox 360 Family Timer can restrict children’s activity time and can be set on a per-day or per-week basis. Helpful “notifications” will appear to warn the gamer that the session is nearing the end and the feature will automatically turn off the console when a pre-determined time limit has been exceeded. The Family Timer feature will be available for download via Xbox LIVE in early December.
Xbox was the first video game and entertainment system with built-in parental controls for both online and offline use. Known as Family Settings, these controls allow parents and caregivers to set guidelines for which games work for them, make informed choices about content, and decide who their children can play with online. Earlier this year, Windows Vista launched with a set of similar parental controls that allows parents to guide children's game playing, web browsing, and overall computer use. These controls help parents determine which games their children can play, which programs they can use, which websites they can visit—and when.
According to Bach, with more than 13 million Xbox 360 consoles sold worldwide, the company’s drive to empower parents is a core Microsoft responsibility. “We’ve seen a tremendous response to the robust parental controls offered on Xbox 360 and Windows Vista, and the Xbox 360 Family Timer will continue to deliver on our promise to provide safer, balanced and fun entertainment for everyone,” said Bach. “Professionally, I am proud of my division’s work in this area, and personally, as a parent of three school-age children, I know how important it is to be engaged in an ongoing dialogue with my family in order to uphold our household screen time rules.”
Microsoft Corp. today unveiled a new parental control feature, the Xbox 360 Family Timer. The Family Timer will enable parents for the first time to set the appropriate amount of gaming and entertainment time for their kids, on a daily or weekly basis.
“As a leader in interactive entertainment, it’s Microsoft’s responsibility to provide parents with tools they can use to manage their children’s video gaming and online experiences, and we have made that a priority from the very start,” said Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft.
The Xbox 360 Family Timer is an addition to the console’s existing set of industry-leading parental control features. Similar to its Windows Vista counterpart, the new Xbox 360 Family Timer can restrict children’s activity time and can be set on a per-day or per-week basis. Helpful “notifications” will appear to warn the gamer that the session is nearing the end and the feature will automatically turn off the console when a pre-determined time limit has been exceeded. The Family Timer feature will be available for download via Xbox LIVE in early December.
Xbox was the first video game and entertainment system with built-in parental controls for both online and offline use. Known as Family Settings, these controls allow parents and caregivers to set guidelines for which games work for them, make informed choices about content, and decide who their children can play with online. Earlier this year, Windows Vista launched with a set of similar parental controls that allows parents to guide children's game playing, web browsing, and overall computer use. These controls help parents determine which games their children can play, which programs they can use, which websites they can visit—and when.
According to Bach, with more than 13 million Xbox 360 consoles sold worldwide, the company’s drive to empower parents is a core Microsoft responsibility. “We’ve seen a tremendous response to the robust parental controls offered on Xbox 360 and Windows Vista, and the Xbox 360 Family Timer will continue to deliver on our promise to provide safer, balanced and fun entertainment for everyone,” said Bach. “Professionally, I am proud of my division’s work in this area, and personally, as a parent of three school-age children, I know how important it is to be engaged in an ongoing dialogue with my family in order to uphold our household screen time rules.”
DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: JOKER
The Wild Card of Monster Hunting Games is Dealt to North American Retailers Today
Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, has announced that DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker, available exclusively for the Nintendo DS, is being distributed to retailers across North America today.
DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is the latest installment in the premiere RPG franchise that has sold over 43 million units worldwide. Combining ingenious gameplay elements from series creator Yuji Horii, character designs from famed artist Akira Toriyama and music from renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama, the “big three” of game creators delivers the newest entry in a timeless franchise that continues to reinvent itself in new and exciting ways.
Capture, train and synthesise a powerful team from a selection of over 200 classic DRAGON QUEST creatures! Already achieving sales of more than 1.4 million units in Japan, DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is a breakout title that combines the depth of a classic DRAGON QUEST RPG with the addictiveness of a monster-catching adventure.
Story
Enter the world of DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker as the young hero, locked in a prison by your own father, the leader of a mysterious organization known as CELL. Released under orders to enter the Monster Scout Challenge, you will embark on a journey starting with a single monster and a scout ring, unaware of the dark and mysterious intentions that surround the competition.
Features
The “big three,” comprised of series creator Yuji Horii, legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama and renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama, teams up once again to create an unforgettable gaming experience
Witness the same breathtaking visuals that brought Akira Toriyama’s art to life in DRAGON QUEST VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
Create new species as you synthesise customized monsters from a selection of more than 200 different DRAGON QUEST creatures
Experience an innovative and exciting mix of the monster arena battles from DRAGON QUEST VIII and traditional DRAGON QUEST gameplay
Challenge your friends via local wireless play to see whose team is the strongest
Robust Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection component allows players to upload and download monster team data for battle on their Nintendo DS systems
Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, has announced that DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker, available exclusively for the Nintendo DS, is being distributed to retailers across North America today.
DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is the latest installment in the premiere RPG franchise that has sold over 43 million units worldwide. Combining ingenious gameplay elements from series creator Yuji Horii, character designs from famed artist Akira Toriyama and music from renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama, the “big three” of game creators delivers the newest entry in a timeless franchise that continues to reinvent itself in new and exciting ways.
Capture, train and synthesise a powerful team from a selection of over 200 classic DRAGON QUEST creatures! Already achieving sales of more than 1.4 million units in Japan, DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is a breakout title that combines the depth of a classic DRAGON QUEST RPG with the addictiveness of a monster-catching adventure.
Story
Enter the world of DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker as the young hero, locked in a prison by your own father, the leader of a mysterious organization known as CELL. Released under orders to enter the Monster Scout Challenge, you will embark on a journey starting with a single monster and a scout ring, unaware of the dark and mysterious intentions that surround the competition.
Features
The “big three,” comprised of series creator Yuji Horii, legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama and renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama, teams up once again to create an unforgettable gaming experience
Witness the same breathtaking visuals that brought Akira Toriyama’s art to life in DRAGON QUEST VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
Create new species as you synthesise customized monsters from a selection of more than 200 different DRAGON QUEST creatures
Experience an innovative and exciting mix of the monster arena battles from DRAGON QUEST VIII and traditional DRAGON QUEST gameplay
Challenge your friends via local wireless play to see whose team is the strongest
Robust Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection component allows players to upload and download monster team data for battle on their Nintendo DS systems
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