In November Sony's PlayStation 3 outsold Nintendo's Wii in Japan for the first time--but does one month signal a trend?
Sony's PlayStation 3 outsold Nintendo's Wii for the first time in Japan during the month of November, game magazine publisher Enterbrain said on Friday.
In the four weeks leading up to Nov. 25, Sony sold 183,217 PS3 systems in Japan. By comparison, Nintendo sold 159,193 Wii consoles. In previous months, the Wii has outsold the PS3 upwards of 6 to 1.
The news marks a first for Sony on its home turf also given rise to the prospect that Sony may return to it former dominance over the last 11 years.
One analyst remained skeptical, however, saying one month is hardly enough to forecast a turnaround. "Overseas, I don't really see the PS3 doing that much at Christmas time primarily because it's still more expensive than the other machines and has less software," said Hiroshi Kamide.
"It's nice to see the system selling much better than six months ago. But is it a sustainable trend? Is it going to really escalate from here? I'm not so sure."
Source: PCWorld
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Video game consoles: Pick all the right boxes
If you're giving a games console, make sure it's the right one, says Steve Boxer
Much as we all love Christmas, it can be a stressful time - especially when we agonise over finding the perfect presents.
Videogame consoles make ideal gifts but, if you're not an expert, deciding which one to opt for can be fearfully tricky, especially since this is the first year that all three next-generation consoles have been available at Christmas, as well as the now?superseded but still temptingly cheap PlayStation 2. Oh, and two handheld consoles.
It's a tough market. The latest figures from VGChartz.com show that, since its release a year ago, more than 14 million Wii consoles have been sold around the world, followed by the Xbox 360 with just over 13 million units sold in two years. The PlayStation 3, which hit the UK in March, has sold just under six million worldwide. But all these figures are dwarfed by Nintendo's big hitter, the handheld DS, which has shifted a staggering 55 million worldwide so far. And Sony's handheld, the PSP, has sold more than 26 million units.
With so many competing options, all with their own merits and downsides, it's no wonder people get confused about which console is right for them. Hopefully, our bluffer's guide will simplify things nicely.
The consoles
Nintendo Wii
Price: £180
From: wii.nintendo.com
Nintendo's Wii, with its TV remote-style motion-sensitive controller that can be wielded like a tennis racket, baseball bat or bowling ball, has made an enormous splash this year, because it is so intuitive that even non-gamers can enjoy its charms.
The Wii is the ideal console to buy for young children or teenagers who are not yet avid gamers, and games such as Wii Tennis, Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games and Rockstar's Table Tennis can provide fun for all the family.
Nintendo is very good at aiming its consoles at a young audience, but the recently released Super Mario Galaxy - simply one of the best games ever - and Metroid Prime: Corruption will also thrill keen gamers. Sadly, at the moment, Wiis are in short supply in the shops, but Nintendo hopes to rectify that situation before Christmas.
Ignore so-called bundles, in which a Wii comes with several games, because those games are invariably sub-standard. T
he basic Wii comes with Wii Sports anyway, and you can then buy whichever individual games you want.
Microsoft Xbox 360
Price: £180
From: xbox.com
If you're buying a console for someone with an existing interest in games, then the Xbox 360 is the state-of-the-art choice.
It has by far the best portfolio of challenging "hardcore" games (racing titles, shoot-'em-ups and the like), and Microsoft is also working hard to generate a better library of more lighthearted games for it.
It is also supported brilliantly by the Xbox Live online service.
But don't be tempted by the cheapest variant, the Xbox 360 Core - it's too basic.
The Xbox 360 Arcade, which costs around £200 and comes with a 256Mb memory card but no hard disk(you can buy hard disks and plug them in later), plus five retro-style arcade games, is better value.
You won't have to do any upgrading if you opt for the £249 Premium edition, so that is also recommended, but the bells-and-whistles Elite version, despite its 120GB built-in hard disk, is a harder purchase to justify.
And bear in mind that all Xbox 360s really need HD-ready TVs in order to fulfil their promise.
Sony PlayStation 3
Price: £299.99
From: uk.playstation.com
D The PlayStation 3 isn't an inherently bad machine - it's technologically impressive, nicely finished and can play Blu-ray high-definition movies - but given the way in which Sony dominated the games industry with the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 (the latter has sold a staggering 120 million units worldwide), it is proving to be one of the biggest disappointments in the history of gaming.
For a start, it's fearsomely overpriced; even the new, no-frills 40GB version (which won't play PlayStation 2 games) costs £299.99, and the more desirable 60GB version, which is being phased out, costs a whopping £349.99.
Sony's online gaming service, the PlayStation Network, is also a mess compared with Xbox Live.
But the PS3's biggest flaw is its lack of compelling exclusive games.
A few, notably Metal Gear Solid 4, LittleBigPlanet and Killzone 2, will arrive next year, although probably towards the end of the year. Until then, the PS3 will remain an also-ran.
Sony PlayStation 2
Price: £99.99
From: uk.playstation.com
The PlayStation 2 is the console that refuses to die - indeed, it has generally outsold its successor, the PS3, despite being effectively obsolete.
With a fantastic back-catalogue of games, available increasingly cheaply, it might seem tempting if you're on a tight budget.
A trickle of new PS2 games continues to arrive, but to all intents and purposes, it's defunct.
That doesn't make it a bad buy, though.
Handhelds
Nintendo DS Lite
Price: £99.99
From: nintendo.co.uk
The idea behind the DS Lite is simple - to make a handheld console with two screens, one of which responds to touch input - but in practice it turns out to be a stroke of genius, with the touchscreen allowing all manner of innovative play.
It is hugely popular, has a phenomenal library of excellent games, and will make an ideal Christmas present for young and old alike (games such as Brain Training have particularly found a constituency among so-called "Grey Gamers" from the older generation). You can't go wrong with a DS Lite.
Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP)
Price: £129.99
From: uk.playstation.com
The new Slim 'n' Lite PSP, with its superb screen and more manageable proportions, is an even sexier gadget than its predecessor. It's particularly good at playing video, and links well with the PS3.
But its portfolio of games is nowhere near as impressive as that of the DS Lite - in fact, most are warmed-over PS2 titles. More style than substance, unfortunately.
Source: The Telegraph
Much as we all love Christmas, it can be a stressful time - especially when we agonise over finding the perfect presents.
Videogame consoles make ideal gifts but, if you're not an expert, deciding which one to opt for can be fearfully tricky, especially since this is the first year that all three next-generation consoles have been available at Christmas, as well as the now?superseded but still temptingly cheap PlayStation 2. Oh, and two handheld consoles.
It's a tough market. The latest figures from VGChartz.com show that, since its release a year ago, more than 14 million Wii consoles have been sold around the world, followed by the Xbox 360 with just over 13 million units sold in two years. The PlayStation 3, which hit the UK in March, has sold just under six million worldwide. But all these figures are dwarfed by Nintendo's big hitter, the handheld DS, which has shifted a staggering 55 million worldwide so far. And Sony's handheld, the PSP, has sold more than 26 million units.
With so many competing options, all with their own merits and downsides, it's no wonder people get confused about which console is right for them. Hopefully, our bluffer's guide will simplify things nicely.
The consoles
Nintendo Wii
Price: £180
From: wii.nintendo.com
Nintendo's Wii, with its TV remote-style motion-sensitive controller that can be wielded like a tennis racket, baseball bat or bowling ball, has made an enormous splash this year, because it is so intuitive that even non-gamers can enjoy its charms.
The Wii is the ideal console to buy for young children or teenagers who are not yet avid gamers, and games such as Wii Tennis, Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games and Rockstar's Table Tennis can provide fun for all the family.
Nintendo is very good at aiming its consoles at a young audience, but the recently released Super Mario Galaxy - simply one of the best games ever - and Metroid Prime: Corruption will also thrill keen gamers. Sadly, at the moment, Wiis are in short supply in the shops, but Nintendo hopes to rectify that situation before Christmas.
Ignore so-called bundles, in which a Wii comes with several games, because those games are invariably sub-standard. T
he basic Wii comes with Wii Sports anyway, and you can then buy whichever individual games you want.
Microsoft Xbox 360
Price: £180
From: xbox.com
If you're buying a console for someone with an existing interest in games, then the Xbox 360 is the state-of-the-art choice.
It has by far the best portfolio of challenging "hardcore" games (racing titles, shoot-'em-ups and the like), and Microsoft is also working hard to generate a better library of more lighthearted games for it.
It is also supported brilliantly by the Xbox Live online service.
But don't be tempted by the cheapest variant, the Xbox 360 Core - it's too basic.
The Xbox 360 Arcade, which costs around £200 and comes with a 256Mb memory card but no hard disk(you can buy hard disks and plug them in later), plus five retro-style arcade games, is better value.
You won't have to do any upgrading if you opt for the £249 Premium edition, so that is also recommended, but the bells-and-whistles Elite version, despite its 120GB built-in hard disk, is a harder purchase to justify.
And bear in mind that all Xbox 360s really need HD-ready TVs in order to fulfil their promise.
Sony PlayStation 3
Price: £299.99
From: uk.playstation.com
D The PlayStation 3 isn't an inherently bad machine - it's technologically impressive, nicely finished and can play Blu-ray high-definition movies - but given the way in which Sony dominated the games industry with the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 (the latter has sold a staggering 120 million units worldwide), it is proving to be one of the biggest disappointments in the history of gaming.
For a start, it's fearsomely overpriced; even the new, no-frills 40GB version (which won't play PlayStation 2 games) costs £299.99, and the more desirable 60GB version, which is being phased out, costs a whopping £349.99.
Sony's online gaming service, the PlayStation Network, is also a mess compared with Xbox Live.
But the PS3's biggest flaw is its lack of compelling exclusive games.
A few, notably Metal Gear Solid 4, LittleBigPlanet and Killzone 2, will arrive next year, although probably towards the end of the year. Until then, the PS3 will remain an also-ran.
Sony PlayStation 2
Price: £99.99
From: uk.playstation.com
The PlayStation 2 is the console that refuses to die - indeed, it has generally outsold its successor, the PS3, despite being effectively obsolete.
With a fantastic back-catalogue of games, available increasingly cheaply, it might seem tempting if you're on a tight budget.
A trickle of new PS2 games continues to arrive, but to all intents and purposes, it's defunct.
That doesn't make it a bad buy, though.
Handhelds
Nintendo DS Lite
Price: £99.99
From: nintendo.co.uk
The idea behind the DS Lite is simple - to make a handheld console with two screens, one of which responds to touch input - but in practice it turns out to be a stroke of genius, with the touchscreen allowing all manner of innovative play.
It is hugely popular, has a phenomenal library of excellent games, and will make an ideal Christmas present for young and old alike (games such as Brain Training have particularly found a constituency among so-called "Grey Gamers" from the older generation). You can't go wrong with a DS Lite.
Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP)
Price: £129.99
From: uk.playstation.com
The new Slim 'n' Lite PSP, with its superb screen and more manageable proportions, is an even sexier gadget than its predecessor. It's particularly good at playing video, and links well with the PS3.
But its portfolio of games is nowhere near as impressive as that of the DS Lite - in fact, most are warmed-over PS2 titles. More style than substance, unfortunately.
Source: The Telegraph
Friday, November 30, 2007
Imperium Romanum video game
"Imperium Romanum" set to conquer the UK
Take the future of an empire into your hands in "Imperium Romanum", the upcoming historical strategy title from Kalyspso Media and Haemimont Games. Due for release in February 2008 the game sees the player take the role of a governor of a Roman province and strive to build a well organised, prosperous and commanding settlement.
Set in the time-honoured Roman Empire players will marvel at the incredible attention to detail, as they construct fortifications, build towers, gates and bridges, and pay for them with the new currency which has been implemented into the game for a challenging, enjoyable, and authentic quest to rule the World.
"Imperium Romanum" boasts a variety of new features to enhance the game-play and complete the historical strategy gaming experience. These include a sophisticated graphics engine, a mass of authentic historical buildings such as the world famous Circus Maximus and Gladiator schools, an improved battle system where the player commands their armies and an interactive mission mode which allows the player to control the activation of goals.
"Imperium Romanum" Features
• History mode with timeline, where missions are based on real events and locations
• Interactive mission mode: the players activate the goals when they choose
• Improved battle system where players commands their own armies
• Player-constructable bridges, fortifications, walls, towers and gates
• Introduction of currency, crime, historically accurate buildings, natural disasters, and siege machines
• New interface design, and improved economy and overview dialogues
Last of the Patriots video game
Last of the patriots is an indie game prototype developed by games veteran Paul Davis whose C.V. includes GTA-San Andreas, GTA4, Manhunt, and Manhunt2. Last of the patriots is a new style of game, using a development process based on a movie script, rather than a traditional game design document, the team has used this approach to hopefully get a cinematic feel and theme to the game.
The game is a prototype for future games, that revolve around plot and character and less on action, as we are aiming for games with a message, and deeper underlying meaning. The main premise of the game is to show war in a realistic way never before seen in games.
The game is available for all to download at our website http://www.last-of-the-patriots.com. The game is a prototype, and we are very interested in a free-roaming 3d version possible for next-gen. The game is set in a dark future setting where a single corporation dominates the galaxies, enter Zeke Johnson, a broken down ex-war hero set on self-destruction, as he drinks his life away on colony LV-21. Through a strange twist of fate, Johnson is given a last chance to redeem himself as he rejoins the space corps for one final decisive mission into the pits of hell itself.
The unique features of this game are it's use of cinematics techniques such as flashbacks, moral dilemmas, where you are ordered to shoot innocent civilians, large scale battles, the game is set in a retro theme to basically work on any PC, we were aiming for a casual game that would require no setup headaches, the game only uses one button to perform all actions, again for casual gamer appeal.
For additional information or to sample the game, visit:
http://www.last-of-the-patriots.com
Minimum requirements:
550mhz,
Win98,
16 MB ram,
16 MB graphics card,
30MB hard-drive space,
The game is a prototype for future games, that revolve around plot and character and less on action, as we are aiming for games with a message, and deeper underlying meaning. The main premise of the game is to show war in a realistic way never before seen in games.
The game is available for all to download at our website http://www.last-of-the-patriots.com. The game is a prototype, and we are very interested in a free-roaming 3d version possible for next-gen. The game is set in a dark future setting where a single corporation dominates the galaxies, enter Zeke Johnson, a broken down ex-war hero set on self-destruction, as he drinks his life away on colony LV-21. Through a strange twist of fate, Johnson is given a last chance to redeem himself as he rejoins the space corps for one final decisive mission into the pits of hell itself.
The unique features of this game are it's use of cinematics techniques such as flashbacks, moral dilemmas, where you are ordered to shoot innocent civilians, large scale battles, the game is set in a retro theme to basically work on any PC, we were aiming for a casual game that would require no setup headaches, the game only uses one button to perform all actions, again for casual gamer appeal.
For additional information or to sample the game, visit:
http://www.last-of-the-patriots.com
Minimum requirements:
550mhz,
Win98,
16 MB ram,
16 MB graphics card,
30MB hard-drive space,
Rome Economy and Technology system
The Economy system in EU: Rome is equipped with underlying nuances and complex strategic options, yet the game is developed so that it is easy to grasp.
There are three different types of income in Rome, the 3 T's.
TAX: the definition of basic income from the land. This value depends heavily on the amount of slaves in a province. Slaves are one of the three different types of population in the game. The other two are citizens and freemen, which provide advances and manpower. These three types determine the strength of a state, for instance while a long and bloody war may give a lot new slaves, the amount of freemen could drop too low as a result, making difficult to create strong armies for the future.
TRIBUTE: refers to the diplomatic income given from states for their own benefit, could be derived by force or through skilled diplomacy.
TRADE ROUTES: each trade route created will provide a certain amount of income to a country, in addition to the strategic benefits of upholding such a route.
Technology system
The technology system has 5 categories: land, construction, naval, civic and religion. Each category has a set amount of levels, somewhat similar to earlier releases Europa Universalis III and Victoria. However, one of the differences is that there are no immediate effects from aquiring new "level" of technology in EU:Rome.
For each type of technology, players can appoint a character to a position in the government, where his skill will affect the progress in this field. The other major factors affecting the progress is the Civilization Value of a province and the amount of Citizens present.
EA MOBILE BUILDS ON LEGO BRAND WITH PUZZLE GAME
Electronic Arts today announced that action-puzzle game, LEGO Escape for mobile will become available to download from operators across Europe from 1st December 2007. LEGO fans and casual puzzlers will enjoy the game’s added action as they race against the clock to help the LEGO worker escape the factory where he’s trapped.
True to the LEGO brand and offering a twist on the falling block genre, players must build, rather than break, a tower of LEGO bricks as they fall from the sky. Whilst battling with flying robots that move bricks and fire electrical charges, players must ensure their structure is solid enough to prevent it from collapsing. Having to rebuild will waste valuable time.
‘The game’s vibrant design, challenging nature and action element give it universal appeal,’ commented EA Mobile Producer, James Dillon. ‘Players will find it completely compelling as they go back to the roots of what LEGO play is all about and build to their heart’s content.’
LEGO Escape offers four differently themed and colourful environments and ‘power-ups’ such as jumping boots that can be collected to help the LEGO worker on his quest. For more information visit www.eamobile.com.
Lunar Domination video game launch for Mac OS X
Valen Games is pleased to announce that the financial strategy game Lunar Domination is now available for Mac OS X. In addition to Mac OS X support, the new version of Lunar Domination also includes online multiplayer support for two players.
Lunar Domination is a turn-based strategy game where players fight for domination over the lunar ore market. Unlike in war strategy games, players cannot attack each other directly. Instead they must skillfully manage their finances and base expansion, and compete with their opponent for orders from clients. This focus on financial strategy creates a different player experience compared to traditional war strategy games. The only weapon that is available in Lunar Domination is your mind.
To win the game you must fill the ore quotas of three clients faster than your opponent. This involves mining the ore, and then competing with your opponent for the client orders. Each completed order brings you closer to victory. Competition for orders takes place using an auction system, where the player with the lowest bid wins the order.
The ore that your clients request is scattered around a map, and can be mined using specialized buildings. The map itself is split into sectors which can be bought by you or your opponent, and contain the ore that you can mine. Sectors are also home to your buildings, which allow you to mine, store, refine, and sell ore to your clients.
Neighboring sectors form sector groups, where member sectors share resources that buildings in them provide. However, larger sector groups result in higher income taxes. This makes smaller sector groups more profitable, and one of the challenges in the game is to keep your sector groups as small as possible to make the most money from your ore.
Lunar Domination comes with six scenarios which include small, medium, and large maps. Each scenario can be played at three difficulty levels against a computer opponent, or against another person in online multiplayer mode. An interactive tutorial is included to help you quickly learn the basics without having to spend a lot of time learning how to play.
Lunar Domination is available for Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Mac OS X 10.4 or higher, and Linux. It costs $19.99 (USD) and can be purchased at the Valen Games web site: http://www.valengames.com.
Gamer TV's HAZE Special Airs On Bravo This Weekend
A special edition of GAMER TV dedicated to forthcoming PlayStation 3 exclusive HAZE airs on UK satellite and cable channel BRAVO this weekend.
The half-hour show features exclusive demos of 4 player co-op, new levels and weapons including the flamethrower and a look at the technology driving the game. It also reveals a brand new twist in the HAZE storyline.
GAMER TV’s HAZE special is hosted by key Free Radical design team members Dave “Big Cheese” Doak, Derek “Big Brain” Littlewood and screenwriter Rob “Big Mouth” Yescombe.
Producer Jason Kilshaw commented, “This is everything you need to know about Haze then some! ”
The programme airs in the UK at the following times.
Saturday 1st December 10.00 am BRAVO 2
Sunday 2nd December 11.30 am BRAVO
Monday 3rd December 4.30 pm BRAVO
Viewers in the US will be able to see it the following week on leading premium movie channel STARZ.
The US transmission times are:
Saturday 8th December 11.00 am (ET) STARZ EDGE
Wednesday 12th December 8.30 pm (ET) STARZ EDGE
The Ultimate 'Hand Made' Fantasy With Odin Sphere
Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces the release of Odin Sphere™ in early 2008, across all PAL territories and exclusively on the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system.
Be inspired by the renaissance of the lost art of hand-drawn in-game artwork. Odin Sphere brings a lavishly illustrated world to a home console, experienced through an intuitive, high quality control system. Odin Sphere’s fantasy world interlaces five individual tales to tell an epic story of amazing power, inevitable loss and irresistible love to enchant users.
Fully optimized for Europe, Odin Sphere delivers unique action-combat gameplay that rewards speed and style, revamping the action RPG genre. An alchemy system that lets you combine the spoils of combat for added bonuses and rare items adds further depth to this epic experience.
John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “Odin Sphere embodies the commitment of Square Enix in bringing new experiences to European gamers. This is especially reflected in our partnership with Atlus, allowing Square Enix Ltd. to publish the first non Square Enix title in PAL territories. The wonderfully crafted Odin Sphere is the best possible start to an exciting new period for the company.”
Xbox Targets We7 For Christmas Campaign
Xbox signs deal with We7 to reach key online audiences for Christmas
Microsoft has teamed up with new ad-funded free music download service, We7, to increase awareness of Xbox 360 and promote key titles in the run up to Christmas. The deal will see Xbox utilise We7’s unique ad grafting technology to get directly into the ears of consumers downloading tracks and albums from www.we7.com, targeting their ads by the genre of music as well as by location, age and gender.
The We7 campaign is part of a wider Christmas strategy from Xbox which includes TV advertising, and will run from 26th November until Christmas day. As well as raising brand awareness for Xbox 360, the campaign on We7 will use the power of music to demonstrate Xbox 360’s strong portfolio of games to appeal to a wide range of audiences, from the latest blockbuster games for the key 16-25 male audience to ‘Fun for Everyone’ – a range of family games suitable for everyone 3 years+.
Stephen McGill, Head of Gaming and Entertainment, Microsoft UK says of the deal: “There’s a natural affinity between music and gaming which We7 allows us to explore in a unique and effective way using a mix of traditional display ads alongside the new audio grafting techniques. We’ll primarily use this campaign to target our key demographic – 16-25 year old males – but as We7 has a varied user base we plan to broaden our focus to a wider family audience too.”
The We7 innovation allows advertisers to digitally reach an audience using the traditional formats of MPU’s and Skyscrapers but the audio segment uniquely goes with the consumers onto their iPods or other MP3 players reinforcing the message in an intimate and highly acceptable manner.
The range of audio ads has been created by Music4 and the 20 second ads use the same memorable backing track that appears on the TV campaign.
Steve Purdham, CEO, We7 adds: “We7 offers a platform to entertain and engage, benefiting both the consumer and the advertiser. We are thrilled to be working with such a leading consumer brand as Xbox as it feels like the perfect fit for our site.
“Since signing our first deal in October, we’ve seen significant interest from the Advertising community to our new innovative model and we expect to make more announcements of We7 adoption in the run up to Christmas as well as in 2008.”
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