Duke Nukem Forever video game teaser video

At noon today - Wednesday December 19 http://www.3drealms.com/ will release a trailer for Duke Nukem Forever.

Here's a screen capture from that trailer...

NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams out on Nintendo Wii

Sega has announced that the trippy flight-based game, NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams has shipped out for the Wii. The game has you playing a “night jester” who helps two 12-year olds conquer their fears by flying through a fantasy world.

NiGHTS will also tap into the Wii’s online “Forecast Channel,” which will have the game recreating the players local weather in the game. That and you’ll be able to race online against other players.

“The release of NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams is very exciting and special for both SEGA and gamers around the world,” said Don Mesa, Director of Marketing, SEGA of America, Inc.

“Gamers have been clamoring for NiGHTS to return since its debut in 1996 and the end result is nothing less than spectacular. We’ve harnessed the power and innovation of the Wii alongside a rich storyline and blended original and next-gen features that will transport gamers to a dream world like no other.”

As a fantasy jester called NiGHTS, players will fly through Nightopia, a rich and vibrant world where dreams come to life. With the innovative Wii Remote, gamers will experience a heightened sense of gliding, spiraling, and looping through seven mystical dream worlds packed with high-flying adventure. Players must find inventive ways to confront the “Nightmarens” from the neighboring dark world of Nightmare using amazing acrobatic skills, freedom of flight, and other special abilities to protect Nightopia

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock video game Official PC Patch v1.1 for download

Yep, it looks like PC owners of Guitar Hero III are getting some update love thanks to the guys over at Aspyr (who, by the way, did an impressive job porting GH3 to the PC). This update seems to offer a handful of bug fixes, graphical tweaks, and minor feature additions. You can read the release notes after the break.

A question that is still being asked among the various forum goers is will Aspyr/Activision be putting effort towards getting DLC to the PC? Also, what about stat linking (PC) to the guitarhero.com website? Or is a PC platform too “hackable” for this feature to gel?

It’s well understood that the PC voice is a minority here. However, I guess Aspyr can only do so much within the feature bubble Activision has given them. We’ve heard Activision’s promise of bringing DLC to the Wii in 2008. And we’ve also seen the backlash of Wii owners for their mono-riffic GH3 purchase. With all of these varied cross-platform versions of the same game, are we gamers pretty much rolling the dice when it comes to choosing a game for a particular platform before hearing a final verdict? Or should we be examining the fine print closely instead of simply expecting each cross-platform version to be equal in features? I can’t help but laugh at the thought of game companies calling us spoiled little brats behind our backs. Anyway…

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock v1.1 Patch

Source: FileFront

US video helps parents choose video games for children...

Virtual Playground v Danger Zone Flash Video

A 20-minute video created by the state and available online attempts to help parents know more about video games their children might want to play.

Created by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, the video explores research on violent video games and details possible risks. Also included are tips designed to help parents when buying video games.

Entitled "Video Games and Children: Virtual Playground vs. Danger Zone," the video can be found on the Division of Criminal Justice Services Web site at www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us.

"With more than 5,000 game titles available, some of which contain graphic violence, sexual themes and adult content, parents should be cautious and remain vigilant when selecting video games, said Denise E. O'Donnell, commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services, in a statement.. "This presentation provides parents with guidance, resources and tips in choosing age-appropriate games for their children."

DCJS' Missing and Exploited Children Clearinghouse (MECC) created the 20-minute presentation. MECC was established in 1987 and provides investigative support services and training for law enforcement, assistance to family members of missing children and free community education programs for parents, educators, schools and civic organizations, according to DCJS.

"Recently released studies and statistics serve as a reminder to parents that video games have shifted from themes of saving princesses to the arena of violence," Mindy Bockstein, executive director of the New York State Consumer Protection Board said in a statement in which she encouraged consumers to watch the video.

US Army shapes video game - America's Army: True Soldiers

The virtual fantasy worlds of gaming and the real world of war intersect in "America's Army: True Soldiers," the latest version of a video game that in many ways could be viewed as a recruiting tool for the nation's armed forces.

While there are plenty of military-themed first-person shooter games, half of this game's development team comes from the U.S. Army. Its combat scenarios may be set in fictional locations, but the game features authentic state-of-the-art weapons and technology used in current military operations, as well as life-like situations.

The game has been commended by soldiers for its accuracy and attention to detail. "Our soldiers have provided the specs, information and details about weapons, training, vehicles and battle scenarios," says Maj. Mike Marty, operations officer for the "America's Army" game project. The soldiers also "make sure that Army values are being accurately portrayed in the game."

By using a pop culture medium, this and earlier versions of the "America's Army" series have proved to be an effective way to communicate a message to a large audience. Col. E. Casey Wardynski came up with the concept for an Army-based video game in 1999, and three years later, the first edition of "America's Army" -- "Operations RECON" -- was launched. The game went on to become one of the most popular online multiplayer games.

The goal was to simulate what the military experience is really like. But the Army wanted the game to be more than about how to shoot straight. It also tries to communicate the military code of values. Scoring is tied to mission accomplishment, teamwork and leadership. Players earn points for honorable actions and for teamwork when playing with others through Xbox Live.

"True Soldiers," the latest "America's Army" release, debuted exclusively for Xbox 360, so players will notice sharper next-generation graphics than in previous editions. The game, developed by Red Storm Entertainment and the Army, was published by Ubisoft.

The soldier pictured on the game case cover is a real person -- Sgt. Tommy Rieman. In December 2003, while on a reconnaissance mission south of Baghdad, he and his team were attacked. Rieman used his body as a shield to protect a fellow gunner and suffered multiple shrapnel wounds. He was awarded a Silver Star and Purple Heart for courage under fire. Rieman served as a creative consultant on the Real Heroes game and appears as a character in the game.

"America's Army" has released a companion set of Real Heroes action figures of Rieman and three others who have been honored for distinguished service: Sgt. Matthew Zedwick, Major Jason Amerine and Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Wolford. Their likenesses are also used as characters in the "True Soldiers" game.

"The mission of the 'America's Army' Real Heroes program is to inspire young adults and the American public to explore the U.S. Army's values, as well as soldier's attributes of teamwork and personal courage, by telling heroic and personal soldier stories through the 'America's Army' brand, which includes the PC game, Web sites and a line of action figures," Marty says. "Young people can look up to these soldiers and see how values such as such as loyalty, personal courage, integrity have not only helped these individuals succeed in the Army, but in their personal lives as well."

The game has a Teen rating (ages 13 and up), with an ESRB content rating for blood and violence.

Parental controls allow parents to set the game play action at a level they feel is appropriate. "The parental control features allow parents to customize the experience that is comfortable for their family," Marty says. "It makes the game more like paintball, so players won't be taking a virtual life, but learning more about the strategy and teamwork elements."

Another new military-themed game in the first-person shooter category is Electronic Arts' "Medal of Honor Heroes 2" for Wii and PSP. This one takes players back to World War II, where players can go on eight missions, from Normandy to a secret Nazi base.

It has an arcade mode, which works for players of all skill levels, and a multiplayer mode. The game features classic World War II weapons -- among them, the Thompson machine gun, MP40 and bazooka. It also has a Teen rating.

Source: Post-Gazette

The High Flying Video Game Companies of 2007

Report on the Gamasutra website on the performance of the main video games companies in 2007...

In a new report from DFC Intelligence, the analyst group has given its look back at the games industry's stock performance, noting Asia's stagnation compared to the U.S., and adding that the newly merged Activision Blizzard will become "a gauge for industry growth."

The full text of the report is here...

Nintendo DS - Flash Focus Eye exercise - worth a look?

The latest self-improvement game for the Nintendo DS focuses on vision.
Flash Focus: Vision Training in Minutes a Day promises to improve your hand-eye coordination, expand your peripheral vision and enhance your "dynamic visual acuity."

But don't throw away those glasses or contacts just yet, because a closer look reveals that your vision won't actually improve.

Instead, you'll learn your "eye age" while playing games in which you track boxes, tap on a boxing opponent or watch flashing numbers, among other challenges.

At first glance, the game looks like about as much fun as a visit to the optometrist, but the real eye-opener is how quickly you'll become addicted to the exercises.

In one test, a player tries to track three boxes as they are shuffled -- as with a carnival-style shell game. In others, letters or numbers flash on the screen as the player tries to recall them. A few sports-themed games test reflexes as well.

Initially, only a few games are available. But as you progress, more challenges are revealed.

Flash Focus tracks a player's progress and issues an eye age depending on the score. You should plan, at first, on having an eye age several decades older than your real age. With daily practice, however, the number will drop.

As many as four players can record their ages, so it's easy to tell whether you are falling behind your friends.

If all this eye-popping exercise sounds like too much work, the game provides a relaxation mode to rest the eyes. Relaxing requires a lot of neck and eye rolls, though, so don't plan on doing this in public.

Flash Focus joins the growing list of Nintendo games designed to train the body and mind. Big Brain Academy, Brain Age and the upcoming Wii Fit all aim to make players smarter and stronger. Self-improvement might not be easy, but at least Nintendo is trying to make it fun.

This latest entry isn't the best in the series, lacking the charm and novelty of Brain Age. It's also difficult to believe that it will actually improve your sight and reflexes better than any other game.

Source: Columbus Dispatch

NEED FOR SPEED PROSTREET - Video game review for XBox 360 and PlayStation 3

Reviewed for: Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3

Also available for: Nintendo Wii, PC, PlayStation 2, PSP, Nintendo DS

From: EA

ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+ (suggestive themes)

Sometime in the last year, “Need for Speed” decided to cut its hair, shave its face, buy a nice suit and start acting like an adult. The result is “Need for Speed ProStreet,” which takes a franchise known for cop chases and street culture and wedges it into a world of sanctioned, legit racing that’s scarcely more rebellious than a NASCAR event on network television.

The shock doesn’t end there. The open-world approach of recent games is gone, replaced by a pedestrian tree of racing events at different locales. And while past “NFS” games looked the other way where car damage was concerned, “ProStreet” makes you pay even for bending your fender. Repair costs will take a huge hit on your race winnings, and accrued damage carries over even if you restart a race you don’t finish. The era of ruthlessly bouncing off opposing racers and guardrails is long gone.

Why EA so drastically altered such a successful racing franchise isn’t exactly clear. “NFS” was the best of its breed, and the “ProStreet” effect transforms it into just another good track racer in a field already saturated with them. The speed of the game has slowed only a touch, but it’s a noticeable touch. The track designs have no choice but to be less interesting and diverse. And the limitations in track design lead to a reduction in event styles, which leads to an even higher concentration of the drag and drift events that bogged down past “NFS” games.

All that said, “ProStreet” never is bad. Makeover aside, many of the series’ hallmarks return. The mix of simulation and arcade physics is still there despite the reduced speed and newfound emphasis on safe driving, and “ProStreet’s” career mode still comes loaded with content despite the more straightforward structure.

You still can manage your garage and customize cars to an intimidating degree, and your creations still look sharp even when they’re cruising down some pretty bland track. Online play benefits from your creativity: In addition to the usual race modes, you can share vehicles, photos and customized race events with other players.

It’s enough to keep “NFS” fans mostly happy — at least until next year. With respect to “ProStreet’s” approach, it’s not built for the long haul. Unless EA refines it in a big way for next year’s edition, it’s best enjoyed as an experimental detour on the u-turn to rebellion.

Source: Tuscaloosa News

Nintendo DS breaks UK hardware record… two times and Nintendo Wii overtakes Microsoft XBox 360...

Wii also overtakes 360 install base, sells 100,000 last week

All the predictions of a bumper Christmas for Nintendo in the UK seem to be proving accurate, with news that its consoles are selling in record numbers.

The DS has now broken the previous UK weekly hardware sales figure twice this month, shifting 185,000 in the first week and over 200,000 last week.

Meanwhile the Wii also sold over 100,000 units last week, demonstrating a decent supply of stock even if there's still not enough to satisfy demand.

Additionally the Wii is thought to have surpassed the Xbox 360's installed base in the UK this month.

Source: Games Industry

PlayStation network cards for North American say Sony

Alternative to credit card transactions already live in Japan

Sony has confirmed it will be releasing PlayStation Network cards in North America early next year, following a successful roll-out in Japan.

The cards are an alternative to using credit cards to purchase downloadable content from the PlayStation Store for the PS3 and PSP.

"PlayStation Network Cards are coming, and should start appearing at retailers in early '08," confirmed Eric Lempel, director of PSN operations.

"The cards will be redeemable via the PlayStation Store for PC, and on the PlayStation 3 to supply the wallet with funds to spend on games, add-ons, and other paid content."

Cards in Japan retail for JPY 3000 and JPY 5000 and were launched the same day as the release of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.

Source: Games Industry