The Bible Vs Video Games

Recently, there has been much debate, on both sides of the Atlantic, about the content of video games. Cooper Lawrence's totally misinformed attack on Mass Effect on Fox News, Kevin McCullough being equally misinformed on Townhall.com, Janice Turner of The Times thinks that games are "crack cocaine of the brain" and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has blamed them for knife crime. Even Hillary Clinton has had a go.

What all these critics have in common is that they do not play video games so they don't have the faintest idea what they are talking about, they are as relevant as blind cinema critics.

Now Bruce Everiss, author of the respected and widely read game industry blog Bruceongames.com, has written an article that puts the whole issue into perspective. Entitled The Bible Vs Video Games it compares the content of the Bible, a book which children are encouraged to read, with the content of video games. Would you want your child playing a video game that featured harlots 48 times? Because that is exactly what the Bible does.

Bruce Everiss explains: "Video games are just another form of media like books, film and music. It is the content that matters and it is irrefutable that games have far less sex and violence than books or television. Yet, amazingly, books and television have no age ratings whilst video games do".

Darkeden and Daden available for download

Joymax Announces Darkeden And Daden Market Launch

Joymax, an independent developer of interactive entertainment for the global market, has launched their vampire-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game, Darkeden. Previously only available in an open beta test, Darkeden is now available for everyone to play for free. Players can log in today and slay vampires, fight humans, or crush ousters! Players can also retreat to the new Daden Market where they can purchase Coins and spend them on Premium Service for access to new areas, rare items, weapons, armor, pets, armor and more.

About Darkeden
A free-to-play MMORPG, Darkeden invites players into a bleak near-future environment and a brutal conflict between three distinct races-vampires, slayers, and ousters. Featuring hand-rendered graphics and an isometric 2D view, Darkeden is easy for novices to learn, yet includes a broad variety of features and character-building options for hardcore players. Darkeden contains hundreds of potential skills and two distinct systems of character advancement, and is available to download and play free of charge.

Darkeden is available for download at http://www.darkedenonline.net/.

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 out soon

DYNASTY WARRIORS 6 REACHES GOLD STATUS

Latest Installment of KOEI's Popular Action Series Ships to North American Retailers Beginning February 19, 2008

Burlingame, CA – February 12, 2008 - KOEI, recognized worldwide as the premier brand of strategy and action games, today announced that Dynasty Warriors 6 has reached gold status and will ship to North American retailers beginning February 19, 2008. Dynasty Warriors 6 will be available for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

Consumers can find Dynasty Warriors 6 at the following retailers: Amazon.com, Best Buy, Circuit City, Game Crazy, Game Rush, GameStop, Gamefly, EB Games, and Wal-Mart.

About Dynasty Warriors 6
Selling over 15 million units combined worldwide, KOEI’s award-winning Dynasty Warriors series and Samurai Warriors series of Tactical Action games have become an astonishing success and are global phenomenon. With Dynasty Warriors 6, KOEI is reinventing the Tactical Action experience for the next generation.

Set in Ancient China during the 3rd century, Dynasty Warriors 6 immerses gamers in a truly cinematic kung-fu action experience. Celebrated characters have been completely re-imagined with new weapons and fighting techniques motion-captured from some of today’s leading stuntmen and women in Asia. With the game’s new “Renbu” attack system and game controls, players can execute lightning-fast combos and the most dazzling fighting moves with ease.

Developed from the ground up exclusively for next-generation platforms, the game’s proprietary engine delivers the most chaotic and challenging Tactical Action experience to date. Players can use the landscape to elude the thousands of soldiers swarming the battlefield. But as players move and attack, adaptable enemy A.I. devises offensive and defensive combat tactics, and can retaliate with packs of fierce hunting dogs and patrol boats. All of the explosive action comes to life in high definition, 60 frames per second (fps) graphics.

Based on the epic novel, “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, Dynasty Warriors 6 depicts the massive battles ignited by the fall of the Han Dynasty when three rebellious states moved to overthrow the Emperor of China.

Created by KOEI’s Omega Force team, Dynasty Warriors 6 delivers breathtaking visuals in 720p HDTV, and in-game DolbyDigital audio. This game is rated “T” (Teen – Violence) by the ESRB. Dynasty Warriors 6 is for 1 to 2 players. Press can find assets (watermark-free) at gamespress.com. For the latest information on Dynasty Warriors 6, visit www.koei.com/dw6.

Fate Of Hellas PC video game

JoWooD Productions Engages Strategy Genre With Fate Of Hellas

JoWooD announces new strategy game – pick your battles in ancient Greece

Liezen, Austria, February 12th 2008; JoWooD Productions announces a new title for 2008 and expands their strategy portfolio.

The RTS game “Fate of Hellas” combines economic development with tactical real time battles, all fully shown in 3D. In two campaigns with seven missions, each the player is able to take over control of the legendary people of Macedonia.

You will fight alongside Alexander The Great and bring peace to the city states of ancient Greece. Put together an army and fight with your soldiers for wealth and peace, becoming more successful than Alexander The Great has ever been. But beware: It will not be just your enemies that will envy you!

If you host or post please let us know!

Thrilling realtime battles in ancient Greece
„Fate of Hellas“ is an RTS game, which takes the player to ancient Greece: 2500 Years ago, before the rise of Rome, fierce battles between the Greeks and their enemies took place.

Build formations with your troops
3 different formations for strategic fights!

Equip your troops with weapons from your defeated enemies
Pick up the weapons left behind by your enemies after you have killed them in combat

Besiege the citys of historic Greece!
The more cities you conquer, the greater your power on the battlefield

More than 60 different characters!
Different fighters, buildings, vehicles and many more

Fate of Hellas will be available in March 2008 for 29,99 €.

Developer: WorldForge
Genre: Real Time Strategy
Expected age rating: 16+
UK Release: March 28th 2008

Infinity Open beta phase starts on February 14th

Infinity

Open beta phase starts on February 14th!

Ready to enter the arena with all your friends? On February 14th Infinity Online will start its open beta phase so that all GameTribe players will be able to join the fight!

Discover the hack and slash taste of Infinity Online!

Choose the arena, enter the fray with your favourite warrior and lead your guards against other players or side by side with your friends in the cooperative mode.

The game will offer you several updates such as:

• New Guards
  
• New characters: Alexia and Kain
  
• New missions and PVP maps
  
• New armor sets and items in the shop
  
• It’s time to fight against your enemies!
  
• It’s time to play Infinity Online!
  

GameTribeTeam
www.gametribe.com
Time to Play!

XLEAGUE.TV - £10,000 HALO 3 4 Vs 4 Team League Finals

XLEAGUE.TV - £10,000 HALO 3 4 Vs 4 Team League Finals

The largest cash prize for a console Video Gaming final ever in the UK!

XLEAGUE.TV will provide televised and web coverage of the final, with eight teams battling it out in the double elimination play-off.

With top seeded Team Devastation trying to fight their way to the final from the losers bracket, after their loss to XL3 reigning champions The Incredibles, and top teams such as Infused Gaming, Scar Tissue, and Catch 22 all battling it out; the competition is offering the best HALO 3 action the UK has ever seen.

Television Listings:

Sunday 17-Feb-08 and Monday 18-Feb-08 at 8pm – The Match – 4 X 1.5 hr tournament shows with match highlights, team profiles, expert commentary and pundits and £10,000 HALO 3 tournament final.

All programming on SKY Channel 208 and online at www.xleague.tv:

1st place - £5,000
2nd place - £2,500
3rd place - £1,500
4th place - £1,000

http://www.xleague.tv

Ultimate Terrain X DVD Editions Released

Ultimate Terrain X DVD Editions Released

Flight One Software, in partnership with Scenery Solutions, has officially released the DVD Editions of Ultimate Terrain X – USA & Ultimate Terrain X - Canada for Flight Simulator X.

Both DVD Editions have been designed from the ground up to take advantage of the new technologies in FSX, and provide you with the most superior and complete terrain environment to date. As with our download versions, we use only the highest quality commercial source data in our products. Roads, Rivers, Streams, Bridges, Landclass, Waterclass, Night Lighting, Coastlines, and more are packed into these Ultimate Terrain X editions.

The DVD Editions are priced at a great value of $34.95 each and are available now worldwide from the Flight1 website, www.flight1.com and our premier resellers.

For more information on Ultimate Terrain X – USA – http://www.flight1.com/products.asp?product=FL1-UXU-001

For more information on Ultimate Terrain X – Canada - http://www.flight1.com/products.asp?product=FL1-UXC-001

2K Games Licenses Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3

2K Games Licenses Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3


Epic Games, Inc., one of the world’s leading developers of cutting-edge computer and video games and the pioneer of the award-winning Unreal Engine, today announced that its Unreal Engine 3 technology and tools will be used for unannounced games in development by 2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software.

"2K had a very positive experience working with Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 since it enables games to perform exceptionally well on both console and the PC,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “Epic’s technology and support is expected to help 2K produce world-class titles for games on any platform.”

“We are excited about continuing our relationship with 2K based on our past success with the company,” said Mark Rein, vice president of Epic Games. “We have no doubt that the Unreal Engine 3 will continue to assist 2K in producing the industry's most amazing and original games.”

About Unreal Engine 3
The award-winning Unreal Engine is known for cutting-edge graphics and a best-of-breed toolset. Unreal Engine 3 maintains those features while adding massive world support, multi-processor support, next-generation console optimizations, and one of the most mature tool pipelines in the industry. Unreal Engine 3's advanced toolset is designed specifically to accelerate developers' productivity for ultra-complex, next-generation content. Additional information on Unreal Engine can be obtained through the Unreal Technology web site at www.unrealtechnology.com.

Race Driver: GRID coming to Nintendo DS

Race Driver: GRID coming to Nintendo DS this summer, complete with circuit creation system.

It's all about creating the race - Race Driver: GRID set to define portable racing.

This summer, take inspiration from competing in the world's most exciting racing cars on legendary circuits and iconic city streets and then get creative with the most powerful track editor in portable gaming, as Codemasters® announces that a special edition of Race Driver: GRID™ is coming to Nintendo DS™.

Set to launch simultaneously with the home console and PC versions, the Nintendo DS edition has been specifically designed for the handheld and is set to offer the most complete pick-up-and-play pocket racing package, complete with stunning visuals.

Race Driver: GRID will deliver intense, incident-packed wheel-to-wheel racing against aggressive AI opponents to create a breathtaking race experience, all the way from the grid to the flag. Accessible handling will enable gamers to jump straight into the action, while a huge career mode includes championship and race events. Quick fire Challenges offer a fast fix of racing for gamers on-the-go and include Time Trials, Speed Tests and Chase events.

Bringing a new world of motor sport to life, players will race at beautifully realised and diverse locations across three continents. In Europe, race prestige marques on the world's most famous circuits including Spa and the Nurburgring. In America, compete in powerful muscle cars through the streets of San Francisco to Washington DC. Taking the race to Japan, experience the unique exhilaration of drift racing on the neon lit streets of Shibuya and then compete in Touge events, downhill races that operate on the fringe of legality.

Exclusively for the Nintendo DS edition, Race Driver: GRID will feature the evolution of the critically acclaimed track editor, first seen in Race Driver™: Create and Race™. With over 60 individual pieces, the creation system offers near-limitless design options, including the ability to personalise trackside hoardings and billboards. Players will be able to craft complete championship circuits in detail or, using the simple Free-Draw tool, create and race within minutes.

Extensive online and multiplayer options let players compete in adrenaline pumping four-player races, climb to the top of global online leader boards for every race event, or share up to four individually created tracks with up to four players in the ultimate custom race series. Gamers can also upload and download new tracks to Race Driver: GRID servers.

With a stunning selection of real-world settings, outstanding racing cars, a powerful track editor and incredible graphics, Race Driver: GRID is the most exciting, fun and feature packed racer you can fit in your pocket. Developed by Firebrand Games, the team responsible for the award-winning Race Driver: Create and Race, the Nintendo DS edition of Race Driver: GRID is coming summer 2008. To register for future driver briefings and get a place on the grid, be sure to visit www.RaceDriverGrid.com.

MASS EFFECT TO LAND ON PC IN MAY

Leading video game developer BioWare, an Electronic Arts company, has announced that the award-winning space epic Mass Effect™ will be released for the PC in May 2008. Published by EA and re-designed for the PC, Mass Effect invites players to take the role of Commander Shepard as they set out on an adventure to save the galaxy from imminent destruction. Wrought with treachery, heroism, difficult decisions and a universe filled with unique and colorful species, Mass Effect delivers a truly compelling storyline.

Optimized for the PC, Mass Effect for the PC incorporates the following features:
• Optimized controls designed specifically for the PC.
• High resolution visuals – Mass Effect for the PC features highly detailed textures, characters and environments.
• Fully customizable controls – PC gamers can re-map the control scheme any way they like.
• Run & Gun Control – Players can assign biotic powers or skills to ‘hot keys’ allowing them to play Mass Effect with a heavier focus on action.
• New decryption mini-game.
• New inventory screen GUI and functionality – The enhanced inventory system makes it easier for players to equip and modify their weapons and armor.

“Mass Effect serves as a powerful example of video games as an art form, delivering new levels of emotional intensity, realistic characters and a gripping storyline – all set in a compelling new universe,” said Ray Muzyka, General Manager, BioWare and Vice President, Electronic Arts. Frank Gibeau, President of EA’s Games Label added, “EA has struck an agreement with Microsoft to handle future publishing for Mass Effect. We are looking forward to releasing Mass Effect on the PC this Spring and brand new titles in the future.”

Originally released for the Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system, Mass Effect has received critical acclaim throughout the world with more than 70 awards including Game of the Year, Console Game of the Year and Role-Playing Game of the Year. Mass Effect combines a deep story with intense combat and challenges the player to make difficult decisions that can significantly impact the course of events. An innovative conversation system allows for lifelike interaction with some of the most realistic digital actors, voiced by Hollywood actors such as Seth Green, Marina Sirtis, Lance Henriksen and Keith David. Mass Effect for the PC has not yet been rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.