New screenshots for Combat Mission Shock Force released

We've added a new small gallery showing a selection of 15 screenshots taken from just some of the 32 (!) new Quick Battle Maps that were included in the recently released v1.07 patch, and also reflecting some of the improvements which went into the new updated demo based on the latest version of the game.

Check out the CMSF Screenshots section!

Become a dedicated BETA tester for the new BullGuard Internet Security Gamer’s Edition

BullGuard wants gamers!

BullGuard is offering gaming enthusiasts the opportunity to become dedicated BETA testers for the new BullGuard Internet Security Gamer’s Edition, a security solution designed to provide gamers online security without compromising game play.

Many gamers today either switch off their protection or are continuously frustrated by the way different security applications interrupt their game (e.g. by updating virus definitions, firewall messaging and/or excessive resource consumption).

When a popular game is launched, BullGuard Gamer’s Edition will automatically enter the game mode and activate the corresponding game profile. The game profile consists of optimised security settings specifically developed for that particular game, ensuring that game play remains smooth and secure. This means that the game mode is not merely a generic mode, but rather consists of different preconfigured game profiles to suit specific games.

BullGuard Gamer’s Edition also provides complete security when the PC is not used for gaming, allowing it to replace existing security products.

Those that would like to participate in the BETA test for BullGuard Gamer’s Edition are asked to sign up here: http://www.bullguard.com/why/bullguard-gamers-edition.aspx. Testers will receive a free subscription for the duration of the BETA test.

BETA testers will be asked to provide feedback on the product as well as make suggestions to ensure the product provides the very best solution for gamers. BullGuard will select the BETA testers from the pool of people that sign up and will reward the best testers with a free subscription to the final product.

The Gamer's Edition has been developed by BullGuard in collaboration with SteelSeries, creators of performance enhancing gaming gear.

Sony Computer Entertainment America To Unleash Kratos In Limited-Edition God Of War PSP Entertainment Pack

Sony Computer Entertainment America To Unleash Kratos In Limited-Edition God Of War PSP Entertainment Pack

Package Includes "Deep Red" PSP with Kratos Silkscreen, God of War: Chains of Olympus, Superbad on UMD Video and Voucher to Download Syphon Filter: Combat Ops

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced the God of War PSP (PlayStationPortable) Entertainment Pack, a limited-edition offering that celebrates the debut of the best-selling God of War franchise on PSP. This special bundle will feature a limited-edition “Deep Red” PSP with the God of War himself, Kratos, silkscreened on the back of the unit; the highly anticipated God of War: Chains of Olympus game; the hit comedy movie from Columbia Pictures, Superbad, on UMD™ (Universal Media Disc); and a PLAYSTATION Network voucher to download the Syphon Filter: Combat Ops from the PLAYSTATION Store for free*.



“God of War is one of the biggest PlayStation franchises, and with its portable premiere on PSP just around the corner, we wanted to offer something special that would appeal to both loyal God of War fans and non-owners who want to enjoy PSP’s multi-functionality,” said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA. “This bundle delivers great value, starting with the ‘Deep Red’ PSP – one of the most highly sought-after colors based on our consumer research – and the Kratos silkscreen. We’re also showcasing the diverse entertainment experience PSP offers, centered on a UMD game in God of War: Chains of Olympus that’s every bit as impressive as its console sequels, a free download of IGN.com’s 2007 PSP Multiplayer Game of the Year – Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, and a box office hit movie in Superbad.”

The standalone version of God of War: Chains of Olympus launches on March 4. The God of War PSP Entertainment Pack will be available for $199.99 (MSRP) in June 2008 and includes the following components.

• “Deep Red” PSP system with an image of Kratos silkscreened on the back of the unit; this is the only time that this special PSP color will be offered in North America.

• God of War: Chains of Olympus, developed as a joint collaboration by Sony Computer Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios (WWS) Santa Monica Studios and the team that created Daxter™, Ready At Dawn® Studios, is a must-have for PSP owners, and retailer pre-order sales have been very strong. Developed from the outset as an original story, God of War: Chains of Olympus takes place before the events of the original
God of War, delivering yet another adventure in the dark and brutal world of Greek Mythology that fans of the franchise have come to know and love.

• Superbad UMD video – This 2007 box-office comedy hit from Columbia Pictures is a gut-busting coming-of-age comedy for a new generation.

• Syphon Filter: Combat Ops voucher – Download the PLAYSTATION Network exclusive title, Syphon Filter: Combat Ops, to your Memory Stick PRO Duo™ for free* with the included voucher. Developed by SCE’s WWS Bend Studios, this latest edition to critically acclaimed stealth action franchise was named the 2007 PSP Multiplayer Game of the Year by IGN.com. The title is currently available for $9.99 on PLAYSTATION Store (http://store.playstation.com).

Momentum for the PSP platform has soared since the fall 2007 launch of the slimmer and lighter PSP system and the introduction of new colors in the Daxter and Star Wars Battlefront PSP Entertainment Packs. Over the holiday season, more than 1.4 million PSP systems were sold in North America, demonstrating strong consumer interest in limited-edition bundles that combine new colors and exciting content or accessories. The God of War Entertainment Pack will build on this trend, and SCEA will support the bundle with an integrated marketing campaign that ties into the God of War: Chains of Olympus software campaign. Dedicated print, online, and direct marketing, as well as public relations support and targeted promotional opportunities, will drive the God of War Entertainment Pack campaign. SCEA will continue to offer the PSP Core Pack.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker on Nintendo Wii Official Website Now Live

Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces that the official website for DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is now live. The content-packed site will let you discover more about the weird and wonderful monsters that inhabit the islands of Green Bays and also download exclusive content including wallpapers and podcasts. Best of all is an exciting web game that lets you to prove your monster hunting skills and also challenge friends with your monster collection – make sure you quest for the best as the winner of the game will win a trip to Japan for two! To join in the fun make sure to visit www.dragonquestmonstersjoker.co.uk

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker provides the ultimate monster-hunting challenge with over 200 marauding monsters to scout and battle. Train your team to be the best by mastering countless spells and abilities, and crush all who stand in your way. You can also synthesise amazing new monsters that can develop rare new abilities.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker is not just about battling though. There’s a colourful 3D world full of treasures and surprises to explore. On your travels you’ll meet a cast of quirky characters that can help you make it to the top. There’s fun to be had in multiplayer and online use too. Challenge your friends and their monster teams with DS Wireless Communication, or compete against players from North America and PAL territories in the Wildcard World Cup, via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker will be available across all PAL territories from 14th March 2008 exclusively on the Nintendo DS system.

About DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Joker

Story

Welcome to Green Bays, a cluster of mysterious islands that sparkle like jewels in the shimmering ocean! But travellers beware!
The islands are not as peaceful as they seem, for they teem with a multitude of monsters both great and small. Green Bays is also home to the famous Monster Scout Challenge. This renowned contest, held once every few years, determines who will be crowned the world’s greatest scout. The challenge is organised by the Monster Scout Organisation, whose headquarters are located on Domus Isle, which lies at the centre of the archipelago.
Now a new challenge is about to begin, and the crème de la crème of the scouting world are converging on the islands…
It is time for you to begin your quest to become the greatest monster scout in Green Bays, and in history!

Features

•Collect over 200 monsters to create the ultimate team
•Train your monster squad to be the strongest by mastering countless spells, abilities, and more. The combinations are almost endless
•Synthesise amazing new species of monsters that inherit the best abilities of their parents and perhaps some rare new skills too
•Battle other teams of monsters to see who is the best
•Explore a stunning 3D world filled with monsters, treasures and surprises. Graphics use the same techniques as seen in •DRAGON QUEST: The Journey of the Cursed King
•Challenge friends and their monster teams via DS Wireless Communication
•Compare your team and compete against players from North America and PAL territories in the Wildcard World Cup, available via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
•The DRAGON QUEST “big three” – comprising series creator Yuji Horii, legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama, and renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama – come together once again to create an unforgettable gaming experience

WWII comes to America as Turning Point: Fall of Liberty ships to U.S. stores

WWII comes to America as Turning Point: Fall of Liberty ships to U.S. stores.

Now shipping in the U.S.; UK launch fixed for March 14th.

Presenting explosive action in a unique and provocative World War II scenario, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty, the alternate reality shooter from Spark Unlimited, is now shipping to U.S. retail stores nationwide Codemasters announced today; the title’s UK launch will follow on March 14th .

Pitching gamers into a WWII like no other, Turning Point: Fall of Liberty is set in an alternate 1953 where, following the fall of Europe, Nazi forces launch an invasion on the gateway to the United States. Opening with decimating attack on New York, players assume the role of construction worker Dan Carson caught in the middle of the blitzkrieg.

As the city is taken block by block, players must survive the initial assault before regrouping with a team of resistance workers and lead a fight back against the oppressors. With the Third Reich’s sights set on the seat of government, the action takes players to Washington D.C. and, eventually, to a startlingly different London, which has been flying the Swastika under Nazi rule for over a decade.

Prepare to fight afresh on these very different WWII battlegrounds when Turning Point: Fall of Liberty arrives for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows. See Carson in action and join the resistance online at www.turningpointgame.com

Sony Computer Entertainment America Introduces Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots PS3 Bundle Available In Late Q2 2008 In North America

At its annual retail and publisher conference Destination PlayStation, Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced details of upcoming PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) and PSP (PlayStation Portable) (PSP-2000) hardware bundles with two of the most highly anticipated 2008 titles. The company also announced the April 2008 availability of DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller in North America.

To coincide with the much-anticipated North American launch of Metal Gear Solid®4: Guns of the Patriots in late Q2 2008, SCEA will introduce a PS3 bundle, which will include an 80GB PS3, the upcoming blockbuster Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and a DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for $499 (MSRP).

“Working closely with our retail and publishing partners and sharing our hardware and software roadmaps at Destination PlayStation gives us a great opportunity to outline some key milestones for the year. In response to incredible demand, we will be manufacturing more 80GB PS3s for North America and the Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots 80GB PS3 bundle is an ideal way to offer that continued value to our consumers,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. “With Blu-ray having won the format war, our stellar software line-up and a broad product portfolio, we will continue to drive the incredible momentum we’ve been generating since last fall.”

SCEA will introduce the DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for the first time in North America in April 2008 for $54.95 (MSRP). DUALSHOCK 3, which incorporates both rumble and motion sensing SIXAXIS technologies, maintains the award-winning design and precise, responsive features of PlayStation controllers. The added rumble feature, combined with the SIXAXIS system, enhances the gamer experience with more interactive, intuitive and immersive game play experience and will work with more than 100 current PS3 titles.

In additional news coming from Destination PlayStation, SCEA announced Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots will be available in North America in late Q2 2008. A Metal Gear Online “Starter Pack” will also be launched to support online game play. Gamers can select a single player experience or take the action online with up to 16 players and battle it out using the latest weapons and stealth techniques. For those eager to take on Solid Snake’s nemesis, Liquid Ocelot, a nationwide pre-sell promotion will enable gamers to pre-order Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and be guaranteed access to a multiplayer beta test for Metal Gear Online scheduled for late April.

NINTENDO DS ON ICE!

New ice dancing simulation game Princess on Ice on Nintendo DS across Europe.

Princess on Ice sees you jump, spin and pirouette your way to fame as you follow the fortunes of Kelly, Gabrielle, Alyssa and Madison - four young ice dancers. Plucked from obscurity by a mysterious dance trainer our heroines are trained and in turn audition for the Princess on Ice Tournament, the most prestigious ice dancing event of the year. Follow the girls through their journey as they dance their way through the world’s premier ice skating stadiums perfecting all the moves and striving to impress the judges. Do our four dancers have what it takes to be crowned ‘Princess on Ice’?

The game play is based around rhythm and action using the stylus to follow dance prompts on the lower screen. Tap circles before the time runs out to skate, follow arrows as quickly as you can to spin, touch matching shapes as they meet to jump and tap shapes before they disappear to step. Your skater will react on the upper screen to how well you are doing in the game. Drop too far down the ‘heat’ meter and she will stumble losing valuable points with the judges.

In addition to all the ice dancing fun you can totally customise your character with fashionable accessories, clothing and headwear. There are hundreds of different combinations across the four characters giving a unique look for each. As you progress through the game you will also be rewarded with a whole host of un-lockable extras including new levels, accessories, special moves and storylines adding yet more life and fun into the game.

Princess on Ice will be published by 505 Games for Nintendo DS in April 2008.

iZ3D Sponsors 3D Monitor Prize for the CGArena.com Ancient Times 3D Digital Art Challenge

iZ3D Sponsors 3D Monitor Prize for the CGArena.com Ancient Times 3D Digital Art Challenge

One Talented Graphic Artist Can Win the Grand Prize of an iZ3D Monitor Plus Four 3D Digital Art Software Packages Valued at $7323; Second Place is valued at $1164.

iZ3D, LLC, designer, developer, and marketer of advanced 3D visualization systems, is pleased to announce that its 22-inch widescreen 3D monitor is among the five Grand Prize sponsors for the CGArena.com “Ancient Times” 3D Challenge. The contest began on February 15, 2008 and ends April 28, 2008. Contestants are to create a 3D image that addresses any city, culture, war, mystery etc. in the theme of Ancient Times.

“The commercial 3D image quality of the iZ3D monitor is an ideal solution for graphic artists to view their 3D art in actual 3D as they’re creating it. Many digital artists are embracing the new 3D graphics and video software programs in response to the growing 3D trend. So why design 3D objects on a flat 2D monitor? Our monitors offer smart capabilities so they can easily hot switch between 2D and 3D viewing to see their work in either dimension,” remarked Thomas Striegler, CEO of iZ3D, LLC.
Contest entries must be based on a time period that is at least 60 years old, but contestants can show time period from a current viewpoint. The challenge is a WIP (Work in Progress) Challenge. The purpose of a work in progress challenge is that everyone involved learns from the experience. The community offers critiques and everyone benefits from the discussions. Each challenger is required to regularly submit Work In Progress (WIP) images, from initial concept sketches to the final render.

"CGArena.com firmly believes in the intensity 3D graphics can bring to the viewer. Adding the iZ3D monitor to our other four 3D software prizes shows how popular designing in 3D has become, commented Ashish Rastogi, CEO of CGArena.com. “This is our 14th challenge contest. Our contests have consistently grown in size and there are already over 110 entries in our current challenge,” he added.

The iZ3D 22" monitor offers the first S-3D drivers to be compatible with popular dual output cards, including the NVIDIA GeForce 8 Series and the ATI FireGL V3600 workstation graphics accelerator. These drivers also are optimized to take advantage of Intel’s latest Core 2 Duo and Intel Core 2 Quad processor technologies. iZ3D also features drivers that support Microsoft DirectX 8 and 9 graphics in both Windows XP and Microsoft Windows Vista.

iZ3D developed this unique technology to create an adjustable 3D environment without causing eyestrain, spatial disorientation, or headaches. In 3D mode, viewers can see bright, sharp 3D images and video simply by wearing a pair of iZ3D passive polarized glasses.

Most current PC’s equipped with a dual-output video card easily power the unit. Specifications include: 1680 x 1050 resolution; up to 170-degree 3D viewing angle; 5ms response time; 700:1 contrast ratio; and 16.7-million colors. The iZ3D 22” widescreen, 3D gaming monitor is available now via newegg.com or the iZ3D.com website for $799.00.

Running With Scissors Previews POSTAL III At Game Developers Conference

Running With Scissors Previews POSTAL III At Game Developers Conference

Next-Gen Edition of Classic Franchise Elicits Raves fromVideo Game Press and Mainstream Publishers

Running With Scissors (RWS) broke with tradition this year and took a meeting room at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in order to showcase the first public viewing of a demo for the long-awaited POSTAL III, “just like normal, loveable developers,” declared RWS CEO and world class charmer, Vince Desi.

POSTAL III running on Valve’s SOURCE engine was presented as an Xbox 360 demo, with both major and mid level publishers expressing strong interest in acquiring the World Wide rights to the game.

This time out, however, both publishers and the press enjoyed and respected the franchise’s history and durability, as well POSTAL III’s ongoing joy at being a first-rate action adventure as well as a sharp-witted comedic expression aimed directly down the throat of Political Correctness. “This is no longer a teens-only zone,” Desi explained in reference to the video game marketplace. “And mainstream companies were willing to look at POSTAL III objectively, with the major publishers strongly supporting the idea of a PS3 sku in addition to the 360 and PC editions.”

The game press was similarly impressed. Brad Hilderbrand from WorthPlaying.com declared: “"POSTAL III promises to be one of the most twisted, hilarious, and depraved games I've ever seen... and I can't wait to get my hands on it."

"They say the demo is about 1% of the finished product... and it's STILL funny,” wrote Abbie Heppe on J2Games.com. “You can play [as] a model citizen, a somewhat worse citizen or a truly awful one. However the game penalizes you for making blatantly amoral choices. Pedestrians, cops... even the army will try to stop you if you become a one-man killing machine. AWESOME."

Other journalists, including Patrick Shaw from Gamepro and Chris Faylor, editor at shacknews.com, agreed with that assessment. And for the first time in its notorious ten year history, “the world’s most dangerous video game company” was given props for producing a game that promises not only the expected assault on the bastions of political correctness but a game that is state of the art in terms of both design and execution.

“This GDC for RWS was different,” Desi marveled. “It was inspiring! We showed the world of publishers, press, and, most importantly, gamers the console premier of POSTAL III. It has been an uphill battle since the press and others have consistently misrepresented the franchise’s content. POSTAL was, is and always will be an Action Comedy Adventure! Ten years of fan support, over one million copies sold, and now POSTAL III is running on the Xbox 360. Do I hear PS3?”

Xbox LIVE wins Arcade Awards For Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

Other Ocean Interactive Wins Xbox LIVE Arcade Awards For Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

Prince Edward Island Studio Begins Legacy of High-Quality Award-Winning Games with its First Title

Other Ocean Interactive, the leading Prince Edward Island-based videogame development studio, announced today that Castlevania: Symphony of Night has won two Xbox Live Arcade Awards. The title developed by Other Ocean and published by Konami Digital Entertainment won awards for Best Classic Game, and Highest-Rated Game from Microsoft at this year's Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.

"To win 2 out of 10 of the awards with a single title in the inaugural year of the Xbox Live Arcade Awards is an honor and a testament to the hard work and commitment to quality of our team," said Deirdre Ayre, studio head of Other Ocean Interactive. "Creating the game in Prince Edward Island signals the growing influence of Atlantic Canada within the game development industry as we continue to attract top-tier talent to the region to work on marquee titles."

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for Xbox Live Arcade was Ocean Interactive's first released title, and has already received Editor's Choice Awards from IGN, TeamXbox, and Game Chronicles. The game had an unprecedented 100% of its reviews scoring over 80% on both metacritic.com and gamerankings.com. It had 23 reviews featured on Gamerankings.com with 13 of the 23 reviews scoring the game above 90 percent for an average of 93%.