Unique Role Playing Aspects Of Hard To Be A God Revealed

Unique Role Playing Aspects Of Hard To Be A God Revealed

VARIED QUESTS, IN-DEPTH CHARACTERS AND MIXED GENRES CONTRIBUTE TO UNORTHODOX GAMING ADVENTURE

Hard To Be A God, the new action and adventure game from Ascaron to be released in April, uniquely combines the sci-fi and medieval fantasy genres with a mix of Hack & Slash and RPG gameplay. Exceptional attention to detail during game development results in an in-depth storyline, advanced character development and a diverse range of quests, set on a planet locked in medieval times.


Blurring genres
The original storyline distinguishes it from other role playing games. The crossover of medieval fantasy and sci-fi provides a unique opportunity to combine the archaic with the futuristic, mixing a medieval backdrop with technologically advanced items. The in-depth and intriguing story development immerses the player in the role of a secret agent sent from a futuristic Earth to the medieval, alien planet of Arkanar.

Character customisation
As the game progresses a unique individual, far removed from the secret agent at the start, will have evolved. Customisation of the character is made possible through combat skill or ability development, such as swordsmanship or negotiation. This fine-tunes the character to suit a particular type of gameplay. The different guises that the character is forced to take on, including bandit, don, aristocrat and monk, will affect the combat methods and style of gameplay.


Range of quests
A variety of quests needs to be completed, from defeating ruthless bandits to recovering a lost child. Different individuals will be met along the way, each with their own background storyline, adding to the depth of the game. Alternate ways to complete quests give the player choice in how best to progress; some quests require clever battle tactics or diplomacy, i.e. if outnumbered by a gang, kill the leader and the rest will cooperate, while others are dependent on nerve and strength.

Try your luck at survival by visiting www.hardtobeagod.com to download the demo.

Fast facts:
Publisher: Ascaron Entertainment / Nobilis
Web: www.Ascaron.com / www.hardtobeagod.com
Developer: Akella
Release date: 11thApril 2008
Price: £29.99
PEGI: 12+
Format: PC
Genre: RPG/Hack & Slash

EA ANNOUNCES THE SIMS 2 FREETIME EXPANSION PACK

EA ANNOUNCES THE SIMSTM 2 FREETIME EXPANSION PACK

Reward Your Sims With a Wide Variety of Fun, New Activities!

Electronic Arts today announced that The Sims 2 FreeTime, the newest expansion pack from The Sims, is available on store shelves across Europe and North America. A wide range of all-new activities, hobbies and cool careers are now available to your Sims with this expansion pack. New life pursuits based on your Sims personal interests mean that even more creativity and unique stories are now at your fingertips. Sports, music & dance, arts & crafts, science, and film & literature are just some of the new storytelling options connected to your Sims discovery and pursuit of their individual hobbies.

“The Sims 2 FreeTime empowers your Sims with the tools to explore hobbies that are entertaining and that go beyond the every day,” said Rod Humble, Head of The Sims Studio. “Now your Sims have the freedom to discover a wide range of talents, add stimulating career options, expressive and artistic outlets, and fun leisure time activities. The Sims 2 FreeTime adds depth and humor to the gameplay storytelling, and also appreciation for the experiences that make life enjoyable.”

Sims can follow their dreams and rediscover the joys of leisure time! Awaken your Sims' true passions in life as they discover and excel at all-new activities. Whether they're kicking a football with the family, practicing ballet, restoring cars with friends, or building train sets, your Sims now have more ways to build skills, enhance friendships, and make their lives more successful. Craft new, unique items for your Sims that they can use in their daily lives including clothing, pottery, and more. Your Sims will even unlock secret rewards by mastering their hobbies and advancing in all-new careers. Explore a wide variety of new hobbies that will change your Sims' lives!

Talented mechanics can remodel and then drive their newly-renovated sports cars. Sims can rake in oodles of Simoelons with skilfully crafted pottery or by writing a mesmerizing novel. A variety of individual artistic interests can be developed, including playing the violin, playing the piano and creating beauty on a painting easel. For Sims that love games, chess, darts, billiards and basketball lay-ups all await them in The Sims 2 FreeTime. Even a model train set can be personalized by your Sims!

Explore cool careers that bring happiness and fulfilment to your Sims in The Sims 2 FreeTime. New cool career options are available, including oceanography, architecture, and entertainment. And now by honing their talents, your Sims can unlock a secondary aspiration making them even more unique.

International pop star Natasha Bedingfield is featured on The Sims 2 FreeTime soundtrack with her new hit song “Pocketful of Sunshine” sung in Simlish, the universal language of The Sims. Also on the soundtrack is an international line-up of bands and artists from Scandinavia, Europe and the US.

KEY FEATURES

• New Gameplay Elements Tied to Hobbies. Your Sims can discover the activities that they’re most passionate about! Addition of a wide range of new activities, including sports, music & dance, arts & crafts, science, film & literature and more, all add new storytelling options tied to your Sims discovery and pursuit of specific hobbies. Sims can now participate in contests to win prizes and Simoleons, or they can master interests, practice and improve their skills, and get in “the zone!” Your Sims can enrich their lives by creating items to use or sell, like pottery or cars. These new hobbies can strengthen friendships and uncover secret lots.

• New Lifetime Aspiration Meter. Your Sims can measure the progress of their aspirations over a lifetime and unlock special rewards and interactions!

• Five New Career Tracks and their Reward Objects. Oceanographers can earn a koi pond, entertainers can get their own star of fame, architects can use their own drafting table, dancers can receive a ballet barre and intelligence agents can use an audio earpiece.

• All New Objects and Outfits. The Sims 2 FreeTime introduces brand new items, including a basketball hoop, pottery wheel, toddler activity table, modular synthesizer, hobby train table and much more.


Product Specifications
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Electronic Arts Redwood Shores
PC expansion pack*
Category: Simulation/Strategy
PEGI Rating: 12+
Requires The Sims 2, The Sims 2 Special DVD Edition , The Sims 2 Holiday Edition or The Sims 2 Deluxe for PC to play.

New screens of much anticipated RPG from Paradox Interactive: Mount and BladePostcards from Calradia

Postcards from Calradia

New screens of much anticipated RPG from Paradox Interactive: Mount and Blade

To ye, who possess a stout heart forged in the heat of battle - have ye a Mount and Blade? For war hath broken out in the idyllic land of Calradia.

For so long a place of mystery, unknown to all, except those brave enough to journey there. Now heralds have come from yonder, with painted tablets depicting this fabled place.Across welcoming sun-drenched expanses, through green and pleasant lands ye must travel. Over unspoiled rivers that sparkle with hallowed brilliance, to majestic towns built from stone. Ye must enter dark, torch-lit halls to find these warring factions, to pledge yourself to their service.

Be ye mercenary, cutthroat, knight or adventurer the clash of steel upon steel beckons all forth. Whether ye seek wealth beyond measure or everlasting glory – ye must ride. Ride hard! Ride fast!!

Player One hits 'double top' with exclusive Professional Darts Corporation mobile Cellphone game

Player One hits 'double top' with exclusive Professional Darts Corporation content deal

Player One has extended its impressive list of mobile sports rights, securing an exclusive, worldwide deal with Darts' most powerful governing body, the Professional Darts Corporation.

As part of the rights, Player One will launch the first ever fully licensed PDC World Championship mobile game, featuring the World’s leading players. The game will coincide with the two week event in December at Alexandra Palace, the new home for the greatest darts show on earth!

Player One will also represent selective new media rights in certain territories, offering operators access to live streaming, clips and interviews from some of the sports top tournaments, including The World Match-play, World Grand Prix, Las Vegas Desert Classic, UK Open and the Premier League.

Pete Russell, Player One’s Managing Director is delighted with the partnership, ‘This is a significant deal for Player One. It is fantastic to be working with such a progressive organisation such as the PDC and believe there is a significant opportunity to grow the mobile community for darts around the world. For Player One it re-enforces our position as the leading provider of top quality mobile sports entertainment’

Barry Hearn, the PDC Chairman, commented, ‘Darts has seen significant growth in popularity over the past few years and we are committed to ensure darts fans around the world get access to our product. Mobile is becoming an important platform for us and we are delighted to be working with Player One who have a strong track record in this area’

Lost Empire Immortals PC Video Game Goes Gold

Lost Empire Immortals Goes Gold

From the depths of the cosmos Paradox Interactive heralds the imminent release of the universally vast 4x strategy title - Lost Empire: Immortals. The second incarnation from Danish Studios – Pollux Gamelabs can be found colonising retail stores throughout the quadrant, from start March 15.

The title has been rated "Everyone" by ESRB and 7+ by PEGI and suggested retail price is set to USD 29.99/EUR 29.99.

In Lost Empire: Immortals, take your race to the stars and into the unexplored depths of the universe.Discover the long forgotten history of the mysterious Aeons and pillage the ruined sites of their civilisation for powerful technology. Discover and colonise planets, research and upgrade technology, make allies among your stellar neighbours or conquer those to weak to stand in your way. Will you dominate or be destroyed?

Features

• Colossal Galactic Map consisting of 5000+ star systems
  
• Lead one of 6 major races to stellar domination
  
• Encounter 28 unique minor races with their own agendas and motives
  
• Open-ended gameplay and alternative victory conditions provide phenomenal longevity
  
• Wage war in space or planetside displayed in the new 3D rendered dual warfare system
  
• Research a vast multi-nodal tree of 150+ technologies split into 11 categories
  
• Customisable ship design and construction
  
• Assignable leaders to boost all aspects of the empire including warmongering, production, research and diplomacy
  
• Reducing player micromanagement through a revamped sleek interface
  

Suggested retail price: USD 29.99/ EUR 29.99

Gothic Universe - Gothic 1, 2 and 3 video games in one box - out now

Gothic Universe – Three of the best out Friday

Jowood Production are pleased to announce that on Friday 29th February 2008, they will releasing one of the most important RPG games to grace the gaming arenas in recent years. Gothic Universe compiles the complete series from 1 to 3 - including all the add–ons - that made this such a great games series. The accolades it has received over the last few years has made this game a must to play. To remind you how great this series is, view the trailer which showcases footage from all three games.

Gothic I

Eurogamer 8/10 Online: One of the most pleasing aspects of Gothic is the fact that it doesn't rely too much on established role-playing dynamics. Indeed it leans more heavily towards adventuring and exploration,

Gamespy 83/100 Online: If you're an RPG fan that is looking for a game with more substance -quests, detailed NPC interaction, and a solid plot - then you should check out Gothic

Just RPG 80/100 Online
Just Adventure 80% Online
Ace Games 10/10 Online
PC Zone 74/100
PC Gamer 75/100

Gothic II

Gamespot 8.1/10 Online: Gothic II is a substantially long game, and its different quests and different professions allow for some good replay value

Gamers hell 9.2/10 Online: In my opinion this game is a must have for RPG fans but if you’ve played and liked Gothic 1 then you’ll have no option but to run for the store and buy it as soon as possible.

IGN 8/10 Online
Just RPG 97/100 Online
Worth Playing 8/10 Online
PC Zone 80/100

Gothic III

Jolt 8.1/10 Online: It’s a very immersive experience with a friendly interface and a real “feel” to it. You will get drawn into it and find yourself living a life in game.

Eurogamer 8/10 Online: It's a beautifully rich free-form environment, as much a pleasure to explore without resorting to combat as is World of Warcraft's or Oblivion's.

Strategy Informer 7.8/10 Online
Ace Games 8/10 Online
Honestgamers 9/10 Online
Gamespot 7.6/10
Gamers Europe 7/10
PC Zone 85/100
PC Gamer 71/100
Gamesmaster 80/100


Gothic Universe – The story begins

The epic story of Gothic, now in one huge pack: Beginning your journey as a prisoner of the King, who must find enough magic ore to forge weapons for his army in defence against the Orcs. The mines are set in a large magical sphere and inside this sphere you will start exploring Myrtana’s mysteries. Once you’ve managed to burst the bonds of imprisonment, it’s on you to explore the island of Khorinis. Willing to do whatever is necessary to banish evil once and for all, defend the people against the orcish thread and venture deep into subterranean temples. After your escape from the island you didn’t find safety: The orcs have finally conquered Myrtana and enslaved the humans. Barbarians of the icy north and few fearless rebels are the only resistance. You can either support their efforts or join the orcish occupation forces - but whatever you do, the destiny of Myrtana is yours to forge!
3D action adventure with over 300 hours of exciting gameplay
Immerse yourself in the most realistic and fascinating in-game world possible: Myrtana awakens!
Liberation or annihilation - the fate of the world of Gothic lies in your hands!
Huge living and breathing environment reacting to the actions of the player and creating endless choices of interaction
Hundreds of weapons, items, spells and artifacts to equip and use
USPs
Epic, non – linear storylines with multiple endings and almost limitless possibilities
highly re-playable story lines
Extensive aspheric soundtrack

Xbox 360 Exclusive Lost Odyssey out Now!

Arm Yourselves! Xbox 360 Exclusive "Lost Odyssey" Is Available in Stores!

The wait is over, and the journey has begun. Microsoft today announced that “Lost Odyssey,” the exciting next-gen RPG available exclusively on Xbox 360 will be available from this Friday 29th February at retailers. Created by famed game producer Hironobu Sakaguchi of Mistwalker game studio in conjunction with Microsoft Game Studios and noted developer Feelplus, the title is available for £44.99 and rated 16+.

Take up arms and summon your courage to help the immortal Kaim and his friends discover secrets of the past in time to change an uncertain future. With the emotional story sequences written by award-winning Japanese novelist Kiyoshi Shigematsu, incredible cinematics inspired by renowned Japanese comic artist Takehiko Inoue and realistic graphics, “Lost Odyssey” is truly a work of next-gen RPG art.

To further enhance the traditional Japanese role-playing experience, Mistwalker adds new levels of skill and strategy with innovations like the Aim Ring battle system. The massive environments, memorable characters and epic storyline will engage gamers, immersing them in the volatile and exciting world of “Lost Odyssey.”

For more information on “Lost Odyssey” and all the latest news from the team at Mistwalker, visit www.xbox.com/lostodyssey.

Disney Interactive Studios Introduces Ultimate Band - The Only All-Inclusive Music Video Game Experience For All Ages

Disney Interactive Studios Introduces Ultimate Band - The Only All-Inclusive Music Video Game Experience For All Ages

No Peripherals Required, Ultimate Band Makes the Power to Rock Truly Accessible

Disney Interactive Studios announced today, Ultimate Band, an all new music experience for fans of the Wii home video game system and Nintendo DS. Gamers and music lovers of all ages will realize their dream of becoming a rock legend when they build their own band or jam alone, all fuelled only by the power of the Wii controllers and the DS stylus. Disney is working with some of the very biggest names in rock, alternative, popular, emo and indie rock music, allowing band mates to play sets from a broad selection of current hits and all-time rock favourites. Friends and families can rock out on guitar, bass, drums or as the front man.

“Ultimate Band invites kids, tweens and teens to join in the jam session,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president, global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “And whether they choose guitar, drums, bass or front man, members don’t need to buy costly, single-function peripherals to play their way through Ultimate Band’s deep song list, dynamic venues, and customizable characters. The Wii Remote™ and DS stylus are the only tools they’ll need to reach rock stardom in Ultimate Band.”

Working with leading London-based music consultants, Radial Music, Disney has chosen to combine familiar classics with today’s hottest songs in creating Ultimate Band - a product with global appeal across all age groups. Instantly-recognisable songs from classic rock to current hit singles will bring players together for endless hours of entertainment.

"Radial worked closely with Disney to compile the perfect song list for Ultimate Band," said David Hill of Radial Music. “With iconic songs from every decade since the 60s, these games feature music for everyone."

Ultimate Band, being developed by Fall Line Studio in Salt Lake City, UT, is slated for release during autumn 2008. When Disney formed Fall Line Studio in November, 2006, Ultimate Band was the first project the team began building. Fall Line Studio’s focus is to develop Wii and Nintendo DS games based on new intellectual property, Disney brands (with Disney/Walden Media’s The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian on the Nintendo DS being its first release), and innovative new technologies such as DGamer which will provide a fun, connected game community for Disney video game fans.

Ultimate Band for Wii allows players to live the life of a rock star, by advancing their music careers and popularity from playing in a neighbourhood garage to performing in front of an international audience at a world famous venue. Ultimate Band utilizes the innovative Wii Remote and Nunchuk™ to give fans the ability to play the drums, bass guitar, lead guitar, or take on the role of the front man. Players can also create and customise characters that reflect their own unique personalities and attributes. Along the way, players will unlock new songs, venues, and accessories that can be used to customise their band members.

Ultimate Band for Nintendo DS is a rhythm-based music game with a built-in recording studio. Players can jam to current and classic songs using the drums, lead guitar, bass guitar, or rhythm guitar. Players can also create their own original songs using the DS touchscreen and stylus to lay down tracks for each instrument and apply creative mixing effects. Ultimate Band for Nintendo DS will also include DGamer functionality which will allow players to engage with others in a secure online community via their DS (Wi-Fi or ad hoc) or computer.

For more information on Disney Interactive Studios and Fall Line Studio, visit http://www.disney.com/videogames.

HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 & 3 RETURN new game mode Extreme mode announced as an exclusive for Nintendo Wii

HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 & 3 RETURN confirms new game mode.

Extreme mode announced as an exclusive for Nintendo Wii.

Bringing forth two of the best arcade gun games from the genre, THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 & 3 RETURN delivers non-stop trigger pulling action on the Nintendo Wii. And now Nintendo Wii gamers will experience a new level of intense action with the exclusive Extreme Mode!

Available after beating THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 and THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD III, Extreme Mode is a special single player mode in THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD III with a number of gameplay changes. Quicker enemy attacks make the action much more frantic and the bullet blast radius is much smaller. However, the player can take advantage of faster reloading of the shotgun as well as a new melee attack!

When the enemy is within melee range, pressing the A button will unleash the powerful melee attack that can hit several enemies!



The melee attack can also be used to block enemy attacks, missile weapons, and even boss attacks! Don’t abuse the melee attack as it requires the player to reload after each use.

THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD 2 & 3 RETURN will be released on the Nintendo Wii in March and fully supports the Wii Zapper.

For more information about SEGA please visit www.sega-europe.com.

WWE Superstars meet fans at HMV Edinburgh for WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2008' international tournament final on Xbox 360

WWE Superstars meet fans at HMV Edinburgh for WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2008' international tournament final on XBox 360

WHAT: WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2008’ international tournament and signing session

WHERE: HMV Edinburgh, Princes Street (Gaming Zone)

WHEN: Thursday 6th March at 3.30 pm

Superstars from World Wrestling Entertainment, The Miz and John Morrison, celebrate the release of the ‘WWE SmackDown vs. RAW 2008’ international tournament final on Xbox 360, with a free signing session at HMV’s Princes Street store in Edinburgh on Thursday 6th March.

The UK final kicks off at 3.30 pm in the HMV Edinburgh store’s special Gaming Zone, after which the WWE Superstars will meet fans and sign merchandise from 4.00 pm.

The United Kingdom finalist, along with the two North American finalists and a finalist from Continental Europe, will compete head-to-head at the grand finale, scheduled to occur during the 6th Annual THQ Superstar Challenge on March 27, 2008 at the House of Blues in Orlando. The grand prize-winner will receive two floor tickets to WrestleMania 24, while each finalist will receive two stadium tickets to the event.

Fans can pick up free wristbands at HMV which allow them access to the signing. Wristbands will be available only from HMV Princes Street, Edinburgh from 8.00 am on Thursday 6th March onwards. One wristband per customer maximum, in person only, while stocks last, subject to availability, at participating store only.