GarageGames releases Torque 360 1.5 for Microsoft XBox 360

GarageGames releases Torque 360 1.5

GarageGames, the leading technology provider for independent game developers, has released version 1.5 of their Torque engine for Xbox 360 development. The update includes performance advancements and additional functionality including support for GarageGames' Torque Game Builder drag and drop 2D engine and tools.

Torque 360 received numerous improvements in 2007 and now shares code entirely with Torque Game Engine Advanced for PC development. Developers can use Torque 360 to build their game on separate PCs with just one dev kit for testing. Torque 360 1.5 features an abstracted graphics layer, physics layer, and a brand new sound system. It also ships with a sample implementation for Xbox 360 specific functionality including leaderboards, sign-on / sign-off, multiplayer lobbies and voice chat. Additionally, Torque 360 handles automatic generation of vertex and pixel shaders consistent with the Torque texture pipeline.

"Our Torque 360 code base benefited from a number of significant improvements in the past year. We've made large stability and rendering optimizations and developers should see increased performance in almost every area," offered Pat Wilson, Engine Developer at GarageGames. "Games like Buccaneer, Marble Blast Ultra, and Screwjumper have begun to show what Torque 360 is capable of."

Hothead Games of Vancouver, BC chose Torque to develop Penny Arcade Adventures - a game that will appear on PC, Mac, and Xbox 360 - in part for it's cross-platform support. "Using Torque in development of Penny Arcade Adventures really helped us get up to speed quickly and has helped us bring the game to more gamers," said Vlad Ceraldi of Hothead Games. "Our first title, On the Rain-slick Precipice of Darkness Episode 1, will be fully cross platform (Windows, Mac and Linux), and of course, we are also bringing the game to Xbox LIVE Arcade. Rather than building platform code from from the ground up, using Torque gave us far more time to hone the actual game."

According to GarageGames, Torque 360 is a very popular solution for developers targeting Xbox LIVE Arcade titles. With more than a dozen titles already published to Xbox LIVE Arcade to date and many more in development, GarageGames has claimed that Torque 360 is the most popular solution for LIVE Arcade games in the industry.

The company's website states that Torque 360 licensing for developers has no term limits on development and a zero-royalty, flat-fee structure. It also says that heavily discounted license pricing is available for games targeting the Xbox Live Arcade downloadable service versus those aiming for disc-based retail delivery.

More info from: Games Garage

NYKO'S ZERO WIRELESS CONTROLLER FOR SONY PLAYSTATION 3 RUMBLES INTO STORES

NYKO'S ZERO WIRELESS CONTROLLER FOR PLAYSTATION 3 RUMBLES INTO STORES

Features Include Six-Direction Motion Sensing and Rumble Support for the Ultimate PS3 Gaming Experience

Nyko Technologies, the premier peripherals manufacturer, announced today that it has shipped its highly anticipated Zero Wireless Controller for PLAYSTATION 3. The Zero Wireless Controller provides a combination of style and performance with new rumble capabilities.

The Zero Wireless Controller is the ultimate solution for PS3 gaming, making it the top choice in high-end wireless controllers. Continuing the popularity of Nyko's Zero controller line, the new Zero for PS3 features include:

- Dual vibration motors for full rumble feedback in supported games*
- Up to 25 hours of continuous play with removable, rechargeable, NiMH battery, complete with USB charge cable and optional battery compartment
- Reliable 2.4 GHz wireless technology for reliable and responsive range of up to 30 feet
- Equipped with a precise accelerometer that detects six different directions of motion
- Standard backlit LED buttons, precision analog sticks, durable buttons, and curved triggers
- Unique metal polymer hybrid design with heat-dissipating aluminum panels, available in three distinct colors to match the tastes of every gamer: Black, Silver and White

"The new generation of consoles provided us with a building ground to develop a high-quality controller that exceeds gamers' expectations of what a 3rd party controller should offer," said Chris Arbogast, Marketing Director for Nyko. "We are confident that the Zero Wireless Controller for PS3 will prove its value by combining a solid, reliable design and unique features with the latest rumble and motion-sensing technology."

The Zero Wireless Controller for PS3 is now available at retailers nationwide for the suggested retail price of $59.99. Visit www.nyko.com for more information.

*Please check game manual for rumble support options.

ECO-CREATURES: SAVE THE FOREST RELEASED FOR NINTENDO DS PLUS PLAYABLE DEMO

MAJESCO ENTERTAINMENT SHIPS 'ECO-CREATURES: SAVE THE FOREST' FOR NINTENDO DS

Playable Game Demo Also Available at 10,000 Retail Locations Nationwide

A unique real time strategy adventure is now available for Nintendo DS as Majesco Entertainment Company, an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today announced it has shipped Eco-Creatures: Save the Forest to retail outlets nationwide. In stores in time for Earth Day, Eco-Creatures promotes environmental awareness by tasking players to defend and rebuild the Mana Woods being threatened by over-industrialization.

"Public awareness of man's effect on the natural environment and the life within it increases everyday, and Eco-Creatures is the perfect game to help impart environmental consciousness on the younger generation," said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco. "While the overall message is significant, the gameplay also has a great deal of depth; real time strategy fans will enjoy the robust single player game, challenging multi-player modes and Land Make feature that lets friends trade creations online."

Eco-Creatures: Save the Forest is a real-time strategy game that challenges players to protect the natural beauty of the Mana Woods and recover land polluted by industrial encroachment. Using the Touch Screen, gamers must command and nurture units of woodland creatures that possess unique abilities. Strategic management enables each of the three creature types to learn new skills that help the player complete 40 environmental missions. As players grow their woodland army, they must plant new trees to revitalize the woodlands and prevent deforestation.

Eco-Creatures also includes a creative Land Make feature that lets players build, play and trade their own game maps online. In addition to the lengthy single-player experience, the game also supports two-player play via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and up to four players via Wireless Single Card download play or Multi-Card play.

Eco-Creatures: Save the Forest is rated E for Everyone, and is now available for a suggested retail price of $29.99. A playable game demo is currently being featured in approximately 10,000 Nintendo DS Download Stations at major retail locations nationwide. For additional information, please visit http://www.majescoentertainment.com/.

NCAA Football 09 - EA pick Darren McFadden for first game cover on Sony PlayStation 1 2 PSP Microsoft XBox 360 and Nintendo Wii

Electronic Arts, today announced that former University of Arkansas running back and two time All-American recipient, Darren McFadden, will appear on the front cover of NCAA(R: 56.22, -2.18, -3.73%) Football 09 for the Xbox 360(TM: 104.41, -1.19, -1.12%) video game entertainment system, scheduled for release on July 15, 2008. This year, the packaging for each of the NCAA Football 09 console platforms will feature an exclusive cover athlete. Following McFadden on the Xbox 360 package front will be three other cover athletes from different regions throughout the county to appear on the box art for NCAA Football 09 on the PlayStation(R: 56.22, -2.18, -3.73%) 2 and PLAYSTATION(R: 56.22, -2.18, -3.73%)3 computer entertainment systems, and the PSP(R: 56.22, -2.18, -3.73%) (PlayStation(R: 56.22, -2.18, -3.73%)Portable) system.

During McFadden's three year career at the University of Arkansas, the two-time Heisman Trophy runner-up earned three First Team All-SEC selections, was named the SEC coaches and Associated Press "Offensive Player of the Year", received the 2007 Walter Camp Award, and was the first Sophomore to receive the Doak Walker Award for the best college Running Back two years in row. McFadden holds multiple University of Arkansas records, the most notable being the Razorback's all-time leading rusher with 4,485 yards in only 37 career games.

NCAA Football 09 will unveil the all-new Break Away Animation Engine which allows gamers to break in and out of moves giving the user more direct control as well as instant influence and responsiveness on the field. At its core, NCAA Football 09 will focus on wide-open collegiate style gameplay featuring unique animations that you will only find on college football Saturdays. This style of gameplay will allow agile backs like McFadden to show off their break out speed and maneuverability in-game.

"These four athletes represent the best and brightest of college football, but our selections aren't just about Heisman candidates and All Americans," says Sr. director of marketing Tom Goedde. "They represent the spirit and passion of the sport in the same way EA SPORTS video games do."

In anticipation for the NFL Draft, EA will announce the exclusive cover athlete for the PLAYSTATION 3 system on April 24, while the exclusive cover athletes for the PlayStation 2 and the PSP systems will be unveiled the beginning of May. The Wii(TM: 104.41, -1.19, -1.12%) cover will feature the winner from the NCAA Football 09 Cover Mascot Challenge, and will be announced on the NCAA Football 09 website on March 18.

Developed in Orlando, Fla., by EA Tiburon, NCAA Football 09 will be available for the PlayStation 2 and PLAYSTATION 3 systems, the PSP system, the Wii and the Xbox 360 system. For more information about NCAA Football 09 please visit www.ncaafootball09.com.

EA SPORTS(TM: 104.41, -1.19, -1.12%) is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL football, FIFA Soccer, NHL(R: 56.22, -2.18, -3.73%), NBA LIVE, NCAA(R: 56.22, -2.18, -3.73%) football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR(R: 56.22, -2.18, -3.73%) and NASCAR(R: 56.22, -2.18, -3.73%) racing.

Source: Fox Business

Skype on Sony PlayStation portable

Back in early January, the Nikkei business daily announced that Sony and Skype had reportedly joined forces, so that Sony’s PlayStation Portable to come with Skype’s software. At that moment, Nikkei’s report seemed simply a rumor, taking also into account that the business daily claimed that the brand new PSPs would be available at the end of January.

But rumors proved to be true after all, as Sony later admitted that such a project existed, although its launch was not scheduled for January. The Japanese company announced two days ago that a Skype web phone function would be added to its PlayStation Portable later in March and that the brand new gaming devices would be available in Japan starting with March 19. The ones who already owe a PSP can buy only the necessary microphone in order to be able to use Skype’s voice chat service.

Skype, which has recently become a unit of eBay, is highly popular for its Voice-over-IP service that offers people from all over the world the possibility to voice chat from their computers. Adding Skype’s software to Sony’s PlayStation Portable represents a smart move for the Japanese company, Nintendo’s everlasting rival.

Sony announced back in January that the launch of the brand new handheld gaming machine had to be delayed because of a microphone, which did not meet Skype specifications. However, it seems that the PSP would eventually come with the same microphone, which would be sold with the recommendation to be used within 10 centimeters of user’s mouth.
PSP owners from Japan will be able to buy the microphone starting with March 19; it will cost 2,500 yen ($24).

Source: eNews

GamersGate signs exclusive digital premiere for XIII Century: Death or Glory

GamersGate signs exclusive digital premiere for XIII Century: Death or Glory

Leading PC digital distribution platform GamersGate announced today that it has secured the exclusive digital release of the English version of highly anticipated strategy game XIII Century: Death or Glory.

The game will be released March 12, 8.00 am GMT (2.00 am EST, 00.00 PST, 09.00 CET), well before the game can be found in stores in North America and Europe.

"This exclusive launch strengthens the position of GamersGate as a leading provider of great PC Games for digital distribution" said Theodore Bergquist, CEO of GamersGate.

"GamersGate is not only one of our most important partners, it is also a great way to reach PC gamers directly" said Nikolay Baryshnikov, International Sales Director of 1C Company, publisher of XIII Century: Death or Glory.

XIII Century: Death or Glory is an RTS game that immerses players in the Middle Ages. This is a world of noble knights and ruthless nomads, a world of courageous deeds and internal wars.

As one of the famous military leaders of the 13th Century, gamers are able to test their steel against the neighboring nations and carve their names into history.

The game is developed by Unicorn Games Studio and published worldwide by 1C Company. You can find more information about the game at http://xiiicentury.1cpublishing.eu.

NEW DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT IN MARCH FOR GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK

ACTIVISION UNVEILS NEW DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT IN MARCH FOR GUITAR HERO III: LEGENDS OF ROCK

Modern Metal Pack to Feature Chart-Toppers from Avenged Sevenfold, Deftones and Thrice Dropkick Murphys On Tap for Free Download Available in Time for Dropkick Murphys On Tap for Free Download Available in Time for St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

New downloadable songs for Activision Inc.’s Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock are set to storm living rooms across the globe with the release of two new track packs.

Available today is the Modern Metal pack which let's players jam to master recordings of Deftones’ “Hole in the Earth,” Avenged Sevenfold’s “Almost Easy” and Thrice’s “The Arsonist.” The track pack is now on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and will be available later today on PLAYSTATION Store for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

Additionally, Activision will be kicking off the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with a special free track pack from the popular Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys that will be available mid March. Straight from the band’s sixth album, The Meanest of Times, the Dropkick Murphys pack will include master recordings of “Famous for Nothing,” “(F)lannigan’s Ball” and “Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya.” The track pack will be available for free to download on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and PLAYSTATION Store.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock offers the ultimate rock experience with new wireless guitars, freshly added content and features including a multiplayer action-inspired battle mode, grueling boss battles, a host of exclusive unlockable content and visually stunning rock venues. Expanded online multiplayer modes allow axe-shredders worldwide to compete head-to-head for true rock status as they riff through a star-studded soundtrack including master tracks by legendary artists such as Aerosmith, Guns 'N' Roses, The Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine and Pearl Jam, as well as original songs by guitar icons Slash and Tom Morello. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock is now available and is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB. For more information visit www.guitarhero.com.

Dance Battle Audition - World's biggest dance game starts UK tour

World's biggest dance game starts UK tour

Dance Battle Audition, the most popular online video game in the world, has arrived in the UK...in a big pink bus.

There are over 300 million people playing Audition online in Japan, China and South East Asia - that's more than the population of America! - and the Korean company behind it, G10, have brought the game to the UK in a bus decked with 15 PC's for gamers to experience the game that has swept through the East.

Audition is also available to download for free at www.goaudition.co.uk. It's a casual game, which means it's very easy to play - all you need is the arrow keys and the spacebar.

Just download the game, choose your character, and start dancing. You can customise your character to suit your tastes, and even challenge your friends to a dance-off!

The audition bus is currently touring London - see www.goaudition.co.uk for full details - and will be visiting the rest of country from April.

Play.com Live: Win one of TWO Dodge Nitro's playing Soul Calibur IV next week!

Play.com Live: Win one of TWO Dodge Nitro's playing Soul Calibur IV next week!

Ubisoft proudly reveals the UK exclusive first play of Soul Calibur IV only at Play.com Live. Play as Darth Vader or Yoda in the new version of the classic Soul Calibur series and you could drive away in a brand spanking new Dodge Nitro SUV!

Two afternoon tournaments will see the UK’s best gamers fight it out to drive home the prize from Wembley. See http://www.dodge.co.uk/nitro/ for details of the prize!

In addition Ubisoft will be offering the lucky attendees to the show a chance to win one of TWO holidays to Las Vegas to celebrate the imminent release of Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2 on PC, Xbox 360 and PS3.

About Play.com Live

The Play.com Live event on March 15 and 16 will give people the chance to try out the latest computer games and watch the hottest bands – all inside the world famous home of UK football.

TV babe Gemma Atkinson (ex-Hollyoaks and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!) and Virgin Radio presenter Iain Lee will host the two-day extravaganza which includes performances top bands including We Are Scientists.

Tickets cost just £6 per adult and £3 for children and can be purchased through www.play.com/live. They are available to buy for a morning or afternoon visit to the show on either day.

Pinnacle unveils magical first Nintendo DS title Doodle Hex

Pinnacle Software, a division of Pinnacle Entertainment Ltd, has announced its first Nintendo DS title for worldwide distribution. Entitled Doodle Hex, the game is a magic themed mixture of spell-casting, battle elements and unique Japanese styled anime characters. Doodle Hex will be released in June 2008.

Developed by renowned Spanish team Tragnarion, Doodle Hex has been created specifically for the DS format, and makes innovative use of the handheld’s touch screen abilities within a clever spell-casting scenario. Players – nicknamed ‘Doodlers’ - are enrolled within a special College of Runes, wherein they are charged with learning the intricacies of rune-casting and their use within elemental magic. However, the tedium of college life is regularly interrupted by the school ghost, Kalamazoo, who organizes battles between the students as a way to further test their rune knowledge and casting skills.

Doodle Hex thus takes the form of a competitive spell-casting game where players use the DS stylus to draw their chosen runes in the centre of the touch screen, summoning spells that will transform, attack and weaken their opponent. The ultimate idea of the game is to deplete your rival’s energy bar before they can do the same to you.

Using a stunning comic book-effect interface, Doodle Hex works as either a single player or two-player head-to-head experience. In single player mode you will encounter an increasingly tough roster of challengers, where as two player head to head mode will allow you to cast your wits and spells against your friends with exhilarating conflicts and effects. 14 characters are available to select, each of whom has a specialist field in rune use. Having selected a character, the game begins and ‘Doodlers’ can send as many runes as they are able during the course of a battle, which creates a more open and unpredictable challenge than in turn-based games.

The runes in Doodle Hex can be used to attack, restore health or be unleashed as devastating combination attacks, incapacitating your opponent or even their ability to cast their own spells. As each player gains enough energy, spells available to cast are highlighted; the more powerful runes will deplete more energy from the Doodler’s who is casting than the less powerful attacks will. It is possible for both players to block incoming spells by activating a shield icon, however specific combination attacks can counter this, adding an extra element of skill and lateral thinking to the gameplay.

With over 250 available challenges, Wi-Fi compatibility for exciting two-player head-to-head action, and a wide range of unlockable bonuses, Doodle Hex is one of the most innovative and playable puzzle games to hit Nintendo DS to date. Its simple interface and huge number of runes to master combine to create a stunning and truly spell-binding challenge.