No Sony Blu-Ray for Microsoft XBox 360 consoles

Following the horrible death of the HD DVD high definition format, many had predicted (me included) that Microsoft would pretty soon be offering a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360. Seems like Xbox 360 owners waiting for a Blu-ray player are out of luck.



The news was broken by Aaron Greenberg, group product manager for Xbox 360:

So what does this mean for Xbox 360 owners?

It means that Microsoft has decided not to pursue a physical player and instead concentrate resources on Xbox Live online service which allow Xbox owners rent movies. Rather than be seen to be abandoning HD DVD and leaping onto the Blu-ray wagon, Microsoft wants to go it alone and break free from physical media. Perhaps Microsoft has lost faith in physical high-definition distribution and feels that a digital distribution method is better (for the company). From an anti-piracy standpoint a digital distribution system at least allows Microsoft to engage in a war with the pirates (as futile as that might be in the long run).

“Xbox is not currently in talks with Sony or the Blu-ray Association to integrate Blu-ray into the Xbox experience.”

Maybe Microsoft hopes that Xbox Live could be the road to profit for the Xbox console.

Source: ZD Net

Our House release for Nintendo DS

Building A Trophy Home Is Now Just A Stylus Stroke Away As Majesco Entertainment Announces 'Our House' For Nintendo DS

First Game from New Majesco Studios Development Team Offers Broad Appeal

Build and decorate your dream home in Our House, a new simulation for Nintendo DS announced today by Majesco Entertainment Company, an innovative provider of video games for the mass market. Developed by Majesco Studios Santa Monica, Our House puts players in the contractor's shoes, challenging them to manage work-for-hire jobs and then use those earnings to create their own custom residence. A companion title to the previously announced Wii version, Our House for DS is due in stores this holiday season.

"We are incredibly excited about the Our House franchise and this extension of it. Both DS and Wii versions leverage the innovative controls of each system to create fun, addictive games with a perennially popular theme," said Jesse Sutton, Chief Executive Officer, Majesco. "We are particularly proud that this is among the first titles to be developed by Majesco Studios whose core focus is on creating unique IP and technology with a mass market appeal."

"The central building mechanic of Our House is a perfect fit for the Touch Screen since the stylus functions as a universal improvement tool," said Bill Petro, Vice President of Internal Development and Studio Head for Majesco Studios Santa Monica. "This unique, do-it-yourself concept lets players become architect, builder, interior designer and home-owner simultaneously."

Our House allows players to design, build, remodel and decorate a wide selection of homes using the DS stylus as the ultimate building tool. Lay flooring, hang cabinets, strip wallpaper, arrange furniture and much more using the intuitive Touch Screen in 100 different mini-games.

Players choose contractor assignments from the Job Board then renovate kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms for eccentric homeowners with varying tastes in decor. Gamers can also drop by the local home improvement store and spend their earnings on additional tools and furnishings, including new appliances and accessories, to boost the value of their own residence and upgrade houses throughout the game.

Our House for DS is expected to ship this holiday. For additional information, please visit the newly relaunched http://www.majescoentertainment.com/.

PC action hit Shadowgrounds Survivor coming to Linux

PC action hit Shadowgrounds Survivor coming to Linux

Developer Frozenbyte teams up with fellow Finnish company IGIOS to release the underground hit action game on Linux

Finnish game developer Frozenbyte is excited to announce a partnership with Linux specialist IGIOS Ltd to port and release previously Windows-only PC action game Shadowgrounds Survivor on the Linux platform. Shadowgrounds Survivor is a third-person/top-down action game where the player takes control of three characters and faces monstrous alien invaders.

"Linux is fast becoming accepted in the mainstream and we are thrilled to take part in delivering quality games content for the platform," said Mr. Lauri Hyvarinen, Frozenbyte CEO. "Frozenbyte remains focused on great console and Windows games but the groundbreaking work of IGIOS broadens the reach of our games onto the Linux platform."

"IGIOS is going to take up the Linux gaming world by storm," said Tapio Honkonen, Chief Marketing Officer for IGIOS. "Linux is our passion and providing games for it our mission. The Linux community has done a remarkable job in making the platform more approachable in general and we aim to make it a formidable gaming platform. Linux gamers should be offered the same possibilities to enjoy great gaming content such as Shadowgrounds Survivor, and that is what we are here for."

Shadowgrounds Survivor is a third-person/top-down action game where the player takes control of three characters and faces monstrous alien invaders. The acclaimed atmosphere and gameplay mechanics of the original Shadowgrounds make a triumphant return armed with a new feature set, including detailed physics simulation and many gameplay enhancements, such as the devastating Mech and special attacks like the Napalm Flame or the mighty Brute Slayer. In addition to the thrilling Campaign mode, players can try to outsmart the aliens in the Survival mode or create their own levels and mods with the included Level Editor.

Shadowgrounds, the well-received and praised original game, will also be ported to the Linux platform. Both games will be released at the same time in spring 2008 via online distribution, with exact pricing details to be confirmed.

Shadowgrounds Survivor is currently available from retail outlets in North America and some European territories, and worldwide in online distribution channels such as Steam, GamersGate and TotalGaming.net for $19.99. The game is rated M for Mature in North America and PEGI 16+ in current European territories.

Twelve Sky massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) wants players to reach level 100

March to 100 in Twelve Sky

Twelve Sky, Aeria Games most highly anticipated massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) wants players to march their way to level 100.
A player versus player based MMORPG; Twelve Sky embodies oriental martial arts style of battling tactics. Set in ancient China in the midst of an age old conflict between three factions.
For the month of March, players who reach level 100 can get a rebate on all the experience potions they purchase through the games Item Mall.

To participate, players are required to do is post a picture of their character with a minimum level of 100 in http://forums.aeriagames.com/viewtopic.php?t=87563 and then 14 business days from when the promotion ends (March 31st) to receive their rebate.

“We want as many players to level up so they can take on the monsters that lie ahead, especially for our newly released 9-Tier Pagoda patch,” said Michael Geslani, Twelve Sky game master.
In an effort to have players ready for new content, the March to 100 promotion allows players to achieve that goal of leveling up quickly, while at the same time allowing them to stretch their money further so they can purchase more Item Mall game enhancements.

“This is great for all players and gives them an incentive to not only level up, but getting all their Aeria Points back at the same time,” Geslani said.

Cocoto Magic Circus video game ships for Nintendo Wii

Conspiracy Entertainment's "Cocoto Magic Circus" for Wii Ships to U.S. Retailers

Conspiracy Entertainment has shipped their newest title for the Nintendo Wii - "Cocoto Magic Circus," to North American retailers today.

Cocoto Magic Circus is an arcade-style shooter featuring 40 unique and exciting mini-games. The game's four progressive modes - Arcade, Training, Duel and Tournament - can accommodate up to four players. Children and parents alike will enjoy this collection of mini-games featuring humorous animated characters on a mission to save a magical fairy.

"Families nationwide are catching on to the recurring and loveable character Cocoto. The simple, cartoonish and fast-paced style of our latest release is ideal for children six years and up, and its affordable price is sure to make it a hit with families," said Sirus Ahmadi, president of Conspiracy Entertainment.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Ring of Fates on Nintendo DS

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Ring of Fates on Nintendo DS

Met Yuri and Chelinka, twins who are destined to change the world

They live happily with their father in a small village, but their happiness comes to an abrupt end with the arrival of an ancient evil.

Armed only with their determination, courage and Chelinka's magic crystal, these brave twins set out on their quest to find their lost friends, avenge their family and heal their world.


Visit the website for more info

Brain Challenge for Microsoft Xbox LIVE Arcade launched

Gameloft's Brain Challenge for Xbox LIVE Arcade Available Now

Gameloft, a leading publisher and developer of video games for mobile phones, today launched its tremendously popular Brain Challenge game to the Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Xbox LIVE Arcade is the premier destination for digitally distributed, high-definition original and classic games.

“We at Gameloft have been anticipating this launch since last year and are very excited to finally offer Brain Challenge to the Xbox LIVE Arcade community,” said Gonzague de Vallois, senior vice president, publishing, Gameloft “The casual games market has exploded and Xbox LIVE Arcade is at the forefront of that by offering quality games such as Brain Challenge.”

Brain Challenge is the first brain game for Xbox LIVE Arcade and is available now to challenge the skill and intellect of players. With a daily training test that includes 5 mini-games in each category for everyday practice, Brain Challenge is sure to quickly improve your brain health. Brain Challenge features 20 mini games divided into 5 categories: Visual, Memory, Logic, Math and Focus.

The game also features:

· Select a personal coach that guides you throughout the game , gives you advice and helps you improve your capacities daily.

· Online or offline multiplayer modes with up to 4 players. Compete against other players in quizzes coupled with card based gameplay. The card based multiplayer is completely exclusive to Xbox LIVE Arcade.

· Stress mode, features multitasking and other challenges which help to improve your brain’s coping skills during stressful situations

In addition to Xbox LIVE Arcade, Brain Challenge is available on mobile, iPod, Nintendo DS and PC. This is the first ever multi-platform launch of a casual brand from a mobile game publisher. Each game is specially formatted and adapted to complement each unique platform to ensure the best consumer experience.

Super Smash Bros Brawl causing problems with some Nintendo Wii consiles

"A very small number" of Wii owners are finding their consoles can't read the dual-layer disc used by the game. UPDATED: Nintendo claims the issue is resolved!

A thread posted by "NOA_TECH_JANE" on Nintendo's Tech Support Forums is now claiming that the missing Spectator Mode and Options issue is resolved. Has it been resolved for you? Let us know in Talkback!

There are reports of Brawl failing to boot from the Wii Menu. A few people have been experiencing read errors, and some are unable to install the firmware update that comes included on the Brawl game disc. Nintendo of America has released an official statement on the matter through a company spokesperson:

"Nintendo of America has received some reports that a very small number of Wii consoles cannot properly read the dual-layered disc for the new Super Smash Bros. Brawl game. Upon examination, Nintendo has preliminarily determined that this disc-read error is caused by the soiling of the consoles' optical lens by environmental factors such as excessive dust and cigarette smoke. Nintendo is offering to clean these systems free of charge, and recommends that consumers do not attempt to clean the systems on their own. Information regarding the cleaning service can be found at support.nintendo.com or by calling customer service at 1-800-255-3700."

NWR readers affected by this issue might do better to jump directly to the support claim form page and get it taken care of as soon as possible. Nintendo’s website claims that it will expedite the shipping of affected Wii consoles both ways to hasten the repair process.

NOA is also aware of issues people are having with the online features of Brawl. We will pass along any official statement about known problems (missing menu options, generally poor connection quality of online matches, etc.) as soon as we hear it.

Source: NMR

NEW EXPANSION FOR RAIL SIMULATOR - DUE FOR RELEASE IN MARCH!

The first official expansion for the hugely successful Rail Simulator adds the Californian route from the US release of Rail Simulator and the iconic British 08 Shunter, plus extra rolling stock, scenarios and more!



This package has been painstakingly created by RSDL - part of the original Rail Simulator development team - and has to be one of the most realistic Rail Simulator expansions ever!

Cajon Pass

The Cajon Pass route runs over 80 miles of track - drive along the route from San Bernardino in Southern California to Barstow in the north and traverse the authentic climbs and descents, embankments and cuttings. Negotiate this famous route either in Free Roam mode or in the seven challenging scenarios.

• Highly detailed Union Pacific ES44AC and SD40-2 locomotives
  
• Bonus content -black reskins for the ES44AC and SD40-2 locomotives
  
• 11 unique rolling stock wagons including 2 all-new hoppers
  
• 7 scenarios including 3 new bonus ones!
  
• Detailed and accurately placed landmarks and notable buildings
  
• Realistic sounds
  
• Authentic terrain mapping and track placement
  
• AI Train operations.
  
• Class 08 Shunter
  

This Official expansion for Rail Simulator also includes bonus extras that were not included in the US release. UK rail enthusiasts will enjoy highly detailed models of the Class 08 Shunter in 12 period liveries! 'Free Roam’ the existing UK routes in Rail Simulator or take on the challenges of Class 08 shunting in the six included scenarios.

More info here

VIVA MEDIA ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF CRAZY MACHINES 2 VIDEO GAME

VIVA MEDIA ANNOUNCES UPCOMING RELEASE OF CRAZY MACHINES 2

GO CRAZY WITH A NEW DIMENSION OF FUN!

Viva Media announced today that the much anticipated sequel to the award-winning PC title Crazy Machines, Crazy Machines 2 will release this spring. Viva Media CEO Carlo Voelker commented, “Fans of this evergreen franchise who have been waiting for this will not only be pleased but we believe that it will go beyond their expectations. The new game engine offers a whole new experience with hundreds of levels to complete, free-style game play, incredible physics and 3D graphics.”

The game will ship into retail locations in the United States and Canada in May.

Crazy Machines II features:

• New parts to tinker with, and new puzzles to solve!
• World Tour – travel with the professor to exotic locations such as the Caribbean, Alaska, and China
• Multiple solutions to every puzzle!
• Free-style mode – create, destroy, and publish your own crazy machines
• Upload and download player laboratories and rate the best of the best online!
• All-age appeal – the whole family can enjoy this title
• Exciting bonus levels
• Pristine 3D graphics
• Electrifying sound effects

Quick Facts:

Published by Viva Media, LLC
Developed by Novitas/FAKT
Release Date: May 2008
Recommended Retail Price: $19.99

Minimum System Requirements:

Win Vista/98/ME/2000 XP
800 MHz CPU, 128 MB RAM, DirectX 9 compatible graphics card with 32 MB RAM*, DirectX compatible sound card, DirectX 9.0c 100 MB available fixed disk storage, 2X CD ROM

*Phys X Aegia Card recommended