Rage Of War PC game Patch v1.2 announced

Announcing Rage Of War Patch v1.2

Evolution Vault announced today plans to launch a new patch for their space RTS game Galactic Dream: Rage of War.

Patch v1.2 will make several important changes:

- Adding a simplified, more reliable in-game menu to the bottom of the screen;
- Improving overall game performance;
- Tweaking multiplayer sessions;
- Introducing new game tutorial with voice;
- Adding queue for buildings (a list of structures which the drone will build);
- Enabling the mini-map "fog of war";
- Implementing camera rotation with mouse wheel (or middle button);
- Adding building/unit hotkeys.

Patch v1.2 will be released in the following days on the official Web site. Stay tuned to http://rageofwar.net for further details.

The Whispered World PC adventure game

The Whispered World: New Screens from the Autumn Forest

In the upcoming adventure game The Whispered World from Daedalic Entertainment, hero Sadwick sets out on a perilous journey. An ancient prophecy is supposed to lead him on his way, but first he will have to find it. His adventure begins in the Autumn Forest, where the foliage brims with color thoughout the year. Here he comes across the decaying remains of a building - only a doorway seems to have stood the test of time – but what secrets lie beyond? The second new screenshot shows an old grandfather clock that is part of another riddle for Sadwick to overcome in search of the prophecy.

Protagonist Sadwick is a young clown but and far from being in a laughing mood. He travels a fairy tale world with his family’s circus. One night, a mysterious form speaks to him in a dream and sends him on perilous journey. Many challenges await Sadwick, for the world he knows so well is doomed...

In the vein of classic adventure games, gamers direct Sadwick and his constant companion, a little worm named Spot, through the gorgeous backdrops of the game world. Hand-painted backgrounds filled with animated details and lovingly crafted characters in the style of classic animated films bring the story to life. The Whispered World meshes fairy-tale elements with melancholic undertones to create an epic fantasy story.

The fantasy adventure game will be released for PC in the 4th quarter of 2008.

http://www.the-whispered-world.de

Nintendo says bandwidth issues have affected online performance for its blockbuster Super Smash Bros.

Nintendo Responds to Smash Bros. Brawl Online Woes

Nintendo says bandwidth issues have affected online performance for its blockbuster Super Smash Bros.

Nintendo has blamed "pipeline strain" for lagging online Wii performance, while promising improvements. Despite this, Super Smash Bros. Brawl has become the fastest selling Nintendo game in history, the company said.

"As with the launch of any online-enabled game, especially one as popular as Super Smash Bros. Brawl, everyone wants to play at once," said a Nintendo spokesperson in an email to GamePro on Monday. "This puts a strain on the pipeline."

With regards to an immediate remedy for ongoing lag and outages of Play With Anyone matches, the representative said, "We have seen improvements in online play performance every day since launch." Those seeking additional troubleshooting support while Nintendo ramps up its network can be found at support.nintendo.com or by calling 1-800-255-3700.

In a separate statement released today, Nintendo of America announced that Super Smash Bros. Brawl for Wii has become the fastest selling Nintendo game in history, selling more than 1.4 million copies after just one week of availability. More than 874,000 units were sold on launch day alone (March 9), the company said.

Source: PC World

Nintendo Wii Fit event in London March 26

Can video games really make you healthier?

Fitness and gaming explored in new event at Science Museum's Dana Centre

Slimmers and gamers have the opportunity to visit the Science Museum’s Dana Centre this March to discover if video games could aid weight loss.

Play away the calories, taking place on Wednesday 26 March, will allow visitors a special preview of the new Nintendo Wii Fit (due to launch across Europe on 25 April) to ascertain if modern, interactive technology could really increase fitness levels.

Visitors will have the opportunity to try out Wii Fit for themselves and watch as its effectiveness is put to the test in a series of live tests. Human guinea pigs will be put through their paces exercising on a treadmill, testing out Wii Fit and playing a more sedentary game, whilst measurements of their heart rate and oxygen consumption are taken to calculate how much energy is burnt.

Throughout the evening sport scientists, physiologists and games experts will be on hand to engage and discuss whether gaming can promote a healthy lifestyle. Epidemiologist Andy Jones from the University of East Anglia will examine how and why adult obesity has quadrupled in the last 25 years and will look at the role technology has played in creating a more sedentary life.

Andy Jones said “Today individuals lead much less active lives than we used to. Levels of employment in manual jobs are falling and we drive everywhere rather than walking or cycling.”

“We need to do lots of things to combat the problem but should try to incorporate activity into our everyday life rather than expecting everyone to go to the gym. We need people to exercise without seeing it as such! So making games more active is one way forward.”

Gaming expert Margaret Robertson will reveal the history of healthy gaming and why this area has failed to make a significant impact before. Visitors will be able to test past examples of gaming technology aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle, such as the original NES fitness games and dance mats.

Gaetan Lee, Dana Centre event organiser said “The Dana Centre aims to explore the most exciting subjects of contemporary and controversial science and technology. Play away the calories is no exception and promises adults an energetic night of game-playing and discussion.”

The Science Museum’s Dana Centre café/bar provides visitors with the opportunity to explore and discuss the latest issues in contemporary science, medicine and technology through informal, interactive and stimulating events. All events are free. The centre is open to over 18s only.

Play away the calories takes place at the Science Museum’s Dana Centre on 26 March, 19:00-21:00 and is sponsored by Nintendo.

Tragnarion Studios now Nintendo official Wii developer - Doodle Hex on Nintendo Wii?

Following last weeks announcement of the release date for their upcoming Nintendo DS title “Doodle Hex” together with Pinnacle Software, developer Tragnarion Studios has more exciting news to share. The Spanish development studio has successfully acquired another Nintendo License, this time becoming an official licensed Wii developer.

“Now that we are releasing in May 2008 our Nintendo DS title 'Doodle Hex', we are really looking forward to work with our recently acquired Wii Licensed, so that we can bring the Doodle Hex saga to this amazing platform. We've been working on preparing some really innovative projects which will make full use of the Wii's unique capabilities”

said Ricardo Carretero, Lead Designer of Doodle Hex.

Doodle Hex is due for release in May 2008 and will be distributed for Nintendo DS only, check it out at www.doodlehex.com or www.tragnarion.com.

Heavy Duty Website Goes Live - Vast amounts of content, numerous unique feature sets in the mix of compelling strategy and fast-paced action

Heavy Duty Website Goes Live

Vast amounts of content, numerous unique feature sets in the mix of compelling strategy and fast-paced action available on http://hd.akella.com/.

Akella is pleased to announce the launch of the Heavy Duty official website that shows off latest assets and storyline additions. Visitors can now go online to http://hd.akella.com/ to get an in-depth look at game features, browse and download screenshots and videos (both promotional and in-game). The website also provides an integral insight into the game content (via fact sheet and FAQs) and features what others are saying about Heavy Duty .

The website also contains Forum section where players will be able to keep up with and discuss all the latest news, screenshots and videos that are released as development continues.

The site also features a news section to keep all fans up to date. Stay tuned as more updates are coming soon!

About Heavy Duty

With the spread of mankind throughout the galaxy new colonies had to be found in the vast reaches of space. Colonists and scientists made the first landings, tasked with setting up settlements for others to follow. These colonized planets are ruled by rival corporations entrusted by the governments of Earth to protect its citizens from harm.

Little did they think from where that danger might manifest itself...

On the frontiers of the human incursion into space hostile alien forces have made themselves known, and they aren't willing to share. Beholden to the organizations in charge of this fragile frontier is the militarized installation: Heavy Duty. Their task: to halt the advance of the alien menace at all costs.

This beautiful-looking game features many advanced technologies allowing new scope in the field of action/strategy games. Featuring the first full planet simulation the player can zoom in from the depths of space to the smallest blade of grass waving in the breeze next to a running stream.

Key features:

• Advanced graphical engine providing visual scale not seen before in real-time action strategy.
  
• Reverse kinematics mean the end of scripted animation and make sure that characters interact with the world on a believable level.
  
• Manage the base, characters and finances as you battle to keep the alien menace at bay.
  
• Engage the enemy in multiple ways from dogfights in the skies with UFOs, to ground-based cleanup operations after wrecked UFOs crash planetside as well as the whole-scale assault of alien bases or the defence of your own.
  
• Fully deformable terrain provides a new tactical challenge – blow craters in the ground to provide your units with cover.
  

Eidos breathes soul into new Nintendo DS title Soul Bubbles

Eidos breathes soul into new Nintendo DS title Soul Bubbles

Eidos Interactive, creators of some of the world’s leading videogame properties, is pleased to announce a new phenomenon to come to the Nintendo DS entitled Soul Bubbles.



In Soul Bubbles the player controls a young shaman apprentice, who is entrusted with saving lost “souls” and guiding them to safety. He must protect these fragile beings from the hostile and dangerous world around them, and he does this by creating protective bubbles to keep the spirits safe.

“This will be THE new phenomenon on the Nintendo DS,” said Brand Manager Ray Livingston. “Every single person who has picked up this game has fallen in love with it instantly. We can’t wait to introduce the world to Soul Bubbles.”

Manipulate your bubbles by first drawing them, then deflating them, cutting them or joining them to other bubbles, filling them with water or gas; then escape traps, extinguish fires and avoid all the sticky or dangerous surfaces that will slow the bubbles down.

The game features 8 worlds, with over 40 levels to explore which will challenge the shaman in a variety of ways – and push the physics capabilities of the Nintendo DS to the max. Soul Bubbles is designed with the next generation of casual gamers in mind.

EA Signs Multiyear Agreement With Massive to Offer Dynamic In-Game Advertising on Titles for Xbox 360 and Windows-Based PC Platforms

EA Signs Multiyear Agreement With Massive to Offer Dynamic In-Game Advertising on Titles for Xbox 360 and Windows-Based PC Platforms

Agreement enables integration of in-game advertising and premium video game content into long-term campaign planning and media buying processes.

Electronic Arts and Massive Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft Corp. and a leading network for video game advertising, today announced an expansion and two-year extension of their agreement to offer dynamic in-game advertising for EA video games. The new global agreement provides unprecedented opportunities for advertisers to engage with EA’s highly coveted audience — especially males ages 18 to 34 — through its roster of blockbuster games on the Xbox 360™ platform and exclusive rights to a majority of EA’s premium PC products.

With over three years of experience in dynamically serving advertisements in video games, Massive is the definitive in-game advertising solution for advertisers around the world, including Ford Motor Co. in the U.S., Rogers in Canada, and Puma in Europe. Massive’s long-standing relationship with EA, publisher of many of the world’s most popular games, provides advertisers with extensive reach through EA’s portfolio of premium content video games. This agreement represents a critical point of differentiation for Massive as the in-game advertising medium continues its momentum as a more attractive and effective medium compared with traditional forms of established advertising.

With the latest agreement, EA will further expand the opportunities available to advertisers by extending the participation of current titles in the Massive network as well as incorporating additional, highly anticipated games over the course of the deal. The wide range of EA content that will be available in the Massive network includes the next two iterations of popular EA SPORTS™ franchises including Madden NFL* football, NBA LIVE basketball, NASCAR* ® racing and NHL® hockey.

Massive will continue to be the exclusive in-game ad network for PC and Xbox 360 platforms of the world’s largest racing franchise, EA’s Need For Speed™, including current live titles Need for Speed Carbon and Need for Speed ProStreet. Massive is also working with marketers to incorporate dynamic advertising into another popular EA racing title, Burnout™ Paradise.

“We continue to utilize the breadth and depth of Massive’s content to market a range of our clients’ key brands,” said Brian Bos, senior vice president, Convergence Director, Mindshare - Team Detroit. “With this expanded partnership, we will be able to plan dynamic in-game campaigns several years out, which is critical in making Massive’s content platform a more integral part of our video game marketing strategy.”

“EA strongly believes that dynamic in-game advertising is an important growth area for our business, and is one of many opportunities we are pursuing in growing the advertising market,” said Kathy Vrabeck, president of the Casual Entertainment Label at EA. “We selected Massive because they are the industry leader in this space with a global sales footprint, solid brand recognition and in-depth experience in video game advertising.”

By providing certainty around Massive’s ad inventory for years into the future, the multiyear agreement enables advertisers to plan in-game advertising on a calendar year basis as part of a holistic campaign development process alongside other mediums such as TV, online and print media.

Rouwen Bastian, Coordinator European Media Strategies at Opel said: “In-game advertising plays an essential role for us in reaching today’s young adult consumers. The multi-year agreement between Massive and EA makes it possible for us to make greater strategic use of in-game advertising by incorporating it into the same long-term planning as other media forms.”

Richard Dance, Group Account Director at MindShare Interaction UK, said: “The growing channel of in-game advertising provides an exciting and creative medium in which to work. Although we are only scratching the surface with regards to the opportunities it provides, more and more of our clients are keen to include in-game advertising as a part of their multichannel strategy.”

“Our latest agreement with EA expands advertisers’ unprecedented access to EA’s world-class franchises to reach young male gamers around the world,” said Cory Van Arsdale, CEO of Massive. “This multiyear partnership reflects both the maturity of the dynamic in-game advertising medium and the benefits that our network continues to deliver for both publishers and advertisers.”

Call for Heroes: Pompolic Wars for Nintendo Wii

Data Design Interactive a successful video games publisher, games developer and owner of the Popcorn Arcade label, is pleased to release the first batch of screenshots from the Nintendo Wii version of “Call for Heroes: Pompolic Wars.”. The game is a 3D RPG action title set in a fantasy world and developed by Quotix Software, a games developer based in Serbia and Montenegro. Call for Heroes: Pompolic Wars for Wii is due for release in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Story:

Call for Heroes: Pompolic Wars is a third-person action game with RPG elements. The game places players in a fantasy medieval world, where a dimensional portal to the Outer Worlds has opened, and an enemy from the darkness has encroached upon the world. Led by a demon named Pompolic, the armies of demonic hordes have taken over most of the planet. With mysterious origins, Pompolic’s malevolent spiritual being possesses supernatural powers.

His desire is to possess the people and turn them into minions of his dark army, as he wields his power through his servants, the Dark Souls. These Dark Souls - protected by a horde of monsters - are poisoning the minds of his victims and making them slaves of evil. The denizens of this world are on the edge of total annihilation. However, a little hope still exists in the heart of the remaining citizens.

They believe that there are brave hearts who can save the world from the source of the evil power. If the Dark Souls were to be captured, the onslaught would stop, and Pompolic would be defeated; the call for heroes is made...

Features

· 2 unique characters to choose from

· Each character has unique weapons, items and special abilities

· Characters gain experience which will help them to upgrade strength, armour and health

· 15 special abilities per character

· Fantasy/medieval type world divided into 15 levels

· 18 different types of monsters and 3 bosses at the end

For more information on “Call for Heroes: Pompolic Wars” please visit the Data Design website: http://ddigames.com/pompolic

Sho Online PC video game closed beta Test kicks off

Sho Online Beta Test kicks off with a fresh start!

Sho Onine, Lizard Interactive's second global service, kicks off with 1,000 testers from all over the world..

SSang-Wook Lee, CEO of Lizard Interactive Co., Ltd., announced today that Sho Online has successfully launched its Closed Beta Test (CBT).

The 1st CBT of Sho Online has launched 18th of March will continue until the 25th of March 2008 (GMT). Selected testers will have chance to take a first peek at what Sho Online is made of. So far 1,000 testers are testing the game under the stable service and server condition. Along with the promising result, Sho Online Team is planning to Invite 1000 more CBT users.(Soon will be posted through the official website www.shoonline.net )

Sho Online is also executing a CBT Event for users to win Nintendo DSL. Testers have to simply submit bug reports within the game or submit proud screenshots of their game play. It is a simple event to boost up the active participation and It also shows Sho Online project team’s great effort to revised the game to its perfection.

CEO Sang-Wook Lee said “I would like to thank all gamers who have applied for Sho Online CBT. With their support, we are off to a promising start. For those who couldn’t join our 1st CBT, We will try our best make more opportunity for more users to be part of the CBT. Finally, as CBT progresses, we will implement well-systemized game management and various updates to provide better service for you.”

‘Sho Online’ is 3D MMORPG developed based on true Chinese epic tale of the brutal and merciless war which took place between the two nations ‘Yin’ and ‘Zhou’, the game will take you to the mystic world of Taoism in the 11th century BC.

Players start the game by selecting the dynasty of their choice between Yin and Zhao. Once players choose their destiny, all must fight with honor to defend and conquer the 80 mutual territories based on true historical locations. More territories you gain more hunting grounds you secure for your nation. Players are to expand their territories by going through various quests and challenges that they encounter throughout the game. Players will fight for their fame, wealth, and honor till the day they are acknowledged as heroes. Depending on their active participation at the battle ground, rewards and earned fame will differ from one another.

Sho Online brings some of its unique and strong features. War System between the two rival dynasties naturally leads players to bond within their own community, but hostility to grow towards their enemy. When defending and attacking the enemy territory, players can transform into siege weapon such as catapult, ballista, and many more.

Games also may find other features such as differed Pet System and Rare Items & Enchant System enjoyable. Pets in Sho Online grow, transform, assist in combat, and, of course, its ride-able while Rare Items & Enchant System offers its players to test their nerves and luck. Player will get to choose to enchant and upgrade an item in exchange for possibility of loosing it even though it may be rare that everyone desires.

For further information on Sho Online, a globally played game, please visit www.shoonline.net.