Numen: Contest of Heroes PC video game Screenshots

Numen: Contest of Heroes Screenshots

Gods (all the 9 gods featured in Numen: Contest of Heroes) were generous to us and presented a set of fresh (right from the development field) screenshots. Shot daily and nightly, these assets offer us a great opportunity to get an attentive look at the game visuals as they did become brighter and more compelling.



Harpies, giant spiders, ugly ghouls and other brilliant representatives of the bestiary created with love and care, courtesy of Cinemax, game development studio, are all at your disposal so that you can get a more comprehensive view and impression of what was cooking in ancient Greece and is in the works in our today’s world.

Sony's newest PlayStation 3 to allow downloads

The next update of Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 3 console, slated late this month, will include features that let users download games, video and ring tones.

Sony said Thursday the system update will add Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0, or BD-Live capability, to the PS3. It will also let users copy photos and music playlists on to their handheld PlayStation Portable, use the PSP as a remote control for playing music on the PS3 and stream linked video files from the Web.

This will make the PS3 the first Blu-ray player with access to Internet content and downloads. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., which owns the Panasonic brand, also plans to ship a BD-Live player this spring.

With the updates, Sony wants to build the gaming console's status as an entertainment hub.

The downloadable content will range from bonus movie scenes and trailers to "interactive movie-based games."

"With Blu-ray established as the high-definition optical disc standard, more consumers are ready to jump in and take advantage of everything the format offers," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president of product marketing, in a statement.

The free update also adds a "resume play" feature that enables users to restart Blu-ray discs and DVDs at the point where they stopped even if they take the disk out of the drive. According to Sony's PlayStation blog, the update is slated for the "next few days."

Sony is planning to release a stand-alone Blu-ray player this summer that will feature an Ethernet port to download bonus materials. It won't be BD-Live capable -- meaning users won't be able to access Web content -- until a subsequent software update.

In this respect, Blu-ray players are playing catch up to the recently defunct HD DVD systems, which always had Internet capabilities.

The BDP-S350 player will cost about $400; a second player, shipping later this year, will cost about $500 and be able to download Web content.

Source: AP

Console Race: Another Lap For Sony

For the second month in a row, sales of Sony’s (SNE) Playstation 3 console system outpaced Microsoft’s (MSFT) Xbox 360 in the U.S., according to figures released late Mar. 13 by analysts at the NPD Group. Though both companies promptly issued press releases slicing the monthly results in their own favor, the results underscore the tightening race between the two tech giants.

After a 2007 of fits and starts, Sony’s game system seems to finally be on firm footing. The company crowed about the nearly 281,000 PS3 systems it sold, representing 120% sales growth from the year before and a volume 10% higher than Microsoft’s next-generation console for the month. “We believe that Blu-ray becoming the high-def format of choice was the tipping point for many consumers,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America, referring to the demise earlier this year of the rival HD-DVD format formerly backed by Microsoft.

For its part, Microsoft issued a release saying supply constraints had held up sales. In Feb., Microsoft sold 254,600 Xbox 360s, up from 230,000 consoles the month before. The company says the so-called Xbox ecosystem – combined sales of game systems, software, and accessories – was worth $332 million, or 39% of the market for next generation systems. Microsoft was also able to sell more games with each of its systems than Sony.

Still, Sony seems to have the wind at its back. In addition to its advanced PS3 console, the company last month sold 243,100 Playstation Portables and an eye-opening 351,800 Playstation 2 units, its previous generation game system. A raft of highly anticipated exclusive titles including sequels to the Metal Gear Solid and Gran Turismo series are due in the next couple of months, which the company hopes will further boost sales. Some analysts have predicted that Sony could pull ahead of Microsoft this year, despite Redmond’s year advance on the Japanese games titan.

As a whole, the games industry continues booming. Year-to-date sales of both hardware and software were up 34% to $1.3 billion from $992 million. “Even following a red-hot 2007, the video games industry shows no signs of letting up,” said Anita Frazier, an NPD analyst. She added that a slate of blockbuster titles yet to be released could push “the industry to achieve another year of record-breaking sales despite difficult economic conditions.”

Source: Business Week

FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2 Grimoire of the Rift

Dive Into The World Of Ivalice This Summer With FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift

The Latest Square Enix Tactical RPG Enters the Ivalice Alliance on June 24, 2008

Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that the latest entry in the IVALICE ALLIANCE series, FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift is set to transport players to the fantastical world of Ivalice on June 24, 2008.

Embark on a journey through the vibrant world of Ivalice this summer with FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift. As the third entry in the Ivalice Alliance series, this follow-up to the 2003 Game Boy Advance release brings the popular tactical franchise to the Nintendo DS™ for the first time. FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift will introduce newcomers to an engaging turn-based, grid-oriented battle system as they make new discoveries alongside the hero in this lighthearted adventure. Long-time fans will enjoy exciting new content and enhancements, including polished game mechanics, intuitive stylus control, and new jobs and classes.

“FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift makes the tactical RPG genre accessible to fans who may be unfamiliar with the grid-based battle system,” said Director Yuichi Murasawa. “While maintaining the classic functionality of the much-loved gameplay, this newest release boasts upgrades that enable a more engrossing and fulfilling tactical RPG experience.”

STORY
School is out for the summer, but mischievous Luso Clemens must first face detention to make up for his misbehavior. Alone in the library, he stumbles upon an ancient book with magical powers that summons him to the mystical land of Ivalice. Warped into the middle of a battlefield, Luso joins Cid and his clan to set off on an adventurous journey looking for a way home.

FEATURES
Explore the fantastic world of Ivalice and join forces with famous heroes from FINAL FANTASY XII – Vaan, Penelo and Al-Cid
All-new content and enhancements, including polished game mechanics, new jobs, new classes, and a new clan system that enrich the Ivalice experience for fans and newcomers alike
The North American release will allow players to command characters in battle and navigate through menus all with a tap of the stylus
Witness vibrant and colorful visuals in dual-screen presentation, made possible by Nintendo DS
Increased replay value with up to 400 available quests, allowing players to immerse themselves in a multi-faceted storyline

FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift is not yet rated. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings. FINAL FANTASY TACTICS A2: Grimoire of the Rift will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $39.99 (USD). The official website can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/ffta2/.

Tales of Pirates: Officially Released no more beta

Tales of Pirates: Officially Released

IGG has announced that their prized 3D MMORPG, Tales of Pirates (http://top.igg.com), has completed the development and will have been officially released on March 24, 2008.

Tales of Pirates started its’ Alpha Test on March 15, 2007 and its’ Open Beta Test on March 29, 2007 respectively and during the tests they received tons of encouraging comments while the number of players online climbed significantly.

IGG has promised that they will continue doing their best to perfect the game and offer the best services. Additionally, to celebrate this important moment, they have prepared many online and offline events for players.

For more info about these events visit: http://top.igg.com/info.php?articleId=935.

Charity Game The Tuttles Madcap Misadventures ships supported by Facebook Contest and download

Award-Winning Charity Game The Tuttles Madcap Misadventures Ships To Retail Supported By Facebook Contest

Seriously Ill Kids Stand to Benefit from Creative Fundraising Campaign

Legacy Interactive today shipped The Tuttles Madcap Misadventures: Starlight Charity Challenge game to retail. The hybrid PC/Mac retail version of the animated arcade-style game is a first-of-its kind national fundraising campaign benefiting children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses via Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation (www.starlight.org), with fifty percent of the retail proceeds going to the organization. Simultaneously downloadable Mac, Flash, widget and Facebook application versions of The Tuttles have launched, with a Facebook "Friends" promotional contest designed to help spread the word about the charity fundraiser.

Starlight helps seriously ill children and their families cope with pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. Its programs include mobile entertainment units and laptop computers for hospitalized children, fun family events that take children and families away from medical treatments, a social network for teens with serious medical conditions and much, much more.

"The Tuttles looks great, is fun and makes you feel good. It's an easy choice for people to get behind this game because a significant portion goes directly to brighten the lives of real children," said Legacy's CEO Ariella Lehrer. "By making a $20 purchase and helping spread the word, anybody can make a difference."

Kicked off as a fundraising concept by Starlight, certainly many people have gotten involved in the game already. Actors William Shatner, Bob Saget, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ashley Tisdale, Dominic Scott Kay, Dave Thomas and Dave Coulier lent their voices to The Tuttles, a classic side-scrolling platformer game for all ages. The story line follows a vacationing family as they travel by flying mini-van through desert, jungle and even under water avoiding obstacles and collecting goodies along the way to the Alamo. The original comedic script and characters were designed by Emmy Award-winning Animax Entertainment. SomaTone Interactive Audio created the soundtrack and leading Mac portability developer TransGaming, Inc. (TSX-V: TNG) has made the game Mac compatible using their Cider Portability Engine.

The downloadable PC version of the game (www.tuttlesfamilygame.com) was released late last year and has already garnered a "Kids Game of the Year" award from GameTunnel.com and a 2008 Parents' Choice Silver Award. The retail version, rated E For Everyone, will be available through retailers for a suggested retail price of U.S. $19.99. TransGaming has launched the downloadable Mac version of The Tuttles online at www.gametreeonline.com, and is also donating a significant portion of those sales back to Starlight.

In addition, free Flash, widget and Facebook application versions of The Tuttles have launched today. Ten Sony Cyber-shot DSC-N2 digital cameras, each with an MSRP of $449.95, will be given away as part of a Facebook "Friends" promotion. Participants must add The Tuttles Sweepstakes Facebook application to their profile at http://apps.facebook.com/legacygames, then can answer questions about the game and invite "friends" in their Facebook social network to add the application. The participant will receive one entry when they submit their answers and an additional entry for every friend they invite that accepts and downloads The Tuttles Sweepstakes Facebook application. Camera winners will be randomly drawn from all entries received by April 20, 2008.

While the celebrities and companies involved in creating the game have given liberally of their time and services, the remaining sales income goes towards defraying the actual costs of the fundraiser.

Sony PlayStation 3 getting BD-Live sooner rather than later

When I referred to potential Blu-ray player shoppers having an easy choice to make last week - Sony PS3 or, ummm, a Sony PS3 - I mentioned it was the only Blu-ray player currently on the market that could be upgraded to the format’s Profile 2 functionality. Profile 2, or BD-Live, makes Blu-ray players capable of downloading content, which I should point out — with only a few sour grapes — means Blu-ray will now have the same ability that HD DVD players had from day one. And at $399, the PS3 is one of the least expensive Blu-ray players around.

Well, it turns out BD-Live is a lot closer than I had realized — Sony just announced that it will be go out with the next PS3 firmware update (v.2.20) in late March. It will take a while for BD-Live-enabled movies to hit the market in force, though Sony is not surprisingly touting two Sony Pictures Entertainment titles - The 6th Day (wow, if that’s not a reason to buy a Blu-ray player, I’m not sure what is!) and Walk Hard - due out April 8.

According to the Playstation blog, other features in v2.20 include:

• The ability to copy PS3 Music and Photo playlists to a PSP system. We introduced the ability to create Music and Photo playlists on the PS3 in firmware update v2.0. Now you can easily export your playlists to your PSP.
• You can now play DivX and WMV format files that are over 2 GB.
• Resume Play - begin playing a DVD or BD disc from the point where you previously stopped it, even if you eject the disc and insert a different movie or game.
• Use your PSP as a remote control to play back your music files on your PS3 without turning on your TV.
  
• The Internet browser now displays some web pages faster. In addition [Save Target] has been added as an option under file. This option lets you save a file that is linked to a web page to your PS3 hard drive or storage media.
  

Source: znet

World of Motorsport Unveiled as Codemasters Reveals First Race Driver: GRID Gameplay Trailer

World of Motorsport Unveiled as Codemasters Reveals First Race Driver: GRID Gameplay Trailer

First stunning gameplay video reveals all online at www.racedrivergrid.com

A new world of motorsport is brought to life as Codemasters reveals the first gameplay video for Race Driver: GRID; the video is now showing online at www.racedrivergrid.com

Featuring aggressive wheel-to-wheel racing, spectacular crashes and a taster of the jaw-dropping damage engine, the unmissable trailer showcases Race Driver: GRID as the game that will make racing exciting again.

With footage captured from the dramatic in-car view and powerful replay camera, the stunning new video shows the game's broad range of race events, breath-taking cars and striking locations.

In Europe, touring cars jostle for position at Spa, the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR races in the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours race at dusk and the Aston Martin DBR9 charges around the historic city-centre of Milan.

In Japan, gamers catch their first glimpse of Race Driver: GRID's open-wheel racing series as Formula 3 cars battle around the new Otakuma circuit. At Yokohama docks, the Nissan Silvia and Subaru Impreza demonstrate the awesome exhilaration of drift and night-racing is revealed as the RE Amemiya RX-7 takes on the neon-lit streets of Shibuya in Tokyo.

Finally in the United States, the Dodge Viper roars through the iconic streets of San Francisco, Plymouth Barracudas and Chevrolet Camaros battle for supremacy in Washington and Jupiter Eagleray Mk5s smash their way through the chaos and carnage of the destruction derby in Detroit.

From its huge, challenging career mode to thrilling, incident-packed online races featuring up to 12 players, Race Driver: GRID will deliver an unparalleled competitive experience when it launches early summer for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Games for Windows®, and Nintendo DS™.

For the full video, new screens, wallpapers and to sign up to the official Race Driver: GRID newsletter visit the new site at www.racedrivergrid.com

Sneak Peek at Panzer Command: Kharkov with Google Earth!

Get a Sneak Peek at Panzer Command: Kharkov with Google Earth!

Watch the epic battle of Kharkov unfold in the splendor of Google Earth!

Matrix Games and Koios Works are pleased to share the Panzer Command: Kharkov Google Earth Tour with gamers who are looking forward to the highly anticipated release of Panzer Command: Kharkov. The tour is an operational overview of the second battle of Kharkov in May, 1942, focusing on the German Campaign of the 14th Panzer Division as portrayed in Panzer Command: Kharkov.

By downloading the tour and running it in Google Earth, players can press “play” and watch the campaign unfold from the operational level or examine the changing fronts of the battle and unit positions and maneuvers on both sides!

Not familiar with Google Earth? No problem – it’s easy! Just head to our instructions page and experience the Panzer Command: Kharkov Google Earth Tour in no time.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “We’re fans of Google Earth so putting this powerful tool to good use is something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time now. The ability to explore a massive battlefield like Kharkov in Google Earth and then follow a virtual tour of the battles in the German Campaign gives gamers a unique preview of what’s coming in Panzer Command: Kharkov.”

Panzer Command: Kharkov is a 3D simultaneous turn-based strategy game where you command either the Soviet or German forces during the punch and counter-punch of the 1942 battles around Kharkov in the Ukraine. Two new Kharkov campaigns as well as some additional short campaigns covering battles in 1941 and 1943 tie the scenarios together, allowing core units to progress from battle to battle, gaining experience, medals and special abilities. A point system allows players to “purchase” additional units for each mission in the campaign as well as replace losses, forcing decisions on management of resources.

The design for Panzer Command: Kharkov lets first time wargamers sit down and start playing, while allowing hard-core gamers to enjoy the realism and historical accuracy. A tutorial scenario and a full basic training campaign provide a gentle learning curve for new players. All campaign battles can also be fought as individual scenarios and a new random battle generator as well as a random campaign generator make for almost infinite replayability! The AI can control either side in each battle and a full Play-by-Email system allows for head to head play.

Panzer Command: Kharkov includes a full set of scenario and campaign editing tools as well as excellent support for moddability, extending to the game data as well as the 3D models themselves.

As an added bonus to people who are already Panzer Command fans, owners of Panzer Command: Winter Storm will receive a special upgrade offer to purchase Panzer Command: Kharkov at a discount.

Get more information on Panzer Command: Kharkov from its product page and be sure to download the Google Earth map file and get instructions on how to view the tour from this page.

NBA 2K8 VIDEO GAMES CODES

NBA 2K8 CODES

code - description

cpares - IND secondary road uniform

agtaccsinr - CHA racing uniform

amcnreo - Valentine's Day - CLE / SEA

haeitgyebs - 2008 All-Star uniforms

uclerehanp - St. Patrick's Day - BOS / CHI / NY / TOR

llmohffaae - Superstars team

nba2k - NBA 2K team

2ksports - 2K Sports team

vcteam - VC team

payrespect - ABA ball