ChartTrack UK video games chart June 28

All formats

Week ending 28 June 2008

1 Super Smash Bros: Brawl Nintendo
2 Battlefield: Bad Company EA Games
3 Lego Indiana Jones: Original Adventures Lucasarts
4 Wii Fit Nintendo
5 Big Beach Sports Play THQ 
6 Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots Konami
7 Mario Kart Wii Nintendo
8 Top Spin 3 2k Sports
9 Beijing 2008 Sega
10 Grand Theft Auto IV Rockstar
11 Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games Sega
12 Wii Play Nintendo
13 Dr Kawashima's Brain Training Nintendo
14 Guitar Hero: Aerosmith Redoctane
15 The Bourne Conspiracy Sierra
16 Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock Redoctane
17 Alone In The Dark Atari
18 Race Driver: Grid Codemasters
19 Cooking Guide: Can't Decide What To Eat? Nintendo
20 Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Activision

EA boss sets up iPhone games company - look out PSP and DS

The Nintendo DS and Sony PSP are the two current-gen hand-held games consoles around at the moment. But there could soon be a third contender, as the iPhone starts to build momentum as a viable platform for games. One man who has seen the potential of the iPhone, and mobile phone gaming as a whole is Neil Young, who has left his job as head of Electronic Arts Los Angeles studio to set up his own company called Ngmoco.

Neil Young has had a long career at games developer EA, working on games such as The Lord Of The Rings and The Sims 2, but he’s now leaving it all behind due to the potential he sees in mobile phone gaming, and particularly gaming on the Apple iPhone.

To leave what must be a well-paying and secure job at the biggest games publisher for this new venture means Young must believe that there is a future in the business of developing and publishing games for the new generation of mobile phones, of which the iPhone is currently at the forefront.



He told Kotaku:

One of the great things… iPhone is doing, is changing the relationship between the people making games and the people buying them. It’s removing that carrier that limits the potential of the business.

The device itself is, from a performance standpoint, somewhere between a DS and a PSP, but unlike the PSP, it’s got touch, the accelerometer, the camera, the microphone… it’s location-aware, and from a usage standpoint it’s always on, always with you and always connected to the network.

My sense is, the types of experiences that we’re going to be able to build on that device and the devices that follow… are going to be really interesting and blow the doors off the business.

They are some quite bold claims, but Young seems to believe that the iPhone, and the smartphones that are sure to follow in its wake, are going to be able to compete with dedicated consoles such as the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP in the future.

Certainly the motion-sensing and touch screen capabilities of the iPhone mean it could be the home of some innovative and user-friendly games in the not too distant future, but I still have some doubts as to whether your average iPhone user is going to bother buying and playing a game on the device, especially when that same consumer is likely to already own one of the mainstream hand-held consoles anyway.

It will be interesting to see if Young succeeds, and if he does, I suspect it will open up the games side of the iPhone substantially. That’s if he and his company succeed.

Source: iphone touch

FIFA 09 PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360 Features over 250 gamezplay enhancements

Electronic Arts today revealed it has created platform specific experiences for its popular FIFA 09 football franchise from EA SPORTS. FIFA 09 has been designed and customized to deliver a unique gameplay experience that takes advantage of the hardware specifications of each available platform— the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, Nintendo Wii home video game system, PC, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS, PSP (PlayStationPortable) system and mobile—when it is released worldwide this autumn.

“We have listened and responded to gamers and football fans around the world by building customized gameplay experiences for FIFA 09 on each platform,” said Andrew Wilson, Vice President & Executive Producer for the franchise. “Everyone wants to play a football game that is customized to their system and delivers a unique and enjoyable experience. We understand that and have innovated features, created new modes and designed controls that are tailored to each specific platform.”

With over 250 additions and enhancements to core gameplay, FIFA 09 on the PLAYSTATION 3 system and Xbox 360 deliver an authentic football simulation that enables you to customize the game to suit your style and ability. New animation technology creates more responsive first-time shooting and passing, faster and more controlled dribbling, and improved trapping. New player momentum physics, which exploits the power of these platform engines, delivers realistic player collisions, authentic jostling for the ball, and more variation in tackling.

“We listened to our consumers to make the changes that they wanted,” said David Rutter, Producer of FIFA 09 on the PLAYSTATION 3 system and Xbox 360. “No other game has over 250 feature changes and additions focused on improving core gameplay. We have an absolutely authentic recreation of the real sport through attention to detail.”

For the first time, go inside the game engine to customize the strategy and positioning of your teammates to decide exactly how your team will play in any situation. With new Custom Team Tactics you have all the tools to become a first-team coach. Adjust and customize tactical settings so CPU players and your team perform just like the real-world team plays and make strategic decisions to exploit your opponent’s weaknesses, all on-the-fly. The popular feature innovation Be A Pro has expanded to a career mode called Be A Pro: Seasons where you can choose or create a professional player and then develop his skills at a single outfield position over four years with the ultimate goal of becoming a national legend. The matchday experience is now true-to-life with a referee and linesmen on the pitch. Plus, crowds, stadium atmosphere and commentary have all been regionalized in exact detail.



On the Wii, enjoy FIFA 09 All-Play one of two ways—a Wii-specific take on the authentic ‘11 vs. 11’ simulation or over-the-top ‘8 vs. 8’ arcade action within a stylized environment with Mii™ versions of your favorite superstars, like Ronaldinho and Wayne Rooney. Refined motion and point-and-play controls make playing FIFA 09 All-Play even more intuitive and perfectly balanced for gamers of any ability to enjoy fun, football action. Choose to play the style that best suits your skills from advanced controls for experienced players to new EA SPORTS™ All-Play controls that enables novice players to focus on fun using simplified controls with AI assistance.

“You’ve never played football like this before,” said Kaz Makita, Line Producer of FIFA 09 All-Play. “Our new ‘8 vs. 8’ Footii Match enables you to play an exaggerated style of football where the personality of your Mii comes to life. You can play with your Mii characters against or alongside some of the biggest stars in a truly unique football experience tailored specifically for the Wii version of FIFA 09.”

FIFA 09 on PC now features leading-edge visuals that deliver graphics that exploit the power of hi-spec gaming PCs, as requested by PC gamers. Star players are featured in photorealistic quality with remodeled likenesses for ultra-realistic gameplay. FIFA 09 on PC also features customizable mouse gameplay controls that deliver deeper, more intuitive command over your squad. Plus, customizable widgets are now integrated into the menu system to connect you to the FIFA community and real-world football so you stay connected while playing FIFA 09.

“We are committed to investing and innovating to create a PC specific experience,” said Producer Paul Hossack. “Gamers want a gameplay experience exclusively for PC and FIFA 09 on PC delivers this.”

With 500 new animation sequences and all-new collision and shielding systems—representing the biggest innovations to the multiplatform EA SPORTS football engine in four years— FIFA 09 delivers more responsive, intelligent and realistic physical action on the PlayStation 2 system. The new collision detection system with 360 degree coverage enables players to behave according to their physical attributes where player speed, direction and strength determine everything from the severity of the collision to the outcome of possession. Changes to the animation system reward the skillful gamer during one-on-one situations between attackers and defenders. Tuned acceleration attributes enable swifter virtual players to possess quicker first steps and gain advantage in sprints. Plus, four new skill moves—scoop turns, rainbow flicks, heel-to-heel knocks and ball rolls—give you a total of 32 tricks in your arsenal to perform just like Ronaldinho.

FIFA 09 on the PSP system and Nintendo DS now include the innovative Be A Pro feature, including the unique Be A Pro camera that re-creates the rush and excitement of racing in on goal, designed exclusively for each system.

Razer Launch Chinese gaming keyboard

Co-developed with Team Razer's pro-gamers, the Razer Aurantia features full macro capabilities in a portable keyboard.

Razer, the world's leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming and lifestyle electronics peripherals, has announced the launch of the Razer Aurantia (China Pro-Gaming Edition), Razer's entry level gaming keyboard, exclusive to China. The public will have a chance to test the Razer Aurantia at the Razer booth at ChinaJoy 2008, happening in Shanghai later this month.

The Razer Aurantia will be sold together with the Razer Salmosa (China Pro-Gaming Edition) as a bundle, at an MSRP of RMB 399.

Razer Aurantia bundle – RMB 399

• 104 programmable keys with macro capabilities
• Three additional keys for 'gaming mode,' 'profile switching,' and 'mute' functions
• 10 customizable software profiles with on-the-fly switching
• Detachable non-slip wrist rest
• Approximate size:
446mm (length) x 205mm (width) x 29mm (height) – with wrist rest

AVAILABILTY: Mid-July 2008 in China

Razer website (Europe)

How to Play Super Smash Bros. Brawl video - Play as Wall.E

Watch this video that explains how to play and win Super Smash Bros. Brawl on Nintendo Wii.

Who you can play as, the group match and lots more from Amazon.

Watch the video here...

The Ultimate Music Game Is Back For An Encore Harmonix, MTV Games and Electronic Arts Unleash Rock Band 2

Entire Rock Band Downloadable Content Music Catalog Compatible with Rock Band 2

More Music, Online Modes, Features Than Ever Before With New and Improved Drum and Guitar Peripherals

Rock Band Online Music Store Passes 15 Million Paid Downloads

Rock Band 2 Makes Exclusive Debut on Xbox 360 This September

Harmonix, the world’s premier music video game company in the world, and MTV Games, a part of Viacom’s MTV Networks, along with marketing and distribution partner Electronic Arts are taking the groundbreaking music platform that forever changed the face of music video games to the next level this September with the release of Rock Band 2. With the original providing millions of players a new way to interact with the music and artists they love, Rock Band 2 is the next evolution of the franchise that redefined the standard for music games.

Rock Band is the groundbreaking platform that allows music fans and gamers to interact with music like never before - challenging players to put together a band and tour for fame and fortune while learning to master lead/bass guitar, drums and vocals.



Rock Band 2 builds upon its foundation as the first music game to introduce co-operative band gameplay, multiple instruments, a robust online multiplayer experience, an unrivaled offering of downloadable content and raises the bar by delivering an entirely new level of depth, connectivity, authenticity and features including:

Backwards compatibility with Rock Band downloadable music content. All previously purchased tracks will immediately load into your Rock Band 2 song list. No need to re-purchase or re-download.

The biggest and most diverse soundtrack ever featuring some of rock’s most prolific acts, comprised entirely of master recordings.

Major new and dynamic online modes that will connect the entire Rock Band community in more ways than ever before both locally and globally.

More variety of instrument choices than ever before with new and improved drum and guitar peripherals, enhanced functionality and innovative new designs - all fully compatible with the original Rock Band instruments.

And much more.

"As successful as the original Rock Band continues to be, we've now had the benefit of the last eight months to listen to our fans' requests and to build upon that foundation," said Alex Rigopulos, co-founder and CEO of Harmonix. "Rock Band 2 is a second-generation band game that will elevate the music game experience to the next level."

Rock Band 2 will make its debut on Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft this September and have an exclusive launch window in North America. Rock Band 2 will be available for additional platforms later this year.

“We expect Rock Band 2 to continue to drive an amazing social music experience on Xbox 360, said David Hufford, senior director, Xbox Product Management for the Interactive Entertainment Business, Microsoft. “We look forward to supporting Rock Band 2 on Xbox 360 as gamers continue to download hundreds of new music tracks from Xbox LIVE so they and their friends can perform the rock music they love most.

More details regarding features and music for Rock Band 2 will be revealed at the 2008 E3 Media & Business Summit. Rock Band, the first installment in the franchise, garnered more than 40 awards including Game Critics Award: Best of Show E3 2007.

In addition, Harmonix and MTV Games today announced that The Rock Band online music store recently surpassed 15 million paid downloads since the game’s launch in late November 2007. With more than 200 tracks available to date via download purchase (complete list of tracks at http://www.rockband.com/dlc), the massive Rock Band Music Store allows players to preview and purchase downloadable individual music tracks, packs and albums from the vast selection of offerings available as they build their own custom Rock Band library.

IGN blow lid of Rock Band 2 - The Opening Act

Rock Band is ready for a comeback tour. Today, Harmonix announced Rock Band 2 is set to ship for Xbox 360 this September and PS3 later in the year. 

However, the official announcement of Rock Band 2 is sparse on details, so we went straight to Harmonix to learn more. We spoke with Lead Designer Dan Teasdale to get the full scoop on the mega-sequel. Teasdale gave us his thoughts on user-created content, improving accessibility, upgrading last year's model and more.

More from IGN...

Rock Band Warranty Restrictions Loosened - Harmonix

Harmonix has announced that it will allow customers who've purchased Rock Band, presumably for any platform, to take advantage of its EA warranty program without providing a receipt showing proof of purchase within 60 days, effective June 30th.

The company received numerous complaints after it decided to enforce its 60-day warranty policy with customers seeking repairs and replacements for faulty Rock Band hardware. Harmonix went on to admit that its peripherals bundled with the initial November shipment of game bundles suffered manufacturing issues, promising to replace broken or unresponsive hardware.

In its statement, Harmonix outlined several reasons for its enforcement of its warranty program: "(1) we have a great deal of confidence in our peripherals, (2) we believe we have a great warranty program in place and (3) we found that a large number of the reported problems--especially those after the 60 day period--were due to mistreatment of the equipment."

The loosened restrictions will last until October 1, 2008, when the company will again require customers to report the defects with a receipt within 60-days of purchasing the game. Harmonix stressed that products that have been misused, modded, or broken due to excessive wear and tear will not be covered under the warranty.

Reports: Gamasutra

Sony working on 'break apart' motion PlayStation 3 game pad

Early Nintendo Break Apart game pad
Sony Computer Entertainment is working on a new controller for the PlayStation 3, which features the ability to 'break apart' into two separate units, each of which contains an accelerometer for 'Wiimote-like' motion-sensing functionality, GamesIndustry.biz understands.

It's not clear when the pad will be officially announced, but it is believed that working units have already been supplied to certain developer partners, according to sources.

The potential for new game types to be developed with the additional motion-sensing functionality should open up the PlayStation 3 to the sorts of gaming audiences that the Nintendo has been so successful at gathering with its Wii console.

More here...

Microsoft to cut Xbox 360 price in US

EEDAR analyst Jesse Divnich, in a note to investors following the release of NPD sales data for May, has stated his belief that Microsoft will cut the price of the Xbox 360 in the US at E3 this year.

"With E3 around the corner, we can expect Microsoft to make some type of announcement regarding a hardware price cut, the introductory of a new hardware SKU with new features, or both," he said.

And he added that if a price cut did happen he would expect Sony to follow suit within a two-month window.

Additionally Divnich expects the PlayStation 3 to continue to outpace the Xbox 360 in terms of sales, as in May, thanks to the release of Metal Gear Solid 4 - a much-anticipated exclusive to the Sony platform.

Meanwhile he notes that Nintendo seems to be doing a better job of meeting demand for the Wii console in the US, with the decline in gray market prices from a 40 per cent mark-up to 10 per cent - although supply for Wii Fit continues to be a problem, with gray market prices for that title averaging around a 62 per cent mark-up.

Source: Games Industry