Logitech's new cordless Wii keyboard

Logitech cuts the cord on its new keyboard for the Wii. The Cordless Keyboard for Wii (as it's called) is officially licensed by Nintendo, so you can be sure it'll be compatible with your Wii games as well as the Wii Internet Channel.

The keyboard comes with dedicated Wii-centric keys, including Zoom In/Out, Forward/Back, Quit and Ok, and features a full-sized keyboard. And weighing in at only 1.5 lbs, it should be light and compact enough to fit comfortably on your lap. The keyboard goes on sale soon for $50.

Source: Cnet

UK games sales hit new record

First half of 2008 shows unprecedented software revenue growth thanks to Wii, Xbox 360 & PS3, plus DS.

Video games are enjoying a golden era in popularity according to figures released today by ELSPA (the Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers’ Association) and Chart-Track – the company that tracks games sales in the UK. Software sales for the first six months of 2008 are up on almost all games formats to a staggering revenue of £738 million (31.3m units sold) – an increase of over 42 per cent on 2007’s half-year figures. The first six months of 2008 show unprecedented software revenue growth thanks to just Wii, Xbox 360 & PS3, plus DS account for £690 million of the total. In stark contrast, PC games software suffered a hefty decline, with revenue of £48 million (3.9m units sold) – down 29 percent on last year’s £68 million.

Paul Jackson, Director General of ELSPA, said: "Games are now one of the most popular pastimes of the British – hence these remarkable figures. Our gamers are more mature than those of most countries – the average age of a player here is now 33 – and as our core gamers have grown up, so too have the revenues they bring in. Games are also proving themselves to be robustly recession-proof. Other retailers in the High Street have been struggling this year, but those selling games are not having such a tough time.

“Britain leads the way across Europe – and one in three games sold across the EU is also developed here. The challenge now is to ensure our success is not taken for granted at home or undervalued in any way – and to ensure we have the home-grown talent to ensure we will still be leading the way five years down the road.”

Revenue from console hardware over the first half of 2008 has seen overall growth in console revenue thanks to Wii & DS Lite. Revenue from console hardware was £513 million – up 27 percent on last year’s figure of £405 million. In terms of units shifted, 3.1 million – up 41 per cent on 2007’s 2.2 million.

Revenue from total games, hardware and accessories sold was a breathtaking £1,452 million (45.4 million units) – up 42 percent on last year’s no less impressive £1,022 million (34 million units).

160 games for the iPhone and iPod touch

Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO, has revealed that over 160 games will be available to download for the iPhone upon launch of the devices App Store, in a phone call with the New York Times.

In total 500 applications will be available when the store launches in the US today, 25 per cent of which will be free, 90 per cent will be sold for less than USD 9.99 and one third of the applications will be games.

Jobs also revealed that that Apple doesn't plan to make much money off of the applications, including games, by giving developers a 70 per cent cut of the sales.

"We are not trying to be business partners," said Jobs.

Final Fantasy XIII coming to X360!

Announced at the E3 press meeting.

Square Enix's long-awaited Final Fantasy 13 will no longer be PlayStation 3 exclusive. Yep, you read that right, it's July 14th (not April 1st), and I'm fresh out of hyperbole: Xbox 360 fans are getting Final Fantasy XIII.


Launching at same time as PS3 version!

"Available on Xbox 360 at launch in North America and Europe," said Square Enix. "We believe that bringing the game to Xbox 360 will allow us to provide a game to even more fans in North America and Europe."

Read more here on Joystiq...

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts - Fact Sheet

"Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts"

Fact Sheet

July 2008

Title: “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts”

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Developer: Rare Ltd.

Format: DVD for the Xbox 360 video game system

ESRB Rating: E-10 rating pending

Availability: November 2008

Product Overview:

Famed game developer Rare Ltd. is reviving one of its most beloved and successful franchises exclusively on Xbox 360 with the third installment of the “Banjo-Kazooie” series. “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” embraces new and old fans alike, as the famous bear and bird duo return in stunning high definition for a unique adventure of epic proportions. The Lord of the Games (aka LOG) is tired of the petty squabbling between Banjo and the evil witch Gruntilda (aka Grunty), and has arranged a showdown to decide the rightful owner of Spiral Mountain. Claiming to have created every video game ever made, LOG has built the game worlds in which the contest’s challenges take place. Banjo must complete LOG’s challenges to win, while Grunty tries to stop him using every method her devious mind can muster.

Throughout their adventure, players create their own abilities by building vehicles for Banjo to pilot over land, sea and air. Vehicle parts, which range from simple devices such as engines and wheels to more unusual equipment such as springs and egg guns, are earned and collected throughout the game. Players use their imagination to combine parts in any order to create whatever vehicle they choose. LOG’s challenges have one goal, but players’ choice of vehicle and tactics will determine how it gets accomplished. By exploring worlds and solving puzzles, players both young and old will be rewarded with more advanced and diverse vehicle parts in their quest to defeat Grunty once and for all and lay claim to Spiral Mountain.

With the power of Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE, “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” brings an entirely new experience to the console and takes the franchise to a whole new level of enjoyment. High-definition graphics, user-created content and online gameplay are just three of the many advances people of all ages and skill levels will discover as they embark on their adventure.

Features:

Top features include the following:

• An adventure that starts with your imagination. If you can imagine it, you can build it in the Mumbo’s Motors easy-to-use workshop. Then put your creation to the test as you take on Grunty in your quest for Spiral Mountain. Unlike other games, where the player progressively picks up new skills or abilities at points predetermined by the game’s creator, “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” puts the power of improving Banjo’s abilities into the hands of the players as they build vehicles that allow Banjo to progress through the game. Vehicle parts include a wide variety of body panels, engines, wheels, wings, propellers, fuel and weapons, plus many more weird and wonderful gadgets such as floaters, Mumbo Bombos and the versatile sticky ball. Players can design and create anything from a simple object-carrying truck to a space-age flying saucer. Once players have designed their creation, they give it the finishing touch by painting it and choosing a suitable name before Banjo jumps in and pilots it into action.

• Customizable experience. With more than 100 contraption parts and unlimited possible combinations, no two players will have the same experience in “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts.” By exploring the vast game worlds, discovering hidden secrets and solving puzzles to win rewards, players continually find more and more ways to customize and improve their contraptions, creating an unprecedented level of user-generated content for a 3-D platform adventure game.

• Fun right out of the box. Don’t worry if you aren’t the world’s greatest inventor or want to skip the workshop and get straight to the action, because “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” comes with a fully loaded experience right out of the box. Pre-built vehicles are included so players can jump right in and get started, with many more contraptions available for purchase throughout the adventure using the in-game currency system of musical notes.

• Xbox LIVE gets in on the fun. For the first time in franchise history, “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” is going to include competitive and cooperative multiplayer gameplay. Now players can face off head-to-head in multiple multiplayer modes or team up and play cooperatively via Xbox LIVE.* And with the title’s online blueprint sharing system, players can share their designs over Xbox LIVE with friends and gamers everywhere. Rare has an extremely dedicated and active fan base, and we expect this addition combined with the unlimited user-generated content of “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” to help further grow and inspire that community, and push their creative limits!

• Engaging storyline and entertaining characters. Two of Rare’s most beloved characters have returned from retirement, making their debut on Xbox 360. To win the deed to their homeland and prevent the evil witch Gruntilda from developing it into tower blocks and malls, Banjo and his best friend Kazooie battle over land, sea and air against their longtime rival. Familiar faces such as Mumbo Jumbo, Bottles, Captain Blubber and the Jinjos are also back to lend a hand, along with an equally colorful cast of new friends and foes. Players can look out for Trophy Thomas, Piddles, Lord of the Games and Grunty’s mechanically menacing army of Gruntbots.

• Innovation connecting the franchise’s past and present. With the power of Xbox 360, this newly activated feature, known as Stop ‘N’ Swop, connects “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” to the upcoming Xbox LIVE Arcade release of the original “Banjo-Kazooie.” Players’ accomplishments in the new game will be rewarded with extra content and features in the Xbox LIVE Arcade game, encouraging fans to dive into as much “Banjo” as they can get their hands on!

• Enjoy alone or with friends. “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts” offers complete single-player and multiplayer experiences. Gamers can play through the adventure alone in the single-player campaign, or with friends in competitive or cooperative challenges alone or in teams on Xbox LIVE.

• Fun for everyone. Xbox 360 is the home to the best entertainment experiences for everyone. With “Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts,” Xbox 360 continues to build its impressive lineup of content that appeals to people of all ages and types.

Mirror’s Edge - a unique first-person action adventure

Original Fiction in Mirror's Edge Introduces Faith

“Once this city used to pulse with energy; dirty and dangerous, but alive and wonderful. Now it is something else.” – Faith. DICE, an Electronic Arts, today announced that writer and story designer Rhianna Pratchett is responsible for crafting the intricate script for Mirror’s Edge - a unique first-person action adventure. Pratchett introduces players to Faith, a ‘runner’ in a world where communication channels are highly monitored and the movement of human traffic is closely watched. When Faith’s sister gets framed for a murder she did not commit, Faith finds herself on the edge of the city, on the wrong side of the law.



“It was a great experience working with the team at DICE to help breath life into Faith; her world, relationships and backstory,” said Rhianna Pratchett. ”My heroines and heroes have always been the ones who were ordinary, but through the events of a story, became extraordinary. Faith is skilled, but she's certainly not a superhero. She has her flaws, like all of us. In short: she's real. That's her appeal.”

Mirror’s Edge delivers players straight into the shoes of this modern day heroine as she traverses the vertigo-inducing cityscape, engaging in intense combat, fast-paced chases and challenging puzzles. With a never-before-seen sense of movement and perspective, players are drawn into Faith’s world.

“We were excited to work with Rhianna to develop the story, setting and character of Faith,” said Owen O’Brien, Executive Producer, DICE. “We were extremely lucky to be able to work with someone who is not only a writer, but also a core gamer, to create the world of Mirror’s Edge.”

Pratchett has been recognized by the videogame entertainment industry for numerous achievements in her 10 year gaming career including being voted by Next-Gen.Biz as one of the 100 most influential women in the games industry. She’s also worked on a number of high profiles games including Heavenly Sword and Overlord that have been nominated for a BAFTA and Develop Award for creation of story, character and new intellectual property. For more information on her work, please visit www.rhiannapratchett.com.

Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility on Nintendo Wii

Was there really a Harvest Goddess? Did she actually bring prosperity to Waffle Island? Most people around here don't believe the local legends, but after the death of the ancient Mother Tree, nothing is normal. Stormy seas and hardships have citizens talking and even packing up. That's why the mayor asked you-a newcomer-to investigate. Can you grow crops, nurture animals and find a way to restore magic and natural wonders? Sow your seeds of destiny in this first farming adventure for the Nintendo Wii! It is up to you to save the island!

Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility is filled with exciting features that are sure to delight both new players and long-time Harvest Moon fans! There are lot of crops to grow, a variety of animals to care for, tons of festivals to participate in, and an exciting story!

• Cut, water and plant crops with realistic motions using your Nintendo Wii Remote!
• Choose a farming life as a boy or a girl character!
• Build your own farm, and then expand by buying more land!
• Raise cows, goats, ducks, chickens, horse, silkworms… even ostriches!
• Earn extra funds while working part-time at local shops and businesses.
• Explore the biggest Harvest Moon adventure ever created for any video game system!

Available: Summer 2008

Harvest Moon - Island of Happiness on Nintendo DS

Build your own paradise!

You’re shipwrecked on a deserted island! Starting with an abandoned farm, a handful of seeds, and the determination to start a new life, it’s up to you to tame the land and make the island prosper! By farming crops, raising animals, and mining for precious gems, you’ll help the island grow into a vibrant town bustling with people, businesses, and eligible bachelors and bachelorettes. Are you a good enough farmer to turn this island into a paradise?

• Play as a boy or as a girl!
• Attract settlers by building your farm!
• Fall in love and start a family!
• Explore the biggest portable Harvest Moon ever!
• Compete against other ranchers via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection!

Available: Summer 2008

E3 2008 - Every confirmed PlayStation 3 game

E3 2008 begins in LA tomorrow. We waited until the last possible minute to bring you the final list of confirmed games, including all those that are PS3 exclusive.Of course, we are expecting all sorts of additional titles to appear during the Sony conference on Tuesday 15th...

Baja: Edge of Control
 Bionic Commando
Bionic Commando Rearmed [PS3 Attitude Big Three title]
 BioShock
Blitz: The League II
 Borderlands
Buzz! Quiz TV PS3 Exclusive [PS3 Attitude Big Three title]
 Damnation
Dark Void
 Darksiders: Wrath of War
Dead Space
 Edge of Twilight
FaceBreaker
 Fallout 3
Free Realms
 Just Cause 2
Killzone 2 PS3 Exclusive
 Legendary
LEGO Batman: The Videogame
 LittleBigPlanet PS3 Exclusive
Madden NFL 09
 Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
Mirror's Edge
 Monster Madness: Grave Danger PS3 Exclusive
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
 MotorStorm: Pacific Rift PS3 Exclusive
NBA 2K9
 NBA Live 09
NCAA Football 09
 NHL 2K9
Operation Flashpoint 2: Dragon Rising
 PixelJunk Eden PS3 Exclusive
Plunder
 Project Origin
Pure
 Red Faction: Guerrilla
Resident Evil 5
 Resistance 2 PS3 Exclusive
Rise of the Argonauts
 Saints Row 2
SIREN: Blood Curse (Episode 1) PS3 Exclusive
 SOCOM: Confrontation PS3 Exclusive
Soulcalibur IV
 Street Fighter IV
Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
 The Agency
The Last Remnant
 The Lord of the Rings: Conquest
This is Vegas
 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09
TNA iMPACT!
 Tomb Raider Underworld
Wheelman
 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009

read more | digg story

More Rock Band 2 new features - Compete Against Other Bands Online...

For the First Time Ever in a Music Videogame Compete Against Other Bands Online; Export Music Tracks from Original Disc to Rock Band 2

Upgraded World Tour, Battle of the Bands, Set Challenges and Drum Trainer All Deliver an Authentic, Optimized Experience

Soundtrack to Feature Over 100 Songs From Unrivaled Blend of Classic, Developing and New Artists

Rock Band is the first music game to Support Open Platform By Officially Licensing Third Party Rock Band 2 Instruments: Mad Catz Premier Guitar Controllers, Cymbal Expansion Pack and Professional ION Alesis Drum Set

New features for the next evolution of the groundbreaking music platform, Rock Band™ 2. With the original Rock Band title providing millions of players with a new way to interact with the music and artists they love, Rock Band 2 builds upon its core band foundation to offer an unparalleled, deeper, dynamic gameplay experience.

Rock Band 2 raises the bar in music gaming innovation with new features to rock the world:

* Local and global online modes to connect the entire Rock Band community
* World Tour mode, now online, simplifies the best of gameplay from the original Rock Band by fusing Solo Tour and Band World Tour modes and cranks it up a notch with an all new collection of opportunity gigs, challenges, cities, venues and hirable staff
* Tour Challenges that offer rockers a chance to play through mini-campaigns focused on the best songs by instrument, decade, genre, artist, album and more
* Battle of the Bands mode challenges players to go head to head against other bands in constantly refreshed contests* created by Harmonix (*internet connection required)
* Quickplay makes it easier than ever to get in and jam without hassle while allowing for new prefab characters or customized characters that can play on any instrument plus lets you make your own set lists and organize your song lists in a variety of categories (genre, era, etc.)
* Customizable Set Lists keep the music rolling and your band rocking in Quickplay mode
* Drum Trainer mode gives players the fundamentals of different beats and fills, translating gameplay into real drumming skills
* Character Creator completes your look with all new choices in clothing, accessories, tattoos, hairstyles, instruments and more to keep your unique rock avatar playing the full rock part
* Backwards compatibility with all Rock Band downloadable music content released to date
* Disc Export Feature gives owners of the original Rock Band the ability to export most of the Rock Band disc tracks and upgrade them into Rock Band 2 gameplay-the first time ever in videogame history!

Rock Band 2 features the largest music catalogue of any music-based videogame to date including:

* The Rock Band 2 soundtrack will feature over 100 songs - with over 80 songs on disc plus an additional 20 bonus tracks which will be made available for free download this fall .
* Unrivaled Blend of Classic, Developing and Emerging rock acts including Pearl Jam, Metallica, Allman Brothers, Motorhead, Devo, Jane's Addiction, Megadeth, Paramore, Modest Mouse and more.
* Rock Band 2 is the first and only video game to feature the music of AC/DC. It includes their epic rock anthem, "Let There Be Rock”
* After 14 years since Guns N’ Roses last official music release, Axl Rose selects Rock Band 2 to debut official new track, “Shackler’s Revenge” from the highly-anticipated album Chinese Democracy
* For the first time ever, music from American music icon, Bob Dylan, is featured in a video game with “Tangled Up In Blue”
* With ongoing weekly DLC releases including individual tracks, track packs and full albums, the Rock Band music library will feature more than 500 songs by year’s end!

From the solid officially licensed Rock Band 2 instruments to the expanded third party options, Rock Band 2 introduces new and improved choices that promise to deliver unsurpassed realism. In addition, Harmonix and MTV Games have become the first companies to officially support third party instruments and accessories in a music videogame.

Achieve ultimate stardom with the upgraded functionality and smooth new look of the official Rock Band 2 instruments.

* Fender Stratocaster Controller takes on a new authentic look plus adds a reinforced strum bar, quieter buttons, wireless functionality and a built in calibration tool that automatically sets your AV setup to an ideal setting for maximum rock.
* Drum set goes wireless while also featuring quieter, velocity sensitive drum pads and a metal reinforced pedal.
* Microphone showcases authentic styling and weight.

Kick up the intensity with officially licensed third party instruments from Mad Catz:

* Fender Telecaster Controller features soft buttons with lower action to help you shred faster than ever.
* Fender Bass Controller, the first bass guitar controller ever, takes the shape of the Fender P-Bass with extended length, tuning pegs and a split strum bar to replicate finger-bass style picking.
* Full-sized Squire Stratocaster Guitar Controller multiplies the authentic guitar experience by featuring a controller built into an actual Squire Stratocaster body.
* Cymbal Expansion Pack is a straightforward but amazing upgrade to the Rock Band 2 drum set featuring add-on cymbals.

Take Rock Band 2 instrument authenticity to a whole new level with a high-end peripheral from ION:

* ION Drum Rocker, a real electronic drum kit that functions as a game controller, brings the Rock Band fantasy to life featuring a simple substitution that takes the drum kit from a controller to a real instrument.