World of Kung Fu - Free-to-play Martial Arts Online Game

Wallpaper from site below

The Free-to-Play Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) from VestGame Entertainment opens up new cities to explore, with new quests, monsters, and numerous improvements to gameplay. New version represents the final test of the Open Beta prior to its official release.

Starting today, World of Kung Fu players will be able to explore a dramatically enhanced and expanded virtual world. The popular 3D martial arts game is based on the arts and mythology of ancient China. The new version is the last in a series of upgrades leading to the official launch of the game on August 1st. A new server has been added to handle the increase in traffic.

The most noticeable new feature is the addition of 8 new maps including the new country of Qinchuan, its capital city Jingchuan, a huge, accurate replica of the Forbidden City (populated by dragons), a Dragon Maze, a large Hot Spring area, Qigong Temple, and more. The new maps expand the game’s playable area by about 25%.

Many quests have been added, as well as a new treasure hunting system. The new “Divine” weapons class has been activated. Ferocious enemies like the Tang Serpent and the Mojia Warriors will make their appearance. In addition, the level cap has been raised to allow players to achieve level 80.

“The new features and additions to gameplay as well as numerous ‘under the hood’ technical enhancements really add polish to World of Kung Fu, and that is being reflected in the numbers of new registered users we see signing up every day”, says David Clarke, the game’s Producer.

A great deal of play balancing combined with technical enhancements such as improved integration with Windows Vista and other versions of the Windows operating system will make it easier for new players to get involved with the game. The addition of a new server will also make the game more accessible to many people.

More detailed information about the many new features mentioned above can be found on the official World of Kung Fu website: http://www.worldofkungfu.com

YouTube videos here

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness coming to PlayStation 3 and PS Network

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One is currently in development for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and will debut on PLAYSTATION Network late fall 2008.

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness is an RPG-Adventure game series set in the comic-book-meets-pulp-horror-meets-H.P. Lovecraft deranged 1920s universe of New Arcadia, delivered to gamers via accessible episodic releases. Players join Gabe and Tycho, the crime-solving team of the Startling Developments Detective Agency, to combat savage enemies and solve mysteries hidden deep in the sinister heart of New Arcadia. The game is the result of close collaboration between Hothead Games and Penny Arcade, featuring distinct artwork and characters designed exclusively by Mike "Gabe" Krahulik, story and dialogue by Jerry "Tycho" Holkins, and all brought to life by the Hothead team.

"We keep getting emails asking why our Penny Arcade game is not on PSN," said Hothead's CEO, Vlad Ceraldi. "We have always said we wanted to have our games on as many platforms as possible to give choice to gamers. All good things take time and we are very excited to be debuting our first PS3 title and look forward to bringing more games to this platform in the future."

Sam & Max Season Two Collector's DVD

Special package featuring five complete games, hours of video bonuses, and original cover art by Sam & Max creator Steve Purcell available for order now at www.telltalegames.com

Collector's DVD for the acclaimed game series Sam & Max Season Two is available for ordering today. Telltale has given the second season of "gaming's first sitcom" the premium boxed-set treatment that has become common for television favorites, with behind-the-scenes extras and loads of special features. Telltale is also introducing new merchandise today to celebrate the release, including a signed commemorative print, a 2-CD Season Two soundtrack, and several special bundle offers.

Sam & Max Season Two has garnered critical acclaim from numerous sources, including two Editor's Choice awards from PC Gamer and positive reviews from mainstream press ranging from the New York Times to Playboy. The series is based on comic book characters created by Eisner award-winning cartoonist Steve Purcell, who has been publishing stories starring the offbeat dog and "rabbity-thing" crime-fighting duo for over twenty years. Purcell contributed an original painting inspired by the games' events to serve as the cover for this unique DVD release.

In addition to all five games from the award-winning episodic series, which play on a PC with a DVD-ROM drive, the Season Two Collector's DVD contains hours of region-free video viewable on a PC or in any standard DVD player. Special features on the disc include game footage reels with audio commentary from the development team, the 20-minute holiday video feature "Sam & Max Nearly Save Christmas," outtakes and promotional trailers, concept art, desktop wallpapers, and an MP3 soundtrack sampler. Samples of the video content can be viewed at http://www.telltalegames.com/samandmax.

Customers who already bought the downloadable Sam & Max Season Two set from Telltale can get the Collector's DVD for just the cost of shipping and handling. For new customers, the Season Two Collector's DVD sells for $34.95 and comes with free downloadable copies of the games. The DVD is expected to start shipping in August. More details are available here: http://www.telltalegames.com/store/samandmax-season2-disc


To celebrate the arrival of the Season Two DVD, Telltale's store has been stocked with new Sam & Max merchandise and great value bundles. The following new items are now available for preorder:

• The complete Sam & Max Season Two soundtrack, a 2-CD set featuring nearly three hours of jazz music from the games and another Steve Purcell original on the cover, retailing for $19.99
• A limited edition case file stuffed with "evidence" from each Season Two episode, priced at $5.99
• A poster print based on the Season Two DVD cover art, available unsigned for $14.99 or signed for $19.99
  

10 Undergarments Worn by Women in Video Games

Crazy things happen all the time in video games. People get shot, die, then come back to life. Plumbers traverse magical pipes and fight grumpy mushrooms. Monkeys voluntarily enter giant plastic balls and roll around collecting bananas...

read more | digg story

Microsoft Drops Player Fees On Games For Windows Live

Games For Windows Live is "now offering completely free online multiplayer" service, Microsoft said in a statement posted on the service's Web site. The company previously charged a monthly fee of $7.99. However, the emergence of several free online gaming services may have prompted Microsoft to drop the monthly charge.

read more | digg story

MidEast Crisis 2 - Blackhawk video game mod

The total conversion for CnC3 MIDEAST CRISIS 2 marches onward to its now confirmed August 2008 release date in style with the new transport unit known as the Blackhawk. The Blackhawk carries infantry across the map in style.

Also, if you've ever wondered how some of this mod's unique features pan out in the field, wonder no more! The lead dev explained how to survive as GOI against a Merkava attack in a recent forum post and screenshot 

"See a large force of Merkava's approaching your base? Your MiGs are busy reloading. What do you do?


It's simple. Hit the 'Mr.Stop' and 'Production Boost' powers, halting the enemy units and drastically increasing your production speed and letting you crank out T-90's with ease. Something to note: when your production is increased, the smoke stacks of your factories spew fire (you can see it on the production building in the screens)."

Inkheart movie becomes Nintendo DS video game

Inkheart video game coming to Nintendo DS. Based on the Hollywood movie starring Brandon Fraser, the game will release in conjunction with the movie during the fourth quarter of 2008.

Inkheart is the first installment in the Inkheart trilogy, written by Cornelia Funke and successfully published in 23 languages. In addition to the novels, audio books and tabletop games based on the franchise are sold.



JoWooD Productions and Tivola Publishing are working together in creating an extensive PR & marketing campaign, targeting both gamers and the movie audience. In cooperation with film distributors throughout the territories, sales figures and sell-through ratio will be optimized. A special bu ndle offer for the DVD release is being prepared together by Tivola and JoWooD.

Release: Q4 2008
Plattform: Nintendo DS

WATCHMEN - episodic download movie based game

WATCHMEN, an episodic downloadable game based on the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures’ film for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC in 2009.

The game captures the action and intrigue of the Watchmen feature film, directed by Zack Snyder, who previously helmed the blockbuster 300. The screenplay for Watchmen is by David Hayter and Alex Tse, based on the award-winning graphic novel illustrated by Dave Gibbons and published by DC Comics. The film is produced by Lawrence Gordon (Die Hard), Lloyd Levin (United 93) and Deborah Snyder (300), with Herbert W. Gains (The Brave One) and Thomas Tull (The Dark Knight) serving as executive producers. Watchmen is a presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures and Paramount Pictures in association with Legendary Pictures.

A complex, multi-layered mystery adventure, Watchmen will take us to the brink of destruction. In alternate 1985 America – in which costumed superheroes are not only real but have ultimately been outlawed – one former hero goes looking for the truth behind the murder of one of his own, but uncovers a devastating conspiracy to drag the world implacably closer to its own end.

Playing the film’s core group of “masks,” the masked adventurers at the center of the story, are Malin Akerman (The Heartbreak Kid), Billy Crudup (The Good Shepherd), Matthew Goode (Match Point), Carla Gugino (Night at the Museum), Oscar nominee Jackie Earle Haley (Little Children), Stephen McHattie (Shoot ‘em Up), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (TV’s Grey’s Anatomy), and Patrick Wilson (Little Children).

“We’re bringing the Watchmen universe to gamers in a distinct episodic game revealing action and combat for a great overall experience for fans,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Production and Development, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The filmmakers have been extremely helpful in developing the high-quality game story and we are working to match the outstanding visual style of the film.”

The videogame based on WATCHMEN will go beyond the film and delve into the characters, rivalries and challenges in a mature action-brawler. The game provides gamers with visceral superhero combat as urban vigilantes Rorschach and Nite Owl.

Jimi Hendrix video game debut on Guitar Hero - World Tour

Video Game to Feature Music and Likeness of One of Rock's Most Influential Guitar Legends

The iconic legacy of late singer/guitarist Jimi Hendrix continues in the upcoming Guitar Hero World Tour video game from Activision. One of the most creative and influential musicians of the 20th century, Hendrix will be featured in the game as a playable character, along with two of his most recognisable master tracks, “Purple Haze (Live)” recorded in 1969 at the San Diego Sports Arena and “The Wind Cries Mary.” Additional exclusive songs from the legendary artist will follow as downloadable content.

“Guitar Hero games have become the virtual rock stage for the industry’s most beloved artists and Guitar Hero World Tour continues that tradition by honoring the great Jimi Hendrix and celebrating some of his greatest work,” said Tim Riley, Vice President of Music Affairs for Activision Blizzard. “His presence in the game will serve to satisfy multiple generations of his fans and Guitar Hero devotees, as well as create new fans by reintroducing his genre-defining guitar style through the unique Guitar Hero experience.”

Guitar Hero World Tour is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. The Nontendo Wii version is being developed by Vicarious Visions. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Budcat. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information on Guitar Hero World Tour, please visit www.guitarhero.com.


About Activision
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision Publishing and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.

OPERATION Mania - a new twist on the classic Operation board game

What do you do when you are the doctor and someone comes into your hospital with butterflies in their stomach, water on the knee, and a frog in the throat? Operate of course! From EA’s casual games site Pogo.comTM comes OPERATIONTM Mania - a new twist on the classic OPERATION board game from Hasbro. Become an expert surgeon as you admit, diagnose and treat patients with the zaniest ailments in healthcare history. Play as Dr. Humerus who is an up and coming surgeon as he builds his reputation and is called in to save the day at five different hospitals in fun and wacky locations.

Race against the clock to send a variety of patients including well-known and beloved Cavity Sam through a series of treatment stations. Perform surgery and become an expert surgeon by completing micro-games reminiscent of the board game. Be quick and effective with treatment before the patient’s nose starts flashing and time is up! OPERATION Mania will be available online at Pogo.com in North America and the U.K. in August and at retail in North America in September for $19.95.

Key features of OPERATION Mania include:

• Hospital management: Diagnose and treat both standard and emergency patients, and run them through a gauntlet of medical procedures including admissions, x-ray and of course operations!
• Unique hospital settings: Advance through 35 levels and five hospitals in different regions on a wacky continent.
• Two game modes: Rise through the ranks in Story Mode or go for a challenge in Marathon Mode to care for patients as long as possible and experiment with endless upgrade combinations.
• Micro-games: Show surgical finesse by completing micro-games with a steady hand. The bite sized challenges are reminiscent of the board game that people have come to know and love.
• Upgrade the hospital: Spend money earned curing patients to buy upgrades for the hospital, including better equipment, faster service and additional staff.
• Multiplayer: Overcrowded waiting rooms can be alleviated by referring patients to friends and family online.