Trailer released for Geo-Political Simulator

Ever solved the world’s problems over a pint or on the bus? Well, the time has come to put your policies to the test. For the first time on PC the Geo-political Simulator Game (GPS) is an ultra-real simulation of our world and its politics, from now until the end of the century. Energy, security, economy, environment, strategy, diplomatic alliances, culture policy, intelligence, infrastructure – anything could make you the greatest political leader of the 21st century ... if you stay in power!

Today Eversim release the English trailer for GPS showing the intensity and complexity of the game. GPS is a thoroughly researched and regularly updated simulation which provides everything you need to know to do your job – the job of the most powerful person in the country.


The trailer can be viewed here: http://www.geo-political-simulator.com/index.php?langue=en&page=multimedia

The climate is changing, natural resources are becoming scarce, society is evolving. Find the scientific, political and social solutions for tomorrow’s world. Test out a new policy or apply established doctrines; all scenarios are possible - the choice is yours in Geo-political Simulator.


You’re in charge. You have the power. But do you have what it takes?

Geo-political Simulator will be released in the UK on PC by Eversim in Q3.

Namco Bandai's SoulCalibur IV passes Two Million

Souls Burn Worldwide With Celebrated Fighting Franchise

Soulcalibur IV, the newest installment to the world renowned weapon-based fighting series, has shipped two million units worldwide following its August 1st launch. Published by Ubisoft in PAL territories for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Soulcaliburv IV, continues the franchise’s legacy of delivering a rich gaming experience with robust features and enhancements.

Set to finally reveal the origins of this ongoing saga, Soulcalibur IV features new and familiar faces from across the galaxy who seeks the rival swords for their own goals. The line-up of weapon-wielding fighters grows as new characters add another layer of challenge and mystery, including legendary STAR WARS characters Jedi Master Yoda for the Xbox 360 version of the title; Darth Vader for the PLAYSTATION 3 system; and Darth Vader’s Secret Apprentice from LucasArts' hotly anticipated Star Wars: The Force Unleashed™, who will make an appearance on both platforms.

Retooled from the ground up, Soulcalibur IV provides a true next generation experience by bringing the beloved series to the HD era and presenting the game as it was meant to be enjoyed. Adding to the depth of weapon based combat players can perform Critical Finish moves to defeat opponents in one spectacular hit. Also, fighting aficionados can now battle online for the first time in franchise history using customized characters or fan favourites to challenge others for worldwide domination.

World Heroes Anthology coming soon to PlayStation 2

World Heroes Anthology for PlayStation 2.

Follow the exploits of Dr. Brown, as he uses his time machine to organise a fighting tournament containing all the best fighters throughout history – many of which are based on actual historical figures.

The Anthology contains the entire collection of another of SNK’s popular franchises. Those included are WORLD HEROES, WORLD HEROES 2, WORLD HEROES JET and WORLD HEROES PERFECT.

‘World Heroes is a franchise that has remained a favourite amongst SNK fans’ Says Peter Rollinson, Product Manager, Ignition Entertainment ‘With its diverse and sometimes recognisable array of fighters, World Heroes Anthology can also be enjoyed by all fighting game fans in general’.

Game Features:

• A total of 56 characters across 4 titles.
  
• Test your strength in a one fall Death Match battle in WORLD HEROES
  
• Adjust the speed settings in WORLD HEROES 2 and execute the all-new counter throw and repelling moves.
  
• Enter the WORLD HEROES Tournament of Titans in WORLD HEROES JET
  
• Activate the “3 button” Special Move only in WORLD HEROES PERFECT.
  
• Polish your skills in the exclusive Training Mode Added to the PlayStation®2 version.
  
• Create your own original character with the Colour Edit function.
  

Film and TV composer, Tyler Bates, has signed on to score Rise of the Argonauts

Film and TV composer, Tyler Bates, has signed on to score Rise of the Argonauts™, an epic action/RPG in development by Liquid Entertainment and set to release Autumn 2008. With more than forty film and television scores under his belt, Bates’ most recent credits include the epic film “300” and Showtime’s dark comedy “Californication”. Rise of the Argonauts will the first video game to release with Bates’ composition. To hear a sample of the score, watch the new gameplay video now available at www.rise-of-the-argonauts.co.uk.

Bates is one of the most sought after composers in Hollywood with a distinctive approach to scoring movies. His list of credits include “300”, “Doomsday”, “The Devil’s Rejects”, “Dawn of the Dead”, “Halloween” and “Californication”. Bates’ future projects include “The Watchmen” and “The Day the Earth Stood Still”.

“The mythical nature of Rise of the Argonauts encouraged me to go beyond TV and movies and compose the score for my first video game,” said Tyler Bates. “Rise of the Argonauts is an epic game with some of the biggest Greek heroes like Jason, Hercules and Achilles, which inspired me to compose dramatic, sweeping music to create the proper setting for this exciting adventure.”

Rise of the Argonauts immerses players in a gladiatorial adventure set in a wondrously imagined vision of ancient Greece. Taking the role of Jason, a hero and expert warrior, players will battle alongside Hercules, Achilles, Atalanta and other Argonauts as they engage in brutal combat against formidable beasts and enemies, in a vast world alive with fickle gods, jaw-dropping panoramas, deep exploration and epic quests.

“In Rise of the Argonauts, every design choice emphasises immersion. We want players to actually feel like they’re heroes in ancient Greece – not just playing a game. Tyler’s experience with composing for film and TV gave him a fresh perspective, and his music for the game set the epic tone we were hoping for.” said Ed Del Castillo, President of Liquid Entertainment.

Rise of the Argonauts is set for release in Autumn of 2008 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Games For Windows on the PC. For more information and to watch the new gameplay video, please visit www.rise-of-the-argonauts.co.uk.

Games Screenings for Edinburgh Interactive Festival 2008

Looking to get into the video games industry? 

Want to check out the latest games and listen to some of the most influential people behind those titles? This year’s Edinburgh Interactive Festival screenings programme has a stellar line-up of speakers, amazing games screenings and workshops designed to help open the door to arguably the most creative industry in the world.

Sunday 10th August
Game Screenings
Dare ProtoPlay
Public games area and retail site

Monday 11th August
EIF Conference
Game Screenings
Dare ProtoPlay
Public games area and retail site
Conference Networking event

Tuesday 12th August
EIF Conference
Game Screenings
Dare ProtoPlay
Public games area and retail site
Digital Interactive Symposium

Edinburgh Interactive Festival 2008
Edinburgh International Conference Centre
150 Morrison Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EE
UK

The Eight Worst Nintendo Video Game Characters Ever

Some characters work, and some don't. 

When a character that doesn't work keeps hanging around a story, and especially a video game, you have a recipe for frustration. Game characters can go bad in a lot of ways, ranging from poorly balanced enemies to flat-out irritating concepts. 

Here's a rogue's gallery of the eight worst, most annoying game char

read more | digg story

'Driver' Coming to PlayStation Network

Ubisoft has announced that the PlayStation classic Driver will be hitting the PlayStation Network next Thursday, August 14th. The game puts you in the role of an undercover cop infiltrating a crime syndicate using his driving skills, something that happens on a regular basis these days.

read more | digg story

War Between the States - v1.020 Update

Another update is released for the turn-based American Civil War grand strategy hit!

update for their popular American Civil War grand strategy game, Gary Grigsby’s War Between the States. The update includes over a dozen fixes, and three rule changes: one to prevent damaged units being sent to border states, an improvement in scouting rules and levels, and a change to make smaller cavalry raids less destructive. We recommend that all players upgrade to v1.020.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “The legendary 2 by 3 Games team has done it again with War Between the States. This new grand strategy game is already being hailed as a must-have classic. It brings fantastic innovation and addicting gameplay to one of the most important events in American history.”

Taking gamers back to the start of the American Civil War, Gary Grigsby’s War Between the States allows players to experience the trials and tribulations of the role of commander-in-chief for either side. Historically accurate, detailed and finely balanced for realistic gameplay, War Between the States is also easy to play and does not take months to finish.

Promote and cultivate talented young colonels or brigadiers to build Corps and Army commanders that will help you fight and manage the war effort from battles to training of recruits with the utmost efficiency and success. An innovative multi-faceted rank promotion system allows leaders to gain in abilities and power based on their successes, while also simulating the historical progression of leaders during the war. Each decision you make must be weighed carefully, as promoting and demoting leaders, entering neutral states, raising troops and many other actions cost you the political capital that will determine your ability to achieve victory.

Combat Mission Shock Force - Marines module

Combat Mission Shock Force - Marines, the first module to the Combat Mission Shock Force modern tactical warfare series, is now open for pre-orders. Battlefront.com, independent internet based publisher and developer, has also for the first time released additional information about the features and content, as well as a couple of new action videos.

Official game page:www.battlefront.com/marines

CMSF Marines will be available in September 2008, only from http://www.battlefront.com via Download as well as Mail Delivery, and will not be sold in stores. The price is $25. Ownership of the base game, Combat Mission Shock Force (in any version, i.e. retail via Paradox, Gamer's Gate or Battlefront), is required to play.

Pre-order customers can secure their copy right now! If you pre-order now, you are going to receive BOTH the download version as well as a hardcopy by mail at a $10 discount off the regular price. Pre-order customers will also be notified first when the game is released in September.

If you don't have Combat Mission Shock Force - don't worry. You can also pre-order the special Combat Mission Shock Force + Marines Bundle with both games included for $45, and save even more! (a whopping $25 off the regular price).

Free-to-play online snowboarding game - open beta and contest

Outspark Announces Next Phase of New Multiplayer Snowboarding Game

The newest addition to Outspark’s Virtual Playground, Project Powder is an immersive snowboarding adventure for gamers of all experience levels. Featuring intense multiplayer action, gnarly tricks and hundreds of ways to customize your experience, Project Powder promises plenty of fun for gamers interested in racing their friends for five minutes or several hours. To learn more and download the game, register now for free at www.project-powder.com.

“Project Powder utilizes all of the benefits of online gaming to make an extreme sport a community experience,” said Susan Choe, Outspark CEO and founder. “Our overarching goal is to expand our free-to-play Virtual Playground into a diverse entertainment destination, and Project Powder is a great addition to our game portfolio.”

The open beta of Project Powder is available now with an official launch for worldwide audiences set for the end of summer. Features of the game include:

- 33 monster courses(10 available exclusively for open beta)
- 3 challenging game modes
- Intense multiplayer action with up to 7 opponents
- Premium gear including new snowboards, clothing and accessories for your character
- Dozens of unlockable tricks

Outspark will also be hosting a number of exciting community events during the Project Powder open beta including a user-generated video contest.