Divinity 2 – Ego Draconis: The highly anticipated sequel to the award-winning action-RPG Divine Divinity!

Hamburg-based dtp entertainment, one of the leading German game publishers, and developer Larian Studios today announce the action-RPG Divinity 2 – Ego Draconis for the PC and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The sequel to 2002’s award-winning Divine Divinity will be released in the second quarter of 2009.

In Divinity 2 – Ego Draconis, players find themselves once again in Rivellon, a timeless world full of awe and magic, shattered and frightened by the apocalyptic wars of the past. No one knows why so many people had to give their lives. Everything seems to be over, but the peace was deceptive, for the demon has returned and the horror once again runs its course.

Players begin as a Dragon Slayer, hunters whom travel the countryside determined to rid their lands of Dragons. As the story of Divinity 2 – Ego Draconis unfolds, the player will discover new abilities and possibilities as they evolve into a legendary Dragon Lord. In addition, the player character’s abilities can be steadily improved over the course of the game and specialised in specific areas. The further a player quests in the world of Divinity 2 – Ego Draconis, the more exciting the gaming experience becomes.

Over the course of the game, players will be able to find many items which have special game-play functions; some can be combined with others to advance further in the game. Additionally, players can use a large variety of weapons in their struggle against a seemingly inevitable fate. An extremely varied and demanding quest structure guarantees hours of fun and a high replay value.

The world of Divinity 2 – Ego Draconis is filled with humans and fantasy creatures, each having special combat abilities. Players will need to use every skill, potion and hidden trick to their strategic advantage to reclaim the lands of Rivellon.

Nintendo DS to Become Personal Beauty Consultant

Women in Japan will soon be able to have their own hand-held beauty consultant after games company Sega teamed up with cosmetics giant Shiseido to offer make-up tips on the Nintendo DS.

"Project Beauty", which will go on sale from November 27 in Japan, is used with a scanning device that feeds digital images of the user's face into the DS, which analyses the shape and position of the eyes, lips and other parts.

The software, priced at 6,090 yen (55 dollars) including the scanning device, matches faces with one of four groups -- cool, active, cute or feminine.

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Godfather II video game - run the family business

New Game Extends the Original Story with Rich Experiences in Florida, Cuba and New York and Introduces New Action-Strategy Gameplay.

The Godfather II videogame, the sequel to the 2007 multi-platinum hit. Inspired by the film and Mario Puzo’s Corleone family drama, The Godfather II game goes beyond the film’s story by setting players in the world of organized crime in 1960’s Florida, Cuba and New York.

After being promoted by Michael Corleone to Don of New York, players expand to new cities, as they build up their families through extorting businesses, monopolizing illegal crime rings and defeating new families in an effort to become the most powerful mob family in America. To help players manage their empire, The Godfather II introduces “The Don’s View” – an innovative strategy meta-game that allows players to oversee the entire world as they grow the family business. Using the Don’s View, players will be able to build, defend and expand their crime rings, while keeping an eye on the movements and plans of the rival families. Players will also learn to master the business of organized crime by building a family of Made Men, hiring crew, handing out orders, and promoting their best men up the ranks.

Set in a stunning open-world environment, The Godfather II expands on the popular gameplay mechanics of the first game and doubles down on the series’ signature BlackHand control scheme, which now features even more visceral hand-to-hand brutality at your fingertips, introducing a new combo system, pressure tactics and executions. In The Godfather II, players will fight alongside their hand-picked crew, who have their own skills and expertise. Each family member specializes in a specific field such as demolitions, arson, engineering, first-aid and more. As The Don you control the family, sending some of your men on missions while heading off into action with others. The combination of strategic organized crime gameplay and brutal BlackHand action sets The Godfather II apart from other open-world games.

“In the 1960’s, a mafia Don was only as strong as his family,” said Hunter Smith, Executive Producer of The Godfather II. “We found the hierarchical culture of organized crime intriguing. Running an organized crime family in a world defined by family loyalty is something that we felt could introduce a new strategic element to the genre. That is what the Don’s View is all about -- laying out a strategy to pick off the competition one by one. The Don’s View is so unique, it could fundamentally change the rules of open-world games by blending action and strategy to create something entirely new.”

“The Godfather has become an exceptional gaming franchise for the Studio,” states Sandi Isaacs, Senior Vice President of Interactive & Mobile for Paramount Digital Entertainment. “The videogame takes the story and gameplay to the next level with an innovative open-world action strategy that is both compelling and intriguing for gamers.”

The Godfather II will premiere exclusively on GameTrailers TV with Geoff Keighley on Friday, August 15th on Spike TV. The entire episode will be dedicated to The Godfather II including behind-the-scenes with the development team, the debut of the game trailer and a first look at the game itself.

http://www.ea.com/official/godfather/godfather/us/index.jsp

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

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'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.

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