gamezplay

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Guitar Hero World Tour and Guitar Hero III - Backstage Pass coming to mobile phones

Hands-On Mobile announced that they have obtained the worldwide mobile phone licensing rights to develop and publish Guitar Hero World Tour and Guitar Hero III - Backstage Pass mobile phone game. Guitar Hero World Tour will be released on mobile phones later this year in conjunction with the console game, while the follow-up title will be available to users in 2009.

"We are excited to continue our relationship with Activision and further extend the Guitar Hero franchise to fans worldwide. The popularity of the Guitar Hero games in the mobile phone environment proves that a multiplatform approach complements the success of a franchise like Guitar Hero," said David White, CEO of Hands-On Mobile. "We are confident the upcoming titles will further advance the mobile phone gaming industry in a significant way and provide consumers with the opportunity to stay connected to their favorite games."

As one of the company's most ambitious mobile titles to date, Guitar Hero World Tour will push boundaries with cross-carrier, real-time multiplayer capabilities and an interactive web companion that will allow players to create profiles, browse leaderboards and download new music. In addition to the guitar, Guitar Hero World Tour mobile will include drums as a playable feature for every song in the game. Further pushing the boundaries on mobile phones, Hands-On Mobile will make the MP3 quality master recordings available on an increased number of handsets across all platforms.

"Hands-On Mobile has been an ideal partner to recreate the Guitar Hero franchise for mobile phone gaming," said Dusty Welch, Head of Publishing for Guitar Hero. "The Guitar Hero Mobile platform has proven to be a phenomenal success and a great way for gamers to experience the franchise on yet another platform."

In June 2008, Guitar Hero III Mobile received BREW Developer Awards for Top Application and People's Choice and was named the Best Mobile Game of 2007 - after its release in December - at the 2008 Casual Game Awards. In addition, Guitar Hero III Mobile, a marquee game in its current collection of Guitar Hero branded mobile phone games, has reached more than 2 million game downloads and more than 50 million downloaded songs to date. The second game in the Guitar Hero Mobile series, Guitar Hero III: Backstage Pass recently launched on carriers across the country. For more information, please visit www.guitarheromobile.com.

Forget CERN and the big bang make your own universe with SPORE...

Evolution and breeding play a big role in Spore - each creature will grow from cellular to creature, then tribe, civilization and eventually space.

To begin the evolutionary process you just have to guide your cellular creature around a level, feeding - it's reminiscent of the PlayStation title ‘Flow' but with more mouse clicking.
Eventually you will be able to make a mating call and breed with another creature.

Once someone heeds your call, the evolution factor of the game kicks in and you can change your creature in the creature creator by taking creature parts you have acquired other creatures and manipulating their parts.

This evolution system works well and overall what at first glance may look like a god sim, plays more like an action RPG, and RTS in the tribes stage. It changes genre in almost every stage. This formula - as strange as it is - works well.

Read all the SPORE posts on gamezplay.org here...

Warriors Orochi 2 PC video game out September 23rd

KOEI'S DYNASTY WARRIORS and SAMURAI WARRIORS crossover available at North American retailers beginning the week of September 23, 2008

WARRIORS OROCHI 2, for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, has reached gold status. The game will be available at North American retailers beginning the week of September 23, 2008.

About WARRIORS OROCHI 2

Shattering time and space, the venomous Serpent King Orochi kidnapped the DYNASTY WARRIORS and SAMURAI WARRIORS in scheme to test his might. The heroes eventually defeated Orochi and his menacing army. While the slain Orochi lies in the netherworld, a mysterious alliance is hatching an otherworldly plan so that the Serpent King may rise again. Now a new group of fighters must join forces with history’s greatest warriors in an effort to stop this evil resurrection.

WARRIORS OROCHI 2 takes place after the events of the original game. The game’s main “Story” mode features storylines for the kingdoms of Wu, Wei, and Shu, and the SAMURAI WARRIORS, while a new Orochi storyline looks back to the first series of wars to expose some of the Serpent King’s secrets.
The game’s newly added “Dream” mode features an original storyline different from that of Story Mode.

A new two-player “Versus” mode comes action-packed with four different games including “Tag Team” matches that pit individual fighters in lethal head-to-head combat.

The popular “Team Battle System” which lets players create their own three-person fighting unit returns for this sequel. At any given time, one warrior will be engaged in battle, while the other two are recuperating; restoring their Life Meters and Musou Gauges.

WARRIORS OROCHI 2 features an overwhelming lineup of over 90 playable characters from both franchises including SAMURAI WARRIORS 2 XTREME LEGENDS, plus new characters from Chinese and Japanese history

Sword of the Stars - A Murder of Crows pre-order

A Murder of Crows, the latest add-on to their highly acclaimed 4X space strategy game Sword of the Stars (PC) is now available for Pre-order exclusively at www.GamersGate.com. Players are required to have either Sword of the Stars: Collector’s Edition or Born of Blood in order to play this new addition to the franchise. A Murder of Crows will also be available at retail stores across the United Kingdom on October 10, 2008.

GAME SUMMARY

While the four civilized races battle back the voracious Zuul and seek advantage over each other, a ghost from the past returns to the galaxy in the form of the manipulative Morrigi. Already known for their dark crow-shaped attack drones and deadly traps, this race once thought long extinct, returns looking for vengeance.

Using never-before-seen weapons, ships and tactics, the Morrigi fall upon the other five races of the Sword of the Stars universe, who must now adapt to the ancient masters of space or be destroyed.

Time is of the essence as world after world falls to the black winged ships that surge out of the dark like A Murder of Crows.

FEATURES

• A New Sixth race – The Morrigi, who appeared as a series of mysterious random events in Born of Blood (the first Sword of the Stars expansion pack), continues to evolve the ever-expanding Sword of the Stars universe
• New Ship Sections - Over a dozen new ship sections for all races to match against your opponents
• Unique ‘Grav Flock’ Drive System for Morrigi Ships – The more Morrigi ships in a fleet, the faster they can travel, continuing the racial diversity unique to the Sword of the Stars gameplay experience
• 15 new weapons
• 27 new technologies and the new Xeno-Cultural and Drones tech trees
• Sword of the Stars gameplay continues to deepen with Civilian populations, independent worlds, Espionage options, and demands for planetary surrender
• Drone carrying ships in all three size classes
• Construction ships, a variety of orbital stations, spy ships, Police Cutters, and more
• A whole new set of GUI enhancements and additions
For more information about Sword of the Stars: A Murder of Crows, please visit: www.swordofthestars.com or www.lighthouse-interactive.com

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

SPORE DRM (Digital Rights Management) copyright row hits Amazon.com

Take a look at Spore's listing on Amazon.com, you may be surprised to notice that the game has an abysmal user rating of just one star.

But that isn't necessarily an indictment of the game's quality - out of 1,776 customer reviews, 1,642 give a one star rating, and just about all of them have one thing in common: pure, vile hatred of the game's digital rights management, or DRM.

Like the PC version of Mass Effect before it, Spore's DRM limits owners to only three activations of the game after installation.

The point is to prohibit software pirates from sharing and reusing activation codes over and over, but it also means that if a user happens to uninstall and reinstall Spore more than three times for completely legitimate reasons, they'll have to contact Electronic Arts customer support to request and have approved a new authentication on a case-by-case basis.

A quick scan of the negative reviews reveals some bitterly sensationalistic headlines: "DRM Kills another potentially great game," "Not a chance until the DRM goes," and "DRM complicates life, removes value." One reviewer, who calls the DRM "draconian," even likened a purchase to a rental as opposed to an actual ownership of the game, since a player could theoretically be barred from playing their copy of Spore if they use up their activations and EA refuses to allow more. "What you will be left with is a nice, colorful $50 coaster. And you will be required to pay for another copy/license if you want to continue playing," the user writes.

Just one comment...

The DRM for the game utilizes securom which is essentially a virus that installs itself without warning when you install the game. There is no way to completely remove it without reformatting and it is constantly running in the background if not removed. Sucking up computer resources.

It also is overpriced. This is actually a RENTAL, not a bought game because it only lets you install 3 times. If you install over 3 times then you must call EA customer support and beg them to let you play the game you bought. Did I mention the call is not free? If you live outside the U.S. it will be a very expensive call.

DO NOT BUY THIS, and if you do buy it keep in mind that you are renting it. Not buying it. Whats really ironic about this is the DRM hasn't even stopped the pirates as it was pirated a few weeks ago. And the pirated version doesn't have Securom or install limits which makes it a better version. EA shouldn't treat its consumers like trash if they want my money.

And believe it or not, this backlash comes after EA and Maxis made Spore's DRM less stringent, when fans decried the originally announced plan to require online authentication every 10 days. As for how much the Amazon debacle will affect sales of the game remains uncertain, but it's probably a PR problem that EA and Maxis could have happily lived without.

More SPORE posts on Gamezplay.org here...

F.E.A.R. 2 - Project Origin F.E.A.R. video game follow up announced

F.E.A.R. 2 - Project Origin the new name for the sequel to the hit videogame F.E.A.R. The video game is being developed for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC and the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system by Monolith Productions and will be published by Warner Bros. Interactive on February 10, 2009 in North America and February 13, 2009 in Europe.

“The name addition builds upon the strong game recognition, which we will extend as we move forward reinventing the F.E.A.R. brand,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Production and Development, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “F.E.A.R. 2 - Project Origin will continue the legacy of the original F.E.A.R. game with story and combat while adding new twists, gameplay and graphics to expand the players’ experience.”

F.E.A.R. 2 - Project Origin, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2005 smash hit game, F.E.A.R., is a blend of advanced visceral combat mixed with seamless game pacing set inside a sinister and paranormal universe that begins shortly before the ending of F.E.A.R. A Special Forces squad is on a routine mission when the city of Auburn is rocked by a supernatural explosion.

Alma, a girl with immense power and a thirst for revenge, has unleashed her wrath upon the city and thrown it into chaos.

The squad must combat enemy forces and the supernatural as they struggle to find a way to stop Alma and uncover the mysterious forces arrayed against them before it’s too late.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky PC video game release delayed to September 15

Due to a problem in manufacturing, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - Clear Sky will be released in North America on September 15, 2008.

The digital download release date has not yet been determined.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - Clear Sky is a survival FPS game for PC based on a 'what-if' scenario of the second Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident.

The game is created as a warning to mankind against mindless play with technologies. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - Clear Sky is the official prequel to the renowned S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game by the Ukraine-based GSC Game World studio.

The game is set in 2011 and brings forth the events to have preceded the third campaign of Strelok to the Zone center.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - Clear Sky introduces an alternative look onto the events of the original game and offers the player to try himself out as a mercenary s.t.a.l.k.e.r. in search of his own path in the world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

All S.T.A.L.K.E.R. posts on gamezplay.org here...

PSP Gamers access Favourite games including Puzzle Quest - Challenge of the Warlords, Critically-Acclaimed Dead Head Fred no UMD Required!

D3Publisher (D3P), will bring its classic PSP (PlayStationPortable) titles to gamers for download via the PlayStation Store beginning this September. PSP owners will no longer need a UMD to play PSP titles such as the original Puzzle Quest - Challenge of the Warlords, 2007’s multiple award-winning cult hit and Dead Head Fred, a head-swapping, third person-action game and more.

“D3Publisher is always looking to make fun and original gaming experiences easily accessible to everyone,” said Yoji Takenaka, president and chief executive officer, North America and Europe, D3P. “We believe that making these classic PSP titles available via digital distribution gives the games a new opportunity for discovery and the gamers a second chance at hours of enjoyment.”

D3Publisher’s Line-Up for Q4 Includes:

Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords – The genre-bending title that took the gaming community by storm at the top of 2007 incorporates strategy, role-playing elements and a great storyline into a match-three puzzle board setting. It received numerous awards including Best Downloadable Game at the 11th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, a Best Puzzle Game of E3 2007 Award from IGN.com and the esteemed iParenting Media Excellent Product Award for 2007. Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords is designed specifically to entertain both casual and hardcore gamers-on-the-go with its deep immersion, five to fifteen minute play sessions and turn-based play style.

Cube – Offering highly addictive puzzle solving action, Cube challenges players in single or multiplayer modes to make their way through suspended 3D worlds of platforms and mazes jam-packed with collectible items and obstacles.

Practical IQ – the critically acclaimed Practical IQ calculates players’ intelligence by using the PQ scoring system as they solve more than 250 mind-bending puzzles.

Dead Head Fred - In Dead Head Fred, players will adventure as Fred Neuman, a private detective savagely murdered and then resurrected in a bizarre scientific experiment without his memory or his head.
Players will embark on a quest for vengeance as they solve their own murder by using the severed heads of enemies to battle their way through challenging but bizarre environments.

Beta Bloc - The world of Beta Bloc is made up of 7 citadels and dungeons, guarded by legendary monsters! Use your paddle to fight your way through more than 120 stages, casting magic spells to fight tough foes!

Super Pocket Tennis - Create your own tennis superstar and shot, lob, smash and volley your way to the top! 20 unique characters for you to choose from, all with different styles of play! Select different Courts, including Clay, Lawn, Hard and Carpet.

Final Fantasy Fables - Chocobo's Dungeon out in October on Nintendo Wii

Final Fantasy Fables - Chocobo’s Dungeon, featuring a loveable cast of Chocobo and his friends will be available across Europe and PAL territories on October 31st 2008, exclusively on Nintendo Wii.

Veteran character designer Toshiyuki Itahana delivers a uniquely compelling visual world in which a cast of beloved Final Fantasy characters lead players through an immersive storyline. With a carefully crafted narrative and a grand mystery to unravel, Final Fantasy fables -Chocobo’s Dungeon will captivate gamers of all ages.

Players of all ages and skill levels will appreciate everything Final Fantasy Fables - Chocobo’s Dungeon has to offer, from the intuitive Nintendo Wii controls and adorable characters, to the intricate story and versatile job system. Throughout the game Chocobo will take on famous job classes from the Final Fantasy franchise such as black mage, knight, and scholar. Players can unlock more jobs as they progress through the game. The ever-changing dungeons and unexpected twists and turns offer hours of engrossing gameplay, as players explore the newest adventure in one of the world’s most popular RPG franchises.

John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, “Chocobo has been a firm favourite with Final Fantasy fans for years, and players will be able to see him take centre stage and come to life in his very own adventure. Final Fantasy Fables - Chocobo’s Dungeon will appeal to fans of the Final Fantasy series along with younger Nintendo Wii owners looking for an engrossing adventure.”

Story

Chocobo and Cid, Final Fantasy mainstays-turned-treasure hunters, are magically transported to a mysterious town whose people’s memories are lost with each bell toll of the clock tower. One day, a strange boy named Raffaello arrives and creates dungeons of memories to help the townspeople remember who they are. Now it’s up to Chocobo to journey through the dungeons and retrieve everyone’s memories!

Final Fantasy Fables - Chocobo’s Dungeon features

• A charming, vibrant game world coupled with an engaging storyline and challenging turn-based battles to create a fun and entertaining RPG environment suitable for all

• A compelling gaming experience utilizing a variety of classic Final Fantasy job classes such as the knight, black mage and white mage to aid Chocobo in his fight against evil

• Character designer Toshiyuki Itahana, from the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series and Final Fantasy Fables - Chocobo Tales, lends his trademark art style

• Duel against friends via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in addictive card battles featuring popular Final Fantasy creatures in a unique 3D pop-up book style

• Collect hidden letters throughout the adventure and form special phrases to unlock secret dungeons and job classes

• The signature Mog House offers arcade-style mini-games that can be played with intuitive Nintendo Wii Remote

Exclusive Info on Flyff's Lord System Version 12

Gala-Net Inc. will release the next chapter to Flyff: Fly for Fun later this October. The Lord System will play a key role among the many new features to debut in Flyff Version 12 (V.12).

In V.12, the new Lord System will allow eligible players to be voted as the Lord of their server for 2 weeks. In order to qualify as a candidate to become a Lord, players must have obtained Hero or Master status in order to be considered. For a player to be elected as the Lord of their server, 10% of the eligible voting public must participate for a Lord to be chosen, otherwise no Lord will be elected. In order for a player to vote for a candidate, a player must be at least level 60, and must have logged into the game within the last 30 days. In addition, a player may only vote for 1 candidate.

An elected Lord will be given exclusive skills and equipment which includes:

• Special Powers, including the ability to start EXP or item drop events on his server

• Lords Cheer – EXP and Drop Rates are increased by 10% for 60 minutes.

• Lord’s Blessing- boost a player’s Attack or Defense Power by 10%

• Lord’s Love- Increases all stats by 15 for 60 minutes

• Lord’s Anger- Silences a player from talking for 60 minutes

• Lord’s Call- Allows the lord to summon a player to his/her location

• A set of fashion clothes to be worn by the current Lord, The Cloak of the Sea God which gives players +20 to all stats, and the Lord’s own Limousine Bike to fly around in!

• And so much more!

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Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Tuesday, September 09, 2008