gamezplay

Monday, October 13, 2008

My Pet Dolphin 2 video game on Nintendo DS

My Pet Dolphin 2 builds on the success of the original game but offers a new experience because this time you actually get to play as a baby dolphin that has an entire island to explore. As your dolphin gains experience you unlock new areas and meet different sea creatures along the way.

To explore the island you use the touch screen to guide your dolphin through an undersea paradise. While swimming you must also hunt down rare treasures, which unlock different mini-games, like dolphin racing and deep sea diving. You can also view all the treasures that you’ve collected in the special Album mode or create your own garden in the brand new Flower Growing mode.

With intuitive touch screen controls - which make it a breeze to guide your dolphin as he swims or play with one of the many toys available for new aquatic friend - My Pet Dolphin 2 is a fantastic pet game that’s simple to pick up and play.

My Pet Dolphin 2 is available exclusively for Nintendo DS on October 31.

KEY FEATURES

• Developed by Starfish

• Mission mode packed full of sea exploration

• Find rare treasures hidden in the sea depths, which unlock new mini-games

• Album mode to check the collectibles you’ve found

• Flower growing mode

Secret Service Xbox 360 video game puts the president's life in your hands

Activision announced that Secret Service will be released later this year for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Playstation 2 computer entertainment system, and PC. The title will allow players to assume the role of an elite agent, tasked with protecting America’s top leadership.

Secret Service takes place on Inauguration Day in Washington D.C. An extremist assault has been launched against the capitol - security has been compromised and it is unclear who is friend or foe. There is no time for negotiation as you are thrust out of the shadows and into the line of fire in order to protect the nation’s leaders. The action takes place among famous landmarks and everywhere in between, including both Marine One and Air Force One.

A tactical first person action game full of plot twists and revelations, Secret Service features story and level design contributions by Daniel Arey, who previously worked on Uncharted, the Jak series and the Crash Bandicoot series.

“This game is a unique addition to the first person action genre, with a rich storyline set across famous locations and the need to use both lethal and non-lethal force to achieve your objectives,” said Dave Oxford, Activision Publishing. “Secret Service brings a nice refreshing spin to fans of run-and-gun games.”

Secret Service will be available for $39.99 on Xbox 360, $29.99 for Playstation 2 computer entertainment system, and $19.99 for PC.

The Secret Service videogame is not approved, endorsed or authorized by the U.S. Secret Service.

The Lord of the Rings Online - Mines of Moria Legendary Items Screen shots

Game - The Lord of the Rings Online - Mines of Moria
Title - Legendary Items
Description - Screen shots of Legendary items.

All Lord of the Rings posts on gamezplay.org here...

Cities XL is One Today - video gaming and social networking

It’s been a great year for CITIES XL, the next-generation city-builder from Monte Cristo. With today marking the first anniversary of the official Web site and forum community at www.citiesxl.com, Monte Cristo has built what could be the largest online focus group ever. Community members have contributed feedback to the game’s design, along with participating in various contests, such as the “Point, Shoot – Win!” photography contest which offered fans the chance to have their homes featured in the final game.

CITIES XL is going to be independently developed and published by Monte Cristo. The game will feature a mix of social networking, virtual worlds, economics and city building to offer a fantastic experience both on- and offline. To fund additional development, which is currently taking place in the company’s Paris and Kiev studios, Monte Cristo received an supplementary EUR 4.5 million (approx. $7 million U.S.) from Arts Alliance, 360 degrees Capital Partners and Innoven Partenaires earlier this year.

“We are very excited to announce the one-year ‘birthday’ of the CITIES XL community,” said Philippe da Silva, Internet Director at Monte Cristo. “Our community is dedicated to helping us make the most incredible game possible, and with the significant financial investment from our business partners, along with an incredibly positive response from the media, we are sure that CITIES XL will be an outstanding social and entertainment experience.”

In development by Monte Cristo Games, CITIES XL expands upon all the features that make city builders fun and interesting, while also letting players take their game online, as they interact with others in a persistent online environment. Realism will be pushed to the limit with cities that are bigger, more realistic and more sophisticated than ever before.

For more information about CITIES XL, which will ship in the first half of 2009, please visit www.citiesxl.com.

Cities XL gamezplay.org videos on YouTube here...

Second Cities XL gamezplay.org video here...

Computer and video games can help children make friends, forge closer relationships with adults, and have a positive impact on their lives.

This was the conclusion of church and charity leaders taking part in a panel discussion hosted by The Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) at BAFTA in Central London yesterday on how computer games can be a force for good in today's society.

Held at BAFTA in London's West End, the discussion, chaired by journalist Mary Riddell, included experts from children's, religious and computer and video games groups, including:

• Martin Houghton-Brown, deputy director of new business, The Children's Society
• Mike Royal, national director, The Lighthouse Group
• Joseph Steinberg, Marketing & Fund Raising Director, The Church Mission Society
• Andy Payne, chairman of ELSPA

Martin Houghton-Brown, deputy director of new business of The Children's Society, explained that children now see gaming as a normal part of everyday life. Television watching is down from 3 hours a day to 2.5 hours a day since 2001.

"We now live in a digital age where the nature of playing games has changed. Now we have online games where interaction with others is possible. Children tell us supportive and loving relationships are key to a good childhood, we need to equip parents and carers to support children to stay safe when they play in the growing online world" he said.

Andy Payne, chairman of ELSPA, addressed the issue of violent computer and video games and the potential negative effect they could have on children: “Computer games can be violent but that is why there is an age rating system, PEGI, which gives parents the information to make their own decisions.”

He went on to say that the games industry's job was “to help people understand what the ratings are there for and enable society to do its best to protect children by relying on parents to make decisions armed with the information and understanding of the ratings system.”

Mike Royal, national director of the Lighthouse Group, which helps to educate children who have been excluded from school, discussed the use of playing computer and video games to talk about 'boundaries' with young people and what behaviour is good and acceptable, not only in gaming but other aspects of life.

He also said that gaming helps to build a dialogue with parents as well as children, especially with regard to the types of games children are playing. “The PEGI system provides a framework to help us support parents and educate them about the suitability of games, as well as providing clear guidelines on whether a game is appropriate for a specific age group” he said.

While the panel agreed that computer and video games can have a positive impact, they also explained that games must be utilised in the right way to yield the best results. Parental engagement and encouragement, as well as safe and social gaming, can help children develop and protect them in an increasingly online environment.

A podcast of the roundtable event is available at the ELSPA website: http://www.elspa.com/?i=7715&s=1111&archive=&f=50

Sunday, October 12, 2008

XBox 360 £125 advert - video games system

Against the backdrop of one of the world’s largest video games event, Tokyo Game Show 2008, Microsoft Corp. today unveiled a blockbuster portfolio of games for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from many of the world’s most renowned developers. The line-up, which features a variety of high profile titles coming this holiday season, as well as in 2009 and beyond, was headlined by “Halo 3: Recon,” an exciting new chapter in the legendary “Halo” franchise from acclaimed developer Bungie.

During his keynote address, John Schappert, Microsoft’s corporate vice president of LIVE, Software and Studios showcased the best blockbusters Japan has to offer from the most popular genres. Cementing the reputation of Xbox 360 as the premier home for great storytelling and the industry’s best role playing games (RPGs), Schappert provided an exclusive look at the widely anticipated “Star Ocean: The Last Hope” and “THE LAST REMNANT” from developer Square Enix. Action-adventure fans were also given a new look at the latest trailer for “RESIDENT EVIL 5,” slated to launch on Xbox 360 in March 2009.

“Xbox 360 continues to be the destination of choice for the best and broadest games from the world’s biggest and best developers,” said Schappert. “With the latest incarnations of the ‘Halo’ universe, as well as global hits like “Star Ocean: THE LAST HOPE” we continue to deliver on our commitment to provide the calibre of entertainment and games that capture the imagination of people across the globe.”

A New Look at the “Halo” Universe

To the delight of devoted fans across the world, Microsoft debuted “Halo 3: Recon,” developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed developer Bungie. “Halo 3: Recon” is a new chapter in the “Halo” saga that lets gamers experience events leading up to the epic story told in “Halo 3” through the eyes of a new hero in the “Halo” universe. The standalone expansion, set to release in autumn of 2009, extends the award-winning “Halo 3” experience with hours of new campaign excursions and multiplayer gameplay. In addition, attendees were given an all-new glimpse of the Xbox 360 exclusive strategy game “Halo Wars” from Ensemble Studios. By showing campaign mode for the first time, the live demo provided viewers with a thrilling taste of the revolutionary gameplay and new perspective of the “Halo” universe. Players will be able to enjoy the full experience when “Halo Wars” hits retailers in early 2009.

Japanese Developers Gain Worldwide Momentum

By partnering with the best and brightest Japanese developers and publishers, Microsoft is committed not only to providing an unparalleled gaming experience on Xbox 360 not only to Japan, but also to helping Japanese games reach new audiences worldwide. During his keynote address, Schappert announced that Xbox 360 has the most top-selling, third-party Japanese titles among all other current games platforms. He also noted that Japanese publishers have sold more than $800 million worth of games thus far on Xbox 360 and are on track to see lifetime revenue of more than $1 billion by the end of this holiday.

To underscore that point, Schappert unveiled dramatic new titles from Japan, including “NINETY-NINE NIGHTS 2[1]” produced by Q Entertainment and developed by Feelplus. The title will join the “Ninja Gaiden” franchise and the just-announced “Ninja Blade” in making Xbox 360 the best place for Japanese action games. Schappert also declared that the release of “Star Ocean: THE LAST HOPE” and “THE LAST REMNANT” are further proof that Xbox 360 is the best console for RPGs, citing a rich portfolio of global blockbusters including “Infinite Undiscovery, “Fable II,” and “Fallout 3.”Additional Japanese-developed blockbusters debuting this holiday and 2009 include the following:

• “THE LAST REMNANT” (Square Enix) “THE LAST REMNANT” is a new role-playing game crafted using the finest artistry and technology Square Enix has to offer. Set in a fantasy world, war-torn and scarred by years of conflict, gameplay revolves around mysterious artefacts — Remnants — that possess magic powers. Groundbreaking graphics possible only on Xbox 360 bring the intensity to a whole new level. “THE LAST REMNANT” is launching worldwide on 20th November and will be available only on Xbox 360.

• “NINETY-NINE NIGHTS II” (Q Entertainment) Set amid a dramatic, epic backdrop of a warring world, “NINETY-NINE NIGHTS II” blends strategy and action, allowing players to take control of massive armies to defeat thousands of enemies in massive-scaled battles never before seen on the Xbox 360.

• “RESIDENT EVIL 5” (Capcom Entertainment Inc.) Destined to bring new fans to the series, “RESIDENT EVIL 5” is the sequel to one of the highest-rated video games in history (according to Metacritic.com and GameRankings.com). Promising to revolutionize the series by delivering an unbelievable level of detail, realism and control, “RESIDENT EVIL 5” unleashes an unprecedented level of fear for the next generation. New technology developed specifically for the game, as well as incredible changes to both the gameplay and the “RESIDENT EVIL” world, will make this a must-have game for gamers across the globe.

• “Star Ocean: THE LAST HOPE” (Square Enix) “Star Ocean: THELAST HOPE” is the long-awaited continuation of the celebrated science fiction and fantasy role-playing game series. Slated for release on Xbox 360 in spring 2009 and published by Square Enix, this prequel set during the aftermath of World War III combines science fiction and fantasy elements spanning multiple planets and the vastness of space itself to recount the origins of the Star Ocean universe. Exhilarating combat expands upon the franchise’s famous real-time battle system, introducing the amazing graphics and visual effects possible only on Xbox 360.

Xbox LIVE Arcade Debuts New line-up

Xbox LIVE Arcade continued momentum built during the summer of arcade as Microsoft announced seven new titles to the already robust lineup of classics and original titles. With the power of Xbox LIVE Arcade, a new generation of gamers can now experience some of the most beloved games of all-time from Japan’s most legendary developers. Classic titles showcased at Tokyo Game Show include the following:

• “ARKANOIDTM Live!” (TAITO) First appearing in the 1980s as a block-breaking game, the next evolution will now be available on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Gamers can enjoy “Arkanoid” in high -definition with beautifully choreographed background movies and background music. “Arkanoid” is loaded with 120 stages and colourful cooperative and versus modes.

• “The King of Fighters ’98 Ultimate Match” (SNK PLAYMORE) The original “dream match” comes to Xbox LIVE Arcade with new features, characters and game modes. Gamers can face their favourite “The King of Fighters” characters to determine the ultimate champion.

• “Metal Slug 7” (SNK PLAYMORE) Gamers can join Marco, Tarma, Eri, Fiolina, Clark and Ralph as they prepare to take on Modern’s Forces across seven new missions. “Metal Slug 7” will also feature new weapons, colossal new bosses, new gameplay modes, and new Slugs to pilot.

• “Meteos Wars” (Q ENTERTAINMENT) Take a ride through this intergalactic journey where you slide, stack and ignite your blocks to blast away the world‐ending meteors! Only you can stop them from falling and crushing your planet. Master the combo links and power-ups to challenge your friends in intense multiplayer sessions

• “R-Type Dimensions” (Microsoft) “R-Type Dimensions” combines the genre-defining coin-op classics “R-Type” and “R-Type II,” with a twist. For the first time ever, “R-Type Dimensions” allows multiplayer co-op play locally or over Xbox LIVE for up to two players. Gamers fight through all 14 Bydo-infested stages in the original 2-D or all-new 3-D graphics, and can swap between the two seamlessly.

• “SPACE INVADERS EXTREME” (TAITO) Gamers can experience “Space Invaders” in fully immersive sound and vivid high definition on the next-generation system, with visuals that will excite their senses.

• “Tenchu: Shadow Assault” (FROMSOFTWARE) Tenchu, the world-famous ninja action game, is now on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Gamers can control their favourite characters as they use a variety of ninja weapons to defeat their enemies and complete their missions. They can use traps in multiplayer mode[2] to kill their friends for massive points.

Spiderman web of shadows video game screenshots

PES 2009 Nintendo Wii version Pro Evolution Soccer video game

PES 2009 Nintendo Wii version Pro Evolution Soccer video game

New AI, more control and modes galore as PES 2009 warms up for Wii
Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has revealed key gameplay additions to its forthcoming PES 2009 title for Wii. Scheduled for release in Spring 2009, the new game will retain the intuitive ‘point and click’ interface used to control both the player in possession of the ball and to send those around him on to runs into space. However, a new ‘traditional’ control system using either a Wii Remote or Classic controller has also been implemented.

Producer Akiyoshi ‘Greyhound’ Chosogabe detailed his plans for the new game at a special event in Rome:

• A New Level of Control: Players will once again point and drag team mates into space to make runs, but Greyhound and his team has worked to improve the movement and level of control available to the player.

An improved defense system will allow players to close down their opposition with more precision using the Z button, while a new targeting system sees the player steering where they place the ball when shooting. Coupled with better AI for the CPU-controlled players and opposition, the result is a more free-flowing and faster paced simulation. Set pieces have also been reworked, with more precision on free kicks and a wider range of corners than in the previous game.

• Co-Operative Play: Greyhound is keen to emphasise the teamwork ethos of the PES series, and has added a second control system for co-op play. One player will use the familiar Nunchuck and Wii Remote system to control their player and drag players into space, with the second adopting a more traditional PES controller to control individual players.

Using a Wii Remote held sideways or a classic controller, the secondary player can control the game in a manner familiar to existing versions of PES for other formats. Thus, they can control using familiar PES controls while their co-op player orchestrates their player and the rest of the team using the bespoke Wii system.

• Additional Modes: In keeping with versions for other formats, PES 2009 for Wii will also feature the UEFA Champions League, the addition of the ever-popular Master League for the first time on this format plus the return of an enhanced Champions Road competition, an enhanced Edit Mode, more online gameplay possibilities, and a Mii Training sub-game system.

PES 2009 will be released for Wii in Spring 2009. Please note that some elements are subject to change before launch.

Watch the video on gamezplay.org YouTube here...

Financial Crisis what would you do? video game

Geo-Political Simulator

Make a date with the Geo-Political Simulator.

What would you do if you were Prime Minster? Now you have the chance to see if you are up to the job with Geo-Political Simulator (GPS) – the most precise geo-political simulation ever made.

As the most important person in the country, you will need to make appointments with the well-known figures of your country, make visits and attend various events. View your planner, turn the pages and select from the options to book appointments, cancel them or rearrange them. Plan to meet up with leaders of rival or ally nations, union representatives, deputies or ministers. Offer bribes or champagne, congratulate them, or tell them to toe the line. Negotiate with unions, ask for votes on a bill, or call on personalities to vote for you in the next election.

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!

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 Q4.

Just Trains - Rail simulator expansion Voyager PC video game download Fact sheet

Rail Simulator continues to take the world of simulated railways to new levels and is now firmly established as the leading simulator in this popular genre. Just Trains is pleased to announce that it will be expanding its range of add-ons for Rail Simulator with the Voyager passenger train.

The download version of the Voyager is out now and available to purchase direct from Just Trains – www.justtrains.net. The boxed version will be shipping out on November 7th.

Since its introduction in 2001 the distinctive shape, effortless performance and striking liveries of the Voyager passenger train have brought the future of railways to a station near you!

Now the Voyager is taking to the tracks of Rail Simulator with the Class 220 and Class 221 versions clothed in a set of distinctive liveries. The detailed cabs, controls and animations are coupled to accurate models of the train physics to provide a highly realistic driving experience. Voyager also features an immersive passenger view, a high quality sound set and seven engrossing scenarios to put you through your paces. Step aboard for the ultimate train voyage!

THE VOYAGER FLEET

Class 220 – four car
DMF (driving vehicle with 1st class seating)
MS (standard class seating)
MSRMB (standard class seating with onboard shop)
DMSL (driving vehicle with standard class seating and luggage area)

Class 221 – five car
DMF (driving vehicle with 1st class seating)
MS (standard class seating)
MS (standard class seating)
MSRMB (standard class seating with onboard shop)
DMSL (driving vehicle with standard class seating and luggage area)

Liveries included are Cross Country, Cross Country Transitional, Virgin and 'what if' USA and German trains.

Voyager will be released as a boxed title on DVD-ROM from 7th November and is also available now in download format exclusively from Just Trains. More details can be found at the Just Trains website – www.justtrains.net

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: Windows Vista or XP, Rail Simulator

MINIMUM HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS: PC with 2.6 GHz equivalent or higher processor, DVD-ROM drive, 512Mb RAM, 256Mb video card, 1.0Gb hard drive space

Title: Voyager
Label: Just Trains
Developer: Railwaves
Genre: Train Simulation
Platform: PC – expansion for Rail Simulator
Release: Download format – out now. Boxed - 7th November 2008
Price: £14.99 / €22.95 / $29.99

All Rail Simulator posts on gamezplay.org here...

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Monday, October 13, 2008

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