Hunter’s World – new MMO based on game hunting beta announcement

Monumental Games announced that they are developing ‘Hunter’s World’ – a new MMO based on game hunting. Players take the role of hunters visiting a massive and varied wild hunting reserve, where they can compete and collaborate with real players in a persistent world. Hunters will be able to roam freely, interact with each other, and hunt everything from varmints to big game.

“Hunter’s World will be the first ever Massively Multiplayer Online Hunting game,” said Rob Watson, Lead Designer on the new title. “The IP for the game is Monumental’s own, and we’re already some way down the development path. We’re really excited about the experience we’re creating: it’s much richer and more compelling than anything that has come before in this genre – something that’s largely down to its MMO foundation.”

Hunter’s World will accurately simulate the hunting experience, and create an environment where people who share a passion for hunting can exchange their experiences and recreate their favourite hunts. The community website also goes live this week at www.huntersworldonline.com.

The title will bring a number of innovations to the hunting genre:

• Competition against real people and a wide variety of AI-controlled animals
• Collaboration with real people
• Multiple hunting lodges, each with their own unique characteristics
• A truly social game - players can communicate, hunt and socialise together
• Players can roam freely in a virtual hunting world where they can interact with thousands of others
• Players can purchase items (e.g. cars, weapons, clothing and so on) and customize their character
• Free-to-play

Hunter's World is Monumental's own intellectual property, developed with investment from EM Media. Monumental anticipate launching an open beta version of the game in 2009 and welcome enquiries from companies that may wish to partner on this project or advertise.

World War One La Grande Guerre updated to 1.05f via download patch

The official 1.05f update comes with a howitzer-sized shot of fixes and improvements.

The release of the comprehensive 1.05f update for World War One – La Grand Guerre. The new update includes dozens of improvements and new features in addition to nearing 100 bug fixes.


Most notably, the update includes a tweak to the trench rules, numerous GUI enhancements, France and Russia surrender requirements for all major scenarios to end, and improvements to the AI in a wide variety of circumstances (battle, deployment, surrender evaluation, etc.).

Additionally, AGEOD has recently posted a demo for World War One where players can try out the full experience of this great game for 15 days. The most recent update can also be applied to the demo so players can see how much work and improvement has gone into the game. The demo file and two updates are available from World War One’s downloads page. Note that the update file for the full game and the demo update are two different files.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “AGEOD is continuing to workhard post-release to improve World War One at all levels and this new official update is a very significant step in that direction.”

As Europe mobilized in August 1914, both sides of what would be called World War I chanted “Home before the leaves fall!’’ Four long and bloody years later Europe lay in ruins and many once-enthusiastic patriots returned home disenchanted and broken ... Will YOU be able to prevent that outcome?

Take charge as a military and political leader during the most trying and critical times of World War One! As either a member of the Central Powers, the Entente or a neutral nation, you will confront the epic gauntlet of challenges that faced the likes of Kitchener, Joffre, Luddendorf, Clemenceau, Czar Nicholas II or Enver Pasha in scenarios that range from single theatres to the entire grand campaign.

Gaze over an incredibly detailed, beautifully crafted, and massive WWI map as you control dozens of different ground units, planes, and ships. To add further flavor to an already chaotic and intense period of conflict, hundreds of military, economic, political and technological events can help turn the tide of war for or against you. Deftly craft new alliances and jockey for any advantage that can break the deadlock by using ambassadors in an innovative and intuitive diplomacy system.

The comprehensive update will bring the version of the game to 1.05f. Get more information on World War One – La Grande Guerre from its official product page. Please note that you may be required to re-enter your serial number through the Configure Game tool if applying the update to an existing v1.03 installation.

Download patch here...

Moto GP fact sheet for Nintendo Wii

The first officially licensed MotoGP title ever for the Nintendo Wii platform, MotoGP turns the Wii remote into a virtual set of handlebars to deliver the definitive two-wheeled racing experience.
The development team’s overriding aim is to deliver an unparalleled handling model that allows access points for gamers of all skill levels and just as importantly provide a challenge to meet each player’s abilities.

ALL 3 MOTOGP CLASSES

MotoGP for Wii puts the player at the centre of the world’s premier motorcycling championship by letting them join a team and compete alongside their sporting heroes in all three race classes – 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP. Recent MotoGP titles had excluded 125cc and 250cc at a cost and Capcom is keen to ensure that all the riders are faithfully represented, which also enables complete progression through the ranks as well as giving the gamer a different racing experience per class. The game features a scaled and competitive AI which adjusts within limits to give a more enjoyable race experience on the lower levels but shows no mercy in the higher levels.

TUTORIAL MODE

This allows the player to decide what motorcycle and racing style suits them best. But rather than the tutorial mode taking players ‘out of the main game’, this mode will transport them immediately into an arcade race and offers hints and tips from the beginning. By pressing START players can pause the game, allowing them to test out and alter the racing model (from ‘Arcade’ to ‘Advanced’ or ‘Simulation’), change transmission options or leave the tutorial mode entirely. Players can also choose the option to automatically see live tips whilst playing, where the game will judge riding style and offer help and advice where needed.

MAIN MODES

Career mode – Players get to create their own rider (in previous MotoGP titles you’ve only been able to select an existing rider of the MotoGP event) and develop their racing skills for up to 5 seasons with the aim of becoming the ultimate MotoGP champion. Choosing a team and bike class at the beginning of each season, riders can make customisations through a selection of bike helmet designs that unlock as players progress. As races are won, stronger teams will be looking to recruit for the following season, enabling players to race better performing bikes. As progress is made players will also be able to access certain bike upgrades which improve the rider’s performance across a range of parameters such as straight line speed, acceleration, braking and cornering.

Quick race – Players can choose their favourite track, rider, difficulty level, bike class, riding model, transmission type, number of laps and weather conditions and go race.

Time Attack – set the best time at each circuit, competing against yourself to shave vital seconds off your personal record. Select the circuit and rider and off you go. Players decide whether they want a ghost rider to compete against, improving where they can to beat their previous lap times.

Championship – Select any class, rider and team and compete in and re-create an entire season. Practice and qualifying modes are optional whilst the weather conditions, difficulty setting, number of laps and handling model can also be decided, allowing players to shape their own season. Before each race players can tweak the set-up of their bike, including changing tyres, suspension settings and gear ratios. During the championship rider standings can be checked to see where players rank and view individual performance statistics for the real aficionados. If players are still not happy with their own performance the practice racing circuit can be tried out alone (solo) in free practice mode.

2 player - MotoGP also features a two player head to head option with the addition of AI controlled bikes to add more of a challenge to the race.

CHALLENGES
If that wasn’t enough there are 50 unique challenges for players ambitious enough to accept them. On completing the challenges players will be rewarded with hidden content. The challenges are divided up into the following categories:

Speed – stay above the speed indicated and finish inside the allotted time
Brakes – Use a limited amount of braking sparingly to complete a circuit of the track
Racing Line – Don’t stray too far from the optimal racing line
Checkpoint – Reach each checkpoint before the time runs out in order to complete the lap
Single race – Compete in an actual race scenario from MotoGP
Championship – Compete in an actual championship scenario taken from MotoGP
1 vs.1 – Beat a single opponent to the finish line on the final sector of a circuit

Release Date: March
Genre: Racing
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Rating: PEGI 3+
Developer: Milestone

Summary

Features:

• Three different handling models - arcade, intermediate and simulation - provide varied racing experiences and accessibility for all
• Ride as yourself and compete against riders from the world’s premier motorcycling championship – racing up to 20 opponents
• Select from 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP bike classes with each offering a different race experience
• Set competitor AI to match skill level with 4 AI levels – Easy/Medium/Hard/Champion

Warhammer online - age of reckoning out on February 5th

Warhammer Online - Age of Reckoning continues its worldwide march as Mythic Entertainment, an Electronic Arts studio, today announced that the fully localized Russian version of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (WAR) will go live on February 5, 2009. The Russian version of WAR will feature a fully localized gameplay experience as well as regionally-based servers and customer support.

First launched in North America, Europe and Oceania in September of 2008, WAR continues to receive praise from media for innovative features such as Realm vs. Realm gameplay and Public Quests, picking up numerous year-end critics awards including GameSpy’s MMO Game of the Year Award and IGN’s Best of 2008.

“Everyone at Mythic Entertainment is honored and gratified each time we get the chance to bring the glory of WAR to those who have yet to experience it,” said Mark Jacobs, co-founder and general manager of Mythic Entertainment. “In February a whole new force of Russian recruits will join the ranks of Order and Destruction – and it’s going to be fantastic.”

Based on Games Workshop’s epic and longstanding tabletop fantasy war game, WAR is a unique MMORPG that features revolutionary Realm vs. Realm™ (RvR) gameplay that will immerse players in a world of perpetual conflict for years to come. WAR has been recognized for its unique play style that appeals to novice MMO players while offering incredible depth for more seasoned players.

Russian gamers will have a choice to acquire one of three different packaging options in the Russian market:

Collector’s Edition – 2499 Rub

The Collector’s Edition will include an exclusive Games Workshop miniature – Grumlok and Gazbag, the fully localized original Graphic Novel – Prelude To War, Art Book, 30 days of gameplay and additional in-game quests, items and rewards. A limited quantity of 5100 Collector’s Editions will be available.

Limited Edition SteelBook – 899 Rub

A Limited Edition SteelBook version will feature the game, Russian user manual and 30 days of gameplay.

Jewel Case – 499 Rub

The Jewel Case will contain the game and unique key for new account creation with 14 days of gameplay. Alternatively, the key can be used by existing account holders as a 30 day prepaid game card.

Additionally, active WAR accounts will be able to buy a 60-Day prepaid game card. Packed in a DVD box with a stylish coaster for beverages, it will be available for 899 Rub.

Website for Men of War, the World War Two real-time strategy game from Best Way, is launched

Leading Eastern and Central European publisher 1C Company is pleased to announce that the website for Men of War, the World War Two real-time strategy game from Best Way, is launching today. The site - www.menofwargame.com - contains a wealth of information about the title, which is being released under the 1C Company label exclusively on PC in 2009.

Men of War takes place across the globe during the height of World War II and features four different armies - Russia, America, Germany and the Allies - each with their own unique units, vehicles and missions. From the Russian missions starring two student comrades innocent to the horrors of war, players are soon catapulted into massive battles with dozens of units under their command.

In addition to the in-depth single player experience, Men of War also unleashes a range of multiplayer maps based on the main missions along with the action-packed "capture the flag" and "high-value cargo" modes. The online multiplayer is playable by up to 16 commanders at once.

The new website gives more details about the four factions, including tactics about the best units to use, videos of the vehicles in action and comprehensive developer updates that detail how Best Way achieved the fantastic levels of realism and historical accuracy in the game.

Free Java Game - Beyond Negotiation - Play now

Beyond Negotiation is a top-down shooter similar to Geometry Wars. The controls are simple and you'll instantly be blasting invading aliens.

The game features clean pixelart style graphics and some fantastic particle effects. The sound isn't too shabby either, but what really makes this game so damn addictive is the upgrade system. After every few waves, a screen will pop up offering you 3 random upgrades.

You pick one upgrade and in most cases it is automatically activating (genius). The randomness of the upgrades and the ability to only choose 1 keeps you playing and offers a different experience each time you play since your ship will upgrade in a different fashion.

I cannot believe that this game is not ad-sponsored or sold on mobile devices, it's a great little geometry wars clone which you'll end up playing a lot longer than you expected.

Play game here...

Big Bang Mini on Nintendo DS on February 13th

SouthPeak invite you to share in the excitement and fast-paced action with Big Bang Mini on Nintendo DS.

Developed by Arkedo in France, Big Bang Mini brightens up any Nintendo DS and gives a new meaning to shoot ‘em ups.

This colorful and fast paced shooter provides hours of firework filled fun. In Big Bang Mini, your objective is to light up the night sky with bursts of colorful fireworks while destroying wave upon wave of enemies. 

Use the stylus to dodge enemy fire while lighting up the night sky with brilliant displays of your pyrotechnic prowess. Specifically designed with the Nintendo DS Touch Screen in mind, Big Bang Mini combines the anytime fun of fireworks with a challenge that any hardcore shooter fan will enjoy.

The trailer introduces you to the 9 worlds, 80+levels and 10 bosses – plenty to get you playing!, With only a month before the February 13, 2009 launch, now is the time to start planning your firework display.

Watch the video, and many more, on my YouTube channel here...

Musicstar - I wanna be a Popstar on Nintendo DS out January 15

Overplay announced today the release of Musicstar: I wanna be a Popstar DS (Dreamer: Musicstar Popstar, for US version), developed for girls who dream to be a bandleader and a Popstar, published by Tivola and DreamCatcher.

The game tells the story of a girl who wants to be a Music Popstar. She will form a band with her schoolmates and best friends, a guitar player, a drummer and a keyboardist. Besides being friends they will have to work hard to reach stardom.

During the game, the player will need to play for different crowds in several countries, beating opponents and showing talents with different instruments.

The player will have the opportunity to customize her avatar, changing clothes, hairstyle, hair color and outfit. The game counts also with an economic system that allows players to buy different clothes, accessories and instruments.

If the player would like to form a band with her friends, she can use the multiplayer system in a cooperative mode, where each one selects a different instrument and all play the same song. But if the player wants competition, she can challenge a friend for a competitive match, where two players will play against each other to see who is the best.

The game also counts on a Record Studio, which allows players to use their creativity and compose a tune using guitar, drums and keyboard.

Musicstar - I wanna be a Popstar has the following features:

• Freely avatar customization.
• Play three different instruments.
• Perform incredible choreographies.
• Famous hit songs.
• Compose a tune at the studio
• Download Play and Multicard multiplayer system

The game will be available for European market on January 15, 2009 and for US market on February 24, 2009, according to Tivola.

Powerbike racing game for Nintendo DS

Straight from race-track to handheld, Majesco Entertainment released brand new action-packed screenshots from its upcoming street-racing title Powerbike for Nintendo DS.

 Developed by Tornado Studios, Powerbike is a high-adrenaline motorcycle racing game that features death-defying stunts, intense police chases and competitive multiplayer modes.
Straight from race-track to handheld, Majesco Entertainment today released brand new action-packed screenshots from its upcoming street-racing title Powerbike for Nintendo DS.

Developed by Tornado Studios, Powerbike is a high-adrenaline motorcycle racing game that features death-defying stunts, intense police chases and competitive multiplayer modes.

Filled with eight challenging courses and three race modes, players are thrown into the perilous world of street racing where the only chance of survival is to kick the clutch. Earning cash comes at a price as racers must soar over speeding semis, pop wheelies between police cruisers and perform drifts through hoards of traffic in the death-defying Stunt Mode. With money in hand, players can customize their bike's speed, acceleration, traction and stability, then challenge other racers via local DS multiplayer in Race Mode.

Powerbike for Nintendo DS is expected to release this Spring.
Filled with eight challenging courses and three race modes, players are thrown into the perilous world of street racing where the only chance of survival is to kick the clutch. Earning cash comes at a price as racers must soar over speeding semis, pop wheelies between police cruisers and perform drifts through hoards of traffic in the death-defying Stunt Mode. With money in hand, players can customize their bike's speed, acceleration, traction and stability, then challenge other racers via local DS multiplayer in Race Mode.

Powerbike for Nintendo DS is expected to release this Spring.

Angels Online - Buzz Rewards Program Renewed

To meet most Buzz members’ requirements and give them something back for their continued support, a brand-new Buzz reward mode has been released for all members.
Angels Online (http://ao.igg.com/main.php) Buzz members would be the first to experience this mode in advance

The main revolution for this renewed program is Players can choose [Consumption Reward] or [Level Reward] and they can change it at any time.

Level Reward: The new mode. Choose it and players can directly obtain the corresponding IGG points after players they've promoted reach the required level in game.

Consumption Reward: The default mode. Choose it and players can obtain the corresponding Buzz credits after players they've promoted purchase any IGG points. The Buzz credits can be used to take part in the Fortune Wheel event and abundant rewards are waiting for all players.