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Friday, February 13, 2009

Hasbro Family Game Night on Xbox Live

From EA-Hasbro comes the Hasbro Family Game Night destination on Xbox LIVE Arcade which gives families and friends a new way to connect and play together!

Play the classic Hasbro games your family knows and loves in brand new and fun ways or play by the original rules. Hasbro Family Game Night features classic and party game modes of family favorites such as CONNECT FOUR, BATTLESHIP, YAHTZEE, BOGGLE, SORRY! and SORRY! Sliders.
Classic Games!
• Join your host Mr. Potato Head as you play games such as SCRABBLE, CONNECT FOUR, BATTLESHIP, YAHTZEE, BOGGLE, SORRY! and SORRY! Sliders.
• Experience new ways to play these best-selling board games.
Full Xbox LIVE Support!
• Show off your skills with Hasbro Family Game Night achievements and compete with your friends to earn a spot atop the Xbox LIVE leader boards.
• Increase your game score and talk while you play online with voice chat.
• Get your Xbox avatar into the game with Hasbro Family Game Night’s avatar support.
Online Multiplayer fun!
• Play locally with friends and family or take on other Xbox LIVE players in online play.
• Play with up to four players in SCRABBLE, YAHTZEE, BOGGLE, SORRY! and SORRY! Sliders.
• Play up to two players in CONNECT FOUR and BATTLESHIP.
Deck Out Your Very Own Game Room.
• Launch new games within the Hasbro Family Game Night destination on Xbox LIVE without leaving your game room.
• Download new themes and game room furniture to design and customize your perfect game room.
• Show your custom game room to your friends when you invite them over to play!
Host a Game Party
• Each game has a party mode featuring fun new ways to challenge your competitors.
2009 Electronic Arts Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Legends of Norrath - Against the Void video game follow up to Ethernauts

Legends of Norrath - Against the Void
Sixth Expansion Adds 280 New Cards, New Loot and New Scenarios

Players can battle mighty foes, collect valuable loot and follow in the footsteps of Norrath’s greatest heroes with the sixth Legends of Norrath set, Against the Void, available from Sony Online.

Against the Void takes the epic story of the previous release, Ethernauts, into compelling new territory while also adding more than 280 new gameplay cards, 16 new loot cards for both EverQuest and EverQuest II, two new playable avatar races and 10 brand-new scenarios.

The launch of Against the Void also marks the extension of SOE’s five booster pack promotion through September 30, 2009. All EverQuest® and EverQuest II subscribers with paid subscriptions in good standing will receive five digital Legends of Norrath trading card booster packs per month at no additional cost during the promotion period.

“We’ve had a fantastic response to the five booster pack promotion, so we’re pleased to extend it,” said Scott Martins, director of development for SOE Denver. “Against the Void also features a much darker story than we’ve done before, and I think it makes for a very powerful narrative, setting the stage nicely for the adventures to come.”

Against the Void takes place two thousand years ago, when the Void storms erupted over Norrath, and horrible beasts poured into the land. A small band of heroes, the Ethernauts, sought help to repel the invasion, but they were greeted by mistrust from the peoples of Norrath and weakened by a darkness growing in their ranks. The Ethernauts found themselves quickly losing ground while new foes emerged.

Against the Void Features:

The Story of the Ethernauts Continues – Against the Void is the second of three chapters in the epic Ethernauts storyline! Players of EverQuest® II The Shadow Odyssey™ will instantly recognize the characters and settings from the Ethernauts and Against the Void, and learn more about the backstory of The Shadow Odyssey.

New Cards – More than 280 new gameplay cards are available through booster packs, tournaments, promotions and scenarios.

New Gameplay – Cards with the new keyword “Attuned” change factions to match the player’s avatar, opening up exciting new gameplay strategies.

Valuable Loot! – How would you like your very own traveling band? Or turn yourself into a Voidman Warrior? Or ride through Norrath on a fiery Dire Bear or White Lion? This is all possible with 16 loot cards each for EverQuest and EverQuest II. In fact, the new mounts available for EverQuest II are the fastest mounts released in Legends of Norrath to date. You will now be able to see the loot in action through video on legendsofnorrath.com when the loot page goes live!

New Playable Avatars and Characters – Against the Void introduces new Fae and Arasai playable avatars, and features units representing Knights, Gnomes, Orcs and Iksars.

New Scenarios – Against the Void offers 10 brand-new scenarios, continuing the story of the Ethernauts and offering exciting loot for completing certain milestones. You’ll have to fight your way through a variety of different enemies before the final battle with Sartar the Unrivaled, a mighty Iskar hero!

Five Booster Packs per Month Promotion Extended through September 20, 2009! – SOE is extending its five booster pack per month promotion to EverQuest and EverQuest II subscribers with current, paid accounts in good standing. This is a great way to quickly build a collection of cards to bring into Legends of Norrath and begin playing.

Legends of Norrath Against the Void will be available on February 12 in 15-card booster packs for $2.99 USD (plus applicable taxes). Also look for the Ethernauts Legendary Starter Pack for $19.99 USD (plus applicable taxes).

Developed at SOE’s Denver studio, Legends of Norrath is the only online trading card game based on and playable from within SOE’s popular EverQuest and EverQuest II MMOs, as well as from a free stand-alone client using a free SOE Station Account ID (available at www.station.com). Players can challenge opponents on their game server and across other EverQuest and EverQuest II servers.

To get started, players can download the client for free, test their skills 24 hours a day against AI and real opponents, and then head over to the tournament lobby to compete. Tournament eligibility is limited and subject to Official Rules. Residents of certain territories are ineligible to participate in LoN tournament play. Please see the for details. For a schedule of events, rules and further details, see the or the LoN Tournaments Web pag>. For more information on Legends of Norrath, visit the website at www.legendsofnorrath.com.

Download Free PC video games play for free

This post links loads of PC video games available for Free.

Some invole large downloads (check on site) and should only be played if you have broadband.

List of games and links...

Wikipedia list of commercial games for Free

Free MMORPGs

Free Arcade games

The Free Games Project

Free games at Download.com

Enjoy...

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Guerrilla Warfare Tournament for Killzone 2 on PlayStation 3

Killzone 2ConsoleGaming.eu announced that due to popular demand it would be doubling the number of spaces available for its highly anticipated Guerrilla Warfare Tournament for the upcoming blockbuster, Killzone 2.

ConsoleGaming has teamed up with Guerrilla Games to offer the winners of the launch tournament a fantastic prize; the best clan will receive their chance to play against the developers of the game, and to pit their wits against that of the creators.
Due to the massive influx of clans wishing to participate in this landmark tournament, ConsoleGaming management has today taken the unprecedented step in this site's history to expand the tournament to 128 teams, the biggest tournament ever run on the PlayStation 3 platform on this site. Sam Allen, Sony Platform Manager at ConsoleGaming, said ?The tournament is going to be incredible - 128 of the best clans all over Europe, clashing forces on the hottest title to brace the PS3 - and with a fantastic prize, what more could you possible want??
To be in with your chance to compete against the developers, and show the European Community and the World what your clan is made of, sign up today!

ConsoleGaming is also proud to be hosting a variety of ladders for Killzone 2, enabling teams across Europe to prove themselves against the best in the competitive world; with over 350 teams already signed up, there is sure to be fierce competition when the ladder officially opens later this month.

For further details, including how to sign up and the rules, please visit www.consolegaming.eu.

Fokker 70/100 for Flight Simulator 2004 and Flight Simulator X

Fokker 70/100“The panel is just simply amazing. If you are looking for an aircraft that provides the most realism possible, look no further.” – Avsim.com

The Advanced Cockpit Simulation!

Over four years of development has produced an outstanding simulation of the Fokker 70 and 100 airliners and probably the most advanced flight deck simulation ever seen for Microsoft’s Flight Simulator series.

With the involvement of Fokker pilots, this is an airliner that MUST be flown just as the real aircraft would be. Complex systems such as hydraulics, bleed air and electrical connections, lift dumper and speed brake logic, emergency controls, reverser logic plus detailed icing and fire protection systems are all modelled, delivering the ultimate cockpit simulation.

This amazing product includes highly detailed exterior models and flight dynamics for the Fokker 100 with both sliding and stair door variants plus the Fokker 70. Each model has numerous liveries to fly from either the Captain’s or First Officer’s panel. You even get multi-crew networking capability to allow Captain and First Officer interaction!

Fourteen 2D panels and pop-ups allow complete start-up to shut-down procedures by the book. Plus the load manager and fuel planner display data on the kneeboard for easy FMC programming.

This fully packed boxed edition comes complete with printed manual, including ‘your first flight’ tutorial, poster-sized panel familiarisation guide and a full-length flight-deck DVD filmed with British Midland airlines (BMi) on a round trip to Nice – which will help both novices and airliner experts alike to ‘learn to fly the Fokker way’

Detailed Product Features

Overall Summary

- Simulation of Fokker 100 and Fokker 70 airliners.
- Detailed panel systems simulation (2D only) - includes Captain and F/O (First Officer) views.
- Precise Flight Dynamics with special interpretation of your computers joystick/yoke for the most accurate feel possible.
- Highly detailed exterior visual model.
- Custom sound set with many expanded sound features.
- Detailed documentation and tutorials.
- Load Manager and Fuel Planner.

Aircraft Visual Model

The package contains 3 highly detailed models of the Fokker 100. These include a Fokker 100 with a sliding door, a Fokker 100 with stair door, and a Fokker 70. The models have a lot of animated parts and extras:

- Rudder and Flap movement all based precisely on real system logic and state data.
- Landing/Taxi Lights can be extended and switched on separately, beams move along the surface.
- The Landing Light beams, measured from the real aircraft.
- Baggage loading depends on real aircraft loading.
- Shut down aircraft shows chocks and engine covers.
- Ground power cable connection visible.
- Extra panel to control doors and ground equipment.
- AES (Airport Enhancement Services) definition files included.

Aircraft Flight Model

The Fokker flight dynamics are precisely designed based on numerous real-world comparisons and data. Accurate aerodynamic behaviour of the slatless wings matches the real world fuel and climb data to within 2-5%. Simulated are the engine types TAY650 for the Fokker 100 and TAY620 for the F70. A detailed Load Manager handles all cargo stations in the aircraft and together with the Fuel Planner you can export a detailed real world load sheet into the kneeboard of Flight Simulator. This data can easily be used for FMC setup and in-flight calculations.

Aircraft Systems

The aircraft systems simulation is done with the highest level of detail featuring all Fokker systems, which of course includes an FMC and multiple EFIS Displays. The AFCAS (autopilot) is features all real -orld functions to the highest level of realism for this aircraft type.

- Detailed electrical bus system simulation of all internal systems. Lights are correctly fed by all the electrical busses and interconnections. (e.g. the left landing light has a different power source than the right one, and can be tested by switching off the respective bus).
- Detailed bleed air and hydraulic system simulation. This includes anti-ice and cabin pressurization systems, right down to the interconnection with the auto-thrust that maintains bleed pressure in idle descent during ANTIICE usage).
- Detailed Iicing simulation.
- Realistic APU starting and usage.
- Very precise IRS simulation with varying alignment time depending on Latitude.
- Detailed fuel system simulation.
- Detailed pitot and static port system simulation - all air data information is programmed to match the real aircraft’s system.
- Weather radar with detailed ground reflection model.
- EGPWS with terrain data display.
- Flight augmentation simulation (basic extensive manoeuvre prevention).
- AFCAS Autopilot with high end regulation functionality, providing smooth and real control input throughout the flight. Absolutely smooth and precise control profile (VNAV) descents and CATIII autolandings in up to 30kt crosswinds with real rudder alignment. Also includes guided takeoff mode with automatic rudder input in case of engine failure.
- A high end FMC simulation (Honeywell software version 2A), including SID/STAR database, STRATEGIC and TACTICAL modes providing all the real functions except ENG OUT procedures.
- Realistic avionics simulation with 2 VOR's an ILS receiver, 2 ADFs, all connected to the correct busses and connected systems. The real Fokker side in logic is used.
- Mode S Transponder with TCAS matching the real TCAS test environment, with the ability to enter a Flight ID.
- Detailed adjustable interior lightning
- Precise controllability of all flight controls using correct hydraulic and electric bus connections, Lift-dumper logic, Speed-brake logic, emergency controls, flight control lock, and reverser logic.
- Detailed FWS (flight warning system) with correct alert inhibition in all corresponding flight phases with abnormal checklists/procedures display (up to 300 alerts/memos/messages in all levels).
- Detailed fire protection simulation.

Multicrew Simulation via TCPIP:

- Multicrew simulation to connect Captain and F/O to a complete flightdeck.
- Allows for shared online flights.

Other Systems:

- Ground and door control functions.
- Virtual first officer calls that act on real flight procedures.
- Cabin requests and announcements


System Requirements
MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR 2004 or FSX
Windows – Windows XP or Vista
Processor – 2.8 GHz
Video Card – 256 Mb
Memory – 1 Gb RAM
Hard Drive – 1.5 Gb

Please note:

Compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator 9.1 (installs FSUIPC)
Compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator X SP2 or Acceleration pack (installs FSUIPC4).
The FSX version is not compatible with the DX10 preview at this time. The FS9 version will work with DX10.
Due to the advanced nature of the systems and panels, a 3D Virtual Cockpit is NOT included.

Littlest Pet Shop online video game

littlest pet shopEA launch an online entertainment and community destination for girls based on the globally popular LITTLEST PET SHOP brand in 2009. The Web-based LITTLEST PET SHOP ONLINE experience will allow girls to play and customise their favorite pets, connect with lots of friends, and participate in online games, activities and events.

“The creation of a LITTLEST PET SHOP virtual world marks the first major online collaboration designed for girls between EA and Hasbro that masterfully blends the leadership in imagination and innovation that each company brings from their respective industry,” said Chip Lange, General Manager and Vice President of EA Hasbro. “Pre-teen girls spend an enormous amount of time online and are actively seeking something that they can connect and have fun with in a meaningful way. LITTLEST PET SHOP ONLINE will become the safe destination where girls go to explore and interact with their virtual LITTLEST PET SHOP collections and friends.”
EA released five LITTLEST PET SHOP video games in 2008 on the Wii, PC and Nintendo DS platforms and sold 2.8 million copies worldwide. In the holiday quarter, LITTLEST PET SHOP was a top-five title on the Nintendo DS in Europe and North America, based on NPD data. A sixth game, LITTLEST PET SHOP Spring for the Nintendo DS, is due to hit retail shelves in March 2009.
“LITTLEST PET SHOP is the ‘must have’ property among tween girls worldwide,” said Mark Blecher, General Manager of Digital Gaming and Media at Hasbro. “Building on its success of creating LITTLEST PET SHOP digital experiences that were embraced by legions of fans, EA is once again set to re-invent the LITTLEST PET SHOP play experience, but on a much larger scale – the Internet. Millions of girls globally will now have a place where they can come together to connect, collect and share in LITTLEST PET SHOP fun.”

Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper - The Hunt Continues in Several New video game Images.

Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the RipperNew images from Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper, the upcoming adventure/detective title for PC. In these new screens, the famous English detective is accompanied by the Dr. Watson as they look for clues in the Whithechapel district, which is infamous for being the hunting ground for one of the most atrocious serial killers in history: Jack the Ripper. These new images confirm the oppressive atmosphere of this new adventure, which will be the most frightening episode of the Sherlock Holmes series.

Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper allows you to play as the greatest detective of all in the London of 1888. A series of particularly horrible murders creates a real psychosis throughout the country. Atrociously mutilated prostitutes' bodies are found by the police without them being able to find a serious lead. Sherlock Holmes starts looking for clues in the dark and sinister alleys of Whitechapel in order to follow the macabre trail of the one the press now calls Jack the Ripper. During an adventure full of twists, Sherlock Holmes will try to bring out the true identity and the motives of the one who hides behind this scary alias.

Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper
Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper
Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper
Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper

The Sherlock Holmes series is known as one of the best franchises in adventure games and is very popular with around 1.5 million copies sold worldwide. Now, Sherlock Holmes is back with a game that will give a new dimension to the series. Indeed, Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper will offer players two different views that are accessible at any time: a third person view in the purest style used in point & click adventure games, as well as a first person view. The player will be free to play in one or the other modes or even combine them for greater immersion into this terrifying adventure. Another novelty: the player will also find an original crime scene reconstitution system that will allow him to test his theories during his progress in the investigation to follow the bloody trail of the terrifying serial killer.

Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper will be released for DVD ROM PC in May of 2009.

Announcing ScribBall 2 - Redrawn new Mac physics video game

Howling Moon Software releases ScribBall 2: Redrawn, the sequel to their hit physics puzzle game!

ScribBall 2 greatly eclipses the original ScribBall, while still keeping the addictive and easy to learn gameplay of the original. Dozens of new features have been added:
  • Featuring themes such as: Watercolor, 8-bit, Monet, Da Vinci, Crayon, and more!
  • Also featuring guest webcomic artists like Tyler Hutchison, Nedroid and Eric Feurstein.
  • More special effects, more flair, more color!
  • Color blind friendly mode
  • Improved performance on older machines
  • Tracking of dozens of play statistics - see how many balls you've popped
  • More badges- and they're tracked with your high scores
  • New high quality sounds, re-recorded and remastered
  • High resolution graphics look great in HD - see the brush strokes in Monet mode!
  • Realistic physics as balls roll and tumble, using the Chipmunk Physics Library.

Driven by a simple point-and-click interface, ScribBall is easy to learn. When a group of four colored balls touch, they will pop and an avalanche of new balls will tumble in to take their place. Quickly and strategically tap out a few balls to set up the next match even before they settle into place. If gamers are swift enough, they'll add to an ever growing combo. Injection mode puts a new spin on the gameplay, where you add new balls to make matches.

"ScribBall 2 blows the original out of the water. We've added a lot of new fantastic graphics, and each different theme has a unique feel to it. We've expanded beautifully from the original hand drawn look," cites Andy Korth. "The new gameplay modes add a lot of new fun and playability, too."

If you enjoyed games like Bejeweled, Tetris, Frozen Bubble, or Snood, you'll love ScribBall 2!

Pricing and Availability: ScribBall 2 is available immediately on the Howling Moon Software website and is currently priced at $19.95.

Caster Blasts Into PC Gaming download the demo here!

caster video gameElecorn's high intensity action game released for PC on Archive Games.

Watch the trailer on my YouTube channel here... please subscribe

Caster was released today on the Archive Games distribution platform for Windows. The Flanx have taken over the world of Middon, and it's up to you to save it! As a new recruit, you'll level up your character with new attacks and abilities that will help you fight the Flanx - and you will quickly become a devastating force to be reckoned with!

With its beautiful effects and real time terrain deformation, Caster gives players a sense of power over their environment. Caster features a pulse pounding soundtrack, perfectly fit for the intense 3rd person action shooter experience.

Caster is available for only $9.99 on Archive Games, and a full demo is available to play. For more information about Caster, or to download the demo, please visit http://ArchiveGames.net/game.php?gameID=caster

Free music from The Path video game

path video gameTale of Tales releases free music track by Jarboe

The sound design of upcoming horror game The Path is at least as peculiar as any other element. There are hardly any sound effects in the game. Instead, the entire experience is scored with a continuous musical soundtrack. This music changes in response to the player's actions and position, making every musical moment in the game unique. The free song that is released today, is therefore only an approximation of the experience of the music in the game. A distillation of its perfume. Like a blossom picked from a tree.

"Safe Song" is currently playing here...


"We wanted to capture some of the eeriness of silent films that are accompanied by music but lack sound effects. While at the same time playing with the emergent qualities of the rest of the game's design.

Most things in The Path have a certain level of autonomy that is beyond the control of us, designers, and even of the players. These elements live a life of their own. The music is no exception. While based on traditional melodies and rhythms, the many tracks that the music consists of are continuously mixed in new and surprising ways."


Goth rock icon Jarboe was chosen to compose the music for The Path from the very beginning of the project. In fact, her music has been a very influential guide for the design of the game. Jarboe's combination of childlike innocence and dark horror is the perfect expression of the feelings in the fairy tales that the Path is based upon.

http://www.thelivingjarboe.com

The music that Jarboe created was processed and arranged by sound designer and musician Kris Force as to make it suitable for realtime in-game mixing. Miss Force has a background in both game audio (The Sims) and music (Amber Asylum) and has collaborated with Jarboe on many occasions. She also created the acclaimed soundscape for Tale of Tales'
IGF 2009 finalist The Graveyard.

The Path is a short horror game inspired by Little Red Ridinghood. It features six sisters who are sent to their grandmother's with the clear instruction to stay on the path. Because the forest is dangerous. People say there are wolves!...

The game will be released soon via several digital platforms.
The Path is created by Auriea Harvey & Michaël Samyn with the aid of freelancers Laura Raines Smith (animation), Hans Zantman (technical artist), Marian Bantjes (typography) and of course Jarboe (music) and Kris Force (sound).

Tale of Tales is an independent game development studio located in Belgium and founded by Auriea Harvey & Michaël Samyn. Previous works include social screensaver The Endless Forest and single player vignette The Graveyard, selected for Innovation in the 2009 Independent Games Festival. A demo of The Path was a finalist in the 2008 IGF.
Tale of Tales focuses on the creation of artistic and emotionally rich games. Harvey and Samyn consider the non-linear medium to be suitable for all sorts of interactive experiences. The Path is their largest project to date.

Previous Path post on gamezplay.org here...