Theatre of War 2 PC video game out April 24th

Battlefront.com and 1C Company are excited to announce the official release date for the upcoming tactical World War II title Theatre of War 2: Africa 1943. 

The game will be available worldwide on April 24 2009, in a simultaneous release by 1C Company in Eastern and Central Europe and by www.battlefront.com for the rest of the world.

The game will cost $45.00 USD and will be available both as digital download and physical copy (DVD with printed manual). Pre-orders will be opened later this month. An English-language demo with a all new original mission (different from the Russian language demo) will be released shortly as well.

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Theatre of War 2 covers the events of 1943 during the operations in Tunisia. Players will have the option to lead the German Afrika Korps of Rommel in their last full-scale attack or be at the head of the opposing English and American armies, led by Montgomery and Eisenhower, during 15 missions in three campaigns.

The game presents more than 40 types of different vehicles, new types of units, improved graphics and sound, a new advanced visual system that considers even tiny tactical details such as observation angle or smoke screens, ombatinside buildings and hand-to-hand fighting, a brand new interface, improved soldier AI and a detailed infantry damage system. Special attention is being devoted to multiplayer and user created missions.

Mob Ties Tokyo PC video game - out soon

You’ve heard the jokes about 30-something computer geeks living in their mother’s basement. You imagine empty soda cans, pizza boxes and candy wrappers surrounding a blurry eyed gamer up until 4am playing the latest PC release, their life going nowhere.

In the winter of 2008, Chance Miller and Jillian Fontaine were two self-proclaimed computer geeks living in his mother’s basement in Washington state. But instead of being surrounded by junk food and staying up late playing games, they were creating one.

It started almost a year earlier, in a tiny apartment in Los Angeles, CA. Chance and Jillian are not just game development partners, they are partners in life. Married since age 21, their biggest shared interests were Hollywood, computers and video games. They spent their adult life working in the entertainment industry in L.A. and spent their free time learning computer programs and playing video games.

In late 2007, the Writer’s Strike closed down most productions and nearly crushed them financially, but they got through the tough times. Their independent production company, E.V.E: Electronic Visual Elements, was finishing up a new web series.

“We had a great little indie web series that we were producing on a shoestring budget.” Jillian explains. “Our goal was to finish up two seasons and then sell the concept to a studio as a series. Unfortunately, we ran out of money and the project was never fully completed.”

Once the Writer’s Strike ended in early 2008, production did not come back as expected. The studios were now concerned with a possible Screen Actors Guild strike and work in the industry was at a virtual standstill.

“At this point, we had to decide what we could do to earn our own living. To utilize our skills in a way that we could create a project that would not rely on an employer paying our bills, but our own product.” Chance says.

The pair had several concepts for indie productions, but no funds for projects involving live actors, locations, sets, costumes, props, etc. “We eventually decided that we needed to do something that would involve just our computers and our own talents.” Chance says.

“We came up with many options ranging from a full-length machinima movie to several video game concepts.” Jillian adds. “Since we have always been avid game players and we had advanced computer & graphics skills, we figured that a video game would be our best bet. The day we started development on our first game was a turning point for us. We went from E.V.E the indie production company, to E.V.E the game development company.”

Flash forward one year, 1200 miles from home and thousands of hours of work. The team found themselves living in his mother’s basement during a record-breaking winter storm in Spokane, Washington and a completed PC game titled ”Mob Ties Tokyo”.

The fact that the entire game was created by two people with a very small budget and completed within a year is a sign to other indie game makers that it can be done. “Both of us worked nearly 12 hours a day, 7 days a week on this for a year, doing the jobs of what large game companies would have had many different departments working on.” Jillian says.

“I think this is the hardest project we have ever worked on, but the most gratifying”, Chance adds. “You start with a concept and a blank computer screen, then you move on to storyline, in-game environment art, programming, voice casting, video & music editing and more. Eventually when the production work is done, you begin the marketing stages which includes creating a website, game trailer, screenshots, press releases, etc. It’s a very long process, but when it’s over, you have an exciting game world that you immerse yourself in and every once in awhile, you realize, wow….I made this.”

The game takes the player to many different locations in modern-day Tokyo and includes realistic Japanese elements that can be seen throughout the game in the form of art, music and authentic Kanji symbols. “We did a lot of research into the Japanese culture.” Chance says. “We wanted to make sure that the player didn’t just feel like they are playing a game set in Japan, but that they are actually in Japan.”

“If you can create a place where the player feels immersed in the game world, in a place that they don’t want to leave when the game ends, then that is a job well done in my opinion.” Jillian adds.

Mob Ties Tokyo is the first installment of a planned series of first person shooter games taking place in the world of underground crime. As the player, you are a renowned hit man summonsed to Japan by an ex-mob boss who is trying to go legit while battling a triad of street gangs. The game promises lots of action, an immersive storyline, character interaction and top quality game play.

Mob Ties Tokyo was launched in March 2009 online at the game’s website. Since the pair doesn’t have the budget that the big game companies do to advertise they have relied on the power of the internet. “In today’s world, the web is an indie game developer’s best friend. Since day one of the games release, the downloads have exceeded our expectations.” Chance says.

“Positive word of mouth from fellow gamers is viral, it spreads fast and it’s golden.” Jillian adds.

Mob Ties Tokyo is available online at www.MobTiesGame.com

Stalin v Martians PC video game

Mezmer Games today announced the April release of Stalin v Martians, developed by an alliance of three independent studios: Black Wing Foundation, Dreamlore and N-Game.

Stalin v Martians, as the name suggests, is a game both absolutely ridiculous and over-the-top. Fun and accessible, it takes a simple arcade-like approach to the genre of real-time strategy. The player controls the Red Army as it defends Earth from the Martian Invasion of 1942, the highly classified military operation which even today remains a closely guarded state secret. Stalin himself conducts the mission briefings, and later even becomes a playable unit.

The bold leader is duly serious even as he faces the most ridiculous threat the world has ever known. The game itself is far from standard RTS fare; this is not a realistic and deeply strategic war simulation, but a straightforward, fun and light-hearted arcade-style game complete with power-ups falling from conquered foes in the form of bright shiny coins.

Stalin vs. Martians features include:

• Unique concept and design.
• Fast-paced and lighthearted arcade-style real-time strategy, with power-ups, coin-collection and speedy reinforcements.
• Accessible and fun, well suited even for people who don’t normally play strategy games.
• A single-player campaign of 12 missions.
• Incredible Russian electronic soundtrack and wild music-video intermissions.

The game is scheduled for release in April 2009 as one of the first releases of Mezmer Games, the new company under Paradox Interactive that focuses on indie development.

To view the new trailer, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGnNbKfpx9k

Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Recruit-A-Friend Program with New Incentives to Join the Armies of War

Mythic Entertainment today announced that it is expanding the Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (WAR) Recruit-A-Friend program in North America and Asia Pacific to now provide exciting in-game rewards for dedicated recruiters on both sides of the ongoing Realm War. The new item rewards bolster the 30 days of free play time already rewarded to players every time they bring a friend and family member into the Realm vs. Realm fray.

Anyone who recruits two new subscribers will receive an exclusive pet – the Imperial Hunting Hound for Order players, or the Warlord’s Fell Hound for Destruction players. Those who recruit four new subscribers will be granted a powerful new in-game item, either the Rod of Service or the Collar of Servitude, which increases experience and renown earned by 5% for all group members. In addition, these pocket items allow a player to temporarily raise a fellow realm-mate’s level to give them a fighting chance against more powerful foes.

• 1st recruit = 30 days free game play
• 2nd recruit = Exclusive in-game pet, plus another 30 days free
• 3rd recruit = Another 30 days free
• 4th recruit = Exclusive in-game item, plus another 30 days free
• All additional recruits = 30 days free for each new recruit

Now is the time to heed the Call to Arms and recruit friends and family to fight at the frontlines of WAR with a free 10-day trial! For more information about the WAR Recruit-A-Friend program and rewards, visit: www.warhammeronline.com/recruit.

Based on the popular tabletop war game from Games Workshop, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning features revolutionary Realm vs. Realm conflict that will provide players with an engaging battleground for years to come. Available now for PC, WAR is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB.

Find Your Rhythm With FREE Patapon 2 PC, Mac Mini-Game!

Jump Online and Start Banging Beats with the Patapon 2 Mini-Game - It's Free and Ready to Play on Your PC or Mac

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe announced today that SPIL GAMES will host an exclusive Patapon 2 mini-game across many of their online game portals for one week only from March 9th to March 16th 2009. This official flash mini-game is fully playable on both PC and Macs, showcasing the musical fun and inventive gameplay of the newly released Patapon 2 – Out now on PSP (PlayStation Portable).

The Patapon 2 mini-game, developed by Kerb to promote the launch of Patapon 2, allows you to try your hand at banging out beats to command your tiny tribesman with the rhythm of your drum. Patapon 2 is the follow-up to the hugely popular Patapon, a fun-filled adventure that combines unique gameplay with rhythm and music, requiring you to create cool drumming combos and lead your tribe to victory. There’s plenty of musical fun to be had – whether you want to play with your mates or enter a cool music carnival! With its funky rhythms, cool graphics, and a brand-new team mode, it’s a title you’ll want to get your hands on when it arrives this March.

SPIL GAMES is the world’s ultimate online game destination, providing online games through more than 50 game portals localized in 20 languages worldwide. As a primary distribution partner, SPIL GAMES launched the LocoRoco™ 2 mini game across all 50 of their gaming portals.
Test out your drumming skills with the Patapon 2 mini-game – it goes online at www.agame.com from March 9th to March 16th 2009. You can also visit www.gamesgames.com/game/Patapon-2.html.

Fourteen new tracks added to Wii Rock Band - Rock, Punk and Heavy Metal

Harmonix and MTV Games announced today the addition of fourteen tracks, ranging across nearly all genres of rock, to the Rock Band Music Store catalog of downloadable content for Nintendo Wii home videogame console from Nintendo. 

The lineup includes music from metal icons Metallica, songs from alternative bands Radiohead and Sonic Youth, as well as tracks from classic rock artists KISS and David Bowie. 

Rock Band Wii owners will also have access to music from punk band The Clash and rock bands Wolfmother and Garbage.

In addition, the offering features songs from five alternative country acts including Drive By Truckers, Lucinda Williams, Neko Case, Old 97s and Steve Earle.

Metallica’s 1984 title track “Ride the Lightning” and “Blackened” from …And Justice For All (1988) mark the first time Rock Band Wii owners will have access to the iconic rock artists. This week’s lineup also features classic rock from legendary rockers including “Calling Dr. Love” from KISS’ 1976 album Rock and Roll Over, “Moonage Daydream” by David Bowie featured on The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) and “Train In Vain (Stand By Me)” from punk band The Clash released on the band’s 1979 album London Calling.

More alternative rock comes to the Wii with hit track “My Iron Lung” from Radiohead’s 1994 album The Bends and “Kool Thing” featured on Sonic Youth’s 1990 album Goo. Hard rockers Wolfmother offer up “Joker & the Thief” from their self-titled 2006 album and Garbage brings “Why Do You Love Me” featured on their album Bleed Like Me (2005).

The tracks listed above come from the Rock Band Music Store catalog of downloadable content already released to owners of Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system. Wii fans can expect a rollout of previously released downloadable Rock Band content until the entire back catalogue of more than 590 songs is available.

Rock Band Wii owners will also have access to the alternative country tracks just released two weeks ago to the Rock Band music catalog including “People Got A Lotta Nerve” from Neko Case’s new album Middle Cyclone (2009), “Can’t Let Go” by Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams from Car Wheels On A Gravel Road (1998), Steve Earl’s “Satellite Radio” from Washington Square Serenade (2007),“Three Dimes Down” from southern rock band Drive-By Truckers featured on the Brighter Than Creation’s Dark (2008) album and the Old 97’s live recording “Timebomb” from the band’s Alive & Wired (2005) album.

Release Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2009

** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change **

Tracks:

Metallica “Blackened”
Metallica “Ride the Lighting”
Radiohead “My Iron Lung”
Wolfmother “Joker & the Thief”
KISS “Calling Dr. Love”
David Bowie “Moonage Daydream”
The Clash “Train in Vain”
Sonic Youth “Kool Thing”
Garbage “Why Do You Love Me”
Drive By Truckers “3 Dimes Down”
Lucinda Williams “Can’t Let Go”
Neko Case “People Got a Lotta Nerve”
Old 97s “Time Bomb”
Steve Earle “Satellite Radio”

(All tracks are original master recordings)

Price: $2.00 (200 Wii Points) per track

Location: In-game Rock Band 2 Music Store (Wii Points must be purchased
through the Wii Shop Channel)

Tomb Raider: Underworld - Lara's Shadow Available Exclusively On Xbox Live Marketplace

Explore Tomb Raider: Underworld as an entirely new character: The Doppelganger

Eidos Interactive today announced the release of the second downloadable content pack for Tomb Raider: Underworld for Xbox 360. Exclusive to Xbox Live, Tomb Raider: Underworld – Lara’s Shadow allows gamers to experience Lara’s universe from an entirely new perspective: that of the Doppelganger.

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With faster movement, shadow powers and a melee attack that decimates enemies with devastating accuracy and speed, the Doppelganger will open up all new gameplay mechanics, areas and puzzles which wouldn’t be possible while playing as Lara Croft. Tomb Raider: Underworld – Lara’s Shadow is available now for 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox Live Marketplace.

Why Watchmen were allowed to break Microsoft's rules with 1.3 gb Xbox LIve download

Microsoft have explained why the Watchmen video game was allowed to break their own 50gb Xbox Live game download limit with a whopping 1.2GB download.

The game was allowed this exception for 'superior gameplay' which is judged game by game.

This is not the first time Microsoft have bent the download limit rules - Bionic Commander, Street Fighter and Castlevania all were larger than 50mb.


"We have set Xbox Live Arcade game file limits as a general guideline. An important part of Xbox Live Arcade is easy access, and keeping file size down is a vital part of that," Microsoft.

Sony don't impose size limited and indeed some have scoffed at the so called 'superior' game play reasoning.

Empire - Total War tops UK video game chart this week

ChartTrack

Week ending 7 March 2009

1 EMPIRE: TOTAL WAR SEGA
2 KILLZONE 2 SONY COMPUTER ENT.
3 WII FIT NINTENDO
4 TOM CLANCY'S H.A.W.X. UBISOFT
5 HALO WARS MICROSOFT

Ultra Soft 'Safe Sports Pack' on Nintendo Wii

Designed for Wii Sports Fans Hoping to Improve Comfort and Scores for Only $29.99

Penguin United is doing its part to contribute to the world of video game sports by offering the ultra soft Safe Sports Pack for Nintendo Wii. Designed for comfort and versatility, the Safe Sports Pack provides consumers with a three-in-one kit for tennis, golf and baseball games for Nintendo Wii. The Safe Sports Pack is a must-have for any serious fan of Wii sports.

The Safe Sports Pack adds realism and improves game play to any tennis, golf or baseball video game for Nintendo Wii. The Safe Sports Pack’s ultra soft design is child-safe, extremely durable and has a suggested retail price of only $29.99.

“In terms of comfort and game play, the Soft Sports Pack is perfect for Wii sports fans,” stated Richard Huang, Penguin’s President. “Each attachment - for tennis, golf and baseball - is molded in ultra soft, durable material which makes the Soft Sports Pack exceptionally reliable and safe. “

Product Highlights:

• Soft, Safe and Durable Spongy Material Design
• Includes Tennis, Golf and Baseball Attachments
• Easy Fit Design with Interlocking Handle
• Port Access for Nunchucks
• SRP: $29.99