Battleforge online real-time strategy game open beta launched

Phenomic, an Electronic Arts studio, announce that the real-time strategy (RTS) game BattleForge will open its beta for all players today. Starting today, all players will be able to enter the genre-changing world of BattleForge and experience the thrill of virtual cards coming to life in epic, online RTS battles before the game goes live on March 24th, 2009.

The open beta players will have access to all 200 BattleForge cards and all maps in the game. Everyone who takes part in the beta will get the bonus, upgraded Firedancer unit that will be available after launch. Players who pre-order BattleForge from participating retailers will receive four, exclusive units, one from each faction to jump start their decks.

BattleForge combines fast-paced strategy with a digital trading card mechanic in a dynamic online environment. Players use virtual trading cards to build custom armies and lay waste to their foes. Combining the strategic, real-time gameplay of classics such as Command & Conquer with a fully enabled, online collectible community, BattleForge is a breath of fresh air in the strategy genre. With an all-new style of play that is more accessible for casual gamers, BattleForge also offers a rich, deep gameplay experience that veteran RTS players seek. The collectable cards are the tools of war -- each representing a spell, building or unit that is conjured directly onto the battlefield in stunning 3D graphics.

BattleForge features single-player scenarios and cooperative scenarios for 2 to 12 players, as well as Player vs. Player (PvP) ranked and unranked duels. With co-op play, guilds, chat rooms, and a robust marketplace featuring direct trade, an auction hall, and in-game mail, BattleForge is the first RTS to combine the social and community aspects of an MMO with an exciting RTS. Let the battles begin!

BattleForge ships March 24th, 2009 for the PC.

MapleStory - Hundreds of in-game virtual items are available for free on March 11

Hundreds of in-game virtual items are available for free on March 11 in the Nexon cash shop.

MapleStory players can look forward to March 11 when Nexon America invites all users to try any item in the cape, overall, hat or shoe category for free for one day. In this special "Free Items Day" event, players of this popular MMORPG can visit the in-game cash shop to customize their avatars and try on new looks throughout the day without spending a dime.

"This is a stimulus package for the MapleStory community," said Min Kim, vice president of Nexon America. "While all of our games are free-to-play, this is a great opportunity for players to check out what the Cash Shop in MapleStory has to offer and have fun with different looks without any impact on their wallets."

In addition to the March 11 "Free Items Day," MapleStory players can also log-in to enjoy the game's recent updates including:

* Crimsonwood Keep Party Quest- Players and their fellow classmates can unite in battle through seven stages that test agility, wit, and unity.

* Expansion of the Buddy List – Players can now add up to 100 friends.

* Masteria Mob Invasion - GM's will be summoning a swarm of Masteria's monsters to invade maps and challenge Maplers.

Since the successful launch in North America in 2005, MapleStory has been paving the way for other online MMORPG titles to emulate for its robust user community and the ability to personalize in-game characters in endless combinations. Filled with vibrant backgrounds and charming characters, players interact with each other online through chatting, trading, fun mini-games as well as participating in exciting game play. Groups of players can also ally together in parties or guilds to socialize, hunt monsters, and venture through the immersive lands on thrilling quests.

SEGA's second horror serving, MadWorld, is released across the US today, March 10th.

MADWORLD is an inventive third-person action game exclusively for Wii. Produced by Atsushi Inaba, MADWORLD has a unique black and white style, depicting an incredibly sharp backdrop that straddles graphic novels and 3D worlds.

As players battle opponents, they must master the use of various weapons and items found within their environment, such as chainsaws and street signs, while entertaining sports commentary adds to the third-person gameplay. With its irreverent humour and over-the-top violence, MADWORLD will deliver a unique core gaming experience currently missing on the Wii system.

If your a regular here you'll know we managed to play the game last month and we were quite impressed, however if the game has enough depth is still to be seen, our copy of the game should be arriving any day now so expect our bloody review bloody soon.

MadWorld is released in the US from today and Europe from March 20th.

Warner Bros. Announce download content for F.E.A.R 2

Alma is once again beckoning you to visit a city of paranormal chaos and terror with new DLC available in April!

F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin will deliver a new dimension of paranormal horror, cinematic combat and highly kinetic action with the release of new downloadable content that will be available beginning in April. The new content will include a “Toy Soldiers” map pack that will allow players to experience multiplayer from a new perspective, as well as a premium theme and picture pack.

F.E.A.R.2: Project Origin 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. Tension builds as 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.

F.E.A.R.2: Project Origin is rated “M” for Mature and is available now for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows.

Activision returns to the Batter's Box This Summer With Little Leagu World Series Baseball 2009

Activision announced today that Little League World Series Baseball 2009, the sequel to 2008's acclaimed hit baseball game, will be released this June for Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS. The title is a natural progression for the franchise, offering Little Leaguers and their families more features and refined, accessible gameplay.

"We are very proud of the warm reception our first Little League baseball video game received last year," said David Oxford, Activision Publishing. "Little League World Series Baseball 2009 aims to broaden the franchise's appeal even wider, giving experienced gamers a sense of depth and to feel more challenged while still making it easy for parents or grandparents to pick up and play!"

Little League World Series Baseball 2009 is the second officially licensed Little League video game for next-generation consoles, and once again it is being developed by world renowned Japanese studio NOW Production. Players will have the chance to become a Little League World Series baseball Champion, or play with up to three other friends in a variety of exhibition modes. New features include a full team editor, regional tournaments, all new stadiums, new skills challenges, an expanded set of collectible content and much more. Both versions improve upon the popular motion and stylus controls, respectively, for batting and pitching.

"The response to last year's game was phenomenal, and Little League fans have been enthusiastic in giving us ideas for the 2009 version," Jud Rogers, Sr. Marketing Executive, Little League International. "Activision and NOW Production are the best partners imaginable and we look forward to creating the best family-friendly baseball game of all time."

Introduction of Titan Online video game

1. Background Story
Evil spirits from another dimension began to appear in China. No one knows why or how they came to China, but everyone was certain that their intentions were not good. As wanting to spread the word of their existence, they appeared suddenly and began stirring up chaos in China, engaging in destruction.

Filled with fear, the Chinese battled the evil spirits that were devastating the land. That’s when a girl suddenly appeared. Her name was D'arc. It may have been through fate, or pure coincidence, but you end up meeting her and learning the secrets of the evil spirits.

The evil spirits that appeared in China did not originate from China, but came from the other world. They work for the Devil, who is considered the most vicious creature in the other world. As the Devil’s powers grew, the sphere warped, creating a gap. It is this gap that happened to be connected with China. The evil spirits discovered the gap, and came to China to expand their powers.

D'arc advises you that you must possess great power to combat the monsters. You must obtain the giant weapon ‘Titan’ in order to fight the evil spirits of the other world.

2. Game Characteristics

2-1. Diverse and Original Skills
There are a wide range of skills with attractive effects: external skills that utilize each of the various weapons, internal skills based on the Five Elements, and supplementary skills whose origins are unknown.
You will enjoy using these gorgeous and dynamic skills that cannot be found in other fantasy worlds.

2-2. "Battle Formation" System, the Essence of Cooperative Skills
Players no longer use their skills alone, but make use of the "battle formation" system, which enables them to cooperate with other parties. The "battle formation” system is a cooperative skill that uses the concept of "battle" that often appears in wuxia games. In this system, once parties form a battle array, the system is put in motion and specific battle techniques are executed.
There is a wide array of configurations, including offensive configuration.

2-3. "Titan System" Based on Titan
Titan, a gigantic steel weapon, is used by the knights of the other world. By crossing the space-time that was destroyed through the Devil's conspiracy, the power the Titan will be enhanced. You must collect the pieces of Titan that are scattered through different parts of the world using the karma and coincidence hidden behind the world of wuxia. The vicious evil spirits from the other world cannot be battled, even by fighters. Now, you and Titan will dash through the endless fields of China, so that you can be reborn as a new hero.

2-4. Battle against Others via the "PvP System"
Players can measure each other's skills through player-versus-player and party-versus-party systems. Player-versus-player refers to players fighting against other players. Party-versus-party refers to parties fighting against other parties. As long as there is an opponent to fight against, players can freely engage in battle in any area of a certain size.

2-5. Meet Friends for the Conquest via the "Party/Guild/Alliance System"
Players who share the same interests and goals can come together to create a group. You start by creating a party, and after the party has developed to a certain point, it becomes a guild. Several guilds can create alliances to pursue shared goals. In addition, by utilizing the party/guild/alliance system, you can experience different types of battles, including guild war (field war between guilds) and castle sieges.

2-6. Develop and as a Fighter via the "Job Change System"
Based on the Hwagyeong/Geukkma (1st completion of training) and Hyeongyeong/Talma (2nd completion of training) levels that appear in wuxia novels, a job change system has been created. Once you reach a certain level, you can advance your character to the next level by executing a job change, and enjoy your character's increased power.

2-7. Traveling Between Dimensions
The Empire of Darkness has been buried in evil after surrendering to the Devil who has been reborn. A human alliance has been formed to fight the King of Evil. Now, the other world has begun to stain the land in blood under the name of the 2nd Evil War. You have been handed the fate of a hero. In a devastated world that has become estranged from the blessings of the gods, you must take on the mission of overcoming the curse, joining hands with all of the other clans, and recovering the laws of cause and effect and space-time.

2-8. Special Skill System
When I set off on a journey in the midst Mother Nature, it gives me the chance to notice many new things, like rare plants, precious animals, and beautiful crystals. At this point, I want to put down my weapons and challenge myself to develop a special skill, by using my own hands to collect the materials I need.

2-9. Guild SOS
I can feel the bloodthirstiness of someone who has an eye on me. An enormous fear takes over me, as if the world was coming to an end. But I am no longer scared, for I know that my guild comrades, who will be accompanying me from here on in, will protect me from unknown enemies.

2-10. Instant Dungeon
A powerful, fearful place that is controlled by the power of darkness. Monsters from higher dimensions that cannot be found in the field exist here. If you let your guard down even for a moment, you are taking a chance with your life. Many powerful monsters that have never been seen before are nearby, but once you defeat them, you will be given even greater power.

3. About this game
D'arc traveled from China to the fantasy world, and after destroying the Devil, she found a way to return. However, a creature was hiding in the gap between the dimensions, hovering over D'arc. After watching D'arc for some time, who is in the center of all dimensions leading the flow of history, he attacked D'arc while she was traveling between dimensions, and destroyed her fate. Once the fate of D'arc, the leader of the flow of history, was destroyed, all of the laws of the world became entangled. This led to the human dimension being isolated from all intervention by the upper dimension. In other words, all of the beings of the evil world, including the spirits and the gods, became entangled under the law of cause and effect, making it impossible for them to enter through the gap of the intricately entangled human world. And so, the Devil decided to hold his breath and wait in the gap, dreaming of his rebirth. He chose the power of human fear as his way of achieving rebirth. He chose the Great Empire of the North as the place from which he would spread darkness into the world. The Devil stole the body of the premier, who had been the actual leader of the empire instead of the emperor. Through this trickery, the Devil becomes the new emperor, and successfully transforms the world into an empire of darkness.
And so, the Devil comes to rule the evil spirits and black sorcerers in the empire of darkness, gathers his powers, and builds an Army of Darkness. Now he can reveal his fangs. To the humans, who are not protected by the spirits and the gods, the Army of Darkness is an enormous calamity.

The only choice left for them was to use the 'Titan' to carry out hand-to-hand combat, because they lacked the power to stop the monsters, black sorcerers, and black titans descending upon them with great force. But it was the dragons that came to the aid of the humans. Their aim was to restore the collapsed law of cause and effect and the Weight of Balance.

Through a new alliance between the humans and the dragons, the world finds its order. In the southern part of the continent, the humans and dragons begin carrying out a systematic battle against the forces of darkness.

Introduction of Winifred PC video game

1. Characteristics of game

- Quick actions and arcade-like nature
- Systems designed for building communities
- Episodes that were specially formed for allowing both Single and Party play.

2. Quick & Arcade-like actions

- Speed-action battle that does not exist in other Online-RPGs
- Block, Run, Roll and Attack with simple keyboard controls!
- Collect materials to make your items stronger!

3. Systems for strengthening communities

- User-lists that can be used to collect parties and
chat with people
- Friend-list which allows users to collect and find friends
and chat with them
- Various feeling expressions by animation and sound
- Elements designed for trading items between users

4. Episodes that were specially formed for allowing both Single and Party play

- Users can explore the world of Winifred as they play through the episodes.
Single-play
- Play with the feeling of console action games, such as 'YS' series
- Party-play
- Party is required in order to play certain episodes!

5. Hardware Requirements

- Minimum Requirements
- Windows 2000, Direct X 9.0, Shader 1.1, RAM 256M, CPU P3 -1.0Ghz
- Recommended Requirements
- Windows XP, Direct X 9.0, Shader 2.0, RAM 512M, CPU P4 -2.1Ghz

6. Current embody-process of Winifred

- 30 Regular episodes and 5 Elite episodes
- Over 500 quests
- Enchantments and magic-endowment for strengthening items, and systems for item creation
- PvP battle system
- 4 types of characters that represent classes and races (4 additional characters will be updated)
- 28 types of boss-monsters
- Over 300 types of monsters (diversity of more than 147 types)
- Messenger, Skill-slot systems and so on

7. Game contents and systems that will be further updated

- Guild system
- Change of UI
- Contents that are followed after expansion of level-limits, such as Episodes, Monsters, and quests
- New characters, expansion of classes and addition of new skills
- Community elements, such as personal store
- Addition of Raid Episodes
- Addition of Set-items
- New PvP battle system mode
- Addition of Premium items

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.

See the screenshots here... please subscribe

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