Biology Battle a dual stick shooter set in a 3D inner space on Xbox Live

Novaleaf Game Studios today announces the worldwide debut of “Biology Battle” on XBLCG. After 11 months development time and a total budget of more than 100.000$ the studio created one of the most expensive productions for this platform. “Biology Battle” is a dual stick shooter set in a 3D "inner space".
Lead by spectacular gameplay and an excellent balancing, “Biology Battle” appeals to the entire spectrum of player types.

In “Biology Battle” the player controls a medical nano-bot during a mission in a hostile cell. Supported with lots of power-ups and special weapons the player has to eliminate every biological intrusion within the cell. “Biology Battle” has great pick-up-and-play features, and is very accessible for beginners. The beginning ramps up in difficulty based on the players skill, and the advanced stages challenge even the experts.

“Making a game for gamers is only possible by keeping close contact to the community during the whole process. They helped us design a game based on their requirements and contributed critical elements, making this game the success it is. The feedback we received from our concept and all through the developing process was extremely positive and consolidated our decision to bring this game to the market.” says Tidarat Thanapakpawin, Executive Producer at Novaleaf Game Studios.

Glacier 2 - Hell on Ice Nintendo Wii video game

Mamba Games, a new dynamic multi-platform video games publisher today announces the next project in their 2009 line-up with the worldwide publishing of ‘Glacier 2: Hell on Ice’ exclusive for the Nintendo Wii developed by Team 6 Studios.

Due for a September 2009 release ‘Glacier 2: Hell on Ice’ is Mamba Games first Wii project with 2 more due to be announced shortly.

Jason Codd, Commercial Director of Mamba Games quotes “We are thrilled to be working on our first global Wii game and ‘Glacier 2: Hell on Ice’ fits with our strategy perfectly. The visuals are stunning for the Nintendo Wii and the playability is crazy, manic and is a huge amount of fun”
‘Glacier 2: Hell on Ice’ starts at the very top of the Alps: Are you ready to reach insane top speeds by driving down the mountains of death?

While it goes faster and faster downhill, watch out for dangerous cliffs, dodge falling rocks, go aim your rockets, heat up your machineguns and deploy mines to take out your opponents and finish first place!

‘Glacier 2: Hell on Ice’ is an arcade combat racing game which takes you to hell and back. Make sure you are faster than your opponents or you can blow them to bits with an arsenal of weaponry. Make your way across the ice, survive incredible jumps, and eliminate your opponents!!

‘Glacier 2: Hell on Ice’ offers an advanced effect system specially designed for the Nintendo Wii to bring the arcade-action really alive! Various insane vehicles are yours to choose from, all with their own characteristics and weapons. Snipers, shot guns, machine guns, chain guns, everything is possible as long as it does heavy damage and take you to victory!

WARNING: This is not for the faint hearted!!!

Glacier 2

Features:
Selling Points

- Over the top combat racing action.

- Incredible jumps, spins and mass of destruction!

- 7 fully tuned super rides, all equipped with various, deadly weapons

- 18 ice cold levels full of traps, cliffs, mines, falling rocks, canyons and spectacular jumps.
- Full support and designed specifically for Nintendo Wii Remote

Nintendo announce European games - Pokémon Platinum, Pikmin 2, Punch Out! and Donkey Kong Jungle Beat

Nintendo announced its Spring titles for the Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii last month. It's Europe's turn this month.

Nintendo's German language release confirms Nintendo DSi and Rhythm Heaven release dates.

Highlights...

Pokémon Platinum May 22
Pikmin 2 (Wii Re-release) April 24
Punch Out! May
Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (Wii Re-Release) June

Punch Out! hits May 18 in North America, Jungle Beat is out May 4 and Pikmin 2 happened on March 9. Pokémon Platinum release is the same for North America and Europe.

The European Spring announcement from Nintendo mentions nothing of Nintendo Wii Sports Resort or the Wii MotionPlus Wii Remote add-on. Both are believed to be behind schedule — a claim Nintendo has refuted here.

Also confirmed Wii Points are now called Nintendo Points.

Source: Kotaku here...

Far Cry 2 video game blamed for German school shooting - what a surprise...

Raise your hand if you didn't see this coming after reports surfaced about the recent mass killings in Germany being linked to 'violent videogames'.New details have emerged giving a little insight to why 17 year-old Tim Kretschmer decided to go on a rampage and kill 15 people, before committing suicide. Not only was he the spoiled son of a wealthy business man, but it is also believed that the whole reason he lost his marbles was because he was rejected romantically by a female whom he was friends with. There's more, turns out Kretschmer was a 'gun fanatic' and he was 'obsessed' with guns according to a neighbor.

According to reports Kretschmer was well liked in high school and never bullied. But it is noted by his former Tennis instructor that he was a "poor loser". From here the media (London's Times Online specifically) start playing the scapegoat card, starring media pundits favorite target in tragic shootings: videogames.

In the Times Online article they paint a very clear picture of why Ubisoft's Fry Cry 2 was a staple in Kretschmers road to madness. The article states that he played the game the night before he went on his killing spree, he hijacked a car and wore black - just like you do in the videogame. The similarities between Kretschmer's rampage and Far Cry 2 don't end there. As the Times Online even did some digging and found out the the gun he used, was a Baretta 92; which can be found in Far Cry 2!

Source: TalkXbox

First Metal Gear Solid title for iPhone and iPod Touch on March 19th

Konami confirms March 19th launch date for first Metal Gear Solid title for iPhone and iPod Touch.

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced further details regarding Metal Gear Solid Touch – a bespoke Metal Gear title for the iPhone and iPod Touch, devised by series creator Hideo Kojima. It will be released across Europe from March 19th for just 4.99 Euro.



Developed by Kojima Productions and designed exclusively for the iPhone and iPod Touch systems, Metal Gear Solid Touch covers the final chapter in the legendary saga of Solid Snake in an intuitive touch-based shooting game. Following the deep and immersive storyline of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, players join forces with Old Snake as he battles the money-driven mercenaries of Private Military Companies (PMCs), Haven Troopers, Gekko units, and the beautiful yet terrifying bosses of the Beauty and Beast Corps.

This tale of commercial warfare adventure follows Old Snake across the Middle East, South America, Eastern Europe, and Shadow Moses as he depletes his enemies’ stamina with various short-range and long-range weapons. Featuring twenty levels of gameplay and well-known antagonists from past Metal Gear Solid titles, Metal Gear Solid Touch marks a welcome debut of the stealth-action franchise for the iPhone and iPod.

A special ‘Advance Edition’ of Metal Gear Solid Touch containing the first 12 stages of the game is scheduled for release on the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch in March for just 4.99 Euro. The final release will follow with eight additional stages of gameplay, and will be available to existing players via a free update on the Apple App Store in the second quarter of 2009. The initial edition will be available with English screen text only, while the later update will offer localized version in French, German, Italian and Spanish language.

The hit console franchise with over 26.5* million units sold Worldwide: METAL GEAR SOLID 4: GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS comes to iPhone and iPod touch!

Experience METAL GEAR SOLID 4's story as you fight through 12 action-packed stages in this thrilling shooter. Fierce battles and familiar faces await you around every corner! Control the action with your fingers using the "Multi-touch interface" of the iPhone/iPod Touch: Trace your fingers on the screen to take aim, and shoot by tapping. Pinch out or Pinch in to zoom-in/out on targets and snipe them from a distance.

Earn Drebin Points after clearing each stage and use them to purchase over 40 unique wallpapers exclusive to Metal Gear Solid Touch.

Download the 1st half of METAL GEAR SOLID 4's story now and be the first to "feel" the excitement of METAL GEAR SOLID TOUCH on the iPhone/iPod touch with the special advance release edition!

Explore the deepest and most revealing chapters of MGS4 in the game's electrifying 2nd half. Advance release edition owners can update for free! Your save data will automatically carry over when you update to the final release.

Halo 3, Mass Effect and PGR 4 now Xbox budget priced at under £20

Expanded Classics range brings blockbuster titles at budget prices.

Microsoft today announces the expansion of its Classics collection in EMEA to include three blockbuster titles, as it continues its strategy of offering high quality experiences at outstanding value. On 20th March, Halo 3, Mass Effect and Project Gotham Racing 4 will join the elite selection of Xbox 360 Classics, with each game available at an Estimated Retail Price (ERP) of just £19.99.

The Ultimate Blockbuster

Halo 3 made entertainment history when it launched in 2007, setting sales records that smashed those set by all previous video games and blockbuster movies. It remains the most played game on Xbox LIVE, with over 1,000,000,000 multiplayer games played since launch. The award winning action series has sold more than 25 million units worldwide and its third instalment sees Master Chief, the last known survivor of a secret military project, fight to save humanity and uncover a secret so incredible, it will change the galaxy forever.
 
Lose Yourself in a Living Galaxy

Mass Effect, developed by BioWare, is an immersive, story-driven experience coupled with awe-inspiring visuals, exclusive to Xbox 360. As one of the first human beings to step onto the galactic stage, players must face a grave threat that may destroy all of civilization. Travel across an expansive universe, exploring the uncharted corners of the galaxy, searching for pieces of the truth in order to discover how to defeat the coming destruction.

Racing to the Fore

Project Gotham Racing 4 is the latest instalment of the legendary street racing series. This time motorbikes join the action and the weather elements push you to the limits as you tear up the stunning tracks in the best of racing machines.

“We are delighted to add three of our finest titles to the Classics range, adding to the exceptional entertainment offering available on the Xbox 360 at outstanding prices,” said David Gosen Vice President of Marketing, Xbox Europe. “As we see more and more families looking to save money by staying in, Xbox 360 continues to offer high-quality home entertainment at fantastic value and consumers are clearly recognising this as we sail past 8 million console sales in Europe.”

House of the Dead Overkill breaks Guinness record... for swearing!

Guinness World Records, the global authority on record-breaking, today announced that recently released The House of the Dead: OVERKILL has broken into the Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition for most swearing in a video game with a whopping 189 uses of the f-word.

Setting a record in this brand new category, the title recognizes The House of the Dead: OVERKILL as the most profane video game in history. During three hours of relatively limited dialogue, the campaign features 189 uses of the f-word, which equates to just over one per minute and three percent of all words spoken in the game.

Video Games Records Manager for Guinness World Records, Gaz Deaves, said: “This record category pre-existed for movies, music and television, but The House of the Dead: OVERKILL is the first video game to be awarded the title in the Gamer’s Edition. It’s a mark of the times.”

The new record will be shortlisted for inclusion in next year’s Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition. The 2009 Gamer’s Edition, which includes high scores and interesting facts from the world of video gaming, also dedicates a separate section to video game controversy; among the many nations listed in the chapter, Greece stands as the first country to ban all video games for an all-encompassing ban on electronic video gaming lasting two months during 2002. Mexico banned Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 in the state of Chihuahua because the state’s governor was offended by the game’s portrayal of the region and its people. The longest ban in gaming history is awarded New York City, whose mayor imposed a ban on pinball machines, which stood for 34 years from 1942.

Jonathan Burroughs, writer of The House of the Dead: OVERKILL, stated: “It is a dubious honour to receive such an accolade working in an industry where so often the fruits of your labours are derided and dismissed for being puerile or irresponsible, but in the case of The House of the Dead: OVERKILL a little puerility was the order of business. Parodying the profane excess of grindhouse cinema was Headstrong Games’ objective and I am flattered that this record acknowledges that we not only rose to that challenge, but entirely exceeded it.”

Action shoot-em-up Operation - Star Hammer on Xbox Live

Black Lab Games is proud to announce Operation: Star Hammer, coming soon to the Xbox LIVE Community Games portal.

Operation: Star Hammer is an intense action-packed shoot-em-up, set in a war-ravaged galaxy under threat from the evil Nautilid empire. As a raw recruit, gamers will enlist with the Alliance of Planets Defence Force as they join the fight to save the universe from total destruction. Presented via a top-down view, pilots fly a space fighter using full 360 degree freedom of movement as they take on enemy fighters and gunships in a frenzy of space combat.

Featuring 60 missions across three separate campaigns, Operation: Star Hammer boasts both solo and multi-player game modes. Mission objectives range from flying patrols to engage a ruthless enemy, escort missions, covert operations behind enemy lines and more. Operation: Star Hammer offers a multi-player option in which up to three players can take control of enemy ships in an attempt to prevent the main player's mission objective from being reached.

Pilots gain access to improved weapons and promotions as they progress through the game. Completed missions can be replayed at any time.

Featuring high resolution, hand-drawn art and loads of dazzling special effects, Operation: Star Hammer is scheduled to be available in Q2 2009.

Final Fantasy XI - Crystalline Prophecy – Ode of Life Bestowing out March 23rd - Rise of the Zilart A Moogle Kupo d’Etat & A Shantotto Ascension later

The first in a series of three previously announced add-on scenarios for their MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) game, FINAL FANTASY XI, will be available for purchase on 23rd March, 2009.

This add-on scenario, titled “A Crystalline Prophecy – Ode of Life Bestowing,” will be available exclusively for online purchase through the PlayOnline Viewer, and will be priced at €9.99 and £7.99. After purchase, FINAL FANTASY XI players will have access to this new content after the release of the upcoming version update in early April 2009.

Creation of these three upcoming content packages is led by Masato Kato, who created the stories and scenarios for FINAL FANTASY XI, and its first expansion pack, Rise of the Zilart. Two additional add-ons, “A Moogle Kupo d’Etat – Evil in Small Doses” and “A Shantotto Ascension – The Legend Torn, Her Empire Born”, will be released later this year.

About A Crystalline Prophecy – Ode of Life Bestowing

Story
One day, a giant crystal appeared in the skies above Jeuno, triggering a series of unexplained happenings across the land. Now, adventurers will set forth to unravel the mysteries of this primordial crystal that holds the secret of Vana’diel’s past.

Accommodating players in North America, Europe and Japan, FINAL FANTASY XI is the first massively multiplayer online role-playing game capable of simultaneous multiplayer cooperation across three different platforms. Now in its sixth year of service, FINAL FANTASY XI has a robust community of 500,000 subscribers from around the world. The series continues to evolve and expand, offering newcomers and fans alike an immersive, engrossing and engaging universe to traverse, defend and explore.

Mind, Body & Soul video games on Nintendo Wii and DS

Mind, Body & Soul range exclusively for Nintendo Wii and DS.

The initial launch titles establish a new brand of gaming, enabling users to improve their everyday lives while having fun along the way.

Nutrition Matters for Nintendo Wii and DS offers users the ability to track their net calorific gains and losses through exercise and dieting.

A simple and accessible tracking mechanism monitors both calorific burn through daily activity and food intake through an extensive nutrition database. This allows users to set their own targets over any period of time, with regular data updates to monitor progress. The nutrition reference guide can be used as a calorie fore-planner for events such as dinner parties, birthdays or even just Sunday lunch by providing calorie data, protein and fat contents for hundreds of foods. With the Wii version supporting Nintendo’s balance board as a set of digital scales, Nutrition Matters enables users to set goals and monitor one’s progress towards the perfect beach body.

Big World Puzzle Book for Nintendo DS is an interactive word based puzzle title. Some of the games within are based on traditional word play, while others have been created specifically for the game. Each game type has over 1,000 different levels, offering more puzzle action than you can shake an HB pencil at. Also included is a fully comprehensive help mode for struggling players, multiplayer modes and scalable difficulty levels to maintain a challenge throughout.

Finally, Mind Storm 2, also for Nintendo DS is the sequel to the best selling title from developer Ask Co. Ltd, which exercises all corners of the brain, from logic puzzles to analytical conundrums. 12 games each have five levels of difficulty to offer a thorough and wide-ranging puzzle experience suitable for all age groups.

“We are confident the Mind, Body & Soul. range offers something different to entice those users who perhaps don’t consider themselves ‘gamers’”, commented Alex Price, Senior Global Brand Manager for 505 Games. “The Mind, Body and Soul range is all about life enhancement. It enables people to improve their everyday lives whilst having fun at the same time.”

Mind Storm 2 and Big Word Puzzle Book both on Nintendo DS are scheduled for release in early April followed by Nutrition Matters on Nintendo DS and Wii in mid May. Watch this space for more titles across the range shortly...