Metal Gear Touch video game on iPhone and iPod Touch early

Metal Gear franchise’s debut for the iPhone and iPod touch has arrived originally dated for a March 19th release, Metal Gear Touch has actually hit the App Store today, the 17th, a day early.

I have confirmed the presence of the game on the App Store, it’s currently priced at $7.99 (as opposed to the expected $10) and has an average review of 4.5 stars.

What are you waiting for?

Go get it, it’s only $8.

Empire Of Sports - Bobsleigh And Tobogganing To Host First Virtual Skeleton Championships - 28th March

Empire of Sports, the first massively connected multisport 3D game, has partnered up with the International Federation of Bobsleigh and Tobogganing (FIBT) to host the first ever Virtual World Skeleton Championships online. The World Skeleton Championships will be held in Empire of Sports until 28th March 2009.

More than just a game, Empire of Sports is a sports platform designed to echo major real life sporting events from around the world; providing all sports fans with an extended space to live through and share their passion. Thanks to invaluable input from an ever-growing community, Empire of Sports just keeps getting better. Especially with the constant addition of new sports, clubs, sportsmen, competitions, events, and sports brands.

The Virtual World Skeleton Championships are available for all Empire of Sports players to enter – up until Saturday, 28th March 2009. The Virtual World Skeleton Championships are part of the ‘special events’ in Empire of Sports: the qualification phase is open to everybody but only the qualified players holding a Premium account will be able to continue on to the final stages and compete to win one of many Championship prizes.

Skeleton racing is an extreme winter sport in which individuals are required to make timed runs down fast, icy tracks in a gravity-powered sled. Skeleton racing requires the athlete to descend a bobsleigh track head first with their chin only millimetres from the ice below. Skeleton racing has been an international sport for over 100 years and has recently been introduced to the Winter Olympics creating a huge interest with athletes and mass media.

The Virtual World Skeleton Championships is not for the faint hearted! Only three of the bravest players will speed their way to the top of the leader board, where they will be rewarded with either a real-life bobsleigh ride on an official track or a skeleton training day – including travel and accommodation. Runners up will be rewarded with an array of virtual prizes including gold, booster items, ranking points, and other unique avatar-related items.

To ensure a fair competition, the Virtual World Skeleton Championships have been broken into a series of four competitions to welcome competitors of varying bobsleigh standards within the game.

• Amateur series (Level 1 to 15 in bob),
• Experienced series (Level 16 to 30 in bob),
• Pro series (Level 31 to 45 in bob)
• Elite series (Level 46 and above in bob).

Empire of Sports is currently still in the Prologue phase: this allows Empire of Sports to expand progressively, with the help and feedback of a vast community.

If you are interested in entering one of the Empire of Sports tournaments and fancy your chances of winning one of many exciting prizes, all you need to do is download the game client from www.empireofsports.com, register and start playing!

Link to a complete list of prizes for the Virtual World Skeleton championships

Link to more information about the competition

Link to how and when to register for the Virtual World Skeleton Championships

Empires in Arms update ready for download

Matrix Games and Australian Design Group are proud to release the comprehensive 1.05.05 update for Empires in Arms. The update comes with several bug fixes including a fix for a bug with guard commitment, a fix for possible game looping in the naval phase, fixes for the Insurrection corps, foraging bug fixes, and more.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said “Each subsequent update of Empires in Arms brings improvements to our adaptation of this great game system. We’re thrilled to be a part of bringing this legendary wargame to the computer and we will continue to respond to community feedback and polish and improve it over time.”

Take command of one of the many factions in early 19th century Europe! Empires in Arms is a grand strategy turn-based race to prove which nation is the greatest in Europe. In a bid for mastery over the continent, players can succeed where Napoleon failed or try to stop the military genius quicker than his historical enemies could!

The game moves in monthly turns where diplomacy and builds are conducted. Within the monthly turns there are a variable number of impulses where corps and fleets move about. All movement is simultaneous with battles occurring at the end of the impulse. Battles are resolved by players both picking a strategy and fighting a series of rounds in an attempt to break the enemy. Make and break alliances, declare war, invade minor nations, propose peace terms, build armies of landwehr, regulars, guards, light cavalry, heavy cavalry and artillery. Many historical leaders from the period are included to command corps and fleets, from Admiral Nelson to Marshal Davout to the Pashas of the Ottoman Empires.

The slightest mistake could be the difference between the crown of Europe or exile to St. Helena. Step into history and find your destiny in Empires in Arms!

The update is comprehensive and will bring any previous version of Empires in Arms to version 1.05.05. Get more information on Empires in Arms from its official product page.

Download update file here...

NCAA Football 10 in US stores July 14th

All-New Season Showdown Mode Ensures Every Game Counts

Electronic Arts announce that NCAA Football 10 will be available in North American retail stores on Tuesday, July 14. As the highest-selling college football video game franchise for over a decade*, EA SPORTS NCAA Football brings an unparalleled college game day experience to football fans across the nation.

Each week leading up to the launch of NCAA Football 10, the newly unveiled www.ncaafootball10.com will host the latest features, videos, screenshots, blogs and news. In addition, the website will countdown the highly anticipated announcement of the NCAA Football 10 cover athletes. A different player will be featured on the packaging of each platform, giving fans plenty of opportunity to speculate whether their favorite athlete will grace one of the covers this season. With several major features scheduled to be announced between now and launch, football fans are encouraged to visit the website regularly for the most up-to-date information.

True to the tradition of the award-winning franchise, NCAA Football 10 continues to push the bar on innovation with new online modes. NCAA Football 10 brings the excitement of college football to fans across the nation like never before with its newest feature, Season Showdown. In this new mode, every game counts as fans declare their loyalty to a favorite school and give the ultimate show of support in a nationwide competition. All college football fans will have an opportunity to participate in Season Showdown, as credits not only accumulate in-game but players can also earn credits for their school via new web-based games. Millions of college football fans around the country will be on a mission to prove their school is number one with NCAA Football 10’s Season Showdown.

NCAA Football 10 envelopes the excitement and pageantry of college football at its best. Enhanced stadiums filled with school colors, cheerleaders and mascots bring the college atmosphere to life. Enjoy the sights of game day with new field goal nets, flags waving in the wind and camera flashes exploding during pivotal moments. With all 120 Football Bowl Subdivision schools represented in the game, NCAA Football 10 offers fans an exciting way to experience the thrill of authentic college football year-round.

Developed in Orlando, Fla., by EA Tiburon, NCAA Football 10 will be available on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, the PlayStation 2 and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment systems and the PSP (PlayStation Portable).

EA SPORTS is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world, with top-selling titles and franchises including Madden NFL football, FIFA Soccer, NHL hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR and NASCAR racing.

*Based on NPD data.

Free-to-play Combat Arms Europe Black Market new release update - free download

Combat Arms Europe, the free-to-play online first-person-shooter by NEXON Europe, releases today a handful of new striking GP- and Cash items.

After the recent commercial launch of the highly anticipated in-game Cash Shop “Black Market” in late February, Combat Arms Europe now brings additional items and gears for players to further personalize the game and offers the chance to “refresh” the game play with name change and statistic resets through the Black Market. With the reset function, players who have improved within the game receive a chance to deliver a more accurate representation of their current skill level, and the name change item allows the change of character and clan name, all without having to restart an account and lose their hard earned rank.

Furthermore, new powerful machineries such as SCAR-L Trispear and L96A1 Arctic Wolf as well as additional gears and camouflage are now available for purchase with NEXON Cash, whilst two new GP items can be obtained using Gear Points.
Along with the stocked up Black Market, the game has been further updated with the newest security tools for a safer and cleaner playing environment.

This only being the very first update after its opening, more striking varieties will be added to the shelves of the Black Market in the nearest future, and gamers of Combat Arms Europe can definitely look forward to receiving regular updates with new maps, combat modes, weaponry and other free contents as well as in-game and joint tournaments / events to participate at.

To sign up and to download the game for free, visit

http://combatarms.nexoneu.com

.

About Combat Arms:

Combat Arms is a fast-paced, multiplayer shooter, designed for non-stop action on the grounds of various battlefields where players are recruited to get engaged with their enemies in multiple game modes. While integrating the traditional attributes of the FPS genre, Combat Arms advances further by evolving striking features such as character customization as well as weapon modification system, enabling the players to adjust their weapons with attachments such as scopes, silencers and extended magazines. Additional eye-catching feature is the unique backpack system, which allows players to combine a set of multiple weapons from the extensive armory for a more sophisticated combat experience on the battlefield.



Combat Arms is easy to adapt for newcomers with handy control while providing deep gameplay mechanics to veteran gamers. In-game currencies and experience points are rewarded based on the number of victories and kills made, and when accumulated, it will help the players to rank up and to mount with new weapons and equipments, while having access to their actual performance stat anytime during the gameplay. Moreover, the extensive community features within the game actively support the clan system, where players can easily recruit, manage, and communicate with their clan members.

Why Flower video game is only possible on a PlayStation 3

That Game Company have explained why their Flower game is only possible on the PlayStation 3 platform...

The massive environments use SixAxis motion to control movement through the fields of glass landscapes.

Only the massive processor power of the PlayStation 3 can handle the rendering of the multitude of glass blade required. ThatGameCompany also produced the amazing flOw aquatic exploration video game as they explained...

"We learned so much on flOw, especially about SPUs. The grass system really leverages the PS3 to render 200,000 blades of grass simultaneously, and gives the player this sense of blowing wind through them," ThatGameCompany president Kellee Santiago said.

"It really would be impossible to make it look the same on any other system. But, it's one of the pros with knowing your game is exclusive to a specific system - you can really design everything towards that one platform."

Crimson Gem Saga video game on PSP

It's time to finish what we started

Atlus dressed in tuxedos and sporting lavish monocles, formally announced that it has secured the North American publishing rights for Crimson Gem Saga for PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, emphasizing the point by releasing the game's final cover art and the first North American screenshots.

Crimson Gem Saga is all about the fundamentals of RPG fun: lush hand-drawn visuals, an engaging fantasy tale, and an easy-to-use interface. That's not to leave out the fast, turn-based combat, ambush attacks, combo chains, and special attacks involving multiple party members. And you certainly would not want to overlook the stellar musical score and voice work. In fact, not content with the versions previously released in other regions, Atlus has added over 1000 additional lines of recorded voice, a North American exclusive.

Crimson Gem Saga is scheduled for release on May 26, 2009 with an MSRP of $29.99.

About Crimson Gem Saga
"Sometimes life doesn't go the way you plan it."

For some people, it's an expression. For Killian von Rohcoff, well, he's pretty sure someone tattooed it onto him somewhere when he wasn't looking. After getting beaten for the top spot in his graduating class, he follows up a lead for a job that results in him getting his wallet stolen. Unfortunately for Killian, that's just the beginning. Fate has one heck of a roller-coaster in store for him, and in the center of the mess is an ancient artifact known as the Wicked Stone.

Key Features

• Return to essential RPG fun - Remember what made RPGs simply fun experiences? You'll find it here. Easy to pick up and play with a full package of addictive combat, beautiful graphics, interesting story, and fantastic voice work; this is a title that will charm genre newbies and veteran players alike.
• Gratifying combo-filled combat - This is turn-based RPG combat at its most fun. Attack your enemies before they attack you to gain the advantage of the first hit in battle. Master the Critical Combo System to deliver multiple hits and deliver major damage to an enemy. Team up with allies to unleash massive dual, triple, or full-team attacks.
• Distinctively beautiful 2-D world - Vibrant, colorful, and distinctive, this is a world that will draw and keep you inside the fantasy. Detailed character portraits and beautiful, fluid sprites further make this a treat for the eyes.
• A far superior sequel - Forget what you know about the series because this is a totally new experience. With a complete graphical facelift, a brand new story and cast, and newly polished combat, this is a game that blows right past its predecessor.

Crimson Gem Saga has been rated "T" for Teen with Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, and Use of Alcohol and Tobacco by the ESRB.

Half Life 2 Episode 3? What's in the Box? - Test Film 2009

The following video is either a viral Half Life 2: Episode 3 teaser, or it's simply a demo from a talented film student. You decide.

The production values are incredibly high in the following video, posted by YouTube member Timacious, featuring impressive CG post-production effects and motion tracking.

Featuring content clearly inspired by Half Life 2, you'll find mentions of Black Mesa and other obvious visual cues. The question is, is this a viral video for the highly anticipated third episode in Half Life 2 since it very much captures the spirit of the franchise.



Source: Gamezine

Swedish video game of the year 2009 is Mirror's Edge

The jury and the people voted for Grand Theft Auto 4 to game of the year at the annual Swedish award show Dataspelsgalan 2009.

The action game Grand Theft Auto 4 hit the jackpot at this year’s Dataspelsgalan and won game of the year, action game of the year and people’s choice awards which were voted at Pricerunner.

The Swedish games industry employs 1400 persons and has produced several global hits. The competition in the category Swedish game of the year has intensified for each year as better games leave the shores of Sweden for international stardom. This year EA DICE were the winner with Mirror’s Edge.

The new category Swedish indie game of the year was introduced in order to reward creativity and what could be future international hits. The winner was Penumbra: Dark Plague, a horror adventure created by Frictional Games from Helsingborg in the south of Sweden.

– There are many reasons why the year 2008 were an entertaining year for games, says Ove Kaufeldt, veteran games journalist and chairman of the jury. Sought-after major games battled for the spotlight against small popular titles by smaller developers. It’s fun to see that Swedish developers were on the forefront with celebrated games.

During the award show several achievements were presented. PEGI ambassador of the year goes to a person, group or company who have promoted the age rating system PEGI with best practice. This year the award was handed to the electronic retail chain ONOFF for their active work with PEGI through the whole organization. Retailer of the year went to Media Markt and Guitar Hero: World Tour won launch of the year. Finally Ulf Beckman received the honorary award prize 2009 for his work with laying the foundation to what is today’s Swedish games industry.

– There’s clearly a sense of pride among developers to consumers over the positive development for games, concludes Maria Tjärnlund, project leader for Dataspelsgalan.

Winners at Dataspelsgalan 2009

Game of the year: Grand Theft Auto 4
Swedish game of the year: Mirror’s Edge

Swedish indie game of the year: Penumbra: Black Plague

Action game of the year: Grand Theft Auto 4

Social game of the year: Rock Band 2

Online game of the year: Left 4 Dead
Platform game of the year: Little Big Planet
Portable game of the year: Professor Layton and the Curious Village

Puzzle game of the year: Braid

Racing game of the year: Burnout Paradise

Role-playing game of the year: Fallout 3

Sports game of the year: NHL 09
Strategy game of the year: Spore

Kids game of the year: Josefin skolhjälp: Bokstavsdjungeln

People’s choice award: Grand Theft Auto 4

Special categories:

Launch of the year: Guitar Hero: World Tour
Retailer of the year: Media Markt
PEGI ambassador of the year: ONOFF
MDTS honorary award prize 2009: Ulf Beckman

About Dataspelsgalan
Dataspelsgalan is Swedish Games Industry’s annual award show that premiers creativity and innovation within games. Each year since 2000 a jury of experts has chosen nominees and winners. Since 2007 the MDTS honorary award prize is handed out to persons that made decisive efforts for the Swedish industry’s development.

Previous winners

Game of the year
2000 Metal Gear Solid
2001 The Sims
2002 Grand Theft Auto 3
2003 Ico
2004 -
2005 Half-Life 2
2006 World of Warcraft
2007 Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
2008 Super Mario Galaxy

Swedish game of the year

2000 Fem myror är fler än fyra elefanter
2001 Ground Control
2002 Headhunter
2003 Battlefield 1942
2004 -
2005 Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay
2006 Battlefield 2
2007 GTR 2: FIA GT Racing Game
2008 World in Conflict

About Swedish Games Industry
Swedish Games Industry is a partnership organization that represents the industry in the public. The organization consists of the trade organizations Spelplan-ASGD (developers and producers) and MDTS (publishers and distributors).

Introducing a fresh onslaught of mayhem-with-menace, it's the first Overlord II gameplay video

Being bad will soon feel ever so good again as Codemasters today confirmed that the Minions will return this summer, complete with a new master, in Overlord II, Triumph Studios’ sequel to the 1 million+ selling, delightfully despotic, twisted fantasy action adventure.

Taking the ‘be evil or really evil’ theme to terrific new heights of tyranny, gamers were today introduced to the new Overlord and his powers of destruction and domination in the first Overlord II gameplay video.

In Overlord II, the new Overlord and a more powerful Minions horde take on the Glorious Empire, an advanced Romanesque nation, in a truly epic yet familiarly warped adventure. Ever since the events at the end of Overlord: Raising Hell, the Overlord has been absent from the world and, without his firm grip on the kingdom, the lands have being conquered by the Glorious Empire. On the surface, the Glorious Empire is a civilisation driven by righteous politicians and supported with a mighty military force. However, in practice the Empire is decadent, corrupt and dangerous. And if there's one thing the Glorious Empire hates, it's magic and magical beings.

As the game opens, the Empire’s Inquisition is on the hunt for anyone who has magical resonance. In the Arctic wastelands, where Yetis roam, lies the snowy town of Nordberg. Here a young lad is singled out by the Inquisition and accused of possessing a magical force (what with him having strange glowing eyes and everything). However, as he is led off, the Empire guards come under attack from a band of strange little leathery, big-eared, yellow-eyed beasts: it’s the Minions! With a rousing cry of “Master” the devilishly charming critters carry the boy off – they’ve found their new Overlord.



After some years of intensive Minion training, players will step into the now-adult sized boots of the Overlord. Initially it’s a rag-tag band of Minions under his command but off they go, looting, destroying and laying waste to the lands around Nordberg, scoring victories where they can, before setting sights on the lands at the very heart of the Empire.

As the Overlord’s powers grow, the secrets of the Empire, and those of his own origins, will be revealed and then it’s time to go Minion maximus on the Empire’s collective ass. Players will be able to choose how to wield the Overlord’s evil forces. Do they plunder and pillage across the lands, burn cities on a whim in wild acts of destruction? Or do they follow a path of domination, enslaving towns and exerting their will upon the people? Only true despots will be able to make the ultimate choice between being a ‘destructive’ or a ‘dominating’ dark lord.

“Overlord II empowers players to enact their evil will in either a dominating or destructive way,” explains Lennart Sas, Creative Director, Triumph Studios. “Play as a ‘dominating’ Overlord and villages and people will fall under your command with rewards and benefits coming over time as you have them do your bidding. Follow a ‘destructive' route and you’ll become a demonic Lord of chaos, obliterating anything that stands in your way. For example, if you need to take a boat from one area to the next, are you evil enough to trigger global warming, melt the ice caps, so that you create your own private sea to sail across? Well, are you? It’ll be fun finding out.”

Prepare to face the Glorious Empire in Overlord II – the game that puts the laughter into slaughter – coming this summer for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games For Windows.