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.

Mytran Wars - Kondor Corp. Wants You! - Deep Silver launches official website for strategy title exclusive to the PSP

Deep Silver has launched the official web headquarters for all things related to the upcoming turn-based strategy game "Mytran Wars" on http://mytranwars.deepsilver.com.

Kondor Corp.’s statement about their new company website:
Learn more about Kondor Corp., one of the biggest multinational corporations that form the high presidium of Earth. Read our mission statement and what Kondor Corp. is about on our new official website. Get acquainted with some of our best veterans under the flag, and the people who pull the strings behind the scenes. A section of the website is dedicated to our impressive product range of Mechs, which gives a detailed overview of the additional equipment that we offer, as well as a short insight on our expansive weapon arsenal.

Learn more about our latest project – the exploitation of raw material deposits on the planet Pythar. Intelligence reports on our website offer you detailed information about your future mission as a part of the Kondor Corp.

Join our ranks and you will gain access to our Intranet, which offers graphical material such as wallpapers, screenshots and movies of the planet Pythar.

We want you today! Join our heroic army and secure the survival of mankind.

“Kondor Corp. – We Extend Your Space!”

Rhianna Pratchett, the writer behind Overlord, Heavenly Sword and Mirror's Edge goes online

New online presence for Rhianna Pratchett, the writer behind Overlord, Heavenly Sword and Mirror's Edge goes live at www.rhiannapratchett.com

Rhianna Pratchett, the UK-based writer and story designer behind such titles as Overlord, Mirror’s Edge and Heavenly Sword, is pleased to announce that her professional website has now gone live at www.rhiannapratchett.com. The site will act as a focus for Pratchett’s writing and narrative design services.

“After over a decade in the industry, I thought that it was about time that I had a little corner of the internet to call my own,” says Pratchett. “An online home where I could highlight the projects and teams that I’ve been lucky enough to work with.”

Pratchett, who recently won the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain Best Videogame Script award for Overlord, is an 11-year industry veteran with clients including Sony, EA, SEGA, Codemasters and DC Comics.

She has recently completing work on Codemasters’ Overlord II (PC, PS3, Xbox 360) Overlord: Dark Legend (Nintendo Wii) and Overlord: Minions (Nintendo DS) all due to hit stores in the summer. In addition to her games, Pratchett has also just finished a successful, six-part Mirror’s Edge miniseries with DC Comics.

"As writer and co-story designer Rhianna made a massive contribution to the twisted humorous fantasy world of Overlord. Throughout the project she displayed a huge amount of creativity, energy and flexibility under time-critical circumstances. Rhianna also played an important part in the direction of the voice recording helping the actors to capture Overlord's unique charm."

Lennart Sas, CEO Triumph Studios

"Rhianna worked very closely with us to develop not just the storyline but more importantly the characters and universe of Mirror's Edge. She was very professional, easy to work with and always delivered on time - even with short notice. She provided not just an insight into writing and story-telling but also provided an invaluable female perspective that was so important for Mirror's Edge. Rhianna is passionate not just about her writing but also about games and that is a very rare combination to find."

Owen O'Brien, Senior Producer EA DICE

"We established early on that we needed a scriptwriter involved from the beginning, and we were very lucky to bring on board the fantastic Rhianna Pratchett. Thanks to her, we quickly established who the characters were, what they meant to each other and what the cause and effect of each cut-scene would be, so that dramatically we could move the story on."

Andy Serkis, Dramatic Director, Heavenly Sword

"I had a great time working with Rhianna on Overlord. She brought those unsavoury characters to life with some wonderfully twisted writing, which was just what the project needed. The dialogue was fit for a movie. She gave me the creative space to play and voice sessions were made a lot more fun thanks to her being in the co-director's chair."

Marc Silk, Voice Actor

Rising Star games announce 2009 video game line up

Rising Star Games, the European publisher of Japanese games, reveals today its line up for 2009. Consisting of over ten exciting new titles from Japan, the line up includes casual titles in Harvest Fishing, Animal Kororo and Mah-Jongg, highly anticipated RPGs Steal Princess, My World My Way and Avalon Code as well as the impressive Rygar: The Battle of Argus and Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga. The 2009 line up will also continue to be promoted under the ‘Home of Japanese Games’ campaign, which runs for the duration of the year.

Steal Princess (NDS, May 22nd 2009)

Accidentally triggering a booby trap which leaves Anise unconscious, the young thief awakens in the clutches of the King of Albyon. Mistaking Anise for a descendent of the legendary Hero of Albyon, the king offers her an ultimatum: free the prince, who was captured by the ancient Demon King, or be convicted as a thief and locked away for life.

Steal Princess aims to break the mould as a puzzle/platformer hybrid by offering an intense single player campaign spread over more than 150 levels of increasing complexity. Once the player completes this mode they can then jump into the in-depth level creator, allowing them to determine the layout of the level and where monsters appear, place moving platforms and even setting victory conditions. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection support also allows your custom creations to be shared online with anyone over the internet.

Valhalla Knights 2 (PSP, May 29th 2009)

Sequel to the popular Valhalla Knights, Valhalla Knights 2 features a vast and expansive world to explore as well as customisation tools to create the ultimate battle party. Featuring new races, job classes, weapons and many more, Valhalla Knights 2 builds upon the foundations laid down in the first game along with an intriguing and expansive story arc.

Controlling and choosing character aspects such as skills, race, and appearance, players can engage in real-time 6-on-6 battles, reliant on tactical combat strategies to achieve success. Supporting 2 player ad-hoc network play, gamers can engage in Co-op and Versus modes with friends, or simply trade items and weapons.

Harvest Fishing (NDS, June 2009)

Harvest Fishing is a fishing simulation game targeted at young Nintendo DS owners. Reminiscent of the Harvest Moon pick-up-and-play style, the unique fishing mechanic uses the touch screen for all gameplay. The multiplayer function offers fishing tournaments via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for up to four players.

Rygar: The Battle of Argus (Wii, June 2009)

Grab your “Diskarmor” and swing into action on the Wii as the legendary warrior, Rygar! Immerse yourself in Greco-Roman mythology as you journey through the sundered Island of Argus. Intuitive use of the Wii Remote allows you to deftly and effectively control the use of the powerful Diskarmor to destroy enemies and manoeuvre on, around, over, and under obstacles to save Princess Harmonia!

Animal Kororo (NDS, July 2009)

The residents of Kororo Kingdom have gone missing! From pandas to puppies to pigs, these adorable little animals must be grouped in matching twos and sent home where they belong. Roll them around obstacles and reconnect them with their partners to ensure their safe return in the newest puzzle addiction to hit the DS!

My World My Way (NDS, September 2009)

Turn the traditional RPG formula upside down as you take control of Elise, a spoiled princess who discovers there is one thing in the world that she can’t have – a boyfriend. Her love is an adventurer who will never fall for her type, girls who have everything handed to them. To win his heart, Elise sets out on adventures of her own to prove that she is his perfect match.

My World My Way throws the traditional RPG laws out the window. If you think a quest is too annoying to bother with or a fight is taking too much effort you can skip them by exchanging your ‘Pout Points’. A light-hearted, comical side of the RPG genre, My World My Way is an RPG which is a little off the beaten track.

Mah-jongg (NDS, September 2009)

Embark upon a fantastic adventure journey to the secretive empire of the Mayas. Go back in time 2,000 years and discover the mysterious temples and fabulous treasures of this once so powerful and yet enigmatic culture!

Play the adventure mode and try to solve the mystical puzzle surrounding the ancient temple of Tikal or simply select your favourite Mah-jongg boards on over 300 layouts. Experience classical Mah-jongg in an unprecedented atmosphere or try one of the 11 further unbelievable game variations. You will love the detailed graphics, the fantastic animations and the atmospheric music!

Angel Cat Sugar (NDS/PC, October 2009)

The first game to be created based upon the popular Angel Cat Sugar series. Angel Cat Sugar is the brainchild of Yuko Shimizu, the creator of the amazingly successful Hello Kitty franchise. Featuring similar cute graphics and smile-inducing gameplay, Angel Cat Sugar is the very epitome of cute and sweet and promises countless wonderful experiences.

Luminous Arc 2 (NDS, October 2009)

The original Luminous Arc garnered critical praise and this sequel promises to be bigger and better. Featuring new quests, superior voice acting and multiple endings, Luminous Arc 2 promises to be everything that made the first game a success and more.

Avalon Code (NDS, October 2009)

From the creative minds behind Rune Factory and Harvest Moon and the development studio responsible for the Final Fantasy III and Final Fantasy IV DS remakes, Avalon Code is an action RPG boasting incredible graphics, a deep and engrossing story and innovative game play mechanics. Using the main character’s ‘Book of Prophecy’, players can modify the rules of engagement during battle as well as weapon and monster attributes. The player even has control over the story as it changes depending on which gender the player chooses, enhancing the ability to immerse themselves in the story.

Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga (Wii, November 2009)

The Valhalla Knights franchise heads onto the Nintendo Wii for the first time this year with Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga. Fully utilising the Wii’s capabilities, Eldar Saga also includes a highly anticipated online co-op play mode, allowing players to quest together wherever they are in the world.

The Three Musketeers - One for All! video game coming to WiiWare

Legendo Entertainment today announced that The Three Musketeers, its much-loved sword-swinging platform adventure inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel and up until now only available on the PC, is in development for Nintendo Wii and planned for release on WiiWare this spring.

The Three Musketeers: One for All! has been revamped for Wii to provide players with more fun and interaction as they launch sword attacks and control the game’s hero with the Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk.

“The enhanced version will enable millions of Wii console owners to become Musketeers in their living rooms and experience all the fun of the original PC game while using the innovative Wii controllers to fence enemies,” said Bjorn Larsson, CEO & Executive Producer of Legendo Entertainment.

Players will control famed musketeer Porthos during a daring adventure to save his kidnapped comrades Aramis, Athos and the young D'Artagnan from the clutches of the sinister Count Xavier and his evil lieutenant, the hook-handed Count Orsini. Packed with frenetic combat, heroic leaps and fun puzzles, and featuring three different endings, this is one adventure no aspiring hero will want to miss!

The Three Musketeers: One for All! supports widescreen and 480p and is planned for publication in North America by Legendo Entertainment this spring. A European/PAL release is intended for release shortly thereafter.

Key Features:

• Take control of famed member of The Three Musketeers, Porthos and save your comrades in this riveting platforming action romp suited to heroes of all ages!

• Immerse yourself in a swashbuckling platform adventure, duel countless enemies, solve fun puzzles, and avoid fiendish traps.

• Wii Remote and Nunchuk controls allow you to interact directly with the game. Swing the Wii Remote to launch blistering sword attacks on your foes, run and leap over rooftops and discover hidden collectables.

• Explore a multitude of breathtaking levels teeming with challenging bosses and distinctive environments that include lush forests, dark dungeons, towering castles, a haunted Abbey, the historical town of Normandy, and more!

The Three Musketeers: One for All! has been rated E for Everyone (Cartoon Violence) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

Nintendo trademarks used under license. WiiWare is available only through the Wii console.

Pangya - Fantasy Golf for PSP take your Best Swing in the Fantasy Golf Game this Summer

TOMY announce that it will publish PANGYA - Fantasy Golf exclusively for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. Featuring beautifully rendered fantasy golf courses, thousands of character and equipment customization options and 18 playable characters, PANGYA: Fantasy Golf thrusts players into a world of golf gameplay filled with beauty and unlimited imagination.

“We are thrilled to introduce gamers to PANGYA: Fantasy Golf, the first PSP title in our growing portfolio of interactive games,” said Mark Shinohara, chief operating officer of TOMY Corporation. “PANGYA offers a unique fantasy golf experience that gamers will truly appreciate. With a compelling storyline and extraordinary visuals, players can easily immerse themselves in PANGYA’s mythology.”

In PANGYA: Fantasy Golf, players practice and perfect their swing on the nine fantasy fairways of Pangya Island. Combining golf gameplay, endless customization options and a slew of sassy female characters set in beautiful environments, PANGYA: Fantasy Golf is based on the global PC MMO PANGYA game developed by Ntreev Soft, and boasts an original storyline with new, exclusive features for the PSP system. Players can utilize the in-game Pangya Shop to customize as many as 18 playable characters and their golf equipment with thousands of unlockable accessories, outfits, gear and power items to improve their golfer’s stats and land that hole-in-one. Multiple gameplay modes including Story, Free Round, License, Tournament and Network Mode offer an engaging and varied golf experience. Additionally, Network Mode allows the ultimate golf gaming fan to connect with up to eight players and compete against one another in either single or team-based tournaments.

PANGYA: Fantasy Golf is developed by Ntreev Soft and is slated for release on the PSP system in Summer 2009.