SuperCar Challenge - world's first PlayStation 3 third-party beta trial

London based videogames publisher System 3 today launched the first ever third-party PlayStation 3 Beta Trial to an audience of just under 2,000 hungry racing enthusiasts. The SuperCar Challenge Online Beta Trial allows gamers, journalists and retail alike the chance to get their hands on System 3’s brand new racer and take part in 1-16 player online battles.

Many racing options are available allowing gamers of any ability level to take part. Whether you’re a rookie simply looking for an adrenaline rush or a hardened pro with a race wheel and pedals set-up, there’s a handling model in the game to suit you.

Participants can choose from the Enzo Ferrari, Lamborghini Murcielago RGT or the Aston Martin DBR9, and throw them around two fantastically detailed GP tracks: Spa and Nurburgring. Gamers even have access to the both dry and wet race conditions so it’s a great pre-cursor for this weekend’s Malaysian GP!

SuperCar Challenge Brand Manager Chandra Nair seems to think it’s all going swimmingly so far: “It’s an honor to be the first third-party to be allowed to do a beta trial with Sony, and on a global scale too. We’re really proud of the fact that we’ve got proper 16-player, voice-over-IP racing going on between people as far apart as the UK and Australia, without any lag. Everyone involved is having a lot of fun and it’s a fantastic milestone for us”.

SuperCar Challenge is set to launch on the PS3 in Q2 2009.

Dragon Age - Origins PC Release Date

New Release Date Set for Last Half of 2009

Leading video game developer BioWare, a division of Electronic Arts, today announced that the release of Dragon Age - Origins on PC has been rescheduled to the last half of 2009 from the previously announced early 2009 release date, coinciding with the release of the console versions of Dragon Age: Origins.




“Dragon Age: Origins is shaping up to be quite amazing in its level of quality and polish,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, General Manager and CEO, BioWare and General Manager and Vice President, EA. “I’m really proud of our team, who are working very hard to make Dragon Age: Origins the biggest and most exciting BioWare game yet, and we will work to ensure it not only meets, but exceeds the expectations of our loyal audience of fans.”

Dragon Age: Origins is the spiritual successor to BioWare’s critically acclaimed Baldur’s Gate, featuring deep character customization and roleplaying, morally challenging decisions, tactical party-based combat, and a wealth of gritty, mature sub-plots that together make it one of the most highly-anticipated PC and console releases of 2009.

For more information about Dragon Age: Origins, the latest updates, or to join BioWare’s Dragon Age community, visit www.dragonage.com.

HD video - The making of Virtua Tennis 2009 with Murray, Nadal, Federer, Sharapova, Williams and Ivanovic

Virtua Tennis 2009 will again allow you to take on the world’s top tennis players in some of the most realistic courts to be found on gaming consoles. Take on the likes of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer or play as Maria Sharapova against Venus Williams to recreate some classic court battles.



Joining this impressive roster of tennis stars are several new players for 2009, including men’s World No.4 Andy Murray and ladies French Open champion Ana Ivanovic. In addition to the traditional singles, doubles and mixed doubles matches, Virtua Tennis 2009 will also have the official Davis Cup license, giving players the coveted opportunity to lead their country to glory!

Virtua Tennis 2009 has extensive additions and detailed improvements to the classic arcade-style match engine like no other tennis game available. Player stumbling adds a new dimension to matches, while improved volleying, serving and net play allow you to express yourself on court like never before. In addition, the popular World Tour Mode has been given innovative new features offering a fully integrated online system, and new online ranking system available for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Along with numerous other additions the Player Creation System in World Tour Mode has also been expanded, and a new look Tennis Store containing over 800 items will enable players to create their own unique Virtua Tennis Champion!

The making of Alpha Protocol video game HD trailer

In the world of espionage, nothing is as it seems in Obsidian Entertainments blockbuster RPG thriller, Alpha Protocol.

Players will assume the role of Michael Thorton, a highly skilled government operative trained to eliminate threats to national security.

When a mission goes horribly wrong, Thorton is the only one with the information, skills, and contacts required to stop an impending international catastrophe. To do so, he will utilize the very government directive that the enemy sought to use to against him - Alpha Protocol.

Featuring a vividly realistic modern-day setting, Alpha Protocol gives players complete control not only of Thortons actions but his personality and attitude as well, all of which will determine the future of the world as we know it. Blending fast-paced modern combat, significant character advancement and innovative RPG features, Alpha Protocol brings a fresh new perspective to the genre.

With a story rivaling the best spy-thriller novels and an immersive, ultra-realistic espionage world, Alpha Protocol will redefine the RPG genre for the next-gen gamer. Alpha Protocol is being developed by Obsidian Entertainment creators of Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic II The Sith Lords and Neverwinter Nights 2.

KEY FEATURES

A morally-complex branching story - The world is not black and white and the story will change based upon how you act in it. By replaying the game with different choices, you will have a very different narrative.

Dialogue Stance System The revolutionary new dialog systems allows full control of Thortons reactions through emotive controls. However, characters will not always react the same way. He will have to choose carefully in each dialog.

A Modern Day Role Playing Experience with Action Gameplay The new RPG system gives players the ability to mold Thorton into the secret agent they want him to become with lethal close-combat techniques, marksmanship abilities, proficiency with spy gadgets, and much more.

Living, realistic international world that responds to Thorton - Thorton will travel across the globe, encountering mysterious contacts and deadly enemies multiple times over the course of Alpha Protocol's plot. Depending on his previous interactions with a character or a location, the world's reactions to him will change, opening new possibilities and gameplay avenues.

Behind the Scenes - The making of Flock video game alien abduction of sheep...

Flock Qore Video game trailer - behind-the-scenes look at what went into making Flock!

UFOs and sheep - what more could you ask for in a video game?

Watch the video game trailers here...

Brutal Legend video game rocks - exclusive gamezplay screenshots trailer

Brütal Legend may officially be for Xbox 360 and PS3, but a recent conversation with 1UP may make hopeful metal action heroes rockin' a Wii take pause. The site confronted Double Fine honcho Tim Schafer about a pulled article by GoNintendo that the title was coming to Nintendo Wii.

Schafer's reaction was certainly interesting, as he asked his handler how to respond to the question, and simply stated, "We are making an Xbox 360 and PS3 version of Brütal Legend."



Indulging pure speculation, it's very possible that Schafer is telling the truth and the in-house version of Brütal Legend is not being made for Wii. We've seen it countless times at this point that many studios develop for Xbox 360 and PS3, leaving the Wii work to an outside entity.

That doesn't mean Brütal Legend for Wii is confirmed, but hesitation (and checking with the handler) is typically a sign that there's something more to the story.

G.I. Joe the Rise of Cobra - HD video game trailer

For fans of all ages, 2009 is gearing up to become another watershed milestone in the timeless franchise by introducing even more new ways to engage, immerse and play within the G.I. JOE universe.



The G.I. JOE video game will feature an exclusive storyline that picks up where the live-action movie leaves off, allowing players to re-create and re-live the greatest moments from the film, cartoon series and action figure toy line. The game will feature 12 G.I. JOE characters, each with unique abilities and weapons.

Adding to the adrenaline rush will be an intense single-screen co-op mode allowing two players to easily unite as a team in a classic struggle between good and evil as they work together to defeat the powers of the COBRA organization. The G.I. JOE video game is under development for Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, Wii, PlayStation 2, PSP (PlayStation Portable), Nintendo DS, and mobile devices.

Völkl Diamond Cup - your chances of winning a ski outfit worth £470

Empire of Sports, the first massively connected multisport 3D game, is proud to unveil the latest in its ever growing online sports events; The Völkl Diamond Cup. In association with winter sports equipment brand, Völkl, Empire of Sports has added the Völkl Diamond Cup as a permanent feature to its already impressive line-up of resident online sports based events.

The Völkl Diamond Cup can be found in the permanent events program within Empire of Sports. There are four key stages to qualify for the Völkl Diamond Cup; the first three stages can be entered at any time during the week. The finals will be held every other Saturday and the winner will receive a ski outfit (jacket and trousers) from the Völkl Performance Wear range.

Empire of Sports provides a great interactive platform for companies to promote their brands and advertise new products online – while also reaching a wider audience. As part of Völkl’s association with Empire of Sports, two pairs of brand new Völkl skis will be made available for players’ avatars to use in-game, boosting their performance and making them look good while they’re doing it! Better still, as those ski models are part of Völkl’s range for the forthcoming 2009/10 winter season, Empire of Sports’ avatars will have access to them before the real skis are even available in the shops. So the players will exclusively be able to access the first-class quality of the equipment in May.

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

If you are interested in entering the Völkl Diamond Cup and fancy your chances of winning a ski outfit worth £470, all you need to do is download the game client from www.empireofsports.com, register and speak with Francis in the centre of Empire of Sports!

Nintendo DSi online shop opens in Europe Five games available - top ten things you need to know about the DSi

Nintendo's DSi Online Store launches in Europe today, on offer are five games free Opera-based internet web browser.

Games to download - WarioWare Snapped!, Pyoro, Paper Plane, Art Style Aquite and Art Style Code.



Before you can access the store, DSi users must download the latest system update the launch promotion adds 1000 free DSi Points to your account.

Games are in three different pricing categories – 200 Points (GBP 1.80), 500 Points (GBP 4.50) and Premium, and can be accessed through the main menu.

The DSi is on sale today in Europe, with retailers across the UK expecting strong sales over the launch weekend.

1. The DSi is the third revision of the DS console, the biggest selling games console yet made, with global sales of over 100 million, 9 million of these in the UK alone.

2. Although it looks remarkably similar to the existing DS Lite, the DSi represents a bigger jump forward than that from the chunky original DS to the DS Lite. The new machine is slimmer, with slightly bigger screens and a faster processor, and is packed with new features.

3. New feature one: the DSi has its own built-in operating system, modelled on the Wii system. The OS is stored on the DSi’s built-in memory. One of the practical upshots of this is that games are now “hot-swappable”, meaning you no longer need to power off and on your console when changing game cartridges.

4. New feature two: the DSi comes with two low-resolution cameras, one facing inwards and one outwards. The cameras are complemented by a built-in application that allows you to distort the photos you take for humorous effect. They can also be used for video-chatting.

5. New feature three: the DSi comes with an SD card slot, where photos, music and digital media can be stored. Don’t get too excited by the music playback. The DSi only plays AAC files, not the more popular MP3. Why? Read our interview with Nintendo’s UK boss to find out.

6. New feature four: if you want to play your old Gameboy Advance games, forget it. There is no longer a slot at the front. This is also bad news for fans of Guitar Hero, which uses the slot for its fretboard.

7. New feature five: the DSiWare store, modelled on the Wii store, will offer games for download in exchange for Nintendo points. A web browser will be offered for free.

8. New feature six: the improved internet connectivity means that the DSi firmware can be updated by Nintendo. This is bad news for game pirates, who are thought to have cost the company millions in lost revenue by making DS games available for download on to cards such as the notorious R4. The DSi will not recognise an R4 card.

9. In its native Japan, the DSi sells for around 20,000 yen. One year ago, when the pound was worth 200 yen, this would have suggested a UK price of £100. Now the pound is worth 139 yen, which has bumped up the UK price to £149. Ouch.

10. Nintendo has opted for a quiet launch for the DSi, perhaps in recognition of the fact that no DSi-only games exist yet, and the DSiWare store is poorly stocked. Still, the company reports pre-orders for the console at ten times the level of the DS Lite.

First screenshot from Madden NFL 10 - game released this August in UK

Paint on the eye black and lace up the cleats, Electronic Arts announce that Madden NFL 10 will be available in UK retail stores this August. The storied football franchise ushers in a new era with advancements that bring the NFL fan everything they see on Sundays, minus the grass stains.

On-field authenticity and emotion is taken to another level in Madden NFL 10. With more control over the outcome of the play than ever before, players can drag defenders towards the first down marker, fight for a fumble at the bottom of the pile, and avoid the rush by stepping up into the pocket. Utilizing an all-new animation technology, Madden NFL 10 ensures that the Fight For Every Yard doesn’t end until the whistle blows.

“The Tiburon team couldn’t be more excited about Madden NFL 10.” said Phil Frazier, Senior Producer. “With online innovation that will connect Madden fans together like never before, an immersive broadcast presentation that captures the suspense and emotion of the NFL, and the most authentic gameplay to date, Madden NFL 10 will be the pinnacle in the award-winning franchise.”

Madden NFL 10 on the Nintendo Wii introduces a unique, genre-defining art style that will raise the bar for sports games on the console. Completely redesigned and built from the ground up, Madden NFL 10 epitomizes what fun looks like on the Wii and will deliver a social, dynamic experience for the entire living room.

Madden NFL 10 will kick off the season with the Madden NFL 10 Draft Experience hosted exclusively in the US at maddennfl.easports.com on Saturday, April 25th. The innovative website will feature a live, streaming draft analysis show produced right from Madden headquarters in Orlando, Florida. The show will feature several interactive elements, including live call-ins from NFL athletes, on-site correspondents from New York City, and the chance for Madden fans to phone in with comments and questions. As players are drafted, their official Madden NFL 10 ratings will be released and discussed live. The website will also feature dynamic polls, social networking feeds, photos from the NFL Draft, and live blogs from the Madden NFL 10 player ratings team. The Madden NFL Draft Experience is a fully interactive destination for NFL and Madden fans alike.

The countdown to the Madden NFL 10 cover announcement begins today in the US with the launch of maddennfl.easports.com and the There Can Only Be One campaign. Each week, check back to the Madden NFL 10 website as candidates that capture the essence of Fight for Every Yard are introduced. See who is in the running for the most coveted cover in sports video games, leading up to the Madden NFL 10 cover unveil on Friday, April 24th.

The award-winning Madden NFL franchise will be available on the Xbox 360 video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation 2 and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment systems, Wii, PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system and is rated RP by the ESRB.

Madden NFL 10 is developed in Orlando, Florida by the EA Tiburon studio, which also produces NCAA Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR and NASCAR Kart Racing.