Why did Riri run away? - Gobliiins 4 video game

Riri is an orycterope and has a thirst for action. As a youngster he always had enough toys and even the king himself played baball with Riri. But the orycterope never liked baball and he only played along unwillingly…

The tiny orycterope had always dreamt of going out into the world and experiencing exciting adventures. One day, Grand Steward Galantz came to Riri and told him about a life of freedom without King Balderon. Riri decided to take his chance. He left a note to the king hoping the three Gobliiins wouldn’t be right behind him trying to bring him back again.

But soon Riri found out that Galantz had his own agenda, because he arranged the kidnapping of his beloved fiancée and Riri has now found himself on another planet!

Riri can only hope that the three Gobliiins solve his riddles and save him and his fiancée. Will the Gobliiins find Riri and his fiancée? Find out on 24th April 2009!

Gobliiins 4 will be released on 24th April 2009 for a recommended retail price of £19.99.

Gobliiins 4 was developed by Société Pollene and is published by Kalypso Media and Snowberry Connection.

Dutch Radio 6 to broadcast hour long special - The audio from The Chronicles of Spellborn video game

As Midnight passes on the night of Tuesday the 14th of April, Dutch Radio 6 will broadcast an hour long special about the audio in The Chronicles of Spellborn.

Listen on the internet here...

The program will feature sound, music and voice-overs from the MMORPG that has only just been released in Europe and the United States.

Audio in games is often taken for granted, but the achievements made in The Chronicles of Spellborn are recognized in many reviews, previews and player feedback, and now also in this unique broadcast.

Unlike film, sound in video games is not linear, as it is not the passing of time that decides the sequence of events; instead player's actions directly influence the sound that us heard. A player's location is the primary storytelling device and The Chronicles of Spellborn certainly takes this to heart.

Says Audio Director Matthew Florianz; "It certainly was a goal to create sound in such a way that players could close their eyes while traveling, and still get a sense of movement.

To achieve this, Spellborn features well over 15 hours of specifically composed ambiences. Forest, roads, and fields can all exist in the same zone, yet all will have their own specific sound as player move between them. To create these ambiences, over 500 hours of layered sounds, effects and synthesizer recordings where used".

However, sound generated by the environment is only one part of the equation and the radio broadcast will also feature music by award-winning composer Jesper Kyd, who wrote the musical score for Spellborn.

Says Jesper Kyd; "My approach to this score is to not make it sound like predictable fantasy music, but to write a more hybrid score, to complement the mystical world of Spellborn".

His music is carefully restrained and, like the universe in which Spellborn is set, it conveys its message slowly. The opening title representing the games first hero, Graidlon Marrow, is a minimal piece, tragic even. The music chooses not to score the epic conflict and struggle, but the tragic destiny of a hero whom in the end sacrificed himself for the greater good of the peoples living in the game world. Solo instruments and a human voice often represent an individual’s place in this post-apocalyptic world.

The human voice is also used for the games introduction, voiced by Dutch actress Anna Drijver, her capricious voice is as unpredictable as the universe she inhabits.

Equally to how Spellborn unfolds its game play, the initial simplicity may be deceptive. In today’s world, artistic endeavors often strive for instant gratification but Spellborn is a rare exception. Like a good book or masterfully composed symphony it takes its time, revealing its depth, sophistication and story only for those that patiently engulf themselves in the experience. The execution of sound in the game represents this approach.

Download Chronicles of Spellborn wallpaper here...

New Wii MotionPlus and Wii Sports Resort arrive June 8th

Advanced Motion Controls Arrive June 8 - Wii Sports Sequel to Follow

Nintendo is setting the stage for a blockbuster summer with the announcement of two hotly anticipated product releases. The new Wii MotionPlus accessory will hit U.S. retailers on June 8, taking the motion-sensing controls of the popular Nintendo Wii system to new levels of precision and performance.

What's more, these control enhancements will be on vibrant display when the Wii Sports Resort game launches on July 26, offering a beach-themed follow-up to the groundbreaking Wii Sports game. Wii Sports comes packed with the Wii console. It grew into a worldwide phenomenon and continues to attract millions of new players to the world of video games. Each Wii Sports Resort game comes packed with a single Wii MotionPlus accessory.

When used with specially designed games, Wii MotionPlus tracks players' movements in finer detail and with greater accuracy than ever before, building upon the innovative wireless function of the motion-sensing Wii Remote™ controller. Even the slightest twist of the wrist or turn of the body is replicated exactly on the TV screen, allowing users to become even more immersed in Wii game play. Designed for easy attachment to the Wii Remote controller, the Wii MotionPlus accessory will be offered at an MSRP of $19.99.

Wii Sports Resort takes the inclusive, fun and intuitive controls of the original Wii Sports to the next level, introducing a whole new set of entertaining and physically immersive activities. With the deep control enhancements of Wii MotionPlus, veteran Wii users and newcomers alike can enjoy unprecedented gaming precision as they cruise on a water scooter, duel with swords, throw a Frisbee® and much more. Wii Sports Resort and Wii MotionPlus will be offered together at an MSRP of $49.99.

"Wii MotionPlus represents a new evolution in video game control. The variety of fun games in Wii Sports Resort show off its incredible precision," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Developers around the world are busy working on new ways to incorporate Wii MotionPlus controls into inventive experiences for consumers."

Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other Wii features.

Levels and Environments for Damnation video game relealed

Unveiling the variety of the incredible open-world expanses in Damnation’s levels, Codemasters release an all-new video with developer commentary for the steam-punk themed shooter. The “Levels & Environments” video features developer commentary from Blue Omega’s Jacob Minkoff and offers an insight into how Blue Omega created such awe-inspiring game environments and the vertical nature of the expansive levels on offer in Damnation.

With a new release date set for 22nd May 2009 on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the PC, Damnation distances itself from the linear nature of most modern day shooters and offers players true choice in how to traverse the massive streaming environments. Players will duck, dive, leap, shoot and fight through vast, streaming levels teaming with hostile troops - from industrial towns, through lush, sun kissed, leafy mountainside ruins and into the frozen tundra’s of the north.

“All the environments have multiple paths through them, giving players real freedom in deciding how to go about tackling the enemy,” says Jacob Minkoff, Lead Game Designer. “Some will prefer to run straight at them with their trusty Railroad Spike Gun. Others would prefer to climb and leap right to the top, avoiding direct fire fights by sniping and raining down death from above.”

In addition to the extensive single-player campaign, Damnation also delivers drop-in-drop-out co-operative online play and innovative multiplayer modes. Taking advantage of the scale and height of Damnation’s levels, new game types and traditional deathmatch and capture the flag modes are given a vertical twist, where players have to balance firepower and agility and can kill or be killed from any direction.

Currently in development at Blue Omega's facilities in Annapolis, USA, Damnation will be available for Xbox 360, the PLAYSTATION 3 system and PC on the 22nd May 2009.

Women’s Murder Club - Death in Scarlet new James Patterson novel crime adventure PC video game out 1st May

Women’s Murder Club: Death in Scarlet is a thrilling new crime adventure due for release on 1st May 2009.

Avanquest Software Publishing brings the excitement and suspense of the best-selling James Patterson novels to the PC in this engaging and interactive mystery combining hidden objects, light adventure and crime solving puzzle games.

The story begins when the body of a murdered woman washes up underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. In order to solve the murderous crimes, gamers must choose one of the three main characters to play as; homicide detective Lindsay Boxer; medical examiner Claire Washburn; or crime reporter Cindy Thomas. Players must scour the city for clues, scrutinise murder scenes and complete laboratory work in order to progress through the enigmatic storyline and untangle a web of ancient culture, corruption and greed.

In Women’s Murder Club: Death in Scarlet, mystery fans will need their investigative skills to identify victims, examine evidence and interrogate suspects as they dig further into the killer’s mind. Players must use their contacts to cross examine and decipher each victim’s story in order to stop the ruthless killer before the time runs out and another victim dies.

Women’s Murder Club: Death in Scarlet features a compelling storyline written by James Patterson himself, combined with a unique blend of adventure and puzzle gameplay. Players can explore 18 beautiful settings throughout San Francisco whilst solving nine challenging investigations. Clues can be collected in the various hidden object levels to aid the solving of over 90 puzzles that are critical to the case.

Women’s Murder Club: Death in Scarlet puts player’s observational skills, puzzle solving and logic to the test, making it an ideal game for fans of James Patterson novels, murder mysteries and crime investigation.

Fast facts:
Publisher: Avanquest Software Publishing
Developer: Valusoft
Distributor: GEM, Centresoft, Interactive Ideas and Ideal Software
Release date: 1st May 2009
PEGI: 7+
Format: PC
Genre: Crime Adventure
SRP: £19.99

Titan Online free-to-play MMORPG open beta starts April 28

EYA Interactive announce that Titan Online, its free-to-play, massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG), will enter into the Grand open beta on April 28. Players can get a taste for this martial arts fantasy by logging in at http://titan.eyagames.com.

An epic title based on traditional Asian culture, Titan Online is a fusion MMORPG that boasts a unique combination of martial arts and robots that takes place in a spectacular fantasy world. Titan Online is based upon the Korean best-selling novel, “Mo Siang.” Set in ancient China, players will experience historic Chinese locales, meet influential figures from various dynasties, experience mysterious aspects of various ancient Asian cultures, all while trying to save the martial arts world by engaging in intense real-time battles.

This milestone will contain lots of new game content, including special field items and armor packages, never-before-seen in the world of Titan Online. There will be 11 new special event weapons available for give-away at various online game sites, as well as support of larger resolutions. All participants will have the opportunity to start from the beginning to maintain balance and fairness. However, there are no plans to wipe the accounts from this Grand Open Beta moving forward.

Developed in-house by EYA Interactive, Titan Online offers a very real picture of ancient China with 75 maps of historical sites, including Dun Hwang, Chang An, Kai Feng, Beijing, Shu Zhou, Shao Lin Temple, Chin Shi Huang mausoleum, Hang Zhou, Tai Shan, The Great Wall, and Hwang Her. In order to create the most true-to-life experience, the EYA development team spent time in China researching the ancient and historical cities so they could accurately reproduce them in the game.

The upcoming Grand open beta, which will begin on April 28, 2009, will allow users to tap into a world that has already birthed a veritable civilization of fans in Asia. It will offer players an opportunity to discover enthralling characters in a beautiful 3D, cell-shaded world filled with unique characters. The Grand open beta will continue until the commercial launch and is not limited to a specific number of participants.

Miami Crisis, a new action-adventure title for Nintendo DS

Konami and Hudson Soft reveal all-new cop partnership for Nintendo DS: Law and Starling

Konami announce it will release MIAMI CRISIS, a new action-adventure title for Nintendo DS created and published by Hudson Soft, in September.

A mix of crime-scene detection and action elements, MIAMI CRISIS offers the player to guide one of two characters – Martin Law from the Miami PD or FBI Agent Sara Starling – as they are charged with solving a series of linked crimes in the US city. Law is an intense officer who will use any means necessary to make a bust, while Sterling is an intelligent agent with an eye for detail, and both will face different challenges as the game unfolds.

Playing as Martin Law, players will experience a more action-orientated game, wherein the Miami PD officer becomes embroiled in the hard-edged side of law enforcement, with MIAMI CRISIS throwing up car chases, intense shoot-outs and face-offs. Alternatively, playing as Starling presents a more puzzle-solving side to the game, with the FBI agent using forensics and detailed examination techniques to search for clues. Both are working to uncover a shadowy terrorist conspiracy, but their successes and failures along the way will have an ongoing effect on the plot.

With its evolving gameplay and varied content, MIAMI CRISIS is a unique Nintendo DS title that will continually surprise and enthrall. With additional unlockable sub-games located as a game progress award, and a unique control interface, Hudson Soft has delivered the ultimate cop show for the Nintendo handheld.

Konami Driifts on to WiiWare Eight-player racer roars on to Wii this July

Konami announce a new multi-player racing title entitled Driift (working title), which will be released as a WiiWare title from July.

Viewed from above, Driift is a fast-paced racer that allows up to eight players to race each other, using cartoon-style chars.

Featuring twelve different tracks based on four themed environments – cityscape, hills, snow and a desert oasis – players can also select one of 32 vehicles from four categories. Each category is tailored for use within the different environments, with variations of speed, acceleration and handling and grip levels making specific vehicles ideal for particular locations.

Driift’s multi-player modes allow users to play using combinations of Wii Remotes, Nunchucks and Classic Controllers, and seven game modes are on offer. These range from the single-player and multi-player championships, and Team Race, wherein participants are divided into two teams, with the winner determined by those that accrue the most points. The VIP mode elects one player per team as a VIP vehicle, who must be protected at all costs from the opposition cars, with the removal of the VIP car resulting in a win for the attacking team.

Driift also uses ‘Contamination’ where a player is marked contagious and must contaminate very other player within a set period, while the ‘Cold Potato’ mode charges the user with collecting said vegetable and holding on to it for as long as possible! Finally, the ‘Meteorite’ option sees players embarking on a normal race, while trying to avoid a series of meteors as they fall from the sky.

“We established our European development studio to create games for mobile phone devices. After a successful start and positive, high-value products, they are now moving to other formats, too,” commented Martin Schneider, European Marketing and PR Director for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “This WiiWare title offers a new approach in a more traditional console business and we are looking forward to this download title and further contributions from our European development studio.”

Droplitz video game on Xbox LIVE, PlayStation Network, PC and iPhone

Droplitz is all about connecting dials to save the precious droplitz dripping from the top of the screen. If you create multiple paths at the same time, you earn score combos and generate more droplitz.

Steve Stopps, Blitz Arcade Project Director, says: “We’re all really exctited about Droplitz, not just because it’s originally our own idea, but because we believe it’s a really great game. When you find out that the people who’ve been working on the game all day are still playing it in their own time you’ve got something special. We’re also very fortunate to have found a partner like Atlus, who share our passion and excitement about bringing Droplitz to the world.”

Droplitz is the latest original concept by a Blitz Arcade staff member to hit the market. Everyone at Blitz has the opportunity to pitch their own game idea, with the very best concepts selected for production.

Tim Pivnicny, VP of Marketing and Sales at Atlus, comments: “Droplitz represents the very best in satisfying casual gaming. We’re very thrilled to be able to work with Blitz Arcade in bringing this original, easy to play, and highly addictive title to multiple platforms. The game clearly represents its developer’s attention to detail, creativity, and dedication to quality.”

DROPLITZ:

• Infinitely accessible, instantly addictive – Turn dials, open paths, and don't let the droplitz go to waste! Casual and hardcore gamers alike will be mesmerised by Droplitz as they rotate and connect puzzle pieces to let the droplitz flow and earn high scores.
• Four unique game modes – Distinct layers of complexity keep the challenge fresh with Classic, Zendurance, Power Up and and Infection. Learn how to deal with sluggish, infected dials; strategically use bombs to clear sections of the game board or speed up the action.
• Endless replayability – The timeless satisfaction of making combos, clearing boards, and earning top scores will keep players coming back for more. Ever increasing speeds and larger boards ensure that there will always be a challenge ahead.
• Compete for high scores – Online leaderboards and 12 trophies/achievements mean that when you're the best, everyone will know it. High score-based gameplay makes every game a competition to get to the top of the charts.

Raving Rabbids Break Out with First Standalone title on Nintendo Wii

Ubisoft announce that the Rabbids will receive their own standalone brand with the release for Holiday 2009 of the comedy-adventure Rabbids Go Home. Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, the team behind Beyond Good & Evil, Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie and the original Rayman Raving Rabbids, the game will benefit from a new engine designed specifically for the Nintendo Wii home video game system from Nintendo, offering the Rabbids a hilarious adventure in a brand new universe.

The Rabbids are already beloved the world over, selling 6.5 million copies of their raving adventures and starring in their own series of videos that have kept web surfers laughing for years. Moving up to star billing in their own brand of games was a logical next step and fans will now be able to enjoy the fun in this humorous adventure game where the Rabbids unleash their insanity onto the human world as they attempt to return to their Rabbid home.

Look for more information on Rabbids Go Home in the May edition of Official Nintendo magazine.