Social Distortion tracks add to Rock band video game plus Steely Dan, Disturbed, Elvis Costello and The Replacements

Harmonix and MTV Games today announced that three tracks from American punk rockers Social Distortion will be added to the Rock Band Music Store of downloadable content next week for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the Nintendo Wii system. Also coming in next week’s lineup is music from Steely Dan, Disturbed, Elvis Costello and The Replacements.

Social Distortion is recognized as one of the biggest names in American punk rock with six full-length studio albums to date and considerable commercial success. The “Social Distortion Pack 01” will feature “Ring of Fire” and “Story of My Life,” both from the band’s 1990 self-titled third album, and “Bad Luck” from the band’s fourth album Between Heaven and Hell (1992). Social Distortion made its Rock Band debut with “I Was Wrong” featured on the Rock Band 2 soundtrack.

The jazz-infused rock sound of Steely Dan makes its first Rock Band Music Store appearance with “Black Friday” from 1975’s Katy Lied and “My Old School” from 1973’s Countdown to Ecstasy. Steely Dan’s notoriously difficult “Bodhisattva” is featured on the Rock Band 2 soundtrack.

Next week’s content update will also give fans access to two tracks from Chicago-based metal outfit Disturbed including “Stricken” from Ten Thousand Fists (2005) and “Stupify” from The Sickness (2000). The band is no stranger to the Rock Band music library with three tracks released to the music store in June 2008 and the band’s single “Down with the Sickness” featured on the Rock Band 2 soundtrack.

Elvis Costello, who made his debut on the Rock Band 2 soundtrack with “Pump It Up,” adds the hit “Radio Radio” to the Rock Band catalogue next week. The track was originally featured onThis Year’s Model (1978). The Replacements round out this week’s update with their track “Kids Don’t Follow” from 1982’s Stink. The Replacements made its Rock Band debut with “Alex Chilton” on the Rock Band 2 soundtrack.

Tracks:

Social Distortion “Bad Luck”
Social Distortion “Ring of Fire”
Social Distortion “Story of My Life”
Steely Dan “Black Friday”
Steely Dan “My Old School”
Disturbed “Stricken”
Disturbed “Stupify”
Elvis Costello “Radio Radio”
The Replacements “Kids Don’t Follow”

(All tracks are original master recordings)

The Social Distortion tracks will be available for purchase as part of the “Social Distortion Pack 01” or as individual tracks for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 system. These tracks will be available for purchase as individual tracks only for Wii.

Top Gun game for iPhone and iPod touch now available

Paramount Digital Entertainment today announced a Top Gun game for iPhone and iPod touch is available on the Apple App Store. Inspired by the classic film, the Top Gun app places players at the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School, where instructors Maverick and Iceman will help them compete to become the next Top Gun.

Players can take control of a F-22 Raptor or a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, shoot down MiGs and dodge incoming air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles, all while navigating intricate environments and weaving in and out of the Danger Zone.



“Over twenty years after its debut, Top Gun remains one of the most popular, iconic movies of all time,” said John Kavanagh, senior vice president, Video Games of Paramount Digital Entertainment. “This unique Top Gun app puts that thrilling cinematic experience at your fingertips. Using the accelerometer and innovative Multi-Touch user interface in iPhone and iPod touch allowed us to create epic aerial battles and hugely entertaining gameplay that's sure to bring out the Maverick in all of us.”

Top Gun takes full advantage of the capabilities of the iPhone and iPod touch and the first person jet shooter game features 10 missions in a variety of environments, including oceans, deserts, canyons and city centers, both during the day and at night. Players can take out enemies by locking-on and firing their missiles, while aerial and ground-based obstacles create multiple Danger Zones to navigate. Top Gun will also feature iconic songs from the Top Gun movie soundtrack. Top Gun players can earn medals and achievements while progressing through Story Mode and can also revisit previously completed missions in the game’s Instant Action Mode.

Top Gun for iPhone and iPod touch is available now from Apple’s App Store or at http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=313885030&mt=8 for an introductory launch price of only £1.19.

New Fuel video game gameplay trailer

Showcasing just some of the hundreds of exhilarating wheel-to-wheel, on- and off-road race events that will feature in FUEL, Codemasters today launched the new FUEL ‘Events’ gameplay video.

FUEL’s unprecedented 5,000 square mile+ racing environment is the perfect setting for a huge range of new and classic race events. The video features quads, buggies, bikes, cars and trucks competing in unique challenges that include ‘Chopper Chase’, where players must negotiate FUEL’s challenging terrain to overtake a helicopter and ‘Seek and Destroy’ where gamers must crash into designated rivals.



Other events include ‘Speed Run’ where players must complete a course against the clock using any route they choose and ‘Blitz’, which has players dashing from checkpoint to checkpoint to reset the timer in a series of tense sprints. These challenges are complimented with classic events, such as ‘Checkpoint’, ‘Circuit’ and large-scale ‘Raid’ races, but come with a twist as FUEL’s fully-open, corridor-free world powers real player choice when it comes to route selection and taking short-cuts. FUEL also comes complete with a powerful and intuitive race editor to create their own events set anywhere in the world and even share them online.

With extensive online multiplayer options, enabling up to 16 players to race against each other or explore the huge world in free ride, FUEL is set to become the ultimate racing sandbox when it launches Friday May 29th for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft with a Games For Windows edition to follow.

New Star Trek movie D-A-C online video game (with video)

Star Trek - D-A-C is a fast-paced, top-down space shooter inspired by the new motion picture. This pick-up and play game allows you and your friends to choose starships (from a list that includes the all-new U.S.S. Enterprise) and battle it out online!

Enlist in Starfleet or join the Romulan Empire as you battle with up to 11 friends in game play modes including Solo Play, Online Versus, and Online Co-op. Command the powerful Flagship, the nimble Fighter or the devastating Bomber, each with their own unique capabilities. Choose your side, fire your weapons, boldly go where no man has gone before!



Three game play modes: In single-player, practice against A.I. bots to become an expert captain. Jump into online multiplayer, where twelve players (six per team) compete in intense online battles. Team up with friends to combat in space in online co-op.
Three game types: Team Deathmatch lets teams go head-to-head in a winner-takes-all fight to the finish. In Assault, teams must protect and conquer control points in space. In Conquest, teams take turns trying to dominate or defend a sector of space.
Three ship classes: Each faction has the powerful Flagship, the nimble Fighter, and the devastating Bomber, each providing unique capabilities in combat.
Inspired by the upcoming Star Trek film: Take down enemies while flying the new U.S.S. Enterprise.
Superior graphics: With visuals inspired by the film, players of Star Trek: D-A-C fight in a diverse array of outer space settings.
Star Trek soundtrack: Star Trek: D-A-C features music and sound effects taken from the new Star Trek movie.

DiRT 2 video game trailer - Water effects Sound, Car options and more...

As the sequel to the acclaimed racer of 2007, DiRT 2 is set to take off-road racing games to a new level, with benchmark tech, thrilling new race types, big event atmosphere, stunning locations, a new breed of off-roading heroes and a peerless line-up of super-charged speed machines.

Promising a thrilling race experience and an extreme sports attitude that borrows from snowboarding and skateboarding culture, DiRT 2 will take players on a World Tour to diverse and challenging real-world environments to compete in contemporary off-road events. Specifically selected to deliver aggressive and fast paced racing, DiRT 2s garage will house a best-in-class collection of officially licensed rally cars and off-road vehicles; covering seven vehicle classes and players will be given the keys to powerful machines right from the off.



DiRT 2 will come complete with full online functionality that will be core to the overall experience, with head-to-head competitive online play and new social features to engage the racing community. Prepare for mud, gravel, dust and dirt too in DiRT 2.

Turbo-charged off-roading with extreme sports attitude: Multiple disciplines, encompassing the very best that modern off-roading has to offer and fuelled by the 3rd generation of Codemasters world-renowned EGO™ Engine technology, DiRT 2 has more attitude, more adrenaline and more DiRT than ever off-roading just got cool.

Take it on Tour: DiRT 2 will take players on a World Tour to compete in aggressive multi-car and intense solo race events in the most diverse and challenging real-world environments. Career paths will span the globe as players unlock tours in stunning locations spread across the face of the planet. USA, Japan, Malaysia, Baja, Croatia and others await as players climb to the pinnacle of modern competitive off-roading.

Its all about the event: DiRT2 is adrenaline-fuelled extreme sports with eye-popping visuals and presentation in stunning real-world locations. Events include exhilarating rally cross in the massive Los Angeles sports stadiums Stadium King Shootout, edge-of-control canyon racing of Utahs Creek Trailblazer event, the Rawang Rally Run along treacherous Malaysian rainforest tracks and the Battersea Battle, where night races are staged at the iconic London power station.

Love your ride: Embark on a game-long love affair with your favourite cars. Rather than being forced through a checklist of in-game cars, DiRT2 enables players to pick their favourite rides and drive them across multiple disciplines. Upgrade them, cherish them - and then smash them to bits at breakneck speeds. Get to know which to use for what event and surface, tweak them to perfection, then push them to the absolute limit.

The complete off-road online package: DiRT 2 invites players to become part of an extreme sports community, with full online multiplayer race events and community integration across multiple disciplines. With leader boards, news feeds and scribbles to keep you up-to-date on your friends racing achievements, DiRT 2 will be a social hub for off-roading fans.

Gears of War 2 Enlists 5 Million Recruits Worldwide - Gears of War 2 - All Fronts Collection Launches on 28th July Unleashing All-New Campaign and Mul

Gears of War 2, the entertainment blockbuster of 2008, has surpassed 5 million copies sold worldwide, and the overall Gears of War franchise unit sales have eclipsed the 11 million unit mark. The momentum doesn’t stop there – to commemorate these milestones, Microsoft Game Studios and Epic Games will unleash the Gears of War 2 - All Fronts Collection, a value-packed compilation that combines all previous Gears of War 2 Game Add-ons with brand new multiplayer and campaign content.

Available only at retail, the new collection invades store shelves worldwide on 28th July for £14.99.

Included in the “Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection” is the “Gears of War 2: Dark Corners” Game Add-on, which features seven new multiplayer maps and a deleted campaign chapter titled “Road to Ruin.” In “Road to Ruin,” Marcus and Dom return to the Locust Hollow in a scene that can be played two ways, guns blazing or in all-new stealth mode.

The seven new multiplayer maps in the “Gears of War 2: Dark Corners” Game Add-on are:

• Allfathers Garden: Honor the sacred grounds of the Coalition founders in this explosive map, where powerful weapons catalyze fast and furious action at this COG landmark.
• Memorial: Set near the Eternal Flame, which pays tribute to the fallen soldiers on the battlefield, a hard-fought battle ensues at the Tomb of Unknowns. Putting their flank formation and evasive skills to the test, players will fight to control the Boomshot.
• Sanctuary: Once a peaceful ground for reflection and remembrance, all that remains of the Sanctuary is the chill of death. Feast your eyes on the arsenal of weapons available as you make your way through the tight paths and blind corners of the Locust-damaged temple corridors.
• War Machine: In the abandoned train station that once served as a hub for travel, players will need to master the Longshot, Mulcher and Boomshot weapons to advance the fight while evading fire from the platforms above.
• Highway: Take the fight deep into the Locust Hollow in the complex passages of this underground highway system brimming with enemy vermin. Stick together, separate the enemy and have an exit strategy ready or it’ll be a one-way trip.
• Way Station: Sitting in limbo between death and “processing” are Locust way stations filled with fallen COG soldiers. Tread lightly and practice patience as it’s better to sacrifice firepower for stealth while navigating this minefield of hidden grenades.
• Nowhere: Set in the middle of what was once a destination for weary desert travellers, the land is now barren and devoid of life. Pick off your enemies with the Longshot sniper rifle and make your way to the stairwell with a well-fortified team during this intense firefight.

In addition to the new content, the “Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection” also contains every “Gears of War 2” Game Add-on released to date, including the classic “Flashback” Map Pack, volatile “Combustible” Map Pack and the winter-themed “Snowblind” Map Pack. Also included is an introduction to “Road to Ruin” from Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinski, along with a custom Xbox LIVE theme, collectible “Gears of War 2” poster and a strategy guide. Containing over 3,600 Microsoft Points worth of content, the “Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection” is an incredible value at £14.99.

Already enjoying the previously released “Gears of War 2” collection of map packs? Available day-and-date with “Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection” via download from Xbox LIVE Marketplace, the “Dark Corners” Game Add-on will be available separately for 1,600 MS Points.

“Gears of War 2” is available exclusively on Xbox 360 and is rated by PEGI 16+. For more information about “Gears of War 2,” visit GearsofWar.com. For access to screenshots from “Gears of War 2: All Fronts Collection,” visit the Edelman FTP.

Hired Guns - The Jagged Edge, video game overview

Hired Guns - The Jagged Edge, the real time strategy game by GFI and Morphicon, is set to be released on 22nd May. Control the fortunes of a group of ruthless mercenaries backed by a shadowy client to overthrow the vicious dictator of The Diamond Shores.

As a player you plan your strategy on a Global Map that allows you to manage your captured map sectors, mercenaries & finances. The Global Map allows you an overview of the complete battlefield, clearly showing which military factions control each sector. As the mercenaries’ commanding officer you can buy the services of additional mercenaries, weapons and ammunition via the internet on your own personal on screen laptop. Select your carefully matched team of mercenaries from sites such as IMA, an online provider of mercenary services. Examine the biographies and experiences of each mercenary you may wish to employ to ensure you form a well rounded & balanced team that will fight well together. Not all the mercenaries you may wish to employ will be willing to work in the same team, as many will have fought on opposing forces in previous conflicts. Mercenaries may also not be so keen to work for you if your previous military strategies have resulted in high mortality rates! During a mission, individual mercenaries can be allocated specialisations such as Doctor, Trainer or Repair. The correct balance of skills is essential to ensure your units can operate efficiently.

Weapons and ammunition can be purchased online at Dickie Jay’s armoury via your on screen laptop. Initially, the range of weaponry available to you is fairly small but as you gain your suppliers’ trust by paying them once, they will offer you a larger range of weapons. Running a private war is a complex business and making sure you stay in contact with your suppliers and client is vital. So make sure you keep an eye on your laptop email to make sure you don’t miss any important news. Fighting a private war in a chaotic and brutal third world country is a tactical challenge; have you got what it takes to engineer a regime change?

Features:

• Real time and round-based strategy (round based in fight applications)
• The ability to command more than 30 mercenaries with specific strengths and individual characters.
• Complex role play system
• 23 different locations with detailed backgrounds
• High level-interactivity with destroyable buildings and objects
• 5 main interested parties: UN troops, rebels, soldiers loyal to the government, the endemic Butsi tribe and your mysterious client
• A choice of more than 150 different weapons and other pieces of equipment ( e.g. pistols, sniper rifle, machine guns and more)
• Exciting campaigns with the a range of missions
• The ability to form alliances which can influence game outcomes.

Hired Guns: The Jagged Edge will be available on 22nd May 2009 at a RRP of £24.99.

Pangya - Fantasy Golf, the original fantasy golf game set to release in late June for the PSP (PlayStation Portable)

TOMY Corporation today released the first gameplay footage for PANGYA: Fantasy Golf, the original fantasy golf game set to release in late June for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system.

Immersing players into a fantastical world of golf filled with endless customization options, the trailer highlights the gorgeously rendered golf courses, playable characters and RPG gameplay elements throughout PANGYA: Fantasy Golf.

In PANGYA: Fantasy Golf, players practice and perfect their swing on the nine fantasy fairways of Pangya Island. Combining golf gameplay, thousands of character and equipment customization options and a slew of anime characters set in vibrant, whimsical environments, PANGYA: Fantasy Golf boasts an original storyline with new, exclusive features for the PSP system. Players can utilize the in-game Pangya Shop to customize 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 up to eight players to compete against one another in either single or team-based tournaments.



PANGYA: Fantasy Golf is rated E 10+ and will be available in late June for the PSP for $29.99.

Blood Bowl video game - Featuring - Star Players

Blood Bowl’s Star Players make their triumphant entry on the field! Cyanide and Focus Home Interactive are pleased to offer you new exclusive images from Blood Bowl - starring Griff Oberwald, the Human Star Player, Varag Ghoul-Chewer, the Orc champion, Jordell Freshbreeze, the Elven celebrity and finally Grashnak Blackhoof, the terrifying Minotaur.

True living legends in the world of Blood Bowl, Star Players are veteran, experienced players of the game. Offering their services only to teams whose treasury is big enough to afford them, their astronomical fees are justified by their astounding efficiency on the field. Able to turn a match upside down all by themselves, they prove to be real assets for the team that hired them… and a real threat for the opposition!

These Star Players will be available for hire along with other legendary players in the Blood Bowl game on PC & Consoles.

An ultra-violent mix of Warhammer Fantasy and American football, Blood Bowl allows players to create the ultimate “fantasy” sports teams. Coaches can build bone-crushing teams of Orcs, Wood Elves, Humans, Dwarfs and many more fantastic creatures – then throw them into the stadium for the ultimate blood sport! Blood Bowl is strategic, action-packed and violent, requiring coaches to use their best tactics, team design – and a dose of pure ruthless bloodlust always helps too!

All of these charming creatures are waiting for you to play in highly contested games in Q2 2009. Blood Bowl is currently in development and will come out on PC, Xbox 360 and on Nintendo DS and Sony PSP handheld systems.

Arma II PC video game - What's in a name?

505 Games and Bohemia Interactive have taken steps to unlock some of the mystery surrounding their forthcoming tactical military simulation, ArmA II by revealing the secrets behind the name of the game itself. Project leader Marek Spanel took the time to shed some light on the unusual title.

The word ‘Arma’ is Latin in origin; a multifaceted word that depending on context can be used to mean defensive arms, shields, soldiers or weapons of war amongst others. The reasons for the team at Bohemia choosing such an ancient and unconventional word are two-fold; to have a name that is easily remembered and pronounced across different languages and to signify that just like the name itself, ArmA II’s gameplay is boldly different and not afraid to deviate from tried and tested shooter formulae.

When creating a name for their flagship product, Marek and the rest of Bohemia Interactive were equally keen to avoid videogame name clichés of the past and walk their own line.

“[When naming the title] it felt like almost everyone preferred something along the lines of Battleshock Operation Force 3: Thunderstorm Troops over a simple and strong word, with a strong foundation behind it,” commented Marek. “Choosing the right name had been a big deal for us, but ultimately we know the quality of this game will speak for itself.”

Featuring the most realistic warfare ever, ArmA II promises to build on the excellent features that have made Bohemia Interactive a respected name among gamers. Players can expect in-depth team-based combat, a comprehensive playbook of military tactics and an enormous battlefield to push strategy to the limit.

ArmA II will be released on 26th June exclusively for PC.