Gran Turismo 5 release date - new feature revealed (video)

Looks like an apparent release date has shown up for Gran Turismo 5 for the Playstation 3 console. The popular online British entertainment retailer, Play.com, has penciled in a release date of November 27th, 2009.



When asked to comment about the date, Play.com responded with "Please be advised that the release date currently listed on the website, the 27th November 2009, is as given to us by the publisher / manufacturer or The Game. Should this release date change we will update the website accordingly, so it is worth checking periodically Play.com.

This date is given by Sony Computer Entertainment or by Polyphony Digital. This means that Gran Turismo 5 is finally able to play this year! November 2009, the race game where each race freak waiting to be released in the UK! Hopefully we will hear soon what Sony itself, here we have more information. Once we know more we'll tell you, of course, as soon as possible to you!"

Wether this is valid or not is yet to be seen due to the fact their has yet to be any sort of official statement from Sony or Polyphony Digatal, the creators of the games. If this is true, it's going to be an interesting christmas battle between Team 10's Forza 3 and Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo 3 for racing simulation supremacy.

Polyphony Digital boss Kazunori Yamauchi has also revealed a new feature for Gran Turismo 5 that will allow gamers to share whatever car they have earned or bought in the portable iteration of the title to it's bigger brother on the Playstation 3.

Yamauchi added that he wanted the player to feel like they actually owned the car, and that these cars would be able to be transfered to future Gran Turismo titles. "Whether it be from PSP to GT5, to even future renditions, GT6 and on, you can carry over the cars as YOUR cars, as something you own, even if the system changes, you can keep it."

Source: neowin

Halo 3 ODST HD high definition Gameplay Trailer

Developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed developer Bungie, Halo 3: ODST is a new game in the Halo saga that lets people experience events leading up to the epic story told in Halo 3 through the eyes of an ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper), as they search for clues leading to the whereabouts of their scattered squad and the motivations behind the Covenants invasion of New Mombasa.

Galaxy Online PC video game - patch.030

Galaxy Online has a new update ready for players. Some of the new features include, battle losses modifications, Elite pirate Instance, error and bug fixes and a whole batch of items.

The new content is a mix of battle tech and technology for assisting with development - the Titanium Alloy Drill, Gas Refiner, Cloning Lab, Purple Science Matrix, Red Arc Machine Arm and much more are all waiting to be put to use in constructing a powerful Galactic Empire.

Another big part of the update is the introduction of the Spacedock, which should make battles much more enjoyable, even for player who lose them often. Using the Spacedock, players who lost their fleets in battle can repair and redeploy a percentage of the fleets. The repair won’t use up any resources but just time. The percentage of recovered ships is related to Ship Repair Tech in the science tree. At the highest level 8, at most 60% of your fleets can be mended.

Here below is the list of items added to the game:

* P.A.M. - Extends Planet Trusteeship service
* Alloy Drill - Increases your planets' Alum yield by 30%.
* Gas Extractor - Increases planets' Gas yield by 30%
* Cloning Tank - Accelerates population increase by 30%
* Science Matrix - Increases the yield of Science points on planets by 30%
* Time Converter - Accelerates building construction by 20%
* Pocket Stargate - Increases flight speed of ships by 30%
* Arc Machine Arm - Accelerates ship building by 15%
* Industrial Pattern - Increases the work duration of Celestial Industrial Bases
* Combat Observation Platform - Enables you to watch combat
* Command Badge - Increases the maximum amount of effective ships on each grid of all fleets
* Resource Case - Use to get some resources.
* Science Case - Use to get some Science points.
* Supplies Case - Use to get some Supplies.

A look at the technology behind Burnout Paradise video game

Eurogamer managed to get exclusive acces to Criterion Games for this interview with Richard Parr, technical director.

We're talking about the evolution of the Burnout technology over the years and at this point, Criterion's methodology in its Face-Off defying cross-platform development. Eighteen months on from the initial release of Burnout Paradise, it is still the most technically advanced multi-format racing game on console, offering a gameplay experience that is to all intents and purposes identical on both major consoles, and now PC.



"Very early on we made a lot of very right decisions in terms of the architecture and the software and the way we were going to approach things, which has worked extremely well for us. Our aim was to produce an architecture that would work well on PS3, 360 and PC," Parr explains.

Criterion's method of exacting the most performance from the new architecture isn't so much about threading as such, it's all about parallelisation. Rather than lump different game aspects onto different threads (where massive latencies can build as each processor waits for the other to finish its work), game code is highly optimised to make use of what processors are available at any given moment on whatever target hardware, and by choosing the all-important balance points, the experience is like-for-like on all platforms. High-level management code that is unique to each platform then processes the game code according to the hardware that is available.

Read the full interview and see the video's here on Eurogamer...

New Super Mario Bros. Wii To Include Official "Cheat"

Yahoo Games has an article describing a new mode in Nintendo's upcoming New Super Mario Bros. Wii that will allow the player to activate a 'demo' mode to get out of a hard situation. Nintendo plans on incorporating this into future games. Is this a good idea (to help relieve frustrations) or just sanctioned cheating?

They actually patented this system as well....

Kotaku points out a recent patent filed by Nintendo which automates gameplay unless the user specifically chooses to play a particular part of the game. Quoting: "The new system, described in a patent filed by Nintendo Creative Director Shigeru Miyamoto on June 30, 2008, but made public today, looks to solve the issue of casual gamers losing interest in a game before they complete it, while still maintaining the interest of hardcore gamers. The solution would turn a game into a full-length cut scene of sorts, allowing players to jump into and out of the action whenever they wanted. But when played this way, gamers would not be able to save their progress, maintaining the challenge of completing a game without skipping or cheating."

Source: Slashdot

Left 4 Dead Update Will Bring Completed SDK, Content Sharing Tools

Valve has announced details of an update to Left 4 Dead that is due out next week. To start, the SDK open beta is over, and the final version is being released.

They're also adding a framework for easily sharing player-created content, accessible through the menu system in-game. In addition to that, they're revamping the matchmaking system to accommodate custom campaigns (like this Resident Evil 3 mod).

"Content authors will be able to package up their new maps, along with new posters, models, and textures, into a single .VPK file. To install and activate this content in-game, players need simply download the .VPK and double click on it. ... When creating or searching for a lobby, a new option named 'Add-on campaign' will let you select from among the add-on campaigns that you have installed. You can then find games or lobbies as well as create a lobby for that campaign. You can invite your friends, too. If they do not have the campaign installed, they will automatically be offered and an option to download it."

C.O.P. The Recruit detective game for Nintendo DS - Fight Crime in Full 3D Open World, video

C.O.P. The Recruit, an open world action-adventure game specifically designed for the Nintendo DS handheld system.

Scheduled for release in fall 2009, C.O.P. The Recruit gives gamers the opportunity to utilize tactics from both sides of the law and fight crime like never before in a full 3D open world, available for the first time on Nintendo DS. The game, unveiled today during Nintendo’s E3 press conference, will be demoed at Nintendo’s booth and Ubisoft’s booth through the duration of E3.



“With its innovative engine and impressive graphics, C.O.P. The Recruit is truly a breakthrough for Nintendo’s handheld platform,” said Adam Novickas, US director of marketing for Ubisoft. “We’re thrilled to be bringing this accessible, one-of-a-kind action-adventure experience to DS fans and are confident in the game’s ability to appeal to a broad audience of gamers.”

About C.O.P. The Recruit
Dan Miles is a former underground street racer and new recruit in the Criminal Overturn Program (C.O.P.). Under the terms of the C.O.P., Dan has become a street detective working to protect New York citizens against large-scale threats. Working with his mentor, Detective Brad Winter, Dan is investigating a series of terrorist attacks in the city when Brad is falsely arrested, putting the investigation on hold. While trying to uncover the truth behind Brad’s arrest, Dan goes undercover and returns to his life on the streets. Little by little he gets wrapped up in a deadly, widespread conspiracy and must work to prevent a potentially catastrophic attack on the city.

Game features include:

- ENJOY THE BEST VISUAL EXPERIENCE ON THE NINTENDO DS SYSTEM
Experience the thrill of cruising the streets of New York City without any loading times! C.O.P. The Recruit is the most visually impressive game on the Nintendo DS, with an open-world 3D experience running at 60 frames per second (FPS). The game’s innovative engine also allows for a wealth of detailed imagery, whether driving at 120 MPH or shooting your way through the gorgeous interior environments.

- A HUGE ACTION-ADVENTURE WITH A VARIETY OF GAMEPLAY
C.O.P. The Recruit will allow gamers to experience all aspects of being a police officer recruit with 60 missions and over 20 hours of diverse gameplay. Get behind the wheel of some of the fastest cars around, and use the stylus to shoot down enemies and spy on terrorists.

-A CITY THRIVING WITH LIFE
Experience a bustling, vibrant New York City, complete with pedestrians on the street, cars rushing to avoid traffic, and boats navigating the surrounding waterways of Manhattan. Explore the 6 square miles of the city and experience a wide variety of environments and climate conditions.

-POWERFUL CITY-CONTROL SYSTEM
As a recruit, you will have access to New York City’s most powerful tools. Use your PDA to plan and launch a SWAT team assault through your DS system’s microphone, set up road blocks, summon an ambulance, access the city’s camera system to locate your targets, and much more.

Ferrari challenge Download Pack 1 for PlayStation 3 plus patch 02.20

Download has five brand new Ferrari models and one new track, and is now available in European territories. A US release will occur later in the year. Please note, European DLC is not compatible with US copies of the game!

Each car also provides gamers with a brand new in-game Trophy to race for.

The DLC pack includes:

Car 1: Enzo Ferrari May we present another of System 3’s brand new DLC Ferrari motors: the awe-inspiring Enzo! Built to celebrate four years at the top of the F1 Constructors’ Championship, the car is a marriage of cutting edge technologies and is named after Ferrari’s founding member. Combining an F1 gearbox with a 5998cc, V12 engine and a carbon fibre body, the Enzo is a formidable drive that can achieve a top speed of 227mph and accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.14 seconds! Its super-stylised chassis and gutsy roar are unmistakable and, six years on, it still drops jaws.

Whenever the car turns up at auction it regularly sells for over $1 million with the famed 400th charity auction car selling for $1.27 million in 2005! All of which, in our humble opinion, makes the Enzo a pretty special car. Coveted by collectors and the stuff of owner-drivers’ dreams, the Enzo is now ready for Ferrari Challenge owners to enjoy. And trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

Car 2: 430 Scuderia The 430 Scuderia is just one of five stunning new Ferraris available to download and throw around the tracks of Ferrari Challenge! Visually striking with a distinctive exhaust sound, every last detail of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia exudes uncompromising sporting finesse as a direct result of its close links to Ferrari Challenge racing. And with the car’s development process aided by none other than Michael Schumacher, it’s not hard to understand why it’s been such a hit with Ferrari enthusiasts.

It’s both lighter and more powerful than the standard F430 and can achieve 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 198mph! It can also complete a lap at Fiorano (Ferrari’s test track) in a time comparable to that of the Enzo, the car that has come to epitomise Ferrari's philosophy of transferring F1 content to its road cars.

Car 3: 599 GTB Fiorano Introducing the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. It might present a bit of a mouthful but the car’s name sums it up perfectly. Fiorano is the circuit Ferrari uses to hone the performance of its track and road cars; GTB refers to ‘Gran Turismo Berlinetta’ (the most famous Ferrari berlinettas ever built); and 599 reflects the 5999cc, V12 engine. With all that hype it’s a good job that the car doesn’t disappoint! In fact, we’d say it sets a high benchmark of excellence in the sports car world.

The 599 GTB Fiorano sprints from 0 to 60mph in under 3.7 seconds and boasts a top speed in excess of 206mph! In 2006 the car won Evo’s Car of the Year award and Top Gear Magazine’s SuperCar of the Year award. However, it’s still the new model's uniquely innovative and luxurious inners that guarantee superior driving pleasure.

Car 4: 330 P4 Presenting the ultra curvaceous and instantly recognisable Ferrari 330 P4. As one of the most revered cars in Ferrari’s long and illustrious history, the 330 P4 remains one of the most evocative shapes ever created. Powered by an F1-derived, 4-litre V12, it produces 450bhp and is capable of speeds of over 200mph. The sexy motor grabbed the headlines in 1967 when Ferrari beat the Ford GT40 in the ‘24 Hours Of Daytona’ event with a 1-2-3 finish! Company founder Enzo Ferrari kept a picture of the winning trio’s final approach for as long as he lived.

To this day only one completely original car remains. This fact, combined with the car’s obvious historical significance, has made it one of the most sought after, rare and valuable cars in the world today! Now there’s a story to be thinking about when you’re racing it around Monza…

Car 5: 612 Scaglietti Sessanta The 612 Scaglietti Sessanta is just one of 60 truly unique 60th anniversary celebration cars. Based on the 612 Scaglietti, the Prancing Horse's range-topping Gran Turismo combines blistering performance and superb handling with superior comfort, sumptuously handcrafted trim, state-of-the-art accessories and meticulous attention to detail. It’s a beautiful but powerful machine made even more desirable by its extremely limited availability. The 2-door coupe can reach speeds of 195mph.

A few years ago it was featured on UK car program Top Gear, where host Jeremy Clarkson raced against, and beat, his plane and train-faring co-hosts in a race from the UK to Switzerland. We can’t offer you the opportunity to re-enact that race but we can allow you to download the car and race on any track in Ferrari Challenge!

Track 1: Nürburgring System 3 are proud to present the awesome German GP race track Nürburgring! The 5.15km-long ‘GP-Streke’ section of the track is most notably used for GP2 and F1 racing, with many drivers claiming it to be one of the most challenging purpose-built circuits in the world. As a booster for German pride, Michael Schumacher set the lap record of 1.29.468, a time achieved in the F2004 Ferrari F1 car in the 2004 F1 season.

Nürburgring is well known for its long home straight, which is closely followed by a blind, narrow and barrier-laden first corner. It’s just the beginning of what is an extremely demanding circuit. As long as the GP-Streke section of the track is, it’s actually only a fraction of the 28.26km-long Gesamtstrecke (‘whole course’), a track which takes over 6 minutes to drive around in the average supercar! So get downloading and master one of the most demanding tracks on the racing circuit!

Track 1: Nürburgring System 3 are proud to present the awesome German GP race track Nürburgring! The 5.15km-long ‘GP-Streke’ section of the track is most notably used for GP2 and F1 racing, with many drivers claiming it to be one of the most challenging purpose-built circuits in the world. As a booster for German pride, Michael Schumacher set the lap record of 1.29.468, a time achieved in the F2004 Ferrari F1 car in the 2004 F1 season.

Nürburgring is well known for its long home straight, which is closely followed by a blind, narrow and barrier-laden first corner. It’s just the beginning of what is an extremely demanding circuit. As long as the GP-Streke section of the track is, it’s actually only a fraction of the 28.26km-long Gesamtstrecke (‘whole course’), a track which takes over 6 minutes to drive around in the average supercar! So get downloading and master one of the most demanding tracks on the racing circuit!

IMPORTANT NOTICE

PlayStation 3 users who have not previously taken their console online MUST download the latest patch for the game in order for the DLC to work. In order to do this your PS3 must be connected to the internet and you must be signed in while you attempt to load the game.

As well as allowing the DLC to work the patch also addresses various minor issues and improves certain aspects of the game.

These include:

Ferrari Challenge PS3 Patch Version 02.20

* - adjustable steering wheel resistance added.
* - multiplayer collision option added.
* - 30-minute race duration option added in Multiplayer.
* - minor Multiplayer connection issues resolved.
* - Trophy support added.
* - XMB background music support added in single player.
* - Photo mode added to Showroom.
* - lap split-times added to Time Trial mode.
* - gear indicator added to in-car view.
* - ‘Legend’ A.I. difficulty added.
* - Host & Friends options refined.
* - reservation system in Private lobbies implemented.
* - frame rate improved in 1080p mode.
* - improved detail in 1080 modes.

Maroon 5 tracks added to Rock Band video game

Maroon 5 three pack also added to Rock Band Music Store

Harmonix and MTV Games today announced that five tracks from artists performing on this year’s international Warped Tour 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 and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

The Warped Tour is an annual international music and extreme sports festival that began in 1994. The bulk of this summer’s Warped Tour dates are between the end of June and the end of August. The tour features a diverse line-up of bands, as well as pro-skating and BMX exhibitions, and now part of that line-up is available to music lovers and gamers who own Rock Band. Master recordings from A Day to Remember, Bad Religion, Chiodos, Escape the Fate and Underoath will be available June 23, in the Rock Band Music Store.
Additionally this week, Rock Band is bringing a three pack of hits from American rockers Maroon 5 to the Music Store. Maroon 5 has sold almost 15 million albums worldwide and won a Grammy Award in 2005 for Best New Artist.

Tracks:
A Day to Remember “The Downfall of Us All”
Bad Religion “21st Century Digital Boy”
Chiodos “I didn’t Say I Was Powerful, I said I was a Wizard”
Escape the Fate “The Flood”
Underoath “Reinventing Your Exit”
Maroon 5 “Little of Your Time”
Maroon 5 “Makes Me Wonder”
Maroon 5 “Wake Up Call”
(All tracks are original master recordings)

These tracks will be available for purchase as part of the “Warped Tour Pack” or “Maroon 5 Pack” or as individual tracks for Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3 systems.

Release Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2009
(Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360)
Thursday, June 24, 2009
(PlayStation Store)
** Dates for Rock Band game tracks are tentative and subject to change **

Price: $1.99 (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) per track
$5.49 (440 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for “Maroon 5 Pack”
$8.49 (680 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for "Warped Tour Pack"
Locations: Xbox LIVE Marketplace for Xbox 360
PlayStation Network

Cocoto Platform jumper video game on Nintnedo Wiiware

The most devilish platformer of the year has arrived on Nintendo WiiWare!
Neko Entertainment, an independent game developer, are proud to announce that their latest title, Cocoto Platform Jumper, is now available on the Nintendo Wii through the Wii Shop Channel, priced at 700 points.

Featuring 40 challenging vertical levels across 5 vibrant worlds, Cocoto Platform Jumper follows the cute little demon Cocoto and his little devil friends on their latest adventure. Living peacefully in the depths of Hell, everything changes when Zaron, God of Lightning, snatches them away to his faraway kingdom. Managing to get away, Cocoto is now in a race against time to rescue his captive friends before it is too late!

KEY FEATURES
• Straight in to the action gameplay
• 40 vertical levels with sliding or burning platforms, multiple bonuses and power-ups, and fiendish traps
• 5 vibrant worlds including Heaven and Hell, inhabited by 20 hostile creatures
• 5 bosses to defeat, each one progressively more challenging
• 3 difficulty levels
• Challenge your friends and family in two-player Battle mode, or play with to 4 players on Racing mode