New Risen video game trailer with music by Nightwish

Deep Silver have just released a new trailer with scenes from the game, presenting many different aspects of the RPG. The new trailer is accompanied by the song "The Poet and the Pendulum" from Nightwish, the most successful symphonic/gothic metal band world-wide.

About Risen:

This epic role playing game is set in a medieval world on a volcanic Mediterranean island, The “Risen” story unfolds over four chapters and will offer multiple ways to develop the story by his own actions and decisions. An innovative and intuitive user control interface will support both casual and hardcore gamers. With full world streaming support, the player will have a seamless experience while playing in a fully simulated game world with authentic characters.



Risen will be released for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows operating system.

Capcom reveals launch date for Resident Evil 5 for the PC 3D demo download

A Whole New Dimension of Horror Comes to PC Fans
Capcom is pleased to announce that Resident Evil 5 for the PC will release on September 18th, 2009 across European territories. PC gamers will get the ultimate Resident Evil package in the new PC version as new features will include NVIDIA’s new GeForce 3D Vision technology (wireless 3D Vision glasses sold separately), new costumes and a new and improved mercenaries mode with three times as many enemies.

Fans that pick up the PC version will be the first to experience stereoscopic 3D out of screen effects as their living rooms are transformed into the world of Kijuju. Infected Majini coming at players from every angle, dust flying in and out of screen and the scariest bosses to date are taken up a notch. Resident Evil 5 PC is a whole new level of fear players will never forget. The game also supports Stereoscopic 3D in all of its cut scenes – an industry first.

These groundbreaking stereoscopic 3D effects were developed in close cooperation with NVIDIA, which resulted in the game being part of NVIDIA’s “The Way It’s Meant To Be Played” partnership program. Resident Evil fans can check out the 3D action for themselves today as a new stereo 3D tech demo with benchmark is available to download today on NVIDIA’s official site at - http://www.nzone.com/object/nzone_re5_downloads.html.

To find out more info on NVIDIA’s GeForce 3D Vision technology, click on the link here, http://www.nvidia.com/3dvision/.

Free full version of Boulder Dash video game - new arcade web edition now live!

As part of First Star Software’s celebration of 2009 as the 25th Anniversary of Boulder Dash, DotEmu and First Star Software, Inc. are proud to announce the launch of the first free, Ad-supported, Boulder Dash game now available at : http://www.easyretro.com/play/334/boulder_dash_arcade-first_star_software.html

Since its initial release, in 1984, there have been four versions of Boulder Dash released into the coin-operated arcades. Ported by DotEmu and Co-published by First Star Software, Inc. this Arcade version is the best known, most popular of them all!

In each of the 24 levels, as you play in all 6 worlds, you must clear a path and collect the number of diamonds required in order to open the exit. Along the way, you'll encounter boulders, brick walls, magic walls, the growing amoeba, numerous enemies and much more. Boulder Dash-Arcade Web Edition is playable with the keyboard; but also, with the mouse, improving original gameplay and broaden the appeal to more casual players who are used to a ‘mouse-only’ interface.

- Several millions of units have been sold in the Boulder Dash series, and we are very happy to have the opportunity to make this classic available again, and for the first time, on the Internet. In addition, the casual game play will be enjoyed by both retro-gamers as well as news players.», Xavier Liard, DotEmu CEO.

- We’re very excited to be working with DotEmu as we prepare to launch several Ad supported, ‘free-to-play’ titles, including Boulder Dash-Arcade Web Edition and others in the Boulder Dash series. We see these free, browser versions of Boulder Dash as yet another way to feature the brand and to support the recent release of new games in the series, on SmartPhones; for Windows and Mac, etc.» added Richard M. Spitalny, First Star Software’ President.

Rumble Fighter's European mixed martial arts Fighting game launched

Rumble Fighter, a compelling and fast-paced online mixed martial arts Fighting game is launching today in Europe. PC gamers from all over the continent can sign up NOW, create a character and start fighting TODAY, absolutely FREE of charge. Just visit this website http://rf.ogplanet.eu to register.
Casual MMO publisher OGPlanet today announced the official launch of its first European game, Rumble Fighter. Following a successful Beta period, all European PC gamers are now invited to join forces with friends in the rumble zone, in battles of up to 8 players.

Unlike other Multiplayer Online Games that charge subscription fees, Rumble Fighter allows gamers unlimited access to the battle zone free of charge. Players can upgrade and purchase a large variety of items and skills to enhance and personalise their game play experience. This is done by either earning carats, Rumble Fighters’ in-game currency, through participating and winning battles or by buying Astro’s, OGPlanet’s virtual currency.

To celebrate the full launch of Rumble Fighter, OGPlanet will be giving all players a random in-game Astro item. All players who will have logged in before Sunday, August 2nd at 23;59 will receive their very own surprise!

“Since we opened our Beta trial to all European gamers, Rumble Fighter has received great feedback and our top priority now is to continue offering a high-quality, user friendly game,” stated Stephan Ansari, VP of European Operations. “With our dedicated European client, we can offer a more personalised gaming experience making Rumble Fighter an exciting Multiplayer Online Game (MOG) that blends social online community experiences with casual, easy to pick-up gameplay.”

Gamers are invited to create an online character with a unique fighting style and virtual personality, then scrap it out, online to the bitter end against fighters from all over the Europe.

Pit your fighting wits against fighters throughout Europe across numerous feature-rich 3D environments using a wide variety of fighting techniques and in-game weapons and items.

Rumble Fighter’s Features:
o Free to download and play
o Fully customisable – change your character’s appearance and choose its fighting style and techniques
o Solo and Team modes- choose to battle alone or join forces with friends
o Up to 8 players in the same room
o Easy to learn – casual and fun gameplay makes Rumble Fighter easy to understand and quick to get to grips with
o Hardcore Gamer or Casual Fighter – Rumble Fighter is exciting for players of all abilities, from the “Casual” to the “Hardcore”
o Transform – Rumble Fighter’s unique “ExoCore” systems enables players to evolve during battle and further enhance their character’s attributes
o Upgrade with Astros – use in-game points known as Carats or buy OGPlanet’s universal cyber currency Astros to further customise your characters and buy new techniques, weapons and other items
o Rich graphics – Rumble Fighter’s custom-built graphics engine utilises cell shading techniques and pre-rendered global illumination map textures, creating vibrant rich imagery inspired by Japanese animé
o Available to PC users in Europe from today.

Posh Boutique 2: Another Chain of Luxurious Boutiques, another Opportunity to Have Great Fun with a Superb Time Management Game!

Puzzle Lab announces the release of Posh Boutique 2, a sequel of a great time management hit. Alicia successfully developed her own chain of posh boutiques and went on a vacation. Hardly had the plane landed, when she found out, that she had won a lottery prize of $1,000,000! Full of enthusiasm, she cancelled her vacation and decided to start another chain of boutiques in a new area. The gameplay is basically the same as in the first Posh Boutique, but there are also some new features, making the process of running the boutique business even more fascinating. VIP mini-games will entertain you after a busy day devoted to time management.

Acting as Alicia, you serve customers who come to your store to buy something. You take them to fitting rooms, to the sunglasses rack or to other accessories, depending on what they would like to purchase. To deliver excellent customer service, follow the icons above each customer's head - they display the desired item. Once you have taken the customer to the right place, you should choose the right item from the assortment of goods. Unlike the first Posh Boutique, Posh Boutique 2 features several ways of selection: skimming, picking one of nine items and picking an item from the conveyor belt. Finally the customer should be taken to the check-out counter to pay for his purchases.

For each day there is a goal to earn a certain amount of money. Later on you can spend it on hiring an assistant or on upgrading equipment in order to serve the customers faster and to make them more patient. By the way, the patience level of each customer is also displayed above the heads in the form of smileys. The more content a customer is when leaving the boutique, the more money you earn! So do not make them wait for too long, otherwise the customers can lose their patience and leave without paying. Apart from upgrades, you can also spend money on store window design to attract more customers.

Of course, there are various types of customers, and you should pay special attention to those marked as VIP. But there also two new types: journalists and couples. Couples are simply served together, but journalists are a bit troublesome. You should make efforts to cater for them well, and, in addition to this, they come to the store after the close of business. They choose goods for a boutique review and rate your store. To get a high rating (and to increase sales!) you should find required goods among those scattered all over the screen.

For various achievements Alicia gets awards and keeps them in a special trophy room. It is available at any time, so that you can enter it and see if you are successful enough! Remember that at the end of the game the trophies will bring you some extra money.

Features:

- Upgradeable equipment
- Improved time management gameplay
- New types of customers
- New ways to attract customers
- Exhilarating mini-games
- Cups and awards
- Rich graphics

Pricing and Availability

Posh Boutique 2 runs under Windows 98, ME, 2K, XP and Vista. A single-user license costs $9.95 ($4.95 if you subscribe to Puzzle Lab mailing list).

NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, a Totally New Downloadable Game Experience

Get a taste of NBA 2K10's all-new gameplay and My Player career mode while living the life of an NBA hopeful going through the real NBA Draft Combine.

2K Sports today announced NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, a download-only title that will provide pre-season fun for basketball fans leading up to the fall launch of NBA 2K10.

Planned for release this September on Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation Network for PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, NBA 2K10: Draft Combine will allow fans to create their own custom player with the utmost detail and, for the first time in the NBA 2K series, begin their career by experiencing the on-court life of an NBA hopeful going through the NBA Draft Combine at the world-renowned, ATTACK Athletics gym in Chicago.

“We’re giving our dedicated NBA 2K fans an incredible opportunity with NBA 2K10: Draft Combine,” said Greg Thomas, senior vice president of sports development for 2K. “Gamers will have exclusive access to online content and get to test drive NBA 2K10’s new gameplay features, advanced player progression system and the all-new My Player career mode before the game launches this fall.”

Features of NBA 2K10: Draft Combine include:

• Building custom players by working with a mentor, the 2K Insider, and increasing their NBA stock through a variety of challenging basketball drills and 5-on-5 games.
• Over 300 different signature customizations, including player-specific shooting animations, dunk and dribble packages and more to allow each created player to have his own unique personal style.
• Ability to strengthen all parts of the created player’s game with a variety of drills, such as shooting, post offense and defense, attacking the basket, dribbling, challenging shots, boxing out for rebounds and more to progress through the NBA Draft Combine.
• Organized games that will allow players to gain valuable skill points and offer a variety of specific in-game objectives that will need to be accomplished in order to gain them. At the end of each game, a full analysis will be available for gamers to review their player’s performance and strategize their further improvement.
• All players created in NBA 2K10: Draft Combine will wear a special patch on their uniform throughout the rest of that player’s career to denote that they have completed the NBA Draft Combine.
• Online leaderboards to track the highest ranking custom built players, and where a player stacks up against the competition.
• Opportunity to unlock special achievements on Xbox 360 and trophies for PLAYSTATION 3 system.
• Fans can take their custom built players from NBA 2K10: Draft Combine and use them in the all-new My Player career mode in NBA 2K10 launching this fall, allowing them to continue their journey of becoming an NBA legend.

NBA 2K10: Draft Combine, developed by Visual Concepts, is planned for release in North America, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and India this September on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360 (400 Microsoft Points) and PlayStation Network for PLAYSTATION 3 system ($4.99).

First Open Beta Test for Sudden Attack, Korea's No. 1 Online free-to-play First Person Shooter

Beginning July 28 Fans Can Wreak Havoc with the Game's Most Powerful Weapon Yet in the New Map, StormVille

Runes of Magic launches open beta in France and Spain

Frogster’s French and Spanish Runes of Magic server is open for all players as of now. With the launch of the open beta test, MMO-interested French and Spanish players can now explore the already integrated content of the online fantasy world in their own native languages.PEGI: 12+


Following the successful shutdown of the closed beta, the servers today go back up on the net for the deciding test phase. A brief registration procedure on the official Spanish (http://www.runesofmagic.com/es/) and French (http://www.runesofmagic.com/fr/) web pages is all that is required to take part in the open beta. All adventurers who are already active in the game will keep their accounts. The download of the software is of course free of charge. Frogster will use the time leading up to the official live operation in September to optimise the localisation. A so-called ‘wipe’ – a deleting of avatars – of characters created during the open beta test will not take place.

“We are completely satisfied with the development of Runes of Magic in Spain and France,” commented Daniel Ullrich, Director of Product Management, on the closed beta’s previous performance. Above all, the key aspect of localization is progressing according to plan: “A large part of the game has already been translated for the launch of the open beta,” said Localization Manager Konstantin Drewitz: “We are optimistic that we can offer Runes of Magic as a completely localized version for the release in September.”



Runes of Magic – a world full of wizardry and adventure
The German and English versions of Runes of Magic were released on 19 March 2009. Anyone can download the online role-playing game for free at: www.runesofmagic.com and can plunge into the game world after a short registration process.

With an extensive range of features, Runes of Magic is redefining the standard for free-to-play massively multiplayer online role playing games. Runes of Magic features an absorbing story through more than 1,600 quests, in a vibrant fantasy world. Players can choose from six main classes, combined with a secondary class, presenting 30 individual combinations of character classes over all. All characters possess unique skills with impressive combo attacks and can use mounts like war horses and more.

A particularly attractive feature is the ability for players and guilds to arrange and furnish their virtual homes. Thanks to an extensive crafting and reputation system, exciting PvP and demanding dungeons and boss monsters, there is something for everyone.

Taiwanese developer Runewaker developed Runes of Magic according to western MMO standards over three years. The studio is providing new challenges for players every four to five months with free add-ons and updates. You can find more information, pictures, videos, and the game available for free download via the official website: www.runesofmagic.com.

Features
• Free-to-play: no monthly fees, free download
• Extensive dual class system (six primary and secondary classes)
• Versatile spell and attack combinations
• Enthralling background story
• More than 1,600 quests and quest series
• No zone boundaries thanks to seamless architecture
• Dungeons: Instanced, tile based, and persistent
• Individually developable skills and spells
• Armour sets with special bonuses
• Dynamic item system with hundreds of runes for upgrading
• Optional PvP system with arena battles
• Ranking system with player-ranking lists
• Multitude of unique mounts
• Epic crafting system with the ability to improve existing items
• Personalization of player houses through individual furnishing
• Reputation system
• Customisable user interface with the option to use Add-Ons
• Map and radar system to easily find dealers, resources and quests
• In-game auction houses for trading items
• Teleport-Runes for instant travel
• Mouse and keyboard controls for movement
• Regular updates with new content
• Guild castles in special zones
• Cross-server fights in three-server-battle and guild wars in development

Facts
Title: Runes of Magic
Genre: Fantasy MMORPG
Platform: Windows PC
Publisher: Frogster Online Gaming
Developer: Runewaker Entertainment Ltd.
Release: 19 March 2009

Nintendo Wii Sports Resort video game reviews

Wii Sports Resort is more than just a game: it's the sequel to the phenomenally successful Wii Sports, and marks the debut of Nintendo's MotionPlus accessory.

The original Wii Sports was a fantastic introduction to the concept of motion controls. Think about it: the Wii Remote was a radical departure from established video game controllers and without the butter smooth motion control experience of Wii Sports to light the way, the whole experiment could have easily back-fired. Of course, the game is also ridiculously fun and still stands as the quintessential Nintendo Wii experience.

Which is why a retail sequel makes so much sense. But rather than being just a simple follow up, Wii Sports Resort faces its own monumental task: familiarise Wii owners with the new MotionPlus accessory and convince them to buy yet another Wii Remote attachment. Easy enough, right?

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Wii Sports Resort: Like the real thing

Actually it is because, much like its predecessor, Wii Sports Resort makes it largely effortless for anyone to jump into one of the 12 included mini-games, and although every single game doesn't justify the use (or requirement) of the included MotionPlus adaptor, the ones that do offer a very positive advertisement for not only the accessory but the potential future of gaming on the Wii.

What makes MotionPlus so compelling is the way it enhances each mini-game; at its best, it allows you to forget that you're simply holding a piece of plastic. Each slight movement of the Wii Remote is replicated on screen, whether it's a table tennis paddle or sword in your hand. The added accuracy lets you focus on the actual motions and it adds a nice touch of realism to the experience.

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Of course, you'll still have to overcome the urge to focus on the visual representation of your actions and instead simply play like you would in real life. Resort's visual style may be eye pleasing, but following the on-screen images isn't always the best way to play.

For instance, while playing Frisbee Dog, I found myself putting up much better scores when I stopped focusing on the angle at which my Mii was holding the disc and simply motioned like I was tossing the real thing.

The same held true in Table Tennis, an improved version of the mini-game seen in Wii Play: the less I worried about the on-screen position of the paddle, the better I seemed to play. It works against many of the traditional notions we have about playing games, but it proves to be a very intuitive way to play, and both aforementioned mini-games are among the best in the package.

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Also of note are the Swordplay games. Wanna-be Jedis should be excited as Resort finally proves that a lightsaber-focused Star Wars game (or any sword-based game, for that matter) is a real possibility on the Wii. Split between duels, adventure-like Showdown stages (in which you take down waves of foes), and a Speed Slice mode where you chop up everyday items as indicated by the screen, these games finally give you nearly full 1:1 control.

It's no exaggeration to say that the standard for melee-based action games has been set and any future game that doesn't support MotionPlus will immediately be seen as a disappointment.

The MotionPlus attachment also improves the Bowling and Golf events, both of which are holdovers from the first game. The attachment gives you greater control over the spin and release of your bowling ball, making an already sharp mini-game even better. Golf has a more robust feel this time around, with nine new holes (for 18 total) and additional shot options, though it's still tough to gauge the strength of your shot, especially while putting or chipping in.

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Many of the other games make less of an impact, whether due to uninteresting gameplay or the lack of MotionPlus implementation. Wakeboarding and Power Cruising (jet ski racing) are both decent water-based events, but neither offers a particularly compelling experience. The Basketball games lack a realistic throwing motion, but the Three-Point Contest remains a decent diversion; the Pickup Game mode is just a poorly realised imitation of the real thing, however.

The Air Sports (skydiving and sightseeing/dueling in airplanes) are pleasant, relaxing counterparts to the more active events, but the remaining games, Cycling and Canoeing, both come across as Wii Fit castoffs, with constant, tiring motions and lengthy challenges.

As with its predecessor, Wii Sports Resort is best experienced with local pals (up to four players in most games), though the score-based challenges mean events like bowling, archery, and Frisbee Dog hold up well with repeated solo play.

Still, it's tough to justify the lack of online play modes or even leaderboards, especially since the game has some online implementation via the excellent option to automatically download top user-created Miis from the Check Mii Out channel for opponents and bystanders. This alone is enough to ding the overall score.

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But even without that crucial feature, Wii Sports Resort still feels like an accomplishment, not only because it offers a fun and accessible experience built around the MotionPlus attachment, but because it may very well renew optimism in those jaded by the lacklustre motion controls seen over the last couple years. It's a very strong follow-up to the original and I can only hope that upcoming titles will build on the momentum that Resort has generated.

Source: PC Advisor

DJ Jazzy Jeff Brings the DJ Hero Party to Life With His Turntable Skills and Likeness - with video

DJ Jazzy Jeff, GRAMMY Award winning hip-hop and R&B record producer, actor and world famous turntablist will ascend to the virtual stage this fall in Activision and Guitar Hero's highly anticipated video game DJ Hero. In addition to joining the distinguished rank of playable characters that will appear in the game, including DJ Shadow, DJ Z-Trip, Grandmaster Flash, DJ AM and others, DJ Jazzy Jeff will shake the room and bring the party to life with his own set list featuring two exclusive mixes hand created by the legend himself - Tears for Fears "Shout" v Eric B. & Rakim "Eric B. Is President" and LL Cool J "Rock the Bells" vs. The Aranbee Pop Symphony Orchestra "Bittersweet Symphony."



"I am very, very excited DJ culture is finally getting its due. To have a song in DJ Hero is a dream come true; to be a character someone can pick up the controller and select you and play is probably the biggest thing to happen to me in my career," said DJ Jazzy Jeff. "Music is so much a part of everyone's life, DJ Hero is going to appeal to almost everybody."



Expanding upon the revolutionary easy to pick up/challenging to master gameplay mechanics developed and refined in Guitar Hero, DJ Hero delivers an all-new interactive music experience that allows players to rule the party and not only experience, but to hear music in an all-new way. With over 100 individual songs, highlighted in over 80 unique never-before-released mixes that blend genres of music, including hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock and electronica, DJ Hero delivers the most diverse and international collection of music ever assembled in a music game by incorporating anthems from legendary artists. Created exclusively for DJ Hero, the turntable controller immerses fans into DJ culture and a sea of music as they utilize and master various DJ techniques including scratching, blending, cross fading and sampling, while leaving room for creative expression with a variety of effects and player chosen samples and scratches, transforming a face in the crowd into the life of the party.

DJ Hero is being developed by FreeStyleGames for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems and the Wii system from Nintendo.