"Project Gotham Racing 4" is the highly anticipated next installment of the blockbuster "Project Gotham Racing" (PGR®) franchise, developed by Bizarre Creations exclusively for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system. With a dramatic new weather system, revamped career mode, revised Kudos system, new tracks and locations as well as the world's most iconic vehicles, "PGR 4" takes racing to a new level of thrill and excitement.
For the first time in "PGR" history, drivers will have the option of racing a variety of motorcycles from top manufacturers, such as Ducati, BMW and Honda. Whether on two wheels or four, players must perform daring and stylistic moves to win over their fans, who will cheer them on as they follow their road to racing notoriety.
In addition, through a new content server, drivers can save their favorite races and search over Xbox LIVE® for race content that is specific to their interests. Players can find out who has the longest slide or wheelie in Shanghai or St. Petersburg, for example, through the innovative new content server.
A unique and exciting racing experience compatible with the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel. "Project Gotham Racing 4" will redefine the "PGR" franchise by delivering a unique, exciting racing experience where dramatic racing action is captured in cinematic style and players are rewarded for showing off their skills and performing precise and jaw-dropping skills and maneuvers while winning over the hearts of adoring fans online and off.
More than 120 iconic vehicles, including motorcycles, from the world's top manufacturers. "PGR4" puts gamers behind the wheel of the world's most iconic cars, including the 1957 Maserati 250F, 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray, 1978 Lamborghini Countach LP400, 1993 Toyota Supra Turbo, and 2006 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. In addition, for the first time motorcycles from top manufacturers, such as Ducati, BMW and Honda, will be included in the game. Whether in single-player mode or playing with a team of up to seven other drivers,* players can choose to race two motorcycles side by side or race with a combination of cars and motorcycles. The game's unique physics engine enables drivers to pull off incredible driving maneuvers not found in any other racing game.
The information contained in this fact sheet relates to a pre-release product that may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the product when it is first commercially released. This fact sheet is provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the fact sheet or the information contained in it.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
ULTIMATE NINJA 2 This Monday At HMV!!! Prizes To Be Won!
head of the official release at the HMV anime day at Oxford Street on Monday 20th August! Atari will displaying playable demos of the recently released NARUTO UZUMAKI CHRONICLES and NARUTO: ULTIMATE NINJA 2 which releases this October exclusive to Playstation 2. There will also be the chance to enter the NARUTO ULTIMATE NINJA Challenge - a live combat game tournament on the HMV stage. There will be hundreds of pounds worth of HMV gift vouchers in prizes available to the winners and runner ups. Come and show us your skills!
Game playing commences from 1 pm on the Ground Floor by the stage at HMV, 150 Oxford Street London. The Atari NARUTO ULTIMATE NINJA TOURNAMENT will kick off from 2 pm and finish by 4 pm so make sure you arrive on time!
More information on NARUTO: ULTIMATE NINJA 2 –
Based on the hit Naruto anime TV series which continues to grow in popularity around the globe, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 delivers a knock out Ninja punch for all fans of fighting games. Published by NAMCO BANDAI Games and distributed in Europe by Atari, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 for PlayStation®2 is scheduled for release across Europe in autumn 2007.
Taking the experience to new heights of excellence, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 lets players choose from over 30 playable characters from the hit TV show including Naruto, Sasuke, Kakashi and more, play through over 60 thrilling missions, take on a series of challenging mini-games, and test their skills with head-to-head combat on 16 unique battle stages. The Ultimate Road story mode takes players through key plots from the TV show to ultimately unlock a brand new original storyline, while Vs mode lets players do battle with the computer or go head-to-head with their friends to see who has what it takes to be the ultimate ninja.
Bringing a new level of depth to the gameplay, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 introduces RPG elements to the series for the first time, with a system of character upgrades which lets players earn points to enhance strength, defence, chakra, agility and even special abilities to give them the edge over their opponents in battle. Players can unleash their chakra to perform multi-level super attacks capable of laying waste to even the most deadly of enemies.
With tons of unlockable features including characters, movies, music and more, a dazzling array of gameplay modes, and an authentic Naruto experience with moves, story and original Japanese voiceover straight from the TV series, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 packs a devastating punch for fans of the franchise and anyone looking for a damn good punch-up on PS®2.
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 for PlayStation 2 is scheduled for release across Europe in autumn 2007.
Game playing commences from 1 pm on the Ground Floor by the stage at HMV, 150 Oxford Street London. The Atari NARUTO ULTIMATE NINJA TOURNAMENT will kick off from 2 pm and finish by 4 pm so make sure you arrive on time!
More information on NARUTO: ULTIMATE NINJA 2 –
Based on the hit Naruto anime TV series which continues to grow in popularity around the globe, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 delivers a knock out Ninja punch for all fans of fighting games. Published by NAMCO BANDAI Games and distributed in Europe by Atari, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 for PlayStation®2 is scheduled for release across Europe in autumn 2007.
Taking the experience to new heights of excellence, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 lets players choose from over 30 playable characters from the hit TV show including Naruto, Sasuke, Kakashi and more, play through over 60 thrilling missions, take on a series of challenging mini-games, and test their skills with head-to-head combat on 16 unique battle stages. The Ultimate Road story mode takes players through key plots from the TV show to ultimately unlock a brand new original storyline, while Vs mode lets players do battle with the computer or go head-to-head with their friends to see who has what it takes to be the ultimate ninja.
Bringing a new level of depth to the gameplay, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 introduces RPG elements to the series for the first time, with a system of character upgrades which lets players earn points to enhance strength, defence, chakra, agility and even special abilities to give them the edge over their opponents in battle. Players can unleash their chakra to perform multi-level super attacks capable of laying waste to even the most deadly of enemies.
With tons of unlockable features including characters, movies, music and more, a dazzling array of gameplay modes, and an authentic Naruto experience with moves, story and original Japanese voiceover straight from the TV series, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 packs a devastating punch for fans of the franchise and anyone looking for a damn good punch-up on PS®2.
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 2 for PlayStation 2 is scheduled for release across Europe in autumn 2007.
Ascaron and Deep Silver sign agreement for Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel
Ascaron and Deep Silver, Koch Media's game label, today announce their signing of an agreement for the action RPG Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel. Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel is being developed for PC and is planned for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®. The agreement includes the rights for the PAL and SECAM countries (with the exception of the PC version in Germany, Austria, the German-speaking part of Switzerland and the Commonwealth of Independent States).
"Sacred has developed into an international top seller and one of the strongest names in the action RPG segment. We are therefore particularly proud to be able to publish this title with Ascaron. Sacred 2 is already receiving much praise in the special interest press and will be able to set new standards on the console too", says Dr. Klemens Kundratitz, CEO of Koch Media. "We are happy to be able to present this title to the public at our stand at the Games Convention."
Holger Flöttmann, Managing Director of the Ascaron Entertainment GmbH, says: "In Koch Media, we have found a Europe-oriented partner with a German background who has proven its distribution strength many times over. Koch Media's sales and distribution concept is oriented towards multiple platforms, distribution and marketing. 'Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel' will profit from this. We are looking forward to working with them."
Six unique characters, a breathtaking story told in separate Light and Shadows campaigns and a comprehensive multiplayer part are sure to provide players with a truly superb virtual experience. In the gigantic game world, which may be explored without loading times, a vast variety of enemies and adventures await players. The NPC's realistic behaviour and individual daily routine provides Sacred 2 - Fallen Angel with an authentic flair and fills its game world with life. With its dynamic day and night cycle, weather effects, wind animations, intricate ragdoll elements and breathtaking surprises Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel has all the ingredients to captivate players with its unique atmosphere.
"Sacred has developed into an international top seller and one of the strongest names in the action RPG segment. We are therefore particularly proud to be able to publish this title with Ascaron. Sacred 2 is already receiving much praise in the special interest press and will be able to set new standards on the console too", says Dr. Klemens Kundratitz, CEO of Koch Media. "We are happy to be able to present this title to the public at our stand at the Games Convention."
Holger Flöttmann, Managing Director of the Ascaron Entertainment GmbH, says: "In Koch Media, we have found a Europe-oriented partner with a German background who has proven its distribution strength many times over. Koch Media's sales and distribution concept is oriented towards multiple platforms, distribution and marketing. 'Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel' will profit from this. We are looking forward to working with them."
Six unique characters, a breathtaking story told in separate Light and Shadows campaigns and a comprehensive multiplayer part are sure to provide players with a truly superb virtual experience. In the gigantic game world, which may be explored without loading times, a vast variety of enemies and adventures await players. The NPC's realistic behaviour and individual daily routine provides Sacred 2 - Fallen Angel with an authentic flair and fills its game world with life. With its dynamic day and night cycle, weather effects, wind animations, intricate ragdoll elements and breathtaking surprises Sacred 2 – Fallen Angel has all the ingredients to captivate players with its unique atmosphere.
The Bojo Game – Home Edition
The Montreal area’s newest independent games producer, The Bojo Group, has announced that it will start selling as a download its first animated casual computer card game and casino simulation program – The Bojo Game – Home Edition©™ on or before Saturday, August 25.
In doing so the game becomes the newest entrant in the burgeoning casual computer games market, expected by industry analysts to gross more than $1.3 billion this year alone – more than a five-fold increase in sales since 2002 when the young industry sold more than $200 million worth of casual games.
The Bojo Game – Home Edition is easy-to-learn and easier-to-play. It creates a virtual on-line Internet casino game in progress with up to 99,999 other simulated or virtual players.
Besides being a new solitaire-type card game, it notches two firsts in the history of card games. Extensive research has revealed that it is the first new way to play draw poker in many years. At the same time, it is also the first new type of card game that could be offered by casinos in many years. Casinos currently seem to offer only three types of betting card games, in many variants: poker, blackjack and baccarat.
However, the Bojo group’s game is not being offered to casinos anywhere for now. It is being sold strictly as a home edition casino simulation game, one which can be played by one person only on one computer only - all in the security and privacy of one’s own home: no real gambling, no real money. It is a risk-free skills game, not requiring a licence.
Repeated player testing has shown that the game’s simulated casino atmosphere provides hours of safe fun and enjoyment. A simulated five-card draw poker hand, one of the game’s many features, captivated avid poker players for hours on end, some of them choosing to play the game manually with a pen, a grid pad and a deck of cards, claiming that they were happy to wait for the play-at-home computer version.
It’s here. Card game enthusiasts can check it out for some serious fun - a free downloadable 15-minute playable trial version and demo are available at www.bojogame.com/trial.
The download game will sell for US$ 19.95 plus applicable taxes. The Bojo group is also looking at the potential for sales through affiliated casual games providers on the Internet, retail level CD game kits, commercially-sponsored editions containing embedded advertising for brick-and-mortar gaming outlets and licencing on-line casinos to offer it as a free-to-play game that simulates the real thing.
The rules of play for this home edition make it the newest un-modified card game in recent years. In addition to being animated, it also has its own sound effects and original music score – The Theme >From Bojo created by Studio 910 Inc. technicians, composers and performing artists in Laval.
In doing so the game becomes the newest entrant in the burgeoning casual computer games market, expected by industry analysts to gross more than $1.3 billion this year alone – more than a five-fold increase in sales since 2002 when the young industry sold more than $200 million worth of casual games.
The Bojo Game – Home Edition is easy-to-learn and easier-to-play. It creates a virtual on-line Internet casino game in progress with up to 99,999 other simulated or virtual players.
Besides being a new solitaire-type card game, it notches two firsts in the history of card games. Extensive research has revealed that it is the first new way to play draw poker in many years. At the same time, it is also the first new type of card game that could be offered by casinos in many years. Casinos currently seem to offer only three types of betting card games, in many variants: poker, blackjack and baccarat.
However, the Bojo group’s game is not being offered to casinos anywhere for now. It is being sold strictly as a home edition casino simulation game, one which can be played by one person only on one computer only - all in the security and privacy of one’s own home: no real gambling, no real money. It is a risk-free skills game, not requiring a licence.
Repeated player testing has shown that the game’s simulated casino atmosphere provides hours of safe fun and enjoyment. A simulated five-card draw poker hand, one of the game’s many features, captivated avid poker players for hours on end, some of them choosing to play the game manually with a pen, a grid pad and a deck of cards, claiming that they were happy to wait for the play-at-home computer version.
It’s here. Card game enthusiasts can check it out for some serious fun - a free downloadable 15-minute playable trial version and demo are available at www.bojogame.com/trial.
The download game will sell for US$ 19.95 plus applicable taxes. The Bojo group is also looking at the potential for sales through affiliated casual games providers on the Internet, retail level CD game kits, commercially-sponsored editions containing embedded advertising for brick-and-mortar gaming outlets and licencing on-line casinos to offer it as a free-to-play game that simulates the real thing.
The rules of play for this home edition make it the newest un-modified card game in recent years. In addition to being animated, it also has its own sound effects and original music score – The Theme >From Bojo created by Studio 910 Inc. technicians, composers and performing artists in Laval.
Tragnarion Studios Announces Only For Nintendo DS, Their New Magical Title "Doodle Hex"
Developer Tragnarion Studios announces their new magical Nintendo DS game “Doodle Hex”, which will be available in Q1 2008.
Doodle Hex is an original game designed specifically for the Nintendo DS, utilizing unique features like the touch screen and dual screens perfectly to create an addictive and fun title for both single and multiplayer gaming.
Doodle Hex is a game of magical dueling where aspiring “Doodlers” compete head-to-head for fun and glory. Two “Doodlers” fight by drawing runes onto the DS touch screen, in real time, to create powerful and fun spells to inflict on their opponent, such as blasts of fire or curses that shake the opponent's screens, turn their own spells back on them and even turn them into a frog!
Speed of thought, tactical choices and accurate drawing of simple shapes are all important to progress through the game and succeed in Doodle Hex.
Completing tournaments and challenges in the puzzle mode of the game unlocks further runes and spells, allowing players to collect runes to create their own customised spell book. With over 200 runes to collect and swap with friends over wi-fi, Doodle Hex offers over 100 hours of gameplay to budding magicians.
Doodle Hex also features beautiful comic artwork of some of the coolest characters yet seen in a DS game, including: Strat an Emo Rockstar Elf and Fey, a Goth Witch. Tragnarion are providing a sneak peek at some of the fantastic characters and the visual style of the game at www.doodlehex.com.
Carl Jones, head of Tragnarion Studios said: "Like classic fighting and puzzle games, Doodle Hex offers a rewarding single player experience and the fun increases massively when dueling against other people. We're delighted with how Doodle Hex is coming together - the game looks fantastic on the DS, is really addictive and the work our team have done on the characters and art style is amazing. We're showing some examples of this work on our teaser site doodlehex.com, where you can see the doodlers Cassie, Strat, Fey and Kaleb, for now, but we'll be putting a lot more content up there after we take Doodle Hex to the Leipzig Game Convention."
"Doodle Hex" is due for release in the 1st Quarter of 2008 and will be distributed only for Nintendo DS, check it out at www.doodlehex.com.
Doodle Hex is an original game designed specifically for the Nintendo DS, utilizing unique features like the touch screen and dual screens perfectly to create an addictive and fun title for both single and multiplayer gaming.
Doodle Hex is a game of magical dueling where aspiring “Doodlers” compete head-to-head for fun and glory. Two “Doodlers” fight by drawing runes onto the DS touch screen, in real time, to create powerful and fun spells to inflict on their opponent, such as blasts of fire or curses that shake the opponent's screens, turn their own spells back on them and even turn them into a frog!
Speed of thought, tactical choices and accurate drawing of simple shapes are all important to progress through the game and succeed in Doodle Hex.
Completing tournaments and challenges in the puzzle mode of the game unlocks further runes and spells, allowing players to collect runes to create their own customised spell book. With over 200 runes to collect and swap with friends over wi-fi, Doodle Hex offers over 100 hours of gameplay to budding magicians.
Doodle Hex also features beautiful comic artwork of some of the coolest characters yet seen in a DS game, including: Strat an Emo Rockstar Elf and Fey, a Goth Witch. Tragnarion are providing a sneak peek at some of the fantastic characters and the visual style of the game at www.doodlehex.com.
Carl Jones, head of Tragnarion Studios said: "Like classic fighting and puzzle games, Doodle Hex offers a rewarding single player experience and the fun increases massively when dueling against other people. We're delighted with how Doodle Hex is coming together - the game looks fantastic on the DS, is really addictive and the work our team have done on the characters and art style is amazing. We're showing some examples of this work on our teaser site doodlehex.com, where you can see the doodlers Cassie, Strat, Fey and Kaleb, for now, but we'll be putting a lot more content up there after we take Doodle Hex to the Leipzig Game Convention."
"Doodle Hex" is due for release in the 1st Quarter of 2008 and will be distributed only for Nintendo DS, check it out at www.doodlehex.com.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Dargor, Shadowlord of the Black Mountain
1000+ combo StepMania video. You can see and hear the fingers in the mirror - bottom right.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Heavy discounting hits Xbox 360 Core unit
Online retailer chops £50 off RRP
Retailers are beginning to cut a large chunk off the price of the Xbox 360 Core unit, with one online store knocking £50 off the recommended retail price.
Play.com has slashed the price of the console by a quarter, selling the machine for £149.99 instead of the RRP of £199.99.
The move follows retail chain Makro's decision to sell the Xbox 360 Premium unit for £199.99, effectively reducing it to the same price as Core units.
Microsoft has given no indication that an official price cut is on the way, yet the retail community in Europe is happy to discount the hardware, despite healthy sales.
Rival online store Amazon.co.uk has also reduced the price of the Core Xbox 360, to £189.99. It also currently sells the pink Sony PSP - a sales success last Christmas - for £109.99, £40 below the RRP.
Retailers are beginning to cut a large chunk off the price of the Xbox 360 Core unit, with one online store knocking £50 off the recommended retail price.
Play.com has slashed the price of the console by a quarter, selling the machine for £149.99 instead of the RRP of £199.99.
The move follows retail chain Makro's decision to sell the Xbox 360 Premium unit for £199.99, effectively reducing it to the same price as Core units.
Microsoft has given no indication that an official price cut is on the way, yet the retail community in Europe is happy to discount the hardware, despite healthy sales.
Rival online store Amazon.co.uk has also reduced the price of the Core Xbox 360, to £189.99. It also currently sells the pink Sony PSP - a sales success last Christmas - for £109.99, £40 below the RRP.
Retailers say PS3 is most pre-ordered console ever
Retailers are reporting huge demand for PlayStation 3 as Sony gears up for what UK boss Ray Maguire says could be the company's "biggest hardware launch to date".
His comments were echoed by Gerry Berkley, head of games at Woolworths, who told GamesIndustry.biz, "PS3 pre-orders are coming in thick and fast. It is the fastest selling games product we have ever sold online and it is shaping up to be our biggest ever pre-order campaign for a console."
Berkley said Sony's new machine is "the hottest gaming system since the PS2", adding, "Demand will inevitably outstrip supply, so our advice to customers is to pre-order to avoid disappointment."
A spokesperson for Amazon.co.uk revealed that only one other product has seen a more rapid rate of pre-orders during 2007 - J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
"The customer demand for the PlayStation 3 is high and sustained and we are confident that it will take its place as one of the top selling items on Amazon.co.uk throughout 2007," the spokesperson said.
"We are only taking pre-orders until all our initial stock from Sony is accounted for - that way, no customer will be disappointed come day of release. We don't expect stocks to last long."
His comments were echoed by Gerry Berkley, head of games at Woolworths, who told GamesIndustry.biz, "PS3 pre-orders are coming in thick and fast. It is the fastest selling games product we have ever sold online and it is shaping up to be our biggest ever pre-order campaign for a console."
Berkley said Sony's new machine is "the hottest gaming system since the PS2", adding, "Demand will inevitably outstrip supply, so our advice to customers is to pre-order to avoid disappointment."
A spokesperson for Amazon.co.uk revealed that only one other product has seen a more rapid rate of pre-orders during 2007 - J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
"The customer demand for the PlayStation 3 is high and sustained and we are confident that it will take its place as one of the top selling items on Amazon.co.uk throughout 2007," the spokesperson said.
"We are only taking pre-orders until all our initial stock from Sony is accounted for - that way, no customer will be disappointed come day of release. We don't expect stocks to last long."
Saturday, February 17, 2007
VIRTUAL CONSOLE REVS UP WITH SELECTION OF RETRO DELIGHTS JOINING THE CURRENT LINE-UP
This week Wii’s Virtual Console has shifted up a gear to delight speed freaks across Europe. To celebrate the launch of high-octane off-road racer Excite Truck on the Wii, Virtual Console users will be able to rediscover ″Excitebike™″ the classic game that inspired it. Launching on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, this fast paced racer was one of the first titles to allow players to adjust the pitch of
their bike after a jump to correctly land as well as being one of the first ever racing games with a Track Builder. Excitebike is now available to download from the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points.
Wii owners will also be treated with a selection of other Nintendo classics. The original home console appearance of Kirby can once again be enjoyed, in ″Kirby’s Adventure™″ originally for the Nintendo Entertainment System. This title features vast worlds, unlockable bonus levels and addictive minigames. It is available to download for 500 Wii Points.
″R-Type III™: Third Lightning″, an adrenaline filled side-scrolling shooter which made its debut on the Super Nintendo, is now available to download for 800 Points. This game was arguably the best in the R-Type series and saw the introduction of a refined weapon charging system.
New Adventure Island originally for the Turbografx (PC Engine), is also now available to download for 600 Wii Points. This adventure title, originally released by Hudson on the NES as Adventure Island Classic, is the first in a highly successful series of titles.
These great games will join the 49 classic titles already available for the Virtual Console in Europe.
their bike after a jump to correctly land as well as being one of the first ever racing games with a Track Builder. Excitebike is now available to download from the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points.
Wii owners will also be treated with a selection of other Nintendo classics. The original home console appearance of Kirby can once again be enjoyed, in ″Kirby’s Adventure™″ originally for the Nintendo Entertainment System. This title features vast worlds, unlockable bonus levels and addictive minigames. It is available to download for 500 Wii Points.
″R-Type III™: Third Lightning″, an adrenaline filled side-scrolling shooter which made its debut on the Super Nintendo, is now available to download for 800 Points. This game was arguably the best in the R-Type series and saw the introduction of a refined weapon charging system.
New Adventure Island originally for the Turbografx (PC Engine), is also now available to download for 600 Wii Points. This adventure title, originally released by Hudson on the NES as Adventure Island Classic, is the first in a highly successful series of titles.
These great games will join the 49 classic titles already available for the Virtual Console in Europe.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
"We beat the Wii," boasts DICE winner Epic Games
A triumphant Epic Games has swept the AIAS Awards, boasting that the company beat the Nintendo Wii for recognition by games industry peers.
"This is incredible," said Epic's CEO Michael Capps at the 10th Annual Interactive Entertainment Awards, held at the DICE Summit in Las Vegas.
"Getting sales is great, making the game we wanted and having people buy it and enjoy it is fantastic. But having our peers say it's the best game of the year? That's insane. We beat the Wii."
Gears of Wars sweeps AIAS event claiming eight awards
The company won eight awards, including Overall Game of the Year and Console Game of the Year, beating off rival titles The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Wii Sports and Eldar Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
"The thing is," added lead designer Cliff Blezinsky, "being on the outside of this industry looking in as a kid, and wanting to be part of it, and then being able to be here and get an award from all of these talented people who've been in the business for so long, finally to be a part of it, to be recognised like this is absolutely unbelievable. We could not be honoured more."
In the award show's green room, GamesIndustry.biz asked the duo if, given the success of Gears of War, the company planned to continue what EA Montreal's Alain Tascan had recently called the 'zero innovation strategy.'
"Gears was about implementation," Capps responded. "This is a game we're proud of implementing well. There was some innovation - Cliff was responsible for some pretty sexy new stuff. But I think this was about making it right, making it fun. Everything in there was fun."
"I think there's a lot of iteration and a lot of polish that went into the game," Blezinsky added.
"I've actually heard a compliment from people saying it has a learning curve. Which, as a designer, that actually means the game has some cool new features in it."
Capps took the opportunity to promise even bigger things from the company's next project, Unreal Tournament.
"We're going to f**king knock your socks off," he promised. "Gears looked good, but that's like the old game on Unreal 3 [engine]. Unreal Tournament looks good."
Other winners of the AIAS awards included Bethesda Softworks' Eldar Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Computer Game of the Year), the Nintendo Wii (Outstanding Innovation in Gaming) and Sony's LocoRoco (Children's Game of the Year).
The full list of winners follows:
Overall Game of the Year Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)
Console Game of the Year Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)
Computer Game of the Year Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Bethesda Softworks/2K Games)
Outstanding Innovation in Gaming Wii Sports (Nintendo/Nintendo)
Handheld Game of the Year Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day (Nintendo/Nintendo)
Outstanding Achievement in Animation Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)
Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)
Outstanding Achievement in Soundtrack Guitar Hero 2 (Harmonix/Activision/Red Octane)
Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition LocoRoco (Sony Computer Entertainment/Sony Computer Entertainment)
Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design Call of Duty 3 (Treyarch/Activision)
Outstanding Character Performance - Male Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)
Outstanding Achievement in Character Performance - Female Viva Piñata (Rare/Microsoft Game Studios)
Outstanding Achievement in Story and Character Development The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Nintendo/Nintendo)
Outstanding Achievement in Game Play Engineering Wii Sports (Nintendo/Nintendo)
Outstanding Achievement in Online Game Play Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)
Outstanding Achievement in Visual Engineering Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)
Outstanding Achievement in Game Design Wii Sports (Nintendo/Nintendo)
Sports Game of the Year Tony Hawk's Project 8 (Neversoft Entertainment/Activision)
Strategy Game of the Year Company of Heroes (Relic/THQ)
First-Person Action Game of the Year Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas (Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft)
Fighting Game of the Year Fight Night Round 3 (EA Sports/Electronic Arts)
Racing Game of the Year Burnout Revenge (Criterion Games/Electronic Arts)
Role-Playing Game of the Year Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Bethesda Softworks/2K Games)
Children's Game of the Year LocoRoco (Sony Computer Entertainment/Sony Computer Entertainment)
Action/Adventure Game of the Year Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)
Massively Multiplayer Game of the Year Guild Wars: Nightfall (Arena Net/NCsoft)
Family Game of the Year Guitar Hero 2 (Harmonix/Activision/Red Octane)
Simulation Game of the Year Microsoft Flight Simulator X (Microsoft Game Studios/Microsoft Game Studios)
Downloadable Game of the Year Bookworm Adventures (PopCap/PopCap)
Mobile Game of the Year Orcs and Elves (Fountainhead Entertainment/Electronic Arts Mobile)
"This is incredible," said Epic's CEO Michael Capps at the 10th Annual Interactive Entertainment Awards, held at the DICE Summit in Las Vegas.
"Getting sales is great, making the game we wanted and having people buy it and enjoy it is fantastic. But having our peers say it's the best game of the year? That's insane. We beat the Wii."
Gears of Wars sweeps AIAS event claiming eight awards
The company won eight awards, including Overall Game of the Year and Console Game of the Year, beating off rival titles The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Wii Sports and Eldar Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
"The thing is," added lead designer Cliff Blezinsky, "being on the outside of this industry looking in as a kid, and wanting to be part of it, and then being able to be here and get an award from all of these talented people who've been in the business for so long, finally to be a part of it, to be recognised like this is absolutely unbelievable. We could not be honoured more."
In the award show's green room, GamesIndustry.biz asked the duo if, given the success of Gears of War, the company planned to continue what EA Montreal's Alain Tascan had recently called the 'zero innovation strategy.'
"Gears was about implementation," Capps responded. "This is a game we're proud of implementing well. There was some innovation - Cliff was responsible for some pretty sexy new stuff. But I think this was about making it right, making it fun. Everything in there was fun."
"I think there's a lot of iteration and a lot of polish that went into the game," Blezinsky added.
"I've actually heard a compliment from people saying it has a learning curve. Which, as a designer, that actually means the game has some cool new features in it."
Capps took the opportunity to promise even bigger things from the company's next project, Unreal Tournament.
"We're going to f**king knock your socks off," he promised. "Gears looked good, but that's like the old game on Unreal 3 [engine]. Unreal Tournament looks good."
Other winners of the AIAS awards included Bethesda Softworks' Eldar Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Computer Game of the Year), the Nintendo Wii (Outstanding Innovation in Gaming) and Sony's LocoRoco (Children's Game of the Year).
The full list of winners follows:
Overall Game of the Year Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)
Console Game of the Year Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)
Computer Game of the Year Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Bethesda Softworks/2K Games)
Outstanding Innovation in Gaming Wii Sports (Nintendo/Nintendo)
Handheld Game of the Year Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day (Nintendo/Nintendo)
Outstanding Achievement in Animation Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)
Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)
Outstanding Achievement in Soundtrack Guitar Hero 2 (Harmonix/Activision/Red Octane)
Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition LocoRoco (Sony Computer Entertainment/Sony Computer Entertainment)
Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design Call of Duty 3 (Treyarch/Activision)
Outstanding Character Performance - Male Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)
Outstanding Achievement in Character Performance - Female Viva Piñata (Rare/Microsoft Game Studios)
Outstanding Achievement in Story and Character Development The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Nintendo/Nintendo)
Outstanding Achievement in Game Play Engineering Wii Sports (Nintendo/Nintendo)
Outstanding Achievement in Online Game Play Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)
Outstanding Achievement in Visual Engineering Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)
Outstanding Achievement in Game Design Wii Sports (Nintendo/Nintendo)
Sports Game of the Year Tony Hawk's Project 8 (Neversoft Entertainment/Activision)
Strategy Game of the Year Company of Heroes (Relic/THQ)
First-Person Action Game of the Year Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas (Ubisoft Montreal/Ubisoft)
Fighting Game of the Year Fight Night Round 3 (EA Sports/Electronic Arts)
Racing Game of the Year Burnout Revenge (Criterion Games/Electronic Arts)
Role-Playing Game of the Year Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Bethesda Softworks/2K Games)
Children's Game of the Year LocoRoco (Sony Computer Entertainment/Sony Computer Entertainment)
Action/Adventure Game of the Year Gears of War (Epic Games/Microsoft Game Studios)
Massively Multiplayer Game of the Year Guild Wars: Nightfall (Arena Net/NCsoft)
Family Game of the Year Guitar Hero 2 (Harmonix/Activision/Red Octane)
Simulation Game of the Year Microsoft Flight Simulator X (Microsoft Game Studios/Microsoft Game Studios)
Downloadable Game of the Year Bookworm Adventures (PopCap/PopCap)
Mobile Game of the Year Orcs and Elves (Fountainhead Entertainment/Electronic Arts Mobile)
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