StarCraft Online rumoured for Chinese operator

Report suggests NetEase working with Blizzard on new MMO

Chinese online games operator NetEase is said to be breaking into the overseas market backed with a huge MMO licence – StarCraft Online.

According to a report on Tradingmarkets.com, NetEase will be operating StarCraft Online, a title developed by World of Warcraft team Blizzard.

Blizzard has not confirmed the existence of any such game, although it has advertised for staff for a new MMO title, currently under wraps at the US developer.

Last May Blizzard revealed a sequel to the popular PC real-time strategy title StarCraft, saying it had been working on the game since 2003.

NetEase operates Fantasy Westward Journey in China, an internally developed MMORPG, which recorded 25 million registered users in April 2005.

According to Tradingmarkets.com NetEase CEO Ding Li has said the company has not signed any contracts, but the company is seeking foreign partners for licensing and co-development deals.

Source: Games Industry

Halo energy Sword sells for $525 on EBay

Link to listing here

"Initally thought to be purely cerimonial. Few has been seen in combat, but they are invariably carried by high ranking elites. We don't understand how if functions, but it cuts through any armor with ease."

Energy Sword Specs:

Overall Length: 36" (3 feet)

Width : 14"

Custom handle fit for any elite

Solid Stainless Steel Blade with mirrored finish

An Energy Sword Collector's Card that will feature Master Chief, Arbiter, Grunt, White Elite, Red Spartan or White Spartan. You may choose any character or I can send you one at random.

A Solid Wood Walnut Wall Plaque to display your Energy Sword anywhere.

Certificate of Originality. This will certify that you are receiving a high quality original sword from Lionheartsrealm, not some cheap knockoff.

World of Warcraft WoW Mana Energy Potion now available

Taking into account that WoW has over 100.4 gizillion subscribers at last count, we surmise that a drink based on mana potions in the game should sell incredibly well. It's hard to tell how this thing will taste without actually drinking and subsequently puking it up, but it's supposed to give you 5-8 hours of uninterrupted "jitter-free energy".

This translates into 5-8 hours of grinding for gold in Warcraft, something you could pay an Asian kid $2 to do for you. Combine this with the Final Fantasy Potion, and you'll get both your HP and MP back—plus a free trip to the hospital.

Source: Gizmodo

PlayStation makes a profit but Sony cuts full year sales targets

4.9m PS3 units sold from October to December

PlayStation 3 cost reductions have helped Sony's game division turn a profit for the third quarter ended December 31, but the company has slashed sales targets for the full year from 11 million to 9.5 million units.

Profit for the PlayStation business was JPY 12.9 billion (USD 121 million), compared to loss of JPY 54.2 billion (USD 509 million) for the same period in 2006, with improvement attributed to hardware reduction costs and strong sales of the PSP handheld.

Sales for the game division were JPY 581.2 billion (USD 5.46 billion), a 31.2 per cent increase over 2006's JPY 442.8 billion (USD 4.16 billion)

However, the company has lowered its full year sales targets for the PlayStation 3, from 11 million units to 9.5 million, while revealing it sold 4.9 million PS3's during the October to December period.

Software sales for the PlayStation 3 reached 26 million units during the three month period.

Following the success of the PlayStation Portable during the quarter, Sony has raised sales targets for the handheld from 10 million to 13 million units.

The company also said that while profit from the PlayStation 2 business decreased, hardware and software sales for the ageing console contributed to operating profit.

Net income for the entire Sony business rose 25 per cent to JPY 200.2 billion (USD 1.88 billion), up from JPY 159.9 billion (USD 1.50 billion) the previous year. Sales were also up 9.6 per cent to JPY 2.86 trillion (USD 26.8 billion).

With the PlayStation business making a profit, the company raised its full year net income target by 3 per cent to JPY 340 billion (USD 3.19 billion), while lowering yearly operating profit forecasts to JPY 410 billion (USD 3.85 billion), down from the previous JPY 450 billion (USD 4.22 billion) estimate.

Hardware sales for the PSP during the third quarter reached 5.76 million units, an increase of 22 per cent, while software sales for the handheld slipped 14 per cent to 18.3 million units.

Source: Games Industry

LEGO is 50 here's the top five LEGO video games

50 years ago today the Lego brick as we know it was born, allowing generation after generation of parents to stand in the toy aisle at their favorite retail establishment exclaiming, "How the hell do these cost so much? They're just Legos for chrissakes!" Seriously, I'd be ass-deep in Star Wars Lego crap if the price point weren't so insane. Still, 50 years of Lego history has given us countless Lego video games (if you can't count to 33), so I figured I would take a moment to check out the top five Lego video games of all time, in honor of this special day.

5.

Lego Digital Designer

Not so much a game as it was the updating of Lego to the digital age, allowing you to use your Mac or PC online to create your own Lego design and then order the blocks online, bringing your virtual creation to life. For those of us who can't afford the millions of Lego bricks it would take to build their own Lego home, this is as good as it gets.

4.

Lego Racers

(PC)


Number four would have to be sublime mixture of racing and building that was Lego Racers. While some reviewers thought it rather average, for me it was a lovely combination of two of my favorite pastimes, allowing me to build my own car and driver and then run them through a rather impressive series of tracks. Simple, sure, but I was pretty simple back in 1999 too.

3.

Lego Chess

(PC)


Oh sure, it's pretty much just Battlechess with Legos, but I'm a big fan of any game that mixes my deep love of strategic thinking with the torturing of tiny Lego beings.

2.

Lego Island

(PC)


The closest you're ever likely to get to my dream game, Grand Theft Lego, Lego Island was an open-ended PC game that allowed you to customize an entire island to your liking and explore using any number of vehicles you found or created to explore what your inventive mind had wrought. While it didn't let you stab prostitutes, you could always imagine it...Lego is all about using your imagination.

1.

Lego Star Wars: The Video Game

You knew this was coming, didn't you? I wouldn't be the geek I am today if not for both Lego and Star Wars, so the combination of the two is almost like merging my parents together into one amazing, half-dead parental unit, which while creepy really is the essence of the Lego brand. Putting things together using your imagination. I choose the first game because it was the success of it that led not only to the sequel and repack, but Lego Batman, Lego Indiana Jones, and - if I had my way - Grand Theft Lego.

A short list you might not all agree with, but that's the beauty of lists now, isn't it? Honestly the franchise has had a rather rocky start in the video games industry, but with Lego Batman, Lego Indiana Jones, and the upcoming MMO Lego Universe on the way, things are looking brighter every day for those little clickable building blocks. Happy 50th, Lego!

Source: Kotaku

Silent Hill Origins video game returns to Sony PlayStation 2

Konami's acclaimed prequel heads to PlayStation 2 in enhanced form
Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced that its hugely popular Silent Hill Origins title is to be released for PlayStation 2 in May following its enormous success as a PSP (PlayStationPortable) title.

Due for release in May, Silent Hill Origins acts as a prequel to the popular horror series, and follows troubled truck driver, Travis Grady, who gets stuck in the terrifying town while making a routine delivery. He quickly discovers that all is not well in the fog-smothered town, and that its shrouded streets hide grotesque creatures and dark secrets. Moreover, as he explores the seemingly abandoned town, Grady is confronted by crippling memories from his troubled past and it becomes clear he must escape from Silent Hill while resolving the memories that have plagued him since childhood.

The PlayStation 2 version offers a visually enhanced version of the PSP game, with a host of elements that are new to the franchise and provide the player with an enhanced sensation of isolation. While the game retains the cinematic experience of the previous games, it also has an intuitive ‘Cineractive System’ that allows players to face down horrifying monsters while the control scheme changes intuitively for each situation. Players also have an enhanced camera system that actively tracks Travis, while fans of the series will revel in Silent Hill Origins’ original soundtrack by series composer Akira Yamaoka.

"It is fantastic to bring the Silent Hill series back to the format that was so integral to its success,”, said Hans-Joachim Amann, Head of European Product Management for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “Silent Hill Origins is a stunning prelude that explains some of the mystery and mythos of the series, and we look forward to inviting Silent Hill’s many fans back to its doom-laden streets.”

Nintendo DS the world's most popular video games system gets a face lift with cobalt blue and black version

The best-selling video game system in the world is adding a cool new color scheme to its wardrobe on Feb. 10. Like a black T-shirt with a splash of color, the new Cobalt/Black version of the portable Nintendo DS™ grabs your attention. It looks good whether it's toted in your school backpack, pulled from your purse or riding with you on a family trip.

Cobalt/Black marks the seventh color in the Nintendo DS Lite palette. It joins Polar White, Coral Pink, Onyx, Crimson/Black and the limited-edition Gold and Metallic Rose. Now there's a Nintendo DS color to complement any outfit.

Nintendo DS just finished 2007 as the best-selling video game system in the United States, with more than 8.5 million sold last year alone. Since it launched in November 2004, Nintendo DS has sold more than 17.6 million in the United States. Its smart looks, innovative touch screen and voice recognition features, and remarkable software have reinvented the way people think about video games while attracting girls, women, baby boomers and seniors to the world of video games in record numbers.

The new Cobalt/Black version will be available starting Feb. 10 wherever video game systems are sold. For more information about Nintendo DS, please visit www.nintendo.com/ds.

Sudoku on Microsoft Xbox LIVE Arcade

Sudoku to launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade Q2 2008 with innovative multi-player

Merscom announced it will be publishing this Spring Buku Sudoku, the first Sudoku game for the Xbox LIVE Arcade system. The first, and only, Sudoku title for the Xbox LIVE Arcade, Buku Sudoku brings the worldwide Sudoku phenomenon to the Xbox LIVE Arcade while adding innovative competitive and cooperative play features.

Buku Sudoku uses three key features of the XBLA platform to create the best console Sudoku experience. First, the native HD resolution of the 360 allows for an easy to read grid with pencil marks. Secondly, the controller’s triggers and thumbsticks make for a very fast entry method, a usual barrier with electronic Sudoku games. Thirdly, the unique XBLA service allows for multiplayer experiences never before witnessed in a Sudoku game. All of this is wrapped up in a cohesive graphical style that manages to offer something for all users. In a similar fashion, multiple puzzle sizes, difficulties, control schemes, and tutorials offer appeal to any player whether totally new or a veteran.

“We are really excited about the release of Buku Sudoku, as it takes the proven and popular gameplay of Sudoku to a new level. It will appeal not only to Sudoku fans but anyone who loves a great gameplay experience,” said Kirk Owen, CEO at Merscom. “Given the popularity of Sudoku on other platforms and the quality of this game, we expect Buku Sudoku to be a phenomenal hit.”

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S.T.A.L.K.E.R. : Clear Sky publisher announced

GSC Game World, computer games developer, its publishing subdivision GSC World Publishing and Koch Media, a leading marketer of games and application software, today announced the conclusion of a publishing agreement concerning the title S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky. Under the terms of this contract, Koch Media is guaranteed worldwide publishing rights - with the exception of the territories Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky will be published by the games labels Deep Silver and GSC World Publishing.

"The unique atmosphere of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. caused a sensation among gamers, while the sales have demonstrated the brand's enormous potential. We are delighted with this chance to publish the prequel together with GSC under the Deep Silver label," said Craig McNicol, Managing Director of Koch Media.

«Publishing the game Heroes of Annihilated Empires worldwide together with Koch Media distribution, we were happy of the cooperation and are glad to continue it with S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky project», - said Sergiy Grygorovych, CEO of GSC World Publishing.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky is a survival FPS game for PC based on a 'what-if' scenario of the second Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident. The game is created as a warning to mankind against mindless play with technologies. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky is the official prequel to the renowned S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game by the Ukraine-based GSC Game World studio. The game is set in 2011 and brings forth the events to have preceded the third campaign of Strelok to the Zone center. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky introduces an alternative look onto the events of the original game and offers the player to try himself out as a mercenary s.t.a.l.k.e.r. in search of his own path in the world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

Official game site: www.stalker-game.com

Major Minor's Majestic March on Nintendo Wii - Fact Sheet

March to the beat of your own drum as Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, today announced Major Minor’s Majestic March for the Wii™ home video game console. Developed by NanaOn-Sha, Major Minor’s Majestic March marks the return of the creative team behind the renowned PaRappa the Rapper franchise-legendary game designer and multimedia musician Masaya Matsuura and famed New York artist Rodney Alan Greenblat.

“There’s something magical about marching bands that truly captures the imagination. The concept of leading a virtual band that’s reliant on your musicianship is a perfect fit for the interactive capabilities of Wii,” said John Merchant, Marketing Manager, Majesco Europe. “The combined musical and artistic superiority of Matsuura and Greenblat make them a natural choice to deliver this innovative title exclusively to the Wii audience.”

Major Minor’s Majestic March turns the Wii Remote™ into a “special” baton that the bandleader, Major Minor, uses to keep tempo, recruit new band members and pick up valuable items. While marching through eight whimsical locations that contain various hair-raising events, Major Minor strives to create the most impressive parade ever. Players can add up to 15 different instruments to their dynamic procession—including brass, woodwinds, and percussion—to alter its composition and resulting performance. Players are scored on how well their band maintains its rhythm and manages obstacles that could otherwise throw the procession into disarray. The band keeps tempo to more than 25 popular marching band songs from around the world, composed into original medleys for each stage.

Publisher: Majesco Entertainment

Developer: NanaOn-Sha

Platform: Wii

Genre: Music/Rhythm

Storyline

In a town where marching bands are prevalent and everyone is looking to be the best, Major Mike Minor is fairly ambivalent towards marches despite hailing from a long line of illustrious Drum Majors. After his parents present him with a “special” baton that magically attracts band members to fall into rhythm behind the leader, will Major Minor finally fulfill his potential and share the joy of marching with the world?

Features

Major Minor’s Majestic March marks the return of the creative team behind the renowned PaRappa the Rapper franchise-legendary game designer and multimedia musician Masaya Matsuura and famed New York artist Rodney Alan Greenblat.
Your Wii Remote is Major Minor’s “special” bandleader baton, used to keep tempo, recruit new band members and pick-up valuable items. If your rhythm is unstable confusion will result; band members will drop out and you could ultimately fail the stage.

March in 8 different whimsical locations that contain various hair-raising events. Use your best efforts to create the most impressive parade ever whilst nimbly avoiding obstacles.
Add 15 different instruments to your procession, from brass to woodwinds to percussion.

As the makeup of the band changes, so does the performance; it all depends on which members you select! Try different combinations each time you play.

Numerous modes of play.

March and keep tempo to more than 30 well-known marching band tunes from around the world, composed into original medleys for each unique stage.

Dazzle the crowd with your incredible baton-twirling displays during brief intermissions.