Team Fortress 2 Pyro Update Coming this Thursday 19 June

Valve has announced that the Pyro class update for its online multiplayer shooter Team Fortress 2 will be released this Thursday. 

To celebrate the update, the company is also doing a free TF2 Weekend, starting this Friday.

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AMD says new graphics chip makes games seem real

We've come a long way since Pong and Space Invaders. But video and computer games are still striving to be both interactive and realistic. Have you seen the "Saturday Night Live" skit of the interview with Grand Theft Auto IV's main characters, Niko and Vlad? Their arms move imprecisely, as if they're puppets underwater.

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"Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?" Web video Game play online

Interactive software developer Bright AI today announced the creation of “Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?” interactive PC web game accessible on the Sky One website. This comes just a few months after the successful deployment of the Sky web game, “Carol Vorderman’s Mind Aerobics”, also developed by Bright AI (www.sky.com/carol).

Designed to test your knowledge of various school subjects, including French, English, Maths, Science and History, ranging from the ages of 6 to 10 year olds, the game will give you the perfect opportunity to prove you are smarter than a ten year old! The interactive game is versatile enough to cater for a complete spectrum of players regardless of background, age or trivia game experience and is great to play with the family.

Using the internet as its medium, the “Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?” PC game, launched in October on the Sky One website. It complements the start of Sky One’s brand new television show “Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?” hosted by Noel Edmonds. The Web game recreates a faithful interpretation of the show where it is expected to have a far-reaching effect for many viewers requiring just an internet connection to have a go themselves.

The fun and addictive nature of the game is enhanced by the ability to record your score on the Leaderboard, allowing you to compare your performances with your friends. This has proved enormously popular; evident by almost 12,000 signed up users and 230,000 game plays in the 1st month alone. Bonus medals are awarded to top performers for an added incentive.

David Lane, Managing Director of Bright AI says,

“We are absolutely delighted at being involved with the “Are You Smarter?” game, the straight forward and fun nature of the game, coupled with the TV show appeal, encourages even the non-gamers among us to have a go, enjoy, learn and improve their score. The web game is ideal for all the family and friends, and is so accessible; anyone with a PC and internet can play and get started straight away.”

Rob Darvill, Games Development Manager at Sky, agrees “With versions for PC and Sky television, “Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year old?” offers a way for everyone to keep their mind stimulated and active. It also gives viewers of the show the chance to show off their knowledge and see how successful they are.”

“Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?” is available on Sky One’s website from October 2007 Visit: www.skyoneonline.co.uk/areyousmarter/

About “Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?”
PC/Online - simply go to www.skyoneonline.co.uk/areyousmarter/
Free to play, users must register their email address and name for the Leaderboard
“Are You Smarter Than A 10 Year Old?” is a registered trademark of BSkyB Ltd.

Space Station Sim Beta tested by NASA

Space Station Sim, a new simulation game for PC, will be released this month by Avanquest Software Publishing. The game provides an out of this world experience as players manage the creation of an international space station in true 3D construction. Space Station Sim was developed in conjunction with, and beta tested by NASA personnel, leading to the possibility of it being used for future mission planning.

Space Station Sim challenges players to embark on a new age for man amongst the stars as they build a home 240 miles high, while flying at 17,500 miles per hour. The game begins in the Mission Control Centre, where the player launches new modules and components, recruits crew members, organises supply missions and manages the project budget.

As the Chief Administrator of NASA, players are challenged to build their own space station utilising modules developed from actual NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japanese Space Agency), CSA (Canadian Space Agency) and RSA (Russian Space Agency) designs.

To man the International Space Station (ISS), crew members must be recruited with certain skills, specialities and character traits by the player. During the game, these factors will have an impact; crew members with a poor work ethic may not complete repairs, while certain specialists will be required to fulfil specific tasks. Initially the crew will need to be guided, but as the game progresses, they will become more automated, allowing the player to concentrate on other objectives.

Back in the control centre, players must maintain good political relationships between the different represented countries. The budget rises and falls in relation to international goodwill, forcing players to manage the allocation of resources across research, funding and construction carefully to avoid compromising development of the ISS.

Fast facts - 
Publisher: Avanquest Software Publishing
Developer: Vision VideoGames / NASA / Japanese Space Administration
Distributor: Open
Release date: June 2008
PEGI: 12+ (TBC)
Format: PC
Genre: Simulation
SRP: £19.99

Dead Space on PlayStation 3 Xbox 360 and PC

Dead Space

Title: Dead Space
Formats: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC
Label: EA
Release date: 31/10/2008 (PS3, X360, PC)

EA Launches Players into a Chilling Universe of Sci-Fi Horror with dead Space

New Original Intellectual Property from EA Will Send Shivers up Gamers' Spines

Sci-fi horror genre. In the brilliant, bold and often-bloody Dead Space gamers will step into a third-person sci-fi survival horror experience that promises to deliver the ultimate in psychological thrills and gruesome action.

Set in the cold blackness of deep space, the atmosphere is soaked with a feeling of tension, dread and sheer terror. In Dead Space, players step into the role of engineer Isaac Clarke – an ordinary man on a seemingly routine mission to fix the communications systems aboard a deep space mining ship. It is not long before Isaac awakes to a living nightmare when he learns that the ship’s crew has been ravaged by a vicious alien infestation. He must fight through the dead silence and darkness of deep space to stay alive.

Executive Producer Glen Schofield commented, “This team has worked on some tremendous properties but we have always wanted to work on something that was darker and creepier. We are all such huge fans of the horror and sci-fi genres; we wanted to create the most terrifying game we could, and keep the player on the edge of his seat the entire time.”

Under development at EA Redwood Shores, Dead Space is expected to ship in Fall 2008 for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system.

UK Gamestation Stores in the Super Smash Bros. Brawl Showdown

Battle it out to prove you are the biggest and best brawler of them all at Gamestation Stores nationwide in the Super Smash Bros. Brawl Showdown

Pick your favourite character, choose your controller and get ready to jump into Nintendo’s biggest and baddest brawl ever! On 28th June, selected Gamestation stores nationwide will host the ‘Super Smash Bros. Brawl Showdown’. Be one of 64 players in each of our 20 chosen stores to battle it out not only to prove you are the biggest and best brawler of them all and be crowned a Super Smash champion, but to compete for the ultimate prize - a Samsung Home Entertainment Centre.

In order to be eligible to brawl, you’ll need to register online before the 21st June at www.gamestation.co.uk/supersmashshowdown - you’ll then be contacted by someone at Nintendo to confirm your entry into the tournament.



The tournament itself will see two draws of 32 players at each store battle it out in Super Smash Bros Brawl’s ‘Tourney’ mode where you’ll punch, kick and brawl your way, knock out style, through each round. The winners of each draw will play in a two player final for the grand prize. The winner from each store will win a fantastic top of the range Samsung Home Entertainment Centres, consisting of Samsung 40” Full-HD LCD TV and a Samsung Home Theatre System, including a DivX-compatible DVD player, subwoofer and 5 Dolby Digital stereo speakers. Runners up in each store will receive an iPod Nano.

Remember – you need to be over 12 years of age and register at www.gamestation.co.uk/supersmashshowdown to take part.

A full list of participating stores can be found below… Good Luck!



Participating Gamestation stores in the UK:

• LEWISHAM 212 Lewisham High Street, Lewisham
  
• HULL 59-60 Propect Centre, Hull
  
• EDINBURGH 134A Princess Street, Edinburgh
  
• BIRMINGHAM 138 New Street, Birmingham
  
• SHROPSHIRE 40 Southwater Way, Telford shopping centre, Telford, Shropshire
  
• BRACKNELL 40 High Street, Bracknell
  
• ERDINGTON 90-92 High Street, Erdington
  
• LEEDS 58 Crossgates Shopping centre
  
• CAMBRIDGE 11 Fitzroy Street, Cambridge
  
• MIDDLESBROUGH 108 Lindthorpe road, Middlesbrough
  
• GATESHEAD Unit 112 Lower Blue Hall, Metro Centre, Gateshead
  
• SHEFFIELD 37/39 The Moor, Sheffield
  
• GLOUCESTER Unit 8B Market Way, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Gloucester
  
• BURTON ON TRENT 6-8 Dame Paulet Walk, Burton on Trent
  
• LIVERPOOL 72 Lord Street, Liverpool
  
• BRIERLEY HILL Merry Hill Centre, Brierley Hill
  
• DUNDEE 40 Murraygate, Dundee
  
• GLASGOW 83 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow
  
• CANTERBURY 33 St George Street, Canterbury
  
• GWENT 46 Commercial Street, Newport, Gwent
  

Atari Bags Deer Hunter Tournament - The Best-Selling Hunting Game returns in the Fall 2008

Game Features Video Game Industry's First-Ever Online 

Multiplayer Hunting Tournament Gamplay

Renowned Franchise Makes Its Debut on Xbox 360 with Online Multiplayer on Xbox LIVE, in Addition to Windows-based PC Release

Deer Hunter - the biggest hunting game franchise of all time - takes dead aim at gamers once again as Atari, Inc. launches Deer Hunter Tournament for the Windows-based PC and, for the first time, the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft this fall. The evolution of virtual hunting has finally arrived as Deer Hunter Tournament gives players a chance to experience the most intense virtual hunting experience ever created. Deer Hunter Tournament is designed to create a massive network of Deer Hunter players by offering for the first time ever in hunting games organized, constantly updated online tournaments for both Xbox LIVE online entertainment network and through the Windows-based PC format. Deer Hunter Tournament will be available for a suggested retail price of $39.95 for Xbox 360 and $19.95 for PC.

Gamers and hunting fans alike will venture to most of the world's most prestigious hunting locations in pursuit of the most exotic and sought after big-game trophy animals. Virtual hunters can now enter different modes, such as stealth or adrenaline, or employ an array of master hunting strategies, including building stands and blinds, to track and shoot their targets. Deer Hunter Tournament provides numerous levels of gameplay, allowing hunters to embark on scouting missions designed to explore maps and equipment while studying animal habits. Hunters can also take part in hunting tutorials, compete in open hunting sessions and participate in either solo gameplay or the intense multi-player tournaments.



Employing some of the recent advancements in gaming technology, Deer Hunter Tournament features true-to-life animal behavior through advanced animal AI designed to mimic animal sight, hearing, sense of smell and behavioral patterns. Additional features include an arsenal of new weapons with bullet time slow motion replay and thermal scopes. Realistic effects in the game capture awe inspiring wildlife moments like hawks swooping down to snatch fish from lakes - but hunters must also be wary of bears, moose, mountain lions and other dangerous predators who will stalk and attack.

"Deer Hunter Tournament is poised to reinforce its place as the ultimate hunting video game franchise and we anticipate an even broader audience through our expansion of the brand to Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE," said Jim Wilson, CEO, Atari, Inc. "We are confident that this new edition with its first-ever online multiplayer tournament gameplay, enhanced artwork and mechanics, exotic game and locales will provide fans with the ultimate in realistic hunting experiences."

Everquest II with 'Gathering Tempest' game update

WHAT:
In “Gathering Tempest”, EverQuest II’s game update No46, players will experience an exciting live event, introduction of a new zone and a plethora of new content for both current and returning players of all levels.

The Void Storms Part 1: The Invasion
This live event runs through the middle of July, and gives players the opportunity to join in the investigation to explore the electrifying mysteries surrounding the wild energy storms appearing in Norrath. “The Void Storms Part 1: The Invasion” is one of the many scheduled live events and expansion pack themed content releasing this summer as part of the Living Legacy program. This live event is open to players of all levels and through their participation everyone can obtain a reward.

Heroic Runnyeye Zone Introduced
Players will be able to recapture the magic with a brand new experience in Heroic Runnyeye as it is introduced to the game with unique loot and exciting adventures. A worthy demonstration of the dedication and advancement of the EQII world.

Adventuring Updates
Adventuring in eighteen group instances such as Chelsith, Shard of Fear and Estate of Unrest will now yield status points when the bosses are killed!



For more details log onto www.eq2players.com

WHEN: Game Update No46 is live.

WHERE: www.everquest2.com
Art assets are available for download at www.soepress.com

Escape the Museum for Nintendo Wii

Escape the Museum for Wii. Based on the popular online hunt and find game from Gogii Games, Escape the Museum is being developed by Majesco Studios and will be available in retail outlets this holiday for only $19.99.

"Although an incredibly successful PC genre, the hunt and find adventure category has yet to be introduced on Wii," said Liz Buckley, Director of Marketing, Majesco. "Escape the Museum's online success coupled with category opportunity and an attractive price point make this an ideal title to bring to market."

In Escape the Museum, a devastating earthquake has rocked the foundations of the National Museum of History and players must help Susan Anderson, who was knocked unconscious by falling debris while searching the museum for survivors, escape from the crumbling building to the safety outside. Thwarted by doors blocked with rubble and tripped alarm systems, players wander through the museum's maze of 12 different hunt and find areas and 25 action-packed adventure scenes, using the Wii Remote to uncover hidden exits and save priceless archaeological artifacts. Along the way, players will solve puzzles, consult a map and access hints to help them inch closer to freedom and a joyful reunion with Susan's lost daughter, Caitlin.

Escape the Museum for Wii is expected to release this holiday for $19.99.

Overlord Raising Hell - Big Fights - video released

Zombies, giants and reapers line up for one hell of a beating as epic bosses and battles video opens at www.codemasters.com/overlordraisinghell

Brace yourself for epic battles and badass bosses as Codemasters today revealed the latest video for Overlord - Raising Hell, the extra evil special edition of Triumph Studios’ twisted fantasy blockbuster. The video, now available from www.codemasters.com/overlordraisinghell, takes gamers up-close-and-personal with the title’s unique selection of fearsome foes and abominable adversaries.

Prepare to make mincemeat of Melvin Underbelly, the morbidly obese glutton who, wielding a giant fork as a weapon, is unwisely swinging his weight around the Overlord’s kingdom. Give Goldo Golderson a hangover to remember in an alcohol-fuelled confrontation with the boozy dwarf who rides into battle astride a gargantuan steamroller. The chaos continues as a sultry succubus, scythe-swiping reapers, lurching-zombies and many more hysterical hostiles line up to take on the Overlord.

With some of the most fearsome and outrageous enemies in fantasy gaming queuing up to knock the Overlord from his throne, it’s fortunate that a loyal, lunatic minion army is ever-eager for action. This band of belligerent bruisers is always at the Overlord’s beck and call, ready and willing to hurl themselves into battle with kamikaze commitment.

Overlord Raising Hell is the Overlord’s definitive outing and launches this Friday, 20th June, across Europe for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system; the title is set to ship to U.S. retail on June 24th. Unleash you inner despot and ready the minions for battle with the new video and more available online available online at www.codemasters.com/overlordraisinghell.