The Weakest Link for mobiles

I-play, the mobile entertainment company, today announced the North American and UK launch of the third game in the hugely successful mobile series of the “The Weakest Link™ 2008”, based on BBC Worldwide’s popular trivia quiz game television show format, which has more than three million viewers in the UK each week and six million in the US.

Developed under licence from BBC Worldwide, the mobile version of The Weakest Link brings all the excitement of the hit television show direct to your mobile phone. Packed with sharp-witted phrases and a wealth of challenging questions, this is a single-player quiz game for the seasoned trivia player. You must answer a series of multiple-choice questions on a variety of subject categories all before time runs out. The game challenges players with a range of question categories across topics including entertainment, geography, history, general knowledge, nature and science. Can you answer, from the medical science category, ‘Which infectious disease is known as Kissing Disease?’ Dengue Fever, Scarlet Fever, Typhoid Fever or Glandular Fever?

The third in the series delivers photo-realistic graphics, the biggest number of questions ever packed into a mobile game with more than 1,500 nail biting questions and answers, as well as the ability to personalize contestants with ten different avatars with photo realistic graphics and animated emotion for extra realism. Advanced and improved AI of the opponents. It increases the importance of the strategy during the vote. The game has already received critical acclaim:
“I-play has managed its source material admirably. The Weakest Link 2008 is an impeccable conversion”
8/10 Silver Award, PocketGamer

The show has aired for over six years making it one of the best TV branded shows over the past ten years with high awareness and lasting appeal, with national versions of the game broadcast in over 23 countries. Phrases from the show have entered people’s everyday vocabulary, especially the “You are The Weakest Link. Goodbye!” put-down when a contestant is evicted from the show.

The new mobile version of the Weakest Link is the latest deal for BBC Worldwide’s mobile division and marks a further development of the company’s drive into the space. Alongside branded formats for games applications, the division also offers a broad range of mobile content types such as ringtones, icons and wallpapers based on world-famous content brands.

David Gosen, President, I-play: “This casual, trivia title has had a huge following in Europe and North America already, and successfully combines a stimulating mental challenge with compelling mobile fun, which should make it another hit.”

Peter Mercier, Head of Mobile, BBC Worldwide commented: “We’re constantly looking to leverage our huge archive of formats and content across all possible media channels, and this latest version of Weakest Link is great demonstration of how that process can work at its best.

“I-play has created several fantastic mobile games from our highly popular franchise. Now fans of the show will be able to test their wits and knowledge and by taking on this latest challenge to see if they can escape being ‘The Weakest Link.”

Win Joe Perry's Guitar Hero III Guitar!

Enter here

If you're someone who peruses the circulars in the Sunday paper for deals, you know that the big game featured this past weekend was Guitar Hero III: Legends Of Rock. It was on the cover of every company’s ad in the paper, just as it was the featured review on all the game sites.

Thanks for GameStop, Activision and Joe Perry, you’ll be able to win the game from Game Break. But wait: there’s more. You’ll be able to win Joe Perry’s guitar controller. Not only that, the Les Paul controller is signed by Perry himself.

How do you win? Just tell us which Legend of Rock you’d like to play Guitar Hero III with, and why. Folks, the why part is really important. So convince us in 150 words or less. Don’t go over 150 words or you’ll be disqualified! All entries must be received by 11:59 PM (ET) on November 6, 2007.

Make your entry funny, compelling, personal, heartstring-tugging, hard sell, soft sell, anything that will get us to want to give this prize package away to you. But don’t plead and whine. The concert will run for seven days. Next Friday, November 9th, we’ll announce the lucky winner. Good luck!

Meet the Renegade Gaming Chair

The Gaming Collection are proud to announce the UK launch of US best-seller the from the UGC (Ultimate Game Chair) range, the Renegade Game Chair.

Previous chairs from the UGC range have been featured in such movies as 'The forty year old virgin', 'Stay Alive', 'Grandmas Boy' and on 'CSI Vegas'. The Ultimate Games Chair comes in two latest versions (the Renegade and the UGC) both of which bring a whole new dimension to the gaming experience and to the phrase 'flying by the seat of your pants'.

Available now the Renegade allows gaming fanatics to connect their own wired controller to the chair, enabling them to retain their favourite and familiar gamepad whilst integrating the sensational features of the chair.

For those who want the maximum effect the chair shakes rumbles and rocks in time with the gaming action, headset speakers provide 3D sound whist ground-effect lighting adds that extra dimension to explosive action.

With reclining action for comfortable gaming, this great gaming chair also converts into a relaxing massage-recliner complete with kick plate.

Compatible with all major gaming consoles, the chairs sport a range of fabulous features designed to improve comfort and seriously enhance gameplay experience, including:

Ground Effects Lighting for action packed realism

3D Stereo Speakers for a immersive sound experience

Headphone jacks to keep things quiet when you play into the night

Audio out jacks for maximising sound through home theatres

Smooth Reclining Action to provide the most comfortable playing position

Multiple Massage Settings in sync with gameplay for unwinding after a hard days gaming

A fantastic UGC patented 12 motor vibration system that besides giving the most authentic shakes and rumbles, out-shaking even the washing machine cycle.

Connections for external devices (such as steering wheels and shooters)

Pull-out compartment for easy storage of games and accessories

Beverage and remote control holder - you need never get up again! And don't worry if you spill anything in excitement - the chairs are made from stain resistant fabrics.

Compatibility:
The Renegade is compatible with all games stations including; Xbox, Xbox Live, PS2, PSOnline, Sony PSX, Gamecube and PC/Mac USB 2.0. Xbox 360, Sony PSP, Nintendo DS and MP3 Players.
For full specifications please see the following link:
www.tru-pr.co.uk/press/client.php?c=ugcspecs

Availability:
Now available and with delivery guaranteed well in time for Christmas, the Renegade can be ordered from the Gaming Collection Website situated off this link:
www.thegamingcollection.com

Pricing:
The Renegade will be priced at around £ 225.

The Ultimate Game Chair Inc:
The Ultimate Game Chair Company is devoted to the "ultimate gaming experience." True immersion requires maximum external stimulation with minimized distraction. The Ultimate Game Chairs will continually deliver all the benefits from video gaming technology in luxury and comfort.

At Ultimate Game Chair, our goal is to amplify the video-gaming experience. The company achieves this by escalating the existing effects of video games, and delivering them to gamers' senses in style, while delivering a comfortable gaming environment. Supporting Xbox, Playstation/PS2, and Game Cube platforms, the Ultimate Game Chair will revolutionize the world of video-gaming.

Dementium - The Ward video game on Nintendo DS

Renegade Kid and Gamecock Media Group today announced that Dementium: The Ward for Nintendo DS has shipped in North America. Developed by Renegade Kid, the first-person survival-horror game is rated M for Mature, and is available now for $29.99.

Those who dare to play Dementium: The Ward will find themselves trapped in a derelict hospital with no memory of who they are or how they got there. Only by exploring the dark corridors and facing off with its horrific denizens will you have any hope of escaping and finding the truth…but perhaps you’ll find there are some things better left unknown.

“Even we are taken aback by how creepy Dementium has turned out, and we made the game!” Said Jools Watsham, Creative Director for Renegade Kid. “I’m happy to say that we’ve exceeded our own expectations and created a game that sets new standards for handheld titles, as well as the horror genre.”

“This game will scare the sh** out of you,” said Harry Miller, ‘El Presidente’ for Gamecock Media Group. “There’s a hundred other reasons why I’d recommend Dementium: The Ward, but that is by far the best one.”

For more about Dementium: The Ward, including developer diaries, wallpapers and community links, visit www.dementium.com.

About Renegade Kid
Founded in 2007 and located in Austin, Texas; Renegade Kid was formed by a small group of industry veterans, each with over 11 years of experience in the development of video-game software. For more information please visit www.renegadekid.com.

EVERQUEST ONLINE ADVENTURES

The Adventure Continues With New Holiday Themed Quests and Activities

WHAT: Gone Fishing!
Scheduled to begin on October 31st, EverQuest Online Adventures (EQOA) will officially kick-off fishing season with its first ever in-game fishing tournament. Players can grab their rods and reels and seek out the best locations as weekly prizes will be awarded for catching special tagged fish. Anglers who are able to lure in the tagged fish will be awarded an in-game pet as a reward. The tournament is scheduled to culminate on November 15th, so time is limited. Join in the fun and hook a big one!

Fall Activities Galore!
• Trick or Treat Halloween Quest: Quest is comprised of 20 NPCs that the player must discover, collecting all the “treats” they hand out.
• Moradhim Earth Elemental Invasion: A GM run event that has players battling a Rift, the enraged earth guards, and the muddites. GMs take the guise of “rock named” elementals to fight.
• Scavenger Hunts: Players have the opportunity to collect specific items from various NPC’s around Norrath.
• Witch Hunt Quest: A witch harasses a nearby town. In an attempt to be rid of her, players assist her in finding her sisters.
Unlock the Mystery of the Broken Blade!
Many years ago, adventurers encountered a Cave Hydra in the depths the caverns of Solusek’s Eye. After a long battle with this mystical three headed creature the adventurers discovered that it was protecting a secret. The Hydra possessed a magical Broken Blade with an inscription that provided little information as to the true destiny of this item. Hoping to decipher the words written on the blade they sought out many races throughout Tunaria for translation, but to no avail. Hop online and see if you can be the first to decipher the mystery of the broken blade that has eluded puzzle experts for years!

Click here to check out all latest enhancements!

WHEN: October 31, 2007

WHERE: EverQuestOnlineAdventures.station.sony.com

WHO: About EverQuest Online Adventures
EverQuest Online Adventures is a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG), which allows PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system owners to experience an open-ended, persistent virtual world, filled with thousands of other players. It was the first of its kind available on the PlayStation 2 system in North America and utilizes the Network Adaptor to connect seamlessly to the Internet. The game carries a monthly subscription fee per person for continuing access and updates to the game world. Players can subscribe either by using a credit card, or by purchasing SOE Game Cards from various retail outlets. For more information, please visit www.everquestonlineadventures.com.

Secret Super Mario Galaxy character exposed

A secret, playable character in Galaxy has been discovered and all the spoiler-filled details have been made known.

The official Super Mario Galaxy strategy guide has revealed that upon completion of the plumber's forthcoming outer space adventure, players will be able to take control of a secret character. A scan, containing all the details of the spoiler, is available below.

Click here for spoiler

The secret character's only playable, as the scan above explains, once all 120 stars have been acquired, once all purple coin missions have been completed and once Bowser has been defeated for a second time.

Source: Aussie Nintendo

Super Mario Galaxy Japanese Retail Copy

Before popping in Super Mario Galaxy this afternoon, I had to dust my Nintendo Wii. Besides the occasional Wii Sports game, the machine hasn't gotten much use. It's kinda just sat there in the living room, waiting for games — not mini-games, but games. After an unnecessarily long drought, the games are finally starting to hit. Third party-wise Zack & Wiki, which is fantastic, dropped, and today sees the release of Super Mario Galaxy in Japan.

Played through the game a far bit with Crecente at this year's E3. The Wii-mote controls were tight, the graphics were great and the game was a helluva good time. With this being the first console game in the Mario series since 2002, SMG has been written up in detail after every public showing — more so recently with the actual game in demo kiosks across America. Yes, the Wii-mote controls are still tight, the graphics are still great and, yes, it's still a helluva good time. Well, once you begin the adventure part. Everything leading up to that is a bit of a drag.

Like others I'm sure, my earliest gaming memories were of Mario jumping on turtles and throwing fire. Mario was doing stuff. So, when I pop in a Mario game, I want to do things, which is probably why I've never been into titles like talk-heavy Super Mario RPG or Paper Mario, regardless how wonderful those games are. Mario as a platformer made a deep impression on me as a kid (and the entire industry). Not so interested in what Mario has to say! Would rather have the little guy jump around, throw fire and hop on turtles. So, SMGis that in space! Sign me up.

And once you get to that part, it's grand. However, as anyone who has played the game can attest, there's about 10~15 of cut scenes and dialogue. Great, so there's a comet passing over the Mushroom Kingdom, Bowser takes Peach to space, some lady named "Rosetta" ("Rosalina" in English) helps Mario, blah, blah. Do. Not. Care. It's two~three minutes of exposition dragged out to a length three or four times that, followed by a separate tutorial that seems overdone. And yes, the cut scenes are pretty, but who plays Mario games for cut scenes? The first ten minutes were unnecessary, dull and not fun. But once you clear that, damn is this game fantastic.

Source: Kotaku

Metal Gear Solid 4 delayed

KONAMI announced today that "METAL GEAR SOLID 4 GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS", the latest in the METAL GEAR series, is scheduled to be released in the second quarter of 2008.
KONAMI had initially intended to release "METAL GEAR SOLID 4 GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS" this winter and has been working on the production of the title. KONAMI has decided to delay the title's release in order to make further improvements to the quality of the game and provide even greater enjoyment for more customers worldwide.

KONAMI will continue its efforts to make "METAL GEAR SOLID 4 GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS" meet everyone's expectations.

Source: VE3D

XBox live user face ban for sharing accounts

"You might have your console banned from Xbox Live," states Hryb

Microsoft has again warned Xbox 360 users not to share Live account information with other player's online.

Some users share accounts in order to have other players boost their Gamerscore and unlock difficult Achievements, but if shared accounts begin taking advantage of paid content and registered credit cards, they are breaking the Xbox Live Terms of Use.

"I have mentioned this a couple of times on my podcasts, but I want to make sure those that don't listen to the show get the message. Specifically, don't share your account information," writes Larry Hryb, Xbox Live director of programming on the Gamerscore blog.

"If you run into that person in Halo 3 who claims if they could have your Live ID name and password to recover your Xbox Live account to their Xbox and they'll rank you up or find you all the hidden skulls in Halo 3, I urge you not to fall to temptation.

"If that 'friend' of yours decides not return your account and buys a bunch of Arcade titles and movies on your account, there is nothing we can do except cancel the account since you willingly shared your information," he warned.

And any tampering of 360 Gamerscores or Achievements by "nefarious" means is likely to result in harsh penalties – accounts can be cancelled, Gamerscores removed, and consoles banned from the popular online service.

"If you decide to employ some nefarious techniques to artificially increase your Gamerscore or obtain achievements by manipulating the Xbox software without playing the game, bad things will happen," continued Hryb.

"If you use tampered gamesaves to boost your Achievements and Gamerscore, you may sign in to Xbox Live one day and discover that we have removed your Gamerscore. Once we do that, you will never be able to re-earn those achievements on that account. Even worse, you might have your account and/or console banned from Xbox Live."

Source: Games Industry

EA Sports signs Lewis Hamilton?

British Formula 1 star rumoured to front new EA titles next year

Britain's Formula One rookie Lewis Hamilton, who almost won the championship with McLaren in his debut season this year, has been snapped up to front a new videogame title by EA Sports.

That's according to a report in UK tabloid The Sun, which reports the deal as worth an estimated GBP 5 million to Hamilton.

There is currently no indication that EA's investment will result in a specific F1 title however, as Sony currently holds the FIA license for its long-standing racing series, although the report does cite "Xbox and PlayStations" as the platforms.

Source: Games Industry