Inside the development of Sega’s MadWorld

Out of the three games PlatinumGames announced I was most surprised by MadWorld. The noir style, the brutal controls and the extreme amount of gore aren’t common on the Wii. At E3 I watched a demonstration where I saw some of the gestures, but the presentation was terse so there wasn't much to report. To get find out more about MadWorld I spoke with Christopher Kaminski, Associate Producer at Sega.

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Onechanbara R - Bikini Zombie Slayer for North America

I saw Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers at E3, but it was just the Japanese version better known as Onechanbara R. We couldn’t play it either, but I know what to expect: slashing zombies with motion control. I don’t think many people are aware of that Onechanbara R is only a slice of the Onechanbara universe. Aya, the iconic protagonist in a bikini and cowboy hat, and Saki, the vicious looking girl in a school uniform, are the only two playable characters in the Japanese version. However, the Onechanbara series has many more playable characters like Anna who wields a pistol from Onechanbara VorteX and Reiko from The Onechanbara 2.



D3 Publisher is exploring options to see if they can add new characters in Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers which makes sense since Tamsoft has plenty of assets lying around. Nothing has been confirmed at this point, but D3 is also seeing if it’s possible to sneak in enemies and stages not found in the Japanese game. Let’s hope they pull something off.

Source: Siliconera

UK Government Proposes Guidelines For Rating Online Games

Settling the games-rating issues between the games industry and British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), UK government has proposed new set of guidelines to rate games.

The issue was sparked by Dr Tanya Byron’s report about the adverse effects of online content and games on kids, and thus, called for a better rating system for games.

Responding to Byron’s report, BBFC have put forth its own set of rules for rating games; as of now, games are being rated under the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system.

UK’s culture minister, Margaret Hodge, has announced new set of guidelines for rating games, which include combination of rules from both PEGI and BBFC systems; the government is also planning to establish an independent self-regulating body for the purpose.

“The games market has simply outgrown the classification system, so today we are consulting on options that will make games classification useful and relevant”, Hodge said.

Bowser's Minions Revolt

Mario's enemies aren't happy with their lot in life, and they're going to do something about it.

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Next Call of Duty Penciled In For 2009

You wouldn't be surprised to learn that "an all-new Call of Duty" title will be released in 2009, would you? Good, because that's exactly what's going to happen, according to Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, who talked up the next Call of Duty in a post earnings release con call.

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New Nintendo Handheld to Launch by Year's End

We don't know if this is going to be the Nintendo DS 2, but that's the most probable scenario, as Iwata is not very optimistic about new breakthroughs, and the DS touch concept works quite well. On the other side, it could be something that combines the DS with another device.

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Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii - OneClick Wi-Fi Relaunch

Commune, connect and compete as the premiere Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection community relaunches on August 1st with all new ways to play people online.

Registration on the site is easy and free: and once you've signed up, just put in your friend codes for each of your Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection supported games and you'll be able to take advantage of the new matchmaking features. On any page of the site, press the 'Play Now' button and the site will match you up with other gamers online, and open a room with them so you can discuss the game with your fellow players.



If you're looking for somebody to play later, OneClick Wi-Fi has you covered with the in-depth challenges system, ranking your status against other site members on our leaderboards - where getting to the top isn't just about winning against anyone, but who you win against. The Calendar has been improved allowing you to run bigger and better tournaments, so you can prove that you're the best player out there.

It's not all strong competition: as you can be a part of the large community by joining groups, chatting on the new and improved forums, customise your profile (with YouTube, Twitter and Flickr support) and write what you think in your own blog. You can also contribute to the all new Games section, where you can share tips, tricks, screenshots, videos and even write your own reviews about the 150+ Wi-Fi games supported on OneClick.

All of this, with lots of extra tools such as the Decal Designer and Wi-Fi Cards so you can take a slice of your OneClick profile and share it across the web, makes OneClick Wi-Fi a great place to join if you want to play online on your Nintendo DS or Wii, hook up with friends, or just have a bit of fun - just head over to www.oneclickwifi.net today!

OneClick Wi-Fi relaunches on August 1st at 6pm GMT.

TrackMania on the Nintendo DS

The most fun and exciting driving game over the past several years is now heading to the Nintendo DS. Far from a hardcore driving simulation, TrackMania is based on the fun and the spectacular aspects of racing. In TrackMania DS, you will drive at mind-blowing speeds in hi-octane racers on incredible tracks made of jumps, loops, turbo boost pads and many other crazy design elements.


TrackMania DS not only has a fantastic solo campaign with three great game modes and over one hundred original circuits - it also comes with an incredible 3D track editor that allows you to use the stylus to intuitively create your own tracks from hundreds of different design blocks. Players will be able to test and improve their unique creations in real-time and even to share them with one another, giving the game infinite interest and replay value.

All this is illustrated today with a video that shows all the potential of the game and the quality of the adaptation for the Nintendo handheld console.

Published by Focus Home Interactive and developed by Firebrand (developers of “Create & Race” for the DS), TrackMania DS is due for release on Nintendo DS at the end of 2008.

The TrackMania Web site
http://www.trackmania.com

Introducing Baby Ninja to Nintendo DS

Introducing Baby Ninja......

"Goo, gah, dribble..."

Wrapped in swaddling ninja robes, this wee Wee Ninja isn't quite old enough to learn the ropes. So for now, this ninja nugget lays around, observing the daily goings on of Ninjatown, burping, gurgling and whatever other things ninja babies like to do when they're not sleeping.
Motto

"Goo, gah, dribble..."

Imperium Romanum Patch 1.03 available & Emperor Expansion Release Date

Kalypso Media today release the 1.03 Patch for the city builder game "Imperium Romanum".

The update includes the maps "Augusta Raurica" and "Secunda" which where included in the previous patches only seperatley and the patch fixes some game bugs.

The official AddOn "Imperium Romanum: Emperor Expansion" will be released on the 29th of August for a recommended retail price of £14,99. The expansion pack includes four new campaigns with four missions each, additional and bigger maps, new tablets with additional speech and newly designed buildings. Also religion and different deities will influence the gameplay.



To download the patch

Battle Fantasia on PlayStation 3 and Xbox

Battle Fantasia, a unique all-action fighting game, is heading to the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in Q1 2009.

Developed by combat veterans Arc System Works, Battle Fantasia is like no other fighter available on consoles, thanks to its unique cast of fantasy-inspired characters, alongside a storyline and script that stays true to its Japanese heritage and manga roots. In fact, 505 Games is ensuring the overall experience is as close as you’ll get to playing a Japanese arcade game in the streets of Tokyo, without ever leaving the comfort of your sofa.


In keeping with the fantasy themes of the game, Battle Fantasia also has elements familiar to fans of role-playing games. Instead of having a standard health bar, characters have hit-points that drain away as they take damage. As a result smaller characters have less health but are faster and harder to hit, whereas larger ones can deal more damage but are lumbering hulks. This means the gameplay experience is unlike any fighter you’ve played before.

Battle Fantasia includes a variety of different modes, including story, practice, survival, time attack, versus mode and online multiplayer. What’s more, by playing through the story mode, it’s possible to unlock new costumes for the fighters, along with a range of artwork by Guilty Gear series legend Emiko Iwasaki.

Battle Fantasia is available in Europe for PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in Q1 2009.

Key features:

• A faithful recreation of the awesome arcade game, from the developers of the Guilty Gear series
• Fast-paced, fluid and balanced fighting
• Innovative 2.5D graphics engine
• 12 playable characters with their own range of special moves
• 2-player head-to-head action and online multiplayer
• Artwork and character design by Emiko Iwasaki

World of Kung Fu Free-to-Play 3D martial arts game released.

World of Kung Fu, the Free-to-Play 3D martial arts Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMORPG), is officially released. Based on the arts and mythology of ancient China, World of Kung Fu lets players explore a gigantic and beautifully realized virtual world.

“World of Kung Fu” (WoKF), the martial arts online game from VestGame Entertainment has emerged from a successful open beta testing period and is now officially launched. A second server has been added to accommodate the new influx of players. The released version contains a multitude of new maps, quests, and enhancements to gameplay.

“The launch of World of Kung Fu into Western markets represents the culmination of many months of strenuous effort, and is a real milestone for VestGame. It’s great to see so many new players enjoying the fruits of our labor”, said Jonathan Seidenfeld, VestGame’s Director of Business Development. The game has been averaging 700 to 1000 new registrations every day over the past several months.

WoKF allows players to master their own style of Kung Fu, then take part in the creation of a “Wulin”, or classic Kung Fu society. As players perfect their skills, they can establish their own schools, and pass their knowledge along to others. Along the way they will undergo numerous tests and encounter ferocious enemies as they strive to become Kung Fu legends.

The astonishing 3D graphics in the game are inspired by the natural landscapes portrayed in traditional Chinese painting. The character art was drawn by the famous Japanese designer Senri Kita, best known for her work on Samurai Shodown, as well as other titles from SNK and Capcom. The awesome artwork and exceptional gameplay come together in a huge 3D virtual world for players to explore and ultimately, to master. The game allows player versus player combat as well as player versus environment. There are systems that allow full scale battles between different Kung Fu schools, and even between citizens of different countries.

“It’s unusual to find a game that succeeds so well in combining different styles of gameplay together in such a huge, well balanced, and ultimately enjoyable package. It has been a great pleasure to oversee the production of this outstanding game”, says David Clarke, the Producer of World of Kung Fu.

Although it is now officially released, there will still be regular updates designed to keep WoKF fresh, with new challenges adding depth and enhanced playability to the game going forward well into the future.

More detailed information about World of Kung Fu and its many unique features be found on the Official World of Kung Fu Website

Savage 2 art and $20 discount via Steam now $9.99

From August 1st-3rd, Savage 2 is being sold on Steam for the record low price of $9.99, a $20 discount from the normal price of $29.99. 

Savage 2 is also scheduled to receive a visual upgrade early next week, with bloom and refraction support being added to the engine.

Reel Deal Texas Hold 'Em poker - on Apple iPhone - iPod Touch for 99 cents

Special seven day promotion for the popular casino game, Reel Deal Texas Hold’Em available for the Apple iPhone 3G and iPod touch. Consumers who download the game beginning on Friday, August 1 through Friday, August 8, 2008 will enjoy a special promotional price of $.99, a drop from the standard cost of $4.99.

The Reel Deal casino games are portable titles with intuitive controls. The flexible game options let players personalize and control the game’s difficulty to meet their own unique style of game play, allowing for the most realistic experience possible.



Reel Deal Texas Hold’Em Features:

• Sit up to 8 Advanced AI opponents at your table - Learn each of the character's traits and play styles so you can call their bluff
• Detailed statistics for current and all-time games like: Win Rates, Average Winnings, Best Streaks
• Autosave technology allows you to take a break and still have your progress saved!
• Natural User Interface - Raise, call, or fold with just a single intuitive swipe
• Flexible Game Options - Change the rules of the game in real time through an instinctive menu interface: Configure Blinds, Pot Limits, and AI difficulty to fit your playing style
• 10 unique Challenges that unlock game features like a special no-limits table and extreme difficulty.

Lord of the Rings Online Mines of Moria trailer

Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria expands the online world of Middle-earth to let players explore the ancient underground cities of the dwarves, battle epic characters in the depths, face off with the Watcher, be a part of the fateful release of Durin’s Bane and more! Lord of the Rings Online expects to open Volume II of its epic story in the fall of 2008 with an increased level cap, two new classes and the introduction of a unique item advancement system.



Watch the trailer here on YouTube...

Premium Instruments for Guitar Hero World Tour

Premium instrument controllers for Guitar Hero World Tour, the latest installment of the world's best-selling music-based video game franchise, which ships this fall for the Xbox 360 video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Nintendo Wii.

Logitech plans to offer premium instruments for each of these platforms, the first of which will be available later this year. Logitech's products will be compatible with Guitar Hero World Tour's advanced feature set, allowing players to elevate their Guitar Hero jam sessions to full-fledged rock concerts.

"Logitech is the leading producer of peripheral devices and the company is widely considered to be the gold standard for innovation and quality peripheral products," said Charles Huang, vice president business development for RedOctane. "With Logitech, we know we have found the right partner who can deliver top-quality premium hardware that consumers have come to expect from Guitar Hero."

"As huge fans of Guitar Hero, we are very excited about the opportunity to bring the Logitech experience to the Guitar Hero franchise," said Bruce Lancaster, vice president and general manager of Logitech's gaming business. "A few years ago, Logitech refined the consumer steering wheel market with high-end controllers that enhance racing games. Now we are looking forward to elevating the market for premium music-based video game controllers in a similar fashion."

Guitar Hero World Tour is being developed by Neversoft Entertainment for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system. The WiiTM version is being developed by Vicarious Visions. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system version is being developed by Budcat. The game is not yet rated by the ESRB.

TRANSFORMERS G1: Awakening mobile game Fact Sheet

TRANSFORMERS G1: Awakening

TRANSFORMERS G1

Game description 

After 4 million years, a volcanic eruption awakens the Transformers. Now battle where it began in a war based on the classic conflicts from the first TV series. Based on the original story of Transformers, use the strengths of each Autobot to defeat the Decepticons in turn-based strategic battles. Capture sources of Energon power to reactivate, repair or upgrade your Transformers. Featuring up to 23 playable characters and a skirmish mode to play friends as Autobots or Deceptions, there is more to Transformers G1: Awakening than meets the eye!

12 inch Sonic the Hedgehog statue

First 4 Figures is proud to present a new collection of models based on the classic Sonic the Hedgehog line, starting off with our 12 inch Sonic the Hedgehog statue.

Sonic the Hedgehog burst onto the scene in 1991 and in super sonic speed went on to become Sega’s mascot. Sonic is full of speed and attitude and spinning abilities that allows him to out-maneuver and stop Dr. Robotnik’s evil plans of world domination.

Our Sonic the Hedgehog statue has been painstakingly recreated from the official artwork from the classic games to bring a perfect representation of “the fastest thing alive”.

The base of the model has been inspired by the first level in the first game, the Green Hill Zone, complete with a grass top and recognizable checker board base.

Comes in deluxe full color packaging, hand numbered base, and includes an Authenticity Card which allows you to purchase the same number of the model next in the Classic Sonic the Hedgehog series.

Dimension: 12 inches tall including the base.

Available: September, 2008

Buy it here...

Artist: Lu Bin

Too Human Xbox exclusive out soon

Too Human Gone Gold

Now is the Time to Become a god Amongst Men; Xbox 360 Exclusive “Too Human” has Gone Gold

Xbox LIVE Marketplace demo downloads surpass 900,000

Microsoft Game Studios and Silicon Knights announced today that the blockbuster action RPG “Too Human” has gone gold and will be available from retailers through the UK on August 29. In anticipation of the title’s release, gamers can jump into the first level of “Too Human” with a demo now available on Xbox LIVE. The Too Human demo has already been downloaded more than any other action demo on Xbox LIVE Marketplace in its first week of availability and has been one of the top played titles on Xbox LIVE overall. In addition, gamers that pre-order from participating retailers will get access to five exclusive armor sets, one for each class in the game.

A modern take on classical Norse mythology, the Xbox 360 exclusive “Too Human” chronicles the epic story of cybernetic god, Baldur, and his quest to save humanity at the potential price of sacrificing his own humanity. By combining elements of both action and RPG genres – along with the ability to fully customize Baldur’s weaponry, armor, and combat techniques – Too Human creates a truly unique gameplay experience. Players can also invite a friend to join the explosive combat via advanced, online two-player co-op gameplay on Xbox LIVE *.

“Too Human” will have an estimated retail price of £44.99 and is rated PEGI 16+.

EverQuest II and Star Wars Galaxies Go Live With Free Voice Chat,EverQuest to Follow Suit Soon

Station Voice, a service powered by Vivox that allows players to talk to each other in online games, is now available in the role-playing games EverQuest II and Star Wars Galaxies, Sony Online, announced today. Station Voice, which is scheduled to be available next month in EverQuest, is available for players at no additional cost with their current subscription plan.

“In-game voice chat is an enhanced new feature gamers of all levels can enjoy. Now, SOE’s players can easily talk to one another and better enjoy the online gaming experience,” said John Smedley, president of Sony Online Entertainment. “The integration of Station Voice into these initial games was seamless, and we look forward to incorporating this added gaming experience into other SOE titles, as well as implementing the next phase of features to come soon.”

The initial launch of Station Voice will allow players to:

• Talk person-to-person in game with any microphone and headset combo
• Chat with their party, guild or any other group in game
• Play and communicate without worry of a significant increase in game lag
• Manage group/user participation with moderator controls
• Individually mute and set volume per user
• Set up easily without the need for separate software, accounts or registration