Microsoft has announced that the Xbox Live Community Games project will launch this Fall. "Community Games" is the name Microsoft has given to a special class of Xbox Live Arcade titles created by independent developers with Microsoft's XNA Game Studio software.
For $99 a year, developers will have access to the XNA development tools and the XNA Creator's Club. After working on a game, the developer uploads to the Creator's Club network where it is critiqued by other XNA community members. When the Creator's Club deems it ready for primetime, the developer can make it available to the Xbox 360 userbase at large at a price of 200 ($1.50), 400 ($5) or 800 ($10) Microsoft Points.
Xbox 360 owners got their first taste of Community Games when Microsoft released demos of a few onto Xbox Live during this year's Game Development Conference. Those games will likely make up the first wave of Community Games. Wired's Game|Life blog has also confirmed that this time demo setup is how Microsoft plans to distribute demos of Community Games on Xbox Live.
One other added benefit of the Community Games project is that it opens up quite an opportunity for "game development clubs" at the library. For the small cost of $99 a year and a computer that's not being used much, a club like this could give kids interested in game design a chance to flex their programming muscles and a chance to put their game on Xbox Live for the whole world to see.
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Thursday, July 24, 2008
Xbox 360 "Community Games" Available This Fall
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
E3 2008 Trailerapalooza
E3 2008 is done and over with, but that doesn't mean it's come to an end. There are hours and hours (probably close to several days worth) of video from gaming's biggest showcase event. And that's where the handy-dandy E3 2008 page at Game Trailers comes in handy. Almost 700 videos have been uploaded, categorized, and sorted for everyone who's not a game journalist and couldn't go to E3.
Hit the "Read Full Post" link for a list of some of the games you'll find on display at Game Trailers and a few of my favorite trailers.
Other games with video from E3 2008 at Game Trailers:
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Nintendo Controllers Deemed in Violation of Patents
It seems that Nintendo has lost a patent violation case against Texas-based Anascape. Anascape's patent has to do with analog sticks in controllers. According to the judge in the case, Nintendo's GameCube controller (including the Wavebird) and the Wii's Classic Controller are both in violation of Anascape's patent.
The judge has ruled that Nintendo has to pay Anascape $21 million. However, Nintendo has chosen to appeal the ruling and unless they post a $21 million bond, they will be forced to stop selling GameCube and Classic Controllers until the appeal is over. So if you want either, it might be wise to get them now.
Sony and Microsoft have already dealt with Anascape in the past, as both companies have licensed Anascape's analog stick technology for their own controllers. So there should be no worry they'll disappear in the future too.
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Monday, July 21, 2008
Rock Band Gets Nine Inch Nails & Shinedown
Harmonix has announced five new tracks will be available for download on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Rock Band this week. This week's releases include two songs from Shinedown and three from Nine Inch Nails. Each song will be available for $1.99 (or 160 Microsoft Points) per track with a three-song NIN Pack available for $5.49 (or 440 Microsoft Points).
The tracks available for download are:
Nine Inch Nails
Shinedown
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Thursday, July 17, 2008
Bestselling Games in June 2008
The NPD Group has released their report on the bestselling games and consoles in June and not surprisingly, Metal Gear Solid 4 for the PS3 takes the top spot. More surprising is that Grand Theft Auto IV and Super Smash Bros. Brawl did not make the list. They were supplanted by three versions of Lego Indiana Jones (DS, PS2 and Wii).
In hardware news, the 666,700 Wii consoles sold this month have pushed it past the Xbox 360 and made the Wii the top selling system of the current generation. Here's the full list of the ten bestselling games in the month and the console sales numbers:
Bestselling Console Games
1. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3) - 774,600
2. Guitar Hero: On Tour (DS) - 422,300
3. Ninja Gaiden II (Xbox 360) - 372,700
3. Wii Fit (Wii) - 372,700
5. Wii Play (Wii) - 359,100
6. Battlefield: Bad Company (Xbox 360) - 346,800
7. Mario Kart Wii (Wii) - 322,400
8. Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures (Wii) - 294,500
9. Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures (DS) - 267,800
10. Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures (PS2) - 260,300
Console Sales Numbers
1. Nintendo DS - 783,000
2. Wii - 666,700
3. PlayStation 3 - 405,500
4. PlayStation Portable - 337,400
5. Xbox 360 - 219,800
6. PlayStation 2 - 188,800
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Sony Talks Gran Turismo
Joystiq had a chance to talk with Kazunori Yamauchi, CEO of Polyphony Digital, about the future of the Gran Turismo franchise.
According to Yamauchi, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will be receiving an update in the near future that will add more cars, more tracks and new features to the game. He also said that the full version of Gran Turismo 5 may not be released until 2010.
He also talked a bit about the oft-delayed PSP entry Gran Turismo 4 Mobile (which was first announced at E3 2004). Yamauchi said that the game was still in development, but that it would not be released until after Gran Turismo 5. Which means the game won't be out until 2010 at the earlist. Considering that it was one of the first PSP games announced, that's quite a delay.
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Sony Announes PS3 Greatest Hits Line
Sony has announced the first wave of PlayStation 3 games that will be added to Sony's Greatest Hits line. These nine games will now retail for $29.99 and are definitely the current cream of the crop on the PS3. The new Greatest Hits titles are:
Sadly, Sony did not say when these titles would receive their price drop.
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Yakuza 2 Coming September 9
Sega has announced that Yakuza 2 will be released on the PlayStation 2 on September 9. The original Yakuza was released in America in 2006 (the same year Yakuza 2 was released in Japan), so it's been a long time coming.
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Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Tom Clancy's EndWar Coming on October 14
Ubisoft has announced that Tom Clancy's EndWar will be coming to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on October 14. They also confirmed that versions of the game for the DS and PSP are in development.
The company is considering a PC version as well but has made no formal decision yet.
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What Konami Has Planned For E3 08
It's time once again for the E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) video game showcase. Running from July 14 through the 17, most major game companies will have their newest projects on hand. With Metal Gear Solid 4 already in stores, Konami has fallen back on some already announced tried-and-true sequels for their E3 showing. A few of the standouts include the first Castlevania game for the Wii and a lot of Dance Dance Revolution.
See the full list by clinking the "Read Full Post" link.
Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia
Release Date: Fall 2008
Platform: Nintendo DS
Castlevania: Judgment
Release Date: Fall 2008
Platform: Wii
Dance Dance Revolution: Hottest Party 2
Release Date: Fall 2008
Platform: Wii
Dance Dance Revolution Universe 3
Release Date: Fall 2008
Platform: Xbox 360
Dance Dance Revolution X
Release Date: Fall 2008
Platform: PlayStation2
New International Track & Field
Release Date: Fall 2008
Platform: Nintendo DS
Lost in Blue: Shipwrecked
Release Date: Fall 2008
Platform: Wii
Rock Revolution
Release Date: Fall 2008
Platform: Xbox 360/PlayStation 3/Wii/Nintendo DS
Silent Hill: Homecoming
Release Date: Fall 2008
Platform: Xbox 360/PlayStation 3
Time Hollow
Release Date: Fall 2008
Platform: Nintendo DS
Elebits: Adventures of Kai and Zero
Release Date: Fall 2008
Platform: Nintendo DS
Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2
Release Date: Fall 2008
Platform: Wii/PlayStation 3/Xbox 360
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Sony E3 08 Press Conference Recap
Sony's E3 Press Conference has just ended and in typical Sony fashion, there were few surprises. Unlike Microsoft and Nintendo, Sony has always laid their future plans out well in advance, so this press conference was more or less a retelling of games they've already announced. But there was a few new items of interest:
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Nintendo Announces a Ton of Games at E3 08 Press Conference
Nintendo's E3 2008 Press Conference is in full swing and the company has announced a ton of new games. The conference is just wrapping up and here are the highlights.
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What Activision Has Planned For 2008 and Beyond
Activision decided to skip this year's E3 festivities and instead are having their own fun. They've announced some new details on the rest of the games they'll be releasing in 2008 along with a tease of new information about games that will be coming in 2009.
First of all, Activision has announced that the new Metallica album "Death Magnetic" will be available as downloadable content for Guitar Hero III on the same day the album is released in stores. It will also be released for Guitar Hero: World Tour when that game comes out later in the fall.
The company also confirmed a number of games they're planning for 2009:
But what the stuff that's coming this year. Hit the "Read Full Post" link to learn more about Call of Duty: World at War, Guitar Hero: World Tour, Quantum of Solace and Spider-Man: Web of Shadows.
Call of Duty: World at War – Building on the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare engine, Call of Duty: World at War thrusts players into the ruthless and gritty chaos of WWII combat like never before and challenges them to band together to survive the most harrowing and climactic battles in both the European and Pacific theaters. The title re-defines WWII games by offering an uncensored experience with unique enemies, jaw-dropping firepower like the flamethrower, and combat variety, including Kamikaze fighters, Banzai charges and cunning ambush tactics, as well as explosive on-screen action through all new cooperative gameplay. (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii and Games for Windows).
Guitar Hero World Tour - When the house lights go down this fall, a new generation of axe shredders, drummers and fearless frontmen will come together and rock with Guitar Hero World Tour. The latest installment in the #1 best-selling video game franchise of 2007, Guitar Hero World Tour transforms music gaming by expanding Guitar Hero’s signature guitar gameplay into a cooperative band experience that combines the most advanced wireless instruments with new revolutionary online and offline gameplay modes including Band Career and 8-player “Battle of the Bands,” which allows two full bands to compete head-to-head online for the first time ever. The game features a slick newly redesigned guitar, an authentic electronic drum kit and a microphone, as well as an innovative Music Studio music creator that lets players compose, record, edit and share their own rock ‘n’ roll anthems. Music creators will also be able to share their recordings with their friends online through GHTunes where other gamers can download and play an endless supply of unique creations. (Xbox 360, PS3 and PlayStation 2, and Nintendo Wii).
Wolfenstein – From id Software’s critically-acclaimed and multi-million unit selling Wolfenstein universe, which pioneered and defined the first-person action genre, comes the ultimate supernatural thriller. Set within a near-fictional, historical WWII setting, players take on the role of the heroic OSA agent BJ Blazkowicz as they are thrust into the unknown and unexpected to battle against combat troops, otherworldly forces, and the dark science created by a supernatural Nazi force hell-bent on world domination. Wolfenstein offers players an action-packed experience as they investigate the powers of a dark parallel dimension, join with resistance forces, and employ an arsenal of conventional and otherworldly weapons in attempts to annihilate the Nazi war machine. Ensuring a deep variety of action, Wolfenstein provides gamers with an assortment of interlinked missions that drive an intense, story-driven combat experience; while the Wolfenstein multiplayer experience continues the world-renowned tradition of class-based team objective gameplay with a full arsenal of conventional and supernatural weapons for addictive online warfare. (Xbox 360, PS3, Windows PC).
Quantum of Solace – James Bond is back to settle the score in Quantum of Solace. Introducing a more lethal and cunningly efficient Bond, the game blends intense first-person action with a unique third-person cover combat system that allows players to truly feel what it is like to be the ultimate secret agent as they use their stealth, precision shooting and lethal combat skills to progress through missions. Seamlessly blending the heart-pounding action and excitement of the upcoming “Quantum of Solace” feature film with the “Casino Royale” movie, the title propels players into the cinematic experience of international espionage. Based on the renowned Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare game engine that has been specifically engineered to immerse players in the Bond universe, Quantum of Solace delivers high-definition graphics, reactive AI and visually stunning locations inspired by locales portrayed in the films. (Xbox 360, PS3 and PlayStation 2 and the Nintendo Wii and DS).
Spider-Man: Web of Shadows – A deadly symbiote invasion brings total devastation to the streets of New York City in Spider-Man: Web of Shadows, where players have ultimate control over the city’s salvation and Spider-Man’s destiny. Set in an apocalyptic New York City, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows gives players an unprecedented level of gameplay choices, including for the first time, control over the game’s direction and outcome. The all new combat system allows for truly three-dimensional battles that start in the streets, continue up sides of buildings and finish on rooftops. Gamers can instantly switch between Spider-Man’s agile red suit and his formidable black suit, choose to ally with Marvel’s honored heroes or ferocious villains, pick which character abilities to upgrade, and decide which missions to undertake in order to protect Manhattan 2 computer from certain destruction. (Xbox 360, PS3 and PlayStation , PSP, Nintendo Wii and DS, and Windows PC).
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Monday, July 14, 2008
Complete Rock Band 2 Setlist Announced
Harmonix has revealed the complete Rock Band 2 setlist and it's a doozy. 84 songs from artists as Bob Dylan, The Offsrping (Come Out and Play!), Dinosaur Jr., Modest Mouse, Survivor (Eye of the Tiger!) and Guns N Roses. The Guns N Roses song is of special note as it is "Shackler’s Revenge", the first song to come from the long in development Chinese Democracy album.
Harmonix has also confirmed that 20 additional tracks will be available to download for free the day Rock Band 2 is released. Furthermore, some of the tracks from Rock Band can be exported and upgraded with additional Rock Band 2 features.
Finally, Harmonix confirmed that PlayStation 2 and Wii versions of Rock Band 2 will be released by the end of the year. The full setlist can be found by clicking the "Read Full Post" link.
1. AC/DC - "Let There Be Rock" (1970s)
2. AFI - "Girl’s Gone Grey" (2000s)
3. Alanis Morissette - "You Oughta Know" (1990s)
4. Alice in Chains - "Man in the Box" (1990s)
5. Allman Brothers - "Ramblin’ Man" (1970s)
6. Avenged Sevenfold - "Almost Easy" (2000s)
7. Bad Company - "Shooting Star" (1970s)
8. Beastie Boys - "So Whatcha Want" (1990s)
9. Beck - "E-Pro" (2000s)
10. Bikini Kill - "Rebel Girl" (1990s)
11. Billy Idol - "White Wedding Pt. I" (1980s)
12. Blondie - "One Way or Another" (1970s)
13. Bob Dylan - "Tangled Up in Blue" (1970s)
14. Bon Jovi - "Livin’ on a Prayer" (1980s)
15. Cheap Trick - "Hello There" (1970s)
16. Devo - "Uncontrollable Urge" (1980s)
17. Dinosaur Jr. - "Feel the Pain" (1990s)
18. Disturbed - "Down with the Sickness" (2000s)
19. Dream Theater - "Panic Attack" (2000s)
20. Duran Duran - "Hungry Like the Wolf" (1980s)
21. Elvis Costello - "Pump It Up" (1970s)
22. Fleetwood Mac - "Go Your Own Way" (1970s)
23. Foo Fighters - "Everlong" (1990s)
24. Guns N’ Roses - "Shackler’s Revenge" (2000s)
25. Interpol - "PDA" (2000s)
26. Jane’s Addiction - "Mountain Song" (1980s)
27. Jethro Tull - "Aqualung" (1970s)
28. Jimmy Eat World - "The Middle" (2000s)
29. Joan Jett - "Bad Reputation" (1980s)
30. Journey - "Anyway You Want It" (1970s)
31. Judas Priest - "Painkiller" (1990s)
32. Kansas - "Carry On Wayward Son" (1970s)
33. L7 - "Pretend We’re Dead" (1990s)
34. Lacuna Coil - "Our Truth" (2000s)
35. Linkin Park - "One Step Closer" (2000s)
36. Lit - "My Own Worst Enemy" (1990s)
37. Lush - "De-Luxe" (1990s)
38. Mastodon - "Colony of Birchmen" (2000s)
39. Megadeth - "Peace Sells" (1980s)
40. Metallica - "Battery" (1980s)
41. Mighty Mighty Bosstones - "Where’d You Go" (1990s)
42. Modest Mouse - "Float On" (2000s)
43. Motorhead - "Ace of Spades" (1980s)
44. Nirvana - "Drain You" (1990s)
45. Norman Greenbaum - "Spirit in the Sky" (1960s)
46. Panic at the Disco - "Nine in the Afternoon" (2000s)
47. Paramore - "That’s What You Get" (2000s)
48. Pearl Jam - "Alive" (1990s)
49. Presidents of the USA - "Lump" (1990s)
50. Rage Against the Machine - "Testify" (1990s)
51. Ratt - "Round & Round" (1980s)
52. Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Give it Away" (1990s)
53. Rise Against - "Give it All" (2000s)
54. Rush - "The Trees" (1970s)
55. Silversun Pickups - "Lazy Eye" (2000s)
56. Smashing Pumpkins - "Today" (1990s)
57. Social Distortion - "I Was Wrong" (1990s)
58. Sonic Youth - "Teenage Riot" (1980s)
59. Soundgarden - "Spoonman" (1990s)
60. Squeeze - "Cool for Cats" (1970s)
61. Steely Dan - "Bodhitsattva" (1970s)
62. Steve Miller Band - "Rock’n Me" (1970s)
63. Survivor - "Eye of the Tiger" (1980s)
64. System of a Down - "Chop Suey" (2000s)
65. Talking Heads - "Psycho Killer" (1970s)
66. Tenacious D - "Master Exploder" (2000s)
67. Testament - "Souls of Black" (1990s)
68. The Donnas - "New Kid in School" (2000s)
69. The Go-Go’s - "We Got the Beat" (1980s)
70. The Grateful Dead - "Alabama Getaway" (1980s)
71. The Guess Who - "American Woman" (1970s)
72. The Muffs - "Kids in America" (1990s)
73. The Offspring - "Come Out & Play (Keep ‘em Separated)" (1990s)
74. The Replacements - "Alex Chilton" (1980s)
75. The Who - "Pinball Wizard" (1960s)
Bonus Tracks
76. Abnormality - "Visions" (2000s)
77. Anarchy Club - "Get Clean" (2000s)
78. Bang Camaro - "Night Lies" (2000s)
79. Breaking Wheel - "Shoulder to the Plow" (2000s)
80. The Libyans - "Neighborhood" (2000s)
81. The Main Drag - "A Jagged Gorgeous Winter" (2000s)
82. Speck - "Conventional Lover" (2000s)
83. The Sterns - "Supreme Girl" (2000s)
84. That Handsome Devil - "Rob the Prez-O-Dent" (2000s)
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Wii Remote Gets More Precise With Wii MotionPlus
Nintendo has announced that the Wii Remote will become more accurate in the future when they release the Wii MotionPlus add-on. The device plugs in to the bottom of the Wii Remote and "allows for more comprehensive tracking of a player's arm position and orientation, providing players with an unmatched level of precision and immersion. Every slight movement players make with their wrist or arm is rendered identically in real time on the screen, providing a true 1:1 response in their game play."
No release date or price was announced. More about the Wii MotionPlus will be revealed tomorrow during Nintendo's E3 2008 Press Conference.
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Resident Evil 5 Coming 3/13/09
Microsoft's E3 2008 Press Conference is currently underway and Jun Takeuchi, the producer of Resident Evil 5 at Capcom, has confirmed the game will be released on March 13, 2009. A Friday the 13th, I might add.
Since this is Microsoft's Press Conference, there was no mention of the PlayStation 3 version of RE5, but a March 13 release date for the PS3 version seems likely as well.
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Sunday, July 13, 2008
Price Drop For 20 GB Xbox 360 and 60 GB Version Announced
Confirming all of the reports of weekly sales flyers touting an Xbox 360 price drop, Microsoft has announced that the 20 GB Xbox 360 (the Pro model) will indeed drop in price to $299 (from $350) starting today. However, this price drop appears to be a temporary thing as a new 60 GB Xbox 360 will be released in August and it will retail for the original $350 price.
The Arcade and Elite models will remain at their current prices of $279 and $449 respectively.
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Friday, July 11, 2008
Mega Man 9 Trailer; XBLA & PSN Versions Announced
Capcom has released the first trailer for Mega Man 9, and in process, has revealed that versions of the game will be appearing on the Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network in addition to the WiiWare version.
If you're a fan of old school games, enjoy the trailer right here:
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What Electronic Arts Has Planned For E3 08
It's time once again for the E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) video game showcase. Running from July 14 through the 17, most major game companies will have their newest projects on hand. Electronic Arts has published their planned E3 lineup and it is massive. The company has plans to show off 24 titles as well as games for mobile phone, the iPod and the iPhone. The list has no surprises, but anytime we can get a closer look at Left 4 Dead is a good one.
See the full list by clinking the "Read Full Post" link.
Dead Space
In this new game from EA’s Redwood Shores Studio, a massive deep-space mining ship goes dark after unearthing a strange artifact on a distant planet. Engineer Isaac Clarke embarks on the repair mission, only to uncover a nightmarish bloodbath—the ship’s crew horribly slaughtered and infected by an alien scourge. Now Isaac is cut off, trapped, and engaged in a desperate fight for survival.
FaceBreaker
A new game from EA Canada, FaceBreaker offers irreverent fun, immersive gameplay and eye-popping stylized graphics. In this in-your-face, arcade world full of ego-wielding characters, each boxer comes to life with unique attributes and distinct personal style. In addition, FaceBreaker K.O. Party, built exclusively with Wii™ consumers in mind, brings the magic of social play right into the living room with pick-up-and-punch intuitive gestures. In FaceBreaker, it just feels good to rearrange an opponent's face.
Hasbro Family Game Night
A new game from EA’s Casual label, Hasbro Family Game Night creates a whole new way for families and friends to play together. Players join host Mr. Potato Head as they play the classic Hasbro games well known by all as well as exciting new versions created for the Wii and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Launching this November, Hasbro Family Game Night features family favorites such as Connect Four, Battleship, Yahtzee, Boggle, Sorry! and the all new, Sorry! Sliders.
Littlest Pet Shop
A new game from EA’s Casual Label, Littlest Pet Shop pets come to life this October in the Littlest Pet Shop video game. Launching on the Wii, Nintendo DS (3 versions), and PC, girls can explore three unique worlds as they discover their own magical Pet Shop. Littlest Pet Shop gives girls the opportunity to play with and collect 20 Littlest Pets on the Nintendo DS and 30 on the Wii and PC. Earn Kibble Coins to buy over 100 accessories for pets as well as tons of digital playsets in game from the 2008 toy-line. Players can play in either explore in free-play mode or in compete in more than 15 different fun and accessible mini-games.
Madden NFL 09
Developed by EA Tiburon, the ground-breaking Madden NFL 09 marks the 20th anniversary of one of the best-selling and most critically-acclaimed videogame franchises of all time. Among the more than 85 new features and enhancements, the game includes adaptable gameplay tailored to every type of gamer, improved graphics and animations, and a new network-inspired broadcast style presentation that delivers an authentic NFL experience. With unique controls, modes and presentation, Madden NFL 09 All-Play is designed specifically for the Wii and features fun, approachable and innovative gameplay. No matter the skill level, players can be competitive with three gameplay styles to choose from, ranging from Easy to Advanced.
Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
From Pandemic, an EA studio, Mercenaries 2: World in Flames is an explosive open-world action game set in a massive, highly reactive, war-torn Venezuela. A power-hungry tyrant messes with Venezuela's oil supply, sparking an invasion that turns the country into a warzone. But in this game where gamers play the role of mercenaries, international crisis is all upside and the mercenaries can only profit from all the chaos.
Mirror’s Edge
A new game from EA’s DICE Studio, Mirror’s Edge takes place in a city where information is heavily monitored, agile couriers called Runners transport sensitive data away from prying eyes. Gamers play a Runner called Faith, and this innovative first-person action-adventure is a personal story. In this seemingly utopian paradise, a crime has been committed, Faith’s sister has been framed and now she is being hunted. Mirror’s Edge delivers gamers straight into the shoes of this unique heroine as she traverses the vertigo-inducing cityscape, engaging in intense combat and fast paced chases. From the makers of the groundbreaking Battlefield franchise, Mirror’s Edge is an action-adventure experience unlike any other.
iPhone/iPod Touch Games from EA Mobile
EA Mobile was one of the first companies to announce that they are making games for the iPhone. This July EA Mobile will announce the ever popular Scrabble, Sudoku and Tetris for the iPhone and iPod touch, and coming this fall EA Mobile will announce an original game called Spore Origins, based on the PC/Mac version of Spore. The unique capabilities of the iPhone and iPod touch offer a completely unique mobile gaming experience through the use of features like the accelerometer, touch screens, and high definition graphics.
iPod Games from EA Mobile
Three new iPod games will be available this July – Monopoly, Scrabble and Yahtzee! All three games are based on popular board games and are under license from Hasbro, Inc. The iPod Click Wheel provides an excellent game play experience as players take family fun to their iPod.
Mobile Phone Games from EA Mobile
EA Mobile will offer previews of two original games for the mobile platform Spore Origins and Wolfenstein RPG™, as well as Tetris® POP. Spore Origins is an original action-puzzle game for mobile phones from the creators of The Sims™, and Wolfenstein RPG is a fun mobile version of the classic first person shooter created in conjunction with id Software. Tetris POP is an all new version of Tetris, the consistent best seller on mobile, offering a range of game play with 17 different mini-variations. And finally, attendees can see a demo of the recently-released Kung Fu Panda, based on the major motion picture from DreamWorks Animation.
The Sims 2: Apartment Pets (DS)
From EA’s Redwood Shores Studio, The Sims 2 Apartment Pets for Nintendo DS, players can care for a variety of local pets, including loveable cats and dogs, slithery snakes, hamsters, colorful birds, and cuddly rabbits to make sure they receive the right treatment so that they stay happy, healthy and good looking. Simoleans earned can be used to furnish the perfect apartment and buy fun pet accessories like hats, shoes and toys. Players can use the Nintendo DS touch screen and stylus to play cool mini games and unlock new objects for their Sim and their pets.
Zubo
A new game from EA’s Bright Light Studio, and designed exclusively for the Nintendo DS handheld system, Zubo is perfect for kids of all ages. Launched into the fully 3D world of Zubalon, kids will meet the colorful and comical stars of the game, the Zubos. While traveling through the game, players can befriend any Zubos they meet along the way, feeding and nurturing them, helping them gain skills and strength, and assisting them in chasing off the evil Zombos in strategic battles with an innovative rhythm action mechanic. With 55 Zubos available to find and recruit to a player’s squad, over 100 fully animated comedy battle moves, 10 lands of Zubalon to explore, plus a wealth of interactions and mini-games, Zubo offers a deeply rewarding Nintendo DS experience. Zubo will be available this fall in Europe and spring 2009 in North America.
MySims (PC)
From EA’s Redwood Shores Studio, in MySims, made for the PC, players can find all the fun of the first MySims game plus new and unique online features, characters and content as they create their own town and discover its surprises. New features in MySims, made for the PC, are the ability to safely chat and play games like Tag and Hide-and-Seek with online contacts. Players can also share constructions, like personalized buildings and furniture with up to seven other online friends. Even package and send off custom creations via email or instant message so those select others can use them in their own MySims town.
MySims Kingdom (Wii, DS)
From EA’s Redwood Shores Studio, the MySims Kingdom experience begins in The Capital, the majestic land at the center of the adventure. After meeting an initial cast of characters including King Roland, Princess Butter, and constant companions Buddy and Lyndsay, players can venture beyond The Capital. Adventure awaits as players get in their boats and sail to many more lands on the horizon.
Spore
A new game from EA’s Maxis Studio and industry veteran Will Wright, Spore is a personal universe in a box. In this universe players can create and evolve life, establish tribes, build civilizations and even sculpt entire worlds. In Spore, there are a variety of creation tools that allow players to customize nearly every aspect of the universe: creatures, vehicles, buildings, and even spaceships. While Spore is a single player game, gamers’ creations and other players’ creations are automatically shared between galaxies, providing a limitless number of worlds to explore and play.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09
From EA’s Tiburon Studio, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 for the Xbox 360 TM will feature dynamic, personalized gameplay via Tiger Woods’ personal coach, Hank Haney. In Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09, a player’s skill level is dynamic, constantly adjusting throughout the round just as it would during a real afternoon out on the links. EA Sports GamerNet is a ground-breaking online innovation that features a refined, easy-to-use interface in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09. Online play has also been enhanced with Simultaneous Play allowing up to four players the ability to play each hole at the same time. In addition, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 All-Play for the Wii features new graphics and user interface while also incorporating interactive and social mini-games. The standing swing control, the most “true to life” golf mechanic you can find in any videogame, truly takes advantage of the Wii console’s unique control scheme.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 (PSP)
From EA’s Tiburon Studio, with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 for the PSP, everyone plays and anyone can win. From the seasoned veteran or to the novice hitting the links for the first time, gamers play with maximum control and aim for consistency using a simplified swing system in Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09. Gamers can take aim at family, friends, and rivals in the all-new EA Sports Cup tournament, where momentum is gained or lost after every swing. With easy-to-use swing mechanics and an all-new controller system, gamers play their way to the top of the leader board with Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09.
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning
A new title from EA’s Mythic Studio, gamers declare allegiance and join thousands of mighty heroes on the battlefields of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, the new MMORPG from the creators of Dark Age of Camelot. Players enter a grim world of perpetual conflict to fight for the Realms of Order or Destruction and invade enemy lands, besiege imposing fortresses, and sack sprawling capital cities for the glory of the Realm.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3
EA Los Angeles has traveled seven years back in time to resurrect Red Alert, the most-beloved series in the storied, 25-million-unit-plus-selling Command & Conquer franchise. Shipping this holiday for the PC and Xbox 360, Command & Conquer Red Alert 3 brings back the series’ trademark light-hearted tone and action-oriented gameplay while breaking new ground in the strategy genre by adding a fully co-operative story campaign, increasing the emphasis on naval gameplay and housing the best looking graphics a Command & Conquer game has ever seen.
Crysis Warhead
Award-winning independent studio Crytek and EA Partners are going back to the South China Sea this fall with the PC-exclusive Crysis Warhead, a parallel story to Crysis, one of the highest rated games last year on any platform. Players will don the Nanosuit of Psycho, the more brash and aggressive Delta Force squadmate of Nomad, experiencing his intense, explosive adventure on the other side of the island. Crysis Warhead is built on a new, enhanced and optimized version of Crytek’s industry-leading CryENGINE 2 technology.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Gamers will relive all the thrills, action, and excitement of the movie this holiday season! In the game of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, players will return to Hogwarts to help Harry survive a fraught sixth year. They will also have a chance to engage in exciting wizard duels, mix and brew magical ingredients in Potions class and take to the air to lead the Gryffindor Quidditch team to victory. Players may even get sidetracked by Ron’s romantic entanglements as they journey towards a dramatic climax and discover the identity of the Half-Blood Prince. From EA’s Bright Light Studio, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is scheduled for release in time for the movie launch this fall for the Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PSP, Nintendo DS, Windows PC, Macintosh and mobile devices.
The Lord of the Rings: Conquest
From Pandemic, an EA studio and the creators behind the best-selling Star Wars Battlefront and Star Wars Battlefront II – players grab their blades, bow or staff and ride onto the battlegrounds of J.R.R. Tolkien’s world to fight for either good or evil. For the first time, an extensive single-player campaign lets players ask the question: “What if Frodo failed to destroy the One Ring?” Including tons of adversarial arenas and both a variety of online and split-screen co-op modes, the gamers’ choice is clear: save Middle-earth or destroy it?
SimCity Creator
From EA’s Redwood Shores Studio, SimCity Creator is a visually exciting experience with a completely new user interface, designed specifically for the Wii and the Wii remote. Players will discover many ways to customize your city, including 13 city styles to explore, such as American, European and Asian themes. For the first time, players will take the liberty to build transportation systems with free placement of rounded and curved roads and rail lines, taking cities to new creative and curvy heights.
NBA Live 09
From EA Canada, NBA Live 09 has fundamentally shifted the way gamers look at sports simulation games and emulates - with absolute precision - an NBA player based on last night, not last season. Coupled with new features like Pick and Roll Control, Defensive Lockdown Control, Signature Playcalling and Quickstrike Ankle-Breakers, the NBA Live experience will hook gamers from beginning to end. For those in need of some extra coaching, NBA Live 09 takes gamers to training camp with the NBA Academy that gives them a chance to hone their skills.
NCAA Football 09
From EA Tiburon, NCAA Football 09 offers the electricity that can only be found on Big Play Saturdays. Powered behind groundbreaking gameplay controls and unique college-style animations, NCAA Football 09 arrives on campus with all the excitement and pageantry of a storied college bowl game. Gamers will experience the exhilaration of making big plays on the field with the ability to directly control and influence the game through the all-new Break Away Engine. The Break Away Engine allows players to break in and out of moves, giving the user ultimate control with instant responsiveness on the field. NCAA Football 09 is all about the wide-open collegiate style gameplay and the unique atmosphere typically found on college football Saturdays.
Skate It
From EA’s Black Box and Montreal studios, Skate It brings the fun and soul of skateboarding to the Wii and Nintendo DS. Loaded with all-new gameplay features and a unique set of controls, gamers can express their very own skate style by carving through the world, owning the sickest spots, and putting together the ultimate skate line. Feel the rush of nailing the gnarliest tricks by using the Wii Remote and the stylus-based Flickit Nintendo controls. Or, players can get in touch with the skateboard even more by planting their feet on the Wii Balance Board, and using it to skate, manual and throw down dozens of other authentic moves. Hands or feet, both can be used to deepen the connection between the player and the boarding experience.
Rock Band 2
Harmonix, the world’s premier music video game company, and MTV Games are taking the groundbreaking music platform that forever changed the face of music video games to the next level this September with the release of Rock Band 2. With the original providing millions of players a new way to interact with the music and artists they love, Rock Band 2 is the next evolution of the franchise that redefined the standard for music games. Delivering an unparalleled selection of new music adding to the Rock Band's already massive library, support for all purchased downloads from the online music store, and an overall deeper gameplay experience, Rock Band 2 will continue to give millions of players a whole new way to enjoy the music and artists they love.
Left 4 Dead
Left 4 Dead (L4D) is a new action title from Valve, creators of the Counter-Strike and Half-Life games, that promises to redefine the co-operative genre as those titles did for multiplayer and single player action games. Due for release on the Xbox 360 and PC this November, the co-operative gameplay of L4D casts four "Survivors" in an epic struggle against hordes of swarming zombies and terrifying "Boss Infected" mutants.
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Thursday, July 10, 2008
What D3 Publisher Has Planned For E3 08
It's time once again for the E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) video game showcase. Running from July 14 through the 17, most major game companies will have their newest projects on hand. D3 Publisher is most commonly known for their movie/TV tie-ins (like Naruto) and various other bits of budget software. They have also announced that they will be bringing a game in the Onechanbara series to America, Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers. Yes, you read that right.
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Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers – Onechanbara is the ultimate evolution in a third-person blood-splattering hack-and-slash videogame. Players take on the role of the beautiful but deadly Aya or her little sister Saki, both of whom will need to put their legendary samurai skills to the test in order to battle legions of zombies terrorizing their city. Every person met and enemy battled gets the sisters closer to understanding who or what is behind the zombie outbreak and putting an end to it. Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers is anticipated for release in Q1 2009 on Wii.
Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 – Tomy Corporation and D3Publisher’s highly anticipated Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 offers an all-new original storyline created for the North American audience and features the largest character roster yet for the Clash of Ninja series. The latest iteration of the hit fighting game represents a huge progression from the previous game, including never-before-seen modes, improved visual presentation, and polished gameplay mechanics. The only four-player Naruto fighting game series available, Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution 2 for the Wii home video game console is anticipated for release this fall 2008.
Puzzle Quest: Galactrix – A rich new addition to the beloved Puzzle Quest universe, Puzzle Quest: Galactrix incorporates a powerful blend of puzzle, strategy and RPG gameplay elements, into an all-new futuristic, science-fiction setting. Offering an innovative new hexagonal puzzle board for a wide range of strategic depth, a rich storyline and fresh gameplay elements, Puzzle Quest: Galactrix is a captivating new adventure to explore and conquer in Q1 2009 on Xbox Live Arcade, Nintendo DS and Windows PC.
Ben 10: Alien Force The Game – Based on Cartoon Network’s hit series, Ben 10: Alien Force The Game is the only console videogame allowing players to command and experience the adventures of the Alien Force team. Gamers will help Ben take the DNA-scrambling Omnitrix out of retirement and become the hero as they transform into eight different playable characters—including cousin Gwen, enemy-turned-ally Kevin and five of Ben’s brand new alien forms to utilize their all-new super powers and defeat the intergalactic invaders! Ben 10: Alien Force The Game is a fast-paced, 3D, action adventure offering an unlimited combo system and engaging puzzles and challenges, coming to Wii, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP system and Nintendo DS this fall 2008.
Naruto: Path of the Ninja 2 – Tomy Corporation and D3Publisher’s Naruto: Path of the Ninja 2 is the latest in the popular RPG videogame series offering a completely original storyline, expanded character roster featuring 30 playable characters and improvements to the battle system that will give players more options than ever before as they make use of the newly-added Squad Leader and Ninja Tag systems. For those who want to test their mettle against fellow ninja across North America, Naruto: Path of the Ninja 2 will also provide the opportunity to earn points and special ninja cards as players prove their strength over Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Naruto: Path of the Ninja 2 is anticipated for release on Nintendo DS this September 2008.
Bangai-O Spirits – Created by revered Japanese developer Treasure, Bangai-O Spirits is a re-imagination of their hit 90s DreamCast game Bangai-O. The twitch-fest shooter gameplay includes more than 160 levels, punishing supermoves, exclusive content for the Western version, and a sensory overload of fireworks onscreen. Bangai-O Spirits boasts a powerful level editor tool, local wireless multiplayer for up to four players and the pioneering new Sound Load technology. Bangai-O Spirits blasts into retail stores August 12, 2008 exclusively for Nintendo DS.
Shaun the Sheep – The only handheld videogame based on the award-winning TV show from Aardman Animation, Shaun the Sheep allows players to assume the role of the lovable sheep, Shaun, as he tries to find the rest of the flock before the Farmer arrives home. Designed exclusively for the Nintendo DS, Shaun the Sheep will feature the fan-favorite characters, items, and locations from the popular stop-motion animated series on the Disney Channel, as well as original content for all new experiences with Shaun. Shaun the Sheep flocks to retail stores on September 23, 2008.
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