Official Video Game News

[Jagi]

Dead Space Looks Deadly, Spacey​

have high hopes for EA's Dead Space, because space-based horror films rock. I don't know what happened to Luke as a child that he didn't like Event Horizon, but it was an excellent example of how outer space and horror can be brilliantly mixed. Look at the Alien series. Look at...um. Hellraiser: Bloodline? Jason X? Leprechaun IV - Leprechaun In Space? There was this really great episode of Doctor Who from the first season of the new series where the Doctor faces Satan in outer space. That was pretty good. *drums fingers on the table, thinking* Okay, so making good space horror is hard, but EA seems to be off to a good start. As long as they can keep the music in check and highlight the silence and isolated feeling of being stranded in space, they could very well pull an Event Horizon out of their airlock. If not, then "As Shakespeare said, shit happens. "

http://kotaku.com/photogallery/deadspace123/1000272896

 

[Jagi]

The Queen of Fighters

No surprises here. This recently unearthed embarrassing video The Queen of Fighters 2005 obviously dates from a few years back. That doesn't make it any less shameful! It's a cosplay "homage" to SNK's The King of Fighters and features actress Misa Nishida as Mai Shirnaui. We haven't seen this, but seriously doubt there's any 2D fighting in it. It probably has other things though.

 

[Jagi]

Mark Rein: Why Is Unreal Tournament 3 Slower on PlayStation 3?​

SPOnG caught up with Epic’s outspoken bossman, Mark Rein (pictured here) recently for a full and frank chat about the latest Epic, err, epic - Unreal Tournament 3 out now on PC and on PlayStation 3 (in January) and on Xbox 360 (in, gods knows when).

Not one to hold back on his forthright opinions, Rein is that rarest of creatures to be found in the world of game development – a high profile studio boss that is not afraid to call a spade a spade. When asked why the console version of UT3 was noticeably slower than the PC version, Rein told us:

"When you play Halo on PC, you notice the difference too, yeah? This is also the reason why we don’t have cross-platform play, between PC and PS3, because you have got to make some compromises for each platform. But you play Halo on console and you find that it’s slower too, right…they have to be slower, because your fingers are just not as precise as your whole arm, right? To me the movement and speed as a console gamer is just right.”

On appealing to a much wider audience of casual gamers, Rein explains that Epic has, “simplified the game… in the last game, we had like seven game types… this time, we said instead of having ‘onslaught’ and ‘assault’ lets meld them together into this ‘warfare’ mode, let’s just do the things that we do really well and make them work on console. It’s the single player game that, even though you’re playing through all the different levels, feels more like a ladder with a story. It’s just a much better introduction to the game".

We then spoke about the issue of mods, and the slightly thorny question of what Epic plans to do when it finally brings UT3 to Xbox 360:

"When Sony originally said, 'Ours is an open network', we said, 'Oh yeah? Well, we’ll see how open you are really willing to be'. To their credit, they have been fully supportive of this. There’s no question that this kind of modding ability has never happened on console before."

What about the Xbox 360 version?

"Well we’re going to do it on 360 – the thing we don’t know and don’t have the time to figure out right now is how we are going to handle mods. On the PS3, it’s an open network… Xbox 360, in terms of talking to the internet, is a closed network. So, how do we get the mods out there? That’s something that we have to sit down with Microsoft and have a dialogue about that to figure out, 'how can we do this? Are you willing to let us do that?' and so on….we’re going to sit down with them next year and figure out how we are going to do it.

"Worst case scenario? We’ll bring the mods to Xbox LIVE… If Microsoft, for one reason or another, can’t get their heads around the idea of having mods then we’ll build some sort of mod architecture and we’ll put the best mods through [Microsoft] certification and we’ll offer them on Xbox LIVE. That’s not an ideal situation. That would certainly limit what we were able to do and that would funnel the number of mods that would be made available to a very small amount. But that’s the worst-case scenario.

"We’ll see. I mean, Microsoft is not ‘against’ user-generated contend. They just want to keep their closed system safe and secure and, more accurately, they want to make sure that the content has been checked, professionally. Sony’s willing to take a few more bets…"

SPOnG has contacted Microsoft in the UK today to get a response from the company, to find out what , if anything, it has in store for 2008 for enabling Epic to bring proper modding to the Xbox 360 version of Unreal Tournament 3.

Which brings us neatly onto the million-dollar question, is 2008 going to be the year of PS3?

"Yeah, I’m personally excited about PlayStation 3... It’s pretty good value. I’m optimistic that they are going to move a lot of units....They have actually sold a decent number already, don’t forget that they are a year behind the 360. I’m not sure that they are a lot further behind where the 360 was a year ago, so yeah, we’re pretty optimistic. And we have a great game for it, so hopefully that will help too! I like the machine. We think there is a good opportunity there."




http://spong.com/article/14406/Mark...ower_on_PlayStation_3_/?d=200712051702&cb=962




_______________________

PS3 Exclusives for 2008​

Metal Gear Solid 4
Gran Turismo 5
Final Fantasy 13
Tekken 6
LittleBigPlanet
Killzone 2
L.A. Noire
The Agency
Coded Arms: Assault
Eight Days
FIA World Touring Car Championship
The Getaway 3
Ni-Oh
Red Dead Revolver 2
Heavy Rain
Infamous
White Knight Chronicles
Haze

 

[Jagi]

Army of Two delayed because it was really sh*t?

A journalist from Future Publishing managed to get a hands on play with a preview copy of Army of Two before it was announced that it was going to be delayed. Lucky him you might say, or should that be unlucky him. According to the journalist it really is a terible game and is a 'juvenile swear fest with clumsy controls'. It's going to take some serious work to get it up to a decent standard.

quote:

As it stands, Army of Two is a juvenile swear-fest with clumsy controls, a story apparently penned by a seven year old who hates them ay-rabs, laughable level design that tosses you into a cut-scene every thirty seconds, sub Perfect Dark Zero graphics and the two least likable characters in gaming history. We’d rather play as a Bubsy the Bobcat/Raiden from Metal Gear Solid tag-team than these two douchebags. The delay is a stay of execution. It has four months to get even vaguely good. Hope for a miracle.

http://www.gamesradar.com/us/ps3/ga...055&sectionId=1006&pageId=2007120593556701040

 

[ThaBurgerPimp]

Grand Theft Auto IV trailer,"Move Up,Ladies"
[FLASH]http://www.gametrailers.com/remote_wrap.php?mid=28634[/FLASH]

 

[Jagi]

PREVIEW: Devil May Cry 4

Dante and Nero decide it’s better to reign in hell than serve in heaven.

An extended hands-on with DMC4 reveals that while it may be supremely silly, and still in some ways limited by its past, it is also a slick and professionally made title fully conscious of the strength of excess. The sword and gunplay basis of the original has been recreated and enhanced with such irreverence that DMC4, for all of its predictability, does possess that valuable quality of self-knowledge that may add just enough spice to the mix.



The first level throws Nero into a fight with Dante in a church – the two beginning the game as enemies – and after this the levels are built around slicing up scores of demons before reaching big set-pieces – which seem to get more histrionic by succession. Large outdoor environments are promised to be a new thing for the series, with particular notice given to a port town, a wide landscape of blasted snow, a jungle location, and several enormous castles.



But the real interest lies in the weapons, which are an unadulterated pleasure. Let’s start small: the sword can be revved like a motorbike to make everything a little more sensational and inflict more damage; Nero can also activate his ‘Devil Trigger’ for extra attacks, which causes a ghostly blue demon to appear and mirror his actions.

Dante becomes playable after a certain point in the game and has his four styles present and correct, but the real interest is in his outstanding special weapons: Gilgamesh is a melee weapon which puts spinning blades on his feet and hands, and allows vicious pummeling attacks (including a shoryuken). Lucifer causes Dante to sprout grey skeletal wings and shoot out red ‘demon blades’ that hover in the air and can be controlled and used to surround him – or made to explode by dropping a rose.



But the best, by far, is Pandora’s Box. This is a small briefcase with at least five different uses: it can be thrown like a boomerang into enemies, while opening it stuns anyone nearby, and it can even transform into a machine gun or a huge rocket launcher with several different additional forms, including a laser. Then there’s the last function, which sees it convert into a mobile missile battery surrounded with cannons (featuring a seat for Dante in the middle), which can float around raining nastiness on to anything that even looks at it the wrong way.



DMC4 is not going to reinvent the wheel, but it’ll keep it rolling. It’s breathtakingly beautiful in places, has the same ferocious combat as ever, and offers more extras than the previous games (which were stuffed). It all adds up to something of a significant release for the traditionally fallow post-Christmas period.

 

[Jagi]

Dr. Phil Supports MMO, Scolds Parent

While television personality and actor Dr. Phil has come out against violent video games and their influence on children in the past, in a show that aired Monday entitled "Shocking Teen Trends", the good doctor actually comes out on the side of social MMO There.com. After questioning 13-year-old Lexie and her mother Lezlie (awww, their names are so kyoot!) about Lexie's There.com addiction and speaking to There.com CEO Michael Wilson, Dr. Phil actually jumps to a reasonable, well thought-out conclusion.

"The problem is not with the game; the problem is the use of it," Dr. Phil tells Lexie and Lezlie. "The game is very creative and it's there for you to use or abuse. Are you abusing it?"

Lexie, who spends almost every waking hour at the computer making out with her virtual boyfriend, admits that she is. Personal accountability? What are we teaching children in school these days?

Dr. Phil then takes things even further, stepping into downright crazy talk by suggesting that the mother actually stop the child from playing the video game she's so worried about.

Dr. Phil is baffled. "Four hours a day? It's ridiculous!" he says. "Mom, you've got to step up and shut this down. Once she's at a point where she can play the game instead of being absorbed in the game, then perhaps, she can attempt to go back to it."

I am positively reeling here. Not blaming the game for the child's addiction? Telling the mother that the solution to her problem is entirely in her hands? I've been teleported to Bizarro world.


http://kotaku.com/gaming/parents-being-parents/dr-phil-supports-mmo-scolds-parent-331353.php

 

[Jagi]

Capcom: Third-Party Exclusives Still Viable

“I wouldn’t say that platform exclusivity is a dead concept,” Capcom marketing VP Nique Fajors tells Next-Gen.

With hefty development costs and no single dominant leader in terms of installed base in this console war, the third-party exclusive seems to be a dying breed.

But there’s still room even in today’s industry for third-party platform exclusive titles, according to Capcom, as long as the title uses the hardware right and costs are reasonable.

“Exclusives are driven by gameplay functionality and cost,” Fajors told Next-Gen in a recent phone interview. “If you get your gameplay functionality and costs right, exclusivity can work.”

Capcom remains a big believer in multiplatform development, nonetheless. The game maker recently made waves by announcing the Xbox 360 million-seller Lost Planet is now on its way to PS3. Devil May Cry 4, once considered a big exclusive for PS3, is now also on its way to Xbox 360. A wide array of other publishers have brought franchises that were platform exclusive in previous generations across multiple platforms.

“We have so many viable options for development, and consumers have so many choices,” Fajors said, adding that it seems that consumers are becoming less loyal to one single platform.

“I can remember when I was younger, I was committed to Sega. I wouldn’t buy a Nintendo platform. So I rode all the Sega platforms, from Genesis through Saturn and all the way up. I think consumers increasingly don’t have that kind of loyalty anymore.

“…Fundamentally, do I think [platform exclusivity] is dead? No, I don’t believe it’s dead. It goes back to economics, consumer interest and unique playability.”

Capcom’s slate of platform exclusive titles and franchises includes Zack & Wiki for Wii, Phoenix Wright for DS and Dead Rising for Xbox 360.



http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8264&Itemid=2

 

[ThaBurgerPimp]

Dr. Phil Supports MMO, Scolds Parent

While television personality and actor Dr. Phil has come out against violent video games and their influence on children in the past, in a show that aired Monday entitled "Shocking Teen Trends", the good doctor actually comes out on the side of social MMO There.com. After questioning 13-year-old Lexie and her mother Lezlie (awww, their names are so kyoot!) about Lexie's There.com addiction and speaking to There.com CEO Michael Wilson, Dr. Phil actually jumps to a reasonable, well thought-out conclusion.

"The problem is not with the game; the problem is the use of it," Dr. Phil tells Lexie and Lezlie. "The game is very creative and it's there for you to use or abuse. Are you abusing it?"

Lexie, who spends almost every waking hour at the computer making out with her virtual boyfriend, admits that she is. Personal accountability? What are we teaching children in school these days?

Dr. Phil then takes things even further, stepping into downright crazy talk by suggesting that the mother actually stop the child from playing the video game she's so worried about.

Dr. Phil is baffled. "Four hours a day? It's ridiculous!" he says. "Mom, you've got to step up and shut this down. Once she's at a point where she can play the game instead of being absorbed in the game, then perhaps, she can attempt to go back to it."

I am positively reeling here. Not blaming the game for the child's addiction? Telling the mother that the solution to her problem is entirely in her hands? I've been teleported to Bizarro world.


http://kotaku.com/gaming/parents-being-parents/dr-phil-supports-mmo-scolds-parent-331353.php

"Thank God she didnt mention that IM her virtual bf.."

 

[Jagi]

"Thank God she didnt mention that IM her virtual bf.."

 

[Jagi]

Stop the milking: Call of Duty 5 to be developed by Treyarch, set in WWII?​

While nothing has been confirmed yet, there's a chance that the next Call of Duty title will be heading back to World War II, because apparently gamers can't get enough of that war in particular.

As discovered by GAMER, the job listings on Treyarch's Web site reveal that the developer is looking for a level builder. What's interesting is one of the qualifications for the opening:

"Working experience with First-Person Shooter or Third-Person Shooter genres (console or PC). And if you’re a fan of World War 2 shooters, then even better!"

Unless Treyarch decides to alter the events of WWII by creating a game featuring bear cavalry and an undead legion of Nazi warriors, you can count me out. I've grown weary of historically accurate war games that bring nothing new to the table in terms of actual gameplay conventions.

I know many of you weren't happy with Treyarch's previous involvement in the Call of Duty franchise (CoD3, Big Red One, and United Offensive), so unless some revolutionary changes are made internally, it's safe to assume that the next Call of Duty game will be just another way for Activision to make easy money off of the series' success so far.

http://www.destructoid.com/stop-the...eveloped-by-treyarch-set-in-wwii--58324.phtml

 

[Jagi]

8 Blatant Loading Screen Cover-ups​

Back in the early days of disc-based gaming, companies weren't afraid of sticking a "Now Loading" screen in your face every two minutes. Now, companies employ stupid tricks to avoid them. Here's the worst ones:

8- Katamari Damacy's King of Cosmos chatter​

Admittedly, the King's loading screen appearances were a welcomed interuption at first. However, as with all loading screens, they got extremely repetetive and obnoxious. At first we laughed at the King and his non-sensical statements. Eventually phrases like, "Maybe We'll invent a Cosmic Esperanto." made our eyes roll back into our skulls. These wouldn't even make the writers of SNL laugh. Shut your trap and just let us roll some more buses, dad.



7- Tony Hawk's American Wasteland's tunnels

Back in 2005, Tony Hawk's developers made sure everyone knew their latest skateboarding cash-grab had NO STAGES and NO LOADING, even though it totally had both. You see, when your skater wanted to go from one "part" of the city (read: stage) to another, he or she would have to skate through an unimaginative hallway or tunnel filled with weak trick lines. Oh, and lots of disc spinning noises. Of course, you could skip those and hop on a bus, where you could walk around and do nothing. But hey, NO LOADING!


6- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night's corridors

ile they aren't the worst offenders in the world in terms of masking load times, Symphony's empty corridors offend us from an interior decoration standpoint. Can you imagine Drac telling his designer "In between the room with the two giant demon dogs and the five-story high floating platform terrace, can we get a ten yard corridor where NOTHING FUCKING HAPPENS? That'll really throw my son off my trail."


5- Metroid Prime 3's slow-opening doors

At first we weren't sure about this one. It seemed like Metroid Prime was glitching. Did the developers forget that when you shoot a door it should open? Eventually we realized that the delay between shooting a door and it opening was, in fact, an improvised loading screen that would have you standing idly by for up to five secods. This occasional, yet unbearable wait became even worse if you were trying to escape an enemy-filled room rather than just running about in a fit of exploration.


4- Assassin's Creed's fog

The first thing that came to our minds when we encountered this screen was, "Oh, how quiant. Yet another unecessary, convoluted plot feature to drag this game down." Instead of having Altair wandering aimlessly through the fog of his memories, they should have just plastered the screen with images of Jade Raymond dressed as a schoolgirl pouting. That would probably make a little more sense. And by "make a little more sense", we mean "make us aroused".


3- Fighting game versus screens

During the days of Street Fighter II, we welcomed versus screens with open arms. Getting to see large, detailed portraits of characters that looked decidedly better than the four-inch sprites in karate getup was a treat and a respite from the fight. Most importantly, they were short, as they didn't buffer any load times. Now, with fighting games leaving the arcade and originating on consoles, we're forced to look at the same characters we've been gazing at for a decade now, except now the versus screens seem to stretch on just a bit too long.


2- Mass Effect's elevators

You know what's worse than suffering through a long elevator ride? Suffering through a long elevator ride knowing that the fate of the entire universe rests in your hands. And yet, that's exactly what you have to do in the Mass Effect. Never mind that it's set thousands of years in the future and that humans have mastered inter-stellar travel: they just can't seem to get a firm grasp on elevator technology.

Yes, we're aware that each area in Mass Effect is huge and the elevator rides are necessary to disguise the fact that they're being loaded but couldn't they have come up with something a bit more inventive? Heck, we would have even settled for a flight of stairs because at least we'd be actively moving around instead of just standing there, staring at the wall.


1- Resident Evil's doors

As far back as we can remember, Resident Evil was the first game to really stylize its loading screens. The suspenseful door scenes were innovative and added a lot to the atmosphere of the original game. But, when we had to traverse the entire map for a single item, we'd play for about an hour, and fifty minutes of that would be spent watching a door slowly creak open. To exploit the door-phobic market they should just rename this game, Resident Evil: Doors.​

http://www.omglists.com/article/46993/8-blatant-loading-screen-cover-ups/

 

[Rocky Miavia]

Stop the milking: Call of Duty 5 to be developed by Treyarch, set in WWII?​

While nothing has been confirmed yet, there's a chance that the next Call of Duty title will be heading back to World War II, because apparently gamers can't get enough of that war in particular.

As discovered by GAMER, the job listings on Treyarch's Web site reveal that the developer is looking for a level builder. What's interesting is one of the qualifications for the opening:

"Working experience with First-Person Shooter or Third-Person Shooter genres (console or PC). And if you’re a fan of World War 2 shooters, then even better!"

Unless Treyarch decides to alter the events of WWII by creating a game featuring bear cavalry and an undead legion of Nazi warriors, you can count me out. I've grown weary of historically accurate war games that bring nothing new to the table in terms of actual gameplay conventions.

I know many of you weren't happy with Treyarch's previous involvement in the Call of Duty franchise (CoD3, Big Red One, and United Offensive), so unless some revolutionary changes are made internally, it's safe to assume that the next Call of Duty game will be just another way for Activision to make easy money off of the series' success so far.

http://www.destructoid.com/stop-the...eveloped-by-treyarch-set-in-wwii--58324.phtml

That's fucking retarded! Call of Duty 4 was a big hit because it was set in modern times with shit that is happening right now. Why beat a dead fuckin horse with another WWII game? "Gamers can't get enough of that war in particular"? Bullshit! Obviously they had enough or CoD4 wouldn't be up for Game of the Year.

 

[Jagi]

Rumor: PS3 exclusively gets Lost Planet Colonies, 360 Black Cloud - Both Street Fighter IV

A Capcom release schedule posted up at Neogaf indicates that the PS3 is set to receive Lost Planet Colonies exclusively while the Xbox 360 will exclusively get Black Cloud. The listings also indicate that the new Street Fighter game will be heading to both platforms.


____________


I have received a new Retailer-List with some new Capcom games.

Wii-Games:

Bionics

Devil Kings 3

Mega Man Scramble Battle

Moto GP 08

We Love Golf

Zack & Wiki 2


DS-Games:

Ace Attorney 3

Ghost & Spy

Horror Adventure

Mega Man Star Force 2 sku 1

Mega Man ZX Advent


X-Box 360:

Bionic Commando

Black Cloud

Moto GP 08

Resident Evil 5

Street Fighter 4


PS3:

Bionic Commando

Lost Planet Colonies

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition

Moto GP 08

Resident Evil 5

Street Fighter 4

 

[Jagi]

Morgan Webb talks gaming's double standards​

As the start of a week-long series on women in the game industry, MTV Multiplayer has a revealing Q&A with Morgan Webb, the curvier half of the hosting duo behind G4's X-Play. While the interview covers a lot of topics, perhaps the most persistent running theme is Webb's ambivalence about her status as a successful, visible female game journalist.

On the one hand, Webb says, "it used to really bother me that men ... would assume that I don't really know what I'm talking about or would know less than a man on the topic." On the other hand, though, Webb acknowledges "I wouldn't be where I am if I were a man, to be honest. I wouldn't be on the show. I wouldn't be writing columns for FHM. I wouldn't be considered just like a rare and interesting... specimen or whatever, if I weren't a woman. So I am where I am because I'm a woman and that's just the way it is."

While Webb is a big booster for the game industry, she says she doesn't necessarily see herself as a spokesperson for 'girl gaming.' "I don't think the world will necessarily be a better place if I get lots of young woman to play video games," she said. "If a woman wants to play video games, more power to her ... but I have a lot of girlfriends who couldn't care less about video games ... and I don't think their lives are missing anything for that."

The lengthy full interview is packed with more of Webb's thoughts on forum trolls, posing for Maxim and the effects of being both one of gaming's most prominent women and a minor TV celebrity. Take a few minutes and give it a read.


http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/morgan-webb-talks-gamings-double-standards/

 

[Jagi]

Marvel Want More Involvement In Marvel Games​

The history of games based on Marvel characters is a patchy one at best, and that's only with Spiderman 2 and the Marvel v Capcom games saving their collective bacon. Perhaps because of this storied history of ineptitude on the part of outside developers, perhaps because the rumours surrounding Marvel Universe might just be true, the comics juggernaut are (according to Develop) about to get a lot more involved in the development of games based on their characters. Whether this comes in the form of in-house supervision of outside production by Marvel staff (the company have long-term deals with Activision, EA and Sega) or will see Marvel move directly into the development scene themselves is unclear. We're thinking the latter, if only because such a move has a precedent (the establishment of the Marvel Studios film division in 2004).

http://kotaku.com/gaming/rumor/marvel-want-more-involvement-in-marvel-games-332234.php

 

[Jagi]

Bizarre Creations Taking On 007?

The latest issue of EGM is hitting subscriber mailboxes now, giving them a proper first look at Street Fighter IV. But the mag's long-running Quartermann-collected rumors are pointing to a new game from Geometry Wars and Project Gotham Racing developer Bizarre Creations. Quartermann writes that Bizarre's new owner, Activision, may already have them hard at work on a new driving title, one set in the James Bond universe. The title could feature "a load of driving elements," something Bizarre knows a thing or two about.

Of course, it's Bond, so gadgetry and missile launching Aston Martins sound like a strong possibility. Bizarre sure knows shooting, too. With the twenty-second Bond picture scheduled for a 2008 release, we might hear more about this rumored project very soon.

 

[Jagi]

X-Play Expands​

What began back in 1998 as GameSpot TV before morphing to Extended Play and finally X-Play is undergoing yet another metamorphosis next month as the focus shifts from reviews to all-around gaming news show beginning on January 14th. Along with their signature video game reviews, the now-daily show expands to include sneak peaks, interviews, game demos, analysis, and straight-up gaming news. Other new features will include Tips and Tricks from Cheat! (Ah, the Pringles gamer guide *snicker* ) and X-Play Gamer Challenges, which will offer viewers compete on the air for fame and prizes.

"I couldn't be more excited about the direction 'X-Play' is taking," said Adam Sessler, host, "X-Play." "Reviews will still be a big part of the show, but now we're going to make sure that viewers are also updated regularly on everything else going on in the world of video games."

We kinda had that covered Adam, but thanks for the assist! Hit the jump for more info, including the new "X-Play Gaming Update Blog", which could save a lot of time by simply linking here.

"X-Play" Jumps to the Next Level with New Enhanced Format Emphasizing Daily, Comprehensive Coverage of the Videogame Industry

New Episodes Featuring Daily Videogame News, Reviews, Interviews, Demos and More Premiere on G4 January 14, 2008 at 8 pm ET/PT

(artwork and interviews available upon request)

LOS ANGELES, December 12, 2007 - First came the next-generation consoles. Then, the next-gen games. Now, gamers have a next-gen TV series. "X-Play," the most-watched videogame series on television, will unveil an all-new and expanded format in 2008 that adds breaking news, demos, videos, interviews and more to the series' celebrated reviews. The updated "X-Play," featuring an all-new look and all-new content, premieres Monday, January 14, 2008 at 8 pm, only on G4.

New, half-hour episodes of "X-Play" will premiere every weeknight at 8 pm, giving viewers a comprehensive update on each day's videogame-related developments, along with a wide range of new features, including behind-the-scenes sneak peeks at games in development; interviews with industry luminaries; live, hands-on demonstrations of games before they hit store shelves and in-depth analysis of the latest videogame trends.

"Over the past few years, the videogame industry has evolved at a rapid pace"said Neal Tiles, president, G4. "The all-new 'X-Play'will provide greater depth of coverage, furtheringits role as television's most watched resource for videogames."

Hosts Morgan Webb and Adam Sessler, who have earned a reputation for delivering smart, entertaining and on-target reviews, will continue as "X-Play" hosts. As part of the series' relaunch, Adam Sessler has also been named G4's Managing Editor, Games Editorial, making him responsible for the show's overall editorial focus.

"I couldn't be more excited about the direction 'X-Play' is taking," said Adam Sessler, host, "X-Play." "Reviews will still be a big part of the show, but now we're going to make sure that viewers are also updated regularly on everything else going on in the world of video games."

"The games, the consoles, the companies and even the players are constantly evolving. So is 'X-Play,'" said Morgan Webb, host, "X-Play." "Every day, we'll give gamers the stories behind the games they love."

In addition to the expanded focus on news and industry trends, new "X-Play" segments and features will include:

* Tips and Tricks from "Cheat!" - "X-Play" will include integration with "Cheat!," G4's videogame tips and tricks series. Each week, host Kristin Holt will deliver the latest updates on achievements, unlockables, level guides, secrets and other cheats from the most popular new games.

* "The MMO Report" - The updated "X-Play" format also includes regular updates from the massively multiplayer online universe. Casey Schreiner, host of g4tv.com's "The MMO Report," will update viewers on the hottest MMO news and trends. Complete episodes of "The MMO Report" will continue to air on g4tv.com.

* "X-Play" Gamer Challenges - Viewers will have a chance to win prizes and compete for gamer pride in an ongoing series of game challenges.

* Hands-On Demos - Gameplay demos will give viewers an exclusive sneak peek at the hottest new games before the titles hit store shelves.

The "X-Play" Web site will undergo significant updates as well, including a new and improved "X-Play" videogame review database featuring thousands of game critiques. A new "X-Play Gaming Update Blog," with up-to-the-minute gaming news, previews and exclusives will also launch, along with a wide variety of more behind-the-scenes features, game trailers and gameplay videos than ever before. "X-Play" will also retain its cutting-edge interactive elements that allow viewers to communicate directly with hosts and other "X-Play" fans. Featured on-screen elements will include live updates highlighting the world's leading gamers as tracked by Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo on their respective consoles.


http://kotaku.com/gaming/gaming-television/x+play-expands-332986.php

 

[Jagi]

Burnout Paradise demo now available​

PRESS RELEASE: Burnout Paradise Demo Now Available

Available now at the PLAYSTATION®STORE and XBOX LIVE™ MARKETPLACE, the downloadable demo will allow players to experience a piece of Paradise City before the game hits retail stores in the UK on January 25, 2008.

Discover jumps, billboards and smashable targets all over Motor City, Big Surf Beach and Ocean View in search of the fastest Burnout Route in the Hunter Cavalry car. Also, attempt your shot at a race and check out the all-new Stunt Run mode. If you’re online, invite up to three friends into your game and connect with them instantly using the EasyDrive online system. Once online, players can work cooperatively to complete three FreeBurn challenges or simply smash each other up and grab their Burnout Mugshots with the PLAYSTATION®Eye and Xbox LIVE™ Vision cameras.

The development team at Criterion pushes the boundaries to make each Burnout game stands on its own – reinventing the franchise with every iteration. The Paradise experience is all about freedom and exploration. The game has been designed to embrace speed, freedom, social online play and spectacular crashing, but now with all new modes, a completely open world and events at every intersection.

So make action your middle name and take to the streets of Paradise City.

 

[Jagi]

Half-Life 3 practically confirmed: About as inevitable as the Seven Hour War​

With Half-Life 2: Episode Three planned to be the grand finale' of the Half-Life 2 story arc, you may be forgiven for wondering what's next in the parade of constant interruptions for the long suffering Gordon Freeman. Well, we can keep wondering, but at least we know there will be (half) life after Episode Three as, quite unsurprisingly, a new sequel is definitely on the cards.

The confirmation came from Valve's Dave Lombardi who simply had this to say:

We haven’t announced anything specific, but Half-Life won’t end at Episode Three – hang on to your crowbars!

So there you have it. Episode Three is not the end of the Half-Life universe, as if there was any doubt it would be. But what will happen? Will the G-Man have a brand new contract for our silent hero? Will Dr. Freeman awake in a different timeline? Will the headcrabs still be annoying as ever? Start your rampant speculation ... NOW!

http://www.destructoid.com/half-lif...-inevitable-as-the-seven-hour-war-59336.phtml

 

[ThaBurgerPimp]

Half-Life 3 practically confirmed: About as inevitable as the Seven Hour War​

With Half-Life 2: Episode Three planned to be the grand finale' of the Half-Life 2 story arc, you may be forgiven for wondering what's next in the parade of constant interruptions for the long suffering Gordon Freeman. Well, we can keep wondering, but at least we know there will be (half) life after Episode Three as, quite unsurprisingly, a new sequel is definitely on the cards.

The confirmation came from Valve's Dave Lombardi who simply had this to say:

We haven’t announced anything specific, but Half-Life won’t end at Episode Three – hang on to your crowbars!

So there you have it. Episode Three is not the end of the Half-Life universe, as if there was any doubt it would be. But what will happen? Will the G-Man have a brand new contract for our silent hero? Will Dr. Freeman awake in a different timeline? Will the headcrabs still be annoying as ever? Start your rampant speculation ... NOW!

http://www.destructoid.com/half-lif...-inevitable-as-the-seven-hour-war-59336.phtml

i kind of figured that that should be half-life 4 since HL3 consisted of eps 1,2 and 3 strung together LOL

 

[Jagi]

Burnout Paradise demo now available​

PRESS RELEASE: Burnout Paradise Demo Now Available

Available now at the PLAYSTATION®STORE and XBOX LIVE™ MARKETPLACE, the downloadable demo will allow players to experience a piece of Paradise City before the game hits retail stores in the UK on January 25, 2008.

Discover jumps, billboards and smashable targets all over Motor City, Big Surf Beach and Ocean View in search of the fastest Burnout Route in the Hunter Cavalry car. Also, attempt your shot at a race and check out the all-new Stunt Run mode. If you’re online, invite up to three friends into your game and connect with them instantly using the EasyDrive online system. Once online, players can work cooperatively to complete three FreeBurn challenges or simply smash each other up and grab their Burnout Mugshots with the PLAYSTATION®Eye and Xbox LIVE™ Vision cameras.

The development team at Criterion pushes the boundaries to make each Burnout game stands on its own – reinventing the franchise with every iteration. The Paradise experience is all about freedom and exploration. The game has been designed to embrace speed, freedom, social online play and spectacular crashing, but now with all new modes, a completely open world and events at every intersection.

So make action your middle name and take to the streets of Paradise City.

Burnout Paradise demo rolls onto Xbox 360, PS3​

EA released a three level demo of the next-gen racer for both PS3 and Xbox 360 on Thursday.​

Available now at the PlayStation Store and Xbox Live Marketplace, the Paradise demo features three playable levels including three-person online play.

We downloaded and compared both versions side-by-side this afternoon, and after a cursory inspection, here's what we know. The PS3 version looks shinier. The Xbox 360 version has rumble. So its pretty much a wash.

More impressive, however, is the games fresh take on the genre. There are no game menus; a voice tutorial helpfully leads the way. It can take a while to get your bearings before running jumps, turning tricks, and winning races, but Paradise show promise in one of the meatiest demos released this year.

http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=152968

 

[Jagi]

A music exec from Sony BMG has crossed over to the videogame industry, joining Assassin’s Creed developer Ubisoft




Ubisoft said Monday that Rick Wilcoxen, Sony BMG Entertainment’s former sr. VP of national sales, would be joining the game maker as the new VP of sales.

He’ll be in charge of managing Ubisoft’s national sales team and expanding the company’s sales organization in the US.

Wilcoxen also worked at BMG before its acquisition by Sony.

He will be reporting directly to Ubisoft sr. VP of sales and marketing Tony Key, who stated, “Ubisoft is excited to have him on board and is looking forward to harnessing Rick’s knowledge and experience to further drive Ubisoft’s success in the North American gaming market.”

Ubisoft recently promoted three of its top North American execs, as the Paris-based game publisher sees growing international success. The firm announced last week that its triple-A November release Assassin's Creed is on track to sell 5 million units in the fiscal year ending in March, up from the previous projection of 3 million.


http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8371&Itemid=2

 

[Jagi]

Very doubtful, i thought so at first and the writing was somewhat on the wall, but after the buyouts of development companies etc, and most recently in the bioware website forums, they dont deny the rumor they flat out say no it will not happen.




____________

Pachter: Mass Effect will come to PS3

Speaking in the latest GT bonus round, analyst Michael Pachter commented that Mass Effect 2 has to come to the Playstation 3 and he wouldn't be shocked if the original also hit the PS3.

quote:

"Trust me, Electronic Arts, when they threw out the 300 million, that is multiplatform, that is not 360 only." Is Mass Effect 2 coming to PLAYSTATION 3? "It has to, I wouldn't be shocked if Mass Effect 1 came to PLAYSTATION 3."


http://onaxis.blogspot.com/2007/12/mass-effect-2-coming-to-ps3-yeah-it-has.html

 

[Chitown]

Very doubtful, i thought so at first and the writing was somewhat on the wall, but after the buyouts of development companies etc, and most recently in the bioware website forums, they dont deny the rumor they flat out say no it will not happen.




____________

Pachter: Mass Effect will come to PS3

Speaking in the latest GT bonus round, analyst Michael Pachter commented that Mass Effect 2 has to come to the Playstation 3 and he wouldn't be shocked if the original also hit the PS3.

quote:

"Trust me, Electronic Arts, when they threw out the 300 million, that is multiplatform, that is not 360 only." Is Mass Effect 2 coming to PLAYSTATION 3? "It has to, I wouldn't be shocked if Mass Effect 1 came to PLAYSTATION 3."


http://onaxis.blogspot.com/2007/12/mass-effect-2-coming-to-ps3-yeah-it-has.html

It's still very unlikely that the first one will come out on the PS3 because MS published the game. Maybe they (EA) could get around that by making it a pack in with the second game? I don't know. Now the next 2 are up for grabs but the rumor section in this months EGM is stating that MS will publish the next 2 games with Bioware and EA listed as developers. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.

 

[Riggz]

Duke Nukem Forever Teaser Releasing Tomorrow; This is Real and We Are Not Shitting You
by Chris Remo Dec 18, 2007 4:26pm CST
NAME Prepare to hail to the king, baby. George Broussard of 3D Realms has confirmed on his company's official forums that a teaser trailer for the long (long, long) awaited Duke Nukem Forever will be released tomorrow around noon Central time.

Though the video is just a minute-long teaser, it will contain gameplay footage, and Broussard promised more on Duke Nukem Forever is on the way. Along with the announcement came a single teaser screenshot of Duke.

"Last Saturday we had our annual company Christmas party. It was a lot of fun as usual but it featured one special surprise," explained Broussard. "It turns out that several people had been secretly working late nights and into the wee hours of the morning preparing a special video for those at the party. They created a short teaser for Duke Nukem Forever. After seeing the teaser we thought it was something we should share with all of you and while it's just a teaser, rest assured more is coming."

Broussard confirmed that Duke Nukem 3D voice actor Jon St. John is returning to play his titular role, and credited noted video game music composers Jeremy and Julian Soule. This will mark the first new Duke Nukem Forever video in six years, when 3D Realms released the now-classic E3 2001 trailer.

http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/50457

 

[Jagi]

GameSpot Previews Turok: On PS3 "it's practically indistinguishable from the Xbox 360"​

GameSpot writes: "Not only did we get to see a lot more of the single-player campaign and to play on previously unseen multiplayer maps, but we were also afforded our first look at the game's co-op and "wargames" modes. We should also mention that this was our first opportunity to see Turok running on the PlayStation 3, and we're pleased to report that it's practically indistinguishable from the Xbox 360 version."

 

[Chitown]

Duke Nukem Forever Teaser Releasing Tomorrow; This is Real and We Are Not Shitting You
by Chris Remo Dec 18, 2007 4:26pm CST
NAME Prepare to hail to the king, baby. George Broussard of 3D Realms has confirmed on his company's official forums that a teaser trailer for the long (long, long) awaited Duke Nukem Forever will be released tomorrow around noon Central time.

Though the video is just a minute-long teaser, it will contain gameplay footage, and Broussard promised more on Duke Nukem Forever is on the way. Along with the announcement came a single teaser screenshot of Duke.

"Last Saturday we had our annual company Christmas party. It was a lot of fun as usual but it featured one special surprise," explained Broussard. "It turns out that several people had been secretly working late nights and into the wee hours of the morning preparing a special video for those at the party. They created a short teaser for Duke Nukem Forever. After seeing the teaser we thought it was something we should share with all of you and while it's just a teaser, rest assured more is coming."

Broussard confirmed that Duke Nukem 3D voice actor Jon St. John is returning to play his titular role, and credited noted video game music composers Jeremy and Julian Soule. This will mark the first new Duke Nukem Forever video in six years, when 3D Realms released the now-classic E3 2001 trailer.

http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/50457

They could have shown some gameplay in that trailer .... To me its still vapor ware until it comes out.

 

[LennyNero1972]

Half-Life 3 practically confirmed: About as inevitable as the Seven Hour War​

With Half-Life 2: Episode Three planned to be the grand finale' of the Half-Life 2 story arc, you may be forgiven for wondering what's next in the parade of constant interruptions for the long suffering Gordon Freeman. Well, we can keep wondering, but at least we know there will be (half) life after Episode Three as, quite unsurprisingly, a new sequel is definitely on the cards.

The confirmation came from Valve's Dave Lombardi who simply had this to say:

We haven’t announced anything specific, but Half-Life won’t end at Episode Three – hang on to your crowbars!

So there you have it. Episode Three is not the end of the Half-Life universe, as if there was any doubt it would be. But what will happen? Will the G-Man have a brand new contract for our silent hero? Will Dr. Freeman awake in a different timeline? Will the headcrabs still be annoying as ever? Start your rampant speculation ... NOW!

http://www.destructoid.com/half-lif...-inevitable-as-the-seven-hour-war-59336.phtml

Suprised to hear that. Gabe Newell swore up and down Valve had wrapped this up with the episodes. Oh well, I guess the challenge using new technologies beckons the team. So I'm assuming they'll be using the Source 2 engine.

 

[ThaBurgerPimp]

Duke Nukem Forever Teaser Releasing Tomorrow; This is Real and We Are Not Shitting You
by Chris Remo Dec 18, 2007 4:26pm CST
NAME Prepare to hail to the king, baby. George Broussard of 3D Realms has confirmed on his company's official forums that a teaser trailer for the long (long, long) awaited Duke Nukem Forever will be released tomorrow around noon Central time.

Though the video is just a minute-long teaser, it will contain gameplay footage, and Broussard promised more on Duke Nukem Forever is on the way. Along with the announcement came a single teaser screenshot of Duke.

"Last Saturday we had our annual company Christmas party. It was a lot of fun as usual but it featured one special surprise," explained Broussard. "It turns out that several people had been secretly working late nights and into the wee hours of the morning preparing a special video for those at the party. They created a short teaser for Duke Nukem Forever. After seeing the teaser we thought it was something we should share with all of you and while it's just a teaser, rest assured more is coming."

Broussard confirmed that Duke Nukem 3D voice actor Jon St. John is returning to play his titular role, and credited noted video game music composers Jeremy and Julian Soule. This will mark the first new Duke Nukem Forever video in six years, when 3D Realms released the now-classic E3 2001 trailer.

http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/50457

saw that..i mean after who knows how many decades that game was in development and thats what they came up with..? lol

 

[Jagi]

IGN editor married to Nintendo PR executive, 'plaguing' the gaming industry?

A gaming site says that they are able to confirm that IGN Nintendo editor Matt Casamassina is married to Golin Harris Vice President Edie Kissko, Golin serves as Nintendo's PR firm. While the site that revealed this informations says they have no interest in personal affairs, they say it is important as undisclosed conflicts plaguing the integrity of the game industry simply can not be ignored.

quote:

When game media outlets and publishers taint product coverage it hurts the industry as a whole. Gamers should not tolerate this type of gross irresponsibility. It is also completely unfair to the game publications and publishers that do practice integrity and sound business principle. Frankly, we are tired of seeing reputable industry outlets dragged into the mud due to the careless actions of others. Let’s face it, a newspaper dining critic would not be allowed to review a restaurant his/her spouse managed. If the publication was aware of the potential for conflict of interest, the journalist would most likely not even be allowed to review any restaurants in town. This is basic journalistic integrity consumers expect. The game industry deserves nothing less.

Needless to say, we are disappointed with IGN.com. However, we do want to offer some advice to the network to remedy this situation. First, we strongly urge IGN to not make the network editor a scapegoat in an effort to save face. It is the network’s responsibility to deal with these issues, not the employee. Furthermore, IGN.com should issue a public statement to its readers regarding the conflict of interest. Also, the Nintendo editor should be assigned editorial coverage that does not conflict with his/her personal relationship. We strongly urge Golin Harris/Nintendo to take similar measures on its end.

We contacted IGN and Golin Harris representatives as well as the individuals directly involved but have yet to receive an Official comment. VGMWatch will continue to investigate this story and any other conflicts of interest that come to our attention.




http://vgmwatch.com/?p=1132

 

[Jagi]

Gran Turismo only makes it to number 3 in Japan

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue has made it to number three in the Japanese charts in its debut week, selling 116,000 copies. Its the only PS3 game in the top twenty and the remaining top 10 spots are taken up by DS and Wii titles. Mario Party DS is at number one with 180,000 units sold, while Wii Fit is in second place with 124,000 units sold.



quote:

1. Mario Party DS (DS)

2. Wii Fit (Wii)

3. Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (PS3)

4. Prof. Layton and Pandora's Box (DS)

5. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)

6. Dragon Quest IV (DS)

7. Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games (Wii)

8. Wi Sports (Wii)

9. Wii Play (Wii)

10. Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon: The Labyrinth of Forgotten Time (Wii)

11. World Soccer Winning Eleven 2008 (PS2)

12. Mario Party 8 (Wii)

13. Powerful Pro-kun Pocket 10 (DS)

14. Kirarin Revolution (DS)

15. Pokemon Mysterious Dungeon: Time Expedition Party (DS)

16. Mario Kart DS (DS)

17. Taiko Drum Master (DS)

18. Pokemon Mysterious Dungeon: Shadow Expedition Party (DS)

18. Hot Shots Golf Portable 2 (PSP)

20. SD Gundam G Generation Spirits (PS2)



http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=31717

 

[Jagi]

Ubisoft reveals first details on Rainbow Six Vegas 2

UBISOFT STAKES FIRST DETAILS FOR TOM CLANCY'S RAINBOW SIX® VEGAS 2

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM— 20th December, 2007 — Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced the first details for Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Vegas 2, currently in production for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows. Scheduled for a March 2008 release and developed by Ubisoft’s award-winning Montreal studio, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is the sixth iteration of the multimillion-selling Rainbow Six tactical shooter franchise and follow-up to the highly successful and award-winning Rainbow Six Vegas.




Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is the last chance for gamers to rescue America’s sexiest city from an escalating terrorist siege that will impose heart-pounding action from beginning to end. The best are back and this time winner takes all. The highly-anticipated sequel to the recipient of numerous awards, including 2006’s Best First Person Shooter and Best Online Game, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2 will push the top-selling franchise to new heights with new gameplay features and groundbreaking co-op and multiplayer modes.

Product Highlights:
• More Multiplayer – The highly acclaimed multiplayer mode in Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas has been upgraded to include 13 new maps with more intense face-offs, two new adversarial modes, more rewards, and easier access to matches using the improved and intuitive matchmaking system.

• Unprecedented Customizable Experience – Create your own identity that persists through both the single player and multiplayer modes and progresses along with you. Reap the benefits of your single player rewards in multiplayer and vice versa.

• Vastly Improved Co-op Mode – Turn single player mode into co-op mode at any time, just by jumping into the game. Now you and a friend can jump into a single player game and assist without any change to the story. The single player maps and storyline were created with co-op in mind, meaning every map has multiple entry points and the story is unaffected.

• Challenging AI – The AI is more challenging than ever. Now, the terrorists are equipped with thermal vision, night vision, and shields – not to mention a multitude of varying tactics – all of which are guaranteed to give you a new playing experience every time you go into battle. As you progress within the game, you’ll be able to outsmart your enemies by taking advantage of intelligence opportunities, such as thermal scanning.

• New Weapons and Armor – Take down the terrorists more effectively using 11 new weapons. New camouflage, clothing and gear allow for the ultimate customizations.

• More Vegas – Sin City is back and bigger than before. Explore all new Vegas hot spots and the gritty back streets creating a visual experience that is as challenging as it is breathtaking.

 

[ThaBurgerPimp]

Ubisoft reveals first details on Rainbow Six Vegas 2

UBISOFT STAKES FIRST DETAILS FOR TOM CLANCY'S RAINBOW SIX® VEGAS 2

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM— 20th December, 2007 — Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced the first details for Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Vegas 2, currently in production for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows. Scheduled for a March 2008 release and developed by Ubisoft’s award-winning Montreal studio, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is the sixth iteration of the multimillion-selling Rainbow Six tactical shooter franchise and follow-up to the highly successful and award-winning Rainbow Six Vegas.




Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is the last chance for gamers to rescue America’s sexiest city from an escalating terrorist siege that will impose heart-pounding action from beginning to end. The best are back and this time winner takes all. The highly-anticipated sequel to the recipient of numerous awards, including 2006’s Best First Person Shooter and Best Online Game, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2 will push the top-selling franchise to new heights with new gameplay features and groundbreaking co-op and multiplayer modes.

Product Highlights:
• More Multiplayer – The highly acclaimed multiplayer mode in Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas has been upgraded to include 13 new maps with more intense face-offs, two new adversarial modes, more rewards, and easier access to matches using the improved and intuitive matchmaking system.

• Unprecedented Customizable Experience – Create your own identity that persists through both the single player and multiplayer modes and progresses along with you. Reap the benefits of your single player rewards in multiplayer and vice versa.

• Vastly Improved Co-op Mode – Turn single player mode into co-op mode at any time, just by jumping into the game. Now you and a friend can jump into a single player game and assist without any change to the story. The single player maps and storyline were created with co-op in mind, meaning every map has multiple entry points and the story is unaffected.

• Challenging AI – The AI is more challenging than ever. Now, the terrorists are equipped with thermal vision, night vision, and shields – not to mention a multitude of varying tactics – all of which are guaranteed to give you a new playing experience every time you go into battle. As you progress within the game, you’ll be able to outsmart your enemies by taking advantage of intelligence opportunities, such as thermal scanning.

• New Weapons and Armor – Take down the terrorists more effectively using 11 new weapons. New camouflage, clothing and gear allow for the ultimate customizations.

• More Vegas – Sin City is back and bigger than before. Explore all new Vegas hot spots and the gritty back streets creating a visual experience that is as challenging as it is breathtaking.

teaser
[FLASH]http://www.gametrailers.com/remote_wrap.php?mid=29095[/FLASH]

images http://media.xbox360.ign.com/media/142/14220053/imgs_1.html

 

[Jagi]

Guitar Hero III mobile available exclusively to Verizon

PRESS RELEASE: Verizon Wireless Customers can Rock Out With the Guitar Hero® III Mobile Game

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 20, 2007 - Verizon Wireless, the leading wireless company with the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, Hands-On Mobile, Inc., the world's leading developer of connected games and applications, and Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced the exclusive availability of the Guitar Hero III mobile game to Verizon Wireless customers.

Guitar Hero III Mobile allows rockers to jam anytime, anywhere to the same stunning graphics, high-quality audio and addictive gameplay that fans of the wildly popular console series have come to expect. Featuring four authentic guitars and three venues, the game challenges players to hit number keys in sync with colored notes that appear on a scrolling fret board.

Guitar Hero III for mobile offers 15 tracks from the Guitar Hero® console series, including "Suck My Kiss" (by Red Hot Chili Peppers) and "Rock You Like A Hurricane" (as made famous by The Scorpions), and offers Verizon Wireless customers the opportunity to expand their repertoire with new song packs that become available each month.

Verizon Wireless customers can purchase Guitar Hero III Mobile in the Get Fun & Games shopping aisle in the Get It Now® virtual store. It is available for $4.49 monthly access or $11.99 for unlimited use purchase. Verizon Wireless customers can get Guitar Hero III Mobile on an array of popular Get It Now-capable phones, including the MOTORIZR™ Z6tv, Chocolate™ by LG and the Verizon Wireless Gleam™ by Samsung. Download charges for Get It Now applications vary and airtime or megabyte charges may apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications. Customers need a Get It Now- enabled handset and Verizon Wireless digital service to access the Get It Now virtual store.