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Archived News:
A post to the Blue's
News Message Board by Digitalo's Vic DeLeon has word that a patch is in the
works to address a couple of issues that have surfaced in the new Devastation
multiplayer demo: Digitalo is working on a patch which will address most
of the technical, gameplay, and audio issues that have been reported in the
Devastation MP Demo within the past eighteen hours. It's a little too soon to
construct a valid ETA yet, but rest assured that the team is thoroughly
committed to this, and will work as fast as they can to resolve as much as
possible, as quickly as possible, for all versions of the game, demo and retail.
We appreciate all the feedback, and encourage you to continue posting your
issues in the DevastationGame.com forums. Please make sure to be as specific as
possible, and provide us with your system specs every time you post a bug.
Thanks again for your support.
- Live For Speed
A demo test 0.2 of Live for Speed
is now available (thanks KiDCoDEa) offering an updated taste of this driving
game. The demo is a 46 MB download, and a mirror is up on Gamer's
Hell.
- Fighter Ace Trial
FilePlanet
(subscription required) is offering another of their subscriber exclusive dealies, providing
their paid customers first crack at the trial version of Fighter Ace 3.5.
The trial version will be freely released next week, but in the meantime,
will not run without a unique CD key generated for FP subscribers.
- Big Mutha Truckers
There's a new Big Mutha Truckers demo on Empire Interactive's FTP server offering a two level sampling of Eutechnyx' upcoming truck racing game. The download is a big mutha at 147 MB, which can be found mirrored on
3D Gamers, Gamer's Hell and Worthplaying.
A
post to a thread called "With baited breath, I say" on the DropShip
Command Forums by FASA Studios' "Von" paints an uncertain picture
of the future of the MechWarrior franchise, indicating that for the moment they
have decided to discontinue plans for MechWarrior 5, but they do plan to
"re-invent" the franchise. Here's the significant portion: Over
the past few months there has been plenty of speculation, email, and pleas for
information regarding the future of the PC MechWarrior franchise, namely
MechWarrior 5. Although an exceptional effort was made by an extremely creative
and talented development team, we have decided not to continue the development
of the project at this time. There were several factors in this decision, but
most prevalent was our concern that we were not advancing the genre enough to
meet and exceed our customer's expectations. Please know that this was a very
difficult decision, but one we felt was in the best interests of our customers.
We deeply love the Mechwarrior franchise, and are committed to keeping it alive.
Our plan is to re-invent Mechwarrior in a way that brings a fresh experience to
our devoted customers and new fans alike. We would like to thank all of you for
your continued support of the Mechwarrior 4 series of games, and greatly
appreciate all the feedback we've received on our games. We are intensely
focused on delivering outstanding game experiences, and rest assured we are
working feverishly on some wonderful next-generation games.
The first of the planned frequent updates to the Neverwinter Nights Linux Client
Public Beta is now online, as BioWare has released beta 2 of the NWN Linux
client. The promised server browsing and chat functions did not make it in this
time, and are again promised with the next beta. Resources from a full Windows
installation and a valid CD key are required to run the Linux version. Also, the
first release of a dedicated Linux server for Operation Flashpoint: Resistance
is now available on this Operation Flashpoint Downloads
Page, where there are a bunch of other version 1.91 patches for the game
that are also listed as "new," though these are the exact same patches
that were released in December of last year ( story) only now the
"beta" designation has been removed. Likewise, the new version 1.91
Windows dedicated server is the same as the version 1.90 server that was also
released last year ( story) with a new version number. As with the
Linux NWN client, running the Linux Resistance server still requires the
resources from the Windows version of the game.
- Condition Zero
Gamehelper's
Counter Strike: Condition Zero Q&A chats with Ritual's Levelord, talking about Condition Zero, the upcoming
Counter Strike game, describing how the game has improved from the "lump
of steamy manure" that they demonstrated at the CPL event.
- DX2: Invisible War
The Deus Ex: Invisible War
Q&A on ActionTrip talks with several members of the development team
on ION Storm's upcoming Deus Ex sequel asking some detailed questions of
each about their individual areas of expertise.
- 1503 A.D.
Fragland.net's
Anno 1503 Interview is a video for download, featuring a conversation
with Wolfgang Duhr, international marketing manager at SUNFLOWERS.
HomeLan Fed is
reporting having confirmed that due to its large size, the upcoming PC release
of Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
will be on DVD-ROM only, with no CD-ROM distribution planned at all.
A new version 1.3 of the Thievery
modification for Unreal Tournament is now available (thanks HomeLan
Fed) adding new maps and equipment along with tweaks and bug fixes to this
homage to the Thief series of stealthy games.
Digital Illusions has released a new map for Battlefield 1942, their WW2
first-person shooter. The map is called Operation Aberdeen, and it features an
all-armor battle in the desert. The 16 MB client file is available for download
from 3D Gamers, Battlefield1942Files,
FilePlanet
(registration required), FileShack
(registration required), Fragland.net,
Happy Puppy
(registration required), and Worthplaying,
while there is also an 11 MB file that server operators need in order to run the
level, available from 3D Gamers,
Battlefield1942Files,
FilePlanet
(registration required), FileShack (registration required), Fragland.net,
Happy Puppy
(registration required), and Worthplaying.
Word on gameplay in the map is: "There are 5 points to capture, and players
will need to secure both outposts, and the area around the central town to
ensure victory."
Strategy First and Techland send word that they are now accepting applications
for the open beta test of Chrome, their upcoming science fiction tactical
shooter. Here is the Application Form
to sign-up for the beta, which is planned to run from April 7 through May 9, and
here is a bit about the game: "Chrome is a tactical shooter that brings a
new twist to the FPS genre with its unique combination of established FPS
standards and truly innovative elements. Players take on the role of Logan, and
using a system of implants, are able to alter his abilities in order to survive
the 14+ action-packed missions. Logan will take part in breathtaking chases in
futuristic vehicles, become a silent assassin striking at unwitting enemies, and
use his heavy plasma gun and implant enhanced muscles to storm through enemy
lines."
Shrapnel Games sends word that
their space merchant sequel Interstellar Trader 2 is now
available for online ordering through their website. In their words: "The
sequel features all the same addictive, freeform game play as the original, with
more choices, graphics and special features!"
CITY interactive Announces Project Earth 2
is the press release announcing plans for a sequel to the space-based RTS
gameplay of Lemon Interactive's Project Earth. Here's the brief description CITY
interactive (the Polish developer/publisher created by Lemon) sends along:
"The 3D space strategy Project Earth 2 is packed with action and fight
scenes accessed through an extremely simple and clear user interface. With an
innovative storyline and richly detailed graphics, it represents a technological
step forward in the space RTS genre." Included with the announcement are the
first bits of concept art and a couple of screenshots. Development has been
underway since last year, and the game is expected to be released by the end of
this year. Update: The game's
official website has also already launched, offering a third (or the first,
depending on your perspective) new screenshot.
The multiplayer demo for Devastation, Digitalo's now-gold FPS has been released.
Word is: "The demo lets gamers play Devastation’s 'Streetwar' (just like
Deathmatch) and Capture the Flag game types over a LAN or online. It features
two amazingly detailed environments, the Embarcadero Depot, and the abandoned
Union Rail Yard. The maps are stocked with amazing weapons, including the
powerful P*Laser and the remote-controlled Rat Drone. Check out the physics in
Devastation. They can be enabled at the server level, giving players the ability
to pick up and throw objects at opponents. Also at the server level is the
ability to set up Arcade or Simulation type gameplay, giving players more choice
and appealing to fans of both styles of play." The file is a 177 MB
download, and mirrors can be found on 3D Gamers,
Computer Games Online,
DevastationFiles.com,
FilePlanet
(registration required), FileShack (registration required), Fragland.net,
Gamehelper,
Gamer's Hell,
Happy Puppy
(registration required),
and Worthplaying.
Update: There is also now a European version of the demo, available on Fragland.net.
The demo version of Purge is now available, providing a sample of Freeform
Interactive's gold online shooter/role-playing game. The demo is a 73 MB
download, offering a single level, Riley's Gap, and the chance to play as
any of the game's eight character classes. The file can be found on the
mirrors listed on
their downloads page.
There's a preview of Tropico 2: Pirate Cove on GameSpy.com
talking about Frog City's upcoming strategy sequel that puts the player in the
role of a pirate leader. They discuss all the pirating, grogging and wenching of
gameplay, saying: "All in all, this would be a good time for strategy
gamers to buckle their swashes and strap on their eye-patches."
- Xenus
GameSpyDaily's
Xenus Q&A chats with Sergey Zabaryansky and Alexander Khrutsky of
Deep Shadows about Xenus, their upcoming first-person shooter/role-playing
game combo.
- Dransik
RPG Vault's Dransik
Q&A talks with Asylumsoft's Jason Ely about Dransik, their
just-launched "fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game
that provides players with a detailed and interactive world full of
dangerous creatures and fabulous treasure."
- Raven Shield
Clan World Network's
Raven Shield Q&A talks with the developers of the recently released
Rainbow Six tactical shooter, learning about plans to patch the recent
Unreal-engine exploit (story), the possibilities of an
add-on, and more.
- Nosferatu: The Wrath of Malachi
HomeLan Fed's Nosferatu: The Wrath of Malachi
Q&A talks with Stefan Ljungqvist of Idol FX who introduces up to
plans for their upcoming vampire-themed first-person shooter, discussing
their random level generation and offering extensive detail about enemies,
weapons, gameplay, and more.
- The Sydney Mystery
The Sydney
Mystery Q&A on PC Gameworld talking with Twilight Software's Brendan
Reville about their first person full-motion video mystery adventure game.
- DVD Games?
HomeLan
Fed's DVD PC Games Q&A talks with several game developers and publishers
about the glacial pace of the switchover from CDs to DVDs as the delivery
medium for games.
- Blood Transfusion
Devoted
to the cause on Gameindustry.com is a Q&A with Tim Hale, producer on
the Blood Transfusion Project, a volunteer effort to revive and update Monolith's
classic shooter Blood, using the original game assets and the publicly
available Quake source code.
Action Vault's
Will Rock Development Report #1 is penned (or typed, rather) by Saber
Interactive's Matthew Karch and Anton Krupkin who discuss plans for their "mythologically-themed
shooter" based on the exploits of Willford Rockwell. They give an overview
of the project, saying: "Our goal for Will Rock, from the very beginning,
has been to create something that is fast, fun and visually gorgeous. We were
not looking to reinvent the genre, just to create a game that, in the style of
great fast-paced shooters of the past, looks great and is a lot of fun to
play."
Galactic Civilizations Bonus Pak Page
has details on the first in the promised ( story) series of free
content updates for the space strategy game. Here's the deal on the pack,
planned for release the day the game is available: "The BonusPak includes
new features to Galactic Civilizations itself, game play tweaks to the game to
make it more fun for new users and more challenging for expert players,
additional technologies, random events, starships, starbase modules, and
more."
Maxis sends word that The Sims for the Xbox and for the Nintendo GameCube have
each gone gold and are scheduled for release on March 24. Also, a story on Computer and Video Games
offers a winter European release date for Final Fantasy X-2 (they really should
consider ditching the "final" title for a game with so many sequels),
and in a twist for them, attempt to debunk rumors of a FFX-3, rather than
initiate them. There are Clone Wars multiplayer
impressions on GameSpot with a look at the upcoming Xbox Star Wars game.
A Beat4Breed soundtrack contest has
been announced, offering the opportunity for musical types to contribute to the
soundtrack of Breed, Brat Designs' upcoming science fiction shooter. Thanks Breedplayers.
- Geneforge 2
has been announced, with SpiderWeb Software saying the RPG sequel will be
released this summer for both Windows and Macs...
- ZUXXEZ Entertainment sends word that they are opening a new U.S.
office to manage their North American PR and marketing projects...
- Sojourn Development announces it will
employ technology from Butterfly.net
and NDL to power their upcoming MMOG
Glympse (slated to launch Q4 2004). Word is: "Glympse will be able to
support hundreds of thousands of users inhabiting the same virtual planet."...
Study suggests spam-stopping tricks
has tips on how to avoid having your email address picked up by those who would inundate
you with all those valuable offers, and of course the huge cash prizes you're
due in spite of not entering to win anything. It's far too late for me
(save yourselves!) to protect against this, but I'm playing around with a tool called Ella
that helps fight the scourge of spam simply by filtering suspect mail into separate folders. It's only been a short
time, but it seems to be working pretty well already, and the beta download is
free, requiring only that you provide your email address. And of course the neat
thing is that if they use that to sell your email to a mailing list, you'll
already be set to filter out the resulting spam.
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