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Archived News:
The Kylotonn Entertainment
Website (thanks Frans) announces Invasion, an upcoming RPG in the works from
the folks developing Bet on Soldier. The site includes the first screenshot, and
the following description: Invasion is an adventure and action game which
takes place in a non-fantastic medieval world, where a young caporal is going to
fight to take back his kingdom. To achieve this goal, the main character will
have to use his communications skills, by adapting his clothes and attitude in
function of the persons he will meet. Using this ability, he will gain trust of
people and organize an army to fight back the oppressor.
Invasion features varied gameplay to ensure a great experience for the player,
where he will fight entire armies of medieval age knights.
Invasion is currently in pre-production at Kylotonn entertainment.
The
Middle-Earth MW Forums (thanks
PlanetCNC Forums and Ant) have indications that a patch is on the way for
Command & Conquer Generals: Zero Hour courtesy of
EA Aaron Community Manager Apoc: For
example, we are releasing a minor patch for Zero Hour within the next week that
addresses the few bugs which the last patch did not address or tweaked in the
wrong way. GLA bug, have you heard of that one? It's a very small patch in
comparison to the previous, but alas, it still must be 100% clean and sent
through CQC. It's a drawn out process, but the reason being is it assures
anything coming from our studio goes through many testing phases, instead of
just one.
A new Pariah movie is now available, showing off the rocket launcher from
Digital Extremes' upcoming first-person shooter. The clip can be found on
3D Gamers,
Filerush (torrent),
GameSpot, and
Worthplaying.
Also, a new Still Life movie contradicts that title by showing Microďds'
upcoming adventure game in motion, the 4 MB download is available on
3D Gamers,
FileFront, and
Worthplaying. Finally, The Pacific Storm Website
now features a new "GameplayReel#2" from Pacific Storm, Lesta Studio's upcoming World War II
action/strategy game. The clip is mirrored on
3D Gamers,
FileFront, and Gamer's
Hell.
Groove
Games now offers downloads of a new version 1.02 patch for Combat Task Force
121 (thanks Frans). Word is: "Version 1.02 addresses the following... 3D + EAX
sound support added to the Audio menu... Dedicated server now runs in GUI window
and is much more stable."
Steam News
(thanks Frans) has news of a Source SDK update that offers a new hl2mp character
model sample, bandwidth optimizations, and bug fixes. Word is: "A Source SDK
update is available and will be applied automatically when Steam is restarted."
- Todd Hollenshead
The
DOOM 3 Launch
Coverage on FileFront includes a video interview with id Software CEO
Todd Hollenshead. The lengthy Q&A covers Xbox DOOM 3 and the Resurrection of
Evil expansion (shot in a unique AcrossTheRoomCAM).
- City of Villains
The
City of Villains QA
on IGN slips the golden lasso around Jack Emmert to discuss the upcoming
City of Heroes expansion: "The City of Villains is the infamous Rogue Isles,
controlled by the villain group Arachnos. The Rogue Isles were once a French
colony, but they were quickly converted into a haven for pirates. Despite
the Rogue Isles' reputation, nations found it convenient to have "law free"
zone in the Atlantic, so the Isles acquired UN status. As you can see we've
got a backstory as deep and rich as that of Paragon City."
- Bet on Soldier
Fragland.net's
Bet on Soldier Q&A rolls the dice with Kylotonn to learn more about
their upcoming first-person shooter: "Bet on Soldier takes place in 1964.
The First World War has been Raging for 50 years, the war has become a
reality-show, and betting on battles has become the major form of
entertainment. This reality show is called Bet on Soldier. You play Nolan, a
soldier who wants to find out the truth about his wife's murder. His only
clue is that he saw bos champions on the day she died. To discover the
truth, he decides to enter the BoS..."
The Quantic
Dream Website (thanks Tiscali Games) has word that Omikron 2 is in development,
confirming recent rumors to that effect ( story). The update also
reveals development of another new game called Infraworld. Here's the
deal: Quantic Dream is finalizing initial design documents for two
next-generation projects: OMIKRON 2, the sequel to Quantic Dream's first PC hit,
and INFRAWORLD, a new franchise.
Both projects are aimed at X-Box 2, PS3 consoles and for PC and will be
developed on Quantic Dream's proprietary next gen' engine. The later will offer
enhanced physics capabilities through a recently signed partnership with NOVODEX
and a range of action orientated features. Talks are also being finalized with
major middleware creators to integrate enhanced AI capabilities. More news
soon…
ATI Technologies now offers downloads of
new version 5.4 CATALYST reference drivers for RADEON
accelerators. Here's word on what the new version provides: 1) Updates to
WHQL (no asterisks here)CATALYST driver for Windows XP and Windows 2000
1A) Updates to CATALYST CONTROL CENTER for WindowsXP and Windows 2000 (If you
have your PC hooked up to an HDTV, or if you want to try that scenario make sure
you download this and check out the new HDTV Wizard) - Check out the email
attachment for a screen shot of it.
2) Initial Microsoft Certified (WHQL) driver for Windows XP x64 Edition - with
some pretty good performance gains from our beta drivers
3) Updates to CATALYST Linux driver - with lots of good fixes
4) Updates to CATALYST - Multimedia Center software - the legacy of ATI's video
software keeps getting stronger.
This members-only page
on the Dungeons & Dragons Online Community Forums has info on how to apply
to alpha test Turbine's upcoming MMO D&D RPG. Reading the post, much less
applying to be a tester, requires registering for the forum, which can be
done here. Word
is: "The official Alpha start date will be announced soon. We will be inviting
players into the Alpha on a regular basis once it begins."
Activision announces that Infinity Ward is set to return us to the battlefields
of World war II with Call of Duty 2, a sequel to their military shooter:
ACTIVISION'S INFINITY WARD IN DEVELOPMENT ON CALL OF DUTY 2
Santa Monica, CA - April 7, 2005 - Attention soldiers! Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq:
ATVI) and acclaimed developer Infinity Ward are back in action with Call of Duty
2(tm), an all new epic title which delivers an unparalleled portrayal of the
chaos and intensity that was World War II. The sequel to the award-winning Call
of Duty(tm), Call of Duty 2 is powered by a proprietary new engine featuring
striking new visuals, advanced A.I. technology, the most realistic squad combat
and explosive action in new historic campaigns. The title is scheduled for
release this fall and is not yet rated by the ESRB.
Call of Duty 2 lets players experience four individual soldier stories as they
overcome insurmountable odds in multiple campaigns. Players have the freedom to
follow each of the four storylines through for the ultimate character-driven
experience, or they can engage in the historic battles chronologically for quick
hitting action.
Infinity Ward, creator of the blockbuster, original Call of Duty, has also
expanded the scope of combat to deliver a truly realistic battlefield
experience. Squads now have the freedom to take on a variety of mission
objectives, on expansive battlefields that allow for multiple paths and the
ability to utilize actual combat tactics like outflanking and fire and maneuver
capabilities.
Call of Duty 2's new engine and A.I. technology set the stage for authentic
squad combat and astonishing action. Concealment can be key as battlefield smoke
or even deployed smoke grenades cloud visibility. Weather effects such as the
dusty sandstorms of North Africa and whiteout blizzard conditions of Russia, for
example, will keep soldiers glued to their bunkers. The team has also employed a
state-of-the-art Battle Chatter System that brings the action to life as
squad-mates bark out context-sensitive updates in real-time to players through
an advanced A.I. system.
"Our team at Infinity Ward is committed to thrusting gamers into the heat of
battle like no other, taking players on a thrill-ride of adrenaline that leaves
everyone gasping for air," states Grant Collier, president, Infinity Ward. "In
Call of Duty 2, we are creating the most intense and realistic action game
imaginable with a stunning visual atmosphere and an advanced technology that
delivers an unprecedented level of authenticity."
Majesco Opens the Door
On Multiple Promotions in Support of April 19th Launch Of 'Psychonauts' Video
Game (thanks Frans) is a bit of marketeering for Psychonauts, the upcoming
"psychic odyssey" from Double-Fine Productions. The article focuses on plans to
promote the game, but it also offers the off-hand indication that the game must
be nearly complete for the PC and Xbox, if it is not actually gold already.
Here's that part: Psychonauts is scheduled to ship April 19th for the
Xbox® video game system from Microsoft and PC, and for the Sony PlayStation®2
computer entertainment system in late spring.
Catdaddy Games
announces plans for American Civil War: Gettysburg, an upcoming budget
turn-based strategy game set during the pivotal conflict of the war between the
states (thanks Frans). The site offers a bunch of screenshots, and here's the
deal on the game: American Civil War: Gettysburg brings this legendary
and epic battle to life on your PC. Lead the Confederate army as they fight
their way into the heart of the northern aggressor or take command of the Union
forces as they hold fast against the rebel invaders. Immerse yourself in the
action, as detailed 3D battlegrounds capture the realism and grandeur inspired
by such famous conflicts as Little Roundtop and Picket’s Charge. Then secure
your place in the annals of history, as you lead your forces against other
armchair generals in intense multiplayer action.
• Immerse yourself in the intense action as you relive the
battle of Gettysburg. Fight your way across detailed 3D landscapes, created from
actual maps of the battlefield.
• Take command of both the Union and Confederate forces and
battle through a 16-mission campaign, inspired by historical engagements of the
battle.
• Out maneuver and out flank your enemy using an array of
troops, including infantry soldiers, fast moving cavalry, and ground shaking
artillery.
• Includes a detailed reference section - historical
documents, pictures, and more.
• Hone your skills against other armchair generals in
multiplayer battles via a LAN, over the Internet, or play by e-mail.
Eidos plc Offer Update
Unanimous Recommendation of SCi Offer has the latest on SCi's efforts to
acquire Eidos: Taking these factors into consideration, the Board, who
has been so advised by UBS Investment Bank ("UBS"), its financial adviser,
consider that the terms of the SCi Offer are fair and reasonable. Accordingly,
the Board unanimously recommends to Eidos shareholders that they accept the SCi
Offer. In providing advice to the Board, UBS has taken into account the
commercial assessments of the Board.
Mojo StormStout's Warcraft III Strategy
Guide (thanks Frans) has word that Blizzard has borrowed the banning stick
back from SOE and used it on a bunch of Warcraft III Battle.net
accounts: A number of additional accounts and CD keys have been tied to
the use of a hack or cheat program while playing Warcraft III on Battle.net. In
keeping with our aggressive stance against cheating, we have permanently closed
5,900 Warcraft III accounts. 2,300 of the Warcraft III CD keys used with the
now-closed accounts have been banned from ladder play for one month, and 500
more have been banned from ladder play permanently. Repeat offenders risk having
their CD keys disabled, which will result in the permanent removal of their
copies of Warcraft III from Battle.net. We will continue to monitor Battle.net
for cheating and take action as needed. If you would like to report additional
instances of hacking or cheating, please notify us at
hacks@blizzard.com. A false report filed
by one player against another will not result in the actions described above.
As always, thank you for your continued support; with your help we have been
able to keep Battle.net a fun and safe place to play Blizzard games.
As noted on the
Matrix Games Website, the
Matrix Games FTP
directory now offers downloads of a new patch for Gary Grigsby's World At
War, updating the World War II strategy game to version 1.016. Word is: "The new
update focuses on fixing a few bugs, including one involving surprise attacks on
nations not yet in the war and a rare problem with retreating from battle, as
well a variety of minor fixes. Additionally, several improvements were made to
the already formidable AI, making the AI nearly as dangerous as a skilled human
player. Finally, some new features were added to help the game run on machines
with less than 640 MB of Ram and allow the player to pause the game during AI
turns, useful if you are watching the AI play to get a better understanding of
the rules."
ArenaNet has launched several new language-specific websites for Guild Wars.
There is now a new German Guild Wars Site,
a new French Guild Wars Site, a new
Spanish Guild Wars Site, and a new
Italian Guild Wars Site.
The Syntec Website now offers downloads of
a new video from World Racing 2, showing off the upcoming high-octane arcade
racing sequel. The clip features nearly four minutes of gameplay for a 54 MB
download, which is mirrored on
3D Gamers and
FileFront.
- Auto Assault
Techgage's
Auto Assault Developer Q&A gets behind the wheel with some folks from
Netdevil to discuss Auto Assault, their upcoming MMORPG of road rage: "Our
primary design mantra is to make the game fun. We are striving to make a
game where you level while playing instead of playing to level. What we mean
by this is that your goals should be wrapping up a story arc or looking for
a new item, not watching the XP bar and doing the math after each kill to
determine how long it is until you level again. To facilitate this, we have
designed the game in such a way that the majority of your experience will
come from completing missions as opposed to destroying mobs."
- Area 51
The truth is out there, and
Game
Chronicles' Area 51 Q&A seeks it out, talking with Zach Wood about
Midway's conspiracy-themed shooter: "There’s quite a bit that pushes Area 51
out of the realm of being 'just another alien shoot’em up'. Not only does
your environment change as the game progresses, so does the gameplay. The
game starts off heavy on squad combat as you battle mutated aliens along
with your teammates. The AI is very sharp. Your team will move through the
world with you, take cover, point out key enemy locations and help you
complete a few light puzzles. One by one, however you start to lose your
teammates and the gameplay changes when you’re left alone. Alone and
infected with the same virus that is mutating all of the base workers you’re
having to kill. With the infection, comes enhanced alien abilities that
really mixes up the gameplay. You’ll have to use a combination of human and
alien powers to succeed in the end."
- Enigma Rising Tide: Sink the Hood
The
Enigma Rising Tide:
Sink the Hood Q&A on Computer Games Magazine floats some questions past
Kelly Asay of Tesseraction Games about the just-revealed sequel to their
alternate-history naval combat game: "Probably our most noticeable graphical
improvement will be the ocean. We have always had an excellent physical
model for the ocean and a pretty good look, the new look increases the
immersion substantially. You will notice the ship and weapon details,
texture details, interface enhancements and a nice upgrade to the FX as
well. Greg Lancaster (fellow X-Dynamix dev) created a new FX system for
Enigma before he went to work for Sony and you will notice the difference in
'Sink the Hood'."
- EA RTS
The
EA RTS Philosophy on GameSpy offers a conversation with Louis Castle
about EALA's future RTS development plans in light of several recent
departures: "I can say that, as an organization, we are always experimenting
with these ideas and new ways of improving the development process.
Sometimes they are broad changes to how teams are composed, such as creating
a centralized technology team so that each dev team can rely on that group
to provide core technologies. Other times, it's something that seems
superficial like changing where departments sit so that various teams can
take advantage of the proximity of another group and readily access that
expertise. Interestingly enough, it's those simple ideas that often result
in huge innovations. To most of us, this type of constant evolution is a
good thing. The type of people who are drawn into the game business thrive
on new ideas and are eager to experiment with different strategies because
ultimately we all share a common goal: make fun games."
DigitalLive/Global Gaming League Join Forces: "Thousands of gamers from
across the nation are expected to compete in games like Halo 2, Counter-Strike:
Source, Unreal Tournament 2004, and Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War for the award of
$75,000 to be handed out at the DigitalLife consumer event, scheduled for
October 14-16, 2005 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City."
Thanks Mike Martinez.
With the fantastically beautiful spring weather now upon us (thank goodness!) we
finally have the fence doctor in to examine what it will take to better confine
our canines, who have basically turned the wooden barricade fencing around our
yard into a patchwork collection of repaired toothpicks. This is especially
timely, as Gunnar the still-nicknameless puppy is probably about at puberty, at
which point his motivation to break out and be a man-about-town will be that
much greater. Also, Hudson the wonder dog's glacial maturation process seems to
have accelerated with the presence of her little charge, and she is
demonstrating an ever-greater degree of dominant behavior lately (she mounted a
pretty successful challenge to the alpha dog in her group of trail friends this
morning, and he is a 100+ lb Scottish Deerhound!), so we are also that much more
concerned that her escaping might lead to some sort of dogfight, which nobody
needs.
Meanwhile, as MrsBlue tours the grounds with the fence doctor, Hudson is whining
like she's being tortured... I'm sure this is because she can't go out and make
friends with him, but knowing what I do, it almost seems like she is ruing the
plan to close off her escape routes.
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