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Archived News:
Paradox Interactive sends along word to expect the release of a single-player
demo for Stormregion's World War II RTS game on Friday. They say the demo will
debut on GameSpot at Noon, and more details on its contents will be released at
that time.
EA delays Superman, Medal of
Honor games on GameSpot has word that the next installment in the Medal of
Honor series is delayed, saying: "EA indicated that Medal of Honor: Airborne
will not make the all-important holiday season this year as had previously been
announced. Instead, Airborne is now expected to drop in the fourth quarter of
the company's fiscal year (January to March of 2007)." There's also word
that the Superman Returns tie-in, which has not been announced for PCs, will now
be coming out in the holiday season of this year to coincide with the release of
the DVD from the movie.
Pro Evolution Soccer 6
warms up for E3 is the press release announcing plans to show the latest
edition of this soccer/football series at E3. This is first, albeit predicable,
news of continuation of the series known as Winning Eleven stateside. Thanks
Frans.
A
new Battlefield 2 Community Update (thanks Frans) has word on some changes
to the medal requirements in DICE's multiplayer shooter sequel. The time played
threshold for a few medals has been reduced, a new medal has been added, and the
criteria for promotion to General have changed.
The Universal Combat - The
Legacy Edition Product Info Page is online, including a
Press Release
Announcement in Adobe Acrobat format announcing plans for an upcoming game covering the universe of Universal Combat, 3000AD's space simulation series:
To mark the tenth (1996-2006) year anniversary of the Battlecruiser
franchise which started it all and later spawned the Universal Combat franchise
in 2003, we are pleased to announce the final chapter in the long running
Battlecruiser/Universal Combat series’ as we’ve come know them.
UCLE includes new and improved technologies from all our previous Battlecruiser
/ Universal Combat titles as well as various other enhancements and content.
A colossal game in itself, UCLE includes a whopping nine campaign scenarios and
over one hundred instance action scenarios; which together span several years of
gameplay.
Both the retail and digital distribution version will be priced at an MRSP of
$39.99.
Estimated release date is Q2/06
A new The Tales of Walenir Website is
online as the home to this upcoming first-person RPG, offering info in Russian
as well as some artwork (thanks The Patches Scrolls). The
Temporal Games website has a bit in
English on the game: Our current development is the debut project "The
Tales of Walenir", representing a first-person view role-playing game which
takes place in an original fantasy setting which has been specially developed.
The current status of the project is a 1st playable demo version, the
design-document is ready and the scenario is being worked over. The game is
based on our own engine called Temper Engine, which allows to reach new level of
visualization of various special effects at satisfying perfomance. The main
purpose of the team is to declare itself with a high quality project.
GFI goes to E3
2006 is the press release announcing Game Factory Interactive's E3 plans,
including some new projects to be unveiled at the show, Werewolves,
Protivostoyanie, Glukoza: ACTION!, and Jagged Farm: Birth of a Hero: Werewolves
(developer MiST land - South) - is a real time tactical strategy game reliving
the glorious history of the assault squads during World War II. The player will
have to conduct special missions divided into three large campaigns –
Allies, Axis and Soviet Union and have a new look at WWII history and its key
events. He will act as a commander of an assault squad fighting in Stalingrad,
Ardennes, El Alamein, Italy, Berlin and many other places.
Protivostoyanie (developer GFI) – is a real time strategy game with
rich tactical elements based on alternative history of World War II. The idea of
the game is build upon well-known plans of Adolf Hitler and Wehrmacht command to
invade British Isles in 1940. As Protivostoyanie has an alternative history
setting, you will be able to manage various operative embodiments and military
prototypes. For example, you can use helicopters’ prototypes, military
airships, ballistic rockets etc.
Glukoza: ACTION! (developer MiST land - South) - mutually combines
exhilarating 3rd person action game with classical fighting, when you move from
one level to another, beating your enemies hard. Player controls Glukoza
directly and can use various types of weapons that can be found within game
levels. Melee and hand-to-hand combat modes are also present.
Jagged Farm: Birth of a Hero (developer GFI UA) - is a real time strategy
game telling the story of Glukoza fighting against guileful pigs led by pigs’
Fuhrer called Pigius. They are dying to get the global hegemony. The girl in
camouflage must reveal her strategic talent and stop them. The powerful Officers’ game engine provides wonderful and cartoon-styled graphics. As
for the rest, destroy all Schweine otherwise they destroy you!
- Hitman: Blood Money
The
Eidos Interactive Website offers a new trailer from Hitman: Blood Money:
"This latest official trailer finally exposes Agent 47's arch enemy, the
mysterious Wheelchair Man, and why he's working to hunt down Agent 47. As
Agent 47 works to unfold the conspiracy against him, he finds himself in a
deadly confrontation with rival contract killer, the Albino Assassin, in one
of the most recognizable and protected locations in our country’s capitol."
- Tomb Raider: Legend
Also now available from
Eidos Interactive are two new video diaries for Tomb Raider: Legend:
"Check out this developer video that gives you an inside look at Crystal
Dynamics, showing some insight about the design process behind Lara Croft's
beautiful fluid movement," and "Check out this developer video that takes
you further into Crystal Dynamics by giving you a tour of the sound studio
where music genius Troels Folmann works."
- Titan Quest
Remember
the Titans on GamesIndustry.biz is a Q&A with Brian Sullivan discussing
Titan Quest, Iron Lore's upcoming action/RPG: "Well, the mythology kind of
gives us the fantasy and magic in the game, but we're really looking for
what I would call Hollywood history - it gives it a historical feel, and
makes you feel like you're in that place, but gameplay comes before accuracy
pretty much any time for us. Hollywood always tries to get the feeling that
you're actually there, even though the details are wrong a hundred per cent
of the time. We want to give people the feeling that they're having an
adventure in this time and place. We try to be accurate when we can, but
again, the gameplay pretty much trumps the accuracy."
- Armed Assault
RPG
Vault's Armed Assault Q&A - Part 1 talks with Paul R. Statham of Bohemia
Interactive about Armed Assault, the upcoming spiritual successor to
Operation Flashpoint: "The player will find himself thrust in the midst of
an engaging, expanding storyline, fighting against smart, aggressive enemies
who will continually provide a challenge over a massive landscape -
approximately 250 square miles. Armed Assault also features extensive
multiplayer with something to offer all fans of online shooters, whether
they like slow, long realistic conflicts or fast, aggressive frag fests."
Giant backhoes are moving their way through the neighborhood in our direction
tearing up roads. It's safe to assume they are coming to work within the areas
in the street cut up by the guys with the circular saws. It also looks safe to
assume that when they show up, I am going to be trapped here in the BlueTower
for a good stretch, so I hope this doesn't happen when someone needs to actually
leave.
ESRB Changes
Oblivion's Rating to M announces a change in the ESRB rating for The Elder
Scrolls IV: Oblivion to "M" for mature, the game had previously been rated "T"
(teen). Word is: "The content causing the ESRB to change the rating involves
more detailed depictions of blood and gore than were considered in the original
rating, as well as the presence of a locked-out art file or 'skin' that, if
accessed through a third party modification to the PC version of the game,
allows the user to play with topless versions of female characters."
MGM announces Activision as the new holder of rights to make computer and video
games based on the James Bond franchise, formerly held by Electronic Arts:
Santa Monica, CA., May 3, 2006 – MGM Interactive and EON Productions Ltd.
have awarded Activision Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) the rights to develop and publish
interactive entertainment games based on the James Bond license through 2014.
This marriage of best-in-class intellectual property and next-generation gaming
expertise continues the Bond franchise’s long legacy of providing thrills to
audiences around the globe. Since the initial release of Dr. No in 1962, James
Bond films have grossed more than $3.6 billion theatrically worldwide and
approximately 30 million units of video games based on the world of James Bond
have been sold to date. James Bond continues to delight audiences worldwide with
a quintessential blend of action, glamour and sophisticated style synonymous
with top secret agent 007.
“James Bond is the ultimate action movie franchise, and we look forward to
establishing a long-term relationship with MGM and EON,” said Mike Griffith,
president and CEO of Activision Publishing Inc. “The James Bond franchise
creates tremendous global expansion opportunities for Activision as it is one of
the few video game licenses that appeals equally to domestic and international
consumers. James Bond storylines are rich with style, drama and action, all of
which lend themselves perfectly to developing extraordinary games that capture
the thrill of being the most celebrated secret agent in the world.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Activision will obtain the worldwide rights to
create video games for all current and next-generation consoles, PC and
hand-held platforms. The license will grant Activision the right to develop and
publish games based on all of the James Bond movies, as well as non-movie based
games.
“MGM Interactive continues to work with best in class publishing and development
teams, to ensure we deliver both memorable and fully immersive interactive
gaming experiences for both core and mass-market gamers,” said Travis
Rutherford, MGM’s executive vice president, Consumer Products and Location-Based
Entertainment. “Activision’s proven expertise in developing cutting edge games,
their core competency in managing large movie franchises combined with the
global appeal of the James Bond property, will create a new benchmark for the
next-generation gaming experience. We are excited to be partnered with
Activision and look forward to a long and mutually successful partnership.”
“Activision's track record of developing engaging and sophisticated games across
all platforms makes it the ideal partner to introduce the Bond videogame
experience to a new generation of game players, as well as to provide new
thrills and excitement for the legions of people who are already fans of the
Bond films and games” said David Pope, CEO of EON Productions Limited, maker of
the James Bond films.
DreamCatcher announces Genesis Rising: The Universal Crusade, a science fiction
RTS in development at Metamorf Studios planned for release this September. The
first screenshots can be found on
3D Gamers, and
here's word: Genesis Rising: The Universal Crusade is a futuristic 3D
game that uses the best elements of role-playing games within the context of a
fast moving real-time strategy game, set in a mysterious future universe where
organic machines are built using genetic engineering.
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Genesis Rising: The Universal Crusade takes place in the very distant future,
three thousand years after what humans believe was the arrival of “the savior”.
The human race has conquered most of the Universe. They consider themselves a
divine race, and think of all aliens as inferior; those that do not obey are
punished or destroyed. The dominion of the human race was insured by organids -
genetically designed organic machines, easily adaptable to any enemy strategy.
Only one part of the Universe remains unconquered. It is the galaxy where the
Universal Heart, an enigmatic entity that spawned all life and matter into the
universe, is hidden. At least, that's what the humans believe…
The player will take on a role of captain Iconah, a battle-hardened fleet
commander and a brilliant genetic designer, sent on a quest to explore and
conquer the Universal Heart.
FEATURES
• Revolutionary 3D engine that allows real-time morphing of
gigantic spaceships
• Unique setting in a world of genetic engineering
• Modification of organic units on the fly
• Incredible variety of units and freedom of strategies
• Cross-genre mix of the best elements from strategy, RPG and
adventure games
• Fast-paced, almost arcade-like gameplay with intense,
close-up combat
• Engaging interactive cinematics with charismatic alien
characters
• Real-time diplomacy and trade
• A real-time strategy appealing to non-strategy
players
The AOL Games Downloads Section
offers a playable demo for Space Rangers 2: Rise of the Dominators, Elemental
Games' science fiction strategy/RPG sequel. The demo is a 1002 MB download, but
no details are provided. The download is mirrored on
3D Downloads, 3D
Gamers,
Computer Games,
FileFront, Gamer's Hell,
Strategy Informer,
VGPRO,
and Worthplaying.
Sphere II
in development announces this Russian MMORPG sequel from Nikita and 1C, though there's
no word yet on when the project will be rolled out. Here's a bit: Sphere
II is a new massively multiplayer online role-play game based on the opposition
of two races – vampires and humans. The vast game universe includes
numerous areas where players will encounter both fantasy monsters and
technological golems, the heritage of ancient civilizations.
The game features two main races, five special guilds and 14 various schools of
magic for the player to choose. Managing the social status,
according to horoscopes of the magic universe, and using guild
bonuses, a player can make significant progress in the game world. Becoming a "race
leader," a character will have a chance to influence development of the
fantasy universe.
A unique combat system comprising a wide range of skills has been created in
Sphere II. Each parameter requires constant development. Otherwise, it will grow
weaker, thus stripping the player of an extra advantage in a battle.
In addition to role-play game features, the project also has a strategy element.
The player can independently conquer new territories and establish control over
resources. A number of magic spells, cold steel and even firearms will help them
make their "way uphill," gain power, and even simply hunt for Naath world
inhabitants. Or one can simply try and challenge an offender.
One of the
Largest publishers in Europe releases 5 new titles for the US announces five
titles to be shown off by 1C Company at E3, revealing plans for Battle Lord and
Death to Spies as well as word that the game formerly generically known as World
War II RTS is now known as Theatre of War.
Word is: 1C’s titles this year include: Whirlwind of Vietnam, a helicopter
flight simulator from the producers of IL-2 Sturmovik; Battle Lord (from the
developers of Space Rangers 2: Rise of the Dominators), a fantasy RPG with
turn-based battles that take place in full 3D; Death to Spies a 3rd person
stealth-action title pitting one covert agent in real-life missions from WWII;
You Are Empty, a tense 1st person action game with stunning graphics and a
fascinating storyline; and Theatre of War, the most accurate WWII strategy game
ever created with graphics and physics to match.
The Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning E3 movie is online, paving the way for
the showing of Mythic's upcoming MMORPG at the expo. The clip can be found on
3D Downloads, 3D
Gamers,
FileFront, Gamer's Hell,
Warhammer Alliance.com, and
Worthplaying.
A new Age of
Empires III: The WarChiefs Product Section is live for the upcoming RTS
sequel expansion (thanks Frans). The site includes info and some screenshots,
two of which are new.
- Enemy Territory: Quake Wars
The
Enemy Territory: Quake Wars Q&A on FiringSquad talks with Paul Wedgwood
of Splash Damage about the upcoming multiplayer shooter: "This asymmetric
gameplay mechanic extends right across the game. The Strogg and GDF teams
are balanced against each other with that rock-paper-scissors cycle of
dependencies and vulnerabilities between the various classes, weapons,
vehicles, deployables, base structures, items, abilities and character
advancement rewards to offer gameplay depth and variety. It shows up in lots
of ways: aside from their models and texturing, this asymmetry is also
immediately noticeable by their appearance and animations – the GDF’s body
language is standard tactical military, like a SWAT team, while the Strogg
are more animalistic. The game’s animations aren’t just immersive eye-candy
either, they were designed specifically with team play in mind; each
character’s complete weapon and tool load-out is represented visually, with
supporting animations that ensure you always know exactly what your
team-mates are doing."
- UFO: Afterlight
The
UFO: Afterlight
Q&A on Tacticular Cancer discusses the upcoming strategy game sequel
with ALTAR Interactive: "We plan to largely expand the options how to solve
tactical missions. Different objectives will demand different approach -
sometimes all-out attack, sometimes more of stealth action. Parameters of
the weapons, armors and other equipment are set that the player may choose
among different combat styles. The pre-prepared missions (instead of generic
ones in previous sequels) give us the more control of combat situations, and
consequently more elaborated tactical challenges to the player."
- RoboBlitz
The
RoboBlitz Q&A on FiringSquad talks with a few of the folks from Naked
Sky Entertainment about their robotic action game: "It evolved from a tech
demo we did for Intel last year. When we first showcased it at the 2005 GDC,
lots of people came up to us and asked when the game was coming out. That
was when we decided to make this into a real game. Of course, the design has
changed completely since, but that’s how it all got started."
Sixteen-tons Entertainment offers a new patch for the German and French
editions of Emergency 4, updating the crisis management game to version 1.1.
Thanks The Patches Scrolls.
The Official Postal 2 Website
lists openings Running With Scissors is looking to fill for a senior and a
junior level designer.
The
Casino Royale
Website offers a teaser trailer (thanks Ant). In spite of my lifelong
affection for the series, I didn't think it was possible to be this interested
in a new Bond flick at this time, but I am totally psyched for this now.
R.I.P.:
Television Host Louis Rukeyser Dies.
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