Archived News:
Thursday, Oct 04, 2007 World Animal Day - National Taco Day (USA)
The Chosen Trial [9:31 pm ET] – Share – 1 Comment
Meridian 4 Games
now offers a trial version of The Chosen: Well of Souls allowing the chance to
sample Rebelmind's just-released action/RPG. The trial offers one hour of play
with the full game, which can be unlocked to a full retail release with a key
that can be purchased online. The 426 MB download is mirrored on
AtomicGamer,
ComputerGames.Ro,
FileFront,
Gamer's Hell, and
Internode
Games Network.
No Assassin's Creed Demo [9:31 pm ET] – Share – 30 Comments
An Assassins Creed
video interview on Gametrailers includes word that there will be no playable
demo for Assassin's Creed. The statement, by Jade Raymond included the
explanation that a sandbox-style game that includes three "huge" cities will
be difficult to cut down into a sample. Thanks
FiringSquad.
Carbine Studios Unveiled [9:31 pm ET] – Share – 10 Comments
Carbine Studios reveals themselves to
the world, an Orange County, California-based MMORPG developer partnered with
NCsoft for an unannounced project "that promises to break new ground in
massively multiplayer gaming." Carbine includes 17 former Blizzard employees
"including lead and senior developers from the World of Warcraft team," headed
up by Kevin Beardslee (a lead developer on WoW), Tim Cain (Fallout programmer
and co-founder of Troika), and Jeremy Gaffney (City of Heroes and Asheron’s
Call).
OCRegister.com has a story up introducing the developer (thanks Veng3ance),
saying Carbine admits their debut project is a cross-genre MMOG with some
fantasy elements (and dancing).
Fury Changes [9:31 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Big Changes in Store for
MMO Fury on GameSpy has word that Auran is overhauling certain aspects of
gameplay in Fury, under two weeks from the launch of the PvP MMORPG, though some
of the planned changes may not be implemented by their launch date of October
16. Changes include the elimination of Incarnation Rank so all players begin on
the same level, Avatar Rank based on skill, the ability to purchase an all
ability unlock, the addition of an introductory training ground, and more.
Gold (Again) - Culpa Innata [9:31 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Strategy First
Announces Culpa Innata has Gone Gold is the press release announcing this
strategy game from Momentum AS is gold, nearly a year after it was declared gold
the first time in late October, 2006 (story). No explanation has
ever been offered for that abortive announcement, but presumably the new notice
carries a bit more weight, as it offers an October 23 release date:
Canada, MONTREAL October 4th, 2007. Publisher Strategy First Inc., a subsidiary of Silverstar Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSTR), is pleased to announce that the adventure game of the year “Culpa Innata” developed by Momentum AS, has officially gone gold today. Culpa Innata is due to hit stores across North America October 23rd, 2007. Attached are some fantastic new screenshots for Culpa Innata.
About Culpa Innata
A World Union citizen is murdered in Russia, one of the few remaining Rogue States. This murder oddly coincides with the accidental death of a prominent professor in Adrianopolis, an important border town between the World Union and Russia. Peace Officer Phoenix Wallis is assigned to lead the investigation of the murder. Still young and inexperienced, she will soon make discoveries beyond her wildest imagination, as skilled hackers and subversive characters begin taking an inexplicable interest in Phoenix. Her investigation reveals enigmatic clues that lead her deeper and deeper into a mystery that challenges not only her case, but her very beliefs in the worldview she has sworn to protect.
Features
Original, complex story with a detailed history in a fully realized game world Environments and characters rendered in 3D with dynamic camera implementation Cinematics rendered with in-game engine for seamless graphics integration Click and go character control; user friendly mouse-driven interface Over 50 interactive characters, each created with Momentum-patented 3D facial animation technology Intuitive dialogue system with player choice and branching conversation paths Non-linearity and optional player activities offer rewarding replay-ability Character journal capturing all key game moments More than 40 unique locations Diverse range of integrated challenges, from standalone logic puzzles to hi-tech gadgetry to inventory and dialogue obstacles Original soundtrack Culpa Innata will be in stores across North America October 23rd, at the retail price of $29.99. Culpa Innata is rated M for Mature by ESRB.
For more information and to pre-order your copy today visit: http://www.strategyfirst.com/en/games/culpainnata/
Loki Patch & Patch Plans [9:30 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
The Loki Forums
offer a new version 1.0.7.0 patch for the European DVD version of Cyanide Studios'
action/RPG (thanks The Patches Scrolls). There is also
a subsequent
forum post with word on plans for an upcoming version 1.0.8.0 patch that will
close off an aspect of the game that can be exploited, and that the Loki Battle
Round #1 will be postponed until the release of this patch, which is "at least"
three weeks off.
Civilization IV: Beyond The Sword Patch [9:30 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Firaxis Games now offers a new patch for Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Beyond
The Sword, updating the turn-based strategy expansion to version 3.13. The patch
is a robust 121 MB download. The patch is also automatically available for the
Steam
edition.
UFO: Extraterrestrials Patch [9:30 pm ET] – Share – 2 Comments
The UFO:
Extraterrestrials Downloads Page now offers downloads of Patch #2 for all
English versions of the science fiction strategy game. There's no word on what
the 2.4 MB patch addresses. Thanks The Patches Scrolls.
NWN2: Mask of the Betrayer Text Hotfix [9:30 pm ET] – Share – 17 Comments
The
Neverwinter Nights 2 Forums offer hotfixes for the various language editions
of Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer addressing a problem with missing
text in the D&D RPG expansion. Thanks The Patches Scrolls.
BioShock History Lesson [9:30 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
The
BioShock IGDA-Montreal Presentation - Saying Yes to the Player is a lengthy
video of a recent presentation where the evolution of BioShock is shown off,
including footage of three prototypes that did not make the cut.
Evening Q&As [9:30 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- Hellgate: London
The Hellgate: London Q&A on IncGamers talks with Dave Brevik about Flagship's upcoming action/RPG. They discuss a couple of features not in the game, balance issues, tile sets, leveling up, and more. - Empire Earth III
Empire Earth III Q&A on GameSpot discusses the warring factions in the coming strategy sequel with Downtown Jeff Brown. They go into detail about the game's three factions, stressing that keeping the number of factions so low allows them to make each of them unique. - Depths of Peril
The Depths of Peril Q&A on Generation: Gamerz kicks off a three-part interview with Steven Peeler of Soldak Entertainment discussing their action/RPG. Topics include his departure from Ritual, what a Soldak is, how deep the Depths of Peril are, and more. - Horizons
RPG Vault's Horizons: Empire of Istaria Acquisition Q&A talks with Virtrium's Rick Simmons and Jason Murdick about the Horizons purchase, and what the future holds for the well-travelled MMORPG. - CCP
Rock, Paper, Shotgun's EVE Online Q&A chats with Nathan Richardsson of CCP about their science fiction MMORPG. They talk about his continued passion for the game, and go into detail about various aspects of gameplay. - Into The Pixel
Into The Pixel: The Artists Speak on Gamasutra talks with some of the luminaries involved in this art competition.
Evening Previews [9:30 pm ET] – Share – 1 Comment
- Gears of War on 1Up and IGN.
- Need For Speed: ProStreet on IGN and YouGamers.
- XIII Century: Death or Glory on Hooked Gamers.
Evening Screenshots [9:30 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- Clive Barker's Jericho on Hooked Gamers.
- Shadowgrounds Survivor on FileFront.
Evening Gatherings & Competitions [9:30 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- D.I.C.E. 08 Speakers Announced.
- GameGrep's A Mrglrglmrglmrrrlggg Halloweeen! Contest offers a Blizzard goodie bag including an in-game Murloc suit and a beta key.
- MTV Heading to E for All.
- Rockstar Announces Manhunt 2 Sweepstakes.
- Win A Free Copy Of World of Mixed Martial Arts (Competition) from Grey Dog Software.
- GAMES MINISTER MARGARET HODGE TO SPEAK AT ELSPA AGM.
Evening Tech Bits [9:30 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Evening Metaverse [9:29 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- Sample non-English domains coming soon. Thanks Mike Martinez.
- Feds Accidentally Turn Off California Gov't Websites. Thanks Mike Martinez.
Evening Safety Dance [9:29 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Evening Legal Briefs [9:29 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
etc., etc. [9:29 pm ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- Valve announces The Orange Box will include a single from Jonathon Coulton, "computer programmer turned modern day rock star"…
- Serious Games Interactive offer new version 1.2 patches for the PC and Mac editions of Global Conflicts: Palestine…
- Kart Rider open beta (finally) begins in North America. Thanks Mike Martinez…
- Digital Leisure announces release of Space Ace in HD…
Into the Black [9:29 pm ET] – Share – 2 Comments
The powerful scent of skunk is coming through my window, and it is so strong I
am afraid when I go downstairs MrsBlue will tell me Hudson the wonder dog is
outside, which may be where she's going to spend the night if she's been skunked
again.
| Stinky Links! | Thanks Ant and Mike Martinez. |
| Stories: |
Orang-utan prefers blondes. Human blondes. With tattoos. Thanks
loonybomber. Charges dismissed in sherry enema death. |
| Science!: | Sun 1, Comet Tail 0. Thanks Jim. |
| Media: | Dad Dance! Now you can dance like Dad! |
| Follow-up: | U.S. recalls over 1/2 million toys for lead levels. Store shelves now officially empty. |
Gears of War PC on November 6 [5:28 pm ET] – Share – 35 Comments
Shacknews has word
that the PC edition of Gears of War is expected in stores on November 6.
Accompanying this tidbit they offer a bunch of screenshots including looks at
new multiplayer maps and the game editor as well as their
hands-on preview.
On a semi-related note,
GameDaily BIZ
has a Q&A with CliffyB where he discusses plans for the Gears of War
movie.
Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties Demo [2:10 pm ET] – Share – 1 Comment
The Age of Empires III Website offers
downloads of a trial version of Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties, the
now-gold RTS expansion. The demo allows the chance to play as the Japanese or
British for a 612 MB download, which is mirrored on
3D Downloads,
ComputerGames.ro,
FileFront,
FileShack, Gamer's Hell,
and
PixelRage.
Savage 2 Beta Begins [11:06 am ET] – Share – 6 Comments
Eurogamer
reports that beta testing has commenced for
Savage 2: A Tortured Soul for
those who have preordered S2 Games' upcoming RTS/FPS hybrid.
Turbine Shakeup [11:06 am ET] – Share – 9 Comments
The Company background
page on the Turbine Website now lists Jim Crowley as President & CEO of this
Massachusetts-based MMOG developer, indicating that Jeff Anderson is no longer
filling that role. This is reported on
WarCry, where they note that
they interviewed Anderson just last week and got no indications from him
that any changes were in the offing. The website changes occurred overnight, and
no explanation is presented at this point.
Ships Ahoy - Crusader Kings: Deus Vult [11:05 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
Paradox Interactive announces that Crusader Kings: Deus Vult is now available
for purchase online via
GamersGate. Here's word on the strategy expansion:
New York, USA (October 4, 2007) – Paradox Interactive announced today the release of their new - download only - expansion: Crusader Kings: Deus Vult. The expansision is now available for download on GamersGate and is retailing for $14.99. Strategy gamers missing the original Crusader Kings will be able to find it on GamersGate as well.
Critics have called Crusader Kings an impressive addition to the Europe Universalis family. Aim to create the most powerful dynasty of medieval Europe in the period of 1066 to 1453 A.D. Amass prestige; increase the greatness of your lands and your treasure coffins, build Cathedrals and Castles, appoint vassals and battle traitors, introduce laws and set taxes while interacting with hundreds of courtiers and nobles.
The much awaited expansion Deus Vult brings:
·A graphical overhaul to increase player experience
·Various added inter-character relations, representing loyalty inside courts, relations between countries, as well as friends and rivals for all characters. No longer will realms just fall apart, a beleaguered King will always have friends who will support him. Also beware as your smoothly running realm could run into trouble when your nice loyal vassal becomes your rival.
·Introductions of new gameplay aspects like the stability affecting realms, numerous traits for characters and options for diplomacy, such as the possibility to send fosterlings to other courts. In addition an all-new system for children has been added. No longer will a 3 year old be able to run a realm effectively. Children are all now born with 0 stats and then develop over childhood. You'll never know how good your heir will be until he matures.
·A revised interface to streamline gameplay, with several completely redesigned windows. Immediate alert icons highlight immediate problems with your realm and a full ledger with more than a dozen detailed pages.
·A variety of new events as well as a substantial amount of changes and improvements to the tools used by modders.
Read the brief gamer overview here.
In Hell for DOOM 3 Director's Cut [11:05 am ET] – Share – 1 Comment
The In-Hell
Page offers a new version of the In Hell modification for DOOM 3 (thanks
Ant), though the page is entirely in German. There is a summary of this in
English on
Planet Doom, where we learn this is called a Director's Cut, though
Jean-Claude Van Damme fans will still have to wait for a director's cut of the
In Hell movie.
Morning Q&As [11:05 am ET] – Share – 7 Comments
- Valve
Valve 'Will Not Charge' for Community Features on 1UP hears from Valve Project Manager/Engineer Erik Johnson (thanks Voodoo Extreme) in a snip from a coming GFW magazine article, saying: "We will not charge for The Steam Community and its features. Never even entered our mind. Part of it is to address the fact that when folks first bought Half-Life 2, Steam didn't offer many reasons to stick around. It didn't do enough for customers, and it didn't justify itself. So I suppose we're paying off a debt now." - Bounty Bay Online
Bounty Bay Online Q&A on games xtreme talks with Konstantin Drewitz, producer and product manager on this seafaring MMORPG, discussing competing in the crowded MMOG marketplace, pricing, favorite and least favorite features, MMO development, and more.
Morning Previews [11:05 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- The Chronicles of Spellborn on the Official Website. [Art Journal] "About that High House Torque."
- Empire Earth III on IGN AU. Graphics Showdown Empire Earth II versus III.
- Team Fortress 2 on bit-tech.net.
Gatherings & Competitions - BAFTA Awards [11:05 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- Obsessedwithgames.co.uk is live. Vote for this year's BAFTA awards and earn the chance to win prizes yourself.
- Newegg LANfest2K7 This Weekend in Ontario, CA.
- Gamehelper Halo 3 Zune Giveaway.
- Nintendo DS Phantom Hourglass Prize Pack Giveaway at GamingExcellence.
Morning Consolidation [11:05 am ET] – Share – 4 Comments
- Demo: Bee Movie Game on Xbox Live Marketplace. "Only in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States."
- Mass Effect Limited Edition Details.
- Sony 'plans to cut price of PlayStation 3 by Christmas'.
- NFL Tour Q&A on GameTap.
- Devil May Cry 4 Q&A on ActionTrip. Focusing on the PS3 edition.
Morning Mobilization [11:05 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- Palm: CEO New OS Delayed Until End of '08. Thanks Ant.
- MacBook Pro Battery Update available. Thanks Ant.
Morning Metaverse [11:04 am ET] – Share – 1 Comment
- Huge amounts of venture capital rushing to virtual world companies. Thanks Mike Martinez.
- Adobe flashes looks at online Photoshop Express. Thanks MaxxTotal.
- Who Really Uses Apple TV? Thanks Mike Martinez. Anyone? Bueller?
- Google's International Cleanup Weekend puts maps to good use. Thanks Mike Martinez.
- Microsoft launches health records site.
- BT links up with FON for "people's" Wi-Fi network.
- eBay acquires Afterbuy.com.
Morning Safety Dance [11:04 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- Battle to beat fake Ebay e-mails. Thanks Mike Martinez. After receiving millions over the years I might miss them.
- Homeland Security e-mail server turns into spam cannon.
- Apple fixes Windows Quicktime flaw.
- Digital Porn Stash Gets Guy Murdered By Girlfriend.
Morning Legal Briefs [11:04 am ET] – Share – 3 Comments
- Spam-scam crackdown nets $2 billion in fake checks. Thanks Mike Martinez.
- Senators face new pressure to renew Net tax ban.
- Geek Squad trip lands child porn "trafficker" in slammer for 10 years.
- Verizon sued over Fios TV numbers.
- ESA targeting elementary schools with anti-piracy message.
- Defendant's counsel hammers away at piracy picture painted by RIAA.
- Judge in Jack Thompson Case Won’t Bow Out; Hearing Set for Oct. 9th.
- Jack Thompson Quietly Bows Out of OTHER Bar Lawsuit.
- In Manila, Mayor Wants Minors Banned from Violent Games. They're all about protecting kids in the Philippines.
Thursday Game Review [11:04 am ET] – Share – 1 Comment
- World of Warcraft Trading Card Game on TenTonHammer.
Thursday Hardware Reviews [11:04 am ET] – Share – Post a Comment
- A-DATA Vitesta DDR2-800 Extreme RAM on Phoronix.
- Apple iPod Shuffle Second Generation 1Gb MP3 Player on Tweaknews.net.
- Asus EAH2600PRO-HDTI-256M Video Card on X-bit labs.
- Auzentech X-Fi Prelude Sound Card on Techgage.
- Cooler Master Vortex 752 CPU Cooler on ThinkComputers.org.
- ECS G31T-M Motherboard on techPowerUp.
- Gigabyte GA-X38T-DQ6 Motherboard on TrustedReviews.
- GTR Tech GT3 Small Form Factor Case on hardCOREware.net.
- HIS HD 2600Pro Turbo 256MB Video Card on 3dGameMan.com.
- HP w2408 LCD Monitor on Digital Trends.
- LG DVD Burner GSA-H62N SATA vs GSA-H50N IDE on Overclockers Club.
- Logitech G9 Laser Gaming Mouse on OZ Hardware.
- MSI Starcam Genie on XSReviews.co.uk.
- OCZ DDR3 PC3-12800 2GB 1600MHz RAM Kit on Legit Reviews.
- Oono miniDAB-FM-MP3 MD-2Plus2 SE Media Player on TrustedReviews.
- Patriot 2x1GB PC3-15000 1866MHz DDR3 Memory on Virtual-Hideout.
- PC Power & Cooling Turbo-Cool 1200W PSU on PC Perspective.
- Samsung CLX-2160N Color Laser Multifunction Printer on Futurelooks.
- Scythe Ninja Mini CPU Cooler on DragonSteelMods.
- Silverstone Element ST50EF-Plus 500W PSU on HardwareLogic.
- SilverStone MFP51 Multimedia LCD Display on DarkVision Hardware.
- SolyTech SL-8600EPS 600W PSU on Guru3D.
- Thecus N1200 single bay NAS Device on Elite Bastards.
- Western Digital My Book Pro Edition II NAS on TrustedReviews.
Out of the Blue [11:04 am ET] – Share – 47 Comments
It was 10 years ago today that version 1.0 of GameSpy was released. It was a 971
KB download. Man do I feel old.
| Version 1.0 Links! | Thanks Ant and Mike Martinez. |
| Play: | Axe Gamekillers. Loseroids! |
| Link: | Full-back gamer tattoo. |
| Stories: |
Pilgrims Follow Adventurer's Deadly Trail. Hulkamania hits Gladiators. Kraft recalls white chocolate on salmonella concerns. |
| Science!: |
Potent new 'nanofabrics' repel germs. Scientist invents computer pillow to stop snoring. Russia warns of arms war in space: report. |
| Image: | Signs of Halo Addiction. Thanks Digg. |
| Media: |
Robot Chicken - Soundwave. Bonaduce -vs- FairPlay. |
| Teh Funny: | UserFriendly. |
Copyright © 1996-2023 Stephen Heaslip. All rights reserved.
All trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
Privacy Policy. Manage Cookie Settings.
News CGI copyright © 1999-2023 James "furn" Furness & Blue's News. All rights reserved.