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Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007

  

Ghostbusters Game Plans

Good evening, I'm Blue. Today, the entire Eastern Seaboard is alive with talk of incidents of paranormal activity. Alleged ghost sightings and related supernatural occurrences have been reported across the entire Tri-State area. That's because Game Informer's December Cover Revealed offers the cover image from the coming print issue of Game Informer magazine revealing it will focus on a Ghostbusters game, though the accompanying blurb says this is not related to the Ghostbusters prototype footage unveiled by Zootfly earlier this year (story). Word is the game will feature the voices and images of Harold Ramis, Bill Murray, and Dan Aykroyd, which go along with comments from Aykroyd in February (story), though there's no word on the participation of often forgotten Ghostbuster Ernie Hudson. There's also no word on when the game will be available, but target platforms are said to be PC, Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, and Wii. In a most unusual twist, the game will be written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, who wrote both of the Ghostbuster movies. The magazine, presumably offering further details, will hit newsstands on Friday.

Loki Add-on & Pro Cycling Manager 2008 Planned

Cyanide Studio sends along a note about what they are up to, including work at their Canadian studio on Blood Bowl and its underlying game engine, including word that folks interested in working on such projects should contact jobs@cyanide-studio.com. They also mention this studio is working on an add-on for Loki, offering no other information, saying simply the studio is working on "an add-on to the 'Loki' hack 'n' slash." Finally, Cyanide France is working on Pro Cycling Manager 2008, saying the sports management sequel "will be released, as usual, just before the start of the Tour de France (June 2008)."

Ships Ahoy - Shadowgrounds Survivor

Meridian4 announces that Shadowgrounds Survivor is now available via the tubes, as digital distribution of the action sequel is underway:

Shadowgrounds Survivor Now Available via Digital Distribution

Horror-Themed Action Spin-Off/Sequel Just $19.99 Online

Montreal, Quebec, Canada – November 14, 2007 – Turn down the lights, pull up a chair and get ready for heart-pounding action, as Meridian4 (http://www.meridian4.com), a rising Montreal-based video game publisher, today announced that Frozenbyte’s anticipated horror-themed action game, Shadowgrounds Survivor, is now available online on Steam (http://www.steamgames.com), GamersGate (http://www.gamersgate.com) and TotalGaming.net (http://www.totalgaming.net) for $19.99.

Shadowgrounds Survivor tells the story of the last remaining humans on Jupiter's moon Ganymede, where the alien onslaught is in full force. The acclaimed atmosphere and gameplay mechanics of the original Shadowgrounds make a triumphant return, armed with a totally new feature set. Use the Sentry Turret and the devastating Mech to fight your way through hordes of aliens across a wide range of environments. All-new graphical effects and AGEIA PhysX bring the destruction and carnage in full force.

“The time has come to show gamers what the incredibly talented developers at Frozenbyte have been working on,” said Jeff Giasson, Production Director at Meridian4. “They’ve created an exceptional game that will keep players riveted to the edge of their seats… and will probably have them looking around dark corners for awhile. It’s an intense experience that puts old-school action back in the spotlight, combining the proven gameplay of the original Shadowgrounds with a new story, three playable characters, a highly improved visual engine and much more.”

Visit the official Shadowgrounds Survivor website at www.shadowgroundssurvivor.com.
For more information about Meridian4 and its products, visit http://www.meridian4.com.
For more information about Frozenbyte, visit http://www.frozenbyte.com.

Legend: Hand of God German Demo

A new German language demo for Legend: Hand of God is now available, allowing the chance to try your hand at Master Creating's action/RPG. The demo can be found on the Legend: Hand of God Website, and mirrored on AtomicGamer, FileFront, Gamer's Hell, and PixelRage.

UT3 UI Fixes Planned

The UT3 FAQ on the Epic Games Forums (thanks BeyondUnreal) indicates the UI in Unreal Tournament 3 is to undergo an overhaul:

Q: I am unhappy with the UI.
A: We're aware that the UI isn't perfect. We're working on numerous improvements and additions to the user interface that will be made available in future updates to UT3.

2025: Battle for Fatherland Q&A

2025: Battle for Fatherland Q&A on gry.o2.pl offers a bilingual (English and Polish) conversation with Yury Dubinchuk of Primal Software about their upcoming action game. Topics include the game's story, missions, customization, units and buildings, and more.

Evening Gatherings & Competitions

Evening Consolidation

Evening Tech Bits

Evening Mobilization

Evening Safety Dance

Evening Legal Briefs

etc., etc.

Into the Black

Ships Ahoy - Soldier of Fortune: Payback

Activision announces Soldier of Fortune: Payback is shipping, and the mercenary shooter sequel is now available in North American stores:

Minneapolis, MN – November 14, 2007 – The Soldier of Fortune series debuts on the next-generation consoles with the release of Activision, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Soldier of Fortune® Payback, which is now available at retail stores nationwide. The game puts players into the role of an underground gun-for hire who battles through some of the world’s most dangerous hotspots to defeat an extremist organization intent on throwing the world into global conflict.

“Soldier of Fortune Payback is an intense, high-octane action experience with a story that could be ripped from today’s headlines,” said David Oxford, Activision, Inc. “Leveraging the power of the next-gen consoles, the game delivers the grittiest and most brutal Soldier of Fortune experience yet.”

Soldier of Fortune Payback thrusts players into adrenaline-pumping mercenary combat action after a routine escort mission goes horribly wrong. The game evolves the signature gameplay of its predecessors with refined controls, tension-packed warzones, and an enemy damage system that may be shocking even to experienced FPS players. Players are armed with an impressive arsenal of more than 30 weapons, including sub-machine guns, assault rifles, and projectile explosives, as they hunt down an insidious enemy that respects neither laws, nations, nor armies. The game also offers individual and team based online modes including: Death Match, Team Death Match, Elimination, Team Elimination, Capture the Flag and Demolition.

Soldier of Fortune® Payback is rated M for Mature and is now available for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for a suggested retail price of $59.99 and the PC for $39.99. Soldier of Fortune Payback will be available for PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system on November 21 for $59.99.

Ships Ahoy - The Sims 2: Teen Style

This press release announces the release of the Teen Style expansion for The Sims 2 (thanks Gamer's Hell). Whether it's dressing like a Goth, hanging out with friends, or using a computer, the authentic teen experience awaits those who purchase this, the 400th (give or take) expansion for the lifestyle simulation sequel. Here's a bit:

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the first time, Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS - News) has brought The Sims™ players a stuff pack with the exclusive intent of giving their teen Sims everything they need to express their unique style! The Sims 2 Teen Style Stuff1, now on store shelves, lets your teen Sims define their own space while showing some attitude with all-new, unique furniture, décor items, fashions and more! Whether your teen Sims identify as “Goth,” “Thrasher” or “Socialite,” there are plenty of new ways for them for them to express their true selves by the way they dress or the way they decorate their rooms inside The Sims 2 Teen Style Stuff!

No Hellgate: London Asian Server Wipe

Asian Hellgate: London operator IAH Games declares they will not be performing a character wipe on the Asian Hellgate: London servers as had been announced (story). Issues with the Asian edition of Flagship's action/RPG should be addressed by a version 0.1 patch they expect to launch by November 22, and they are looking to reward users who have suffered with issues with the game so far:

We are elated at getting the green light from Flagship Studios to announce that there will NOT need to be a character wipe.

Flagship Studios have investigated the major character issues, including missing skills and statistics, and have found methods to resolve them. They will also be performing a server upgrade to Patch 0.1 for our game service, making it equivalent to what the US gamers are enjoying now.

In the process to do this, we are looking at completing all these improvements by 22nd November, 2007.

We are also working closely with Hanbitsoft and Flagship Studios on a program to reward our gamers for the patience and perseverance shown during the recent turn of events. Please do stay updated to the forum for more news from your community manager, Angelace.

Ships Ahoy - Need for Speed ProStreet

EA's Blockbuster Racing Franchise Makes a Sharp Turn with Need for Speed ProStreet (thanks Gamer's Hell), announces the latest installment in the high octane Need for Speed series is now available in North America, and will race onto European stores on November 22:

VANCOUVER, Canada--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS - News) announced that Need for Speed™ ProStreet ships to retailers today in North America. The game will ship in Europe from November 22 onwards. To celebrate the launch of the game, EA is auctioning off a one-of-a-kind autographed Need for Speed ProStreet poster and will donate the proceeds to the non-profit organization, Save the Whales, founded 30 years ago. The poster was signed by over 40 celebrities including Hayden Panettiere from NBC’S Heroes. Proceeds from the auction will go to Save the Whales for their programs to educate children and adults about marine mammals and the importance of protecting them in their environment. The poster will be placed on eBay on Friday, November 16 at 9:00am PST.

“The development at team at Black Box is proud to be delivering an all-new experience in the Need for Speed franchise that ups the ante in the racing game genre,” Larry LaPierre, Executive Producer at EA Black Box. “We are equally proud to make this commitment to Save the Whales, especially in light of the recent oil spill in the San Francisco Bay.”

Need for Speed™ ProStreet delivers something completely new by taking gamers to the highest level of street racing where the competition is fierce, the cars are hot and the races span the world. Experience the thrill and intensity of driving the most anticipated street racing cars that have yet to hit the North American market including the 2009 Nissan GT-R, the 2008 Porsche 997 GT2 and the 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X. Need for Speed ProStreet is your ultimate taste of the chaos and unbridled adrenaline sweeping street racing culture.

In Need for Speed ProStreet, gamers must prove they have the racing mettle to dominate the competition. Design and customize cars, face-off in iconic locations and battle in four distinct racing styles – grip, drag, drift and the all-new speed challenge. The competitive play is further amplified online with the introduction of a unique social feature that allows gamers to compete against their friends and rivals across the world without the need to be online at the same time(a).

Need for Speed ProStreet is an all-new racing experience. The atmosphere is electric – complete with energetic crowds, photo-realistic vehicles and billowing smoke – all designed to embody the pressure and intensity of the gladiatorial challenge known as Show Down. An all-new procedural damage system will have cars scratching, denting and crumpling differently with every driving mistake. Need for Speed ProStreet is the realization of the intense rivalry, raw power, and visceral aggression that embodies street racing culture.

Need for Speed ProStreet is developed by EA Black Box in Vancouver, British Columbia and will be available for Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the PC for a MSRP of $59.99. It will be available on the Wii™ for a MSRP of $49.99 and on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Nintendo DS™ for a MSRP of $29.99. For gamers on the go, they can download the mobile platform for a MSRP that starts at $2.99. The game will also ship for the PSP® (PlayStation® Portable) handheld entertainment system early next year. The game is rated E10+ by the ESRB and 3+ by PEGI. More information can be found at www.needforspeed.com.

(a)PLAYSTATION 3, Xbox 360 and PC versions only. INTERNET CONNECTION required. See product pack for additional details.

Ships Ahoy - AVENCAST

Lighthouse interactive sends word from funky uptown Netherlands that AVENCAST: Rise of the Mage is shipping, and the action/RPG should now be on store shelves in the US and Europe. A new trailer celebrating the game's launch can be found on FileFront, Gamer's Hell, and Strategy Informer., and here's the announcement:

Haarlem, The Netherlands – November 14, 2007 – Leading publisher Lighthouse Interactive and developer ClockStone Software are happy to announce that their fantasy-based Action RPG, AVENCAST: Rise of the Mage is now available in major retail stores across North America and Europe. To accompany the highly anticipated release of this Windows® game on PC DVD-ROM, a new trailer is now available. AVENCAST is also Windows® Vista™ compatible. Erik Schreuder, CEO of Lighthouse Interactive said, “We are extremely proud that AVENCAST: Rise of the Mage has hit store shelves. AVENCAST is a game that can be thoroughly enjoyed by Action and RPG fans alike. Its combat system is unique to the RPG genre. Players will have fun casting spells and defeating hordes of demonic enemies as they take on each new quest.”

AVENCAST: Rise of the Mage has a complete package of exciting features such as intense, action-packed combat sequences, mighty spells that are graphically stunning, and a multitude of perilous quests to conquer. AVENCAST combines role-playing with a fluid combat system found in beat-em-up games, which is unique to the RPG genre. It is accessible to novice RPG game players, but it will also challenge core RPG and Action fans. Both combat and non-combat interactions create a perfect balance between brains and brawn. By requiring players to bring their own combat and strategic skills to the forefront, they will have the excitement of crafting a powerful character unleashing their hero’s potential. Players who enjoy mastering spells, uncovering countless items, exploring exotic environments, and battling malicious foes will certainly enjoy the world of AVENCAST!

SimCity Societies Patch

The first patch for SimCity Societies is now available, updating Tilted Mill's new installment in the long-running city building and management series. The update address some issues and adds a couple of new buildings and terrain maps. The 18 MB download is available on the SimCity Societies Website and it is mirrored on FileFront, Gamer's Hell, and Strategy Informer.

Space Empires V Patch

A new Space Empires V patch updates this space strategy sequel to version 1.63, addressing a handful of bugs. The download is available on FileFront, Gamer's Hell, and Strategy Informer.

Escape from Paradise City Patch

A new patch is now available for Escape from Paradise City, updating the Gangland sequel to version 1.0.0.1 by addressing a localization issue. The download can be found on FileFront, Gamer's Hell, The Patches Scrolls, and Strategy Informer. On a related note, this forum post (thanks The Patches Scrolls) also offers a beta patch for the game, addressing a DirectX 10 issue, confusingly carrying the same version number, which sort of defeats the whole version number concept.

Dead Island Trailer

A new Dead Island trailer shows off the multi-layer damage system in Techland's upcoming survival/horror game. The movie is now playing on FileFront and Strategy Informer.

Crysis Q&As

PCGH Extreme's Technical Q&A with Crytek and Intel Part 1 discusses the technology behind Crysis, focusing on multi-core and 64-bit support, while part two of that Q&A discusses the game's engine and physics as well as general topics.

Morning Screenshots

Mad Catz Nabs Saitek

Mad Catz Announces Fresh Acquisition has word that third-party peripheral manufacturer Mad Catz has acquired competitor Saitek in a deal said to be worth approximately $30 million. Word is: "Saitek’s 120 employees in product development, sales, marketing, distribution and finance are expected to remain on board."

Morning Gatherings & Competitions

Morning Consolidation

Morning Tech Bit

Morning Mobilization

Morning Safety Dance

Morning Legal Briefs

Wednesday Game Reviews

Wednesday Hardware Reviews

etc.

Out of the Blue



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