Archived News:
This press release
announces that FIFA 09 is now available in North American and Asian
stores for Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PSP, and mobile. A
playable demo is available ( story) for those looking to kick
around a sample of this football/soccer simulation, and here's a bit from the
release announcement: "With 500 new animation sequences and all-new collision
and shielding systems — representing the biggest innovations to the
multiplatform EA SPORTS soccer engine in four years — FIFA Soccer 09 delivers
more responsive, intelligent and realistic physical action on the PlayStation 2
system. The new collision detection system with 360 degree coverage enables
players to behave according to their physical attributes where player speed,
direction and strength determine everything from the severity of the collision
to the outcome of possession. Changes to the animation system reward the
skillful gamer during one-on-one situations between attackers and defenders."
The Far Cry
2 Website announces they are now offering $5.00 off on Far Cry 2 preorders
through the
Ubisoft Digital Store, addressing complaints that arose when preorders on
Steam announced that same
$5.00 discount.
Today's version 3.0.2 patch for World of Warcraft includes Blizzard's new
achievement system, and there's an
Achievement
System FAQ on WorldofWar.Net with details on how this works. Also, most of
the character changes from testing of the Wrath of the Lich King
expansion were not included in today's new update, and
WorldOfWar.Net has word from Blizzard saying these changes will be rolled
out on November 13 with the release of the add-on. Finally, on a semi-related
note,
WorldOfWar.Net quotes Mike Morhaime saying Blizzard still has a goal of
annual World of Warcraft expansions, but they admit they are probably unlikely
to be able to keep up with that schedule.
The F.E.A.R. 2 Website has
a link to a new movie
showing off the elite power armor in the upcoming horror-themed shooter sequel.
The site also references the
F.E.A.R. 2 Blog
mentioned yesterday ( story), that describes why Monolith decided
to back away from console-style health regeneration in favor of medkits,
acknowledging the way health regeneration negatively impacts gameplay (not to
mention that it kills puppies).
On Mirror's Edge has a detail we missed from the
Mirror's Edge video
interview on AusGamers mentioned here over the weekend
( story). When asked about a sequel to the acrobatic action game
DICE's Owen O'Brien indicates their current story is "kind of a trilogy" which
just cover's Faith's story, while they feel the franchise is ripe for further
expansion beyond a trilogy "to take the story in other directions." DICE is
familiar with sequels as a steady stream of Battlefield games demonstrates, but
of course the first game probably needs to succeed to justify follow-ups.
There's a
Sins of a Solar Empire: Entrenchment First Look on GameSpot previewing the
upcoming expansion for Ironclad Games' 4X space strategy expansion. Included is
a video offering the first look at the add-on in action.
- Sins of a Solar Empire: Entrenchment on
IGN.
Thanks Mike Martinez and Ant.
The promised version 3.0.2 of World of Warcraft is now live, paving the
way for the upcoming release of the Wrath of the Lich King expansion for
Blizzard's MMORPG. The
Current Patch Notes Page now reflects the new version, and for those looking
to manually update the game, the patches have begun appearing, though this will
take some sorting. There's a full version 2.4.3 to v3.0.1 US/MX patch on
AtomicGamer and an
accompanying version 3.0.1 to v3.0.2 US/MX Patch on
AtomicGamer. There
are also the final parts of each update for those who have already obtained the
partial update via the background downloader, the version 2.4.3 to v3.0.1 US/MX
patch is on AtomicGamer
and the version 3.0.1 to v3.0.2 US/MX patch is on
AtomicGamer. There is
also what seems to be a full version 2.4.3 to 3.0.2 patch on
ActionTrip. On a related note, there's a new
Jeffrey Kaplan Video Interview on WorldofWarcraft.Net discussing the Wrath
of the Lich King add-on.
EA announces
that Conquer Red Alert 3 is gold, and that the PC edition of the
alternate-history RTS sequel will invade stores on October 28, while the Xbox
360 edition will ship a couple of weeks later, on November 11. The announcement
also outlines the contents of the Premier Edition, as well as a preorder
campaign for both the Standard and Premier editions that includes a copy of
Red Alert 2, an exclusive skirmish map, and more. Also, "as an additional
bonus, everyone who purchases either the Premier Edition or regular version of
Red Alert 3 will receive a “Women of Red Alert 3” poster and a redemption code
for the Kossar’s Helm, an exclusive in-game item for EA and Mythic
Entertainment’s critical hit Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. Using this
traditional Soviet hat turns your character into a bear – you don’t want to be
seen rampaging through WAR’s capital cities without it!"
This press release has word that the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 editions of
Dead Space are now appearing in North American stores, while the Windows
edition will be available in North America next week on October 20. The science
fiction-themed survival/horror game is expected in European stores on October 24
for both Windows and consoles. Word is: "Set five hundred years in the future,
Dead Space follows the story of Isaac Clarke, a normal systems engineer, who is
sent with a small repair team to restore communications aboard an immense mining
ship, the USG Ishimura. Once onboard the vessel, Isaac discovers that the crew
has unearthed an ancient and malevolent alien presence far beneath the planet’s
surface and brought it onboard. It’s a living nightmare onboard the Ishimura,
which has turned into a floating bloodbath, as the crew has been unspeakably
mutilated and infected by an ancient alien scourge. Clarke’s repair mission
becomes one of survival as he fights not just to save himself, but to return the
artifact to the planet at any cost." Also, there's a Dead Space launch trailer
on the Dead Space
Website, mirrored on
AtomicGamer,
FileFront, Gamer's Hell,
and
MyGameTrailers. There's also an "Art, Gore & Creature" developer diary movie
on ActionTrip,
AtomicGamer,
FileFront, and Gamer's
Hell. Finally,
Glen
Schofield's new Dead Space developer diary is posted on Edge Online.
Ubisoft announces that Far Cry 2 is gold, and the now-complete
first-person shooter sequel is expected in stores for Windows, Xbox 360, and
PlayStation 3 on October 21. On a related note, there's a German-language report
on
PC Games translated from
the French
Ubisoft Shop suggesting the shooter sequel will use the much reviled SecuROM
for copy protection. We have inquired to Ubisoft about this, but have yet to
receive a response, we'll post an update if we do. Meantime, here's the
description of the game that accompanies the gold announcement: "Developed by
Ubisoft Montreal, Far Cry 2 will be the newest innovation from Ubisoft in the
world of next-gen first-person shooters. More than just a visual and
technological achievement, Far Cry 2 immerses players in an entirely new kind of
gaming experience. Running on a tailor-made new gaming engine, Far Cry 2
features non-scripted enemy Artificial Intelligence, entirely destructible
environments, dynamic fire and storm effects, and multiplayer gameplay, all in a
completely open world 50km2 environment. Players will find themselves immersed
in a war-torn, African state, where they will be forced to make deals with
corrupt warlords on both sides of the conflict in order to survive and move
ever-closer to their primary objective – the Jackal. Players must identify and
exploit their enemies' weaknesses, neutralizing their superior numbers and
firepower with surprise, subversion, cunning, and of course brute force."
To the brick-poles, Robin! A playable demo for LEGO Batman is now
available, providing a sample of the new game based on the exploits of a LEGO-fied
dark knight. Update: Reports that the installer exits with an error have
been confirmed, so the download links have been pulled until a working version
is posted.
Paradox Interactive announces Europa Universalis III: Complete is now
available in North American stores, offering a bundle of the grand strategy game
along with its Napoleon’s Ambition and In Nomine expansion packs
that will be released in Europe on October 17. Word is: "Europa Universalis III:
Complete includes expansion pack content that extends the playable timeline to
encompass historical periods ranging from the Byzantine Empire, The Hundred
Years’ War, and the French Revolution, as well as advanced mission options and
trading systems. New gameplay features like rebel uprisings, influential
religious figures, and the ability to conquer Europe and overthrow the Holy
Roman Empire add new layers of strategy to the game."
A new Supreme Ruler 2020 patch is now available to update BattleGoat
Studios' strategy sequel to version 5.4.1. Included in the patch is a new "Saudi
Invasion" scenario as well as new units, new missions, interface enhancements,
and more. The download is available
AtomicGamer,
FileFront, and
The Patches Scrolls.
MCV
reports that independent games-oriented publisher SouthPeak has purchased
similarly indie-focused publisher Gamecock. Word is the titles in development
under the Gamecock umbrella will now be released under the SouthPeak label,
including Mushroom Men and Legendary, which are due this quarter.
They offer quotes, from both sides of the deal: SouthPeak CEO Melanie Mroz is
"excited," and Gamecock CEO Mike Wilson is "thrilled."
Multiplay UK announces the launch of a
beta version of Pickups, an online service
to form pickup teams for online gameplay. After the teams are filled, a game
launches, and players are even given a Ventrilo server to facilitate
communications. This is a free service, though not all planned features are
implemented at this point in the beta testing.
A new launch trailer is now available for Quantum of Solace, paving the way for
the launch of this James Bond game on November 4. The clip samples the game's
voice acting, environments, multiplayer support, and lots and lots of shooting.
The movie is available from
ActionTrip,
FileFront, Gamer's Hell,
and
MyGameTrailers.
The
StarCraft II Trilogy Interview on Voodoo Extreme asks four questions of
Blizzard's Bob Colayco about the announcement that StarCraft II is being split
into three different games ( story). They ask about the timing of
when this plan was formed, whether they fear brand dilution as a result, and
their release schedule. There's also a
Chris Sigaty Video Interview on StarCraftWire.Net on a variety of related
topics, including Battle.Net 2.0 features and when alpha testing will begin.
The Interview with Valve's Doug Lombardi on Kikizo goes into a good deal of
detail about Left 4 Dead, the upcoming multiplayer zombie shooter, as well as
the episodic follow-ups to Half-Life 2. Doug says they may begin revealing
information about Episode 3 "at the very end of the year." On that topic, he
does admit that the gap between Episode 2 and Episode 3 will be the longest yet:
"Yeah, the next time you play as Gordon will be longer than the distance between
HL2 to Ep1, and Ep1 to Ep2."
The Consumerist reports a tale of consumer woe from a user who purchased
Diablo II online via the Blizzard store and has been unable to secure a
refund, even though customer service acknowledged he was not able to download
the game. Apparently this is blamed on shortcoming in their system, rather than
an unwillingness to supply a refund, and the user was told he'd have to wait for
the "functionality to become available" to return his money. The
consumer-oriented site offers the advise to protest the charges though your bank
should you find yourself in a similar spot. Thanks Ant and
Digg.
Open beta testing of Kivi's Underworld is now underway, offering the
chance to help with the development of this upcoming casual hack-and-slash
action/adventure in the works at indie developer Soldak Entertainment ( Depths
of Peril). The beta is available
on this page for
both Windows and Mac, but carries the following disclaimer: "It's not a demo
yet, but if you want to help test and make Kivi's Underworld a better game,
download one of the open beta builds. If you do download and play either of
these, please give us feedback by sending us email or posting on our forums."
RPG Vault's Demigod
Interview talks with Mike Marr about Gas Powered Games' upcoming
action/strategy/RPG dealie. They discuss the game's ambitious blend of genres,
the story and setting, role-playing and customization, and the proverbial more.
There's also a Q&A
with Mike Marr on GameZone, discussing things like camera views, game
balance, demigod types, and more.
Rock, Paper, Shotgun's Empire: Total War Interview chats up Creative
Assembly's James Russell about the next installment in their large-scale strategy
series. Topics include the game's historical setting, the significance of the
addition off naval battles to the series, changes to ground-based combat, AI
improvements, graphical improvements, and the number of small details they've
improved.
The
Tastes So Goo-d- 2D BOY Interview on Rock, Paper, Shotgun is a Q&A with
2D BOY about World of Goo, the
independent developer's project that's now launched for online purchase from
Beanstalk Games,
Direct2Drive, and Steam.
They discuss the unusual nature of the game, and the terrifying transition from
the relative safety of the cubicle to the relative uncertainty of independence:
"Back in school, we always thought the halls of EA would be filled with plastic
balls and tricycles and stuff, since it’s a game company, which means it’s
essentially Santa’s workshop. But that wasn’t the case. The halls were filled
with carpet and disillusionment. And time-worn tracks leading to the bathroom
and coffee machines. Even so, I was really lucky that my whole job was to make a
bunch of colorful disposable rapid prototypes every week or so. All I had to do
was make people happy. But it was all for a small audience. By going indie, and
making our own game, I’m hoping we can reach more people. We’ll see. Our game
launches today, and we’re terrified."
I forgot to mention yesterday was Columbus Day, it's one of those occasions
that's easy to overlook, as I don't know anyone who gets the day off or
anything. On the other hand, the news was pretty slow, so maybe it is a big
holiday in the games business or something.
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