Archived News:
Swedish developer SimBin
announces RACE On as their next PC project (thanks Gamer's Hell), a racing game that
will integrate with GTR Evolution and will include the entirety of STCC The
Game, previously only available in Nordic territories and Russia (or via Steam). RACE On will
include a precise recreation of WTCC season 2008 as well as a selection of
classic Detroit muscle cars, and a release is planned by the middle of this
year. Here's a feature list: RACE On includes the following new content:
16 unique car models in 8 classes with over 140 variations. 12 tracks of which
several never has been released by SimBin on PC.
RACE On will be available as a stand alone game including all RACE 07 content
and an expansion pack for existing owners of RACE 07 will also be available.
All in all this makes up for: 39 unique car models in 17 classes with over 450
variations. 30 tracks and 17 alternate layouts, in total 47 tracks.
Voodoo
Extreme has word that Wheelman is gold, and the driving/action game starring
a digitized Vin Diesel is due in North America on March 24 and in Europe on
March 27: Today, Midway and Ubisoft announced that Wheelman has gone gold
for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the
PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and PC. Wheelman is scheduled for a
March 24, 2009, ship date in North America and a March 27, 2009 street date in
Europe for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the
PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. Wheelman is rated
16+ by PEGI.
Combining spectacular Hollywood-style stunts with a gripping storyline, Wheelman
provides an adrenaline-fueled, cinematic thrill ride. Vin Diesel stars as an
undercover agent and highly skilled driver who must infiltrate the Barcelona
underworld to gather intelligence surrounding a covert heist. Posing as a
driver-for-hire, he ends up caught in a crossfire of corruption and chaos while
trying to stay one step ahead of local law enforcement and rival gangs.
The
Codemasters Forum has a confirmation of plans for a playable demo for
Operation Flashpoint 2: Dragon Rising (thanks
IncGamers). No details about a release
date or content are offered, except the sample of the military shooter will be
available for all platforms before the game's release.
The Team Fortress 2 Blog
has an update on how they are addressing the problem of finding a good server on
which to play. They have implemented a scoring system that allows them to get an
idea of which servers are not providing a good user experience based on the
frequency of player disconnections. Word is: "Our first step in improving this
part of the player experience has been to delist all the really bad servers. The
master server will simply stop giving these to you when you fire up the
serverbrowser. After that, we're going to keep improving our ability to measure
this kind of problem."
The GameTap Blog
outlines new levels of membership for this subscription gaming service,
introducing a new "classic pack" membership which allows access to the entire
library of console, arcade and DOS games on the service, all updated for
compatibility with 64-bit operating systems as well as the Firefox browser. As a
preview of the new service, they are offering all users free access to this
library of over 500 titles,
all listed here.
GameStop offers a limited edition comic book as a preorder bonus for Wanted:
Weapons of Fate, the action movie tie-in. The preorder offer is for both online
and in-store purchases, and is also available for the
Xbox 360 and
PlayStation 3 editions. Also for preorder customers, word is: "Pre-order
Wanted: Weapons of Fate by March 23rd at 11am CST with overnight shipping and
get guaranteed delivery on the street date of March 24th! If your product does
not arrive on the street date, we will fully refund your shipping charge!"
A patch for Ceville brings Realmsforge Studios' point-and-click adventure game
to version 1.0.1.0. The 2 MB download is available on the
Ceville Website, and
mirrored on AtomicGamer,
FileFront, Gamer's Hell,
and
Strategy Informer.
The
Ghostbusters Interview on Strategy Informer discusses the Ghostbusters:
The Video Game with its Executive Producer, Brendan Goss and its Creative
Director, Drew Haworth. Topics include how this project originated, the pressure
of working with such a revered property, working with the movie talent,
inspirations from the original movie, multiplayer support, and the possibility
of DLC after the game launches.
The
Champions Online Interview on Eurogamer talks with Cryptic's Bill Roper
about the upcoming superhero MMORPG. Topics include how the game has progressed
since it was shown off last summer, the nemesis system, UI changes, their
now-vague console plans, his late addition to the team, being ready for launch,
lessons learned from Hellgate: London, and more.
The Creative Assembly Australia Interview on Develop chats with Vispi Bhopti
of Creative Assembly Australia about Stormrise, their upcoming
multiplatform real-time strategy game. The main focus is on making an RTS game
work on consoles, but they also discuss the influence of the Total War series,
and the current environment for game development in their native Australia.
MTV Multiplayer offers a new trailer for Batman: Arkham Asylum,
showing off some stealth gameplay from the upcoming superhero. This is the first
look at a clip they are showing on the television this evening.
Four new movies are now available for Empires of Steel, showing off the upcoming
turn-based strategy game. Word is: "This is a series of in-game videos from the
current beta of EMPIRES OF STEEL by Atomicsoftware, published by
Battlefront.com. Despite being uncommented, it still provides a great insight
into the actual gameplay of this great new turn-based (WeGo) strategy title in
the tradition of exploration and global domination games like the original
"Empire". Watch some of the exciting features as the first 50 or so turns
unfold, such as random map creation, game and turn playback, trades, research
and much more... " The clips are posted on
AtomicGamer,
FileFront, and Gamer's
Hell.
The Rooster Teeth Website now
offers Captain Dynamic: Episode 3, the third installment in this comedic series
based on City of Heroes, Cryptic's superhero MMORPG. The clip is mirrored on
AtomicGamer,
FileFront, and Gamer's
Hell.
A new trailer from The Sims 3 showcases the artificial intelligence in the
people sim that's due from EA Maxis this June. The clip demonstrates this
intelligence by showing how sims are now able to bath and feed themselves,
making them as advanced as most children and some webmasters. Sims can also now
seek and develop relationships on their own and make other antonymous choices
based on their personalities, though it looks as though the simple act of
cooking can still easily result in disaster. The clip is available on
ActionTrip,
AtomicGamer, and
GameDaily.
- Alganon Peek on
RPG Vault.
- Championship Manager 2009 on
Eurogamer.
- Ghostbusters: The Videogame on
Eurogamer.
- The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria on
IGN.
Thanks Mike Martinez and Ant.
Steam News announces
another new update for the co-op zombie shooter Left 4 Dead is now
automatically available. The patch notes include a few new fixes, the "Tank
melee attack can now hit multiple Survivors in one swing" that was also
mentioned in the notes for last night's patch, and another entry
which should have been included with last night's patch notes, but wasn't:
"Fixed acheivements [sic] to match stats. Past achievements not previously
awarded will be shown in the game UI."
A new trailer from the upcoming Map Pack 1 for Call of Duty: World at War
shows off some action on the Verrückt (Zombie Asylum) map. Word is the pack is
scheduled for release for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 a week from today, while
details on the Windows edition of this map pack are said to be "coming soon."
The clip is posted on
AtomicGamer,
FileFront, and Gamer's
Hell.
Eidos Interactive announces that Battlestations: Pacific is slated for
release in North America on May 12 and across Europe and Australia on May 15 for
Games for Windows LIVE and Xbox 360. The announcement is accompanied by a new
gameplay trailer from the World War II action/strategy sequel, which is posted
on AtomicGamer,
FileFront, and Gamer's
Hell. More details on the game can be found
on its official website.
Steam News announces an
update is now automatically available for
Red Orchestra: Ostfront 41-45,
adding 44 achievements and a new Fallen Heroes map to Tripwire Interactive's
World War II shooter. This major update is accompanied by
the announcement of a
weekend sale on the game, which is being offered for 66% off until Monday.
Ubisoft announces World in Conflict: Soviet Assault for PC is now
available in stores and for digital download. There's a launch trailer for the
RTS expansion on
AtomicGamer and Gamer's
Hell, and here's the announcement: SAN FRANCISCO – March 12, 2009 –
Today Ubisoft announced that World in Conflict: Soviet Assault for PC is now
available at retail stores or for digital download. The retail version of the
much awaited add-on to the critically acclaimed strategy game will include the
entire original World in Conflict title, as well as the Soviet Assault add-on
and other exciting all-new features. Players that already own World in Conflict
will have the option to download the Soviet Assault expansion pack exclusively
online.
Imagine if the Soviet Union hadn't collapsed and instead made a decisive advance
into Europe. NATO forces clash with the Red Army and a second front is opened up
as the Soviets launch an attack on continental United States. You will find
yourself taking on the role of a commander in the escalating conflict,
controlling the era's most powerful and technologically advanced military
hardware. This is what happens in World in Conflict: Soviet Assault.
Developed by Massive Entertainment and published by Ubisoft, World in Conflict:
Soviet Assault expands on the groundbreaking action-strategy gameplay of 2007's
"Best Strategy Game”, World in Conflict. World in Conflict merges elements of
strategy, first-person-shooter and action games – creating a new
"Action-Strategy” genre in gaming – a genre that has proven to appeal to all
kinds of gamers, from first-person-shooter enthusiasts to strategy
purists.
GameTap now offers Sleeping Beauty, the new installment in American
McGee's Grimm, the episodic adventure series, and as usual, the episode will
be free for 24 hours. Word is: "In this episode of American McGee's Grimm, a
socially awkward witch lays a nasty curse which sends everyone to the land of
slumber for one hundred years. One hundred years is a very long time. It's an
especially long nap time. Grimm has a few tricks up his sleeve fill the time in
this episode, the longest one yet!" Also new to their free area is
Just Cause,
which will be gratis until March 26. Also new to GameTap's premium are
Insecticide Part 1
and Freak Out:
Extreme Freeride.
EA announces Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Uprising is now available for
digital distribution from the
EA Store, as well as other vendors such as
Gamersgate. There's a new launch trailer fro the game on
Gamesonice and
Strategy Informer, and here's word on the RTS expansion, which does not
require ownership of the original Red Alert 3: Conquer four all-new
campaigns as the Red Alert 3 saga continues! Command & Conquer Red Alert 3:
Uprising gives you more of the single-player action that you've been hungry for
— more stories, action, campaigns, units, and live-action movies with new
Hollywood stars, in the latest from the over-the-top, bestselling, and
most-beloved series of the Command & Conquer franchise.
Mythic Entertainment announces a
Warhammer
Online Re-Enlistment Program that's looking to entice former subscribers to
check out the latest changes to the fantasy-themed MMORPG. Word is: "The Call to
Arms has sounded! The lords of Order and Destruction seek to bolster their ranks
as the war rages on. While mighty armies clash in deadly combat across the Old
World and on the distant shores of Ulthuan, the rulers of both realms are
offering new incentives to those loyal warriors who will lead their forces into
battle. There is no better time to enlist, for your strength is needed! Rise
now, and bear the banners of war. To arms, and to glory!" Also,
a post to the VN Boards (thanks
Edge Online) has word from Mark Jacobs with reassurances that
Tuesday's announcement that 43 servers are closing is not a sign
that the game is failing, concluding by saying: "Oh, and as an FYI, once again
our number of paying subs in NA went up again yesterday as did our PCU (even
with backing out the trial accounts). These are undeniable facts, not spin."
Aspyr offers the expected announcement that a Windows version of
Dark Sector will be released in the US on March 23. Contrary to
recent announcement of a European edition of the game ported by
original developer Digital Extremes, this announcement says the port is by Noviy
Disk, suggesting this relates to the recently released Russian
edition: AUSTIN, TEXAS – March 12, 2009 – Aspyr Media has partnered with
leading Russian publisher and distributor Noviy Disk to become the publisher of
Dark Sector® for PC in North America. Dark Sector for PC will land on store
shelves on March 23 with improved graphics and a streamlined interface that
allows for easy mouse and keyboard control.
Dark Sector is a stunning third-person action title that introduces gamers to an
original, action-filled story and places them in the role of deadly covert
operative Hayden Tenno. Sent on a dangerous mission to a mysterious Eastern
European city, Hayden becomes infected by a viral bio-weapon that grants him
superhuman powers. Included in his new, otherworldly arsenal is the bladed
glaive, a fierce weapon that can be thrown to cut down foes with vicious
accuracy. As the game progresses, players will witness Hayden’s ongoing
transformation as he evolves with his new powers and becomes even more lethal.
Originally created by acclaimed developer Digital Extremes, co-creators behind
Epic Game’s award-winning Unreal® franchise, Dark Sector was released last year
on next-gen consoles by D3Publisher. Dark Sector has been optimized for the PC
by Noviy Disk. The game is rated M for Mature by the ESRB and will be available
for the suggested retail price of $19.99.
The
Warhammer Herald has a new "Winter’s End State of the Game" update from
Mythic Entertainment's Mark Jacobs on Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning,
their MMORPG, saying: "We’ve launched another successful MMORPG but this time in
the face of the worst economic conditions that most of us have ever seen. We’ve
done some things that we are very proud of, some things we regret, and some
things that we are very excited about going forward." The update outlines plans
for upcoming patches, and serves up an "Eleven Enticing Enhancements" list of
things they are working on based on user feedback.
Variety.com reports that rights to create games based on The Lord of the
Rings movies have quietly reverted from EA to Warner Bros. as of the end of
last year. The last game released by EA under the deal was The Lord of the
Rings: Conquest, and the story speculates that the quality of Pandemic's
action game may have suffered in the rush to get it out the door before the deal
(which was stretched by couple of weeks to allow Conquest's January release)
expired. They also offer speculation that Warner will not license out the property
again, but rather will take development of the franchise in-house for future
games. The rights to make games based on The Lord of the Rings books is a
separate license, held by the Tolkien estate.
Massgate.net Downloads now
offers a new version 1.010 dedicated server for World in Conflict,
corresponding to the recent client patch for Massive
Entertainment's real-time strategy game. The server is an 85 MB download, which
is mirrored on
The Patches
Scrolls.
Majesco hits profits of $4.2m, driven by Cooking Mama titles and Jillian
Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2009. Says Majesco CEO Jesse Sutton, "We are well
positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for family friendly mass
market games, the fastest growing segment of the industry, which in part is
being driven by the success of Nintendo's platforms."
Ubisoft announces Grey's Anatomy: The Video Game is now available in
stores for Windows, Wii, and DS.
The Grey's Anatomy Website should carry info in this, though it seems
offline for now. Word is: "In Grey's Anatomy: The Video Game, Seattle Grace
Hospital is struck by one of the worst crisis in the hospital's history. As each
doctor, players will make important professional and personal decisions that
affect the outcome of the storyline and the state of the hospital. Use the Wii
Remote(TM), Nintendo DS stylus or a PC-compatible mouse to perform the delicate
surgeries the series is known for. See a whole new world of 'Grey's Anatomy' in
a video game written in collaboration with the TV show's production team and
writers."
Pirate Galaxy announces open beta
testing is underway for this subscription-free sci-fi MMORPG, and word is anyone
who registers can start to play immediately. The game can be downloaded, and it
can also be played in a browser.
Indie developer Electronic Visual Elements (aka "two Gen-Xer’s living in their
mother's basement") announce the completion of
Mob Ties Tokyo, their single-player first-person shooter set in Tokyo, Japan
that puts the player in the role of a hitman. The game is available for online
purchase, offering a version that's rated "T" as well as an "M" version that
includes more flesh. There's no demo, but the site offers screenshots and a
gameplay trailer.
Shrapnel
Games now offers patches for BRAINPIPE: A Plunge to Unhumanity, updating
Digital Eel's psychedelic action game to version 1.01. There are separate
patches for the Windows and Mac editions, each correcting a joystick calibration
error. The patches are only required for version of the game purchased prior to
today's date.
A new "tools of destruction" trailer for Red Faction: Guerilla shows off
Volition's upcoming third-person shooter sequel that will bring further
destruction to Mars. The clip is available on
AtomicGamer,
FileFront, and Gamer's
Hell.
The
Interview With Jeff Gardiner on Planet Fallout talks with this Senior
Producer at Bethesda Game Studios about The Pitt, the upcoming DLC for Fallout
3, their action/RPG sequel. The Pitt is set in Pittsburgh, but it also features
"The Pitt," an arena where two men enter, but one man leaves: "At a certain
point in the quest the player will have to prove their worth and fight a series
of battles in the Pitt, a fighting area situated underneath the Steel Mill.
Raiders climb the fence above the pitt as the player is challenged variety of
foes. Each fight starts with barrels of toxic radiation being dropped down,
which adds an additional element of tension. Depending on the player’s previous
choices and allegiances, they’ll have different weaponry and other unique items
at their disposal."
The BioWare Q&A
NowGamer offers a house call with Dr. Ray Muzyka of BioWare. Topics include
being acquired by EA, making console games as deep as PC games, hardcore
geekiness in games, technological advances, MMOs on the PS3, and why he feels
Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic has the sterling reputation it enjoys.
Oh goodness, that March Madness stuff is almost upon us again already? Where
does the time go? (I know: the internet.) I wonder if I've still got time to
stock up on canned food and shotgun shells?
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