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Archived News:
Ubisoft announce that Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood is gold, and the
now-complete wild-west shooter prequel will be in stores by the end of this
month. They celebrate the news with a new "Oh Mama" trailer, which can be found
on ActionTrip,
FileFront, and Gamer's
Hell. Here's the gold announcement: Today Ubisoft announces that Call
of Juarez Bound in Blood for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system
from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and PC has gone
gold
About Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood is the prequel to the Wild West action shooter
Call of Juarez. As the McCall brothers, players enter a doomed quest for the
legendary Gold of Juarez leading them from a ravaged Georgia during the Civil
War to the Aztec ruins of Mexico. They make their lawless trail into the wildest
West ever depicted, using their gunslinging skills and killing all of those that
stand before them. But when the brothers face lust, their bond of blood feels
thinner than ever
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood will be available end of June 2009 for X360, PS3
and PC!!
Got Game Entertainment confirms plans for a July release of
Memento Mori
in North America, saying the mystery/adventure game centering on the theft of
fine art will hit stores in the new world on July 7. They say: "In this
atmospheric, spine-tingling adventure published in North America by Got Game
Entertainment, your journey begins in the famous Hermitage Museum of St.
Petersburg and takes you across Europe -- from the streets of France to the
forests of Finland -- on a trail of clever clues."
Shacknews has the PC
requirements for Dragon Age: Origins, BioWare's upcoming RPG: Windows
XP Minimum Specifications
• OS: Windows XP with SP3
• CPU: Intel Core 2 (or equivalent) running at 1.4Ghz or greater
• AMD X2 (or equivalent) running at 1.8Ghz or greater
• RAM: 1GB or more
• Video: ATI Radeon X850 128MB or greater
• NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT 128MB or greater
• DVD ROM (Physical copy)
• 20 GB HD space
Windows Vista Minimum Specifications
• OS: Windows Vista with SP1
• CPU: Intel Core 2 (or equivalent) running at 1.6Ghz or greater
• AMD X2 (or equivalent) running at 2.2GHZ or greater
• RAM: 1.5 GB or more
• Video: ATI Radeon X1550 256MB or greater
• NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT 256MB or greater
• DVD ROM (Physical copy)
• 20 GB HD space
Recommended Specifications
• CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4Ghz Processor or equivalent
• RAM: 4 GB (Vista) or 2 GB (XP)
• Video: ATI 3850 512 MB or greater
• NVIDIA 8800GTS 512 MB or greater
• DVD ROM (Physical copy)
• 20 GB HD space
Big Download contacted Atari about the absence of multiplayer
support in the PC edition of Ghostbusters, and Atari passed along a
statement from Dan Irish, CEO
Threewave Software,
who created the game's console multiplayer component. The obvious reason
for this is that the console editions were a higher priority, but at least he
comes out and admits that. Here's that bit: Multiplayer for the PC version
of Ghostbusters is something that Threewave and Terminal Reality always wanted
to do. However, our focus was on making the console version the best that they
could be - an experience that allows multiple players to re-live and re-fight
many of the themes from the movies. When we looked at the resources necessary to
pull off multiplayer on the consoles and the PC, it became a question of what
could we do and still be excellent in our execution.
Dreamspike Studios announces the removal of
DRM from Space War Commander, the recently released real-time strategy
game. The version of the game they are selling is now DRM-free, and they say
they are contacting customers to explain how to get an updated version.
A stylized clip posted on the
Necessary Force Website
shows glimpses of Necessary Force, the just revealed new IP
in the works at Midway Newcastle, who need to find a publishing partner for the
game if they hope to stay open past the end of this month (thanks
Joystiq). The clip asks several questions: "In a city rife with corruption,
one detective must make a choice… How far will he go… …to uphold the
law? To save the city? To save himself?" More information and gameplay movies
are said to be coming soon.
Develop has word from
their
interview with Kekoa Lee-Creel, Activision's producer for Singularity, the
shooter in development at Raven Software. "We’re definitely on track to release
a demo," he says. "That’s absolutely critical. It’s so hard to convey how a game
feels, but I have confidence that once we can cross that threshold I think we’re
good." No word on when the demo is due, but the game is planned for release by
the end of this year.
2K Games and Bethesda Softworks announce an unusual bundle of BioShock &
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion will be released for PC and Xbox 360 on
July 7. Here's word on the shooter & RPG combo: "With a combined bounty of more
than 80 Game of the Year awards from the industry’s top publications, the
BioShock & The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Bundle provide two critically
acclaimed experiences that have set new benchmarks for their genres."
There's
an
interview with David Jones on GamesIndustry.biz talking with the CEO of
Realtime Worlds about APB, and weathering the bad economy as an independent
developer. They also discuss the future of diskless distribution, E3, motion
control, attracting employees to Dundee, Scotland, and the "unfortunate"
situation that has a start-up also located in Dundee working on the sequel to
Realtime's Crackdown.
The
Company of Heroes Website has a reminder that Company of Heroes: Tales of
Valor CD keys are case-sensitive, information which has helped some users who
have been getting "Invalid Key" or "Your account has been banned" messages when
entering a key for the military shooter expansion.
Thanks Mike Martinez and Ant.
The America's Army
Website announces the release
on Steam of America's
Army 3, the third iteration of this freeware military shooter designed by
the U.S. Army, which launches along with the promised America's
Army online graphic novel.
Here's a bit from the game launch announcement: In America's Army 3,
Every Detail CountsTM and as a result, the game has more authentic military
elements including training, technology, weapons, and audio than any other
military game. Built on Unreal Engine 3, AA3 delivers stunningly realistic
environments, lighting effects, animations, and team-based experiences so that
America's Army players can experience how Soldiers train, live, and advance in
the Army. Players are bound by Rules of Engagement (ROE) and gain experience as
they navigate challenges in team-based, multiplayer, force-on-force operations.
In the game, a player's actions and demonstrated Army values are integral to
successful mission accomplishment and affect a player's career progression.
The game is launching with five different environments, each with three
different mission scenario options for a total of 15 different map/mission
combinations. Initially, the core of the gameplay focuses on an Infantry Soldier
(11B). Players first complete Basic Combat Training and then progress to
Advanced Individual Training for a variety of specialized roles that the
Infantry Soldier performs, such as Advanced Rifleman, Automatic Rifleman, Squad
Designated Marksman, and Grenadier. This advanced training allows players to
unlock new abilities and gear, customize their gear and equipment loads,
increase their in-game skill level, and progress in their Army careers.
Also on Steam is a new
update for Merchants of Brooklyn, addressing some bugs in Paleo
Entertainment's CryENGINE 2 first-person shooter, and adding a new game mode
called Drug Wars, which is described like so: Drug Wars is a fast paced
capture the flag/base defense game that can be played by up to 32 people on four
teams (multiplayer only). Capture the drugs, stash the drugs, defend the drugs.
The team that holds all of the drugs simultaneously wins. Drug Wars features
four new vehicles, updated weapons and exciting and unique gameplay!
Playable demos for Anno 1404 ( Dawn of Discovery in North America)
are now available to offer the chance to sample the new installment in the
historical strategy series that's due for release later this month. The demos
offers two campaign chapters and a 60 minute sample of continuous game mode.
There is a U.S. English Dawn of Discovery demo, available on
AtomicGamer,
ComputerGames.ro,
FileFront, and Gamer's
Hell, a U.K. English Anno 1404 demo on
AtomicGamer,
ComputerGames.ro,
FileFront, Gamer's Hell,
and
Strategy Informer; a German version can be found on
4players.de,
AtomicGamer,
FileFront, and Gamer's
Hell, and there is also a French demo on
AtomicGamer,
FileFront, and Gamer's
Hell.
Paradox Interactive announces the Argos Naval Yard is now available to
expand Sword of the Stars (Sword of the Stars: A Murder of Crows or Sword
of the Stars Ultimate Collection is required). The game is being released via
digital distribution, and it is now available on
GamersGate and
Impulse, while
Direct2Drive is still accepting preorders and Steam's listing for the
add-on is not yet online. Update: The
Direct2Drive and Steam
editions are now also for sale. Here's the deal, including a Plasmatics
reference for Wendy O. Williams fans: Paradox Interactive today announced
that the new expansion pack, Argos Naval Yard, to the critically acclaimed 4X
space strategy game series Sword of the Stars is releasing today. The game will
be available on the four major digital download portals: GamersGate, Impulse,
Steam and Direct2Drive.
Argos Naval Yard is an expansion to Sword of the Stars and requires previously
released expansions or Sword of the Stars Ultimate Collection. Argos Naval Yard
will provide players with:
• 19 new technologies, including Advanced Drones, Overthrusters, two new
Satellite designs, defensive Interceptor micro-missiles, and Polarized
Plasmatics, unlocking a new weapon type
• Over 75 new ship sections to build
• 10 new weapons, including the new inertial cannons, Kelvinic torpedoes, and
the fearsome Rail Cannon
• 3 New Scenarios
• Single Player / Multi-player with co-op scenario maps
Sword of the Stars: Argos Naval Yard is available on GamersGate, Impulse, Steam
and Direct2Drive for a SRP of €7.49, $8.99 and £6.99.
The Aion Website outlines
the preorder program for Aion, NCsoft's upcoming MMORPG. Preorders are being
accepted for both the standard edition as well as the limited-run
collector's edition (thanks
IncGamers). Preorder bonuses include beta access, a sweepstakes, in-game
items, a head start, and the chance to preselect character names and servers.
Here's the deal: Aion Limited Collector's Edition and Aion Standard
Edition First-Run SteelBook Cases
Be one of the first players to have the grace to soar and the power to
dominate in the divided world of the Aion MMORPG. We will release only 35,000
copies of the Aion Limited Collector's Edition in North America, so don't miss
out.
Aion Preorder Bonuses
• Aion Beta Events: Preorder and receive a code to access all of
the remaining Aion beta events.
• Preorder Aion Game Sweepstakes: Play in an Aion beta event, and
you’ll have a chance to win a killer Alienware notebook, ATI video cards, or
other great prizes (see Preorder Aion Game Sweepstakes below).
• Preorder-Only In-Game Items: In-game items will be available
for use during the head start program.
• Black Cloud Hat (gives boosts to HP, MP, magical
resistance, and evasion)
• Lodas' Amulet (gives a +20% experience boost for 1
hour)
• One Ancient Ring of Power (type depends on your
preorder retailer): Ancient Ring of Fire (GameStop), Ancient Ring of Magic (Best
Buy), Ancient Ring of Earth (Amazon.com), Ancient Ring of Water, or Ancient Ring
of Wind.
• Head Start Program: Get a 48-hour head start
to the live game before the game releases.
• Preselection: Select your character names
and server in advance of the game going live.
Battlefront's Theatre of War File Repository offers downloads of a
Theatre of War "Mega Modpack," to expand the World War II tactical combat
simulator. This contains no immediately playable materials, but can be used as a
resource for creating mods and missions with the game's editors and battle
generator. Here's more on the download, which is broken into four parts: "The
TOW ModPack contains over 2.6 Gb of maps, weapon and vehicle models, and
buildings which can be used to create countless modifications to the original
game. Two instruction manuals covering modding basics (such as how to add new
units to the game as well as about model and building conversions) are included
as well."
Dejobaan Games announces preorders
are now being accepted for AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! -- A Reckless
Disregard for Gravity, their upcoming base-jumping game. For a limited time,
those who preorder will receive a 30-level prerelease version of the game to
play now while they wait for the full 80-level game when it is released in Q3
2009. Word is: "Since the indie studio released the game's public alpha test,
they've added new content and incorporated player feedback to improve gameplay.
The pre-release introduces new levels and game mechanics such as the option to
trade human teeth for triple espresso shots and the ability to anger protesters
for points. There's also a relaxing audio meditation for anyone too stressed out
to play the game." They also outline the game's system specifications, saying it
will require Windows XP/Vista, a 1.5GHz processor, 1.5GB memory, a 3D card with
256MB memory, and DirectX 9.0c.
Steam News announces an
update to The Steam Community that
adds new features: • Comments on group announcements
• Comments on group events
• Events now persist - Users can view and comment on past events
• Miscellaneous layout and design updates
Monte Cristo has launched closed beta testing of CITIES XL, the upcoming
urban planning game. They say that those who have successfully applied for the
beta can join in right now, but for those who haven't, all is not lost, as the
Cities XL Website (currently in sparse
mode to deal with traffic) lists a number of partner websites where keys are
still being distributed in French and German, saying English sites will be
announced later today.
Matrix Games announces the release of Horse and Musket: Volume I,
Frederick the Great, offering "tons of scenarios and many new features to
the popular and proven Horse and Musket game engine." The new game centers
around the Seven Years' War (World War 0). Here's word: Through the
classic turn-based hex system, gamers take command of a wide variety of
historical units and leaders as they try to follow in Frederick’s footsteps
across 10 of his famous battles, making for a whopping 40 scenarios in total.
Maneuver your infantry battalions, cavalry squadrons, and artillery batteries to
break the enemy lines and claim your own title as a great captain of
history!
IGN has an article
based on the Game Informer cover story on Max Payne 3, Remedy's upcoming
shooter sequel. They confirm previously mentioned details like the setting of
Sao Paulo, Brazil, Max's new older appearance, the addition of a cover system,
and more. They also say the game will use Rockstar's RAGE (Grand Theft Auto IV)
and will include a new version of bullet time called "environmental bullet
time." They conclude saying: "What Game Informer seemed most impressed by were
the animations and attention to detail in the environments, which were said to
enhance the gunplay and feel of the game. While hardly anything was said about
the multiplayer, it was confirmed that there will be an online component in the
PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC version of the game."
Gamasutra
has a follow up to the closure of Factor 5 US, saying former
employees of the now-closed developer are suing the company: "for allegedly
fraudulently conveying intellectual property to another company prior to
declaring bankruptcy, in order to avoid paying employees and debtors." The
allegation is the three founders of Factor 5 fraudulently transferred assets
like source code and other intellectual property to Blue Harvest, which is now
known as White Harvest, and that "Factor 5 and White Harvest are essentially the
same company, being run by the same people, being represented by the same sets
of lawyers, with all the same management and ownership and control, performing
all the same work that they were doing at Factor 5, just now with a new name and
a new address." Gamasutra has attempted to find the operators of White Harvest,
but say they have been unable to find any contact details for the new company.
Had a fine old time taking MrsBlue out for her birthday last night. Thanks to
those who offered their birthday wishes, and happy belated birthday to forum
regular strich as well. The evening out has thrown me a little off schedule this
morning, but we'll be caught up in a bit. Oh, and in a truly weird note, we
continued our string of celebrity sightings in restaurants, as even though we
were in the middle of nowhere, we saw
Rachel McAdams eating there,
as she is shooting a movie nearby.
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