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Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas PC Preview 06:02 pm
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: Action
(6 comments)
IGN and GameSpot headed on down to their local Rockstar office to check out the latest build of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for the PC:
One other new thing is a small but notable addition to the soundtracks. Like the PC version of Vice City, you can create custom soundtracks from MP3s, but now you can also tell the game to randomly insert its commercials in between songs. You won't get the DJ dialogues, since they typically lead into one of the game's own tracks, but all the commercials are in there. Of course, you can record your own DJ dialogue and convert it to MP3s and have the full package, as long as you sequence it correctly. Other than that, there won't be any new content--no new vehicles, weapons, missions, et cetera. Nor will Rockstar add any multiplayer, but I think it's safe to expect another Multi-Theft Auto from the MTA Team not too long after release.
The IGN preview also reveals that the game is set to be released on a single DVD, rather than multiple CDs.
WPG 06:01 pm
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: General News
(0 comments)
Call of Duty 2 Nudies 04:04 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: Action
(15 comments)
Activision and Infinity Ward sent over three new 1600x1200 screen shots of Call of Duty 2 which show off some of the levels in the North African campaign. Dig it:
(Click to Enlarge!)
Looks pretty good for using their own game engine. The models aren't finished from what I can tell, but the rest looks pretty snazzy for being in such an early state.
Remedy's Next Game? 04:01 pm
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: Action
(10 comments)
Remedy, the makers of the hit series Max Payne (well, the first one was really good) will be showing off their new unannounced title at ATI's booth at E3 next month according to CGM. Here's the poop: Much like they did with Half-Life 2 at the two previous Electronic Entertainment Expos, PC graphics chip maker ATI plans to have two special demo theaters at this year's E3, this time showcasing new games from Take Two Interactive and Max Payne creators Remedy.
The theaters will each have 20 minutes for demoing each game, according to a press note promoting the event. At the moment, there is no further word on what games will be shown at the ATI Take Two or Remedy demo booths.
World of Warcraft 1.4 Patch Adds PvP Honour System 01:03 pm
- Andrew Burnes
- MMOG: Role-Playing
(13 comments)
Blizzard's new 128MB World of Warcraft patch has added among numerous tweaks & twiddles an honour system that rewards successful PvPers with "phat l00tz."
Check out the humongous patch changelist here, and grab the patch via FilePlanet if the in-game updater is painfully slow.
More Xbox 360 Rumours 12:57 pm
- Andrew Burnes
- Consoles: Xbox Next
(6 comments)
Love the rumours they do, so here's yet more from GamesIndustryBiz who suggest WebTV for a $100 more expensive version of the console (rumoured for some time) and backwards compatibility only with the more expensive unit due to the need of a hard drive for original Xbox titles:
WebTV is Microsoft's effort at bringing internet communication and media functionality to the living room, and includes basic functionality such as web, e-mail and IM access along with the ability to stream music and video channels from the 'net or from local PCs.
Integrating the system with Xbox 360 would be a logical move, and a major land-grab for Microsoft in this space - which is tipped to become more important in the coming years as increasing amounts of content are broadcast over the Internet as opposed to over traditional TV networks.
The mill workers will be out of a job come May 12th, sadly.
Broadcom To Provide Wi-Fi Gubbins For Revolution 12:46 pm
- Andrew Burnes
- Consoles: GameCube
(2 comments)
The Nintendo Revolution may no longer be appearing at E3, but it hasn't stopped Broadcom announcing that they'll be supplying the bits and pieces to make the in-built Wi-Fi from working its magic:
Broadcom Corporation, a global leader in wired and wireless broadband communications semiconductors, today announced a strategic partnership to provide wireless technology for Nintendo's next generation gaming systems. Broadcom's diverse portfolio of technology solutions will enable Nintendo to add cutting-edge wireless features and connectivity to its popular line of gaming consoles. Nintendo's next generation console (codenamed "Revolution") will feature an advanced wireless platform that integrates multiple technologies to enable a new and exciting gaming experience.
"The depth and breadth of Broadcom's wireless expertise will enable Nintendo to deliver the industry's most innovative gaming solutions," said Genyo Takeda, Senior Managing Director, General Manager, Integrated Research & Development Division for Nintendo. "By integrating Broadcom wireless solutions into our next-generation systems, we can provide the high performance gaming and connectivity capabilities that will delight users of 'Revolution'."
Buena Vista Purchases 25 to Life Developer; Establishes New Vancouver Studio 12:25 pm
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: General News
(0 comments)
Buena Vista Games has acquired Avalanche Software, studio behind the recently announced Eidos multiplayer shooter, 25 To Life, and established a new development house in Vancouver, complete with Electronic Arts Canada senior development and business staff:
"The acquisition of Avalanche Software and the creation of a development studio in Vancouver mark a significant milestone in becoming a top tier video game publisher by securing the industry's top talent to build and create game franchises," said Graham Hopper, senior vice president and general manager, Buena Vista Games. "Avalanche Software has a proven track record of creating high quality console games based on its own compelling content and some of the industry's top brands, and is a perfect fit for our Disney-based franchises. The new studio in Vancouver is already off to a strong start and growing rapidly to focus on cutting-edge, action oriented core-gamer content and will be led by a veteran management team formerly of Electronic Arts."
BVG's studio in Vancouver, Canada will focus on developing innovative action/adventure games for the major video game consoles including upcoming next-generation platforms. The studio is founded by a veteran game development team, with a successful track record of producing hit franchise product for Electronic Arts, Inc. The studio will focus on developing original intellectual property, as well as key BVG-owned content for the older core gamer consumer.
BVG's new development studio is based in Vancouver, Canada and operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of BVG. The studio founders are Josh Holmes, Howard Donaldson, Daryl Anselmo, and Jorge Freitas. Holmes, Anselmo and Freitas are all expert video game developers who were instrumental in creating the NBA Street and Def Jam franchises for Electronic Arts and have worked on multiple high profile franchises throughout their careers. Donaldson formerly served as EA Canada's Chief Financial Officer for seven years overseeing the company's successful growth and was an integral member of the executive team. The Vancouver studio has already assembled a high-caliber group of more than 20 talented, veteran game developers and is continuing to grow and establish their core team.
Buena Vista certainly has the cash and infrastructure to be a major player in the games market, so I eagerly look forward to their new titles.
CDV Assassinates Hitler For War Front: Turning Point 12:19 pm
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: Real-Time Strategy
(0 comments)
CDV has today announced a full E3 unveiling for an alternate history World War 2 real-time strategy title in which Adolf is assassinated:
War Front: Turning Point explores an alternate World War II, one in which Hitler is assassinated in the early days. This new timeline includes more than just new leadership. Players will take command of experimental weapons, prototype vehicles and units rarely seen in strategy games in an attempt to alter or secure the historical outcome of World War II.
War Front: Turning Point will feature top-notch graphics and lush battlefield environments that span the globe. In addition to a refreshing storyline, the game will offer players sophisticated resource and technology management systems combined with action packed, in-your-face combat. Both casual and veteran real-time strategy enthusiasts will enjoy the truly immersive gaming experience of War Front.
"War Front marks a new partnership between CDV and Digital Reality. We are thrilled to be working together on such an exciting title," said Tom Gross, CEO of CDV Software Entertainment USA. "War Front has all the makings of a great action-strategy title: an entertainingly fresh story, compelling gameplay, gorgeous graphics and technology that is sure to raise the bar for the genre."
Digital Reality has been responsible for such titles as Haegemonia, Desert Rats vs. Africa Corps and D-Day.
Update: The first screenshots can be found here.
FBI After Take-Two Pirates 12:11 pm
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: General News
(6 comments)
Here's an interesting story: due to various mergers and acquisitions, Take-Two Interactive has been illegally selling -for three years- Ideas From The Deep's Bugdom, but not having the money for a public law suit, IDF contacted Flowers By Irene, who are now investigating the matter. More from GameDailyBiz:
Compounding this mess is the fact that most purchasers of Bugdom, a game which ironically is quite buggy, have been contacting Roathe for tech support despite the fact that he's not listed anywhere in the game's documentation. Roathe says that Global Star typically doesn't respond to Bugdom inquiries and when customers use Google to look for help, Bugdom searches invariably lead to him. Customers who contact IFD are then sent this e-mail:
Unfortunately you purchased a pirated copy of Bugdom. The only copies of Bugdom that can legally be sold are those on the ifd.com website; we do not have any retail copies for sale by anyone, either at a retail store or a website other than www.ifd.com. Neither IFD nor Pangea get any of the money from those sales, and they also prevent us from selling our legal copies into retail.
The full article can be found here.
Close Combat: First to Fight Ships 12:07 pm
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: Action / Strategy
(0 comments)
After a few delays, Destineer's action-strategy title Close Combat: First to Fight is now shipping to North American stores:
Players lead a four-man fire team of US Marines through the perils of modern urban combat in Beirut. Gamers can play through the campaign as either a single player or a co-op experience online or via LAN. In addition, gamers can go head-to-head in the fire team arena with as many as 8 players simultaneously competing.
Close Combat: First to Fight utilizes authentic Marine urban military doctrine, tactics and assets to save lives, take down insurgents and restore order. With direction from the US Marine Corps and a beautiful new engine from Destineer, Close Combat: First to Fight is as close as you can get on a computer or Xbox to being a Marine fire team leader in modern urban combat.
Sims 2 Invades Every Platform Known To Man 12:01 pm
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: Simulation
(8 comments)
Wanting to milk the cash cow considerably further, EA has announced plans to adapt The Sims 2 for pretty much every platform known to man:
Electronic Arts today announced that The Sims 2 is in development for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft, the Nintendo GameCube, and for all handhelds including PSP handheld videogame system, the Nintendo DS, the Nintendo Game Boy Advance and mobile phones. The Sims 2 on the PC swept the nation in Fall 2004 by becoming the fastest selling game of all time and the No. 1 PC game of 2004 with sales already over 4.5 Million copies worldwide.
Maxis-EA is redefining this highly-acclaimed franchise and will deliver classic open-ended gameplay along with exclusive new features. Aspirational gameplay and fully customizable content will give players the most authentic Sims experience to date on console. This innovative gameplay will allow players to make their dreams come true while avoiding their innermost fears. And, for the first time, players will be able to take direct control of their Sim without having to use their cursor. All handheld versions will feature unique storylines and will ship simultaneously with the console games.
Although not revealed in the press release, EA will be unveiling the 3DO and C64 ports in a glitzy ceremony at E3.
Psychonauts Ships 11:57 am
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: Action / Adventure
(0 comments)
Tim Schafer's somewhat wacky action-adventure game, Psychonauts, is now shipping to stores across North America for the PC and Xbox:
Created by Double Fine Productions, Inc., Psychonauts thrusts players into a third-person psychic odyssey across 13 incredibly unique levels: three set in the real world and ten set inside the mental worlds of misfits, monsters and madmen. Once inside a mind, players rise in rank by collecting figments of imagination; sorting through emotional baggage; clearing out mental cobwebs and cracking open memory vaults. Players also earn psychic powers like telekinesis, invisibility, pyrokinesis and clairvoyance as they progress through the game.
Featuring a humorous storyline filled with unforgettable characters and non-linear gameplay of incredible depth, Psychonauts offers players multiple paths throughout wildly imaginative settings. Along the way, players must conquer an array of challenging puzzles with alternate solutions that tailor themselves to a player's own strengths and abilities.
Five years in the making, let's hope the full title continues the promise shown in the brief demo.
Call of Duty 2 Preview 11:53 am
- Andrew Burnes
- Games: Action
(0 comments)
Over on GameSpy today is an 'exclusive' preview of Call of Duty 2, which in fact offers absolutely nothing new:
For Call of Duty 2, Infinity Ward has ditched the Quake 3 engine in favor of all-new proprietary technology. In many regards, it still looks a lot like Call of Duty - the interface looks the same, and the characters look and move in a familiar style. There are some new bells and whistles, however, from the real-time lighting and shadows to the advanced smoke effects that look like they'll play a big part in the game. At first glance, it doesn't pack the "wow" punch of a Half-Life 2 or DOOM 3, but it looks to be a big improvement from the first game.
Dark Age of Camelot 14 Day Trial 01:21 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: MMOG
(5 comments)
Mythic is once again offering a free 14-day trial for Dark Age of Camelot:
Mythic Entertainment, developer and publisher of the massively-multiplayer online role-playing game, "Dark Age of Camelot(R)," today made a new version of the game's 14-day free trial broadly available for download to players new to the compelling world of "Camelot." This trial version incorporates many new features, which Mythic recently introduced as part of the latest in a series of free major upgrades. The 14-day trial is available for download from various web sites listed at www.darkageofcamelot.com/downloads.
"With all the upgrades we have made to improve the new user experience in our game, there has never been a better time to join 'Dark Age of Camelot,'" said Mark Jacobs, president and CEO of Mythic Entertainment. "Our goal with this trial version was to create an ideal introduction for players unfamiliar with 'Dark Age of Camelot's' unique setting and features, including our industry-leading Realm vs. Realm system of PvP combat."
I'll assume if you already have an account but it isn't active, you can log in free for the next 14 days. Downloads and what not can be found at the Official website.
Halo 2 Expansion Preview 01:17 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Consoles: Xbox
(37 comments)
TeamXbox fired up a preview of Bungie's commercial map pack for Halo 2. A company like Epic would call it a free bonus pack. The Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack is the first true expansion pack for a gaming console, adding 9 brand new multiplayer maps that are even more detailed and creative than the ones we've been playing since November 9th, 2004. The expansion pack will also include several other features including some behind the scenes footage, a documentary and more, but we will focus more on these features in Part 2 of our Multiplayer Map Pack coverage. For now we will take a detailed look at the first 4 maps: Containment, Warlock, Sanctuary and Turf. We will also touch on the Auto Update that becomes available today, which is also included in the Map Pack so players without Xbox Live can still download the update and enjoy the gameplay enhancements and improvements offline. Without further adieu let's get into the action and take a look at the first 4 maps of the Halo 2 Multiplayer Map Pack. What a different culture we PC gamers live in.
Half-Life 2: Aftermath Shots 01:07 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: Action
(15 comments)
Thanks to Youngsu Kwon who sent word that the Korean publisher of Steam GNASoft released a couple new screen shots of the upcoming addon for Half-Life 2, Aftermath. The site loads a bit wonky and is in Korean, but the screenies need no translation. :)
Hardware & Tech Nuggets 01:00 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- hardware: General News
(0 comments)
Dell makes the best gaming notebook ever?
Game Reviews 12:45 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- Games: General News
(2 comments)
Maybe Unreal Championship 2 really is that good...
In Other News... 12:15 am
- Robert 'Apache' Howarth
- In-House: In Other News...
(24 comments)
As much as I sympathize with aspiring developers who want to create mods using popular media franchises as the basis of their projects, I think we're at the point where everyone realizes that it's a big no-no without first gaining written permission to do so. For instance, would I like to play a Duke Nukem mod using a modern 3-D engine? You betcha! I'm sure that 3D Realms would too on a personal level but there are such things as copyrights to worry about. It's not the actual mod that's a problem, it begins a precedence that other totally non related entities can take advantage of and steal their ideas and not have to worry about the consequences. LucasArts used to be really strict about this sort of stuff whenever a Star Wars mod popped out, but over time the mod creators began to ask if it was okay to make something, sign an agreement that it had no commercial intentions (if it did, any proceeds would go to a Lucas designated charity) and in the end, the people who wanted to make the mod were happy, LucasArts was happy that it had protected it's Star Wars IP, and fans were happy because they had something cool to play with. The long story short: Ask first! Today's question: What are some of the best mods out today?
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