News

A video star is Bourne

Posted by: Nathan at 4/27/2008 4:06 AM - Comments (0)
More On: Sierra
Sierra Entertainment and Yahoo! have teamed up to put video from this year's Winter Music Conference and in particular the segment of the show called "Bourne Sessions" that featured Paul Oakenfold on the interwebs. Whether your a fan of the movies, are anticipating the release of the game, or just a big fan of Paul's then you might want to check out the link .


Sierra Entertainment and Yahoo! Present World Broadcast Premiere of "Falling" Music Video and the Bourne Sessions - the Exclusive Concert Event - For Upcoming Video Game the Bourne Conspiracy™

 Captured During This Year's Winter Music Conference, Paul Oakenfold, members of the Florida Classical Symphonyand Special Guest Appearance by Cee-Lo Perform Music From This Summer's Hottest Video Game

 

Los Angeles, CA - April 22, 2008 - Sierra Entertainment and Yahoo! today announced that the concert event that kicked-off this year's Winter Music Conference, The Bourne Sessions, is now online. The 80 minute set, featuring world renowned DJ, remixer and producer Paul Oakenfold was filmed during a live performance in front of a packed house at one of Miami's most renowned super clubs, Mansion. The full concert is accompanied by the exclusive premiere of The Bourne Conspiracy's music video for the single "Falling," produced and performed by Oakenfold and featuring Atlantic recording artist Cee-Lo Green.

As co-presenter of "The Bourne Sessions," Yahoo! will host the event and music video to viewers worldwide through Yahoo! Music http://music.yahoo.com.

"It goes without saying that The Bourne Sessions was an incredible experience for anyone who was able to attend and it was the perfect way to kick-off The Winter Music Conference," said Paul Oakenfold. "I think it's brilliant that we'll be able to share the excitement and energy we created that night with the rest of the world."

A veteran in film and video game scoring, Oakenfold's intense soundtrack to The Bourne Conspiracy, features his distinct style of up-tempo and high-energy music that delivers a key component to the game's cinematography techniques, presentation and pacing inspired by the Bourne films. As an added feature to the game, players will be able to unlock original tracks scored by Oakenfold and play them on demand by completing levels and achievements.

Created in collaboration with Ludlum Entertainment, and with story and character development in conjunction with Bourne screenwriter Tony Gilroy, The Bourne Conspiracy is a companion to the blockbuster series with an original story that uncovers the details of Jason Bourne's past. The third-person action game, developed by High Moon Studios, blends hunter-prey gameplay through a seamless mix of hand-to-hand fighting, gunplay and dramatic escapes. The action in the game is designed around Jason Bourne's signature combat style, with a combat system co-designed by renowned Hollywood stunt choreographer and Bourne fight coordinator, Jeff Imada.

"The Bourne Sessions was a tremendous success. We are proud to be able to take that once in a lifetime experience and bring it to all the fans," said Al Simone, senior vice president, global marketing for Sierra Entertainment. "To take The Bourne Sessions a step further, we've created a music video for the game's single, 'Falling.' With the collaboration of Paul and Cee-Lo, we believe it's a song that will be one of the hottest songs of the summer."

For more information on the Robert Ludlum's The Bourne Conspiracy video game, including screenshots and video trailers, please visit http://www.bournethegame.com.

About Sierra Entertainment

Sierra Entertainment (www.sierra.com), a global division of Vivendi Games, creates and publishes innovative, high-quality interactive entertainment for video game systems, handheld gaming devices and personal computers. Sierra Entertainment features a portfolio of titles based on original IP and popular licenses from industry-leading content partners, including F.E.A.R.®, Crash Bandicoot®, Spyro the Dragon®, Scarface™ and Ice Age™. Sierra Entertainment has four integrated internal studios providing creative talents and development capabilities across multiple gaming genres: High Moon Studios in San Diego, CA; Massive Entertainment in Malmö, Sweden; Radical Entertainment in Vancouver, BC; and Swordfish Studios in Birmingham and Manchester, England.

Happy Independance Day from GamingNexus

by: Chuck - posted: 7/4/2008 12:02 PM - Comments (0)
It's the Fourth of July here in the US, the holiday where we celebrate our independence from our (now) good friend the British.  Expect posting to be light today as most of the staff will be celebrating the holiday by grilling meat, drinking beverages, and setting off fireworks. 

Mercenaries 2: Solving problems with explosives

by: Chuck - posted: 7/4/2008 11:53 AM - Comments (0)
Here's the new developer diary from Pandemic that shows the different ways you'll be able to solve problems in Mercenaries 2.  There's  a tactical approach, a covert approach, and my personal favorite ...blowing stuff up.

Rumor: Microsoft to unveil non-Master Chief Halo game at E3

by: Chuck - posted: 7/4/2008 11:46 AM - Comments (0)
Sarcastic Gamer (via CVG) has a contact that has revealed that Microsoft will be unveiling a new Halo game at E3 this year.  Take this with a Scorpion sized grain of salt but it does make a bit of sense in that it would give Microsoft their tent pole game for next year's holiday season and it fits their pattern of altering Gears of Wars games with Halo games.  I guess we'll find out in a little under two weeks when Microsoft kicks off their press conference.

First looks at DC Universe Online

by: John - posted: 7/4/2008 7:03 AM - Comments (0)
I admit I'm pretty skeptical about this MMO seeing as the Marvel one didn't get off the ground. I'm guessing everyone will be some new superhero for the universe rather than being able to play as an established DC hero or villain. Either way, I hope it does well as you get some early looks at the concept art for DC Universe Online below.

What we're playing this weekend

by: Chuck - posted: 7/4/2008 1:01 AM - Comments (0)
Elliot Bonnie
Looks like I will celebrating July 4th weekend with the epic Metal Gear Solid 4. Love it or hate it... you have to respect Hideo Kojima's vision and execution.

Sean Colleli
The review titles are catching up to me.  I finally installed Kung Fu Panda for PC, which is a fun little action game for kids, although it doesn't play well on a keyboard and even on my impressive rig it runs a little slow.  I finally got the good achievements for the Medic and Pyro in Team Fortress 2, so I'll be putting the backburner and blutsauger through their paces this weekend. I'm also reviewing Space Invaders Extreme and Arkanoid DS.  Space Invaders is great, a fun, addictive and substantial update of the arcade classic, while Arkanoid is, well...Arkanoid.  Not much you can do to modernize that game.

Charles Husemann
This weekend will likely be spent recuperating from my annual Fourth of July party but I'm going to try and wrap up Battlefield:Bad Company and Civilization Revolutions this weekend.  Of course Team Fortress 2 will be on the docket as the race for Pyro achievements finally seems to be leveling off.  I might also spend some time ironing out the E3 schedule as I'm compressing three days of meetings into two days.

Randy Kalista
Strolling the Barnes & Noble, I spotted a strikingly familiar logo on a pocket-sized book in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy section:  The spiky-maned wolf symbol from CD Projekt's RPG stunner, The Witcher.  Titled The Last Wish, it introduces Geralt de Rivia, the witcher in question, and is more of an episodic detective novel -- of all things -- with monster mashing and winks toward folk stories like Grimm's fairy tales.  It's even better than you think.  I've reinstalled The Witcher along with the v1.3 patch ... and I'll polish off the Polish novel during the copious load screens.  And if this rumor is to be believed (I personally could not find corroborating evidence), then The Witcher is hunting down PS3 programmers.

Dan Keener
If the rain holds off, I will be attending the annual 4th of July "Chuckfest" and Fireworks show (Parking is Free!) featuring Rock Band and an actual use for the Nintendo Wii.  I also will continue my quest up in Alaska's Bearing Sea to fill my tanks with my crab quota before the season ends next week.  Like John, I may have to pull out some classic Diablo II and get back into one of the greatest games of all time...

Cyril Lachel
This weekend I plan on finalizing all of my E3 plans.  Yes, I know I should have done this weeks (if not months) ago, but there's that rush of adrenaline that you get when you wait until the very last second.  Actually, that's a lie, but it's a lot less embarrassing than the truth.  When I'm not stressing over hotels, flights, conferences, interviews, and the like, I will be playing games for fun (as opposed to playing for review).  I'm still completely addicted to Space Invaders Extreme, there's just something about that game that keeps me coming back for more.  I also intend to go through both Maximo: Ghosts to Glory and Maximo vs. Army of Zin, both for a Ghosts 'N Goblins article I'm working on.  And if I still have time, I think I might try and beat The Bourne Conspiracy on the hardest difficulty.  Let's hope I can get to all that."

Matt Mirkovich
I am taking a gaming vow of silence until Chrono Trigger is released on the DS in the US... Okay they announced it. Uh... more Persona, Summon Night Twin Age on the DS. Surprisingly Arkanoid and Space Invaders Extreme are a lot of fun. It's mostly old gen stuff for me this week since there is nothing for me to be excited about except Soul Calibur 4.

Nathan Murray
I've started back at school taking summer classes so my weekend will consist of Biology labs and the Shadow Run RPG. I'm paitently waiting for my copy of DBZ Burst Limit and right now I'm also very interested in Soul Caliber 4.

John Yan
It just seems I can't get away from nabbing intelligence, setting people on fire, and mowing down people with my trusty Sasha. With the recent announcement of Diablo III I'm half tempted to load up the second one and hunt down the big red demon again. I also found my original Fallout CD so I might traverse the wastelands to save my vault.

Sign up for the Wrath of the Lich King

by: John - posted: 7/3/2008 5:29 PM - Comments (0)
For you World of Warcraft players out there, you can now sign up to beta test the next expansion pack Wrath of the Lich King. Signing up does not guarantee a spot in the test though and it's all random as to whether you get in or not.

Chrono Trigger comes to DS

by: Sean Colleli - posted: 7/3/2008 3:47 PM - Comments (3)
Did you just hear the collective fanboy squee?  Square Enix has announced that they are porting Chrono Trigger to the DS.  Chrono Trigger is one of the Super Nintendo's most beloved classics, and is arguably considered to be Square's finest RPG.  Fans have been clamoring for a portable version for years, and they'll finally get one this holiday, with a new touch screen interface and a brand new dungeon.  Expect an official press release shortly, but until then, you can check Kotaku's coverage.

2K hires Digital Extremes for BioShock PS3 makeover

by: Dan - posted: 7/3/2008 1:41 PM - Comments (1)
2K Games announced today that they have contracted with Digital Extremes (Unreal, Dark Sector) to assist in the development of the Playstation 3 version of BioShock. The company will join in-house developers 2K Marin, 2K Boston and 2K Australia with the conversion and addition of new features and content. Digital Extremes role will be to optimize BioShock for the PS3, based on the knowledge from working on Dark Sector. That looks like an awful lot of development manpower and effort for a conversion and upgrade project.  Makes you wonder if they are getting behind in meeting the scheduled October release...

EDIT [Dan] - Fixed typo of console [READ MORE]

Guitar Hero: On Tour sets sets Sales Record

by: Dan - posted: 7/3/2008 1:32 PM - Comments (0)
Activision announced today that Guitar Hero: On Tour and its unique peripheral has established a new North American sales record by a "factor of eight." In the first seven days the game was on the market, over 300,000 copies were sold. So to break it down, the previous best selling Activision title on the DS only moved around 40K copies in its first week. Maybe Activision needs to get more involved with the DS... [READ MORE]

Four new Midnight Club screens

by: Dan - posted: 7/3/2008 12:02 PM - Comments (0)
In addition to pushing back the release by a month, Rockstar has put out four brand new screens from Midnight Club: Los Angeles to whet our appetites until October.  Check them all out after the jump:
[READ MORE]

Rockstar pushes back release of Midnight Club: Los Angeles

by: Dan - posted: 7/3/2008 9:11 AM - Comments (1)
Rockstar announced today that the release of Midnight Club: Los Angeles has been pushed back about a month from September 9th to October 7th. In addition, the PSP take on the game (Midnight Club: LA Remix) will also be releasing on the same day. Delays are common and usually inevitable in the game publishing industry, so moving it back one week isn't such a big deal. I'm sure our crack reporting team that will be covering E3 will be able to ask the question and find out if there is anything sinister behind the delay. [READ MORE]

Resistance 2 gets ARG, 2 new screenshots

by: Chuck - posted: 7/3/2008 8:17 AM - Comments (0)
I'm not a fan of print mags but the August issue of GamePro is tempting because it's got a ton of new info on Resistance:Fall of Man 2.  Of course there's always the new ARG they are running for the game but my plate is a bit full right now.
[READ MORE]

NVIDIA says laptop chips has problems, lowering forecast

by: John - posted: 7/3/2008 6:15 AM - Comments (0)
Got a laptop with a NVIDIA chip? You might be taking it in for a repair as the company has announced that there seems to be a problem with some older chips that shipped in "significant quantities". An update to turn the fan on sooner has been issued to help reduce the heat that causes the problem. Still, NVIDIA is taking a $150-$200 million charge in the second quarter to cover repair costs. Unfortunatly, they didn't say which products were having problems so we don't know currently which laptop GPUs are affected. With the economy the way it is and some delayed products, NVIDIA is also lowering their second quarter revenue forecast. Not a good day to be NVIDIA.

The World Cyber Games are now in Sync

by: Nathan - posted: 7/3/2008 4:12 AM - Comments (0)
No the World Cyber Games are not forming their own boy band. They are partnering with Samsung making the Samsung SyncMaster Monitor the official viewing platform for the WCG Grand Finale in Cologne Germany. What does this mean exactly? This means that competitors will be blasting away at each other in 8000:1 contrast ratio (at least) and not only that but the staff at the event and press will be able to use high end monitors and webcams to um play freecell in between matches. Of course the most exciting thing about this announcement (particularly if you happen to be press) is that the "Welcome Pack Promotion" given away to players and VIPs (read journalists and partners) will have Samsung goodies in them. I hope the can manage to squeeze a monitor or two in those swag bags. [READ MORE]

Firmware 2.40 pulled, problems pop up

by: John - posted: 7/2/2008 10:31 PM - Comments (1)
Well it looks like the firmware update for the PlayStation 3 that adds Tropies, in-game XMB and other features has been pulled so you can't update to it now. A host of problems have come up on the forums. I haven't had any problems yet but I've only been playing MLB 08 The Show (Hey I'm in AAA now!) and the in-game XMB has worked fine and I haven't had any lockups. Let's hope Sony fixes this one mighty quick. Now i'm scared to even turn the machine on.

EDIT [Dan] - Sony has confirmed the update was pulled and claims it has received a limited number of calls on the issue.

TrackMania breaks its own maniacal track record

by: Randy - posted: 7/2/2008 10:30 PM - Comments (1)
Okay, this is one of the first Guinness Book video game records that's actually impressed me:  TrackMania Nations Forever (free to download, free to play, from either File Front, Worthplaying, GamersHell, or Steam), has a record-breaking video showing 250 (!) players racing on the same track at the same time.  It's pretty nuts.  But I guess that's what you can do when you have a game that's signed up more than 1.5 million players in less than three months.  That's an average of 20,000 people signing up every day.

[READ MORE]

News Roundup: American Civil MindHabits

by: Randy - posted: 7/2/2008 9:59 PM - Comments (0)
Demos, Patches
 Videos
 Screenshots
 Articles
 Thanks to Defunct Games, Cryptic Studios, AtomicGamer, and Digit-Life for today's news roundup.

Insert your dialogue into Izuna's speech bubbles

by: Randy - posted: 7/2/2008 9:38 PM - Comments (0)
Atlus has been hosting some hit-and-miss comics for Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja Returns.  But as I sit here all critical -- though I understand, "comedy is hard" -- Atlus is now inviting everyone in on the comic strip fun.  Choosing between four templates, you'll insert your fun/morose/quirky/melodramatic captions into the dialogue, hit Submit, and prepare to have your work posted and graded.  As Atlus entices, "Don't miss this ideal chance to work with Izuna's (speech) bubbles."
[READ MORE]

New Pure footage unveiled

by: Chuck - posted: 7/2/2008 9:33 PM - Comments (1)
I have to admit that I'm a bit captivated by Pure, Disney's new off-road racing game simply because the graphics look incredible. The game looks amazing but I am starting to wonder if the game is all looks and no gameplay.  Well this new trailer shows off the trick system in the game so that does assuage some of my fears a bit.  Hopefully I'll get some hands on time with the game later this month at E3.
BTW, -2 cool points for using Wolf Mother's "Woman" in the trailer.

More Sin City societies in This Is Vegas

by: Randy - posted: 7/2/2008 9:11 PM - Comments (0)
Taking a hedonistic trip somewhere between Rainbow Six Vegas and Grand Theft Auto is Midway's This Is Vegas.  Too bad the name sounds like an ad campaign in and of itself.  A sinful set of three new screenshots show the Abercrombie-dressed bad boy swigging swill poolside, strolling under the Fremont Street Experience, and dealing in an Azteca nightclub with a great guy-to-girl ratio.  Compared the the typical washed-out palette of today's video games, it looks like This Is Vegas will take full advantage of the entire color spectrum.  I'm not sure a sandbox has ever shined so bright.
[READ MORE]

New City Life Edition 2008 trailer shows off gameplay modes, killer soundtrack

by: Chuck - posted: 7/2/2008 9:05 PM - Comments (0)
Here's the new trailer for Paradox's City Life Edition 2008 which illustrates the decisions you'll have to make in the game like building bridges, redeveloping run down areas, and rocking out to a killer soundtrack.  Looks like a nice time killer for those who need a Sim City fix.

EA Mythic will declare WAR on Russia in early 2009

by: Randy - posted: 7/2/2008 9:02 PM - Comments (0)
Joining North America, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand, Russia will also be getting their tundra-frozen hands on Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning.  They'll be joining the world WAR a bit late, however, as their linguistically localized servers won't be dug out from under the layer of permafrost until early 2009, while the previously mentioned nations will have theirs by this year's school season. [READ MORE]

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe

by: Chuck - posted: 7/2/2008 8:53 PM - Comments (0)
The folks at GameTrailers TV have managed to secure another exclusive as they will have the first look at Midway's Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe on the show this weekend.  Not only will they have the first look at the game but they will be unveiling two new villains from the game.  Once again you'll want to set your DVR's as the show isn't on until 1AM EST.  [READ MORE]

NZXT introduces the Sentry LX fan controller

by: Dan - posted: 7/2/2008 10:03 AM - Comments (0)
If you have a high-end gaming rig with multiple fans to maximize airflow, then NZXT may have an accessory for you. Today, they announced the Sentry LX fan controller, which has the ability to monitor and control up to five separate fans. The device fits into any dual bay 5.25 drive space and displays details on a LCD readout display. Other features include five temperature probes, auto/manual modes and alarms. The Sentry LX will debut in July at a cost of $59.99.  Feel free to check out all the images...
[READ MORE]

Think of the Children - 07/02/08

by: Dan - posted: 7/2/2008 9:25 AM - Comments (0)
It was such a light week from the ESRB that we are going with a news post instead of a full-fledged article. A grand total of 10 titles were rated, including TNA iMPACT! Wrestling for the 360 and PS3 and Galaga LEGIONS (XBLA?) for the 360. Otherwise, we saw just a handful of titles on the PC, DS and Wii. Check them out:

Title Publisher Rating Platforms
Galaga LEGIONS NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. Everyone 360
Hawaiian Explorer: Lost Island Game Mill Entertainment Everyone PC
TNA iMPACT! Wrestling Midway Home Entertainment Inc. Teen 360, PS3
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor Vivendi Games Teen PS2, Wii
Strong Bad's Cool Game For Attractive People: Homestar Ruiner Telltale Games Teen PC, Wii
Slingo Quest Hawaii MumboJumbo Everyone PC
Heavy Armor Brigade UFO Interactive Games Everyone 10+ Nintendo DS
Master of the Monster Lair Atlus USA, inc. Everyone 10+ Nintendo DS
Exit DS Square Enix, Inc Everyone Nintendo DS
Star Parodier Hudson Entertainment Inc Everyone Wii