News

BioShock On PS3 a reality

Posted by: Dan at 5/28/2008 1:10 PM - Comments (0)
2K Games announced today that BioShock is in development for the Playstation 3 by 2K Marin. The PS3 version promises new content and is slated for an October 2008 delivery. Check out the two screens as an appetizer until more info is released.





May 28, 2008 11:00

2K Games Injects PLAYSTATION(R)3 System Owners with Genetically Enhanced Version of BioShock(R)

NEW YORK --(Business Wire)-- May. 28, 2008 2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that BioShock(R), the "genetically enhanced" story-driven action game, is in development for the PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system at 2K Marin. The PLAYSTATION 3 system title will be released in October 2008 with new features and content that heighten the award-winning experience.
BioShock for the Xbox 360(R) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Games for Windows(R) was released in 2007 and received numerous Game of the Year honors from prestigious organizations including Associated Press, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), Game Informer, Spike TV's VGAs and Paste Magazine. BioShock's extension to the PLAYSTATION 3 system will bring exciting new content to this amazing title and reach many new players, while giving the title the opportunity to once again be named Game of the Year.

"Since BioShock for Xbox 360 and Games for Windows won countless 2007 Game of the Year awards, we are excited to see the impact of this stellar title for the PLAYSTATION 3 system when it debuts this fall," said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. "Over the coming months we look forward to revealing the new features and content that will make this a must-have game for its new audience, as well as for those who enjoyed it on the other platforms."

BioShock is a narrative-driven action experience that allows players to do the impossible as they journey through an amazing, immersive and terrifying world. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically mutated citizens, the player will come to grips with the mysterious and fascinating world of Rapture, a distinct Art Deco underwater utopia gone mad. BioShock not only challenges the players' capacity to adapt and survive, but brings to question their values and commitment to the inhabitants of Rapture. With smart and adaptive AI, no encounter ever plays out the same, while numerous customization options provide gamers with an experience that adapts to their playing style.

As one of the highest-rated titles of 2007, BioShock was unanimously praised by the editorial industry's top critics:

"While delivering a level of intrigue you rarely see in games, its most captivating element is its gameplay - which I can easily say delivers the most rewarding and adrenaline-filled experience I have ever had with an FPS." - Game Informer Magazine, 10 out of 10, Game of the Year

"There's ample flexibility in the game's linear storyline that makes a second run through Rapture's unique brand of madness an exciting prospect." - Associated Press, 4 stars out of 4

"Why settle for watching the hero in a film have a thrilling adventure when you can all but live a narrative this masterfully woven." - Paste Magazine, Game of the Year

"BioShock stands as a monolithic example of the convergence of entertaining gameplay and an irresistibly sinister, engrossing storyline that encompasses a host of multifaceted characters. This is an essential gaming experience." - IGN.com, 9.7 out of 10, Editor's Choice Award

"More so than any other game in recent memory, BioShock is dripping with atmosphere and intrigue, and it's one of those rare titles where story, dialogue and character development are just as important as the action sequences." - USA Today, 9 stars out of 10

BioShock for the PLAYSTATION 3 system will be available in October 2008 and is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information on BioShock, visit http://www.bioshockgame.com.

Beyond Protocol is ready for you, are you ready for Beyond Protocol?

by: Nathan - - Comments (0)
I've talked about this game for months now and guess what? Beyond Protocol is finally available for download and play. If you have been completing ignoring me (which is a very common hobby) check out some of the past posts .
[READ MORE]

Using America's Army technologies Walter Reed Army Medical Center gives soliders the skills to drive army strong

by: Nathan - - Comments (0)
Many private and public companies, corporations, scientific studies and even the military turn to video game technologies when they want to simulate real life situations. Technology and services from the Army Center for Enhanced Performance, America's Army, GM Mobility, General Motors Automotive Service Education Program at the Community of Baltimore County, Bruno Independent Living Aids and other businesses from the DC area were chipped in to give wounded servicemembers a very useful tool. A state-of-the-art driving simulator that will help them return to driving independence by allowing them and their therapists to gauge how best to get them back on the road. I bet it even has a "support our troops" bumper sticker on the back. [READ MORE]

News Roundup: Tabula Rasa Underground Tomb

by: Randy - - Comments (0)
Thanks to Defunct Games, Cryptic Studios, TheTechLounge, AtomicGamer, Massive Gamer, I4U News, ActionTrip, Tweaknews.net, Techgage, and Digit-Life for today's news roundup.

Prince of Persia goes gold

by: Randy - - Comments (0)
Less than three weeks away, Ubisoft's beautifully envisaged Prince of Persia has gone gold.  Even though it's headed to the presses, it's still not too late for the free Limited Edition Upgrade if you pre-order.  The Limited Edition comes with:
  • Limited Edition packaging [which often means a unique slip cover that gets thrown away]
  • An exclusive look at the making of Prince of Persia
  • A Prima digital mini-strategy guide full of developer's secrets
  • A digital art book chronicling the game's journey from concept to winner of Best Artistic Design at E3 2008
  • The original soundtrack scored by composer Inon Zur
  • [Plus the catch-all] And much more...

Rock Band DLC strikes a "Jesus Christ Pose" with the "Red Devil"

by: Randy - - Comments (0)
Heads up on Tuesday's Rock Band releases.  The Killers will have a triple-pack featuring Hot Fuss's "Mr. Brightside" and "Smile Like You Mean It"; there's also "Spaceman" on there, but I have to confess that I have no idea what that track is.  Plus an '80s shred master, Yngwie (pronounced ING-vay) Malmsteen, has his own triple-pack:  "Caprici Di Diablo," "Damnation Game," and "Red Devil."  Note the preoccupation with Beelzebub.  But not to be outdone, the band formerly known as Burn the Priest, Lamb of God brings "Laid to Rest" as the top-tier example of their "pure American death metal."  Fun for the whole family!  And Soundgarden rounds out Tuesday's releases with "Jesus Christ Pose" (no, next Tuesday is not a Christian music extravaganza) and "Pretty Noose."  All very uplifting stuff for the Rock Band audience. [READ MORE]

New screenshots for the four-player Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce

by: Randy - - Comments (0)
It's no longer 1-on-1,000 when you go up against Dynasty Warriors odds.  With Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce (PSP) the odds can be as high as 4-on-1,000 as buddies link up for multiplayer button mashing.  New screenshots are out for the 2009 title.
[READ MORE]

Tabula Rasa shutting down

by: John - - Comments (2)
First General British leaves NCSoft and now Tabula Rasa is going to be shutting down as well. NCSoft has made a post stating that the game will be turned off on February 28th, 2009. For those that want to play, it'll be free starting January 10th, 2009 so you get a month and change of free play if you want to try it out. I remember Richard Garriot talking about this venture many, many moons ago at E3 and it's sad to see it didn't have the success that we thought it would. It was a long time coming and a short time here.

Grand Theft Auto IV PC has some cool new features, out December 2

by: John - - Comments (0)
The PC version of Grand Theft Auto IV is coming out on December 2nd with cool new features. First off, there's going to be an additional radio station where you can stick in your own MP3s. The big new feature though is the Social Club TV where you can record in game footage in both single and multiplayer games. Use the built in editor to change camera angles, audio, speed, and add special effects. Create your own video and share it with others. Anyone can watch but members are the only ones that can post videos. Sounds pretty slick and I might have to pick it up on the PC to finish off what I started on the 360 before my disc died.

[READ MORE]

Sony says you must put trophies in your game starting in 2009

by: John - - Comments (0)
Come January 2009, all games must support the trophy system on the PlayStation 3 Videogamer reports. This seems like an obvious request to me as Sony has spent a considerable amount of time and man power to implement a feature like that into their system. Now we'll see some consistency in the system knowing that any game in the future will let you earn trophies... if you are into that sort of thing.

Crafting my New Xbox Experience avatar

by: Randy - - Comments (2)
PhotobucketDo you hear what I hear?  That's the sound of my Xbox 360 no longer hitting Boeing jet decibels when Fable II is spinning in the tray.

Thanks to the crispy fresh NXE (New Xbox Experience), I download Peter Molyneux's ear-bleedingly-loud-in-the-tray role-playing game from the disc and onto the hard drive.  It took a grand total of 12 minutes.  And, let me be frank for just a moment, there's absolutely nothing else I did for 12 minutes this week that gave me the warm-fuzzy feeling that I'm feeling right now with Fable II.  In Fable II, if you're still running it from the disc, you don't have to do anything more than stand around an uneventful town square and you'll have to engage your 5.1 speakers at 80% just to hear what the in-game town crier is shouting right next to you.  But now?  The gravel-churning sound from my 360 has ceased.  Calmed itself.  Found peace and understanding with itself.

And it has graciously granted me a slice of that same peace.

But then with Grace, my wife, nestling next to me on the couch -- though she doesn't know why I'm dragging her in front of the 360 -- I open up the Avatar Customization screen.  The bright NXE spectrum splashes against the backdrop and I gingerly hand the controller to Grace.  "Okay," I say, no hubris in my tone, "it's time to make me!"

With very little hesitation in her movement, Grace makes a slightly-below-medium height fellow with caramel-colored skin, hair black and slightly slicked back, then skillfully fits him into a pair of Timbalands, dark jeans, and a straight-lined jacket.  Not bad, I say.  Not bad at all.

I grow distressed, however, when she keeps trying to adjust my avatar's chubby factor.  "Is that all the further it goes to the right?"  She looks at my stomach, looks at the avatar, looks at my stomach again.  "Hm," she says.  "Maybe you'll be that skinny again.  Someday."

She then promptly puts a wedding ring on my avatar's finger and then heads for the Facial Features screen.  She flips around the options, chuckling at a few, and settles on dropping a scar over my avatar's right eye.

"Hey?" I say.

"Hey," she stops me.  "Do you want to be you, or do you actually want to be interesting?"

It's the best time of the year

by: Nathan - - Comments (0)
Something about this holiday season makes people want to give, and not to just people they know. Charities are a dime a dozen but none are as popular with the gaming community as Child's Play created by the begun by the creators of Penny Arcade comic strip which is set up to donate toys, games, and cash to sick children in hospitals through an ongoing online toy drive and annual charity auction. GamerDNA.com is getting into this giving spirit and is organizing an online contest. The contest is about spreading the word about Child's Play and encouraging donations by challenging members of various game communities to share a "unique virtual badge" in as many places as possible online. To get the badge participants take what is called the gamerDNA Decades of Influence Quiz which, humoursly, indicates which ports of the past four decades of gaming has had the most influence on an individuals identity. The community that shares the most virtual badges will select which Children's Hospital will receive a donation of 6 bundles of Nintendo DS systems and games from gamer DNA. Participate in gamerDNA's challenge and win the gift of giving, you could even wear a santa suit if you want. [READ MORE]

Warhammer Online Destruction Epic Armor concept art

by: Randy - - Comments (2)
It can be easy to dismiss concept art, especially when a game is already launched and the proof is in the pudding, and not in the recipe.  But it's admirable when we can take a look in-game and see just how close the digital artists got (and I'd say they got pretty durn close) -- especially within MMOs, where countless shortcuts and efficiencies have to take precedence to make for smoother online gameplay.

This batch of concept artistry is a parade of Warhammer Online's Destruction Epic Armors.  These are the suits everyone is ultimately after, and any of them would cut a frightening silhouette on a battlefield.  Developer Mythic presents the epic armor for the Zealot, Chosen, Magus, Shaman, Marauder, Squig Herder, Sorceress, Witch Elf, and Disciple of Khaine:
[READ MORE]

News Roundup: The Original Forgotten Invaders

by: Randy - - Comments (0)
  • This Week In Defunct Games features Forgotten Worlds and Space Invaders: The Original GameCyril's not happy.
  • Tech junkies will catch onto the humor as they witness the lumbering extinction of NVIDIA's "G4saurus."
  • The AMD hush-hush project known previously as "Deneb" will launch as the AMD Phenom II X4 Processor.
  • With the Intel Core i7 family of processors available, Legit Reviews looks at the compatible Kingston HyperX 3GB DDR3 2GHz Triple-Channel Memory Kit.
  • According to I4U News, the Alienware Area-51 m15x Gaming Notebook is one of the best 15-inch gaming notebooks on the market.
  • TechwareLabs examines the performance-boosting Intel E7200 2.53GHz Dual Core Processor.
Thanks to Defunct Games, Legit Reviews, AtomicGamer, I4U News and TechwareLabs for today's news roundup.

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix gets priced

by: John - - Comments (0)
As I expected, the price of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix will be 1200 MS points or $14.99 from the PlayStation Network as outlined in the Capcom blog. Kind of makes me sad I spent money on the one out right now on Xbox Live but hey, the update looks super sweet and I can't wait to try it out.

There's "A Shocking Turn of Events" in PS3 BioShock DLC

by: Randy - - Comments (3)
The PS3's exclusive BioShock Add-On Game Content (put together by 2K Boston in conjunction with 2K Marin, 2K Australia and Digital Extremes) is available today for download from the PlayStation Network.  The package -- running a cool $9.99 -- includes new Trophies as well as the new Game Plus gameplay mode.  Two of the three new rooms cite "wits" as a deciding factor to get you through, while the third professes to be the most "grueling" challenge yet offered in the world of Rapture.
  • A Shocking Turn of Events -- A Little Sister is trapped atop a Ferris wheel in an undisclosed location in Rapture.  Using ony the tools and environment around them, players must use their wits to create electricity to power the Ferris wheel and bring the Little Sister to safety.
  • The I in Team -- Using limited resources, and an even more limited arsenal, players must negotiate traps and find a way to defeat a Big Daddy using their wits instead of raw firepower.
  • Worlds of Hurt -- Step up and take on the most grueling challenge offered in the world of Rapture.  Players must battle through eight rooms of Big Daddies, Splicers and the worst that Rapture has to offer.  Accumulate Adam, build an arsenal of Plasmids, Tonics and Weaponry, and fight through to rescue the Little Sister.
I think the variety thrown into these three scenarios rather quickly draws distinctions between Dead Space and BioShock.  Despite all the neat-o things Dead Space does, I think everyone is going to have their memory jogged as to who's still the big daddy of sci-fi thrillers.
[READ MORE]

Dark Storms Gathering as EA and Black Library Spawn Second Warhammer Online Novel

by: Eva - - Comments (0)
Long time Warhammer publisher Black Library and EA have announced the second Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning novel, "Dark Storm Rising." The work written by author Chris Wraight chronicles the realm vs realm war between Order and Chaos. Four heroes, both human and elf, must learn to work together to stop the corrupt influence of Chaos. The main characters are taken from the Knight of the Blazing Sun and Witch Hunter classes of the human Empire and the Archmage and White Lion classes of the High Elves. Unfortunately although it's quite typically, the Dwarfs aren't represented as main characters although they are the other major force of Order.

Follow the break for a full description of the plot and more on the author.
[READ MORE]

Codemasters announces DiRT 2: the dirty version

by: Randy - - Comments (0)
Edge-of-control canyon racing in Utah.  A treacherous rally stage from Malaysia.  And the "Battersea Battle" rally-cross night races in London.  Just when you think racing games can't get any more gorgeous, Codemasters announces DiRT 2.  Colin McRae's name is still somewhere in that title, but we know who's center stage in this series now.  Yes:  the dirt

"[Colin McRae] could do things with a car that no one else would and that's where we're taking the series with new events at the extreme edge of rally and autosport," said Gavin Raeburn, Senior Executive Producer at Codemasters.  (Colin McRae died in a helicopter accident in September 2007.)  "It will be a great tribute to an incredible champion."

DiRT 2 will utilize the third generation of Codemasters' proprietary EGO Engine (putting twice as much visual fidelity on the screen as appeared in GRiD), with the Group N Subaru serving in the game's opening drive -- thereby making the original DiRT's ultimate car the starting point in the sequel.  Full online functionality will be in place.  DiRT 2 will simultaneously launch in 2009 for the PS3, 360, Wii, PC, DS, and PSP.
[READ MORE]

Activision to sponser YouTube Live

by: Chuck - - Comments (0)
Activision announced today that they are the lead sponsor of YouTube Live, an upcoming community celebration that will feature all kinds of celebrities (both real and internet) that's going to be held in San Fransisco on November 22nd   As part of the deal Activision will have Guitar Hero:World Tour boths setup around the venue for people to play the game and will be bringing in a real-live guitar legend to play along YouTube "sensation" Freddie Wong.  You can signup for the event online or watch it from home if you don't live in the area.  Given the nature of the event I'm sure they'll probably try to blend Guitar Hero World Tour guitar or lift a drum set with some diet coke and mentos. [READ MORE]

Fanatec Announces Latest Porsche Branded Racing Wheel

by: Dan - - Comments (0)
If it looks like a Porsche and drives like a Porsche, shouldn’t it cost as much as a Porsche? According to the folks at Fanatec: Absolutely not. Today the introduced the Porsche 911 Carrera Racing Wheel for the PS3 and PC which can be purchased for pre-order for only $129.99. The wheel features 6+1 gear stick that is mountable on either side, clutch pedal with declining resistance and a Mabuchi RS 550 force feedback motor. The unit will ship on February 15th 2009.
[READ MORE]

Lips Hit Yesterday, DLC starts Tomorrow

by: Dan - - Comments (0)
Microsoft’s Lips, the singing game for the Xbox 360, hit stores yesterday, and tomorrow it will be getting its first batch of DLC. Four songs from artists like Coldplay, Jason Mraz and Adele will become available on Nov 21st with starting price of 160 MS points each. On November 28th, three more songs from Supertramp, Vanessa Carlton and Smashmouth will become available. And the final announcement is some Holiday classics from Elvis, Bing Crosby and Gene Autry starting on December 5th. [READ MORE]

The first DLC is officially announced for Grand Theft Auto IV

by: John - - Comments (2)
While I've stopped playing Grand Theft Auto IV, the first episode in a long line of DLC has finally been announced. On February 17th, Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned will finally be released only on Xbox 360. You'll be playing a new main character with a storyline that intersects with IV. Not only will there be new missions but new weapons, vehicles, and multiplayer modes will come into play as well. No info on the pricing yet but it's about time Microsoft started getting their money's worth.
[READ MORE]

Are you John Conner?

by: John - - Comments (0)
Well you can be as Terminator: Salvation has been announced. The game lets you play as John Conner and as from the title suggests, it will be a tie-in with the movie. Not much is known about the game save the basics of the plot so let's hope we see some screens of this third person shooter soon. [READ MORE]

Retailers feel Wrath of the Lich King (in a good way)

by: Chuck - - Comments (1)
Blizzard announced today that World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King sold over 2.8 million copies last week, making it the fastest selling PC game ever (until the next World of Warcraft expansion ships).   Blizzard didn't break out the sales by unit type but that's about $84 million or so in sales (based on $30 a copy) which just throws more money into the giant Blizzard money making engine.

The only semi-negative for Blizzard is that it looks like only 25% or so of it's installed userbase of 11million users upgraded.  I'm sure the rest will take their time but it's interseting to see the breakout.  [READ MORE]

Gaming Gibs for 11/20/2008

by: Chuck - - Comments (0)
Here are a few things I missed watching bears play hockey:
  • Bungie advises against installing Halo 3 to your hard drive
  • MTV digs up the most popular Xbox 360 DLC by title, free stuff surprising at the top of a lot of lists
  • Capcom wins Dead Rising lawsuit, Romero to eye Left 4 Dead next
  • Google Lively to be much less lively after 12/31
  • Apple once again pins it's hope on video games, FAIL sensor pegged
  • People using smartphones more for gaming than business applications, John and I could have told you this months ago
  • Bionic Commando getting some sweet pre-order items
  • The Analog Gamer rises from the dead to talk about the undead
  • NXE Avatars getting bi-weekly clothing additions, hopefully will be free
  • Gears of War 2 rankings explained

EverQuest II: The Shadow Odyssey Brings Classic Dungeons Back

by: Eva - - Comments (0)
Everquest II: The Shadow Odyssey is live and Sony Online Entertainment has released a launch trailer to go with it. Some of the big changes in the fifth expansion are 20 new zones which include the overland zone of Innothule Swamp. TSO also brings back dungeons from the good old days of EverQuest such as the Ruins of Guk. Catch a full list of changes after the break.

[READ MORE]