News

EA’s Holiday Lineup lengthy and loaded

Posted by: Dan at 7/10/2008 6:24 PM - Comments (0)
EA released their lineup for E3 late this afternoon and it has quite a few games for PC, Consoles and mobile that a lot of people are wanting to get some hands-on with. Expect detailed reports on Rock Band 2 and possible Left 4 Dead. Check out all the details after the jump in the release:

Dead Space
FaceBreaker
Littlest Pet Shop
Madden NFL 09
Mercenaries 2: World in Flames
Mirror's Edge
The Sims 2 Apartment Pets for the Nintendo DS
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 for the PSP
Zubo
MySims, made for the PC
MySims Kingdom for the Wii and Nintendo DS
Spore
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning
Command & Conquer Red Alert 3
Crysis Warhead
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The Lord of the Rings: Conquest
SimCity Creator for the Wii
Madden NFL 09
NBA LIVE 09
NCAA Football 09
Skate It – Wii & DS
Rock Band 2
Left 4 Dead
Hasbro Family Game Night
     Connect Four
     Battleship
     Yahtzee
     Boggle
     Sorry!
     Sorry! Sliders

Update(Chuck) - This is the holiday 08 lineup, not all of the games will be at E3.


Jul 10, 2008 13:57

EA Unveils Blockbuster Games for 2008 Holiday Including Spore, Madden NFL 09, Mirror's Edge, Dead Space, MySims Kingdom, LITTLEST PET SHOP, Mercenaries 2: World in Flames and More

E3 Titles Showcase Quality, Innovation and Accessibility on New Properties and Popular Franchises

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Jul. 10, 2008 Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today unveiled the games it will feature at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) July 15 - 17. The games -- scheduled to ship on multiple platforms in 2008 and early 2009 - include riveting graphics, deep stories and online, socially connected experiences. EA's portfolio covers many genres and platforms for core gamers and new players alike. Veteran players will love the feature innovations in our core titles; new players - women, young people and adults - will have a wide selection of highly accessible games like MySims(TM) Kingdom, Hasbro's LITTLEST PET SHOP and FaceBreaker(TM) a new arcade-style boxing game from the new EA SPORTS Freestyle(TM) brand.

"EA's 2008 lineup is our best ever," said EA CEO John Riccitiello. "This is the year that our core franchises leap forward with stunning innovation and we introduce more brand new games than any other year in our history. Sports lovers will compete in an all new holographic mode in Madden NFL 09 and experience the online evolution of their players in NBA LIVE 09. Action fans will be able to destroy everything in sight in Mercenaries 2 and be scared witless in our new Sci-Fi horror title Dead Space. We've got casual family titles like Hasbro's LITTLEST PET SHOP and genre-defying experiences like Mirror's Edge and Spore. EA has never offered consumers a stronger, more innovative and diverse line up of new games."

"EA's 2008 lineup includes titles that are going to change how people purchase, play and socialize in games," said EA COO John Pleasants. "Spore - scheduled for release in September - can be experienced as a single player or in an online social network that will form its own galaxy. Battlefield Heroes brings comic-styled warfare together with multi-player fun in the first free-to-play First Person Shooter. MySims PC brings multi-player interaction to the universe of MySims. Warhammer Online promises realm-versus-realm gameplay, unique in the scale and consequence thousands of players can experience together in a game. These games are great examples of the many titles that will allow consumers to interact with their friends and with EA's content in new ways that bridge the gap between games and social networks."

EA will kick off its E3 presence with a press conference hosted by CEO John Riccitiello, and spotlighting many of the creative leaders as well as featuring new titles from EA.

The complete line-up of titles on display at E3 by location at the Los Angeles Convention Center includes:

Titles showcased in the EA Demo Room - Meeting Room 402 A&B at the LACC

Dead Space (TM)

In this new game from EA's Redwood Shores Studio, a massive deep-space mining ship goes dark after unearthing a strange artifact on a distant planet. Engineer Isaac Clarke embarks on the repair mission, only to uncover a nightmarish bloodbath--the ship's crew horribly slaughtered and infected by an alien scourge. Now Isaac is cut off, trapped, and engaged in a desperate fight for survival.

E3 award consideration: Best Action/Adventure Game

FaceBreaker

A new game from EA Canada, FaceBreaker offers irreverent fun, immersive gameplay and eye-popping stylized graphics. In this in-your-face, arcade world full of ego-wielding characters, each boxer comes to life with unique attributes and distinct personal style. In addition, FaceBreaker K.O. Party, built exclusively with Wii(TM) consumers in mind, brings the magic of social play right into the living room with pick-up-and-punch intuitive gestures. In FaceBreaker, it just feels good to rearrange an opponent's face.

HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT

A new game from EA's Casual label, HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT creates a whole new way for families and friends to play together. Players join host Mr. Potato Head as they play the classic Hasbro games well known by all as well as exciting new versions created for the Wii and PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system. Launching this November, HASBRO FAMILY GAME NIGHT features family favorites such as CONNECT FOUR, BATTLESHIP, YAHTZEE, BOGGLE, SORRY! and the all new, SORRY! Sliders.

E3 award consideration: Best Social/ Casual/ Puzzle Game

LITTLEST PET SHOP

A new game from EA's Casual Label, LITTLEST PET SHOP pets come to life this October in the LITTLEST PET SHOP video game. Launching on the Wii, Nintendo DS(TM) (3 versions), and PC, girls can explore three unique worlds as they discover their own magical Pet Shop. LITTLEST PET SHOP gives girls the opportunity to play with and collect 20 LITTLEST PETS on the Nintendo DS and 30 on the Wii and PC. Earn Kibble Coins to buy over 100 accessories for pets as well as tons of digital playsets in game from the 2008 toy-line. Players can play in either explore in free-play mode or in compete in more than 15 different fun and accessible mini-games.

Madden NFL 09

Developed by EA Tiburon, the ground-breaking Madden NFL 09 marks the 20th anniversary of one of the best-selling and most critically-acclaimed videogame franchises of all time. Among the more than 85 new features and enhancements, the game includes adaptable gameplay tailored to every type of gamer, improved graphics and animations, and a new network-inspired broadcast style presentation that delivers an authentic NFL experience. With unique controls, modes and presentation, Madden NFL 09 All-Play is designed specifically for the Wii and features fun, approachable and innovative gameplay. No matter the skill level, players can be competitive with three gameplay styles to choose from, ranging from Easy to Advanced.

E3 award consideration: Best Sports Game

Mercenaries 2: World in Flames(TM)

From Pandemic(TM), an EA studio, Mercenaries 2: World in Flames is an explosive open-world action game set in a massive, highly reactive, war-torn Venezuela. A power-hungry tyrant messes with Venezuela's oil supply, sparking an invasion that turns the country into a warzone. But in this game where gamers play the role of mercenaries, international crisis is all upside and the mercenaries can only profit from all the chaos.

E3 award consideration: Best Console Game

Mirror's Edge(TM)

A new game from EA's DICE Studio, Mirror's Edge takes place in a city where information is heavily monitored, agile couriers called Runners transport sensitive data away from prying eyes. Gamers play a Runner called Faith, and this innovative first-person action-adventure is a personal story. In this seemingly utopian paradise, a crime has been committed, Faith's sister has been framed and now she is being hunted. Mirror's Edge delivers gamers straight into the shoes of this unique heroine as she traverses the vertigo-inducing cityscape, engaging in intense combat and fast paced chases. From the makers of the groundbreaking Battlefield franchise, Mirror's Edge is an action-adventure experience unlike any other.

E3 award consideration: Best of Show/ Best Original Game

Mobile, iPhone(TM) & iPod(R) titles

-- iPhone/iPod Touch Games from EA Mobile(TM)

EA Mobile was one of the first companies to announce that they are making games for the iPhone. This July EA Mobile will announce the ever popular SCRABBLE, Sudoku and Tetris(R) for the iPhone and iPod touch, and coming this fall EA Mobile will announce an original game called Spore(TM) Origins, based on the PC/Mac version of Spore. The unique capabilities of the iPhone and iPod touch offer a completely unique mobile gaming experience through the use of features like the accelerometer, touch screens, and high definition graphics.

-- iPod Games from EA Mobile

Three new iPod games will be available this July - MONOPOLY, SCRABBLE and YAHTZEE! All three games are based on popular board games and are under license from Hasbro, Inc. The iPod Click Wheel(TM) provides an excellent game play experience as players take family fun to their iPod.

-- Mobile Phone Games from EA Mobile

EA Mobile will offer previews of two original games for the mobile platform Spore Origins and Wolfenstein RPG(TM), as well as Tetris(R) POP. Spore Origins is an original action-puzzle game for mobile phones from the creators of The Sims(TM), and Wolfenstein RPG is a fun mobile version of the classic first person shooter created in conjunction with id Software. Tetris POP is an all new version of Tetris, the consistent best seller on mobile, offering a range of game play with 17 different mini-variations. And finally, attendees can see a demo of the recently-released Kung Fu Panda(TM), based on the major motion picture from DreamWorks Animation.

The Sims(TM) 2 Apartment Pets for the Nintendo DS

From EA's Redwood Shores Studio, The Sims 2 Apartment Pets for Nintendo DS, players can care for a variety of local pets, including loveable cats and dogs, slithery snakes, hamsters, colorful birds, and cuddly rabbits to make sure they receive the right treatment so that they stay happy, healthy and good looking. Simoleans earned can be used to furnish the perfect apartment and buy fun pet accessories like hats, shoes and toys. Players can use the Nintendo DS touch screen and stylus to play cool mini games and unlock new objects for their Sim and their pets.

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR(R) 09 for the PSP(R)

From EA's Tiburon Studio, with Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 for the PSP, everyone plays and anyone can win. From the seasoned veteran or to the novice hitting the links for the first time, gamers play with maximum control and aim for consistency using a simplified swing system in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09. Gamers can take aim at family, friends, and rivals in the all-new EA SPORTS Cup tournament, where momentum is gained or lost after every swing. With easy-to-use swing mechanics and an all-new controller system, gamers play their way to the top of the leader board with Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09.

Zubo(TM)

A new game from EA's Bright Light Studio, and designed exclusively for the Nintendo DS handheld system, Zubo is perfect for kids of all ages. Launched into the fully 3D world of Zubalon, kids will meet the colorful and comical stars of the game, the Zubos. While traveling through the game, players can befriend any Zubos they meet along the way, feeding and nurturing them, helping them gain skills and strength, and assisting them in chasing off the evil Zombos in strategic battles with an innovative rhythm action mechanic. With 55 Zubos available to find and recruit to a player's squad, over 100 fully animated comedy battle moves, 10 lands of Zubalon to explore, plus a wealth of interactions and mini-games, Zubo offers a deeply rewarding Nintendo DS experience. Zubo will be available this fall in Europe and spring 2009 in North America.

MySims, made for the PC

From EA's Redwood Shores Studio, in MySims, made for the PC, players can find all the fun of the first MySims game plus new and unique online features, characters and content as they create their own town and discover its surprises. New features in MySims, made for the PC, are the ability to safely chat and play games like Tag and Hide-and-Seek with online contacts. Players can also share constructions, like personalized buildings and furniture with up to seven other online friends. Even package and send off custom creations via email or instant message so those select others can use them in their own MySims town.

MySims Kingdom for the Wii and Nintendo DS

From EA's Redwood Shores Studio, the MySims Kingdom experience begins in The Capital, the majestic land at the center of the adventure. After meeting an initial cast of characters including King Roland, Princess Butter, and constant companions Buddy and Lyndsay, players can venture beyond The Capital. Adventure awaits as players get in their boats and sail to many more lands on the horizon.

E3 award consideration: Best Handheld Game

Spore

A new game from EA's Maxis(TM) Studio and industry veteran Will Wright, Spore is a personal universe in a box. In this universe players can create and evolve life, establish tribes, build civilizations and even sculpt entire worlds. In Spore, there are a variety of creation tools that allow players to customize nearly every aspect of the universe: creatures, vehicles, buildings, and even spaceships. While Spore is a single player game, gamers' creations and other players' creations are automatically shared between galaxies, providing a limitless number of worlds to explore and play.

E3 award consideration: Best PC Game

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09

From EA's Tiburon Studio, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 for the Xbox 360 (TM) will feature dynamic, personalized gameplay via Tiger Woods' personal coach, Hank Haney. In Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09, a player's skill level is dynamic, constantly adjusting throughout the round just as it would during a real afternoon out on the links. EA SPORTS GamerNet is a ground-breaking online innovation that features a refined, easy-to-use interface in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09. Online play has also been enhanced with Simultaneous Play allowing up to four players the ability to play each hole at the same time. In addition, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 All-Play for the Wii features new graphics and user interface while also incorporating interactive and social mini-games. The standing swing control, the most "true to life" golf mechanic you can find in any videogame, truly takes advantage of the Wii console's unique control scheme.

Warhammer(R) Online: Age of Reckoning(TM)

A new title from EA's Mythic Studio, gamers declare allegiance and join thousands of mighty heroes on the battlefields of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, the new MMORPG from the creators of Dark Age of Camelot(TM). Players enter a grim world of perpetual conflict to fight for the Realms of Order or Destruction and invade enemy lands, besiege imposing fortresses, and sack sprawling capital cities for the glory of the Realm.

E3 award consideration: Best Online Multiplayer Game

Titles showcased in the EA Software Showcase - Booth #131 at the LACC

Command & Conquer (TM) Red Alert (TM) 3

EA Los Angeles has traveled seven years back in time to resurrect Red Alert, the most-beloved series in the storied, 25-million-unit-plus-selling Command & Conquer franchise. Shipping this holiday for the PC and Xbox 360, Command & Conquer Red Alert 3 brings back the series' trademark light-hearted tone and action-oriented gameplay while breaking new ground in the strategy genre by adding a fully co-operative story campaign, increasing the emphasis on naval gameplay and housing the best looking graphics a Command & Conquer game has ever seen.

Crysis Warhead(R)

Award-winning independent studio Crytek and EA Partners are going back to the South China Sea this fall with the PC-exclusive Crysis Warhead, a parallel story to Crysis(R), one of the highest rated games last year on any platform. Players will don the Nanosuit of Psycho, the more brash and aggressive Delta Force squadmate of Nomad, experiencing his intense, explosive adventure on the other side of the island. Crysis Warhead is built on a new, enhanced and optimized version of Crytek's industry-leading CryENGINE(R) 2 technology.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince(TM)

Gamers will relive all the thrills, action, and excitement of the movie this holiday season! In the game of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, players will return to Hogwarts to help Harry survive a fraught sixth year. They will also have a chance to engage in exciting wizard duels, mix and brew magical ingredients in Potions class and take to the air to lead the Gryffindor Quidditch team to victory. Players may even get sidetracked by Ron's romantic entanglements as they journey towards a dramatic climax and discover the identity of the Half-Blood Prince. From EA's Bright Light Studio, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is scheduled for release in time for the movie launch this fall for the Wii, PLAYSTATION(R)3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PSP (PlayStation(R)Portable), Nintendo DS, Windows PC, Macintosh(R) and mobile devices.

The Lord of the Rings: Conquest(TM)

From Pandemic, an EA studio and the creators behind the best-selling Star Wars Battlefront(TM) and Star Wars Battlefront(TM) II - players grab their blades, bow or staff and ride onto the battlegrounds of J.R.R. Tolkien's world to fight for either good or evil. For the first time, an extensive single-player campaign lets players ask the question: "What if Frodo failed to destroy the One Ring?" Including tons of adversarial arenas and both a variety of online and split-screen co-op modes, the gamers' choice is clear: save Middle-earth or destroy it?

SimCity(TM) Creator for the Wii

From EA's Redwood Shores Studio, SimCity Creator is a visually exciting experience with a completely new user interface, designed specifically for the Wii and the Wii remote. Players will discover many ways to customize your city, including 13 city styles to explore, such as American, European and Asian themes. For the first time, players will take the liberty to build transportation systems with free placement of rounded and curved roads and rail lines, taking cities to new creative and curvy heights.

MADDEN NFL 09

See details above

NBA LIVE 09

From EA Canada, NBA LIVE 09 has fundamentally shifted the way gamers look at sports simulation games and emulates - with absolute precision - an NBA player based on last night, not last season. Coupled with new features like Pick and Roll Control, Defensive Lockdown Control, Signature Playcalling and Quickstrike Ankle-Breakers, the NBA LIVE experience will hook gamers from beginning to end. For those in need of some extra coaching, NBA LIVE 09 takes gamers to training camp with the NBA Academy that gives them a chance to hone their skills.

NCAA(R) FOOTBALL 09

From EA Tiburon, NCAA Football 09 offers the electricity that can only be found on Big Play Saturdays. Powered behind groundbreaking gameplay controls and unique college-style animations, NCAA Football 09 arrives on campus with all the excitement and pageantry of a storied college bowl game. Gamers will experience the exhilaration of making big plays on the field with the ability to directly control and influence the game through the all-new Break Away Engine. The Break Away Engine allows players to break in and out of moves, giving the user ultimate control with instant responsiveness on the field. NCAA Football 09 is all about the wide-open collegiate style gameplay and the unique atmosphere typically found on college football Saturdays.

Skate It

From EA's Black Box and Montreal studios, Skate It brings the fun and soul of skateboarding to the Wii and Nintendo DS. Loaded with all-new gameplay features and a unique set of controls, gamers can express their very own skate style by carving through the world, owning the sickest spots, and putting together the ultimate skate line. Feel the rush of nailing the gnarliest tricks by using the Wii Remote and the stylus-based Flickit Nintendo controls. Or, players can get in touch with the skateboard even more by planting their feet on the Wii Balance Board, and using it to skate, manual and throw down dozens of other authentic moves. Hands or feet, both can be used to deepen the connection between the player and the boarding experience.

TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 09

See details above

Other titles will be shown by EA Partners in the following locations:

Rock Band(TM) 2

Harmonix, the world's premier music video game company, and MTV Games are taking the groundbreaking music platform that forever changed the face of music video games to the next level this September with the release of Rock Band 2. With the original providing millions of players a new way to interact with the music and artists they love, Rock Band 2 is the next evolution of the franchise that redefined the standard for music games. Delivering an unparalleled selection of new music adding to the Rock Band's already massive library, support for all purchased downloads from the online music store, and an overall deeper gameplay experience, Rock Band 2 will continue to give millions of players a whole new way to enjoy the music and artists they love.

- Rock Band 2 will be on display at the MTV Games Booth located at Suite 308A in the LACC.

E3 award consideration: Best Peripheral/ Hardware Game

Left 4 Dead

Left 4 Dead (L4D) is a new action title from Valve, creators of the Counter-Strike and Half-Life games, that promises to redefine the co-operative genre as those titles did for multiplayer and single player action games. Due for release on the Xbox 360 and PC this November, the co-operative gameplay of L4D casts four "Survivors" in an epic struggle against hordes of swarming zombies and terrifying "Boss Infected" mutants.

- Left 4 Dead will be on display at the Valve booth located at 511B in the West Wing

E3 award consideration: Best Action Game

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.