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Mutliplayer Sins of a Solar Empire beta out Thursday

Posted by: Chuck at 9/19/2007 1:51 AM - Comments (0)
More On: Sins of a Solar Empire Stardock
Strategy fans with some time on their hands might want to check out the new Sins of a Solar Empire beta Star Dock is set to release on Thursday.  You do have to pre-order the game but if you're a fan of the Galactic Civilization series you owe it to yourself to check out this excellent 4X space game.  I spent some quality time with the first beta and was pretty impressed with what I've seen.  Check out the official site for screenshots of this very good strategy game.


Multiplayer-Enabled Sins of a Solar Empire Beta 3 Blasts Off Thursday

Pre-Order Customers Gain Immediate Access to Beta Test of Anticipated Space Strategy Game

 

PLYMOUTH, Michigan – September 18, 2007 – Stardock Entertainment and Ironclad Games announced today that the upcoming Beta 3 of Sins of a Solar Empire, which begins on September 20th, will introduce multiplayer functionality and a host of other new features to the RT4X space-strategy game. Gamers who pre-order before September 26th will gain immediate access to Sins of a Solar Empire Beta 3, allowing them to vie for galactic supremacy with their friends via LAN and Ironclad Online (ICO). Players can pre-order Sins of a Solar Empire now via the world’s most user-friendly digital-distribution service, TotalGaming.net.

 

Scheduled for release in February 2008, Sins of a Solar Empire is one of the year’s most anticipated PC games. Hailed by GameSpot as “remarkably original” and “an elegant take on space strategy,” Sins of a Solar Empire puts players in charge of one of three distinct factions as they explore star systems, expand their empire, exploit conquered planets and exterminate their rivals, all in an intuitive real-time environment. The game’s unprecedented scale allows players to zoom from a view of multiple solar systems right down to a single fighter in the midst of a massive space battle, while the sophisticated interface ensures they’re not overwhelmed by their vast empire. Stunning visuals and remarkable artificial intelligence are among a massive number of features that help immerse players in this innovative strategy game that had PC Gamer warning its readers to “Expect to play into the wee hours of the night (and enjoy it).”

 

Features of Sins of a Solar Empire Beta 3 include:

  • Multiplayer for up to 10 players via LAN or Ironclad Online (ICO), as well as 14 custom maps to accommodate various multiplayer game types
  • New artifact/planet exploration system allowing players to spend resources to have analysts and scientists survey a planet's geography, indigenous wildlife, and core industries to determine how best to exploit the natural wealth of the planet
  • Introduction of the ominous Pirate Base, all new pirate ships and new pirate behavior allowing players to influence pirate factions by economic means through new additions to the Bounty System
  • New environmental features, including space anomalies, a new planet type and planetoids that factor heavily into players’ tactical choices and overall strategies
  • The revolutionary Smart Zoom to Cursor camera, upgrades to the cultural system that allow players to intimidate enemies with capital ships, improved research mechanics, tons of new artwork, and many more improvements, updates and fixes

 

For more information about Sins of a Solar Empire, visit http://www.sinsofasolarempire.com.

Pre-order Sins of a Solar Empire now at http://www.totalgaming.net.

 

About Stardock

Stardock is the world’s leading developer of utilities that enhance the Windows experience. Its software is used by over 10 million people worldwide and has been licensed by trendsetting companies like nVidia, ATI, Alienware and Microsoft, plus in movies and on TV. Stardock operates WinCustomize.com, the premier portal for Windows enhancement, drawing more than 3 million unique visitors each month, in addition to one of the world’s largest blogging communities, JoeUser.com. Stardock is a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner. The company's website is www.stardock.com.

 

About Ironclad Games

Ironclad Games is an independent development studio headquartered in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.  Team members' credits include the highly acclaimed Homeworld: Cataclysm for Sierra Studios, and Disney Interactive's Treasure Planet: Battle at Procyon.  Innovation, vision and excellence are the core values Ironclad stands by in their commitment to developing outstanding games. The company’s website is www.ironcladgames.com.

 

About TotalGaming.net

TotalGaming.net is Stardock's revolutionary online game-distribution service, where gamers can purchase and download over 75 titles, including the company's own award-winning games like Galactic Civilizations, Galactic Civilizations II and 2004's The Political Machine, as well as many other premium first- and third-party PC games. TotalGaming.net offers a wide range of games for purchase without the hassles of copy protection; with the unique Secure Software Delivery system, players can download the games they purchase anytime, from anywhere. Visit http://www.totalgaming.net for more information or to sign up for a TotalGaming.net membership for even greater value.

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

by: John - posted: 11/21/2008 9:14 AM - 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.

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

by: John - posted: 11/21/2008 7:17 AM - 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 - posted: 11/21/2008 1:34 AM - 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's screen -- 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 - posted: 11/20/2008 11:41 PM - 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 - posted: 11/20/2008 10:54 PM - Comments (0)
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:
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News Roundup: The Original Forgotten Invaders

by: Randy - posted: 11/20/2008 10:32 PM - Comments (0)
  • This Week In Defunct Games features Forgotten Worlds and Space Invaders: The Original Game.  Cyril'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 - posted: 11/20/2008 10:18 PM - 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 - posted: 11/20/2008 10:04 PM - Comments (2)
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 - posted: 11/20/2008 9:50 PM - 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 - posted: 11/20/2008 9:34 PM - 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 - posted: 11/20/2008 8:53 PM - 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 - posted: 11/20/2008 5:16 PM - 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 - posted: 11/20/2008 5:15 PM - 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 - posted: 11/20/2008 12:49 PM - 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 - posted: 11/20/2008 12:47 PM - 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 - posted: 11/20/2008 12:26 PM - 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 - posted: 11/20/2008 12:19 PM - 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 - posted: 11/20/2008 10:17 AM - 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.

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LOTRO: Mines of Moria Travel Guide

by: Eva - posted: 11/20/2008 9:50 AM - Comments (0)
With Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria officially live, Turbine has revealed a rich lode of video and screenshots for the game. Screens of Lothlórien display the wonders of the Golden Wood, home of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. She may be Arwen's Grandmother but her beauty is ageless.

Several of the new areas in the Moria expansion are showcased in videos. Delve into the depths of Moria with fly throughs of the Redhorn Lodes, Great Delving and Zelem-melek. Then fly through Lothlórien beyond the gates of Khazad-dûm. All these travelogues are included after the break. And now the Mines of Moria Launch Trailer:

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Nyko lets you charge up four Wii controllers at once

by: John - posted: 11/20/2008 8:56 AM - Comments (0)
For those that have the full compliment of WiiMotes for their Wii, Nyko's finally producing a charger that charges them all at once. The Charge Station Quad for the Nintendo Wii comes with four covers, four batteries, and a charger that holds them all. The new covers have a rubber grip so you can have an easier hold on the controller. I use the first charger from Nyko with great results and really like the rubber grips on the back. The only thing I'd like to see this have is USB charging but then again I don't know if the USB port can output enough juice to charge four controllers at once.
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Poor G4saurus

by: John - posted: 11/20/2008 8:13 AM - Comments (0)
I used to love, love NVIDIA cards. Lately, AMD is kicking all kinds of major ass with their Radeon HD 4800 series of cards. Here's a nice little video to explain the current situation for everyone. Some of the terms and jokes might go over non-techy heads but it's still cute.

 

 



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Not surprisingly, there are some issues with the NXE update

by: John - posted: 11/20/2008 7:49 AM - Comments (0)
Have you updated your Xbox 360 to the NXE? A few of us have experienced problems with the update and you know I expected this since it's a pretty major rollout for them. The one problem I am seeing is being unable to access certain parts of the Marketplace. Major Nelson has info on the ongoing saga and has provided a small update on the situation. The team is looking into it right now so let's hope they clear things up. I was surprised it didn't take that long for the update to get to me though so that's good. How's everyone digging the new interface and avatar system?

Street Fighter gets its own little place on NXE

by: Dan - posted: 11/20/2008 5:28 AM - Comments (0)
Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix has its own little world on the Xbox 360 NXE. You can visit the destination experience and learn anything you want about the game including trailers, themes picture packs and DLC.
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PSU Expansion gets a lower price

by: Dan - posted: 11/20/2008 5:16 AM - Comments (0)
The Phantasy Star Universe: Ambition of the Illuminus, expansion for PSU, has gotten a new price. It is now available for download from Xbox Live for 800 points, which is a 50% discount. The expansion contains a new single online mission where your character is now the main focus of the storyline. In addition, the online multiplayer also was beefed up with 25 new missions, 5 new bosses and 100 added weapons and items. As always, the original PSU disk and an active Guardians license are required to run the expansion. [READ MORE]

'Tis the Season for Street Fighter

by: Dan - posted: 11/20/2008 5:14 AM - Comments (2)
Capcom opened the "Season of Street Fighter" last week with the availability of the Street Fighter Pinball FX DLC to celebrate the approaching release of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. The remainder of the season will feature assorted Street Fighter-esque downloadable content packs on Both Xbox Live and Playstation Network. Some of the upcoming downloads will include a Street Fighter UNO deck, direct-to-download music from the series and a little surprise coming to PSN this Holiday Season. Check out the video in the interim:



-Update- And here's the original .... John
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