News

Stacked with Daniel Negreanu Deals to Retail

Posted by: Lydia at 5/31/2006 11:27 PM - Comments (0)
More On: 2K Games
In the latest episode of online poker gaming, Stacked with Daniel Negreanu has shipped to retailers today. Its a good way for a beginner to learn Texas Hold 'Em, and has some quirks that will keep experienced players guessing as well. All I have to say is, if it can manage to teach me poker I will be impressed. 


STACKED(tm) WITH DANIEL NEGREANU DEALS TO RETAIL
The Next Generation of Poker Has Arrived with Learning AI, Sanctioned Online Tournaments
MTV Presents: STACKED Poker Television Special to Air on MTV2 on June 2nd and on MTV on June 3rd
For Immediate Release: 
New York, NY - May 31st, 2006 - Myelin Media, LLC, a publisher of interactive entertainment
software, today announced that their Texas Hold 'Em game, STACKED(tm) with Daniel Negreanu, has
shipped to retail outlets throughout North America. A breakthrough Texas Hold 'Em video game,
STACKED steps to the table with a powerful hand of groundbreaking artificial intelligence, massive
online multi-table tournaments and involvement from seven of the most celebrated professional poker
players in the modern history of the game. Rated T for Teen by the ESRB, STACKED is available for
the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® video game and entertainment system from
Microsoft, and the PC, and carries a suggested retail price of $29.99. In addition, MTV will be
airing a half-hour special premiering on Friday, June 2nd at 9 PM on MTV2 and Saturday, June 3rd at
9 PM on MTV entitled, MTV Presents: STACKED Poker, to support the release of the highly anticipated
title.
"STACKED is the perfect way for a beginner to learn poker," said Negreanu.  "It won't disappoint
the advanced players either, especially when they have to face off against me!"
"STACKED brings the excitement and strategy of professional poker into your home," said Ken Woo,
producer at Myelin Media. "Whether playing alone against the game's realistic learning AI or online
against real world opponents, you will feel the same exhilaration with every big bet, bluff and
victory as if you were at the final table of a high stakes tournament."
"MTV Games was formed with the vision of creating and promoting original video game IP and unique
gaming experiences that encapsulate the passions and interests of the MTV audience," said Jeff
Yapp, EVP, Program Enterprises. "STACKED represents the first true MTV Games 360° initiative by
delivering a video game experience, television special and an online component with the Stacked
Masters multi-table tournaments." 
About MTV Presents: STACKED Poker 
MTV Presents: STACKED Poker is a half hour special premiering on Friday, June 2nd at 9 PM on MTV2
and Saturday, June 3rd at 9 PM on MTV.   The program gets inside the breakout phenomenon of
professional poker and highlights the launch of STACKED(tm) with Daniel Negreanu.  Negreanu stars
in this half-hour special with his unique brand of strategy, intuition and charisma.  Shot on
location at The Aladdin Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, MTV Presents: STACKED Poker takes viewers
through an explanation of the video game, STACKED, an introductory game of poker with Negreanu,
then he faces a group of college age competition, competes against some of the world's top ranked
poker players and ends the show by sitting down at a table with special celebrity guests, Ryan
Cabrera and Benji from Good Charlotte, to pass on some of his poker expertise.  Throughout, Daniel
will occasionally "freeze frame" and address the audience with his unparalleled insights into poker
strategy, player tells and insider tips.  
The special also kicks off a once in a lifetime opportunity for MTV viewers.  The STACKED Masters
Tournament is a series of STACKED Multi-Table Tournaments, to be played live online.   Four players
who meet certain eligibility criteria may be cast to participate in the MTV STACKED Masters
Showdown Special.  Participants in the special will be flown to Las Vegas, where they will face off
against Daniel Negreanu at the final table, for a chance to prove their poker prowess against the
best in the business.   
About STACKED 
The premiere Texas Hold 'Em video game, STACKED utilizes an advanced learning artificial
intelligence system that devises new strategies for victory as it learns more about each player's
individual style of play. As the player progresses through the game, the AI will become more
sophisticated, as it builds a profile of weaknesses and attempts to exploit them, helping the
player to learn and become a better overall player. As they progress through the game's career
mode, players will encounter seven of poker's most decorated pro players: Josh Arieh, Jennifer
Harman, Erick Lindgren, Juan Carlos Mortensen, Evelyn Ng, David Williams and Daniel Negreanu
himself, each with a custom AI bot that matches their real-world play style. Players can access the
game's Poker School mode at any time to learn from nearly an hour of video tips and strategies from
Daniel Negreanu, covering all aspects of the game from basic rules to advanced guidance for
tournament victory. 
STACKED lets players compete online against the best players in the world in a unique multi-table
tournament system known as STACKED Masters. Sanctioned tournaments will be regularly announced
through the game's official web site, and players with the necessary online ranking can participate
to go head-to-head against hundreds of the game's best players in a ladder based tournament system
and seize their place in the STACKED Hall of Fame. Players can also choose to create their own
custom online tournaments as well as smaller individual games with friends. 
For more information about STACKED with Daniel Negreanu, please visit stacked.mtv.com. 
About MTV Games 
MTV Games is dedicated to producing and marketing unique interactive entertainment experiences that
resonate with MTV's audience. Through strategic partnerships with a range of videogame publishers
and independent developers, MTV Games creates, supports, and participates in the success of a
diverse slate of innovative console, handheld, and PC titles for both hardcore and casual gamers.
Titles released under these partnerships receive multi-platform promotion across MTV's properties
worldwide, including MTV, MTV2, mtvU, and mtv.com, leveraging MTV's unique brand and marketing
capabilities to maximize sales. In addition, MTV Games collaborates with its partners on
soundtracks, in-game advertising sales, and development of complementary television programming.
About Myelin Media 
Myelin Media, LLC. is a privately funded entertainment software publisher headquartered in New York
City.  Established in March 2004, Myelin aims to bring unique game content to consumers by
empowering developer creativity.  Visit www.myelinmedia.com for more information.
© 2005 Myelin Media, LLC.  All rights reserved. STACKED is the trademark of Myelin Media, LLC.  
Xbox is the registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries. 
"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment
Inc.   
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

LOTRO Mines of Moria Watcher Raid Caught on Video

by: Eva - posted: 11/22/2008 7:00 PM - Comments (0)
Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria launched this week and Turbine has been celebrating with a barrage of goodies. I guess you can only keep something this good secret for so long. The latest offering is gameplay footage of the "Watcher Raid." This raid was designed for seasoned veterans that have maxed their level and collected and leveled a substantial legendary item set. The LOTRO: Mines of Moria 'Watcher Raid' trailer is an excellent way to get a close up of the watcher from a safe distance.

GamerDNA and Child's Play Whip Up Contest for Charity

by: Eva - posted: 11/22/2008 6:21 PM - Comments (0)
GamerDNA and the Child's Play charity are running a new online contest to raise money for Children's Hospitals across the globe. Online gaming communities are invited to take on a little friendly competition. Once entered community members can visit gamerDNA, an online social platform for gamers, to take a multiple choice Decades of Influence Quiz. When you build a profile on gamerDNA, you're asked if you'd like to take short quizzes about your gameplay style and personality. This particular quiz is on innovations in gaming over the last four decades. Once they complete the quiz, gamers will get a badge displaying which decade most effects their style and the name of their community. The community that collects the most badges will score 6 bundles of Nintendo DS systems and games from gamerDNA. There are more specifics in the press release following the break and at www.gamerdna.com/childsplay.

Child's Play was founded in 2003 by Penny Arcade creators Mike "Gabe" Krahulik and Jerry "Tycho" Holkins. The charity has an annual auction and toy drive to benefit sick children in hospitals worldwide. Just take a look at the map for an idea of all the Children's Hospitals you can reach out to help. If you want to know more, check out the Child's Play website.
[READ MORE]

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

by: Nathan - posted: 11/22/2008 2:34 PM - 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 - posted: 11/22/2008 2:24 PM - 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 - posted: 11/21/2008 11:25 PM - 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 - posted: 11/21/2008 11:13 PM - 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 - posted: 11/21/2008 10:54 PM - 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 - posted: 11/21/2008 10:27 PM - 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 - posted: 11/21/2008 1:41 PM - 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 - 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.

[READ MORE]

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 -- 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?"

Warhammer Online Destruction Epic Armor concept art

by: Randy - posted: 11/20/2008 10:54 PM - 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 - 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 (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 - 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.
[READ MORE]

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.
[READ MORE]

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.
[READ MORE]

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.
[READ MORE]

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