News

Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars Crash the PSN Store

Posted by: Eva at 10/9/2008 8:08 PM - Comments (0)
More On: Sony
The weekly  PlayStation Store update is upon us bringing a plethora of games, demos, themes and wallpaper for your PS3, PC and PSP.  Among the sports team themes and Halloween offerings, the most notable edition is Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars, the first Unreal 3 title for the PSN store. Aside from reminding me of "Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave and Grooving with a Pict" from the sheer length of the name, the game intrigues me with its Trophy support, custom music tracks, and YouTube support so you can upload brags of your best matches easily.

Linger in Shadows also comes to the PSN store today. You can move back and forth through the timeline while looking at the digital art to discover hidden elements to play with, unlock and earn Trophies for discovering. The game makes good use of the SIXAXIS or the DualShock3. Of course the other must have is a Halloween episode of Quore that comes with exclusive access to SEGA’s Valkyria Chronicles demo along with other treats.

A full list of new offerings from PlayStation Blog follows the break.



Qore

Qore Episode 5 ($2.99 for episode / $24.99 for Annual Subscription)
Episode 5 celebrates Halloween with a scary game roundup. It also includes exclusive access to SEGA’s Valkyria Chronicles demo, some spooky/creepy artwork and new shooting galleries.
File Size: 1.68 GB

Games

Linger in Shadows ($2.99)
Linger in Shadows is a unique interactive digital art experience that uses the SIXAXIS controller to manipulate the very fabric of time and reality. Groundbreaking graphics and interactivity raise the bar for what is possible on PlayStation 3. Download Linger in Shadows and experience a truly unique journey that will change the way you think about games and art.
File Size: 100 MB

Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords ($14.99)
Building upon the addictive and easy to- learn gameplay of a puzzle game by integrating story and character progression elements found in RPGs, Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords delivers a brand new type of game that pushes the puzzle genre to a previously unseen level. The PSN version of the game also includes the content from the ‘Wrath of the Plague Lord’ expansion pack.
File Size: 242 MB

Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars ($14.99)
Get ready for non-stop action as you take control of a rocket-powered super car! It is a sport like no other, where supersonic cars jump, flip, and rocket boost their way to victory!
File Size: 177 MB

Add-on Game Content

Hot Shots Golf Fall Fashion Line ($2.99)
Spruce up your Hot Shots Golf Fall wardrobe with a collection of playful and funky new outfits ideal for golf wherever you play. Five new costumes come your way with 6 variations for each new costume giving you a total of 30 new outfits to dress your favorite 5 players in Hot Shots Golf Out Of Bounds. So now matter where you play, you’ll certainly be the best dressed player on the course.
File Size: 101 KB

Dead Space Obsidian Suit (Free)
Download the exclusive Obsidian Suit now, available only for the PLAYSTATION 3! This amazing Level 5 suit features the jet black PLAYSTATION 3 colors, upgraded toughness, and extra inventory slots.
File Size: 10.4 MB

Note: Free for a limited time only.

Dead Space Scorpion Suit ($2.49)
Download the exclusive Scorpion Suit now! Equip Isaac with this stunning Level 5 suit featuring enhanced armor and extra inventory slots.
File Size 9.31 MB

FIFA 09

  • All Leagues Pack ($19.99)
  • Barclays Premier League English Pack ($6.99)
  • Bundesliga German Pack ($6.99)
  • Liga BBVA Spanish Pack ($6.99)
  • Ligue 1 French Pack ($6.99)
  • Primera Division De Mexico Pack ($6.99)
  • Serie A Italian Pack ($6.99)

File Sizes: 100 KB

Mega Man 9 Endless Attack Mode ($2.99)
File Size: 216 KB

Mega Man 9 Protoman Mode ($1.99)
File Size: 100 KB

 

Rock Band

Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

The Offspring Track Pack 01 ($5.49; includes tracks below, also offered individually)

  • Gone Away - The Offspring ($1.99)
  • Pretty Fly (For A White Guy) - The Offspring ($1.99)
  • Self Esteem - The Offspring ($1.99)

Various Tracks

  • All Right Now - Free ($1.99)
  • Bad to the Bone - George Thorogood ($1.99)
  • Cream and Bastards Ride - Harvey Danger ($1.99)
  • Nearly Lost You - Screaming Trees ($1.99)
  • Push It - Static-X ($1.99)
  • Stop! - Against Me ($1.99)

File sizes: 21.7 MB - 38.9 MB (singles), 91.7 MB (track pack)

Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Single Player Map Pack: Brave New Worlds (Free)
New Single Player Maps for Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution! Includes 4 new maps, each with its own unique geography providing uncharted new challenges.
File Size: 42.1 MB

Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution Scenario Pack: The Victory Pack ($1.25)
Three new scenarios that are variations on classic victory conditions.
File Size: 104 KB

Super Stardust HD Game Bundle with Solo & Team modes ($14.99)
In Super Stardust HD, your mission is simple: destroy everything in sight! Visit different planets and fend off giant asteroids and waves of enemies by utilizing three upgradeable weapons to save the solar system from total annihilation. Download this bundle today to get the hit game plus the Solo and Team add-ons, all together at a discounted price.

Super Stardust HD Add-on Bundle (Solo & Team) ($7.99)
This is an upgrade pack for Super Stardust HD. You must already own the full title to make use of this upgrade.
File Size: 377 KB

Download this bundle today to get both the Solo and Team add-ons at a discounted price.

Demos (Free)

Warhawk
Download the Warhawk Demo today and check out the award-winning online gameplay expereince - “Online Battles Await.”
File Size: 855 MB

Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket Powered Battle Cars
File Size: 160 MB

Game Videos (Free)

LittleBigPlanet Life in LBP Ep. 2 (Play)
The second in a series of documentary-style videos exploring the wonders of LittleBigPlanet. In this episode, we see how SackBoys play! Alone or in a pack, these little guys know how to have a good time!
File Size: 157 MB

LittleBigPlanet Playtime
“Rockstar or Nerd? Pirate or Ninja? Whoever you are, when you come to LittleBigPlanet, its time to PLAY! Play alone or with friends and Jump, Race, or Slap your way to victory.
File Size: 52 MB

MotorStorm Pacific Rift Crashes & Carnage Trailer
In MotorStorm Pacific Rift, race first and think second. Anything goes when trying to reach the finish line and not every racer makes it. Watch these spectacular crashes as the Stormers reach for the goal. Stormers Unite!
File Size: 53.2 MB (720p) / 87.9 MB (1080p)

NBA 09 Trailers (x4)
NBA 09 The Inside and the makers of MLB 08 The Show bring you The Life. Could you step into the shoes of an NBA player in The Life? See if you’ve got what it takes to play three different story-lines in your bid to go from the streets, straight to the NBA. Pre-order today through GameStop and get an officially licensed NBA cap. Specially marked boxes can also get you one year FREE subscription to Vibe Magazine. Nothing Gets You Closer.
File Sizes: 38.4 - 46.5 MB

SOCOM: Confrontation - Desert Glory Flythrough
Fly through Dersert Glory, a classic map from the SOCOM universe rebuilt for SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation.
File Size: 72.2 MB

Bioshock Official Trailer
No gods or kings. Only man. Welcome to Rapture. Caught between powerful forces and hunted down by genetically mutated citizens you come to grips with a mysterious and fascinating world that not only challenges your capacity to adapt and survive, but brings to question your values and commitments to the inhabitants of Rapture. If your life was the prize, would you kill the innocent? Would you sacrifice your humanity? Opportunity awaits.
File Size: 68.5

Legendary: The Box Behind the Scenes 3 & 4 (x2)
Download and watch part three of the behind the scenes series looking at the making of Legendary. In this episode, we catch up with the dev team as they reveal their thoughts on the two main enemy creatures of the game: the mighty griffon and the savage werewolf.
File Sizes: Scene 3 (216 MB) / Scene 4 (166 MB)

Mercenaries 2 World In Flames Payback Trailer
Watch what others have been saying about Mercenaries 2!
File Size: 94.1 MB

Soul Calibur IV Character Gameplay Combos Trailer
This SOULCALIBUR IV trailer introduces some of the fantastic fighting moves executable in the game.
Check out these moves to pull them off in your next battle!
File Size: 181 MB

Tom Clancy’s End War Command Points Video Briefing
Leverage your points: This video will teach you the basics of command points and how you can use them to get access to a range of powerful mission support
File Size: 65.9 MB

Tom Clancy’s End War Mass Destruction Trailer
Demolish your enemy: This video will show off the most devastating weapons in your arsenal and give you tips on when to use them.
File Size: 70.2 MB

Starting today, PlayStation Store will begin to offer premium themes for purchase. These include themes from our partners Smobile and Disruptive Media Publishers as well as some game publishers.

Paid Themes

Kicks Theme ($0.99)
File Size: 2.71 MB

Bioshock Exclusive Theme ($0.99)
File Size: 5.41 MB

* Disruptive Media Publishers Paid Themes (x20)

Auburn University ($1.99)
File Size: 5.11 MB

Florida State University ($1.99)
File Size: 5.03 MB

University of Georgia ($1.99)
File Size: 4.93 MB

University of Miami ($1.99)
File Size: 5.02 MB

University of Michigan ($1.99)
File Size: 4.95 MB

University of North Carolina ($1.99)
File Size: 5.10 MB

University of Tennessee ($1.99)
File Size: 5.09 MB

University of Texas ($1.99)
File Size: 5.01 MB

Beach Sampler ($1.99)
File Size: 5.32 MB

Summer Down Under ($1.99)
File Size: 5.06 MB

Digital Techno ($1.49)
File Size: 4.55 MB

High Voltage ($1.49)
File Size: 5.57 MB

Horror Eyes ($1.49)
File Size: 5.53 MB

Refracted Revolt ($1.49)
File Size: 3.94 MB

Bad Girls ($1.49)
File Size: 3.58 MB

Halloween Vixens ($1.49)
File Size: 4.75 MB

Golden Retriever ($1.49)
File Size: 6.02 MB

Man’s Best Friend ($1.49)
File Size: 5.81 MB

Nordic Majesty ($1.49)
File Size: 5.84 MB

Seaside Sunsets ($1.49)
File Size: 4.77 MB

* Smobile Paid Themes

Elven-X ($0.99)
File Size: 4.72 MB

Iron Guard ($0.99)
File Size: 2.08 MB

Themes & Wallpapers (Free)

WipEout HD All Teams #2 Theme
File Size: 2.44 MB

Fallout 3 Brotherhood of Steel Theme
File Size: 1.43 MB

Fallout PIP-BOY 3000 Theme
File Size: 856 KB

Linger In Shadows Wallpapers (x2)
File Size: 235 - 412 KB

ATV Pure Wallpapers (x4)
File Size: 670 - 965 KB

Valkyria Chronicles Wallpapers (x2)
File Size: 1.42 - 1.57 MB

PLAYSTATION Store for PC

Here is this week’s content release for the PLAYSTATION Store for PC. To download these games to your PSP, navigate to http://store.playstation.com. There you’ll find descriptions of the content and directions on how to get started. For more on the PLAYSTATION Store for PC, please click here.

PSP Game Downloads

* Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow (UMD Legacy) ($24.99)
* Guilty Gear Judgement (UMD Legacy) ($5.99)

Add-ons

* echochrome level pack add-on ($4.99)

Videos (Free)

* Neverland Card Battles Trailer

Themes & Wallpapers (Free)

* NBA 09 PSP Theme 2
* Neverland Card Battles Wallpaper

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