As of today I will be leaving this blog behind. I have been offered a place on the staff of http://www.stickskills.com/ so if you wish to continue reading my work head on over there.
I would just like to thank everyone who read this blog.
Goodbye.
Thursday, 18 December 2008
New Battlestations: Pacific Trailer
A new trailer of Battlestations: Pacific has been released check it out.
Yahtzee Pilots New Show
Either love him or hate him Yahtzee has managed to make himself very well knownin the reviewer world with his acclaimed web show Zero Punctuation. Well now he is steeping infront of the camera for a new show known as Game Damage with his co-hosts Yug and Matt. Below is the Pilot for the first episode, however this is just a pilot so dont expect miracles.
FEAR 2 Multiplayer Screenshots
Some new FEAR 2 screenshots have been released. This time of the games multiplayer modes so check them out via the link.
FEAR 2 Multiplayer Screenshots
FEAR 2 Multiplayer Screenshots
Free Radical Design Shutting down
UK developer Free Radical Design are closing their doors for good.
Last month Free Radical director Steve Ellis had this to say about the company.
"Nothing unusual is happening here"
"we certainly won't be laying off any staff today. Or, for that matter, any time in 2008,"
However news is that the complete opposite has actually occurred.
Staff working at the company were today met by closed doors to the studio and were left with instructions to head to a nearby hotel for one last company meeting.
Free Radical are best known for their Timesplitters series and the PS3 exclusive Haze, Free Radical were working on Timesplitters 4 prior to closure.
Check out Gamesindustry.biz for another source.
Last month Free Radical director Steve Ellis had this to say about the company.
"Nothing unusual is happening here"
"we certainly won't be laying off any staff today. Or, for that matter, any time in 2008,"
However news is that the complete opposite has actually occurred.
Staff working at the company were today met by closed doors to the studio and were left with instructions to head to a nearby hotel for one last company meeting.
Free Radical are best known for their Timesplitters series and the PS3 exclusive Haze, Free Radical were working on Timesplitters 4 prior to closure.
Check out Gamesindustry.biz for another source.
New Splatterhouse Details
New details have emerged from Namco Bandai and Bottlerocket about their upcoming remake of Splatterhouse, which will be releasing on Xbox 360 and PS3 sometime in 2009, an actual date is still yet to be announced.
Namco believes that the original graphics are best left to nostalgia so they can bring you an up to date and fresh title, however they have promised to still remain faithful to the 80's horror vibe of the original.
Among the details shed are that all of the original weapons will make a return including the 2 by 4 and the meatcleaver, while expanding on the original weapons list with new weapon classes and as they put it a few surprises.
The development team promise a lot of gore in this game saying that it's what the game is about so they are going to give it to them. You can defiantly expect this to get an M rating.
Say tuned for more details.
Another Source Joystick
Namco believes that the original graphics are best left to nostalgia so they can bring you an up to date and fresh title, however they have promised to still remain faithful to the 80's horror vibe of the original.
Among the details shed are that all of the original weapons will make a return including the 2 by 4 and the meatcleaver, while expanding on the original weapons list with new weapon classes and as they put it a few surprises.
The development team promise a lot of gore in this game saying that it's what the game is about so they are going to give it to them. You can defiantly expect this to get an M rating.
Say tuned for more details.
Another Source Joystick
Fable 2 DLC Hits Setback
Fable 2 was all set to release it's first DLC "Knothole Island" on the 22nd of this month however due to unexpected and unforeseeable technical issues the DLC has been pushed back towards the back end of January.
A post earlier on xbox.com's Fable 2 page stated as such in giant red letters just in case you happen to miss it. This post states that the DLC has been delayed until late January and no concrete date has been given as yet.
So all you Fable 2 fans itching to get back into the action will just have to wait a while longer.
A post earlier on xbox.com's Fable 2 page stated as such in giant red letters just in case you happen to miss it. This post states that the DLC has been delayed until late January and no concrete date has been given as yet.
So all you Fable 2 fans itching to get back into the action will just have to wait a while longer.
Take-Two Drops Champions Online
Last week Atari made a move on Cryptic Studios last week doubts fell over the studios big project other wise known as Champions Online the game that was born out of the failed Marvel Universe Online.
So due to Atari now owning the publisher of Take-Twos next big title the future of the title began to come into unrest talks went on for a week until today it was announced that Take Two would be dropping Champions after it's studio had been brought by Atari.
Take Two president Ben Feder had this to say,
"We no longer intend to publish the MMOG Champions Online due to Atari's acquisition of Cryptic,"
Take Two washing their hands of the project is to be expected really as acquisitions often put a dampener on any existing agreements between companies.
However weather Chapions Online will stick to its scheduled release slot of Spring now that Atari have taken over the publishing is still left to be seen, as when Atari mentioned Champions they just gave it a vague 2009 slot.
However it still looks likely to meet this date as developers Cryptic have upped their work effort into the game by bringing on board Bill Roper Cocreater of Diablo and Hellgate.
Champions Online is being developed for Xbox 360 and PC.
So due to Atari now owning the publisher of Take-Twos next big title the future of the title began to come into unrest talks went on for a week until today it was announced that Take Two would be dropping Champions after it's studio had been brought by Atari.
Take Two president Ben Feder had this to say,
"We no longer intend to publish the MMOG Champions Online due to Atari's acquisition of Cryptic,"
Take Two washing their hands of the project is to be expected really as acquisitions often put a dampener on any existing agreements between companies.
However weather Chapions Online will stick to its scheduled release slot of Spring now that Atari have taken over the publishing is still left to be seen, as when Atari mentioned Champions they just gave it a vague 2009 slot.
However it still looks likely to meet this date as developers Cryptic have upped their work effort into the game by bringing on board Bill Roper Cocreater of Diablo and Hellgate.
Champions Online is being developed for Xbox 360 and PC.
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Resident Evil 5 Demo Confirmed US
The Resident Evil 5 demo that has been available since last month in Japan, the one that many tried to download and play before Microsoft went and pulled the plug. Well Capcom have announced an actual US version of the demo.
Capcom announced at their Co-op Multiplayer event in San Francisco last night that the US demo will be released early 2009.
Capcom have also confirmed that the demo will also be seeing a PS3 release.
The event also showcased some unseen levels, and I'm sure details will emerge of those soon.
For another source for this story please see Joystick.
And for a source for you PS3 owners and to add another source for this story. Shacknews
Capcom announced at their Co-op Multiplayer event in San Francisco last night that the US demo will be released early 2009.
Capcom have also confirmed that the demo will also be seeing a PS3 release.
The event also showcased some unseen levels, and I'm sure details will emerge of those soon.
For another source for this story please see Joystick.
And for a source for you PS3 owners and to add another source for this story. Shacknews
Scratch New Screenshots
Criterion Black Sequel
Criterion Games are best known for their Burnout series however a few years back they produced a game for the Xbox and Ps2 known as Black this FPS managed to get rave reviews even though it came from a company with little or no FPS background.
Well over on Criterion games website a listing has been noticed stating a game for release in 2009 known as Black: Second Mission which stands a very good chance of being Black's sequel.
This game is scheduled for release on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.
Although this is yet to be confirmed or denied by Criterion is stands a good chance of being real seeing as it was posted on their own site.
More details as they come.
I've only just came back to this post to find comments asking for a source however when I went back to the Criterion website the listing had been removed. So as it goes this is still firmly just a rumor. Hopefully Criterion will make an announcement of some kind soon.
As a result of this I would like to apologize to all those who are looking for a source as of now there is no longer one.
This story has also been posted over at Eurogamer Portugal to show further proof.
Well over on Criterion games website a listing has been noticed stating a game for release in 2009 known as Black: Second Mission which stands a very good chance of being Black's sequel.
This game is scheduled for release on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.
Although this is yet to be confirmed or denied by Criterion is stands a good chance of being real seeing as it was posted on their own site.
More details as they come.
I've only just came back to this post to find comments asking for a source however when I went back to the Criterion website the listing had been removed. So as it goes this is still firmly just a rumor. Hopefully Criterion will make an announcement of some kind soon.
As a result of this I would like to apologize to all those who are looking for a source as of now there is no longer one.
This story has also been posted over at Eurogamer Portugal to show further proof.
Batman Arkham Asylum 2 New Screens
Final Fantasy 13 New Scans
Stormrise New Screenshots
Rumor - Red Alert 3 Expansion
Rumors have begun to circulate that EA's Los Angeles studio are busy developing an expansion to Red Alert 3 known as "Uprising".
However when EA were questioned about this development instead of shooting the rumor down like you would expect the to do they replied with the following,
"We will have more information in the New Year."
This tells me that they are at least in the thought process of development of this expansion or have even begun development and don't want to let the details slip to early.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 was released in October of this year for PC and Xbox 360.
More details as they surface.
However when EA were questioned about this development instead of shooting the rumor down like you would expect the to do they replied with the following,
"We will have more information in the New Year."
This tells me that they are at least in the thought process of development of this expansion or have even begun development and don't want to let the details slip to early.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 was released in October of this year for PC and Xbox 360.
More details as they surface.
Puzzle Arcade Heading to XBLA Next Week
It has just been announced that Puzzle Arcade will be making its way to the XBLA next week on Wednesday 24th December how about that fro a Christmas present.
The XBLA title will come attached with a 800 MS point price tag.
Puzzle Arcade also presents multiplayer fun with 4 player offline co-op as well as support for 4 player online co-op via Xbox live, so up to 4 people can work on the same puzzle either together or against each other which will probably lead to many a frantic scrabble for pieces. There are also leaderboards so you can track your puzzling abilities against the rest of the world.
Who knows maybe translating a jigsaw puzzle into a video game will work and might be the next big thing....then again it might not.
I have also included a list of achievements for Puzzle Arcade for those who love them.
Love That Puzzle—Complete the same puzzle in Classic and Turbo modes. (5 points)
5*250—Build 5 puzzles of 250 pieces or more. (10 points)
First Timer—Complete your first puzzle. (5 points)
Puzzle Picture Collector—Complete all Picture Puzzles. (15 points)
Kilopiece Colossus—Build a Classic mode puzzle with at least 1,000 pieces on Expert. (20 points)
Beat the Bots—Beat 2 or more AI players on a puzzle with 100 pieces or more. (10 points)
Puzzle Party—Join 2 or more friends on the same console to build a puzzle with at least 200 pieces. (10 points)
Xbox Live Puzzle Party—Join 2 or more Xbox Live players to build a Classic Co-Op puzzle with 300 pieces or more. (20 points)
Puzzle Champ—Win 5 Xbox Live Turbo Mode games. (25 points)
Fractal Fan—Finish a Fractal Puzzle with 2 levels. (15 points)
Fractal Fanatic—Finish a Fractal Puzzle with 3 levels. (30 points)
Ultimate Challenger—Complete all 20 Puzzle Challenges. (35 points)
The XBLA title will come attached with a 800 MS point price tag.
Puzzle Arcade also presents multiplayer fun with 4 player offline co-op as well as support for 4 player online co-op via Xbox live, so up to 4 people can work on the same puzzle either together or against each other which will probably lead to many a frantic scrabble for pieces. There are also leaderboards so you can track your puzzling abilities against the rest of the world.
Who knows maybe translating a jigsaw puzzle into a video game will work and might be the next big thing....then again it might not.
I have also included a list of achievements for Puzzle Arcade for those who love them.
Love That Puzzle—Complete the same puzzle in Classic and Turbo modes. (5 points)
5*250—Build 5 puzzles of 250 pieces or more. (10 points)
First Timer—Complete your first puzzle. (5 points)
Puzzle Picture Collector—Complete all Picture Puzzles. (15 points)
Kilopiece Colossus—Build a Classic mode puzzle with at least 1,000 pieces on Expert. (20 points)
Beat the Bots—Beat 2 or more AI players on a puzzle with 100 pieces or more. (10 points)
Puzzle Party—Join 2 or more friends on the same console to build a puzzle with at least 200 pieces. (10 points)
Xbox Live Puzzle Party—Join 2 or more Xbox Live players to build a Classic Co-Op puzzle with 300 pieces or more. (20 points)
Puzzle Champ—Win 5 Xbox Live Turbo Mode games. (25 points)
Fractal Fan—Finish a Fractal Puzzle with 2 levels. (15 points)
Fractal Fanatic—Finish a Fractal Puzzle with 3 levels. (30 points)
Ultimate Challenger—Complete all 20 Puzzle Challenges. (35 points)
Sacred 2: Fallen Angel New Screenshots
Formal Avatar Clothing Available
This is for all you people who can't get enough of styling their avatar.
Head over to your avatar editor on your dashboards and your in for a surprise. Microsoft have just released a brand new clothing range for you avatar to show off in.
The new clothes are mainly formal wear and include;
- 2 New Hats
- 1 New Shirt
- New Tuxedo Suits
All new items of clothing are marked with a star to make them easy to spot.
GO, get stylish.
Head over to your avatar editor on your dashboards and your in for a surprise. Microsoft have just released a brand new clothing range for you avatar to show off in.
The new clothes are mainly formal wear and include;
- 2 New Hats
- 1 New Shirt
- New Tuxedo Suits
All new items of clothing are marked with a star to make them easy to spot.
GO, get stylish.
Soulja Boy Vs MTV's Totilo
In October Soulja started mouthing off that he could beat anyone at anything, well he went ahead and challenged MTV Multiplayer's blog editor Stephen Totilo.
Well the challenge went down today and the result is due to be issued later on was Soulja Boy man enough to stick to his guns or was the rapper made to eat his words, find out soon.
But here's some images of the clash so you can see what went on.
Well the challenge went down today and the result is due to be issued later on was Soulja Boy man enough to stick to his guns or was the rapper made to eat his words, find out soon.
But here's some images of the clash so you can see what went on.
Silent Hill Homecoming Gets Europe Date
Silent Hill fans you can now relax as Konami have just announced an official release date for their newest entry to the Silent Hill franchise, Silent Hill Homecoming.
The official date is February 27th 2009 for the Xbox 360 in Europe.
So mark it down on your new calendars and prepare for some fear.
The official date is February 27th 2009 for the Xbox 360 in Europe.
So mark it down on your new calendars and prepare for some fear.
Rise Of The Argonauts Character Trailer
Codemasters have released a new Rise of the Argonauts trailer detailing the characters that appear in the game.
Due for release in the UK in February 2009.
Due for release in the UK in February 2009.
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
Dynasty Warriors Gundam 2 Trailer
A new trailer has been released of KOEI's latest Dynasty Warriors game, Gundam 2 which is due for release on March 31st 2009.
Race Pro New Trailer Laguna Seca 2
A new trailer of Simbin's upcoming racer Race Pro have been released.
Race Pro is due for release on Xbox 360 in January.
Race Pro is due for release on Xbox 360 in January.
New Rock Band DLC Hits Marketplace
This week the Rock Band DLC is something a little different, in the shape of 5 new country songs for you to rock out to (I guess). Anyway the individual tracks are priced at 160 points each with the track pack coming in at 680 points.
Country Track Pack - 680 Points
Gunpowder and Lead by Miranda Lambert
Hillbilly Deluxe by Brooks and Dunn
Free and Easy by Dierks Bentley
Sin Wagon - Dixie Chicks
Mud on the Tires by Brad Paisley
What you waiting for go get downloading.
Country Track Pack - 680 Points
Gunpowder and Lead by Miranda Lambert
Hillbilly Deluxe by Brooks and Dunn
Free and Easy by Dierks Bentley
Sin Wagon - Dixie Chicks
Mud on the Tires by Brad Paisley
What you waiting for go get downloading.
The Wheelman New Trailer
An new trailer has been released by Midway of their newest title the Wheelman, check it out.
Midway Layoff Staff, Cancel Games
Midway are a company on the edge of financial ruin with spiraling debts and no real income with which to pay them. As a result Midway today announced that they have made 180 members of it's workforce redundant, that may not seem a lot but that accounts for over a quarter of their workforce. Midway have also closed their Austin Studio and have made cuts in both their Chicago and San Diego offices.
As well as losing a quarter of the workforce Midway have also announced that they will be canceling several unannounced games that were due for release in 2010 and 2011, however it is stated these cuts are not to any major projects that they had planned.
Matt Booty, President and CEO of Midway had this to say,
"The cost-reduction measures are vital for us to rationalize our operations and provide the resources necessary for our core properties to succeed."
"These initiatives, along with the other steps we have taken this year, are a response to the specific challenges we are facing at Midway, many of which have been amplified by the current economic conditions."
To add to their money problems as a result of laying off the 180 members of staff Midway will incur a loss of $1.6 million in redundancy package deals.
It is indeed a bad time for Midway. Can they survive this recession?
As well as losing a quarter of the workforce Midway have also announced that they will be canceling several unannounced games that were due for release in 2010 and 2011, however it is stated these cuts are not to any major projects that they had planned.
Matt Booty, President and CEO of Midway had this to say,
"The cost-reduction measures are vital for us to rationalize our operations and provide the resources necessary for our core properties to succeed."
"These initiatives, along with the other steps we have taken this year, are a response to the specific challenges we are facing at Midway, many of which have been amplified by the current economic conditions."
To add to their money problems as a result of laying off the 180 members of staff Midway will incur a loss of $1.6 million in redundancy package deals.
It is indeed a bad time for Midway. Can they survive this recession?
Rise Of The Argonauts Gameplay Trailer
A new gameplay trailer of the soon to be released rise of the Argonauts has just been released check it out. European gamers will have to wait till February t get their hands on this.
