Jolt

Serious Sam: The First Encounter HD

Fri, 20 Nov 09 16:53:58 +0000

First times

Dark Void

Fri, 20 Nov 09 16:53:07 +0000

Unavoidable

New footage shows BioShock 2 multiplayer

Fri, 20 Nov 09 16:36:57 +0000

Capture the Sister and more on show

PC dominated by Steam sales

Fri, 20 Nov 09 16:35:32 +0000

Valve platform dominates market

One million not banned from Xbox Live

Fri, 20 Nov 09 16:34:30 +0000

Boss unsure of stats

Crystal Bearers out in February

Fri, 20 Nov 09 16:33:27 +0000

Dated for Wii debut

MW2 smashes CoD 4 PC record

Fri, 20 Nov 09 16:32:31 +0000

Bowling cheered by PC success

Left 4 Dead 2

Fri, 20 Nov 09 16:14:12 +0000

Deadly

Resident Evil 5

Fri, 20 Nov 09 15:14:50 +0000

Frightful

Resident Evil 5

Fri, 20 Nov 09 15:14:07 +0000

The evil is back

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers

Fri, 20 Nov 09 15:13:20 +0000

Bearing up

The Sims 3 World Adventures

Fri, 20 Nov 09 15:12:19 +0000

Adventurous

Monster Hunter Tri

Fri, 20 Nov 09 15:09:30 +0000

Power of tri

PlayStation dominates Japanese charts

Fri, 20 Nov 09 14:07:15 +0000

PS3 and PSP set weekly pace

The latest sales figures are in from the land of the rising sun, the PSP and PS3 vying for the top spot in an all-Sony top two.

For the week ending November 15th, the PSP tops the Japanese hardware chart with nearly 39,000 units sold. The PS3 is second, just a few hundred units behind with over 38,000 consoles sold.

Then there's the DSi third with nearly 34,000, followed by the Wii, off the pace again, with nearly 27,000 units sold.

The PSP Go is next up with over 6,000 units, followed by the DS Lite with over 5,000. Then there's the Xbox 360 with over 4,000 - the PS2 last with just over 2,000. More from Japan as we get it.

Sony expect PS3 to reach 13 million this year

Fri, 20 Nov 09 14:01:04 +0000

Hirai has faith in sales

Speaking with Reuters, Sony Computer Entertainment big wig Kaz Hirai has revealed that he is confident the PS3 can hit 13 million units by the end of the company's financial year, which arrives in March 2010.

Apparently, the console has managed to shift over four million units so far this year.

A new 'network' console-style service will also be offered by the firm in 2010, a digital platform offering "movies, music and books" to to "network-capable TVs, Blu-ray players, ebooks and others."

We'll have more on this for you very soon.

Sky TV uptake surprises Microsoft

Fri, 20 Nov 09 13:59:38 +0000

Exec shocked by early demand

Apparently, Microsoft have been quite literally blown away by interest in the Sky TV player on Xbox Live - both Sky and the platform holder left struggling to cope with demand.

"We were blown away - literally - by the response we had, and we took some flak, probably fairly," Neil Thompson told GI.biz.

"We didn't scale to quite the scale we should have, and I take that criticism on board and we've learned from it. But now it's up and running, people are loving it, the subscription rates, the download rates for the application and so on are just blowing my mind away, they're blowing the people at Sky's minds away."

No specific figures were dished out by Thompson. The Sky TV player has also launched on iPhone.

Natal and Halo teams ramp up at MS

Fri, 20 Nov 09 10:16:09 +0000

Microsoft on a hiring spree

While much of the US video games industry seems to be facing cut-backs, Microsoft are on something of a hiring spree, getting new developers to work for 343 Industries (Halo) and their Project Natal team.

A whopping 54 new staffers are being brought on board, according to reports, these new employees set to work on the evolution of all things Halo - or on software for Microsoft's motion control technology.

That's not all, either, Microsoft are also said to be seeking a producer to work with Epic on all things Gears of War and Shadow Complex. Clearly sequels are to be expected.

More soon.

Star Trek Online beta going open in new year

Fri, 20 Nov 09 10:14:16 +0000

Cryptic reveal test plans

Atari and Cryptic have confirmed today that the beta test for Star Trek Online will go 'open' in 2010.

The open test will run from January 12th to the 26th, the developer keen to push their new MMO to the limit.

Keys to the beta will be dished out on a first come, first serve basis, via Cryptic's official site.

"We are excited to announce the dates for the open beta phase as this is one of the final steps in launching Star Trek Online to the public," offers executive producer Craig Zinkievich.

"We are looking forward to the launch of our first-of-a-kind MMORPG with anticipation and excitement and we expect Star Trek Online to explode onto the scene, giving fans and gamers a Star Trek experience like no other."

Price of Brazilian PS2 shocks

Fri, 20 Nov 09 10:03:17 +0000

Console launches... but at what price?

Sony Computer Entertainment America reveal this week that the PS2 is at last getting an 'official' release in Brazil, the console having been unofficially on sale in the South American state for years.

Apparently, the console will launch alongside 14 games, and will cost 799 reals, a whopping 449 USD. Games, meanwhile, will cost as much as 119 reals each (66 USD).

Apparently, Brazilian import tax has been fixed at a gigantic 60 percent, and coupled with a huge local piracy problem this has seen the price of the system - and software for it - far outstrip most other nations.

Supreme Commander 2 out in March

Fri, 20 Nov 09 10:01:08 +0000

GPG's RTS on the launch pad

Having yesterday tantalisingly dated Supreme Commander 2 for release in spring next year, Square Enix pop up again today to confirm a release in March of 2010.

The new PC RTS title is easily one of the year's most exciting looking releases, and it seems as if this new dating covers Europe - in addition to North America.

"The partnership with Square Enix has been a highlight of my career," says Chris Taylor, Founder and Creative Director of Gas Powered Games.

"I couldn't be more proud of what the team has accomplished, as the game has continually exceeded all of my expectations throughout its development."

Square Enix, meanwhile, are also pleased. "Supreme Commander 2 is a shining example of our strategic partnership with Gas Powered Games," adds John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix.

Brad Pitt behind Dark Void flick

Fri, 20 Nov 09 09:59:27 +0000

Actor's production studio bags rights

Word in from Japanese gaming giant Capcom today reveals that Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B, has picked up the rights to create a film based on Dark Void.

The game isn't out until early 2010, Capcom following their previously successful, anti-Christmas stance, although it is unclear how far along work on this tie-in movie can be.

Whether Pitt himself might star in the cinematic rendition is also a mystery, as is whether he personally was involved in the decision to bag these rights.

No doubt we'll hear more on this as the Hollywood rumour wheel starts turning. In related news, Dark Void has been delayed by an extra week at Capcom.

Dragon Age getting new DLC for Christmas

Fri, 20 Nov 09 09:39:27 +0000

New quest readied

How many hours have you already sunk into Dragon Age: Origins? Would you like to lose a few more hours of your life to this RPG treat?

If so, you'll be pleased by news in from EA and BioWare today which reveals that a new slice of DLC for the adventure will be with us by Christmas time.

Called Return to Ostager, the content will hit the US and Europe this 'holiday', and will cost 400 BioWare Points on PC, 400 Microsoft Points on Live, or 3.99 GBP on the PSN.

The new content will apparently see players join "a quest for the mighty arms and armor of the once great King Cailan when they revisit Ostagar, the site of the Grey Wardens' darkest hour, to reclaim the honor and learn the secrets of Ferelden's fallen king."

Season two of 1 vs. 100 starting

Fri, 20 Nov 09 09:37:50 +0000

New features included

The second 'season' of Xbox Live quiz show 1 vs. 100 is getting underway, having kicked off stateside at 8pm EST yesterday evening.

The new version of the game allows the 'one' to do a 'crazy' pose when entering the arena, while we're told that overall the show will be more accessible for new players.

Unlockable dance moves and a whole raft of new Achievements are also on offer.

p>Addressing criticisms levelled against the original title, it seems as if Microsoft are looking to reduce queue-times for this online smash hit, that boasts real world prizes. More soon.

PS3 can support 3D - Sony

Fri, 20 Nov 09 09:36:31 +0000

Firmware will usher in support one day

Speaking with investors, Sony have affirmed that all PS3 consoles can be upgraded to support stereoscopic 3D, via future Firmware updates. Rumours in the past have touched upon this feature.

Sony also state that they will embrace 3D via Blu-ray and HDTV updates in the future, the platform holder looking to set up a leading position in the 3D market.

As part of this initiative, Sony are looking to get their 3D projectors in 3,000 cinemas by the end of the year - CEO Howard Stringer vowing to deliver profitability by March 2011.

A 1 billion USD loss is expected for the year ending March 2010, while Sony pushes ahead with major restructuring.

Thanks Gamasutra.

Ninja Theory struggled with exclusivity pressure

Fri, 20 Nov 09 09:34:53 +0000

PS3 role was a problem for developer

Heavenly Sword creators Ninja Theory have told UK website Eurogamer.net that they struggled with the pressure of creating a platform exclusive title.

According to co-founder Tameem Antoniades, the development of the action game was side-tracked by the console war, the whole process skewing development and proving highly 'draining'.

"When you are exclusive, sometimes the pressure to demonstrate technology can override other aspects of game development. Being involved in one side of a format war as if it's the machines that make great games can also be draining," the game maker explained.

"You get a lot of attention as an exclusive developer which is great, but on the flip side there was a lot of anti-Sony feeling going on which I felt was unfairly being directed at our team."

The firm are now hard at work on Enslaved, a multi-format title.

BioShock 2 special edition confirmed

Fri, 20 Nov 09 08:58:52 +0000

If you're willing to shell out double the cash...

BioShock 2 hits early 2010 and its already getting an upgrade. A special edition has been announced by official site: The Cult of Rapture.

So, if you're the type who is simply above those petty, standard edition games, here's the dish:

"The Special Edition will come in 13"x13" premium packaging with special art on both the slipcase and the box cover. Inside, you will find three posters featuring vintage ads from Rapture (rolled), a vinyl 180g LP featuring the orchestral score from the original BioShock, a CD containing the BioShock 2 orchestral score, a 164 page 8"x11" hardbound artbook chock full of developer commentary and, of course, a copy of BioShock 2."

This edition will ship day one right alongside the standard copy and will be available for 99.99 USD on the Xbox 360 and PS3.

It will be limited to a single production run so if you must have the snazzy up sell then you may want to preorder now, which is now also an option.

Stay tuned for updates as they become available.

Modern Warfare 2 narrowly dodged the supernatural

Fri, 20 Nov 09 08:56:11 +0000

Infinity Ward first considered zombie and alien enemies

Apparently during the writing process for Modern Warfare 2, the antagonists did not start out as close to reality as they ultimately became. It seems that several more outrageous scenarios were considered.

As reported by GamePro, writer Jesse Stern states that: "In the beginning we talked about having things in Modern Warfare 2 like outbreaks, viruses, chemical warfare, and even outlandish things such as aliens and the living dead. We worked our way through it before we finally ended up with a more grounded version of the real world"

Stern also discussed how the writing seemed to continually stumble upon real life situations. Though it wouldn't have been the first time the undead made an appearance in Call of Duty, in the end they didnt make it into Infinity Ward's take on Modern Warfare 2.

We"ll let you know when we get more.

Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition announced

Fri, 20 Nov 09 08:52:27 +0000

Capcom to add bonus content

Capcom have been taking on board fan feedback and have duly confirmed that a new version of Resident Evil 5 is in the works.

The newly announced Gold Edition is essentially a physical copy of the game with the addition of the content from Resident Evil 5: Alternate Edition DLC that will include new episodes, new costumes and a new multiplayer scenario with more playable characters.

For the PS3 the game will be on a single Blu-ray, while on the Xbox 360 it will be on a DVD that gives you a voucher to download the extra content.

We will keep you posted as we learn more on the subject.

Microsoft faces possible lawsuit over bannings

Fri, 20 Nov 09 08:49:15 +0000

Banned users strike back

Users that have recently been banned from Xbox LIVE for their modded 360s may be retaliating thanks to a law firm called AbingtonIP.

Joystiq report that the law firm is describing Microsoft's actions as 'convenient' due to the fact that they were banned from LIVE only after they purchased a Gold level subscription.

According to AbingtonIP, the ban wasn't enacted until after games like Halo 3: ODST and Modern Warfare 2 were released. Whether or not this can be conclusively proven is hard to say.

The plaintiffs reward if they won would be reimbursement for subscription fees along with prorated fees for lost time.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2

Thu, 19 Nov 09 16:55:41 +0000

Oh, not THAT bad

LEGO Rock Band

Thu, 19 Nov 09 16:52:43 +0000

Block 'n' roll

F1 2009

Thu, 19 Nov 09 16:51:59 +0000

Vroom

Army of Two: The 40th Day

Thu, 19 Nov 09 16:50:54 +0000

Come the day...

F1 2009

Thu, 19 Nov 09 16:47:27 +0000

Racey

Ace Attorney Series (WiiWare)

Thu, 19 Nov 09 16:46:52 +0000

Ace indeed

The Lord of the Rings Online: Siege of Mirkwood

Thu, 19 Nov 09 16:45:46 +0000

Mirky

PC gaming hardware on the up

Thu, 19 Nov 09 16:37:40 +0000

Big sales growth looms

Is PC gaming on its knees as a result of piracy? Not if the latest research results are to be believed, consultancy firm Jon Peddie finding that PC gaming will actually grow by 5.9 percent this year.

The market is now predicted to hit 21.26 billion USD in 2009, despite the same research having predicted a drop of 7 percent earlier this year.

"The increase is due to higher than anticipated consumer demand for Enthusiast, Performance, and Mainstream hardware influenced by the ability to play video games ranging from casual to hardcore simulations," enthuses the report.

A whopping 30 percent growth is predicted for 2010.

"A recovering economy, processing advancements, and higher quality gaming offerings will all contribute to a healthy year for PC gaming hardware in 2010," the report concludes.

PSN will get subscription service in the future

Thu, 19 Nov 09 16:36:25 +0000

Hirai explains 'premium' plans

While Xbox Live may come with a subscription fee, Sony's PSN service has remained admirably free, although this could change to some extent in the future.

Responding to a leaked a slide that hints at a paid-for subscription model in the future (thanks VG247), Sony Computer Entertainment Europe have unleashed a quote from boss Kaz Hirai.

Apparently, the current level of PSN service is going to remain free, but there will be a subscription package offered in the future that will deliver premium content and other services.

"SCE will further increase sales by offering users new entertainment through the combination of hardware, software, peripheral and PlayStation Network," the PlayStation boss explains.

"Especially in the online area, we are studying the possibility of introducing a subscription model, offering premium content and services, in addition to the current free services."

3.10 firmware update for PS3 is go

Thu, 19 Nov 09 16:14:37 +0000

Facebook, friends lists and more

The 3.10 firmware update for the PlayStation 3 console is officially go worldwide, we're pleased to report, Sony's latest software upgrade ushering in all manner of newness.

The 3.10 update allows players to update their Facebook status with their PSN Trophy progress, and even their PlayStation Store purchases.

Alongside Facebook support (a well-timed middle-finger in Xbox Live's direction, there), the update also offers up new look Friends lists which are much easier on the eye, and easier to use generally.

If all this wasn't enough, there's also the small matter of the European Video Delivery Service which also launches today, boasting some 2,000 flicks - with Sony promising to add as many as fifty new titles a week.

Call of Duty movie hinted

Thu, 19 Nov 09 16:06:52 +0000

Soap actor keen on film role

Soap McTavish voice actor Kevin McKidd (Trainspotting) has hinted that a full Call of Duty movie could be announced in the near future, while chatting with the New York Post.

"They were looking for a rough, Scottish actor in Hollywood they probably couldn't get Gerard Butler, so they got the No. 2 Gerard Butler, me. I had no idea it would be so huge, and now there are talks of a feature film," McKidd quips on his role in the game.

"If the script is good, and Gerard isn't available [laughs], then absolutely," McKidd jokes on his own role in such a film.

A film trademark has previously been spied, although given the lack of Hollywood gossip pertaining to this we'd have to say it still remains a distant prospect.

Phoenix Wright hitting WiiWare

Thu, 19 Nov 09 16:02:41 +0000

Starting in January

The Ace Attorney himself is back, Nintendo's young hot shot returning to the DS in some style - via the WiiWare channel.

According to Nintendo, the original Phoenix Wright will land in digital form come January, with Justice for All and Trials and Tribulations following in March and May.

Each new puzzler will cost 1,000 Wii Points to download, while a special DS Ace Attorney add-on case called Rise from the Ashes will land in May for an extra 100 point.

More WiiWare news as we get it.

ESRB can be mislead - A2M dev

Thu, 19 Nov 09 16:00:07 +0000

Some publishers try to trick ratings board

A2M CEO Remi Racine has put the cat amongst the pigeons when speaking at the Montreal International Games Summit, the WET creator stating that US ratings board the ESRB can be mislead into giving lower ratings - and have been in the past.

"As a developer who has worked with a lot of different publishers, we're aware of many that have tried to cheat the rating. They say to the ERSB that it's a Teen rating rather than an Mature to try and sell more. You can do this just by sending them a video that doesn't show the most violent stuff and then you'll get the rating that you want rather than the rating you should get," Racine reveals, as reported by Edge.

"We have to make sure that everyone behaves and that the ERSB is duly diligent. Maybe getting your game out at a certain rating will help that game, but it's really not going to help the industry as a whole.

"Right now I don't think the industry is doing enough to educate the audience. The ERSB is supposed to do it, but it feels like we just kind of expect these kind of industry or government bodies to do the job for us. As much as I don't think it's the place of EA or Activision to go off and try and inform parents on their own, a more active role needs to be taken by all participants to ensure our artists are free to express themselves and that content can be enjoyed responsibly."

Third Call of Duty dev team revealed?

Thu, 19 Nov 09 13:12:58 +0000

US paper moots another, secret CoD team

We already know that Treyarch and Infinity Ward are splitting Call of Duty development between them, but today the LA Times reports that a third team could be involved as well.

According to the new report, this new team is working on "future versions" of the game - whatever that means - although given that the series is already a yearly release, it is unclear where another title would fit into the release schedule.

Of course, there has been much talk of a Call of Duty MMO title, given Acitvision Blizzard's huge success in this genre with World of Warcraft, so this could explain the presence of a third team.

Then again, Activision have recently launched a new developer in the shape of Glen Schofield's Sledgehammer Games, which also has part experience in the FPS genre. Who knows, basically. More on this as we get it.

Sony ironing out LBP creases for PSN

Thu, 19 Nov 09 13:11:23 +0000

Not long now for digital release

LittleBigPlanet PSP will be released in digital form via the PSN very very soon, Sony have assured, the publisher admitting to a few technical hitches with the release.

Sackboy's move to the PSP has already attracted impressive review scores, and now his digital debut is expected any day now.

"We're currently working around the clock to get this issue worked out so keep your eyes peeled for updates this week," offers senior producer Mark Green. "We appreciate you bearing with us."

Not long now, we hope.

Sony moot huge PS3 growth

Thu, 19 Nov 09 13:07:33 +0000

PSN also turns three

Having launched their new PSN video service in Europe, Sony continue their festive offensive, claiming sales growth of 70 percent for the PS3 console, over last year's total.

According to the platform holder, this means the PS3 is the only system to register 'significant' sales growth over last year.

Apparently, last month also represented the best month ever for PSN - with PS Store downloads up 60 percent over last year.

"PS3's growth in recent months is a perfect example of how a new low price along with upcoming innovative, exclusive titles such as MAG, Gran Turismo 5 and God of War III, will act as large catalysts for driving the PS3's install base even higher," says analyst Jesse Divnich.

"Add in the robust offerings on the PlayStation Network and there's no doubt that PS3's success will continue well throughout 2010, and beyond."

In related news, the PSN online platform is three years old this week. The service now accounts for 450 games, 17,400 TV shows and movies, and 4,000 slices of DLC. Many happy returns.

New Zelda set for unveiling at E3 2010

Thu, 19 Nov 09 12:47:41 +0000

Nintendo plan surprises

Put it in your calendar for next summer, Nintendo today telling us that they are hoping to show off their new Zelda game at E3 in 2010.

Speaking to Official Nintendo Magazine, producer Eiji Aonuma has said that the firm have a 'fresh surprise' in store for Zelda fans at next year's LA expo.

"It is something we used to talk about with Mr. Miyamoto, and he and I agree that if we are following the same structure again and again, we might not be able to give long time Zelda fans a fresh surprise," Aonuma teases.

New lay-offs hit developer Krome

Thu, 19 Nov 09 12:46:47 +0000

Firm struggles in recession

Game maker Krome Studios have been forced to lay-off a large, undisclosed number of workers, as part of a restructuring initiative at the firm.

According to IndustryGamers, the Aussie outfit are previously responsible for Viva Pinata: Party Animals, The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning and Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Republic Heroes.

"With declining game sales the industry is really feeling the effects of the struggling economy. In spite of industry wide cutbacks and Krome's need to reduce costs, we've worked really hard to minimize the impact on our staff," explains CEO Robert Walsh.

"These cuts, while incredibly difficult as they affect the co-workers we consider friends, are necessary as we position Krome for the future. We're also actively pursuing several business opportunities which, if secured, will enable Krome to reemploy some of the staff given notice."

C&C4 beta starting this week

Thu, 19 Nov 09 12:45:45 +0000

RA3 Premium customers getting access first

The Command & Conquer 4 beta test is now getting started, with those acquiring a "Future beta access" code via the Red Alert 3 Premium pack getting access to EA's new RTS trial.

Some players were given access last night, while others will given access on Tuesdays and Thursdays on an ongoing basis, as the publisher gradually expands the scale of the test.

New Red Alert 3 purchasers will be given access on a first come, first served basis, and a cap will placed on the number of new testers on a given day.

More details on this beta can be had via the official website.

Kane & Lynch sequel out in 2010

Thu, 19 Nov 09 12:02:01 +0000

Dog Days are coming to Shanghai

Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days, will be released in 2010 according to news from developer IO Interactive, while work on a film based on the IP is also said to be progressing apace.

Set in the sweating Shanghai underworld, a teaser trailer has been unleashed, while Square Enix Europe's new game will be published on their Eidos label.

"Gamers are always looking for something new and that is exactly what they are going to get with Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days," enthuses Niels Jorgensen, general manager for IO Interactive.

"A special thanks to gamers worldwide for their feedback. They are certainly in for a shock as we, with immense pride, welcome back our two dear, violent and somewhat unfortunate friends."

The game will sport fresh multiplayer action, in addition to a new singleplayer story.

PSN Video Service launches in Europe today

Thu, 19 Nov 09 12:00:00 +0000

Special offer is go, too

Little Boots was on hand at a Sony party in London's West End last night to usher in the launch of the Video Delivery Service in Europe.

The PSN service launches today, officially, and it will deliver SD and HD movies to the PS3 and PSP in France, Germany, Spain and the UK. Over 2,000 flicks will be offered for starters.

The service will allow you to rent from 1.99 Euro a film, or buy from 7.99 Euro a film, with various flavours of each offered.

Angels and Demons, Bruno, The Dark Knight, Harry Potter, Star Trek, Transformers 2, Terminator Salvation and X-Men: Wolverine count among the launch titles on offer.

Sony are also offering a special launch deal, allowing players to download Angels and Demons between November 19th 2009 and November 30th to get a PSN voucher code for The Da Vinci Code (usually worth 6.99 GBP) at no additional charge. Nice.