Week of April 10, 2005

Release: May 26, 2005

Namco released new details of its crossover simulation RPG Namco X Capcom. The game will feature more than 200 characters from the Namco and Capcom franchises, including: Tekken, Mega Man, Dark Stakers, Captain Commando and Street Fighter 2! The Magic Box has some more images.

This is a game we will keep a close eye on. Like us I am sure many of you are excited to play with such a wide aray of beloved characters all in one game. Right now there are only screens for teh Japanese version of the game. We are hoping that the English verion wont be far behind.

Restarting Steam will yield you the latest Steam news update, which reveals that the next Counter-Strike: Source update will include two new maps. One is de_port, which was mentioned before, while the other is a reworked classic...de_inferno. Valve says to expect some media from these maps "in the next week or two".

Valve also included a teaser shot of Half-Life 2 Aftermath:

The Magic Box has four new images of Namco's upcoming fighter Soul Calibur III.

TDK Mediactive released a new video showing gameplay footage of their upcoming racing game World Racing 2. You can download the video from PlanetWorldRacing (direct link)

Play It has confirmed that Gungrave O.D. will makes it way to the PlayStation 2 in late June. Not sure what Gungrave O.D. is? Read the adjective-laden quote:

Gungrave O.D. has a mix of furious combat combined with astonishing visuals and follows on from the global success of anime superstar Yasuhiro Nightow's Gungrave anime series. Featuring the return of Grave, a super-cool undead hitman wielding dual pistols, swaggering with attitude and using his own coffin as a shield, Gungrave O.D. threatens to redefine the term 'fast and furious'. With heavily populated levels filled with enemies hell-bent on preventing Grave from dismantling their drug-dealing network, the player enters an adult wonderland of anime-styled destruction, where anything goes and seemingly everything can be shot, smashed, crushed and blown-up in a free-form orgy of joyous, bullet-ridden carnage. This environmental devastation isn't merely for effect; continual destruction of enemies and objects forms a 'beat combo' that charges super-powerful shots, capable of taking down the hardiest opponents with a few well-placed blasts.

Mark Cale, CEO of Play It says: "This is quite possibly the arcade action hit of the year. Gungrave O.D. mixes intense gameplay with cutting-edge visuals in a classic gaming setting. It's powerfully dark, violent and supremely entertaining. What's more, the character of Grave is one of the coolest, meanest heroes ever to grace the Playstation 2. Gamers will love it."

Expect to see those insane Animaniacs on your PlayStation 2, GameCube and Xbox this fall.

The game is a third-person action adventure, which brings the colourful and hysterical world of the Animaniacs wonderfully to life. Players must guide Wakko, Yakko and Dot through six levels in a quest to locate the hidden Edgar trophies. Each Animaniac has his or her own special abilities, and each must be used in order to fully explore the luscious landscapes.

Puzzle elements are featured in the game along with ever-changing enemies and obstacles. Five incredible 'Pinky & The Brain' mini-games vary the pace of the adventure, as they explore the huge Animaniacs world, which is populated with dozens of characters from the cartoon.

Groove Games has released the multiplayer demo for Pariah, Digital Extremes' new first-person shooter. The demo offers you the chance to try out Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, and Front Line Assault (not to be confused with Front Line Assembly). You can download the 309MB demo from the following sites:

Worthplaying

We've posted our interview of East Front, a first-person shooter in the works by Russian developer Burut. Go read the interview to learn more about the WWII shooter and to see three exclusive screenshots.

Our weekly round-up of patches is here once again. Be sure to keep your games up to date.

Game Daily has an interesting article on IGN's decision to enter into in-game advertising and what it really means. Regarding IGN's move, this is how Game Daily sees it:

IGN is one of the most read videogame publications in the world and by its own description, the publication helps game publishers "create impact, generate buzz, raise awareness, build reach, promote products [and] sustain positive PR."

So, if IGN has the power to influence the buying preferences of gamers and, at the same time, stands to gain directly from gamers who use IGN-powered titles... you have a rather cut and dried case of conflict of interest...

A more likely 'solution' is to ignore the conflict completely. The vast majority of readers probably won't know and likely won't care about this conflict, and it will largely go unnoticed -- even if the suits need to bump a review score up a couple notches.

After all, shareholders demand performance.


This is truly a sad situation, though it shouldn't come as any surprise. The game industry generates a large amount of money and everyone wants a piece of it. I guess the worst part of this move is that most gamers won't know or care to do anything, and IGN knows this. It's easy to take advantage of someone naive or apathetic. :(

THQ announced today the return of Ash in Evil Dead Regeneration. No official release date but we expect the game to hit in Q4 this year.

"I've come to understand that there is only one person in this world fit for this kind of work," said Ash, part-time S-Mart manager, full-time fox. "And that's me. Not because of my knack to get things right, most of the time, but because I can slice and dice evil better than a knife sold on any late-night infomercial. Maybe it's partially to the fact that I've replaced one of my hands with a chainsaw, but I digress."
(More)

Codemasters is trying to acquire new games, thanks to a comfy $10M budget increase!

"If you’re developing an unsigned title or not receiving satisfaction or support from your current publishing arrangements, we want to talk to you," says Zetterberg. "Get in touch, we’ll meet at E3 and discuss the international publishing and distribution that Codemasters delivers."
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Activision hooked up with 4 groups to produce character specific trailers for their upcoming game Fantastic Four (with Original Tracks!) to be released online in april and may, and later as unlockables in the retail version of the game. The Fantastic Four will be in theaters near you on July 8th. (The game will be availlable 06/27)

Chart topping modern rock band, Taking Back Sunday, lead the team with "Error Operator" for Mr. Fantastic; hip-hop veterans, Jurassic 5, rock out "Clobberin' Time" for The Thing; punk-rock up-and-comers, The Explosion, light up "I'm on Fire" for The Human Torch; and all-girl punkers, Go Betty Go, blast out the cerebral tour de force "Everywhere" for The Invisible Woman.
(More)

Ubisoft has announced a licensing deal between them and Pegasus to develop a MMO based on the upcoming film, The Promise. The game will be released throughout eastern Asia, including Japan, South Korea and the People’s Republic of China.

An epic story about promise, betrayal, nations and love, set in the underworld of ancient China, “The Promise” is directed by Chen Kaige and features an all-star cast with Cecilia Cheung, Jang Dong-Kun, Hiroyuki Sanada, Liu Ye, Nicholas Tse and Chen Hong. The movie is scheduled for release across Asia in December 2005.

Ubisoft has announced that they will release an expansion for Ghost Recon 2 for the Xbox this summer. Ghost Recon 2 MultiMission (working title) will be a Xbox exclusive, featuring 11 single-player missions and 16 multiplayer maps.

Expect more details on this as soon as they develope.

We've posted our reviews of two PlayStation 2 RPGs.

Our review of Xenosaga Episode II

Our review of Ys: The Ark of Napishtim

That's right, Eidos has updated the official site with new images and a very cool 3D screenshot (Flash required).

We've got all the gorgeous images here in our gallery.

Sony just passed on a press release concerning the latest instalment of the successful Sly Cooper franchise with some interesting details: you'll be able to revisit levels/heists through a time machine; experience a new multiplayer mode; dwelve deeper in the well crafted story and satisfy all your Sly Cooperish needs.
Meanwhile they promise new vehicles, mini games, disguises and much more while remaining true to the previous titles.
The game will be released this fall. More details here.

Konami launched Yu-Gi-Oh! Online this monday: It was a simultaneous launch through Europe, Japan and the US.
The principle follows that of the widely popular card game, except you have to purchase a "DUEL PASS": a real life code that allows you to do a certain number of duels before you run out and have to go buy another.

Yep, it's just another way to squeeze some money out of ya!

SPOnG has a list of games that will be show at E3 this year, which they ripped from IGN.

In a surprising turn of events, Game Factory Interactive has announced the development of Jagged Alliance 3D, a turn-based strategy game with role-playing elements. This seems to be a remake of the classic game but in full 3D. One work-in-progress screenshot and details are listed below.

A new real-time strategy game has been announced titled Joint Task FOrce, from Mithis, developers of Nexus- The Jupiter Incident.

Amsterdam based PC games publisher HD Interactive and hungarian world-class games developer Mithis proudly announce their new real-time strategy game for the PC entitled Joint Task Force. The game, a state-of-the-art military RTS with a contemporary setting, is scheduled for a worldwide release in Q2 2006.

“Joint Task Force will bring a new dimension to the RTS genre, it’s an exceptional game with unique features incorporating next generation technology. The experience of the team combined with their creative energy and technical excellence will make Joint Task Force into a fantastic game,“ says HD Interactive MD Mike Klumper.

Joint Task Force is in development by a team within Mithis comprising of, amongst others, all the key personnel and creators of best selling 'Codename: Panzers - Phase One' and S.W.I.N.E.. The game will consist of 20 missions that will take us to 5 different parts of the world such as the Middle East, Central Asia and the Balkans.

James Bond website MI6 have gotten hold of some images of EA's From Russia With Love.

News straight from the source:

"This decision was not an easy one.

We did not want to disappoint the loyal Ghost Recon fans, but we did not want to risk releasing a final product that did not meet their high expectations. With the launch of Ghost Recon 3 planned for Winter 2005, significant human resources were needed to ensure the quality of the future instalment of the series, thus potentially jeopardizing the quality of either Ghost Recon 2 PC or Ghost Recon 3. Taking into account their close release dates, and the fact that we felt the third opus would be a much more satisfying and evolved gaming experience, we were forced to conclude that it was in the interest of gamers for us to cancel the PC version of Ghost Recon 2. But Ghost Recon 3 on PC will hit shelves the fourth quarter of 2005, so the wait won’t be long, and will definitely be worth it."

The Magic Box has a whole slew of new screenshots of Grandia III, Square Enix's upcoming RPG for the PlayStation 2.

A demo has been released for Project: Snowblind, Crystal Dynamics' first-person shooter with Deus Ex elements. The demo features the Opera House mission. You can download the demo from Eidos, 3D Gamers, or Worthplaying.

We have some new images of Without Warning, an action shooter from Capcom. The game is being developed by CiRCLE Studios, a dev team consisting of ex-Core Design members (Tomb Raider series). Here a bitof info to help familiarize yourself with the game:

The harrowing events unfold over a 12 hour period, featuring a unique gameplay dynamic which enables the six central characters to experience events across the same timeline but from their own distinct viewpoints. The player controls each character individually, with the focus automatically shifting to a new character at key moments which are unfolded through cut scenes. By switching between the characters, their individual tales are woven together to create an overall picture of the events that happened during the crisis. The player will also retrospectively view events through the eyes of another character and is therefore not only a participant in the events, but a spectator as well. Furthermore, actions performed as one character affect the progress of others and players must successfully utilize the strengths of each in order to advance.

A couple of new demos have shown up for those of you looking for something to try.

Psychonauts, third-person action game from Double Fine Productions. [455MB]

Restricted Area, action/RPG from Whiptail Interactive. [340MB]

Dungeons & Dragons Online is now accepting applications to participate in the alpha phase of the MMO. If you're interested, go here to sign up.

From SEGA Europe:

The House of the Dead III is out on PC today! To celebrate the occasion, we've got a freely downloadable demo waiting right here for you.

The latest in the famous gun-in-hand franchise, House of the Dead III packs a greater punch than ever. This time featuring time-based two-player action and all-new shotguns to decimate the ranks of zombies, there's no excuse for not pulling this demo off our server and giving it a go!

EA has announced the next title in the long-running series. Need For Speed: Most Wanted challenge players to build up their Rap Sheet and street cred to move their way up the Black List to become the most wanted racer on the streets. Players will go head-to-head with the top drivers on the scene as well as strategically evade more than half dozen cops at any one time. Add in a dynamic open world, new gameplay and customization as well as tuners, supercars, muscles and sports cars and Need for Speed Most Wanted will be on every gamer’s "must-have" list.

BrandWeek.com has an article relating a few details of the next Xbox unveiling. Rather than following in the steps of tradition, Microsoft has decided to unveil it's next-gen console on May 12th, airing it globally across all MTV stations.

Local market times are used:

German Half-Life 2 site Half-Life2.de is reporting that the Official Xbox Magazine has new details on the Xbox version of Half-Life 2 (thanks HalfLife2.net).

According to OXM, the following details have been confirmed:

The Magic Box has new images of three big name games for the PlayStation 2.

Sega has made an official announcement regarding Phantasy Star Universe, the next installment of the series.

Ambitious New Action Role-Playing Game
Designed to Satisfy Both Offline and Online Players

SEGA of America, Inc. and SEGA Europe Ltd announced Phantasy Star Universe, the next installment in the popular Phantasy Star series, developed for both the PlayStation 2 and the PC. Phantasy Star Universe offers two complete RPG experiences - a single-player action adventure spanning multiple planets, and a robust online multi-player component.

Developed by SEGA Studios under the guidance of Yuji Naka, the creator of Sonic The Hedgehog and Phantasy Star Online, Phantasy Star Universe offers long-time fans the epic experience they have been clamoring for. The solo adventure features more than 40 hours of gameplay, an emotionally engaging story, traditional cut scenes, and strong character development. The title's hero is Ethan Waber, a 17-year old cadet intent on saving his sister, who is living on a planet under siege by mysterious life forces called THE SEED.

In Online Mode, players are given the opportunity to create their own characters from a range of races, and they get to explore all three planets in the Grarl solar system. Fans can travel with a squad of other adventurers, enter urban sprawls teeming with hundreds of other players, and build their avatars into powerful warriors.

"Phantasy Star has a rich history, both as a single-player RPG franchise and as an online multi-player series," said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Entertainment Marketing, SEGA of America. "By fully supporting both gameplay modes in one package, we will be able to provide gamers with a fantasy role-playing experience of unprecedented depth."

The first Phantasy Star game to appear on a PlayStation platform, Phantasy Star Universe will offer a rich, constantly evolving world that will provide years of entertainment to fans of the series and RPG enthusiasts. The game is slated to ship in Spring 2006.

Features:

The first major offline Phantasy Star game in more than a decade. The robust, full-featured single-player campaign offers more than 40 hours of gameplay.

Three enormous planets to explore. A gigantic overworld and more than twenty giant dungeons are featured.

All-new enemies to fight. In addition to a brand-new roster of standard opponents, there are more than 15 major bosses to challenge.

Player-controlled vehicles. Players no longer need to travel everywhere by foot, adding a new dimension to exploration.