Week of November 20, 2005
F.E.A.R. tools released, anti-cheat to follow
November 23, 9:45 AM
Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) today announced the first stage of continued post launch support for Sierra Entertainment's award-winning F.E.A.R. (First Encounter Assault Recon), one of the most critically acclaimed PC games of 2005 and named "Best First Person Shooter of 2005" at the recent Spike TV Video Game Awards.
The post launch support begins Wednesday, November 23rd with the launch of the F.E.A.R. SDK (Software Development Kit), allowing consumers to create their own custom content for both single and multiplayer aspects of F.E.A.R. Also available now is the F.E.A.R. stand-alone server software for both Linux and Win32.
VU Games is also pleased to announce that as part of its ongoing efforts to improve the in-game experience for gamers, a deal has been signed to incorporate the Punkbuster Anti Cheat software into F.E.A.R. . Other updates planned for 2006 include additional multiplayer maps and game types, along with a 'votekick' option.
To download the SDK and server software, please visit http://www.fearfans.com.
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New Face Plates for your PSP
November 22, 10:59 AM
Lik-Sang just sent word that they have PSP Face Plates in stock in White, Red, Blue, Transparent, and Liquid Silver. Head on over to take a look: http://www.lik-sang.com/news.php?artc=3741
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War of the Worlds: New York Armageddon announced
November 22, 9:43 AM
G2 Games is pleased to announce it has secured European distribution for the upcoming title War of the Worlds: New York Armageddon.
The story for the game was inspired by the H.G. Wells alien invasion classic novel written in 1898, but is retold within the context of a contemporary setting. The viewpoint character is a law student currently serving as a helicopter gunner in the National Guard. The game begins on the fourth day of the Invasion, with the player ferrying a Special Forces team into Downtown Manhattan for a mission that will decide the outcome of the War.
Release Date: Q1 2006
For more information visit G2 games at: http://www.g2games.com/
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Monster Hunter Freedom coming to the PSP
November 21, 12:36 PM
Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced Monster Hunter Freedom for the PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system. Building upon Monster Hunter and Monster Hunter G (Japanese release only), which were originally released on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Monster Hunter Freedom is the ultimate package, including new missions, additional features and content adapted for the PSP system. Adventurers are now free to take their epic battles with them wherever they go, as they explore a unique world inhabited by ferocious monsters and become mighty hunters in this exciting action game. With a multitude of missions, quests, characters, weapons and more, the variety is virtually limitless. The game features both enhanced single player campaigns as well as multiplayer missions via the PSP system’s ad hoc mode which allows up to four friends to band together for intense battles. Capcom plans to release Monster Hunter Freedom for the PSP system across North America in Q1 2006.
In Monster Hunter Freedom, challengers take on a variety of quests and conquer larger than life beasts either alone or with the aid of others. Players start by customizing their own character, choosing the type of hair, face, voice and other various attributes their personalized monster hunter will possess. They can explore a hub village where they can sign up for various challenges ranging from retrieving a valuable egg from the nest of a menacing dragon to hunting down powerful creatures and much more. Hunters can scavenge defeated monsters for food, collect bones for weapons and armor, and even use pieces for decorative accessories. In addition, by completing objectives, players receive an array of rewards that allows them to upgrade their arsenal and equipment, readying them for even tougher battles.
Monster Hunter Freedom boasts an array of exciting new features for the PSP system:
Breathtaking graphics – lush environments and detailed monsters are beautifully represented on the PSP system
Modified quests enhance offline gameplay; whereas the previous titles emphasized online gameplay, missions have been adjusted to offer more accessible single player experiences
Ad hoc multiplayer
Up to four can team up in cooperative multiplayer missions via the PSP system’s ad hoc mode
Players can also exchange certain items as well as guild cards which track points that are awarded when friends play together
Enhanced village hub features a new look and includes various upgraded areas
Expanded item shop – players can use quest rewards or pillaged items to upgrade more weapons and armor than before, as well as purchase items, ammo and food
House area – hunters now have an improved home where they can store and manage items in a chest, save their progress by resting in bed, read magazines that provide useful game tips and access the new Felyne Kitchen area
Farm – a brand new location where players can fish, garden, scavenge for items and more
By investing with the town’s representatives and dealing with the businesses, players contribute to the growth and development of the area which creates additional options
New Felyne Kitchen – hire these feisty creatures to create various culinary delights in their extraordinary kitchen
Experience different effects from eating the specially prepared food such as increased attack power, defense and more
Benefits from the food continue until a quest is cleared once
The more these chefs are used, the higher their levels become, improving their cooking skills to produce even more helpful entrées
Each cat has their own unique “special” ingredient which can produce different results that aid players in combat
New “treasure hunters” two player co-op game
Collect and deliver treasures in a specific time to achieve high scores and earn various items
High value prizes are added to a collection list on a guild card which can be traded with friends
Exciting mini games – collect items, harvest plants and complete other small tasks to obtain all kinds of useful items
Brand new weapons and equipment provide even more options
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Next-Gen consoles competing for Square Enix's love
November 21, 8:33 AM
Square Enix released a strange statement today regarding which next-gen console they will support and which series may appear on them.
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., Microsoft Corporation, and Nintendo Co., Ltd. all have expressed plans to release next-generation game consoles between the years 2005 and 2006.
In this regard, speculation about the availability of FINAL FANTASY® series and DRAGON QUEST® series games on these systems has been reported on various media. However, we have made no concrete decision on our strategic direction of this issue.
We will continue to disclose any important information regarding business operations immediately after we make any relevant decision.
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Hitman: Blood Money will have online ranking system
November 21, 8:30 AM
Eidos Interactive, one of the world's leading publishers and developers of entertainment software, has today announced the Hitman Online Ranking System (H.O.R.S.) for the new HITMAN: BLOOD MONEY title.
By placing the ranking system online players now have the opportunity to truly compare and compete against both friends and adversaries on a regional and worldwide stage. Players online will be ranked in a number of different and continually evolving levels. So whether you enjoy taking a more tactical, silent approach like a professional assassin or whether you buy in to the less subtle but equally effective shooter style, your proficiency at eliminating the target can always be assessed in some way.
There will be very many different categories; so far, players who are the Highest Paid, Most Wanted, Fastest, Most Accurate, Create the Most Accidents and of course are simply the Best Hitman will be honoured.
League tables will be displayed in game and all players will be rewarded for competing online with a search to find the world's best Hitman. The competition will run for console players only and will commence once the game has launched with a grand prize, to be revealed nearer launch.
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New "Plasma Mountain" demo for Starship Troopers
November 21, 8:28 AM
The action takes place on what has become known as Plasma Mountain. Baby Plasma Bugs on the ground are attacking your fleet and have already taken out airborne cruisers. Federation pilots can't get to the massive Plasma Bug, hiding in deep cover in the mountain. First wave troopers are down there, waiting for reinforcements. Your mission is to lead a force of troopers in the assault to the summit to find and destroy that plasma bug. The fleet's future is in your hand, Marauder!
This exclusive 'Plasma Mountain' playable demo from Starship Troopers the videogame – available now to freely download from http://www.starshiptroopersgame.com - delivers over 15 minutes of hardcore, bug-blasting action, providing the bugs don't get you first! Watch out for the Sentinel bugs along the way – their flash blinds anyone in range and is a wake–up call to every bug around. Concentrate on the Plasma Bug's weak spots – the head and the rear. Take them down with your Rocket Launcher or your MK2 Rifle. If all else fails you'll have to go in close to the head with your shotgun.
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