Week of March 26, 2006

Over at PC Gamer.com we got wind of Dell's big news. Here it is:

...concerns that Dell will simply take the Alienware brand name and stick it in on their existing XPS gaming systems can rest easy: Alienware has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Dell and, by and large, the two companies will continue to function independently of each other. Dell will still build their own systems. Alienware will still build theirs. Both sets of management teams will remain intact.

So why the marriage? Well, this deal certainly gives Dell a much-needed boost of “hipness,” but more importantly, it also gives them a way, at long last, to sell AMD-powered PCs – the processor brand of choice for the majority of today’s PC gamers. And as for Alienware, well, it probably gives them more money than I could count in three lifetimes with which to invest in new technologies.

Well there you have it. Alienware did not betray us gamers they just used some sound judgment to further their company, which in turn, will give us more things to drool over.

Aliens Invade Tinywarz!

An alien race calling itself the Sha'Kahr has invaded Tinywarz! New and experience players should be warned - these invaders use technology far superior to anything previously seen. While their current objective remains unknown, it should be noted that the aliens are extremely hostile and all players should use caution when dealing with these "visitors."

TinyWarz is a massively multiplayer, turn-based, strategy-game where players battle each other and computer controlled bandits on distant worlds. In Tinywarz you can create an army, construct / customize units, assign crews, design bases, and battle to control planets. Watch your hired crews improve in combat and select special abilities for your command crew as they gain experience. Grow your army with salvaged units or buy them from other players through the in-game market.

Join the battle today at www.tinywarz.com.

Stardock is excited to announce that the Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords demo is now available for download. Embark on a mission to conquer the galaxy as the Terran Alliance, as you colonize planets, manage your economy, design your warships and face off against up to three computer opponents in this 173MB single-player-only demo. The demo allows for 3 years of gameplay (roughly 140 turns) on a small map.

You can download the demo now at GameSpot, and mirrors should be popping up soon.

http://www.gamespot.com/promos/2006/galacticcivilizations2-demo/index.html?tag=gc2_psbox_hp

This week we have seven new game reviews for you. Surprisingly, each one of these games scored very high, which is probably the reason why it's been a while since we've posted new reviews.

A book, an exhibition and an online community by and for the creative gamer.

'Gamers and Creatives across the globe are united by 'Game Paused: A creative celebration of the video game'. Featuring contributions from both new and established creatives including artists, graphic designers, moving image experts and photographers who found an instant connection with Game Paused. Almost as soon as the project was launched submissions came flooding in. Gamers were ready for this and Game Paused provided.'

Game Paused has captured the spirit of the emerging gaming culture by creating relationships and building community. By being honest, open and transparent Game Paused has provided a platform for gamers to unite and create.

The first such opportunity is the Game Paused book 'A creative celebration of the video game.' Gamers were asked to submit works across any medium possible and the response was incredible. What further confirmed the Game Paused vision was support from the games industry itself. Sega and Sony both freely gave to Game Paused as did game publishers Ubisoft and vivendi, whilst industry magazines GamesTM, Edge and PC Gamer readily promoted the project.

Founded by Matthew D. Kenyon (Creative Pride), Richard Bailey (Thinky Dinky) and Robert Cooper (Edit Undo) in 2005, Game Paused was created to:

Combine video games and art through innovative creative projects, Build creative communities and events for video gamers, Expand the creative and social acceptance of video games, Design and manufacture design led video game product & Promote video game culture

http://www.gamepaused.net