Friday, May 21, 2010

Microsoft Announce A 5 Part Animated Mini Series Chronicling The Events Between Crackdown And Crackdown 2

Microsoft have announced that there will be a animated mini series detailing the events that happened after the original Crackdown game up to the start of Crackdown 2. These 5 episodes will be uploaded to www.Youtube.com/machinima. The first episode is out now, and embedded below, and its called “Home Truths.” These episodes were written by Ruffian Games Senior Designer Ed Campbell and animated by Alex Ronald.

Episode/Airing Date
Episode 1 / May 21, 2010
Episode 2 / May 28, 2010
Episode 3 / June 4, 2010
Episode 4 / June 11, 2010
Episode 5 / June 21, 2010



Press Release

The harsh days and volatile nights in Pacific City come to life in a riveting five-part animated miniseries chronicling the events that have transpired between the Xbox 360 smash hit “Crackdown” and the highly anticipated sequel, “Crackdown 2.” Starting today, fans can tune into Youtube.com/machinima for a look down the back alleys and behind the locked doors of Pacific City with an exclusive premiere of the series with episode 1, titled “Home Truths.”

The first “Crackdown” took place in the fictional metropolis of Pacific City, where the Agency – an organization using genetically enhanced soldiers known as Agents – was contracted to rid the city of three powerful crime syndicates. The saga continues 10 years later in “Crackdown 2,” with new enemies (the Cell and the Freaks) that stand in the way of the Agency’s goal to bring Pacific City back under control. After the events in the first “Crackdown,” a dangerous virus was released and those who were infected – the Freaks – began ravaging the city. A civilian resistance, called the Cell, also formed to take the fight into their own hands by mounting offenses against the Agency. Players return as Agents in “Crackdown 2” to once again bring peace to Pacific City – by any means possible.

Written by Ruffian Games Senior Designer Ed Campbell, the events that lead into “Crackdown 2” unfold to answer your most pressing questions: Why is Pacific City in turmoil? What happened to the Agency? Who is the Cell? Where did the Freaks come from? And, most importantly, who is Catalina Thorne?

Animated by seasoned comic artist and illustrator Alex Ronald, you’ll see the vibrant world of “Crackdown 2” like never before, as the Agency, Cell and Freaks bring Pacific City to the brink of destruction. With the Voice of the Agency returning to narrate the way, you’ll go deep behind enemy lines, scour the underground and experience more of the explosive action leading up to the Xbox 360 exclusive’slaunch in July.

The miniseries will be viewable in five parts, with the conclusion of the series airing on June 21, 2010. Stay tuned for each episode of the “Crackdown 2” miniseries at Youtube.com/machinima:

Episode/Airing Date
Episode 1 / May 21, 2010
Episode 2 / May 28, 2010
Episode 3 / June 4, 2010
Episode 4 / June 11, 2010
Episode 5 / June 21, 2010

“Crackdown 2” is available exclusively on Xbox 360 this July, but fans can prepare for the action early by pre-ordering now. At participating retailers, fans who pre-order will receive exclusive, in-game bonus armor in four new shades: Gold, Gun Metal, Black and Green.

EA Have Released Screenshots Of Onslaught Mode In Battlefield: Bad Company 2

EA Have released new screenshots for Battlefield Bad Company 2. these screenshots are from the recently announced Onslaught Mode and they appear to be in-game. they show a few different locations and mostly show different players working together or doing specific tasks.

Screenshots



Microsoft Announce Fable III Is Coming To PC's And Detail Standard And Limited Collectors Editions

Microsoft has announced that Fable III is coming out for PC's and that it'll cost $49.99/£39.99/€54.99. it'll be available at retail and from Games On Demand For Games for Windows Live. Microsoft has also detailed the retail Xbox 360 versions. there will be a standard version of the game that will retail for $59.99/£44.99/€64.99. There will also be a limited Collectors Edition that will retail for $79.99/£59.99/€84.99.


Limited Collectors Edition Features:
  • A new quest: Uncover the mystery of the haunted forests of Silverpines and earn the legendary sword, Wolfsbane, deadly against wolves and balverines.
  • Exclusive location: Unlock a new region, ideal for settling down with a family and discovering new treasures.
  • “Fable III” playing cards: Created by Lionhead, these cards depict every type of character in “Fable III,” including Heroes, royals, rebels and villains from across Albion and beyond.
  • ·Guild Seal Coin: The coin features a Good side (blue) and Evil side (red) to assist players in making critical decisions that will impact the fate of the world forever.
  • A new dog breed: Renowned for its loyalty, the Boxer is a brave canine companion worthy of greatest Queens and Kings.
  • One unique outfit: Unearth one male and female outfit from the mysterious, faraway land of Aurora, a new destination in your “Fable III” adventures.
Collectors Edition


Standard Edition

 
Press Release

Lead a rebellion, start a revolution, and rule a kingdom in “Fable III.” Microsoft Game Studios and Lionhead Studios present the thrilling new chapter in the “Fable” franchise exclusively on Xbox 360 and Windows. Action, drama, adventure and humor propel the story as players choose their journey to become King or Queen of Albion.

“Fable III” will be available in Standard and Limited Collector’s Editions for Xbox 360. The Standard Edition will retail for $59.99/£44.99/€64.99, while the Limited Collector’s Edition will retail for $79.99/£59.99/€84.99.  The Windows version will retail for $49.99/£39.99/€54.99, and will also be available for download exclusively on Games on Demand on Games for Windows – LIVE.

The Limited Collector’s Edition also offers unique collectibles that true “Fable” fans won’t want to miss, including downloadable content, also available for Windows users, as well as in-box items that come with the Xbox 360 version. Wrapped up in a distinctive box created in the likeness of a book from “Fable III,” the contents include:

·A new quest: Uncover the mystery of the haunted forests of Silverpines and earn the legendary sword, Wolfsbane, deadly against wolves and balverines.
·Exclusive location: Unlock a new region, ideal for settling down with a family and discovering new treasures.
·“Fable III” playing cards: Created by Lionhead, these cards depict every type of character in “Fable III,” including Heroes, royals, rebels and villains from across Albion and beyond.
·Guild Seal Coin:  The coin features a Good side (blue) and Evil side (red) to assist players in making critical decisions that will impact the fate of the world forever.
·A new dog breed: Renowned for its loyalty, the Boxer is a brave canine companion worthy of greatest Queens and Kings.
·One unique outfit: Unearth one male and female outfit from the mysterious, faraway land of Aurora, a new destination in your “Fable III” adventures.

“Fable III” sets the stage for an unparalleled action and adventure experience, in which you will be called upon to rise from revolutionary to ruler of Albion. The choices and sacrifices you make while fanning the flames of revolution, and then as you rule as King or Queen, will lead to an ever evolving world of consequences that will be felt across your entire land.

Sega Announce Sega Mega Drive Classics Are Coming To PC's On 27th May

Sega have announced that from 27th May, Classic Sega Mega Drive games will be available to buy for PC owners. Sega Mega Drive Classics will be released in sets, the first set coming out on Steam, and other digital distribution networks, and they will cost £1.99/€2.49/AUS$3.49/$2.99.

Sega Announce that some of the games in the first set are Golden Axe, Ecco the Dolphin, Comix Zone and Vectorman, whilst they have released screenshots for those games as well as Gain Ground, Altered Beast, Space Harrier, Crack Down, Sonic 3D Blast, and Shadow Dancer, which means we can possibly expect them in the First set or soon after.

Screenshots


USA Pricing From Joystiq

Press Release

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (May 21st, 2010) –SEGA® Europe Ltd. and SEGA® of America, Inc. are proud to announce that a wide selection of evergreen games from the legendary SEGA Mega Drive™ platform are making their way on to PC via digital distribution.

The initial group of titles being made available consists of fan favourites such as Golden Axe™, Ecco the Dolphin™, Comix Zone™ and Vectorman™. All these classic SEGA titles will be available from £1.99/€2.49/ AUS$3.49, but for a full list of all available titles and features, please visit www.sega.com.

“It’s exciting to be able to offer these classic games to a new audience” said Nick Pili, Network Business Director at SEGA Europe. “Delivered via our digital partners, every PC owner can now enjoy these timeless masterpieces whenever they want!”

The first set of SEGA Mega Drive games for PC are set to release 27th May on Steam and other digital distribution networks.

About SEGA® Europe Ltd.:
SEGA® Europe Ltd. is the European Distribution arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA® Corporation, and a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. SEGA Europe’s web site is located at www.sega.com.

About SEGA® of America, Inc.:
SEGA® of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA® Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America’s Web site is located at www.sega.com/us.

Sega Announce Phantasy Star Portable 2 Is Coming To The USA and EU This Fall


Sega have announced that Phantasy Star Portable 2, the Playstation Portable game, is set to come out in the USA and EU this Fall. Phantasy Star Portable 2 features double the amount of content from the previous game, with new characters, over 100 Missions, over 170 enemies, new bosses, and over 2,000 weapons and items.

Phantasy Star Portable 2 takes place 3 years after the original game, but after 3 years the war has been costly and resources have dwindled. In the game, you are able to play with upto 4 players online, via Ad-Hoc or infrastructure, as well as playing some returning modes from old Phantasy Star games like Battle and Challenge Missions.


Screenshots


From Sega USA Blog


Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Have Released New Lego Harry Potter Screenshots

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment have released new screenshots for Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4. these screenshots are in-game from the Chamber Of Secrets part of the game.

Screenshots



This Weeks UK WiiWare, DSiWare, And Virtual Console Releases

Nintendo have revealed the games coming out today on the UK WiiWare and DSiWare services. there are no Virtual Console games coming out this week, but there are in total 6 games coming out, 2 on WiiWare and 4 on DSiWare. I have included screenshots where i could for the games, but if you head to the link at the bottom, Nintendo has made a video of the games coming out.

WiiWare

Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations


Robin Hood: The Return of Richard

DSiWare

Ferrari GT Evolution


Discolight

Flips More Bloody Horowitz


Telegraph Crosswords

From Nintendo UK


THQ Announce Truth or Lies Is Coming To The Playstation 3, Xbox 360, And Nintendo Wii

THQ have Announced Truth or Lies is currently in development for the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, And Playstation 3. Truth or Lies is a truth or dare style party game that is currently set for a release this Fall. in the game, players have to answer a range of thought provoking questions. the games requires a microphone, so when you answer a question, it can analyse your answer to see if your telling the truth or not, by utilizing a proprietary voice calibration system.


Press Release

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. – May 20, 2010 – THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) today announced that Truth or Lies®, a unique new ‘truth or dare’ style party game, is in development for the Wii™ system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. In Truth or Lies, which is set for release this fall, players join family and friends in a roundtable style game play answering an astonishing array of thought-provoking questions. Utilizing a proprietary voice calibration system that works in conjunction with either the Xbox 360 Wireless Microphone or USB microphone, Truth or Lies measures stress levels in a player’s voice to reveal the honesty of their answers.

About Truth or Lies
Friends and family will be squirming in their seats as they answer some of the game’s silliest and most provocative questions in the new Truth or Lies video game. Up to eight players can join in on this party game, as they offer up answers to more than 3,000 questions. Additionally, the Hot Seat mode will allow players to put other players on the spot and ask them any question that comes to mind. The gameplay will lead to revealing and hilarious situations among friends and family.

For more information on Truth or Lies and additional THQ titles, please visit www.thq.com.

About THQ
THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

Wii is a trademark of Nintendo.

"PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, and the Xbox logos are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the business of THQ Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “THQ”), including, but not limited to, expectations and projections related to the Truth or Lies video game, and are based upon management’s current beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, business, competitive, economic, legal, political and technological factors affecting our industry, operations, markets, products or pricing. Readers should carefully review the risk factors and the information that could materially affect THQ’s financial results, described in other documents that THQ files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2009, and particularly the discussion of risk factors set forth therein. Unless otherwise required by law, THQ disclaims any obligation to update its view on any such risks or uncertainties or to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Sony Online Entertainment Announce Players Can Buy Stonebrunt Prowler Mounts In EverQuest II

Sony Online Entertainment have announced that gamers who have the Sentinel's Fate expansion for EverQuest II can now purchase mounts. for $25, players can buy these mounts via Station Cash Marketplace. For Norrath, there are 3 different types of Prowler Mounts to choose from, that will be available for at least a month.

Ethereal Prowler (Purple)
• Increases Slashing, Aggression, Ranged, Piercing and Crushing of caster by 5.0
• Reduces maximum falling speed of caster
• Increases caster run speed by 65%

Sinister Prowler (Green)
• Increases Disruption, Focus, Ministration, Subjugation and Ordination of caster by 5.0
• Reduces maximum falling speed of caster
• Increases caster run speed by 65%

Ulteran Prowler (Blue)
• Increases Focus, Ordination, Disruption, Subjugation and Ministration of caster by 5.0
• Reduces maximum falling speed of caster
• Increases caster run speed by 65%



Screenshots


Press Release

WHAT: Beginning today, EverQuest II players no longer need to save plat or chase retail boxes to achieve the status and performance boost that comes with roaming Norrath on a mount. Fueled by player demand, Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is giving players the opportunity to purchase a mount through the Station Cash Marketplace for the first time. The all new Stonebrunt Prowler mounts are available to purchase for only $25.00 in-game now. Residents of Norrath can choose from three different types of Prowler mounts which are guaranteed to be available for at least one month.

ABOUT THE STONEBRUNT PROWLER MOUNTS: The Stonebrunt Prowler is a fearsome predator with strong jaws and deadly speed, and has been known for stalking the plains of Odus. Since Odus was pulled from Norrath, the prowlers have mutated, with magic infusing their bodies and improving their already powerful muscles. Recently, Erudite researchers have found ways to bend the prowlers to their service, taking control of the magic essence of each prowler and harnessing it for use as a mount of unparalleled ferocity.

Further details on each of the Stonebrunt Prowler mounts:

Ethereal Prowler (Purple)
• Increases Slashing, Aggression, Ranged, Piercing and Crushing of caster by 5.0
• Reduces maximum falling speed of caster
• Increases caster run speed by 65%

Sinister Prowler (Green)
• Increases Disruption, Focus, Ministration, Subjugation and Ordination of caster by 5.0
• Reduces maximum falling speed of caster
• Increases caster run speed by 65%

Ulteran Prowler (Blue)
• Increases Focus, Ordination, Disruption, Subjugation and Ministration of caster by 5.0
• Reduces maximum falling speed of caster
• Increases caster run speed by 65%

MORE INFO: For more info on the EverQuest II Station Cash Mounts
http://www.eq2players.com .

Sega Announce Sonic 4 Will Also Come To iPhone/iPod Touch, It Is Set For A late 2010 Release, And Release New Trailer

Sega have announced that as well as coming out on the PSN, WiiWare, And XBLA, Sonic The Hedgehog 4 will now also come out on the iPhone and iPod Touch. As well as this announcement, Sega have announced that Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 has been delayed until late 2010, citing that they are going to focus on balance, interface, and polish for the delay. Sega also released a new gameplay trailer for Sonic 4, focusing on Splash Hill Zone from Episode 1.



Press Release

SEGA is incredibly happy at the overwhelmingly positive response to Sonic The Hedgehog™ 4 Episode I from both press and fans around the world.  SEGA wants to ensure that we’re delivering the best Sonic experience possible.

With this dedication to quality and the Sonic experience in mind, SEGA has decided to extend the development of the game and will now release Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode I in the latter half of 2010. The additional time will allow the Development Team to focus on keeping the game high-quality, continuing tuning and balancing of levels and interface and overall maintaining the kind of polish that an important game like this demands, ultimately providing fans with an unrivalled classic Sonic feel.

SEGA is also pleased to confirm that Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode I will be coming to the iPhone and iPod Touch via Apple’s iTunes App Store.
Sonic The Hedgehog 4 Episode I is developed specifically for the download market and will be available via Microsoft XBLA, Sony PSN, Nintendo WiiWare and the iTunes App Store in late 2010.

Audio Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)

Here is today's Audio Re-Cap of Yesterdays news.
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And on qtegamers.blogspot.com:
http://qtegamers.blogspot.com/search/label/Audio Re-Cap




Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)

  • QTE Blog: Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest) http://ht.ly/17r808

  • QTE Blog: Audio Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest) http://ht.ly/17r9DQ

  • Wii: A new WiiMote has been cleared by the FCC. there's no information about it, speculation is it has MotionPlus http://ht.ly/1NBUi

  • PS3: its reported that Unique Features are trying to acquire the film rights to Heavy Rain http://ht.ly/1NBWx

  • Its strongly rumoured that Space Invaders Infinity Gene is coming to the PSN and XBLA http://ht.ly/1NBYa

  • UFC Undisputed 2010 comes with a code that's needed to play the game online. it'll cost $5 to buy a new one http://ht.ly/1NC0p

  • Its reported that Virgin are returning to game development with an announcement at E3. it'll focus on online only games http://ht.ly/1NC2n

  • PC: Steam have announced that Portal was downloaded 1.5Million times whilst it was free last week http://ht.ly/1NC3F

  • PC: Crystal Dynamics have confirmed that Lara Croft Guardian of Light will have Steam DRM http://ht.ly/1NC5N

  • Zen United have announced that BlazBlue: Continuum Shift is coming out in Europe, could be released soon after USA http://ht.ly/1NC87

  • PS3: you can transfer stuff from White Knight Chronicles to White Knight Chronicles 2, level, skills, gilda + more http://ht.ly/1NC9G

  • QTE Blog: Codemasters Have Released New Screenshots And A Trailer For International Cricket 2010 http://ht.ly/17rgYD

  • it is reported that Creative Assembly is working on a London Olympics 2012 game. Football Manager Console rumors debunked http://ht.ly/1NGCc

  • You can unlock Issac Clarke, from Dead Space, in Skate 3 by entering the code "DEADSPACETOO" http://ht.ly/1NGDD

  • QTE Blog: EA Have Released The Forth RISK: Factions Animated Short Titled "Farewell To Brains" http://ht.ly/17rj3X

  • Rockstar have said they are going to fix some multiplayer glitches, like characters disappearing in multiplayer games in Red Dead Redemption http://ht.ly/1NIzV

  • The Baten Kaitos director, Yasuyuki Honne, has revealed he is working on a secret game and worked on Xenoblade http://ht.ly/1NIDM

  • Ubisoft have revealed that Avatar: The Videogame has sold nearly 2.7Million units world wide on all platforms http://ht.ly/1NLaO

  • Google has announced players will be able to download games via the Chrome Web Store that can be played in Chrome http://ht.ly/1NLcz

  • GameStop reveal PS3 was out of stock 80% of time, Wii 50% from Feb-April, PS3 situation to be improved http://ht.ly/1NMst

  • Tesco announce PS3 Red Dead Redemption shipping delays, ASDA Only selling it online due to supplier issues http://ht.ly/1NMxu

  • PS3: United Front Games want ModNation Racers fans to say which PS3 game stars they want added to the game. http://ht.ly/1NMz1

  • a petition of around 73.000 signatures opposed to a German ban on violent videogames appears to has delayed such a move http://ht.ly/1NMBt

  • PS3: Valve's Gabe Newell wants the PS3 to be open like a Mac, not closed like a Gamecube, to justify a move to PS3 http://ht.ly/1NMEX

  • Housemarque website has revealed Dead Nation has been delayed from Spring 2010 to October/December http://ht.ly/1NMGB

  • PS3: Uncharted 2 game update coming to fix multiplayer glitches. the update is applied when game syncs to go online http://ht.ly/1NMJQ

  • 360: its reported the 360 in Australia will be streaming TV via Foxtel, it has 30 channels, Video on demand needs gold http://ht.ly/1NQDg

  • PC: Blizzard have censored StarCraft II so it won't get a AO rating in South Korea http://ht.ly/1NQPa

  • BioWare say that they'll bridge the gap between Mass Effect 2 and 3 by using DLC http://ht.ly/1NQQL

  • Namco Bandai announce they are bringing Infinite Interactive's Puzzle Quest II to PC, iPad, and iPhone http://ht.ly/1NQSx

  • PSP2: Michael Pachter says the PSP2 must be priced lower $199 to be a success. http://ht.ly/1NQWV