EA Have released a developer blog from the games associate producer. in the blog, he talks about how they made the game for the Nintendo DS. The main point is that they couldn't do a port of the console games, but a whole new game designed for the Nintendo DS Itself.
They talk how they started with stylus controls, but soon had to change to a traditional D-Pad.
the characters are unique and varied, and they talk about how they tried to get gameplay to fit different Joes/Cobras.
The game features thee different multiplayer modes, whilst the single player game has 21 missions.
Developer Blog #3: Making a cool G.I. JOE DS game
By Nick Pavlich, Associate Producer at EA
Recruits listen up; it’s time to brief you on your mission at hand.
It only takes five letters to bring back a collage of memories from yesteryear, those letters: G.I. JOE. When General Hawk commanded me to produce the best G.I. JOE DS video game COBRA has ever seen I was nervous, excited, and ecstatic. To achieve such a tall order were going to need to make a unique version for the DS rather than slamming the console game down into 64mb. This allows us to play to the strengths of the DS. Everything was built to maximize the DS hardware from the 3D top-down view, to the wireless multiplayer.
Now back to the mission at hand…I suited up and started to collect critical intelligence: what characters should we have? What vehicles? What play sets? The only thing I was sure of was this mission was going to be action packed! I needed the very best team to help take on this monumental task, one that was grizzled and war trained in the arcade genre, it was time to bring in the big guns (sorry Heavy Duty!), Backbone Entertainment!
(Heavy Duty devastating COBRA.)
The great thing about Backbone is they have a long history in making great arcade games everything from Commandos, to most recently Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. These guys have more knowledge on the subject than Breaker does on COBRA. Right out of the gates we concentrated on the control scheme. We started with prototyping stylus controls, we had something that worked well for just shooting but our game was going to require much more than just shooting. We were going to need fast reflexes, different types of attack and melee. We wanted to pack it full of different ways to dismantle COBRA: Katana Blades, Cross Bows, Machine guns, Accelerator Suits, not to mention Vehicles! Cramming all these varied types of game play into a few simple swipes with a stylus was not going to happen. Instead we opted for the more traditional arcade controls; move on the DPAD with action on the buttons. We took the controls out on the practice range and kept tweaking them until they were smooth. Now it was time to suit up and tackle the other ¾ of the equation, what makes a G.I. JOE DS game great?
G.I. JOE is about a few fundamental things: unique characters, venomous vehicles, expansive play sets and hordes of COBRAS. In replicating each component we used the same philosophy we did with the controls: “it needs to be fun first.” For the characters it was important to represent as many varied types of G.I. JOE’s as possible. On one hand we have Snake Eyes: quick, stealthy, deadly with a Katana, on the other end of the spectrum we have Heavy Duty, slower but packing in the firepower with a chain gun firing about one zillion rounds a second. Now throw in Scarlett who has a crossbow, Shipwreck who has a parrot, Duke who is your elite combat solider and you have a ton of different options to dismantle COBRA with. We’ve packed in six unique G.I. JOE’s that all feel very different from one another. Each G.I. JOE is more suited to one situation over another. Same goes for the vehicles, we have your slower more powerful tanks like the MOBAT, quicker more nimble vehicles like the Armored Panther, and even COBRA vehicles such as the Hiss Tank.
Next up Play-sets. When selecting play-sets we wanted to bring to life all the scenarios you dreamed up using the toy figures in real life. For example a vast Desert Base (most likely you used a sand box?), to the Arctic Tundra (in my case this was approximated by an ice box. Sorry mom for spoiling all the food in the freezer during the summer of 86’, although the fight against COBRA was epic!) to a menacing COBRA Fortress (perhaps a couple of couch cushions?). The DS game has 21 missions spanning the jungle, desert, arctic, COBRA labs, fortresses, boss battles, interiors and exteriors. Now what are you going to do in each of those spaces? You’ll be carrying out infiltration rescue missions, adventuring through the desert taking down COBRA one bunker at a time, not to mention facing off against some deadly bosses. All these different types of missions keep the action fresh and unique even hours into the game.
I’ve saved the best for last and the reason you’re probably here….
COOOOOBBBRRRA! We really wanted to give the player the ability to not only play against COBRA but to play AS COBRA. In the single player game you get to play as five different COBRA characters including Destro, Cobra Commander, and Storm Shadow as they try to siege the G.I. JOE Pit. The action doesn’t end there! You can play up to four players in G.I. JOE vs. COBRA multiplayer. We really wanted to allow you to play up the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA fantasy. We have three unique multi-player game modes: Team Battle, Warhead, and Defend the Base. In Team Battle, taking an opponent down will earn you a point and the team with the highest score wins. In Warhead teams battle over escorting an armed Warhead to the opposing team’s base and then have to detonate it. Lastly in Defend the Base mode, teams take turns attempting to destroy the opposing team’s base.
G.I. JOE The Rise of Cobra is packed full of G.I. JOE goodness, there’s a lot of stuff hidden in that little piece of plastic. I think General Hawk would consider this mission a resounding success, and I hope you do too!
So, you want to be a member of G.I. JOE? You don’t ask to be in G.I. JOE, you’re asked. Here’s the deal – this August, the first person to send me a screenshot showing they achieved 100% complete in the DS game will get some cool swag from the G.I. JOE coffers, send pictures to: GIJOEDS@gmail.com BRING IT!
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes details in the coming weeks.
Nick Pavlich is the Associate Producer working on G.I. JOE The Rise of Cobra video game releasing August 2009 alongside the live-action movie from Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment, in association with Hasbro. Launching on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS and PSP, G.I. JOE The Rise of Cobra is an accessible third person action-arcade shooter that allows players to recreate and relive the greatest moments from the film, cartoon series and action toy line.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Playstation 3 Screenshots for GI Joe
EA Have released some screenshots for GI Joe on the Playstation 3.
EA Has Revealed Unlockables in Upcoming GI Joe Game
EA Has released some screenshots showing some of the unlockables in their upcoming GI Joe Movie Tie-in game. they include Public Service announcements, Concept Art,and Information About Characters.
Majesco Announce a Serious Sam HD Contest To Create A Line Which Will Be Spoken In The Game
Majesco have announced a comptitiiojn for players to come up with a line that will be said in the game. to enter, all the player needs to do is tweet thier line to @devolverdigital between July15th and July 30th. the winners will be announced in early August.
Press Release
ZAGREB, CROATIA, July 15, 2009 - Hordes of Serious Sam fans and would-be video game writers around the world can now have a hand in Serious Sam HD on Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PC. Brought to the masses by Croteam, Devolver Digital, cdv Software Entertainment AG, and Majesco Entertainment, an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, the Serious Tweet Contest gives gamers a chance to write their very own clever one-liner or hilarious wisecrack that Sam ‘Serious' Stone will drop right in the middle of all the frantic, non-stop shooting action in Serious Sam HD. The lucky winner will have his or her line recorded by John J. Dick, the voice of Serious Sam, and integrated into the upcoming summer release for the entire world to hear.
"We have always admired the love and support fans have shown Croteam and the Serious Sam franchise," said a shy, unassuming spokesperson for Devolver Digital. "This is a fantastic way to get gamers involved in Serious Sam HD and give our fans a chance to contribute to the game itself."
So how does a budding video game writer enter a finely crafted line for a chance to hear it inSerious Sam HD? Gamers can log on to Twitter and send a brilliant tweet quip to@devolverdigital between July 15 and July 30. Croteam will choose the winning line and Devolver Digital will announce it to all followers of www.twitter.com/devolverdigital and www.twitter.com/majesco in early August.
"I never get any thanks for the wonderfully poetic and emotionally layered lines I write for Sam ‘Serious' Stone," said an overworked and underpaid writer at Croteam "So guess what? Let someone else take a crack at it and see how hard it is. These witty remarks don't write themselves you know."
In addition to having the winning line appear in Serious Sam HD, the winner's name will be immortalized in the credits of the game and forever become a part of Serious Sam lore.
Developed by Croteam, the creators of the Serious Sam franchise, and produced in partnership with Devolver Digital, Serious Sam: The First Encounter is re-tooled and re-vamped in glorious High Definition with the all-new Serious Engine 3. It is scheduled for release late summer on Xbox LIVE Arcade from Majesco Entertainment and PC from cdv Software Entertainment AG.
About Croteam
Croteam are the creative force behind the massively successful Serious Sam series, which is recognized across the globe for its all-action and entertaining game design and its powerful Serious Engine technology. Founded in Zagreb, Croatia in 1993, Croteam has grown to become one of the most successful and respected developers in Eastern Europe. More information about Croteam can be found online at www.croteam.com.
About Devolver Digital
Devolver Digital is a small, laser-focused production and publishing company based in Austin, Texas, (also with one very lonely desperado in London) from an unnamed group of industry veterans/outlaw refugees. The company aims to take large wads of fun created by great game developers worldwide, and help create large wads of cash from it by getting it into the hands of rich, entertainment-starved gamers around the world, wherever they happen to be hanging out, and for whatever currency is handy. @DevolverDigital is on twitter at
www.twitter.com/devolverdigital.
About cdv Software Entertainment AG
cdv Software Entertainment Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of cdv Software Entertainment AG. cdv Software Entertainment AG is the only publicly traded, independent full service provider for the games sector in Germany. Together with its subsidiaries cdv Software Entertainment USA, cdv POS GmbH, Gamesmania, seven_m, and cdv Madrics Media S.A.S, cdv has outstanding contacts within all key markets and decades of expertise. As a leading sales and service partner for the entire games and software industry, cdv is excellently positioned on the global market thanks to branches focused on Germany, Switzerland and Austria (GSA), North America, France, the Benelux, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia as well as noted international partners. Alongside its strong product placement and international distribution logistics, cdv offers its customers a wide range of sales-promoting methods and an extensive, professional marketing and promotion service from a single source. The company, which was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, has been on a steady growth course since its 2007 consolidation and is aiming in the medium term for a strong market position as one of the globally leading full service providers in the games sector. More information is available at http://www.cdv.de.
About Majesco Entertainment Company
Majesco Entertainment Company is a provider of video games for the mass market. Building on more than 20 years of operating history, the company is focused on developing and publishing a wide range of casual and family oriented video games on leading console and portable systems. Product highlights include Cooking Mama and Cake Mania 2 for Nintendo DS, and Cooking Mama World Kitchen and Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2009 for Wii. The company's shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol: COOL. Majesco is headquartered in Edison, NJ and has an international office in Bristol, UK. More information about Majesco can be found online at www.majescoentertainment.com/. @Majesco is on twitter at www.twitter.com/majesco.
PS3 - Logitech Announce New Drum Controller For Guitar Hero
Logitech have announced a new Drum Controller for the Guitar Hero Series. The controller is also compatible with the Playstation 2.
The Drum features three audjustable drum heads and two cymbal pads. The drum heads are designed to reduce accidental rim shots. it has a 50 hours battery life on two AA BAtteries and has a Suggested Retail price in America of $229.99. It is set for release in the begining of July in America and August in Europe.
Press Release
REMONT, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Jul 15, 2009 So you can really rock out to Guitar Hero® on the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3) computer entertainment system, Logitech (SIX:LOGN) (NASDAQ:LOGI) today introduced the Logitech® Wireless Drum Controller for the PLAYSTATION 3 system. Licensed by Activision Publishing, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), for the award-winning Guitar Hero franchise, the Wireless Drum Controller features premium drum heads with recessed rims – making it easy for you to play like a rock star.
“When you’re ready to experience a new premium drum controller or expand your band, you’ll want to rip on Logitech’s new drum controller,” said Ruben Mookerjee, Logitech’s director of product marketing for gaming. “With the Wireless Drum Controller, you can mark time, keep the backbeat, color up your riffs and crash down on the cymbal pads. Joining the Logitech® Wireless Guitar Controller, the new Wireless Drum Controller lets you rock out to your favorite songs on the PS3 system.”
The Logitech Wireless Drum Controller features three fully adjustable drum heads and two cymbal pads. Each piece can be positioned to fit your reach and suit your style. Offering a unique playing experience, the new Logitech Wireless Drum Controller provides quiet, responsive heads that deliver a lively feel, won’t distract you from the music, and are designed to let you take advantage of all the latest features of Guitar Hero games.
But Logitech did not just replicate typical drum heads. The recessed rims help make it easier to score points and avoid accidental rim shots. The kick pedal uses a stainless steel surface and an adjustable spring – providing a highly durable, responsive drumming experience.
Delivering up to 50 hours of battery life on two AA batteries, the Wireless Drum Controller gives you enough juice to perform a concert’s worth of hits, encores included.
Compatible with the PS3 system as well as the PlayStation®2 system, the Wireless Drum Controller uses a 2.4 GHz wireless USB receiver, so the connection is as steady as a drum beat. When you’re ready to play, the Logitech Wireless Drum Controller sets up quickly and folds flat in seconds. You can start playing within minutes of opening the box and when the show is over, the set can be easily stowed away. (Roadies are not required.)
Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Wireless Drum Controller for the PS3 system is expected to be available in the U.S. beginning in July and Europe beginning in August for a suggested retail price of $229.99 (U.S.).
About Logitech
Logitech is a world leader in personal peripherals, driving innovation in PC navigation, Internet communications, digital music, home-entertainment control, gaming and wireless devices. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).
Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are registered in Switzerland and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information about Logitech and its products, visit the company’s Web site at www.logitech.com.
PLAYSTATION is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Guitar Hero is a registered mark of Activision Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.
EA Hosts A Videogame Masterclass At Shine Festival 2009
At This years Shine festival, EA held a videogame master class with pupils from Berger primary School and
Press Release
LONDON 15th July - As part of Shine Week, the national festival to celebrate talent in children and young people, Electronic Arts and Shine hosted a videogaming masterclass to inspire Britain’s next generation of creative talent to consider a future career in the gaming industry. The masterclass took place in Pall Mall London yesterday where children from Berger Primary School, Hackney, and Lady Margaret School, Parson’s Green became gaming developers for the day and created their own levels on the latest game from Electronic Arts: Boom Blox Bash Party.
The BAFTA award winning game franchise Boom Blox, designed by Steven Spielberg provides editing tools for players to create their own levels and gives them a taste of what it’s like to be a games developer.
The development team for Boom Blox flew over from the EA Studio in Los Angeles to hold the masterclass and taught the lucky children an insight of what it’s like to be a games developer. Each school was shown first hand what it takes to create fun and entertaining videogame levels and then given the chance to create their own.
The children were joined by Siôn Simon, of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and upcoming urban music artist Master Shortie who attended the event to encourage children to embrace the creative industries as a possible future career option and offer some personal advice about breaking through in the industry.
Siôn Simon said ‘It is in the creative industry’s interest to foster and develop the next generation of talent and clearly, it is in the government’s interest as well’.
Press Release
LONDON 15th July - As part of Shine Week, the national festival to celebrate talent in children and young people, Electronic Arts and Shine hosted a videogaming masterclass to inspire Britain’s next generation of creative talent to consider a future career in the gaming industry. The masterclass took place in Pall Mall London yesterday where children from Berger Primary School, Hackney, and Lady Margaret School, Parson’s Green became gaming developers for the day and created their own levels on the latest game from Electronic Arts: Boom Blox Bash Party.
The BAFTA award winning game franchise Boom Blox, designed by Steven Spielberg provides editing tools for players to create their own levels and gives them a taste of what it’s like to be a games developer.
The development team for Boom Blox flew over from the EA Studio in Los Angeles to hold the masterclass and taught the lucky children an insight of what it’s like to be a games developer. Each school was shown first hand what it takes to create fun and entertaining videogame levels and then given the chance to create their own.
The children were joined by Siôn Simon, of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and upcoming urban music artist Master Shortie who attended the event to encourage children to embrace the creative industries as a possible future career option and offer some personal advice about breaking through in the industry.
Siôn Simon said ‘It is in the creative industry’s interest to foster and develop the next generation of talent and clearly, it is in the government’s interest as well’.
Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)
QTE Blog: Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest) http://tinyurl.com/npfwwa
Wii: Punch Out has finally been dated for Australia. Its coming out August 28th but only out at JB Hi-Fi. http://tinyurl.com/ltwh6x
Max Payne 3, Mafia II, and Red Dead Redemption join Bioshock 2 as being delayed until fiscal 2010. http://tinyurl.com/nvwl3r
QTE Blog: Konami - AntNation Announed for WiiWare and DSiWare - Press Release http://tinyurl.com/mfcn9o
A Trademark filling for Kane & lynch 2, Dog Days, has been found. no more information about it yet. http://tinyurl.com/lxujs7
DSi: pokemon Gold/Silver details. Entei,Suicune,Raikou will be lvl40. X and Y can be assigned for items + more. http://tinyurl.com/m8vj4l
QTE Blog: NIS - PS2 Game, Mana-Khemia 2 Box Art And Special Edition Announced. http://tinyurl.com/n98uap
QTE Blog: EA - Battlefield Heroes has Reached 1 Million Users - Press Release http://tinyurl.com/klctqt
Modern Warfare 2 Hardened Edition has Call Of Duty for XBLA/PSN, Art Book, Metal Case. Retails for $80. http://tinyurl.com/nal9ax
Following yesterdays announcement from Take-Two that Bioshock 2 is delayed, their stock dropped 13% overnight. http://tinyurl.com/lkzpvm
PS3: Battle Fantasia has launched a trophy naming challenge for 5 new achievements not in the 360 version. http://tinyurl.com/nens98
PSP:Gran Turismo Q/A,no Damage,800+ Cars, 35 Tracks,NO DLC Plans, 3 AI Cars with Player, Possible GT5 Connection. http://tinyurl.com/mlhd2u
FIFA 10 is coming out internationally on consoles on October 2nd. http://tinyurl.com/nwqhdq
PSP: ModNation Racers is rumored to be coming out on the PSP. Its slated as having a February 28th release. http://tinyurl.com/kvasqm
It has been revealed that Gear Box was the studio behind the Duke Nukem game Duke Begins. http://tinyurl.com/kvseyb
Xbox Live Activity. 360, Halo 3, Call Of Duty WAW/4, Gears of War 2, Battlefield 1943. Top XBLA Battlefiled 1943. http://tinyurl.com/mt3dcq
PS3: Buzz Now has over 1.7 Million User generated questions. (218.750 8 question quizzes.) http://tinyurl.com/lcwna
360: Rare has announced that the Viva Pinata Soundtrack will be released on July 28th for $15.98 from Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/nysdcs
Wii:Three new Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Titles coming to WiiWare in Japan,4th August,1.200 Points. based on Arceus. http://tinyurl.com/m3jsu3
QTE Blog: Xbox 360 - The Secret of Monkey Island Special Edition Screenshots http://tinyurl.com/n5vtb6
QTE Blog: Xbox 360 - Madballs Screenshots http://tinyurl.com/lxqyh8
Wii: Screenshot shows that the Black Wii box is just as Black with hint of silver. http://tinyurl.com/mhyfms
PS3: A Memo from Zellers, in Canada, shows they are no longer stocking 80gb PS3 Core Bundle. don't mention Why. http://tinyurl.com/mylp6u
PC: Command And Conquer 4 will need a constant internet connection, it's cause of "Player Progression" tracking. http://tinyurl.com/nrw26f
PS3: SCEE have mentioned that they have a dev kit designed for academic use, called "mini dev kits" http://tinyurl.com/krjrpj
PSP:iPhone game FieldRunners is being ported to PSP. 50+ developers are also meant to be working on PSPgo titles. http://tinyurl.com/nt6lm4
Rebellion purchased the rights of several Vivendi IP, and can make new games. they are being released on GOG.com. http://tinyurl.com/mdxwfn
QTE Blog: Xbox 360 - Forza 3 Screenshots Of Various Sports Cars And SUV's http://tinyurl.com/ly6r5d
Wolfenstein has been delayed by 2 weeks on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. Now set for august 18th release. http://tinyurl.com/m6s7hp
Midway Newcastle has been officially closed. 80 staff are now unemployed. State of Necessary Force Unknown. http://tinyurl.com/lpdz9j
PS3: developers Relentless says the PSN has high quality, are happy with their relationship with Sony. http://tinyurl.com/koun53
360 gamers have reached 45M Kills and unlocked Coral Map in battlefield. PS3 gamers have only got 22.8M Kills. http://tinyurl.com/l2v36a
Activision have announced that there is already a Tony Hawk Ride sequel planned. http://tinyurl.com/nyj7rs
Disney Interactive Studio's boss says that a Good IP is not enough. an IP needs to have Substance. http://tinyurl.com/msotoa
PC: Dave Perry wants a server in every major city for his Gaikai service. predicts 100% of games will be online. http://tinyurl.com/lg35tv
PC: More images from Duke Nukem Forver have emerged Via facebook and the games own page there. http://tinyurl.com/nnd4bv
QTE Blog: Nintendo - Military Island, New York, Is being transformed for Wii Sports Resort Launch http://tinyurl.com/n26tzr
Wii: Starfly producer has said that the popular Japanese character could be coming to the Wii in a new game. http://tinyurl.com/lorqat
PS3: IGN Have a round up of all the PS3 Slim rumors, from pictures to video and dates. http://tinyurl.com/map5kn
360: Microsoft is to make a new game announcement at this years Comic-Con. it's from one of their top franchises. http://tinyurl.com/l96ndy
League Of Legends is going to become a free to play online when it's released. it will have microtransactions. http://tinyurl.com/mb3mgv
QTE Blog: PC - Funcom To Announce At GamesCon A Age Of Conan Expansion http://tinyurl.com/koqz98
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