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