Thursday, April 29, 2010

Sony Online Entertainment Celebrate Free Realms First Birthday With In-Game Parties

Sony Online Entertainment are celebrating Free Realms reaching its first birthday by throwing parties in the game. Every hour, on the hour, Parties are taking place throughout Free Realms Now!. At each party there will be someone from Sony Online Entertainment hiding for "Ambassador Hide And Seek" as well as other members being around saying where the party's are being held. New ballon animal pets and 7 new tints for the Alfy pet can be bought in the market place.

Sony have released this trailer for the celebrations, looking back at the year Free Realms has had and some of its major events.



Party Screenshots


Press Release

PARTIES: One party just wouldn’t be enough...so Sony Online Entertainment’s (SOE) hit family-friendly online virtual world, Free Realms, is celebrating its first birthday in style by throwing eight in-game parties for players to enjoy today.

Parties will take place every hour, on the hour, beginning at 9 a.m. PDT, each in a different area of Free Realms. Login to www.FreeRealms.com for a fantastic day of dancing, laughing, celebrating, and “Ambassador Hide and Seek.” Each party will have one SOE Community Team member hiding, and another hosting the party and telling players who to look for.

Even the Free Realms Marketplace is buzzing over the birthday hoopla! Seven tints for the Beetle pet, Alfy, are now available for purchase and the red Balloon Animal pet is on sale for just 350SC.

SOE also makes it easier for players to fund their Station Cash wallets by introducing Paypal and SMS payment options. Both options are now available. For more information please visit:http://www.freerealms.com/stationCash.vm

WHEN: The Free Realms first birthday celebration is happening today! Live in-game parties will take place every hour from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT. Players can locate each event by using the Game Guide.

About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, Untold Legends™, PlanetSide®, and Star Wars Galaxies, as well as the recent kids’ phenomenon Free Realms™, SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX, Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, and Tucson, AZ, SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development across various platforms and genres for audiences of all ages.

SOE, the SOE logo, EverQuest and PlanetSide are registered trademarks and Untold Legends and Legends of Norrath are trademarks of Sony Online Entertainment LLC. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

Microsoft Announce The Halo Reach Beta Will Run From 3rd May Through 19th May

Microsoft has revealed that the Halo Reach Beta will run from 3rd May through 19th May. Microsoft has also announced that a video introduction for the beta can be seen exclusively through the Halo ODST Game disc and it stars Aisha Tyler.

Microsoft have revealed that the Beta will start with the Arena mode (4v4 ranked Team Slayer games), “Free-for-All”, and “Grab Bag” playlists, with "invasion" being added on 7th May. the final addition to the playlist comes on 14th May and it adds "Generator Defense". Everyone that plays the Halo Reach Beta will get an exclusive Halo Reach Avatar hoodie, which can be obtained through Halo Waypoint.

Press Release

LONDON – 29 April 2010 - Set your countdown clocks. The “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta, which is poised to be one of the biggest test events in entertainment history, kicks off in just four days. Among the millions of “Halo” fans eagerly anticipating the beta is actress Aisha Tyler. Available starting today is a video introduction to the beta starring the actress, viewable exclusively through the “Halo 3: ODST” game disc. Tyler walks through all of the exciting new game modes and offers her own tips and insider hints for each of the maps while showing off some life-size “Halo” weaponry. It’s a fun introduction to the beta that no fan should miss.

The “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta is set to be the definitive Xbox LIVE event of the spring and will run from May 3 through May 19. The beta will be accessible via the “Halo 3: ODST” game disc (an Xbox LIVE Gold membership and Internet connection are required to play). The beta will offer millions of “Halo” fans a unique opportunity to test and help refine the biggest blockbuster game of 2010.

As this is a beta, Bungie will be turning on different modes at different times to optimize testing. The beta kicks off with three playlists featuring the all-new, highly competitive Arena mode (4v4 ranked Team Slayer games) as well as “Free-for-All” and “Grab Bag” playlists, which include a mix of classic and brand new game types. Beginning May 7, the new large-scale Spartan vs. Elite “Invasion” playlist will be added to the beta. Finally, beginning May 14 the “Generator Defense” game type will become available.

Everyone who logs in and plays at least one full game of any type in the “Halo: Reach” beta will receive a free “Halo: Reach” Avatar hoodie via the Halo Waypoint portal on Xbox LIVE. To redeem the hoodie, players must access Halo Waypoint and browse their “Halo” Career statistics after completing a match.

Continue the experience online at the “Halo: Reach” experience site,www.welcometonobleteam.com. The destination is designed to capture the imagination of “Halo” fans and introduce newcomers to the fiction of “Halo: Reach” through videos, interactive experiences and additional content. For more information throughout the beta that’s accessible from your Xbox 360, be sure to visit Halo Waypoint for exciting “Halo: Reach” coverage and features from a variety of sources including Giant Bomb, G4 and Machinima.com’s Inside Gaming. Don’t miss out on the newest videos, interviews, montages, and screenshots as Halo Waypoint showcases “Halo: Reach” every step of the way.

Representing the best-in-class multiplayer elements that have become the hallmark of the “Halo” series and fused with a host of new content and features, “Halo: Reach” offers the most robust, action-packed multiplayer experience ever and promises to set a new standard for competitive gameplay, customization and community integration.

“Halo: Reach” is available for preorder from participating retailers worldwide in Standard, Limited and Legendary editions. Developed by acclaimed studio Bungie, “Halo: Reach” launches in autumn 2010 exclusively on Xbox 360.

EA Have Released A New Trailer For Madden NFL 11

EA have released a new trailer for Madden NFL 11. this trailer details 3 main improvements to the game, the game has been made simpler, it takes less time to get through a match, and more robust online features and character animations. this trailer is made from in-game action to highlight each point.




 Microsoft Announce All New Purchases Of Alan Wake Will Come With A Free Code For The Games First Game Add-On

Microsoft have announced that all new purchases of Alan Wake, of any retail edition, will get a free code for the games first add-on. Microsoft have also released this new trailer for Alan Wake, showing some of the praise it has received in the game press and also showing some new parts of the game.




EA Have Released A New Video For The Sims 3 Ambitions DLC

EA Have released a new video for the upcoming Ambitions expansion for The Sims 3. this video parodies many super heroes, and a current American president. the video uses in-game footage from the expansion to show off what could be done with Ambitions.




EA Announce Littlest Pet Shop 3: Biggest Stars For The Nintendo DS

EA have Announced The Littlest Pet Shop 3: Biggest Stars for the Nintendo DS. This is a collection of three Nintendo DS Games that are set for release this fall. The three games in this collection are Blue Team, Pink Team, And Purple Team. all three of these games will share the overarching storyline, but each will have 6 exclusive pets and themed accessories.

The aim of each game is to prepare their pets to become the biggest star by competing in contests, including fashion, athletics, and artistry. the game also comes with mini games and new pet animations and interactions that were not in previous Littlest Pet Shop Games.

Purple Team Screenshots


Blue Team Screenshots


Pink Team Screenshots


Press Release

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Young girls around the world are invited to start practicing their best skills for the ultimate LITTLEST PET SHOP competition. The EA Play Label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced it is developing LITTLEST PET SHOP 3 Biggest Stars, a collection of three Nintendo DS™ games slated for release in fall 2010. The third iteration in the immensely popular LITTLEST PET SHOP video game series will encourage girls to hone and polish their team building skills as they further expand their collections with new pets, accessories and mini games.

LITTLEST PET SHOP 3 Biggest Stars will offer three separate games for the Nintendo DS – Blue Team, Pink Team, and Purple Team. The collection of games shares an overarching storyline that will inspire and rally girls to prepare their LITTLEST PET SHOP pets to become the “Biggest Star,” by training their pets to compete in a variety of contests such as fine tuning fashion sense, perfecting athletic ability and showing off artistic flair.

Each version of the LITTLEST PET SHOP 3 Biggest Stars collection will offer six in-game exclusive pets and team-themed accessories in each version, allowing girls to do what they love most when it comes to LITTLEST PET SHOP – collect, customize and interact with an assortment of new pets as each character vies to be named the “Biggest Star.” The game titles will also include a wide array of mini games featuring an expanded assortment of pet animations and interactions not found in previous games.

“LITTLEST PET SHOP 3 Biggest Stars gives us an opportunity to continue our industry leadership over the young girls category in developing high quality games tailored just for them, particularly with our highly successful LITTLEST PET SHOP franchise, based on the Hasbro brand, which has sold nearly 4 million video game units worldwide,” said Chip Lange, General Manager and Senior Vice President of the Hasbro Division at Electronic Arts. “We have a world class online world dedicated to this space with LITTLEST PET SHOP Online, and have seen great success on our iPhone application, as well. Now, our support continues with the third chapter in the exciting LITTLEST PET SHOP series that we just know girls will be delighted with as they’ll have a chance to live out the fun of performing with their favorite pets.”

For more information on LITTLEST PET SHOP 3 Biggest Stars, please visit: http://ea.com/games/lps3-biggest-stars-purple-team.

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is a leading global interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EATM, EA SPORTS™, EA Mobile™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2009, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.2 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands athttp://www.hasbro.com. © 2010 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA Mobile and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. LITTLEST PET SHOP is a trademark of Hasbro and is used with permission. Nintendo DS is a trademark of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

UK PSN Update 29/04/10

Special Offers
PS3: Little Big Planet – Chun-Li Costume [£0.79]
PS3: Little Big Planet – Guile Costume [£0.79]
PS3: Little Big Planet – Ryu Costume [£0.79]
PS3: Little Big Planet – Zangief Costume [£0.79]
PS3: Tom Clany's H.A.W.X. - European assault Pack [£2.39]
PSP: Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines [£15.99]
PSP: Gottlieb Pinball Classics [£4.79]
PSP: Petz My Baby Hamster [£11.99]
PSP: Petz My Puppy Family [£11.99
PS1: Guilty Gear [£3.19]
Minis: Vempire [£1.24]

PS3 Games
First Play 90 Day Subscription [£8.99]
First Play Episode 004 [£0.99]
Puzzle Chronicles [£6.29]
Dante's Inferno – Trials Of St Lucia [£7.99]
Mega Man 10 – Endless Attack [£2.39]
Mega Man 10 – Special Stage 2 [£1.19]
Mega Man 10 – Special Stage 3 [£1.19]
Just Cause 2 – Black Market Aerial pack [£1.59]
Race Driver GRID – 8 Ball Pack [£6.29]
Super Street Fighter IV – Super Challengers Pack [£3.19]
MAG – Fast Attack Gear Pack [Free]

Demo's
Wakeboarding HD

Guitar Hero 5
Black Sabbath Track Pack [£4.39]
“After Forever” by Black Sabbath [£1.59]
“Into The Void” by Black Sabbath [£1.59]
“Sweet Leaf” by Black Sabbath [£1.59]
“Addicted” by Saving Abel [£1.59]

Rock Band
“Again” By Flyleaf [£0.99]
“Thunderbirds Are Go!” By Busted [£0.99]
“Tomorrow” by Silverchair [£0.99]

Rock Band Network Latest
None

Karaoke Revolution
(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life (£0.79)
Fame (£0.79)

Videos
Hustle Kings – Nine Ball Clearence Comptition

Wallpaper
Ghost Recon Future Soldier – Skull Wallpaper

Theme
Nightmare Before Christmas [£1.19]

Dynamic Theme
Mega Man 10 Dynamic Theme 3 [£1.59]
Wakeboarding HD [Free]
White Knight Chronicles – Travelelrs Dynamic Theme [£1.59]

PSN ID Avatars
None

PS1 Classic
None

PSP
Gensan [£23.99]
Buzz! - National Geographic Kids Quiz [£3.19]
Little Big Planet – The Wilderness Theme Costume [Free]
Little Big Planet – The Wilderness Theme Level Kit [£2.39]

Minis
Championship Manager 2010 [£3.99]

Demo
Naruto Shippuden: Ulitmate Heroes 3

Theme
None

Video
None


Microsoft And Bungie Have Released The Extended "Birth Of A Spartan" Video

Microsoft and Bungie have released the extended "Birth Of A Spartan" video. this video has more music and more story on how Carter 259 became a Spartan II and the leader of Noble Team.




Sega Have Released New Screenshots For Vanquish

Sega have released new screenshots for Vanquish. these new screen appear to be in-game and focus on the main character either shooting at enemies or taking them head on. The screenshots also show what appears to be a "boss" battle where the main character takes on a giant robot.




This Weeks UK PSP Digital Comic Store Update

Sony' EU Playstation Blog has revealed the comics coming out today on the PSP Digital Comic Store.

* 2000AD Prog #1677 2000AD 18+
* Archie Marries Veronica #3: “It’s Twins” Archie Comics 3+
* Atomic Robo Vol 2: Dogs of War #4 Red 5 Comics 9+
* Bill Willingham’s Pantheon #4 IDW 12+
* Dead, She Said #2 IDW 17+
* Donald Duck and the Alternative Lives Disney 3+
* Donald Duckling and the Future Plans Disney 3+
* Sonic The Hedgehog #1 Archie Comics 3+
* Star Trek: McCoy #1 IDW 9+
* The Lexian Chronicles #3 Markosia 12+
* The True Story of 1900 Disney 3+
* Transformers #5 IDW 9+
* Transformers: Lost in Space #2* Titan Comics 3+
* Transformers: Nefarious #2 IDW 9+
* Vampire Hunter D Volume 1: Chapter #4 IDW 17+
* Wizards of Mickey #6: Witches at War Disney 3+
* X-Mickey #12: Never Ending Disney 3+
* Zombies vs Robots: Aventure #2 IDW 17+

From EU Playstation Blog


Codemasters Announce International Cricket 2010 Is Set For A UK 18th June Release

Codemasters have announced that International Cricket 2010 is coming out in the UK on 18th June. This release date coincides with the NatWest series between England And Australia. International Cricket 2010 is coming out on the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

Screenshots


Press Release

Thursday 29th April/... International Cricket 2010™, the latest game to join Codemasters’ best-selling cricket portfolio, will be released in the UK on Friday, 18th June 2010 to coincide with the thrilling NatWest Series between England and Australia this summer. The game will be published for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®.

Produced by Codemasters and developed by Trickstar Games, International Cricket 2010 steps up to the crease with a range of innovations and improvements including ‘Action Cam’, the new camera that takes players right onto the pitch, and ‘Power Stick’ which gives 360° degree batting control to ensure International Cricket 2010 will deliver the most authentic interactive cricket experience ever.

Officially licensed by the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia to feature official players, stadia and kits, International Cricket 2010 can be enjoyed in a wide range of game modes including new instant tournaments, full test series and quick-fire Twenty20 matches. Gamers can compete as any of the expanded roster of 16 nations at an improved selection of 21 stadia around the world, including Lord’s, the Home of Cricket. For the latest news and screens, visit www.playcricket2010.com.

EA Have Released The Launch Trailer For Dead Space 2

EA have released the launch trailer for Dead Space 2. this debut trailer features what appears to be in-game footage of Issac and necromorphs, and possibly new necromorphs. there is some hints as to the new envoirnments and the state of Issac. EA also say there are some things hidden in the trailer.




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

Here is today's Audio Re-Cap of Yesterdays news.
Don't forget, you can subscribe to the Audio Re-Cap Podcast on iTunes. if you do, it would be great if you can review and rate the podcast.

A podcast is available on iTunes from:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=328547861

A RSS Feed from Podbean:
http://qtegamers.podbean.com/feed

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://ow.ly/17cyAV

  • QTE Blog: Audio Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest) http://ow.ly/17czY6

  • Capcom have said they want to put Frank West is many videogames, Marvel vs Capcom 3 speculated http://ht.ly/1E8dU

  • QTE Blog: Microsoft Have Released The Halo Reach "Birth Of A Spartan" Video http://ow.ly/17cBXN

  • The "Infinity Ward Employee Group" are taking Activision to court for $150M to $625M for compensation and damages http://ht.ly/1E8gf

  • Its reported James Cameron's Avatar has sold over 2.7M units on BluRay, beating the Dark Knight which has 2.5M sales http://ht.ly/1E8i6

  • QTE Blog: EA Have Released A New Co-Op Trailer For Skate 3 http://ow.ly/17cE2U

  • PS3: Record of Agarest War is a 10GB game download, but it will need 18GB of HDD Space to install it. http://ht.ly/1E8jm

  • Polaroid have announced they are getting into the video game accessories business http://ht.ly/1E8kw

  • David Jaffe and his next game with Eat, Sleep Play, will not be at this years E3 http://ht.ly/1E8m0

  • PSP: SNK Playmore have revealed a new Shoot-em up called Neo Geo Heroes: Ultimate Shooter. its out in Japan in June http://ht.ly/1E8n8

  • DS: Square Enix says the Final Fantasy V and VI Remakes have technical issues and may never come out on DS http://ht.ly/1E8oo

  • QTE Blog: New Zero Punctuation - Silent Hill: Shattered Memories http://ow.ly/17cHRj

  • Activision have confirmed that Mike Griffith, CEO and president, has resigned. http://ht.ly/1EiSh

  • PC: Blizzard's Mike Morhaime says they are looking for a new e-Sports partner in South Korea due to IP rights http://ht.ly/1EiVB

  • QTE Blog: Namco Bandai Have Released New Screenshots For Dead To Rights Retribution And Upcoming DLC http://ow.ly/17cL0Q

  • PS3: Sony has announced that they are offering 250 GB HDD upgrades in Japan for ¥18,000 http://ht.ly/1EiYQ

  • 360: DP Entertainment have announced they are bringing the adventure Grey Matter to the 360 in Q4 2010 http://ht.ly/1Ej1d

  • QTE Blog: Sony Online Entertainment They Are Releasing The Gundemonium Collection On The Playstation 3 http://ow.ly/17cMA5

  • QTE Blog: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Have Released A New Lego Harry Potter Behind The Scenes Trailer http://ow.ly/17cMA4

  • Xbox: its reported 13 people are still playing Halo 2, they've not turned the games off thus keeping Xbox Live support on http://ht.ly/1EknO

  • PC: Cryptic have said that there won't be a sequel to Star Trek Online, they will update it to keep it going http://ht.ly/1Elcr

  • iPhone: Apple have announced that 7th June is the date for the Worldwide Developers Conference http://ht.ly/1Eled

  • Wii: A Scan of a French Magazine reveals Red Steel 3 and that it uses the Vitality Sensor. http://ht.ly/1ElfD

  • XSEED have revealed that they have a big announcement next week. http://ht.ly/1ElgK

  • Its reported that the Shadow Of The Colossus movie is still coming at that it'll be in 3D http://ht.ly/1Eliv

  • Palm: HP have announced they are buying Palm for $1.2 billion http://ht.ly/1Epv9

  • The Next Call Of Duty is set to be revealed this Friday on GameTrailers TV http://ht.ly/1Epx4

  • PSP: Jikan de Fantasia has been announced for the PSP. this game builds a level based on a time limit you provide http://ht.ly/1EpxL

  • A Trailer for Dead Space 2 was leaked onto the internet. its been taken down, but a picture of Isaac was taken http://ht.ly/1Epyv

  • 360: its reported that Game Room games have been further delayed and no new date has been provided http://ht.ly/1EpAU

  • Sony, EA, Ubisoft And Disney have settled a patent dispute with Bareis, settling before it went to court. http://ht.ly/1EpEd

  • PS3: The God Of War teaser site, Spartans Stand Tall, has been updated with a flickering image of someone http://ht.ly/1EpHk

  • The GKNOVA6 website has been updated. it does not appear to be Call Of Duty 7, speculation is its for Resistance 3 http://ht.ly/1EpKC

  • Obsidian CEO, Feargus Urquhart, says the cancelled Aliens RPG was working and could've been a finished game http://ht.ly/1EpMo