Thursday, June 18, 2009
Microsoft - Pre-Order Halo ODST and Get Sgt. Johnson As A Firefight Playable Character - Press Release
Firefight is a new multiplayer mode where you and your friends are a ODST squad and fight together against ever increasing waves of enemies.
Press Release
LONDON – 18 June 2009: Listen up rookies! “Halo 3: ODST” drops on September 22, but will you and your team have what it takes to survive the Covenant onslaught in the new cooperative multiplayer mode, Firefight? Firefight will put you to the test as you and your friends assume the role of an ODST squad and fight together to take on increasingly challenging waves of enemies. It’s where new “Halo” heroes will be born, and an opportunity to step into the boots of a legend. If you pre-order “Halo 3: ODST” at participating retailers, you will receive a token to unlock grizzled UNSC hero Sgt. Johnson as a playable character in Firefight.
Fan favourite and “Halo” series stalwart Sergeant Avery Junior Johnson is a tough-as-nails career Marine who has been in more life or death battles than you've had hot meals. He’s survived more infectious Flood outbreaks, greased more Covenant bad guys, and earned more medals than any other twenty soldiers. And now you get to walk a mile in his shoes.
New campaign
Developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed developer Bungie, “Halo 3: ODST” is a new game in the “Halo” saga that lets people experience events leading up to the epic story told in “Halo 3” through the eyes of an ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper), as they search for clues leading to the whereabouts of their scattered squad and the motivations behind the Covenant’s invasion of New Mombasa.
New cooperative multiplayer experience
In addition to a brand new campaign, “Halo 3: ODST” introduces a new cooperative multiplayer mode called Firefight which allows “Halo” fans to experience co-operative gaming in a whole new way: they will be fighting as members of an ODST squad against waves of increasingly challenging enemies across a variety of battlefields. This experience is made even more intense with the integration of “Halo 3’s” “skulls,” which progressively activate as time goes on to alter the gameplay and up the challenge. Players will battle through wave after wave in search of high scores, Achievements and bragging rights.
The complete “Halo 3” competitive multiplayer collection
“Halo 3: ODST” also includes a second standalone disc with three new “Halo 3” multiplayer maps, all original “Halo 3” maps, as well as the “Legendary,” “Heroic,” and “Mythic” Map packs for a total of 24 maps.
Ensure your place in the “Halo: Reach” beta
Purchasing “Halo 3: ODST” will ensure “Halo” fans get access to the “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta when the beta goes live in the future. Announced at E3 2009, “Halo: Reach” is the prequel to the blockbuster “Halo” trilogy and is scheduled for release in fall of 2010.
“Halo 3: ODST” will have a suggested retail price of £39.99. “Halo 3: ODST” is rated PEGI 16+.
For more information about “Halo 3: ODST” and to download assets of Sgt. Johnson, the “Halo 3: ODST”, check out http://www.microsoft.gamespress.com/.
About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is a superior video game and entertainment system delivering the best games, unique entertainment features and a unified online gaming network that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 has a portfolio of more than 300 games in nearly 40 countries. More information can be found online athttp://www.xbox.com/xbox360.
About Microsoft Game Studios
Microsoft Game Studios is a leading worldwide publisher and developer of games for the Xbox and Xbox 360 video game systems, the Windows operating system and online platforms. Comprising a network of top developers, Microsoft Game Studios is committed to creating innovative and diverse games for Windows (http://www.microsoft.com/games), including such franchises as “Age of Empires,” “Flight Simulator” and “Zoo Tycoon”; Xbox and Xbox 360 (http://www.xbox.com), including such games as “Gears of War” and franchises such as “Halo,” “Fable,” “Project Gotham Racing” and “Forza Motorsport”; and MSN Games (http://www.games.msn.com), the official games channel for the MSN network and home to such hits as “Bejeweled” and “Hexic.
About Xbox LIVE
Xbox LIVE is the first and most comprehensive unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox LIVE connects millions of members across 26 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, TV shows and movies in the United States as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favourite retail games. More information can be found online athttp://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.
About Xbox LIVE Arcade
Xbox LIVE Arcade on Xbox 360 is the premier destination for digitally distributed high-definition games. Xbox LIVE Arcade is a fast-growing phenomenon with a diverse library of original development and classic titles from the world’s best independent and established developers and publishers. With a dynamically updated library and free trials for every title, Xbox LIVE Arcade makes it easy for every type of gamer — from casual to hard-core — to get instantly immersed in the fun. Xbox LIVE Arcade also lets friends connect and play these incredible games either from the same room or from around the world via the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network. More information can be found online athttp://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/livearcade.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Sega - Lets Catch Screenshots And Lets Tap Is Released June 19th - Press Release
Lets Catch is a new twist on the game of catch, with 6 different single player and multiplayer modes, including passing a bomb before it explodes, which require timing and hand eye coordination.
Press Release
LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (June 16, 2009) – SEGA® Europe Ltd. and SEGA America, Inc. today announced they have shipped LET’S TAP™ for Nintendo Wii™, which will be available at retail for £24.99. Another Wii exclusive, LET’S CATCH™, Yuji Naka’s second title from his Prope studio, will be available for download from the Nintendo Channel store on the day of the LET’S TAP release - 19th of June 2009.
Blazing new ground in the Nintendo Wii™ control design allows LET’S TAP players to simply tap their fingers on the Wii remote, giving hours of simple unadulterated fun. LET’S CATCH brings the time-honoured game of catch into players homes but with some creative new twists! LET’S TAP and LET’S CATCH are the first two products developed by Prope, the studio that Sonic the Hedgehog™ creator Yuji Naka established in 2006.
“We’re very excited to offer this new and innovative way of playing with the Wii” says Gary Knight, European Marketing Director SEGA Europe. “Let’s Tap and Let’s Catch have made outstanding use of the creative technology available on this platform, making gaming easy for all generations and levels of players.”
Developed exclusively for Nintendo’s Wii™ system, LET’S TAP utilises a ground-breaking control scheme whereby the Wii remote is placed on a box or flat surface so it can detect minute vibrations. Consumers of all ages and skill levels then tap the box or flat surface to interact with the game, so there’s no need to hold the controller!
LET’S TAP presents an assortment of different finger-tapping challenges for players to master, in Tap Runner differing finger tapping pressure makes simple stick figure racers run through an obstacle course, whilst Visualizer allows users to create dazzling fireworks, dramatic paint strokes and other effects as they tap out different rhythm patterns corresponding to different effects. Silent Blocks finds players taking turns removing blocks from a large stack, but tapping too hard will result in a collapsing stack of blocks. Bubble Voyager allows players to fly through space, blasting obstacles and enemies in order to reach the far stretches of the universe, and finally Rhythm Tap sees players tapping their fingers in time to high energy music.
LET’S CATCH is a new twist on the game of catch with six different single and multiplayer modes to play. Excelling through good timing and hand-eye coordination, players will find themselves playing games that range from passing a bomb before it explodes; testing their ability to catch a fast ball, and challenging throwing accuracy.
LET’S TAP and LET’S CATCH were developed at Prope Tokyo. For more information on both titles please visit www.sega.com/letstap
About SEGA® Europe:
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-europe.com.
About SEGA of America
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
UK PSN Update 18/06/09
Small PSN Update this week. EU Playstation Blog reconsises this by saying "After last Thursday’s mammoth update to the PlayStation Store, things have calmed down a little this week, so if you missed any of the great content from Thursday 11th June, or the previous weeks, then this could be a good opportunity for you to catch up. "1
PS3 Games
Motorstorm 2 Pacfici Rift – Jester Signature Livery [Free]
Demo's
NONE
Guitar Hero - World Tour
Ben Harper and Relentless7 Trac Pack [£4.39]
“Fly One Time” by Ben Harper and Relentless7 [£1.59]
“Number With No Name” by Ben Harper and Relentless7 [£1.59]
“Tshimmer and Shine” by Ben Harper and Relentless7 [£1.59]
Rock Band
NONE
Videos
inFamous - Behind the Scenes, Technology
Assassins Creed 2 – Commented Gameplay Trailer
Mini Ninjas – Hiro Character
Motorstorm 2 Pacific Rift – Speed Expansion Trailer
Inferno Pool Trailer
Wallpaper
Assassins Creed 2 Wallpaper
Theme
NONE
PS1 Classic
NONE
PSP
NONE
1 http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2009/06/18/playstation-store-update-%e2%80%93-18th-june-2009/
Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)
EA have announced that there will be a Madden NFL 10 Demo for everyone, its different from preorder demo. http://tinyurl.com/mgdug9
PEGI have revealed the age rating symbols that will appear on UK games in the future. http://tinyurl.com/lpauaa
PS3: Afrika has had some upgrades for its US release. Trophies have been announced so far. http://tinyurl.com/n3jetz
Xbox Live.com has recieved a big update to it's front page.
A New Persona game has been teased in the latest Famitsu. nothing else known as yet. http://tinyurl.com/nqx7wz
QTE Blog: Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest) http://tinyurl.com/kw63dw
PS3: Everybody's Golf Space in Home Tomorrow, gift for those quick to get it. Rag Doll competition starts. http://tinyurl.com/kvtf47
Wii: Sega have delayed the release of The Conduit in the EU until July 10th, due to localization issues. http://tinyurl.com/m9jbol
PC: Ghostbusters multiplayer was cut so console versions could be "the best they could be" http://tinyurl.com/lk9l2y
Rumored Metal Gear Solid Movie Poster Spotted at Sony Pictures, Stars Christian Bale and Daniel Craig. http://tinyurl.com/kp9fu7
QTE Blog: NC Soft - USA Pre-Order Of Aion Detailed, Beta Events and early Access + Limited Collectors E.. http://tinyurl.com/m5eens
PS3:Sega have announced more DLC for Valkyria Chronicles, 6 challenge stages around Edy. Japan gets it June 26th. http://tinyurl.com/ox6lcb
360: Microsoft Arcade Consoles should work with Natal even without a HDD. http://tinyurl.com/kvg7ww
360: There are many reports of issues with Xbox Live, especially with downloading stuff from the marketplace. http://tinyurl.com/nf4ren
UK government plans tax breaks for games that are "Culturally British". it's unclear as to what this means. http://tinyurl.com/mexam6
360: Microsoft have confirmed that Xbox Live is currently having difficulties. http://tinyurl.com/m2sv7g
iPhone: 3.0 brings the ability to limit app download by age ratings. ratings done by game developers. http://tinyurl.com/l5bjc6
PS3: MAG beta is rumored to be starting as soon as next month. http://tinyurl.com/n2cukj
QTE Blog: ngmoco - Star Defense gets big iPhone 3.0 Update - Press Release http://tinyurl.com/kw2xtn
PS3: Namco Museum Essentials is coming to Home next month. 5 games, 50 items, trailers and new space. http://tinyurl.com/m96orz
PS3: Little Big Planet is getting a free Druid Sackboy in celebration of the solstice. out 18th in EU, 25th in US http://tinyurl.com/kor6m7
PC: it is rumored that EverQuest Underfoot and EverQuest II Sentinel's Fate are new expansions. http://tinyurl.com/mpw4sr
PS3:The Delayed Quore episode is out Thursday. has Spyro PS1 Classic, T-Shirt for Home, and maynot have PSPgo vid http://tinyurl.com/nrmctp
Bethesda announce Bioshock /Oblivion for PC and 360. no PS3 because of different publishing arrangements. http://tinyurl.com/mfkygx
Wii: Lets Tap doesn't come with a Box in the USA, Japan got one and EU will get one. http://tinyurl.com/mkenyq
New Zero Punctuation - E3 2009
This week, he wades through the E3 hype in the only way he knows how.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
ngmoco - Star Defense gets big iPhone 3.0 Update - Press Release
Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO --(Business Wire)-- Jun 17, 2009 ngmoco (http://www.ngmoco.com), creator and publisher of games exclusively for iPhone and iPod touch, today announced the launch of a major update for Star Defense (http://stardefense.ngmoco.com) including content designed for the powerful new iPhone OS 3.0.
With the advent of 3.0, Star Defense allows players to expand their campaigns and compete with friends via Direct Challenges. In addition to Twitter, Facebook & email, players can send Direct Challenges via Push Notification Service to their friends over the Plus+ network, a free service for the iPhone gaming community. After registering for Plus+, gamers can challenge & play against the world, earn rewards, and discover more of the games they like.
“ngmoco is excited by the new opportunities for gameplay afforded by iPhone OS 3.0,” said Neil Young, CEO and founder of ngmoco. “Direct Challenges via Push Notification Service provide a compelling, new way for Star Defense fans to stay connected anytime, anywhere.”
In addition to 3.0 support and Plus+ network integration, the latest Star Defense update also includes a new planet in Challenge Mode. Players can track their challenge scores on live leaderboards and compare their rankings with players across the globe.
Developed in collaboration with Rough Cookie, ngmoco released Star Defense on June 8 to great critical acclaim. An innovative take on the classic strategy genre, Star Defense evolves the tower defense category with incredible, dynamic 3D environments, Multi-Touch user interface controls and innovative gameplay.
With seven unique planets, two different game modes, more than 50 Medals and Commendations to be earned on the field, and three different difficulty settings available at launch, Star Defense offers endless replayability for newcomers and war-hardened veterans alike.
Star Defense is available now for $5.99 from Apple’s App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.
Star Defense follows the success of ngmoco’s premium hit Rolando (http://rolando.ngmoco.com/), the innovative word-puzzler WordFu (http://wordfu.ngmoco.com/), the action-packed arcade shooter Dropship (http://dropship.ngmoco.com/), comic-style microsurgery game Dr. Awesome (http://drawesome.ngmoco.com/) and the special effects-laden action hit MazeFinger (http://mazefinger.ngmoco.com).
To witness the lives and minds of the ngmoco team at work on the future of iPhone and iPod touch games, visit http://www.ngmoco.com.
About ngmoco
Headquartered in San Francisco, ngmoco was founded in 2008 by games industry veterans committed to the new mobile landscape opened up by Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch. ngmoco creates and publishes games built specifically for the iPhone and iPod touch made in collaboration with the best and brightest game makers in the world. Founded by Neil Young, Bob Stevenson, Alan Yu and Joe Keene, the company’s investors include Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Maples Investments.
NC Soft - USA Pre-Order Of Aion Detailed, Beta Events and early Access + Limited Collectors Edition - Press Release
NC Soft have announced the pre-order bonus for Aion, their new MMO. Every Pre-order gets entry to the games Beta Events as well as early access to the servers. they also announced a special limited edition, which will feature a variety of items, of only 50,000 copies world wide.
They also announce a competition to Win a Alienware notebook and other prizes. to be entered you have to pre-order the game and take part in beta events.
Press Release
SEATTLE --(Business Wire)-- Jun 17, 2009 NCsoft®, the world's premier publisher and developer of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs), today announced the start of its preorder program and availability for the highly anticipated Western launch of Aion™, its new visually stunning fantasy MMORPG scheduled for release this fall. Players can now secure their copy by preordering the Aion Limited Collector’s Edition (only 50,000 being produced worldwide), which features a variety of exclusive items, or the standard edition featuring an exclusive SteelBook case limited to the first production run. Aion’s Western availability comes on the coattails of its phenomenal launch and success winning the Grand Awards of 2008 in Korea and setting launch participation records in China.
Players who preorder Aion receive guaranteed entry to all scheduled Aion beta events, early access to the servers at launch, exclusive in-game digital items, and special game benefits including character and server preselection privileges. Featured in-game digital items for Aion preorders include an exclusive Black Cloud Hat and Lodas' Amulet, as well as one of five different Ancient Rings of Power dependent on retail purchase location.
As a special promotion in North America, Aion preorder participants will have a chance to win an Alienware Area-51® m15x gaming notebook (US$2,324), and other great prizes such as HIS Hightech ATI Radeon™ HD video cards (US$164.99 and US$79.99) and one of ten yearly subscriptions to Aion. In order to qualify to win, players must preorder and participate in the beta events. For complete terms and conditions go to http://www.aiononline.com/preorder.
To take advantage of the special preorder promotion and secure their copy of Aion, players may visit one of several participating retailers, including GameStop, Amazon and Best Buy. For complete Aion preorder program details, visithttp://www.aiononline.com/preorder.
For more information about Aion go to http://www.aiononline.com. For more news about NCsoft, go tohttp://us.ncsoft.com/en/news/.
About NCsoft
NCsoft, headquartered in Seoul, Korea, is the world's premier publisher and developer of massively multiplayer online games, including the critically acclaimed Lineage®, Guild Wars®, and City of Heroes® franchises. NCsoft West is a division of NCsoft that holds operating responsibilities for North America, Europe, South America, and Australia/New Zealand. More information can be found at http://us.ncsoft.com.
NCsoft, the interlocking NC logo, Lineage, Guild Wars, City of Heroes, Aion, and all associated logos and designs are trademarks or registered trademarks of NCsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.