PC | First Fallout MMORPG art surfaces

To boost arguments in Bethesda lawsuit, Interplay releases concept shots for its Masthead-developed post-nuclear role-playing game.

Sporting the latest in irradiated fashions¥

One week after it countersued Bethesda Softworks over the Fallout massively multiplayer online role-playing game, Interplay has fired another shot over its former ally's bow. To bolster its contention that it is actively working on an MMORPG set in the post-nuclear role-playing game's universe, the company released the first concept art for the game, code-named Project V13.

Project V13 lead system designer Chris Taylor*, an original Fallout developer who was rehired in September 2008, posted four concept art paintings on the official Interplay forums (registration required)."Keep in mind that this is concept art. It's not finalized art, but it will give you a feel for what we are aiming for with V13," cautioned Taylor.

Cacti are well suited to the apres-apocalypse

The four shots show that Interplay and Earthrise developer Masthead, which is co-developing Project V13, are departing somewhat from the original Fallout's aesthetic. The "Survivor" image shows a surprisingly well-groomed wasteland wanderer sporting three weapons--two energy pistols in his hands and a shotgun of sorts on his back. The other three shots show various parts of the apres-apocalyptic landscape, including a desert, a factory, and an airplane junkyard.

This flight is still delayed?

The release of the Project V13 shots is the latest chapter in the increasingly ugly legal battle between Bethesda and Interplay. In September, the Fallout 3 developer-publisher filed suit against the formerly major publisher which released the first Fallout games in the late 1990s.

The suit stemmed a 2007 deal which saw Bethesda buy the Fallout IP outright and then license the rights to make a Fallout-branded MMORPG back to Interplay. Bethesda claims Interplay violated that deal by deceptively selling the original Fallout games as the "Fallout Trilogy" and misleading customers that it contained Fallout 3.

12,126 days without a civilization-ending nuclear accident.

Bethesda also accused Interplay of not raising the MMORPG funding required by the contract. After announcing its intention to terminate the MMORPG deal in April, Bethesda pointed to a June 30 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission revealed that Interplay only had $2.54 million in debt and only $16,000 in cash assets. That figure was far short of the $30 million required by the agreement.

In its countersuit, Interplay accused Bethesda of 10 counts of breach of contract, including violating the terms of the trademark licensing agreement (TLA) and asset purchase agreement (APA) entered into in 2007. It is seeking to retain limited licensing rights for Fallout, including those for a planned pen-and-paper RPG, or to have the 2007 agreement nullified and have the entire Fallout IP return to Interplay.

*=Not to be confused with Gas Powered Games' Chris Taylor.

Who's on first?

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/fallout/news.html?sid=6238494

DS | Wii Sports Resort sells 6.97 million, Wii Sports tops 50 million

Nintendo's latest minigame compilation debuts to nearly septuple-platinum sales.

Yesterday, Nintendo reported that revenues declined 34.5 percent to ¥548.1 billion ($6.0 billion) during the April-September period of its current fiscal year. And while part of that decline could be attributed to a weakness in the hardware market, Nintendo also saw a dip in its global software sales for the Wii and DS. The publisher's console game sales fell from 81.4 million to 76.2 million during the six-month window, and handheld titles slipped from 85 million to 71.1 million units.

OK boy! Now, bring it back!

Still, Nintendo did see a few wins during the period. In a supplementary to its earnings report released today, Nintendo said that six Wii games and six DS games sold more than a million units during the six-month period. Notably, Nintendo said that one of its tent-pole releases for the year, Wii Sports Resort, has sold 6.97 million units since its June domestic debut and July overseas launch.

Wii Sports Resort's predecessor also continued its strong run. Sold as a stand-alone game in Japan but packed in with Nintendo's console in North America, Wii Sports shifted 4.83 million units during the April-September window, bringing its lifetime total to 50.5 million units. Nintendo's other top releases for the period by units sold were Wii Fit with 4.28 million (22.5 million LTD), Mario Kart Wii with 2.96 million (18.4 million LTD), Wii Fit Plus with 2.13 million (which launched in October), and Wii Play with 1.45 million (24.4 million LTD).

Pokemon led the way on Nintendo's DS sales chart. Pokemon Platinum sold 2.63 million units globally during the period, bringing its lifetime total to 6.39 million units, while Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver debuted to 2.27 million units. New Super Mario Bros. shifted 1.49 million units during the period, bumping its grand total to 19.9 million units, and Mario Kart DS sold an additional 1.48 million units, bringing its lifetime sales to 16.1 million. Available only in Japan, Tomodachi Collection launched to 1.45 million units, and Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box premiered with 1.26 million units.

Nintendo Wii
Wii Sports Resort - 6.97 million (6.97 million LTD)
Wii Sports - 4.83 million (50.5 million LTD)
Wii Fit - 4.28 million (22.5 million LTD)
Mario Kart Wii - 2.96 million (18.4 million LTD)
Wii Fit Plus - 2.13 million (2.13 million LTD)
Wii Play - 1.45 million (24.4 million LTD)

Nintendo DS
Pokemon Platinum - 2.63 million (6.39 million LTD)
Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver - 2.27 million (2.27 million LTD)
New Super Mario Bros. - 1.49 million (19.9 million LTD)
Mario Kart DS - 1.48 million (16.1 million LTD)
Tomodachi Collection - 1.45 million (1.45 million LTD)
Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box* - 1.26 million (1.26 million LTD)

*Nintendo notes that this figure does not include Japanese sales, given that it published the game only outside of Japan.

Shii - The Wii for Women

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/laytonkyoujutoakumanohako/news.html?sid=6238531

Wii | Shippin' Out Nov. 1-7: Dragon Age, Band Hero, Lego Rock Band, NFS: Shift

BioWare's long-awaited fantasy RPG takes wing, as Activision and MTV Games launch their next rhythm game volley; Rabbids Go Home, Academy of Champions, Jak and Daxter, Star Wars Battlefront, more.

Most years, publishers are tripping over themselves to release their pride and joys during the prime November window. With an inordinate number of top-tier 2009 releases retreating to 2010, though, EA and BioWare's Dragon Age: Origins finds itself in the fortunate position of heading to retail during the first week of November virtually unchallenged.

This guy? Yeah, he's waiting.

As confirmed last month, Dragon Age: Origins will take wing on the PlayStation 3 alongside the Xbox 360 and PC editions on November 3. Billed as a "dark heroic fantasy role-playing game," Dragon Age: Origins was first revealed in May 2004 and takes its cues from BioWare's acclaimed Baldur's Gate franchise. Those who purchase the game new will gain free entry to the Stone Prisoner and Blood Armor downloadable content at launch, and the Warden's Keep will also be available on day one for $7 (MSP560).

The rhythm game wars continue this week, as both Activision and MTV Games launch new installments in their Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises aimed at the younger sect. Activision's pop-heavy Band Hero includes 65 songs on the Xbox 360, PS3, PlayStation 2, Wii, and the publisher said that gamers can import 61 songs from Guitar Hero 5. The DS edition features 30 tunes, as well as a tiny drum-set peripheral compatible with only the Lite model of Nintendo's handheld.

Jaundiced blockheads not being so far off from the rock-and-roll lifestyle, MTV Games has teamed with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment on Lego Rock Band. The rhythm game will be available for the Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii with a 45 song setlist, while DS gamers can strum along to 25 tunes.

Nintendo's platforms receive a couple of new additions to its library courtesy of Ubisoft this week. The publisher's latest installment in its psychotic interstellar bunny franchise arrives, as Rabbids Go Home raids the Wii and DS. Ubisoft also has its Pele, Mia Hamm-fronted arcade soccer title Academy of Champions taking to the Wii pitch.

Nitro prepares to peel out.

More casual than its positively reviewed Need for Speed: Shift, the Wii- and DS-exclusive Nitro features cars with a stylized appearance and controls friendly to rookies and experts alike. Power-ups are strewn across the raceway and a new graffiti system will factor into overall racing performance. On the Wii, Need for Speed: Nitro can be played with the Wii Remote, nunchuk, racing wheel, or the GameCube Controller.

With Ratchet & Clank adventuring to the PS3 last week, Sony will be bringing a new installment in its other platforming franchise, Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier, to the PS2 and PSP this week. Also coming to the PSP, as well as the DS, this week is LucasArts' Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron. With FIFA 10 scoring glowing critical marks two weeks ago, Konami will touch off its soccer sim Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 for the Xbox 360 and PS3 this week.

For further details on the week's games, visit GameSpot's New Releases page. The full list of downloadable games on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live Marketplace, and the Wii Shop Channel will be revealed later this week. Release dates are based on retailer listings and are subject to change.

NOVEMBER 1, 2009
Rabbids Go Home--WII, DS--Ubisoft

NOVEMBER 2, 2009
My Baby First Steps--WII, DS--SouthPeak Games
Need for Speed: Nitro--WII, DS--EA Games
Playmobil 2 Pack--PC--Dreamcatcher
Style Savvy--DS--Nintendo
Sushi Academy--DS--City Interactive

NOVEMBER 3, 2009
Academy of Champions--WII--Ubisoft
Band Hero--X360, PS3, PS2, WII, DS--Activision
C.O.P. The Recruit--DS--Ubisoft
Diner Dash: Flo on the Go--DS--Zoo Games
Disney's A Christmas Carol--DS--Disney Interactive Studios
Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom--WII--Take-Two Interactive
Dora the Explorer: Puppy Playtime--DS--Take-Two Interactive
Dragon Age: Origins--X360, PS3, PC--Electronic Arts
Dream Salon--DS--Zoo Games
Food Network: Cook or Be Cooked--WII--Namco Bandai Games America
Hidden Mysteries: Titanic--WII, DS--Activision Value
Hooked! Again: Real Motion Fishing--WII--Aksys Games
Imagine: Babyz Fashion--DS--Ubisoft
Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier--PS2, PSP--SCEA
Jewel Master: Egypt--DS--Storm City Games
Jurassic: The Hunted--X360, PS3, PS2, WII--Activision
Lego Rock Band--X360, PS3, WII, DS--Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration--DS--Take-Two Interactive
Pro Evolution Soccer 2010--X360, PS3--Konami
Star Wars Battlefront: Elite Squadron--PSP, DS--LucasArts
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed - Ultimate Sith Edition--X360, PS3, PC--Aspyr
Ultimate Party Challenge--WII--Konami
We Cheer 2--WII--Namco Bandai Games America
Wire Way--DS--Konami

NOVEMBER 4, 2009
Agatha Christie: ABC Murders--DS--DreamCatcher
Yoga for Wii--WII--Dreamcatcher

NOVEMBER 6, 2009
Buck Fever--WII--Destineer
We Wish You a Merry Christmas--WII--Destineer

Kanye Space Shippin FL Studio Instrumental

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/wiiwishyoumerryxmas/news.html?sid=6238414

Xbox 360 | Aussie game charts: October 19-25

Forza Motorsport 3 storms the charts and takes out the top spot down under.

With so many big titles coming out in the last few weeks, it's not too surprising to see the number one position in the overall game charts constantly change hands. Last week, Microsoft's simulation racer Forza Motorsport 3, stormed into the pole position at number one, according to data trackers GfK Australia.

The previous week's top dog, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, didn't fare too well dropping all the way down to number four, for the week of October 19-25. During its first week of sales, Borderlands on the Xbox 360 managed to make it into fifth spot, while the PlayStation 3 version also made it into the top 10, but only managed to snag eighth place. The SmackDown vs. RAW series has always been a popular sporting title down under, but interestingly it was the PlayStation 2 version of SVR 2010 that ranked the highest at number six. The only next-gen version of THQ's popular wrestling series was on the PS3, which took out the final 10th spot.

Aussie Party- Australia

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/driving/forzamotorsport3/news.html?sid=6238430

Xbox 360 | DSi XL hits US & EU Q1 2010, DS sales top 113 million

[UPDATE] Fourth DS hardware revision will sport 4.2-inch screens and larger stylus, cost ¥20,000 ($220.50) in Japan; 11.7 million units of DS hardware sold in last six months.

Two days after it dismissed a Nikkei newswire article as speculative, Nintendo has confirmed that a new version of its DSi handheld, the DSi LL, will go on sale in Japan this year. [UPDATE] European and US reps for Nintendo have now confirmed it will also debut in Q1 2010 in North America and Europe, where it will be called the DSi XL.

As had been reported, the new DSi will sport two screens measuring 4.2 inches in diagonal diameter, far larger than the current DSi's 3.25-inch screens or the DS Lite's 3-inch screens. The DSi LL's screens almost as large as the single screen of the Sony PSP-3000, which measures in at 4.3 inches. Battery life will run 4 to 5 hours on maximum brightness and 13 to 17 hours on lowest brightness, on par with the DS Lite. (A translation error initially indicated the battery life would only be 3 hours, which is the unit's charging time.)

As shown on Nintendo Japan's official Web site, the handheld will also sport both a regular stylus and an easier-to-hold stylus shaped like a rounded pen. The handheld will go on sale in Japan on November 21 for a cost of ¥20,000 ($220.50) and will be available in three colors: wine red (pictured), dark brown, and natural white.

The handheld is the fourth version of DS hardware in as many years, following the original DS (2004-2005), the DS Lite (2006), and the DSi (2008-2009). As part of an earnings report today, Nintendo announced that as of September 30, it had sold 113.48 million units of DS hardware, with 11.7 million units sold in the six months from April to September. The portable remains the best-selling platform in the US, selling 524,200 units during the NPD Group's September 2009 reporting period.

The DSi's introduction will raise some issues with the US' 2.2 million DSi owners who have bought games from the DSi store. According to reports, DSiWare games are not transferable to another handheld, meaning they would have to be repurchased on any new DSi. The larger screens, however, will have greater appeal to demographics with poor eyesight, such as the elderly.

[UPDATE] When contacted by GameSpot UK, Nintendo issued this statement regarding the new handheld's European launch: "Nintendo today confirms that a new Nintendo DSi XL console is launching in Europe in the first quarter of 2010. The retail price of the Nintendo DSi XL is expected to be higher than that of the Nintendo DSi. Further details will be released soon."

[UPDATE 2] Nintendo of America reps have now confirmed it will also be released in the US and Canada in Q1 2010, but had no further information other than the following statement:

"A new iteration of the Nintendo DSi system will be introduced in Japan on November 21, 2009. To be known as Nintendo DSi LL in Japan, and as Nintendo DSi XL in North America and Europe, it will offer a screen 93% larger than the current Nintendo DS Lite with a better view angle, an additional longer touch screen stylus, and pre-installed Nintendo DSiWare software. The new version will arrive in North America and Europe in the first quarter of calendar year 2010."

DSi XL TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

4.2" screen, TFT color liquid crystal (260,000 colors)
Width 161.0mm
Length 91.4mm
Thickness 21.2mm
Stylus length: 96.0mm
Large stylus length: 129.3mm
Weight: 314g
Battery life: 4-5 hours maximum brightness, 13-17 hours minimum brightness
Charging time: 3 hours (when fully depleted)
--DS card slot
--SD memory card slot
--AC adapter
--Stereo headphone/Microphone connected terminal

IGN Daily Fix, 10-27: A New DSi, A New GoldenEye, & MW 2

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6238345.html

Xbox 360 | Bayonetta stabs stores Jan. 5

Sega nails down release date for third-person action game from Devil May Cry, Okami director; EU getting the point Jan. 8.

One of this year's big trends has been highly anticipated holiday games being pushed to early next year. While Johnny-also-come-latelies like Alpha Protocol, Blur, Splinter Cell: Conviction, Starcraft II, and more have made delays to 2010 seem like the "in" thing, Bayonetta was one of the trendsetters, with Sega announcing the North American and European delay in mid-July.

Witch may weep?

Sega announced the game's official release date today, and while it was indeed pushed to 2010, it wasn't pushed very far into the year. Bayonetta will launch on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in North America on January 5, with European gamers able to pick it up January 8. In a statement, Sega America and Sega Europe CEO Mike Hayes cited the January launch window as the best time to launch a new intellectual property in the West.

Hayes also said the January release will help the game "push for a #1 retail slot." If Bayonetta is going to take the top spot, it will have to do so against stiff competition. In addition to lingering holiday blockbusters, Bayonetta will also be competing on the charts against an unusually strong lineup of January releases, including Army of Two: The 40th Day, Dark Void, MAG, and Mass Effect 2.

Sega also promised exclusive preorder bonuses for customers, but did not detail the incentives. However, specialty retailer GameStop is currently offering a $5 price break and a pack of eight posters for customers who preorder. For more on Bayonetta, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.

New Bayonetta Gameplay

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/bayonetta/news.html?sid=6238396

DS | Blue Dragon flies again on DS

D3Publisher bringing Eternal Sonata developer's latest to North America next spring; Awakened Shadow picks up two years after Xbox 360 original.

When Microsoft was preparing to launch the Xbox 360, it took a number of steps to ensure the console would fare better in Japan than its predecessor. One such move was to commission a role-playing game from Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakuguchi and Dragon Ball architect Akira Toriyama. That game, 2007's Blue Dragon, helped spark Japanese interest in Microsoft's console and earned a Japan Game Award from the organizers of the Tokyo Game Show, but couldn't propel the Xbox 360 ahead of its main competitors.

Blue Dragon returns next spring with Awakened Shadow on the DS.

Now Blue Dragon appears to be getting a second life on the DS. Earlier this year, the series made its debut on Nintendo's dual-screened portable with Blue Dragon Plus, and now D3Publisher of America has announced that it will be releasing Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow for the portable in spring of 2010.

Awakened Shadow will see the series get its third developer in as many games. The original game was created by Mistwalker, with the first sequel entrusted to Mother 3 developer Brownie Brown. For Awakened Shadow, development duties have been given to Tri-Crescendo, the studio behind the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 RPG Eternal Sonata. Tri-Crescendo is also working on Fragile: Farewell Ruins of the Moon.

For more on the series, check out GameSpot's reviews of Blue Dragon and Blue Dragon Plus.

Eiffel 65 - I'm Blue

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/bluedragon/news.html?sid=6238411

PlayStation 3 | Square Enix lowers fiscal-year expectations

Publisher scales back profit projections by ¥5 billion, cites expenses related to Eidos acquisition, severance payments.

The gaming industry is seeing a burst of pessimism this week. Nintendo lowered its financial projections, one industry analyst changed his mind about US game sales' ability to grow this year, and another suggested the rhythm genre was headed for the second-act fall from grace of a Behind the Music episode.

Lowered expectations aside, Dragon Quest IX should pad the bottom line.

Square Enix is the latest to scale back expectations, as the Japanese role-playing game publisher today revised its fiscal year profit projections downward by ¥5 billion ($55 million). The downgrade was blamed on a variety of factors from the first half of the company's fiscal year (April-September), among them expenses associated with the company's purchase of Eidos, as well as severance payments and outplacement programs.

The downgrade also impacted Square Enix's full-year expectations on earnings per share, knocking it down from ¥130 ($1.43) to ¥87 ($.95). Even with the reduction, that's still significantly better than Square Enix's prior fiscal year earnings per share, which came out to ¥55 ($.60). The rosy outlook compared to the previous year no doubt is owed to the blockbuster Japanese success of Dragon Quest IX, and this December's debut of Final Fantasy XIII for the PlayStation 3 in Japan (international releases on 360 and PS3 are expected next spring).

The rest of the company's full-year projections, including revenues and operating income, remained unchanged.

P Square No One Like You (Official Video)

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/finalfantasy13/news.html?sid=6238427

Xbox 360 | Large-screen DSi hits Japan Nov. 21, DS sales top 113 million

New Nintendo handheld also confirmed for 2010 EU launch as DSi XL, will sport 4.2-inch screens and larger stylus, cost ¥20,000 ($220.50) in Japan; 11.7 million units of DS hardware sold in last six months.

Two days after it dismissed a Nikkei newswire article as speculative, Nintendo has confirmed that a new version of its DSi handheld will go on sale in Japan this year.

As had been reported, the new DSi LL will sport two screens measuring 4.2 inches in diagonal diameter, far larger than the current DSi's 3.25-inch screens or the DS Lite's 3-inch screens. The DSi LL's screens almost as large as the single screen of the Sony PSP-3000, which measures in at 4.3 inches. [UPDATE] Battery life will run 4 to 5 hours on maximum brightness and 13 to 17 hours on lowest brightness, on par with the DS Lite. (A translation error initially indicated the battery life would only be 3 hours, which is the unit's charging time.)

As shown on Nintendo Japan's official Web site, the handheld will also sport both a regular stylus and an easier-to-hold stylus shaped like a rounded pen. The handheld will go on sale in Japan on November 21 for a cost of ¥20,000 ($220.50) and will be available in three colors: wine red (pictured), dark brown, and natural white.

The handheld is the fourth version of DS hardware in as many years, following the original DS (2004-2005), the DS Lite (2006), and the DSi (2008-2009). As part of an earnings report today, Nintendo announced that as of September 30, it had sold 113.48 million units of DS hardware, with 11.7 million units sold in the six months from April to September. The portable remains the best-selling platform in the US, selling 524,200 units during the NPD Group's September 2009 reporting period.

The DSi's introduction will raise some issues with the US' 2.2 million DSi owners who have bought games from the DSi store. According to reports, DSiWare games are not transferable to another handheld, meaning they would have to be repurchased on any new DSi. The larger screens, however, will have greater appeal to demographics with poor eyesight, such as the elderly.

UPDATE: When contacted by GameSpot UK, Nintendo issued this statement regarding the new handheld's European launch: "Nintendo today confirms that a new Nintendo DSi XL console is launching in Europe in the first quarter of 2010. The retail price of the Nintendo DSi XL is expected to be higher than that of the Nintendo DSi. Further details will be released soon." No information on a US launch was available at the time of going to press.

DSi LL TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

4.2" screen, TFT color liquid crystal (260,000 colors)
Width 161.0mm
Length 91.4mm
Thickness 21.2mm
Stylus length: 96.0mm
Large stylus length: 129.3mm
Weight: 314g
Battery life: 4-5 hours maximum brightness, 13-17 hours minimum brightness
Charging time: 3 hours (when fully depleted)
--DS card slot
--SD memory card slot
--AC adapter
--Stereo headphone/Microphone connected terminal

Who is Anonymous?

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6238345.html

Xbox 360 | Nintendo six-month profit falls 52%, full-year estimates cut

Weakening Wii sells only 5.75 million units during six months, down from 10.1 million; just $2.5 billion in annual profit now expected; new large-screen DSi hits Japan November 21.

Anyone doubting that the Wii's momentum is ebbing was rebuked today by Nintendo's own earnings report. For the six months ended September 30, 2009, the company saw its profits plummet by 52 percent, falling from ¥144.8 billion ($1.6 billion) from April to September 2008 to ¥69.5 billion ($766 million) from April to September 2009. On a year-on-year comparison, overall revenues fell from ¥836.9 billion ($9.22 billion) to ¥548.1 billion ($6.0 billion), a decline of 34.5 percent.

Shrinking earnings are likely causing some tension among Nintendo's staff.

As has been indicated by both American and Japanese sales reports, the main reason for Nintendo's flagging fortunes is the Wii's slowing sales. Worldwide, the console sold just 5.75 million units during the six-month period, down from 10.1 million during the same period in 2008. Lifetime sales of the Wii now total 56.14 million units.

Wii software was less impacted, falling from 81.4 million to 76.2 million during the six-month window. This trend may change, though, since the Wii's price dropped to $200 in the US at the end of September.

In a brief statement, the company admitted a lack of blockbuster games was partly to blame for the Wii's flagging fortunes. "With respect to the Wii, software titles which briskly drive hardware sales were not launched in the first half of the [fiscal] year [ending March 2010]," read the statement. "In addition, the negative impact of the Wii hardware price reduction and appreciation of the yen were also absorbed."

The DS platform fared better, with worldwide April-September hardware sales dipping slightly from 13.7 million units to 11.7 million units. The figure included some 7.2 million units of the DSi handheld, which has now sold 10.1 million units since launching last November in Japan and in April in the US and EU. Life-to-date DS hardware sales now total 113.48 million units, but DS software sales fell from 85 million units to 71.1 million units during the last six months.

Despite today's announcement of the new, larger-screen DSi LL, Nintendo believes that decreased Wii and DS sales will impact its earnings more than previously expected. The company revised its profit estimate for the year ending March 31, 2010, to ¥230 billion ($2.5 billion), down from the ¥300 billion ($3.3 billion) it had previously forecast. The new figure marks a decrease from the nearly 280 billion yen ($3.1 billion) profit the company posted for the financial year ending March 31, 2009.

Nintendo Wii Gaming System with Wii Sports and 15 Access...

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6238346.html

Xbox 360 | Capcom six-month profits spike 58%

Publisher rides continued popularity of Resident Evil 5, million-unit start of Monster Hunter Tri to $426M in sales, $32M income during Apr.-Sept. period.

Capcom may have a zombie fetish, but its current fiscal year performance is anything but ambling. Despite a relative dearth of blockbuster titles, Capcom said in July that revenues hit ¥19.5 billion ($213 million) for the April-June quarter, a 19.2 percent revenue growth. Reporting on its six-month performance today, the publisher said that revenues have maintained their double-digit growth pace, rising 24.5 percent for the April-September period to ¥38.9 billion ($426 million).

Not even a kraken could get in the way of Monster Hunter Tri.

What's more, Capcom managed to right its profit trajectory during the back half of its six-month earnings period. Whereas net profits dipped 6.4 percent to ¥2.23 billion ($24.4 million) during the April-June quarter, Capcom said that its six-month income soared 58.4 percent to ¥2.96 billion ($32.4 million).

The publisher's Home Video Games segment again bolstered Capcom's financials. The segment grew revenues to ¥27.7 billion yen ($303 million) during the six-month period, a 68.3 percent rise. Operating income doubled to ¥7.3 billion ($79.9 million).

"As for the video game industry, the Japanese domestic market has been on a downward trend, but it started to show some signs of recovery," Capcom said as part of its report. "Such an improvement, though not steady, is supported by the release of several large-scale titles that energized the home video game market."

Monster Hunter Tri sold 1 million units following its August 1 launch, though Capcom did not delineate how many units were sold as part of the game's Wii bundle. Other top sellers during the period included Resident Evil 5 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite for the PSP, and Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth for the DS.

Despite the substantial growth in its console and handheld gaming business, Capcom maintained its full-year earnings projections, due to continued weakness in its Arcade segment. For the full year ending March 31, 2010, Capcom expects net sales to hit ¥95 billion ($1.04 billion). Net income is projected to come in at ¥8.5 billion ($93 million).

Capcom 2009-2010 Game Lineup Press Conference : Part 16/18

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/adventure/residentevil5/news.html?sid=6238362

Wii | Resident Evil Zero infects Wii Dec. 1

Capcom's latest installment in Archives line reanimates GameCube prequel to the original survival horror hit.

This holiday,Capcom is hoping gamers will find time to check out something from the archives--specifically, the Resident Evil Archives. The publisher today announced that the latest installment in the line of Wii re-releases for the survival horror series, Resident Evil Archives: Resident Evil Zero, will launch in North America on December 1.

Billy and Rebecca, ready to kill some dudes who are already dead.

Originally released on the GameCube in 2002, Resident Evil Zero was the last major installment in the series to use the original control scheme before Resident Evil 4 gave the franchise an action-oriented overhaul. Set just prior to the events of the original Resident Evil, the game gives players a peek at the origins of the franchise's nefarious corporate ne'er-do-well Umbrella, as well as its research that produced the first zombie outbreaks. The game puts players in control of S.T.A.R.S. member Rebecca Chambers and convict Billy Coen, swapping between the pair in mid-battle.

Like the Resident Evil Archives revamp of Resident Evil, the Wii remake of Resident Evil Zero will feature support for the Wii Remote control. Unlike other M-rated games, Capcom's zombie-slaughtering series has multiplied like a highly virulent weaponized plague on Nintendo's console. In addition to the Archives games, the Wii has also played host to its own version of Resident Evil 4, and two original on-rails shooters in Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles and the upcoming Resident Evil: Darkside Chronicles.

For more on Resident Evil Zero, check out GameSpot's review of the original GameCube release.

Resident Evil Numa

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/biohazard0wiiedition/news.html?sid=6238373

Xbox 360 | Modern Warfare 2 massacre 'not representative of overall experience' - Activision

Activision breaks silence following controversial leaked Call of Duty footage, emphasizes its plot significance, opt-out checkpoints; game's ESRB summary MIA.

SPOILER WARNING: The story below contains information that reveals major plot details about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. The game's developer, Infinity Ward, is recommending a total media blackout for those who wish to play the game without any prior knowledge of its story.

Yesterday, footage purporting to be of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 began appearing across the Internet. Unlike prior gameplay trailers, it did not cast players as British and US Special Forces fighting terrorists. Instead, it put the gamers behind the iron sights of a terrorist's assault rifle during an airport massacre similar to last year's attacks in Mumbai, India.

Gamers won't have to participate in Modern Warfare 2's massacre.

Within hours, Activision's UK offices confirmed the footage as real. However, reps were quick to emphasize that the sequence was both optional and prefaced by warnings that it would contain images that some might find offensive.

Now, with the Associated Press picking up the story--often the first step in a news item getting widespread mainstream press exposure--Activision's US offices have broken their silence. "The leaked footage was taken from a copy of game that was obtained illegally and is not representative of the overall gameplay experience in Modern Warfare 2," a spokesperson told GameSpot.

"Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare 2 features a deep and gripping storyline in which players face off against a terrorist threat dedicated to bringing the world to the brink of collapse," the spokesperson continued. "The game includes a plot involving a mission carried out by a Russian villain who wants to trigger a global war. In order to defeat him, the player infiltrates his inner circle. The scene is designed to evoke the atrocities of terrorism."

The spokesperson concluded, "At the beginning of the game, players encounter a mandatory 'checkpoint' in which they are warned that an upcoming segment may contain disturbing elements, and they can choose not to engage in the gameplay that involves this scene."

The scene's carnage will be prefaced with warnings that its imagery may be "disturbing."

Activision reps were quick to emphasize that, in the US and Canada, the game has been rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board. They also pointed out that said rating is "prominently displayed" on all packaging and in all advertising. However, the ESRB Web site currently has no detailed summary of the game other than the basic descriptors for "blood, drug reference, intense violence, [and] language."

Detailed summaries became mandatory for all ESRB-rated games in November 2008 and are included for all new releases, such as Activision's own DJ Hero and Guitar Hero 5. Modern Warfare 2's DS spin-off, the T for Teen rated Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Mobilized, also has a detailed summary.

As of press time, neither the ESRB nor Activision had an explanation as to why Modern Warfare 2's summary was missing, though they have been criticized for containing plot spoilers in the past.

modern talking--you're my heart you're my soul

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/modernwarfare2/news.html?sid=6238331

PSP | Shippin' Out Oct. 25-31: DJ Hero, GTAIV: Gay Tony, Tekken 6, Forza 3, Ratchet & Clank

Activision spins out turntable-equipped rhythm game, along with Rockstar's second 360-only add-on and Episodes From Liberty City; Namco Bandai fighter, Microsoft racer, and Sony platformer also launching.

MTV Games' The Beatles: Rock Band may have won in its head-to-head matchup against Activision's Guitar Hero 5, but neither game had a particularly impressive showing on September's NPD sales chart. This week, Activision will attempt to revive the slumping rhythm game genre by approaching it from a new angle, courtesy of DJ Hero.

Daft Punk spinning for the house.

DJ Hero will feature 100 individual songs in 80 all-new mixes previously unavailable to the public, with a number of licensed disc-scratchers, including DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Shadow, DJ AM, DJ Z-Trip, Grandmaster Flash, Tiesto, and DJ Yoda. The game will also pack in a new turntable peripheral, with the standard-edition Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii packages running $120. Alternatively, gamers can pick up the Renegade Edition package for $200.

Microsoft's Xbox 360 has a pair of high-profile exclusives in store this week. Rockstar Games' top-rated Grand Theft Auto IV sees its second downloadable extension with The Ballad of Gay Tony on Wednesday. Xbox 360 gamers can also pick up Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City, a stand-alone retail offering that includes Gay Tony and the first GTAIV expansion, The Lost and Damned.

Turn 10's Forza 3 represents Microsoft's other big Xbox 360 exclusive for the week. The follow-up to 2007's acclaimed racing sim, Forza 3 features more than 400 cars out of the box, as well as more than 100 different tracks to race on. Those who purchase the game new will also receive a free batch of DLC, offering exclusive access to 10 additional classic rides and two tracks.

Sony's PS3 isn't without its exclusive this week, either. Insomniac Games concludes its Ratchet & Clank Future trilogy with A Crack in Time. The game will follow the lombax Ratchet as he attempts to save his robotic sidekick, and Sony promises to reveal both their origins and ultimate destinies during the course of the game, teasing a breakup along the way.

Both Xbox 360 and PS3 gamers can get behind Namco Bandai's Tekken 6, which makes its long-awaited console debut after being first announced alongside Sony's console in 2005. Available in two retail configurations, the standard-edition package will cost $59.99. Those looking to pick up a new fight stick can opt in to the Tekken 6 Wireless Fight Stick Bundle, which will be available for both the Xbox 360 and PS3 at participating retailers for $149.99. (A PSP edition of Tekken 6 is expected later this year.)

Scribblenauts developer 5TH Cell and THQ will bring to market Drawn to Life: Next Chapter on the Wii and DS, a sequel to 2007's positively reviewed innovative side-scrolling adventure. Konami has a pair of Dance Dance Revolution titles out this week, as Hottest Party 3 heats up the Wii and X2 steps to the PS2. Ubisoft's latest CSI adventure, Deadly Intent, will also sleuth its way onto the Xbox 360, Wii, and DS.

For further details on the week's games, visit GameSpot's New Releases page. The full list of downloadable games on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live Marketplace, and the Wii Shop Channel will be revealed later this week. Release dates are based on retailer listings and are subject to change.

OCTOBER 26, 2009
Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? Game Time--X360, WII, DS--THQ
The Backyardigans--DS--Take-Two Interactive
Hasbro Family Game Night 2--WII, DS--Electronic Arts
Mytran Wars--PSP--Deep Silver
Nerf 2: N-Strike Elite--WII--Electronic Arts
Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: Super Game Day--WII, PS2--Take-Two Interactive
SpongeBob's Truth or Square--X360, PSP, WII DS--THQ
World of Zoo--WII--THQ

OCTOBER 27, 2009
100 All-Time Favorites--DS--Ubisoft
All Star Cheer Squad 2--WII--THQ
Arcade Shooter: Illvelo--WII--UFO Interactive
Atelier Annie: Alchemists of Sera Island--DS--NIS America
Ben 10: Alien Force Vilgax Attacks--X360, PS2, PSP, WII, DS--D3Publisher
Chronicles of Mystery: The Tree of Life--DS, PC--City Interactive
Cocoto Surprise--WII--Big Ben Interactive
CSI: Deadly Intent--X360, WII, DS--Ubisoft
Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 3--WII--Konami
DanceDanceRevolution X2--PS2--Konami
Diner Dash: Flo on the Go--DS--Zoo Games
DJ Hero--X360, PS3, PS2, WII--Activision Blizzard
Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter--WII, DS--THQ
Dream Salon--DS--Zoo Games
Dreamworks Madagascar Kartz--WII--Activision
Fairytale Fights--X360, PS3--Playlogic
Forza Motorsport 3--X360--Microsoft Game Studios
League of Legends: Clash of Fates--PC--THQ
Monster 4x4: Stunt Racer--WII--Ubisoft
Mountain Sports--WII--Activision
Nostalgia--DS--Ignition Entertainment
Painkiller: Resurrection--X360, PC--DreamCatcher Interactive
Petz Dogz Family--PSP--Ubisoft
Petz Dolphinz Encounter--DS--Ubisoft
Petz Hamsterz Bunch--PSP--Ubisoft
Petz: Saddle Club--PSP--Ubisoft
Press Your Luck 2010 Edition--WII, DS, PC--Ubisoft
Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time--PS3--SCEA
Safari Adventures Africa--WII, DS--Conspiracy Entertainment
SimAnimals Africa--WII, DS--Electronic Arts
The Stronghold Collection--PC--Take-Two Interactive
Sushi Academy--DS--City Interactive
Tekken 6--X360, PS3--Namco Bandai
Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure--DS--Disney Interactive Studios
Touchmaster 3--DS--Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Vegas Party--WII--Storm City Games
Water Sports--WII--Activision

OCTOBER 29, 2009
Grand Theft Auto IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony--X360--Rockstar Games
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City--X360--Rockstar Games

OCTOBER 31, 2009
Omniball--IP--Vendetta Studios
Wine Tycoon--PC--Got Game Entertainment

Kanye Space Shippin FL Studio Instrumental

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/psp/strategy/mytranwars/news.html?sid=6237617

PC | Shattered Union headed for silver screen

Variety reports 2005 turn-based strategy game about a new American Civil War to be turned into a movie by Babylon 5 creator and Jerry Bruckheimer.

Although it was well received upon its release in 2005, 2K Games' Shattered Union made little impact in the industry and served as developer PopTop Software's swan song before being folded into fellow 2K subsidiary Firaxis Games. So it comes as some surprise that more than four years after it came and went with little fanfare, Variety is reporting that the turn-based strategy title is in development as a feature film, and with some big names behind it.

Shattered Union has all the big explosions expected of a Bruckheimer production.

According to the trade, Jerry Bruckheimer's production company has enlisted Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski to adapt the game. Straczynski is also writing a feature film based on Marvel Comics' Silver Surfer and is working on another project based on the zombie apocalypse novel World War Z. The writer's diverse background stretches into other media as well, with runs on the Amazing Spider-Man and Thor comics, as well as Saturday-morning cartoon fare He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors.

Where many game-to-movie projects give filmmakers precious little story to work with, Straczynski will be working from a detailed blueprint with overt political overtones. The Shattered Union plot begins in 2008 with a virtually tied US presidential election. The man who makes it in to the White House, by virtue of a Congressional decision, goes on to polarize the nation. Public protests lead to riots, which become domestic terrorism. A Supreme Court ruling hands the unpopular incumbent the 2012 elections, but the 2013 inauguration is interrupted by a nuclear bomb detonating in Washington, DC. With the president and most of Congress dead, the country sinks into chaos, and Texas and California secede. European peacekeepers sent to DC become embroiled in the fiasco, and before long seven different factions are fighting for control of the United States.

The Shattered Union movie is by no means Bruckheimer's only link to the gaming world. The producer has seen many of his hits adapted into interactive entertainment, from Top Gun to Pirates of the Caribbean. He's also behind the in-development movie adaptation of Prince of Persia, and in 2007 he established Jerry Bruckheimer Game Studio with MTV Games. Described as a "game incubation studio," the operation conceives of games but tries to find external partners to actually develop them.

Trading Yesterday - Shattered (MTT Version)

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/shatteredunion/news.html?sid=6238201

PlayStation 3 | US game software sales to decline 5% in 2009 - Analyst

Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter revises projections downward on declining Wii sales, but predicts double-digit recovery in 2010.

Even after the economy went south last year, gaming analysts like Wedbush Morgan Securities' Michael Pachter remained optimistic, saying the "recession resistant" industry would see 2009's full-year game sales hit record highs. By mid-2009, Pachter--like some of his colleagues--had toned down his "double-digit" software sales growth prediction to a more modest 5 percent.

Pachter's revision was attributed partly to lowered expectations for Wii hardware and software sales.

But with the year drawing to a close and sales continuing to underwhelm, the analyst has soured on the idea of full-year growth for software entirely. Pachter released a note to investors today warning that he now expects total 2009 game software sales at US retailers to decline 5 percent from 2008's level.

"Through September, U.S. video game software sales are down 12 percent compared with last year," Pachter wrote in a note to investors, "and although we expect a rebound over the final three months of the year, it is clear that annual sales will be down’The biggest contributor to our lower forecast is a downward revision to our Wii hardware and software sales expectations. While it is likely that Wii sales will rebound as a result of the recent price reduction, we think it is prudent to forecast conservatively."

Despite the gloomier near-term projection, Pachter reiterated his faith in the industry's longer-term prospects.

"In our view, the decline in 2009 occurred as consumers experienced 'console fatigue' in the middle part of the year, and we think that the recent hardware price cuts and a better release slate will drive double-digit growth in 2010," Pachter said, adding, "The combination of a solid release schedule and easy comparisons (March through August software sales averaged down 21 percent), leave us quite optimistic that the industry will record double-digit sales growth each of the first eight months in 2010." (Emphasis in original.)

Us

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/6238218.html

PlayStation 3 | WWE extends THQ-Jakks game license renewal deadline

Sports-entertainment company offers publisher until Dec. 31 to settle dispute with toy firm over joint wrestling-game venture; analysts believe THQ will strike indpendent deal.

Today, the World Wrestling Entertainment extended a deadline for THQ and Jakks Pacific to agree on renewing their joint venture's licensing deal for the wrestling company. According to THQ, the two companies now have until the current license expires on December 31, 2009, to renew their codevelopment deal through December 31, 2014.

Jakks appears to be in a tight spot.

The renewal notice comes as THQ and Jakks are squared off in the legal arena over the future of their WWE joint venture, which the two entered into in 1999. In July, Jakks spoke for both itself and THQ in exercising its right to renew the contract to make WWE games for five more years. However, THQ quickly responded to Jakks' announcement, filing a suit against the toy company claiming that it had not yet decided whether it would renew the WWE license.

THQ's suit further contended that Jakks could not unilaterally renew the WWE license as part of the terms of its joint venture with the toy maker. Also, THQ claimed that it is not obligated to consent to a renewal of the WWE license and that a noncompete clause preventing THQ from publishing a wrestling game for a year after the WWE agreement's termination cannot be enforced under California law.

In a note to investors today, Wedbush Morgan Securities' Michael Pachter said that the announcement gives THQ time to wrap up the aforementioned litigation with Jakks. In doing so, Pachter believes THQ intends to end its joint venture with the toy maker and enter into a new licensing arrangement with the WWE independently.

"The relevant issue involves whether THQ can unilaterally terminate the JV [joint venture], so that it can enter into a license deal with WWE on its own," Pachter said. "Jakks said in a counterclaim that a) THQ cannot terminate the JV unilaterally and b) even if the JV terminates, THQ is contractually bound to not produce WWE games for 12 months after the termination. THQ counterclaimed that a) it can terminate unilaterally and b) it doesn't have to honor the 12-month non-compete upon termination."

Pachter went on to note that the "likely outcome" of the proceedings is that THQ and Jakks' joint venture will be terminated, with Jakks cut off by 2010. Notably, in July, THQ emerged victorious in an arbitration proceeding in which the publisher sought to lower the return rate on WWE games it paid to Jakks from 10 percent to 6 percent, a $23 million savings. Pachter believes it is likely that THQ will soon buy out Jakks' interest in the game license.

"It's pretty clear to us that WWE doesn't want to deal with Jakks any more, and neither does THQ," he said. "The alternatives are to keep the deal as is for another five years (THQ and WWE unhappy, Jakks happy), terminate the JV and have no WWE games for a year (THQ and WWE unhappy, Jakks neutral), or pay Jakks something to go away (THQ and WWE slightly upset, but happy about being able to deal with one another without Jakks, and Jakks happy). We think that the third alternative is most likely, and expect THQ to make it happen in the next two months."

THQ had not responded to requests for additional comment on its ongoing dispute with Jakks as of press time.

WWE Bragging Rights Recap

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/wwesmackdownvsraw2010/news.html?sid=6238220

PlayStation 2 | PlayStation 2 turns nine

Sony says once-dominant workhorse "shows no signs of slowing down" as it celebrates milestone, touts hardware's catalog of 10,000 games and 140 million installed base.

Nine years ago this week, Sony launched the PlayStation 2 in the US, sporting a $299 price tag and a launch-day library of more than two dozen games, including hits like Madden NFL 2001 and Tekken Tag Tournament.

The PS2 Slim only hit the $99 price point earlier this year.

The gaming giant marked the anniversary today with a stat dump celebrating the long-term success of the PS2. According to Sony Computer Entertainment America, the console has a worldwide installed base of nearly 140 million, with a library approaching 10,000 games having sold more than 500 million copies combined.

Although Nintendo's GameCube and Microsoft's original Xbox ceased production years ago, Sony today declared that the PS2 "shows no signs of slowing down" at the tail end of its 10-year life span. However, with the introduction of the current generation of consoles, its sales have slowed in recent years. According to the NPD Group, the PS2 sold 146,000 last month, down from 173,500 in September 2008 and 215,000 in September of 2007.

Um, you put the disc in upside down.

The slimline PS2, introduced in 2004, remains available on store shelves for a retail price of $99. The system finally reached the double-digit price point April 1, more than eight years into its life span and nearly five years after the move was first rumored. The low price has helped convince publishers to continue developing for the platform, with DJ Hero and MotorStorm Arctic Edge among recent PS2 releases.

PS1, PS2, PS3, PSX, Pocket Station, PSP: Playstation tribute

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/tekkentagtournament/news.html?sid=6238233

PlayStation 2 | Zone of the Enders sequel reaction 'greater than expected' - Kojima

Metal Gear creator says recent post expressing interest in mech-based combat game revival generated ample internal, external response.

About two weeks ago, Metal Gear franchise creator Hideo Kojima took to his company's blog seemingly to test the waters for a new installment in the mech-heavy Zone of the Enders franchise. Said the noted game designer, "We'd like to make [a Zone of the Enders] sequel at some point’I already have a game plan and method for sales in my head. However, we don't know if it will be green lighted."

Zone of the Enders: The 3rd Runner anyone?

As it would turn out, those waters are apparently just fine. As reported by Japan-focused gaming news site Andria Sang, Kojima has followed up his mid-October post by expressing surprise at the uniformly positive response that his teaser received.

"The reaction [to the post] was greater than I'd expected," Kojima wrote on his company's blog. "The comments topped the 100 mark, and the access count reached levels of the Tokyo Game Show time. It was picked up in a variety of places, including the net and press, and spread throughout the world." Kojima said that his post also excited a number of staff who worked on the original Zone of the Enders, with many expressing interest in working on a new installment in the series.

The original Zone of the Enders received a fairly positive critical reception for the now-nine-year-old PlayStation 2 in March 2001. Following an equally received Game Boy Advance installment in March 2002, Kojima Productions released the well-regarded Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner in March 2003. However, as noted by Kojima earlier this month, "due to errors in setting the release time frame, while it was a medium hit, it did not achieve the expected numbers."

O-Zone - Dragostea Din Tei

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/zoneoftheendersthe2r/news.html?sid=6238244

PSP | SOCOM 3 PSP holding fire until Jan. 12

Latest Fireteam Bravo series installment pushed back until next year to give time for global marketing push to ramp up, says Sony.

PSP owners hoping to get their third-person counterterrorism on over the Thanksgiving break are out of luck. Today, Sony Computer Entertainment announced it was pushing back the release of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Fireteam Bravo 3 until January 12, 2010. The game had been scheduled to arrive on November 24, two days before the national holiday.

He won't be home for the holidays.

On the PlayStation Blog, SCEA senior producer Mark Rogers explained the delay wasn't due to development woes. "The PSP title's development is on schedule, and we are extremely pleased with all aspects of the title. It’s looking and playing great," he said. "[However] some high-value visual assets (screens and video) have only recently been made available to global marketing, and we have decided to move the release and allow time to get the word out to everyone."

Developed by Slant Six, the studio behind last year's tepidly received SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation, Fireteam Bravo 3 will differ from its forbearers on several fronts. Plotwise, players will be charged with infiltrating the underground of former special-ops-soldiers turned mercenaries. Specifically, players will be tasked with locating an ex-KGB agent with knowledge of an upcoming terrorist WMD attack.

As outlined in GameSpot's GamesCom preview, SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 3 will feature an expansive multiplayer component, with the entire campaign being playable in co-op in either ad hoc or infrastructure mode. The game will also feature reworked graphics and controls, as well as other in-game improvements, such as health regeneration and a new cover system.

socom is dead

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/socomusnavysealsfireteambravo3/news.html?sid=6238316

PlayStation 3 | Modern Warfare 2 massacre 'not representative of overall experience' - Activision

Activision breaks silence following controversial leaked Call of Duty footage, emphasizes its plot significance, opt-out checkpoints; game's ESRB summary MIA.

SPOILER WARNING: The story below contains information that reveals major plot details about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. The game's developer, Infinity Ward, is recommending a total media blackout for those who wish to play the game without any prior knowledge of its story.

Yesterday, footage purporting to be of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 began appearing across the Internet. Unlike prior gameplay trailers, it did not cast players as British and US Special Forces fighting terrorists. Instead, it put the gamers behind the iron sights of a terrorist's assault rifle during an airport massacre similar to last year's attacks in Mumbai, India.

Gamers won't have to participate in Modern Warfare 2's massacre.

Within hours, Activision's UK offices confirmed the footage as real. However, reps were quick to emphasize that the sequence was both optional and prefaced by warnings that it would contain images that some might find offensive.

Now, with the Associated Press picking up the story--often the first step in a news item getting widespread mainstream press exposure--Activision's US offices have broken their silence. "The leaked footage was taken from a copy of game that was obtained illegally and is not representative of the overall gameplay experience in Modern Warfare 2," a spokesperson told GameSpot.

"Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare 2 features a deep and gripping storyline in which players face off against a terrorist threat dedicated to bringing the world to the brink of collapse," the spokesperson continued. "The game includes a plot involving a mission carried out by a Russian villain who wants to trigger a global war. In order to defeat him, the player infiltrates his inner circle. The scene is designed to evoke the atrocities of terrorism."

The spokesperson concluded, "At the beginning of the game, players encounter a mandatory 'checkpoint' in which they are warned that an upcoming segment may contain disturbing elements and they can choose not to engage in the gameplay that involves this scene."

The scene's carnage will be prefaced with warnings that its imagery may be "disturbing."

Activision reps were quick to emphasize that, in the US and Canada, the game has been rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board. They also pointed out that said rating is "prominently displayed" on all packaging and in all advertising. However, the ESRB Web site currently has no detailed summary of the game other than the basic descriptors for "blood, drug reference, intense violence, [and] language."

Detailed summaries became mandatory for all ESRB-rated games in November 2008 , and are included for all new releases, such as Activision's own DJ Hero and Guitar Hero 5. Modern Warfare 2's DS spin-off, the T for Teen rated Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Mobilized, also has a detailed summary.

As of press time, neither the ESRB nor Activision had an explanation as to why Modern Warfare 2's summary was missing, though they have been criticized for containing plot spoilers in the past.

modern talking--you're my heart you're my soul

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/modernwarfare2/news.html?sid=6238331